{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", party = \"Republican\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.moreno.senate.gov/press-releases/moreno-recaps-first-year-successes-for-ohio", "Moreno Recaps First Year Successes For Ohio", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Bernie Moreno", "M001242", "www.moreno.senate.gov", "moreno", "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) recapped his work for Ohio in his first year in the U.S. Senate.\n\nSenator Moreno\u2019s 2025 Statistics:\n\nIntroduced 25 pieces of legislation\n\nCo-sponsored 48 pieces of bipartisan legislation\n\nSecured more than $35 million for Ohio projects\n\nVisited 48 counties in Ohio\n\nSolved 2,364 constituent cases\n\nHosted over 50 constituent coffees in Washington, D.C.\n\nWelcomed four cabinet secretaries to tour Ohio\n\nSat for over 250 interviews with Ohio TV and radio stations\n\nJoined the Senate Whip team to help pass President Trump\u2019s legislative priorities\n\nFighting for Ohio:\n\nSenator Moreno worked to secure $1.3 billion in funding for rural hospitals across Ohio in the One Big Beautiful Bill.\n\nAfter the closure of the historic Chillicothe Paper Mill, Senator Moreno worked to encourage investment in the community and bring good-paying jobs to hardworking families in Ross County.\n\nFollowing a brutal attack on a woman in Cincinnati, Senator Moreno fought for accountability alongside local law enforcement.\n\nAfter the historic passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Senator Moreno held a three-day, 18 county tour to hear directly from constituents, small business owners, and tour manufacturing plants.\n\nReindustrialization and the American Auto Industry:\n\nSenator Moreno introduced the USA CAR Act to promote American manufacturing and allow Ohioans to write off interest on auto loans for U.S.-made cars. The USA CAR Act was included in the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\nSenator Moreno introduced the Transportation Freedom Act to reverse nonsensical EV mandates, make an historic investment in American auto workers, and streamline our regulatory processes.\n\nSecuring the Border and Restoring Law and Order:\n\nSenator Moreno introduced the Refugees Using Legal Entry Safely (RULES) Act to reform the broken asylum system.\n\nTo protect American workers and college graduates, Senator Moreno introduced the HIRE Act. If companies want to hire foreign workers instead of Americans, his legislation will hit them where it hurts: their pocketbooks.\n\nTo honor the legacy of Hamilton County Sheriff\u2019s Deputy Larry Henderson, Senator Moreno introduced the Larry Henderson Act to set a new mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison for anyone found guilty of assault on a federal officer. Anyone who assaults our law enforcement must face severe consequences.\n\nSenator Moreno worked across the aisle with Senator Chris Coons to introduce the Auto Theft Prevention Act to create programs to provide funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to crack down on auto theft.\n\nChampioning Financial Freedom and Digital Assets:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-further-award-of-more-than-215-million-for-rural-nebraska-healthcare/", "Ricketts Celebrates Further Award of More than $215 Million for Rural Nebraska Healthcare", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "Omaha, NE \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated the award of Rural Health Transformation Program grant money for rural healthcare in Nebraska. This funding comes from a program that was created by Congress earlier this year in the Working Families Tax Cut to strengthen rural healthcare. Senator Ricketts voted in support of the bill.\n\n\u201cThis is how you keep rural communities thriving,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThe Rural Health Transformation Program was an important part of the Working Families Tax Cut that Senate Republicans passed earlier this year. This is an investment in the future of rural healthcare and in the future of Nebraska.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced awards to all 50 states under the Rural Health Transformation Program. The program, created by Congress earlier this year as part of the Working Families Tax Cut, committed $50 billion to invest in rural healthcare. 50% percent of this funding is split equally among the states, 50% percent is awarded after an application process. Nebraska was awarded an additional $218,529,075.\n\nAs a part of CMS\u2019 application guidelines, awarded money is to be used to help rural communities expand care reach, strengthen and sustain clinical workforce, modernize rural health infrastructure and technology, drive efficiency, empower community providers, and advance innovative care models.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-designate-anti-communism-week-and-honor-victims-of-communist-regimes", "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Designate Anti-Communism Week and Honor Victims of Communist Regimes", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott announced the introduction of legislation to designate the first week of every November as Anti-Communism Week and request an annual presidential proclamation recognizing the victims of communist regimes worldwide. This bill builds on President Trump\u2019s 2025 Anti-Communism Week proclamation and reinforces America\u2019s commitment to freedom, liberty, and dignity across the globe. Senator Marsha Blackburn is a cosponsor in the Senate. Companion legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cCommunism is one of the most destructive and deadly ideologies in human history, responsible for the suffering and deaths of millions while crushing freedom wherever it takes hold. As a nation founded on liberty and individual freedoms, we must never forget these horrors or allow dangerous ideals to be repackaged, idealized, or sold to future generations. Designating Anti-Communism Week serves as a reminder of this evil ideology and reaffirms America\u2019s unwavering commitment to freedom and opportunity for all.\u201d\n\nSenator Marsha Blackburn said, \u201cCommunism has claimed over 100 million lives by suppressing freedom, erasing faith, and destroying the prosperity that comes from hard work. The Anti-Communism Week Act would designate November 2 through 8 as a time to honor those victims, stand firm for liberty, and ensure this destructive ideology ends up on the ash heap of history.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar said, \u201cCommunism has left a trail of death, suffering, and shattered nations across the globe, from Cuba to China, from Venezuela to North Korea. Too many Americans, especially in our schools, are now dangerously unaware of the real history and real horrors behind these failed systems. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to lead the Anti-Communism Week bill, which formally designates a week when we will reaffirm America\u2019s commitment to freedom, educate our youth about the deadly consequences of communist ideology, and honor the memory of the tens of millions who have died under it. If we lose sight of history, we risk repeating it. This week isn\u2019t just symbolic, it\u2019s a necessary stand for liberty and truth.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-fox-news-senator-banks-demands-probe-of-minnesota-childcare-fraud/", "ICYMI: Fox News: Senator Banks Demands Probe of Minnesota Childcare Fraud", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "www.banks.senate.gov", "banks", "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Alex Adams urging the department to investigate and review Minnesota\u2019s childcare contracts in light of recent instances of childcare fraud.\n\nSee excerpts from the story below or read the full story here.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nEXCLUSIVE: Senator Jim Banks, R-Ind., is pushing for a federal investigation after sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) calling forthe agency to construct investigative reports of Somali networks as the roughly $9 billion fraud scandal in Minnesota continues to unfold.\n\nThe Indiana senator pointed out that the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program is administered by the state government, but is largely funded by federal tax dollars through two programs that provide roughly $300 million in federal childcare subsidies to Minnesota.\n\nOn Sunday, Banks sent a letter to Alex J. Adams, the Assistant Secretary for Family Support, leading the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at HHS.\n\n\u201cI urge ACF to investigate reports of Somali networks creating fake \u2018daycare centers\u2019 as vehicles to steal millions of dollars from Minnesota\u2019s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which administers hundreds of millions of dollars in federal childcare subsidies each year,\u201d Banks\u2019 letter to HHS reads.\n\n\u201cClearly, the Walz administration has failed to meet the most basic benchmarks required by ACF,\u201d Banks explained. \u201cAny unlawful behavior uncovered in ACF\u2019s investigation must be immediately referred to the proper federal authorities including ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and Federal prosecutors.\u201d\n\n\u201cI will not stand by while tax dollars meant to support hardworking families are stolen and state officials refuse to act,\u201d Banks added.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-applauds-205-million-award-for-wyomings-rural-health-fund/", "Barrasso Applauds $205 Million Award for Wyoming\u2019s Rural Health Fund", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WY", "John Barrasso", "B001261", "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "barrasso", "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "scraper", "Wyoming will receive $205,004,743 to implement its plan to expand rural healthcare access, stabilize rural hospitals and make Wyoming healthy again.\n\nCASPER, WY \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) announced the State of Wyoming\u2019s application for the $50 billion rural health fund, created by the Working Families Tax Cut Act, has been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Wyoming will receive $205,004,743 in 2026 to implement its plan to expand rural healthcare access, stabilize rural hospitals and make Wyoming healthy again.\n\n\u201cThe State of Wyoming has a smart and targeted plan to address our unique healthcare challenges,\u201d said Barrasso. \u201cWith this over $205 million award, Wyoming can get to work expanding access to care, recruiting and training new health providers and strengthening rural healthcare across our state. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut Act, rural health providers will have the funding and resources we need to keep caring for patients in frontier communities.\u201d\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cut Act created a Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. RHT Program funding is $50 billion to be allocated to approved States over five fiscal years, with $10 billion of funding available each fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 2026 and ending in fiscal year 2030. This will give Wyoming hospitals, clinics, and health centers access to more than $500 million to help ensure high-quality care remains available across our frontier state.\n\nStates were required to submit a plan by early November for how they would use these funds and apply to CMS to receive these grants. On December 29, 2025, CMS announced the awards for each state.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-applauds-206-million-for-tennessee-from-rural-health-transformation-program", "Blackburn Applauds $206 Million for Tennessee from Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Trump administration announced a $206,888,882 award to strengthen rural health care in Tennessee. This funding comes from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which Senator Blackburn supported as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation that President Trump signed into law over the summer.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/a-year-of-results-for-alabama-families/", "A Year of Results for Alabama Families", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Katie Boyd Britt", "B001319", "www.britt.senate.gov", "britt", "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "scraper", "The past year has certainly been a memorable one\u2014and, more importantly, a rewarding one.\n\nBeginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through the Senate and to President Trump\u2019s desk\u2014and seeing it become the first bill he signed into law in his second term\u2014was just the start of what we have accomplished for Alabamians and Americans alike. President Trump and Republicans campaigned on cracking down on illegal migration, and this legislation sent an immediate and unmistakable message to the nation: we intended to keep that promise.\n\nSince then, in less than a year, border crossings have reached historic lows, and as a result, countless lives have been saved. Whether it\u2019s stopping deadly fentanyl or violent criminals from crossing our border, the success in securing our nation is undeniable.\n\nAnother issue Republicans were tasked with cleaning up is an inherited economy plagued by record inflation, soaring grocery prices, and an energy industry in shambles. Under Republican leadership, significant strides have been made to restore affordability and economic stability, starting with unleashing American energy.\n\nPresident Biden ended his term with the highest gas prices in our nation\u2019s history. In less than a year, average gas prices dropped to their lowest level in more than four years. This didn\u2019t happen by chance. Energy prices are finally lowering thanks to cutting government red tape and overturning Biden-era regulations that were suffocating our energy producers. This has resulted in lower energy costs, which are a critical first step to bring down prices across the board, namely groceries.\n\nMaking America energy dominant again is just one piece of the puzzle, though. Another landmark piece of legislation Republicans delivered was the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. This resulted in the largest tax cut in U.S. history, putting millions of Americans on track to keep more of their hard-earned money. Whether it\u2019s a larger tax refund, no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, or Social Security relief for seniors, the benefits of this legislation will soon be felt by families across Alabama as our economy continues to rebound.\n\nWe achieved another historic win by updating child care tax credits. This priority was personal to me\u2014before my children were old enough for school, we struggled to find child care that had two spots open. After finally securing care, we were shocked when it felt like we were writing checks to college, not child care. Experiencing the issue of both affordability and availability of childcare is what led me to be at the tip of the spear in fighting to modernize three child care tax credits.\n\nWe permanently increased the Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) for the first time since 1986, when Ronald Reagan was President. Parents can now set aside up to $7,500, a 50% increase. We also permanently updated the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), a provision that hadn\u2019t been touched in over two decades. This change will directly cut taxes for nearly 4 million working families. Lastly, we gave the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit (45F) its first major upgrade in nearly 25 years \u2013 and made it permanent. This means more employers can help cover child care \u2013 a win for businesses and a lifeline for working parents.\n\nDemocrats had been talking about the issue of child care for decades, but it was Republicans who took action. Republicans are the party of families, and it\u2019s paramount we continue to find ways to responsibly support them. While this was an important step, I will continue to fight for families and to find ways to address the affordability and availability of child care.\n\nThe results we have seen in D.C. have been matched by incredible results in Alabama. From the Shoals to the Shores, from the Wiregrass to Jackson County and everywhere in between\u2014we put the needs of hardworking Alabamians front and center. This year, we celebrated the Port of Mobile becoming the deepest container port in the Gulf of America. We also secured tremendous commitments from businesses looking to expand their footprint across our state. In my first year in office, I secured funding to relaunch Tuskegee University\u2019s aviation science program, and I was proud to join their community this year to celebrate the first students who received their pilot licenses.\n\nAnd finally, we permanently relocated U.S. Space Command Headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Thanks to the work of Alabama\u2019s entire congressional delegation and President Trump\u2019s support, Space Command will now proudly call Alabama home. This relocation will bring thousands of jobs to our state and further strengthen Alabama\u2019s vital role in our national defense.\n\nWhile I am proud of what we\u2019ve accomplished this year, I recognize there is still more work to be done. Whether it\u2019s fixing Democrats\u2019 health care crisis, taking on Big Tech and protecting our children online through meaningful social media legislation, or ensuring Alabama has the resources and tools it needs to thrive for generations to come, I will keep fighting every day for our state and nation.\n\nServing you remains one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I will continue to give you everything I have.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2025/12/29/senator-budd-issues-statement-after-cms-announces-213m-in-funding-for-north-carolinas-rural-hospitals/", "Senator Budd Issues Statement After CMS Announces $213M+ in Funding for North Carolina\u2019s Rural Hospitals", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined members of the North Carolina congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Dr. Mehmet Oz, expressing strong support for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service\u2019s (DHHS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application. Today, CMS allocated $213,008,356 in funding for North Carolina\u2019s rural hospitals, which was previously approved in the Working Families Tax Cut Act signed into law earlier this year.\n\nIn a statement following the announcement, Senator Budd said:\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina has the second-largest rural population in America, home to 7.6% of our nation\u2019s rural residents. Today\u2019s announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of $213 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program will greatly benefit patients across our state. While I was proud to support the inclusion of this funding in the Working Families Tax Cut Act, it is unfortunate that the State\u2019s application was not appropriately coordinated with federal officials and did not request funding levels that more accurately correlate with our significant rural population.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the letter HERE and below.\n\nDear Administrator Oz:\n\nAs members of the North Carolina congressional delegation, we express our strong support for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (DHHS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application. We respectfully request that you approve the application in full before the December 31 deadline. Approval will allow our state, which has three million rural residents across 85 counties\u2014the second-largest rural population in the nation\u2014to expand proven innovative models, foster sustainable innovation, and strengthen our rural workforce.\n\nWhile our state\u2019s application requested a funding amount equal to 2 percent of total RHTP dollars available, North Carolina accounts for 7.6 percent of the rural population nationwide, so we are requesting that CMS allocate additional dollars so that the total funding amount is proportional to the disproportionately large rural population in our state. Per existing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance, North Carolina applied the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) definition of rural, which excludes counties like Burke, Moore and Pitt, with respective populations of 88,000, 108,000 and 180,000, yet includes counties like Wake, which is a primarily urban county home to over 1.2 million residents. Moore, Pitt, and similar jurisdictions serve some of the most isolated patients living in the most rural and even remote areas, and we look forward to ensuring all our rural providers and patients receive funding commensurate with their level of need.\n\nAfter applying on November 3, DHHS plans to allocate awarded funds through its Office of Rural Health (NCRHTP). A statewide steering committee, including Medicaid, Public Health, and Behavioral Health divisions, would guide implementation. The program allows sufficient flexibility for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assign recipients. As population declines continue and rural hospitals increasingly rely on Medicaid, rural communities face ongoing healthcare and economic challenges, with gaps in access to care and quality. At least 24 counties lack adequate primary care, and 90 counties are designated mental health shortage areas. Since 2006, 12 rural hospitals have closed, with seven closures in eastern North Carolina.\n\nAn RHTP investment will improve health outcomes and access for nearly three million rural North Carolinians, advancing innovative care models, transforming the rural care experience, and creating a sustainable rural delivery system. By FY2031, NCRHTP aims to increase rural provider-to-population ratios, reduce preventable hospital readmissions and emergency visits, lower chronic disease risk factors, and expand access to integrated behavioral, mental health, and substance use services. Locally governed, community-tailored networks will connect medical, behavioral, and social services, making it easier for rural residents to access comprehensive care in one place.\n\nEach hub is tailored to its region, offering in-person services, care coordination, and direct family support, while also leveraging virtual care and advanced AI to improve access and data sharing. These efforts will provide an opportunity to accelerate technological innovation, access, and interoperability through expanded health information exchange participation, digital literacy programs to ensure rural residents can access modern, connected care, and the broad implementation of state-of-the-art AI-based technology to support documentation and real-time expert clinical decision support to drive down business costs for rural providers and improve sustainability.\n\nApproving North Carolina\u2019s application for the RHTP will improve health outcomes and our economy, which relies on healthy communities to thrive. We are grateful for your full and fair consideration of this crucial award ahead of the December 31 deadline.\n\nSincerely,\n\n/X/\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-applauds-historic-rural-health-care-investment-for-west-virginia", "Capito Applauds Historic Rural Health Care Investment for West Virginia", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Shelley Moore Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", "capito", "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2014 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today applauded the Trump administration\u2019s announcement awarding nearly $200 million to West Virginia through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic initiative established by Republicans under the One Big Beautiful Bill, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\nWest Virginia will receive $199,476,099 as part of the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history\u2014an initiative that every single Democrat voted against.\n\n\u201cFor rural states like West Virginia, this historic investment is transformative, and it proves that President Trump and Republicans are delivering real results for rural America. In the crafting of this legislation that impacts every American, I was proud to help shape the Rural Health Transformation Program from the start and to support the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that made this funding possible. Today\u2019s announcement means more West Virginians can access care, stronger rural hospitals, and a more sustainable health care future,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Through innovative system-wide change, the Rural Health Transformation Program invests in the rural healthcare delivery ecosystem for future generations.\n\nSenator Capito played a significant role in the creation of the Rural Health Transformation Program and has long been a leading voice in Congress for strengthening rural health care systems. She also voted in favor of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which established this landmark investment.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-over-19-5-million-to-improve-louisiana-roadway-safety-from-his-infrastructure-bill/", "Cassidy Secures Over $19.5 Million to Improve Louisiana Roadway Safety from His Infrastructure Bill", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $19,517,973 in federal funding from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The funding will help communities across the state improve traffic safety, reduce serious injuries and fatalities, and make local roads safer for families, pedestrians, and first responders.\n\n\u201cToo many Louisiana families have had their lives changed forever by preventable traffic accidents,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis funding I secured is going directly to Louisiana communities to make our streets safer.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-announces-281-million-for-texas-from-new-rural-health-transformation-program/", "Cornyn Announces $281 Million for Texas from New Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement announcing that the Trump administration has allocated $281,319,361 for Texas from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which Sen. Cornyn supported as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts:\n\n\u201cI was proud to vote to create the new Rural Health Transformation Program to improve health care for the millions of Texans living in rural areas across the Lone Star State,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Oz, and the Trump administration for allocating Texas this significant funding, which is yet another example of the Working Families Tax Cuts benefitting all Texans.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nEarlier this month, Sen. Cornyn and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with members of the Texas congressional delegation to Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Mehmet Oz, urging him to prioritize funding for the State of Texas. Sen. Cornyn also released a statement in support of Texas\u2019 application in November.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/north-dakota-awarded-nearly-200-million-for-rural-health-transformation-plan", "North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million for Rural Health Transformation Plan", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 When Congress passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, it established the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to strengthen rural health care by providing states funding to support innovation, expand access, and enhance quality of care.\n\nThe U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services will receive $199 million in initial funding for its RHTP. North Dakota\u2019s approved application includes a five-year plan to strengthen and stabilize its rural workforce, bring high quality health care closer to home, and confront immediate threats to rural health while building lasting sustainability.\n\n\u201cRural hospitals are essential to the health and economic stability of their communities,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). \u201cThe creation of this fund reflects a clear commitment by the Trump administration to prioritize rural healthcare and protect access to care where it is needed most. I look forward to this money getting to North Dakota and providing the support it was designed to deliver.\u201d\n\n\u201cNorth Dakota is taking bold steps to restore health, opportunity, and dignity to our prairies,\u201d the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services said in its application. \u201cNorth Dakota\u2019s RHTP delivers practical investments that honor local and tribal values, protect rural independence, and get America back to what matters: healthy people, prosperous communities, and common-sense service delivery.\u201d\n\nThe unprecedented funding provides key opportunities for North Dakota\u2019s rural health care systems:\n\nStrengthens and Stabilizes Rural Health Workforce:\n\nThe funding allows rural hospitals in North Dakota to expand rural healthcare training programs, improve retention in rural and Tribal communities, and use technology as an extender for rural providers.\n\nMakes North Dakota Healthy Again:\n\nNorth Dakota\u2019s RHTP initiatives support the launch of Eat Well ND to enhance nutrition education for North Dakotans, initiates ND Moves Together to provide education on the benefits of physical activity across the state and promotes connection and resilience to improve mental health with a focus on children.\n\nBrings High-Quality Health Care Closer to Home:\n\nThe state\u2019s five-year plan right-sizes rural healthcare delivery systems, enhances the telehealth and mobile clinic infrastructure; and expands community health worker and paramedic infrastructure, training, and certification. It ensures rural residents have access to transportation and develops care coordination programs with payers in the state for patients with chronic disease or behavioral health conditions.\n\nConnects Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota:\n\nNorth Dakota\u2019s application outlines key initiatives to gain efficiency with modern tech and data, including cooperative purchasing agreements for technology, regulatory and financial infrastructure, use of staff, and bulk purchasing of supplies and equipment.\n\nIt also summarizes plans to harness artificial intelligence to detect early signs of chronic disease and behavioral health conditions, expand the capacity of rural providers, and utilize new technology for rapid transport, automated prescription pickup kiosks, and laboratory capability to process self-collected specimens.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/2025/12/29/icymi-daines-op-ed-2025-was-a-historic-year-for-montana/", "ICYMI: Daines Op-Ed: 2025 Was a Historic Year for Montana", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", "daines", "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "U.S. SENATE \u2013 U.S. Senator Steve Daines wrote an op-ed for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle recapping 2025\u2019s historic wins for Montana. Read it below.\n\n2025 Was a Historic Year for Montana\n\nBozeman Daily Chronicle\n\nSenator Steve Daines\n\nDecember 27th, 2025\n\n2025 was a historic year for Montana. Tim Sheehy, a former Navy Seal, joined me in the U.S. Senate, along with Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke in the U.S. House.\n\nWorking together, we\u2019ve made major strides advancing Montana priorities, from increasing our energy dominance, protecting our public lands, and supporting farmers, ranchers, veterans, and working families.\n\nWe now have a majority in the U.S. Senate, which allowed us to quickly confirm President Trump\u2019s cabinet as well as excellent Montana candidates to serve us on the federal level \u2014 Kurt Alme to serve as our U.S. Attorney and Bill Mercer to serve as a district judge.\n\nI worked around the clock with my colleagues in the Senate to implement the president\u2019s agenda as quickly as possible. On Independence Day, I stood with President Trump at the White House as he signed the Working Families Tax Cut, which delivered the largest tax cuts in American history.\n\nMontana families will see the effects in 2026, when their take-home pay is boosted by over $10,000 a year and there are no taxes on tips. The bill also included my provision to save the Bull Mountains Mine, which protects Montana\u2019s energy dominance and saved over 300 good-paying Montana mining jobs.\n\nAnd as a lifelong sportsman, protecting our public lands is one of my top priorities. That\u2019s why I was proud to block a provision from being included in the bill that would have sold millions of acres of our public lands.\n\nThanks to President Trump\u2019s leadership we\u2019ve saved Montana energy. In addition to keeping the Bull Mountains Mine open, he also signed into law my bill to reverse a disastrous Biden administration anti-coal rule that would have blocked future coal leasing in eastern Montana and caused the loss of billions of dollars in revenue to our state.\n\nAdditionally, President Trump and his cabinet listened to the concerns of Montanans and reversed a Biden mandate that would\u2019ve put the Colstrip Power Plant out of business.\n\nOne of my main priorities this year was supporting the Montana sportsmen and our great outdoors.\n\nI worked closely with the administration to support our logging industry and ensure we can better fight catastrophic wildfires. I also introduced the \u201cAmerica the Beautiful Act,\u201d which provides critical funding for our national parks and addresses maintenance backlogs, so that people can get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.\n\nAdditionally, I introduced a bill to expand access to our public lands for sportsmen and outdoor recreation.\n\nI am also working hard to support our farmers and ranchers. Montana beef is the best in the world, and one of my main focuses this year was expanding market access for our farmers and ranchers.\n\nI\u2019m pushing for a robust Farm Bill that will support Montana ag and ensure Montana voices are represented, and worked hard to pass a permanent increase to the death tax exemption, which will allow family farms and ranches to pass their land down to future generations.\n\nWe\u2019ve also made massive strides protecting life and family. In December, President Trump signed into law my bill, the BABES Enhancement Act, which makes it easier for moms and families to safely travel with breastmilk and formula. I\u2019m working to protect women from the harmful abortion pill, which causes traumatic adverse effects at a rate 22 times higher than advertised.\n\nMontana has the highest number of veterans per capita in the nation, so it\u2019s critical they get the support and resources they deserve. This year I attended the Butte VA Clinic\u2019s renaming ceremony, which honors Montana legend Charlie Dowd for his incredible legacy of service.\n\nI also introduced bills to protect health care and pension benefits for veterans and their families. Lastly, I introduced a bill to honor fallen service members and keep national cemeteries open on federal holidays.\n\nFinally, protecting Montana\u2019s tribal communities remained at the forefront of 2025. I introduced a bill to combat drug trafficking in our tribes and also passed a resolution designating May 5 as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.\n\n2025 has brought win after historic win for Montana and the nation. I\u2019ll always work to support the needs of Montanans \u2014 from our veterans to our children, and from our farmers and ranchers to our loggers.\n\nIt\u2019s my honor to serve you in the U.S. Senate and I look forward to what 2026 brings.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shares-overview-of-his-2025-policy-and-oversight-achievements", "Grassley Shares Overview of His 2025 Policy and Oversight Achievements", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is sharing an overview of his 2025 legislative and oversight work on behalf of Iowans.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor serving the people of Iowa every day. I\u2019m happy to report that Senate Republicans made a great impact this year by preventing the largest tax increase in U.S. history and ending the Biden Border Crisis, providing American families with increased safety and prosperity. In 2026, I\u2019ll continue my efforts to bring down costs for Iowans and make government more accountable and transparent. We\u2019ve got more work to do to lower the price of prescription drugs, pass a five-year Farm Bill and root out wasteful spending. I encourage all Iowans to share their views with me while I continue working for them in Washington,\u201d Grassley said.\n\nClick HERE to read Grassley's 2025 Year in Review.