{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"AR\" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-hegseth-review-military-supply-chain-security/", "Cotton to Hegseth: Review Military Supply Chain Security", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nSeptember 29, 2026\n\nCotton to Hegseth: Review Military Supply Chain Security\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth encouraging a review of military supply chains, which provide troops with the weapons, food, medical supplies, and other resources needed to defend our country. This follows recent reports that F-35 components shipped from Australia to the United States were diverted to Hong Kong and are in the Chinese government\u2019s possession.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cSecuring these supply chains is critical to ensuring that our warfighters around the world have access to the most advanced equipment and technology and to ensuring that our adversaries do not gain access to U.S. technology.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nSeptember 29, 2026\n\nSecretary Pete Hegseth\n\nSecretary of War\n\nU.S. Department of War\n\n1000 Defense Pentagon\n\nWashington, D.C. 20301\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth,\n\nI write requesting the Department of War review the security of military equipment and supplies transported through commercial and contractor-managed supply chains.\n\nRecent reports revealed that F-35 components being shipped from Australia to the United States were diverted to Hong Kong. Lockheed Martin, which manages the F-35 supply chain, transported the parts via commercial carrier. Alarmingly, it was also reported that the Chinese government has taken possession of the components and has yet to return them. We can\u2019t afford for U.S. military equipment to fall into the hands of a foreign adversary because of vulnerabilities in commercial transportation.\n\nDOW relies extensively on contractors and commercial carriers to move military equipment, replacement parts, and vital supplies around the world. And while I recognize that such arrangements allow for ease and speed of movement, those advantages must not come at the expense of maintaining our military edge. Classified and designated sensitive components should receive heightened protections, but all U.S. military material can provide adversaries valuable insight into U.S. weapons systems, logistics, and readiness, as well as access to American troops. Given the complexity of these global supply chains, prioritizing national security every step of the way is vital.\n\nTherefore, I ask DOW to review (1) chain-of-custody requirements for military equipment and supplies transported by contractors and commercial carriers; (2) the Department\u2019s ability to track the location and routing of these shipments; (3) procedures for approving and reporting changes to shipping routes; (4) criteria for allowing a shipment to pass through foreign jurisdictions; and (5) safeguards to prevent military materiel from transiting through or being diverted to China and other adversary-controlled jurisdictions.\n\nSecuring these supply chains is critical to ensuring that our warfighters around the world have access to the most advanced equipment and technology and to ensuring that our adversaries do not gain access to U.S. technology. I look forward to working with you on this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-announces-support-for-bill-to-protect-arkansans-from-paying-for-data-centers/", "Cotton Announces Support for Bill to Protect Arkansans from Paying for Data Centers", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nSeptember 23, 2026\n\nCotton Announces Support for Bill to Protect Arkansans from Paying for Data Centers\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today announced support for Senator Jon Husted\u2019s (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, which would lower energy prices for Arkansans by proposing standards for state regulators to enforce when connecting data centers to the grid. The bill would codify key elements of President Trump\u2019s Ratepayer Protection Pledge by ensuring that data centers, not families or small businesses, pay for power generation and other infrastructure needed to serve their facilities.\n\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s the cure to cancer or help for their small business, Arkansans understand the great potential of data centers and American AI innovation but are also rightfully concerned about higher electricity costs. I\u2019m proud to support Senator Husted\u2019s bill that would prevent electricity prices from rising by requiring data centers to pay the full cost of grid upgrades needed to service them,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act would:\n\nPropose standards that state regulators may enforce when considering integrating new large-load customers with a demand of 100 megawatts or more onto the grid, including:\n\nRecovery of full, incremental cost of upgrades by the large-load customer over a long period of time through a special rate charge or other agreements.\n\nThis would protect utilities and their ratepayers from being left responsible for upgrade costs associated with a large-load customer, even if that customer later reduces operations or leaves the system entirely.\n\nFinancial assurances requiring the large-load customer to pay for any generation, transmission, or other infrastructure necessary to serve their load.\n\nThis would ensure large-load customers are responsible for the fixed costs associated with serving their demand rather than passing those costs on to families and businesses through higher monthly electricity bills.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-help-arkansas-seniors-obtain-timely-medicare-coverage/", "Cotton Introduces\u00a0Bill to Help Arkansas Seniors Obtain Timely Medicare Coverage", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nSeptember 23, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Help Arkansas Seniors Obtain Timely Medicare Coverage\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-New Mexico) today introduced legislation to eliminate bureaucratic red tape that impedes Arkansas seniors\u2019 access to new medical devices and services. The Ensuring Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would increase transparency by establishing deadlines for Medicare administrators to determine if a certain item or service is covered.