{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", party = \"Democrat\" and year = 2022 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/2022-year-in-review", "2022 Year in Review", "2022-12-30", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Aloha,\n\nOver the past year, Democrats in Congress have passed landmark legislation to lower energy costs, support veterans and seniors, uplift underrepresented communities, and provide funding to upgrade aging infrastructure. As the year comes to a close, I\u2019d like to reflect on the work we\u2019ve done to support families and communities in Hawaii and across our country.\n\nLowering Prescription Drug Costs\n\nThe Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 passed in August will lower prescription drug costs for hundreds of thousands of our kupuna in Hawaii. Thanks to the IRA, Medicare recipients who rely on insulin will have their insulin costs capped at $35 a month starting next year. Starting in 2025, the more than 200,000 Medicare recipients with Part D in Hawaii will have their annual drug costs capped at $2,000. Medicare finally has the power to negotiate prescription drug prices, with the first of those negotiated prices going into effect in 2026. The IRA also includes my bill to make vaccines for things like shingles and hepatitis-A free under Medicare. I recently participated in a Town Hall with AARP Hawaii about the IRA\u2019s drug cost savings, which you can listen to here.\n\nRed Hill\n\nI have been in direct and regular contact with the Department of Defense and Navy leadership about the Red Hill fuel spill and drinking water system contamination, and more recently the AFFF spill and cleanup efforts. The repeated leaks at Red Hill are completely unacceptable and have been devastating for families and businesses in the impacted area. My focus has been on securing the funding necessary to safely defuel and permanently close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu, which has endangered the health and safety of thousands of families in Hawaii.\n\nLast week, I successfully secured $1 billion in the annual defense authorization bill for Red Hill\u2019s closure, and that funding was also included in the year-end appropriations bill. Both of these pieces of legislation have now been signed into law, getting us closer to safely closing Red Hill for good. I\u2019ll continue to insist the Department of Defense coordinates closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Hawaii Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and other local stakeholders to ensure Red Hill is closed safely and as quickly as possible.\n\nSenator Hirono tours the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Senator Jack Reed.\n\nInfrastructure Investment & Jobs Act\n\nThroughout 2022, Hawaii has received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to repair, rebuild, and expand infrastructure across the state, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which is expected to create millions of good-paying jobs over the next decade. This funding is already being used to modernize infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, ports, public transit systems, and the purchase of electric school buses to help keep the air clean. The IIJA also provided investment to expand broadband access for families, and support Hawaii\u2019s transition to clean energy.\n\nHelping Veterans\n\nAs a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I\u2019m working to support veterans in Hawaii and across the country. This year, we passed the Honoring Our PACT Act to expand VA care to more than 3.5 million Post-9/11 veterans who have been exposed to toxins during their service. Here in Hawaii, construction of the new Daniel K. Akaka Outpatient VA clinic on Oahu continues, bringing us one step closer to opening a new world-class healthcare center for veterans across Hawaii and the entire Pacific region.\n\nSupporting Native Hawaiian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence\n\nNative women experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence. However, Native Hawaiian women have been excluded from accessing much-needed federal resources. Just this month, the President signed my legislation to enable Native Hawaiian Organizations to use federal funding to support Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence, something they\u2019ve been unable to do for far too long. I will continue to advocate on behalf of survivors of sexual violence, especially within particularly vulnerable communities such as the Native Hawaiian community.\n\nUplifting AANHPI Communities\n\nEarlier this year, President Biden signed into law legislation I introduced in the Senate to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. This museum would help promote understanding about Asian Pacific Islander American communities and their many contributions to American history and culture.\n\nSTEM Education\n\nThis year, Congress also passed and enacted legislation to invest in American innovation and strengthen domestic supply chains. The Chips and Science Act (CHIPS) included historic investment in scientific research and development, funding to support Hawaii\u2019s transition to renewable energy, and tens of billions in federal funding for the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, which are used in everything from cars to cell phones. The bill also included my Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Opportunities Act, which provides funding for guidance, research, data collection, and other activities to promote opportunities for women and minorities in STEM at colleges and universities and federal science agencies. As we work to spur innovation, it\u2019s critical that we support students and innovators from diverse backgrounds.\n\nI\u2019m proud of everything we accomplished this year to help families and communities in Hawaii and across our country. I look forward to continuing to build on this progress in 2023 and beyond.\n\nHappy holidays, from my ohana to yours.\n\nMahalo,\n\nMazie K. Hirono\n\nUnited States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2022-end-of-year-report", "Murphy Releases 2022 End of Year Report", "2022-12-30", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released his year-end report outlining the work he\u2019s done for Connecticut residents during 2022:\n\n\u201c2022 was Congress\u2019s most productive year in decades. Personally, I was able to pass nearly a dozen pieces of legislation I authored and introduced to help people in Connecticut. This report captures just a glimpse of everything we\u2019ve been able to accomplish. Breaking a thirty year political logjam, we passed a historic piece of gun safety legislation that has already saved lives. We took action to lower drug costs, tackle the climate crisis, invest in mental health, supercharge American manufacturing, and deliver millions in federal funding for our state. It\u2019s my honor to represent the people of Connecticut every day in the Senate, and I look forward to continuing to work together in 2023.\u201d\n\nClick here to download Senator Murphy\u2019s 2022 Year in Review and here to watch his 2022 Year in Review video.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-lower-health-care-and-prescription-drug-costs-for-michiganders-going-into-effect-january-1st", "Peters, Stabenow Announce Lower Health Care and Prescription Drug Costs for Michiganders Going Into Effect January 1st", "2022-12-30", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that several Inflation Reduction Act provisions will go into effect on January 1, 2023, cutting costs for Michiganders across the state. A $35 monthly cap on the cost of insulin for Medicare recipients and free vaccines for seniors on Medicare are among the measures that will take effect in the new year. Peters and Stabenow helped pass into law the Inflation Reduction Act in August.\n\n\u201cNo one should have to choose between getting the health care and prescription drugs they need and putting food on the table,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThere\u2019s no question that\u2019s a reality too many Michiganders face. That\u2019s why I\u2019m pleased help is on the way and starting January 1st insulin will be no more than $35 a month for seniors on Medicare and vaccines will be fully covered\u2014with no out-of-pocket costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis year, Senator Peters and I stood up to Big Pharma and won\u2014passing laws to lower the cost of health care in Michigan. On January 1st, the price of insulin will immediately drop for seniors on Medicare and they will not have to pay for their vaccines,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\n\nBeginning January 1, 2023, the following Inflation Reduction Act provisions will go into effect:\n\nInsulin will cost no more than $35 a month for seniors on Medicare.\n\nEstimates show that more than 73,000 Michigan seniors with diabetes are expected to benefit from this measure that caps out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for insulin.\n\nAll vaccines will be free for seniors on Medicare.\n\nApproved vaccines under Medicare Part D will be free, which will help an estimated 176,500 Michiganders.\n\nWith this provision implemented, nearly 9 out of 10 of Americans will have access to vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs.\n\nPrescription drug rebates will go into effect for Medicare.\n\nPharmaceutical companies will be required to pay back the federal government through rebates if prices for critical prescription drugs covered through Medicare rise faster than inflation. This measure is aimed to lower costs for Medicare patients and discourage pharmaceutical companies from exploiting inflation to hike up their prices.\n\nThe Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022. In addition to lowering health care and prescription drug costs, the law makes landmark investments to tackle climate change, creates good-paying jobs and incentivizes domestic manufacturing, while fighting inflation and reducing the deficit.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-recognizes-harry-armstrong-of-canaan-and-john-bayliss-of-hanover-as-decembers-granite-staters-of-the-month", "Senator Hassan Recognizes Harry Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December\u2019s Granite Staters of the Month", "2022-12-29", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Harold (Harry) Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December\u2019s Granite Staters of the Month. For decades, Harry has led a successful effort to collect used medical equipment and deliver it to those in need in the Upper Valley area and beyond.\n\nHarry helped start the Health Closet, with members of the Canaan Lions Club, more than forty years ago. The group collected used medical equipment, such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, crutches, canes, and bath stools from the area\u2019s visiting nurses, nonprofits, hospitals, and individuals. They would then keep the equipment in storage until they found someone who needed it.\n\nWhen Harry was hospitalized two years ago and had to have his foot amputated, he worried that Health Closet\u2019s mission would cease to be fulfilled. That\u2019s when Harry\u2019s friend and Lebanon Upper Valley Lions Club member John Bayliss stepped up to help run the initiative. Together, the two men have teamed up to do everything from DIY fix-ups of medical equipment in Harry\u2019s and John\u2019s garages, to lugging large medical machinery in their pickup trucks.\n\nSenator Hassan launched the \u201cGranite Stater of the Month\u201d initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a \u201cGranite Stater of the Month,\u201d constituents can complete the nomination form here.\n\nTo read Senator Hassan\u2019s statement for the Congressional Record, see below.\n\nI am honored to recognize Harold (Harry) Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December\u2019s Granite Staters of the Month. For decades, Harry has led a successful effort to collect used medical equipment and deliver it to those in need in the Upper Valley area and beyond.\n\nHarry helped start the Health Closet, with members of the Canaan Lions Club, more than forty years ago. The group collected used medical equipment, such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, crutches, canes, and bath stools from the area\u2019s visiting nurses, nonprofits, hospitals, and individuals. They would then keep the equipment in storage until they found someone who needed it.\n\nWhen Harry was hospitalized two years ago and had to have his foot amputated, he worried that Health Closet\u2019s mission would cease to be fulfilled. That\u2019s when Harry\u2019s friend and Lebanon Upper Valley Lions Club member John Bayliss stepped up to help run the initiative.\n\nThrough their work, the duo profoundly touches people\u2019s lives by giving them the medical equipment that they desperately need to go about their lives and continue to be a part of their community. From doing DIY fix-ups of medical equipment in Harry\u2019s and John\u2019s garages, to lugging large medical machinery in their pickup trucks, their dedication to helping others, willingness to take the initiative, and generosity is a shining example of the Granite State spirit.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-government-funding-bill-with-key-nh-priorities-secured-by-senator-hassan", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Government Funding Bill with Key NH Priorities Secured by Senator Hassan", "2022-12-29", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senator Maggie Hassan issued the following statement after the President signed into law the bipartisan government funding legislation, which includes key New Hampshire priorities that Senator Hassan worked to secure:\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s government funding bill includes major Granite State priorities that will lower costs for families, strengthen our response to the opioid epidemic, and help more Americans save for retirement. I\u2019m pleased that we came together across the aisle to pass this critical legislation, and I look forward to seeing how it will support families, our economy, and our national security in the year ahead.\u201d\n\nCritical New Hampshire priorities that Senator Hassan helped secure in the government funding bill include:\n\nCombating the Opioid Epidemic\n\nSenator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, which eliminates an outdated requirement, the \u2018x-waiver,\u2019 that limits the number of medical practitioners who can prescribe life-saving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.\n\nA measure backed by Senator Hassan to give law enforcement more flexibility to interdict fentanyl-related substances by extending the designation of fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs until December 31, 2024.\n\nProvisions from Senator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan bill to help address the severe shortage of doctors trained in addiction medicine. The government funding bill creates 200 new medical residency positions, including for addiction medicine, at teaching hospitals in New Hampshire and across the country.\n\nSupporting Veterans\n\nSenator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan bill to designate one week per year as \u201cBuddy Check Week.\u201d The bill is modeled after the American Legion\u2019s \u201cBuddy Check National Week of Calling\u201d that connects veterans to other veterans in order to better ensure that they receive the support that they need.\n\nBipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan championed to help provide surplus government computers to veterans and others who need them. Senator Hassan worked on the legislation with Digitunity, a nonprofit based in North Conway.\n\nA bipartisan measure that the Senator introduced with Thom Tillis (R-NC) to improve oversight of the VA and reduce the backlog of requests from veterans for medical and other VA military records.\n\nLowering Health Care and Home Energy Costs\n\nBipartisan measures that Senator Hassan worked on to increase access to generic and biosimilar medications, which are often less expensive than generic drugs.\n\n$4 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, a $200 million increase over last year, which will help Granite Staters with their energy costs.\n\nHelping Americans Save for Retirement\n\nBipartisan measures Senator Hassan and colleagues introduced to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement benefits, including enabling more businesses to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) and expanding tax cuts to small businesses who provide retirement benefits to their employees.\n\nIncreases retirement plan flexibility for public safety officers and improves access for military families, including provisions from bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Hassan and Susan Collins (R-ME) to help military families save for retirement.\n\nAddressing the Housing Shortage\n\nFunding that Senator Hassan worked to secure that will help with the construction of thousands of new rental units and houses.\n\nStrengthening Maternal Health and Child Care Support\n\nThe bipartisan TRIUMPH Act, which Senator Hassan introduced with Senator Tillis, that creates a federal taskforce and national strategy to improve maternal mental health outcomes and expand mental health resources for new mothers.\n\nA critical measure that Senator Hassan pushed for to ensure that for the first time, every child in America who qualifies for Medicaid or the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will now be guaranteed at least one year of continuous health coverage.\n\nExtension of a measure, which Senator Hassan supported, that ensures that states can provide a full year of postpartum coverage for mothers on Medicaid and CHIP.\n\nIncreased funding for Child Care and Development Block grants, a measure that Senator Hassan pushed for, which will expand affordable child care to more families in New Hampshire and across the country.\n\nExtending Access to Affordable Telehealth Services\n\nA measure Senator Hassan pushed for that extends coverage of Medicare telehealth services through 2024, ensuring that more patients, especially in rural communities, get the care that they need.\n\nStrengthening Support for Rural Students\n\nDoubling funding for a program that supports rural students, including college prep and career pathway programs in rural communities.\n\nFunding Key Bipartisan Legislation\n\nCritical funding to implement key bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan helped pass into law, including the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and PACT Act that addresses veterans\u2019 toxic exposure.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-stamfords-nourishedrx-as-innovator-of-the-month", "Murphy Highlights Stamford's NourishedRx as \"Innovator of the Month\"", "2022-12-29", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that NourishedRx, based in Stamford, was named December\u2019s \u201cInnovator of the Month.\u201d Founded in 2019, NourishedRx is a woman-owned company that bridges the gap between health care and nutrition through its AI-enabled platform, which matches individuals facing diet sensitive chronic health conditions or nutrition insecurity with highly personalized food solutions and nutrition consultations. NourishedRx has also established partnerships with multiple Medicare Advantage and Managed Medicaid plans to provide its services as part of an all-encompassing healthcare solution.\n\n\u201cAccess to nutritious foods is key to improving health outcomes. That\u2019s why the team at NourishedRx is working to better integrate nutrition with health care through their evidence-based, AI-enabled platform. I\u2019m proud to recognize their innovative approach toward addressing food insecurity, and look forward to their continued growth in Connecticut,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cBuilding our company in Connecticut has been wonderful. We\u2019re grateful for the support and partnership of Connecticut Innovations and have enjoyed being part of UConn Technology Incubator Program (TIP). Being in CT is definitely helping us on our way to achieving our mission of improving lives, enhancing health equity and bending the health care cost curve,\u201d said Lauren Driscoll, Founder and CEO of NourishedRx.\n\nMurphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies\u2014the Angel Tax Credit Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F7EB5A8F-9743-4975-90E2-29EE3DE505CE", "Warner & Kaine Applaud Signing of Government Funding Bill", "2022-12-29", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded President Joe Biden\u2019s signing of legislation to avert a government shutdown and fund the government through Fiscal Year 2023. Among other major priorities, this legislation includes nearly $200 million in federal funding for Virginia-specific projects secured by Sens. Warner and Kaine.\n\n\u201cThe 117th Congress has been the most productive Congress in modern history and it\u2019s only fitting that we wrap up it up by enacting a consequential government funding package that will continue to strengthen and build on this progress,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cThis bill funds essential community projects in Virginia to the tune of $200 million dollars, and it supports hardworking families by increasing access to affordable child care, housing, high-speed internet, and start-up capital in underserved communities. This law will provide needed protections to pregnant workers, lower drug costs, and improve access to mental health care. Importantly, I\u2019m proud that this bill will ensure a more resilient military right here at home, while reaffirming our commitment to the Ukrainian fight for democracy and against authoritarianism.\u201d\n\n\u201cVirginia will benefit greatly from the budget President Biden just signed, and I\u2019m grateful to every Virginian whose insights and advice helped me shape this legislation to best meet the Commonwealth\u2019s needs. Not only will this budget execute the pay raise Congress just authorized for our servicemembers, expand internet access, address mental and physical health needs, and expand access to affordable housing\u2014it will bring over $200 million in funding back to Virginia to support urgent local community projects. This budget is a big win and I look forward to seeing all of its positive impacts in the new year,\u201d said Sen. Kaine.\n\nAs part of last year\u2019s budget process, the Senate restarted a process that allows members of Congress to work with the communities they represent to request funding for local community projects, otherwise known as earmarks, in a manner that promotes transparency and accountability. This process allows Congress to dedicate federal funding for specific projects.?\n\nThrough strong advocacy, the senators secured funding in the budget bills for the following projects in Virginia:\n\nFor projects in Northern Virginia, click here.\n\nFor projects in Central Virginia, click here.\n\nFor projects in Southwest Virginia and Southside,click here.\n\nFor projects in the Shenandoah Valley, click here.\n\nFor projects in Hampton Roads, click here.\n\nFor projects that impact communities in multiple regions across the Commonwealth, click here.\n\nIn addition, the budget bills include funding for the following Warner and Kaine priorities:\n\nInvesting in Kids: Provides $8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which provides financial assistance to help low-income families access child care. This is $1.85 billion more than Fiscal Year 2022, representing a 30 percent increase in funding for the program. The bill also includes $11.996 billion, $960 million more than Fiscal Year 2022, for Head Start, the national school readiness program. Last year, Virginia received more than $120 million through the CCDBG program, and Virginia\u2019s Head Start programs served 15,000 vulnerable children and their families. Increasing funding for the CCDBG program is a core tenant of Kaine\u2019s child care and early childhood education proposal to expand the supply of quality child care facilities, increase child care and Head Start teacher wages, and lower child care costs for families across the country.\n\nAddressing Americans\u2019 Mental Health Needs: Expands the number of mental health care options available for seniors by ensuring seniors can access marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors under Medicare for the first time. This expansion is based on a bill Kaine cosponsored, theMental Health Access Improvement Act. The budget also includes Kaine\u2019s bipartisan Investing in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act, legislation to support children\u2019s access to mental health care by providing grants to human service agencies or non-profits to develop, maintain, or enhance early intervention mental health programs for children from 0 to 12 years of age.\n\nIncreasing Access to Affordable Housing: Includes $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which will lead to the construction of 10,000 housing units nationally; $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, which cities and counties can use to build affordable housing or for economic and community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income housing; funding for 11,700 new housing choice vouchers; and dedicated funding to address homelessness, housing for the disabled, and housing for older Americans, among other investments. The budget also establishes a new $85 million competitive grant fund for localities looking to increase housing construction, similar to legislation proposed by Kaine.\n\nIncreasing Military Pay and Compensation:?Includes $1.5 billion to fully fund a 4.6 percent pay raise for servicemembers that Kaine helped authorize as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which writes the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Also includes $515 million towards military family support programs. Warner, who pushed for this funding, has long stressed the need for increased support for servicemembers through legislation such as the?Military Hunger Prevention Act?that helps low-income military families put food on the table and through a number of provisions in this year\u2019s defense bill.\n\nMaking Our Communities Safer:?Provides $50 million for Community Violence Prevention grants to support communities in developing comprehensive, evidence-based violence intervention and prevention programs, including efforts to address gang and gun violence through partnerships between community residents, law enforcement, local government agencies, and other community stakeholders. The bill also includes $45 million in funding to a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to train police officers in de-escalation, implicit bias, and preventing unlawful force. This funding will also go towards strengthening crisis intervention teams by embedding mental and behavioral health professionals alongside law enforcement officers. Finally, the bill includes $125 million for anti-recidivism programs, helping formally incarcerated individuals re-integrate peacefully into society.\n\nSupporting America\u2019s Veterans: Provides $5 billion to implement theHonoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which Warner and Kaine successfully pushed to pass earlier this year. This legislation expanded health care services and benefits to veterans with conditions related to toxic exposure during their service. The budget also includes $118.7 billion for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care and $2.7 billion to support critical services and housing assistance for veterans and their families experiencing housing insecurity.\n\nExpanding High-Speed Internet Access: Includes $364 million for the USDA\u2019s ReConnect Program to expand access to high-speed broadband to remote underserved areas. As governors and senators, Warner and Kaine have long supported expanding broadband access in Virginia. During the pandemic, they secured significant funding for broadband through the?Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Warner and Kaine also joined a bipartisan letter to Senate leadership requesting this funding earlier this year. Warner also personally secured billions of dollars for broadband expansion in both the?American Rescue Plan?and the?Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\nStrengthening the Prescription Drug Pipeline: Includes bipartisan provisions championed by Kaine to strengthen the pipeline and increase transparency for critical medicines, which would lower costs and make it easier for physicians and patients to plan for the future. Kaine first outlined these steps in two bipartisan bills, the Interchangeable Biologics Clarity Act and the Biologics Market Transparency Act.\n\nBoosting Local Economies:?Includes $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission and $20 million\u2014an increase of $15 million compared to last year\u2019s budget\u2014for the Southwest Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) to support their work to build economic partnerships, create opportunity, and foster economic development. Kaine and Warner, along with the late Representative A. Donald McEachin, led the push to increase SCRC funding.\n\nImproving NASA Infrastructure: Provides an estimated $103 million to fully construct and replace the Wallops Causeway Bridge at the Wallops Flight Facility. The Wallops Island bridge replacement project will address structural deficiencies, improve safety, and help ensure mission readiness for future NASA launches. Warner and Kaine have consistently advocated for increased funding to address the deterioration of the bridge by hurricanes and severe weather and most recently sent a letter to Congressional leadership requesting this funding.\n\nRestoring the Chesapeake Bay: Includes $92 million for the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Chesapeake Bay Program, which is the leading federal program that coordinates restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.\n\nExpanding Defense Workforce Training: Includes $830.2 million for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program Office, which funds a range of efforts at the Department of Defense to support the defense industrial base, including a pilot program in Danville which is currently training students in machining, welding, metrology and manufacturing for jobs in shipbuilding.\n\nBoosting Scientific Research and Innovation: Includes $1.8 billion in funding to help implement the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Warner and Kaine led efforts in the Senate to secure funding from the legislation for Virginia, noting in a letter to the Department of Commerce that Virginia has a leading technology workforce and semiconductor manufacturing presence, making the Commonwealth an ideal location for future federal investments in semiconductor research and manufacturing.\n\nMaking Higher Education More Affordable: Provides a $500 boost or 7.2 percent increase to the maximum Pell Grant in the 2023-2024 school year, raising the maximum award to $7,395. This is the largest increase in the maximum Pell grant award since the 2009-10 school year and further builds off the $400 increase provided last year. The omnibus also includes $1 billion, an increase of $137 million or 15 percent, for programs to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions.\n\nAddressing the Opioid Epidemic: Includes the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act, legislation Warner and Kaine cosponsored to reduce barriers to non-opioid pain management for those enrolled in Medicare. The budget also includes theMainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, legislation Kaine cosponsored to reduce barriers to accessing medication-assisted treatment for individuals living with substance use disorders.\n\nFighting Eating Disorders: The bill includes the Anna Westin Legacy Act, legislation cosponsored by Warner to help those affected by eating disorders through improved health care professional training and clarity of mental health parity.\n\nSupporting the Direct Care and Family Caregiver Workforce: Includes $2 million for a project to identify new strategies to attract and retain a qualified direct care workforce. A similar provision was included in Kaine\u2019s Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act, legislation designed to address direct care and family caregiver workforce shortages.\n\nAddressing Americans\u2019 Long COVID Needs:?Includes $10 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide the research needed to ensure those experiencing Long COVID have access to the patient-centered, coordinated care they need. This effort was first outlined in Kaine\u2019s?CARE for Long COVID Act.\n\nExtending Telehealth Access: Extends COVID-19-related telehealth flexibilities for two full years, through 2024, drawing on legislation introduced by Warner and cosponsored by Kaine to allow more Americans to utilize telehealth services and expand the types of health care providers eligible to offer telemedicine.\n\nProtecting Pregnant Workers: The bill includes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, legislation cosponsored by Kaine to require employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and prevent them from forcing a woman to take leave when other reasonable accommodations would allow her to continue working.\n\nKeeping Kids Healthy: Extends the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low- and no-cost health coverage for thousands of low-income children in Virginia, for an additional two years.\n\nImproving Cybersecurity in Health Care: Includes several provisions addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the health care sector. Last month, Warner released a policy options paper outlining current cybersecurity threats facing health care providers and systems and offering a series of policy solutions to improve cybersecurity across the industry, several of which were included in the bill.\n\nSupporting Miners Suffering from Black Lung Disease: Includes $12.19 million for Black Lung Clinics. Warner and Kaine have actively worked to secure benefits for miners and their families suffering from black lung disease. In August, the?Inflation Reduction Act,?supported by both Warner and Kaine, permanently extended the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund excise tax at a higher rate, providing more certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits.\n\nImproving Access to Lifesaving Drugs: Includes significant improvements to the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s Accelerated Approval Pathway, an important regulatory mechanism that provides early access to treatments and cures for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Kaine has long advocated for these improvements, which he outlined in his bipartisan Modernizing Accelerated Approvals Act.\n\nFunding for Pediatric Cancer Research:?Provides $12.6 million to fund childhood cancer research through the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act\u2014legislation?championed?by Warner and Kaine and named after a child from Loudoun County who died from a brain tumor in 2013.\n\nSupporting Hospital-Based Nurse Training Programs: Includes a technical correction to protect funding for programs that train nurses and other allied health professionals at hospital-based nursing programs across the country. This provision is based on the Technical Reset to Advance the Instruction of Nurses (TRAIN) Act, legislation Kaine cosponsored.\n\nAddressing Physician Shortages: Provides for the distribution of 200 additional Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) residency positions, with 100 slots specifically dedicated to increasing the number of mental health residencies. Kaine has long-supported expansion of GME residency positions and is a cosponsor of the Physician Shortage Reduction Act to do so.\n\nSupporting Rural Hospitals: Includes a two-year extension for Medicare payment programs that are vital to rural hospitals: the Medicare Dependent Hospital program and the Low Volume Adjustment Hospital program. Kaine cosponsored legislation in support of this action, the Rural Hospital Support Act. The budget also includes $5 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish an Office of Rural Health, a step first outlined in the Rural Health Equity Act, which was led by the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin in the U.S. House of Representatives and cosponsored by Kaine in the Senate.\n\nFighting Global Hunger:? Includes over $2 billion in international food aid and to promote U.S. agricultural exports overseas. This funding is critical to combatting global hunger and malnutrition. This funding follows?Kaine\u2019s work to highlight and address the threat Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine poses to food security around the world, and?Warner\u2019s support for non-governmental organizations responding to the food crisis. It also includes $154 billion\u2014an increase of $13.4 billion compared to last year\u2019s budget\u2014for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. Last year, 756,600 Virginians, or 9 percent of Virginia\u2019s population, relied on food stamps.\n\nFighting Pandemics and Promoting Access to Medical Countermeasures: Includes provisions from Kaine\u2019s bipartisan bill, the Promoting Access to Critical Countermeasures by Ensuring Specimen Samples (ACCESS) to Diagnostics Act, to support quicker research and development of medical countermeasures to disease outbreaks and pandemics, including diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutics, in response to emerging infectious diseases. The budget also includes $10.56 billion\u2014a $731 million increase compared to last year\u2019s budget\u2014to support global health and vaccination efforts worldwide. This funding is critical to protecting Virginians from the impacts of disease outbreaks around the world.\n\nModernizing America\u2019s Health Data Infrastructure:?Includes $175 million\u2014an increase of $75 million compared to last year\u2019s budget\u2014to modernize the public health data systems that help support healthy communities throughout America and Virginia. Also included are provisions from Kaine\u2019s?Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act to increase timely and accurate information sharing between local, state, and federal public health departments to improve preparedness for emerging public health threats and create a grant program to strengthen the quality and completeness of demographic data collection used by public health entities.\n\nStrengthening Transportation and Recreation Infrastructure:?Provides $150 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, in addition to $45 million for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which will support multi-purpose trails across Virginia.\n\nSupporting Key Missing Persons Program: Includes $1 million to help with the nationwide implementation of the Ashanti Alert system. In 2018, Warner secured?unanimous Senate passage?of the Ashanti Alert Act, legislation that created a new federal alert system for missing or endangered adults between the ages of 18-64.?The bill was signed into law on December 31, 2018.\n\nSupporting Economic Growth for Underserved Communities:?Provides $324 million for the U.S. Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, which supports businesses\u2019 economic growth in underserved communities. The successful push by Warner and Kaine follows Warner\u2019s efforts to support CDFIs through legislation including the?Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act?and the creation of the bipartisan?Senate Community Development Finance Caucus.\n\nProtecting Democracy: Includes provisions to ensure that electoral votes tallied by Congress accurately reflect each state\u2019s vote for president and provides specific guidelines for the point at which candidates elected president and vice president can receive the resources provided for their transition into office. Warner and Kaine have long called for legislation to safeguard future elections, and Warner was among the bipartisan group of senators who negotiated these proposals.\n\nAssisting Ukraine in the Fight Against Russia\u2019s Illegal Invasion: Provides $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to support the Ukrainian people, to strengthen our NATO allies, and to defend global democracy in response to Russian aggression.\n\nSupporting Our Afghan Allies: Provides funding to help eliminate processing backlogs and expedite adjudications of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) cases. Virginia is home to one of the largest Afghan diaspora populations in the United States and led the U.S. in resettling Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal.\n\nSupporting Order and Safety at Our Border: Includes funding to support 19,855 Border Patrol agents, 300 more agents compared to last year\u2019s budget, in addition to $800 million to support Customs and Border Patrol\u2019s management of migrant processing facilities. The budget also provides resources for various programs to help improve the conditions that drive migration from Central America, including programs focused on counter-narcotics efforts and economic development. As Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Kaine has long advocated for efforts to address the root causes of migration.\n\nFairness for Victims of Terrorism: Transfers $6 billion to the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, to help ensure all victims of state-sponsored terrorism have access to appropriate compensation. The additional Funds would expand the Fund\u2019s coverage and provide justice to victims and families of those killed or injured during the 9/11 terrorist attacks (including at the Pentagon), the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing, and the Iran hostage crisis, among others.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-fight-human-trafficking-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Bill to Fight Human Trafficking Signed Into Law", "2022-12-28", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance our nation\u2019s ability to combat human trafficking has been signed into law. The new law will make permanent and strengthen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT).\n\n\u201cHuman trafficking continues to leave deep traumatic scars on victims and families in Michigan and across the country,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis new law will help enhance our ability to stop these crimes by ensuring the Center for Countering Human Trafficking has what it needs to disrupt human trafficking organizations and protect victims of these horrific crimes.\u201d\n\nMillions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide \u2013 including thousands in the United States. According to DHS, traffickers might use violence, manipulation, false promises of jobs that pay well, or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. Based on calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project found that in 2020 there were at least 16,658 human trafficking victims and survivors in the United States. However, the actual number of these crimes is likely much larger because these crimes often go unreported. In addition, the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission says that an extremely high number of human trafficking cases involve the sexual exploitation of a child. Eradicating these heinous crimes will require stronger anti-trafficking policies and ensuring that law enforcement professionals and the public are able to recognize indicators of human trafficking.\n\nThe Countering Human Trafficking Act makes permanent the CCHT, which oversees DHS\u2019s efforts to combat human trafficking and the importation of products that are made with forced labor. The Center also ensures the Department is leveraging and coordinating its capabilities and resources to fight back against traffickers. The law allows the CCHT to build out their permanent staff with Special Agents, criminal analysts, and others. It also allows the Center to modernize their systems and operations to support worldwide investigations on human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, and bolster efforts to protect human trafficking victims. Finally, the law expands and improves national public awareness and law enforcement training initiatives to boost efforts to counter trafficking.\n\nPeters\u2019 legislation to increase coordination between Department of Homeland Security components and the Blue Campaign, a national public awareness effort designed to educate law enforcement and the public to recognize human trafficking, was signed into law as a part of last year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-signed-into-law-to-better-predict-severe-weather-and-protect-michiganders", "Peters Bipartisan Bill Signed into Law to Better Predict Severe Weather and Protect Michiganders", "2022-12-28", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The President has signed into law U.S. Senator Gary Peters\u2019 (MI) bipartisan legislation to establish a National Integrated Flood Information System. The bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and unanimously passed the U.S. Senate last year.\n\nThe Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support (FLOODS) Act \u2013 which Peters reintroduced with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) \u2013 will provide funding to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) ability to forecast floods, hurricanes, and tornados and disperse relevant information to local officials and first responders. Peters is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which oversees NOAA.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s important we have the resources to better prepare for severe weather like flooding, particularly as storms continue to worsen due to climate change,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThat\u2019s why I was proud to help champion this bipartisan bill into law, which will strengthen NOAA\u2019s ability to predict severe weather and protect the lives and livelihoods of folks across our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cFlooding is a common and deadly natural disaster in the U.S., resulting in over $25 billion in annual economic losses,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cEvents in my home state of Mississippi, such as the prolonged opening of the Bonnet Carr\u00e9 spillway and the Pearl River and Yazoo backwater floods, underscore the importance of an effective understanding and response to high water. This legislation will protect lives and property by directing NOAA to improve its flood monitoring, forecasting, and communication efforts.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith flash floods occurring more frequently in every corner of the nation, early and reliable detection and warning is critical to save life and property,\u201d said Cheryl Small, Executive Director, National Flood Association. \u201cWe believe the integration and partnerships \u2014 including with the private sector \u2014 that will be developed or improved through this legislation will result in a more prepared and resilient nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in science and NOAA\u2019s prediction and communication capabilities will help keep communities \u2014 particularly vulnerable communities in coastal and inland floodplains\u2014safe,\u201d said Rachel Cleetus, Policy Director and Lead Economist, Union of Concerned Scientists Climate & Energy Program. \u201cThis timely legislation will improve the NOAA\u2019s forecasting through comprehensive data collection and integration at multiple levels, including governmental, private and non-governmental agencies and organizations.\u201d\n\n\u201cImproving the nation\u2019s resiliency to natural catastrophes including flooding will take the combined efforts of individuals, communities, businesses, and governments,\u201d said Nathaniel F. Wienecke, Senior Vice President, American Property Casualty Insurance Association. \u201cOn behalf of our members, we commend Senator Peters and Senator Wicker for addressing this important issue by taking action to improve flood monitoring and forecasting.\u201d\n\nThe FLOODS Act is also supported by the American Association of Flood Plain Managers, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, National Society of Professional Surveyors, and the U.S. Geospatial Executives Organization.\n\nThe bipartisan bill will also form partnerships between NOAA and institutions of higher learning to bolster total water predictions, assign a service coordination hydrologist at each National Weather Service River Forecast Center to support decision making on the local and statewide levels, and establish a committee to increase coordination between federal agencies responsible for water management.\n\nPeters has led numerous efforts to support Michigan communities that have been affected by flooding and other severe weather events. Peters secured $500 million in funding as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law for a program he created to help states establish revolving loan programs for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce the risk of natural disasters, including extreme flooding, shoreline erosion, and rising water levels. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters also convened a hearing with disaster preparedness and response experts to hear how worsening natural disasters, including flooding, severe storms, and wildfires, continue to harm lives and livelihoods in Michigan and across the nation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-1000000-for-akwesasne-boys-and-girls-club-to-support-mohawk-youth", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1,000,000 FOR AKWESASNE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO SUPPORT MOHAWK YOUTH", "2022-12-28", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are announcing that they secured $1,000,000 for the Boys & Girls Club in Akwesasne for children of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in the FY2023 spending bill. The Boys & Girls Club of America provides safe community gathering centers nationwide and empowers young students with educational programs designed to help them succeed in school. The federal dollars Gillibrand and Schumer fought for will help construct a new \u201cGreat Futures Start Here\u201d Clubhouse in Akwesasne to serve this purpose for Mohawk youth. The new Clubhouse will enable the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club to continue offering its vital afterschool, summer, athletic, and meal programs in a safe, modern, and accessible space.\n\n\u201cInvesting in the youth of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is investing in the future of the North Country, and I am proud to deliver this $1 million in funding to boost the community, its families, and most importantly the children of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThese funds will help finally begin construction of the community gathering space the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club has long deserved for afterschool and other essential youth programs. I will always fight to deliver meaningful, community driven investments to uplift the future of our children in Upstate New York.\u201d\n\n\u201cFostering a sense of community and support is vital to helping our youth get off on the right foot. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has a proven track record of doing just that and preparing young people across New York State to achieve their full potential,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThis $1,000,000 will kick-start the building of a safe and modern community center for Mohawk youth and provide them with the indispensable opportunities they deserve. The children of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe are essential to the fabric of our state and I am thrilled to announce this important investment in their education and in their future.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-releases-end-of-year-round-up-for-2022", "Senator Hassan Releases End of Year Round Up for 2022", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 As 2022 comes to a close, the office of Senator Maggie Hassan released key highlights from the second year of the 117th Congress.\n\n\u201c2022 was a boon for bipartisanship, and a powerful reminder of what we as a country can achieve when we come together to find common ground. I have always sought to follow the example of Granite Staters who every day set aside differences to solve problems \u2013 and by doing so, we have passed critical legislation to address some of the most pressing challenges that we face as a nation,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cAs I begin my second term in Congress next year, I look forward to continuing to build bipartisan cooperation to support the needs of families and our economy. And as we look to 2023, I wish my fellow Granite Staters happy holidays and a wonderful New Year.\u201d\n\nWatch Senator Hassan\u2019s 2022 recap video here.\n\nBy the Numbers\n\n74,000+ responses to constituent emails, letters, and calls\n\n9 million: The number of surprise medical bills prevented to date by Senator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan No Surprises Act that went into effect this year\n\n1 POW/MIA flag returned to its rightful place at Arlington National Cemetery\u2019s administration building\n\n6 birthday cards sent to Granite Staters on their 100th - and 109th birthday! - by Senator Hassan\n\n#1 most bipartisan Senator according to the Lugar Center-Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy\n\nNearly 75 percent of bills and resolutions introduced by Senator Hassan had a Republican cosponsor\n\n12 seconds: Fastest mini-crossword completed by Senator Hassan\n\n10 Key Accomplishments\n\nInvesting in American Manufacturing & Research: Senator Hassan and colleagues passed into law the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act, which strengthens our economic and national security by providing critical investments in semiconductor manufacturing and research and development in the U.S. The law will help ensure that the U.S can outcompete China while lowering costs for families and strengthening our supply chains.\n\nCombating the Opioid Epidemic: This year\u2019s government funding bill includes Senator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, which eliminates an outdated requirement, the \u2018x-waiver,\u2019 that limits the number of medical practitioners who can prescribe life-saving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.\n\nDelivering Comprehensive Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances: A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Senator Hassan and her colleagues worked to develop and pass into law the PACT Act, which fundamentally reforms and improves how veterans exposed to toxic substances receive health care and benefits from the VA.\n\nImproving Mental Health Support for Young People: The President signed into law a bipartisan bill from Senator Hassan and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to strengthen mental health resources for young people and help prevent youth suicide. Senator Hassan introduced the bipartisan STANDUP Act after students across New Hampshire reached out to Senator Hassan about the urgent need to address mental health challenges and expand access to resources for young people.\n\nReforming the Postal Service: Senator Hassan and colleagues' bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act is now law. It eliminates requirements that have decimated the Postal Services\u2019 finances, increases transparency and accountability at the agency, guarantees mail delivery six days a week, and strengthens support for postal workers. In her remarks to the press, Senator Hassan said, \u201cGranite Staters \u2013 especially in rural areas \u2013 know that a dependable Postal Service is essential for local communities to thrive, and today\u2019s bill is a testament to the progress that we can make when we come together.\u201d\n\nLowering Prescription Drug Costs: The Inflation Reduction Act included a number of key provisions that Senator Hassan pushed for to take on Big Pharma and address the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs, including allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices \u2013 which will bring down the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries and help drive down prices across the board \u2013 and capping out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare prescription drugs.\n\nProtecting Fundamental Freedoms: Senator Hassan celebrated and helped pass the Respect for Marriage Act to enshrine marriage equality into law. In her statement, Senator Hassan noted New Hampshire\u2019s proud legacy: \u201cAs the first state in our country to legalize same-sex marriage without the force of a court order, New Hampshire has long led the fight for marriage equality. Today\u2019s signing is the culmination of efforts by advocates working to secure these freedoms for decades, and I\u2019m proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community in celebration.\u201d\n\nStanding Up to Those Who Enabled the Opioid Epidemic: Senator Hassan and colleagues\u2019 bipartisan legislation to address conflicts of interests in federal contracting - such as McKinsey\u2019s past work with the FDA and opioid manufacturers \u2013 will soon become law. In her advocacy for the legislation, Senator Hassan noted the bill\u2019s importance: \u201cThis bipartisan bill will ensure that companies that work for the federal government are acting in the best interest of the American people \u2013 not Big Pharma.\u201d\n\nHelping Veterans Make the Transition to Civilian Life: President Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Hassan to strengthen the Solid Start program, which contacts every veteran three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty service to check in and help connect them to VA programs and benefits. In addition, the year-end funding bill includes a bill Senator Hassan introduced with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to designate one week per year as \u201cBuddy Check Week.\u201d The bill is modeled after the American Legion\u2019s \u201cBuddy Check National Week of Calling\u201d that connects veterans to other veterans in order to better ensure that they receive the support that they need.\n\nAddressing Gun Violence: The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes a number of measures to address gun violence that Senator Hassan has long pushed for, including: Incentives for states to pass and administer extreme risk protection laws, protecting survivors of domestic violence by closing the \u201cboyfriend loophole,\u201d and enhancing background checks as well as investing in mental health supports and services in schools and communities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-peters-grassley-hassan-and-ernst-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-conflicts-of-interest-in-federal-contracting-signed-into-law", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Peters, Grassley, Hassan & Ernst Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Conflicts of Interest in Federal Contracting Signed Into Law", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) to help identify and mitigate potential conflicts of interest between taxpayer-funded projects and government contractors\u2019 other business opportunities has been signed into law. The federal government contracts with private companies to support important government functions, such as the delivery of services and the approval of prescription drugs. However, many contractors also conduct business with the private sector or other outside entities, and this can raise questions about the reliability of consultations, advice, or projects under federal contracts if not handled appropriately. The law requires updates to existing rules to protect the integrity of services while allowing contractors to continue pursuing business opportunities to the greatest extent possible. The law was led through the House by U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY-12), Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform.\n\n\u201cGovernment agencies should know about whether federal contractors\u2019 outside business interests might conflict with their work for Michiganders and Americans,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis new law will ensure federal contractors are providing transparency about potential conflicts before they are awarded taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\n\u201cFederal contractors are entrusted to provide critical goods and services to the federal government as it serves the American people. If we don\u2019t know whether they are serving other, potentially conflicting interests, we can\u2019t be confident that Americans are getting exactly what they pay for,\u201d said Senator Grassley. \u201cThis good government bill, which is now law, takes steps to eliminate these potential conflicts of interest to rebuild public trust in our contracting process.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable that federal contractors have potential conflicts of interest, including when McKinsey was working for opioid manufacturers at the same time it was working for the FDA on opioid-related projects,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cI was glad to work with members of both parties to develop this law, which will help ensure that companies that work for the federal government put the interests of the American people first, not Big Pharma or other special interests. I\u2019ll keep working with my colleagues to address conflicts of interest and stop waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.\u201d\n\n\u201cBefore Washington doles out billions of dollars to government contractors, we need to make sure these organizations don\u2019t have outside business interests that conflict with their work for our taxpayers,\u201d said Senator Ernst. \u201cThis new law improves accountability and increases transparency by working to eliminate any potential conflict of interest, better ensuring these contractors are working in the best interest of Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy Committee\u2019s investigation into McKinsey & Company\u2019s conflicts of interest made it clear that our federal government contracting laws are in desperate need of reform,\u201d said Chairwoman Maloney. \u201cThe American people deserve to know that their taxpayer dollars are working in their best interests \u2013 not the financial interests of powerful corporations. Today\u2019s legislation is an important step to creating more transparency and accountability, and I thank Senator Peters for his partnership on this critical issue.\u201d\n\nReports have highlighted the need to prevent conflicts of interest within companies that are awarded federal contracts. For example, McKinsey & Company, a management consulting corporation often hired by the federal government, was paid more than $140 million dollars since 2008 by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to help support their oversight work of pharmaceutical companies, including determining the safety and efficacy of prescription pain medications. At the same time, McKinsey had not disclosed to the FDA that they were also consulting for several opioid manufacturers on how these companies could effectively market their products. This has called into question whether consultants from McKinsey were providing biased advice to the FDA, and whether that advice was influenced by their relationship with the drug makers whose business practices are a root cause of the opioid epidemic. The senators\u2019 law will give federal agencies a process to evaluate similar potential conflicts of interest to ensure that federal consultants and other contractors are using taxpayer dollars to work in Americans\u2019 best interests.\n\nThe Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act requires agencies to identify potential conflicts for specific contracts early in the process. Federal contractors will be required to disclose other business relationships with entities that conflict with the specific work that an agency has hired them to do. Private companies under contract with the U.S. government would also have to disclose new potential business that opposes ongoing services they are providing to the American people. The law ensures federal contractors are aware of disclosure requirements and how working with agencies could impact other parts of their business. Finally, the law requires federal agencies to assess and update their procedures for determining whether contractors could have a conflict of interest.\n\nBelow are statements in support of the senators\u2019 bipartisan law:\n\n\u201cThe U.S. government increasingly relies on government contractors for their expertise on matters that threaten our nation's safety and security. Yet, based on current federal contract regulations, agencies cannot always discern whether government contractors have business relationships with foreign governments and private entities that could create a conflict of interest,\u201d said Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. \u201cTo protect the integrity of services provided to the United States, CREW endorses the Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, which would require greater transparency in contractor business relationships in order to prevent conflicts of interest.\u201d\n\n\u201cCompanies perform mission-critical government functions. Organizational conflicts present one type of ethics risk to the government, and they must be identified and avoided through careful government oversight,\u201d said Scott Amey, General Counsel for the Project on Government Oversight. \u201cWithout more guidance, organizational conflicts of interest can result in unfair competitive advantages and biased contract awards\u2014both of which compromise the impartiality of the federal government and the integrity of the contracting process.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen government policymaking is tainted by conflicts of interest, it weakens the legitimacy and credibility of the entire process. That erodes public confidence in government and harms democracy,\u201d said Scott Greytak, Director of Advocacy for Transparency International U.S. \u201cThis law promotes greater transparency and accountability to ensure the public can trust that government is making decisions with their best interests at heart.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-president-signs-into-law-bipartisan-bill-backed-by-senator-hassan-and-congressman-pappas-to-provide-funding-for-law-enforcement-de-escalation-training", "SIGNED INTO LAW: President Signs into Law Bipartisan Bill Backed by Senator Hassan & Congressman Pappas to Provide Funding for Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The President today signed into law bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senator Maggie Hassan, and supported by Congressman Chris Pappas, to help law enforcement officers respond effectively to people experiencing mental or behavioral health crises. The bill authorizes millions of dollars in annual grant funding to improve training for police officers interacting with individuals dealing with mental or behavioral health issues, including using alternatives to force and de-escalation tactics and working with mental health professionals on crisis intervention teams. It would also empower police and the mental health professionals working with them to link individuals to mental and behavioral health services in their community.\n\n\u201cWhen there is an emergency, law enforcement officers are often the first ones on the scene, making it essential that they have the training to handle a variety of crises,\u201d Senator Hassan said. \u201cThis new law can help law enforcement officers more effectively respond to someone experiencing a mental or behavioral health emergency and de-escalate the situation swiftly.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery day members of law enforcement respond to a wide variety of calls, and it\u2019s important they have the training and resources to respond to every call safely and effectively,\u201d said Congressman Pappas. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will close critical gaps in mental health crisis training, helping protect law enforcement officers and improving outcomes for the people they serve. I\u2019m pleased that this bipartisan bill has been signed into law today, and I will continue fighting to deliver the resources law enforcement needs to keep our communities safe.\u201d\n\nSenator Hassan is committed to providing law enforcement officers with the support that they need. Senator Hassan and Representative Pappas recently joined the rest of the delegation in announcing $500,000 to help local New Hampshire police departments hire more law enforcement officers, which follows Senator Hassan\u2019s push to increase funding for state and local law enforcement. The President also signed into law bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan cosponsored to support law enforcement officers suffering from PTSD and their families. Senator Hassan also joined her colleagues in introducing legislation to gather greater information on attacks targeting law enforcement. In 2019, bipartisan legislation became law that Senator Hassan cosponsored to help prevent law enforcement officer suicide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-senators-hassan-risch-rosen-and-rubios-bipartisan-bill-to-help-prevent-human-trafficking", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Senators Hassan, Risch, Rosen, and Rubio\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Human Trafficking", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The President today signed into law the bipartisan Human Trafficking Prevention Act that Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), James Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced to help prevent human trafficking by requiring the posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the restrooms of all U.S. planes, buses, and trains, as well as airports, bus stations, and rail stations.\n\n\u201cRestrooms are often the only time that a victim will have the opportunity to get away from traffickers, making it one of the first lines of defense in getting someone the help that they need,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cI\u2019m pleased that our bipartisan bill to help prevent human trafficking was signed into law, and I will continue to work across the aisle to crack down on these heinous crimes.\u201d\n\nThe National Human Trafficking Hotline is a toll-free service connecting victims and survivors of trafficking to critical support and resources. The Hotline provides both a toll-free phone line and SMS text lines which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish or in more than 200 additional languages through an on-call interpreter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-biden-signs-hirono-legislation-to-support-native-hawaiian-survivors-of-gender-based-violence", "President Biden Signs Hirono Legislation to Support Native Hawaiian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law legislation led by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) to allow Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence to access critical programs and resources provided by Congress through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The reauthorization of VAWA\u2014which was signed into law in March, 2022\u2014provides funding to Native Hawaiian survivors of all types of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual assault, sex-trafficking, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Senator Hirono\u2019s legislation amends VAWA to ensure Native Hawaiian organizations are able to serve the Native Hawaiian community. The bill, which passed in the Senate unanimously last month, passed in the House on a voice vote earlier this month.\n\n\u201cLike other Native communities across the country, Native Hawaiians experience disproportionately high levels of sexual and gender-based violence,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cDespite this crisis, Native Hawaiian women have long been unjustly excluded from accessing much-needed resources for survivors provided through the Violence Against Women Act. This bill addresses this injustice and allows Native Hawaiian Organizations to better serve Native Hawaiians, and I\u2019m glad the President has signed it into law. Now, Native Hawaiian organizations will have access to support and resources to serve the Native Hawaiian community and work towards eradicating sexual violence in our state.\u201d\n\nNative women across the country\u2014including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women\u2014experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence. Therefore, VAWA includes Services, Training, Officers Prosecutors (STOP) grants to provide funding for eligible Native-serving non-profits, including Native Hawaiian organizations, to help combat sexual violence and support survivors. However, due to an earlier drafting error in the law, while Native Hawaiian organizations were able to apply for STOP grant funding, they could not use the funds to actually serve the Native Hawaiian community. As a result, Native Hawaiian women have been unable to access critical resources included in VAWA.\n\nAccording to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, more than two-thirds of sex trafficking victims in Hawaii are Native Hawaiian women and girls, and 37% of reported child sex trafficking cases in Hawaii are Native Hawaiian. Recently, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women released the \"Holoi a Nalo Wahine Oiwi\" report, which further underlines the disproportionate impacts that sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence have on Native Hawaiian women and girls.\n\nSenator Hirono has been a vocal advocate for the Native Hawaiian community and efforts to combat violence against Native Hawaiians. Last month, she spoke on the Senate floor about the need to amend VAWA to include Native Hawaiian women. In August, she pressed FBI Director Christopher Wray to do more to protect the Native Hawaiian community from sexual exploitation at a full Judiciary Committee hearing and emphasized the need for the FBI to include the Native Hawaiian community in its efforts to address the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis and violence against Native communities. In May, she joined a resolution designating May 5th as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-cornyn-applaud-help-find-the-missing-act-signed-into-law", "Murphy, Cornyn Applaud Help Find the Missing Act Signed Into Law", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) on Tuesday released the following statements after President Biden signed into law the Help Find the Missing Act, or \u201cBilly\u2019s Law\u201d, legislation to close loopholes in America\u2019s missing persons systems by streamlining the missing persons reporting process and ensuring that law enforcement databases are more accessible and comprehensive.\n\nThe bill was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John. Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cWhen I first met Jan and Bill almost 15 years ago, I was inspired by their determination to fix a missing persons system that had repeatedly failed them during the search for their son Billy. I\u2019m so proud to have worked with Senator Cornyn, Congresswoman Hayes, the Smolinskis, the family of Gabby Petito, and countless others to finally get this bill to the president\u2019s desk. This is a big deal that is going to ensure the thousands of other families with missing loved ones won\u2019t face the same obstacles going forward,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cFor families who have exhausted all possible leads to find their loved one, improving the missing persons reporting process is essential,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation will ensure local law enforcement can work swiftly and comprehensively to deliver justice to the families and friends of the missing, and I am proud of the bipartisan support that pushed this bill across the finish line.\u201d\n\nBilly's Law was originally introduced in the House of Representatives in 2009 by then-Congressman Chris Murphy. The bill was conceived by Janice and Bill Smolinski of Cheshire, Connecticut, after their 31-year-old son Billy went missing from Waterbury, Connecticut. While working with law enforcement to locate their missing son, the Smolinskis faced countless systemic challenges, most significantly the incomplete and uncoordinated federal databases for missing persons and unidentified remains. Billy's Law was introduced to address those challenges and help ensure that the tens of thousands of American families whose loved ones go missing each year do not experience the same hurdles faced by the Smolinskis.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nA section-by-section of the bill is available here.