\n\nTable of Contents:\n\n1 Welcome\n\nNumbers to Know\n\n2 Iowa: Number One in the Senate\n\nHIStory Series\n\n3 Every County, Every Year\n\n4 Year One of Trump\u2019s Second Term\n\n5 Tax Cuts for Working Families\n\n6 Advancing Iowa\u2019s Clean Energy Future\n\n7 Agriculture\n\nPushing for Year-Round, Nationwide E15\n\nLowering the High Cost of Fertilizer\n\nSupporting Farm Aid\n\n9 Health Care\n\nProtecting Rural Health Care and Supporting Telehealth\n\nPreserving and Strengthening Medicaid\n\nCracking down on Obamacare Fraud\n\nLowering Prescription Drug Prices through PBM Transparency\n\nCaring for Rural Iowans\n\n11 The Senate Judiciary Committee | Chairman Chuck Grassley\n\nAbout the Committee\n\nEnding the Biden Border Crisis\n\nSupporting the American Workforce\n\nPutting President Trump\u2019s Team in Place\n\nLifetime Judicial Appointments\n\nBreaking Through the Partisan Blockade\n\nFighting Unconstitutional Judicial Overreach\n\nKeeping an Eye on the Courts\n\nRestoring Law and Order\n\nDelivering for American Communities\n\nCombating Organized Retail Crime\n\nHalting the Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl\n\nSafeguarding Children\n\n17 Transparency Brings Accountability\n\n18 Arctic Frost: A Scandal Worse than Watergate\n\n19 Standing Strong at Home and Abroad\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-historic-investment-in-iowa-rural-health-care-from-republicans-working-family-tax-cuts-law", "Grassley Welcomes Historic Investment in Iowa Rural Health Care from Republicans\u2019 Working Family Tax Cuts Law", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, welcomed news from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that Iowa will receive $209,040,064 in Fiscal Year 2026 from the Rural Health Transformation Fund to boost hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers and other rural providers.\n\n\u201cSenate Republicans fought hard to ensure our Working Family Tax Cuts Law included significant funding for rural communities. I was proud to help craft this legislation that provides the largest federal investment in rural health care in history. It\u2019s fantastic news that Iowa will receive $209 million in the next year to support its Healthy Hometowns program and revitalize rural care across the state. I thank Governor Reynolds and her team for working with my office and our congressional delegation to make this substantial investment in Iowa health care,\u201d Grassley said.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe rural health care funding comes from the Grassley-backed Working Family Tax Cuts law, titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In addition to preventing the largest tax increase in history and providing major investments in border security and law enforcement, the law includes a historic investment in rural health care.\n\nLast month, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the state had submitted its \u201cHealthy Hometowns\u201d application for a portion of the law\u2019s funding. Iowa\u2019s plan is aimed at building a high-quality, sustainable system of care that improves the health, well-being and quality of life in rural communities across the state.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-north-dakota-awarded-nearly-200-million-from-one-big-beautiful-bill-rural-health-transformation-fund", "Hoeven: North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million From One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Fund", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million From One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Fund\n\nState Receiving Initial Funds for FY26, Expected to Receive $500 Million Over Five Years\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today announced North Dakota will receive more than $198 million from the One Big Beautiful Bill\u2019s (OB3) Rural Health Transformation Fund for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The state is expected to receive a total of $500 million over five years to improve health care quality and access in rural areas, using the funds to:\n\nBuild and retain a rural health workforce.\n\nPrevent chronic disease and reduce costs.\n\nLeverage telehealth and care coordination to bring health care closer to home, while improving the timeliness of care.\n\nHoeven worked to support the state as it developed its application for the program, which was submitted in November. A summary of North Dakota\u2019s application can be found here.\n\n\u201cThis nearly $200 million award is a tremendous step toward implementing North Dakota\u2019s plan for creating a more accessible and robust health care system for our rural communities,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cWith nearly $500 million expected to be awarded to the state over the next five years, these funds will help address staffing needs over the long-term, open up new care opportunities for local residents and improve efficiency to reduce providers\u2019 costs. Through efforts like these, we can improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans across our state and support the continued resiliency of our rural communities.\u201d\n\nAs chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to empower local communities to better meet their health care needs. This includes leveraging Rural Development loans and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) reimbursement to build state-of-the-art hospitals in communities like Rugby, Grafton and Hazen and improve health care access in those regions. Hoeven also advanced a multi-year effort to ensure the best possible health care for the residents of the Devils Lake region. This resulted in the agreement between Altru and CommonSpirit Health for Altru to acquire Devils Lake Hospital, benefiting both patients and health care providers.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=23E19F2B-B66D-4C93-BA00-907571B2B5F2", "McConnell Helps Secure More Than $212 Million in Federal Funding for Kentucky Rural Hospitals", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded $212,905,591 in federal funds for investment in rural healthcare.\n\nThe Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services will receive funding from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program which was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that Senator McConnell voted in support of. The federal funding distributed this year to Kentucky will be directed toward rural hospitals and will be used in a variety of ways approved by statute.\n\n\u201cThis significant investment in healthcare is a major win for Kentucky\u2019s rural hospitals and providers,\u201d said Senator McConnnell. \u201cI was proud to help secure the Rural Health Transformation fund in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that Congress passed earlier this year. This legislation helped strengthen safety nets for Kentuckians most in need and works toward a more sustainable and innovative healthcare system in rural areas throughout our country and the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\nThis federal program was established to help implement structural reforms to failing rural healthcare systems in place of prior temporary patches. The main goals of the program include sustainable access to care, workforce development, innovative care, and innovation in technology to promote healthy lifestyles for Americans. The federal funding will be allocated to approved states over five years. All 50 states were eligible to apply for funding from the RHT, and half of the funds will be distributed equally to approved states while the other half will be allocated based on state metrics and applications to maximize impact as well as address needs.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C379D510-3516-412F-943B-FC5C0D7BE2D7", "Sen. Moran Applauds $222 Million for Kansas Rural Hospitals from First Year of CMS Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", "moran", "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement that Kansas will receive $222 million for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. This allotment will be awarded for 2026, the first year of the five-year program. The RHT was created in the Reconciliation Bill to direct CMS to work with states to identify the root challenges facing rural health providers and invest in solutions to improve outcomes for struggling providers.\n\n\u201cThe Rural Health Transformation Program is a significant investment in rural health care and will help improve outcomes for struggling hospitals, invest in new technology and bolster rural communities,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cI worked with my colleagues to establish this fund, and these resources will now be tailored to meet the individual needs of rural health care in each state with no match required by the state. I look forward to working with our health care leaders and state leaders to make certain Kansas providers are able to use these resources to improve the long-term success of rural providers.\u201d\n\nSen. Moran helped establish the rural provider fund as a part of the Reconciliation Bill, which was signed into law by the President on July 4. On July 3, Sen. Moran joined a town hall with more than 100 Kansas hospital leaders to outline changes made in the Reconciliation Bill for rural hospitals specifically, highlighting the Rural Health Transformation Program.\n\nItems to note:\n\nFunds from the RHT program will be allocated to approved states over five years, with $10 billion available each year from Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2030.\n\nKansas will receive one of the highest amounts from the RHT program, exceeded by only five other states.\n\nThe funding requires no state match; it is a federal-only investment aimed at helping to improve outcomes for struggling healthcare providers.\n\nThis is a one-time application with no renewal required, making certain states and providers have access to the funding over the next five years without needing to reapply.\n\nIn collaboration with CMS, states submitted detailed rural health transformation plans for improving access to care. CMS will monitor implementation in order to make certain resources are being targeted to best support struggling providers and improve health outcomes in rural communities.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-on-rural-health-transformation-fund-alaska-has-an-extraordinary-opportunity", "Murkowski on Rural Health Transformation Fund: \u201cAlaska has an extraordinary opportunity.\u201d", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3", "scraper", "Anchorage, AK \u2013 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative established through the reconciliation bill. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) highlighted the opportunity presented to Alaska\u2019s rural health care system through the newly expanded fund, which will deliver $272 million per year to Alaska for the next five years.\n\n\u201cDuring the reconciliation negotiations, protecting health care access for rural communities in Alaska and across the country was my top priority,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cAs one of the lead advocates to double the Rural Health Transformation Fund from $25 billion to $50 billion, I was intent on ensuring our rural providers had the resources to adapt, innovate, and continue to deliver care in challenging environments like ours. In addition to the funding, I fought for key provisions, including exemptions for Tribal members from SNAP and Medicaid work requirements and greater flexibility for states like Alaska to exempt regions with limited job availability. These safeguards will matter just as much as the funding. Taken together, they position Alaska well for the future and recognize the realities facing our rural and remote communities. We have an extraordinary opportunity in front of us, and I\u2019m committed to working with our partners in the state to seize it.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Fund was conceived during negotiations on H.R. 1. The fund provides $50 billion nationwide over five years (FY 2026\u20132031), including a $100 million per-state base allocation each year. Alaska will receive $272 million annually\u2014totaling $1.36 billion over five years\u2014to support rural health care priorities such as maternal and child health, access to essential services, preventive care, workforce recruitment and retention, and health care technology. Senator Murkowski\u2019s negotiations directly led to the doubling of the fund from $25 billion to $50 billion.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-200-million-rural-health-care-investment-for-south-carolina/", "Sen. Tim Scott Applauds $200 Million Rural Health Care Investment for South Carolina", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "CHARLESTON, S.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today released the following statement on the Trump administration\u2019s announcement that South Carolina will receive more than $200 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program:\n\n\u201cAccess to health care should not be determined by one\u2019s ZIP code. The $50 billion investment in rural health care established through the Working Families Tax Cut, which was advanced by Republican Members of Congress and signed into law by President Trump, demonstrates our commitment to improving life for every American,\u201d said Sen. Scott. \u201cI was proud to champion this historic funding that will benefit South Carolinians by ensuring rural families in the Palmetto State and nationwide have access to life-saving care closer to home.\u201d\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cut authorized the Rural Health Transformation Program, and all 50 states will benefit from the $50 billion initiative, marking the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history.\n\nThe funds allocated to South Carolina will support initiatives such as expanding telehealth and improving chronic disease management, including Sickle Cell Disease, both issues that Sen. Scott has long championed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-272-million-investment-in-alaskas-health-care-system", "Sullivan Welcomes $272 Million Investment in Alaska\u2019s Health Care System", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2", "scraper", "ANCHORAGE, ALASKA\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today welcomed a $272 million award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen Alaska\u2019s health care system, the first of five annual awards for Alaska under the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Sen. Sullivan was one of the lead authors of the $50 billion fund in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the budget reconciliation bill signed into law in July, that established the RHTP. The program is intended to help states expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize rural facilities and technology, and support innovative models that bring high-quality, dependable care closer to home.\n\nSen. Sullivan announced the award at a press conference today in Anchorage alongside Governor Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska), Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska), and Alaska Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg.\n\n\u201cThis is the biggest investment in rural health care in American history, and certainly the largest investment in Alaska\u2019s health care system from the federal government in our state\u2019s history,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cThe $272 million per year that Alaska will receive for five years\u2014nearly $1.4 billion from the federal government\u2014is a generational opportunity to transform our health care system. It gives our communities, state officials, and the Legislature the opportunity and freedom to design a health care system that reflects Alaska\u2019s unique needs. This is the opposite of the one-size-fits-all approach we too often see from Washington, DC. This funding will help keep care closer to home, reduce the need for costly and disruptive travel, strengthen rural clinics, and stabilize our health care workforce. With the application the Dunleavy administration put forth, this award is an example of the power of local, tribal and state leaders, and our federal delegation\u2014all the stakeholders\u2014working together to get results for Alaskans.\u201d\n\nAccording to CMS, the funding will be used by states to implement comprehensive strategies to improve care delivery, support providers, and advance new approaches to coordinating health care services across rural communities. Five key areas of focus for the program include:\n\nBringing more care within reach\n\nStrengthening and sustaining the rural clinical workforce\n\nModernizing rural health infrastructure and technology\n\nDriving structural efficiency and empowering community providers\n\nAdvancing innovative care models and payment reform\n\nBelow is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s work on the Rural Health Transformation Program.\n\nDuring the first few months of 2025, Senate Republicans began working with the Trump administration on their legislative priorities to be included in a budget reconciliation bill.\n\nAmong many other important priorities for Alaska, Sen. Sullivan initially secured a 25 percent increase in Alaska\u2019s Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) in the bill to better reflect the state\u2019s high cost of living and high cost of health care delivery. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the change would\u2019ve permanently generated more than an additional $200 million in increased annual federal Medicaid dollars for Alaska.\n\nDuring the final stages of debate on the bill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Democrats challenged Sen. Sullivan\u2019s FMAP provision by arguing to the parliamentarian of the Senate that it violated budget reconciliation rules. Following this review, the parliamentarian advised that the provision violated the requirements of the \u201cByrd Rule,\u201d resulting in its removal.\n\nIt was disappointing that Sen. Schumer and Senate Democrats cut the estimated $200 million in increased annual Medicaid funding for Alaska, but Sen. Sullivan and his team quickly pivoted to another solution\u2014shaping the formula for the Rural Health Transformation Fund to better address Alaska\u2019s unique needs, doubling the fund\u2019s overall size to $50 billion, and moving up the program\u2019s start date to 2026.\n\nOn July 1, 2025, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation bill. On July 4, 2025, the legislation was signed into law.\n\nOn September 15, 2025, CMS unveiled details on how states could apply to receive funding from the RHTP. The State of Alaska then crafted an application with a plan for transforming Alaska\u2019s health care system.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-joins-cnns-state-of-the-union-to-discuss-protecting-minors-from-the-growing-threat-of-big-tech-ai/", "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins CNN\u2019s State of the Union to Discuss Protecting Minors from the Growing Threat of Big Tech, AI", "2025-12-28", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Katie Boyd Britt", "B001319", "www.britt.senate.gov", "britt", "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u2018How many parents \u2026 are going to have to come and tell us a devastating story before we actually pass legislation?\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined CNN\u2019s Jake Tapper on a special edition of State of the Union, which focused on the growing threat of Big Tech and artificial intelligence (AI).\n\nOn raising teenagers in the age of social media and AI:\n\n\u201cI often say I don\u2019t have to ask people what it\u2019s like to raise kids right now, I am living it. We have two teenagers \u2026 15 and 16. And so when you come with that perspective, you know that there are parents out there that are looking for tools to help keep their children safe. Also, when you look at both social media and technology and how fast everything is moving, it\u2019s truly hard to keep up \u2026 So I think if we think about all of those things and what our kids are dealing with right now, it is imperative that we put up guardrails, especially when you\u2019re looking at AI.\u201d\n\nOn the harms of AI chatbots and the GUARD Act, legislation that would put guardrails around chatbots for minors:\n\n\u201cI have met with a number of parents who have told me devastating stories about their children, where chatbots ultimately \u2026 had isolated them from their parents, had talked to them about suicide, had talked to them about a number of things. And you think about this: If these AI companies can make the most brilliant machines in the world, they could do us all a service by putting up proper guardrails that did not allow for minors to utilize these things \u2026 And that\u2019s one thing that this legislation does.\u201d\n\nOn Big Tech and Congress\u2019s failure to deliver solutions and protect American families:\n\n\u201cI mean, truly enough is enough. I mean, I also want to say: How long is it going to take Congress to actually act? \u2026 We\u2019ve been talking about this for years. How many parents like the one that we just heard from are going to have to come and tell us a devastating story before we actually pass legislation? The truth is (that) these AI companies can absolutely do much of this on their own. But we know consistently, time and time again, whether it\u2019s been social media companies or now some of the AI space that we consistently see people putting their profits over actual people \u2026\n\n\u201cI want to elevate this topic for parents from coast to coast. [Congress is] not doing enough to put up guardrails. I mean, you and I did not grow up with front facing cameras \u2026 If these things were happening in a storefront on a main street in Alabama, we would shut that store down \u2026 So I am disappointed and will continue to push, because I think the time to act for Congress is now \u2026 People are over it, and we\u2019re over people going to DC and just dragging their feet and coming up with an excuse. Get in a room and let\u2019s figure out a pathway forward. That\u2019s certainly what I\u2019m committed to doing.\u201d\n\nSenator Britt has been a leader on reining in Big Tech and social media companies and a champion for children\u2019s safety online since she came to Congress. She has led a number of bipartisan pieces of legislation, including the Stop the Scroll Act and Kids Off Social Media Act, both of which would set critical guardrails on social media platforms and companies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-passing-of-jeffrey-holland", "Crapo Statement on Passing of Jeffrey Holland", "2025-12-27", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ID", "Mike Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", "crapo", "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on the passing of Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:\n\n\u201cI join other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in mourning the loss of President Jeffrey R. Holland. Known for his empathetic love and care for others, President Holland embodied a Christ-like spirit of generosity. His more than 30 years of service in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spread the gospel far and wide, inviting others to know the unrelenting love of Christ here on earth.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-an-iowans-advice-after-70-years-of-parenting", "ICYMI: An Iowan\u2019s Advice After 70 Years of Parenting", "2025-12-27", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "An Iowan\u2019s Advice After 70 Years of Parenting\n\nBy Senator Chuck Grassley\n\nDecember 26, 2025\n\nWall Street Journal\n\nLast weekend I encouraged everyone to read Rahm Emanuel\u2019s op-ed \u201cLessons From Modern Parenthood\u201d (Dec. 20). He\u2019s a Democrat, and I\u2019m a Republican, but his advice is sound for moms and dads of any stripe. Kudos to him for speaking up on a consequential issue on many Americans\u2019 minds.\n\nAfter years of policymaking and parenting, I agree that there\u2019s no \u201csecret sauce\u201d to raising a family. Good parenting isn\u2019t partisan. My wife of 71 years and I agree with the Emanuels on the ritual of eating together as a family. The conversations around the table in my own childhood are seared in my memory\u2014they prompted an interest in government that turned into my vocation.\n\nWhen our five kids were growing up, I can\u2019t pretend I was at every meal. I give Barbara credit for serving as commander in chief of our household, acting as mom, homework-helper, chore-taskmaster and more when I was in Washington. Yet there was no daylight between us in our approach to parenthood. We taught our kids to work hard and live by the Golden Rule. Farm chores and school work didn\u2019t leave much time to waste on television.\n\nRaising kids today comes with new challenges, but the fundamentals haven\u2019t changed. Our advice: Stick your nose in their business and keep strict boundaries. The internet poses risks beyond idleness and harm to mental health. Nefarious predators are targeting children with all manner of schemes.\n\nAs chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I\u2019m leading bipartisan efforts with Sen. Dick Durbin (D., Ill.) to combat online child exploitation and keep the next generation safe. Our reforms will help deter bad actors by revamping federal sentencing laws, targeting online criminal networks and cracking down on offenders who use child sex-abuse material to extort and coerce children.\n\nHaving and raising children is our nation\u2019s most important work. Parents deserve to feel empowered, to be assured that Washington is an ally.\n\nBarbara and I didn\u2019t fall into helicopter- or tiger-parenting categories. Our Midwestern philosophy was handed down from our parents: Have faith in God and yourself; don\u2019t worry about failure\u2014it yields resilience\u2014and remember that love guarantees you a permanent seat at the supper table.\n\nSen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/trump-signs-into-law-lummis-bill-reauthorizing-congressional-awards-program/", "Trump Signs Into Law Lummis Bill Reauthorizing Congressional Awards Program", "2025-12-27", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WY", "Cynthia M. Lummis", "L000571", "www.lummis.senate.gov", "lummis", "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Cheyenne, WY \u2014 U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement after President Trump signed her Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act into law, continuing this vital program that encourages young Americans to achieve their personal goals and give back to their communities. The Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed by Congress to young Americans aged 14 to 24. This reauthorizes the board that administers the Congressional Award Program through FY2028.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled that President Trump has signed my bipartisan legislation into law, ensuring the Congressional Award will continue empowering young Americans through FY2028,\u201d said Lummis.\u201cWyoming holds a special connection to this program\u2013 it was our own Senator Malcolm Wallop who helped establish the Congressional Award in 1979, creating a legacy that has inspired generations of youth to embrace service, personal growth, and civic responsibility. For more than forty years, this program has shaped the character of countless young people across our nation, and I am proud to see this Wyoming tradition flourish. This continued investment in America\u2019s youth will help develop the leaders our country needs for tomorrow.\u201d\n\nAbout the Congressional Award Program:\n\n\u2013 As the United States Congress\u2019 only non-profit and highest honor for youth civilians, the Congressional Award program was started by late Wyoming Senator Malcolm Wallop in 1979, and Senator Lummis is proud to carry on his legacy by serving on the national board of directors.\n\n\u2013 To achieve a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Congressional Award Certificate or Medal, each participant sets and achieves challenging goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration.\n\n\u2013 Medals are presented by members of the House and Senate, with the Gold Medal Ceremony/Summit taking place each June at a Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.\n\n\u2013 The Congressional Award is a public-private partnership.\n\n\u2013 Although created by Congress, the Congressional Award program is funded entirely through private-sector donations.\n\n\u2013 Congress provides in-kind support, including office space, the medals from the U.S. Mint and the audit oversight by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).\n\n\u2013 There are currently more than 50,000 youth enrolled throughout the country and reside in every congressional district.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-urges-epa-to-prioritize-national-emission-standards-for-lime-manufacturing/", "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Urges EPA to Prioritize National Emission Standards for Lime Manufacturing", "2025-12-26", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Katie Boyd Britt", "B001319", "www.britt.senate.gov", "britt", "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the EPA to prioritize the reconsideration of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Lime Manufacturing Plants (Lime NESHAP).\n\nDespite low levels of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) emitted by lime plants, the Biden Administration EPA finalized a new set of regulations with which the lime industry must comply. The regulations include four strict emissions standards that would cost the industry $2 billion\u2014the lime industry\u2019s annual revenue totals $2.3 billion.\n\n\u201cI ask you to continue your crucial work reconsidering yet another disastrous Biden-era rulemaking that would stunt the capability of our domestic lime manufacturing industry and negatively impact downstream industrial end-users. Lime is manufactured in 20 States and is an important component in steel production, energy production, delivering safe drinking water, road building, and wastewater treatment,\u201d wrote the Senator.\n\nShe continued, \u201cAccording to EPA\u2019s own regulatory impact analysis, the rule would impose more than $2 billion in costs on an industry that generates just $2.3 billion in annual revenue.\u2019 Despite this, the agency was unable to identify any quantifiable monetized benefits associated with the rule. The EPA has repeatedly acknowledged that the rule is unnecessary as emissions from the lime industry are already within acceptable limits, posing no threat to human health or the environment.\u201d\n\n\u201cI urge you to establish a workable rule with feasible standards and ensure that manufacturers do not have to make costly and unnecessary efforts to comply with a rule that produces no quantifiable public health benefits,\u201d Senator Britt concluded.\n\nAlabama is one of the top lime-producing states in the U.S. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 28.5 million tons of limestone were produced in Alabama. Additionally, it is estimated that 20% of total lime production in the U.S. takes place in Shelby County, Ala., alone.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-cramer-announces-2025-service-academy-nominees", "Senator Cramer Announces 2025 Service Academy Nominees", "2025-12-26", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced his nominees to the U.S. service academies:\n\n\u201cOne of the great joys of serving North Dakota in Congress is nominating some of our best young patriots for appointments to our service academies,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cAfter visiting with Cormac and Oliver, I am honored and grateful they are willing to answer the call to serve. They will be great ambassadors of our state.\u201d\n\nThe nominees are as follows:\n\nCormac Dunnick \u2013 U.S. Military Academy (West Point). Cormac, son of Ev and Kendra Dunnick, competes in basketball and trapshooting. He is a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and enjoys hunting, weight-lifting, and golf. Cormac is from Grand Forks and attends Red River High School.\n\nOliver Schaefer \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy. Oliver, son of Mark and Kristi Schaefer, competes in track and field and cross country. He volunteers for the Serenity Therapeutic Equine Program and enjoys reading, military history, and board games. Oliver is from Minot and attends Des Lacs Burlington High School.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=4DA43F2D-C747-4AE0-A481-A224962CFDFF", "Sens. Moran, Cortez Masto Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen America\u2019s Energy Supply Chain", "2025-12-26", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", "moran", "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen America\u2019s energy supply chain, reducing the risk of dangerous power outages and helping to meet increasing energy demand. The Electric Supply Chain Act would require the Secretary of Energy to conduct regular assessments of electric consumption trends and vulnerabilities in the electric energy supply chain, which includes distribution lines, transformers and other equipment required to connect energy generators to energy consumers.\n\n\u201cDemand for energy is continuing to grow in Kansas and across the country as power needs increase for housing, business and transportation,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cAs demand for energy expands, so does the importance of securing our energy supply chains. It is critical that the Department of Energy is tracking trends in our nation\u2019s energy consumption to recognize vulnerabilities and protect national energy security.\u201d\n\n\u201cNevada\u2019s electric grid is experiencing unprecedented levels of demand,\u201d said Sen. Cortez Masto. \u201cIt is our responsibility to help ensure that our supply chains are secure and capable of meeting growing energy demand to prevent power outages or other disruptions to daily life. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will ensure the Department of Energy is collecting information needed to keep electricity flowing throughout the country.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would require the Department of Energy to conduct regular reviews of the electric energy supply chain with the following information:\n\nEfforts and opportunities to strengthen, secure and supply electric energy supply chains;\n\nAny trends, risks and vulnerabilities in the supply, demand and availability of components for or related to transmitting electricity;\n\nNational security and energy security considerations for strengthening, securing and expanding such supply chains;\n\nBarriers to expanding and manufacturing transmission components and the processing of critical minerals;\n\nDomestic policies that would prevent greater investment into such supply chains;\n\nWorkforce challenges impacting such supply chains; and\n\nRecommendations to address the above challenges and risks to the electric energy supply chain.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\nSimilar legislation led by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-05) recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM); National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO); Securing America\u2019s Future Energy (SAFE); and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).\n\n\u201cManufacturers thank Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Moran for introducing the Senate companion to the Electric Supply Chain Act,\u201d said Chris Phalen, NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy. \u201cTheir leadership underscores the bipartisan commitment to strengthening America\u2019s competitiveness and keeping our economy growing. Manufacturers are making significant investments in the domestic production of components that are helping to maintain and modernize our grid, and this bill will help ensure those efforts are matched by smart federal oversight and strategic insight. We urge the Senate to continue this momentum and advance this legislation as part of the broader push for comprehensive permitting reform and grid modernization that will strengthen America\u2019s energy and AI dominance.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s grid is foundational to reindustrializing our economy and advancing U.S. leadership in twenty-first century technologies,\u201d said Avery Ash, SAFE CEO. \u201cEnergy-intensive industries are central to American global competitiveness, including critical mineral processing, smelting, automotive manufacturing, and AI computing. The analysis required by this bill will be valuable in enabling strategies to secure our grid component supply chains from foreign adversaries and expand our grid to meet future electricity demand.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) applauds Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) for their introduction of the Electric Supply Chain Act, marking a swift and encouraging response to House passage of the bill earlier this month,\u201d said Peter Ferrell, NEMA Senior Director of Government Relations. \u201cBy requiring regular reports on the grid and its supply chains from the U.S. Department of Energy, this bill enables government and private sector partners to undertake more efficient and effective actions that will improve the reliability and affordability of the grid. NEMA appreciates the Senate's commitment to comprehensive oversight and stewardship of our nation's most critical infrastructure, and encourages bipartisan action on this legislation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-tim-scott-releases-2025-year-in-review/", "Senator Tim Scott Releases 2025 Year in Review", "2025-12-26", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released his 2025 Year in Review, highlighting major legislative accomplishments and continued efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen American security, and deliver results for the people of South Carolina and families across the nation.