\n\n\u201cArkansas seniors deserve access to high-quality medical treatments, and they shouldn\u2019t have to wait on the slow clock of government to obtain coverage for them. Our bill would require Medicare administrators to give seniors prompt, transparent decisions about their coverage, ensuring they can address their health concerns in a timely manner,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cMedicare beneficiaries should not have to wait years for cutting edge treatments while medical science and technology advance rapidly. Patients deserve a coverage process that is timely, transparent, and informed by qualified health experts. My Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act will bring greater accountability and certainty to Medicare coverage decisions so patients can access the care they need without unnecessary delays,\u201dsaid Senator Luj\u00e1n.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Ensuring Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would:\n\nRequire Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to report whether a Local Coverage Determinations (LCD) request is completed within 60 days.\n\nRequire MACs to issue a final decision on LCD requests within 365 days.\n\nApply the 60-day completeness determination and 365-day decision deadline to LCD reconsideration requests.\n\nRequire MACs to publicly post proposed LCD requests, supporting evidence for LCDs, coding and billing information, and written rationales before LCDs can take effect.\n\nRequire MACs to hold public meetings, accept public comments, and obtain inputs from expert panels and organizations representing Medicare beneficiaries during the LCD process.\n\nEstablish evidence-based standards for LCDs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-hill-introduce-bill-to-defend-arkansas-small-investment-firms-against-costly-regulations/", "Cotton, Hill Introduce\u00a0Bill to Defend Arkansas Small Investment Firms Against Costly Regulations", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nSeptember 22, 2026\n\nCotton, Hill Introduce Bill to Defend Arkansas Small Investment Firms Against Costly Regulations\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Representative French Hill (Arkansas-02) introduced the Small Business Audit Corrections Act, which would exempt small investment firms from hiring the same expensive Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)-registered audit firms that large Wall Street banks use. Under current law, every investment firm, no matter its size, must pay for a Wall Street-grade audit, an expense that has driven small firms in states like Arkansas out of business.\n\n\u201cWashington wrote this rule for Wall Street and then applied it to small firms on Main Street. Our bill would eliminate this one-size-fits-all requirement to ensure investment firms in Arkansas are no longer punished for their size and are instead given the chance to grow and succeed in a friendlier business environment,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cWhen we discuss regulatory relief in the financial services industry, the focus often falls on community banks. But small, privately held broker-dealers deserve that same attention. These firms serve as a gateway to the capital markets for Main Street businesses, yet they remain burdened by costly, one-size-fits-all audit requirements. That\u2019s why I\u2019m pleased to lead the House effort behind the Small Business Audit Correction Act, which will provide targeted relief for small broker-dealers in good standing, allowing them to devote more resources to growing their businesses and serving their customers,\u201d said Representative Hill.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Small Business Audit Corrections Act would:\n\nExempt privately held, small non-custodial brokers and dealers in good standing from the requirement to hire a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)-registered audit firm to meet their annual SEA Rule 17a-5 reporting obligation and would instead reinstate the previous regulatory audit requirements.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-lower-gas-prices-for-arkansans/", "Cotton Introduces\u00a0Bill to Lower Gas Prices for Arkansans", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nSeptember 22, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Lower Gas Prices for Arkansans\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to lower gas prices for Arkansans by cutting costs and increasing domestic production. The Supply Relief and Domestic Production Cost Reduction Act would cap onshore royalties, cut lease and permitting-related costs, and increase domestic production for 180 days when fuel prices, inventories, production constraints, or other emergencies indicate supply stress.\n\n\u201cArkansans are rightfully feeling pressure at the pump. My bill would lower prices by cutting red tape and boosting American energy production,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Supply Relief and Domestic Production Cost Reduction Act would:\n\nCreate a 180-day \u201csupply shortage period\u201d when fuel prices, inventories, production constraints, or an energy emergency indicate supply stress, with extensions available if the conditions persist.\n\nLower federal oil and gas production costs by capping onshore royalties at 8%, eliminating royalties for marginal wells for 24 months, and cutting royalties on incremental new production from existing leases by 50% for 36 months.\n\nCut lease and permitting-related costs during shortage periods by reducing rental payments, lowering minimum bids, and waiving or reducing certain administrative fees tied to drilling and production approvals.\n\nProvide tax incentives to boost domestic production, including immediate expensing for upstream equipment, suspension of certain federal excise taxes on domestic crude oil, and a new credit for incremental production by small producers.\n\nExpand access to federal energy resources and protect production by requiring quarterly lease sales during shortage periods, extending leases delayed by permitting or litigation, and limiting federal shut-in orders.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-designate-arkansas-delta-a-national-heritage-area/", "Cotton Introduces\u00a0Bill to Designate Arkansas Delta a National Heritage Area", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nSeptember 17, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Designate Arkansas Delta a National Heritage Area\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to designate the Arkansas Delta a National Heritage Area, which would recognize and preserve the economic, historic, and cultural importance of the Arkansas Delta and also increase federal investment and economic development in the region.