\n\nA one-pager of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-conflicts-of-interest-in-federal-contracting-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Conflicts of Interest in Federal Contracting Signed Into Law", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to help identify and mitigate potential conflicts of interest between taxpayer-funded projects and government contractors\u2019 other business opportunities has been signed into law. The federal government contracts with private companies to support important government functions, such as the delivery of services and the approval of prescription drugs. However, many contractors also conduct business with the private sector or other outside entities, and this can raise questions about the reliability of consultations, advice, or projects under federal contracts if not handled appropriately. The law requires updates to existing rules to protect the integrity of services while allowing contractors to continue pursuing business opportunities to the greatest extent possible.\n\n\u201cGovernment agencies should know about whether federal contractors\u2019 outside business interests might conflict with their work for Michiganders and Americans,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis new law will ensure federal contractors are providing transparency about potential conflicts before they are awarded taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nReports have highlighted the need to prevent conflicts of interest within companies that are awarded federal contracts. For example, McKinsey & Company, a management consulting corporation often hired by the federal government, was paid more than $140 million dollars since 2008 by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to help support their oversight work of pharmaceutical companies, including determining the safety and efficacy of prescription pain medications. At the same time, McKinsey had not disclosed to the FDA that they were also consulting for several opioid manufacturers on how these companies could effectively market their products. This has called into question whether consultants from McKinsey were providing biased advice to the FDA, and whether that advice was influenced by their relationship with the drug makers whose business practices are a root cause of the opioid epidemic. Peters\u2019 law will give federal agencies a process to evaluate similar potential conflicts of interest to ensure that federal consultants and other contractors are using taxpayer dollars to work in Americans\u2019 best interests.\n\nThe Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act requires agencies to identify potential conflicts for specific contracts early in the process. Federal contractors will be required to disclose other business relationships with entities that conflict with the specific work that an agency has hired them to do. Private companies under contract with the U.S. government would also have to disclose new potential business that opposes ongoing services they are providing to the American people. The law ensures federal contractors are aware of disclosure requirements and how working with agencies could impact other parts of their business. Finally, the law requires federal agencies to assess and update their procedures for determining whether contractors could have a conflict of interest.\n\nBelow are statements in support of Peters\u2019 bipartisan law:\n\n\u201cThe U.S. government increasingly relies on government contractors for their expertise on matters that threaten our nation's safety and security. Yet, based on current federal contract regulations, agencies cannot always discern whether government contractors have business relationships with foreign governments and private entities that could create a conflict of interest,\u201d said Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. \u201cTo protect the integrity of services provided to the United States, CREW endorses the Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, which would require greater transparency in contractor business relationships in order to prevent conflicts of interest.\u201d\n\n\u201cCompanies perform mission-critical government functions. Organizational conflicts present one type of ethics risk to the government, and they must be identified and avoided through careful government oversight, said Scott Amey, General Counsel for the Project on Government Oversight. \u201cWithout more guidance, organizational conflicts of interest can result in unfair competitive advantages and biased contract awards\u2014both of which compromise the impartiality of the federal government and the integrity of the contracting process.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen government policymaking is tainted by conflicts of interest, it weakens the legitimacy and credibility of the entire process. That erodes public confidence in government and harms democracy,\u201d said Scott Greytak, Director of Advocacy for Transparency International U.S. \u201cThis law promotes greater transparency and accountability to ensure the public can trust that government is making decisions with their best interests at heart.\u201d\n\nIn his role on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has worked to ensure government is effectively serving the American people. His bipartisan legislation to strengthen protections for Inspectors General so they can conduct independent oversight to root out waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars will soon be signed into law. The Senate has also passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to improve our nation\u2019s ability to prevent foreign governments, including adversaries like the Chinese and Russian governments, from attempting to influence U.S. policy without making appropriate disclosures.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-7-million-for-clarkson-university-to-strengthen-health-care-workforce-resilience-and-green-energy-infrastructure-in-the-north-country", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $7 MILLION FOR CLARKSON UNIVERSITY TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE RESILIENCE AND GREEN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE NORTH COUNTRY", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today revealed that they secured $7,030,000 for Clarkson University in the end-of-year spending package. More than $6 million of this significant federal investment will help the Potsdam campus expand programs and educational opportunities to train the next generation of health care professionals. Additionally, the senators secured nearly $900,000 for Clarkson University\u2019s Green Energy on Demand rapid transit research and development project.\n\n\u201cThis $7-plus million for Clarkson University is just what the doctor ordered to bolster healthcare in the North Country. As communities continue to recover from the pandemic, these federal dollars will help Clarkson expand its Health Sciences campus and train more local residents to enter good paying healthcare careers, bolstering the regions medical workforce, while strengthening other critical areas of research in green energy,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis funding means good paying jobs, innovation, and a healthier North Country. I am proud to deliver this $7 million shot in the arm to help train the next generation of healthcare workers and build a better future here in the North Country.\u201d\n\n\u201cNorth Country hospitals and frontline health care workers worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our patients safe, and now we must repay their heroic efforts by supporting the next generation of health care workers,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cAs we continue to recover from the pandemic, these federal dollars will help build up our health care workforce and create a pipeline for public health jobs right here in the North Country. That\u2019s why I\u2019m so proud to have helped secure $7 million for Clarkson University \u2013 this federal funding will strengthen the resiliency of both our green energy and public health infrastructure, and give students the support they need to have a robust career as a health and medical provider.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenate Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand are true champions for education and research that matters in the health professions,\u201d said Clarkson University President Marc P. Christensen, Ph.D., P.E.. \u201cClarkson and our Lewis School of Health Sciences are national leaders in the education of health professionals who can meet rural and distance-challenged healthcare needs. The support from the New York delegation for the renovation and expansion of our facilities will advance the career-readiness of these health professionals, improving healthcare outcomes for the North Country and other rural communities, as well as accelerate critical biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and innovation.\u201d\n\n$6,155,000 to Clarkson University for their Health Professions Training & Research Facilities Renovations and Expansion Project. This project will allow for the expansion and upgrade of Clarkson University's Lewis School of Health Sciences/Collins Hill Campus, which will produce additional health and medical providers that will significantly improve the struggling health care infrastructure in the North Country.\n\n$875,000 to Clarkson University for their Green Energy On Demand Rapid Transit R&D Project. This project will allow for research and exploration of the potential to advance on-demand transit using green energy to the next level by taking stronger, lighter, more modular rail cars and independently moving them on an elevated rail line with extreme efficiency and safety.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-urge-president-biden-to-swiftly-approve-emergency-declaration-for-western-new-york-and-upstate-communities-impacted-by-deadly-holiday-weekend-blizzard", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND URGE PRESIDENT BIDEN TO SWIFTLY APPROVE EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR WESTERN NEW YORK AND UPSTATE COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY DEADLY HOLIDAY WEEKEND BLIZZARD", "2022-12-26", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Senators Say Emergency Declaration Would Unlock Federal Funds for Impacted Counties Still Recovering From Double Blow Of Back To Back Winter Storms After The Record Breaking \u201cSnowvember\u201d Storm\n\nDeadly Blizzard Buried Buffalo And Upstate Communities In Nearly 4 Feet Of Snow, With More Still Coming, And Brutal Mix Of Frigid Temperatures And High Winds \u2013 Creating Impossible Road Conditions And Tragically Resulting In Over 20 New Yorkers Losing Their Lives\n\nSchumer, Gillibrand: Feds Must Provide Resources To Western NY And Upstate Communities To Begin To Recover\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urged President Biden to approve the Emergency declaration for New York communities impacted by the deadly holiday weekend blizzard still raging across Western New York and other communities across Upstate.\n\n\u201cThe holiday weekend blizzard is still raging through Buffalo and communities across New York, causing severe damage to infrastructure, power outages, and tragically the loss of life of life for at least 27 New Yorkers. This once in a generation blizzard has already brought nearly four feet of snow, hurricane force winds, and many are still without power,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe are asking FEMA to promptly approve the Emergency declaration and urgently needed federal assistance for state and local governments. We need to get Western New York and other communities severely impacted by this deadly storm the resources they need to rebuild and recover.\u201d\n\nNew York State declared a State of Emergency for the entire State of New York in advance of a significant winter weather system forecast. Throughout the storm, tens of thousands were left without power over the holiday weekend in Western New York and across Upstate. The storm hit Buffalo especially hard with nearly 4 feet of snow and hurricane-force winds that reached 70 miles per hour causing whiteout conditions that made road conditions nearly impossible and halting emergency response efforts. Massive snowdrifts caused damage to critical energy infrastructure, leaving over 17,000 residents, mostly in the City of Buffalo, still without power. Tragically, there have been at least 27 reported deaths related to the storm in Upstate and Western New York, including one carbon monoxide fatality due to snowed in furnace vents.\n\nIf an Emergency declaration is declared, grant assistance would be made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work. After any severe storm, the first step in the declaration process is for the state to request a Preliminary Damage Assessment, during which FEMA representatives join state, local, and other officials to survey damage across storm-impacted counties to help determine whether the cost of the disaster meets the criteria for a federal Major Disaster declaration. While that assessment is underway, New York State has just submitted an application for an Emergency declaration, which allows the State to seek reimbursement for emergency protective measures \u2013 like getting medical help to those in dire need. Schumer and Gillibrand urged FEMA to be prepared to support this Emergency declaration request, as well as any future Major Disaster declaration request, that will provide aid for New York State.\n\nThe Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act authorizes the president to issue \u201cMajor Disaster\u201d or \u201cEmergency\u201d declarations before or after catastrophes occur. The decision to issue a disaster declaration is at the discretion of the president, and must be requested by the governor of the state. These declarations unlock federal aid through FEMA that is broken into two broad areas: Individual Assistance (IA) that aids families and individuals, and Public Assistance (PA) that is mainly for emergency work such as debris removal and permanent repairs to infrastructure. When assessing the degree of PA damage, FEMA considers six factors: estimated cost of the assistance, localized impact, insurance coverage, hazard mitigation, recent disaster, and programs of other federal assistance. Regarding the cost, FEMA has certain thresholds that have to be met to qualify for PA specific to the state and the counties in question.\n\nA copy of Schumer and Gillibrand\u2019s letter appears below:\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nWe write to respectfully urge your swift consideration and authorization of Governor Hochul\u2019s request for an Emergency declaration for the State of New York in the wake of Winter Storm Elliott on Buffalo, Western New York, and across Upstate New York, following up on our two letters of support to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) ahead of the worst of the storm. Such a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (PL 100-707) would unlock crucial FEMA resources and assets that will aid the State, first responder, and community efforts to protect human life, property, and infrastructure.\n\nSince December 22 and over the holiday weekend, New Yorkers across the state have endured severe high winds gusting over 70 miles per hour, record levels of snowfall, and extreme cold \u2013 especially in the Buffalo metropolitan area, Western New York, and the North Country. More than 17,000 of our constituents remain without power as of noon on December 26, and nearly 27,000 were without electricity in Erie County on Christmas morning. The snow and winds led to whiteout conditions, blinding drivers and causing accidents, which have resulted in arterial roadways blocked by trapped vehicles. First responders and emergency workers are continue to face a myriad of challenges, including these blocked roads, as well as ongoing whiteout conditions, and severely damaged to infrastructure. Tragically, as of December 26, there have been at least 27 reported deaths related to the storm in New York. With snow continuing to fall, and intense cold lingering in the region, New Yorkers need federal help now.\n\nNew York State government and local first responders have fully committed their manpower and resources in response to Winter Storm Elliot, and we commend them for their bravery and heroic effort ensure public safety and save lives, many working continuously over the holiday weekend. However, because of white out conditions and the danger to our first responders some municipalities suspended emergency response efforts. For all of these reasons, Governor Hochul has requested a federal Emergency declaration for the areas of our state most deeply affected by this storm.\n\nAs families across New York wake up from the holiday weekend and look towards to beginning of the New Year, our first responders, search and rescue personnel, law enforcement, and state government employees will continue to work around the clock. We are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has historically give in responding to disasters impacting New York State. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to approve New York\u2019s request for FEMA assistance as affected communities begin their recovery from this storm.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-annual-defense-bill-with-key-hassan-backed-provisions", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Annual Defense Bill with Key Hassan-Backed Provisions", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The President today signed into law the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, which includes key national security provisions that Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) secured and supported.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s annual defense bill includes critical priorities that I fought for that will help protect Granite Staters and Americans, support our service members, and crack down on criminals both at home and abroad,\u201d Senator Hassan said. \u201cI worked to ensure that this new law included bipartisan measures to disrupt drug trafficking, hold Putin accountable, and strengthen cybersecurity, while also providing important resources to New Hampshire to support our military operations and clean up harmful PFAS chemicals. The number one job of government is to keep our country safe, secure, and free, and this law will be vital to those efforts.\u201d\n\nKey measures that Senator Hassan championed that are included in the NDAA:\n\nCracking Down on Drug Traffickers: A bipartisan bill that Senator Hassan introduced that authorizes existing Transnational Criminal Investigative Units, which help identify gang members and drug dealers and collect and share intelligence on transnational criminal organizations, and enhances vetting and provides stipends for participants\n\nImproving Cybersecurity: The bipartisan FedRAMP Authorization Act which Senator Hassan helped lead to codify the successful government-wide program that approves cloud computing companies and products to ensure that they are secure and safe for agency use\n\nStrengthening Domestic Supply Chains: A bipartisan bill, which Senator Shaheen introduced and Senator Hassan worked to advance, to bolster the domestic supply chain for national security-related items and increase the government\u2019s capacity to supply these critical materials that the Department of Homeland Security needs\n\nSanctioning Russia: A bipartisan bill which Senator Hassan introduced to sanction the purchase of Russian gold as part of ongoing efforts to stand up to Putin\n\nBolstering Coastal Resiliency: Senator Hassan\u2019s legislation that allows New Hampshire and other coastal states to participate in Regional Ocean Partnerships, which are new organizations that coordinate collaboration and grant funding among participating states on coastal resilience and environmental protection\n\nModernizing Reports from the Inspectors General: Senator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan Inspector General Reporting Modernization Act that will make key federal spending oversight reports simpler to read, easier to compile, and require less taxpayer dollars to produce\n\nAddressing the Substance Misuse Crisis: Provisions to build relationships with international partners to track and detect synthetic-controlled substances, including fentanyl\n\nSupporting Israel: Provisions to support U.S.-Israel Missile Defense research and development through additional funding for the Iron Dome system\n\nIncreasing Access for People with Disabilities: The 21st Century Assistive Technology (AT) Act, which Senator Hassan helped introduce, that will increase access to assistive technology devices like wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps, hearing aids, screen readers, closed captioning systems, and more for people who experience disabilities.\n\nEstablishing the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative: A bipartisan proposal Senator Hassan helped push for which aims to improve cognitive performance and brain health of service members\n\nSupport for NH priorities that are included in the NDAA:\n\nAuthorizing funding to procure additional Virginia-class submarines that will be maintained at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard\n\nAuthorizing $503 million in funding to support the Multi-Mission Dry Dock project at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard\n\nAuthorizing a record-level $20 million in funding to address PFAS contamination in military communities\n\nInclusion of the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, which will support localities across New Hampshire by authorizing essential infrastructure projects, including the Town of Lancaster, through the long-sought removal of the obsolete Israel River Dam\n\nAuthorizing more than $900 million for Compass Call electronic attack aircraft, whose development is based in Nashua and Hudson\n\nAuthorizing $100 million to continue the purchase of the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular, produced by New Hampshire manufacturers, which increase the effectiveness of U.S. service members\n\nBanning the purchase of PFAS-laden firefighting gear after October 1, 2026 to protect the health and safety of fire fighters serving in the military\n\nAuthorizing a $20 million increase which Senator Hassan pushed for in the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) to boost research at New Hampshire Universities\n\nProvisions to strengthen our military and national security that are included in the NDAA:\n\nProviding critical security assistance and support to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia\u2019s unconscionable invasion\n\nProviding a 4.6 percent pay raise for U.S. service members\n\nAuthorizing funding for eight additional F-35 joint strike fighters, a measure Senator Hassan helped advocate for\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-bills-to-protect-coral-reefs-reconnect-families-separated-by-korean-war-create-new-va-advisory-committee-enacted-into-law", "Hirono Bills to Protect Coral Reefs, Reconnect Families Separated by Korean War, Create New VA Advisory Committee Enacted Into Law", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, President Joe Biden signed into law three bills introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) to protect coral reefs, connect families separated by the Korean War, and create a new Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA) Advisory Committee. Senator Hirono\u2019s Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act and Korean War Divided Families Reunification Act were both signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), as was legislation she introduced to create a VA Advisory Committee for veterans from outlying areas and the Freely Associated States.\n\nSenator Hirono\u2019s Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act is a bipartisan bill to help protect coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii and across the nation from increasing threats such as climate change, pollution, and direct damage from humans. The legislation directs the federal agencies that are members of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to establish\u2014individually or with one or more other agencies\u2014a coral health prize competition in order to spur innovative solutions to preserve, sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems at no additional cost to taxpayers.\n\n\u201cCoral reefs are vital to Hawaii\u2019s environment, providing a rich habitat for marine life while helping to protect our coastlines and prevent flooding. However, decades of pollution and ocean warming caused by climate change have left corals in Hawaii and around the world at risk of extinction,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cAs we work to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems, I\u2019m glad that President Biden has now signed into law my legislation to create prize competitions that will help incentivize innovation and inspire creative solutions to protect coral reefs. I\u2019ll continue fighting to protect Hawaii\u2019s coral reefs and all of our natural resources for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThe Korean War Divided Families Reunification Act, which Senator Hirono introduced in August, is bipartisan legislation that directs the U.S. Secretary of State to establish a formal process to help Korean American families reconnect with family members that remain in North Korea.\n\n\u201cNo family should be forcibly separated. Nearly seven decades after the Korean War armistice though, too many Korean American families are still unable to connect with family members in North Korea,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis legislation takes important steps toward ending this injustice by directing the Secretary of State to develop a process to reconnect these families. I\u2019m glad to see this bill signed into law and look forward to working with the State Department to build on this progress.\u201d\n\nAlso signed into law as part of the NDAA was legislation introduced by Senator Hirono and Del. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP) to create a VA Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States to advise VA on matters relating to veterans residing in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.\n\n\u201cVA has a duty to provide quality, accessible care and support to all of our veterans, no matter where they live,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis legislation will help ensure VA is aware of, and responsive to, the needs of U.S. veterans living in outlying areas and the Freely Associated States. As a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, I\u2019m glad to see this legislation signed into law to help VA better serve our veterans across the Pacific.\u201d\n\nAs a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Hirono also secured numerous defense-related provisions in the FY23 NDAA, including $1 billion for the closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu, as well as nearly $800 million for other military infrastructure projects across Hawaii.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-led-provision-providing-1-billion-to-close-red-hill-signed-into-law-as-part-of-annual-defense-bill", "Hirono-Led Provision Providing $1 Billion to Close Red Hill Signed Into Law as Part of Annual Defense Bill", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, President Biden signed into law the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizing $1 billion for the defueling and closure of Red Hill secured by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In addition to the $1 billion for Red Hill, Senator Hirono also secured nearly $800 million for other military infrastructure upgrades in Hawaii in the annual defense bill.\n\n\u201cOver the past year, I have fought to make sure the Department of Defense has the authority and funding necessary to defuel and close Red Hill once and for all,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI\u2019m glad that President Biden has now signed the NDAA into law, giving DOD the authority I fought for to safely and quickly close Red Hill. This is about protecting the health and safety of our servicemembers, families, and all of the communities impacted by the fuel leaks. I\u2019ll continue working to make sure DOD uses this funding appropriately in order to safely defuel and close Red Hill without delay.\u201d\n\nIn addition to the $1 billion for Red Hill, Senator Hirono also secured nearly $800 million for military infrastructure projects across Hawaii. More information on the military provisions Senator Hirono secured is available below:\n\nRed Hill\n\nAuthorizes $1 billion in funding for the Red Hill Recovery Fund.\n\nAuthorizes the closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu and $1 billion in funding to support the closure.\n\nDevelops plans for\n\nDirects the Department of Defense (DoD) to appoint a single point of contact to lead the closure of Red Hill and conduct an independent assessment of optimal post-closure care for the Red Hill facility.\n\nEstablishes a water monitoring program at the facility.\n\nDirects a federally funded research and development to conduct a study to determine the range of feasible alternative DoD uses for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and provide to the Secretary a report on the findings of the study.\n\nDirects a briefing on the efforts of the Secretary of Defense to appropriately track the health implications of fuel leaks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility for members of the Armed Forces and dependents thereof, including members of each Armed Force and dependents thereof.\n\nthe closure, clean-up, monitoring and maintenance and post-optimal closure care for the facility;\n\nenvironmental remediation of ground water at the facility; and\n\nhow the Department will coordinate with state regulatory authorities, water utility authority, state environmental agencies and surrounding community.\n\nWhile not a part of NDAA, the military is taking additional steps to address health implications, including standing up the Red Hill Clinic, administered by the Defense Health Agency, which will be the main medical agency for symptoms and conditions related to the water contamination.\n\nDelivering for Hawaii\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Navy to pay for the cost to transfer customers off the Navy\u2019s electrical system at Kalaeloa to a new system operated by Hawaiian Electric.\n\nAuthorizes up to $40 million in funding for planning and design for the Waterfront Production Facility at Pearl Harbor Shipyard.\n\nAuthorizes $446 million for the replacement of Dry Dock 3 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickham (JBPHH).\n\nAuthorizes $7 million for the construction of an aircraft maintenance hangar at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.\n\nAuthorizes $10 million for increasing safety and modernization of missile magazines at JBPHH.\n\nAuthorizes $57.9 million for the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.\n\nAuthorizes $40 million for the C-40 Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.\n\nAuthorizes $29 million for the National Guard Readiness Center, Kalaeloa.\n\nAuthorizes $89 million for the Air Force Research Laboratory, Maui Experimental Site.\n\nAuthorizes $25 million for the Company Operations Facility, Schofield Barracks.\n\nAuthorizes $33 million for Water System Upgrades at Fort Shafter.\n\nAuthorizes $38 million for the Potable Water System at Tripler Army Medical Center.\n\nAuthorizes a 4.6% salary increase for servicemembers.\n\nStrengthening Our Ability to Protect the Pacific Region\n\nDirects INDOPACOM to submit a report on the international agreements necessary to achieve the necessary force presence in the Pacific, and a plan for entering into those agreements.\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Navy to implement the Comptroller General\u2019s recommendations to the Shipyard Improvement Optimization Plan (SIOP) to better understand anticipated costs of the program.\n\nSets a floor of at least 31 amphibious assault ships in the U.S. fleet.\n\nAuthorizes $78.9 million for INDOPACOM theater exercises.\n\nAuthorizes $19 million for the Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) to connect training ranges across the Pacific.\n\nAuthorizes $2.4 million for INDOPACOM Pacific Movement Coordination Center to support collaboration and information sharing across the Pacific region.\n\nAuthorizes $8 million for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative (APRI) to strengthen the U.S. military\u2019s relationships with Pacific region partners.\n\nAuthorizes $250 million for LPD Flight II Advance Procurement to support the procurement of additional amphibious transport docks.\n\nPrioritizing Sustainability\n\nRequires DoD to transition fully to electric and other alternatively-fueled vehicles for its fleet of non-tactical vehicles by 2035, helping reduce the DoD\u2019s reliance on fossil fuels.\n\nAuthorizes $176 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) to make military installations more resilient to climate change and land use conversion.\n\nAuthorizes $30 million to improve the reliability of the electrical grid at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam under the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-led-provisions-to-support-michigans-defense-sector-signed-into-law", "Peters-Led Provisions to Support Michigan\u2019s Defense Sector Signed Into Law", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 President Biden signed the bipartisan annual national defense bill into law today, which U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, played a key role in passing out of the Senate. Peters successfully led or supported provisions in the law to invest in Michigan\u2019s military facilities, strengthen our national security, bolster troop preparedness, combat PFAS contamination and give our servicemembers a pay raise.\n\n\u201cThese critical investments will not only support Michigan\u2019s defense sector but the men and women in uniform across our state who play a key role in our national defense. From efforts to combat PFAS contamination \u2013 to ensuring our troops are well-prepared \u2013 to bolstering Michigan\u2019s military installations \u2013 this law takes important steps to have the backs of those who selflessly serve our nation,\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \u201cThis national defense law will also provide our troops a well-deserved pay raise and strengthen our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Peters continues to be a champion for the Michigan National Guard who fights to ensure our Soldiers and Airmen have the federal support they need to perform their mission,\u201d said Major General Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. \u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA contains many wins for Michigan that will keep our installations and facilities at the forefront of Department of Defense training and ensure Michigan remains a vital enabler of our National Defense Strategy.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD). The defense bill has been signed into law for more than 60 straight years.\n\nThe following provisions Peters led or supported, including the authorization of more than $40 million in funding for Michigan\u2019s military facilities, were secured in the law:\n\nInvesting in Michigan Military Facilities:\n\n$1.6 Million for Army Reserve Center at Southfield: Peters included an authorization of $1.6 million to complete the construction of maintenance facilities at the Army Reserve Center in Southfield. This builds on Peters\u2019 efforts in last year\u2019s national defense bill to secure a $12 million authorization to help construct new maintenance facilities at the Army Reserve unit in Southfield, which allows servicemembers who serve as mechanics to maintain and extend the lifespan of military vehicles and enable them to utilize the latest equipment and facilities.\n\n$16 Million for National Guard Armory at Camp Grayling: Peters secured an authorization of $16 million for a National Guard armory at Camp Grayling. This funding authorization aligns with the President\u2019s budget calling for funding the armory and helps ensure the Armory can receive full appropriations. This follows Peters\u2019 efforts in last year\u2019s national defense bill to secure the authorization of $5.7 million for the construction of a power generation system.\n\n$24 Million for Marine Corps Reserve Unit at Battle Creek: Peters included an authorization of $24 million for new supply and storage facilities for the Marine Corps Reserve Unit in Battle Creek. This builds on Peters\u2019 efforts in last year\u2019s national defense bill to secure the authorization of $10 million to construct a new main gate and entrance facility to Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.\n\nAddressing PFAS Contamination:\n\nTackling PFAS Contamination: Peters has led the charge in the Senate addressing PFAS contamination. The national defense law includes a Peters-led effort that will bolster the Department of Defense\u2019s (DoD) transparency surrounding PFAS research to keep servicemembers and communities safer. It asks DoD to establish practices to ensure the timely and complete dissemination of research findings and data relating to PFAS to the general public. It will also specifically ask DoD to release to the public within 180 days up-to-date information on any research collaborations, the development and testing of fluorine-free firefighting foam, PFAS health effects and the impacts on veterans and military families, and treatment options for drinking water and safe PFAS disposal. Peters also supported provisions to phase out the military purchase of firefighting equipment containing PFAS and authorize significant funding to clean up PFAS contaminated military sites.\n\nSupporting Michigan\u2019s Defense Sector and Advanced Technology:\n\nFunding Electrification Technology for Army Vehicles: Peters secured a $5 million authorization to help fund the continued development of Next Generation Electrified Transmission, as well as a provision encouraging continued Army funding towards the project to reduce fossil fuel reliance and meet climate strategy goals. This funding will ensure that vital work to develop next-generation, hybrid engines can continue being done in Michigan.\n\nEnsuring Appropriate Use and Recycling of Federal Electric Vehicle Batteries: The bipartisan law includes a provision, based on Peters\u2019 Strategic EV Management Act, that will ensure government agencies are properly using and recycling batteries from the federal fleet of electric vehicles (EVs). The provision will help the federal government provide American manufacturers with a domestic supply of reusable EV batteries and the rare metals needed to make them, while reducing our nation\u2019s dependence on foreign suppliers for these limited, but critical resources.\n\nSupport for Ground Combat Vehicles: Peters supported an increase in authorization of funding for ground combat vehicles \u2013 including the Abrams tanks, Stryker vehicle upgrades, and Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) systems. General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights is the prime contractor for the Stryker armored vehicle and many Michigan companies serve as suppliers for each of these platforms.\n\nBolstering Cybersecurity Efforts: Peters supported a provision to establish the DoD Cyber and Digital Service Academy as a scholarship-for-service program partnered with universities and colleges in the United States, with a DOD service requirement for participants. As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters is leading the charge to strengthen our cybersecurity and has passed into law significant cybersecurity reforms.\n\nEnsuring Agencies Can Quickly Adopt Cloud-Based Technology: Peters secured a provision, based on his bipartisan bill, to ensure federal agencies are able to quickly adopt cloud-based technologies that improve government operations and efficiently provide services to Americans. The provision will also make sure federal cloud systems \u2013 which store a considerable amount of personal and sensitive information \u2013 are secure from cyber-attacks.\n\nSecuring and Preventing Misuse of Data Collected By Artificial Intelligence: The package includes a provision, based on bipartisan legislation authored by Peters, that will ensure that government contractors are securing and using data collected by artificial intelligence technology, such as biometric data from facial recognition scans, in a way that protects protect national security and in ensures the privacy and rights of all Americans.\n\nSupporting Our Troops, Their Families, and Their Communities:\n\nPay Raise for Troops: Peters supported a 4.6 percent pay raise for both military servicemembers and the DoD civilian workforce.\n\nSupporting Troop Preparedness: Peters secured a provision highlighting the importance of cold weather training and mandating that DoD provide a report detailing existing all-domain warfighting centers that are able to support arctic like training exercises. Also included was a provision supported by Peters that authorizes $32.5 million in funding for female/small stature body armor.\n\nPromoting STEM Education through STARBASE: Peters supported efforts to authorize significant funding for STARBASE, a DoD Youth Program that promotes STEM education. Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township is home to the first STARBASE program, which specifically provides K-12 students unique experiences in experiential learning, simulations and experiments in aviation and space-related fields.\n\nSupporting Defense Community Infrastructure Projects: Peters secured language altering the requirement for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) by allowing for land which is community owned but DoD leased to be eligible for DCIP project funding \u2013 allowing for the possibility of communities near Selfridge Air National Guard Base to apply for DCIP funds. Historically, DCIP projects have been used to improve access to and from military facilities, build more resilient infrastructure, enhance quality of life among servicemembers and their families, and bridge the gap between defense installations and the communities they serve.\n\nSafeguarding Houses of Worship: Peters helped secure a provision to reauthorize the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at $360 million. Peters has long championed and supported increased funding for this program, which provides grants to help houses of worship and at-risk nonprofits plan for and safeguard their facilities against potential attacks.\n\nInvest in Defense Operations and Support U.S. Security Interests:\n\nSupporting Ukraine and Key Allies: The law extends and modifies the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which provides appropriate security assistance to the Government of Ukraine and to other forces or groups recognized by, and under the authority of, the Government of Ukraine; and authorizes funding to provide security assistance to Ukraine via this authority.\n\nSupporting Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Research: Peters supported provisions to reauthorize cooperation between the U.S. and Israel on counter-unmanned aerial systems issues. This builds on Peters\u2019 efforts in the previous national defense bill, which authorized a program for joint research and development with Israel on counter-unmanned aerial systems technology. A range of unmanned aerial systems from small, commercially available platforms to larger, armed aircraft pose a threat to both the United States and Israel. This cooperative research program will allow the United States military to benefit from Israel\u2019s expertise and experience in countering unmanned aerial systems.\n\nSupporting Defense Relationship Between U.S. and Israel: Peters included a provision to clarify the requirements and expectations from Congress for the U.S. Israel Operations Technology Working Group. Peters previously called for the formation of the working group with the Israeli government to focus on shared defense technology issues and coordinate defense capabilities, research and development.\n\nSupporting Taiwan: Peters supported the authorization of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act of 2022, including various provisions designed to increase security cooperation with Taiwan consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, which will help deter aggression from the Chinese government.\n\nBuilding Information Operations: Peters included a requirement for the DoD to better identify and build up partner nation capacity to conduct information operations.\n\nInvesting in the U.S. Coast Guard:\n\nU.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise: The bill authorizes additional funding for the operation of the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise for Oil Spill Preparedness and Response. In 2018, Peters authored a provision that was signed into law to establish the Great Lakes Center of Expertise to examine the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop effective responses. Peters later secured $4.5 million for the Center of Expertise, and led efforts to ensure it was headquartered in Michigan. Peters helped cut the ribbon at the Center of Expertise at Lake Superior State University\u2019s Center for Freshwater Research and Education.\n\nImprove U.S. Coast Guard Data on Oil Spill Modeling: The law incorporates a recommendation from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to ensure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) acquires all data relevant to advanced predictive modeling for spills of diluted bitumen being transported by pipelines. NOAA has begun incorporating new data on this practice; however, they are not required by law to do so. Therefore, this commonsense provision authored by Peters will require U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to acquire this data to improve oil spill preparedness moving forward.\n\nAuthorize Funding for New Great Lakes Icebreaker: The bill provides an authorization of $350 million in funding to acquire an additional Great Lakes icebreaker.\n\nAddress Backlog of USCG Infrastructure Projects: The bill will begin to address the current backlog of USCG infrastructure projects in the Great Lakes by requiring an annual report from USCG on shoreside infrastructure needs by region.\n\nModernizing Water Infrastructure:\n\nWater Resources Development Act: The bipartisan Water Resources Development Act is included in the national defense bill. Peters helped secure major water infrastructure investments \u2013 including the authorization of projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to modernize the Soo Locks, stop invasive carp, prevent coastal erosion and flooding, and improve water quality in Michigan, among other priorities.\n\nOther Provisions:\n\nBolstering Federal Response to Disasters and Emergencies: Peters also helped secure provisions to strengthen our federal government\u2019s response to natural disasters and emergencies. One bipartisan provision, based on legislation Peters helped introduce this summer, will ensure our nation is better prepared for high-consequence events, regardless of the low probability, such as new strains of disease, biotechnology accidents, or naturally occurring risks such as super volcanoes or solar flares that though unlikely, would be exceptionally lethal if they occurred. Peters also secured a provision that will expand mental health assistance for communities recovering from the psychological effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.\n\nStrengthening Protections for Inspectors General: As Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has long worked to ensure government works effectively and efficiently. Peters secured long overdue reforms, based on legislation he championed in the Senate, to strengthen protections for inspectors general who conduct independent oversight to prevent and uncover fraud, waste, and abuse of tax dollars in the federal government.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-5-billion-included-in-government-funding-bill-for-the-honoring-our-pact-act-which-extends-va-care-to-afghanistan-and-iraq-veterans-exposed-to-burn-pits-and-other-toxins-these-funds-will-deliver-desperately-needed-medical-coverage-for-tens-of-thousands-exposed-ny-vets-", "SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $5 BILLION INCLUDED IN GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL FOR THE HONORING OUR PACT ACT, WHICH EXTENDS VA CARE TO AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ VETERANS EXPOSED TO BURN PITS & OTHER TOXINS; THESE FUNDS...", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Schumer Led PACT Act To Passage After Years Of Fighting Alongside NY Vets To Extend VA Care; Veterans Have Struggled To Receive Coverage & Had Claims Repeatedly Denied For Long-Term Health Effects\u2014From Cancers To Respiratory Illnesses\u2014Caused By Toxins In Burn Pit Smoke; Funding Also Helps Vietnam Vets Exposed to Agent Orange\n\nCritical Funding For \u201cHonoring Our PACT Act\u201d Will Ensure Vets Exposed To Environmental Hazards Get The Health Care Benefits They Desperately Deserve\n\nSchumer: Every Breath Our Veterans Take Is A Reminder Of Their Sacrifice; Our Vets Will Receive The Full Benefits They Deserve With The Help Of These Funds\n\nAfter months of tireless advocacy, and an all-out push standing with veterans across New York State from Rochester to Long Island to Central New York, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced $5 billion has been included in the government funding bill for the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (Honoring Our PACT Act).\n\nSpecifically, the bill allocates $5 billion for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund, which provides funding for the Honoring Our PACT Act. The PACT Act extends health coverage for veterans who were exposed to burn pit smoke and other environmental hazards that caused cancers and other illnesses during their service. Earlier this year, Schumer led the PACT Act to Senate passage after years of relentless fighting to extend healthcare coverage to tens of thousands of vets across New York to get the medical treatment they deserve.\n\n\u201cI am proud to have led the Honoring Our Pact Act to passage and to deliver this funding to extend critical care to our nation\u2019s veterans,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cTens of thousands of New York veterans, and over three and a half million vets across America, have been exposed to toxins from burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan in the line of duty, and for too long, bureaucratic rules denied them treatment for cancers, respiratory diseases, and countless other illnesses incurred while fighting for our freedom. Every breath our veterans take is a reminder of their sacrifice for our country. Funding this long overdue legislation keeps our nation\u2019s promise of taking care of our veterans and providing them the full health benefits they deserve after they put their lives and health on the line to protect our freedoms.\u201d\n\nSchumer explained that the Honoring Our PACT Act expands health care access for veterans affected by exposure to harmful substances, toxins, and other environmental hazards, including from burn pits, which put service members in Iraq and Afghanistan in proximity of airborne hazards with the open-air combustion of trash and other waste like chemicals and munitions. Toxins in burn pit smoke have been shown to potentially have long-term effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract, and internal organs, and veterans often faced a complicated disability benefit claims process at the VA to get access to the health care they needed. Schumer said this funding and legislation will help extend VA health care to the tens of thousands of toxic-exposed veterans in New York, and 3.5 million veterans nationally exposed to toxic substances during their service even if they do not have a service-connected disability.\n\nSchumer has a long history of fighting to expand healthcare coverage for veterans and fighting to deliver the treatment they deserve. In 2020, Schumer stood with Upstate New York Vietnam War veterans across the state to demand the inclusion of additional diseases to the Agent Orange presumptive conditions list. After a full court press that he launched in Upstate New York, Schumer was successfully able to secure the expansion of the list to include bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism for diseases associated with \u2018Agent Orange\u2019 exposure in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nThe Honoring Our Pact Act expands on Schumer\u2019s previous advocacy for Agent Orange exposure by further adding hypertension to the list of presumptive conditions. In addition, the bill also provides new or increased disability benefits to thousands of veterans by designating 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers as likely linked to toxic exposures related to military burn pits.\n\nDetails of the Honoring Our PACT Act, which was funded in the just-passed government funding bill can be found below:\n\nProvide Priority Group 6 health care for over 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans\n\nProvide extension of combat eligibility for health care from 5 to 10 years with a one-year open enrollment period for those veterans who missed their window.\n\nStreamline VA\u2019s review process for establishing toxic exposure presumptions\n\nConcede exposure to airborne hazards/burn pits based on locations & dates of service\n\nRequire medical exams/opinions for certain veterans with toxic exposure disability claims\n\nAdd hypertension and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance to the list of presumptions for Agent Orange exposure\n\nEstablish a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to burn pits/airborne hazards exposure\n\nCreate a presumption of exposure to radiation for veterans who participated in cleanup activities in Palomares, Spain, and Enewetak Atoll\n\nExpand Agent Orange exposure to veterans who served in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia\n\nImprove data collection between VA and the Department of Defense\n\nCommission studies related to incidents of cancer among veterans, health trends of Post 9/11 veterans and feasibility of providing healthcare to dependents of veterans\n\nRequire VA to provide standardized training to improve toxic exposure disability claims adjudications\n\nRequire VA to conduct outreach and provide resources to toxic exposed veterans\n\nResources VA with additional workforce and facilities investments to deliver these historic benefits to veterans across the country\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-44-million-in-bipartisan-spending-package-for-new-greenwich-wastewater-treatment-plant-", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $4.4 MILLION IN BIPARTISAN SPENDING PACKAGE FOR NEW GREENWICH WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand revealed that the Village of Greenwich will receive $4.4 million in funding from the omnibus funding package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The funding will be used to build a new wastewater treatment plant for the Village of Greenwich. The omnibus is expected to pass Congress and be signed into law this week.\n\nThe Village of Greenwich\u2019s wastewater treatment plant is at the end of its useful life and is in an advanced state of deterioration. Given the fact that the original manufacturer is no longer in business and replacement parts would not be available, any failure of an individual critical component could lead to a complete shutdown of the plant.\n\nThe proposed facility will have an anticipated lifespan of at least 60 years and will have built-in redundancies and room for future expansion.\n\n\u201cFor far too long the Village of Greenwich\u2019s aging wastewater treatment facility has needed serious upgrades, and I am proud to deliver this major $4.4 million federal investment to finally replace and expand the wastewater treatment plant to move this project forward without the burden having to fall on local taxpayers,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cI will always to fight tooth and nail to keep our water systems flowing, jobs growing, and New Yorkers safe and healthy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Village of Greenwich\u2019s existing wastewater treatment facility serves a key role in protecting the environment but it is nearing the end of its useful life,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cI am proud to have helped secure this $4.4 million in funding, which will enable Greenwich to build a new, modern wastewater treatment plant that will ensure our state\u2019s waterways remain clean now and into the future.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-nearly-11-million-for-syracuse-in-federal-bipartisan-funding-package-includes-25m-to-bolster-syr-airport-security-operations_to-fight-food-insecurity-and-boost-health-care-across-cny-", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $11 MILLION FOR SYRACUSE IN FEDERAL BIPARTISAN FUNDING PACKAGE; INCLUDES $2.5M TO BOLSTER SYR AIRPORT SECURITY OPERATIONS, $$$ TO FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY AND BOOST...", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are announcing that several of their priorities for Syracuse, including $2,500,000 in federal funding for security enhancements at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, were successfully passed in the final omnibus funding package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. Together, the senators secured $10.76 million for projects that will directly impact the Syracuse community. Notably, the senators secured $1.1 million to support suicide prevention efforts and $900K to center research, diagnostic expertise, clinical specialists, and medical education resources for Lyme and tick-borne disease at SUNY Upstate Medical University.\n\n\u201cFrom increasing public safety to expanding SUNY Upstate\u2019s mental health services to boosting the Food Bank of Central New York, these projects will address some of the most critical infrastructure, public health, and community needs across the greater Syracuse area,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis funding means good-paying jobs, better healthcare, clean drinking water, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and so much more. I am proud to deliver this major investment of nearly $11 million in Central New York\u2019s future.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that I was able to secure nearly $11 million in this year\u2019s funding package to invest in the future of Syracuse,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cI will remain vigilant in the Senate fighting for the resources that will help make transportation seamless, improve public safety and health, and create new jobs in Central New York. It is more important now than ever that we invest in the infrastructure that Syracuse needs to ensure that the city continues to be a fixture for economic growth in Upstate New York.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-35-million-for-twenty-two-hudson-valley-projects-secured-in-the-end-of-year-spending-bill-including-increasing-access-to-lifesaving-cancer-treatment-in-rockland-county-connecting-communities-along-the-hudson-river-boosting-crime-prevention-programs-and-kick-starting-infrastructure-projects-across-the-hudson-valley-", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $35 MILLION FOR TWENTY-TWO HUDSON VALLEY PROJECTS SECURED IN THE END-OF-YEAR SPENDING BILL; INCLUDING INCREASING ACCESS TO LIFESAVING CANCER TREATMENT IN ROCKLAND...", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today revealed that the Hudson Valley will receive $35,694,472 in community project funding from the omnibus end-of-year spending package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 for critical local projects.\n\n\u201cFrom boosting lifesaving cancer treatment at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern to connecting communities along the scenic Hudson River in Westchester and Rockland to boosting public safety in New Rochelle and finally fixing our aging water infrastructure in Middletown, these projects will address some of the most critical infrastructure, public health, and community needs across the Hudson Valley,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis funding means good-paying jobs, gun violence prevention programs, safer streets, a cleaner environment, getting lifesaving healthcare where it\u2019s needed most, and so much more. I am proud to deliver this major over $35 million investment in the Hudson Valley\u2019s future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a critical investment that will help revitalize the Hudson Valley,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cToday, we are committing to putting millions toward rebuilding our roads and sewers, improving public safety, and expanding health care access. I\u2019m proud to have fought to secure this funding and I\u2019ll work tirelessly to make sure Hudson Valley families, workers, and businesses have what they need to thrive.\u201d\n\nThe successful Community Project Funding requests are as follows:\n\nMUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES (7 Projects, $19,150,472)\n\n$5,000,000 For The Town of Orangetown To Complete Route 9W Safety Improvements At Oak Tree Road: The funding will build a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Oak Tree Road and Route 9W in Palisades, New York, where many accidents occur every year. This project was in partnership with Congressman Mondaire Jones.\n\n$4,000,000 For The Village of Ossining To Construct Its Route 9 Road Diet: The funding will design and construct a road diet to improve safety and balance the Route 9 corridor in the Village of Ossining. Earlier this year, village officials met with Senator Schumer and Congressman Jones\u2019 offices to show them the dangerous intersection leading to this successful funding request. This project was in partnership with Congressman Mondaire Jones.\n\n$3,452,972 For The City of Middletown To Make Critical Water System Improvements: This project will commence phase three of a multi-stage upgrade to the City of Middletown\u2019s water infrastructure. These funds will go towards replacing pipes from 1887 with new infrastructure and builds on the funding that Senator Schumer secured last year to expand reliable water infrastructure for Middletown residents and businesses. This project was in partnership with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.\n\n$2,797,500 For Westchester County And Scenic Hudson To Construct The Route 9-RiverWalk Transit Connector: The funding will connect Route 9 neighborhoods and businesses with the iconic Westchester RiverWalk. This ADA-compliant trail connection will provide bicycle and pedestrian access between Tarrytown Station, a multi-modal transportation hub, and homes, businesses, and jobs. This was in partnership with Congressman Mondaire Jones.\n\n$2,400,000 For The Village of New Square To Make Key Drainage And Flood Mitigation Improvements: The funding will replace storm sewers with larger diameter pipes for increased flow capacity and the ability to provide some attenuation of peak flows by providing increased storage capacity. In New Square, a densely populated urban center, flooding impacts thousands of residents and businesses in a short timeframe, creating significant health and safety hazards, a problem that this project seeks to help address. This project was in partnership with Congressman Mondaire Jones.\n\n$1,500,000 For Water Treatment Facility Improvements In The Village Of Kiryas Joel: This investment will help the village enhance its publicly-owned water treatment facility. Modernized upgrades will help the village to create cleaner and more reliable water for its residents.\n\n$1,000,000 For The Town Of Poughkeepsie\u2019s Hudson Heritage Sewer System Project: Hudson Heritage is a mixed-use development project on the 156-acre site of the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center. This funding will allow the Town of Poughkeepsie to create a waste water system at the site, entirely within a federally-designated Environmental Justice Area.\n\nHEALTHCARE, ARTS AND EDUCATION (12 Projects, $14,869,000)\n\n$2,000,000 For Good Samaritan Hospital To Construct Oncology Surgical Suite: This funding will provide Hudson Valley patients who need cancer surgery a fully-equipped and dedicated surgical oncology room with on-demand service that will offer responsive, timely cancer surgeries and will result in increased patient satisfaction as well as improved health outcomes. This funding follows Senator Schumer\u2019s personal visit to Suffern\u2019s Good Samaritan Hospital in November of 2021.\n\n$2,000,000 For Sun River Health To Build A New Urgent Care Center In Beacon: This project will renovate the Beacon Health Center in Dutchess County to significantly expand access and capacity, raise visibility, and contribute to community revitalization in downtown Beacon. The new Urgent Care Center will provide walk-in access to a full complement of primary care services, as well as radiology and labs, through expanded hours of service, including weekends, with easy linkage to a medical home for ongoing primary, preventive, behavioral and oral health care. This project was in partnership with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.\n\n$1,975,000 For Montefiore Nyack Hospital To Upgrade Critical Electrical Infrastructure: Montefiore Nyack will purchase and install two new emergency generators allowing for greater capacity for critical equipment not currently on emergency power. This includes much of the hospital cooling in patient care areas. The plan will also develop campus wide emergency power generation capacities to allow for sustained operation in the event of prolonged power failure. This funding follows multiple meetings and months of work between Senator Schumer\u2019s team and Montefiore Nyack.\n\n$1,900,000 For New York Medical College To Implement Its Equity And Compassion In Medical Education Project: This project will expand a highly specialized healthcare training facility to provide students and residents with patient encounters specifically engineered to teach and test their ability to recognize patients\u2019 issues that go deeper than the health problems they report. The project will train healthcare professionals in Westchester and Rockland to better serve diverse populations, not only with standard practices, but also systemic issues of food insecurity, sustainability, substandard housing, and resilience during community-wide emergencies This project was in partnership with Congressman Mondaire Jones.\n\n$1,600,000 For Storm King To Complete Its Entrance and Conservation Facility Renovation Project: This project will complete the renovation of the entrance and welcome facilities to the park along with the facility used for the conservation of art projects. This project will help sustain tourism and economic development in Orange County and the surrounding towns. This project was in partnership with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.\n\n$1,300,000 For Jawonio To Construct A State-Of-The-Art Behavioral Health Center: This funding will build out a new space in Rockland County for the Jawonio Behavioral Health Center where people with a mental health diagnosis and the dually diagnosed can receive holistic mental health services, achieve their recovery goals, and actively participate in their community. The program is unique as it provides integrated psychiatric rehabilitation and clinical services that promote treatment through a recovery-oriented lens. This was in partnership with Congressman Mondaire Jones.\n\n$1,000,000 For Good Samaritan Hospital To Construct Modernized Cancer Screening Endoscopy: The funding will be used to establish a modernized Cancer Screening Endoscopy suite to facilitate preventative screenings aimed at detecting cancerous growths during early treatable stages that are commonly without external symptoms. . This funding follows Senator Schumer\u2019s personal visit to Suffern\u2019s Good Samaritan Hospital in November of 2021. This was in partnership with Congressman Mondaire Jones.\n\n$1,000,000 For St. John\u2019s Riverside Hospital To Upgrade Its Emergency Department:This funding will renovate and expand the Emergency Department space at St. John\u2019s Riverside Hospital to add additional patient care space and workstations to the currently overcrowded location. This hospital primarily serves Medicaid and Medicare recipients, and the renovations will help create a safer and more effective healthcare delivery setting. This funding builds on Schumer\u2019s successful 2021 CDS request which revamped the hospital\u2019s maternity unit. This project was in partnership with Congressman Jamaal Bowman.\n\n$825,000 For New York Medical College To Launch The Women's Institute for Science Entrepreneurship (WISE): This transformative program will support female undergraduates pursuing STEM education to cultivate new scientific concepts and launch new businesses. WISE creates a multidisciplinary entrepreneurship educational opportunity for students and launches careers for alumni who will make significant differences to their communities and around the world.\n\n$537,000 For Access: Supports for Living For A Renovation & Training Facility: This will fund the renovation of the Access: Supports for Living\u2019s headquarters, creating functional, efficient space, including shared workspace used by staff working in program administration. This will allow one of Orange County\u2019s largest employers to eliminate other costly, inefficient space, and redeploy those funds into serving the community. Senator Schumer worked closely with Access to secure this funding and was honored with their Vision of Hope award last year for his efforts.\n\n$500,000 For The Westchester Residential Opportunities Aging-In-Place Home Repair Program: This funding will launch an Aging-in-Place Home Repair program, which will support aging-in-place repairs, energy efficiency, and healthy living for Westchester County\u2019s seniors. This was in partnership with Congressman Mondaire Jones.\n\n$250,000 For Riverkeeper\u2019s Water Quality Web Portal: This funding will support Riverkeeper in updating and expanding upon this nearly 10-year-old data portal, in order to better serve the public's interest in safe recreation, and inform climate-resilient water quality improvements and equitable access to the joys of outdoor recreation. Riverkeeper's Publicly Accessible Water Quality Web Portal will be a collection of unique scientific data on the presence of E.coli and Enterococcus, two fecal-indicator bacteria, in the Hudson River, New York Harbor, and many tributaries.\n\nPUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION (3 Projects, $1,675,000)\n\n$1,125,000 For Justice Innovation Inc. To Implement The New Rochelle Community Youth Violence Intervention Initiative: This funding would be used to prevent youth violence in New Rochelle. Project staff will leverage the services of local social service providers, reengage disconnected youth, support their enrollment and completion of socioemotional, educational, and economic services, and facilitate the improvement of their economic self-sufficiency, thereby improving community violence outcomes. This project was in partnership with Congressman Jamaal Bowman.\n\n$300,000 For The City Of Middletown Police Department To Upgrade Its Police Security and Technology: This project will assist with the acquisition of additional public security cameras and license plate readers, which will help with the investigation of criminal activity. This project will contribute to public safety in Middletown by providing first responders with additional tools to prevent criminal activity. This project was in partnership with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.\n\n$250,000 For The City Of New Rochelle To Make Key Upgrades To Its Youth Bureau:The funding will be used to furnish, outfit, and establish the first-ever youth-based community center in New Rochelle, to be managed by the City of New Rochelle's Department of Parks and Recreation and Youth Bureau. The community center will be located in downtown New Rochelle, where there are thousands of low- and moderate-income children and families living and working within walking distance. This funding follow\u2019s Senator Schumer\u2019s personal meeting with the New Rochelle NAACP earlier this year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-urge-fema-to-stand-ready-to-quickly-approve-disaster-declaration-for-western-new-york-and-upstate-communities-impacted-by-holiday-weekend-blizzard", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND URGE FEMA TO STAND READY TO QUICKLY APPROVE DISASTER DECLARATION FOR WESTERN NEW YORK AND UPSTATE COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY HOLIDAY WEEKEND BLIZZARD", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Senators Say Disaster Declaration Would Unlock Federal Funds for Impacted Counties Still Recovering From Double Blow Of Back To Back Winter Storms After The Record Breaking Snowvember Storm\n\nCurrent Forecasts Predict Brutal Mix Of Frigid Temperatures, Snow, Rain, And High Winds \u2013 Creating Dangerous Conditions, With Meteorologists Already Referring The Event As Potentially A \u201cOnce-In-A-Generation Storm.\u201d\n\nSchumer & Gillibrand To FEMA: Stand Ready To Approve Any Requested Aid for Western NY & Upstate Communities\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve any request from New York State for a major disaster declaration as the potential holiday weekend blizzard begins to touch down in Western NY and communities across Upstate NY. The senators said that current forecasts of snow, extremely high winds, freezing rain, and rapidly dropping temperatures creates potentially very dangerous conditions, especially around such a peak travel time due to the holiday weekend.\n\n\u201cBuffalo, Western NY and communities across New York State are expecting a rapidly intensifying blizzard and dangerous conditions as we enter the holiday weekend and it is absolutely crucial that they have resources they need to recover and weather this storm,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cFEMA needs to stand ready to swiftly approve any forthcoming requests from the state for assistance to help these communities quickly recover and endure the storm.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver the next few days, Western New Yorkers will weather dangerously low temperatures, poor travel conditions, severe storm surges, and heavy wind gusts expected to lead to widespread power outages,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cAhead of this storm of potentially historic proportions, FEMA must be prepared to immediately send any aid requested by the state in order to keep our communities safe through the storm and allow them to recover quickly from any damage.\u201d\n\nNew York State has already declared a State of Emergency for the entire State of New York in advance of a significant winter weather system forecast beginning Thursday evening and continuing through Monday, and the City of Buffalo has also issued a State of Emergency ahead of the storm.\n\nIf a disaster declaration is requested and declared, grant assistance would be made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work. After any severe storm, the first step in the declaration process is for the state to request a Preliminary Damage Assessment, during which FEMA representatives join state, local, and other officials to survey damage across storm-impacted counties to help determine whether the cost of the disaster meets the criteria for a federal disaster declaration. Schumer and Gillibrand urged FEMA to be prepared to support any requests for aid from New York State.\n\nThe Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act authorizes the president to issue \u201cmajor disaster\u201d or \u201cemergency\u201d declarations before or after catastrophes occur. The decision to issue a disaster declaration is at the discretion of the president, and must be requested by the governor of the state. These declarations unlock federal aid through FEMA that is broken into two broad areas: Individual Assistance (IA) that aids families and individuals, and Public Assistance (PA) that is mainly for emergency work such as debris removal and permanent repairs to infrastructure. When assessing the degree of PA damage, FEMA considers six factors: estimated cost of the assistance, localized impact, insurance coverage, hazard mitigation, recent disaster, and programs of other federal assistance. Regarding the cost, FEMA has certain thresholds that have to be met to qualify for PA specific to the state and the counties in question.\n\nA copy of Schumer and Gillibrand\u2019s letter appears below:\n\nDear Administrator Criswell:\n\nWe write in strong support of communities in New York ahead of what is predicted to be a \u201conce in a generation\u201d storm. We urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to stand ready, if requested, to work with affected counties and New York State to respond to the impacts of this storm and if the state requests it, to make assistance available through a pre-disaster declaration as expeditiously as possible.\n\nDays ahead of the impact, forecasters are already warning this will be an extremely powerful winter storm. The rain is expected to begin today, Thursday, with winds picking up and rain falling throughout the night. On Friday, the temperature is expected to drop significantly, causing a flash freeze across the soaked ground and possibly taking down tree limbs. The rain will transition to snow as temperatures drop, with winds expected to reduce visibility to almost nothing. Overnight, the forecast predicts the snow will be extremely heavy with wind gusts up to 65 miles per hour. This could down powerlines and place many Western New Yorkers in danger.