\n\n\u201cI am incredibly proud of what we\u2019ve accomplished this year for the people of South Carolina and Americans nationwide, and I\u2019m looking forward to building on that momentum,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cWhether it\u2019s expanding school choice, securing tax relief for families, or strengthening our national security, my mission remains the same: to champion hope, protect opportunity, and ensure every American has the chance to achieve their version of the American Dream. I look forward to building on this progress in the year ahead.\u201d\n\nThis year, Senator Scott led the introduction of 38 bills, 8 resolutions, and 14 amendments as well as cosponsored 79 bills and 42 resolutions.\n\nPutting South Carolinians First\n\nThe Senator and his team completed casework for nearly 6,000 South Carolinians.\n\nMaintaining a direct line of communication with constituents remained a priority for the Senator and allowed him to respond to more than 200,000 emails and letters from South Carolinians in 2025.\n\nEnergy and American Competitiveness\n\nIn an effort to restore American energy dominance and strengthen U.S. energy security, Senator Scott reintroduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025. The legislation removes red tape by eliminating the requirement for the Department of Energy (DOE) to approve exports of American liquefied natural gas and streamlining the approval process. In November, the House companion bill, led by Representative August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), passed by a vote of 217-188, moving Congress closer to expanding U.S. energy production, supporting jobs, and lowering energy costs.\n\nEnvironmental Oversight and Regulatory Accountability\n\nSenator Scott also led efforts to rein in federal regulatory overreach by introducing a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Rubber Tire Manufacturing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) rule. The Biden administration finalized the rule in November 2024 despite the EPA\u2019s own risk review concluding it was unnecessary for protecting public health or the environment and unable to quantify any public health benefit. The CRA passed the Senate and was signed into law in May, reversing a burdensome mandate and protecting American manufacturers and workers.\n\nStanding with South Carolina and Honoring Its History\n\nThis year marked 10 years since the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina \u2013 an attack that shook the nation and forever changed the Palmetto State. Senators Scott and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) led the introduction of a Senate resolution honoring the lives of the nine innocent worshippers murdered in the attack. The resolution passed unanimously, reaffirming the nation\u2019s commitment to combating hatred and preserving the legacy of the Mother Emanuel Nine.\n\nSupporting Small Businesses and Disaster Recovery\n\nFollowing the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott led efforts to ensure small businesses and homeowners received timely assistance by reintroducing the SBA Disaster Transparency Act. The legislation requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to publish regular reports on the status of its disaster loan fund, providing Congress and communities clear insight into the availability of critical recovery resources.\n\nSenator Scott also continued his work to protect small businesses from unnecessary federal overreach by reintroducing the Protecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act. This legislation pushes back against a Biden-era rule that would allow the SBA to make direct loans, ensuring that community banks and credit unions \u2013 that know the communities they serve \u2013 remain the primary source of credit for local businesses.\n\nEmpowering Families Through Education\n\nThroughout 2025, Senator Scott continued advancing educational freedom and expanding school choice for families across the country. He introduced the National School Choice Week resolution and led the introduction of the High-Quality Charter Schools Act, legislation designed to grow and support charter schools, ensuring that more students, regardless of background, race, or ZIP code, have access to high-quality education.\n\nIn response to the rise of antisemitism on college campuses, Senator Scott partnered with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) to introduce the Antisemitism Awareness Act. The legislation directs the Department of Education (ED) to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance\u2019s working definition of antisemitism when enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This provides schools and investigators clear guidance for addressing antisemitic incidents, protecting Jewish students, and ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.\n\nThrough the Working Families Tax Cut, signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, Senator Scott secured major wins for students and families, including the Educational Choice for Children Act becoming law. This provision encourages charitable contributions to scholarship programs and helps families access quality K\u201312 education, further empowering parents and communities with meaningful educational options.\n\nStrengthening Families Through Quality Health Care\n\nIn 2025, Senator Scott continued leading efforts to expand health care access, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the nation\u2019s health care system. He reintroduced the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act, which was signed into law as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, ensuring that pregnant and postpartum women across the country have access to vital mental health and substance use disorder care.\n\nSenator Scott has prioritized modernizing health care delivery and expanding patient access to high-quality care by working across the aisle to implement innovative solutions that meet the needs of families and communities. He partnered with Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) to extend the Acute Hospital Care at Home Waiver program, passed by the House in December, giving patients the option to receive hospital level care at home, reducing costs, improving outcomes, and modernizing the delivery of care.\n\nAs a champion for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), Senator Scott introduced legislation reauthorizing the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program. SCD is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately affects African Americans, Latinos, and other minority groups, affecting approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States and significantly reducing life expectancy. The legislation expands access to research and treatment, trains more clinicians in SCD care, improves care during the transition from pediatric to adult services, and strengthens coordination among health care providers. Additionally, Senator Scott hosted a roundtable in Charleston, South Carolina to highlight emerging gene therapies and drive innovation in treatment options for patients living with the disease.\n\nSenator Scott further led Senate resolutions recognizing National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, underscoring his commitment to health equity, protecting vulnerable populations, and advancing access to high-quality, patient-focused care for Americans.\n\nSupporting America\u2019s Workers and Families\n\nSenator Scott continued leading efforts to strengthen America\u2019s workforce and protect the rights of workers across the country. He introduced the Modern Worker Empowerment Act to provide independent workers greater flexibility, helping them thrive in the modern day economy. He also championed stronger retirement security through the Strengthening Benefit Plans Act, which allows employers to use overfunded pension accounts to maintain health benefits amid rising costs. Additionally, Senator Scott reintroduced the Employee Rights Act of 2025, reinforcing fairness, privacy, and choice in the workplace and ensuring that all Americans have the protections and opportunities they need to succeed.\n\nTax Relief and Pro-Growth Reform\n\nSenator Scott delivered major tax wins for hardworking Americans in 2025 aimed at lowering costs, encouraging investment, and strengthening communities. Through the Working Families Tax Cut, Opportunity Zones were made permanent and expanded upon, providing lasting incentives for investment in distressed areas. The legislation also established an extended educator tax deductions to coaches and athletic staff and delivered critical disaster relief and protections for South Carolina\u2019s farmers.\n\nBeyond this landmark legislation, Senator Scott introduced and supported key tax reforms to support families, infrastructure, and economic growth. These initiatives include the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act, expanded tax credits for short line railroads essential to South Carolina\u2019s port economy, the IRS Accountability and Taxpayer Protection Act, and incentives to strengthen American clean energy and advanced nuclear production.\n\nBolstering Our National Security\n\nThroughout the year, Senator Scott advanced policies to strengthen U.S. national security, secure the southern border, and support those who serve our nation. He introduced the Securing Our Border Act to redirect unobligated International Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement funds toward border security priorities, including nonintrusive inspection systems, border wall construction, and Border Patrol recruitment and retention efforts. He also introduced the Alan Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act to accelerate the processing and removal of migrants illegally entering the country to protect American lives in response to the fentanyl crisis.\n\nSenator Scott secured a key provision in the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) directing the Department of Defense (DOD) to support recruitment, training, and retention of top cyber talent to ensure the U.S. military remains prepared for evolving threats. During the government shutdown, he introduced the Pay Our Capitol Police Act to guarantee continued pay for Capitol Police officers, civilian staff, and essential contractors, and supported similar legislation to pay our military personnel during the shutdown.\n\nSupporting our veterans remained a key priority of Senator Scott\u2019s. Last month, the Senator joined Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in introducing the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) for Veterans Act. The legislation would expand veteran access to non-opioid alternatives by providing pathways for FDA-approved non-opioid treatments to be included in the VA National Formulary (VANF), the list of available prescriptions at VA facilities.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Scott joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Republican colleagues in introducing the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act to cut off U.S. assistance to entities that give additional rights and privileges to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Current U.S. law prohibits funding to organizations, such as the United Nations, which gives the PLO full membership or standing as a member state. The NOPE Act updates the existing funding prohibition to organizations that offer the PLO \u201cany status, rights, or privileges beyond observer status.\u201d\n\nPreserving the American Dream\n\nSenator Scott, as Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, led the inclusion of key provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut to cut waste, eliminate duplication, and protect hardworking taxpayers. These reforms rein in the unaccountable Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), defund wasteful Green New Deal spending, and eliminate the Securities and Exchange Commission\u2019s (SEC) slush fund.\n\nSenator Scott also played a leading role in advancing the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which President Trump signed into law in July. The legislation established the nation\u2019s first regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, strengthening consumer protections and national security. Under Senator Scott\u2019s leadership, the bill passed the Senate Banking Committee with the support of every Republican and five Democrats. He further led the release of a discussion draft on digital asset market structure, as well as a Request for Information (RFI) for stakeholders to submit feedback on the draft and on a wide range of related issues.\n\nTo combat the debanking of federally legal businesses and law-abiding Americans, Senator Scott introduced the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act to eliminate all references to reputational risk as a measure to determine the safety and soundness of financial institutions. The bill advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee during its first legislative markup of the 119th Congress, prompting federal regulators to remove this arbitrary standard from their oversight practices.\n\nPresident Trump also signed into law Chairman Scott\u2019s Congressional Review Act resolution overturning a Biden-era CFPB rule that imposed government price controls on overdraft fees, preserving access to short-term liquidity for millions of Americans.\n\nIn the Committee\u2019s first bipartisan housing markup in more than a decade, Chairman Scott led the unanimous passage of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act of 2025. The comprehensive package passed the Banking Committee 24-0 and was later included in the Senate-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act. Senator Scott will continue to build on this momentum in 2026, reinforcing his priorities: expanding housing supply, lowering costs, and making the American Dream of homeownership within reach for more Americans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/video-blackburn-wishes-tennesseans-a-merry-christmas", "VIDEO: Blackburn Wishes Tennesseans a Merry Christmas", "2025-12-24", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a video message wishing Tennesseans a Merry Christmas:\n\n\u201cFrom all the Blackburns, I want to say Merry Christmas to you,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThere is nothing so special or nothing more wonderful than a Tennessee Christmas. Our wish is for all Tennesseans to know firsthand the blessings of the Christmas and holiday season. So, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-s-statement-on-the-44-million-awarded-to-mississippi-s-safe-streets-for-all", "Wicker's Statement on the $44 Million Awarded to Mississippi's Safe Streets for All", "2025-12-24", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement after five cities is Mississippi were awarded $44 million in roadway funding under the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. These projects are possible because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Senator Wicker helped negotiate as a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee.\n\n\u201cImproved roadways lead to improved safety and increased commerce. I have continually advocated for these investments in Mississippi\u2019s infrastructure. I am eager for these grants to be implemented across the state. These upgrades will provide safer, more convenient travel options for drivers and pedestrians alike.\u201d\n\nThe grants for Mississippi will support:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/veterans/blackburn-resolution-recognizing-importance-of-community-care-for-veterans-passes-senate", "Blackburn Resolution Recognizing Importance of Community Care for Veterans Passes Senate", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) released the following statements after their resolution recognizing community care as essential to meeting veterans\u2019 health care needs unanimously passed the Senate:\n\n\u201cFederal government bureaucracy should not get in the way of America\u2019s veterans getting the health care they need,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThis resolution reaffirms my commitment to ensuring veterans in Tennessee and across America can access high-quality, affordable health care.\u201d\n\n\u201cVeterans deserve prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where and how to use the healthcare benefits they have earned through their service,\u201d said Senator Moran. \u201cThis resolution reaffirms our commitment to making certain that veterans have a choice in where they receive care \u2013 whether at VA or in the community \u2013 while acknowledging the essential role community care partnerships play in strengthening the VA health care system. I thank Sen. Blackburn for leading this resolution and for her continued dedication to supporting our nation\u2019s veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans deserve the best care possible, and that means ensuring they can access timely, high-quality treatment through VA facilities and trusted community providers,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis resolution cuts red tape and makes sure no veteran is forced to wait for the care they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\n\u201cMississippi\u2019s veterans rely on community care providers,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cThe VA health system cannot meet every imaginable need, and these providers stand in the gap for those who have given so much to our country.\u201d\n\nThis resolution is also co-sponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nA decade ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faced a nationwide access-to-care crisis that left many veterans waiting too long for essential medical services. In response, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act, a bipartisan reform designed to ensure that veterans could access timely, high-quality care, including through community providers when the VA could not meet veterans\u2019 needs.\n\nCommunity care has become an indispensable part of the VA health care system, expanding veterans\u2019 options and improving access, especially for those living in rural areas, facing mobility or transportation challenges, or requiring specialized treatment.\n\nSpecifically, this resolution:\n\nRecognizes community care as an essential tool for meeting veterans\u2019 health care needs;\n\nAffirms that community care complements the VA\u2019s mission to serve veterans;\n\nUrges the VA to fully and faithfully implement the VA MISSION Act, ensuring veterans can seek community care when the VA cannot provide timely or appropriate treatment; and\n\nReaffirms the Senate\u2019s commitment to ensuring every veteran has access to high-quality, affordable, and veteran-centered care, whether provided at a VA facility or through community providers.\n\nClick here for resolution text.\n\nRELATED\n\nAhead of Veterans Day, Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Recognizing Importance of Community Care\n\nBlackburn, Tuberville Support Expanding Veterans\u2019 Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids\n\nBlackburn, Booker, Boozman, Rosen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Female Veterans", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-time-to-end-section-230", "Q&A: Time to End Section 230", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What is Section 230?\n\nA: Section 230 refers to the federal statute that provides legal immunity to Big Tech. The outdated law shields social media platforms and prevents parents and victims from seeking justice from online harm. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I\u2019m co-sponsoring the bipartisan Sunset Section 230 Act to repeal this provision of the Communication Decency Act of 1996. This nearly 30-year old measure was written to give emerging internet entities the runway to get off the ground. It allowed social media companies to host and moderate third-party content unencumbered by the fear of costly litigation. Fast forward three decades, many of these entities are among the most powerful, profitable companies in the world; they use Section 230 to evade badly needed accountability. At the helm of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I\u2019ve convened congressional hearings to gather expert testimony on child online exploitation to inform public policy; heard from witnesses exposing online child extortion rings, like the \u201c764\u201d network; and introduced bipartisan legislation to implement whistleblower protections in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. I\u2019ll continue advocating for parents, including Deric and Kathy Kidd of Des Moines, who lost their son in 2021 when he took half of what he thought was a pain pill that was actually fentanyl.\n\nCongress must take swift action to empower victims and send a message to Big Tech. With passage of our legislation, social media companies would no longer have license to profit from heinous material and drug trafficking pushed on their platforms with immunity. The day is long overdue to open the courthouse doors for victims of online crimes and exploitation to seek justice and hold wrongdoers accountable.\n\nQ: What are the next steps in the new year?\n\nA: I wrote a bipartisan letter alongside the cosponsors of the Sunset Section 230 Act and called upon the Senate Majority and Minority leaders to prioritize this issue and our bipartisan bill for next year\u2019s legislative calendar. Common sense says Section 230 has outlived its utility and instead fosters a breeding ground for online harms and criminal exploitation. The bottom line is clear: Big Tech is profiting at the expense of the American people, especially young people. Section 230 allows online predators to sexually groom and extort kids. Predators create and distribute AI-generated deepfake pornography; drug traffickers sell fentanyl-laced pills to teenagers; impressionable adolescents experience harm to their mental health, with online content exploiting body image issues, anxieties about isolation and stress over peer exclusion. Vulnerable victims and distraught parents are at their wit\u2019s end with no meaningful relief for exploited consumers. Policymakers need to put the American people first and open the door to our system of justice for the redress of grievances. Too many grieving parents will observe this holiday season another year without a precious son or daughter lost to online exploitation or drug trafficking.\n\nWhen Congress returns to work in the new year, we\u2019ve asked Senate leaders to dedicate a week in February to advance bipartisan legislation that protects children from online threats \u2013 including my landmark legislative package to target lax sentencing laws, violent online criminal networks and child sextortion crimes \u2013 and end the crisis that\u2019s cropped up after three decades of legal immunity once and for all. After 30 years in the wilderness of legal immunity, it\u2019s time to chop down Section 230 and give victims of online crimes their day in court and parents better peace of mind.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=136799C1-5C8E-4A3E-B181-5F52F5F5FC03", "Sen. Moran, Colleagues Call on NTIA to Preserve States\u2019 Ability to Use Broadband Infrastructure Funds as Congress Intended", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", "moran", "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) \u2013 a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation \u2013 joined Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and their colleagues in urging Arielle Roth, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to preserve the ability of states to use their remaining Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds consistent with congressional intent.\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter also requests NTIA to provide a public accounting of unspent BEAD funds for each state, clarification of NTIA\u2019s current interpretation of allowable \u201cnon-deployment\u201d uses and a timetable for revised guidance on non-deployment funds.\n\nSens. Moran and Fischer were joined by Sens. Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R- Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\n\u201cWe write to request the agency\u2019s attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cUnder the latest BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity, many states likely will \u2014 or already do \u2014 have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access nationwide, we respectfully seek clarity on how NTIA will ensure proper stewardship and redistribution of non-deployment funds to close the digital divide.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Administrator Roth:\n\nWe write to request the agency\u2019s attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program. Under the latest BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, many states likely will \u2014 or already do \u2014 have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access nationwide, we respectfully seek clarity on how NTIA will ensure proper stewardship of non-deployment funds to close the digital divide.\n\nUnder the statutory framework established by Section 60102 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (47 U.S.C. \u00a7 1702), BEAD funding was intended first and foremost to fund broadband expansion: deployment to unserved locations, then underserved areas and connection of eligible community anchor institutions, before consideration of a broader set of permissible \u201cnon[1]deployment\u201d uses to facilitate goals of the program. Congress granted this authority, along with the authority to redistribute unallocated funding amongst eligible entities, to maximize broadband infrastructure buildout \u2013 and thereby boost the economic productivity that connectivity brings to every corner of our country.\n\nThe current status of non-deployment funding, however, appears unsettled. While NTIA\u2019s recent guidance stated that allowable non-deployment purposes were still under review, we were encouraged by your public comments on December 2, 2025, stating that the agency is \u201coperating under the assumption that the states will get to use their BEAD savings,\u201d though noting that \u201cnothing has been finalized.\u201d\n\nGiven these considerations, we respectfully request that NTIA provide:\n\nA public accounting of the BEAD funds for each state, including amounts already committed to deployment projects and amounts remaining unallocated or reserved for non-deployment uses;\n\nClarification of NTIA\u2019s current interpretation of allowable \u201cnon-deployment\u201d uses in light of the June 2025 policy notice and consistent with authorized use of the funds under 47 U.S.C. \u00a7 1702 moving forward, and whether any previously approved non-deployment activities may remain eligible; and\n\nA timetable for revised guidance on non-deployment funds, along with any criteria or conditions under which non-deployment programs will be permitted or prioritized.\n\nIn responding, we strongly urge NTIA to preserve states\u2019 ability to use their non-deployment BEAD funds consistent with congressional intent and the bipartisan infrastructure law. We look forward to your timely reply and to ensuring that every BEAD dollar is used to connect Americans for generations to come, as Congress intended.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-applauds-trump-administration-actions-to-protect-america-s-roadways-crack-down-on-cdls-issued-to-illegal-aliens", "Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Trump Administration Actions to Protect America\u2019s Roadways & Crack Down on CDLs Issued to Illegal Aliens", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praising their leadership and the Trump administration\u2019s actions to improve roadway safety by cracking down on the reckless issuance of commercial driver\u2019s licenses (CDLs) to illegal aliens after the deadly crash in Florida caused by an illegal alien who was issued a CDL license in California. The administration\u2019s life-saving actions to keep our roadways safe and ensure only qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles on America\u2019s roadways as federal audits and enforcement operations uncovered widespread safety failures by states issuing CDLs to illegal and unqualified drivers.\n\nRead the letter HERE or below:\n\nDear Secretary Duffy and Secretary Noem:\n\nThank you for the leadership you, your agencies, and President Trump have shown in advancing policies to make American roadways safe again. I appreciate your efforts to restore safety to our roads following the dangerous Obama-era policy that allowed drivers lacking English proficiency to operate commercial motor vehicles without the ability to comprehend basic traffic signs or speak our language.\n\nEarlier this year, three innocent people in my state of Florida were killed by an illegal alien who was granted a commercial driver\u2019s license (CDL) in the state of California. This gut-wrenching tragedy should never have happened, and I appreciate you both taking swift action to ensure this can never happen again.\n\nOne vital action in preventing the recurrence of this tragedy was the Department of Transportation\u2019s emergency action this September, restricting eligibility for nondomiciled learner\u2019s permits and CDLs in response to the ongoing nationwide audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This much-needed audit has already uncovered blatant disregard for public safety by certain states \u2013 especially California, which improperly issued more than 25% of its non-domiciled CDLs.\n\nI was also grateful to see the Department of Homeland Security partner with state and local law enforcement to actively address the threat posed by these illegal and unqualified drivers. During September\u2019s joint operation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, not only were 91 illegal aliens found to be operating a commercial vehicle with a CDL, but one illegal alien possessed a Real ID-compliant CDL issued by the state of New York to \u201cNo Name Given.\u201d The New York Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed that this license was authentic.\n\nThe reckless issuance of these CDLs during the previous administrations is clearly a widespread problem. This licensing failure was further highlighted by Operation Midway Blitz, a joint ICE-Indiana State Police operation. As of October 30, this operation resulted in the arrest of 223 illegal aliens on Indiana highways, 40 of whom possessed CDLs.\n\nThankfully, your agencies and the current administration are working hard to address these very real safety issues and protect American drivers by getting unsafe and unqualified drivers off our roadways.\n\nHowever, it is deeply concerning that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) reportedly uses the very same drivers that your agencies have worked to keep off our country\u2019s roads in order to protect American lives. These reports indicate the USPS has become dependent on a CDL workforce made up of illegal aliens, and, as a result, it is now rescinding its temporary ban on these same employees after only a few short days, despite guidance from the administration.\n\nYour agencies have shown a commitment to addressing this threat, and I look forward to hearing how you plan to hold USPS and other agencies accountable for this negligence. I am also proud to support your efforts to protect citizens on our roadways by joining my colleague, Senator Ashley Moody, in advancing the Safer Truckers Act, which protects drivers by establishing lawful U.S. residency requirements for CDLs and requiring states to report their adherence to English proficiency standards.\n\nI am also proud to have joined Senator Tom Cotton in advancing the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act, which requires all testing relating to the issuance of driver\u2019s licenses to be conducted in English only. These bills are critical steps to build on your action to prevent further tragedies and prioritize the safety of Americans.\n\nThank you both again for your leadership on this critical public safety issue. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if there are additional ways Congress can support your efforts to make America's roadways safe again.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2340", "The Clock is Ticking: Students Have Only a Few Months to Make Grad School Decisions - Kennedy Pushes for Passage of the LEAP Act to Provide Equal Access to Higher Education for In-Demand Professions", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act Restores Fairness and Financial Parity for all Advanced Degree Students\n\nNew Misguided Policy Created by the Big, Ugly Bill Slashes Amount Many Borrowers Can Receive, Slamming the Door Shut to Professional Advancement\n\nAMHERST, N.Y. \u2013 Joined at Daemen University by educators, professionals, students, and advocates, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) called for swift passage of his legislation, the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act. With decision time for grad schools coming up in April, Kennedy highlighted the pressing need to provide financial stability and predictability for students seeking advanced degrees. Last week, Kennedy and several colleagues introduced the LEAP Act to rectify a borrowing disparity created by the Republican-led Big, Ugly Bill (H.R. 1). The new legislation aims to restore financial support for advanced degree students, including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and physicians assistants, whose borrowing limits were significantly reduced while other professional programs remained unaffected. Under Kennedy\u2019s bill, all post-baccalaureate degrees would be eligible to borrow the same $50,000 per year, with a borrowing total of $200,000.\n\n\u201cBecoming an occupational therapist was among the best decisions I ever made,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cIt opened new doors for me, changed my worldview, and it\u2019s how I met my wife, a physical therapist. For each of us, access to financing was a challenging burden, but one that we took on knowing that we could make a difference in peoples\u2019 lives. Higher education is about more than just earning potential, it\u2019s about your contribution to the community and helping others. Right now, future grad students are studying their options, figuring out if they can enter the career path they\u2019ve always wanted to. We need to pass the LEAP Act to keep that dream alive for future generations who want to play their part.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe know that one of the biggest barriers to education is financial, and the new limitations on loans will put degree programs out of reach for many. The healthcare graduate programs with new loan restrictions not only prepare students for more responsibility at the bedside, but they are also required to enter Nurse Education. Loan restrictions for advanced healthcare degrees will create new barriers that will limit enrollment and further deepen the healthcare worker shortage, and reduce the number of people qualified to teach healthcare programs,\u201d said Don Fiorilli, Associate Director, 1199SEIU Training & Employment Funds.\n\n\u201cEquitable access to federal student loans is essential if we expect students to pursue advanced degrees in the health professions our communities depend on most,\u201d said D\u2019Youville University President Dr. Lorrie Clemo. \u201cWhen loan limits unfairly restrict fields like nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, we risk worsening workforce shortages at a time when demand is only growing. The LEAP Act restores fairness and ensures that students are not priced out of careers dedicated to caring for others.\u201d\n\n\u201cASHA-certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists in New York thank Rep. Kennedy for his leadership in protecting access to the advanced degrees required to deliver essential communication services,\u201d said Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, PhD, CCC-SLP, 2025 ASHA President. \u201cDemand for these professionals in New York is projected to grow more than 22% for audiologists and 25% for speech-language pathologists by 2032. Rep. Kennedy\u2019s legislation preserves access to higher federal loan limits, ensuring audiologists and speech-language pathologists can complete their training and meet growing workforce needs statewide.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt Kaleida Health, we are committed to supporting our staff\u2019s career growth. We support the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act and thank Congressman Kennedy for his tireless advocacy for New York State\u2019s healthcare professionals. The LEAP Act will help reduce financial barriers for those seeking advanced healthcare degrees and build a more robust healthcare workforce. It is essential that we continue to provide resources for our dedicated staff to advance in their professions. Not only will these meaningful loans strengthen our workforce, but they will also increase access to high quality health care for patients statewide,\u201d said Don Boyd, President and CEO, Kaleida Health.