\n\n\u201cFrom Jonesboro to McGehee, the Arkansas Delta is a vital part of our state\u2019s identity. By designating the Delta a National Heritage Area, my bill would recognize the region\u2019s rich history and important agricultural contributions while also delivering additional federal resources to grow the local economy and create more jobs for Arkansans,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Arkansas Delta National Heritage Area Act would:\n\nDesignate 17 Arkansas counties as a National Heritage Area (NHA), a place designated by Congress where natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources combine into a nationally significant landscape.\n\nNHA designation includes eligibility for National Park Service technical and financial assistance, which local coordinating entities use for projects like tourism infrastructure.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-burgum-accelerate-domestic-energy-production-to-protect-arkansans-from-foreign-market-volatility/", "Cotton to Burgum: Accelerate Domestic Energy Production to Protect Arkansans from Foreign Market Volatility", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallce or Hannah McCarthy\n\nSeptember 2, 2026\n\nCotton to Burgum: Accelerate Domestic Energy Production to Protect Arkansans from Foreign Market Volatility\n\nLITTLE ROCK\u2014Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum encouraging an administration-wide effort to accelerate domestic oil and natural gas development to protect consumers from foreign energy market volatility and ensure stable, low energy prices for Arkansans.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cOngoing disruptions to global energy markets and transportation routes due to the Iranian terrorist regime\u2019s aggression have demonstrated the danger of allowing American consumers to remain exposed to geopolitical supply shocks. Luckily, the United States possesses abundant oil and natural gas resources. At a time of heightened international instability, federal policy should be focused on bringing additional domestic supply to market as quickly as reasonably possible.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nSeptember 1, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Doug Burgum\n\nSecretary of the Interior\n\nU.S. Department of the Interior\n\n1849 C Street, N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20240\n\nDear Secretary Burgum:\n\nI write regarding the continued pressure on American energy prices and the need to use every lawful authority available to increase domestic energy production. I commend your August 20 Secretarial Order directing the Department of the Interior to ensure timely completion of reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, identify categories of activities that may be exempted from unnecessary review, and make greater use of alternative approaches to expedite federal decision-making.\n\nOngoing disruptions to global energy markets and transportation routes due to the Iranian terrorist regime\u2019s aggression have demonstrated the danger of allowing American consumers to remain exposed to geopolitical supply shocks. Luckily, the United States possesses abundant oil and natural gas resources. At a time of heightened international instability, federal policy should be focused on bringing additional domestic supply to market as quickly as reasonably possible.\n\nI encourage you to coordinate an administration-wide effort to identify and employ every lawful emergency authority, alternative arrangement, programmatic review, categorical exclusion, and other expedited procedure available to accelerate domestic oil and natural gas development. The Council should also consider whether temporary royalty, rental, lease-extension, suspension, or other relief available under existing law could incent incremental production from existing federal leases. By continuing the Council\u2019s systematic approach for maximizing domestic oil and natural gas production, we can keep prices low for Americans.\n\nI commend your leadership in lowering energy costs through expanded leasing, faster permitting, and regulatory relief that supports greater domestic production and energy security. I look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-praises-nearly-150-million-investment-for-arkansas-from-rural-health-transformation-program", "Cotton Praises Nearly $150 Million Investment for Arkansas from Rural Health Transformation Program", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nAugust 31, 2026\n\nCotton Praises Nearly $150 Million Investment for Arkansas from Rural Health Transformation Program\n\nLITTLE ROCK \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement praising the $149.3 million investment for Arkansas from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP):\n\n\u201cThe Republican-led Rural Health Transformation Program will expand access to high-quality healthcare for rural communities across Arkansas. I was proud to vote to create this program and look forward to seeing how this historic investment will benefit Arkansas families for years to come.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cut established the RHTP to strengthen access to healthcare in rural areas by allocating $50 billion for the program over five years. This announcement is the first round of funding for Arkansas. More information on the RHTP can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-praises-nearly-150-million-investment-for-arkansas-from-rural-health-transformation-program/", "Cotton Praises Nearly $150 Million Investment for Arkansas from Rural Health Transformation Program", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nAugust 31, 2026\n\nCotton Praises Nearly $150 Million Investment for Arkansas from Rural Health Transformation Program\n\nLITTLE ROCK \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement praising the $149.3 million investment for Arkansas from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP):\n\n\u201cThe Republican-led Rural Health Transformation Program will expand access to high-quality healthcare for rural communities across Arkansas. I was proud to vote to create this program and look forward to seeing how this historic investment will benefit Arkansas families for years to come.