\n\nSnow and winds are expected to continue through Saturday and Sunday, with relief not anticipated to come until Monday. As of midday on Wednesday, the National Weather Service had already issued a winter storm watch for much of Western New York, including Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties. With so many New Yorkers and visitors planning to travel ahead of the holiday weekend, we urge FEMA to stand ready to approve any pre-disaster declaration request that may come from New York State, and provide any and all assistance available to New Yorkers should the storm impact New York.\n\nWe are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has historically give in responding to disaster impacting New York State. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to approve any forthcoming requests for FEMA assistance from New York State as affected communities begin their recovery from these storms.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F5757F09-BDCF-4E24-BD30-8DE17B729ADD", "Sens. Warner & Kaine Applaud Senate Passage of Their Legislation to Designate Blue Ridge Music Center\u2019s Amphitheater After Former Rep. Rick Boucher", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement in celebration of the Senate passage of their legislation to formally designate the Blue Ridge Music Center\u2019s outdoor amphitheater the \u2018Rick Boucher Amphitheater\u2019 after former Congressman Rick Boucher. Now the legislation heads to the House of Representatives for passage before going to the President for signature.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply appreciative of Congressman Boucher\u2019s many years of public service for the people of Southwest Virginia,\u201d the Senators said. \u201cOne of his many contributions to his community was supporting the creation of this treasured music center, and the passage of this legislation helps ensure his legacy is recognized for generations to come.\u201d\n\nFormer Congressman Boucher, an Abingdon native, represented Southwest Virginia\u2019s ninth congressional district in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 2011. Rep. Boucher was an early supporter of the development of the Blue Ridge Music Center and continued to advocate for the project throughout his tenure. He also served as the Chairman of the U.S. House Energy Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet as well as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality while in Congress.\n\nLocated in Galax, VA, the Blue Ridge Music Center is home to a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater, indoor interpretive center, and museum that highlights the historical significance of the region\u2019s musical culture.\n\nOn the National Park Service\u2019s Founders Day in August, Kaine toured the center, visited the amphitheater, and performed at Midday Mountain Music.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-calls-for-accountability-from-fcc-on-broadband-mapping-and-joins-pscs-call-for-wisconsinites-to-badger-the-fcc", "Senator Baldwin Calls for Accountability from FCC on Broadband Mapping & Joins PSC\u2019s Call for Wisconsinites to \u201cBadger the FCC\u201d", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "baldwin", "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to ensure the FCC\u2019s new national broadband maps satisfy the goals of the Broadband DATA Act and provide a reliable depiction of broadband availability across the nation. The FCC\u2019s new map will help determine funding allocations under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program \u2013 the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act\u2019s historic investment to close Wisconsin\u2019s digital divide.\n\n\u201cWe have heard from constituents, state and local governments, and service providers alike of continuing concerns about the accuracy of the map, ranging from persistent issues with missing or incorrect serviceable locations to potentially overstated claims of coverage by providers,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cTo ensure the map can be used for decisions about where to direct tens of billions of dollars for broadband deployment, it is critical that these issues be examined and addressed in a systematic and thorough manner.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe recognize that these steps will require more work now in ensuring all serviceable locations are represented and in sorting through challenges as to the availability of service and to the underlying Fabric data,\u201d the senators continued. \u201cBut these processes must not be short-cut or millions of Americans in need of broadband risk being short-changed.\u201d\n\nAccurate maps are necessary to the success of the BEAD program, which is why the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin is encouraging Wisconsinites to \u201cBadger the FCC\u201d and check the accuracy of the FCC\u2019s new map. View the map at BroadbandMap.FCC.gov and visit the FCC\u2019s consumer challenge website to learn more.\n\nThe letter was led by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). Joining Senators Baldwin, Capito and Rosen in signing the letter were Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).\n\nTo ensure accountability and accuracy, the senators\u2019 letter asks the FCC to:\n\nWork with stakeholders to make sure that all serviceable locations are represented on the map.\n\nUpdate the Fabric more than twice each year.\n\nMake sure that providers are held accountable for their reports if they are found to have overreported coverage.\n\nEnsure that its crowdsourcing process works effectively and promptly in response to parties filing robust testing data regarding performance of services that are available.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Chairwoman Rosenworcel,\n\nWe write today to highlight important next steps in ensuring that the national broadband map being developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ultimately satisfies the goals of the Broadband DATA Act and provides a reliable depiction of broadband availability across the country.\n\nAs an initial matter, we appreciate the efforts of you, your colleagues on the FCC, and the FCC staff in seeking to develop a nationwide Fabric that identifies serviceable locations and in amassing data detailing the level of broadband service available to each of them. We appreciate that this has involved the creation of a new means of capturing and presenting such data, and we are pleased that the public can now view a preliminary version of the map reflecting initial location estimates and initial service coverage reports from providers.\n\nBut for all of the work done to date, as you and others have noted on multiple occasions, this is an \u201citerative\u201d process. We have heard from constituents, state and local governments, and service providers alike of continuing concerns about the accuracy of the map, ranging from persistent issues with missing or incorrect serviceable locations to potentially overstated claims of coverage by providers. To ensure the map can be used for decisions about where to direct tens of billions of dollars for broadband deployment, it is critical that these issues be examined and addressed in a systematic and thorough manner.\n\nAccountability and accuracy must be paramount moving forward. A more granular map will be of little use if there is little confidence in the results and if providers are not accountable for reporting accurately. We encourage you therefore to work with stakeholders of all kinds to make sure that all serviceable locations are in fact represented on the map, such as by making it relatively simple for adjustments to be made to the Fabric. We also recommend that the Fabric be updated more than twice each year and that such updates, especially when adding new locations, also enable the identification of the locations as served or not.\n\nSimilarly, we encourage you to make sure that providers are accountable for their reports \u2013 not just after the fact if they are found to have overreported coverage, but on the front end even prior to the map being finalized. This is especially important precisely because choices as to how billions of broadband dollars will be spent or not will turn on these claims. We therefore ask, for example, that you not allow a provider to claim coverage at locations where challengers can demonstrate they have tried to request service and been told the service is unavailable or cannot be delivered within 10 business days. Likewise, if a challenger submits robust testing data or publicly available coverage data indicating that a provider\u2019s signals cannot in fact be received at a given location as promised, this should disqualify the provider from claiming to serve that location. In addition, the Commission should ensure that its crowdsourcing process works effectively and promptly in response to parties filing robust testing data regarding performance of services that are available.\n\nWe recognize that these steps will require more work now in ensuring all serviceable locations are represented and in sorting through challenges as to the availability of service and to the underlying Fabric data. But these processes must not be short-cut or millions of Americans in need of broadband risk being short-changed.\n\nThank you again for your work thus far in developing the map and for your attention to this letter. We look forward to continuing to work with you to promote accountability on the part of reporting providers and to ensure that we are working from a map that is both granular and accurate in making responsible decisions about distributing valuable taxpayer resources for broadband deployment.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-secures-over-255-million-for-wisconsin-in-senate-appropriations-legislation", "Senator Baldwin Secures Over $255 Million for Wisconsin in Senate Appropriations Legislation", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "baldwin", "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that more than $255.7 million in congressionally directed spending for Wisconsin projects she supported has been included in the bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Senator Baldwin has spent the last year working to fund the following projects on behalf of public and nonprofit entities across Wisconsin.\n\n\u201cFor the second year in a row, I\u2019m proud to have worked in a bipartisan way to deliver direct support from Washington to Wisconsin,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cThese community driven projects will reach every corner of Wisconsin, with critical investments for roads, bridges and water infrastructure, workforce development, access to health and child care, improvements for emergency services, and so much more. By working with folks from across Wisconsin, I am proud to deliver federal support that responds to the unique needs of so many different communities.\u201d\n\nStatewide\n\nWisconsin Department of Workforce Development: $5,000,000 to create innovative career pathways in educational sectors to attract and retain more diverse talent and increase affordable access to childcare by expanding and enhancing early childhood education apprenticeship programming.\n\nWisconsin Department of Health Services: $3,140,000 in funding to support Wisconsin\u2019s implementation of the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Senator Baldwin introduced the legislation to create the nationwide 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which launched over the summer.\n\nWisconsin Technology Council: $115,000 to expand entrepreneurial reach across all regions and demographics of Wisconsin, including through regional networking and educational programming workshops for would-be entrepreneurs, with a special focus on rural communities, women and minorities.\n\nSoutheastern Wisconsin\n\nMilwaukee County: $5,000,000 to rehabilitate foreclosed properties and prioritize the sale to first-time homebuyers. This project will give these households an opportunity to become homeowners and will support the County\u2019s vision on racial equity.\n\nMilwaukee County: $2,000,000 to partner with a local opioid treatment provider to provide evidence-based, direct treatment services to underserved areas severely impacted by opioid use/abuse and overdoses within Milwaukee County via a mobile unit.\n\nMilwaukee County: $3,850,000 to purchase buses as part of the County\u2019s cleaner buses initiative and to support public transportation.\n\nCity of Milwaukee \u2013 Milwaukee Police Department: $6,000,000 to support the Milwaukee Police Department\u2019s initiative to update its current radio system infrastructure, which is reaching the end of its manufacturer-supported lifecycle. The update will improve radio interoperability with surrounding cities and counties, which is critical to responding to crime and collaborating across southeastern Wisconsin.\n\nCity of Milwaukee: $3,452,972 for the City of Milwaukee\u2019s Clean Water Initiative, in partnership with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and Wisconsin National Guard, to replace outdated water infrastructure and remove pollutants.\n\nCity of Milwaukee: $750,000 for a community wellness center at the City of Milwaukee\u2019s Westlawn Gardens Choice Neighborhood Project.\n\nMilwaukee Health Services: $2,983,000 to support infrastructure investments that promote patient and staff safety, accessibility and wellness at federally-qualified health centers in Milwaukee.\n\nNear West Side Partners: $2,350,000 for the Concordia 27 Consortium Initiative to build a new comprehensive community center in Milwaukee that will provide access to food, health and wellness education, job training, and other benefits in an area of the city struggling with high poverty and food insecurity rates. Funding will also be used to support a youth summit and healing and trauma services for adult victims of sexual abuse.\n\nMilwaukee Area Technical College: $310,000 to hire bilingual welding faculty to expand access to welding training and offer scholarships to economically disadvantaged students to gain access to welding careers.\n\nMarquette University: $799,500 for college readiness and STEM pipeline services.\n\nLocal Initiatives Support Corporation Milwaukee: $750,000 for predevelopment loans for affordable housing.\n\nWRTP Big Step: $1,500,000 for a skilled trades and manufacturing lab that will serve youth and adults in training, support and placement in family-sustaining wage careers.\n\nGerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center: $900,000 to support the build out of existing facility space within the Ignace Health Center in Milwaukee to accommodate increased patient demand for behavioral and physical health care, including to add additional child and family therapist offices, an occupational therapist office, speech pathologist office, additional clinical care areas, and behavioral health programming space.\n\nCity of Kenosha: $3,000,000 for a solar panel project at the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. The City of Kenosha is revitalizing a closed auto manufacturing facility and plans to ensure the entire site has as much sustainable and renewable energy as possible, including solar streetlights and solar lighting on the first plaza. As part of the City\u2019s commitment to maximizing renewable and sustainable energy use on the site, their plan includes utilizing solar energy for street, pedestrian and bike path lighting\n\nCity of Racine: $1,235,000 for a solar project to offset EV bus charging with renewable energy generated on-site.\n\nCity of Burlington: $880,000 for a new fire truck for City of Burlington Fire Department.\n\nCentral Wisconsin\n\nMarshfield Agricultural Research Station Dairy Facilities: $6,000,000 for expansion of the facilities at the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station in Marathon County currently used by UW-Madison and USDA researchers. This project will finish the original station plan which remains incomplete by constructing permanent office space, restrooms, facilities for 24-hour animal studies, and indoor meeting space for stakeholders and community groups.\n\nCity of Wausau: $1,667,000 to investigate, assess and implement PFAS treatment or alternative drinking water options for Wausau residents.\n\nRib Mountain Sanitary District: $1,667,000 for construction of a water treatment plant to obtain safe drinking water by removing PFAS, present in municipal supply wells.\n\nBoys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area: $500,000 for construction of a new building in Ripon offering affordable childcare and skilled trades employment training.\n\nBrandon Public Library: $473,000 to expand the current library space, which currently houses the Brandon Historical Society and museum, and make the building handicapped accessible.\n\nAdams County Fire District: $34,000 for a backup generator to ensure that citizens can continue to receive protections and services provided by the Fire District during power outages. It will be able to maintain heat and lights for the station and radio communications with emergency responding crews.\n\nSouth Central Wisconsin\n\nCity of Janesville: $5,000,000 in funding for the Woodman\u2019s Community Center, which will create a space for community members of all ages and demographics to participate in a greater range of social, recreational and physical activities and build community resiliency through improved physical, social and mental health outcomes. The WCC will serve as a public facility, conference and event venue, and tourism hub.\n\nMemorial Hospital of Lafayette County: $5,000,000 for construction of a new hospital facility.\n\nSalvation Army of Dane County: $4,000,000 to construct a new shelter facility for women and families.\n\nCity of Sun Prairie: $3,200,000 to construct a solar radiation water pollution control facility, increasing the energy efficiency and sustainability of water pollution control operations.\n\nSouthwest Health: $2,585,000 for two new high-quality childcare centers in Platteville and Richland Center.\n\nLatino Academy of Workforce Development: $2,000,000 in funding to support the Latino Academy\u2019s education and workforce training model to grow Wisconsin\u2019s truck driver workforce.\n\nCity of Madison: $1,500,000 for a solar project at the Truax Park Apartments complex on the city\u2019s northeast side, serving low-income residents. The City is seeking to install a roof-mounted system of solar panels for the benefit of tenants and the neighboring East Madison Community Center in order to lower utility costs.\n\nUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison: $1,000,000 to enable the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery to expand student-led research for new antibiotics and offer additional high-quality STEM opportunities.\n\nUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison: $1,000,000 to upgrade the University\u2019s aging helium plant, securing infrastructure needed by federal researchers on campus performing work funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Department of Agriculture, and others.\n\nVillage of Oregon \u2013 Oregon Public Library: $1,000,000 to build a new library to provide much-needed meeting space including a community room, conference room and study rooms.\n\nVillage of New Glarus: $1,000,000 to construct a new water tower for the Village of New Glarus.\n\nCity of Monroe: $825,000 to replace a fire truck to better serve and protect the city and surrounding areas.\n\nCity of Baraboo: $500,000 for construction of the Wisconsin Riverwalk and Oak Street Overlook.\n\nWestern Wisconsin\n\nArmy Corps of Engineers (Upper Mississippi River/NESP): $49,300,000 for implementation of the Navigation and Environmental Sustainability Program, which aims to improve the capacity and efficiency of the navigation system through updated lock and dam infrastructure and smaller-scale infrastructure designed to further improve the advantages of towboat and barge transportation on the Mississippi River.\n\nFort McCoy \u2013 Enlisted Barracks: $38,000,000 for Enlisted barracks at Ft. McCoy to provide a permanently constructed barracks building to house 400 Soldiers during annual training and mobilization.\n\nFort McCoy \u2013 Officer Barracks: $31,000,000 for Officer barracks at Ft. McCoy to provide a permanently constructed barracks building to house 160 Soldiers during annual training or mobilization.\n\nCity of Prairie du Chien: $4,950,000 for construction of a new Prairie du Chien Public Safety Center that will house the Prairie du Chien Police Department, Prairie du Chien Fire Department, and local EMS.\n\nCity of Viroqua: $5,250,000 to design and construct a new fire station to replace the current facility to serve as the sole base of operations for the Viroqua Fire Department. The Department provides traditional fire services, public safety services, and emergency medical response to the City of Viroqua as well as the Townships of Viroqua, Franklin, and Jefferson.\n\nCity of Viroqua: $1,223,400 for projects to support the resiliency and expanded capacity of sewer infrastructure supporting businesses, residents, and future growth\u2014including at the new Viroqua Business Park.\n\nSt. Croix Valley Food Bank: $4,319,000 for construction of a new food bank serving Western Wisconsin that will allow the organization to not only accept more fresh and healthy food, it will allow them to receive, store and distribute food to all counties in the service region of St. Croix, Pierce, Polk and Burnett Counties.\n\nVillage of Viola: $1,751,115 for construction for commercial and residential development outside the floodplain to advance Viola\u2019s economic recovery plan.\n\nCity of Eau Claire: $1,666,000 in funding for a PFAS remediation project to provide safe drinking water to residents.\n\nTown of Campbell: $1,666,000 in funding to support a new water utility system due to PFAS contamination in private drinking water wells.\n\nGunderson Tri-County Hospital: $1,000,000 to support the hospital\u2019s solar array upgrade and renovation in Whitehall, WI.\n\nBoys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley: $1,000,000 to develop a Teen Program Center.\n\nAdventHealth Durand: $916,000 to expand and modernize the ambulance bay at AdventHealth Durand to enhance patient safety, accommodate the larger modern ambulances operated by local municipalities, provide enhanced isolation for decontamination and hazardous waste cleanup and additional space for community services.\n\nRiverwood Nature Center: $950,000 for the establishment of a nature center, providing much needed community facilities, creating jobs and economic development in a rural area of western Wisconsin serving St. Croix and Polk Counties. It will provide a Visitor and Interpretive Center and a Youth & Senior Activity Center, as well as an Environmental Learning Center and additional classroom spaces.\n\nBoys & Girls Club of Barron County: $500,000 for construction of a new building in Rice Lake that will include community spaces and allow for continued programming on leadership, healthy lifestyles, the arts, fitness, and education and career.\n\nFamily and Children\u2019s Center Wisconsin: $450,000 to expand behavioral health services, including outreach, education, equipment and technology in La Crosse.\n\nNorth Eastern Wisconsin\n\nSturgeon Bay Historical Society: $3,300,000 for an agricultural museum and community gathering space at the Door County Granary. A rehabilitated Granary will further transform Sturgeon Bay\u2019s waterfront.\n\nTown of Peshtigo: $1,667,000 in funding to support installation of a new water line to provide residents living with PFAS contamination safe drinking water.\n\nCollege of Menominee Nation: $1,425,000 for purchase, renovation, and service re-design of an administrative office building in the Neopit community on the Menominee Indian Reservation. This project is essential to begin to bring more direct educational services, economic and entrepreneurial support, workforce development, and other community outreach services to an underserved area of the reservation.\n\nMenominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin: $1,326,000 to construct a new Menominee Tribal Clinic, as health needs of the community have outgrown capacity of the current facility.\n\nBoys & Girls Club of Oshkosh: $1,000,000 towards reconstruction of a new community center, which will include additional classrooms and outside green space for the use of over 1,000 children each year for the county\u2019s largest non-profit youth serving agency. The new construction will address the economic impact for the county at large by bringing as many low-income serving agencies together to work in the same facility to improve the upward mobility for low-income people. By combining services in one location, we will work to help those in poverty to increase their self-sufficiency.\n\nSister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department: $900,000 for a new fire apparatus for this volunteer fire department.\n\nArmy Corps of Engineers (Menominee River Deepening): $600,000 to continue a feasibility study of infrastructure improvements to Menominee Harbor in Marinette, WI. This project will evaluate potential improvements important to the economic future of the region. The infrastructure improvements will benefit multiple harbor users.\n\nLakes Country Public Library: $500,000 to expand the library in Lakewood, WI and upgrade technology to allow patrons access to fast, reliable, free broadband service.\n\nBrown County: $100,000 in funding to support mental health outreach by creating additional staffing capacity to conduct help underserved populations within the county access behavioral health services.\n\nNorthern Wisconsin\n\nWisconsin Department of Transportation: $7,500,000 for the Blatnik Bridge construction project in Superior, Wisconsin. The purpose of the project is to provide an interstate highway connection across the St. Louis Bay that does not restrict the movements of freight and provides local, regional, and international movement in a reliable and efficient manner. President Biden visited Superior and highlighted the Blatnik Bridge project following passage of the IIJA.\n\nLac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College: $5,000,000 for construction as part of the college\u2019s expansion project.\n\nLaona Rescue Unit: $2,093,000 for construction of a new station to allow Laona Rescue to continue to provide ambulance service to the citizens and visitors to the area.\n\nCity of Park Falls: $1,667,000 to repair and improve the aging public infrastructure of the City of Park Falls Municipal Water and Sewer utilities.\n\nAshland County: $900,000 to construct shoreline revetment to protect one of Madeline Island\u2019s widely used and most at-risk stretches of road along Lake Superior from catastrophic failure. If nothing is done to protect the road, it is estimated to fail due to erosion damages within the next ten years.\n\nDouglas County: $825,000 to construct a new bridge on County Highway W over the Nemadji River that is designed to handle larger storm events, which are occurring in Northern Wisconsin in greater magnitudes and frequencies.\n\nSenator Baldwin\u2019s office began soliciting input for appropriations requests from communities in every part of Wisconsin in early spring, working to submit requests for projects that benefit communities across the state. The Senate Appropriations Committee reviews all requests from Senators. Only those requests that comply with Committee and Senate rules and are deemed appropriate for federal support were considered for funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-beyer-lead-colleagues-in-urging-cpsc-to-address-dangerous-indoor-air-pollutions-emitted-by-gas-stoves", "Booker, Beyer Lead Colleagues in Urging CPSC to Address Dangerous Indoor Air Pollutions Emitted by Gas Stoves", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) urged Alexander Hoehn-Saric, Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to address the high level of dangerous indoor air pollutants emitted by gas stoves.\n\nReports have found that gas stoves, which are used by more than 40 million homes across the country, emit dangerous air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Without adequate ventilation, this can cause serious health risks and raise indoor air pollutants to levels that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers to be unsafe even for the outdoors.\n\n\u201cIn addition to the climate impacts, these emissions represent real health risks to millions of Americans. Both NO2 and PM2.5 are known to exacerbate respiratory conditions,\u201d wrote the members of Congress to Alexander Hoehn-Saric, Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. \u201cShort-term exposure to NO2 is linked to worsening asthma in children, and long-term exposure has been determined to likely cause the development of asthma. Both pollutants have also been linked to cardiovascular impacts and a range of other adverse health issues. Even low-level CO exposure can exacerbate cardiovascular illness among people with coronary heart disease and other vulnerable populations.\u201d\n\nThe members of Congress continued, \u201cThese emissions can create a cumulative burden to households that are already more likely to face higher exposure to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Statistics show that Black, Latino, and low-income households are more likely to experience disproportionate air pollution, either from being more likely to be located near a waste incinerator or coal ash site, or living in smaller homes with poor ventilation, malfunctioning appliances, mold, dust mites, secondhand smoke, lead dust, pests, and other maintenance deficiencies.\u201d\n\nAdditionally, the members of Congress urged that the CPSC consider taking the following actions to help protect Americans from the hazards of gas stove emissions:\n\nRequire gas stoves to be sold with range hoods that meet mandatory performance standards, assessing their efficiency of removing the pollutants,\n\nWhere feasible, issue mandatory performance standards for gas stoves that address steady-state-off leakage, including requiring automatic shut-off valves,\n\nWhere feasible, issue mandatory performance standards for gas stoves that address the health impacts of hazardous emissions,\n\nRequire labels on gas stoves that educate consumers about their exposure risks,\n\nLaunch a public education campaign on the health risks of cooking with a gas stove, and steps that consumers can take to minimize their risk.\n\nThe letter is cosigned by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernard Sanders (I-VT).\n\nThe letter is cosigned by Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Shontel M. Brown (D-OH), Mark Takano (D-CA), Alan S. Lowenthal (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Gwen S. Moore (D-WI), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), and Katie Porter (D-CA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-outline-wins-for-new-jersey-in-fy23-funding-bill", "Booker, Menendez Outline Wins for New Jersey in FY23 Funding Bill", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "The bill provides $1.7 trillion in funding, which reflects increases in both non-defense and defense spending and includes several community projects across the state\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) today voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus (H.R. 2617), a government funding bill which provides significant investments in health care, transportation, housing, and education programs. Senators Booker and Menendez also fought to secure federal funding in the bill designed exclusively for community projects across New Jersey and for an amendment to provide relief to 9/11 families and other U.S. victims of state-sponsored terrorism.\n\n\u201cThe Senate passed a bipartisan government funding bill that invests in our future, helps manage rising costs, and strengthens our economy, health, and well-being. This bill ensures our children, our families, our troops, and our veterans have access to vital services and programs. It will improve financial security through emergency savings accounts and makes significant investments in our region\u2019s infrastructure, including advancing the Gateway Program. The bill also provides critical security and humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend their democracy from Russia\u2019s invasion,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cI am disappointed we were unable to reach an agreement to restore the expanded child tax credit to provide relief for millions of American families, including our most vulnerable; to secure critically needed increases in global food aid; or to include measures to finally end the crack-powder cocaine sentencing disparity that has contributed to the explosion of mass incarceration in this country. This bill caps off one of the most productive Congresses in history. But there is still work to be done, and I look forward to working with colleagues next year to reinstate the child tax credit expansion and take steps toward building a more equitable country.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith today\u2019s passage of the FY23 funding bill, we\u2019ve been able to support many of the priorities I\u2019ve been fighting for during the 117th Congress. From securing a five-year extension of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program and an additional 200 slots for Graduate Medical Education to providing justice and relief to 9/11 families and other U.S. victims of terror and funding Puerto Rico\u2019s Medicaid program for the next five years, this spending package provides key investments for communities all over the country,\u201d said Senator Menendez. \u201cI\u2019m also pleased to have secured specific provisions for the state of New Jersey, including $181 million for individual projects and programs across the Garden State and funding for key projects like Gateway and the Army Corps of Engineers. While this bill should have included a provision paving the way for the Latino Museum to be built on the National Mall \u2013 I\u2019m proud to have voted for the package and look forward to working with my colleagues in the next Congress to advance the issues that were left behind.\u201d\n\nH.R. 2617 provides $1.7 trillion in funding, which reflects increases in both non-defense and defense spending over FY22. Overall, the 12 appropriations bills provide $772.5 billion in nondefense funding and $858 billion in defense funding, including $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and our NATO allies and $2.4 billion for states who helped resettle Ukrainian refugees.\n\nA number of legislative changes championed by Senator Booker are part of the package, including: making permanent the option that states can provide 12 months of continuous Medicaid or CHIP coverage during postpartum, an effort Sen. Booker has called for in his MOMMIES Act and temporarily secured in the American Rescue Plan; the reauthorization of the Alternative to Opioids in Emergency Departments Reauthorization Act, a Booker bill that establishes a grant program for developing and implementing alternatives to opioids for pain management in hospitals and emergency departments; Sen. Booker\u2019s Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act, which authorizes the establishment of a memorial in Washington, DC, to honor enslaved persons who were forcibly transported across the Atlantic; Sen. Booker\u2019s bipartisan Emergency Savings Act, legislation to help Americans save for unexpected expenses through workplace emergency savings accounts; an additional $50 million for community violence intervention efforts; Booker\u2019s bipartisan FDA Modernization Act that would end the outdated requirement that experimental drugs be tested on animals, instead allowing for non-animal testing when appropriate; a modified version of Sen. Booker\u2019s Right Whale Coexistence Act to establish a new federal grant program to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale; and additional funding for Small Business Administration to support entrepreneurship.\n\nSenator Menendez secured several legislative victories in the package including: a five-year extension of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, the first funding increase for this vital program in a long time; an additional 200 new graduate medical education (GME) positions to respond to the dire need for mental health professionals; and five-year funding for Puerto Rico\u2019s Medicaid with a Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) of 76%. Additionally, key provisions from Sen. Menendez\u2019s bipartisan, bicameral DIVERSE Trials Act to help improve patient access to and diversity in clinical drug and treatment trials, as well as the reauthorization of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) included in the Senator\u2019s Pursing Equity in Mental Health Act (S.1795), were also both included in the omnibus spending package.\n\nNew Jersey specific provisions include:\n\nGateway: $1.26 billion for Amtrak\u2019s Northeast Corridor, an increase of $385.5 million over FY22 levels. The bill funds the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program at $2.635 billion in total. $2.21 billion of this is for normal FY23 appropriations, and the remaining $425 million is to help existing projects, like the Portal North Bridge, offset increased costs. The bill includes a $25 million increase in funding for the Portal Bridge in New Jersey \u2013 a key component of the broader Gateway Program \u2013 as part of a pot of money secured by Sens. Menendez and Booker to support projects affected by inflation and supply chain disruptions.\n\nHoboken Rebuild by Design Project: Sens. Booker and Menendez fought to include an important extension for the Hoboken Rebuild by Design Project that will allow critical flood safety improvements to move toward completion in Hoboken, New Jersey.\n\nTeterboro Airport: The bill includes Sens. Menendez and Booker\u2019s report language prohibiting the use of funds to increase the aircraft weight restrictions at Teterboro Airport.\n\nArmy Corps of Engineers: The bill includes $37,300,000 in funding for New Jersey Army Corps projects. Sens. Menendez and Booker successfully fought to secure a critical legislative fix for the Green Brook Flood Risk Management Project that will allow for the allocation of additional funding at full federal cost share to the project, which is critical to the safety of New Jersey communities.\n\nManufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs): included in the bill (Section 3204) was partially authored by Sen. Menendez, and would create an advanced manufacturing center of excellence to help increase American manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).\n\nMore broadly, the FY23 funding bill includes investments in:\n\nEducation\n\nEarly Childhood Education:increase of $2.8 billion above the FY22 enacted level.\n\nHead Start: $12 billion for FY23, an increase of $960 million over FY22, which includes a $596 million cost-of-living adjustment for Head Start staff, and $262 million in quality improvement funding.\n\nK-12 Education: $458 billion, an increase of $2.4 billion over FY22.\n\nChild Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG): $8 billion, an increase of $960 million over the enacted FY22 level.\n\nHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): provides $396 million, an increase of $33 million above the FY22 level.\n\nHispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs):provides $271 million for HSIs including for Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans and Food and Agriculture to provide Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.\n\nTransportation & Infrastructure\n\nRoads and Bridges: $62.9 billion for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), an increase of $2.3 billion compared to FY22. Of this total, $58.765 billion is from the Highway Trust Fund to meet the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act obligations for Federal-aid highway programs and $3.418 billion from the general fund, which includes $1.145 billion to reduce the backlog of structurally deficient bridges.\n\nPublic Transportation Grants:$105 million for federal grants under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Public Transportation Security.\n\nPort Security: $100 million for federal grants under FEMA for Port Security.\n\nDisaster Relief: $803 million in emergency disaster relief for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and $213.9 million for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).\n\nInvestments in High-Poverty Areas: Included language to target federal resources to high- and persistent-poverty to more than a dozen programs within the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Treasury, and EPA. Sen. Booker leads the Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act, a bill to establish a government-wide effort to increase the share of federal dollars going to high need communities. The bill also contains new language directing the Economic Development Administration to create a plan to increase the share of investments across all EDA programs in persistent poverty counties, high-poverty areas.\n\nHealth Care\n\nMaternal Health: The bill includes $324 billion for maternal health, an increase of $120 million. The bill makes permanent the option for states to provide 12 months of postpartum coverage to pregnant individuals in Medicaid and CHIP, which is a critical step towards ensuring yearlong coverage for all pregnant people nationwide.\n\nFirefighter Cancer Registry: The bill provides $5.5 million in funding for the Firefighter Cancer Registry, a $2.5 increase from FY22. Sen. Menendez led the request for $5.5 million in funding.\n\nProstate Cancer Research:$110 million for prostate cancer research and $45 million for ovarian cancer- flat over last year.\n\nNational Institutes of Health (NIH): The bill includes $47.5 billion for the NIH, an increase of $2.5 billion.\n\nCenters for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): The bill includes $9.2 billion for the CDC, an increase of $760 million. This funding is critical to support the US response to continuing and emerging public health threats.\n\nState Opioid Response:The bill includes $1.6 billion, an increase of $50 million for states\u2019 response to the opioid pandemic. Sen. Booker\u2019s bill also authorizes the Alternative to Opioids in the Emergency Department (ALTO) Reauthorization Act, which establishes a grant program for developing and implementing alternatives to opioids for pain management in hospitals and emergency departments. Yearly funding has increased from $6 million to $8 million.\n\nPublic Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP): The bill includes $735 million, a $20 million increase over last FY\u2019s $715 million.\n\nGlobal Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria: $2 billion included, a $440 million above FY22.\n\nEnvironment\n\nEnvironmental Protection Agency: The bill provides $10.135 billion for the EPA, an increase of $576 million over the FY22 enacted level. This funding invests in core environmental programs, providing increases for EPA enforcement and compliance programs (+$72 million), clean air programs (+$32 million), water programs (+$33 million), and toxic chemical programs (+$20 million) \u2013 helping advance environmental protection and environmental justice throughout the country.\n\nOcean Programs:The bill funds the Sea Grant program at $80 million, a $4 million increase above the FY22 enacted level. Coastal Zone Management grants are funded at $81.5 million, $2.5 million above the FY22 enacted level. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is funded at $32.5 million, an increase of $2.8 million. NOAA Habitat Conservation and Restoration is funded at $56.684 million. Sens. Menendez and Booker write an appropriations letter each year requesting funding for these programs.\n\nEnergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE):The bill provides record funding for EERE at $3.46 billion, an increase of $260 million above fiscal year 2022 enacted.\n\nWater Infrastructure: The bill continues steady funding for the State Revolving Funds, including $1.126 billion for Drinking Water and $1.638 billion for Clean Water. The Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program increased by $6.1 million totaling to $75.640 million. The bill provides $27.5 million for lead contamination testing at schools and childcare centers.\n\nWild and Scenic Rivers:The bill funds the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers program at $5.3 million for fiscal year 2023, an increase of $900,000 and building on significant prior year increases that Sen. Menendez helped secure by leading the annual appropriations letter for the program.\n\nHousing, Community, and Economic Development\n\nCommunity Development Block Grant (CDBG): $3.3 billion for the CBDG to support community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities.\n\nRooftop Solar in Puerto Rico:The bill includes $1 billion to assist in the deployment of rooftop solar and energy storage systems for low-income households and households with people with disabilities in Puerto Rico. Sen. Menendez championed this effort in the Senate, which will help to increase grid resiliency in the island especially following natural disasters.\n\nChoice Neighborhoods: The bill provides $350 million for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, the same as FY22. The Choice Neighborhoods program supports locally driven strategies that address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation.\n\nPublic Housing: The bill provides a total of $8.514 billion for Public Housing, an increase of $64 million from FY22.\n\nHousing for the Elderly: The bill provides $1.075 billion for Section 202 Housing for the Elderly, including $120 million for service coordinators. Sen. Menendez led a letter requesting full funding for contract renewals and $600 million for new construction.\n\nHousing for Persons with Disabilities: The bill provides $360 million for Section 811 Housing for persons with disabilities. In total, the increases to 811 and 202 will provide housing for 2,910 new households.\n\nHousing Counseling Assistance: The bill provides $57.5 million for housing counseling assistance, unchanged from FY22.\n\nFinancial Assistance for Home Heating: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) received $5 billion, which is $1.2 billion more than in FY22. The program provides financial assistance for home heating and cooling to low-income households including those in New Jersey.\n\nDisaster Supplemental: The Disaster supplemental includes $3 billion in CDBG-DR for 2022 natural disasters, which includes funding for Puerto Rico\u2019s recovery of Hurricane Fiona. It also includes a $5 billion appropriation to the Disaster Relief Fund, which pays out for expenditures for FEMA individual assistance program. The Disaster Relief Fund also covers infrastructure repairs under FEMA\u2019s Public Assistance program.\n\nNFIP Extension: Despite Sen. Menendez\u2019s fight to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) the omnibus only extends the program until September 30, 2023.\n\nSupport for disadvantaged communities: The bill includes $800 million for RAISE Grants (formerly TIGER/BUILD), including not less than $20 million for grants to assist areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities.\n\nInclusive Zoning to Increase the Supply of Affordable Housing: The bill includes a new $85 million competitive grant program that will reward state, local, and regional jurisdictions that have made progress in improving inclusionary zoning practices, land use policies, and housing infrastructure that will ultimately increase the supply of affordable housing. Sen. Booker has been leading efforts in the Senate to expand inclusive zoning policies and has included zoning reform provisions in his legislation to address the affordable housing crisis, the HOME ACT.\n\nEnslaved Voyages Memorial: The bill includes Sen. Booker\u2019s Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act, which authorizes the establishment of a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor enslaved persons forcibly transported across the Atlantic.\n\nScience and Innovation\n\nCHIPS and Science Act:The bill provides $1.8 billion in new funding to implement the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This includes $820 million in the CJS Appropriations bill and $980 million in supplemental funding to help jumpstart the initiative. The CHIPS and Science Act sets out an ambitious goal of doubling funding for science and technology programs by 2027 to help drive U.S. economic competitiveness.\n\nNASA:The bill funds the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at $25.4 billion. This is $1.34 billion more than the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.\n\nPublic Safety and Justice\n\nCommunity Violence Intervention: The bill provides a total of $50 million for community violence intervention programs.\n\nRecidivism Reduction: The bill provides a total of $35 million for programs to reduce recidivism rates for people reentering society.\n\nReentry Programs and Research: The bill increases Second Chance Act funding from $115 million to $125 million to address a wide array of issues returning citizens face when reentering society after their time incarcerated, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, job training, and housing services.\n\nPublic Defense: The bill provides $1,382,680,000 in funds for the operation of federal defender organizations to ensure adequate representation in federal court, an increase of nearly $39 million from FY22.\n\nJudicial Training Programs: The bill provides $22 million to the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women for grants to support families within the justice system, a ten percent increase from FY22.\n\nFinancial Services and General Government\n\nCommunity Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): The bill provides $324 million for the CDFI Fund, $29 million more than FY22. Sen. Menendez led the funding support letter for the CDFI Fund requesting $331 million.\n\nSecurities and Exchange Commission (SEC): The bill provides $2.149 billion for the SEC. Sen. Menendez led the funding support letter for this amount.\n\nEmergency Savings: The bill includes Sen. Booker\u2019s bipartisan Emergency Savings Act, a bill to facilitate convenient and affordable access to workplace emergency savings accounts, improving financial security, and reducing retirement leakage.\n\nDisaster Retirement Savings: The bill includes Sen. Menendez\u2019s provision that would allow for individuals to permanently be able to withdraw up to $22,000, per Stafford-declared disaster, from an employer-sponsored retirement plan or IRA without being subject to the normal 10% early distribution tax penalty. This provision would also allow the emergency distribution to spread over a taxpayer\u2019s income over a three-year-period. This provision would be applied retroactive to January 26, 2021\u2014the expiration date of the last Stafford-declared disaster that allowed for retirement plan distributions, thus allowing for coverage for Hurricane Ida.\n\nSBA Funding: The bill provides $1.218 billion for the Small Business Administration, which is $188 million more than fiscal year 2022. That includes $320 million for Entrepreneurial Development grants, which is $30 million above the 2022 \u2013 including $140 million for Small Business Development Centers, $27 million for Women\u2019s Business Centers, and $41 million for Microloan technical assistance. It also increased funding for SBA\u2019s Growth Accelerators from $3 million to $10 million, to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. Sen. Booker leads the appropriations request and the Startup Opportunity Accelerator Act, which would authorize and scale the program.\n\nMinority Business:The bill provides $70 million for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to help minority owned businesses grow and succeed and to implement the new programs authorized in the Minority Business Development Agency Act, which passed as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This is an increase of $15 million, or 27 percent, above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.\n\nData on Child Poverty: The bill included Sen. Booker\u2019s request to create more frequent and timely measures of poverty, including child poverty. The bill also included funding to support these frequent and timely measures of material hardship, including measures focused on children and families. Currently, the U.S. Census Bureau releases poverty estimates annually and with a significant lag; further, this data can fail to capture the full scope of hardship and deprivation children and families confront. These changes will help us better understand child poverty and child wellbeing in real time.\n\nVolunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Sites: The bill provides $11 million for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program and $40 million for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which helps low- and moderate-income individuals and families nationwide comply with their tax obligations and maximize their returns and savings. That is an increase of $10 million over last year.\n\nWorker Protection Programs: The bill makes important investments in agencies that help workers receive the pay they earn; ensure that employers provide safe and healthful working conditions; and strengthen trading partner commitments to comply with labor rights under free trade agreements and preference programs. The Wage and Hour division receives $260 million, an increase of $9 million. Wage and Hour recovers wages for workers that do not receive the pay they are entitled to receive for their work, which on average amounted to $1,212 for each of the 193,349 workers assisted by the agency in 2021. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) receives $632 million, an increase of $20 million. OSHA works to ensure that employers are following the law and providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. The bill includes an increase of $25 million for the National Labor Relations Board, which administers and enforces the National Labor Relations Act and protects employee and employer rights under the law. The bill also establishes critical worker protections through the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act, a bill to provide expecting and new moms with temporary, reasonable accommodations to avoid devastating health complications and support their families and ensure they are no longer fired or forced off the job, and the PUMP For Nursing Mothers Act, a bill expanding worker protections for nursing workers, a bill which Senator Booker co-led.\n\nVeterans\n\nDepartment of Veterans Affairs: The bill provides the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and related agencies $135.2 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, as well as $168.6 billion in mandatory funding, to fulfill our obligations to our nation\u2019s veterans. This is $34 billion above fiscal year 2022 levels. This includes $118.7 billion for VA medical care in fiscal year 2023, a $21.7 billion or 22.4 percent increase over fiscal year 2022. $5 billion is included in the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund, which will be used to implement the PACT Act.\n\nWorld War II Bill: Division U of the Omnibus contains the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022. This is SVAC\u2019s end of year package which includes S. 1040, Sen. Menendez\u2019s bill to provide all veterans of World War II healthcare services through the VA.\n\nVoting Rights and Elections\n\nElectoral College Reform: The bill includes the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 to improve how elections are certified and clarify that the Vice President only plays a ceremonial role in the certification process. The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Booker, will prevent attempts such as those used by former President Trump to prevent the certification of election results.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-secures-funding-for-critical-new-jersey-projects-in-major-government-funding-bill", "Booker Secures Funding for Critical New Jersey Projects in Major Government Funding Bill", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced millions of dollars in federal funding for critical New Jersey programs, projects, and priorities he worked to secure were included in the $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill.\n\n\u201cFrom upgrading our vital infrastructure to increasing access to affordable housing, to creating and expanding health programs that promote mental health care and combat the opioid crisis, the projects funded in this bill will provide major benefits to communities across New Jersey,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThese vital projects will create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and keep New Jersey families healthy and safe. I am proud to have fought to ensure this funding was included and am grateful for the organizations, community leaders, and elected officials who are working tirelessly to advance these critical initiatives. As these projects all across our state move forward, I\u2019m excited to see the positive impact they will have on the quality of life of New Jerseyans.\u201d\n\nSenator Booker, alongside Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), were able to secure tens of millions of dollars for key community projects in cities and townships across New Jersey including Newark, Passaic, Bayonne, Paterson, Lakewood, Clayton, Cape May and Mount Holly; and for countywide projects in Burlington County, Union County and Hudson County, just to name a few.\n\nIn total, Booker secured $166.2 million in funding for 130 essential New Jersey projects and programs, detailed in the table below.\n\nFunding highlights include:\n\n$3,452,973for the Town of Parsippany-Troy Hills for the Pump Station No. 4 Sanitary Sewer Redirection Project\n\n$2,347,000for Keyport Borough for Water Main Replacement and Upgrade Project\n\n$1,200,000for Union City Police Department\u2019s Digital Trunked Radio System Replacement\n\n$1,000,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties for mentoring and student support\n\n$32,000,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for beach replenishment on Long Beach Island\n\n$10,000,000for the City of North Wildwood to extend the seawall in North Wildwood\n\n$3,550,000 for the City of Newark for the Lincoln Park restoration project\n\n$3,000,000for the South Jersey Transportation Authority for its Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) Cargo Taxiway Project\n\n$1,333,000 for the Town of Newton for First Response Communications Equipment\n\n$1,000,000for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark for Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center Construction\n\n$3,452,972for the Willingboro Municipal Utilities Authority for the Well 5A PFOS Treatment System Upgrade\n\n$1,000,000for the Inspira Health Network for the Cumberland County NJ Youth Violence Cessation Initiative\n\n$600,000for the City of Cape May to expand its Drinking Water Treatment Plant\n\n$445,000 for the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault for its Accessibility Capacity Building Project\n\n$1,000,000for the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence for services for domestic violence survivors and their families and its Legal Representation Project\n\n$1,404,800for the Rutgers University-Camden Community Partnership Centers for community and partnership centers\n\n$2,170,000for the City of Elizabeth for Replacement of Known Lead Service Lines", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-government-funding-bill-with-key-nh-priorities-secured-by-senator-hassan", "Senate Passes Government Funding Bill with Key NH Priorities Secured by Senator Hassan", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senator Maggie Hassan issued the following statement after the Senate passed the bipartisan government funding legislation, which includes key New Hampshire priorities that Senator Hassan worked to secure:\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s government funding bill includes major Granite State priorities that will lower costs for families, strengthen our response to the opioid epidemic, and help more Americans save for retirement. I\u2019m pleased that Senators on both sides of the aisle came together to pass this package, and I urge my colleagues in the House to swiftly follow suit.\u201d\n\nCritical New Hampshire priorities that Senator Hassan helped secure in the government funding bill include:\n\nCombating the Opioid Epidemic\n\nSenator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, which eliminates an outdated requirement, the \u2018x-waiver,\u2019 that limits the number of medical practitioners who can prescribe life-saving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.\n\nA measure backed by Senator Hassan to give law enforcement more flexibility to interdict fentanyl-related substances by extending the designation of fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs until December 31, 2024.\n\nProvisions from Senator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan bill to help address the severe shortage of doctors trained in addiction medicine. The government funding bill creates 200 new medical residency positions, including for addiction medicine, at teaching hospitals in New Hampshire and across the country.\n\nSupporting Veterans\n\nSenator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan bill to designate one week per year as \u201cBuddy Check Week.\u201d The bill is modeled after the American Legion\u2019s \u201cBuddy Check National Week of Calling\u201d that connects veterans to other veterans in order to better ensure that they receive the support that they need.\n\nBipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan championed to help provide surplus government computers to veterans and others who need them. Senator Hassan worked on the legislation with Digitunity, a nonprofit based in North Conway.\n\nA bipartisan measure that the Senator introduced with Thom Tillis (R-NC) to improve oversight of the VA and reduce the backlog of requests from veterans for medical and other VA military records.\n\nLowering Health Care and Home Energy Costs\n\nBipartisan measures that Senator Hassan worked on to increase access to generic and biosimilar medications, which are often less expensive than generic drugs.\n\n$4 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, a $200 million increase over last year, which will help Granite Staters with their energy costs.\n\nHelping Americans Save for Retirement\n\nBipartisan measures Senator Hassan and colleagues introduced to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement benefits, including enabling more businesses to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) and expanding tax cuts to small businesses who provide retirement benefits to their employees.\n\nIncreases retirement plan flexibility for public safety officers and improves access for military families, including provisions from bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Hassan and Collins (R-ME) to help military families save for retirement.\n\nAddressing the Housing Shortage\n\nFunding that Senator Hassan worked to secure that will help with the construction of thousands of new rental units and houses.\n\nStrengthening Maternal Health and Child Care Support\n\nThe bipartisan TRIUMPH Act, which Senator Hassan introduced with Senator Tillis, that creates a federal taskforce and national strategy to improve maternal mental health outcomes and expand mental health resources for new mothers.\n\nA critical measure that Senator Hassan pushed for to ensure that for the first time, every child in America who qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP will now be guaranteed at least one year of continuous health coverage.\n\nExtension of a measure, which Senator Hassan supported, that ensures that states can provide a full year of postpartum coverage for mothers on Medicaid and CHIP.\n\nIncreased funding for Child Care and Development Block grants, a measure that Senator Hassan pushed for, which will expand affordable child care to more families in New Hampshire and across the country.\n\nExtending Access to Affordable Telehealth Services\n\nA measure Senator Hassan pushed for that extends coverage of Medicare telehealth services through 2024, ensuring that more patients, especially in rural communities, get the care that they need.\n\nStrengthening Support for Rural Students\n\nDoubling funding for a program that supports rural students, including college prep and career pathway programs in rural communities.\n\nFunding Key Bipartisan Legislation\n\nCritical funding to implement key bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan helped pass into law, including the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and PACT Act that addresses veterans\u2019 toxic exposure.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hassan-and-portmans-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-national-security-by-preparing-for-quantum-cybersecurity-risks", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Senators Hassan and Portman\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen National Security by Preparing for Quantum Cybersecurity Risks", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The President has signed into law Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Senator Rob Portman\u2019s (R-OH) bipartisan Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act. The law will strengthen national security by preparing the federal government\u2019s defenses against quantum-computing-enabled data breaches. As quantum computers, including those being developed by our adversaries, continue to get more powerful and more widely available, federal agencies must proactively work to ensure that federal cybersecurity protections remain up to date.\n\n\u201cTo strengthen our national security, it is essential that we address potential vulnerabilities in our cybersecurity systems, including new threats presented by quantum computing,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cThis law will help ensure that our federal government is ready to defend our country against data breaches that could be exploited by quantum computing. I was glad to work with members of both parties to get this law across the finish line, and I will continue working to strengthen our county\u2019s cyber defenses.\u201d\n\n\u201cQuantum computing will provide for huge advances in computing power, but it will also create new cybersecurity challenges,\u201d said Ranking Member Portman. \u201cI\u2019m proud our bipartisan legislation to require the government to inventory its cryptographic systems, determine which are most at risk from quantum computing, and upgrade those systems accordingly is now law of the land.\u201d\n\nThe Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act would:\n\nRequire the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to prioritize the acquisition and migration of federal agencies\u2019 information technology to post-quantum cryptography;\n\nInstruct OMB to create guidance for federal agencies to assess critical systems one year after the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issues planned post-quantum cryptography standards;\n\nDirect OMB to send an annual report to Congress that includes a strategy on how to address post-quantum cryptography risks, the funding that might be necessary, and an analysis on whole-of-government coordination and migration to post-quantum cryptography standards and information technology.\n\nSenator Hassan is leading efforts in Congress to invest in quantum research, which is critical to national security and the economy. Senators Hassan and John Thune\u2019s (R-SD) measure to encourage quantum research efforts was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. Senators Hassan and Thune also previously introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen national security by advancing U.S. capabilities in quantum networking and establishing a more comprehensive approach to workforce development in this field. In addition, Senator Hassan previously joined the New Hampshire congressional delegation in announcing $2.76 million in federal funding for Dartmouth College to support its quantum genome mapping project.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-secures-nearly-450-million-for-hawaii-in-federal-spending-bill", "Hirono Secures Nearly $450 Million for Hawaii in Federal Spending Bill", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2023 government spending bill, which includes nearly $450 million in earmarks, known as Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), she secured for nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Hawaii. Senator Hirono secured CDS funding for projects in every county in Hawaii, including military construction projects, community health organizations, projects to support Native Hawaiian communities, and more. The spending bill passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29, and now heads to the House, where it is expected to pass and be sent to President Biden to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThis funding bill invests in our communities, our country, and our national defense,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have secured nearly $450 million in federal funding for projects across Hawaii as part of this bill. From protecting our environment, to strengthening our state\u2019s emergency management capabilities, to supporting community health organizations and more, these projects will benefit people and communities across our state. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law and these funds put to good use for the people of Hawaii.\u201d\n\nA full list of the projects for which Senator Hirono secured CDS funding is below.\n\nSchofield Barracks - $111,000,000\n\nTo construct standard design Company Operations Facilities for four companies and Troop Aid Station.\n\nJoint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam - $103,350,000\n\nTo construct three box magazines for ordnance storage and improve perimeter security.\n\nMarine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) - $87,900,000\n\nTo provide the required enlisted personnel housing units to accommodate personnel stationed at MCBH.\n\nFort Shafter - $38,000,000\n\nTo provide a Potable Water System for Hawaii\u2019s Tripler Army Medical Center and for antiterrorism protection measures to enhance potable water system resiliency and security.\n\nFort Shafter - $33,000,000\n\nTo construct two potable water wells and one above ground water storage tank, and to replace infrastructure to increase well production, water storage capacity, and improve potable water quality.\n\nJoint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam - $20,000,000\n\nTo plan and design a Waterfront Production Facility that will bring light industrial productive capacity and shipboard worker services closer to the drydocks in a permanent and modern facility.\n\nCounty of Hawaii - $13,000,000\n\nTo provide facilities at Hilo Memorial Hospital for necessary community services.\n\nUniversity of Hawaii (UH), UH Cancer Center - $6,500,000\n\nTo support the construction of a new Early Phase Clinical Research Center (EPCRC) at the UH Cancer Center\u2019s Kakaako campus (Oahu), which will provide Hawaii\u2019s cancer patients and families with access to novel clinical trials that are currently only available on the U.S. mainland.\n\nKauai County Housing Agency - $5,000,000\n\nTo provide infrastructure for housing development in Hanapepe, Ele'ele, and Port Allen on Kauai.\n\nCity and County of Honolulu - $3,538,000\n\nTo provide stable, affordable housing to those with mental illness.\n\nHoahu Energy Cooperative Molokai - $3,000,000\n\nTo construct a solar power and battery energy storage system on Molokai that will be the first community-led, community-owned energy project on the island, displacing diesel generation.\n\nUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa - $2,250,000\n\nTo establish the Shoreline Equity and Adaptation Hub (SEA Hub) to understand shoreline communities\u2019 needs and develop equitable solutions to the challenge of adapting to sea level rise.\n\nDepartment of Water Supply, County of Hawaii - $2,080,000\n\nTo construct a deep well at a location that reduces the infrastructure required to bring high quality drinking water to the North Kona water system.\n\nMaikai Health Corporation, Hawaii Island - $2,000,000\n\nTo support the construction of a comprehensive health center site to provide a wide spectrum of out-patient services, including several that are not currently offered in the community.\n\nWaimanalo Health Center, Oahu - $2,000,000\n\nTo support the construction of an expansion facility that would provide oral health, vision, health promotion and disease prevention, cultural healing, and other comprehensive health services to the Waimanalo community.\n\nMaui County and Kauai County - $1,500,000\n\nTo prevent the extinction of Hawaii\u2019s critically endangered native forest birds by focusing on developing/scaling a new intervention to suppress invasive mosquitoes and reduce avian malaria infections for Hawaii\u2019s native forest birds.\n\nCounty of Maui - $1,400,000\n\nTo provide a new emergency operations center and security operations center with electrical, technological, audiovisual and security systems, and provide redundant power and communications systems.\n\nDaniel K. Inouye US Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center - $1,215,000\n\nTo complete the facility\u2019s solar panel installation and roof design, and install a sidewalk for the insectary.\n\nDepartment of Public Works, County of Kauai - $1,200,000\n\nTo engineer and inspect the Wailua\u2014Kapaa sewer system serving as a prerequisite to sewer system expansion, ensuring system reliability to conform with State legislation to replace all cesspools in the state by 2050.\n\nAha Punana Leo (APL) - $1,126,000\n\nTo support the reaccreditation of Aha Punana Leo\u2019s (APL) statewide Hawaiian language medium early childhood education programs, providing for another 13-year indigenous early learning accreditation and allowing APL to seek mainstream recognition of this accreditation within the state of Hawaii.\n\nYWCA Hawaii Island - $1,102,000\n\nTo support an initiative to demonstrate the feasibility of breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma by healing trauma caused by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among new parents with multiple ACEs, and providing support to enable them to provide an ACE-free childhood for their young children.\n\nThe Nature Conservancy - $1,000,000\n\nTo empower local communities across Hawaii to co-manage coastal resources in partnership with NOAA, the State Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to restore healthy reefs and nearshore fisheries.\n\nDivision of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii - $1,000,000\n\nTo purchase equipment necessary to locate and remove species that prey on endangered plants and animals in priority areas.\n\nUniversity of Hawaii, Office of Indigenous Innovation - $1,000,000\n\nTo support the creation of an Indigenous Data Science Sector Development Initiative (IDSSDI), which would address the need for diversification of Hawaii\u2019s economy through the restoration of Indigenous agencies.\n\nHawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) - $850,000\n\nTo implement a collaborative effort to establish selected invasive pest-free areas for nursery production across Hawaii and implement post-harvest sanitization methods to reduce presence of regulatory pests on nursery products entering export markets.\n\nSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - $800,000\n\nTo renovate and repair facilities used to educate and engage with the community on Hawaiian bird conservation.\n\nKumano I Ke Ala o Makaweli, Kauai - $796,000\n\nTo support the development of K-12 school curriculum focused on natural resource management, traditional Hawaiian language and agriculture, and food production.\n\nMalama Aina Foundation - $765,000\n\nTo install 150 planter boxes at 50 K-12 schools and community organizations to provide full-scale, culturally-integrated agricultural K-12 STEM education for low-income students in underserved areas on Hawaii Island and Oahu.\n\nCity and County of Honolulu - $679,000\n\nTo take a cost-effective, resilient approach to managing storm water impacts by installing two types of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) to replace damaged and aging hardened storm drainage structures in the urban Honolulu area.\n\nParents and Children Together, Oahu - $550,000\n\nTo provide funding for afterschool and other out-of-school-time services (e.g., homework health, afterschool meals) for children and youth living in, and adjacent to, the Kuhio Park Terrace (Kalihi) and Puuwai Momi (Aiea) public housing communities.