\n\n\u201cThe LEAP Act is critical legislation to secure the future of our country by ensuring students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in high-demand fields can access the funding necessary to reach their dreams, realize their potential, and support their families and communities with vital services,\u201d said Canisius University President Steve K. Stoute\n\n\u201cI began my career as a registered nurse, and I know firsthand that graduate education is not a luxury in healthcare \u2014 it\u2019s how nurses advance, specialize, and ultimately become the educators who train the next generation,\u201d said Catholic Health CEO Joyce Markiewicz. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Congressman Kennedy for introducing the LEAP Act, which restores fairness and helps ensure the healthcare professionals our patients rely on can afford the education their careers \u2014 and our communities \u2014 depend on.\u201d\n\nUnder H.R. 1, the Grad PLUS program was eliminated and replaced with a two-tiered system. Beginning in July 2026, so-called \u201cprofessional\u201d degrees will be eligible for borrowing up to $50,000 per year, while \u201cgraduate\u201d degrees will only receive up to $20,500 per year, creating a massive disparity and exacerbating ongoing shortages in critical healthcare and other professional fields. Examples of professional degrees include MDs, JDs, and PharmDs, while graduate degrees include a wide variety of other post-baccalaureate degrees such as nursing, therapy, public health, engineering, teaching, and more. Kennedy, the only occupational therapist in Congress, has heard from a wide range of educators and students who are deeply concerned that their access to their desired field of work is being closed off, threatening to make ongoing professional shortages even worse.\n\nThe changes implemented in H.R. 1 are slated to go into effect on July 1, 2026. Kennedy\u2019s legislation, co-led by Reps. Jill Tokuda (HI-2) and Shomari Figures (AL-2) would have the same effective date, ensuring equal access for medical professional students moving forward.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers; American Occupational Therapy Association; American Physical Therapy Association; Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health; Council on Social Work Education; National Association of Social Workers; National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy; National Hispanic Health Foundation; Hispanic Health Professionals Network; National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates; Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-delivers-for-indiana-constiuents-in-first-year-in-the-senate/", "Banks Delivers for Indiana Constiuents in First Year in the Senate", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "www.banks.senate.gov", "banks", "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) highlighted his office\u2019s constituent service work over the past year, marking his first year representing Hoosiers in the U.S. Senate.\n\nSenator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): \u201cIn my first year in the Senate, my office delivered real results for Hoosiers. I\u2019m proud of the work we did to help thousands of families and return millions of dollars to Indiana.\u201d\n\nOver the past year, Senator Banks\u2019 office delivered the following for Indiana constituents:\n\nAssisted 1,138 Hoosiers with federal casework requests\n\nHelped return $32,841,023.49 to constituents\n\nResponded to 58,811 constituent inquires\n\nArranged 295 U.S. Capitol tours for Hoosiers visiting Washington, D.C.\n\nArranged 31 White House tours for Hoosiers visiting Washington, D.C.\n\nIn 2026, Senator Banks looks forward to continuing to help Hoosiers who need assistance with a federal agency or who are planning a visit to Washington and want to request tours.\n\nPlease feel free to contact his office for assistance or visit his website linked here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-wishes-west-virginians-a-merry-christmas-2025", "VIDEO: Capito Wishes West Virginians a Merry Christmas", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Shelley Moore Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", "capito", "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here or on the image above to watch the video.\n\nCHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 Ahead of Christmas, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released a video message wishing West Virginians a merry Christmas and encouraging them to reflect on what\u2019s most important this holiday season. She also wished everyone a happy new year full of health and happiness.\n\nFull video transcript included below:\n\n\u201cMerry Christmas West Virginia.\n\n\u201cI hope this is a time of great joy and happiness. While you gather with family and loved ones to enjoy the traditions and festivities, I encourage you all to reflect on what\u2019s truly most important during the holiday season.\n\n\u201cThis is such a special time to come together to celebrate the blessings we have and renew our hope for a bright new year ahead.\n\n\u201cWe must also not forget the brave men and women serving overseas, our first responders and law enforcement officers, and our medical professionals who aren\u2019t able to celebrate with their loved ones because of their selfless service to all of us.\n\n\u201cFrom my entire family to yours, Merry Christmas. May your days be merry and bright and the year ahead full of health and happiness for you and your family.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-legislation-to-improve-veterans-health-care-passes-senate/", "Cassidy Legislation to Improve Veterans\u2019 Health Care Passes Senate", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the U.S. Senate passage of his Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission (VetPAC) Act. The legislation creates a new VetPAC to facilitate a transparent, expert-driven review process for the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s (VHA) operations. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\n\n\u201cOur veterans put their lives on the line in service to our nation,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe owe them a health care system worthy of that sacrifice. This legislation moves us closer to that standard.\u201d\n\nThe VetPAC Act creates a Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission made up of medical experts and veterans tasked with evaluating VHA performance, identifying areas for improvement, and issuing regular reports to Congress to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the VA health care system.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-local-artist-andrew-coleman-for-sharing-the-gospel-through-woodworking/", "LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Local Artist Andrew Coleman for Sharing the Gospel through Woodworking", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "(Click here to watch and here to download)\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, highlighted Andrew Coleman, a Louisianan following God\u2019s call to ministry by sharing the Gospel through his artistic gifts. After a year in seminary, Andrew discovered his true calling\u2014serving God and his community through woodworking. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency.\n\nRead his full December 2025 Local Spotlight below:\n\nToday we are recognizing Andrew Coleman of Coleman\u2019s Handcrafted in Baton Rouge.\n\nAndrew has been an artist from a young age, but he felt deeply connected to the church and sensed that God was calling him to a life of ministry. He entered the Seminary to study for the priesthood.\n\nBut after a year, God revealed that his calling takes different shape\u2014that he was not meant to share the Gospel from the pulpit, but through the work of his hands.\n\nBecause of his sensitivity to God\u2019s voice and obedience to his artistic calling, Andrew is now a full-time carpenter and woodcarver, commissioning pieces for churches in and around Louisiana.\n\nAndrew, you remind us of a simple truth: When you follow God\u2019s plan for your life, good things happen.\n\nFirst Peter 4:10 says, \u201cEach of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God\u2019s grace in its various forms.\u201d\n\nKeep using your gifts. You make Louisiana, our country, and the world a more beautiful and more worshipful place.\n\nBackground\n\nIn November, Cassidy highlighted Katie Jenkins, owner of STIR Coffee in Baton Rouge, who primarily employs Louisianans with cognitive disabilities. By providing good jobs for people who may otherwise face barriers to employment, Katie is improving life for those she employs and setting a positive example for businesses across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-bill-to-exhume-alleged-serial-murderer-from-fort-sam-houston-national-cemetery-signed-into-law/", "Cornyn Bill to Exhume Alleged Serial Murderer from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Signed into Law", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his bill to require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota, an alleged serial murderer and convicted rapist, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:\n\n\u201cFort Sam Houston National Cemetery is a sacred resting place for more than 170,000 respected veterans and their loved ones, and it would be a slap in the face to each one of them to allow Fernando Cota, a convicted rapist and alleged serial murderer, to remain buried amongst such heroes,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThis law rightfully directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Cota\u2019s remains from Fort Sam Houston to be in-keeping with current law and deliver justice for victims\u2019 families.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is a cosponsor of this legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nSen. Cornyn\u2019s law directs the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Fernando V. Cota, an alleged serial murderer and convicted rapist, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. This comes at the request of the son of one of Cota\u2019s alleged victims.\n\nFernando Cota was drafted into the U.S. Army and fought in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to the states and transitioning to civilian life, he faced multiple sexual assault allegations, was the prime suspect in the murders of six women in San Jose, California, and was ultimately convicted of attacking a nurse by binding and raping her in 1975. He was imprisoned for two decades, but was later released on parole in 1983. One year later, he was stopped by police officers while driving erratically, leading him to commit suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police found a wooden box in his van with the corpse of a young woman, later identified as 21-year-old Kim Marie Dunham, who had gone missing the day before.\n\nFollowing Cota\u2019s death, the police received a search warrant for his home, where investigators found a small closet where he would torture his victims. On the walls inside the closet, detectives found many fingerprints, which were sent for examination to identify other potential victims.\n\nFurthermore, investigators found fake ID cards, a false police badge, numerous women\u2019s blouses, six pairs of women\u2019s shoes, and advertisements for tenants, which Cota posted on San Jose State University\u2019s campus to invite local students to rent a room in his apartment. During the investigation, six girls were identified as victims \u2013 all killed by being strangled, stabbed, or beaten to death.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-kelly-bill-to-enhance-u-s-mexico-counternarcotics-efforts-signed-into-law/", "Cornyn, Kelly Bill to Enhance U.S.-Mexico Counternarcotics Efforts Signed into Law", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their Counternarcotics Enhancement Act, which will require elements of the Intelligence Community to assess any direct relationship with an element of the Government of Mexico, develop a strategy to enhance counternarcotics efforts, and make recommendations or request resources required to implement the strategy in furtherance of the national interest of the United States, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:\n\n\u201cOne innocent life lost because of illicit narcotics smuggled into the U.S. by way of Mexico is one too many,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThis law will ensure our Intelligence Community leverages the U.S.-Mexico relationship to most effectively root out these silent killers and keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo win the fight against drug trafficking, the U.S. and Mexico have to work together against the cartels,\u201d said Sen. Kelly. \u201cThis effort with Republicans and Democrats will make our country safer by keeping drugs off our streets through Intelligence Community engagement with the government of Mexico.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Counternarcotics Enhancement Act will require elements of the Intelligence Community to submit to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) the following information:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-op-ed-republicans-solution-to-affordability-is-through-tax-cuts-for-working-families/", "Cornyn Op-Ed: Republicans\u2019 Solution to Affordability is Through Tax Cuts for Working Families", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the San Antonio Express News on the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts, which will put money back into the pockets of hard-working Texans.\n\nRepublicans\u2019 Solution to Affordability is Through Tax Cuts for Working Families\n\nSenator John Cornyn\n\nThe San Antonio Express-News\n\nIn print December 21, 2025\n\nhttps://www.expressnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/republican-tax-cuts-john-cornyn-21248007.php\n\nAmericans are facing an affordability crisis after 40-year high inflation under the Biden administration. A quarter of U.S. households are living paycheck to paycheck, while 56% of voters say that affordability is their top concern. While there is no silver bullet that can magically erase economic anxiety, Republicans have delivered solutions that will ease the burden of rising costs on Texan families through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nThis legislation, which President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, helps Americans keep more of what they earn by lowering taxes across the board, with Texans receiving an outsized benefit. We permanently increased the base standard deduction to $15,750 with an annual adjustment for inflation. Without our legislation, the standard deduction would have dropped to $8,300 next year, hurting the more than 12 million Texan families who claim the standard deduction. We also made permanent the lower tax rates from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which were set to expire at the end of 2025. The Tax Foundation estimates that Texans will receive an average tax cut of $3,942 in 2026 from the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nThe burden of rising costs is particularly acute for families with children, who are often forced to pick between living on one income or budgeting for the increasingly exorbitant cost of child care. Without our legislation, families would have been further pinched next year with the Child Tax Credit scheduled to decrease from $2,000 down to $1,000. The Working Families Tax Cuts prevented this from happening, raising the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 and indexing it to inflation. Additionally, we permanently strengthened the Employer-provided Child Care Credit, which will incentivize businesses to provide child care. These reforms mark a small but important step towards making family life more affordable.\n\nHealth care remains one of Americans\u2019 top concerns as medical costs continue to rise. We helped address this by expanding access to Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs. Our bill extended HSA eligibility to individual market bronze and catastrophic plans beginning in 2026, allowing people with individual market plans to save pre-tax dollars, and use those funds to cover eligible medical costs. It also permanently ensures high-deductible health plans can cover telehealth and other remote services before the deductible kicks in, while remaining HSA-eligible. With wider access to HSAs, families can rest a little easier knowing that they will have resources set aside to rely on in the case of an unforeseen medical emergency.\n\nMonthly car payments have become another stress point as high interest rates translate to higher payments. The Working Families Tax Cuts confront this problem as well. Our law introduced a new source of savings for those earning less than $100,000: Texans can now deduct up to $10,000 for interest paid on a loan for a new vehicle made in the U.S. This new deduction will help individuals and families who need to purchase a new car, while incentivizing manufacturing here in the United States. Whereas the Biden administration subsidized electric vehicles, a luxury household item made from materials that rely on Chinese supply chains, Republicans have rightly prioritized tax relief for purchases of made-in-America-cars for the working middle class.\n\nRepublicans also delivered targeted relief to hourly-wage workers, tipped workers and seniors through new deductions. We delivered a historic win for the working class with our \u201cNo Tax on Tips\u201d and \u201cNo Tax on Overtime\u201d provisions. These allow employees and self-employed individuals to deduct up to $25,000 in tip income for tax years 2025 through 2028. We also created a new deduction of up to $12,500 for single filers for qualified overtime income, as well as a new $6,000 deduction for seniors over the age of 65. The U.S. Department of Treasury estimates that about 6 million workers will benefit from the new \u201cNo Tax on Tips\u201d policy. Through these deductions, the Working Families Tax Cuts ensure that working Texans and seniors have a little more breathing room when Tax Day comes around.\n\nWhile there is no magic wand that will lower prices and end financial uncertainty, Republicans have delivered relief through the Working Families Tax Cuts and put more money back into the pockets of working Texans. Our historic reforms will help families, those struggling with health care costs or car payments, as well as hourly workers, tipped workers, and seniors. Through the Working Families Tax Cuts, the Republican Party has delivered a critical step towards one of President Trump\u2019s most important promises to the American people, and that is to make life affordable again.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-alsobrooks-curtis-merkley-introduce-bill-to-reauthorize-wildlife-crossings-program", "Cramer, Alsobrooks, Curtis, Merkley Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Wildlife Crossings Program", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The Wildlife Crossings Program provides grants for infrastructure improvements designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. States and tribes can apply for grants to create safe paths for wildlife to cross roads and highways, often in the form of enlarged culverts, underpasses, and bridges. The program was authorized for five years in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is set to expire next year.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, EPW T&I Ranking Member U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced legislation to reauthorize the program.\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Wildlife Crossings Program to better protect people and animals from the dangers of vehicle collisions, especially in rural states like North Dakota where the two frequently cross paths,\u201dsaid Cramer. \u201cOur bill reauthorizes and expands the program to support infrastructure projects directly aimed at improving roadway safety. I\u2019m grateful to Senator Alsobrooks for her leadership of this bipartisan effort, which will benefit critters and communities across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Wildlife Crossings Program at the Federal Highway Administration provides a unique opportunity to protect both our wildlife and our drivers \u2013 it is a true win-win,\u201d said Alsobrooks. \u201cI am proud of the ongoing work in Maryland to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions across our state and look forward to supporting Maryland\u2019s efforts by reauthorizing this important program. I want to thank Senators Cramer, Merkley, and Curtis for their partnership on this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe North Dakota Department of Transportation supports the reauthorization and improvements to this discretionary grant, as it creates safer connections to communities and provides critical passage for wildlife across North Dakota\u2019s transportation system,\u201d said North Dakota Department of Transportation Director Ron Henke. \u201cThese crossings will enhance year-round recreation by providing safer travel for people of all ages looking to enjoy the outdoor activities that North Dakota has to offer.\u201d\n\n\"Reauthorizing the Wildlife Crossings Program is a priority for state fish and wildlife agencies to enhance the movement of wildlife and ensure safer roads,\u201d said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. \u201cEvery year, more than 1 million wildlife-vehicle collisions are reported across the United States, resulting in human and wildlife fatalities and costing billions of dollars in damages. We know there are proven solutions - such as culverts, bridges and tunnels that allow animals to migrate safely - to reduce these incidents and save lives. We applaud Senators Alsobrooks, Cramer, Merkley, and Curtis for the bipartisan introduction of this important bill.\u201d\n\nAccording to the Federal Highway Administration, each year there are over 1 million wildlife vehicle collisions. These accidents result in tens of thousands of injuries, hundreds of fatalities, and cost over $8 billion.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-kennedy-urge-action-to-protect-us-oil-and-gas-from-eu-methane-mandate", "Sens. Cruz, Kennedy Urge Action to Protect U.S. Oil and Gas from EU Methane Mandate", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", "cruz", "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Kennedy (R-La.) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and Ambassador Jamieson Greer of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, urging the Trump administration to pressure the European Union to repeal the European Union Methane Regulation (EUMR). The EUMR seeks to regulate oil and gas production within the United States, undermining American energy dominance, infringing on American sovereignty, and potentially harming U.S. energy exports to the European Union.\n\nBelow are highlights and excerpts from the letter:\n\n\u201cWhen fully phased in, the EUMR will set a new, yet-to-be-defined methane intensity standard for U.S. imports of oil and natural gas. This provision, if allowed to go into effect, would mean that regulators in Paris, Berlin, and Brussels would tell operators in Midland and Pittsburgh how, when, and where to produce energy.\n\n\u201cThe insinuation that European countries could directly regulate American producers is a gross overstep and breach of bilateral relations\u2014especially in the aftermath of Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, where American LNG exporters helped fend off the worst-case scenarios by surging cargoes to the region. Europe continues to rely on U.S. LNG to keep homes warm, lights on, and factories operating across the continent. In the absence of U.S. LNG, Europe\u2019s reliance on Russian energy would grow, further undermining European security and reinforcing Russia\u2019s strategic grip on the continent.\n\n\u201cAs you meet with your European counterparts to finalize the trade deal implementation action plan, we ask that this administration use all available legal, diplomatic, and economic tools to ensure that the EUMR is repealed in full. Regulating aspects of the EU\u2019s own oil and gas production is within the authority delegated to it by member states\u2014any attempt to extend such regulations to U.S. producers represents a clear and provocative attempt to supersede America\u2019s sovereign right to regulate, through laws passed by the U.S. Congress, its own energy supply.\n\n\u201cThank you for your commitment to maintaining American energy dominance. We stand ready to work together with this administration to protect U.S. energy producers across the country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/2025/12/22/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-month-lieutenant-kirby-dempster/", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Month: Lieutenant Kirby Dempster", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", "daines", "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "U.S. SENATE\u2014 U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Lieutenant Kirby Dempster as Montanan of the Month for his service with the Fergus County Sheriff\u2019s Office and his courage in the face of a daunting diagnosis. Through his \u201cMontanan of the Month\u201d initiative, every month Daines highlights a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. To recommend a Montanan click HERE. The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\n\nTRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT KIRBY DEMPSTER\n\nMr. Daines, Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Lieutenant Kirby Dempster of the Fergus County Sheriff\u2019s Office in Lewistown, Montana, as Montanan of the Month. For more than eight and a half years, Lieutenant Dempster has served the people of Fergus County with courage, compassion, and integrity. As a supervising officer, he leads both detention and patrol operations and oversees important department initiatives, including cyber-crime prevention efforts focused on protecting children, human-trafficking investigations, and a drone program. Today, we also recognize him for something deeper: his resilience during one of life\u2019s toughest battles. Following a difficult cancer diagnosis, Lieutenant Dempster was confronted with a new fight. However, he and his loved ones did not face it alone. His fellow officers, first responders, and the entire Lewistown community stepped forward without hesitation. Fundraisers were launched, donations poured in, and neighbors showed up to support the Dempster family. This remarkable outpouring of support reflects what Lieutenant Dempster has built in his community over his many years of service. He is known as a strong leader, a mentor, a dedicated public servant, and above all, a devoted family man. Lieutenant Dempster\u2019s commitment to protecting his community, his leadership in the face of hardship, and the community\u2019s support in return embodies the very best of Montana values. His story reminds us of what service truly means and how Montanans stand together when it matters most.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-nominates-31-iowa-students-to-us-military-academies", "Grassley Nominates 31 Iowa Students to U.S. Military Academies", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing his support for 31 Iowa students seeking acceptance to U.S. military academies.\n\n\u201cI am proud to nominate these 31 young Iowans to our nation\u2019s prestigious military academies,\u201d Grassley said. These young men and women have bright futures, and I\u2019m inspired by their leadership, achievements and motivation to serve our country. It\u2019s my honor to nominate them.\u201d\n\nEach year, Grassley nominates Iowa high school seniors for placements at the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. All service academies select at least one of Grassley\u2019s nominees.\n\nLearn more about service academy nominations HERE.\n\nGrassley\u2019s nominees for entrance during the 2026-2027 academic year follow:\n\nUnited States Air Force Academy\n\nJorge Camarena, Council Bluffs\n\nGabriel Conrad, Iowa City\n\nOdin Hankins, Ainsworth\n\nMackenzie McClelland, Grinnell\n\nCharlee DeJong, West Des Moines\n\nCalan Peters, Milford\n\nLydia Weininger, Palo\n\nLuke Miller, Polk City\n\nLydia Meunsaveng, Indianola\n\nAlexis Bogardus, Granger\n\nJackson Goslin, Hiawatha\n\nCamilla McArthur, Atlantic\n\nCarter Mitchell, Des Moines\n\nShae Magley, Cedar Falls\n\nJack Franzen, Urbandale\n\nUnited States Military Academy at West Point\n\nBerit Kallemeier, Urbandale\n\nAvery Schnack, Decorah\n\nNaomi Templeman, Dallas Center\n\nGabrielle Wilker, Saint Olaf\n\nKamryn Wolkenhauer, Danville\n\nAlexis Bogardus, Granger\n\nPatrick Bowser, Urbandale\n\nJackson Goslin, Hiawatha\n\nJackson Lampe, Dubuque\n\nCamilla McArthur, Atlantic\n\nQuentin Moore, Des Moines\n\nMackenzie McClelland, Grinnell\n\nAllie Sackett, Cedar Rapids\n\nDaniel Spooner, Mason City\n\nJack Franzen, Urbandale\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy\n\nJackson Lampe, Dubuque\n\nJack Franzen, Urbandale\n\nUnited States Naval Academy\n\nDane Thomas, Cedar Rapids\n\nJoseph Winland, Cedar Falls\n\nLuke Miller, Polk City\n\nAlexis Bogardus, Granger\n\nPatrick Bowser, Urbandale\n\nCharles Crane, West Des Moines\n\nEllie Hance, Palo\n\nJackson Lampe, Dubuque\n\nCamilla McArthur, Atlantic\n\nQuentin Moore, Des Moines\n\nOwen Powell, Blue Grass\n\nConnor Rash, Ames\n\nAllie Sackett, Cedar Rapids\n\nDaniel Spooner, Mason City\n\nJackson Goslin, Hiawatha", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-wishes-mississippians-hope-love-peace-2025-christmas-message", "HYDE-SMITH WISHES MISSISSIPPIANS \u2018HOPE, LOVE & PEACE\u2019 IN 2025 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues 2025 Christmas Message\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued her 2025 Christmas message, in which she encourages Mississippians to \u201cslow down, take stock of our blessings, and remember the light that guides us to seek peace even when we face uncertainty.\u201d\n\nRead Senator Hyde-Smith\u2019s Christmas message below:\n\nMerry Christmas, Mississippi!\n\nThis season reminds us of the simple, yet profound, gifts that we are given \u2013 love, peace, and hope.\n\nChristmas invites us to slow down, take stock of our blessings, and remember the light that guides us to seek peace even when we face uncertainty.\n\nAcross Mississippi, I see that light every day: in neighbors lending a hand, in communities standing strong together in good times and bad, and in the unwavering spirit that makes the Magnolia State such a remarkable place to call home.\n\nAs Christians, we also pause to reflect on the incredible gift God gave us through the birth of His Son.\n\nIn Him, we find perfect love, enduring hope, and the promise of peace that the world cannot offer. His life teaches us to love others, as He first loved us.\n\nChrist\u2019s example calls us to comfort the hurting, support the weary, and serve those in need.\n\nAs we dwell on the wonders of this season, let\u2019s remember to express gratitude for the men and women in uniform who are spending this season far from home and their families to protect the freedoms we hold dear.\n\nWe are also thankful for our first responders and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy.\n\nMy prayer for every Mississippian is that your Christmas is filled with hope, love, and peace. And may God bless you in the year ahead.\n\nFrom my family to yours, I wish you a blessed Christmas and a new year full of promise.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.justice.senate.gov/press-releases/senators-justice-warner-introduce-bipartisan-bill-child-care-supply-tax-credit-act-of-2025", "Senators\u00a0Justice, Warner Introduce Bipartisan Bill,\u00a0Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act\u00a0of 2025", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "James C. Justice", "J000312", "www.justice.senate.gov", "justice", "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Recently, Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced S.3534, the Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act of 2025, to address the nationwide childcare shortage and increase childcare supply for families across the country:\n\n\u201cChildcare providers simply can\u2019t afford to pay their workers enough without passing those high costs on to parents. Families in West Virginia and across the country are spending thousands of dollars just to secure reliable childcare \u2013 it must be addressed. By creating a targeted tax credit tied directly to caregiver wages, we can pay the people who take care of our kids what they deserve while giving our hard-working families some breathing room,\u201d said Senator Jim Justice.\n\n\u201cFrom health care premiums to groceries to utility bills, life is only getting more and more expensive for American families, and for many, the math simply doesn\u2019t work without affordable child care. Child care is the foundation that allows parents to earn a living while providing kids with the head start they deserve. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to address the workforce challenges contributing to our nation\u2019s child care crisis,\u201d said Senator Mark Warner.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nChildcare providers operate on razor-thin margins; therefore, they typically can\u2019t pay their workers well. But families can only afford to pay so much for childcare, meaning providers can\u2019t raise their prices to offer competitive wages. Poor pay leads to high turnover, difficulty attracting qualified staff, centers operating below licensed capacity, and even facilities permanently closing\u2014only adding to the childcare shortage. In West Virginia alone, families need an additional 20,000 childcare spots.\n\nThe Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act of 2025 creates a new tax credit for eligible childcare providers to help offset the cost of employee wages, allowing providers to increase worker wages, retain talent, and increase childcare supply.\n\nThe general business tax credit is equal to five percent of their childcare worker base wage\u2014meaning all wages paid to employees that provide direct care to children. In rural regions\u2014practically all of West Virginia\u2014centers would be eligible to receive a tax credit worth seven percent.\n\nThe bill allows the credit to be paid directly to nonprofit providers, like churches, and in-home daycares.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=182BD663-CD18-4A42-9C95-7B67265B69C7", "McConnell, Shaheen in The Washington Post: Russia Isn\u2019t Winning Its War On Ukraine.", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Jean Shaheen (D-NH) submitted the following op-ed published by The Washington Post:\n\nIn the early days of Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration gave Congress its assessment of Ukraine\u2019s ability to hold back Russian forces. The projection was bleak. Kyiv, they said, would fall in weeks, if not sooner.\n\nYet, the Russian tanks that attempted to topple Ukraine\u2019s democratically elected government were either destroyed or forced to retreat. By April, not only had Putin failed to install a friendly government in Kyiv, his military couldn\u2019t secure a foothold anywhere near Ukraine\u2019s capital. Instead, Ukraine successfully confined Russia\u2019s troops to the far east of their country, where Russia has tried to steal territory since 2015.\n\nAfter almost four years of fighting, Russia has lost about a third of its strategic bombers, and it continues to lose equipment at significantly higher rates than Ukraine. It is Russia that has borne more than 1 million casualties, dead and wounded, in grinding battles of its own making. Pundits who predicted a quick Ukrainian defeat were wrong in 2022, and they are wrong today.\n\nAlong the way, Republicans and Democrats alike criticized the Biden administration\u2019s excessive caution in refusing to provide Ukraine the weapons it needed, when they could have made the biggest difference. It is more than plausible that the Ukrainians could have achieved a decisive victory and lasting peace if they were simply granted the fighter jets, air defenses and long-range weapons when they initially requested them from President Joe Biden. But American assistance was often too little, too late.\n\nIn prolonging Putin\u2019s aggression, this hesitation also gave China, Iran, North Korea and other nations working together to undermine American interests new reasons to doubt our credibility and strength.\n\nFortunately, the opportunity for President Donald Trump to end this conflict on favorable terms for Ukraine, America and the West has not passed. But he must not continue to make the same miscalculation that his predecessor made in 2022.\n\nAdministration officials say that the \u201cfall\u201d of the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk is a bellwether for what\u2019s to come for Ukraine. Yet, Pokrovsk, whose population was only around 60,000 even before the war, has yet to fall. And in the entire year and a half that the Russians have spent trying to take this relatively small city, their minuscule gains have come at staggering material and human costs.