\n\nHale Kipa, Oahu - $500,000\n\nTo increase the community of parent leaders in Hawaii, create a parent leadership support group, and provide parent specific support through skill building, leadership, and coaching; will establish a community based behavioral health clinic and assessment center, offering individual parenting skill and parent leadership classes to the community at large.\n\nMalama Kauai - $492,000\n\nTo construct a food hub facility to serve the surrounding community.\n\nSusannah Wesley Community Center, Oahu - $325,000\n\nTo convene representatives from various Native Hawaiian organizations to develop a strategy to increase intervention and prevention efforts related to the sexual exploitation of Native Hawaiian children, and develop culturally appropriate human trafficking awareness training curricula and materials for stakeholder groups within the Native Hawaiian community, including parents, youth (ages 12-18), schools, and healthcare practitioners.\n\nKalamapii PLAY School, Hawaii Island - $197,000\n\nTo create a pilot program serving 70 preschool-aged students in Hilo, Hawaii that combines therapy with preschool play to focus on collective learning and recovery from trauma.\n\nThe Legal Clinic, Oahu - $120,000\n\nTo offer immigration law internships for Hawaii-based law students and training for legal practitioners culminating in a Criminal Immigration Seminar in the fall of 2023.\n\nDepartment of Water Supply, County of Hawaii - $80,000\n\nTo replace large, under-registering meters to customers that use significant amounts of water, resulting in proper billing to customers and providing accurate data to reduce water loss.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-hirono-bill-to-study-designating-kaena-point-a-national-heritage-area", "House Passes Hirono Bill to Study Designating Kaena Point a National Heritage Area", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Heritage Area Act, which includes the Kaena Point National Heritage Area Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) to study designating Kaena Point on Oahu as a National Heritage Area, by a vote of 326-95. The legislation would require the Department of the Interior (DOI) to study the feasibility of designating Kaena Point, on Oahu, as a National Heritage Area. The National Heritage Area Act, S. 1942, passed the Senate unanimously earlier this week and now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cKaena Point offers one of the last glimpses of undisturbed coastline in Hawaii and is home to numerous cultural, historical, and natural resources,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cA National Heritage Area designation would bring much-needed federal support to maintain and manage Kaena Point, as well as protect the native and endangered species that inhabit the site. This bill will help preserve this precious ecosystem and ensure it can be appreciated for years to come.\u201d\n\nThe Kaena Point National Heritage Area Actdirects the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with state and local stakeholders, to study the possibility of designating Kaena Point as a National Heritage Area. It requires the study to be completed within 3 years and that upon completion the Secretary submit a report to Congress on the findings. The bill is supported by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Representative Ed Case introduced the companion Kaena Point National Heritage Area Act, H.R. 1908, which passed the House of Representatives in March.\n\nA National Heritage Area designation would unlock federal resources to help elevate public awareness of Kaena Point and enhance management activities to protect cultural and natural resources for future generations. Kaena Point is currently managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and includes the second-most visited park on Oahu\u2014Kaena Point State Park. The State Park also serves as a gateway to the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, which was established over 30 years ago to help preserve one of the last intact dune ecosystems in Hawaii. The coastal ecosystems and nearshore waters at Kaena Point offer critical habitat to numerous endemic and endangered species.\n\nThe full text of the National Heritage Act can be found here.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Hirono has championed legislation to protect Hawaii\u2019s environment, fish, wildlife, and plants. In September, she introduced legislation authorizing $55 million in federal funding over the next eleven years to support ongoing efforts to help combat Rapid Ohia Death in Hawaii. At a ENR subcommittee hearing, Senator Hirono delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of the Kaena Point National Heritage Area Act, legislation she introduced earlier this year to study the feasibility of designating Kaena Point as a National Heritage Area.\n\nThis past March, Senator Hirono introduced a bipartisan resolution designating April 2022 as \u201cNational Native Plant Month,\u201d recognizing the importance of native plants to environmental conservation and restoration, as well as in supporting a diversity of wildlife. In April 2021, she also announced that the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District was one of the projects to receive federal funding to boost biodiversity and support wildlife habitats. Earlier that year, Senator Hirono joined the other members of the Hawaii delegation in introducing legislation to assess the potential for Hawaii lands to be declared a national forest.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-applauds-funding-for-connecticut-priorities-support-for-mental-health-electoral-count-reform-act-gun-violence-prevention-in-fy23-omnibus-appropriations-bill-passed-by-senate-today", "Murphy Applauds Funding For Connecticut Priorities, Support For Mental Health, Electoral Count Reform Act, Gun Violence Prevention In Fy23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed By Senate Today", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Murphy Applauds Funding For Connecticut Priorities, Support For Mental Health, Electoral Count Reform Act, Gun Violence Prevention In Fy23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed By Senate Today\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, on Wednesday released the following statement after U.S. Senate passage of the fiscal year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which will support Connecticut priorities, make investments in gun violence prevention, increase access to mental health care, fund programs for under-resourced communities, promote national security, and make important reforms to the Electoral Count Act of 1887.\n\n\u201cPart of my job on the Appropriations Committee is making sure the budget we write funds Connecticut priorities. On top of the $236 million for local projects in Connecticut, this budget makes major investments in upgrading the Northeast Corridor, combating gun violence, supporting schools and under-resourced communities, and giving Connecticut manufacturers a major boost. It also includes my legislation to ensure the Housatonic River and the Highlands are protected for generations to come. This bill includes bipartisan mental health legislation I authored with a Republican colleague \u2013 reauthorizing and expanding many of the programs we created in 2016 \u2013 and also sends a clear signal that the United States remains steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine, who have spent the last ten months at war,\u201d said Murphy.\n\nMurphy added: \u201cI\u2019m also proud to have helped write the bipartisan legislation included in this bill that will reform the archaic process Congress uses to certify presidential elections and safeguard against future attempts to overturn the results of a fair election. Reforming the electoral count process won\u2019t protect American democracy from all the threats we face, but it will help restore faith in our elections.\u201d\n\nMurphy, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, released a statement on the fiscal year 2023 Homeland Security bill. Murphy and Blumenthal applauded inclusion of $236 million for community-based projects in Connecticut, including over $100 million for 99 projects requested by Murphy and Blumenthal.\n\nSome highlights of the omnibus appropriations bill:\n\nUpgrading the Northeast Corridor: Building upon the $30 billion for the Northeast Corridor in the bipartisan infrastructure law, Murphy supported the inclusion of more funding to modernize rail in Connecticut, including:\n\n$1.86 billion in funding opportunities to help modernize the Northeast Corridor, including:\n\n$1.26 billion for Amtrak improvements and operations on the Northeast Corridor.\n\n$100 million for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, to support major capital projects.\n\nNearly $500 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program to fund projects that improve safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger rail.\n\nConserving Open Space and Protecting Small Farms in Connecticut: To protect more of Connecticut\u2019s natural beauty and small farms, Murphy secured the following:\n\nPassage of the Housatonic Wild and Scenic River Act which designates 41 miles of the Housatonic River as Wild and Scenic. Proposed by Murphy, this designation will make federal resources available to protect the river and to support recreation.\n\nPassage of the Highlands Conservation Reauthorization Act, proposed by Murphy, to reauthorize the Highlands Conservation Act through fiscal year 2028. This reauthorization extends protections and provides $10 million to conserve 3.5 million acres of land in CT, NJ, PA, and NY.\n\nNew funding for agriculture disaster aid, which Senator Murphy advocated for in order to assist forage farmers who cannot access traditional crop insurance or disaster aid programs.\n\n$7 million for the Acer Access and Development Program, which provides grants to maple syrup producers in Connecticut.\n\n$918 million for the Natural Resource Conservation Service to support on-farm conservation, water quality, and soil health projects.\n\nProtecting Retirement Savings: More and more, private equity firms looking to turn a quick profit are buying pension liabilities, transferring them to riskier investments, and removing important protections for pensioners and their retirement savings. To protect retirees from greedy corporations playing games with their pensions, Murphy secured the inclusion of his Pension Risk Transfer Accountability Act, which directs the U.S. Department of Labor, for the first time in almost thirty years, to review existing protections and guidance and to report its findings to Congress.\n\nProtecting Long Island Sound: The Long Island Sound is a multi-trillion dollar asset to Connecticut, and Murphy secured the inclusion of federal funding to protect and support the health of the Sound, including:\n\n$40.2 million to improve water quality, restore coastal habitats, and protect shoreline in Long Island Sound. This is an $8.6 million increase from last year and comes on top of the $106 million over five years that was allocated for this program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\n$6.35 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an increase of $323.9 million over last year, which includes funding for a number of programs that protect Connecticut coastlines and help manage our fisheries. The bill also includes an additional $657 million for disaster funding at NOAA that can support address the impacts of natural disasters on our coasts and fisheries. This includes the following increases Senator Murphy championed:\n\n$32.5 million for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), a $2.8 million increase from last year. This account will fund the newly created NERRS in Southeastern Connecticut that Senator Murphy helped create and open earlier this year.\n\n$19 million for NOAA aquaculture research, a $1 million increase from last year, that will help support the work of Milford Lab.\n\n$80 million \u2013 a $4 million increase \u2013 for the National Sea Grant College Program and $14 million for Sea Grant Aquaculture Research.\n\nCombating Gun Violence: Murphy successfully fought to secure funding for gun violence prevention efforts, including:\n\n$50 million for a Community-based Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program at the Department of Justice. This is on top of the $250 million over five years that Senator Murphy secured for this work in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.\n\n$25 million for gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health.\n\n$125 million for the FBI\u2019s operation of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This is on top of the $100 million that Senator Murphy secured for NICS in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.\n\n$95 million for grants to states to upload criminal and mental health records to NICS on top of the $200 million for the same purposes in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.\n\nInvesting in Mental Health: Murphy, a leader in the Senate on expanding access to mental health care, supported the inclusion of:\n\n$191.1 million for the Employee Benefits Security Administration, an increase of $5.6 million from FY22, to strengthen oversight over mental health parity laws.\n\n$1.01 billion for Mental Health Block Grants, a $150 million increase over FY22.\n\n$25 million for Graduate Psychology Education, a $5 million increase over FY22.\n\n$55.877 million for Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration.\n\nSupporting Under-Resourced Communities: Murphy supported the inclusion of federal funding to support historically under-resourced communities and address education, economic, and health disparities, including:\n\n$18.4 billion for Title I Grants, an increase of $850 million over last year, to help school districts that serve a significant number of students living in poverty.\n\n$15.2 billion for IDEA Part B State Grants, representing an increase of $904 million over last year, to help schools provide services to students with disabilities.\n\n$20.3 billion for early childhood education programs, representing an increase of $2.8 billion over last year, which includes $12 billion for Head Start (an increase of $960 million), $8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (an increase of $1.85 billion), and $315 million for Preschool Development Grants (an increase of $25 million).\n\nRaising the maximum Pell Grant award by $500 to $7,395, which represents the largest increase in more than a decade to help low-income students afford postsecondary education.\n\n$129 million for the Magnet School Assistance Program, a $15 million increase, to support the creation of diverse and high-quality magnet schools.\n\n$1.3 billion for Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, a $40 million increase, to support the creation of community learning centers that provide after-school and summer enrichment opportunities for students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.\n\n$1.4 billion for Title IV-A Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants, in addition to the $1 billion provided in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, to provide all students with a well-rounded education and support safe and inclusive school climates.\n\n$8 million to the CDC to address health disparities and inequities around the Social Determinants of Health.\n\n$19.516 million for SAMHSA\u2019s Minority Fellowship Program to help expand the number of racial and ethnic minorities in the behavioral health workforce, an increase of $3.347 million over FY22.\n\n$400 million for Juvenile Justice program at the Department of Justice, a $40 million increase from last year.\n\n$560 million for the Legal Service Corporation, a $71 million increase over last year. The bill also includes $20 million to provide emergency legal aid in the wake of recent natural disasters.\n\n$30.2 billion for Tenant-based Rental Assistance to continue to serve very low- and extremely low-income households nationwide and $14.9 billion for Project-based Rental Assistance, an increase of $1 billion above FY22.\n\n$1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which will lead to the construction of nearly 10,000 new rental and homebuyer units.\n\n$3.63 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, an increase of $420 million above FY22.\n\n$14.1 billion for the Social Security Administration\u2019s administrative expenses, an increase of $785 million over FY22\u2014the largest increase in more than a decade. This supports the administration of Social Security benefits for over 70 million Americans, including processing over 8 million retirement and disability claims annually.\n\nPartnering with Connecticut\u2019s Defense Manufacturers: Murphy supported federal funding that will benefit Connecticut\u2019s defense and manufacturing industries, including:\n\n$4.5 billion for full funding for two Virginia Class fast attack submarines.\n\n$3.1 billion for full funding for the Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine\n\n$1.8 billion in additional funding for the F-35 program to restore nineteen total aircraft.\n\n$1.7 billion in additional funding for sixteen C-130J aircraft, to modernize 2 Air National Guard operational units.\n\n$570 million for ten additional Combat Rescue Helicopters to restore production to a total of twenty aircraft, in line with the previous year\u2019s plan.\n\n$273 million for ten additional UH-60M aircraft for the Army National Guard.\n\n$250 million for two additional CH-53K heavy lift aircraft.\n\n$220.4 million for the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program.\n\n$200 million for additional funding for F135 engine spares.\n\n$60 million in additional funding for C-130H 8-Bladed Propeller Upgrade (NP2000).\n\n$25 million in additional funding for Academic Partnerships for Submarine & Undersea Vehicle Research & Manufacturing.\n\n$20 million in additional funding for Small Satellite Tech.\n\n$20 million in additional funding for Versatile Rotary Engine Systems.\n\n$15 million in additional funding for Digital Enterprise Technology for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle.\n\n$13 million in additional funding for laser metal deposition powder for turbine engine component restoration.\n\n$10 million in additional funding for Multi-Mission Helicopter Upgrade Development.\n\n$9.5 million in additional funding for Emergency Power and Cooling Technology Demonstration.\n\n$8.5 million in additional funding for Precision maneuvering units.\n\n$8 million in additional funding for Deployable Surveillance Systems: Deep Water Active.\n\n$4 million in additional funding for Lunar Surface Based Situational Awareness Network.\n\n$5 million in additional funding for laser peening of jet engines.\n\n$3 million in additional funding for Next Generation Digital Design and Manufacturing for U.S. Army Combat Vehicles.\n\n$3 million in additional funding for Innovative Biomaterials for Combat Wound Care.\n\nSending Aid to Ukraine: Murphy, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, supported $45 billion in funding for the people of Ukraine, bringing the total amount of emergency supplemental funding for Ukraine to $112.3 billion since Russia\u2019s invasion in February. The new funding in the Omnibus Appropriations bill includes:\n\n$11.9 billion to replenish U.S. military equipment provided to Ukraine.\n\n$9.3 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to bolster the Ukrainian military.\n\n$6.98 billion for U.S. European Command operations in support of Ukraine and NATO Allies.\n\n$13.37 billion in economic assistance, including budgetary support for the Government of Ukraine.\n\n$2.47 billion in humanitarian assistance, including funding for emergency food assistance and health care, as well as support for refugees fleeing Ukraine and other vulnerable populations.\n\n$2.4 billion to support the resettlement and other support services for Ukrainian arrivals and refugees through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.\n\n$166 million for the Department of State and USAID in support of their response to the situation in Ukraine.\n\n$126.3 million to prepare for and respond to potential nuclear and radiological incidents in Ukraine.\n\n$50 million for USAID\u2019s Food for Peace program.\n\n$13.5 million for the Department of State and USAID Inspector General, $6 million for the Department of Defense Inspector General, and $7.5 million for the Government Accountability Office to conduct oversight and end-use monitoring of equipment sent to Ukraine.\n\nSupporting the People of Puerto Rico: The funding package includes historic investments to support the people of Puerto Rico, by:\n\nExtending the increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Puerto Rico through the end of 2027 at 76%, which will help Puerto Rico avert its Medicaid funding cliff. This would permit the largest-ever allocations to Puerto Rico\u2019s Medicaid program in history.\n\nProviding additional funding for disaster relief and preparedness, including $1 billion to help rebuild Puerto Rico\u2019s energy grid.\n\nPromoting Progressive Foreign Policy and National Security: Murphy also supported the inclusion of funding to support global health and climate change mitigation efforts, invest in the Development Finance Corporation, and provide increased assistance to important allies and strategic priorities. The bill includes:\n\n$1 billion for the Development Finance Corporation to invest in development overseas, an increase of $302 million over FY22.\n\n$2 billion to address the climate crisis and other environmental issues.\n\n$10.5 billion to invest in global health and the prevention of future pandemics, an increase of $670 million from FY22. This includes $900 million for global health security, a $200 million increase from FY22, to support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria.\n\n$1.51 billion for International Security Cooperation Programs, a $200 million increase from FY22.\n\n$500 million for Israeli cooperative research and development programs, a $200 increase from FY22, including modernization of Israel\u2019s Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense Program and Arrow-3.\n\nIncreased assistance for Ukraine, Lebanon, and the West Bank and Gaza.\n\n$225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, an increase of $69.5 million, and an additional $153 million for security cooperation programs, with a particular focus on critical European allies in light of Russia\u2019s continued aggression.\n\nImplementing Billy\u2019s Law: Murphy secured $3.6 million for the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, an increase of nearly $1 million from last year. NAMUS is a federally run clearinghouse for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-announce-236-million-in-funding-for-connecticut-projects-in-omnibus-appropriations-bill", "Murphy, Blumenthal Announce $236 Million in Funding for Connecticut Projects in Omnibus Appropriations Bill", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Murphy, Blumenthal Announce $236 Million in Funding for Connecticut Projects in Omnibus Appropriations Bill\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Wednesday announced the inclusion of more than $236 million in the fiscal year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate today. The bill, once passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed into law by President Biden, will fund 99 congressionally directed spending projects requested by Murphy and Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cThis was the year of getting things done for Connecticut, and I\u2019m so proud that we are bringing home $236 million more for community-based projects in our state. This funding will help reduce gun violence in our communities, support small businesses and workforce development, improve water infrastructure, increase access to mental health services, and ensure the resiliency of our coastline communities. These investments are the result of thousands of conversations I\u2019ve had with people across Connecticut, and they\u2019re going to have a real positive impact on our communities,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cThese targeted specific grants are a fantastic new year win for our state. Connecticut can now count on hundreds of millions of dollars for our most urgent needs\u2014from reducing gun violence to increasing affordable housing to providing critical mental health services. This infusion of funds will be transformative for our state\u2019s economic growth and quality of life. Think of them as smart, strategic investments, producing major dividends in health, education, roads, bridges and more. These projects will undoubtedly strengthen our communities and I am proud to have worked alongside Senator Murphy to deliver these invaluable investments to Connecticut,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\nIn the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, there is more than $102 million for Connecticut projects, including:\n\n$12 million the Connecticut Department of Transportation to support track speed improvements on the New Haven Line as part of their TIME for CT project\n\n$7 million to expand and improve the Shoreline Greenway Trail in New Haven\n\n$5 million for construction to realign Lafayette Circle in Bridgeport\n\n$1.4 million to replacement of 10 signals at critical locations on state and local routes within Waterbury\u2019s downtown\n\n$3.4 million for design and construction of a multi-use path, sidewalk, and three pedestrian bridges in Oxford on Route 67\n\n$2 million for the City of New London to support ongoing construction of a Community & Recreation Center\n\n$2 million for the Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County to construct affordable housing in Bridgeport\n\n$420,000 for the Waterbury Housing Authority to complete the demolition of blighted structures in the West Grove St. area as they work towards constructing affordable housing in that area\n\n$4.5 million for Hall Neighborhood House to construct a new wing at its site in the East Side of Bridgeport\n\n$98,000 for Community Renewal Team to renovate bathrooms at a family shelter in East Hartford\n\n$642,000 for Chrysalis Center for renovations at veterans housing facilities in Rockville and Vernon\n\nIn the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, there is $48,582 million for Connecticut workforce development, health, and education projects, including:\n\n$204,000 for 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm for workforce development summer programming for students with disabilities\n\n$54,000 for CCARC, Inc. for job training programs that serve individuals with disabilities\n\n$76,000 Youth Business Initiative, Inc. for funding for middle school career and life skills programs\n\n$200,000 for the City of Bridgeport to support the modernization and transition of the Bridgeport Health Department record management system\n\n$200,000 for the City of Bridgeport to support the modernization of the IT system in the communicable disease clinic\n\n$1,500,000 for the City of Hartford for the sexually transmitted infection clinic\n\n$100,000 for Community Child Guidance Clinic to replace the roof at its mental health center and a therapeutic day school\n\n$1,800,000 for Connecticut Children's Medical Center for a perinatal care center\n\n$255,000 for Connecticut Counseling Centers Inc. for a food prescription program in the Danbury area\n\n$630,000 for Continuum of Care, Inc. for renovations at a veterans residential PTSD treatment program\n\n$2,000,000 for Cure Rare Disease to support the renovation of laboratory space that is used for research into rare diseases\n\n$1,800,000 for InterCommunity, Inc. to expand a primary and behavioral health care facility in Hartford\n\n$500,000 for Keystone House Inc. for renovations at three group homes for adults with a mental health diagnosis\n\n$350,000 for LifeBridge Community Services, Inc. for an elevator replacement\n\n$175,000 for MARC of Manchester for facilities and equipment improvements\n\n$325,000 for McCall Foundation, Inc. for renovations at an intermediate residential treatment program\n\n$1,000,000 for Optimus Health Care, Inc. for renovations at a federally qualified health center\n\n$207,000 for Reliance Health, Inc. for renovations at nine mental health facilities in Eastern Connecticut\n\n$43,000 for The Connection, Inc. to support renovations to a residential substance-use treatment center\n\n$1,100,000 for The Village for Families and Children for facilities renovations\n\n$980,000 for Wheeler Clinic, Inc. for a new health care facility in Bristol\n\n$100,000 for YWCA Greenwich Sexual Assault Services for the design of a new program space\n\n$1,500,000 for Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery to support five recovery community centers\n\n$200,000 for The Connection, Inc. for mental health, substance use, and behavioral health services training\n\n$1,122,000 for The Governor's Prevention Partnership to train community and youth leaders in substance use prevention\n\n$25,000 for The Greater Bridgeport Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. for youth mental health programming, including equipment\n\n$100,000 for Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse Inc. for recreational programming and support for low income families\n\n$216,000 for Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence for a therapy support program for children affected by domestic violence\n\n$462,000 for Fairfield County\u2019s Community Foundation for economic inequality and mobility research\n\n$50,000 for Saint Joseph Parenting Center in Stamford for services for families and children at risk of child abuse and neglect\n\n$1,050,000 for United Way of Western Connecticut for a nutrition services program\n\n$2,000,000 for the Bridgeport Board of Education for in-person and virtual library programs, including purchase of books, materials and virtual library resources\n\n$730,000 for East Hartford Public Schools for the Manufacturing Academy and Internship program, including purchase of equipment\n\n$305,000 for the Hartford Public Library for educational programs for immigrant, refugee and English learner students\n\n$100,000 for Hartford Stage to expand arts-based summer education programming\n\n$218,000 for NAFI Connecticut, Inc. for a career readiness initiative\n\n$150,000 for New Haven Reads Community Book Bank for Structured Literacy programming\n\n$125,000 for Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership for social-emotional learning initiative within Bridgeport Public Schools\n\n$361,000 for SoundWaters, Inc. for after-school and extracurricular programming\n\n$259,000 for Waterbury Public Schools to improve wireless access and connections\n\n$326,000 for the University of New Haven for the Center for Consumer Protection and Cybersecurity Project\n\nIn the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, there is $18,345,000 million for Connecticut projects including:\n\n$3 million for the City of Bridgeport Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) for design of the West Side Wastewater Treatment Plant Project\n\n$1.6 million for the Torrington Water Pollution Control Authority for resiliency upgrades at Harris Drive Pump Station\n\n$2.5 million for the Metropolitan District Commission for to construct of a new water transmission main to supply drinking water to East Hartford, South Windsor, Glastonbury, and Portland\n\n$500,000 for the City of Bridgeport to restore the Perry Memorial Arch\n\n$1.2 million for the School Hill Water Association to connect 31 homes and 87 residents to the Connecticut water system\n\n$280,000 for two awards to Save the Sound to construct green storm water infrastructure in Hamden town center and in Bridgeport\n\n$200,000 for the Town of Monroe for replacement of Monroe\u2019s Senior Center septic tank\n\n$1.6 million for two awards to the Norwich Public Utilities that will complete a sewer gravity pipe lining project and an emergency water interconnection between Groton and Norwich water systems\n\n$300,000 for the Antiquarian and Landmarks Society for Restoration & Interpretation for renovations at Nathan Hale Homestead\n\n$111,000 for the Mystic Seaport Museum to restore the 1866 National Historic Landmark Vessel Emma C. Berry\n\n$192,000 for two awards to the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments for a tree canopy assessment and regional open space inventory\n\n$154,000 for Groundwork Bridgeport to support a urban forestry project\n\n$3.363 million for two awards to the South Central Regional Water Authority for HVAC and electrical improvements at Lake Gaillard Water Treatment Plan and a generator replacement at a well treatment facility in Seymour\n\nIn the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, there is $11.962 million for Connecticut priorities including:\n\n$656,000 to support improvements at the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection State Interagency Coordination Center\n\n$1.025 million for the City of Hartford for a flood mitigation project\n\n$742,000 for the City of Bridgeport for a community flood scoping project\n\n$708,000 for the Town of Old Lyme for an emergency operations center\n\nIn the Agriculture Appropriations bill, there is $6.236 million in funding for Connecticut, including:\n\n$2.53 million for the Town of Winchester help replace an old public works garage\n\n$2.75 million for the Town of East Windsor to renovate the East Windsor Scout Hall Youth Center and streamline town services for seniors and low-income residents\n\n$206,000 for the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station to monitor tick populations and tick-borne pathogens\n\nIn the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, there is $6.175 million to support Connecticut small businesses, including:\n\n$2 million for the Women's Business Development Council to fund staffing and new offices that allow the organization to expand its programming to more women-owned businesses in Connecticut\n\n$550,000 for Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development Area to create a Connecticut Veteran Farmer Educational Resource Hub\n\n$400,000 for CLiCK Inc. to make infrastructure improvements at their food hub in Willimantic\n\n$1 million for Connecticut Historical Society to digitize tens of thousands of records from the American revolution\n\nIn the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, there is $35.244 million for Connecticut projects, including:\n\n$2.39 million for Greenwave to launch the Connecticut Kelp Innovation Center\n\n$650,000 for the Sea Research Foundation to establish the Blue Economy Career Development Center\n\n$2.218 million for the City of New London to purchase new emergency communications equipment\n\n$500,000 for the City of Bridgeport to purchase forensic technology\n\n$930,000 for the City of Waterbury to support its Real-Time Crime and Pandemic Center\n\n$152,000 for two awards to the Town of Bloomfield to upgrade to police car cruiser cameras and purchase equipment for its police training room\n\n$250,000 for the City of Stamford to purchase training equipment for a Regional Police Academy\n\n$850,000 for the Town of Winchester to purchase new radios for police and emergency services\n\n$237,000 for Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership to support ongoing work to reduce gun violence in Bridgeport\n\n$67,000 for Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut to support firearm safety and reduce gun violence in New Haven area and across Connecticut\n\n$1 million for the University of New Haven to support its Community-Based Gun Violence Reduction Project\n\nIn the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, there is $8.145 million for Connecticut, including $2.48 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to make water infrastructure improvements across the state:\n\n$380,000 for USACE operations and maintenance work in Branford Harbor\n\n$500,000 for USACE operations and maintenance work in Guilford Harbor\n\n$600,000 for USACE operations and maintenance work in Stony Creek Harbor\n\n$1 million for the Town of Madison to make energy efficiency upgrades at an emergency shelter\n\n$1.9 million to for the Town of Manchester to support energy efficiency upgrades at two public schools in\n\n$2 million for the City of Stamford to upgrade the network of inefficient, high-pressure sodium-based streetlights to energy-saving LEDs streetlights\n\n$165,000 for Children's Community Development Center to install solar panels that will provide electricity to three childcare centers in Westport\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-applaud-senate-approval-of-sara-bronins-nomination-to-serve-as-advisory-council-on-historic-preservation", "Murphy, Blumenthal Applaud Senate Approval of Sara Bronin's Nomination to Serve as Chair of Advisory Council on Historic Preservation", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) applauded Senate confirmation of Sara Bronin\u2019s nomination to chair the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.\n\n\u201cSara Bronin is an architect, attorney, and nationally-recognized expert on historic preservation \u2013 there is no one better suited to serve as chair of this council. I\u2019m proud of the work she\u2019s done to advance equity in Connecticut and the city of Hartford, and I\u2019m confident she will bring the same expertise and passion to this new role. I\u2019m thrilled to see her confirmed by the full Senate,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cSara Bronin\u2019s extraordinary expertise and experience as a preservation advocate and steward will make her an outstanding chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cHer commitment to this vital cause is demonstrated convincingly by her championing vulnerable community assets across Connecticut. In this new role, she will take this work to a national level.\u201d\n\nAs chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Bronin will lead the agency in addressing policy issues, directing program initiatives, and making recommendations regarding historic preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation\u2019s diverse historic resources to the President, Congress, and heads of other federal agencies.\n\nLast September, Blumenthal and Murphy introduced Bronin before her Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing.\n\nSara Bronin is a Mexican-American architect, attorney, professor, and policymaker whose interdisciplinary work focuses on how law and policy can foster more equitable, sustainable, well-designed, and connected places. She is a Professor of the Cornell College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, an Associated Faculty Member of the Cornell Law School, and a Faculty Fellow of the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability. Bronin is also an elected member of the American Law Institute and leads the research team behind the groundbreaking Connecticut Zoning Atlas, the first interactive GIS map of all of the zoning regulations in a single state.\n\nBronin is a board member of Latinos in Heritage Conservation, an advisor for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Sustainable Development Code, and the founder of Desegregate Connecticut, a coalition that successfully advanced the first major statewide zoning reforms in several decades. Previously, she chaired Preservation Connecticut, served on the city of Hartford historic preservation commission, and led Hartford\u2019s nationally-recognized efforts to adopt a climate action plan and city plan, and to overhaul the zoning code. Bronin holds a J.D. from Yale Law School (Harry S Truman Scholarship), M.Sc. from the University of Oxford (Rhodes Scholarship), and B.Architecture/B.A. from the University of Texas. While in law school, she clerked for then-Judge Sonia Sotomayor on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-major-wins-for-michigan-helps-senate-pass-government-funding-bill", "Peters Secures Major Wins for Michigan, Helps Senate Pass Government Funding Bill", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today helped the Senate pass an essential bipartisan government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2023. Peters successfully secured funding in the legislation for dozens of high-impact public local projects in Michigan that can benefit from federal assistance. Peters also supported or led provisions to protect the Great Lakes, support our veterans and troops, address PFAS contamination, fund the CHIPS and Science Act, bolster Michigan manufacturing, protect houses of worship, and keep investing in the bipartisan infrastructure law, among other priorities. This legislation now heads to the House of Representatives where it is anticipated to be passed quickly prior to being sent to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThere is no doubt that this government funding bill makes needed investments to improve the lives of Michiganders across our state,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cIt includes federal resources for dozens of local high-impact public projects in Michigan that I fought for, which will meet the needs of Michigan communities and address the issues that matter most to them. I\u2019m also proud to have supported and secured efforts that will help protect the Great Lakes, invest in key workforce training, education and manufacturing programs, upgrade our infrastructure, and support Michigan\u2019s defense footprint.\u201d\n\nPeters supported or led the following key provisions on issues important to Michiganders:\n\nProtecting the Great Lakes and Improving Water Quality in the Region\n\nGreat Lakes: The bill includes $368 million to support the efforts of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This funding will be used to combat the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including invasive species, harmful algal blooms and loss of fish and wildlife habitats.\n\nProtect Against Asian Carp: The bill includes $47.9 million for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project, which was supported by Peters in the Water Resources Development Act. This funding will be used to initiate construction on the project, which is critical to preventing the further spread of invasive Asian carp. The bill also invests $14.3 million for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier at Des Plaines River, which is a key control mechanism for protecting the Great Lakes from invasive Asian carp.\n\nAddressing PFAS Contamination: Peters has pushed for continued efforts to address PFAS contamination. The bill includes $5 million for the Department of Agriculture to support efforts to address PFAS contamination in agriculture. It also includes $2.7 million for the U.S. Geological Service to conduct research on the transmission of PFAS substances in watersheds and aquifers, and $2 million for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to continue their work on PFAS and other contaminants of concern.\n\nRemoving Lead from Drinking Water: The bill includes $30.5 million for the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) lead testing in schools program, $25 million for its efforts to reduce lead in drinking water, and $7 million to support its work to improve drinking water infrastructure resilience and sustainability.\n\nStrengthening Michigan\u2019s Economy and Infrastructure\n\nContinued Investment in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: The bill includes $62.9 billion for the Federal Highway Administration. Part of this funding will meet the bipartisan infrastructure law\u2019s obligations for federal-aid highway programs and the remaining funding will be used to reduce the backlog of structurally deficient bridges.\n\nCHIPS and Science Act: The bill includes $1.8 billion in new funding to implement the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. Peters helped author and pass the bill, which includes a provision he and Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) secured to boost the auto sector\u2019s manufacturing of semiconductor chips.\n\nSupporting Michigan Manufacturing: Peters helped secure $188 million for Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) like Michigan\u2019s Manufacturing Technology Center. MEPs like the Center provide technical assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers on business operations, advanced technologies, workforce and skills development, cybersecurity and more. Over the past year, Michigan\u2019s MEP has created over $78 million in new sales, generated $46 million in cost savings, and created and retained over 4,000 Michigan jobs.\n\nThe bill also includes Peters\u2019 bipartisan Manufacturing.gov Act, which would establish a single coordinated online portal to assist manufacturers in accessing available federal programs, grants and services. This will help small and medium-sized Michigan manufacturers access programs and information to help them grow their business, accelerate technology improvements, and bolster their workforce.\n\nWorkforce Training And Development: The bill includes $2.9 billion for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act State grants. It also provides $285 million for Registered Apprenticeships. This investment in workforce development activities is expected to increase employment, retention, earnings and occupational skill attainment.\n\nCommunity Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: The bill provides $324 million for the CDFI Fund to promote economic and community development in low-income communities, an increase of $29 million over fiscal year 2022. These funds support a variety of projects in low-income and underserved communities from proposals that bring grocery stores to communities with no healthy food alternatives to investments in low-income housing. Peters has long supported CDFIs and their impact in local communities and is a member of the bipartisan CDFI Caucus.\n\nEmployee Stock Ownership Plans: The bill includes the bipartisan Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) Fairness Act, which Peters served as a cosponsor on and would allow many small businesses to offer ESOPs to their employees.\n\nInvesting in Our National Defense & Security and Supporting Servicemembers & Veterans\n\nInvesting in Michigan\u2019s Defense: Peters secured $16 million for Camp Grayling and $23 million for Northern Strike. Earlier this year, Peters welcomed U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth to Camp Grayling and U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to Alpena\u2019s Combat Readiness Training Center \u2013 key parts of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. While there, Peters, Secretary Wormuth, and Secretary Kendall viewed the current operational capabilities of the bases, observed an annual joint training exercise hosted by the Michigan National Guard \u2013 Exercise Northern Strike \u2013 and discussed how Michigan\u2019s military facilities are critical to our nation\u2019s defense.\n\nPay Raise for Troops: The bill fully funds a 4.6 percent pay raise for our troops, which Peters helped authorize during his support of the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nSupporting Our Veterans: The bill includes $5 billion for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund, which provides additional funding to implement the landmark PACT Act that expands eligibility for health care services and benefits to veterans with conditions related to toxic exposure during their service. Following the passage of the PACT Act, Peters held events across Michigan to raise awareness about these new benefits for veterans and their families.\n\nSafeguarding Houses of Worship: Peters secured $305 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program for houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations that want to secure their facilities against potential attacks. Grants can be used to harden facilities, promote emergency preparedness training, and strengthen security coordination between communities, emergency responders and state and local government agencies. In 2022, $8.4 million in grant funding was awarded to nonprofits and faith-based organizations across Michigan. Peters joined his colleagues in calling for the program to receive robust funding last week.\n\nSupport for Ukraine: The bill includes $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine, including for equipment, security assistance, and other humanitarian and economic assistance.\n\nProtecting Against Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems: The legislation includes a short-term extension of authorities for the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to counter threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones. Peters helped secure this extension and will continue pushinghis bipartisan legislation to expand these authorities and provide increased resources to federal agencies who are charged with protecting the public from this evolving threat.\n\nIdentifying Vulnerabilities in Medical Supply Chains: Peters helped secure a provision, based onhis bipartisan bill, that will help increase visibility into our medical supply chain and provide the Food and Drug Administration with a clearer picture of foreign-made medical products. The provision builds off of findings from Peters\u2019 2019 report, A Price Too High: Cost, Supply, and Security Threats to Affordable Prescription Drugs, that identified vulnerabilities in our nation\u2019s medical supply chain and provided recommendations to address growing shortages of critical drugs and national security concerns related to our nation\u2019s dependence on foreign sources for these products.\n\nOther Priorities Supported by Peters\n\nEnsuring a Fair and Accurate Census: The package includes $1.4 billion in funding that Peters helped secure for the U.S. Census Bureau to prepare for the 2030 Census. Robust and steady funding for census operations will help ensure that every community is counted. The legislation also includes a provision that Peters secured to push the Bureau to expand programs that help address 2020 Census undercounts \u2013 such as those in Detroit. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which Peters chairs, is responsible for conducting oversight of the U.S. Census Bureau. Peters convened a hearing in downtown Detroit on the 2020 Census and its impacts on local communities.\n\nPROSWIFT Act: The bill includes $1.75 million for Space Weather Research to Operations, including the development of a space weather testbed, as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) implementation of Peters\u2019 bill, the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow (PROSWIFT) Act.\n\nElectoral Count Reform: The bill includes the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, legislation that Peters cosponsored. The legislation would take several steps to modernize the Electoral Count Act of 1887, including by clarifying the role of the Vice President and raising the threshold to lodge an objection to a state\u2019s electors \u2013 which would help safeguard our democracy and prevent another January 6th type effort to overturn the election results.\n\nThe bill also includes funding secured by Peters for high-impact public local projects in Michigan that can benefit from federal assistance, including to improve public safety, upgrade and build more resilient infrastructure and strengthen skills training programs. For a full list of projects Peters supported that were included in the bill, click here.\n\nRebuilding Our Roads, Transportation and Community Infrastructure\n\nMound Road/Detroit Arsenal Connector Project: The Mound Road/Detroit Arsenal Connector Project is located on 5 miles of the 8-lane Mound Road Industrial Corridor in the Cities of Warren and Sterling Heights. The $2.5 million in federal funds would be used for planning and final design of the project \u2013 which will strengthen a corridor that\u2019s home to the Detroit Arsenal, GM Tech Center, BAE, GDLS, as well as Stellantis and Ford plants up and down the corridor and a massive supply base and supporting industry.\n\nBrown, Giddings, Silverbell Roads \u2013 Orion Township Industrial Corridor: The Road Commission for Oakland County will receive $1 million in funding to help rehabilitate, reconstruct, and resurface Brown Road from Jamm Road to Giddings Road; Giddings Road from Brown Road to Silverbell Road; and Silverbell Road from Giddings Road to M-24. This project will complement the work being done at General Motor\u2019s Orion plant in the area, which is converting for the production of full-size electric vehicle pickups.\n\nGerald Ford International Airport: Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids will receive $5 million towards the design and eventual replacement of its Air Traffic Control Tower. This will improve safety, efficiency, and capacity at Michigan\u2019s second-largest airport.\n\nJoe Louis Greenway: The City of Detroit will receive $1.38 million towards the Joe Louis Greenway West Chicago Connector, which will significantly expand the region\u2019s bicycle and pedestrian connectivity from Belle Isle to Island Park, across the Detroit River to Windsor, Ontario and to existing and future trails stretching across the state.\n\nBay County Health and Human Services Complex: Bay County will receive $2 million to support the development of a new community-based health center that will bolster health and human services through integrated efforts.\n\nBuilding More Resilient and Sustainable Water Infrastructure\n\nMidland County Flood Plain Reconnection and Enhancement Project: The County of Midland will receive $55,000 to help Midland improve stormwater drainage and allow stormwater to flow into formerly disconnected floodplains. Doing so would not only help the county prepare against future flooding \u2013 but could also help it continue to recover after the 2020 dam failure that resulted in catastrophic flooding and property damage.\n\nMarquette County's K.I. Sawyer Clean and Safe Water Initiative: $1.5 million in funding would be used to assist Marquette County in properly managing and disposing of approximately two million gallons of PFAS-contaminated wastewater, which is in the area after Air Force\u2019s previous use. Proper management and disposal of the contaminated sludge will allow additional capacity of the treatment plant which will support planned business expansions and additional jobs.\n\nCity of Benton Harbor Water System Improvements: $800,000 in funding would be used to make necessary improvements to the City of Benton Harbor water system, especially after elevated levels of lead were detected in the water system.\n\nMichigan Combined Sewer Overflows: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would receive $6 million for a project in Lansing, Michigan. The funding would be used to facilitate separation of four blocks of combined sewers along two streets in downtown Lansing, including replacement of other underground facilities and the road surface above the sewers.\n\nOscoda Charter Township for Water Distribution System for Potable Water: Oscoda Township will receive $3 million in funding to provide safe, potable water/sewers/roadways for residential, commercial, industrial, and public use areas throughout Oscoda Charter Township. This project will help remediate the impacts that PFAS contamination has had in the Oscoda area \u2013 including for residents around the former Wurtsmith Air Force base.\n\nCity of Hamtramck Water System Improvements: The bill includes $3.4 million in funding that will be used to support the City of Hamtramck in replacing lead service lines in the city.\n\nCity of Midland Sylvan Pump Station Detention Basin Project: The bill includes $1 million in funding to support the City of Midland\u2019s planned Sylvan Pump Station Detention Basin project, which will benefit a sizable number of residents.\n\nCriminal Justice and Building Trust Between Communities & Law Enforcement\n\nClinton Township Police Social Worker: The bill includes $675,000 to supplement Clinton Township\u2019s existing police department with a social worker, who would offer assistance and expertise when the police are called upon to assist in mental health matters.\n\nDetroit Police Department Body Worn Cameras: The bill includes $1 million in funding that will support the purchase of new body worn cameras (BWCs) for the Detroit Police Department, replacing current BWCs with new devices that have updated camera equipment, storage capacity and global positioning systems.\n\nNorthern Michigan Law Enforcement Training Group Capital Improvement Plan: The bill includes $1 million in funding to support the Northern Michigan Law Enforcement Training Group\u2019s Capital Improvement Plan.\n\nExpanding Opportunities for Education, Skills Training, and Workforce Development\n\nGRCC Center for Automation: The $998,000 in funding would be used to create a state-of-the-art, fully automated training laboratory at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). The lab will serve as a training hub for students pursuing careers in the high-demand fields of advanced manufacturing and automation and will allow for upskilling for those already working in the field who need advanced credentials for promotion. This builds on GRCC\u2019s extensive workforce training programs and is geared towards the future of manufacturing in Michigan.\n\nNorth Central College: North Central College will receive $2 million for the Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) Complex to scale the school\u2019s Nursing, Allied Health, and Skilled Trades programs.\n\nSt. Clair County Community College: St. Clair County Community College will receive $955,000 for the acquisition of interactive equipment which students use to engage in STEM learning at the Challenger Learning Center.\n\nWashtenaw Community College: Washtenaw Community College will receive $2.5 million to support the development of the Electric Battery Technician & Electric Charging Station Maintenance Curriculum/Lab Project. This skills training program will address workforce needs in the movement to electrification.\n\nWayne-Westland Community Schools District: Wayne-Westland Community Schools District will receive $3.5 million to renovate and repurpose a vacant school building, Marshall Upper Elementary School, into a recreation and community center that will provide early childhood learning, STEM programming, senior services and other community and family services for residents.\n\nWayne County Community College: Wayne County Community College will receive $330,000 to support the creation of a mobility certification program focused on Automotive Electrification and Testing.\n\nMott Community College: Mott Community College will receive $650,000 in funding to support the purchase of equipment to improve educational opportunities for in-demand jobs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-bill-to-support-native-hawaiian-language-schools-and-programs-set-to-become-law", "Schatz Bill To Support Native Hawaiian Language Schools And Programs Set To Become Law", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Native American Language Resource Center Act. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, will bolster Native American language schools and programs with coordinated, experienced support. The bill now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cAs we have seen in Hawai\u2018i, Native speaker-led language programs have proven that culturally based instruction is key to revitalizing and maintaining indigenous knowledge and traditions,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThe Native American Language Resource Center will build on this grassroots momentum to support Native American language schools and programs by providing them with the resources they need to continue to thrive.\u201d\n\nThe Native American Languages Resource Center will comprise a consortium of institutions housed at multiple locations throughout the country, reflecting the geographic diversity of Native American languages, cultures, and communities. It will support Native language students at all levels of learning, act as a central nexus for Native American language schools and programs across the nation, and provide additional resources to enhance distance learning capacity.\n\nThe bill is supported by the National Congress of American Indians, National Indian Education Association, National Coalition of Native American Language Schools and Programs, Joint National Committee for Languages \u2013 National Council for Languages and International Studies, and the Hawaiian Language Renormalization Committee.\n\nIn addition to the Native American Language Resource Center Act, Schatz\u2019s Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act is also set to become law. The bipartisan bill named after Durbin Feeling, a renowned Cherokee linguist and Vietnam veteran who passed away on August 19, 2020, will review and make recommendations to improve federal agencies\u2019 coordination in support of Native American languages. It would also authorize a federal survey of Native language use and programmatic needs every five years.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-federal-funding-for-hawaii-continues-to-increase", "Schatz: Federal Funding For Hawai\u2018i Continues To Increase", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. Senate passed the annual government funding bill which will increase federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai\u2018i. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), worked with his colleagues on the committee to successfully secure new and increased federal funding for Hawai\u2018i\u2019s priorities.\n\n\u201cWe continue to see big increases in federal funding for Hawai\u2018i. This appropriations bill will give our state funding to grow our local economy, improve roads and public transit, protect our environment, and strengthen housing, education, and health care programs,\u201d said Senator Schatz, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.\n\nThe bill provides new funding for the Honolulu Rail Project and to defuel and shut down the Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility. It also will increase funding for transportation, housing, and clean energy projects, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. The bill also includes more than a half a billion dollars in new earmark funding secured by Senator Schatz \u2013 more than double the amount he delivered to Hawai\u2018i last year.\n\nThe bill is expected to pass the House of Representatives and be signed into law by the president by the end of the week.\n\nFUNDING HIGHLIGHTS FOR HAWAI\u2018I:\n\nRed Hill Recovery Fund \u2013 $1 billion, new funding. The Red Hill Recovery Fund will enable the Navy and Joint Task Force Red Hill to effectively defuel and shut down the Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility. The leak that contaminated the Navy\u2019s public water system and neighboring communities affected thousands of residents. This funding will aim to also support the DoD\u2019s ability to comply with the standards set in place by the State of Hawai\u2018i Department of Health (HDOH) which include the necessary oversight and improvements required to ensure that the facility is successfully defueled and closed. The Red Hill Recovery Fund will support ongoing environmental monitoring and health remediation efforts and provide the resources required to enable the DoD to responsibly close the facility by approved timelines as set forth by HDOH.\n\nRed Hill Water Treatment Facility \u2013 $25 million, new funding. This funding allows the Navy to conduct initial planning and design activities to explore the feasibility of a potential water treatment and distribution facility, if necessary, for the Red Hill shaft.\n\nNative Hawaiian Education \u2013 $46 million, a $7 million increase from last year, which includes $10 million set aside for facility construction, renovation, and modernization. This funding supports programs that strengthen Native Hawaiian culture, improve levels of educational attainment, and enhance family and community involvement in education. Senator Schatz included a provision to allow funds to be used for construction, renovation, and modernization of public schools that predominantly serve Native Hawaiian students.\n\nNative Hawaiian Health Care \u2013 $27 million, a $5 million increase from last year. Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, as part of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, provide critical access to health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care services for thousands of Native Hawaiians. This funding will support five health centers on Hawai\u2018i Island, Kaua\u2018i, Moloka\u2018i, Maui, and O\u2018ahu, and Papa Ola Lokahi.\n\nNative Hawaiian Housing \u2013 $22.3 million. As Chairman of both the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing, Senator Schatz worked to secure funding for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program, which provides financial assistance for Native Hawaiian families to obtain new homes, make renovations, build community facilities, and receive housing services, including counseling, financial literacy and other critical resources to address housing disparities. This year\u2019s funding level preserves last year\u2019s historic $20.3 million increase from the status quo.\n\nNative Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence \u2013 $2 million, a $1 million increase from last year. The Domestic Violence Resource Network, funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will establish a new state resource center dedicated to reducing disparities and strengthening domestic violence intervention and prevention efforts for Native Hawaiians.\n\nAffordable Housing and Community Development \u2013 $72.1 billion (nationwide), a $6.5 billion increase over last year. As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, Senator Schatz fought to secure the Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) funding, which includes Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, Project-Based Vouchers, Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing, Public Housing, and Housing for Persons with AIDS. Funding also includes:\n\n$6 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program which provides funding for economic and community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income households.\n\n$85 million in new funding for the Yes In My Backyard Incentive Grant Program. This funding, part of the overall CDBG amount, establishes a new federal grant program to reward state, local, and regional jurisdictions that adopt land-use policies that will ultimately increase the supply of affordable housing.\n\nBus and Transit \u2013 $16.7 billion (nationwide). This funding is distributed among states and counties for the operation and capital costs associated with public transit systems, including the Maui Bus, TheBus, Kaua\u2018i Bus, Hele-On Bus, and TheHandi-Van fleets. This amount also includes competitive grant funding. As part of the overall amount, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit is receiving nearly $64 million to speed the completion of the light rail project.\n\nEnergy Transitions Initiative \u2013 $15 million, a $5 million increase from last year. This program helps remote and island communities design their own clean energy and resilience solutions to address high energy costs and reliability issues, with help from world-class U.S. Department of Energy experts. In 2022, the program gave awards to the University of Hawai\u2018i and Hui o Hau\u2018ula, a community organization on O\u2018ahu. In 2021, the program gave awards to Kaua\u2018i and Honolulu. $15 million in funding increases the size of the program by 50 percent, and report language directs the Department of Energy to support stakeholder engagement and capacity building through regional project partner organizations, including the Hawai\u2018i Natural Energy Institute.\n\nHighway and Transportation \u2013 $62.9 billion (nationwide), a $2.3 billion increase over last year. This funding is distributed to states for highway maintenance and new construction of bridges, roads, and bike and pedestrian paths.\n\nKane?ohe Pali \u2013 $1.8 million, new funding. This funding from the Forest Legacy Program will go towards efforts to protect and preserve the Kane?ohe Pali, including a priority watershed and one of the largest traditional Hawaiian agricultural complexes on O\u2018ahu.\n\nMaunawili Valley \u2013 $1.3 million, new funding. This funding from the Forest Legacy Program will go towards efforts to protect and preserve the Maunawili Valley, including the largest wetland in Hawai\u2018i and many historic and cultural sites.\n\nHaleakala National Park \u2013 $12.9 million, new funding. This funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund will help support projects at Haleakala National Park.\n\nHaleakala National Park, Hawai\u2018i Volcanoes National Park, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park \u2013 $30.5 million, new funding. Funding from the Legacy Restoration Fund for rehabilitation of fences to protect park resources at Haleakala National Park, Hawai\u2018i Volcanoes National Park, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park.\n\nFarm to School Grant Program \u2013 $14 million, a $2 million increase from last year. Funding supports farm to school activities, which increases access to fresh, nutritious, and locally-produced foods in school systems and early care and education settings while supporting agricultural producers nationwide. Funding from this U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program supports the Hawai\u2018i Department of Education\u2019s efforts to purchase 30 percent locally sourced food by 2030.\n\nFood Security Microgrants \u2013 $3.2 million, a $1.2 million increase from last year. This funding will go towards helping individuals and groups in Hawai\u2018i purchase tools, soil, seeds, plants, animals, composting units, gardening systems, and other necessities for growing and preserving food. The funds can also be used to expand areas under cultivation, extend the growing season, build or repair livestock fencing, travel to agricultural education programs, expand the sale of locally grown crops and meats, and engage in other activities that increase food security.\n\nNative Community Development Capacity Building \u2013 $1 million, new funding. This funding from HUD\u2019s Section 4 program is for non-profit organizations to carry out affordable housing and community development activities to support American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native communities.\n\nNative American Language Preservation \u2013 $15 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. This funding supports Native American language preservation activities under the Administration for Native Americans, and includes $6 million for Native American language immersion schools as authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act.\n\nPublic Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement \u2013 an estimated $6.1 million, a $481,000 increase from last year. Funding to build and strengthen the Hawai\u2018i Department of Health\u2019s abilities to effectively respond to public health threats. This funding level will help restore and maintain capacity at health departments, modernize data systems, and advance laboratory capacity.\n\nHospital Preparedness Program \u2013 an estimated $1.4 million, an $88,370 increase from last year. This program is the primary source of federal funding for health care system preparedness and response. The Assistant Secretary for Preparedness Response program helps to build coalitions of health care and response organizations to respond to emergencies and disasters.\n\nImmunizations \u2013 an estimated $3.6 million, a $432,000 increase from last year. Provides funding to the Hawai\u2018i Department of Health to purchase vaccines for children, adolescents, and adults. The Section 317 Program helps achieve national immunization coverage targets and reduce disease.\n\nNative American Language Immersion Schools and Program \u2013 $12.4 million (nationwide), a $3 million increase from last year. This funding supports the Native American language immersion grant program and the State-Tribal Education Partnership program. Senator Schatz co-authored the legislation to create new grants for Native American immersion schools and programs.\n\nNative Hawaiian and Alaska Native-Serving Institutions \u2013 $24 million to Hawai\u2018i and Alaska, a $3 million increase from last year. This program provides funding and vital support to Hawai\u2018i\u2019s colleges and universities, enabling them to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Hawaiian students.\n\nCompact of Free Association Impact \u2013 $6 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. The United States has entered into the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the governments of the Freely Associated States (FAS), which are the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. These Compacts allow FAS citizens to live in the United States and receive certain benefits. This funding will help Hawai\u2018i provide those benefits to FAS citizens who live and work in the state.\n\nMicrogrids for Underserved and Indigenous Communities \u2013 $10 million, protected funding for a new program. This funding is for the second year of a coordinated research, development, deployment, and training program focused on microgrid technologies in underserved and Indigenous communities. This program was created last year within the U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Electricity. It aims to provide replicable microgrid solutions to address the broad array of reliability and price challenges facing remote and island communities throughout the United States. Report language directs the Department of Energy to partner with organizations with specialized experience addressing local energy challenges, including community-based organizations and institutions of higher education, with a priority for minority-serving institutions.\n\nHansen\u2019s Disease Treatment \u2013 $2 million. Funding solely awarded to Hawai\u2018i for the care and treatment of patients with Hansen\u2019s disease. Though Hansen\u2019s disease is rare and treatable, Hawai\u2018i has among the highest prevalence in the country. This funding supports the Hawai\u2018i Department of Health to provide treatment for patients living in Kalaupapa and on O\u2018ahu.\n\nPapahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument \u2013 $1.2 million. This funding supports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) National Ocean Service to provide competitive education, research, and management grants for existing marine national monuments, including the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.\n\nNational Estuarine Research Reserve, including He\u2018eia \u2013 $32.5 million (nationwide), a $2.8 million increase from last year. Funding will be shared among system sites, including the He\u2018eia National Estuarine Research Reserve. This site demonstrates the value of Native Hawaiian taro cultivation and fishpond aquaculture to maintain a healthy ecosystem. It is viewed by NOAA to be a model site because of its seamless integration of science and culture.\n\nEndangered Hawaiian Marine Species Protection \u2013 $12 million, a $750,000 increase from last year. $4.6 million in funding will continue to support conservation and recovery of monk seals, the only seal species in the world that lives in only one nation's territorial waters, with research on vaccination and disease prevention (morbillivirus and toxoplasmosis). $5.6 million in funding will support sea turtle conservation activities such as continued monitoring of endangered turtle populations and the impacts of habitat loss. $1.375 million in funding will support investigations into interactions between fisheries and false killer whales. $375,000 will be dedicated to state-led conservation activities.\n\nCoffee Leaf Rust Research \u2013 $1.2 million (nationwide). This funding will support development of science-based management strategies, extension services, and research on varieties of coffee that are resistant to coffee leaf rust.\n\nMacadamia Nut Health Initiative \u2013 $1 million. This funding will support research to combat and control the felted macadamia nut coccid to improve the production of this iconic Hawaiian crop.\n\nJapanese American Confinement Sites, including Hono\u2018uli\u2018uli \u2013 $4.6 million (nationwide), a $1.2 million increase from last year. Funding will support Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) grants. JACS grants support the preservation of Japanese American internment camps, including the Hono\u2018uli\u2018uli National Monument, through partnerships with local preservation groups. Grants may also be used to encourage and support the research, interpretation, and preservation of internment camps to help prevent the injustice of internment from being repeated.\n\nAsian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions \u2013 $18 million (nationwide), a $7.5 million increase from last year. This program provides funding and vital support to Hawai\u2018i\u2019s colleges and universities, enabling them to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian American and Pacific Islander students.\n\nCenter for Indigenous Innovation and Equity \u2013 $4 million, a $1 million increase from last year. Funding supports the Office of Minority Health, which funds the University of Hawai\u2018i, in partnership with other academic institutions, to provide education, service and policy development, and research to advance health equity among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Native Hawaiian populations.