\n\nRussians are paying an extraordinary economic price in pursuit of Putin\u2019s lust for glory and blood. Russian oil and gas revenue have fallen more than 30 percent due to attacks on its energy infrastructure. The Kremlin has been selling gold to stabilize its finances and shield elites from the true cost of Putin\u2019s war. And roughly a quarter of Russian companies are now bankrupt or at risk. Russia cannot afford the war it is fighting, but it can prolong it.\n\nPutin may be playing for time, but he is not dragging out this conflict because it is his preferred tactic. He is dragging it out because he cannot achieve a decisive victory. He\u2019s hoping that slow, grinding attrition will divide the West.\n\nInstead, the United States must stand with European allies investing heavily in their own defense and far exceeding American support to Ukraine. If there are economic fruits of peace, they lie in cooperation with an innovative, Western-oriented Ukraine and a resurgent Europe, not in a bankrupt, backward Russia.\n\nEnvoy Steve Witkoff has been to Moscow six times since the administration took office and worked to get Putin an invitation to the U.S. Yet, just as the Russians have barely moved in their ground offensive against Ukraine, they have not moved an inch in negotiations with the U.S.\n\nIt is fair to ask what the U.S.\u2019s endgame should be. Wars end when leverage changes. If the U.S. and its allies want a negotiated end, the only proven, viable path is to strengthen Ukraine\u2019s position, not to weaken it. Abandoning Ukraine or granting Russia what it cannot win on the battlefield will not bring lasting peace. Putin wants more than Donbas \u2014 he denies Ukrainian sovereignty outright. And his ambitions extend to the Baltic states and other nations once held captive by the Soviet empire.\n\nCongress has an array of bipartisan tools to increase pressure on Putin. In October, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced measures to tighten sanctions enforcement, restrict Chinese support for Russia\u2019s war machine and authorize transferring frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The Trump administration\u2019s recent sanctions against Lukoil and Rosneft have had a profound effect, but much more is required.\n\nAdditional investment in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative \u2014 which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the National Defense Authorization Act and the Senate\u2019s defense appropriations, and which is spent here at home to reconstitute America\u2019s defense industrial capacity \u2014 would bolster European contributions and help ensure Ukraine has the air defenses, long-range weapons and industrial support needed to sustain a position of strength.\n\nPutin is betting the U.S. will talk itself into believing Ukraine cannot succeed. The past four years show the opposite. Ukraine has defied every expectation, including our own. Kyiv is not losing, and Moscow is not winning. It is up to Washington to match Ukraine\u2019s resolve with the clarity this moment demands.", 1, "2026-04-03T05:34:17Z", "2026-04-03T05:35:48Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=985E345A-876F-43F0-8209-35ECE6E48A7C", "Sen. Moran Visits All 105 Kansas Counties in 2025", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", "moran", "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "MANHATTAN, KS \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement after visiting Wabaunsee County, completing visits to all 105 Kansas counties in 2025:\n\n\u201cVisiting each of the 105 counties in Kansas and having conversations with Kansans during these stops helps guide my efforts to represent our state in Washington, D.C. This year, I focused on visiting rural hospitals and was able to meet with nurses and doctors at 49 Kansas hospitals and hear directly from them about the unique challenges of delivering essential care in rural communities. Whether touring a hospital, speaking with veterans, stopping at local businesses or family farms, meeting students, or participating in civic groups, I appreciate Kansans sharing with me the challenges they are facing and their ideas to improve life in our state. I\u2019m grateful for the kindness and hospitality shown to me during these visits, and I look forward to future opportunities to meet with and learn from those in communities in every corner of Kansas.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-miami-herald-time-to-fix-our-broken-health-care-system-empower-patients-and-drive-down-costs", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott in the Miami Herald: Time to Fix Our Broken Health Care System, Empower Patients and Drive Down Costs", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to the editor of the Miami Herald responding to a recent piece demanding solutions to the health care crisis Obamacare created for our nation, which continues to fail Floridians and Americans. In his response, Senator Scott highlights his push to deliver those solutions with his More Affordable Care Act that will put families \u2014 not insurance companies or Washington bureaucrats \u2014 back in control of their health care by empowering patients with their decisions, increasing transparency in health care, and driving down costs.\n\nIn the letter, Senator Scott wrote, \u201cIt\u2019s heartbreaking to see Floridians struggle to afford health care\u2026Growing up, my family was poor. My mother drove hours to the nearest charity hospital so my brother, who had a hip disease, could receive care. It shouldn\u2019t be this hard for Americans to get health care that\u2019s affordable and works for them. I want to fix that.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cDemocrats created Obamacare, but Republicans must fix it. If we don\u2019t, we\u2019re just rubber-stamping what we all acknowledge is a broken system full of broken promises. That\u2019s why I\u2019m working to pass my More Affordable Care Act\u2026\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cMy bill would drive down costs by allowing Americans to make decisions and empowering them with the information they need to make the best health care choices for their families.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cWe can pass this bill today to bring change that will drive down costs for families.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter to the editor in the Miami Herald HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sens-rick-scott-john-fetterman-introduce-disclosing-investment-in-foreign-adversaries-act-to-protect-american-investors-from-adversarial-countries", "Sens. Rick Scott, John Fetterman Introduce Disclosing Investment in Foreign Adversaries Act to Protect American Investors from Adversarial Countries", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Rick Scott and John Fetterman announced the introduction of the Disclosing Investment in Foreign Adversaries Act to provide transparency for Americans into investments made by American private equity firms into countries of concern, such as Russia or Communist China, so Americans are not unknowingly investing their hard-earned savings and retirement funds into U.S. adversaries. The legislation addresses this problem by requiring private equity, mutual funds, and ETFs to annually disclose the percentage of any assets invested in countries like China to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); requiring the SEC to publicly release a report of firms investing assets in countries of concern and the percentage of those invested assets; and requiring entities selling stock in the private markets to disclose the recipient of the investment, the intended location of the investment, and the investment\u2019s intended purpose.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cOur adversaries, like Communist China and Russia, benefit from the current status quo that grants them a complete lack of transparency, and currently, our financial markets enable and often help fund their bad behavior. These foreign adversaries lie, cheat, steal, and abuse their own people using the power of American investment dollars, and without public disclosure and accountability, they can get away with it. I am proud to lead this bill to provide Americans transparency on how their savings are being invested, and which companies and regimes they may be supporting. We have to stop sending Americans\u2019 hard-earned dollars to fuel our enemies\u2019 hate against us.\u201d\n\nSenator John Fetterman said, \u201cYou work hard for your money, and you should absolutely know how it\u2019s being invested, especially if it boosts the economies of our adversaries. This bill protects the interests of hardworking Americans and our great country, while making sure firms publicly disclose what they are doing. When I think of \u2018America first,\u2019 this bill is a good example.\u201d\n\nThe Disclosing Investment in Foreign Adversaries Act, which Senator Scott introduced last Congress, is the latest of Senator Scott\u2019s bills to hold Communist China accountable for working to destroy America\u2019s financial systems, including a five-bill package aimed at protecting American investors from China\u2019s financial exploitation and legislation cracking down on Chinese influence in American markets.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-trump-signs-rounds-wounded-knee-bill-into-law", "President Trump Signs Rounds\u2019 Wounded Knee Bill into Law", "2025-12-20", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today issued the following statement after President Trump signed Rounds\u2019 bill, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, into law.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump has officially signed the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act into law,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThe land at this symbolic and sacred site will now be held in possession of both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes to be preserved for future generations. I\u2019m pleased that our work on this legislation over the past three years has paid off. We will continue to tell the story of Wounded Knee and the events that occurred at this location 135 years ago this month.\u201d\n\nThe Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act would place 40 acres of land at the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre into restricted fee status, making certain that the land is held by both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes for generations to come.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nRounds first introduced the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act in June 2023. Ryman LeBeau, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and Frank Star Comes Out, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, testified on the legislation in a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing. The committee later unanimously passed legislation, but was blocked from passing the full Senate.\n\nRounds later reintroduced the bill to the 119th Congress in January 2025. The Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in March 2025, and unanimously passed the full Senate on December 11, 2025. This legislation is cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nClick HERE to read full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-statement-on-cynthia-lummis/", "Barrasso Statement on Cynthia Lummis", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WY", "John Barrasso", "B001261", "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "barrasso", "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement regarding Senator Cynthia Lummis\u2019 (R-Wyo.) announcement that she won\u2019t be running for reelection.\n\n\u201cCynthia Lummis is a perfect senator for Wyoming. From Miss Frontier Days to the Wyoming Legislature to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate \u2013 Cynthia has never stopped fighting for the people of Wyoming.\n\n\u201cCynthia is a straight shooter and a trailblazer. We\u2019re going to miss her infectious energy and iconic laugh in the halls of the U.S. Senate. I\u2019m grateful we have another year to work side by side serving the people of Wyoming.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/blackburn-unveils-national-policy-framework-for-artificial-intelligence", "Blackburn Unveils National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) unveiled a section-by-section summary of The Republic Unifying Meritocratic Performance Advancing Machine intelligence by Eliminating Regulatory Interstate Chaos Across American Industry (TRUMP AMERICA AI Act). This legislative framework would codify President Trump\u2019s executive order to create one rulebook for artificial intelligence (AI) that protects children, creators, conservatives, and communities from harm while ensuring the United States wins the global race for AI supremacy.\n\n\u201cInstead of pushing AI amnesty, President Trump rightfully called on Congress to pass federal standards and protections to solve the patchwork of state laws that have hindered AI innovation,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cI look forward to introducing the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act in the new year to create one federal rulebook for AI to protect children, creators, conservatives, and communities across the country and ensure America triumphs over foreign adversaries in the global race for AI dominance.\u201d\n\nTRUMP AMERICA AI ACT\n\nBelow is a summary of how Senator Blackburn\u2019s TRUMP AMERICA AI Act would protect the \u201c4 Cs\u201d (children, creators, conservatives, and communities) from exploitation, abuse, and censorship and ensure American AI companies can innovate without cumbersome regulation. This framework includes legislation Senator Blackburn has previously introduced, the Kids Online Safety Act and NO FAKES Act, to protect children and creators.\n\nProtecting Children\n\nPlaces a duty of care on AI developers in the design, development, and operation of AI platforms to prevent and mitigate foreseeable harm to users.\n\nRequires AI platforms to conduct regular risk assessments of how algorithmic systems, engagement mechanics, and data practices contribute to psychological, physical, financial, and exploitative harms.\n\nReforms Section 230 by incentivizing the development and utilization of blocking and filtering technologies that empower parents to restrict their children\u2019s access to objectionable or inappropriate online material.\n\nRequiring interactive computer services to notify users that parental control protections (such as computer hardware, software, or filtering services) are commercially available that may assist the user limit access to material that is harmful to minors.\n\nRequires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17 to protect children from sex trafficking, suicide, and other abuses.\n\nRequires covered platforms to exercise reasonable care in the design and use of features that increase minors\u2019 online activity to prevent and mitigate harm to minors (e.g., mental health disorders and severe harassment).\n\nRequires covered platforms to provide certain safeguards to minors, such as protections for minors\u2019 data; tools for parents of minors, such as access to minors\u2019 privacy settings; and a mechanism for account holders and visitors to report harm to minors on the platform.\n\nProhibits covered platforms from conducting market or product research on children under the age of 13 and may only conduct research on those under the age of 17 with parental consent.\n\nEstablishes requirements for companies providing AI chatbot and companion services to protect kids.\n\nPrevents systemically important platforms from disseminating sexual material harmful to minors.\n\nProtecting Creators\n\nCreates a federal right for individuals to sue companies for using their data (personal, copyrighted) for AI training without explicit consent and requires affirmative consent for data use in AI models, addressing issues like unauthorized scraping of creative works.\n\nAddresses the use of non-consensual digital replications in audiovisual works, images, or sound recordings by:\n\nHolding individuals or companies liable if they produce an unauthorized digital replica of an individual in a performance.\n\nHolding platforms liable for hosting an unauthorized digital replica if the platform has actual knowledge of the fact that the replica was not authorized by the individual depicted.\n\nDeems derivative works generated, synthesized, or produced by an AI system without authorization as infringing works, which would be ineligible for copyright protection.\n\nPreserves and promotes competition among AI developers by mandating nondiscriminatory access to licensed content.\n\nProtecting Conservatives\n\nCombats the consistent pattern of bias against conservative figures demonstrated by Big Tech and AI systems by requiring:\n\nAudits of high-risk AI systems to undergo regular bias evaluations to prevent discrimination based on protected characteristics, including political affiliation.\n\nHigh-risk AI systems cover those that could pose significant risks to health, safety, rights, or economic security, including those in education, employment, law enforcement, or critical infrastructure.\n\nFederal agencies and covered entities to provide AI ethics training to personnel.\n\nCovered entities are any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity engaged in the development, deployment, or operation of AI systems, including federal agencies, that meet thresholds established by the Federal Trade Commission.\n\nProtecting Communities\n\nRequires certain companies and federal agencies to issue reports on AI-related job effects, including layoffs and job displacement to the Department of Labor (DOL) on a quarterly basis.\n\nRequires the DOL to compile data on AI-related job effects and publish a report to Congress and the public.\n\nRequires data center operators to be responsible for the full cost of all energy and water infrastructure needed for their operation, including construction, maintenance, and upgrades with no impact on ratepayers.\n\nClick here to read the full section-by-section summary of the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act.\n\nENDORSEMENTS\n\nThis legislative framework is supported by Mike Davis and Steve Bannon:\n\n\u201cSenator Marsha Blackburn\u2019s TRUMP AMERICA AI Act is a major MAGA victory that follows President Trump\u2019s leadership in putting America first in the AI race while protecting our values and our freedoms. This bill protects the Four C\u2019s: children, conservatives, communities, and creators. This bill finally forces Big Tech to build in real guardrails... It pushes back on blue-state speech policing and bias mandates, ensuring AI isn\u2019t weaponized to silence lawful viewpoints. It prioritizes American workers and infrastructure... Finally, the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act establishes national rules on training data, deepfakes, and AI-generated knockoffs so artists, writers, and innovators get paid and protected. President Trump\u2019s executive order set the national policy: end the 50-state patchwork, stop coercive \u2018algorithmic discrimination\u2019 mandates that force false outputs, and preempt unlawful state overreach. Senator Blackburn\u2019s bill puts that vision into action... This is how we make America the global leader in AI: a single, constitutional framework that unleashes our entrepreneurs, safeguards our rights, and serves our people. President Trump is leading. Senator Blackburn is delivering. Congress should pass the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act and keep America great, and first, in AI,\u201d said Mike Davis, Founder and President of the Article III Project.\n\n\u201cOver the summer, Senator Blackburn led the movement to defeat the AI amnesty push in the One Big Beautiful Bill, and she has been a fierce advocate in protecting all Americans from the abuse of AI. The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act would establish an enforceable federal standard to ensure that tech bros can\u2019t get rich by exploiting Americans in the AI Wild West,\u201d said Steve Bannon, Host of the War Room on Real America\u2019s Voice News.\n\nRELATED\n\nVIDEO: Blackburn Leads Effort to Remove AI Moratorium from Big Beautiful Bill, Protecting Tennessee Creators & Kids from Harm\n\nBlackburn, Blumenthal, Thune, and Schumer Introduce the Kids Online Safety Act", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-u-s-senator-katie-britt-joins-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-discusses-trump-accounts-at-the-treasury-department/", "ICYMI: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Discusses Trump Accounts at the Treasury Department", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Katie Boyd Britt", "B001319", "www.britt.senate.gov", "britt", "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Commissioner of the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) Frank Bisignano, and co-founder of Airbnb and Chief Design Officer of the National Design Studio Joe Gebbia at the Treasury Department this week to discuss Trump Accounts\u2014a central component of the Working Families Tax Cut Act that invests in the next generation of Americans in unique and historic way.\n\nFollowing remarks from Secretary Bessent and Speaker Johnson, Senator Britt joined Gebbia for a fireside chat to discuss Trump Accounts. Excerpts from their conversation are below, and a full video can be found here.\n\nOn how President Trump and Republicans are laser focused on securing the American Dream for the next generation:\n\n\u201cLook, this is transformational \u2026 And so many of us remember being in the hospital and having this beautiful baby \u2026 and you start to think of all that you want to provide for your child. And the immediate things you think about are what\u2019s right in front of you. You know, diapers and the right car seat for safety \u2026 But ultimately, what you want for your child, for every child, is a chance at the American Dream.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnd look, after the last four years of the previous administration \u2026 with the inflation and just the cost of life in general, many people felt like that [American] Dream was out of reach. And the incredible thing about the Working Families Tax Cut is that President Trump said, \u2018No, we\u2019re going to make good on the promises we made to the American people. We are going to see these parents and help them provide that opportunity. And we want the next generation to be better off as a result of our leadership.\u2019 And I think there is no\u2026greater evidence of that than these accounts.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnd when we\u2019re looking at America and the fact that we are that shining city on the hill, everybody wants to be a part of that \u2026 How do we create a pathway for these kids maybe in an underserved community or have not previously had access to have the ability to achieve that American dream? And that\u2019s what this does. And we are going to look back on this moment and see that it not only changed our nation and how we work together, from government to companies to philanthropist, but it is truly going to change lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cLook, there is no doubt that under President Trump\u2019s leadership, the Republican Party has become the party of families. We have become the party of parents. We\u2019ve become the party of hard-working Americans. And so, to get to be a part of delivering on that has really been incredible.\u201d\n\nSenator Britt alongside SSA Commissioner Bisignano, Treasury Secretary Bessent, Speaker Johnson, and Joe Gebbia.\n\nOn her successful efforts to make child care more affordable and accessible in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act:\n\n\u201cOne of the other things that I was proud to lead the effort [on] in the Working Families Tax Cut [Act] was actually addressing the affordability and accessibility of child care. So, it doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re talking to our largest manufacturers or our smallest business on a main street in a community in Alabama, they tell you being able to recruit and retain a workforce is one of the things that they deal with. And one of the issues that they have with that is affordability and accessibility of child care \u2026 So, this is transformative because we\u2019ve heard people talk about affordability of child care for years. President Trump and this administration and the Republican Senate and House actually did something about it.\u201d\n\nWhat They Are Saying:\n\nSCOOP: Sen. Katie Britt kicks off launch of Trump Accounts alongside Secretary Bessent, Speaker Johnson, and more\n\nBessent unveils new Trump Accounts website as part of push to encourage saving for children\n\nBessent announces hedge fund manager Ray Dalio will personally donate to \u2018Trump accounts\u2019\n\nBillionaire Ray Dalio joins push to fund Trump Accounts: \u2018Been fortunate to live the American Dream\u2019\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-applauds-passage-of-2026-national-defense-authorization-act/", "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Applauds Passage of 2026 National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Katie Boyd Britt", "B001319", "www.britt.senate.gov", "britt", "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined her colleagues in voting to pass the final version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Today, President Trump signed the bill into law. In addition to bolstering our nation\u2019s defense, the FY26 NDAA includes several measures secured by Senator Britt that will directly benefit Alabama.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA has passed annually for 65 years in a row and is one of our nation\u2019s most important pieces of legislation. I\u2019m proud to have supported the FY26 NDAA, which executes on President Trump\u2019s and Senate Republicans\u2019 commitment to strengthen our nation\u2019s military capabilities and warfighter, ensure America remains equipped to meet 21st-century threats, and maintain our global military leadership,\u201d said Senator Britt.\n\nThe FY26 NDAA returns the Department of War to its warfighting mission, assists President Trump in securing our border and defending our homeland, builds on military recruitment efforts that continue to reach record highs, strengthens deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, and pushes back against Russian aggression and terrorist activity. The legislation also includes a number of wins for Alabama.\n\nOn how the FY26 NDAA delivers for Alabama, Senator Britt said, \u201cThe role that Alabama plays in our national defense is incalculable. Ensuring our state continues to play a central role in bolstering our warfighter and defense capabilities is pivotal, and I\u2019m proud to have helped deliver continued investment in our state.\u201d\n\nAlabama Wins in the FY26 NDAA:\n\nMilitary Construction at Alabama Bases:\n\n$50 million for an access control point at the Anniston Army Depot.\n\n$55 million for a propulsion systems building at Redstone Arsenal.\n\n$64 million for a general-purpose warehouse at the DLA distribution center in Anniston.\n\n$28 million for area maintenance support activity at Maxwell Air Force Base.\n\nBolstering Innovation through Investments in Defense Capabilities:\n\n$3.9 million for missile enhancement with electric motor prototypes\n\n$7 million for infantry support weapons, including combat aviation aircrew enhancement\n\n$18 million for air defense command, control, and intelligence, including air and missile defense common operating picture\n\n$239 million for M-VEST for Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD)\n\n$10 million for an embedded hypersonic seeker in Navy RDT&E\n\nThe FY26 NDAA also addresses readiness concerns at Alabama bases, including the understaffing of gate guards like at Redstone Arsenal by authorizing contract guards to augment existing force protection options at military installations, expedites construction of Space Command\u2019s headquarters in Huntsville, and more.\n\nIt also overhauls the broken acquisition system so companies in Alabama can get new programs moving faster and with less red tape. As a result, Alabama\u2019s defense industry will see faster contracts, fewer regulatory barriers, and greater demand.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-tax-credit-to-help-families-and-small-businesses-prepare-for-natural-disasters/", "Cassidy Introduces Tax Credit to Help Families and Small Businesses Prepare for Natural Disasters", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Shelter Act to help families and small businesses protect their homes and properties from future natural disasters and combat rising insurance costs. The legislation would create a first-of-its-kind disaster mitigation tax credit for families and business owners in disaster-prone areas.\n\n\u201cEverybody in my state has lost someone or something they love because of flooding. This is another tool for families to minimize that loss,\u201dsaid Dr. Cassidy.\n\nThe Shelter Act allows Americans to write off 25 percent of qualifying mitigation expenses, up to $3,750 per taxpayer, to help homes and businesses reinforce their properties against natural disasters such as flood, wildfire, hail, and wind. This would be the first-ever federal tax incentive to help families and businesses invest in disaster resilience and mitigation ahead of time, helping offset the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars spent on natural disaster recovery each year.\n\nThe Shelter Act is supported by: National Institute of Building Sciences, National Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Reinsurance Association of America (RAA), and Satellite Condominiums LLC.Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) as well as U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL-27) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-kennedy-introduce-resolution-commemorating-bicentennial-of-centenary-college-of-louisiana/", "Cassidy, Kennedy Introduce Resolution Commemorating Bicentennial of\u00a0Centenary\u00a0College of Louisiana", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced a resolution commending Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its bicentennial for its contributions to higher education in Louisiana and across the country.\n\n\u201cFor 200 years, Centenary College of Louisiana shapes leaders and serves the Shreveport community and our entire state,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cIts bicentennial is a celebration of the past and the bright future ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor 200 years, Centenary College has helped shape Louisiana\u2019s leaders, strengthened the Shreveport-Bossier community, and upheld the best traditions of higher education. This bicentennial is a testament to the college\u2019s resilience, academic excellence, and lasting impact on our state. I\u2019m proud to see the Senate pass my resolution honoring this great institution,\u201d said Kennedy.\n\n\u201cCentenary is proud to be Louisiana\u2019s oldest college. For two hundred years, the college has been preparing students to serve our state, region, and nation as physicians, scientists, clergy, business people, artists, and so much more. We are grateful for the support of our community and are excited to being our third century of service,\u201d said Dr. Christopher Holoman, President, Centenary College.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-ricketts-republican-colleagues-support-president-trumps-executive-order-to-stop-politically-motivated-debanking/", "Cassidy, Ricketts, Republican Colleagues Support President Trump\u2019s Executive Order to Stop Politically Motivated Debanking", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today joined U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Republican colleagues in urging the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to combat politically motivated \u201cdebanking\u201d in line with President Trump\u2019s recent Executive Order. The senators called on the OCC to ensure access to financial services is based on objective, individualized, risk-based standards and not political discrimination. In recent years, conservative, religious, and other lawful organizations have reported being denied or stripped of banking services based on their beliefs or affiliations, raising serious concerns about discrimination within the financial system.\n\n\u201cAs the OCC works to implement the E.O., we encourage you to fully assess and address the negative impacts of voluntary debanking,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\n\u201cThe OCC should consider rulemaking to eliminate politically motivated, voluntary debanking and require financial institutions to offer financial services based on objective and individualized risk-based analysis,\u201d continued the senators.\n\nCassidy and Ricketts were joined by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Justice (R-WV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Jim Risch (R-ID) in sending the letter.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here or below.\n\nDear Comptroller Gould:\n\nWe write to you to express our support for President Trump\u2019s \u201cGuaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans\u201d Executive Order (E.O.). As you work to finalize the E.O., we want to highlight the need to address all forms of politically-motivated debanking.\n\nWe are encouraged by the progress already made by the Trump Administration, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) under your leadership, to eliminate all remaining vestiges of Operation Choke Point\u201d (OCP) and \u201cOperation Choke Point 2.0\u201d (OCP 2.0). In your statement in support of the E.O., we were pleased to see that you already removed reputational risk from OCC guidance and that you intend to ensure unlawful debanking is not repeated in the future. In order to effectively eliminate the harmful effects of OCP 1.0 and 2.0, an exhaustive review of all relevant federal government guidance documents, regulations, and internal policies is necessary. We appreciate your steadfast commitment to achieving that objective.\n\nDespite the end of OCP 1.0 and 2.0, some financial institutions continue to adopt discriminatory policies voluntarily. While we are starting to see companies update their policies, action must be taken to stop this voluntary-type of debanking in the future. As the OCC works to implement the E.O., we encourage you to fully assess and address the negative impacts of voluntary debanking. As a part of this effort, the OCC should consider rulemaking to eliminate politically motivated, voluntary debanking and require financial institutions to offer financial services based on objective and individualized risk-based analysis \u2013 a process that began during President Trump\u2019s first term.\n\nAgain, thank you for your leadership and commitment to a sound, thriving financial system. We support the OCC\u2019s efforts to orient federal financial service industry regulations, guidance, and enforcement away from political discrimination to ensure all individuals have access to necessary banking services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-bill-to-combat-cartels-in-mexico-signed-into-law/", "Cornyn Bill to Combat Cartels in Mexico Signed into Law", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Partnership for Advancing Regional Training and Narcotics Enforcement Response Strategies (PARTNERS) Act, which requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to recommend future additional joint training with Mexican military forces to combat cartels, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:\n\n\u201cTexas shares more than 1,200 miles of common border with Mexico, and bilateral cooperation is essential to stop the flow of deadly drugs and keep people safe,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThis law will empower the Department of War to train Mexican military forces in counternarcotic efforts to crack down on cartels and bolster the national security of both countries.\u201d\n\nSen. Angus King (I-ME) is a cosponsor of this legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe PARTNERS Act will create a military-to-military pilot program through the DoD to bring Mexican military forces to the U.S. to receive tactical training that they can employ in Mexico to counter transnational criminal organizations (TCO), including cartels, weapons dealers, drug traffickers, and human smugglers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-blumenthal-colleagues-bill-to-combat-child-exploitation-signed-into-law/", "Cornyn, Blumenthal, Colleagues\u2019 Bill to Combat Child Exploitation Signed into Law", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released the following statements after their PROTECT Our Children Act, which would reauthorize and modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:\n\n\u201cThe Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has a long history of equipping our law enforcement officers with the tools needed to safeguard children online and hold perpetrators accountable,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation will reauthorize and update this critical program to address the evolving digital threat landscape and protect our children from these heinous crimes, and I\u2019m glad it is now the law of the land thanks to President Trump.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe PROTECT our Children Act\u2014bipartisan legislation to fight child exploitation and abuse online\u2014is now law,\u201d said Sen. Blumenthal. \u201cPut into action, our measure will ensure that Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces and their law enforcement partners have the tools and resources they need to protect kids from online predators and hold bad actors accountable.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe threats children face are growing by the day, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure law enforcement has the resources needed to protect them,\u201d said Sen. Blackburn. \u201cBy signing the PROTECT Our Children Act into law, President Trump has reauthorized and modernized the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program to help identify predators, stop abuse, and keep kids safe.\u201d\n\nSen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is also a cosponsor of this legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education. This national network of 61 coordinated task forces represents more than 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in both proactive and reactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions.\n\nFrom 1998 to 2022, ICAC Task Forces trained more than 826,700 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other professionals on techniques to investigate and prosecute ICAC-related cases. They also reviewed more than 1.4 million reports of online child exploitation, which resulted in the arrest of more than 123,790 suspects.\n\nThe PROTECT Our Children Act would:\n\nUpdate and modernize the requirements for the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, including requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to provide detailed, useful information on efforts to protect children nationwide;\n\nProvide liability protection for ICAC Task Forces in the course of conducting criminal investigations of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child abuse material;\n\nMake needed technical improvements and clarifications to the statutory text of the program to match it to current technology and needs;\n\nFocus the ICAC program on both proactive and reactive investigations;\n\nAnd reauthorize the ICAC Program through 2028.\n\nThe PROTECT Our Children Act is endorsed by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), National Children\u2019s Alliance, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Rights 4 Girls, National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), Raven, Fraternal Order of Police, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).\n\nSen. Cornyn has long championed the ICAC Task Force Program and has led its reauthorization efforts in the U.S. Senate since 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-celebrates-trump-admins-water-delivery-agreement-with-mexico/", "Cornyn Celebrates Trump Admin\u2019s Water Delivery Agreement with Mexico", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement celebrating the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) agreement with Mexico to meet their water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty and the arrival of Mexico\u2019s delivery to the U.S.:\n\n\u201cAfter many months of pressure from the Trump administration and myself, I am pleased that Mexico has finally agreed to deliver more water it owes under the 1944 Water Treaty and has started to make those disbursements to the United States this week,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThanks to the hard work of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, farmers and ranchers in South Texas can finally begin to have some certainty on the water deliveries they need to ensure their crops and livestock can thrive, and I will continue working with the administration to ensure the United States receives the water we are owed.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost South Texas\u2019 water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. In addition to securing more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage, he led a request earlier this year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to force Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio\u2019s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays.\n\nLast year, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to NADBank urging for the restoration of their Water Infrastructure Fund, raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico\u2019s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill. The Senator also introduced legislation in November to hold the Mexican government accountable for not meeting its water delivery requirements.\n\nUnder the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande\u2019s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers\u2019 ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers\u2019 ability to provide water to livestock.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-cortez-masto-colleagues-outbound-investment-measures-signed-into-law/", "Cornyn, Cortez Masto, Colleagues\u2019 Outbound Investment Measures Signed into Law", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Michael Bennet (D-CO), along with Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), released the following statements after their outbound investment measures to safeguard the United States\u2019 national security against threats posed by countries of concern like China, Russia, and Iran by prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investments in certain technologies in such countries, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cThe need to address capital flowing from the U.S. to countries of concern was realized during the first Trump administration, and my legislation presents a generational opportunity to confront the threats China, Iran, North Korea and others pose to our national and economic security,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThis landmark legislation will prohibit and require notification of U.S. investments in certain technologies in countries of concern, ensuring American ingenuity, innovation, and investment do not end up in the hands of adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party to be weaponized against us. I am grateful to colleagues past and present for their contributions to this effort, and I appreciate President Trump signing it into law as part of the annual defense bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see this critical bill I worked on alongside Senator Cornyn to protect our national security signed into law,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cThe future of our national security is reliant on making sure we remain ahead of our adversaries in the race to develop cutting-edge technologies like AI and semiconductors, and this law will help ensure that American investments do not go toward helping Communist China develop these technologies.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation takes a strong step in providing the Trump administration with the tools it needs to protect our national economic security. As Americans, we benefit immensely from our free markets and open investment environment. But we must ensure that we are not fueling the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s efforts to undermine our military strength and national security,\u201d said Senate Banking Committee Chairman Scott.\n\n\u201cThis is an important step toward ensuring the United States remains the world\u2019s leader in advanced technology. Our bipartisan bill will help ensure that we develop the most sensitive and cutting-edge technology here in America rather than supercharge its development in countries that do not share our values. I\u2019ll keep fighting to protect our economic and national security from threats posed by China,\u201d said Ranking Member Warren.\n\n\u201cOur military has long maintained a strong innovative and technological advantage over the Chinese Communist Party, but that advantage is eroded when American financial institutions invest in CCP-controlled companies developing technologies that could hand the future of warfare to America\u2019s adversaries,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cIt is a shame Congress has to step in to instill some sense of patriotism into Wall Street, but our national security interests demand it. I applaud Senator Cornyn for leading this critically important legislation to make Americans safer at home and to maintain an arsenal of freedom that gives our men and women in uniform the edge they need to defend our interests around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the inclusion of Outbound provisions in the NDAA, the Senate has maintained its steadfast commitment to stopping the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s development of advanced technology that threaten America\u2019s national security. It is vital that we continue to prevent the harmful flow of U.S. investment into China for the development of technology like semiconductions, AI, and quantum computing,\u201d said Democrat Leader Schumer. \u201cI am proud to have championed this legislation that will help to protect our national security and ensure that the United States maintains a competitive edge in the critical technologies our military relies on.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican capital shouldn\u2019t subsidize the growth of Communist China\u2019s military and surveillance state,\u201d said Sen. Ricketts. \u201cThe FIGHT China Act will address national security threats. It will protect American capital, intellectual property, and innovation from supporting Communist China\u2019s malign ambitions.\u201d\n\n\u201cPassing the FIGHT China Act into law will give us a critical leg up against competitors in the development of cutting-edge technologies and will help us better protect our nation\u2019s security,\u201d said Sen. Kim. \u201cThe successful bipartisan effort speaks to how vital it is that we ensure Americans\u2019 investments do not bolster our competitors\u2019 ability to threaten us.\u201d\n\n\u201cChina\u2019s growing influence in emerging technologies poses a serious threat to our national and economic security,\u201d said Sen. McCormick. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to see this commonsense legislation included in the NDAA and headed to the President\u2019s desk. It will help prevent U.S. investment from supporting the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s military modernization in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs China backs Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine, hacks U.S. infrastructure, and threatens our allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific, we must prevent U.S. investments from fueling China\u2019s development of advanced technologies with potential military uses,\u201d said Sen. Bennet. \u201cThis important legislation will protect U.S. national security by screening and blocking these investments. I\u2019m glad to see it become law.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and John Fetterman (D-PA).\n\nBackground:\n\nBuilding on Sen. Cornyn\u2019s previous efforts to increase transparency and prohibit investments by American entities in sensitive technologies in China, and in conjunction with the Trump administration\u2019s America First Investment Policy, the outbound investment measures included in the conferenced National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to require notification of or prohibit U.S. investments in certain technologies in countries of concern, including:\n\nThe People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC);\n\nCuba;\n\nIran;\n\nNorth Korea;\n\nRussia;\n\nAnd the Maduro Regime.\n\nNotifiable technology includes semiconductor technology and microelectronics, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, quantum information technologies, high-performance computing, and supercomputing hypersonic systems. Prohibited technology includes advanced semiconductor technology and microelectronics, artificial intelligence systems, quantum information technologies, high-performance computing and supercomputing hypersonic systems.\n\nLastly, the legislation would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) against PRC entities that engage with the PRC military and intelligence sectors.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-kelly-bill-to-boost-military-service-recruiting-signed-into-law/", "Cornyn, Kelly Bill to Boost Military Service Recruiting Signed into Law", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their bill to promote U.S. military recruiter access to secondary schools and attract the next generation of service members was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:\n\n\u201cAs the global threat landscape evolves and grows more complex, it\u2019s vital that we attract, develop, and retain top talent to boost military readiness,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cBy expanding U.S. military recruiters\u2019 access to high schools, we can enlist the next generation of advanced warfighters to serve under the bold leadership of President Trump and defend America\u2019s interests at home and abroad.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen I was young, the U.S. Navy gave me purpose, direction, and the chance to be part of something much larger than myself. Our country needs more young people willing to step up, challenge themselves, and take advantage of these opportunities that come from military service,\u201d said Sen. Kelly. \u201cWe\u2019re making sure recruiters have fair access to schools so students who want to serve their country can get accurate information and a real path to do it.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSen. Cornyn championed these provisions in the NDAA FY26 to ensure U.S. military service recruiters have the same access to high schools as colleges and prospective employers, so students can fully understand the benefits of military service and pursue it as a viable path after graduation. A recent CRS report analyzed military recruitment and goals for bringing new personnel into the Armed Forces to ensure our nation has a trained, robust, and fully manned military workforce.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-whitehouse-colleagues-bill-to-equip-law-enforcement-with-trauma-kits-signed-into-law/", "Cornyn, Whitehouse, Colleagues\u2019 Bill to Equip Law Enforcement with Trauma Kits Signed into Law", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statements after their Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act, which will equip law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits so they can respond immediately if a civilian or fellow officer experiences a traumatic injury during a call, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cWhen responding to medical emergencies, time and access to the right tools can mean the difference between life and death,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThis law will equip law enforcement officers with high-quality trauma kits to prevent deaths due to blood loss and give patients the best chance of survival.\u201d\n\n\u201cPolice officers serve on the frontlines in their communities every day, and they are often first on the scene in medical emergencies,\u201d said Sen. Whitehouse. \u201cOur bipartisan law will provide officers in the field with emergency trauma kits, and fund standardized training to allow them to better protect the public and save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a strong supporter of our brave men and women in law enforcement, I am proud to co-introduce the Improving Police CARE Act which would equip them with the tools they need to keep our communities safe,\u201d said Sen. Tillis. \u201cEnsuring law enforcement officers have effective trauma kits will save countless law enforcement and civilian lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cAll Americans are better off when law enforcement officers have the resources they need to do their jobs when emergencies strike,\u201d said Sen. Coons. \u201cAs co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I\u2019m proud that this bipartisan, commonsense legislation will become law and more police officers will have the trauma kits they need to save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is imperative that law enforcement officers have the resources and training they need to save lives,\u201d said Sen. Durbin. \u201cBlood loss injuries are too often deadly, especially in rural areas where it can take longer for patients to receive emergency medical care. Now that the bill is signed into law, the bipartisan Improving Police CARE Act will establish standards for trauma kits used by law enforcement, ensuring that our officers have the right tools to respond to injuries immediately and continue to serve our communities.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Ashley Moody (R-FL), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) are cosponsors of the legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nTrauma kits play a vital role in preventing deaths due to blood loss. Between 30-40% of trauma-related deaths are caused by hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled bleeding, with 33-56% of them occurring before the patient arrives at the hospital. During the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, tourniquets and tourniquet training were widely adopted by the military for their lifesaving potential in combat. This practice has since been embraced in civilian populations given its clear survival benefit. In fact, one study found that patient survival was six times more likely when a tourniquet was used, underscoring the critical need for timely bleeding control. This is especially true in rural areas where the average EMS response time is typically double that in urban areas. Having access to a trauma kit and early bleeding control can help bridge this gap and mean the difference between life and death.\n\nThe effectiveness of a law enforcement trauma kit program depends in part on the contents and the quality of the kits. Medical professionals recommend that a kit include bleeding control supplies like tourniquets, bandages, non-latex gloves, scissors, and instructions. However, there is enormous variation in the products available on the market.\n\nThe Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act will:\n\nEstablish baseline standards in consultation with law enforcement and medical professionals for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG);\n\nAnd require the development of optional best practices that law enforcement agencies can adapt for training law enforcement officers to use trauma kits and for deployment and maintenance of the kits in vehicles and government facilities.\n\nThe law is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Society of Trauma Nurses, the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the American Trauma Society.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/pres-trump-signs-cornyn-bill-to-advance-defense-innovation-artificial-intelligence-into-law/", "Pres. Trump Signs Cornyn Bill to Advance Defense Innovation & Artificial Intelligence into Law", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act, which will codify a portion of President Trump\u2019s AI Action Plan and enable the Department of War (DoW) to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute to advance defense innovation, workforce development, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:\n\n\u201cOur Senior Military Colleges already excel at preparing the next generation in warfighting capabilities, and now is the time to build on that success by answering President Trump\u2019s call to create a hub for AI research, development, and talent acquisition at one of these prestigious institutions,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThis law will empower the Department of War to establish and lead a cutting-edge AI Institute so we can streamline integration of emerging technologies in our defense sector and maintain America\u2019s decision-making advantage over foreign adversaries.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is a cosponsor of this legislation, and Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) led companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder the first Trump administration, Congress passed the National AI Initiative, which authorized $500 million to develop new AI institutes. Building on these efforts, President Trump released an AI Action Plan in 2025 that included a renewed focus on developing AI talent for the Department of War (DoW), specifically calling to \u201cGrow our Senior Military Colleges into hubs of AI research, development, and talent building, teaching core AI skills and literacy to future generations. Foster AI-specific curriculum, including in AI use, development, and infrastructure management, in the Senior Military Colleges throughout majors.\u201d\n\nSen. Cornyn\u2019s legislation codifies this provision in President Trump\u2019s AI Action Plan by enabling the DoW to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute at a Senior Military College (SMC) in the United States.\n\nThe new AI Institute will bridge academic and government industry divides to streamline integration of advanced technologies for defense systems and intelligence services responses. Specifically, the National Security AI Institute will host testbeds for defense-related AI data management, reliable AI, and AI readiness that give the United States an enduring decision-making advantage. Senior Military Colleges play a central role in developing a skilled workforce capable of implementing these emerging technologies to strengthen national security and defense capabilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-highlights-fair-access-to-banking-at-senate-banking-committee-hearing", "Cramer Highlights Fair Access to Banking at Senate Banking Committee Hearing", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for video. Click here for audio***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 As part of its commitment to improve economic opportunity and rebuild the economy, the U.S. Senate held a hearing on fair access to banking. During the hearing, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) highlighted his Fair Access to Banking Act, a response to the practice commonly referred to as debanking, in which banks discriminate against law-abiding industries and groups by refusing to provide financial services to them.\n\nIn preparation for the hearing, Cramer submitted a recent report on debanking released by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency last week. The report details debanking activities practiced by some of the largest banks in America.\n\nCramer began his questioning by asking Dean of the University of Wyoming College of Law Julie Hill, a banking and commercial law expert, about her earlier testimony regarding reputational risk, which is sometimes created by rumors and exploited by regulators, creating uncertainty.\n\n\u201cAs bad as bad regulation is, bad regulators are worse, and as bad as regulators are, uncertainty is even harder,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cAnd the reality is that reputation comes from rumors and rumors of rumors as much as it does from bad regulation. If we don't put some guardrails on the debanking side, we leave decisions up to a variety of views, political views and otherwise, both in the industry and with the regulators.\u201d\n\nHill described her research, explaining how in a study on reputation risk, it was almost always ancillary to other risky or illegal actions.\n\n\u201cSo they find a bank that engaged in money laundering, and they say, \u2018You shouldn't have engaged in money laundering, because it's illegal, and it causes reputation risk,\u2019 or they find a bank that opened unauthorized accounts, and they say, \u2018You shouldn't open unauthorized accounts, because it's illegal, and it causes reputation risk,\u2019\u201d said Hill. \u201cIn those instances, reputation risk isn't really doing anything. We might 100% agree that it exists, but regulators don't need that tool to stop that illegal behavior or that risky behavior.\u201d\n\nHill continued, \u201cReputation risk becomes troublesome when it acts all on its own. So when it's just reputation risk, when you can't point to a violation of the law or increased financial risk, that's when regulators can use it just to punish people for political reasons. And in that case, it's not doing anything to make the financial industry safer. It's just politicizing the regulators, and that's what's wrong.\u201d\n\nCramer also asked about the mixed signals sent by regulators because of a lack of guardrails. \u201cSome people would submit to you that the regulators are sort of a useful excuse for bankers to do what they want anyway. And I might ask each of you, if you think there's some truth to that, because we're seeing bankers who, on one hand, especially large banks, have said, \u2018we're never going to do that.\u2019 And then, there's a change in the administration. They say, \u2018we didn't really say that.\u2019 And then, of course, they wait later, and then they go with political winds. Do you think it's the banks as much as regulators?\u201d\n\nHill explained how the secrecy surrounding financial supervision as making \u201cit very easy for both the regulators and the banks to point at the other and cast blame, and we never really know who's telling the truth.\u201d\n\nCramer referred to his Fair Access to Banking Act, which would eliminate the ability of banks to use ambiguous terms such as reputational risk to discriminate against customers and penalize banks for denying services based on anything other than empirical data consistent with the banks\u2019 established, impartial risk-management standards. He asked witnesses for their perspective on whether \u201ca penalty, or enforcement mechanism help hold those banks accountable [\u2026] and provide for better guidance? [\u2026] Does prohibiting debanking imply a mandate to bank?\u201d\n\nKathleen Sgamma, a Principal at Multiple-Use Advocacy which represents the oil and gas sector, responded by stressing the importance of regulators refraining from encouraging debanking \u201cthe biggest issue over the last five years from my industry has been making sure the regulators can\u2019t use all these levers. To me, that's the really important part.\u201d\n\nDean Hill concluded by explaining \u201cbanks benefit from government supervision and government insurance, which they pay for. So at least in theory, you should be pricing that into your bank model. But the truth of the matter is that there are customers, which it is just difficult to profitably bank. That can be people who overdraw their account or bad credit risks, or it could be marijuana businesses, where the compliance burden is just so high that when you price that into the cost of the account, it becomes prohibitive. I think that there is something of a line between de-banking and being forced to bank, but you've got to be careful about it, because...it will be very difficult, for a bank, to bank some customers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-army-corps-of-engineers-releases-final-environmental-review-for-dapl", "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Releases Final Environmental Review for DAPL", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for video. Click here for audio***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Dakota Access Pipeline. After months of illegal protests and costly bureaucratic delays, Judge James Boasberg issued a highly partisan ruling in March 2020 requiring the EIS.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, released a statement following its publication:\n\n\u201cThis announcement of the Dakota Access Pipeline\u2019s final Environmental Impact Statement has been nearly a decade in the making, for one EIS over a couple hundred yards. The Dakota Access Pipeline has already been safely operating for over eight years, which we all know in North Dakota. It moves millions of barrels of oil every single week, which just proves that an EIS is nothing more than a very expensive formality.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe opposition and delay from within the Obama and Biden administrations was never about the environment or public safety, frankly everyone knows that pipelines are the safest and most environmentally friendly way to move product. But it was kowtowing to a fringe of activists and serial litigants who have as their goal nothing more than killing fossil fuels. Requiring the EIS was pure regulatory abuse, in my view, but it does confirm what we already knew: the Dakota Access Pipeline is operating safely, and it gets Bakken crude to market cleaner, safer, and quicker than any other mode of transportation. Finalizing the EIS and finally granting the easement puts this waste of time in the rearview mirror, thank goodness, so we can finally focus on what really matters: American energy dominance.\u201d\n\nThe National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of major federal actions, in this case an easement covering 0.21 miles of federal land under Lake Oahe. During the Obama administration, on July 25, 2016, the USACE published a final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Mitigated Finding of No Significant Impact for the DAPL crossing of Lake Oahe. Litigation was filed against the USACE on this determination. The Obama administration allowed thousands of protesters to illegally reside on USACE land causing serious public safety issues and environmental damage, including 9.8 million pounds of garbage and hazardous materials cleanup at taxpayer expense. After President Donald Trump took office, the USACE granted the easement on Feb. 8, 2017, allowing construction to be completed. Judge Boasberg ordered a remanded EA on June 14, 2017, which was completed in Aug. 2018, but rejected by the court on March 25, 2020. The court then ordered a full EIS.\n\nThe DAPL has safely delivered crude oil since becoming operational on June 1, 2017. Nevertheless, several federal court decisions have directed further analysis under NEPA. This is the third NEPA analysis covering the roughly 1,000-foot reservoir crossing provided by the USACE in over nine years. The Record of Decision is expected 30 days after after EIS publication in the Federal Register.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-backs-bill-to-bolster-aviation-safety", "Crapo Backs Bill to Bolster Aviation Safety", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ID", "Mike Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", "crapo", "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo joined Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), John Boozman (R-Arkansas) and Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) in support of the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act. The bill Senator Crapo co-sponsored would make certain the revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) is invested in bolstering aviation and airport security.\n\n\u201cPassenger security fees should be used as intended\u2014to fund aviation security activities,\u201d said Crapo. \u201cYears of diverting these funds have hampered TSA\u2019s ability to implement modernized screening technologies, particularly at checkpoints with high passenger volumes.\u201d\n\nAirline passengers currently pay a fee of $5.60 per each one-way ticket, intended to fund aviation security. Since 2014, more than $13 billion of the collected fees have been diverted to non-security uses, and this legislation would end that diversion and invest these fees back into airport security.\n\nThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of passengers and their luggage daily, providing services at 2,400 security lanes at the nation's 420 airports.\n\nThe SAFEGUARDS Act would:\n\nAllocate $500 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems (EDS); and\n\nSet aside $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements, including at exit lanes.\n\nTSA has screening checkpoints at all six of Idaho\u2019s major commercial airports, including Boise Airport (BOI), Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH), Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (LWS) and Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-joins-dave-ramsey-to-discuss-timeshare-transparency-act", "CURTIS JOINS DAVE RAMSEY TO DISCUSS TIMESHARE TRANSPARENCY ACT", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "UT", "John R. Curtis", "C001114", "www.curtis.senate.gov", "curtis", "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here or the image above to watch the interview\n\nDuring the interview, the two highlighted years of consumer complaints and financial data showing the vast majority of timeshare buyers regret their purchases but are locked into long-term contracts with escalating fees and little to no ability to exit. Ramsey concluded the interview calling on his listeners to urge their Representatives and Senators to support the TTA.\n\nCurtis on the TTA:\n\nIt\u2019s pretty simple: first, you should know what you\u2019re buying\u2014there should be transparency; second, you should know if there\u2019s going to be radical changes to what you\u2019ve bought; and third, you should be able to change your mind within an agreed upon period of time. And then, let\u2019s face it, if 85% of the people regret getting into it, there needs to be some way for them to get out of it.\n\nOn the 14-day penalty-free cancellation period:\n\nRamsey: From my understanding, a 14-day penalty free cancelation period will cut their sales by 70%\u2014you\u2019ll probably put them out of business.\n\nCurtis: If any business is dependent upon getting people to do something they don\u2019t want to do, then they perhaps should go out of business. Now, my goal is not to put them out of business, my goal is just to make it so people can trust what they\u2019re getting into.\n\n. . .\n\nMany of the people that get into these are seniors\u2014they\u2019re away from their normal support structure when they get into these very, very high-pressure sales techniques, then they maybe make a bad decision, and then they don\u2019t have a window to change that decision. That\u2019s just wrong.\n\nOn the timeshare re-sale market:\n\nRamsey: There\u2019s no backing out, and there\u2019s no way to sell the stupid thing, because nobody wants to buy them. There are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of them for sale on eBay for $1\n\nCurtis: Yes, and the reason is, they now come with the liability of these monthly or annually fees that are so exorbitant, far greater than any amount of money that you could spend to have a really great vacation\u2014that\u2019s why they\u2019re worthless.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/2025/12/19/daines-urges-airlines-to-increase-flights-from-montana-for-fcs-championship-game/", "Daines\u00a0Urges Airlines to Increase Flights from Montana for FCS Championship Game", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", "daines", "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "Presses Airlines to Give Montana Fans \u201cA Chance to Witness History\u201d\n\nU.S. SENATE \u2013 U.S. Senator Steve Daines today led a letter with Senator Tim Sheehy and Representatives Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and Troy Downing (MT-02) to airline CEOs urging them to increase flight options from Montana to Nashville, Tennessee, in advance of the FCS National Championship Game. The letter was sent to the CEOs of Delta, American, Southwest, and United.\n\n\u201cHistory will be made this Saturday in Bozeman, Montana. For the first time, the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State University Bobcats football teams will meet in the postseason with the winner earning themselves a spot in the NCAA Division I Football Championship in Nashville, Tennessee on January 5, 2026\u2026\n\n\u201c\u2026though the game has yet to be played, we do know a Montana school will be heading to Nashville for the championship game regardless of the outcome. And although Montana will be a state divided this weekend, both Cats and Griz fans can agree that there\u2019s nothing like watching and cheering on your team in-person. Unfortunately, current air service options to Nashville from Montana in the days leading up to the game are limited and liable to sell out quickly. That is why we are asking that your airlines work to increase service to and from Montana for the big game.\n\n\u201cBy increasing access to affordable air service, you will be giving Montana fans of all ages the chance to witness history. As proud Montanans, we hope all fans will be able to take part in this special moment with their team.\n\n\u201cThank you for your consideration and may the best team win!\u201d they wrote in the letter.