\n\nImpact Aid Program \u2013 approximately $54 million, a $2 million increase from last year. The estimated Impact Aid funding will provide the Hawai\u2018i Department of Education with the resources to help finance the education of federally-connected children. Impact Aid funds a range of programs, including efforts to retain highly qualified teachers, adequate technology, facilities renovation, and maintenance of transportation fleets.\n\nDoD Impact Aid Program \u2013 $80 million (nationwide), a $10 million increase from last year. The funding provides support to school districts with high concentrations of military students and school districts that enroll children of military families with severe disabilities.\n\nSTEM Apprenticeship Grant Program \u2013 $2.5 million (nationwide), a $500,000 increase from last year. The funding will continue a new grant program created by Senator Schatz. The program at the Economic Development Administration will help expand and create new apprenticeships in STEM fields. In 2021, the Maui Economic Development Board received $300,000 from this program; the 2022 awardees have not yet been announced. Senator Schatz introduced the legislation creating the program, which was signed into law in 2017 as part of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act.\n\nGeographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers \u2013 $4 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. This funding reimburses geographically disadvantaged producers in Hawai\u2018i, Alaska, and insular areas with a portion of the cost to transport agricultural commodities or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity.\n\nRacial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Program \u2013 $69 million (nationwide), a $3 million increase from last year. Funding supports community-driven, evidence-informed, and culturally-tailored programs to address the root causes of chronic disease in communities by focusing on interventions that improve nutrition, increase physical activity, promote tobacco-free living, and support linkages between community-based and clinical services.\n\nMinority Centers of Excellence \u2013 $28 million (nationwide), a $4 million increase from last year. Funding supports the Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence at the University of Hawai\u2018i John A. Burns School of Medicine to prioritize education and training for Native Hawaiians to enter and successfully complete a health professions education. The program also supports research and community partnerships that build the capacity of Native Hawaiian students and faculty to succeed in medicine.\n\nNative American Language Resource Center \u2013 $1.5 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. This funding will continue to support the establishment of a Native American Language Resource Center (NALRC) to provide best practices and curricula development on Native American language education, including the Native Hawaiian language. Senator Schatz has introduced legislation to permanently authorize the NALRC program.\n\nEast-West Center \u2013 $22 million, a $2.3 million increase from last year. This funding will allow the East-West Center to continue and expand its education, professional development, research, policy dialogue, journalism, and cultural programs throughout the Indo-Pacific. The East-West Center directly supports U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue with countries in the region.\n\nState of the Birds Research \u2013 $4.7 million, a $1 million increase from last year. State of the Birds activities are dedicated to stopping the bird extinction crisis in Hawai\u2018i. More than 90 Hawaiian bird species have gone extinct, and nine listed Hawaiian bird species are currently in decline. These funds are crucial to prevent further extinctions as climate change, habitat degradation and destruction, and other human and environmental impacts threaten to reach crisis levels.\n\nSpecies Management Research \u2013 $64 million (nationwide), a $23.5 million increase from last year, which includes $500,000 for Hawaiian birds. This funding supports scientific research used to protect, conserve, and enhance wildlife populations. For the first time, this funding includes $500,000 dedicated to responding to the urgent needs of critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds that face imminent extinction.\n\nCoral Reef Conservation \u2013 $33.5 million (nationwide), a $500,000 increase from last year. This funding supports NOAA\u2019s Coral Reef Conservation Program, which addresses the top threats to coral reef ecosystems in Hawai\u2018i and across the country. Working with partners, NOAA develops place-based strategies, measures the effectiveness of management efforts, and builds capacity among reef managers globally.\n\nAirport Agricultural Inspections \u2013 $35.5 million (nationwide), a $1.7 million increase from last year. In Hawai\u2018i, this program helps to fund federal agricultural inspectors at airports on Kaua\u2018i, Maui, O\u2018ahu, and Hawai\u2018i Island. It is critical to conduct inspections at the neighbor island airports so that passengers can directly connect to flights to the mainland.\n\nNational Sea Grant College Program \u2013 $80 million (nationwide), a $4 million increase from last year. The National Sea Grant College Program supports colleges, including the University of Hawai\u2018i, and other institutions for research, education, and advisory services in any field related to the conservation and development of marine resources.\n\nNational Marine Sanctuaries \u2013 $68 million (nationwide), a $7 million increase from last year. The National Marine Sanctuary program has two sites in Hawai\u2018i: the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale Sanctuary. Both bolster tourism and robust recreational industries, promote visitation, engage businesses in stewardship, and drive the growth of the blue economy through diving, recreation, hospitality, and tourism. Funding will support research, preserve habitat for endangered, threatened, and rare species, preserve our nation\u2019s maritime heritage, and protect heritage sites for indigenous peoples, such as Native Hawaiians.\n\nResilient Innovative Sustainable Economies via University Partnership (RISE-UP Initiative) \u2013 $9 million, a $1.5 million increase from last year. The Resilient Innovative Sustainable Economies via University Partnerships (RISE-UP) Initiative, established in the FY22 defense appropriation, seeks to leverage the technical expertise of public universities located in similarly isolated states, but which play an important role in U.S. national security, to collectively develop and commercialize scalable technologies and build a workforce to meet future national security needs. This funding will continue to support the University of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s efforts to create incubators aimed at developing and commercializing scalable technologies related to clean energy, marine technology, and other economic areas tied to the maritime space.\n\nNative American Workforce Programs \u2013 $60 million (nationwide), a $3 million increase from last year. This funding supports programs that provide quality employment and training services to Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribes, Tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, and Indian-controlled organizations serving unemployed and low-income Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives.\n\nVeterans Affairs \u2013 $135.2 billion in non-defense discretionary funding and $168.6 billion in mandatory funding, a $34 billion increase from last year (nationwide). Funding included for:\n\nVA Medical Care: to expand rural health access to transportation and telehealth, supporting women\u2019s health programs by enabling gender-specific healthcare services, and supporting homeless veterans and their families by bolstering housing assistance.\n\nVA Benefits: provides funding to enable the VA to provide benefits to recipients in a more efficient manner, bolstering disability compensation benefits to millions of veterans, and expanding VA\u2019s capabilities to support an increase in the number of claims it can process, address the scope of claims, and the ability to reduce the VA backlog.\n\nMedical Research: provides historic investments into research in areas like toxic exposure, traumatic brain injury, and oncology.\n\nHonoring our PACT Act: $5 billion to support the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund, which expands eligibility for health care services and benefits to veterans who are suffering from toxic exposure effects from their time in service.\n\nNative American Veteran Housing Loan Program: $1.4 million for FY23, a $214,000 increase from last year.\n\nFormerly Used Defense Sites \u2013 $317 million (nationwide), a $25 million increase from last year. This funding will support the removal of unexploded ordnance on formerly used defense sites in Hawai\u2018i. The funding ensures that the Army Corps of Engineers has sufficient funds to conduct remediation at these sites and continue the federal government\u2019s trust obligation with indigenous populations by ensuring safe environments that are free from munitions and debris.\n\nU.S. Army Corps of Engineers \u2013 $1.2 million. This funding will support inspection and maintenance of U.S. Army Corps of Engineer projects in Hawai\u2018i. $282,000 will be directed towards the Barbers Point Deep Draft Harbor on O\u2018ahu.\n\nNavy Alternative Energy Research \u2013 $30 million, a $2.5 million increase. This funding supports the Navy\u2019s efforts to expand its research of energy risk reduction technologies enabling energy diversification. By allowing the Navy to move away from its reliance on a single source of energy, this funding helps the Navy meet its two main energy objectives \u2013 energy security and energy independence. The University of Hawai\u2018i and the Hawai\u2018i Natural Energy Institute are national leaders in this research and their joint collaboration with the Navy on alternative energy will continue to forge innovations that meet crucial energy security requirements and enable renewables.\n\nProject HOPE Opportunity Probation with Enforcement \u2013 $5 million (nationwide). Based on Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) program, this high-intensity supervision program reduces probation violations by drug offenders and others at high risk of recidivism. The funding will support the existing federal program to replicate the HOPE model and includes $500,000 to establish an institute to provide training, technical assistance, and best practices to assist other jurisdictions with the program.\n\nTsunami Program \u2013 $28 million (nationwide), a $500,000 increase from last year. The NOAA Tsunami Program provides funding to coastal states for preparedness activities such as inundation mapping, disaster planning, and tsunami education. Funding includes support for tsunami monitoring, forecasts, and a grant program, which states can compete for, to prepare inundation maps and assist with outreach and education. Hawai\u2018i relies on all three components of the program. The increase in funding will help fill important vacancies and improve technology.\n\nADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS\n\nIncreased Federal Reimbursements for School Meals. The appropriations bill directs the USDA to provide a temporary increase in the federal reimbursement rate for school meals in outlying areas including Hawai\u2018i. This follows a letter led by Senator Schatz urging USDA to increase its school meal reimbursement rate for Hawai\u2018i. The current reimbursement rate for Hawai\u2018i is outdated and does not accurately account for the real costs associated with producing and supplying school meals in the state. A temporary upward adjustment in the reimbursement rate while USDA completes a long-term cost analysis study could provide Hawai\u2018i with millions in additional federal revenue to support child nutrition programs in the state.\n\nPost Office Service. The bill guarantees that no funds may be used by the United States Postal Service to close small rural and other small post offices, including post offices in Hakalau, Lihu?e, Hana, and Kalaupapa.\n\nFunding to Support the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE ACT). Additional funding and specific report language will enable the Economic Development Administration to provide technical assistance to Native Hawaiian organizations, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations that work to preserve culture and traditions and share them with visitors. The NATIVE Act was introduced by Senator Schatz and signed into law by President Obama in 2016.\n\nPacific Islands \u2013 $150 million. This funding will be a significant investment in the future of Pacific Island Countries. It will support programs at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development focused on deepening engagement with countries in the region through trade capacity building, climate change mitigation and adaptation, emergency preparedness assistance, democratic governance, security assistance, and economic development. The bill specifically contains $2.5 million for removal of unexploded ordnance in the Solomon Islands.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-extending-expanded-telehealth-services-set-to-become-law", "Schatz Legislation Extending Expanded Telehealth Services Set To Become Law", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) secured the inclusion of provisions to the FY23 government funding bill that will temporarily extend access to expanded telehealth services. The provisions, which are from the Schatz-authored Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, allow Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country to utilize telehealth services in their homes and allow more types of health care providers to provide telehealth. The bill passed the Senate today and is expected to pass the House of Representatives and be signed into law by the end of the week.\n\n\u201cThe last few years have proven that telehealth works. It has made it easier and safer for people to see their doctors and stay healthy,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cWhile this extension is helpful, these changes should be made permanent. It\u2019s time to pass the CONNECT for Health Act.\u201d\n\nExpanded access of telehealth services was first made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but was limited to the emergency period. The two-year extension contains provisions from Senator Schatz\u2019s CONNECT for Health Act, including:\n\nRemoving geographic restrictions on telehealth services and allowing Medicare beneficiaries to access virtual care from their homes; and\n\nAllowing health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services.\n\nThe two-year telehealth extension follows a letter led by Senator Schatz earlier this month that called on congressional leaders to extend expanded coverage of telehealth services in this must-pass legislation.\n\nSchatz\u2019s bipartisan and bicameral CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016. The bill, which is cosponsored by 64 senators, is considered the most comprehensive telehealth legislation in Congress.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-over-108-billion-to-launch-first-of-their-kind-initiatives-created-in-chips-and-science-bill-includes-largest_increase-to-national-science-foundation-in-history-and--to-launch-the-first-ever-regional-tech-and-innovation-hub-competition-schumer-pushes-to-get-money-to-upstate-ny", "SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $10.8 BILLION TO LAUNCH FIRST-OF-THEIR KIND INITIATIVES CREATED IN CHIPS AND SCIENCE BILL; INCLUDES LARGEST $ INCREASE TO NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN HISTORY, AND $$ TO...", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Schumer\u2019s Historic CHIPS & Science Bill Has Already Spurred Thousands Of Jobs In Upstate NY- And Now He\u2019s Secured First Major Down Payment Bringing Unprecedented New Investment For STEM Job Training, Strengthening Manufacturing, And Creating Regional Tech And Innovation Hubs Competition\n\nNew Funds Will Help Prepare New York Workers For Semiconductor & Other Tech And Manufacturing Careers, Revitalize Economically Distressed Areas, Attract New Businesses, And Supercharge Research At Universities With NSF Funding\n\nSchumer: New Historic Fed Investment In Tech Hubs, Science And Manufacturing Will Lay Foundation For Upstate NY Workers To Build The Future Of Technology\n\nWith his historic CHIPS and Science Bill already spurring major investment across Upstate New York, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that the just announced, end-of-year spending bill expected to pass later this week provides $10.8 billion in federal investment for key programs in the CHIPS and Science Act, including $1.8 billion in increased funding, compared to last year, to implement major provisions from his legislation that are key to supercharging the Upstate innovation economy.\n\nThis includes the largest dollar increase for the National Science Foundation in history, the launch of the Regional Technology & Innovation Hub program, expansion of manufacturing programs, and STEM education and training programs to help prepare the next generation of Upstate NY workers for the good-paying jobs spurred by his legislation, all of which will help further establish Upstate as an emerging global tech ecosystem.\n\n\u201cI just secured the largest increase in history, over $1 billion, for the National Science Foundation which is going to help jumpstart R&D and STEM workforce training to help prepare the next generation of Upstate New Yorkers to out-compete China and position Upstate New York to lead in the innovation economy. This is the first major down payment to implement key provisions from my CHIPS and Science Bill for Upstate New York, which will bolster cutting-edge research, rebuilds domestic supply chains, and give workers the technical skills to bring manufacturing back to America and build the future in places like Upstate NY,\u201d said Senator Schumer.\n\nSchumer added, \u201cThis funding also will finally kick off the Regional Tech Hubs program I created in my CHIPS and Science Bill, and originally proposed in my Endless Frontier Act, specifically with Upstate New York in mind. Now communities can begin planning to compete for major federal investment, and you can bet I will be fighting to deliver this and other federal funding from these programs to Upstate New York.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, Schumer explained that this $10.8 billion in funding includes:\n\n$9.87 billion for the National Science Foundation: The omnibus includes an increase of over $1 billion for the NSF, the largest dollar increase for NSF in history. Schumer said that Upstate universities and community colleges will be able to utilize this new investment for workforce training, including technical training programs key to supporting the emerging semiconductor industry in Upstate NY with the arrival of major projects like Micron in Central New York, Wolfspeed at the Marcy Nanocenter, and Edwards Vacuum at STAMP, along with expansion of GlobalFoundries and other manufacturing companies in the chip and clean energy industries, all of which will require a large workforce pool. This surge of funding will also be important to preparing underrepresented populations for these good-paying jobs, and to translating more research at the state\u2019s universities and labs into new businesses. Additionally, this funding will support the continued implementation of the NSF\u2019s new Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate, originally proposed in Schumer\u2019s Endless Frontier Act, to keep the U.S. on the cutting-edge of research and entrepreneurship in key industries like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and advanced energy.\n\n$500 million to begin implementation of the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (\u201cTech Hubs\u201d) Program: This funding will provide planning grants and an initial round of implementation awards to create regional technology hubs, focusing on economic development, job creation, and expanding U.S. innovation capacity. Schumer\u2019s CHIPS and Science bill created the Regional Technology Hubs program to build up major technology hubs across the country to lead in research, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship in key industries, with places like Upstate NY in mind, and this funding represents the first major down payment to this program becoming a reality and allowing Upstate communities to compete for major federal investment to bring manufacturing back to America.\n\n$200 million for the Recompete Pilot Program: Through Schumer\u2019s leadership on the CHIPS and Science bill, Congress created the Recompete Pilot Program, which authorizes the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to make comprehensive economic development investments in economically distressed communities. This new funding will establish grants to empower distressed communities to develop, implement, and carry out economic development strategies and create jobs.\n\n$188 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP): This program is a national network of affiliated manufacturing extension centers and field offices located in all fifty states and territories that work to improve the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers to strengthen domestic supply chains. MEP funding supports New York State\u2019s network of 11 MEP Centers that work directly with small and medium-sized manufacturing firms throughout the state, working to cultivate the growth of the high-tech industry and help small manufactures expand.\n\n$51 million for the Manufacturing USA program: This funding will create at least one new Manufacturing USA institute to drive innovation and expand American manufacturing in key industries. The Manufacturing USA program is a public-private partnership with 14 manufacturing institutes across the nation, including AIM Photonics in Albany and Rochester, RAPID in New York City, and the REMADE Institute in Rochester, that connect companies, academic institutions, nonprofits, and local, state and federal entities to solve industry-relevant advanced manufacturing challenges in technology and help expand manufacturing in the U.S.\n\nSchumer has been the leading champion of bringing tech manufacturing back to America and Upstate New York in particular. Going back to 2019,Schumer proposed a major tech investment \u201cmoon shot\u201d in cutting-edge technologies like semiconductors to out-compete China. Schumer then spent the next three years working to pass into law this vision \u2013 ultimately manifesting itself into the CHIPS and Science Act, which makes a generational investment in innovation and manufacturing, including providing over $76 billion in new federal incentives for microchip manufacturing and research and development in the U.S.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-15-million-in-funding-package-for-albany-city-hall-restoration-and-renovation", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1.5 MILLION IN FUNDING PACKAGE FOR ALBANY CITY HALL RESTORATION AND RENOVATION", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand revealed that the City of Albany will receive $1.5 million in funding from the omnibus funding package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 to be used for the Albany City Hall Restoration & Renovation, Phase I and Phase II. The omnibus is expected to pass Congress and be signed into law this week.\n\nThe funding will be used to kick off the engineering, design, and permitting phase of the renovation, allowing the City of Albany to issue bids and collect detailed cost estimates from qualified firms. A preliminary existing condition study was already commissioned in order to understand which repairs are necessary for City Hall, and an architectural firm study has confirmed the urgency of carrying out roof repairs and exterior facade restoration.\n\n\u201cAlbany\u2019s historic City Hall is the beating heart of the Empire State\u2019s capital dating all the way back to 1883, but weather and age have caused much of its exterior fa\u00e7ade to deteriorate. That is why I am proud to announce that we have secured $1.5 million so the City of Albany can finally begin the renovation process for this iconic landmark,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis funding will help breathe new life into this treasured piece of New York history, and ensure this pride and joy of Albany can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy hometown of Albany has a beautiful City Hall, but deferred maintenance has unfortunately led to visible deterioration in some areas of the building,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cI am proud to have helped secure this funding, which will enable the City of Albany to begin the engineering and design phase of this critical renovation project. I am optimistic Albany\u2019s City Hall will be restored to her former glory.\u201d\n\nAlbany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, \u201cIn 1885, Albany City Hall was listed by American Architect and Building News as one of the \u2018Best Ten Buildings in the United States.\u2019 While it has housed our city government for nearly 140 years, decades of deferred maintenance coupled with scores of northeast winters have required a complete renovation of the roof and building envelope. Thanks to the leadership and advocacy of Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand, this $1.5 million grant will help return the building to its former glory and ensure it is a place Albany residents can continue to be proud of for years to come.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-2-million-for-auburn-community-hospital-secured-in-just-announced-end-of-year-spending-package-to-boost-the-expansion-of-the-hospital-as-it-builds-its-new-cancer-center-and-purchases-essential-medical-equipment-to-help-fight-cancer-in-cayuga-county", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $2 MILLION FOR AUBURN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SECURED IN JUST ANNOUNCED END-OF-YEAR SPENDING PACKAGE TO BOOST THE EXPANSION OF THE HOSPITAL AS IT BUILDS ITS NEW CANCER CENTER...", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today revealed that Auburn Community Hospital will receive $2 million in the just announced end-of-year spending packaged to purchase essential medical equipment for cancer diagnostics and boost the expansion of the hospital as it breaks ground on its new state-of-the-art cancer center.\n\n\u201cAuburn Community Hospital will soon have a modern, state-of-the art cancer treatment center, and now thanks to funding we secured in the federal budget they will purchase lifesaving medical equipment \u2013like a new PET-CT Scanner,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cCancer is one of the leading causes of death in Cayuga County and this new center will be a one-stop shop to help patients get the top-notch care they need in their own community. I am proud to deliver this funding to Auburn Community Hospital so that our doctors can have the support they need and the people of Cayuga County can have the cancer treatment center they have long needed and deserved.\u201d\n\n\u201cAuburn Community Hospital provides lifesaving care to cancer patients in and around Auburn,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cToday, I\u2019m proud to be delivering $2 million in funding to ensure that the hospital\u2019s new cancer center can purchase the cutting-edge technology it needs to provide the best possible care. I\u2019ll keep fighting to bring federal dollars to hospitals and health care facilities in Auburn and across New York.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Auburn Community Hospital (ACH), and our community, we couldn\u2019t be more appreciative of the hard work Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand put forth to secure this $2M appropriation. This funding will allow ACH to purchase state-of- the- art medical technology and make building improvements that will support our new Cancer Center. The new Cancer Center will provide necessary care for the leading cause of premature death in Cayuga County. The Center will provide essential care for the local community that they would otherwise have to travel long distances for and will increase employment. Senator Schumer understood the need and worked diligently to secure this appropriation\u201d, stated Scott Berlucchi, President & CEO Auburn Community Hospital.\n\nThe senators explained that Auburn Community Hospital is building a new 12,000 sq. ft. cancer center that just broke ground last month. Currently, 80% of residents in Cayuga County have to travel greater than 25 miles for medical oncology services. This long overdue major expansion will add radiation oncology services and many other lifesaving cancer treatments and diagnostic services close to home for members of the community .\n\nThe federal funding Schumer and Gillibrand secured as a congressionally directed spending request in the FY23 budget set to pass later this week will help support and facilitate this new expansion. Specifically, helping the hospitals with key infrastructure and renovations like adding critical new parking spots to accommodate the increased patient load, as well as helping purchase a new PET-CT Scanner for pre-diagnostic testing. The PET-CT scanner will allow doctors, especially cancer surgeons, to determine the exact location of a tumor in relation to an organ or spinal column.\n\nSchumer and Gillibrand have a long history of fighting for Auburn Community Hospital. Earlier this year, Schumer personally called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to help successfully secure over $3.4 million in long overdue federal funding to help the hospital make up from budget shortfalls from the pandemic after it had previously been held up in bureaucratic red tape.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-nearly-14-million-for-buffalo-and-western-ny-projects-secured-in-the-soon-to-pass-end-of-year-spending-bill-including-funding-to-combat-food-insecurity-complete-community-hub-in-niagara-falls-boost-infrastructure-and-transportation-across-western-ny", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $14 MILLION FOR BUFFALO & WESTERN NY PROJECTS SECURED IN THE SOON-TO-PASS END-OF-YEAR SPENDING BILL; INCLUDING FUNDING TO COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY, COMPLETE COMMUNITY...", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today revealed that Western New York will receive nearly $14 million in funding from the soon-to-pass omnibus end-of-year spending package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 for critical local projects.\n\n\u201cFrom bolstering our facilities at the Niagara Air Base, to combatting food insecurity through organizations like FeedMore WNY to building up infrastructure on Main Street to helping area residents get the skills they need for good-paying jobs, this federal funding will help address many of the core issues facing Buffalo and Western New York communities,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cI am proud to deliver this $14 million boost for community-driven projects across WNY. I will always fight to bring home federal dollars to give Western NY the support it needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a critical investment that will help revitalize Western New York,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cToday, we are committing to putting millions toward fighting hunger, upgrading infrastructure, and promoting economic development. I\u2019m proud to have fought to secure this funding and I\u2019ll continue to work tirelessly to make sure Western New York\u2019s families, workers, and businesses have what they need to thrive.\u201d\n\nThe senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending requests and said that these projects include:\n\n$2,000,000 for FeedMore WNY for a Facility Expansion:\n\nThis funding will cover planning costs for a large-scale expansion that is expected to more than double the current capacity and office space allowing for FeedMore WNY to significantly bolster their operations, boost productivity, and improve logistics, all with a focus on helping to better combat hunger in Western NY. In 2021, FeedMore WNY distributed enough food to provide 12.8 million meals to Western New York neighbors in need.\n\n$2,800,000 for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (ARS) for Combined Operations Alert Facility:\n\nThis funding will cover design costs for planning and design money for a joint operations facility, consolidating several major functions at the Niagara Falls International Airport. The existing 914 presence is geographically spread across Niagara ARS in several buildings, none of which are located on the flightline. Being spread across multiple facilities and with no significant access to the flightline hampers command and control, makes coordinated training more difficult and less efficient. This project will help boost response times by consolidating operation into the new combined operations alert facility.\n\n$2,000,000 for University at Buffalo for Smart Public Transportation Infrastructure in the City of Buffalo:\n\nThis funding will build smart transportation infrastructure along Main Street in the City of Buffalo and around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC). The infrastructure will be used to develop and test an accessible, self-driving shuttle (SDS) that utilizes AI-powered, open-source autonomous driving software to improve mobility and accessibility, especially for underserved populations, people with disabilities, and the elderly.\n\n$2,000,000 for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for Precise Diagnostic Technology:\n\nThis funding will allow for implementation of a new, more advanced radiation treatment technique called Adaptive Radiation Therapy. Adaptive Radiation Therapy is a form of radiation treatment that allows even greater precision by reassessing the status of the tumor daily and adjusting the treatment plan to maximize effectiveness for cancer treatment.\n\n$1,500,000 for Preservation of the First Presbyterian Church in Allentown, Buffalo for Preservation, Restoration Measures:\n\nThis funding will cover major repairs on a Buffalo building, which is a contributing element of the Allentown Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, that has unfortunately begun to severely deteriorate due to weather and age. Specifically, the project will help replace the slate roof on the building's east side and perform other repairs to maintain the integrity of the building's exterior envelope, repair roof tiles on the stone tower, and other essential renovations to ensure this building can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.\n\n$1,400,000 for Niagara University to boost the Academic Innovation Hub in Downtown Niagara Falls:\n\nThis funding will help complete the Academic Innovation Hub in downtown Niagara Falls. The Hub will function as a community education space and will provide residents with opportunities to attend speaker events, concerts, art shows, and community meetings. In addition, it will also help strengthen local workforce development opportunities, childhood education, and other education programming so underserved residents can gain industry-recognized credentials to secure jobs and advance their careers.\n\n$900,000 for Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority for Niagara Falls International Airport Renovations:\n\nThis funding will complete design work required to bring the realignment and extension of Taxiway D to construction. The project will support and align with a Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station project to extend the main runway at Niagara Falls International Airport.\n\n$750,000 Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society for Expansion Project:\n\nThis funding will cover costs for a 33,000 square foot addition to the Botanical Gardens\u2019 historic 121-year old Conservatory to expand their education, exhibition, grow houses, and event spaces which are currently at capacity. Federal funds will support the capital costs of the expansion, helping to increase the Botanical Gardens\u2019 service to the community, improve safety and accessibility for visitors, and boosting the economic impact for the region.\n\n$440,000 for Town of Pomfret to Construct a New Town Hall:\n\nThis funding will allow for the purchase and renovation of an existing vacant building to serve as a new Town Hall which will help address the current lack of appropriate space for all of the Town's functions.\n\n$250,000 for University at Buffalo for Renewable Hydrogen Research and Development:\n\nThis funding will build U.S. research and development capacity, speed the investment in and deployment of hydrogen-related industries in upstate New York, seed three new university-industry collaborations, and advance the readiness of three hydrogen-based technologies. Development and infrastructure investments in hydrogen feedstock, production, and end-users will improve U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace and provide export customers for hydrogen and its downstream products.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-46-million-secured-in-end-of-year-spending-bill-to-expand-affordable-childcare-in-ogdensburg-increase-affordable-housing-and-revitalize-downtown-canton", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $4.6 MILLION SECURED IN END-OF-YEAR SPENDING BILL TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE IN OGDENSBURG, INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN CANTON", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the North Country will receive over $4.6 million in funding from the omnibus end-of-year spending package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 to help bolster economic development in downtown Canton, boost affordable housing, and expand desperately needed affordable childcare services in Ogdensburg.\n\n\u201cFrom helping directly address childcare desserts in Ogdensburg to breathing new life into our Main Streets in downtown Canton, these projects get to the heart of issues facing the North Country today,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis over $4.6 million in funding means good-paying jobs, affordable housing, attracting new businesses and giving North Country families the support they need. I am proud to have secured these significant investments to build up the future of the region and I will always fight to bring home federal dollars to the North Country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a critical investment that will help revitalize the North Country,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cToday, we are committing to putting millions toward building affordable housing, supporting local businesses, strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, and helping parents afford child care. I\u2019m proud to have fought to secure this funding and I\u2019ll work tirelessly to make sure North Country families, workers, and businesses have what they need to thrive.\u201d\n\nThe senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending requests, descriptions for the projects can be found below:\n\n$ 2,641,000 to the Canton College Foundation for their Canton Midtown Plaza Redevelopment Project.\n\nThis project will take an underutilized and derelict shopping center in the heart of downtown Canton and transform it into three floors of much-needed commercial and residential space, including 44 residential units and the anchor of the project, the SUNY Canton Entrepreneurship Center. This project addresses three pressing needs in the North Country, increased economic development, commercial revitalization of city\u2019s downtown, and access to quality downtown housing.\n\n$2,100,000 to the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority for their Childcare Center Project.\n\nThis project will help ensure parents have access to affordable, high-quality childcare in Ogdensburg, as currently there aren\u2019t any providers in town. This will also ensure that businesses are able to attract and retain talent and the region can attract investments from new businesses, aiding the local economy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=323E853F-D185-480F-94AB-A87BACB356F3", "Warner, Kaine, Wittman Applaud Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Protect the Northern Neck, Generate Economic Activity", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) applauded passage of their legislation to preserve invaluable local resources and help generate economic activity in the Northern Neck. By officially designating the region as a National Heritage Area (NHA), the Northern Neck National Heritage Area Act will deliver critical federal dollars, encourage public-private partnerships, and assign a specific entity \u2013 the Northern Neck Tourism Commission \u2013 to help protect the Northern Neck\u2019s natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources. After unanimously passing the Senate, the House voted today to approve the bill, which now heads to President Biden for his signature.\n\nNPS defines National Heritage Areas as congressionally designated places where \u201cnatural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape.\u201d Through their resources, NHAs communicate \u201cnationally important stories\u201d that celebrate the nation\u2019s diverse heritage. Under this legislation, the NHA designation would apply to the land between the Potomac River and Rappahannock River, spanning King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties.\n\n\u201cThe Northern Neck is a national treasure, and a source of immense pride, history and economic development for the Commonwealth,\u201d said Sens. Warner and Kaine and Rep. Wittman. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to have worked together on this successful bipartisan effort to highlight the natural beauty of the Northern Neck and leverage federal dollars to spur long-lasting economic opportunity in the region.\u201d\n\nThe legislation follows the completion of the Northern Neck National Heritage Area Feasibility Study, which concluded that the Northern Neck\u2019s themes, local traditions, and natural and historic resources retain \u201csufficient integrity and opportunities for public engagement\u201d to be eligible for an NHA designation.\n\nThis legislation would also make federal funding available to the region and empower the Northern Neck Tourism Commission to carry out an area management plan by:\n\nProtecting and restoring relevant historic sites and buildings;\n\nCarrying out programs and projects that recognize, protect, and enhance important resources;\n\nDeveloping recreational and educational opportunities in the area;\n\nEstablishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits and programs;\n\nPromoting a wide range of partnerships among the federal government, state, tribal and local governments, organizations, and individuals;\n\nIncreasing public awareness and appreciation for natural, historical, scenic, and cultural resources in the area; and\n\nEnsuring that clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identifying points of public access and sires of interest are posted throughout the area.\n\n\u201cThe Northern Neck has been working together for over 20 years in pursuit of the National Heritage Area Designation. With designation, the Northern Neck Region will have a greater voice in sharing its stories which contribute to understanding the early origins of our nation. The National Heritage Area Designation recognizes the region for the special place it is, historically, culturally, and for its natural resources. It aligns with the region's tourism strategy as an important economic development driver in this rural area,\u201d said Jerry W. Davis, AICP, Executive Director of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission.\n\nSen. Warner, Sen. Kaine, and Rep. Wittman have long advocated for the designation of the Northern Neck as a National Heritage Area. The lawmakers previously penned a letter pressing for an update from the National Park Service on the area\u2019s feasibility study following apparent delays in its release.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=50A5CFF3-D666-42CB-8289-069850F1AD8C", "ICYMI: Key Inflation Reduction Act Provisions Will Be Implemented on January 1 to Help Virginians Cut Health and Energy Costs", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement regarding key health and climate provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act \u2014legislation the senators helped pass in August to help Virginia lower drug and energy costs, imrove access to health care, and tackle cllimate change\u2014that will go into effect on January 1, 2023:\n\n\u201cThis year, we were proud to have helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower costs for Virginians while also tackling climate change, which is wreaking havoc on Virginia communities. We are thrilled that essential pieces of this law will go into effect on January 1 to help bring down health and long-term energy bills for families across the Commonwealth, by increasing access to affordable health care and helping Virginians diversify their energy sources.\u201d\n\nProvisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to lower prescription drug costs, help more seniors and low-income Virginians get access to the vaccines they need to stay healthy, and help more Virginians get health care coverage:\n\nOn January 1, 2023:\n\nPenalties on drug manufacturers that increase prices: Starting in 2023, manufacturers will be required to keep the increase in the cost of their drugs at or below inflation.\n\nFree vaccines for Medicare recipients: Starting in 2023, people with Medicare will not have to pay to receive vaccines under Medicare Part D, which includes vaccines for shingles, HPV, MMR, diphtheria, and pertussis. 4.1 million people with Medicare received a vaccine under Medicare Part D in 2020, including 85,000 Virginians.\n\nA $35 cap on the cost of insulin: Starting in 2023, out-of-pocket costs for insulin\u2014regardless of how much a patient needs\u2014will be capped at $35 per month under Medicare. As of 2020, over 74,000 Virginians with Medicare Part D used insulin and paid, on average, approximately $51 per month out-of-pocket to purchase the drug. Some people are currently paying up to $900 a month for the insulin they need to stay alive.\n\nExtension of ACA subsidies: During the pandemic, Congress enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help lower health care premiums for millions of Americans. Beginning on January 1, the Inflation Reduction Act will extend these enhanced subsidies through 2025 to help make Virginians\u2019 health insurance more affordable. Over 300,000 Virginians were covered by the ACA in 2022.\n\nOn April 1, 2023:\n\nLimits to inflation effects on certain drugs: Starting April 1, 2023, people with Medicare may pay a lower coinsurance for some Part B drugs if the drug\u2019s price increased faster than the rate of inflation.\n\nOn October 1, 2023:\n\nFree vaccines for Medicaid recipients: Medicaid and CHIP will cover vaccines for all Medicaid-covered adults. Currently, vaccine coverage is optional for states.\n\nProvisions in the Inflation Reduction Act that kick in on January 1, 2023 to address climate change by helping cut dangerous pollution across Virginia:\n\nBoosts to clean energy investments: An expanded tax credit for clean energy manufacturers will incentivize investment in and production of renewable energy technologies like solar power and offshore wind. $4 billion of these investments have been reserved exclusively for use in coal communities. All clean energy tax credits include a bonus for meeting domestic manufacturing requirements related to steel, iron, or other manufactured components.\n\nImprovements to Home Energy Efficiency: Homeowners will be able to receive up to 30 percent back through tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements to their home\u2014generally up to a maximum of $1,200 per year but potentially up to $3,200 if improvements include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, or biomass stoves.\n\nIncreased Access to Electric Vehicles: Qualified individuals will get up to a $7,500 consumer credit for the purchase of new electric vehicles. Incentives will also go into place to help ensure those vehicles are produced in North America. Qualified individuals will also be able to receive a tax credit of up to $4,000 for certain used electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids purchased through a dealership. In order to qualify for the full value of the credit, the vehicle must: have a battery capacity of at least 7kW hours; generally be a model at least two years old; and be sold by a participating dealer that is licensed in the jurisdiction. For new vehicles, eligible taxpayers include single filers with incomes under $150,000 annually and households with joint incomes under $300,000 annually if the head of household earns under $225,000 annually. The vehicle\u2019s price is limited to $55,000 for compact vehicles and $80,000 for SUVs, vans, and pick-ups. For used EVs, single filers must have an income under $75,000 annually or $150,000 as a household, as long as the head of household makes under $112,500 annually. The used vehicle\u2019s price is limited to $25,000.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-legislation-to-expand-vas-ssvf-program-to-national-guardsmen-and-reservists", "Booker Introduces Legislation to Expand VA\u2019s SSVF Program to National Guardsmen and Reservists", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker introduced theSupportive Services for National Guard and Reserve Component Veterans and Families Act, legislation that would expand the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to include former members of the National Guard and Reserves who have retired or separated from service after having served a term of enlistment.\n\nEstablished in 2011, the SSVF program promotes housing stability among very low-income veteran families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing. It has helped decrease veteran homelessness by 50% and assisted 850,000 veterans and their families members by permanently housing, rapidly rehousing, or preventing them from becoming homeless. However, under the program\u2019s current guidelines, many former members of the National Guard and Reserve Component, who were not activated for federal active duty military service while serving, are ineligible for the program.\n\n\u201cDespite the fact that members of the National Guard and Reserves take the same oath that members of our military do, that is to support and defend the Constitution of these United States, many are excluded from critical federal benefits including the SSVF program\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cBy all measures, this program has been a tremendous success, providing low-income veterans and their families critical housing assistance during their times of need and reducing homelessness rates by 50%. This legislation expands the program and ensures that veterans of the National Guard and Reserves can take advantage of its benefits, making it easier for more veterans who have served our country to access the care and resources they deserve.\u201d\n\nIn addition to expanding eligibility of the SSVF program, the legislation would also require the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to Congress detailing food and housing insecurity experienced by current reserve component service members, across all seven components of the Reserves and National Guard.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-nominations-of-michael-farbiarz-and-judge-robert-kirsch", "Booker, Menendez Applaud Nominations of Michael Farbiarz and Judge Robert Kirsch", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) today applauded President Biden\u2019s nomination of Michael E. Farbiarz and Judge Robert Kirsch to the United States District Court of New Jersey. Their nominations were announced by the White House this morning as part of a group of six judicial nominees.\n\n\u201cMichael E. Farbiarz and Judge Robert Kirsch are highly qualified nominees who bring a strong commitment to justice, fairness, and the law to the federal bench,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThey have both had distinguished legal careers and years of dedication to public service. I am confident in their ability to administer fair and impartial justice to the people of New Jersey and our country. I want to thank President Biden for nominating them, and I look forward to their hearing before the Judiciary Committee and their confirmations by the Senate.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden has nominated two exceptional and uniquely qualified individuals to serve on the U.S. District Court in Judge Robert Kirsch and Michael E. Farbiarz. Their experience, dedication to justice, and strong values are certain to serve the people of New Jersey well,\u201d said Senator Menendez. \u201cFor the past two years, we have been working diligently to fill the many vacancies on New Jersey\u2019s District Courts and today\u2019s nominations mean that the people of New Jersey can have confidence knowing that their judiciary is not only complete, but reflective of the diversity and values of our residents.\u201d\n\nMichael E. Farbiarz has served as the General Counsel of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey since 2016. From 2014 to 2016, Mr. Farbiarz was a Senior Fellow at New York University School of Law. Mr. Farbiarz served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2004 to 2014, including as Co-Chief of the Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit from 2010 to 2014. Mr. Farbiarz was an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York from 2001 to 2004. He served as a law clerk for Judge Jos\u00e9 A. Cabranes on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2000 to 2001 and for Chief Judge Michael B. Mukasey on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Farbiarz received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1999 and his A.B. from Harvard University in 1995.\n\nRobert Kirsch has served as a judge on the New Jersey Superior Court for Union County since 2010. Previously, Judge Kirsch was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the District of New Jersey from 1997 to 2010 and served as a trial attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C from 1993 to 1997. Judge Kirsch entered the Department of Justice through the Attorney General\u2019s Honors Program in 1993. He served as a law clerk for Judge William Zloch on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida from 1991 to 1993. Judge Kirsch received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1991 and his B.A. from Emory University in 1988.\n\nIn May, Judge Evelyn Padin was confirmed by the Senate to serve on New Jersey\u2019s District Court. Before Padin\u2019s confirmation, the Senate confirmed Georgette Castner on March 31st and Christine P. O\u2019Hearn on March 1st. Last year, the Senate confirmed the appointments of Judges Zahid Quraishi, Julien X. Neals and Karen M. Williams to serve on New Jersey\u2019s District Court. Prior to these judicial appointments, New Jersey had six district court vacancies and was declared a \u201cjudicial emergency.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/blackburn-colleagues-bill-to-end-child-exploitation-unanimously-passes-senate", "Blackburn, Colleagues\u2019 Bill To End Child Exploitation Unanimously Passes Senate", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), along with Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), as well as Representatives Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio-16), Annie Kuster (N.H.-02), Guy Reschenthaler (Pa.-14), and Lucy McBath (Ga.-06) celebrated the Senate\u2019s passage of the END Child Exploitation Act. This legislation doubles the mandatory time period for preserving information about child sexual abuse images that technology companies report to the CyberTipline of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Additionally, technology companies may retain the contents of the online sexual exploitation of children for longer than 180 days if necessary to prevent further exploitation.\n\n\u201cChildren are increasingly living their lives behind screens, and the jarring reality is this leaves more innocent kids at risk of online exploitation,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe bill is a significant step forward in our efforts to protect our children online because it allows law enforcement to collect evidence needed to hunt down online predators. I am pleased this legislation has unanimously passed the Senate, and I encourage the House to promptly take up this critical legislation so that it can get to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve stood up for trafficking victims since I was Nevada\u2019s Attorney General, and I know how difficult investigations into online child abuse can be,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cThis bill is going to make it easier for our law enforcement agencies to hold perpetrators of child exploitation accountable, and I urge the House to pass it swiftly. I\u2019ll keep doing everything I can to protect children from trafficking and abuse.\u201d\n\n\u201cProtecting our children from abusers must be a top priority, and part of that work includes ensuring that law enforcement has access to the evidence that they need to crack down on perpetrators,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation is an important step toward strengthening our efforts to end child exploitation, and I will keep pushing to get it signed into law.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-speech-on-the-senate-floor-senator-hassan-discusses-importance-of-protecting-democracy", "In Speech on the Senate Floor, Senator Hassan Discusses Importance of Protecting Democracy", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan joined her colleagues on the Senate floor to speak about the importance of protecting democracy.\n\nThis week, Congress is set to pass bipartisan legislation, which Senator Hassan cosponsored, to reform and modernize the Electoral Count Act.\n\nTo watch Senator Hassan\u2019s speech, click here.\n\nHere are some highlights from Senator Hassan\u2019s floor speech:\n\n\u201cThe acceptance of the outcome of these elections, so that our country could continue to function, grow, become more inclusive, and thrive, has been essential. Not just for the sake of stability, but for the sake of a democracy in which the government is truly responsive. Truly \u2018of, by, and for the people.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we all know, in November, in state after state, including New Hampshire, democracy was on the ballot. There were in fact candidates who questioned the sacred right to free and fair elections. Individuals who expressed their willingness to overturn the 2020 election and their willingness to try to reject or overturn election outcomes in the future if their preferred candidate didn\u2019t win. I want people to think for a moment about what this means. These candidates were open in their willingness to reject the votes of their fellow citizens \u2013 leading to a system in which those in power are unaccountable \u2013 and therefore unresponsive \u2013 to the people they claim to represent.\u201d\n\n\u201cVoters recognized the real threat posed by those who would undermine our democracy. They saw the need to reject those who would disenfranchise them. They used their votes and their voices to stop those who would have otherwise jeopardized our democracy. In November, democracy prevailed. But that does not mean the work is over.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn Congress, this means that we must continue to fight for access to the ballot box and reinforce and share a commitment to accepting the results of elections. We can do that by supporting legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. And this week we will take an important step forward by passing the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform Act. And across the country, we must continue to do what the American people did this year -- reject those who would end democracy as we know it.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hassan-and-shaheens-bipartisan-bill-protecting-fire-fighters-from-pfas-exposure-", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Senators Hassan and Shaheen\u2019s Bipartisan Bill Protecting Fire Fighters from PFAS Exposure", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Legislation authored by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and cosponsored by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to help protect the health and safety of fire fighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure was signed into law. The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act directs federal agencies to develop best practices, training, and educational programs to reduce, limit, and prevent exposure to PFAS, also known as \u2018forever chemicals\u2019 because they do not naturally break down.\n\n\u201cOur fire fighters work day in and day out to keep our towns and cities safe, and their service should not come with worries about PFAS exposure,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cOur bipartisan bill will help reduce fire fighters\u2019 exposure to PFAS and help protect the health and safety of these brave public servants. I look forward to seeing the results of this bill across our state and country, and I\u2019ll keep working to support our first responders.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve long prioritized policies to remediate PFAS contamination in our communities and to phase out the use of these dangerous chemicals in our daily lives, which is of critical importance for workers who are often occupationally more likely to be exposed. This is the case for firefighters, whose exposure to firefighting foam and some personal protective gear containing PFAS, makes them particularly vulnerable. Our legislation is an important step forward to empower firefighters with the best practices, training and education they need from the Department of Homeland Security to stay safe on the job. I\u2019m thrilled to see the President sign it into law,\u201d said Senator Shaheen. \u201cI\u2019ll keep working to address the full scope of this issue to stop exposure, remediate contaminated sites and deliver the information and tools our community members need to stay healthy.\u201d\n\nThis new law is part of Senator Hassan and Shaheen\u2019s ongoing efforts to support first responders and address PFAS exposure. Senator Hassan has strongly supported federal grant programs to support New Hampshire fire departments, and successfully worked to increase funding for these programs in the American Rescue Plan that was passed into law. Senator Shaheen steered negotiations on the water provisions included in the bipartisan infrastructure law, during which she secured record-level funding to address PFAS contamination. In September, Shaheen led the delegation in announcing $72 million in capitalization grants from the law for the State of New Hampshire to use toward water infrastructure updates and improvements. The bipartisan infrastructure law includes a measure authored by Senator Hassan to better ensure that more New Hampshire towns are eligible for an advanced technology grant program that can be used remove contaminants, including PFAS, from drinking water.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-senate-colleagues-in-urging-kaiser-permanente-to-come-to-a-good-faith-agreement-with-mental-health-workers-on-strike-in-hawaii", "Hirono Leads Senate Colleagues in Urging Kaiser Permanente to Come to a Good Faith Agreement with Mental Health Workers on Strike in Hawaii", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) led 6 of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Kaiser Permanente CEO Greg Adams urging Kaiser to come to a good faith agreement with mental and behavioral health workers in the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) in Hawaii who have been on strike for 16 weeks. In the letter, the lawmakers urge the company to come to a good faith agreement for the sake of both the workers on strike and their patients, citing recent agreements Kaiser has reached with union workers in other states.\n\n\u201cMore than ever, health systems with the kind of market penetration Kaiser has in Hawaii should be working to ensure patients receive the timely, medically-necessary mental health services essential for protecting the wellbeing of our communities,\u201d write the lawmakers. \u201cThis level of care requires retaining the current skilled workforce and recruiting new talent into the state\u2014not engaging in years-long contract disputes. These workers deserve a fair wage, and patients deserve dependable, quality care.\u201d\n\nSince August, nearly 60 mental health workers employed by Kaiser Permanente across Hawaii\u2014including psychologists, clinical social workers, and nurses\u2014have been on strike, citing low staff levels and long wait times for patients.\n\n\u201cWhile your company has, for nearly five years, refused to negotiate in good faith a reasonable salary and workload demands for 57 employees, Kaiser Permanente reported a record $8.1 billion in net income in 2021. We ask that you take time this holiday season to consider the workers on which your company and patients depend and finalize a contract,\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was also signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard J. Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Chris Coons (D-DE).\n\nLast year, Senator Hirono joined Sen. Sanders and several of their Senate colleagues in urging Kaiser to reach an agreement with more than 30,000 health care workers who were preparing to go on strike in states across the country, including Hawaii.\n\nThe full text of the letter is below and can be found here.\n\nGreg A. Adams\n\nKaiser Permanente\n\nOne Kaiser Plaza\n\nOakland, CA 94612\n\nDear Mr. Adams,\n\nWe write today in support of mental and behavioral health workers in the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) in Hawaii who have been on strike for 16 weeks, and working toward a contract for nearly five years since the bargaining unit was formed. We encourage Kaiser Permanente to come to a good faith agreement for the sake of both the critical workers on strike and the patients across Hawaii who need to utilize mental and behavioral health services.\n\nFor years, Hawaii\u2014and our nation\u2014have struggled with a worsening mental health crisis that is exacerbated by lack of investment in mental health services. Mental and behavioral health workers \u2013 including psychologists, therapists, and social workers\u2014provide critical services across our health system, and those services have become even more important over the last several years, as our state and the nation have dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. The 57 behavioral health clinicians on strike are a critical part of the workforce and serve a Kaiser patient population of 260,000 people across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.\n\nIn November 2021, Kaiser was able to come to an agreement with 32,000 workers of various unions to avert a strike. More recently, in October 2022, Kaiser came to an agreement with mental and behavioral health workers of NUHW in California, ending a 10-week strike. Your company has shown a willingness to broker good faith agreements with workers in other states. We ask that you make that same effort with workers on strike in Hawaii\u2014even if they represent a smaller population of clinicians. Kaiser\u2019s mental and behavioral health workers in Hawaii deserve the same level of investment and parity as their mainland counterparts.\n\nMore than ever, health systems with the kind of market penetration Kaiser has in Hawaii should be working to ensure patients receive the timely, medically-necessary mental health services essential for protecting the wellbeing of our communities. This level of care requires retaining the current skilled workforce and recruiting new talent into the state\u2014not engaging in years-long contract disputes. These workers deserve a fair wage, and patients deserve dependable, quality care.\n\nWhile your company has, for nearly five years, refused to negotiate in good faith a reasonable salary and workload demands for 57 employees, Kaiser Permanente reported a record $8.1 billion in net income in 2021. We ask that you take time this holiday season to consider the workers on which your company and patients depend and finalize a contract.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/connecticut-and-rhode-island-congressional-delegations-seek-more-support-for-farmers-impacted-by-drought-in-new-omnibus-bill", "Connecticut and Rhode Island Congressional Delegations Seek More Support for Farmers Impacted by Drought in New Omnibus Bill", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON,\u2014As Congress works to finalize the FY 2023 Omnibus appropriations package, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), and the Connecticut and Rhode Island Congressional Delegations are pressing for additional funding to assist New England livestock feed producers and other farmers impacted by severe drought conditions. Today, Courtney and Murphy shared a letter they sent to House and Senate appropriators along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Reps. David Cicilline (D-R.I.-01), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05), Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.-02) and John B. Larson (D-Conn.-01), urging them to replenish funds for critical USDA disaster relief programs and to expand relief to cover farmers\u2019 losses in 2022, in addition to 2021 and 2020. Click here to read the full letter.\n\nIn August, the USDA announced a primary agricultural disaster designation for counties Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island due to severe drought conditions. The designation allowed many farmers and producers to access critical disaster relief loans through the USDA\u2019s Farm Service Agency (FSA), as well as other important USDA relief programs. However, in their letter, the coalition highlighted that certain critical producers still need assistance:\n\n\u201cWe are thankful that these various [USDA] programs are available to help impacted producers in our States, but we are concerned that some producers have been left out of this assistance. Specifically, livestock forage (feed) producers are in dire need of help.\u201d\n\nAccording to the FSA\u2019s Connecticut Division and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the drought has impacted the availability of feed and silage for agricultural producers. Some have reported losses of average hay production as high as 55%. The FSA warns that this could cause large price increases for many agricultural products this winter, and that the regional feed shortage will have ripple effects on local dairy enterprises.\n\nThe coalition noted that this presents a particularly difficult challenge to New England agricultural producers, many of whom have found themselves ineligible for FSA and USDA programs meant to provide relief in these sorts of emergencies:\n\n\u201cAlthough FSA operates assistance programs that support producers who grow forage for their own livestock if they are grazing livestock, New England has many producers who have livestock but do not graze, and many others who grow forage for sale to other livestock producers and therefore are also not eligible to participate in forage-related assistance programs.\u201d\n\n\u201cMany other federal programs that exist to help producers with drought and emergency situations are similarly unavailable to forage producers impacted by drought. In discussions with USDA, our staff recently learned that forage producers are also ineligible for assistance under Emergency Relief Program authorities, as the ERP only covers losses from 2020 and 2021.\u201d\n\nTo protect New England\u2019s dairy farming heritage and family farm businesses, and to prevent farming land from being sold-off for alternative uses, the Connecticut and Rhode Island Congressional delegations are urging House and Senate appropriators to replenish funds from the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and expand ERP authorities to cover losses incurred in 2022, as well as in 2021 and 2020, in the FY 2023 Omnibus appropriations package.\n\nMore details on the FY 2023 Omnibus appropriations package will be available soon. Click here to read the coalition\u2019s full letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-portman-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-at-risk-communities-invest-in-disaster-mitigation-projects-signed-into-law", "Peters and Portman Bipartisan Legislation to Help At-Risk Communities Invest in Disaster Mitigation Projects Signed into Law", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to make permanent the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) National Risk Index (NRI) \u2013 an online tool that utilizes data to identify communities that are most vulnerable to natural disasters \u2013 has been signed into law. The law will require FEMA to use data from the NRI to establish community disaster resilience zones (CDRZs) to designate the communities across the nation that are most in need of mitigation projects and help them access federal funding and support to plan for mitigation and resilience projects. As extreme weather events continue to cause billions of dollars in damages that taxpayers must cover, the senators\u2019 law will help at-risk communities make important investments to safeguard against natural disasters.\n\n\u201cIdentifying areas in Michigan and across the country that are most affected by natural disasters will help drive public and private investment toward these communities so they can fund infrastructure projects that can withstand floods and severe storms,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis new law will help make sure that data and information that is gathered by FEMA is being used to ensure communities that are most vulnerable to extreme weather events receive assistance.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud this bipartisan legislation has been signed into law because not every community in Ohio has the same vulnerabilities or experiences the same level of catastrophic outcomes even when impacted by the same disaster,\u201d said Senator Portman. \u201cWhile natural disasters can be highly unpredictable, FEMA has risk index tools to help us know where we should prioritize our disaster mitigation funding. Research has found that for every dollar invested into mitigation, communities are saved six dollars due to reduced future losses. This law will help Ohio and communities across the country prioritize and focus these mitigation programs to ensure we maximize the safety and well-being of anyone affected by disasters.\u201d\n\nSmall, impoverished, rural and historically disadvantaged communities continue to face severe consequences from natural disasters, including loss of life and significant financial damage. Studies have shown that resilience and mitigation spending saves taxpayers an average of $6 for every $1 invested. By making permanent and utilizing data from the NRI \u2013 which factors in expected annual losses, social vulnerability and community resilience \u2013 the senators\u2019 legislation would help allocate resources so at-risk communities can develop FEMA-approved hazard mitigation projects.\n\nThe Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act amends the Stafford Act to make permanent the National Risk Index and utilize its data to identify and designate community disaster resilience zone communities that are the most at risk to natural hazards. This will allow FEMA to identify what communities are most in need of assistance for mitigation projects. Community disaster resilience zone designations will be made public so other federal departments and stakeholders interested in protecting communities from natural disasters can understand what areas are most in need of investments. The law requires FEMA to create an optional review process for potential mitigation projects within a community disaster resilience zone to help direct private investors to approved, meaningful mitigation projects. The law allows the President to provide community disaster resilience zones with increased federal resources to upgrade their infrastructure to withstand natural disasters.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-184500-in-federal-support-for-colon-township-and-hart-area-fire-departments", "Peters, Stabenow Announce $184,500 in Federal Support for Colon Township and Hart Area Fire Departments", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that Colon Township and the Hart Area Fire Department will receive $184,500 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve operations and safety. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.\n\nColon Township will receive $132,500 to replace their self-contained breathing apparatuses. The Hart Area Fire Department will receive $52,000 to purchase new radios.