\n\nRead the full letterHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/2025/12/19/dainescalls-on-doj-to-defend-2a-rights-stand-with-lawful-gun-owners/", "DainesCalls on DOJ to Defend 2A Rights, Stand with Lawful Gun Owners", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", "daines", "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "U.S. SENATE \u2013 U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined Representative Andrew Clyde (GA-09) in leading a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice urging them to adopt the positions of the drafters of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provision that eliminated the $200 National Firearms Act (NFA) excise tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) and \u201cany other weapons\u201d (AOWs) and end its support for the unconstitutional NFA registration regime that remains.\n\n\u201cWe write to inform the Department of Justice of Congress\u2019s position and intent regarding ongoing litigation challenging the National Firearms Act\u2019s (NFA) registration and transfer requirements for non-taxed NFA firearms, following the enactment of President Trump\u2019s landmark Second Amendment victory in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). In enacting this bill into law, Congress affirmed its position that the taxation and registration provisions of the National Firearms Act are inseparably linked, and it expressed its intent to repeal the NFA\u2019s registration and transfer requirements by eliminating the associated taxes on certain firearms and silencers. In light of the Department\u2019s recent filing opposing this interpretation, we must express our serious concern and disappointment that the Department of Justice has chosen to advance a theory that not only conflicts with Congress\u2019s express intent but also disregards the constitutional structure upon which the NFA has rested since 1934. Therefore, we again urge the Department of Justice to adopt and advance Congress\u2019s stated position in all litigation concerning these provisions, to ensure that congressional intent is accurately represented and upheld before the courts.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn fact, when Congress reduced the Obamacare penalty to $0 during President Trump\u2019s first term, the Department of Justice refused to defend the underlying flawed law. The Department is fully empowered to decline to defend statutory provisions that no longer rest on a valid constitutional basis. It has exercised that authority before, and it must do so again here \u2013 this time in defense of Americans\u2019 Second Amendment rights.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nThanks to Senator Daines\u2019 efforts in the Senate, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act contained a provision that reduced the $200 excise tax on suppressors, SBRs, SBS, and AOWs for the first time ever. By eliminating the NFA tax on certain firearms, it was the intent of those who worked to include the provision to repeal the transfer and registration requirements under the NFA for these firearms as well. Despite this intent, the DOJ has chosen to defend the constitutionality of the zero-dollar tax in court.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=FFB95124-F789-4360-8B8E-249CA251CBF6", "Fischer Leads Nebraska Delegation in Support of America\u2019s First Transcontinental Railroad", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) led the entire Nebraska congressional delegation in a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, urging approval of the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern in order to create the nation\u2019s first transcontinental railroad.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers underscore the merger\u2019s widespread support among labor unions and rail customers across key industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. Due to Nebraska\u2019s central location, the state serves as a vital freight-rail corridor and ranks among the top five in the nation for freight-rail employment. Since 1862, Union Pacific has been headquartered in Omaha and currently employs more than 5,000 individuals across the state, contributing millions of dollars to Nebraska\u2019s economy each year.\n\nFull text of the letter is here and below.\n\nDear Chairman Fuchs, Vice Chair Schultz, and Member Hedlund:\n\nWe write in support of the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. We trust that, after a thorough review, the Board will approve this merger, bringing about the nation\u2019s first transcontinental railroad.\n\nAs the Board conducts its review, we believe the benefits associated with the new transcontinental railroad will demonstrate that this merger will enhance competition and provide value to the public. The reduced interchange delays will result in decreased transit times and increased service reliability. The new routes and expanded intermodal service also provide significant new opportunities for shippers. Furthermore, the limited overlap in existing networks of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern results in only a handful of shippers seeing service decreased from two freight rail carriers to one, and we trust Union Pacific will take the necessary action to ensure continued competition for their service. We are also encouraged by Union Pacific\u2019s commitment to maintain gateway access and address associated gateway pricing.\n\nNotably, the proposed merger has received the early support of multiple labor unions, including SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the largest union in the country. Additionally, rail customers across key industries \u2014 including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy \u2014 have voiced their support, citing improved market access, greater operational flexibility, and faster, more reliable service.\n\nWe support the merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern and look forward to the opportunities generated by our nation\u2019s first truly transcontinental railroad. As you complete your review, we are confident you will find that the proposed merger serves the public interest and strengthens competition nationwide. Thank you all for your attention to this letter and for your service at the Surface Transportation Board.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/12/fischer-leads-nebraska-delegation-in-support-of-america-s-first-transcontinental-railroad", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/more-medical-residency-positions-headed-to-iowa-thanks-to-grassley-law", "More Medical Residency Positions Headed to Iowa Thanks to Grassley Law", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) announced Iowa Methodist Medical Center (UnityPoint) will receive additional Medicare funds to cover added graduate medical education (GME) residency positions in emergency medicine. The positions are a result of a 2020 law Grassley championed as then-Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee to support Iowa\u2019s growing health care workforce needs.\n\nThis is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) fourth round of residency funding. Iowa has been awarded federal funding for over 14 permanent additional GME residency positions so far.\n\n\u201cDuring my 99 county meetings, I hear from patients and health care professionals who tell me our medical workforce needs more support. We especially need more emergency room doctors in rural communities, so today\u2019s announcement is welcome news. I\u2019m gratified to see my efforts are continuing to support Iowans seeking medical care,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cThe additional Medicare-funded residency slots help address critical physician shortages here in Iowa and helps ensure Iowans continue to have access to high quality health care in their local community. Our programs consistently produce physicians and surgeons that remain in Iowa to serve Iowans. We appreciate Senator Grassley\u2019s continued work on this issue,\u201d said Dr. William J. Yost, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Medical Education and Research at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.\n\nBelow is an overview of GME residency positions CMS has awarded to Iowa hospitals:\n\nBackground:\n\nWhile chairing the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley worked in 2020 to add 1,000 additional Medicare-funded GME residency positions nationwide to strengthen America\u2019s health care workforce \u2013 particularly in rural and underserved communities. This was the largest increase in Medicare-funded residency positions in over 25 years.\n\nFollowing further Grassley oversight, CMS confirmed it intends to meet the 10% rural hospital distribution threshold in the overall distribution of 1,000 residency positions. Grassley highlighted the importance of distributing medical residency positions to rural areas during a May 2024 Finance Committee hearing, in a March 2025 Finance Committee nomination hearing and on the Senate floor in May 2025.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-national-defense-matters", "Q&A: National Defense Matters", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: Why is the national defense bill an annual priority?\n\nA: National security is the number one responsibility of the federal government. For 65 years in a row, Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that shapes defense policies, from nuclear weapons to cybersecurity, drones, troop pay and military construction. As customary, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees conducted a series of hearings throughout the year to dig into the details of the massive legislative package that forms the blueprint for America\u2019s national defense. The $900 billion, 3,086-page bipartisan bill outlines defense priorities for the coming fiscal year to ramp up military readiness and beef up support for our nation\u2019s men and women in uniform, including a 3.8% pay raise, better housing, child care and health benefits. For example, the defense bill on its way to the president\u2019s desk paves the way for improved access to specialty care for service members by lowering the mileage for travel reimbursement for medical appointments from 100 to 75 miles. It allows members of the National Guard and reserves called up to active duty to enroll their children in Defense Department schools and bumps up the family separation allowance for deployed service members. These improvements signal to members of the Armed Forces that Uncle Sam stands shoulder to shoulder with our troops for the service and sacrifice they make for freedom and liberty.\n\nOn December 13, 2026, two Iowans made the ultimate sacrifice while serving overseas in Syria. Sergeant William N. \u201cNate\u201d Howard of Marshalltown and Sergeant Edgar B. Torres-Tovar of Des Moines were members of the Iowa National Guard Second Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. I attended the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base to pay tribute to these fallen heroes on their solemn homecoming in flag-draped cases and introduced a Senate resolution with Sen. Joni Ernst honoring their service and sacrifice. The ambush attack also killed a civilian interpreter and injured three service members from the Iowa National Guard. The terrorist attack is a stark reminder of the courage, patriotism and sacrifice these fallen heroes gave to their country and affirms why it\u2019s imperative to ensure the full measure of the federal government supports the needs of our troops. That\u2019s why I work every year to strengthen the annual defense authorization bill, including my efforts to protect defense dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. Every dollar lost to fraud is one less dollar for military readiness and our troops.\n\nQ: What measures did you work to secure in the defense bill before final passage?\n\nA: I pushed successfully for authorizing funds for Iowa\u2019s military installations, including $220 million for projects at the 185th Air Refueling Wing at the Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City and $13.8 million for the vehicle maintenance shop at the Waterloo Armory. As a longtime advocate for the Rock Island Arsenal, I also supported bipartisan measures to beef up its minimum workload and encourage a public-private partnership to help ensure the nation\u2019s domestic arsenals stand ready long term to supply our nation\u2019s munitions needs. In addition, I worked with Sen. Dick Durbin to enhance and strengthen U.S. security cooperation with the Baltic States. Russia\u2019s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine calls for a united front to deter Vladimir Putin\u2019s aggression to resurrect the Soviet empire.\n\nAs chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I held two hearings this year to examine the threat drones pose to public safety, from smuggling weapons and drugs across our borders to spying on sensitive facilities or committing acts of terror in a crowded stadium or other public space. My bipartisan bill called the SAFER SKIES Act was included in the defense bill and expands the authority of state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement entities, as well as correctional agencies, to use counter-unmanned aircraft system technologies to stop malicious drone activity.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-republicans-confirm-14-law-and-order-nominees-to-deliver-safer-streets-for-americans", "Senate Republicans Confirm 14 Law and Order Nominees to Deliver Safer Streets for Americans", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) applauded the Senate\u2019s confirmation of 13 U.S. Attorneys and the Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) Criminal Division. The nominees were confirmed last night as part of a nominations package of 97 executive nominees, by a vote of 53-43.\n\nUnder Grassley\u2019s leadership, the Senate this year confirmed 31 of President Trump\u2019s U.S. Attorneys, which is the same number of U.S. Attorneys confirmed during the first year of the Biden administration. Four of the 31 confirmed U.S. Attorneys received blue slips from Democrat senators.\n\n\u201cU.S. Attorneys are an essential component of law enforcement \u2013 responsible for prosecuting violent criminals, protecting the public and enforcing the rule of law. Yesterday, Senate Republicans successfully voted to confirm these critical law enforcement officers to protect communities across the country. The bulk of Senate Democrats who voted \u2018no\u2019 yet again proved their disdain for the safety and wellbeing of Americans. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I\u2019ll continue working in the new year to successfully and efficiently advance and confirm President Trump\u2019s nominees,\u201d Grassley said.\n\nThe nominees confirmed last night include:\n\nAndrew Duva, to be Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division;\n\nErin Creegan, to be U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire;\n\nJerome Francis Gorgon, Jr., to be U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan;\n\nDavid Courcelle, to be U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana;\n\nBraden Boucek, to be U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee;\n\nDomonick Gerace II, to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio;\n\nBryan Stirling, to be U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina;\n\nThomas Wheeler II, to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana;\n\nAdam Mildred, to be U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana;\n\nThomas Albus, to be U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri;\n\nThomas Ferguson III, to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina;\n\nRyan Antony Kriegshauser, to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas;\n\nJames Kruger, to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi; and\n\nScott Leary, to be U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi.\n\nBackground:\n\nHistorically, U.S. Attorneys were routinely confirmed on a bipartisan basis due to their non-political and non-controversial nature. That bipartisan tradition was destroyed this year when Senate Democrats placed indefinite, blanket holds on all of President Trump\u2019s 93 U.S. attorneys. Senate Republicans overcame the partisan blockade in October, confirming 18 U.S. Attorneys as part of the first nominations package of 107 executive nominees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-army-corps-issues-final-eis-for-dapl-recommending-pipeline-maintain-operation-and-easement-be-reinstated", "Hoeven: Army Corps Issues Final EIS for DAPL, Recommending Pipeline Maintain Operation & Easement Be Reinstated", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: Army Corps Issues Final EIS for DAPL, Recommending Pipeline Maintain Operation & Easement Be Reinstated\n\nSenator Worked to Advance EIS, Sets Stage for Final Approval in Q1 2026\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Hoeven spoke with Assistant Secretary of the Army Adam Telle this morning about the EIS, which recommends that:\n\nThe pipeline operations are maintained.\n\nThe easement to cross Lake Oahe be reinstated.\n\nHoeven has been working to move the EIS process forward, having repeatedly discussed this issue with Army Corps officials. Today\u2019s recommendations align with the priorities Hoeven has advanced with the Corps and will provide certainty for energy production in North Dakota and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation.\n\nThe Record of Decision for the pipeline, which is the final approval under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, may be issued 30 days after the EIS is published in the Federal Register and is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2026.\n\n\u201cThe Dakota Access Pipeline has been operating safely for more than eight years, moving more than a half a million barrels a day of light, sweet crude from North Dakota\u2019s oil patch,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThat\u2019s energy we don\u2019t need to import from our adversaries, and this is the proven, safest method for moving the oil we need to market. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve stayed on the Corps throughout this process to ensure they reach the right decision for our economic and national security. Today\u2019s EIS sets up the final approval for DAPL in Q1 2026 and provides needed certainty for the continued operation of this critical infrastructure.\u201d\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=3613699E-B324-42B4-B51A-5EC91ADDED38", "Sen. Moran Applauds Confirmation of Ryan Kriegshauser as U.S. Attorney for Kansas", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", "moran", "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement applauding the Senate\u2019s confirmation of Ryan Kriegshauser to be the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas:\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Ryan Kriegshauser on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve as United States Attorney for Kansas. Throughout his career, Ryan has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. He cares deeply about the safety and well-being of Kansans. As a former intern for me, I know him to be someone with the character and integrity needed to carry out the duties of this role. I look forward to working with him to support law enforcement and keep our communities safe. I am grateful for Ryan\u2019s willingness to serve our state and country and wish him every success in this role.\u201d\n\nMr. Kriegshauser has served as interim U.S. Attorney for Kansas since Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed him in July. When his initial 120-day appointment expired, Chief U.S. District Court Judge John Broomes, on behalf of the Court, appointed Mr. Kriegshauser to serve in the position indefinitely while his nomination was pending before the Senate.\n\nPrior to his appointment, Mr. Kriegshauser worked in private practice after serving in the Kansas Secretary of State\u2019s Office as Deputy Secretary of State of the Office of Legal Counsel and Policy, and prior to that, as General Counsel in the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner. Mr. Kriegshauser holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and law degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. A Navy veteran of Afghanistan, he currently serves as an officer in the Navy Reserve.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.moreno.senate.gov/press-releases/moreno-secures-key-u-s-attorney-confirmations", "Moreno Secures Key U.S. Attorney Confirmations", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Bernie Moreno", "M001242", "www.moreno.senate.gov", "moreno", "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) released the following statement after Dominick Gerace II was confirmed as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. In October, Senator Moreno secured the confirmation of David Toepfer as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.\n\n\u201cBoth David and Dominick have dedicated their careers to defending the rule of law and prosecuting criminals, and I\u2019m confident they will work tirelessly to keep communities in the Northern and Southern Districts safe,\u201d said Senator Moreno. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have secured confirmations for these key roles in my first year in office.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-urges-dow-sec-hegseth-to-add-alibaba-and-other-chinese-communist-party-linked-companies-to-1260h-list", "Sen. Rick Scott Urges DoW Sec. Hegseth to Add Alibaba and Other Chinese Communist Party-Linked Companies to 1260H List", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Department of War (DoW) Secretary Pete Hegseth thanking him for his work with President Trump to put a stop to Communist China\u2019s continuous attempts to undermine critical U.S. national security infrastructure and collect the personal data of American citizens. In his letter, Senator Scott asked that the secretary continue these great efforts with the immediate addition of Communist China-based Alibaba Group Holding Limited and seven other Chinese companies with clear ties to the Chinese government and the Chinese People\u2019s Liberation Army to the DoW\u2019s 1260H list to make clear the United States will not support adversarial regimes.\n\nRead the letter HERE or below:\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth:\n\nI am writing to thank you and President Trump for your unparalleled commitment to the safety and security of the American people, especially regarding recent reports that Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA), Baidu Inc, BYD Co, and five other Chinese-based companies deserve inclusion on the Department of War (DoW)\u2019s 1260H list of Chinese military companies. I support the Department of War\u2019s conclusion.\n\nAs Salt Typhoon and the recent F5 hack have shown us, Communist China will stop at nothing and leave no tool untouched to undermine our critical infrastructure. In 2017, officials from China\u2019s top internet regulator broadcast their goal to enhance the \u201cglobal influence of internet companies like Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu [and] Huawei\u2019 and \u2018to push China\u2019s proposition of internet governance toward becoming an international consensus\u2019.\u201d Beyond this, there is ample public evidence that these companies collude with and are connected to the People\u2019s Liberation Army (PLA), both directly and through China\u2019s civil-military fusion programs, and require immediate inclusion on the 1260H list.\n\nJust last month, the Financial Times reported that a White House national security memo included intelligence on how Alibaba provides the PLA with capabilities that weaken our national security. Specifically, the memo referenced that Alibaba provided Xi and his military with sensitive customer data, including IP addresses, Wi-Fi information and payment records, AI-related services, and so-called \u201czero-day\u201d software vulnerabilities. These descriptions alone appear to meet the statutory definition of a Chinese Military Company required for list inclusion, particularly as an entity engaged in \u201cproviding commercial services, manufacturing, producing, or exporting.\u201d\n\nAdditionally, Communist China\u2019s civil-military fusion program requires companies to share technology with the PLA, and Alibaba\u2019s alleged affiliation with the PLA highlights the extent of China\u2019s military-civil fusion project \u2013 including its use of e-commerce companies to gather personal data of American citizens.\n\nBaidu\u2019s ties to Xi, the CCP, and the PLA are similarly alarming. In 2017, Baidu instituted internal Communist Party committees as part of broader corporate governance and \u201cparty-building.\u201d Earlier this year, members of Congress sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Chairman Paul Atkins warning that \u201cBaidu Maps is embedded into the Integrated Joint Operations Platform used to surveil Uyghurs in Xinjiang\u2026[Baidu has also] procured high-performance computing systems from Sugon, a Chinese military company sanctioned by the United States for aiding China\u2019s nuclear weapons program. Baidu was also selected to lead China\u2019s AI national laboratory eight years ago, and has a quantum research center with military-linked institutions. This PLA connection is especially concerning, given Baidu\u2019s artificial intelligence and advanced technology products with dual-use capabilities.\n\nThe DoW\u2019s assessment of BYD Co. as a Chinese military company is also well-founded. The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act already prevents the DoW from purchasing batteries from BYD beginning October 1, 2027 because of this connection. A 2019 report also indicates that BYD plays a significant role in China\u2019s military-civil fusion strategy and helps send advanced foreign technology back to Communist China, citing its cooperation with a PLA-linked weapons base, its research activities in military-civil fusion zones, national recognition for military-related collaboration, and close technological ties with Huawei. Similar claims have been made in Congressional hearings as well.\n\nIn May, the House Homeland Security Committee sent a letter to BYD North America and its U.S. brand, RIDE Mobility, asking for additional information on its corporate structure and whether BYD had ever been asked to comply with Communist China\u2019s National Intelligence Law, Data Security Law, or Cybersecurity Law, which would require the company to share sensitive personal data of millions of Americans with the CCP and PLA. Given the wide-ranging implications these laws could have on Americans\u2019 data and our national security, the DoW is absolutely correct to investigate and affirmatively conclude that BYD\u2019s inclusion on the 1260H list is warranted.\n\nThere is extensive, publicly available evidence that raises serious concerns regarding Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, and the five other reported PRC-based companies and their affiliations with the Chinese military. It is essential to our nation\u2019s security and the safety of American families that you add these companies to the Section 1260H list during your latest annual update, and that we keep these companies from encroaching on the lives and exploiting the data of American citizens. I urge you to work with the White House and other federal agencies to include these companies on the DoW blacklist in the coming weeks.\n\nI thank you again for your steadfast leadership of the Department of War and your commitment to protecting Americans and our national security. I look forward to your timely response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/chairman-wicker-applauds-james-mazol-s-confirmation-as-deputy-undersecretary-of-defense-for-research-and-engineering", "Chairman Wicker Applauds James Mazol\u2019s Confirmation as Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, (R-Miss.) Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on James Mazol\u2019s confirmation to be the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.\n\n\u201cI can think of no one better than James Mazol to assume these responsibilities. He has the knowledge, experience, and vision to advance the horizons of America\u2019s defense technology. I was privileged to benefit from Mr. Mazol\u2019s service on both my Commerce and Armed Services committee staffs, as well as in my personal office. His work ethic, brilliance, and integrity always stood out. The United States is safer with James Mazol in the role of Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. James has a sharp understanding of the threat environment the United States faces, particularly as it pertains to China\u2019s advancements in critical technology areas. I look forward to partnering with him and his office to meet America\u2019s defense needs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-hyde-smith-congratulate-kruger-and-leary-confirmed-to-be-u-s-attorneys-for-mississippi", "Wicker, Hyde-Smith Congratulate Kruger and Leary, confirmed to be U.S. attorneys for Mississippi", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today released the following statement on the confirmation of James \u201cBaxter\u201d Kruger of Jackson and Scott Leary of Water Valley to serve as the United States Attorneys for Mississippi\u2019s southern and northern districts, respectively.\n\n\u201cWe are pleased to congratulate Baxter Kruger and Scott Leary for their confirmation to be United States Attorneys for Mississippi. With their legal and law enforcement experience, these men have developed deep knowledge of Mississippi precedent and have exhibited sound and fair judgment in their careers. As they take on these new roles, we are confident in their leadership. We trust they will oversee federal investigations and criminal prosecutions in Mississippi with professionalism and respect for the rule of law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-kaine-applaud-bill-to-formally-end-iraq-wars-becoming-law/", "Young,\u00a0Kaine Applaud Bill to Formally End Iraq Wars Becoming Law", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IN", "Todd Young", "Y000064", "www.young.senate.gov", "toddyoung", "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) applauded the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) against Iraq. Young and Kaine\u2019s bipartisan legislation to repeal these AUMFswas included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was signed by President Trump last night.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to close the book on these forever wars once and for all,\u201d said Young, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. \u201cThis is an important step of what I like to call legislative hygiene, for Congress to formally end these two wars. The 1991 and 2002 AUMFs are no longer necessary and leaving them on the books carries risk of potential misuse. I want to thank my Congressional colleagues and President Trump for supporting this legislation and specifically thank Senator Kaine for his partnership on this effort for many years. Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of the men and women who served in these two conflicts. We honor your service and sacrifice.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq\u2014the first repeal of an authorization in more than 50 years\u2014is historic. It allows the American people, including the generations of servicemembers who served in Iraq, to finally close the book on this part of our nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees. \u201cThere have been too many instances of Congress abdicating its role in matters of war and peace, but the repeal of these AUMFs is a significant step forward in reclaiming our solemn constitutional responsibility and saying no to forever endless wars. I\u2019m thankful to the cosponsors of this legislation and my colleagues for fulfilling our duty, to the President for signing the legislation into law, and to the many advocates, veterans, and military families who worked tirelessly alongside us to get this done.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-congratulates-president-trumps-u-s-attorney-nominees-for-indiana-on-senate-confirmation/", "Sen. Banks Congratulates President Trump\u2019s U.S. Attorney Nominees for Indiana on Senate Confirmation", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "www.banks.senate.gov", "banks", "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C, \u2013 Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released a statement congratulating President Trump\u2019s nominees, Adam Mildred (Northern District of Indiana) and Thomas Wheeler II (Southern District of Indiana), on their final confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve as U.S. Attorneys for Indiana.\n\nSaid Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): \u201cAdam Mildred and Tom Wheeler both bring decades of legal experience and a deep commitment to upholding law and order. I congratulate them on their final confirmation and am looking forward to the work they will do for Hoosiers across Indiana.\u201d\n\nAdam Mildred (Nominee for United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana)\n\nAdam Mildred is currently a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Allen County and was formerly the Chief Deputy Prosecutor in Noble County. Adam is a veteran Indiana prosecutor and has prosecuted over 200 cases, including trials involving homicide, robbery, drug trafficking, and federal firearms offenses. He holds a B.S. from Ball State University and a J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.\n\nTom Wheeler (Nominee for United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana)\n\nTom Wheeler is currently the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and was previously the Acting General Counsel at the Department of Education.. He has held senior roles across the federal government, including Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice, Senior Advisor to the White House School Safety Commission, and Counsel to the Secretary of Education. Before returning to government, Wheeler was a partner at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, a top Indianapolis law firm, where he represented federal, state, and local public entities. He holds a B.S. from Indiana University and a J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-jim-banks-visits-indiana-national-guard-troops-stationed-in-washington-d-c/", "Sen. Jim Banks Visits Indiana National Guard Troops Stationed in Washington, D.C.", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "www.banks.senate.gov", "banks", "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "This morning, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) visited Indiana National Guard troops who are in Washington D.C. to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission as part of President Trump\u2019s Make America Safe Again agenda.\n\nSenator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): \u201cOur Indiana National Guard soldiers represent the best of our state. It was great to spend time with them this morning and thank them for the important work they\u2019re doing to help protect our nation\u2019s capital.\u201d\n\nPhotos available here.\n\nBackground:\n\n300 Indiana National Guard solders arrived in Washington D.C. earlier this month to assist local and federal law enforcement partners to help deter crime and maintain public order. Soldiers trained at Camp Atterbury to prepare for the mission. As the mission evolves, they will continue training alongside Joint Task Force-District of Columbia.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-introduces-the-student-loan-tax-elimination-act/", "Senator Banks Introduces\u00a0the Student Loan Tax Elimination Act", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "www.banks.senate.gov", "banks", "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C, \u2013 Yesterday, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced theStudent Loan Tax Elimination Act. This bill would eliminate origination fees for federal student loans. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) are leading the bill in the House.\n\nSenator Jim Banks: (R-Ind.): \u201cStudents deserve a fair deal when paying for college. My bill ends a hidden tax on student loans and ensures our next generation has a greater opportunity to receive a more affordable education.\u201d\n\nSenator Tim Kaine (D-Va.): \u201cStudent loan debt is holding Virginia families and the overall economy back. It should be easier, not harder, for American students to afford to go to college if that is the right path for them. That\u2019s why I\u2019m introducing this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to finally get rid of an antiquated tax on student loan borrowers.\u201d\n\nMelanie Storey, President & CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA): \u201cThe Student Loan Tax Elimination Act ensures federal student loans include only the funds needed to support educational costs \u2014 eliminating a hidden tax on students and families \u2014 and provides a key step toward greater transparency and affordability.\u201d\n\nKey Provisions of the Student Loan Tax Elimination Act are:\n\nAmend the Higher Education Act to repeal origination fees imposed upon federal student loans.