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s critical that our local fire departments have the resources they need to respond to emergencies safely and effectively,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThese grants will ensure that the fire departments in Colon Township and Hart are able to best serve their communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThese new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s long overdue that we get new self-contained breathing apparatuses. The health and safety of our staff is a top priority. This new equipment will help our firefighters protect the community more safely,\u201d said Matt Overholt, Colon Township Fire Chief.\n\n\u201cCommunication is so important during times of emergency. These new radios will allow our staff to answer a call for help more quickly and efficiently,\u201d said Mark Haynor, Hart Fire Chief.\n\nMore information about these grants can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-230400-in-federal-support-for-new-baltimore-fire-department", "Peters, Stabenow Announce $230,400 in Federal Support for New Baltimore Fire Department", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that the New Baltimore Fire Department will receive $230,452 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to replace their self-contained breathing apparatuses. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.\n\n\u201cFirefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and we need to make sure they have the resources necessary to do so safely and effectively,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis funding will help the fire department in New Baltimore continue to best serve their communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThese new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis could not have come at a better time. Many of our self-contained breathing apparatus need to be replaced. The last thing you want is to go into a burning building and realize your equipment has failed. I want to thank Senators Stabenow and Peters for their support,\u201d said Jeff Stellmen, New Baltimore Fire Chief.\n\nMore information about these grants can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-motorcities-national-heritage-area", "Peters, Stabenow Announce Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Support MotorCities National Heritage Area", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that their bipartisan bill, the National Heritage Area Act, unanimously passed the U.S. Senate. The bill would support National Heritage Areas across the country including Michigan\u2019s MotorCities National Heritage Area in Southeast Michigan.\n\nThe National Heritage Area Act reauthorizes MotorCities and the 44 other National Heritage Areas set to expire by 2024 for another 15 years, ensuring long-term security for these sites and the communities they benefit. The bill also sets up a much needed framework for the designation and management of new and existing National Heritage Areas.\n\n\u201cNational Heritage Areas allow us to commemorate our nation\u2019s history and help generate further economic development in Michigan and regions across the country. We\u2019re proud in Michigan to be home to the MotorCities National Heritage Area, which highlights how our automotive heritage \u2013 and the workers who built automobiles across generations \u2013 transformed society,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cOur bill ensures we can preserve the story of how Michigan put America on wheels, built a world-class workforce that has transcended generations and upheld our reputation as a leader in mobility\u2014while boosting our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cNational Heritage Areas not only commemorate our nation\u2019s history, but also create jobs and boost tourism for communities across the country,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThis legislation ensures that Michigan\u2019s own MotorCities National Heritage Area can continue to preserve and share our rich automotive history for years to come.\u201d\n\nDesignated by Congress in 1998, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership is a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the National Park Service. The Partnership\u2019s mission is to preserve and promote the region\u2019s automotive and labor heritage. Every year, MotorCities attracts thousands of visitors and helps generate over $489 million in economic support to Michigan communities, supporting 5,343 jobs.\n\nPeters and Stabenow have been champions for funding for MotorCities, successfully authoring and passing the Preserving the MotorCities Heritage Act in 2019.\n\nU.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Rob Portman (R-OH) are also co-sponsors of the National Heritage Area Act. The National Heritage Area Act is supported by the Alliance of National Heritage Areas and the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-secures-more-than-half-a-billion-dollars-in-new-earmark-funding-for-hawaii-non-profits-local-projects", "Schatz Secures More Than Half A Billion Dollars In New Earmark Funding For Hawai\u2018i Non-Profits, Local Projects", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, secured $530 million in new congressional directed spending, also known as earmarks, in this year\u2019s government funding bill. At $530 million, Schatz\u2019s earmark total this year more than doubles last fiscal year\u2019s amount.\n\n\u201cWe are bringing home more than a half a billion dollars in new earmark funding,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThese earmarks will give local non-profits and projects more resources to serve communities across Hawai\u2018i.\u201d\n\nAs a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to ensure Hawai\u2018i received its fair share of federal earmark funding.\n\nEARMARKS SECURED BY SENATOR SCHATZ INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:\n\n\u2018Aha Punana Leo \u2013 $1,126,000\n\nFunding will support the Punana Leo statewide Hawaiian medium early childhood language education system. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCounty of Kaua\u2018i Housing Agency \u2013 $7,772,000\n\nFunding will support the construction of 145 affordable homes in Kaua\u2018i\u2019s Lima Ola Community. Senator Schatz and Senator Hirono secured a joint $8.49 million earmark in 2022 for the Lima Ola Community.\n\nCity and County of Honolulu \u2013 $11,987,000\n\nFunding will support the construction of three communally governed affordable housing projects in Honolulu, Waimanalo, and Wahiawa. Each project will provide temporary housing and services to 80-100 people.\n\nThe Food Basket (Hawai\u2018i Island) \u2013 $1,600,000\n\nFunding will be used to develop an agriculture innovation park and food systems campus in Hilo to provide safe, nutritious, fair, and affordable food to residents in the region.\n\nWaimanalo Health Center \u2013 $2,000,000\n\nFunding will be used for the construction of a new expansion facility providing oral health, vision, and nutritional services to the community of Waimanalo and throughout Ko?olaupoko. (Schatz, Hirono, and Kahele joint request)\n\nCounty of Maui \u2013 $11,000,000\n\nFunding will support the construction of a community center focused on Native Hawaiian culture in Wailuku, Maui, which will also be able to serve as a shelter and recovery space in the event of a disaster.\n\nKumano I Ke Ala o Makaweli (Kaua\u2018i) \u2013 $796,000\n\nFunding will be used to support the expansion of K-12 educational programs and food production in the West Kaua\u2018i region. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nHo?ahu Energy Cooperative Moloka\u2018i \u2013 $3,000,000\n\nFunding will be used for community-owned solar and battery storage to displace diesel generation. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCounty of Maui (Lana?i) \u2013 $542,000\n\nFunding will support repairs to the Manele Small Boat Harbor breakwater on Lana?i to help protect the harbor from large waves.\n\nHamakua-Kohala Health Center \u2013 $5,000,000\n\nFunding will support the construction of a new Federally Qualified Health Center in Honoka?a to expand access to primary care, pediatric care, behavioral health, pharmacy, and telehealth services in the Honoka?a community. (Schatz and Kahele joint request)\n\nHawai\u2018i Children\u2019s Action Network \u2013 $323,000\n\nFunding will establish a pilot program to link low-income families with infants and toddlers to support services, including home visiting, federal nutrition assistance programs, and child care subsidies.\n\nBig Brothers Big Sisters Hawai\u2018i \u2013 $800,000\n\nFunding will help restart school-based mentoring programs that were offered before the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nOffice of Hawaiian Education \u2013 $890,000\n\nFunding will be used to help transform distance learning in the Kaiapuni (Hawaiian Language Immersion Programs) school network.\n\nKalamapi\u2018i PLAY School (Hawai\u2018i Island) \u2013 $197,000\n\nFunding will be used to serve preschool-age students in Hilo though an innovative service delivery model that combines therapy with preschool play to focus on recovery from trauma and collective learning. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nHawaiian Hope \u2013 $95,000\n\nFunding will be used to help distribute computers to low-income families on the Wai\u2018anae Coast.\n\n\u2018Auamo Collaborative \u2013 $200,000\n\nFunding will be used to address the connectivity gaps that exist in underserved remote and rural areas throughout Hawai\u2018i.\n\nHawai\u2018i Institute of Pacific Agriculture (Hawai\u2018i Island) \u2013 $435,000\n\nFunding will be used to create a certified commercial kitchen at the Kohala Food Hub to expand vocational training and increase capacity for local food production, processing, and distribution.\n\nLanakila Pacific \u2013 $1,000,000\n\nFunding will support renovation of a vacant building to establish a food hub providing processing and distribution facilities for local farmers.\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Agriculture (Oahu, Hawai\u2018i Island) \u2013 $850,000\n\nFunding will be used to combat invasive pests at nursery production sites to maintain market access for Hawai\u2018i\u2019s horticultural products. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nMalama Kaua\u2018i \u2013 $492,000\n\nFunding will be used to construct the Moloa\u2018a \u2018AINA Center food hub, which will enable expanded local food distribution and farmer support services. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nHana Health (Maui) \u2013 $1,500,000\n\nFunding will be used to expand the Hana Fresh farm to grow more organic produce for patients and the local community.\n\nUSDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center (Hawai\u2018i Island) \u2013 $1,215,000\n\nFunding will be used for upgrades to the federal Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center facility in Hilo to support research and innovation on tropical fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nUniversity of Hawai\u2018i Sea Grant College Program \u2013 $500,000\n\nFunding will be used to facilitate public planning and engagement to identify green and nature-based infrastructure approaches for resilience in the Waikiki watershed.\n\nMaunalua Fishpond Heritage Center \u2013 $400,000\n\nFunding will support habitat restoration critical to restore the functionality of two traditional Hawaiian fishponds and springs on O\u2018ahu.\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Land and Natural Resources \u2013 $600,000\n\nFunding will restore ten acres of wetlands along the West Loch of the degraded Pearl Harbor ecosystem to improve coastal water quality, provide habitat, and other ecosystem services.\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Land and Natural Resources (Hawai\u2018i Island) \u2013 $900,000\n\nFunding will support the transplantation of corals from vulnerable locations to areas in West Hawai\u2018i Island where coral reefs have been compromised by coral bleaching and other stressors.\n\nCounty of Kaua\u2018i \u2013 $1,200,000\n\nFunding will support efforts to restore a coastal wetland for flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, and water quality and other ecosystem services for neighboring communities on Kaua\u2018i.\n\nCounty of Maui \u2013 $180,000\n\nFunding will improve radio capacity to provide better service from first responders in West Maui.\n\nThe Nature Conservancy Hawai\u2018i and Palmyra (Maui, Hawai\u2018i Island, Kaua\u2018i) \u2013 $1,000,000\n\nFunding will support the capacity of local communities in Maui Nui, and on O\u2018ahu and Hawai\u2018i Island to co-manage their coastal resources with federal and state partners. (Schatz, Hirono, and Kahele joint request)\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Land and Natural Resources \u2013 $1,000,000\n\nFunding will increase the capacity of the State of Hawai\u2018i, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, with additional staffing, enforcement vessels, and training.\n\nUniversity of Hawai\u2018i System \u2013 $2,250,000\n\nFunding will support the development of predictive sea level rise models, economic and policy models for decision making, outreach and community engagement, and resilient landscape and community designs. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nYWCA Kaua\u2018i \u2013 $110,000\n\nFunding will support the installation of solar and battery storage to improve energy resilience.\n\nHonolulu Fire Department (HFD) \u2013 $2,001,915\n\nFunding will replace fiber glass doors at HFD fire stations. (Schatz and Case joint request)\n\nCity and County of Honolulu \u2013 $679,000\n\nFunding will support a pilot project to test two types of green storm water infrastructure\u2014tree boxes and biofiltration. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCounty of Hawai\u2018i, Department of Water Supply \u2013 $2,080,000\n\nFunding will be used to drill a well that will tap into a deeper aquifer to bring high-quality water to the North Kona region. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCounty of Hawai\u2018i, Department of Water Supply \u2013 $80,000\n\nFunding will replace six large, underperforming water meters which currently lose money for the County, and understate water needs for planning purposes. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCounty of Kaua\u2018i \u2013 $1,200,000\n\nFunding will help assess the status and identify repair needs for a four mile stretch of sewage lines, ensuring this infrastructure will support homes transitioning away from cesspools. (Schatz, Hirono, and Kahele joint request)\n\nCounty of Maui \u2013 $600,000\n\nFunding will support the expansion and use of recycled water produced by the Kihei Wastewater Reclamation Facility.\n\nSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (Hawai\u2018i Island) \u2013 $800,000\n\nFunding will be used to upgrade facilities at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center and protect endangered Hawaiian forest birds. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nYWCA O\u2018ahu \u2013 $500,000\n\nFunding will support historic preservation of the YWCA\u2019s Laniakea building.\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy (Maui, Kaua\u2018i) \u2013 $1,500,000\n\nFunding will support efforts to control avian malaria and protect endangered native forest birds. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (Maui) \u2013 $1,000,000\n\nFunding will help conserve forested watersheds in East Maui through the installation of conservation fencing, planting of native trees, and removal of invasive species.\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife \u2013 $1,000,000\n\nFunding will be used for native species conservation projects on Maui. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCounty of Hawai\u2018i \u2013 $13,000,000\n\nFunds will support the renovation of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital. Renovations will help bring the property into county compliance to allow HOPE Services and Big Island Substance Abuse Council to continue providing critical services there. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCity and County of Honolulu \u2013 $10,000,000\n\nFunding will expand the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (C.O.R.E) program, which Senator Schatz helped establish in 2022 with a $3,500,000 earmark. The program diverts 911 calls regarding non-violent unhoused people to a trained crisis outreach staff that can focus on providing resources, assistance, and shelter.\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Transportation \u2013 $10,000,000\n\nFunds will be invested in electric buses, charging infrastructure, and new bus depots across the state. This funding will go towards Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Zero Emission Bus Program to help the state accomplish its goal to achieve a zero emission economy by 2045. Senator Schatz announced an additional $55 million in federal funding for Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Zero Emission Bus Program from the recent infrastructure law in August of 2022.\n\nCity and County of Honolulu, Department of Transportation Services \u2013 $8,275,000\n\nFunding will help the City and County of Honolulu\u2019s Department of Transportation Services expand the HOLO transit smart card system.\n\nCounty of Kaua\u2018i Housing Agency \u2013 $5,000,000\n\nFunding will add an additional half a million gallons of domestic water storage capacity and transmission to facilitate the development of affordable housing in Hanapepe, \u2018Ele\u2018ele, and Port Allen. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCity and County of Honolulu, Department of Transportation Services \u2013 $4,800,000\n\nFunding will support the planning and preliminary design of a 30-mile bicycle and pedestrian path connecting Nanakuli and Manoa. (Schatz and Case joint request)\n\nCity and County of Honolulu \u2013 $3,538,000\n\nFunding will support stable, affordable housing for persons with mental health challenges. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nCounty of Maui, Department of Transportation \u2013 $3,200,000\n\nFunding will allow Maui County to purchase ADA compliant buses and upgrade tracking technology to allow riders to track the buses via the Maui Bus app.\n\nGregory House Programs \u2013 $1,200,000\n\nFunding will help the organization renovate Community Residential Programs, a transitional housing program that houses people living with HIV/AIDS who are transitioning out of homelessness.\n\nCouncil for Native Hawaiian Advancement \u2013 $1,053,000\n\nFunding will expand operations of Pop-Up Makeke, an online marketplace for Hawai\u2018i small businesses.\n\nHawai\u2018i Foodbank (Kaua\u2018i, O\u2018ahu) \u2013 $1,003,000\n\nFunding will help the Hawai\u2018i Foodbank purchase refrigeration equipment and vehicles for its O\u2018ahu and Kaua\u2018i warehouses, increasing its capacity to feed people in need.\n\nBoys & Girls Club of the Big Island \u2013 $1,000,000\n\nFunding will support the construction of a community center in the Kea\u2018au-Puna district. The secured funds will help construct accessibility ramps and parking, a kitchen, generators, and an outdoor gathering space.\n\nThe Nature Conservancy Hawai\u2018i and Palmyra (Maui) \u2013 $1,000,000\n\nFunding will support the planning and community outreach phases for the Olowalu road realignment project in West Maui.\n\nYWCA O\u2018ahu \u2013 $915,000\n\nFunding will support improvements to the Atherton Hall and Kitchen for use as a training kitchen and food business incubator.\n\nKapolei Chamber of Commerce \u2013 $500,000\n\nFunding will support the creation of the West O\u2018ahu Innovation and Entrepreneur Center, a small business and entrepreneur incubator in Kapolei.\n\nUniversity of Hawai?i Cancer Center \u2013 $6,500,000\n\nFunding will enable the construction of the new Early Phase Clinical Trial Research Center\u2014the first and only facility of its kind in Hawai?i. The Center will provide individuals with cancer access to Phase I clinical trials, which is currently only available to patients and their families by flights to the contiguous states. (Schatz, Hirono, and Case joint request)\n\nUniversity of Hawai?i \u2013 $1,000,000\n\nFunding will support planning and infrastructure for the University of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Office of Indigenous Innovation to establish an Indigenous Data Science Hub with a living laboratory that could incubate up to 10 community-based innovation pilots in support of global resilience. (Schatz, Hirono, and Case joint request)\n\nYWCA of Hawai\u2018i Island \u2013 $1,102,000\n\nFunding will be used to provide early intervention support for the highest risk families by healing trauma caused by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among new parents, as well as offering support services to enable families to provide an ACE-free childhood to their children. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nThe Legal Clinic \u2013 $120,000\n\nFunding will be used to provide training for law students and other attorneys on the immigration consequences of criminal convictions, and will conclude with a public education seminar on the intersection of criminal and immigration law. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of Public Safety \u2013 $900,000\n\nFunding will be used to provide educational support for existing prison education programs at Halawa, Kulani, and Waiawa Correctional Facilities, partnering with Chaminade University, Hawai\u2018i Community College, and Windward Community College.\n\nHawai\u2018i Department of the Attorney General \u2013 $200,000\n\nFunding will be used to recruit 17 Sexual Assault Nurses/Forensic Examiners (SANE/SAFE), pilot a Hawai\u2018i State SANE/SAFE training program, and improve the coordination of medical services to victims.\n\nTripler Army Medical Center \u2013 $38,000,000\n\nFunding will be used to provide a potable water system for Tripler Army Medical Center in accordance with DoD standards for water supply and storage. (Schatz, Hirono, and Case joint request)\n\nPearl Harbor Aviation Museum \u2013 $500,000\n\nFunding will support historic preservation of Hangar 79.\n\nPearl Harbor Aviation Museum \u2013 $400,000\n\nFunding will support historic preservation of Hangar 37.\n\nFort Shafter \u2013 $33,000,000\n\nFunding will be used to construct two potable water wells and one 1-million gallon capacity above ground water storage tank, replace water lines, and modernize controls to improve water quality at Fort Shafter. (Schatz, Hirono, and Case joint request)\n\nJoint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam \u2013 $103,350,000\n\nFunding will be used to construct three High Explosives Magazine boxes for long ordnance storage and expand perimeter security to the extent of the West Loch Annex property via a new perimeter fence, security patrol road, and entry control facilities at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nMarine Corps Base Hawai\u2018i \u2013 $87,900,000\n\nFunding will be used for housing for Marines stationed at Marine Corps Base, Hawai\u2018i that meets current living standards and replaces 50-year old quarters. (Schatz, Hirono, and Kahele joint request)\n\nSchofield Barracks \u2013 $111,000,000\n\nFunding will be used to construct facilities for four companies and a troop aid station consolidating the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in the South Range District of Schofield Barracks. (Schatz and Hirono joint request)\n\nSchofield Barracks \u2013 $9,000,000\n\nFunding will be used to replace a substandard facility and construct administrative, training, and dormitory space and cover for firetrucks and emergency support vehicles.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/eight-months-after-his-in-person-promise-schumer-delivers-75-million-in-end-of-year-spending-bill-to-fund-repairs-and-help-restore-buffalos-uss-the-sullivans-ensuring-the-beloved-landmark-will-remain-in-buffalos-naval-park-for-generations-to-come-", "EIGHT MONTHS AFTER HIS IN-PERSON PROMISE, SCHUMER DELIVERS $7.5 MILLION IN END-OF-YEAR SPENDING BILL TO FUND REPAIRS & HELP RESTORE BUFFALO\u2019S USS THE SULLIVANS, ENSURING THE BELOVED LANDMARK WILL...", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Earlier This Year Buffalo\u2019s Treasured WWII Naval Museum Ship Started Sinking After A Serious Hull Breach; Schumer Immediately Came To Buffalo And Began Working To Develop An All Hands On Deck Approach To Save WNY Landmark, Which Honors The Five Sullivan Brothers Who All Died While Serving Together During WWII\n\nSenator Promised He\u2019d Secure Robust Funding To Give Financial Lifeboat The USS The Sullivans Needed To Assist with Critical Repairs \u2013 Now, Just In Time For Christmas \u2013 Schumer Announces The Funding Will Be Included In The Must-Pass Spending Bill This Week\n\nSchumer: It\u2019s Full Steam Ahead For Restoring The USS The Sullivans\n\nAfter standing in front of the sinking ship and promising to help restore the USS The Sullivans earlier this year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that the must-pass end-of-year spending bill will include $7.5 million to fund the repairs of the iconic WWII Western New York landmark to help bring it back to tip-top condition at Canalside.\n\n\u201cI stood in front of the USS The Sullivans as it started to sink into the harbor and promised I would get all hands on deck to get the funding we needed to restore this pride and joy for Buffalo, our veterans, and strong Irish-American community. I am proud to say a promise made is now a promise kept, and funding will soon be on the way to help restore this iconic Western New York landmark, which honors the tragic loss of the five Sullivan brothers,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cEarlier this year the waters ahead looked rocky and rough, but I knew this ship and all it stands for meant too much to Buffalo to let it sink into the abyss. The $7.5 million I have secured in the spending bill, which will pass this week, will give the community the robust financial support it needs to help fund repairs so this beloved vessel can continue to be admired for generations to come. I am happy to deliver this early Christmas present to Buffalo\u2019s Naval Park and to have steered the USS The Sullivans onto a safer waters with a brighter future on the horizon.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis investment will secure the USS Sullivans place in Buffalo\u2019s Naval and Military Park for generations to come,\u201d said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. \u201cI want to thank Senator Schumer for securing this funding to preserve the Jewel of the City\u2019s Buffalo Naval and Military Park for all to enjoy.\u201d\n\nPaul J. Marzello Sr., President & CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park said, \u201cWe are extremely grateful to Senator Schumer for his commitment to Saving the Sullivans. As a National Historic Landmark, her value extends beyond the boundaries of the WNY community. Her value is measured in the lives of the five Sullivan brothers who the ship is named after and every Veteran who has ever served this nation. With gratitude from all, thank you for providing the funding to help preserve this ship for generations to come\u201d\n\nImmediately after the USS The Sullivans began sinking, Schumer came to Buffalo and stood outside the sinking ship to pledge his support to the veteran and Western New York community to help get the federal funding to repair the landmark. The funding will go directly to ensuring this beloved vessel can be restored and remain on permanent display at the Buffalo Naval and Military Park. Specifically, $2.5 million of the funding will come from the National Park Service\u2019s Historic Preservation Fund and $5 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s Community Development Fund as congressionally directed spending. Schumer initially secured the funding over the summer and now it will be included in the must pass end of the year spending bill, expected to be voted on later this week. Specifically, the funding will go to ensuring the long term structural integrity of the hull of the ship and making repairs to the hull and interior that were severely damaged which caused the ship to fill with water earlier this year. A ship architect and crew arrived in Buffalo last week and are collecting data on USS The Sullivans and developing comprehensive preservation plan for the repair of the museum ship.\n\nCommissioned in 1943, the USS The Sullivans operated in the Pacific Theater during World War II and is one of four remaining Fletcher-class destroyers left in the world. The ship is named in honor of the working-class Irish-American family that lost all five of its sons during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. It was decommissioned in 1965 and donated in 1977 to the City of Buffalo, where it remains a National Historic Landmark and has served as a memorial and museum ship ever since.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-delivers-24-million-for-peekskill-to-transform-abandoned-fire-station-into-new-commercial-kitchen-food-incubator-creating-new-jobs-attracting-new-businesses-and-growing-the-hudson-valleys-flourishing-food-economy", "SCHUMER DELIVERS $2.4 MILLION FOR PEEKSKILL TO TRANSFORM ABANDONED FIRE STATION INTO NEW COMMERCIAL KITCHEN FOOD INCUBATOR CREATING NEW JOBS, ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESSES, AND GROWING THE HUDSON VALLEY\u2019S...", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Schumer Says Funding Will Breathe New Life Into The Old Centennial Hose Municipal Fire Station By Establishing A State-Of-The-Art Culinary Incubator For Local Businesses\n\nNew Food Industry Hub Will Establish A Space For Entrepreneurs To Grow Their Businesses, Create New Jobs, And Foster New Workforce Partnerships With Hospitality Industry\n\nSchumer: Fed Investment Will Help Cook Up Jobs And New Business Opportunities In The Hudson Valley!\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Peekskill Facilities Development Corporation has been awarded a $2.4 million grant through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to transform an abandoned fire station into the new Peekskill Commercial Kitchen Food Incubator. Schumer said that this funding will support the renovations of the space so that entrepreneurs can have the facilities and equipment they need to grow their businesses in the Hudson Valley, creating new jobs and strengthening the region\u2019s growing culinary community.\n\n\u201cI am proud to deliver this new federal investment to help Peekskill cook up new jobs by transforming the abandoned former Peekskill firehouse into a one-stop shop \u2013 the new Peekskill Commercial Kitchen Food Incubator \u2013 for entrepreneurs to grow their food businesses right here in the Hudson Valley. This $2.4 million in federal funding will create a new state-of-the-art culinary incubator in the City of Peekskill and reinvest in the city\u2019s vibrant restaurant and hospitality industries that took a major hit during the pandemic. The new Peekskill Commercial Kitchen Food Incubator will not only support Westchester entrepreneurs and its growing culinary industry, but it also can create new partnerships with local farm networks to source locally-grown ingredients.\u201d said Senator Schumer.\n\nWestchester County Executive George Latimer said, \u201cOnce again, Senator Schumer is coming through for Westchester County. As we have championed through our County\u2019s Economic Development Office led by Bridget Gibbons, incubators are a game-changing approach to building small businesses in our community. With devoted entrepreneurs and governmental bodies that support them, these start-ups create jobs, boost our local economy and have the potential to expand into major corporations. We thank the Senate Majority Leader for his efforts and congratulate the City of Peekskill on this excitement announcement.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to the advocacy of Senator Schumer and the tremendous work of the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Peekskill Facilities Development Corporation, the City of Peekskill secured a $2.4 million EDA grant that will lead to the construction of this revolutionary, cutting-edge culinary incubator and will help transform our historic city\u2019s economy,\u201d said Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie. \u201cThe Peekskill Commercial Kitchen Food Incubator will stir up major economic development, new businesses, and new jobs while creating a destination to revitalize downtown.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the project will support the renovation of the old Centennial Hose Municipal Fire Station for adaptive reuse, strengthening the region\u2019s food infrastructure and enabling small and new businesses to access shared facilities, training opportunities, equipment, and the technical assistance they need to grow and thrive. The former firehouse totals 8,000 square feet, including a 2,400-square-foot, two-bay garage. After the adaptive reuse conversion is completed, the 4,500-square-foot commercial kitchen portion of the building would house five, fully-equipped and licensed commercial kitchens, complete with stations for prep, storage, packaging, shipping, and receiving, along with office space. \u201cSupport facilities\u201d in the incubator would include entrepreneurship programming and workforce skills development, emphasizing food-business-oriented training and work-and-learn training\n\nThe federal funding supporting this project was secured through the Schumer-championed American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance grant program through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and will be matched with nearly $600,000 in local funds. The Peekskill Firehouse Kitchen Incubator was a joint project between the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency (IDA), Peekskill Facilities Development Corp. (PFDC), and the Westchester County Office of Economic Development. The Peekskill City Council passed a resolution of support for the project in May of 2021.\n\nA copy of Schumer\u2019s original letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo appears below:\n\nDear Secretary Raimondo:\n\nI am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Peekskill Facilities Development Corporation (PFDC) to the Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to transform the abandoned Peekskill firehouse into a new state-of-the-art culinary incubator in the City of Peekskill.\n\nThe Peekskill Firehouse Kitchen Incubator is a joint project by the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency (IDA), Peekskill Facilities Development Corporation (PFDC) and Westchester County\u2019s Office of Economic Development. The proposed $2.4 million EDA investment would renovate the city-owned former Centennial Hose Fire Station for adaptive reuse, transforming the space into a hub for small and new culinary businesses, allowing them to access shared facilities, training opportunities, equipment, and the technical assistance needed to grow and thrive.\n\nImportantly, this proposal would reinvest in the city\u2019s vibrant restaurant and hospitality industries that took a major hit during the pandemic. The City of Peekskill reported $800 million in lost visitor spending during 2020. Food and restaurant revenues decreased over 47%, with employment in the sector down 37% compared to pre-pandemic levels. When coupled with the devastating loss of 1,000 jobs caused by Indian Point\u2019s closure, this much-needed project would create a new workforce development and business-boosting programs. The kitchen would also benefit culinary entrepreneurs by removing the barrier of having to lease or purchase a kitchen facility at market rate, allowing them to grow at their own pace.\n\nThe former firehouse totals 8,000 square feet, including a 2,400-square-foot, two-bay garage. After the adaptive reuse conversion is completed, the 4,500-square-foot commercial kitchen portion of the building would house five, fully-equipped and licensed commercial kitchens, complete with stations for prep, storage, packaging, shipping, and receiving, along with office space. \u201cSupport facilities\u201d in the incubator would include entrepreneurship programming and workforce skills development, emphasizing food-business-oriented training and work-and-learn training.\n\nI applaud the Peekskill Facilities Development Corporation for its foresight, and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval. Thank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-fort-drum-receives-nearly-10-million-in-omnibus-spending-package-to-make-critical-security-updates-and-move-forward-on-state-of-the-art-combat-physical-fitness-testing-facility", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FORT DRUM RECEIVES NEARLY $10 MILLION IN OMNIBUS SPENDING PACKAGE TO MAKE CRITICAL SECURITY UPDATES AND MOVE FORWARD ON STATE-OF-THE-ART COMBAT PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING...", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Senators Fiercely Advocated For Funding To Be Included In Omnibus Spending Package To Ensure Fort Drum Achieves Peak Mission Readiness\n\nSchumer, Gillibrand: Investing In Fort Drum Is Investing In Future Of The North Country & Our National Defense\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that following their staunch advocacy for the soldiers and families of Fort Drum, the senators have secured nearly $10 million for two major Fort Drum projects in the end-of-year spending package for FY2023.\n\nThe first is over $3 million to begin the planning and design of a new, modern physical fitness testing facility field house. The second will use $6.8 million to modernize and upgrade the Access Control Point (ACP) at Fort Drum, ensuring the security of those working on the base. The senators said that jointly these projects would help ensure the long-term stability and vitality of Fort Drum for years to come.\n\n\u201cFort Drum is woven in the very fabric of the North Country and essential to our national defense. Our soldiers and those on the base deserve only the best when it comes to security and facilities that support their legendary readiness, that is why I am proud to deliver funding for these two critical projects to keep the base secure and thriving,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis funding means bolstering both the physical health and wellbeing of our soldiers as they train and prepare for deployment. I will always fight to make sure our Fort Drum soldiers have what they need to be mission ready and defend our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cFort Drum is one of the most strategically important bases in the country and a cornerstone of the North Country community. This $10 million investment will help ensure soldiers at the base have what they need to stay safe, healthy, and ready for deployment,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have fought to secure this funding and I\u2019ll keep fighting to provide Fort Drum personnel with the resources they need to serve our country.\u201d\n\nThe senators explained that the new $6.8 million Access Control Point Alley Modernization project will drastically improve perimeter security at Fort Drum. Fort Drum is currently randomly inspecting privately owned vehicles and commercial trucks in the inbound lanes at the ID Check Areas, and the GSA Military Police vehicle located at the ACP has no way of stopping a breaching vehicle from entering the base should a situation arise. This project supports the modernization of a non-standard design ACP by improving the existing aging concrete inbound and outbound lanes, and extending the response Zone to meet the required response distance from the ID Check Area to the active vehicle barrier system.\n\nIn addition, over $3 million will go directly to the planning and design of a new physical fitness testing facility for soldiers to take the Army Combat Physical Fitness Test. This is integral to fulfilling the new test requirement announced by the US Army Center for Initial Military Training. Schumer and Gillibrand said this long overdue investment will ensure Fort Drum is at peak readiness for emergency deployment and able to support the thousands of families there for generations to come.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-niagara-county-receives-nearly-1-million-through-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-to-replace-deteriorating-hartland-road-bridge-over-golden-hill-creek-in-somerset", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NIAGARA COUNTY RECEIVES NEARLY $1 MILLION THROUGH THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW TO REPLACE DETERIORATING HARTLAND ROAD BRIDGE OVER GOLDEN HILL CREEK IN SOMERSET", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Schumer, Gillibrand: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Just Helped Bridge The Gap For Critical Bridge Replacement In Niagara County\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that Niagara County received $959,304 through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (USDOT) Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program to replace the structurally deteriorating Hartland Road Bridge over Golden Hill Creek. Schumer said that this major federal boost comes from the historic increases he was able to secure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act\n\n\u201cThe Hartland Road Bridge over Golden Hill Creek is a vital connector in Niagara County, but for years its aging infrastructure has put pedestrians and motorists in harm\u2019s way, and hindered economic development. That is why I am so proud to be able to deliver nearly $1 million to upgrade this vital link before repairs proved a bridge too far,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis much needed investment will ensure our agriculture community in Niagara County can continue to grow and give our rural communities the support they need to continue to grow the Western New York regional economy. Improvements in agribusiness bridges will be essential to Niagara County\u2019s economy by investing in the community and the people that work here now, and for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a critical investment in Niagara County\u2019s infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have fought to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to secure nearly $1 million to upgrade the Hartland Road Bridge, promote regional economic growth, and improve safety standards, and I\u2019ll keep fighting to bring federal dollars to Western New York.\u201d\n\n\"I am very excited to see the funding is now in place for the replacement of the Hartland Road Bridge in Town of Somerset,\" said Niagara County Legislator Shawn Foti. \"Investing in the upkeep of our infrastructure in rural communities is a top priority, especially in support of our agriculture industry. So, we are very appreciative when our partners in government, like Senator Schumer, are able to deliver funds for these important projects.\"\n\nAgribusiness is one the top contributors to Niagara County\u2019s GDP, with almost 800 farms comprising around 40% of the County\u2019s acreage. Underdeveloped roads in rural areas are one of the leading issues holding back Niagara County\u2019s agribusiness industry. Specifically, this funding will help replace the Hartland Road Bridge with a longer, wider bridge to accommodate larger agricultural vehicles, including new abutment, footing, and wing walls to increase safety to modern standards. This is the first step in reinforcing rural infrastructure that has not been touched in nearly half a century.\n\nSchumer and Gillibrand said the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law created the new Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program with $1 billion in funding over five years, helping make today\u2019s grant possible.\n\nThe Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program support projects to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1450BBF7-3387-4DBB-A69F-A2D92D0FE38D", "Warner & Kaine Successfully Secure Over $200 Million for Virginia in Newly Released FY 2023 Budget Bills", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced that they successfully secured over $200 million in federal funding for Virginia in the newly released text of the government funding bills for Fiscal Year 2023. The bills are expected to be passed by the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and then signed by President Joe Biden.\n\n\u201cThis bill funds critical national priorities, including health care, education, scientific research and veterans services. It builds on the important progress Congress has made this year to lower costs, fight gun violence, and create good-paying jobs here in the U.S.,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cI\u2019m especially proud that we secured $200 million in funding for key projects all over Virginia.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur annual budget has always been an opportunity to secure resources for Virginia priorities, and the budget text released yesterday shows that we are on track to do the same again this year,\u201d said Sen. Kaine. \u201cThis budget will raise pay for servicemembers, support pediatric disease research, expand internet access, and help our communities stay healthier and safer from gun violence. It will also bring over $200 million back home to Virginia to support essential local projects for everything from improving our water treatment facilities and roads to putting public transportation and substance abuse treatment within reach for more Virginians. The time is now to get this bill across the finish line and signed into law.\u201d\n\nAs part of last year\u2019s budget process, the Senate restarted a process that allows members of Congress to work with the communities they represent to request funding for local community projects, otherwise known as earmarks, in a manner that promotes transparency and accountability. This process allows Congress to dedicate federal funding for specific projects.\n\nThrough strong advocacy, the senators secured funding in the budget bills for the following projects in Virginia:\n\nFor projects in Northern Virginia, click here.\n\nFor projects in Central Virginia, click here.\n\nFor projects in Southwest Virginia and Southside, click here.\n\nFor projects in the Shenandoah Valley, click here.\n\nFor projects in Hampton Roads, here.\n\nFor projects that impact communities in multiple regions across the Commonwealth,? here.\n\nIn addition, the budget bills include funding for the following Warner and Kaine priorities:\n\nInvesting in Kids: Provides $8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which provides financial assistance to help low-income families access child care. This is $1.85 billion more than Fiscal Year 2022, representing a 30 percent increase in funding for the program. The bill also includes $11.996 billion, $960 million more than Fiscal Year 2022, for Head Start, the national school readiness program. Last year, Virginia received more than $120 million through the CCDBG program, and Virginia\u2019s Head Start programs served 15,000 vulnerable children and their families. Increasing funding for the CCDBG program is a core tenant of Sen. Kaine\u2019s child care and early childhood education proposal to expand the supply of quality child care facilities, increase child care and Head Start teacher wages, and lower child care costs for families across the country.\n\nAddressing Americans\u2019 Mental Health Needs: Expands the number of mental health care options available for seniors by ensuring seniors can access marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors under Medicare for the first time. This expansion is based on a bill Sen. Kaine cosponsored, theMental Health Access Improvement Act. The budget also includes Sen. Kaine\u2019s bipartisan Investing in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act, legislation to support children\u2019s access to mental health care by providing grants to human service agencies or non-profits to develop, maintain, or enhance early intervention mental health programs for children from 0 to 12 years of age.\n\nIncreasing Access to Affordable Housing: Includes $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which will lead to the construction of 10,000 housing units nationally; $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, which cities and counties can use to build affordable housing or for economic and community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income housing; funding for 11,700 new housing choice vouchers; and dedicated funding to address homelessness, housing for the disabled, and housing for older Americans, among other investments. The budget also establishes a new $85 million competitive grant fund for localities looking to increase housing construction.\n\nIncreasing Military Pay and Compensation:?Includes $1.5 billion to fully fund a 4.6 percent pay raise for servicemembers that Sen. Kaine helped authorize as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which writes the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Also includes $515 million towards military family support programs. Sen. Warner, who pushed for this funding, has long stressed the need for increased support for servicemembers through legislation such as the?Military Hunger Prevention Act?that helps low-income military families put food on the table and through a number of provisions in this year\u2019s defense bill.\n\nMaking Our Communities Safer:?Provides $50 million for Community Violence Prevention grants to support communities in developing comprehensive, evidence-based violence intervention and prevention programs, including efforts to address gang and gun violence through partnerships between community residents, law enforcement, local government agencies, and other community stakeholders. The bill also includes $45 million in funding to a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to train police officers in de-escalation, implicit bias, and preventing unlawful force. This funding will also go towards strengthening crisis intervention teams by embedding mental and behavioral health professionals alongside law enforcement officers. Finally, the bill includes $125 million for anti-recidivism programs, helping formally incarcerated individuals re-integrate peacefully into society.\n\nSupporting America\u2019s Veterans: Provides $5 billion to implement theHonoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which Sens. Warner and Kaine successfully pushed to pass earlier this year. This legislation expanded health care services and benefits to veterans with conditions related to toxic exposure during their service. The budget also includes $118.7 billion for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care and $2.7 billion to support critical services and housing assistance for veterans and their families experiencing housing insecurity.\n\nExpanding High-Speed Internet Access: Includes $364 million for the USDA\u2019s ReConnect Program to expand access to high-speed broadband to remote underserved areas. As governors and senators, Warner and Kaine have long supported expanding broadband access in Virginia. During the pandemic, they secured significant funding for broadband through the?Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Sens. Warner and Kaine also joined a bipartisan letter to Senate leadership requesting this funding earlier this year. Sen. Warner also personally secured billions of dollars for broadband expansion in both the?American Rescue Plan?and the?Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\nStrengthening the Prescription Drug Pipeline: Includes bipartisan provisions championed by Kaine to strengthen the pipeline and increase transparency for critical medicines, which would lower costs and make it easier for physicians and patients to plan for the future. Sen. Kaine first outlined these steps in two bipartisan bills, the Interchangeable Biologics Clarity Act and the Biologics Market Transparency Act.\n\nBoosting Local Economies:?Includes $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission and $20 million\u2014an increase of $15 million compared to last year\u2019s budget\u2014for the Southwest Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) to support their work to build economic partnerships, create opportunity, and foster economic development. Sens. Kaine and Warner, along with the late Representative A. Donald McEachin, led the push to increase SCRC funding.\n\nRestoring the Chesapeake Bay: Includes $92 million for the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Chesapeake Bay Program, which is the leading federal program that coordinates restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.\n\nExpanding Defense Workforce Training: Includes $830.2 million for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program Office, which funds a range of efforts at the Department of Defense to support the defense industrial base, including a pilot program in Danville which is currently training students in machining, welding, metrology and manufacturing for jobs in shipbuilding.\n\nBoosting Scientific Research and Innovation: Includes $1.8 billion in funding to help implement the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Sens. Warner and Kaine led efforts in the Senate to secure funding from the legislation for Virginia, noting in a letter to the Department of Commerce that Virginia has a leading technology workforce and semiconductor manufacturing presence, making the Commonwealth an ideal location for future federal investments in semiconductor research and manufacturing.\n\nMaking Higher Education More Affordable: Provides a $500 boost or 7.2 percent increase to the maximum Pell Grant in the 2023-2024 school year, raising the maximum award to $7,395. This is the largest increase in the maximum Pell grant award since the 2009-10 school year and further builds off the $400 increase provided last year. The omnibus also includes $1 billion, an increase of $137 million or 15 percent, for programs to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions.\n\nAddressing the Opioid Epidemic: Includes the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act, legislation Warner and Kaine cosponsored to reduce barriers to non-opioid pain management for those enrolled in Medicare. The budget also includes theMainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, legislation Sen. Kaine cosponsored to reduce barriers to accessing medication-assisted treatment for individuals living with substance use disorders.\n\nFighting Eating Disorders: The bill includes the Anna Westin Legacy Act, legislation cosponsored by Warner to help those affected by eating disorders through improved health care professional training and clarity of mental health parity.\n\nSupporting the Direct Care and Family Caregiver Workforce: Includes $2 million for a project to identify new strategies to attract and retain a qualified direct care workforce. A similar provision was included in Sen. Kaine\u2019s Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act, legislation designed to address direct care and family caregiver workforce shortages.\n\nAddressing Americans\u2019 Long COVID Needs:?Includes $10 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide the research needed to ensure those experiencing Long COVID have access to the patient-centered, coordinated care they need. This effort was first outlined in Sen. Kaine\u2019s?CARE for Long COVID Act.\n\nExtending Telehealth Access: Extends COVID-19-related telehealth flexibilities for two full years, through 2024, drawing on legislation introduced by Warner and cosponsored by Kaine to allow more Americans to utilize telehealth services and expand the types of health care providers eligible to offer telemedicine.\n\nKeeping Kids Healthy: Extends the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low- and no-cost health coverage for thousands of low-income children in Virginia, for an additional two years.\n\nImproving Cybersecurity in Health Care: Includes several provisions addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the health care sector. Last month, Sen. Warner released a policy options paper outlining current cybersecurity threats facing health care providers and systems and offering a series of policy solutions to improve cybersecurity across the industry, several of which were included in the bill.\n\nSupporting Miners Suffering from Black Lung Disease: Includes $12.19 million for Black Lung Clinics. Warner and Kaine have actively worked to secure benefits for miners and their families suffering from black lung disease. In August, the?Inflation Reduction Act,?supported by both Sens. Warner and Kaine, permanently extended the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund excise tax at a higher rate, providing more certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits.\n\nImproving Access to Lifesaving Drugs: Includes significant improvements to the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s Accelerated Approval Pathway, an important regulatory mechanism that provides early access to treatments and cures for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Sen. Kaine has long advocated for these improvements, which he outlined in his bipartisan Modernizing Accelerated Approvals Act.\n\nFunding for Pediatric Cancer Research:?Provides $12.6 million to fund childhood cancer research through the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act\u2014legislation?championed?by Sens. Warner and Kaine and named after a child from Loudoun County who died from a brain tumor in 2013.\n\nSupporting Hospital-Based Nurse Training Programs: Includes a technical correction to protect funding for programs that train nurses and other allied health professionals at hospital-based nursing programs across the country. This provision is based on the Technical Reset to Advance the Instruction of Nurses (TRAIN) Act, legislation Sen. Kaine cosponsored.\n\nAddressing Physician Shortages: Provides for the distribution of 200 additional Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) residency positions, with 100 slots specifically dedicated to increasing the number of mental health residencies. Sen. Kaine has long-supported expansion of GME residency positions and is a cosponsor of the Physician Shortage Reduction Act to do so.\n\nSupporting Rural Hospitals: Includes a two-year extension for Medicare payment programs that are vital to rural hospitals: the Medicare Dependent Hospital program and the Low Volume Adjustment Hospital program. Sen. Kaine cosponsored legislation in support of this action, the Rural Hospital Support Act. The budget also includes $5 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish an Office of Rural Health, a step first outlined in the Rural Health Equity Act, which was led by the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin in the U.S. House of Representatives and cosponsored by Sen. Kaine in the Senate.\n\nFighting Global Hunger:? Includes over $2 billion in international food aid and to promote U.S. agricultural exports overseas. This funding is critical to combatting global hunger and malnutrition. This funding follows?Sen. Kaine\u2019s work to highlight and address the threat Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine poses to food security around the world, and?Warner\u2019s support for non-governmental organizations responding to the food crisis. It also includes $154 billion\u2014an increase of $13.4 billion compared to last year\u2019s budget\u2014for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. Last year, 756,600 Virginians, or 9 percent of Virginia\u2019s population, relied on food stamps.\n\nFighting Pandemics and Promoting Access to Medical Countermeasures: Includes provisions from Sen. Kaine\u2019s bipartisan bill, the Promoting Access to Critical Countermeasures by Ensuring Specimen Samples (ACCESS) to Diagnostics Act, to support quicker research and development of medical countermeasures to disease outbreaks and pandemics, including diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutics, in response to emerging infectious diseases. The budget also includes $10.56 billion\u2014a $731 million increase compared to last year\u2019s budget\u2014to support global health and vaccination efforts worldwide. This funding is critical to protecting Virginians from the impacts of disease outbreaks around the world.\n\nModernizing America\u2019s Health Data Infrastructure:?Includes $175 million\u2014an increase of $75 million compared to last year\u2019s budget\u2014to modernize the public health data systems that help support healthy communities throughout America and Virginia. Also included are provisions from Sen. Kaine\u2019s?Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act to increase timely and accurate information sharing between local, state, and federal public health departments to improve preparedness for emerging public health threats and create a grant program to strengthen the quality and completeness of demographic data collection used by public health entities.\n\nStrengthening Transportation and Recreation Infrastructure:?Provides $150 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, in addition to $45 million for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which will support multi-purpose trails across Virginia.\n\nSupporting Key Missing Persons Program: Includes $1 million to help with the nationwide implementation of the Ashanti Alert system. In 2018, Sen. Warner secured?unanimous Senate passage?of the Ashanti Alert Act, legislation that created a new federal alert system for missing or endangered adults between the ages of 18-64.?The bill was signed into law on December 31, 2018.\n\nSupporting Economic Growth for Underserved Communities:?Provides $324 million for the U.S. Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, which supports businesses\u2019 economic growth in underserved communities. The successful push by Sens. Warner and Kaine follows Sen. Warner\u2019s efforts to support CDFIs through legislation including the?Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act?and the creation of the bipartisan?Senate Community Development Finance Caucus.\n\nProtecting Democracy: Includes provisions to ensure that electoral votes tallied by Congress accurately reflect each state\u2019s vote for president and provides specific guidelines for the point at which candidates elected president and vice president can receive the resources provided for their transition into office. Sens. Warner and Kaine have long called for legislation to safeguard future elections, and Sen. Warner was among the bipartisan group of senators who negotiated these proposals.\n\nAssisting Ukraine in the Fight Against Russia\u2019s Illegal Invasion: Provides $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to support the Ukrainian people, to strengthen our NATO allies, and to defend global democracy in response to Russian aggression.\n\nSupporting Our Afghan Allies: Provides funding to help eliminate processing backlogs and expedite adjudications of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) cases. Virginia is home to one of the largest Afghan diaspora populations in the United States and led the U.S. in resettling Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal.\n\nSupporting Order and Safety at Our Border: Includes funding to support 19,855 Border Patrol agents, 300 more agents compared to last year\u2019s budget, in addition to $800 million to support Customs and Border Patrol\u2019s management of migrant processing facilities. The budget also provides resources for various programs to help improve the conditions that drive migration from Central America, including programs focused on counter-narcotics efforts and economic development. As Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Kaine has long advocated for efforts to address the root causes of migration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=17C6CCAA-1C81-4C90-9062-78D549726E3E", "Senate Intel Chairman Mark R. Warner on President Zelenskyy's Address to Congress", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released a statement following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy\u2019s address to Congress:\n\n\u201cPresident Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have displayed tremendous determination and resolve over the last 10 months as they have defended their country against Russia\u2019s unprovoked and brutal invasion. I am proud that the United States has led the world in support of Ukraine\u2019s efforts to defend itself, and tonight\u2019s address underscored the importance of continuing this work. We will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people, and our NATO allies, to back Ukraine - including roughly $45 billion in additional military and economic assistance to Ukraine that will be approved by Congress this week.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4ED9D362-7EA7-455D-B9EA-6ADB60C996CA", "Warner Requests Answers on Use and Deployment of Ashanti Alert for Missing Adults", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today wrote the Youngkin administration expressing concerns with the deployment of the Ashanti Alert, which provides rapid dissemination of information to law enforcement agencies, media, and the public about adults who have been reported missing, along with suspect information in cases of suspected abduction.\n\n\u201cSince the enactment of the state law in 2018, there have been eight Ashanti Alerts issued in Virginia. Data provided by the Virginia State Police (VSP) indicates that, of the eight alerts, three victims were safely located, three victims were found murdered, and two victims are currently unaccounted for. Based on these results, I am deeply concerned that the Ashanti Alert, as currently implemented, is not living up to its full potential,\u201d Sen. Warner wrote.\n\n\u201cThe story of Marie Covington underscores this concern. Ms. Covington was last seen on August 17, 2022 at 9:57pm and was reported missing to Virginia Beach Police (VBP) by her family on August 18, 2022 at 10:25pm. Despite Covington\u2019s disappearance meeting the activation criteria, VSP did not issue an Ashanti Alert until August 20, 2022 at 9:50pm \u2013 two days after she was reported missing. In that time period, police had already located her car, which was driven by the individual who was later arrested for her murder. The Ashanti Alert was issued only two hours before she was found deceased,\u201d he continued. \u201cThe Ashanti Alert program was created to facilitate cooperation and improve communication between public safety entities, with the ultimate goal of saving the lives of endangered individuals. To that end, it is imperative that Ashanti Alerts in Virginia be issued promptly to maximize their effectiveness and serve their purpose.\u201d\n\nIn order to ensure proper use of the alert, Sen. Warner requested answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat proportion of missing persons cases result in the issuance of an Ashanti Alert?\n\nIn a specific case, who is responsible for making the determination that \u201cabduction poses a credible threat,\u201d as required by the Ashanti Alert program?\n\nWhat policies govern the substance of this determination?\n\nWhat policies govern the timing of this determination?\n\nWere these policies revised as a result of the delay in the Covington case?\n\nWhy was an Ashanti Alert not issued in the Covington case until two days after Marie Covington was reported missing?\n\nIn the seven cases for which we do not have data, how much time elapsed between the missing person report and the issuance of an Ashanti Alert?\n\nWho has general oversight authority over the implementation of the Ashanti Alert law?\n\nIf there is no state official with this authority, why not?\n\nSen. Warner secured unanimous passage of the Ashanti Alert Act through the Senate on December 6, 2018 and the bill was signed into law on December 31, 2018. Since its implementation, Sen. Warner has consistently secured $1 million annually in government spending to support states who chose to implement an Ashanti Alert system. This funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2023 government spending bill that is being considered in the Senate.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Governor Youngkin,\n\nI write to you today regarding the execution of the Ashanti Alert program in the Commonwealth.\n\nAs you may be aware, in 2018, Virginia enacted the Critically Missing Adult Alert Plan, also known as the Ashanti Alert, following the tragic death of Ashanti Billie, a 19-year-old who was abducted in Norfolk, Virginia and whose body was discovered 11 days after she was first reported missing. Because Ashanti was too old for an Amber Alert to be issued and no similar network for adults existed at the time, her parents, family, and friends struggled to get word out of her disappearance in a timely fashion.\n\nIn the Senate, I was proud to champion the bipartisan passage of the federal Ashanti Alert Act and have subsequently secured federal funding for its implementation every year since its enactment. Today, almost half of all states have a similar alert system that meets the requirements of the federal Ashanti Alert program.\n\nSince the enactment of the state law in 2018, there have been eight Ashanti Alerts issued in Virginia. Data provided by the Virginia State Police (VSP) indicates that, of the eight alerts, three victims were safely located, three victims were found murdered, and two victims are currently unaccounted for. Based on these results, I am deeply concerned that the Ashanti Alert, as currently implemented, is not living up to its full potential.\n\nThe story of Marie Covington underscores this concern. Ms. Covington was last seen on August 17, 2022 at 9:57pm and was reported missing to Virginia Beach Police (VBP) by her family on August 18, 2022 at 10:25pm. Despite Covington\u2019s disappearance meeting the activation criteria, VSP did not issue an Ashanti Alert until August 20, 2022 at 9:50pm \u2013 two days after she was reported missing. In that time period, police had already located her car, which was driven by the individual who was later arrested for her murder. The Ashanti Alert was issued only two hours before she was found deceased.\n\nI know you share my goal of ensuring that we do everything in our power to make sure missing persons in Virginia are returned home safely. To that end, I am seeking the following information from your office:\n\nWhat proportion of missing persons cases result in the issuance of an Ashanti Alert?\n\nIn a specific case, who is responsible for making the determination that \u201cabduction poses a credible threat,\u201d as required by the Ashanti Alert program?\n\nWhat policies govern the substance of this determination?\n\nWhat policies govern the timing of this determination?\n\nWere these policies revised as a result of the delay in the Covington case?\n\nWhy was an Ashanti Alert not issued in the Covington case until two days after Marie Covington was reported missing?\n\nIn the seven cases for which we do not have data, how much time elapsed between the missing person report and the issuance of an Ashanti Alert?\n\nWho has general oversight authority over the implementation of the Ashanti Alert law?\n\nIf there is no state official with this authority, why not?\n\nThe Ashanti Alert program was created to facilitate cooperation and improve communication between public safety entities, with the ultimate goal of saving the lives of endangered individuals. To that end, it is imperative that Ashanti Alerts in Virginia be issued promptly to maximize their effectiveness and serve their purpose. Thus, I seek your cooperation and that of relevant state agencies and stakeholders in ensuring that the Ashanti Alert program succeeds in preventing future tragedies and protecting the safety of Americans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-moore-call-for-review-of-milwaukees-2020-census", "Baldwin, Moore Call for Review of Milwaukee\u2019s 2020 Census", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "baldwin", "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) sent a letter to the United States Census Bureau in support of the City of Milwaukee\u2019s challenge to the 2020 Census of the city. Milwaukee submitted an official 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Housing Count Case today, and Baldwin and Moore\u2019s letter was included in the request. If the request is accepted, the Census Bureau will review if certain errors were made in the 2020 Census. An accurate 2020 Census count is needed for Wisconsin\u2019s communities to receive proper federal resources, such as funding for health care, infrastructure, housing, job programs, and more.\n\nAn analysis by the City of Milwaukee suggests that the Census undercounted nearly 10,000 residents, disproportionately undercounting Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino residents.\n\n\u201cAn accurate Census is necessary for the appropriate distribution of federal funds and data-driven policymaking,\u201d wrote the members of Congress.\n\n\u201cThe City of Milwaukee is home to a large, diverse population of Wisconsinites. These Wisconsinites contribute to the vibrancy of Milwaukee and deserve to be reflected in an accurate Census,\u201d the members continued.\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below.\n\nThe Honorable Robert Santos\n\nDirector\n\nUnited States Census Bureau\n\n4600 Silver Hill Road\n\nWashington, D.C. 20233\n\nDear Director Santos:\n\nWe write to urge a prompt review of the City of Milwaukee\u2019s 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Case. An accurate Census is necessary for the appropriate distribution of federal funds and data-driven policymaking. The City of Milwaukee\u2019s submission includes evidence of a concerning undercount of housing units contributing to an overall undercount within the City. We urge the Bureau take this opportunity to correct the housing undercount and issue a new, official 2020 Census count for the City of Milwaukee in response to the City\u2019s case submission.\n\nIn a challenging environment, communities across Wisconsin organized to encourage Census participation. Without this organizing, the undercount of Milwaukee\u2019s population would likely have been much larger, and their efforts are to be commended. The unprecedented difficulties associated with the pandemic, however, resulted in an undercount that we are concerned will harm the City for years to come. By the City\u2019s estimates, the Census failed to capture nearly 10,000 residents in aggregate and in particular failed to account for 13,000 Hispanic and Black residents. The disproportionate impact of the undercount on Hispanic and Black residents is deeply troubling and requires immediate attention.\n\nThe City of Milwaukee is home to a large, diverse population of Wisconsinites. These Wisconsinites contribute to the vibrancy of Milwaukee and deserve to be reflected in an accurate Census. We urge the Bureau to take prompt action to ameliorate the housing undercount that fails to capture the actual population of the City of Milwaukee. Thank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/government-funding-bill-set-to-include-senator-hassans-medication-assisted-treatment-bill-and-provisions-to-increase-access-to-generic-drugs", "Government Funding Bill Set to Include Senator Hassan\u2019s Medication-Assisted Treatment Bill & Provisions to Increase Access to Generic Drugs", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) successfully secured major provisions in the text of the end-of-year government funding bill to help address the opioid epidemic and increase access to lower-cost generic medications.\n\nAddressing the Opioid Epidemic\n\nThe text includes key pieces that Senator Hassan has pushed for to address the opioid epidemic:\n\nThe bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act eliminates an outdated requirement, the \u2018x-waiver,\u2019 that limits the number of medical practitioners who can prescribe life-saving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. The bill was introduced by Senators Hassan and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in the Senate and Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Michael Turner (R-OH) in the House.\n\nProvisions from Senator Hassan\u2019s bipartisan bill to help address the severe shortage of doctors trained in addiction medicine. The government funding bill creates 200 new medical residency positions, including for addiction medicine, at teaching hospitals in New Hampshire and across the country.\n\n\u201cThe opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across New Hampshire, which is why I fought to ensure that the end-of-year funding bill includes measures I have long championed to increase access to treatment and expand the opioid workforce,\u201d Senator Hassan said. \u201cImportantly, this package includes my bill to expand access to medication-assisted treatment that has helped save countless lives. I look forward to joining with my colleagues to pass this legislation as soon as possible.\u201d\n\nIncreasing Access to Generic Medications\n\nThe text of the government funding bill also includes bipartisan measures championed by Senator Hassan to streamline the FDA\u2019s approval process for generic and biologic drugs and get them to market faster, which will help lower prescription drug costs across the board and increase the availability of key medications:\n\nThe Senator\u2019s bipartisan Interchangeable Biologics Clarity Act, which she introduced with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), would more efficiently usher drugs to the market by making key improvements to the FDA\u2019s review process for interchangeable biosimilars. Interchangeable biosimilars are drugs that can be substituted for an existing biologic and are prescribed to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.