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Higher Education Act of 1965 built the structure for a bank-based student lending program, a precursor to the modern student financial aid system. To help lenders manage the costs of those programs, Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans were charged a 1.057 percent fee, and PLUS loans were charged a 4 percent fee. Legislation in 2010 took all federal student loans out of the hands of private lenders and into the Department of Education. Despite this, these fees have remained.\n\nAccording to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, who supports this bill, the federal government has taken in more than $6.7 billion over a five-year period from this hidden tax. During a time where college costs continue to soar, this fee continues to artificially inflate costs for students. Repealing this fee would help students and families get a more affordable education.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/republicans-are-unleashing-american-energy-dominance/", "Republicans are Unleashing American Energy Dominance", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WY", "John Barrasso", "B001261", "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "barrasso", "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cThis Christmas, Americans will pay the lowest gas prices in five years. Across the country, families are feeling the relief that comes from returning to common sense energy policies\u2026 America is an energy superpower. Under Republicans, we are finally acting like it again.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about the impact of unleashing affordable, available, reliable American energy.\n\nSenator Barrasso also spoke about President Trump\u2019s address to the nation and the lower prices reported in this morning\u2019s inflation data.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso\u2019s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso\u2019s remarks:\n\n\u201cI come to the Floor today hearing the Minority Leader talking about the President\u2019s address to the nation last night. I listened carefully to what the President had to say, and I thought he did an outstanding job explaining what a difference a year makes. Because what the President inherited, Republicans inherited, when we took over after Joe Biden and the Democrats had been in charge, our country was weaker, our country was poorer, our country was less safe. What we\u2019ve seen is a complete reversal over the last year with a focus on significant changes.\n\n\u201cAt the border, where we now have a secure border. Most secure it\u2019s been in years and years and even decades. A huge difference on energy. We\u2019re right now going into the Christmas season. Gasoline prices are at the lowest they\u2019ve been in five years. Complete change in taxes, where the Democrats wanted to raise taxes on American families by $5 trillion. Instead, this year, as we go into next year, people are going to see a dramatic difference in lower taxes, impacting how much money they have in their pockets. And a dramatic change in national security. We now have peace through strength, and we didn\u2019t have that over the last administration.\n\n\u201cAnd then, on top of all these things, President Trump announced something called a \u2018Warrior Dividend.\u2019 That\u2019s going to give $1,776 to each and every one of our brave men and women in uniform, and there are over a million of them right now. And what a gift, and what a bonus, to thank them for their service. Oh, yes, we are dramatically changing the direction of this country. We\u2019re getting America back on track.\n\n\u201cAnd Mr. President, just this morning, we got additional good news. It\u2019s the latest inflation report. The inflation has slowed in November to 2.7 percent, and that is lower than anything anyone expected. That\u2019s a reflection of the work that we\u2019re doing. Core inflation was the lowest since March of 2021 \u2013 that\u2019s when Joe Biden and the Democrats came into office, and we faced 40-year high inflation. That\u2019s what the American people suffered through under four years of Biden and the Democrats. This is good news for consumers. It\u2019s good news for Main Street. It\u2019s good news for the country.\n\n\u201cThe evidence is undeniable. Republicans are getting America back on track.\n\n\u201cThis Christmas, Americans will pay the lowest gas prices in five years. Across the country, families are feeling the relief that comes from returning to common sense energy policies. For years, consumers struggled with sky-high energy prices. Gas prices hit $5 per gallon. Diesel prices were even higher. I\u2019ll never forget the day Joe Biden told his Environmental Protection Agency to prioritize climate over energy that was affordable, available, and reliable. That era is over. By unleashing energy that is affordable, available, and reliable Republicans are making America safer and more prosperous.\n\n\u201cA vital piece of American energy dominance is clean American coal. A few months ago, President Trump declared that American clean coal is essential for our nation\u2019s safety and prosperity. As part of the Working Families Tax Cuts, Republicans in Congress lowered the royalty rate for coal production on federal lands. The old, higher tax rate risked keeping coal in the ground. Lower rates mean higher production. This is good for Wyoming and good for America. Wyoming is America\u2019s energy breadbasket. Our Powder River Basin produces nearly half the coal in America. It is the cleanest-burning coal in the world.\n\n\u201cMore production means affordable energy. More production means more revenue for Wyoming schools. More production means more certainty for decades into the future. More production means more good paying jobs.\n\n\u201cJoe Biden tried to cripple clean coal production. His administration imposed the punishing Buffalo Resource Management Plan on Wyoming \u2013 a plan to stop mining of American coal. Republicans used the Congressional Review Act to restore sanity to energy production. Now, Wyoming coal producers in the Power River Basin can provide the coal needed to power the country. As a result, miners see a brighter future. Coal production is now up six percent since last year.\n\n\u201cAnother critical piece of American energy superiority is nuclear energy. Last year, the Senate passed my bill to ban the import of Russian uranium. President Trump is also supporting uranium production and nuclear energy as part of his all-of-the-above strategy. Uranium production in America is now booming. My home state of Wyoming is the second largest producer of uranium in America. Our production has increased nearly 100 percent since last year. Because of Republican policies, production facilities that were once dormant are now ramping up. That\u2019s because they have the certainty of business. Nuclear energy fuels 20 percent of American electricity. We need it. More power from all energy sources will bring affordable electricity prices in the future.\n\n\u201cRepublicans also ended the Electric Vehicle Mandate. We got rid of the $7,500 government subsidies to buy electric cars. When California tried to control what cars Americans could drive, we stepped in and we stopped them. Electric vehicles are vehicles Americans don\u2019t want and can\u2019t afford. We were not going to allow California to force feed us. Now, Americans are back in the driver\u2019s seat.\n\n\u201cRepublicans also removed Green New Deal regulations. We did it throughout the entire government. Taxpayers saved billions of dollars. Additionally, Republicans repealed the Biden-era tax on natural gas. That saves Americans money when they heat their home. Republicans rolled back Biden-era regulations on home appliances. Now Americans have the freedom to purchase the appliances that work best for them, their families, and their budgets.\n\n\u201cThe contrast is dramatic. Senate Democrats have no plan and no desire to make energy more affordable. Democrats may talk about affordability, yet energy costs are highest in their home states. In Senator Schumer\u2019s home state of New York, electricity prices are up 36 percent over the last six years. New York energy prices are 44 percent higher than the national average. In California, electricity prices are up 58 percent in five years. Democrats ought to take responsibility for the higher prices their policies caused.\n\n\u201cAffordable, reliable American energy is a necessity, not a luxury. It is good for our workers. It is good for our economy. It is good for our safety and security. America is an energy superpower. Under Republicans, we are finally acting like it again.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-statement-on-confirmation-of-tennesseans-jeff-hagood-and-mitch-graves-to-tva-board", "Blackburn Statement on Confirmation of Tennesseans Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves to TVA Board", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves were confirmed to the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors:\n\n\u201cToday, the Senate confirmed two outstanding Tennesseans to the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThese two Tennesseans will help achieve America\u2019s nuclear renaissance and deliver affordable and abundant energy. With Jeff and Mitch on the board, we will make certain Tennessee leads in next-generation nuclear and helps the United States win the global race for energy dominance.\u201d\n\nRELATED\n\nVIDEO: Blackburn Introduces TVA Board Nominees Mitch Graves and Jeff Hagood at Senate Committee Nomination Hearing\n\nAmerica\u2019s Nuclear Renaissance: How the TVA Can Lead Our Energy Future", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/crime/jobs and economy/immigration/video-blackburn-highlights-republicans-accomplishments-in-2025", "VIDEO: Blackburn Highlights Republicans\u2019 Accomplishments in 2025", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting some of the accomplishments achieved by President Trump and Republicans in 2025. President Trump has made America safer and stronger, fixed the Biden border crisis, restored law and order in American cities, rooted out wokeness in our institutions, secured trillions in new investments, and restored peace through strength after the four years of weakness from Joe Biden. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts passed by Republicans and signed into law by President Trump, Americans\u2019 tax refunds next year are projected to be about one-third larger than usual, or roughly an extra $1,000 per filer.\n\nClick hereto download Senator Blackburn\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor.\n\nEXCERPTS OF REMARKS", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/blackburn-welch-introduce-legislation-to-empower-visual-artists-to-protect-their-work", "Blackburn, Welch Introduce Legislation to Empower Visual Artists to Protect Their Work", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA), which would modernize copyright registration for visual artists to make it easier and less costly for high-volume visual artists to register and protect their works.\n\n\u201cVisual artists produce incredible work that deserves to be protected, but current copyright law has fallen short,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act would modernize copyright registration so creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists can protect their work and enforce their rights. This bill would fix a broken system by cutting unnecessary costs and bureaucracy, helping America\u2019s creative community thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cVermont\u2019s visual creators make significant contributions to our country, and their work should be protected. But visual artists often struggle to protect the authenticity of their work because of the unique challenges facing high-volume artists,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cWe\u2019re working to modernize copyright processes and safeguard the creativity of visual artists.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Copyright Act offers the promise that copyrightable works are automatically protected the instant they are created. This is a cruel fa\u00e7ade as those rights cannot be enforced unless each work is registered with the Copyright Office.\n\nThe registration process is so bureaucratic and complicated that the time and expense of compliance is too high for high-volume creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists.\n\nThe Copyright Office is aware of these shortcomings but has failed to address them.\n\nTHE VISUAL ARTISTS COPYRIGHT REFORM ACT\n\nThe VACRA would:\n\nDirect the Register of Copyrights to establish a process for an individual to submit a single application for copyright registration of a group of up to 3,000 photographs;\n\nAdopt a deferred copyright registration option. Under current law, the Copyright Office calculates registration fees based on their administrative costs, regardless of ability to pay or the punitive impact of high fees on photographers and all creators. These high fees ultimately result in many high-volume visual artists not registering their works because they cannot afford to do so. This bill would create a less costly \u201cdeferred examination\u201d option for those who need it;\n\nDirect the Register of Copyrights to establish regulations that allow for all-you-can-eatannual registration subscriptions for pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; and\n\nDirect the Register of Copyrights to create a modern, secure, searchable registry of electronic copies of copyrighted photos and the copyright holders\u2019 information. Until the Copyright Office can achieve this, photographers would be allowed to submit copies of their photos to Copyright Office-certified private sector registries. Depositing a photo in such a registry would satisfy all necessary copyright deposit requirements. Allowing creators to submit their deposits to third party registries rather than the Copyright Office would streamline the process while also providing the public with useful information about the deposited work. This provision would sunset when the Copyright Office is able to provide its own modern, efficient online system.\n\nClick here for bill text.\n\nENDORSEMENTS\n\nThe VACRA is endorsed by Professional Photographers of America and the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP):\n\n\u201cProfessional photographers are important to our world. They are the keepers of our societal memory,\u201d said Professional Photographers of America CEO David Trust. \u201cThe United States is the only country that requires creators to register their works before receiving full protection. It has been inexcusable that this problem has gone on for so long. We cannot praise Senators Blackburn and Welch enough for stepping in to correct the injustice.\u201d\n\n\u201cVACRA breaks down the barriers that prevent so many creators and photographers across the country from being able to protect the fruits of their life\u2019s work and passion,\u201d said ASMP Chief Executive Officer Thomas Maddrey. \u201cThese sorely needed and common-sense reforms are long overdue and are a first step in bringing so many artists back into the very copyright system that is designed to support their efforts in the creative economy. ASMP applauds Senator Blackburn and Senator Welch for their leadership and support of VACRA, and the far-reaching effects this bill will have on photographers and all visual creators in this country.\u201d\n\nRELATED\n\nBlackburn, Welch Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Musicians, Artists, and Creators from Unauthorized AI Training", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-u-s-senator-katie-britt-joins-hannity-on-fox-news/", "ICYMI: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Hannity on Fox News", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Katie Boyd Britt", "B001319", "www.britt.senate.gov", "britt", "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Sean Hannity on Fox News with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) following President Trump\u2019s end of year Presidential Address to the nation.\n\nOn President Trump\u2019s accomplishments just 11 months into his second term:\n\n\u201cHe very clearly said to the American people, I see you. And look at the things that we\u2019ve done. What he has accomplished in just these first ten, 11 months is remarkable. But I think more is yet to come. He secured our border. He did it. We passed the Laken Riley Act. It\u2019s actually the first immigration enforcement law that we\u2019ve passed in like 30 years. In addition to that, he has taken on fentanyl.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnd then you look at no men in women sports. Look, I have a daughter who plays volleyball, who plays basketball. I want her to have a fair opportunity to compete on that court. And President Trump gave her that.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s things like the Trump Accounts \u2026 if your child is born during the Trump administration, you\u2019re going to get $1,000 into this account. We\u2019re already seeing philanthropists step up. We\u2019re already seeing different businesses saying, I\u2019m going to do this for my employees. So, he is creating this public private partnership that ultimately is going to allow everyday Americans to achieve the American dream.\u201d\n\n\u201c\u2026[B]ecause after the Biden administration, with wide open borders, with total chaos abroad, total chaos, and with parents who felt like the government was in their way, President Trump has changed the dynamic, and it\u2019s a good day for our country and more to come.\u201d\n\nOn what Americans can expect to see in 2026 as a result of President Trump and Republicans\u2019 efforts:\n\n\u201cLook, we\u2019re putting more money back in Americans pockets as a result of President Trump\u2019s leadership. We\u2019re going to see it on everything. The no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, but even in childcare. It\u2019s something Democrats have talked about for years, Sean. And President Trump has led the way, allowing parents to keep more of their hard-earned money and actually tackling the affordability, accessibility of childcare. So, there are so many things that we have done that people haven\u2019t actually gotten to reap the benefits of yet, and they will next year when that happens.\u201d\n\nYou can watch the full segment here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2025/12/18/senator-budd-releases-statement-opposing-marijuana-rescheduling/", "Senator Budd\u00a0Releases\u00a0Statement Opposing Marijuana Rescheduling", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "\u201cWe should not be handing tax breaks to bad actors and foreign drug cartels to advertise a drug that will harm Americans.\u201d\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order that would reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a lower classification, easing federal restrictions on the substance:\n\n\u201cRescheduling marijuana to a Schedule III substance and putting more money in the pockets of marijuana companies is a shortsighted policy decision that will have detrimental effects on the health and safety of Americans, especially our nation\u2019s youth. The negative health impacts of marijuana are numerous and well-documented\u2014increased risk of heart attack, stroke, psychotic disorders, addiction, and hospitalization. Marijuana use contributes significantly to deadly traffic and workplace accidents, and with this action, our Department of Transportation will be unable to conduct testing for marijuana\u2014even for America\u2019s pilots and truck drivers. We should not be handing tax breaks to bad actors and foreign drug cartels to advertise a drug that will harm Americans.\u201d\n\nBUDD LEADS SENATE LETTER OPPOSING MARIJUANA RESCHEDULING\n\nYesterday, Senator Budd led 21 of his Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider rescheduling marijuana. The full text of that letter is available HERE and below:\n\n\u201cWe write to ask you to uphold marijuana\u2019s status as a Schedule I drug. Rescheduling marijuana to a Schedule III drug will undermine your strong efforts to Make America Great Again and to usher in America\u2019s next economic Golden Age. The only winners from rescheduling will be bad actors such as Communist China, while Americans will be left paying the bill.\n\n\u201cMarijuana continues to fit the definition of a Schedule I drug due to its high potential for abuse and its lack of an FDA-approved use. The evidence shows that marijuana is harmful to its users, especially to young people and women who are pregnant and nursing. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, studies show that marijuana is linked to \u201cdepression, anxiety, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes.\u201d Tragically, mass shootings have a link to marijuana use, including school shootings; in fact, the shooter who attacked a Catholic school in Minneapolis blamed his actions on \u201cgender and weed\u201d and wrote, \u201cI wish I never tried experimenting with either.\u201d Additionally, marijuana has long-term effects on brain health, including \u201cpermanent IQ loss\u201d when a person starts using marijuana at a young age. Lastly, babies are also at risk from marijuana, as marijuana use during pregnancy may result in \u201cfetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development, resulting in hyperactivity and poor cognitive function.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe cannot reindustrialize America if we encourage marijuana use. America\u2019s workplace and America\u2019s roads are endangered by marijuana use. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified studies linking marijuana use to \u201cimpaired judgment\u201d and \u201clack of concentration,\u201d as well as research finding increases in industrial accidents, injuries, and absenteeism among employees who tested positive for marijuana versus those who tested negative. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that marijuana users are more likely to be involved with car crashes and studies show that marijuana impacts motor skills, cognitive functions, and user\u2019s ability to multitask, which is a \u201ccritical skill\u201d for drivers.\n\n\u201cRescheduling would also give a massive tax break to marijuana companies. These companies are currently prohibited from taking business tax deductions under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code due to their involvement with marijuana, given its status as a Schedule I drug. According to the marijuana industry\u2019s own researchers, marijuana companies would obtain a $2.3 billion tax break if marijuana were to be rescheduled. Marijuana business leaders have said they will use this infusion of funds to increase their marketing and to expand their businesses into additional states. While supporters of rescheduling argue that extending tax benefits to marijuana businesses will create economic growth, the costs of workplace and vehicular accidents caused by increased marijuana usage far exceeds any perceived benefits\u2014not to mention the moral costs of marijuana advertising that could reach kids.\n\n\u201cIn light of the documented dangers of marijuana, facilitating the growth of the marijuana industry is at odds with growing our economy and encouraging healthy lifestyles for Americans. We urge you to continue your strong leadership of our country and our economy, and to turn away from marijuana rescheduling.\u201d\n\nJoining Senator Budd in sending this letter were Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R- W.Va.), James Lankford (R- Okla.), Roger Marshall (R- Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R- Neb.), Tommy Tuberville (R- Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R- Tenn.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Crapo (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-help-families-claim-the-earned-income-and-child-tax-credits-after-a-natural-disaster/", "Cassidy Introduces Bill to Help Families Claim the\u00a0Earned Income and Child Tax Credits After\u00a0a Natural Disaster", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act to allow disaster-impacted working families to use the previous year\u2019s income to claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after a presidential major disaster declaration.\n\n\u201cAfter a natural disaster hits, a family\u2019s ability to make a living can be wiped away just as easily as their home. We should ensure that parents who lose income keep the ability to feed their children,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nThe Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act would:\n\nPrevent families from losing access to these benefits due to temporary income loss. Congress has authorized similar temporary provisions for both the CTC and EITC following recent major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, and for all taxpayers nationwide during COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.\n\nAmend the Internal Revenue Code to allow disaster-affected taxpayers to use a previous year\u2019s income for the Child Tax Credit when the President declares a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.\n\nDesignate disaster-affected taxpayers to include individuals whose principal place of abode or principal place of work is located in a disaster zone.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-thune-introduce-bill-to-protect-louisiana-crawfish-industry/", "Cassidy, Thune Introduce Bill to Protect Louisiana Crawfish Industry", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) introduced the China Trade Cheating Restitution Act, which would direct Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to pay $38.5 million from the interest on anti-dumping duties received from Chinese imports to certain agricultural sectors harmed by China\u2019s illegal trade practices, including $10.6 million for crawfish producers.\n\n\u201cLouisiana\u2019s crawfish industry is more than just a business\u2014it\u2019s our culture. We\u2019re standing up to China\u2019s illegal attempts to hurt our producers, our processors, and our way of life,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cSouth Dakota is one of the top honey-producing states in the country,\u201d said Senator Thune. \u201cThe unfair practice of circumventing U.S. trade laws, which jeopardizes honey producers\u2019 financial security, should be met with strict enforcement and increased protections. South Dakota honey producers deserve a level playing field. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure fair treatment for affected domestic producers and strengthens their ability to compete globally.\u201d\n\n\u201cLouisiana crawfish processors have taken a beating from unfairly traded crawfish from China,\u201d said Adam Johnson of Bayou Land Seafood in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana \u2013 an industry leader. \u201cWe are fortunate to have a Senator, like Bill Cassidy, who is willing to stand up for the industry.\u201d\n\nFor years, Chinese producers have participated in trade practices known as \u201cdumping\u201d, in which crawfish is exported to the U.S. at a price below the cost of production, driving Louisiana crawfish producers out of business. While federal law instructs CBP to pass on these funds to American agricultural producers, administrative delays have prevented much of it from reaching businesses affected by China\u2019s unfair actions.\n\nIn 2000, Congress passed the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA), which instructed CBP to pay all collected anti-dumping (AD) duties and accrued interest to the U.S. producers that were injured by dumped imports. CDSOA applies to imports that entered the U.S. through September 30, 2007, but due to a range of delays, CBP is still assessing and collecting AD duties and interest on many of these imports.\n\nThe China Trade Cheating Restitution Act would:\n\nRequire CBP to distribute under CDSOA an estimated $35.6 million in accrued delinquency interest on the antidumping duties that CBP collected and wrongfully withheld;\n\nAmend the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 to move the date of interest collected by the CBP to be dispersed from October 1, 2014 to October 1, 2000 to account for substantial interest withheld by CBP beginning in 2000.\n\nCassidy and Thune were joined by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Tina Smith (D-MN) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-applauds-louisiana-opting-in-to-trump-backed-school-choice-program/", "ICYMI: Cassidy Applauds Louisiana Opting in to Trump-Backed School Choice Program", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a statement applauding Louisiana for opting in to the upcoming federal school choice scholarship tax credit. Cassidy secured this provision in Republicans\u2019 Working Families Tax Cut bill that passed earlier this year. In October, Cassidy sent letters to governors across the country urging them to opt-in to the program.\n\n\u201cI worked with President Trump to add my school choice bill to the Working Families Tax Cuts, and now Louisiana families will benefit,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe\u2019re helping parents choose the best school for their children. Thank you, Governor Landry for adding Louisiana to the list.\u201d\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy held a hearing earlier this year on how to reform K-12 education to put students and families first. He also led a resolution recognizing January 26 \u2013 February 1 as National School Choice Week.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-sheehy-introduce-bill-to-revoke-tax-exempt-status-of-cair-groups-bankrolling-terrorists/", "Cornyn, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of CAIR, Groups Bankrolling Terrorists", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced legislation that would allow the U.S. Department of the Treasury to terminate the tax-exempt status of groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that provide material support, such as finances, services, or training, to terrorist organizations. This comes as Texas announced its designation of CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m introducing legislation to strip CAIR of its tax-exempt status because no organization who bankrolls terrorists should get a tax break, period,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn.\u201cCAIR is a radical group of terrorist sympathizers with a long history of undermining American values and trying to unconstitutionally impose Sharia Law on Texas, which is why I stand behind Governor Abbott\u2019s decision to designate it as a foreign terrorist organization. I also call on President Trump to do so at the federal level to ensure this breeding ground for anti-American hate is starved of funding and forced to close its doors once and for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cRadical groups that support terrorists who chant \u2018Death to America\u2019 should not benefit from tax breaks to fund their extremist ideology,\u201d said Sen. Sheehy. \u201cI\u2019m proud to support this America First, commonsense bill to remove the tax-exempt status for organizations that support terror groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al-Qaeda.\u201d\n\nU.S. Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder current U.S. tax code, an entity\u2019s tax-exempt status is suspended if it is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a terrorist organization, which includes groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al-Qaeda. This legislation would extend the current prohibition to include organizations that provide or have provided material support or resources, such as finances, services, or training, to a terrorist organization within the past three years. In addition, the bill would establish procedures for the IRS to provide notice to those organizations, for organizations to refute the designation, and for designations to be rescinded through administrative and judicial review.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/swingin-around-the-texas-christmas-tree/", "Swingin\u2019 Around the Texas Christmas Tree", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "When it\u2019s Christmas time in Texas, as George Strait once sang, we\u2019ll be swingin\u2019 around the Christmas tree. In his hit holiday single, When It\u2019s Christmas Time in Texas, Strait delves into what this festive time of year looks like for Texans. We may not always get snow, and it may feel more like a summer day for some, but it is still Christmas, nonetheless. One tradition that keeps the holiday spirit high in our household is the Christmas tree.\n\nGoing to pick out the family Christmas tree is a memorable holiday tradition for many Texans. Siblings fight over their favorite tree, one picking the fluffy, tall fir, the other picking the short pine, but somehow always ending up with the perfect tree. Even if it\u2019s 70 degrees outside, the Christmas music makes the selection process feel magical.\n\nIt is activities like this that make Christmas in Texas so charming. As of 2022, it seems like most Texans agree. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Census of Agriculture, the Christmas tree industry in Texas is growing due to an increase in farm acreage, ongoing demand, and opportunities for new seed-improvement programs.\n\nIn 2017, Texas was home to 125 Christmas tree producers farming on 945 acres. Only five years later, the Department of Agriculture reported that there were 220 Christmas tree producers in Texas, farming on a remarkable 3,565 acres. One of our state\u2019s largest Christmas tree farms is Old Time Christmas Tree Farm in Klein, Texas. The family farm manages more than 40,000 pine and cypress trees across 40 acres, each tree planted by hand.\n\nThere are many different types of Christmas trees, ranging from pine and cypress to fir and spruce. The most commonly grown Christmas tree in Texas is the Virginia Pine. This specific species has the perfect climatic adaptability, growth rate, and form to withstand the tough Texas terrain. The Virginia Pine is even known to be the \u201canchor species\u201d of the Texas Christmas tree industry.\n\nHowever, there\u2019s a new tree on the scene that seeks to earn its place in your living room. Over the last decade, the Leland Cypress has been quietly growing in popularity. This tree is hypoallergenic and doesn\u2019t drop its needles as fast as some other species, allowing you to spend less time cleaning and more time celebrating the holidays with friends and family.\n\nAs the demand for trees rises, small-scale operations are helping to keep your local Christmas tree farm stocked. According to the Department of Agriculture, roughly 66% of Texas\u2019 Christmas tree farms are less than 10 acres in size. Many of these farms offer more than just Christmas trees. At some, you\u2019ll find an entirely immersive Christmas experience, including light shows, hot chocolate, music, fake snow, and even Santa Claus himself!\n\nAs a Texan, we know that our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of the Lone Star State. Christmas tree farms play a huge role not only in special holiday memories but also in our agriculture community, and many families rely on Christmas tree sales for their livelihood. Family-owned Christmas tree farms work hard to produce the trees that Texans love and the joyous seasonal spirit that brings communities together.\n\nWhen you are picking out your Texas-grown tree this season and decorating it with ornaments, ribbons, and lights, know that your tree is more than just a collection of branches and needles \u2013 it is pure Texas Christmas spirit. Our Texas Christmas tree farms are keeping family traditions alive and helping Texans make memories for many Christmases to come.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-arkansas-national-guardsmen", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Arkansas National Guardsmen", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 18, 2025\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Protect Arkansas National Guardsmen\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to create a 15-foot protective zone around any National Guardsmen in uniform performing domestic duties. The National Guard Protective Zone Act will ensure that any individual who attempts to intimidate or harass a Guardsmen will face consequences.\n\n\u201cThe brave Arkansans who serve in our National Guard should be protected from deranged individuals. My bill ensures that anyone who attempts to intimidate or harass a Guardsmen will face the full force of the law,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe National Guard Protective Zone Act would:\n\nCreate a federally defined \u201cprotective zone\u201d (15 feet) around any Guardsman in uniform actively performing Title 32 or Title 10 domestic duties.\n\nMandate that entering the zone with intent to intimidate, harass, or impede equates to a new federal misdemeanor.\n\nEstablish as a felony the act of touching, spitting on, or throwing any object at a National Guard member while on duty, with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to five years.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 8315, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"party\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "Republican", "p2": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 8315, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican&year=2025", 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