\n\nThe Biologics Market Transparency Act, which Senator Hassan introduced with Senators Kaine, Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), would increase transparency in the drug market by requiring manufacturers to share information with the FDA regarding when their biologic drugs are coming off the market\u2014giving physicians and patients critical information that they need to make treatment decisions that are best for them, including helping plan for potential drug shortages.\n\nThe bipartisan Enhanced Access to Affordable Medicines Act, which Senator Hassan introduced with Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), would prevent brand-name drug manufacturers from using last-minute labeling changes to block the entry of generic drugs onto the market.\n\n\u201cFor too long, Big Pharma has worked to make it harder for Americans to access generic drugs that are often cheaper than their brand-name counterparts,\u201d Senator Hassan said. \u201cThe bipartisan measures I fought to include in the government funding bill will help us stand up to Big Pharma and lower health care costs for Americans by speeding up the FDA\u2019s approval process for critical medications.\u201d\n\nThe Senate is expected to vote on the funding bill later this week.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hassans-bipartisan-bill-to-support-veterans-mental-health-set-to-be-included-in-government-funding-bill", "Senators Hassan\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Support Veterans\u2019 Mental Health Set to be Included in Government Funding Bill", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senator Maggie Hassan\u2019s bipartisan bill to support veterans\u2019 mental health is set to be included in the end-of-year government funding bill. The bill would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week per year as \u201cBuddy Check Week\u201d to organize outreach events and educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks.\n\n\u201cVeterans all across New Hampshire have shared with me their personal struggles with mental health, and their stories have made it exceedingly clear that we must do more to address this issue,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cInstituting a Buddy Check Week is an evidence-based approach that will make a real difference in combatting veteran suicide, and I am pleased that we will soon pass this into law.\u201d\n\nThe bill is modeled after the American Legion\u2019s \u201cBuddy Check National Week of Calling\u201d to connect veterans to other veterans in order to better ensure that they receive the support they need. Under the bill, the VA would work directly with nonprofits that serve veterans, mental health experts, and members of the Armed Forces to provide educational opportunities for veterans to learn how to conduct peer wellness checks. Additionally, the bill would ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan in place for the potential increase in calls that may occur during a \u201cBuddy Check Week.\u201d\n\nSenators Hassan is working to support veterans. In October, President Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Hassan to strengthen the Solid Start program, which contacts every veteran three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty service to check in and help connect them to VA programs and benefits.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-senator-hassan-and-colleagues-bipartisan-early-hearing-detection-and-intervention-legislation", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Senator Hassan and Colleagues\u2019 Bipartisan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Legislation", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NH", "Margaret Wood Hassan", "H001076", "www.hassan.senate.gov", "hassan", "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The President signed into law the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation from Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH). The law will reauthorize current research and improve public health programs for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in newborns, infants, and young children for five additional years.\n\n\u201cAll children deserve the same opportunities to grow and thrive, but children can face long-term challenges if they experience hearing problems that go undetected early on in life,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cThrough early detection and intervention for hearing loss, children and their families can better get the care that they need. I am glad the President signed this bipartisan bill into law, and I will continue working to ensure that all children have the support that they need to thrive.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act reauthorizes current research and public health activities related to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in newborns and infants. Specifically, this legislation:\n\nAuthorizes development of programs for hearing screening of newborns, infants, and young children;\n\nAuthorizes prompt evaluation and diagnosis of children referred from screening programs;\n\nProvides for educational, audiological, and medical interventions for children confirmed to be deaf or hard-of-hearing;\n\nAllows education and medical models to ensure that newborns, infants, and young children who are identified through hearing screening receive follow up by qualified early intervention providers, qualified health care providers, or pediatric medical homes; and\n\nContinues research and development for early hearing detection and intervention, including development of technologies and clinical studies of screening methods.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/06/22/2023/hirono-colleagues-urge-dod-to-protect-military-families-rights-and-end-use-of-nefarious-non-disclosure-agreements-by-private-military-housing-contractors", "Hirono, Colleagues Urge DoD to Protect Military Families\u2019 Rights and End Use of \u201cNefarious\u201d Non-Disclosure Agreements by Private Military Housing Contractors", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressing concern over reports that military families are being forced to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with privatized military housing companies in order to receive compensation for poor housing conditions. In the letter, the lawmakers urge the Department of Defense (DoD) to put an end to these practices.\n\n\u201cThe use of NDAs leaves tenants who were provided with unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions forced to choose between receiving compensation for those atrocious conditions and forever remaining silent about their experiences or telling their story and having to pay out of their own pockets for safe housing conditions. Furthermore, it allows the private housing companies to evade responsibility for their failures. These are unacceptable outcomes,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nCongress has a clear record of opposing any requirements for military families to sign NDAs for on base housing. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included a provision requiring companies to notify and receive approval from DoD\u2014when a landlord uses a non-disclosure agreement. The law also makes clear that current or prospective tenants cannot be required to sign NDAs \u201cin connection with entering into, continuing, or terminating a lease for the housing unit,\u201d and that, \u201cany such agreement against the interests of the tenant is invalid.\u201d\n\nDespite these reforms, it appears the use of NDAs has not stopped. Reports from advocates for safer military housing revealed that military families are still being forced to sign NDAs in order to receive compensation for on-base rental housing that is unsafe or unhealthy, and Senator Warren\u2019s office obtained copies of NDAs that Balfour Beatty Communities and Liberty Military Housing forced on military families.\n\nOne NDA was required by Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC (BBC), a company that pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $65 million in fines and restitution for defrauding the military. BBC attempted to force a family to sign this NDA in order to receive compensation for property damaged by mold. The family refused to do so because they did not want to be silenced and prevented from making any future claims. In addition to forcing families into silence, the NDA impinges on the ability of DoD and the Department of Justice to monitor the company\u2019s compliance with its settlement agreement. Another public report from November 2022 indicated that the housing company Michaels Organization has also been requiring families to sign NDAs in order to receive settlements for unsafe housing conditions at Fort Belvoir. One family refused to accept the \u201chush money\u201d and sign the NDA, which would have required them not to discuss the claims or make negative statements about their housing in public.\n\n\u201cThe use of these NDAs is an outrageous abuse of military families\u2019 rights by private housing companies that have failed to do their job despite receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer funds. Tenants should have the right to speak freely about their experiences and should not feel afraid to report any wrongdoing by their housing provider. Their right \u2018to report inadequate housing standards or deficits in habitability of the housing unit\u2019 is part of the tenant bill of rights and DoD must not allow the use of NDAs to undermine these rights. Private housing providers must not be allowed to silence military families, who make countless sacrifices for our country, to gain a profit or avoid accountability for forcing these families to live in unsafe or unsanitary housing,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nThe Senators are asking DoD to answer a set of questions by January 17.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senator Hirono has long been an advocate for the military community, supporting veterans, helping to protect female service members, overseeing the safe closure of Red Hill, focusing on rebuilding and modernizing military infrastructure in Hawaii and around the country, strengthening U.S. relationships with partners and allies, and advancing DOD\u2019s work to combat climate change.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-adams-introduce-legislation-to-promote-gender-equity-in-sports", "Murphy, Adams Introduce Legislation to Promote Gender Equity in Sports", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, on Tuesday introduced legislation to promote gender equity in college and K-12 sports. The Fair Play for Women Act would promote fairness and equity in participation opportunities and institutional support for women's and girls' sports programs, ensure transparency and public reporting of data by college and K-12 athletic programs, hold athletic programs and athletic associations more accountable for Title IX violations and discriminatory treatment, and improve education and awareness of Title IX rights among college and K-12 athletes as well as athletics staff. U.S. Representatives Lori Trahan (D-Mass.-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01) co-sponsored the legislation.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s no secret there\u2019s still a huge gap in resources and opportunities between women\u2019s sports and men\u2019s sports \u2013 it\u2019s a Title IX violation hiding in plain sight. Our bill would ensure sports programs for women and girls finally get the support they\u2019re entitled to, increase transparency and accountability of schools and athletic associations, and make sure athletes are aware of their Title IX rights and how to exercise them. I\u2019m proud to be working with Representatives Adams, Trahan, and Bonamici on this important piece of legislation to fulfill the promise of Title IX in college and K-12 athletics,\u201dsaid Murphy.\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce the Fair Play for Women Act, which would make updates to the Title IX to address gaps in the law and keep Title IX strong for generations of women to come,\u201d said Adams. \u201cAs a legislator for three decades, high school athlete, and a college professor at a women\u2019s college for more than 40 years, I have fought not only to support Title IX and its positive impact on college athletics and other collegiate programs, but also to make sure the law continues to give women the opportunities we deserve. As a mother and grandmother, I want to make sure that my granddaughters and their friends grow up in a world where they are empowered to succeed.\n\n\u201cThe students of today and tomorrow deserve a level playing field, an equitable collegiate experience, and freedom from discrimination and harassment. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues, like Senators Murphy and Feinstein and Representative Trahan to pass this meaningful legislation to update Title IX, and renew its promise to keep women at the table and on the field,\u201d concluded Adams.\n\n\u201cGlaring loopholes in Title IX have been hurting women athletes for decades. As women\u2019s sports continue gaining in popularity, it\u2019s time to make sure that the system of college athletics finally works for the athletes who power it,\u201d said Trahan. \u201cI wish women athletes had protections like those in the Fair Play for Women Act when I was playing volleyball, and it\u2019s on all of us to make sure future generations never go without them again. I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Murphy and Congresswomen Adams and Bonamici to introduce this long overdue legislation. For my daughters and every young girl who dreams of playing college sports one day, we must get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have made remarkable progress toward gender equity in sports since Title IX became law 50 years ago, but we still have more to do to end discrimination in athletic programs,\u201d said Bonamici. \u201cToo many girls and women lack opportunities to compete and many have subpar facilities, equipment, and support. The Fair Play for Women Act will increase oversight of athletic programs and hold them accountable for Title IX violations, as well as help educate athletes about their rights.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe FAIR PLAY FOR WOMEN ACT will fundamentally strengthen TITLE IX through better education, stronger enforcement and greater transparency in data and reporting. We are proud of the role that our young VIS Advocates have played in creating this important step towards equality in sport for all. With the VOICES of the girls at the center, this Bill will spark conversations which will positively impact girls and women in sport for generations to come,\u201d said Stef Strack, Founder & CEO VOICEINSPORT & VOICEINSPORT FOUNDATION.\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senator Murphy for sponsoring the Fair Play for Women Act,\u201d said Andrew Zimbalist, President of the Drake Group. \"The Act would strengthen existing statutes that require colleges and universities to publicly report data demonstrating their compliance with the athletics provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and, for the first time, it extends such reporting requirements to elementary and secondary schools with athletic programs. Parents and athletes should be able to easily access such data on the internet so that there is a factual basis for demanding that their educational institutions address inequities. The Act would also correct participant counting and other inaccuracies that exist in current reporting mandates and would require more detailed financial reporting related to athletics financial aid where male athletes are more likely to be awarded larger scholarship packages on more preferential terms.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Fair Play for Women Act would:\n\nExpand reporting requirements of college and K-12 athletics data and make all information easily accessible to the public. The bill would establish a one-stop shop for key athletics data by expanding the scope and detail of reporting requirements among colleges, extending these requirements to include athletic programs at elementary and secondary schools, and requiring the Secretary of Education to house all data on the same public website. Further, the bill requires athletic programs to certify the data they submit and report how they are claiming Title IX compliance, and requires an annual public report by the Department of Education on gender equity and Title IX compliance. These provisions will help weed out reporting tricks by programs to skirt Title IX compliance and make it easier for athletes and stakeholders to evaluate persisting gaps in athletic programs.\n\nHold athletic programs and athletic associations like the NCAA more accountable for Title IX violations and discriminatory treatment. The bill would codify that intercollegiate athletic associations, including the NCAA and athletic conferences, shall not discriminate on the basis of sex. Further, it would provide a private right of action for all Title IX claims and lawsuits, making it easier for athletes to push for change at their schools. The bill would also authorize the Department of Education to levy fines on colleges that are found non-compliant with Title IX, along with requiring submission of publicly available plans to remedy violations, providing more tools to compel Title IX compliance.\n\nImprove education and awareness of Title IX rights among athletes, staff, and stakeholders. The bill would require Title IX trainings on an annual basis for all athletes, Title IX coordinators, and athletic department and athletic association staff. Further, the bill would establish a public database of all Title IX coordinators at colleges and K-12 schools, included in the one-stop shop for athletics data. These provisions will ensure all people involved with college and K-12 athletics understand what Title IX compliance means and what students\u2019 rights are under the law.\n\nA one-pager is available here.\n\nA section by section is available here.\n\nMurphy along with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representatives Lori Trahan (D-Mass.-03) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.-16) introduced the College Athlete Right to Organize Act, legislation to provide collective bargaining rights for college athletes. Murphy and Trahan also wrote the College Athlete Economic Freedom Act, which grants unrestricted rights to college athletes over the use of their name, image, and likeness.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-announces-subcommittee-on-homeland-security-fiscal-year-2023-appropriations-bill", "Murphy Announces Subcommittee On Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Bill", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013The fiscal year 2023 Homeland Security bill provides a total discretionary level of $60.7 billion, which is $3.2 billion more than the fiscal year 2022 enacted level. The bill supports critical steps to: help communities both recover from disasters and rebuild for resiliency; combat the flow of illegal firearms and narcotics while facilitating legitimate trade and travel; disrupt forced labor through increased enforcement to detect and seize goods manufactured through modern day slavery; and create a more humane and safe environment for both noncitizens seeking asylum and our nation\u2019s dedicated front-line law enforcement managing our borders.\n\nU.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, said:\n\n\u201cIf we\u2019re going to ensure the Department of Homeland Security has the resources it needs to tackle threats to our national security and manage our borders we need to pass a full year budget. This bill is a reasonable compromise, and I\u2019m proud of the investments it would make in the responsible management of our border, the protection of our nation from cyber threats, and the protection of our coastlines and airports. Also, for the first time ever, this bill includes dedicated funding to stop the flow of illegal firearms going south across our border. It's time for Republicans to step up and get our government off endless, hurtful continuing resolutions, and I look forward to working across the aisle to get this done.\u201d\n\nKey Points & Highlights\n\nInvestments at DHS with a Global Impact: Domestic investments at DHS have the potential to result in global impacts across a number of key challenges facing the world in areas ranging from climate change, forced labor, and trafficking of narcotics and firearms.\n\n\u00b7 Building Environmental Resiliency. The bill includes $45 million for Coast Guard investments to expand operations in the Indo-Pacific in order to promote economic prosperity, environmental resiliency, and lawful access to the region\u2019s maritime environment. It will also build regional nations\u2019 abilities to support international law, including with respect to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing that depletes the world\u2019s ocean resources.\n\n\u00b7 The bill also includes $312.75 million (+$37.25 million; 13.5 percent increase) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) RiskMap program. This program maps the Nation\u2019s waterways, and will help produce flood hazard data to ensure that Federal investment in buildings and infrastructure are more resilient against current and future flood risk and support local government hazard mitigation planning and protecting against the real-world impacts of climate change.\n\n\u00b7 Disrupting the Flow of Drugs and Firearms. Dedicated funding is provided to build outbound operations at land ports of entry with the goal of identifying and seizing firearms and money exiting the U.S. as a result from the sale of narcotics. In addition $60 million is provided to hire 125 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and mission support staff and $70 million to strengthen non-intrusive inspection systems that will significantly improve the scanning of vehicles and cargo entering the U.S. using artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to detect and seize harmful items. Furthermore, $10 million is provided to support and expand investigations by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department\u2019s lead investigative agency, in response to illicit content that is detected through NII deployed at the border.\n\n\u00b7 Combatting Forced Labor. The bill provides $101 million (+$51 million; 108 percent increase) to support efforts to prevent the importation into the U.S. of merchandise mined, produced or manufactured, wholly or in part, in any foreign country by forced labor\u2014including forced or indentured child labor. Providing the tools and capabilities to assist in the identification and seizure of such items will strike a blow at the forces behind these abhorrent actions.\n\n\u00b7 Establishing a New Wildlife Trafficking Unit at HSI. The bill provides $7.5 million to establish and formalize a new unit at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to prevent wildlife trafficking. This is a critical investment to protect the economy, environment, and to assist in disrupting the flow of resources that support other illicit conduct. The Wildlife Trafficking Unit at HSI will coordinate with government and private sectors to enhance investigative expertise, analytical support, and to develop the next generation of investigators to investigate and disrupt this heinous crime.\n\nSupporting TSA Pay Parity: The bill includes $398 million to bring the TSA workforce pay on par with the rest of the federal workforce. This puts the TSA in a favorable position to address recruiting and retention issues while the agency works to respond to an increase in travel volumes and competes with other federal agencies and with other competitive job opportunities at federalized airports.\n\nRebuilding the Refugee Program at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: The bill includes $133 million to meet the refugee admissions goal of 125,000 for fiscal year 2023, a critical investment that will save the lives of children and families across the globe and bring economic prosperity to the United States. Until now, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services was the only federal agency not appropriated the necessary funds to participate in the refugee program, despite the fact that at least three separate federal agencies are involved in the day-to-day operations. This investment could not have come at a better time. The end of 2021 saw nearly 90 million people forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and other disasters. War, famine and disaster, from Ukraine to Yemen, means now, more than ever, America must demonstrate its commitment to security, prosperity and safety. Supporting the refugee program is one meaningful step.\n\nFederal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Grant Programs: The bill includes $3.9 billion (+$249 million; 7 percent increase) for grants and training to SLTT entities. FEMA grants help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from both manmade and natural threats, including hurricanes, terrorist attacks, wildfires, and more. The bill provides additional funding for nonprofits, such as faith-based houses of worship, as threats to these institutions persist (+$55 million; 22 percent increase). It also increases funding for flood plain mapping efforts to enable informed decision-making for public and private projects (+$37.25 million; 14 percent increase). Grant programs are funded as follows:\n\n\u00b7 $520 million for State Homeland Security, of which $90 million is for Operation Stonegarden and $15 million is for tribal security;\n\n\u00b7 $615 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative;\n\n\u00b7 $305 million for the Nonprofit Security;\n\n\u00b7 $105 million for Public Transportation Security, of which $10 million is for Amtrak and $2 million is for Bus Security;\n\n\u00b7 $100 million for Port Security;\n\n\u00b7 $720 million for Assistance to Firefighter and SAFER;\n\n\u00b7 $355 million for Emergency Management Performance;\n\n\u00b7 $313 million for Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis;\n\n\u00b7 $130 million for Emergency Food and Shelter;\n\n\u00b7 $56 million for Next Generation Warning System;\n\n\u00b7 $12 million for Regional Catastrophic Preparedness;\n\n\u00b7 $316 million for training, including $58 million for the U.S. Fire Administration and $31 million for the Emergency Management Institute;\n\n\u00b7 $800 million (by transfer) for the Shelter and Services Program;\n\n\u00b7 $20 million (by transfer) for Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention; and\n\n\u00b7 $20 million (by transfer) for Alternatives to Detention Case Management.\n\nInvesting in the United States Coast Guard (USCG): The bill includes $11.6 billion for USCG operations and assets (+$140 million). The USCG total includes $83 million for increased fuel costs that are needed to maintain surface and air operations; and $1.7 billion for major acquisitions investments, including $918 million for vessels, $238 million for aircraft, and $415 million for shore facilities that directly support the USCG mission. This mission includes search and rescue, drug interdiction, marine safety and environmental protection, and fisheries enforcement.\n\nResources for a More Humane and Safe Environment Along our Borders: Funding is provided to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist state and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) partners, and federal law enforcement in response to the high level of noncitizens arriving at the southwest border. The majority of these noncitizens are seeking asylum or otherwise fleeing corrupt regimes and the impacts of natural disasters in their home countries. Within CBP, funding is provided to give Border Patrol additional capacity and capabilities to support agents including funds for temporary soft-sided facilities, transportation, and personnel support, which will reduce overcrowding at facilities and allow agents to return to the field faster.\n\nAdditionally, funding is provided for humanitarian assistance that bolsters the operational capabilities of the U.S. Border Patrol. This new grant program, CBP\u2019s Shelter and Services Program, joins a suite of tools available to CBP to help manage the border. It invests federal dollars directly into state and local governments and NGOs who work with federal personnel at the border to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance, including shelter and transportation, allowing CBP to reduce overcrowding and minimize the need for additional temporary holding space. Further, resources are included for ICE for non-detention border management, including for medical costs for noncitizens in custody and transportation requirements.\n\nIn order to better inform Congress about the resource requirements to create a more humane environment for both noncitizens encountered on the border and the federal law enforcement charged with securing our border, the bill includes language directing the Secretary to ensure the development of projections of encounters at the southwest border (broken out by single adults, families, and unaccompanied children) and to share such projections with the Attorney General, and the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and State. The Secretary is also directed to use such projections to estimate future workload, identify requirements associated with that workload, and develop cost estimates for those requirements in order to inform budget justifications provided to Congress.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-peters-calls-annual-spending-bill-includes-robust-funding-to-help-protect-houses-of-worship-from-threats", "Following Peters\u2019 Calls, Annual Spending Bill Includes Robust Funding to Help Protect Houses of Worship from Threats", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following calls from U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) will receive $305 million in the upcoming government spending bill to meet the needs of houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations that want to secure their facilities against potential terrorist attacks. This is a significant increase in funding for the NSGP over the previous year. The program provides grants to help at-risk nonprofits plan for and safeguard their facilities against potential attacks. Grants can be used to harden facilities, promote emergency preparedness training, and strengthen security coordination between communities, emergency responders and state and local government agencies. In 2022, $8.4 million in grant funding was awarded to nonprofits and faith-based organizations across Michigan. Peters joined his colleagues in calling for the program to receive robust funding last week.\n\n\u201cThe Nonprofit Security Grant Program is essential to helping houses of worship protect themselves in the face of increasing threats that are all too often inspired by hate,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThat is why I have long fought to increase funding for this vital program so religious institutions and other nonprofits can improve their security, provide a safe haven for their communities, and ensure that Americans do not have to fear for their safety where they live, work, or practice their faith.\u201d\n\nData collected by organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and Center for Strategic and International Studies show our nation faces the highest level of extremist violence based on race and religion in decades. This includes deadly attacks at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Funding from the NSGP can be used by religious and other non-profit institutions for securing facilities, personnel training, and other activities to help protect against violent attacks.\n\nIn his role on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Peters has long fought to help protect faith-based and nonprofit institutions that are under threat from terror attacks. Peters convened two hearings to examine needed actions to address the rise of white supremacist, faith-based and anti-government violence. Last Congress, Peters led bipartisan legislation, which was signed into law, to authorize additional funding for the in-demand program, and has led bipartisan calls for the program to get robust funding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-dingell-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-firefighters-from-hazardous-pfas-chemicals-signed-into-law", "Peters & Dingell Bipartisan Bill to Protect Firefighters from Hazardous PFAS Chemicals Signed into Law", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) to help protect the health and safety of firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure has been signed into law. The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act directs federal agencies to develop best practices, training, and educational programs to reduce, limit and prevent exposure to PFAS, also known as \u2018forever chemicals\u2019 because they do not naturally break down. The bill would also require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop educational resources for firefighters on alternative foams and personal protective equipment that do not contain PFAS.\n\n\u201cWe need to protect firefighters and first responders from harmful PFAS substances in the line of duty,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis new law will help the federal government ensure that our heroes are safe from these forever chemicals that continue to pose a threat to the health and safety of emergency responders in Michigan and across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cForever chemicals are an urgent public health threat, especially to our firefighters who are frequently exposed to harmful PFAS in firefighting foams and personal protective equipment as they work to keep us safe,\u201d said Congresswoman Dingell. \u201cI thank Senator Peters for his partnership in getting the PFAS Act over the finish line and President Biden for signing this into law to protect our frontline emergency responders from the dangerous effects of forever chemicals and minimize the spread of PFAS in our environment and communities.\"\n\nEmergency response teams are frequently exposed to harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams and personal protective equipment as they work to keep communities safe. PFAS substances have been linked to a number of health problems, including certain cancers.\n\nThe Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act will direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) \u2013 in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Fire Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health \u2013 to develop educational resources to help protect firefighters, emergency response personnel, and the communities they serve from PFAS exposure. This will include information for federal, state, and local firefighters on training and best practices to prevent and reduce exposure to PFAS from firefighting foams and protective gear, as well as resources that identify alternatives for firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFAS.\n\nThe legislation builds on Peters\u2019 longstanding efforts to address PFAS contamination. He convened a field hearing in East Lansing with senior federal officials and local stakeholders to examine efforts to clean up PFAS contamination in Michigan. Peters recently introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand federal research on PFAS contamination. Last year, Peters convened a hearing to examine how servicemembers, their families and communities in Michigan and across the country have been harmed by exposure to toxic PFAS substances connected to military sites. In September 2018, Peters helped convene the first hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, assessing the federal response to contamination and remediation. He then convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how the local, state and federal governments are coordinating their response to PFAS.\n\nBelow are statements in support of the PFAS Act\n\n\u201cFirefighters are exposed to harmful PFAS chemicals when fighting fires, which could result in disastrous health consequences,\u201d said Kevin Sehlmeyer, State of Michigan Fire Marshal. \u201cBy leading this legislation, Senator Peters continues to show his clear commitment to protecting Michigan\u2019s firefighters from PFAS exposure by providing resources to ensure these brave heroes, who risk their lives to keep our communities safe, are not unnecessarily put at risk in the line of duty.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful to Senator Peters for leading this legislation that will protect Michigan\u2019s firefighters from exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals \u2013 which can lead to serious health problems including cancer,\u201d said Matthew Sahr, President of the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union. \u201cThis bipartisan bill shows Senator Peters\u2019 strong commitment to safeguarding and supporting firefighters across our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis critical legislation will help protect the health and safety of firefighters and other rescue personnel as they continue to serve in communities across Michigan,\u201d said Fred Timpner, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Fire Fighters. \u201cThe Michigan Association of Fire Fighters applauds Senator Peters\u2019 continued efforts to protect firefighters in the line of duty \u2013 including by limiting their exposure to harmful PFAS substances.\u201d\n\n\u201cFire fighters and emergency medical responders have dedicated their lives to protecting others. Unfortunately, these brave men and women are exposed to dangerous \u2018forever chemicals\u2019 while serving their communities, subjecting them to higher risks of cancer and other serious health effects,\u201d said Edward A. Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. \u201cThe IAFF supports measures to curtail the use of these chemicals and commends Senator Peters for his continuous efforts to help protect fire fighters, emergency medical responders, and the communities they serve from unnecessary PFAS exposure.\"\n\n\u201cI thank Congress for passing this historic legislation. The life of a firefighter is inherently dangerous while also facing a higher risk of cancer than the general population. This legislation will provide important resources to help fire chiefs reduce the risk of their personnel\u2019s exposure to PFAS,\u201d said Chief Donna Black, the President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. \u201cI thank Chairman Peters and all of this bill\u2019s supporters for their tireless work to secure its final passage.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank Senator Peters for his leadership on the PFAS Act. Firefighters have a greater risk of contracting and dying from cancer than the general public as a result of duty-related exposures,\u201d said Steve Hirsch, Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council. \u201cEnactment of this important legislation will lead to improved health and safety outcomes for firefighter, EMS, and rescue personnel.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-signed-into-law-to-reduce-the-spread-of-toxic-pfas-at-commercial-airports", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation Signed into Law to Reduce the Spread of Toxic PFAS at Commercial Airports", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u00ad\u2013 The President has signed into law bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to reduce the spread of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at commercial airports.\n\nThe Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act \u2013 which recently passed the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives \u2013 will deploy more existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for commercial airports to purchase devices necessary to test their firefighting equipment without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals. This legislation will encourage commercial airports to purchase the relatively low-cost devices \u2013 also referred to as an input-based testing system \u2013 to help limit and prevent exposure to PFAS, which are known as \u201cforever chemicals\u201d because they do not naturally break down. It also directs the FAA to identify options for reimbursing airports in Michigan and elsewhere that already acquired the devices without federal funding.\n\n\u201cThis new law will make testing equipment that prevents the spread of PFAS contamination more affordable for airports which will not only protect our environment but also families, first responders, and the Great Lakes from these toxic chemicals,\u201d said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. \u201cI\u2019m pleased this legislation is law because it is commonsense, fiscally responsible and will help commercial airports purchase the necessary testing equipment to reduce PFAS contamination.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommercial airports should have the necessary equipment to test their firefighting equipment in a manner that does not expose firefighters or the surrounding communities to toxic PFAS foams,\u201d said Senator Moran. \u201cThis law will help promote the health and wellness of firefighters and aviation employees at commercial airports, as well as protect the communities that surround them.\u201d\n\nThe FAA has required commercial airports nationwide to use firefighting foam that contains toxic PFAS chemicals. For years, airports were required to discharge this foam as part of routine, federally-mandated testing of their firefighting equipment. This put firefighters, the environment, and the public at risk from exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals.\n\nThe Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act \u2013 which Peters introduced earlier this year with U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) \u2013 will make more funding from the FAA\u2019s Airport Improvement Program available to commercial airports to purchase devices that avoid discharging PFAS chemicals when testing firefighting equipment. It also directs the FAA to identify options for reimbursing airports in Michigan and elsewhere that already acquired the devices without federal funding.\n\nPeters has led the charge in the Senate to address PFAS contamination. In July, Peters introduced bipartisan legislation to help advance the federal government\u2019s understanding of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to better inform plans to effectively address PFAS contamination. As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, he held a field hearing in East Lansing to examine federal efforts and coordination with state and local governments to clean up and prevent PFAS contamination. Following that he introduced bipartisan legislation to improve communication and coordination efforts across every level of government to ensure there is a more comprehensive approach to cleaning up existing sites and preventing future contamination. Previously, he convened a hearing last December examining Department of Defense failures to protect servicemembers, military families and Michigan communities from PFAS exposure. Peters bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty also passed the Senate.\n\nLast year, Peters released a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that shows the federal government needs to take further action to clean up and prevent contamination from PFAS and helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invests in clean drinking water and includes dedicated funding to address PFAS contamination. He supported or led provisions in the 2019 national defense bill banning the Department of Defense from purchasing firefighting foams containing PFAS. The bill also immediately prohibited the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS in military training exercises, and enhanced state cooperation with the Department of Defense regarding clean-up due to PFAS contamination stemming from military-related activities. He authored and enacted into law in 2018 a provision allowing airports to discontinue the use of firefighting foams with PFAS. In September 2018, Peters helped convene the first hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, assessing the federal response to contamination and remediation. He then convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how the local, state and federal governments are coordinating their response to PFAS.\n\nBelow are statements in support of Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation:\n\n\u201cAt Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, our fire department utilizes an input-based testing system,\u201d said Chad Newton, CEO, Wayne County Airport Authority. \u201cIt is portable, which means we can test multiple trucks, saving money and reducing the environmental impact. If the system was funded at 100-percent federal share, as Senator Peters is considering in his legislation, that would help airports throughout Michigan and the country. We all want to ensure we have the best firefighting equipment, at the same time preventing harmful chemicals from reaching our water systems. This proposed bill would also help the smaller departments that cannot afford this technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cToxic PFAS contamination is a major threat in communities across Michigan, and this legislation will help reduce exposure to PFAS at commercial airports, one of the key sources of contamination,\u201d said Bentley Johnson, Federal Government Affairs Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. \u201cWe commend Sen. Peters and sponsors of this legislation for taking proactive steps to protect our health and begin to start tackling this water contamination crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cCherry Capital Airport applauds Senator Peters\u2019 bipartisan efforts to secure funding for input-based testing equipment for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicles. This equipment allows airports to meet their regulatory vehicle testing requirements without discharging firefighting foam containing PFAS. This step in a road of many brings the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closer to the goal of eliminating PFAS chemicals from impacting our soil and water,\u201d said Kevin Klein, CEO of the Northwest Regional Airport Authority and Director of the Cherry Capital Airport. \u201cCherry Capital Airport looks forward to the day that the FAA accepts and implements a new firefighting foam that will protect the flying public.\u201d\n\n\u201cMAAE supports this bill which will allow airports to acquire input-based testing equipment through the AIP, so they can perform required ARFF vehicle testing without introducing AFFF into the environment,\u201d said Miles Weaver, President of the Michigan Association of Airport Executives and Airport Operations Manager at Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field. \u201cMAAE appreciates Senator Peters\u2019 leadership to assist airports not only in Michigan but nationwide in addressing this aspect of the PFAS issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnvironmental stewardship is a top priority for airport executives, and AAAE appreciates this bipartisan effort to enhance the federal government\u2019s support for airports to safely test aqueous film forming foam (AFFF),\u201d said American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) President & CEO Todd Hauptli. \u201cWhile airports eagerly await federal approval of PFAS-free foam and significant long-term federal support to transition from FAA-mandated AFFF, this legislation is a positive step forward that merits support. We are grateful to Senator Peters and his colleagues for continued leadership on this important issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Senators Peters and Moran working together to help airports acquire additional firefighting foam testing carts. The 2018 FAA reauthorization law directed the FAA to certify a fluorine-free alternative firefighting foam for airports to use, and we look forward to that work concluding in a timely manner and to the establishment of a national transition plan for fluorine-free foams,\u201d said Annie Russo, Chief Political and Congressional Strategy Officer at Airports Council International \u2013 North America. \u201cIn the meantime, airports welcome this assistance in getting new carts to capture firefighting foam discharged during FAA-mandated certification tests.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is crucial that airports have the resources necessary to extinguish fires safely and minimize the environmental impact of fighting these fires. The IAFC thanks Senator Peters for introducing this legislation, which will greatly assist airports in meeting both needs,\u201d said Chief Kenneth Stuebing, President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.\n\n\u201cFire fighters dedicate their lives to protecting others. While saving others and making their communities better places to live, these brave men and women continue to experience exposures to toxic PFAS-laden firefighting foams subjecting them to higher risks of cancer and other serious health effects,\u201d said Edward A. Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. \u201cThis is unacceptable. The IAFF supports Senators Peters\u2019 legislation providing for foam containment devices to be installed on aircraft firefighting vehicles, and on behalf of our 326,000 members, I commend him for his continuous efforts to help protect fire fighters and the communities they serve from unnecessary PFAS exposure.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senator Peters for finding creative solutions to limit the use of PFAS containing fire-fighting foam at airports here in the Great Lakes region through more affordable access to emergency testing equipment,\u201d said Jennifer Hill, Associate Director of the Great Lakes Regional Center of National Wildlife Federation. \u201cThe use of AFFF here in Michigan has resulted in PFAS contamination consumption advisories for deer, fish, and wildlife, both in local communities and the Great Lakes. PFAS contamination is impacting the water resources, fish and wildlife we value as Michiganders \u2013 and has real consequences for the Great Lakes outdoor economy if we don\u2019t work together, alongside impacted communities, to address its sources.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-joins-administrator-criswell-at-fema-hq-to-announce-new-funding-opportunity-for-his-storm-act-program", "Peters Joins Administrator Criswell at FEMA HQ to Announce New Funding Opportunity for His STORM Act Program", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell to announce a new funding opportunity for a program to help states establish low cost revolving loan funds for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce natural disaster risk. Peters authored the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, which was signed into law last year, to create this new program. He also secured $500 million in the bipartisan infrastructure law to provide the first funding for the program. Peters joined Criswell at FEMA Headquarters to announce how states and localities can access these funds once the application period opens.\n\n\u201cCoastal erosion and extreme weather events, including floods continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of communities in Michigan and across the nation. My STORM Act program, and the funding that I secured for it in bipartisan infrastructure law, will provide resources through state funds to local communities so they can invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure like seawalls, breakers, and barriers,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cToday\u2019s announcement paves the way for states to be able access these critical federal funds and I\u2019m grateful to Administrator Criswell and FEMA for getting this important program off the ground so quickly. I\u2019ll also continue working to ensure Michigan communities can access these funds as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cFEMA remains committed to finding innovative approaches to help communities build resilience in the face of intensifying weather events driven by climate change,\u201d said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. \u201cThe low-interest loans provided by the STORM program will help eligible states and tribes, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, finance disaster mitigation projects that will enhance their climate resiliency before disaster strikes. I am grateful to the Chairman Peters for his leadership in creating this critical program, and helping to bring the importance of hazard mitigation to the national forefront.\u201d\n\nSevere storms, extreme flooding, rising water levels and high winds \u2013 exacerbated by climate change \u2013 are causing more destructive and costly natural disasters than ever before. Communities in Michigan and across the country are facing serious flooding, coastal erosion and high water level challenges that have destroyed homes and beaches and have even forced residents to relocate. The program established by his STORM Act, and the funding that Peters secured for it, allows local governments to access critical funds to help mitigate the impact of natural disasters in a more cost-effective way. Studies have shown that resilience and mitigation spending saves taxpayers an average of $6 for every $1 invested.\n\nUnlike existing FEMA grants, these low-interest loans will allow local governments to invest in resiliency and mitigation projects that reduce the effects of rising and high water levels, along with other natural disasters. These loans will reach communities more quickly than FEMA\u2019s traditional grants, and provide local communities with the capital necessary to invest in more resilient infrastructure. Today\u2019s announcement comes after Peters encouraged Criswell and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to quickly set up the STORM Act program.\n\nDuring the visit to FEMA Headquarters, Peters also met with FEMA employees from Michigan and FEMA Reservists \u2013 the temporary, on-call and intermittent employees who are essential to the agency\u2019s mission to quickly respond to disasters. The President recently signed into law Peters\u2019 bill to protect these essential employees from losing their full-time employment when they are called up to assist communities with disaster response.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to strengthen our federal disaster preparedness and response. He convened a hearing with disaster preparedness and response experts to hear how worsening natural disasters, including flooding, severe storms, and wildfires, continue to threaten communities in Michigan and across the nation. His bill to strengthen federal disaster response for minority, rural, low-income, and disabled communities has also advanced in the Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-postal-service-announcement-to-significantly-increase-electric-vehicle-fleet", "Peters Statement on Postal Service Announcement to Significantly Increase Electric Vehicle Fleet", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after an announcement today from the United States Postal Service (USPS) saying they will invest in charging infrastructure and deploy over 66,000 electric vehicles by 2028 \u2013 making a majority of new vehicle purchases electric. This announcement comes after Peters helped secure $3 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act to help the Postal Service purchase electric delivery trucks and invest in charging infrastructure:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is a significant step to ensuring the Postal Service\u2019s vehicle fleet is safer, more energy efficient and cheaper to operate in the long run. Electric vehicles are the future of the automotive industry and that is why I worked to secure major investments for the Postal Service so they can purchase more electric delivery trucks as they continue to add more vehicles to their fleet. I will continue my efforts to ensure the Postal Service is using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act effectively, push for every part of the postal fleet to be environmentally-friendly and union-made, and ensure this essential institution provides timely service to the American people for generations to come.\u201d\n\nPeters has led other efforts to ensure the Postal Service acquires more electric vehicles. In part due to his urging, the Postal Service previously announced that they intended to expand certain electric vehicle purchase orders to at least forty percent. Peters convened a committee briefing in April with USPS to discuss efforts to modernize the Postal Service\u2019s aging delivery vehicle fleet \u2013 including by acquiring electric vehicles and prioritizing union-made vehicles. Last year, he sent a letter to Postal Service leadership urging them to prioritize the acquisition of electric vehicles to ensure the fleet is sustainable for the Postal Service and for our environment.\n\nPeters has also led other efforts to modernize the Postal Service and protect their nearly 250-year tradition of reliable delivery. His historic, bipartisan legislation to set the Postal Service on a more sustainable financial footing and support the goal of providing long-term reliable service across the country was signed into law. In 2020, Peters championed legislation to secure a $10 billion direct payment to the Postal Service to help recover from pandemic-related losses. He also conducted an investigation into operational changes at the Postal Service in 2020 that resulted in significant delays. Following Peters\u2019 investigation, the Postal Service reversed many of these changes and service has significantly improved.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-signs-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-federal-disaster-response-by-repealing-outdated-dhs-contracting-requirements", "President Signs Peters Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Disaster Response by Repealing Outdated DHS Contracting Requirements", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to repeal a section of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 that required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prohibit the use of subcontracts for more than 65% of the cost of certain emergency response and recovery contracts has been signed into law. The section conflicts with a provision of the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act that imposed a government-wide limitation to prevent excessive subcontracting. Peters\u2019 law, the Repeal of Obsolete DHS Contracting Requirements Act, reinforces the government-wide standard and provides greater clarity to federal contractors and DHS employees who are responsible for managing our nation\u2019s federal disaster response.\n\n\u201cProviding clear guidance to contractors and federal officials responsible for our nation\u2019s disaster relief efforts is essential to helping communities in Michigan and across the nation recover from extreme weather events and other emergencies,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI am pleased this new law will remove outdated and conflicting subcontracting requirements and significantly bolster FEMA\u2019s ability to serve Americans during their greatest times of need.\u201d\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to strengthen our federal disaster preparedness and response. Peters secured $500 million in funding as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill for a program he created to help states establish revolving loan programs for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce the risk of shoreline erosion, extreme flooding, and other natural disasters. Peters also convened a hearing with disaster preparedness and response experts to hear how worsening natural disasters, including flooding, severe storms, and wildfires, continue to threaten lives and livelihoods in Michigan and across the nation. Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to protect Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Reservists from losing their full-time employment when they are called up to assist communities with disaster response was signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-schatz-secures-85-million-to-address-national-housing-crisis-help-build-more-affordable-housing", "Schatz Secures $85 Million To Address National Housing Crisis, Help Build More Affordable Housing", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today secured the inclusion of a new $85 million grant program based on his bipartisan \u2018Yes In My Backyard\u2019 legislation in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill. The bill establishes a new federal program to reward state and local governments that reform land-use policies and other local barriers that constrain the supply of affordable housing.\n\n\u201cWe need to legalize housing, and abandon the exclusionary zoning that originated during Jim Crow and continues today. Government needs to change its mentality from intentionally constraining the supply of housing to incentivizing it,\u201d said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.\n\nFor decades, local zoning and land use regulations as well as lack of necessary housing-related infrastructure have prevented housing production from keeping pace with population and economic growth, resulting in a nationwide housing shortage. The new $85 million federal grant program will help reverse this trend by rewarding state, local, and regional jurisdictions that address exclusionary zoning practices, land use policies, and housing infrastructure to increase the supply of affordable housing. These policies include increasing density, reducing minimum lot sizes, creating transit-oriented development zones, streamlining or shortening permitting processes and timeline, expanding by-right multifamily zoned areas, allowing accessory dwelling units on lots with single family homes, eliminating or relaxing residential property height limitations, and donating vacant land for affordable housing development.\n\nSchatz first introduced the Yes in My Backyard Act in 2019 with U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.). It was re-introduced last year, and has the support of more than 250 organizations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-1-billion-to-defuel-shut-down-red-hill-included-in-appropriations-bill", "Schatz: $1 Billion To Defuel, Shut Down Red Hill Included In Appropriations Bill", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today announced that the annual appropriations bill includes $1 billion to defuel and permanently close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.\n\n\u201cThis is new federal funding to drain and permanently shut down Red Hill. We still have more work to do to make sure Red Hill is closed as quickly and safely as possible, and now we have even more resources to help in that effort,\u201d said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nEarlier this year, Schatz secured millions in federal funding to defuel, permanently close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, and clean up contaminated water in the affected areas.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-secures-nearly-64-million-in-new-funding-for-honolulu-rail-project", "Schatz Secures Nearly $64 Million In New Funding For Honolulu Rail Project", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today announced that he has secured $63.8 million in new funding for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to steer nearly $64 million to the rail project in Honolulu. The new money, which will be used to cover inflationary cost increases, is in addition to the remaining federal funding that the Federal Transit Administration has already committed to the project.\n\n\u201cThe federal government has already committed millions of dollars into the rail project, so finding new money was no easy task. We fought hard to make sure Hawai\u2018i gets its fair share of federal dollars, and this new money will give HART more resources to cover inflationary costs and finally get this project up and running for the people of Honolulu,\u201d said Senator Schatz, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-joins-bill-to-forgive-student-loan-debt-for-beginning-farmers", "Senator Baldwin Joins Bill to Forgive Student Loan Debt for Beginning Farmers", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "baldwin", "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) on Monday to introduce the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as women, veteran, and minority farmers.\n\nStudent loan debt is a major hurdle for beginning farmers, and this legislation would serve as an incentive for farmers to enter\u2014and stay\u2014in the agricultural industry, and strengthen opportunities to grow successful businesses. According to a survey by the National Young Farmers Coalition, the average student loan debt for a young farmer is $35,660, while 72% of young farmers hold a loan to finance their farm or ranch, at an average of $208,885.\n\n\u201cRight now, the cost of starting and maintaining a new farm is too expensive for many young farmers, ranchers and their families, who are often already struggling to pay off existing debt,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cBy helping Wisconsinites pay off their student loans, more new farmers and ranchers will be able to pursue careers in agriculture \u2013 creating jobs in the heartland, producing Made in WI products and keeping our rural communities strong.\u201d\n\n\u201cStarting and maintaining a new farm is tough, expensive work. Too often, young farmers are saddled with thousands in student loan debt and can\u2019t afford to make the investments necessary for success. Connecticut farms are key to the health of our rural communities and the future of food security, and this legislation would help more people start and stay in farming,\u201d said Senator Murphy.\n\n\"The Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act provides a path out of debt for many young and beginning farmers who haven't been able to see one before. Held back by existing debt making financing complicated-- on top of climate crisis, input, and living costs-- passing this act will open the possibility of becoming a full-time farmer and/or rancher to many who would be, but for having repayment of existing loans in their way. National Young Farmers Coalition supports Senator Murphy's commitment to easing some of the unprecedented debt burden currently hindering our next generation of food growing to feed our communities and protect the land as its stewards,\u201d said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, Policy Campaigns Co-Director, National Young Farmers Coalition.\n\nU.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined Senators Baldwin and Murphy in introducing the legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-urging-dhs-ice-and-cbp-to-review-inhumane-treatment-of-black-migrants", "Booker Leads Colleagues in Urging DHS, ICE, and CBP to Review Inhumane Treatment of Black Migrants", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct a review of incidents of mistreatment of Black migrants within the U.S. immigration system, especially incidents related to the shackling of people who are pregnant and post-partum.\n\n\u201cBlack migrants suffer from disparate treatment, discrimination, and racism at every phase of the immigration system - including when they are being deported to their country of origin, most times without being given the chance to seek asylum,\u201d wrote Senator Booker in a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Acting ICE Director Tae Johnson, and Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller. \u201cA September 2022 Amnesty International Report found that Haitians removed under Title 42 were detained in ways that \u201camount to ill-treatment and in some cases torture, either to coerce them to give up their claims or to deter other asylum seekers.\u201d One psychologist estimated that two-thirds of families removed to Haiti were shackled or chained at some point during the removal process. Multiple Haitian migrants interviewed for the report said they were shackled either while they were pregnant or breastfeeding. One woman who was nine months pregnant was shackled by CBP agents and carried onto a plane to be removed. The treatment described in these reports is disturbing, horrific, and un-American.\u201d\n\nSenator Booker also pointed out these inhumane treatments of migrants by CBP and ICE personnel are contrary to the agencies\u2019 guidelines.\n\n\u201cIt also appears to conflict with CBP and ICE\u2019s own guidelines on shackling and the use of chains during deportation. CBP\u2019s standards require that restraints during detention are used \u201cin a manner that is safe, secure, humane, and professional.\u201d Additionally, restraints cannot be used \u201cin a punitive manner or in a manner than causes detainees undue pain.\u201d According to ICE\u2019s National Detainee Handbook, officers may only use force \u201cafter all reasonable efforts to otherwise resolve a situation have failed\u201d and \u201cphysical force or restraining devices will not be used as punishment. International law is clear that countries may not shackle or handcuff pregnant people or people immediately after childbirth\u2026 We continue to believe that a holistic review of the disparate treatment of Black migrants throughout our immigration system is both necessary and urgent,\u201d continued Senator Booker.\n\nSenator Booker and his colleagues also requested DHS, ICE, and CBP clarify their existing practices regarding shackling of migrants, and particularly pregnant migrants, in detention.\n\nThe letter is cosigned by: Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-wicker-applaud-signing-of-precip-act-into-law", "Booker, Wicker, Applaud Signing of PRECIP Act into Law", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) applaud the signing of the Providing Research and Estimates of Changes in Precipitation Act, or PRECIP Act, into law. This legislation will update out-of-date precipitation data in the U.S. by providing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with funding and guidance to conduct future research. The PRECIP Act will direct NOAA to study ongoing changes in precipitation that will help communities better prepare for extreme weather and flooding events and to work with the National Academies to complete a consensus study on the best practices for estimating precipitation. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11).\n\n\u201cWe must take every necessary step to protect our communities from the increasing frequency of natural disasters caused by climate change -- like historic rainfall and flooding throughout the country,\u201dsaid Senator Booker. \u201cI am proud that this bipartisan legislation has been signed into law and will provide NOAA with vital funding to consult with partner organizations and conduct studies to modernize and improve our nation\u2019s precipitation data. This will be essential as we continue to face the realities of climate change and extreme weather across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cFlooding regularly puts American lives and property at risk, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses each year,\u201d said Sen. Wicker. \u201cOne threat from flooding is dam failure, and in Mississippi there are hundreds of state-regulated dams with a high hazard potential. Forty-two of these dams have failed and nine others have been drained. With this important legislation signed into law, dam control managers can get the data they need to improve dam safety and protect Americans.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the PRECIP Act requires NOAA to:\n\nUpdate precipitation frequency estimates for the United States. NOAA must include specified information in the updates and must make publicly available certain precipitation frequency estimate studies.\n\nSeek to enter an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on the state of practice and research needs for precipitation estimation, including probable maximum precipitation estimation.\n\nConsult with relevant partners on the development of a plan to update probable maximum precipitation estimates.\n\nDevelop guidance regarding probable maximum precipitation estimates that (1) provides best practices for federal and state regulatory agencies, private meteorological consultants, and other users that perform probable maximum precipitation studies; (2) considers the recommendations provided in the National Academies study; (3) facilitates review of probable maximum precipitation studies by regulatory agencies; and (4) provides confidence in regional and site-specific probable maximum precipitation estimates.\n\nThe PRECIP Act is supported by: Pew Charitable Trusts, Jacobs, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO), Geospatial Equipment & Technology Institute (GETI), National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), US Geospatial Executives Organization (U.S. GEO), Waterfront Alliance, Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), Union of Concerned Scientists, Iowa Flood Center, American Public Works Association (APWA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-hawaii-congressional-delegation-calls-for-independent-investigation-into-toxic-afff-leaks-at-red-hill", "Hirono, Hawaii Congressional Delegation Calls for Independent Investigation Into Toxic AFFF Leaks at Red Hill", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Kai Kahele (D-HI) in calling for a congressionally-initiated independent investigation into how the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy have responded to PFAS-based contamination events at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, including the recent leak of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF).\n\n\u201cThe November 29th leak of a fire suppression system at the Red Hill complex that spilled over 1,100 gallons of AFFF into the environment, as well as other previous PFAS contamination events affecting Red Hill and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), have potentially exposed the community surrounding the Red Hill complex to enduring threats to their health. This community and the people of Hawai\u2018i deserve answers regarding how the Navy undertook efforts to address these incidents and complete the clean-up and remediation of impacted sites,\u201d the delegation wrote in a letter to Gene Dodaro, the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office.\n\nThe delegation continued, \u201cwe urge you to use the resources and tools available to you to conduct a rigorous and data-driven investigation to provide transparency on these response efforts and provide recommendations on required improvements that will protect impacted communities.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nComptroller General Dodaro,\n\nWe write urging an immediate investigation into the procedures and practices utilized by the Department of Defense and the Department of Navy to protect human health and the environment from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility complex (Red Hill). Both Departments use compounds containing PFAS, such as aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), at Red Hill, and the recent events in Hawai\u2018i demonstrate the need for a thorough audit to ensure that Hawai\u2018i\u2019s people, land, water, and ocean are all protected.\n\nThe November 29th leak of a fire suppression system at the Red Hill complex that spilled over 1100 gallons of AFFF into the environment, as well as other previous PFAS contamination events affecting Red Hill and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), have potentially exposed the community surrounding the Red Hill complex to enduring threats to their health. This community and the people of Hawai\u2018i deserve answers regarding how the Navy undertook efforts to address these incidents and complete the clean-up and remediation of impacted sites.\n\nThe dangers associated with \u201cforever chemicals,\u201d such as PFAS, are significant to the health of people exposed to them and to the environment. Moreover, because these chemicals degrade extremely slowly, they can build up in the environment and in animals and plants that ingest or are otherwise exposed to them. Consistent exposure to highly concentrated amounts of these chemicals can cause a range of adverse health effects including severe diseases, like cancer. This persistent threat underscores the necessity for adequate oversight and due diligence for the methods employed to handle the containment of such chemicals, safe storage, and eventual remediation of impacted sites. Without proper care, the legacy of damage of these spills will impact the health and well-being of people for generations and exact a devastating toll on the ecosystem and environment.\n\nIn June 2022, the EPA revised its health advisories for two specific PFAS chemicals: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS):\n\nPFAS\n\nPrior HA\n\nNew HA\n\nIncrease\n\nPFOA\n\n70 parts per billion (ppb)\n\n.02 parts per trillion (ppt)\n\n3500x\n\nPFOS\n\n70 ppb\n\n.004 ppt\n\n17,500x\n\nFurther, both PFOA and PFOS have been detected in water quality reports for JBPHH released by the Department of the Navy in 2021 and 2022:\n\nPFAS\n\n2021 Detection Level\n\n2022 Detection Level\n\nPFOA\n\n3.2 ppb\n\n3.6 ppb\n\nPFOS\n\n5.5 ppb\n\n5.6 ppb\n\nWhile the Department of Defense and the Department of Navy should continue to conduct their own reviews on their responses to ongoing and previous PFAS/PFOA and AFFF exposure events, a GAO investigation will provide a necessary third-party assessment of their practices. We urge you to use the resources and tools available to you to conduct a rigorous and data-driven investigation to provide transparency on these response efforts and provide recommendations on required improvements that will protect impacted communities.\n\nGiven the ongoing operation to complete defueling at Red Hill, contamination from the current and prior discharges of PFAS-based firefighting foam raise significant questions for the people of Hawai\u2018i for their health and safety. Accordingly, we request the GAO to conduct an investigation to answer the following questions:\n\nWere the methods employed by the Navy to clean up and remediate sites exposed to PFAS adequate to the standards of state and federal regulators in Hawai\u2018i?\n\nDid the Navy inappropriately withhold any pertinent information from appropriate state and federal regulators during the course of any PFAS exposure investigations? If so how did this impact their investigation and remediation of sites?\n\nHow should the Navy use the updated EPA health advisories for PFOS and PFOA to ensure the safety of drinking water at JBPHH, remediate the environment, and prevent further discharges of these and other PFAS at JBPHH and Red Hill?\n\nDid the Navy effectively include Hawai\u2018i state regulators and relevant state agencies in previous AFFF exposure incident investigations at the Red Hill Complex?\n\nBased on GAO analysis of the Navy\u2019s PFAS-related procedures and practices for exposed sites in Hawai\u2018i, what deficiencies exist that the Navy should alter?\n\nOf the Hawai\u2018i sites with previously documented exposures of PFAS-based substances and that were cleaned and remediated by the Navy, which require further clean up, remediation, and testing?\n\nAs the Department of Defense continues to consider PFAS-free alternatives for firefighting systems, what alternatives are best suited for installations in Hawai\u2018i to adopt? How best can the Department of Defense position it\u2019s Hawai\u2018i based operations to quickly and safely adopt these alternatives?\n\nWe expect this GAO investigation will not interfere with the defueling timeline of Red Hill and further underscore that GAO conducts their investigation so there is no delay to defueling efforts. We look forward to the results of your investigation and any recommendations you determine are in the best interests of impacted communities.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-reintroduces-bill-to-forgive-student-loan-debt-for-beginning-farmers", "Murphy Reintroduces Bill to Forgive Student Loan Debt for Beginning Farmers", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Monday reintroduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as women, veteran, and minority farmers. Student loan debt is a major hurdle for beginning farmers, and this legislation would serve as an incentive for farmers to enter\u2014and stay\u2014in the agricultural industry, and strengthen opportunities to grow successful businesses. U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) co-sponsored the legislation.\n\n\u201cStarting and maintaining a new farm is tough, expensive work. Too often, young farmers are saddled with thousands in student loan debt and can\u2019t afford to make the investments necessary for success. Connecticut farms are key to the health of our rural communities and the future of food security, and this legislation would help more people start and stay in farming,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\"The Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act provides a path out of debt for many young and beginning farmers who haven't been able to see one before. Held back by existing debt making financing complicated-- on top of climate crisis, input, and living costs-- passing this act will open the possibility of becoming a full-time farmer and/or rancher to many who would be, but for having repayment of existing loans in their way. National Young Farmers Coalition supports Senator Murphy's commitment to easing some of the unprecedented debt burden currently hindering our next generation of food growing to feed our communities and protect the land as its stewards,\u201d said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, Policy Campaigns Co-Director, National Young Farmers Coalition.\n\nIn Connecticut, approximately 30% of producers are considered \u201cbeginning farmers,\u201d meaning they are operating a farm with less than 10 years of experience.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-joins-firefighters-and-local-officials-in-dearborn-to-highlight-efforts-to-support-michigan-fire-departments", "PHOTOS: Peters Joins Firefighters and Local Officials in Dearborn to Highlight Efforts to Support Michigan Fire Departments", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DEARBORN, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, toured Dearborn Fire Station 2 to discuss the need to pass his bipartisan legislation to renew federal grants programs that are set to expire in the coming years. During the visit, Peters highlighted how the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs provide critical federal resources to Michigan fire stations like Fire Station 2. Peters met with firefighters who have been hired using SAFER grant funding, saw a demonstration using equipment that was purchased with funding from the AFG program, and discussed his legislation to ensure these important federal programs do not expire and leave local fire departments without the resources needed to protect Michigan communities. Peters also discussed a second bill \u2013 which will soon be signed into law \u2013 to protect firefighters from hazardous PFAS chemicals. Peters was joined by Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and Dearborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray at the station.\n\n\u201cFirefighters put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our communities \u2013 and they should be able to count on Congress to have their backs as they risk their health and safety,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThat is why we must work to pass my bipartisan legislation to extend these in demand grant programs that fire stations in Michigan and across the nation depend on to safeguard our communities and improve health and safety outcomes for firefighters and other emergency personnel.\u201d\n\nPeters continued: \u201cI\u2019m also proud that the President will soon my bill into law that will protect these brave first responders from harmful PFAS chemicals that are often found in firefighting foams and equipment. I\u2019ll continue working to support our brave firefighters so they can do their jobs safely and help our communities better prepare for and respond to emergencies.\u201d\n\n\u201cI applaud Senator Peters for his continued leadership on the Fire Grants and Safety Act and the PFAS Act,\u201d said Abdullah Hammoud, Mayor of the City of Dearborn, Michigan. \u201cBoth pieces of legislation will improve the health and safety outcomes for our brave firefighters who have dedicated their lives to protecting others. I am thankful to Senator Peters for his work to support our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank Senator Peters for leading efforts to protect firefighters in Dearborn and across the country,\u201d said Joseph Murray, Dearborn Fire Chief. \u201cHis efforts to reauthorize critical federal programs that our Departments rely on and reduce firefighters\u2019 exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals shows his unique understanding of our needs and continued commitment to keeping first responders safe. I am grateful for his service and look forward to continuing to work together in the future.\u201d\n\nDuring the visit, Peters toured the fire station to see how funding from the SAFER and AFG programs has allowed Dearborn firefighters to do their jobs more effectively. Peters saw a safety demonstration of a car accident rescue technique using equipment purchased with AFG funds, and met with firefighters who were hired using SAFER grants. Since 2013, the Dearborn Fire Department has received more than $9 million in grants from both of these federal programs, and has used the funding to hire additional personnel, acquire new vehicles \u2013 including an ambulance \u2013 and purchase new nozzles, saws, and ventilation fans. Last year, they used funding from the AFG program to fund cancer screenings for 120 firefighters. In 2021, Michigan fire departments received from more than $10.8 million from the AFG program, and more than $8 million from the SAFER grant program. The visit highlighted the need to pass Peters\u2019 Fire Grants and Safety Act to reauthorize these critical grant programs that local fire departments use to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, and develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services.\n\nPeters also his discussed his bipartisan legislation \u2013 that will soon be signed into law \u2013 to help protect the health and safety of firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure. The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act directs federal agencies to develop best practices, training, and educational programs to reduce, limit and prevent exposure to PFAS, also known as \u2018forever chemicals\u2019 because they do not naturally break down. The legislation passed the Senate last summer and the House earlier this month.\n\nTo download high-resolution photos from the visit, click on the images below. Images are courtesy of Senator Peters\u2019 office.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-calls-for-independent-investigation-into-toxic-afff-leaks-at-red-hill", "Hawai\u2018i Congressional Delegation Calls For Independent Investigation Into Toxic AFFF Leaks At Red Hill", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Kai Kahele (D-Hawai\u2018i) today called for a congressionally-initiated independent investigation into how the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy have responded to PFAS-based contamination events at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, including the recent leak of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). The delegation also pushed for answers on recent reporting that alleges the Navy withheld key information on a previous leak of the toxic chemical.\n\n\u201cThe November 29th leak of a fire suppression system at the Red Hill complex that spilled over 1,100 gallons of AFFF into the environment, as well as other previous PFAS contamination events affecting Red Hill and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), have potentially exposed the community surrounding the Red Hill complex to enduring threats to their health. This community and the people of Hawai\u2018i deserve answers regarding how the Navy undertook efforts to address these incidents and complete the clean-up and remediation of impacted sites,\u201d the delegation wrote in a letter to Gene Dodaro, the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office.\n\nThe delegation continued, \u201cwe urge you to use the resources and tools available to you to conduct a rigorous and data-driven investigation to provide transparency on these response efforts and provide recommendations on required improvements that will protect impacted communities.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found below and is available here.\n\nComptroller General Dodaro,\n\nWe write urging an immediate investigation into the procedures and practices utilized by the Department of Defense and the Department of Navy to protect human health and the environment from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility complex (Red Hill). Both Departments use compounds containing PFAS, such as aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), at Red Hill, and the recent events in Hawai\u2018i demonstrate the need for a thorough audit to ensure that Hawai\u2018i\u2019s people, land, water, and ocean are all protected.\n\nThe November 29th leak of a fire suppression system at the Red Hill complex that spilled over 1100 gallons of AFFF into the environment, as well as other previous PFAS contamination events affecting Red Hill and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), have potentially exposed the community surrounding the Red Hill complex to enduring threats to their health. This community and the people of Hawai\u2018i deserve answers regarding how the Navy undertook efforts to address these incidents and complete the clean-up and remediation of impacted sites.\n\nThe dangers associated with \u201cforever chemicals,\u201d such as PFAS, are significant to the health of people exposed to them and to the environment. Moreover, because these chemicals degrade extremely slowly, they can build up in the environment and in animals and plants that ingest or are otherwise exposed to them. Consistent exposure to highly concentrated amounts of these chemicals can cause a range of adverse health effects including severe diseases, like cancer. This persistent threat underscores the necessity for adequate oversight and due diligence for the methods employed to handle the containment of such chemicals, safe storage, and eventual remediation of impacted sites. Without proper care, the legacy of damage of these spills will impact the health and well-being of people for generations and exact a devastating toll on the ecosystem and environment.\n\nIn June 2022, the EPA revised its health advisories for two specific PFAS chemicals: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS):\n\nPFAS\n\nPrior HA\n\nNew HA\n\nIncrease\n\nPFOA\n\n70 parts per billion (ppb)\n\n.02 parts per trillion (ppt)\n\n3500x\n\nPFOS\n\n70 ppb\n\n.004 ppt\n\n17,500x\n\nFurther, both PFOA and PFOS have been detected in water quality reports for JBPHH released by the Department of the Navy in 2021 and 2022:\n\nPFAS\n\n2021 Detection Level\n\n2022 Detection Level\n\nPFOA\n\n3.2 ppb\n\n3.6 ppb\n\nPFOS\n\n5.5 ppb\n\n5.6 ppb\n\nWhile the Department of Defense and the Department of Navy should continue to conduct their own reviews on their responses to ongoing and previous PFAS/PFOA and AFFF exposure events, a GAO investigation will provide a necessary third-party assessment of their practices. We urge you to use the resources and tools available to you to conduct a rigorous and data-driven investigation to provide transparency on these response efforts and provide recommendations on required improvements that will protect impacted communities.\n\nGiven the ongoing operation to complete defueling at Red Hill, contamination from the current and prior discharges of PFAS-based firefighting foam raise significant questions for the people of Hawai\u2018i for their health and safety. Accordingly, we request the GAO to conduct an investigation to answer the following questions:\n\nWere the methods employed by the Navy to clean up and remediate sites exposed to PFAS adequate to the standards of state and federal regulators in Hawai\u2018i?\n\nDid the Navy inappropriately withhold any pertinent information from appropriate state and federal regulators during the course of any PFAS exposure investigations? If so how did this impact their investigation and remediation of sites?\n\nHow should the Navy use the updated EPA health advisories for PFOS and PFOA to ensure the safety of drinking water at JBPHH, remediate the environment, and prevent further discharges of these and other PFAS at JBPHH and Red Hill?\n\nDid the Navy effectively include Hawai\u2018i state regulators and relevant state agencies in previous AFFF exposure incident investigations at the Red Hill Complex?\n\nBased on GAO analysis of the Navy\u2019s PFAS-related procedures and practices for exposed sites in Hawai\u2018i, what deficiencies exist that the Navy should alter?\n\nOf the Hawai\u2018i sites with previously documented exposures of PFAS-based substances and that were cleaned and remediated by the Navy, which require further clean up, remediation, and testing?\n\nAs the Department of Defense continues to consider PFAS-free alternatives for firefighting systems, what alternatives are best suited for installations in Hawai\u2018i to adopt? How best can the Department of Defense position it\u2019s Hawai\u2018i based operations to quickly and safely adopt these alternatives?\n\nWe expect this GAO investigation will not interfere with the defueling timeline of Red Hill and further underscore that GAO conducts their investigation so there is no delay to defueling efforts. We look forward to the results of your investigation and any recommendations you determine are in the best interests of impacted communities.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-dhhl-to-receive-more-than-17-million-to-expand-high-speed-internet-in-native-hawaiian-communities", "Schatz: DHHL To Receive More Than $17 Million To Expand High-Speed Internet In Native Hawaiian Communities", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today announced that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will receive $17.3 million in new federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities.\n\n\u201cThis funding will increase broadband internet access in Native Hawaiian communities across the state, helping families and small businesses get the high-speed internet they need and supporting the expansion of important services, including telehealth and remote learning,\u201d said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nThe funding comes from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, which expands broadband access on Tribal lands. It will include new broadband equipment and software, new computers and personal devices, support for increased remote learning, telehealth, and digital inclusion programs, and staff to ensure their successful implementation. Funding will also support a DHHL survey of Native Hawaiian households, with the data gathered used to help develop a statewide collective broadband strategy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-one-of-the-most-productive-congresses-in-decades-and-being-elected-to-a-record-setting-5th-term-to-the-us-senate-schumer-completes-tour-of-all-62-new-york-counties-for-the-24th-time-senator-calls-this-tour-one-of-most-impactful-of-his-career-after-delivering-billions-for-ny-and-creating-thousands-of-good-paying-jobs-this-year-schumer-finishes-annual-tour-of-state-in-saratoga-county-with-118-total-visits-to-upstate-ny-and-long-island", "AFTER ONE OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE CONGRESSES IN DECADES, AND BEING ELECTED TO A RECORD SETTING 5th TERM TO THE U.S. SENATE, SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES FOR THE 24th TIME; SENATOR...", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "During Schumer\u2019s 1998 Senate Election, He Vowed To Visit Every Single New York County Each Year\u2014 Now After Re-Election To A Historic 5th Term And Becoming Majority Leader, The Tradition Continues\n\nThis Year \u2013 As He Led One Of The Most Productive Senates In Decades, Schumer Delivers One Of The Largest Economic Development Project in U.S. History To Upstate NY, Creating Thousands of New Good Paying Jobs, And Secures Billions For Infrastructure, Lowers Prescription Drug Costs, And Passes The Largest Investment Ever To Fight Climate Change\n\nAfter 24 Years, Schumer Continues To Honor His Pledge And Says He Has No Plans Of Slowing Down\n\nOn the heels of being re-elected to a historic 5th term, and while leading one of the most productive Senates in decades, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today completed his 24th consecutive tour of all 62 New York counties \u2014 his second while also serving as Majority Leader. Schumer was the first New York public official to visit every single county in New York, a tradition he has continued each year he has been in office.\n\nOver the course of the year, Schumer made 118 county visits to Upstate New York and Long Island. He visited counties in the Capital Region 19 times; Western New York 12 times; Central New York 18 times; Rochester-Finger Lakes 15 times; the Southern Tier 13 times; the Hudson Valley 16 times; the North Country 7 times; and Long Island 18 times.\n\n\u201cWhen I made the promise to visit every county in New York every year after my first election, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine doing it as Majority Leader, or that I would be doing so while simultaneously passing some of the most important legislation in generations: from the largest investment ever in fighting climate change, to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, to bringing manufacturing jobs back from overseas to Upstate New York. Although I\u2019ve gained the title of Majority Leader, my proudest title will always remain, New York\u2019s senator and more importantly \u2018New Yorker,\u2019\u201d said Majority Leader Schumer. \u201cNow, at the conclusion of one of the most productive legislative sessions in decades and my first Congress as New York\u2019s first U.S. Senate Majority Leader, I confidently can say the tradition of visiting every corner of the Empire State is even more imperative and allows me to deliver for my beloved home state in bigger and bolder ways because of all I learn from my constituents. This year alone, because of the federal legislation I led to passage, the largest economic development project in New York history came to the Syracuse area and will have a statewide impact, and we are seeing thousands of good paying jobs being created in the semiconductor and clean energy industries from Genesee County to the Hudson Valley. Across the state our road, transit, broadband, and water infrastructure is seeing new life from critical federal investment that just a few years ago seemed unobtainable due to budget shortfalls during the height of the pandemic. This year, more than ever before, I know that New York\u2019s future will be brighter than its past. Because of the investment we are making today in rebuilding our infrastructure, fighting climate change, and bringing jobs back from overseas, our children and grandchildren will have the future they deserve right here in New York.\u201d\n\nSchumer added, \u201cAt the close of twenty-four years, my beliefs are as clear as ever: \u2018Senators who stay in Washington and never return home are simply not doing their job.\u2019 Whether I\u2019m eating ice cream at the State Fair in Syracuse or riding my bike in Brooklyn, New York is always on my mind, and I\u2019m always learning directly from my constituents. To the New Yorkers who\u2019d lost faith that Congress can do big things, this year was for you, and I will never stop fighting to deliver for New York.\u201d\n\nSchumer said that this has been one of the most productive legislative sessions in decades, and with each of the major bills he led to passage, he always had New York top of mind. Some of these major legislative victories passed in his first two years of his leadership included:\n\n\u00b7 The American Rescue Plan \u2013 Delivering over $100 Billion in relief to New York\u2019s state and local governments, workers, small businesses, and health centers so they could recover from the impacts of COVID and build back stronger than before.\n\n\u00b7 The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act \u2013 This year alone New York received $9.3+ billion from the Infrastructure Law with billions more on the way which is helping make long overdue investments in our roads, bridges, transit, airports, broadband, and water infrastructure, including replacing lead pipes, and cleaning up polluted sites to improve the state\u2019s environment and make way for new investment.\n\n\u00b7 The CHIPS & Science Bill \u2013 Senator Schumer authored this bill specifically with Upstate New York in mind, and it has already spurred the largest economic development project in New York State\u2019s, and likely America\u2019s history. This legislation provides generational investments to bring manufacturing back from overseas, help fix America\u2019s supply chain crisis, and prompt billions of investment and the creation of tens of thousands of good paying jobs in communities in every corner of the state.\n\n\u00b7 The Inflation Reduction Act \u2013 This legislation provides the largest investment in fighting climate change in our nation\u2019s history, all while also lowering prescription drug costs and making sure corporations pay their fair share. New York this year reached record levels of clean energy jobs, and these industries will be supercharged by the investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as and will clean up neighborhoods and environments across the state. On top of that, because of this bill, starting in January seniors on Medicare will no longer have to pay more than $35 for insulin, will get free vaccines, and will have their out of pocket costs lowered to $3,250 in 2024 and down to $2,000 in 2025.\n\nThese are on top of other major policy accomplishments like the Honoring our PACT Act to help veterans who suffer from toxic exposure, passing marriage equality, historic progress on confirmations for highly qualified diverse federal judges, and much more.\n\nSpecifically, in his continued quest to deliver resources to every corner of New York, Schumer highlighted various accomplishments achieved over the past year by region below:\n\nWESTERN NEW YORK\n\nDelivered $25 Million to Reconnect Buffalo with the Rebuilding America's Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity.\n\nAfter standing with community leaders at Buffalo\u2019s beleaguered \u201cmiddle\u201d Main Street earlier this year, Schumer delivered $25 million in federal funding to finally fix the roadway between Goodell Street and Kensington Avenue and finally create a safe, walkable, bikeable street. This builds on the senator\u2019s long history of advocacy for Buffalo\u2019s Cars Sharing Main project and the over $33 million he has already delivered for the project. Schumer personally advocated to Transportation Secretary Buttigieg for Buffalo\u2019s selection for funding though the highly competitive Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, which Schumer secured historic funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nBrought $25 Million To Western New York To Train Workers For Good Paying Manufacturing Jobs:\n\nFollowing his personal appeal to President Biden and direct advocacy with Commerce Secretary Raimondo that secured Western New York\u2019s spot as a finalist in the American Rescue Plan\u2019s Build Back Better Regional Challenge, Schumer announced WNY had received $25 million to train workers, particularly those in East Buffalo, for in-demand manufacturing jobs.Schumer said this major federal funding will elevate the region as America\u2019s next major manufacturing hub and position it well for a federal tech hub designation as part of the new Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program that was created in Schumer\u2019s CHIPS and Science Act that was signed into law this year. The Western NY Advanced Manufacturing Cluster was one of only 21 final awardees, out of 529 applications submitted from across the country.\n\nSecured General Motors $154 Million Investment At Its Western New York Lockport Components Plant:\n\nSchumer joined GM for their announcement to invest $154 million, and add 230 new, good-paying UAW jobs to their plant in Lockport as they begin production for key components in electric vehicle motors. These investments have been largely spurred by the federal incentives Schumer has long fought to pass going back to his Clean Cars For America Climate Proposal, the federal electric vehicle infrastructure investments he was able to secure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and most recently the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nStanding With Buffalo Families Following The Horrific Racially Motivated Mass Shooting In East Buffalo To Pass The First Bipartisan Gun Safety Legislation In Decades:\n\nFollowing the tragic mass shootings in East Buffalo and in Uvalde, TX, Schumer worked directly with the families and gun safety advocates to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first significant gun safety bill in nearly 30 years. This long overdue step, breaking the vice grip of the gun lobby, would not have been possible without the non-stop advocacy of the families in Buffalo, incentivizing red flag flaws, boosting mental health care, enhancing background checks, and closing dangerous loopholes \u2013 and will undoubtedly save lives.\n\nProtected Chautauqua Waterways with $10 Million for Critical Infrastructure Projects:\n\nSchumer secured $10 million for Chautauqua County for long overdue critical water infrastructure projects to keep Western NY communities clean, boost tourism, and keep drinking water safe. This funding, secured as a part of the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus, includes over $8 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge and study-design essential breakwater improvements for Dunkirk, Barcelona, and Cattaraugus Creek harbors, and $2 million for the Village of Mayville to replace a contaminated well so that residents can have access to safe clean water.\n\nCENTRAL NEW YORK\n\nLured Micron To Onondaga County Bringing An Unprecedented Up To $100 Billion Investment And Creating Nearly 50,000 Good Paying New York Jobs:\n\nAfter years of advocacy, Schumer working hand in hand with Governor Hochul helped deliver the largest economic development project in NY and likely America\u2019s history to Central New York. This extraordinary investment was only possibly because of Schumer's historic, bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which Micron cited directly as the primary reason they built their facility here and not overseas. The mega fab will fundamentally transform the Upstate New York economy for generations to come.\n\nSecured $18 Million To Revitalize The Gateway To Utica\u2019s Downtown:\n\nFollowing his direct advocacy to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Schumer secured $18+ million for the Utica community through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to modernize the North Genesee Street gateway to downtown Utica. Specifically, the federal funding will replace two deteriorating bridges that cross the Mohawk River and the National Historic Erie Canal that connect North Utica and rural areas to Utica\u2019s downtown center.\n\nDelivered $318 million for Rome\u2019s Air Force Research Laboratory:\n\nSchumer secured $293 million for Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome to research and develop the next generation of supercomputers, expand its testing of unmanned aerial systems, develop and manufacture an advanced quantum photonic system, and open a new \u201cQuantum Computing Test Bed.\u201d This funding, secured in the FY22 budget, will bolster one the largest economic engines in the Mohawk Valley economy with good paying jobs, all while strengthening our national security for next generation technology. Schumer alsosecured $25 million in federal funding to spur a new phase in the partnership between GlobalFoundries & PsiQuantum to expand research and development spearheaded out of the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York (Rome Lab), to manufacture and test photonic quantum computing technology that will create jobs, help attract and retain top scientific talent to Upstate New York, and will make critical progress to compete with China to develop a first of its kind quantum super computer.\n\nLanded Breeze Airway at Syracuse Hancock International Airport:\n\nFollowing Senator Schumer\u2019s long history of fighting for affordable air service to Upstate New York, and after a personal meeting with the Breeze CEO, Schumer announced that Breeze Airways will begin to offer service from Syracuse to unserved, high demand areas particularly on the West Coast and in the Southeast.\n\nCAPITAL REGION\n\nSecured Over $9 Million For Capital Region Fire Departments To Train Emergency Personnel And Address Staffing Shortages:\n\nAfter delivering over $1 million through FEMA\u2019s Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Program to the Troy Fire Department for paramedic training and Schenectady Fire Department for equipment, Schumer successfully delivered a total of nearly $8 million to the Saratoga Springs and Troy Fire Departments through the Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, the third and fourth largest grants in New York State history. This historic funding will help hire of dozens of new desperately needed firefighters and emergency personnel in the Capital Region.\n\nConfirmed Capital Region Native Anne Nardacci To The Northern District Federal Bench \u2013 A Historic Achievement Making A Majority Women Active Judge Bench:\n\nSchumer personally recommended Capital Region native Anne Nardacci to President Biden for nomination as District Court Judge for the Northern District of New York., she is the third woman Schumer has recommended to serve on the NDNY bench, following Mae D\u2019Agostino and Brenda Sannes. Nardacci was successfully confirmed on November 30th, transforming the NDNY bench from zero full time female judges to 60% female full time judges, all recommended by Senator Schumer.\n\nDelivered $4 Million To Revitalize Downtown Troy By Transforming Blighted Abandoned Buildings Into New Affordable Housing:\n\nThe Taylor Apartments revitalization project is underway thanks to Senator Schumer delivering $3 million in American Rescue Plan funds to the City of Troy and over $1 million from HUD that was delivered to the Troy Housing Authority. The long-vacant apartment towers along Troy\u2019s waterfront have long been an eyesore for the city. Troy officials had wanted to remove them for years but did not have the funding to begin. Now the demolition, funded entirely with federal dollars Schumer secured, is ongoing and construction on new affordable housing in its place is on track to begin this spring.\n\nJoined CDTA To Announce The Groundbreaking For Region\u2019s First Gateway Mobility Hub:\n\nIn April, Schumer visited downtown Schenectady to break ground on the Capital District Transportation Authority\u2019s Gateway Mobility Hub. This first-of-its-kind transit center will be backed with 80% federal funding Senator Schumer secured. This it is the culmination of unprecedented $296 million for Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in emergency COVID relief and new investment like the purchase of a dozen new electric buses that Schumer delivered. The CDTA Gateway Mobility Hub will increase transit accessibility, accelerate economic recovery, and help revolutionize transportation for the entire Capital Region by providing carshare, bike and scooter-share programs while connecting to CDTA\u2019s newly expanded service into Montgomery County.\n\nDelivered Over $22 Million For Community Led Capital Region Projects:\n\nSchumer visited the Blake Annex in downtown Albany to announce over $22 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to accelerate the Capital Region\u2019s economic recovery from the pandemic. These community-led projects include funding to bolster Capital Region non-profits, create a training center in Albany\u2019s South End to prepare workers for jobs in offshore wind tower manufacturing, boost cutting-edge research at local universities, and deliver broadband service to close the digital divide in rural parts of the region.\n\nSecured $117 million Defense Production Act Agreement between GlobalFoundries and the U.S. Department of Defense:\n\nSchumer delivered this $117 million federal investment, which brings together GlobalFoundries and DoD to provide a strategic supply of U.S.-made semiconductors that are critical to national security systems. The senator said that these chips will be used in some of the nation\u2019s most sensitive defense and aerospace applications and will be made in the Capital Region at GlobalFoundries\u2019 Fab 8 facility in Malta, NY.\n\nChampioned Legislation to Remove Chinese Chips From Federal Government Supply Chain and Boost Demand for American-Made Chips:\n\nIn the wake of leading the historic passage of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, Schumer spearheaded the inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act of a bipartisan amendment to prohibit the U.S. government\u2019s use of certain semiconductor chips made in by companies that are backed by the Chinese Communist Party and China\u2019s military and therefore that pose a significant national security threat. These new provisions will help limit the prevalence of these Chinese-made chips in federal government supply chains, strengthening national security, keeping New Yorkers\u2019 data safe, and boosting demand for more domestically made microchips, including from GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region.\n\nLONG ISLAND\n\nSecured Reversal Of IRS Decision That Unduly Taxed Homeowners Participating In Suffolk County\u2019s Landmark Environmental Improvement Program:\n\nAfter years of making a stink on the unfair tax liability issue affecting Suffolk\u2019s septic grant program, Schumer secured a determination from the IRS declaring once and for all that Suffolk Septic Improvement Program (SIP) grants are, in fact, tax exempt and that there is an avenue to reimbursement for those who already made tax payments. The SIP replaces outdated and environmentally-damaging residential cesspools and septic systems with nitrogen-reducing ones. The program has attracted rightful interest of residents \u2013 1,000+ homeowners have participated so far \u2013 but many participants unexpectedly faced high tax bills and other related financial ramifications, while many other residents have not participated because of confusion and worry regarding tax liability, hampering the County\u2019s environmental restoration efforts. Earlier this year, Schumer wrote to the USDA secretary advocating for him to declare that SIP grants are made primarily for conservation purposes and thus eligible for exemption from income tax calculations. Once the USDA made the declaration, Schumer called on the IRS to reverse their original ruling that homeowners must be taxed for utilizing the grants.\n\nPumped $5.2 Million Into Hempstead Village To Repair And Replace Faltering Water And Sewer Infrastructure:\n\nAs part of the FY22 federal budget process, Schumer secured $3.2 million for the Village of Hempstead to improve its aging, deteriorating water treatment plant and to install distribution mains in downtown areas. Upgrades are needed to ensure the local water system meets projected demand in the village over the next 15 years and to ensure water flow throughout the system meets fire safety standards. He also secured inclusion of $2 million for the Village of Hempstead\u2019s sewer system improvements, including the construction of a new gravity sewer main that will allow for the construction of new housing and commercial developments throughout the village\u2019s downtown core.\n\nHalted Plans To Shutter Services At Northport VAMC, Preserving Care For Over 31,000 Long Island Veterans:\n\nUnder the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission plan released in March, Northport VAMC would have been gutted: the emergency department would have shut and urgent-care services would have moved to an outpatient clinic in Commack; residential rehabilitation treatment would have transitioned 42 miles away to Queens; and, inpatient rehabilitation for blind patients would have moved to Connecticut, leaving only inpatient mental health, residential nursing home care, and rehabilitation medicine at Northport. Schumer immediately launched an all-out push to prevent closure, rallying with dozens of veterans outside Northport VAMC to fight the loss of critical local care access. In June, Schumer announced that the AIR Commission process would not move forward, protecting the healthcare services for over 31,000 Long Island veterans.\n\nDelivered $10 Million For Stony Brook University To Establish A New Biomedical Research Network On Long Island:\n\nTo bolster Long Island\u2019s burgeoning biotechnology industry as well as continued success and innovation at institutions like Brookhaven National Lab, Cold Spring Harbor Lab, and Stony Brook University (SBU), Schumer secured $10 million for Stony Brook to create and grow the Long Island Network for Clinical and Translation Science (LINCATS). This federal funding will allow SBU to scale-up operations of a research and healthcare service network, creating an ecosystem that will fast track the application of new scientific discoveries into clinical medical care. The overall mission of LINCATS is to accelerate the public health impact of research, especially for underserved communities across Long Island. Not only will LINCATS put Long Island on the map as a center of clinical healthcare research, it will also help provide innovative new treatments to benefit more patients throughout the region.\n\nRestored Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars In Hard-Earned Pension Benefits For Thousands Of Long Island Retirees:\n\nAfter visiting union pensioners at Teamsters Local 707 in 2018 and working from then on in bipartisan fashion with Rep. Peter King and Suffolk Legislator Kevin McCaffrey on multiemployer pension relief, Schumer successfully delivered pension relief for over one-million union workers and families across America, including over 600,000 in New York. In early 2022, $725 Million was delivered to Hempstead-based Local 707\u2019s pension plan, one of the first plans in the nation to receive this sorely-needed funding. Over 4,000 retired Long Island and NYC truck operators and delivery drivers \u2013 many of whom saw their hard-earned monthly pension bills cut by 2/3 through no fault of their own \u2013 had their payments fully restored and received full back pay, ensuring economic stability in their golden years.\n\nEnsured Reimbursement Of Housing Costs For Long Islanders Who Elevate Their Homes As Part Of Fire Island To Montauk Point Coastal Resiliency Project:\n\nSchumer negotiated and secured the inclusion of a provision in the Water Resources Development Act that will allow homeowners that choose to elevate their homes as part of the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point (FIMP) coastal resiliency project to be reimbursed up to $20,000 for relocation costs during the home renovation process. FIMP home elevation is voluntary and much of construction cost will paid by the federal government thanks to Schumer\u2019s efforts during Superstorm Sandy recovery. This new provision to reimburse homeowners for temporary relocation costs will further ease the elevation process and allow for greater participation from eligible residents. FIMP \u2013 100% fed-funded thanks to Schumer \u2013 is a coastal storm risk management project designed to limit damage along Long Island\u2019s south shore in a way that balances risks to human life and property, while maintaining, enhancing, and restoring ecosystem integrity and coastal biodiversity. The Project includes beach, dune, and berm construction, as well as breach response plans on barrier islands; inlet management; groin modifications; and coastal process features. It also includes the potential elevation and flood proofing of approximately 4,400 structures located in the 10-year floodplain.\n\nROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES\n\nFollowing Schumer\u2019s Push And Passage Of His CHIPS And Science Act, Edwards Vacuum Agrees To Build A $319 Million, 600 Job Facility At Genesee County\u2019s STAMP Site:\n\nSchumer in a personal pitch to Edwards Vacuum CEO successfully convinced the company to choose Genesee County\u2019s Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing (STAMP) Park for its new 600- job semiconductor supply chain factory, making what will be the County\u2019s largest manufacturing investment in more than 50 years. Spurred by Schumer\u2019s CHIPS and Science Act, Edwards decided to build a new factory in the U.S. and onshore production from overseas to serve the expanding semiconductor manufacturing industry brought about thanks to the federal incentives included in Schumer\u2019s legislation.\n\nDelivered $7.5 Million In EDA Funding To Expand Rochester\u2019s Strong Museum:\n\nSchumer personally advocated to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for Rochester\u2019s Strong National Museum of Play funding through the Schumer-led American Rescue Plan (ARP) Competitive Tourism program to boost their ongoing expansion. The funding will directly assist in the construction of the Digital Worlds Exhibit, Outdoor Plaza & Commons, and the Outdoor Play Exhibit. This grant is expected to create over 120 jobs, attract more visitors at the museum, and will generate over $160 million in annual tourism revenue for the Finger Lakes Region.\n\nSecured Assistance From U.S. Department Of Defense Military Medical Teams To Aid Rochester\u2019s Strong Hospital In Combatting COVID-19 Surge:\n\nFollowing his visit to Strong Hospital in Rochester earlier this year, Schumer wrote a letter to FEMA\u2019s Administrator Deanne Criswell personally urging FEMA to aid New York State in their fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic to combat the surge and staffing shortage overwhelming Upstate hospitals. As a result of Schumer\u2019s efforts, the federal government heeded his call and sent two Department of Defense Military Medical Teams to Strong Hospital to combat the wave of new cases. The teams included around 20 members each, and provided relief for local doctors and nurses in their fight against the COVID surge.\n\nSpurred By Schumer\u2019s CHIPS and Science Act, Corning Incorporated Completed A $139 Million Investment Expansion Of Its Fairport Advanced Optics Center in Monroe County:\n\nSchumer announced that Corning Inc. is expanding its Fairport Advanced Optics Center by constructing a new laser optics production facility in the Town of Gates. Corning cited the increased demand for their components with the growth of the semiconductor industry spurred by Schumer\u2019s CHIPS and Science bill, as a catalyst for their investment in the facility. Specifically, Corning will expand operations in Monroe County to produce equipment needed by major semiconductor manufacturers and is expected to add over 270 new good paying jobs at its facility in the Village of Fairport.\n\nHUDSON VALLEY\n\nCleaned Up And Revitalized Ulster\u2019s Former TechCity Campus To Transform The Once Asbestos-Ridden Dump Site To An Emerging Clean Energy Hub:\n\nFollowing his July 2021 personal visit to the asbestos-contaminated former TechCity site, where Schumer called on EPA to fully clean up and restore Ulster\u2019s former economic engine, National Resources purchased the site and soon-after announced plans to make it the future home of thousands of new jobs. Stepping in to make these plans reality, in July of 2022, the senator called on Zinc8 to bring 500 clean energy jobs to the iPark87 campus. By August of 2022, Zinc8 signed a letter of intent to make the site its future home, citing Schumer\u2019s efforts in its decision. At the same time, this summer, alongside EPA and National Resources, Schumer formally launched the clean-up work leading to the notorious asbestos piles\u2019 removal this fall.\n\nHalted The VA\u2019s Plan To Close Castle Point VA Medical Center To Preserve Access To Care For 7,000 Hudson Valley Veterans:\n\nAfter standing shoulder to shoulder with Hudson Valley veterans in March to fight the proposal to close the Castle Point VA Hospital, Schumer announced that the independent Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission process that included VA-recommended facility closures would not move forward. The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee followed suit taking the Hudson Valley VA hospital off the chopping block and protecting the healthcare services for nearly 7,000 Hudson Valley veterans.\n\nDelivered Hundreds Of Millions To Completely Overhaul Mount Vernon\u2019s Sewage System And Combat The Decades-Long Crisis:\n\nShortly after taking office, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard approached Senator Schumer to assist the city in addressing its ongoing sewage crisis, where years of underinvestment impacted 70,000 residents, andhe pledged to deliver the funding needed. Schumer, along with Congressman Bowman, personally delivered$3 million to jumpstart the repairs of the aging water infrastructure. This is in addition to over $6.5 million in local aid allocated for the project Schumer was able to deliver to Mount Vernon through the American Rescue Plan. In addition, thanks to funding Schumer was able to deliver through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, New York State was able to commit $150 million to completely overhaul Mount Vernon\u2019s sewage system.\n\nSecured Key Federal Approvals To Begin Construction On Long-Awaited Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Flood Risk Management Project Following Hurricane Ida:\n\nFollowing years of advocacy and his personal visit to the Village of Mamaroneck after the devastation of Hurricane Ida, Senator Schumer secured the federal share of funding for the design and construction of the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Flood Risk Management Project. After the project was stalled for years under the Trump administration, the senator made multiple direct calls to top administration officials, and passed a $1.5 billion disaster supplemental to fast track Ida-impacted projects. Because of Schumer\u2019s efforts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finally gave the greenlight for the Mamaroneck project to begin construction through its annual work plan this year.\n\nSecured Over $28 Million To Create New State-Of-The-Art Rhinecliff Train Station:\n\nAfter launching an all-out push on the dilapidated steps of the train station in February of 2020, Schumer successfully secured $28 million to go towards New York State's work in overhauling the severely outdated and crumbling Rhinecliff Station to give Hudson Valley commuters the modern, accessible train station they have desperately needed in Dutchess County.\n\nSOUTHERN TIER\n\nSecured $63+ Million For Binghamton University To Create A Battery Manufacturing And Research Hub Through The American Rescue Plan\u2019s Build Back Better Regional Challenge:\n\nAfter his direct advocacy helped BU\u2019s New Energy NY project become a finalist in the BBB Regional Challenge, Schumer fought non-stop, calling the Commerce Secretary directly, penning an op-ed, and personally visiting to highlight Binghamton and the Southern Tier\u2019s potential within the battery research industry. In September, Schumer announced that following his efforts BU\u2019s project was awarded $63+ million in federal funding, with a matching $50 million contributed by NYS. This funding will help establish the Greater Binghamton area as a national hub for battery manufacturing and R&D, help create thousands of good-paying jobs, and bolster our domestic supply chains and national security by revitalizing the domestic production of batteries vital to our countries clean energy future.\n\nDelivered $2.75 Million For The Waverly Central School District To Establish The Chemung Center For Innovation:\n\nAs part of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2022 spending package, Schumer personally secured over $2.75 million for the Waverly Central School District to transform the vacant Chemung Elementary School into the Chemung Center For Innovation for training programs to help support local businesses. The Center will provide high school students with hands-on STEM job training needed to secure good-paying jobs upon graduation in local industries such as clean energy technology and transportation equipment manufacturing.\n\nSecured $4 Million For Alfred University To Conduct Advanced Ceramics Materials Research With The U.S. Army:\n\nSchumer successfully added $4 million in the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations bill for advanced ceramics material research, supporting Alfred University\u2019s cutting-edge research in developing ultra-high temperature ceramic materials for the U.S. Army. This represents a key new partnership between Alfred University and the Army, and will help expand both the university\u2019s ceramics materials science program and innovation in the Southern Tier, as well as strengthen national security as the U.S. continues to develop new cutting-edge ultra-high temperature ceramics for hypersonic vehicles. The funding represents one of the largest research allocations Alfred University has ever received from the federal government for a single project.\n\nSaved Rural Delaware County Hospitals Over $5 Million Annually By Protecting Critical Access Hospital Designation:\n\nAfter fighting for years to get the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reverse a disastrous policy change that would have caused nearly a dozen Upstate New York\u2019s rural Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) to lose millions in essential reimbursements,Schumer this year got CMS to finally reverse its rules change for the eligibility criteria. The CAH program allows designated providers to receive greater federal reimbursements, keeping financially vulnerable hospitals operating in rural communities that need critical healthcare services most. In total, this is expected to save Southern Tier hospitals over $5.4 million annually, $2.4 million for Margaretville Hospital and $3 million for O\u2019Connor Hospital, along with other Upstate hospitals, for a total of $35 million across Upstate NY.\n\nDelivered Over $5 Million For Ithaca And Tompkins County Local Projects:\n\nSchumer secured Ithaca and Tompkins County communities over $5 million in funding from the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus funding package for local infrastructure and community projects. This includes funding to help the Greater Ithaca Activities Center expand their space and programs for youth, replace the deteriorated South Albany Street Bridge, complete the Dryden Rail Trail, boost sustainability, and bolster downtown economic development.\n\nSecured $8.5 Million to Expand Cornell\u2019s CHESS Lab, Delivering Jobs and Strengthening America\u2019s Technological Competitiveness:\n\nBuilding on his relentless advocacy to bolster Upstate New York as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing, and history of securing federal funds to support the is critical piece of scientific infrastructure, Senator Schumer secured $8.5 million in additional federal funding for the award-winning Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) Lab. Senator Schumer\u2019s efforts have preserved the lab and jobs and leveraged additional NSF funding for expansion- supporting over 150 good-paying science and tech-based jobs at CHESS, plus over 150 new jobs in construction, and will further support a growing innovation economy in Upstate New York and continued American global leadership in research.\n\nNORTH COUNTRY\n\nSaved Rural North Country Hospitals Over $18 Million Annually By Protecting Critical Access Hospital Designation:\n\nAfter fighting for years to get the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reverse a disastrous policy change that would have caused nearly a dozen Upstate New York\u2019s rural Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) to lose millions in essential reimbursements, Schumer this year got CMS to finally reverse its rules change for the eligibility criteria. The CAH program allows designated providers to receive greater federal reimbursements, keeping financially vulnerable hospitals operating in rural communities that need critical healthcare services most. In total, this is expected to save North Country hospitals over $18 million annually, $2.4 million for Margaretville Hospital and $3 million for O\u2019Connor Hospital, along with other Upstate hospitals, for a total of $35 million across Upstate NY, $5.3 million for Lewis County, $9.7 million for Carthage Area Hospital, and $3.3 million for Gouverneur Hospital, along with other Upstate hospitals for a total of $35 million across Upstate NY.\n\nDelivered $6 Million To Modernize The St. Lawrence Seaway Visitors\u2019 Center:\n\nAfter personally visiting the St. Lawrence Seaway Visitors\u2019 Center in 2018 and successfully delivering over $6 million in federal funding through U.S. Department of Transportation to replace the once dilapidated Visitors\u2019 Center. This year the new Visitor\u2019s Center that hadn\u2019t been upgraded in 60 years, was finally able to break ground ensuring North Country tourism can continue to flourish and this important site can be preserved for families and generations to come.\n\nSecured Over $50 Million For Fort Drum To Both Modernize The Outdated Railhead And Fortify The Base\u2019s Water Supply With Safe Drinking Water:\n\nSenator Schumer secured this much needed funding for two key projects at Fort Drum. The first, after years of advocacy, will modernize Fort Drum\u2019s outdated railhead with over $27 million in funding to bring good paying construction jobs to the North Country, improve base readiness to meet deployment requirements and give Fort Drum personnel the resources they need to continue their vital work. The second award of $27 million will fortify Fort Drum\u2019s well water supply, ensuring that the over 35,0000 soldiers and families of Fort Drum have access to safe drinking water, reducing Fort Drum\u2019s reliance on outside sources for its water needs, and safeguarding Fort Drum\u2019s water supply from contaminants.\n\nDelivered $500,000 To Restore Fort Ticonderoga\u2019s Iconic And Historic Walls:\n\nFollowing years of advocacy for preserving Fort Ticonderoga, Schumer secured $500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the restoration and rehabilitation of this vital tourism and historic anchor in Essex County. Over the nearly 250-year history of the Fort, much of the exterior walls have become damaged due to age and weather, and this funding will prevent the loss or further degradation of this iconic historical site. Schumer visited Fort Ticonderoga in August 2017, and promised then to fight to deliver funding to repair the site\u2019s aging structure, and in his first omnibus as majority leader, he delivered on his promise.\n\nProtected The Adirondacks With Major New Investments In Fighting Climate Change:\n\nIn August, following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Senator Schumer visited the Adirondacks, where he broke down the impact the legislation would have for families and the environment in the Adirondack Park and across the North Country. Schumer explained that the climate provisions in this bill will accelerate the domestic production of clean energy and transition to a greener economy, all of which is vital to places like the Adirondacks, which have historically been on the frontlines of fossil fuel pollution like acid rain. Schumer said that this also presents a major opportunity for places like the North Country which are set to benefit not only from major boosts to conservation funding, but also by helping families lower energy costs by upgrading their homes, creating good-paying clean energy jobs, and strengthening rural development, all while fighting climate change.\n\nDelivered Nearly $2 Million To Transform The Plattsburgh YMCA:\n\nAfter Clinton County lost two of the area\u2019s community recreation centers in 2020, Schumer delivered nearly $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to the Plattsburgh YMCA in order to create a new state-of-the-art health and fitness facility and expand recreation programs. These funds, as part of a larger campaign by the Plattsburgh YMCA, will ensure that they can expand current services that promote health, wellness, and mental health, and help to increase childcare services in Plattsburgh and Clinton County.\n\nDelivered Over $285,000 To Develop A Plattsburgh Welding Workforce Training Program:\n\nSenator Schumer\u2019s leadership was key in delivering a historic funding increase for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) through the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations bill. This funding increase supported the $285,600 NBRC investment, which Schumer pushed for the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce to develop a comprehensive welding training program at the Clinton Community College\u2019s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing to train 50 individuals and prepare them to enter the workforce as a welder.\n\nSecured $350,000 To Rehabilitate Historic Trudeau Building And Create Jobs In Saranac Lake:\n\nThrough his work on the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus, Senator Schumer delivered record-high funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). In turn, the NBRC provided $350,000 to rehabilitate the historic Trudeau Building in Saranac Lake to create an accessible history museum campus in the downtown that will create jobs and drive economic development in the Adirondack North Country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4F249F57-010E-48EF-B92B-122EADAEA9AB", "Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner on FTC Settlement with Fortnite Creator over Use of Dark Patterns", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Epic Games, Inc. \u2013 the creator of the popular video game Fortnite \u2013 would pay $520 million over allegations the company violated the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and deployed design tricks, known as dark patterns, to dupe millions of players into making unintentional purchases:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see the FTC cracking down on the use of manipulative dark patterns against children. Companies and platforms that cater to young people have a responsibility to protect their users \u2014 not to target them with deceptive interfaces that manipulate them into ceding their personal information or making unwanted purchases. I will continue working to pass my DETOUR Act in order to establish greater safeguards for users of all ages.\u201d\n\nSen. Warner has been a leader in Congress pushing for increased transparency and protections surrounding user data and privacy. His legislation, the DETOUR Act, would prohibit companies from using deceptive dark patterns to manipulate users into handing over their data.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6E325D14-2870-4105-B480-5C063573A948", "Sen. Warner Urges Virginians to Provide Feedback on Internet Coverage Ahead of January 13th Deadline", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) is calling on Virginians to provide feedback on internet coverage in their communities. Last month, after a sustained push from Sen. Warner, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a new map with their best estimates of broadband coverage across the country. Now, Sen. Warner is asking Virginians to review the FCC map to ensure it accurately reflects the current broadband options available at their address. Funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) \u2013 the bipartisan infrastructure law negotiated and written by Sen. Warner \u2013 will be allocated to states proportionally based on the number of individuals living in each state who do not have access to high-speed internet. If Virginians disagree with the information in the map, they should challenge the map through the FCC website. While challenges will be accepted on a rolling basis, Virginians must submit their challenges by January 13, 2023 to ensure that it is adjudicated prior to the allocation of IIJA funding.\n\n\u201cThere are folks all over rural Virginia who know that the FCC broadband map isn\u2019t always accurate,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cNow is the time to make sure that it are using the best data available, so Virginia can get the investments to which it is entitled and achieve the goal of universal broadband access.\u201d\n\nIn an email sent to constituents, Sen. Warner asked households to look up their address on the FCC Broadband Map website and make sure that the information available matches their broadband experience. If the FCC has incorrect information about either the address or coverage options, individuals can submit a \u201cLocation Challenge\u201d or \u201cAvailability Challenge\u201d directly through the website in order to accurately reflect current accessibility.\n\nIn addition to challenges submitted by individuals, The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Office of Broadband is currently analyzing the data and is in the process of formulating a statewide challenge to the new FCC map. That challenge will include thousands of locations that are unserved but currently noted as served.\n\nEnsuring this map is accurate is a crucial step to making sure that Virginia receives the investments needed to deploy universal broadband. Last month, Virginia received $5 million to help make a strategic plan to deploy coverage, courtesy of the bipartisan infrastructure law, and will be eligible for more once the initial plan is completed.\n\nSen. Warner has long fought to expand access to broadband in Virginia. During negotiations for the bipartisan infrastructure law, Sen. Warner secured $65 billion in funding to help deploy broadband, increase access, and decrease costs associated with connecting to the internet. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, created and funded through this landmark legislation, provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs in all states and territories. An accurate map will play a critical role in ensuring that this funding is used efficiently.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:06Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-world-cup-championship-match-baldwin-joins-colleagues-in-bicameral-letter-calling-out-fifas-anti-lgbtq-stance", "Ahead of World Cup Championship Match, Baldwin Joins Colleagues in Bicameral Letter Calling Out FIFA\u2019s Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "baldwin", "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined 29 of her colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, expressing outrage over the association\u2019s decision to censor support for LGBTQ+ rights by fans and players at the 2022 World Cup.\n\n\u201cWe write today with concern regarding FIFA\u2019s decision to penalize players in the 2022 World Cup for wearing \u2018OneLove\u2019 armbands in support of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as reports that spectators wearing clothing in support of the LGBTQ+ community faced confrontation from officials at events,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cIt is our understanding that team captains from several European teams competing in the World Cup intended to wear OneLove armbands as a signal of support for LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity, but were instructed by FIFA that doing so would result in the issuance of in-game sanctions (e.g. yellow cards),\u201d they continued. \u201cThis is in contrast to the typical monetary fine issued for uniform violations, and ultimately deterred players from adorning their uniforms with the armbands.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers\u2019 letter expresses deep concerns with the unprecedented actions taken by FIFA to silence players in their attempt to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights around the globe.\n\n\u201c[T]hese actions stand in stark contrast to FIFA\u2019s own commitments. FIFA has promoted its own \u2018No Discrimination\u2019 campaign, featuring different captains\u2019 armbands, and released a statement indicating that, \u2018FIFA is an inclusive organization and supports all legitimate causes, such as \u2018One Love\u2019,\u2019\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cIf FIFA believes itself to be an inclusive organization that supports causes like the OneLove movement, then its erasure of the movement\u2019s armbands and other LGBTQ+ symbols and apparel in support of its own campaign runs counter to its public attestations about the values it espouses.\u201d\n\nIn order to meaningfully reaffirm the principle that harassment and discrimination are not tolerated at FIFA sanctioned events\u2014including the next World Cup set to be held jointly in North America, including the United States, and the Women\u2019s World Cup kicking off in less than a year\u2014the lawmakers specifically ask the following:\n\nTo what extent will FIFA consider government\u2019s track record on LGBTQ+ rights when determining where to host future World Cups?\n\nWill FIFA commit to consistent future policies with respect to players\u2019 uniforms; fans\u2019 apparel, signs, and symbols; and other forms of expression that allows for individuals to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups?\n\nWill FIFA commit to reviewing its protocols for how it engages with host country governments?\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Mark Takano (D-CA-41), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15). The letter was also cosigned by Senators Edward, J. Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35), Ra\u00fal Grijalva (D-AZ-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), David Cicilline (D-RI-01), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Jerry Nadler (D-NY-10), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), and Grace Meng (D-NY-06).\n\nThis letter is supported by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Infantino:\n\nWe write today with concern regarding FIFA\u2019s decision to penalize players in the 2022 World Cup for wearing \u201cOneLove\u201d armbands in support of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as reports that spectators wearing clothing in support of the LGBTQ+ community faced confrontation from officials at events.\n\nIt is our understanding that team captains from several European teams competing in the World Cup intended to wear OneLove armbands as a signal of support for LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity, but were instructed by FIFA that doing so would result in the issuance of in-game sanctions (e.g. yellow cards). This is in contrast to the typical monetary fine issued for uniform violations, and ultimately deterred players from adorning their uniforms with the armbands. We write to express our deep concern with these unprecedented actions taken by FIFA to silence players in their attempt to advocate for the worthy and legitimate cause of LGBTQ+ rights.\n\nSoccer is often called the universal language, but FIFA\u2019s position undermines the sport\u2019s power of transcending divisions and bringing people together. The association\u2019s practices have not been limited to the players, either. We are also concerned about reports that spectators wearing apparel or bearing symbols that show support for the LGBTQ+ community have been detained, harassed, denied entry to events, or have had their apparel or possessions confiscated. These actions have culminated in a message to LGBTQ+ people that neither they nor their allies are welcome at the World Cup, contrary to several public statements made about the tournament.\n\nMoreover, these actions stand in stark contrast to FIFA\u2019s own commitments. FIFA has promoted its own \u201cNo Discrimination\u201d campaign, featuring different captains\u2019 armbands, and released a statement indicating that, \u201cFIFA is an inclusive organization and supports all legitimate causes, such as \u2018One Love\u2019.\u201d If FIFA believes itself to be an inclusive organization that supports causes like the OneLove movement, then its erasure of the movement\u2019s armbands and other LGBTQ+ symbols and apparel in support of its own campaign runs counter to its public attestations about the values it espouses.\n\nSports are about belonging, well-being, and affirming one\u2019s place amongst their peers and fellow fans. Indeed, with the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by in North America\u2014including 60 matches set to be played in the United States\u2014we cannot remain silent while this discrimination continues. Every person\u2014regardless of who they are or whom they love\u2014has the right to be treated with decency and respect, and to live their life free from fear of discrimination. No one should be denied the opportunity to participate in daily life or their love of a sport because of who they are, and no one should be silenced for standing up for those rights.\n\nWe implore FIFA to meaningfully reaffirm the principle that harassment and discrimination are not tolerated at their sanctioned events, consistent with the association\u2019s own campaign and public statements. Specifically, we ask:\n\nTo what extent will FIFA consider government\u2019s track record on LGBTQ+ rights when determining where to host future World Cups?\n\nWill FIFA commit to consistent future policies with respect to players\u2019 uniforms; fans\u2019 apparel, signs, and symbols; and other forms of expression that allows for individuals to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups?\n\nWill FIFA commit to reviewing its protocols for how it engages with host country governments?\n\nAs the most watched sporting event in the world, the World Cup has a responsibility to adhere to international rights and norms regarding freedom of expression. And with the next World Cup taking place in the United States as well as in Mexico and Canada, as well as the 2023 Women\u2019s World Cup set to begin in just over 200 days, we will be watching closely to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups are treated with respect.\n\nWe look forward to your prompt response and assurances that future FIFA events are inclusive to all.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-joins-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-protect-americans-right-to-build-a-family-through-ivf-other-assisted-reproductive-technology", "Senator Baldwin Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Protect Americans' Right to Build A Family Through IVF, Other Assisted Reproductive Technology", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "baldwin", "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined a bicameral group of colleagues in introducing legislation to protect every American\u2019s right to access in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that millions of Americans need to have children. The Right to Build Families Act of 2022 would prohibit limiting access to IVF or any assisted reproductive technology to any American\u2014regardless of their zip code.\n\n\u201cRegardless of where they live, every American deserves the freedom to decide when and how to build a family,\u201d said Senator Tammy Baldwin. \u201cUnfortunately, since the activist Supreme Court stripped away the reproductive rights of millions of women across the country, Americans are now worried about other health care rights that might be on the chopping block \u2013 like IVF. I\u2019m proud to support the Right to Build Families Act to ensure that families across the country have access to the tools they need to start a family on their own terms.\u201d\n\nThe Right to Build Families Act of 2022 would:\n\nProhibit limiting any individual from accessing ART or retaining their reproductive genetic materials, including gametes;\n\nProtect healthcare providers who provide ART or related counseling and information;\n\nAllow the Department of Justice to pursue civil action against states that violate the legislation; and\n\nCreate a private right of action for individuals and healthcare providers in states that have limited access to ART.\n\nThe legislation is led by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who relied on IVF to have her two daughters, and Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-07). The bill is also sponsored by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03).\n\nWith the Supreme Court overturning Roe and some states enacting extreme abortion bans, many women have not only seen their constitutional right to abortion ripped away from them, but their ability to get treatment for cancer, lupus and more\u2014and to access IVF and other assisted reproductive technology in order to build a family\u2014have also been jeopardized. The new patchwork of state abortion bans has created significant confusion among patients and providers alike about what services doctors can and cannot provide\u2014including assisted reproductive technology\u2014in states with the most restrictive laws. These threats have led IVF centers to call for new protections. In a number of states, Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation that would restrict access to ART. In a recent leaked audio recording, a leading anti-abortion group advised state lawmakers to avoid discussing regulating IVF and contraception at this time but noted that restrictions could be revisited in a few years.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Humanist Association; American Society for Reproductive Medicine; Center for Reproductive Rights; HealthyWomen; National Council of Jewish Women; National Partnership for Women and Families; Physicians for Reproductive Health and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.\n\nA copy of the bill one-pager can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1438, "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", 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