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cut established the RHTP to strengthen access to healthcare in rural areas by allocating $50 billion for the program over five years. This announcement is the first round of funding for Arkansas. More information on the RHTP can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-passage-of-lindsey-grahams-russia-sanctions-bill", "Cotton Statement Following Passage of Lindsey Graham\u2019s Russia Sanctions Bill", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nAugust 7, 2026\n\nCotton Statement Following Passage of Lindsey Graham\u2019s Russia Sanctions Bill\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026:\n\n\u201cLindsey knew that strength produces peace and prosperity, and he believed the United States is the greatest force for freedom that mankind has ever known. Through every bill he introduced, every speech he gave, every statement he made, Lindsey ensured our allies knew our word was good and our enemies feared our resolve. Today, with the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, we honor his legacy and send a clear message to our allies and enemies alike: the United States will defend freedom around the world.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-passage-of-lindsey-grahams-russia-sanctions-bill/", "Cotton Statement Following Passage of Lindsey Graham\u2019s Russia Sanctions Bill", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nAugust 7, 2026\n\nCotton Statement Following Passage of Lindsey Graham\u2019s Russia Sanctions Bill\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026:\n\n\u201cLindsey knew that strength produces peace and prosperity, and he believed the United States is the greatest force for freedom that mankind has ever known. Through every bill he introduced, every speech he gave, every statement he made, Lindsey ensured our allies knew our word was good and our enemies feared our resolve. Today, with the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, we honor his legacy and send a clear message to our allies and enemies alike: the United States will defend freedom around the world.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-protect-critical-infrastructure-from-cyberattacks", "Cotton to Bessent: Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nAugust 5, 2026\n\nCotton to Bessent: Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking him to ensure federal tax guidance encourages investment in and modernization of American operational technology, which is the hardware and software that controls critical infrastructure. This technology is underfunded and outdated, leaving vital infrastructure like water systems, power facilities, and industrial plants, particularly in rural states like Arkansas, vulnerable to cyberattacks by our adversaries.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cAttacks on civilian infrastructure have become a routine instrument of modern warfare, and American operational technology is a target. I write concerning federal tax guidance that discourages the investment needed to defend it.\n\nOperational technology is the hardware and software that directly controls physical systems, including the sensors that regulate the chemical mix safeguarding our drinking water and the controllers running a turbine or a processing line. These controllers were invented in the 1960s and still rely on protocols designed for isolated plants, not for today\u2019s interconnected environment.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nAugust 05, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretary Bessent:\n\nAttacks on civilian infrastructure have become a routine instrument of modern warfare, and American operational technology is a target. I write concerning federal tax guidance that discourages the investment needed to defend it.\n\nOperational technology is the hardware and software that directly controls physical systems, including the sensors that regulate the chemical mix safeguarding our drinking water and the controllers running a turbine or a processing line. These controllers were invented in the 1960s and still rely on protocols designed for isolated plants, not for today\u2019s interconnected environment.\n\nThe United States is already under attack. Chinese state-sponsored hackers spent nearly a year inside a New England utility and obtained its operational technology procedures and grid layout data. In April 2026, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency confirmed that Iranian actors exploited programmable logic controllers across American critical infrastructure. Most recently, a coordinated cyberattack disrupted operational technology at more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota. Preliminary assessments point to Iranian-linked hackers.\n\nThose who carry the greatest risk are least able to manage it. Arkansas has roughly 670 community water systems primarily serving small rural populations. Most cannot employ even one security engineer. With your assistance, we can make better use of existing incentives in the tax code that will strengthen our critical infrastructure. I therefore request the Department:\n\nConfirm that developing security software for industrial control systems qualifies as research under section 41. A company writing code to detect an intruder inside a water plant's controls is doing research in the ordinary sense of the word. The tax code rewards research, but it is unclear whether this research qualifies, which discourages the necessary investments in operational technology security.\n\nEstablish a safe harbor for cybersecurity service agreements with publicly owned utilities under section 7701(e). Small public systems cannot hire their own security staff and must contract with outside firms. Under current rules, these contracts can be treated as equipment leases, forcing the vendor's equipment onto a fifty-year write-off, which pushes vendors away from servicing rural areas. The Department can end this uncertainty by clarifying that cybersecurity monitoring contracts with public utilities are treated as services, not long-term equipment leases.\n\nExtend the existing utility exception in Treasury Regulation \u00a71.168(k)-2(b)(2)(ii)(F) to service providers as well as lessors. The current exception protects a company that leases security equipment to a utility, but a company that retains ownership and sells monitoring services receives no such protection, even though the work is essentially identical. The distinction steers small systems away from these arrangements.\n\nI look forward to working with you on this matter and stand ready to discuss further.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-protect-critical-infrastructure-from-cyberattacks/", "Cotton to Bessent: Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nAugust 5, 2026\n\nCotton to Bessent: Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking him to ensure federal tax guidance encourages investment in and modernization of American operational technology, which is the hardware and software that controls critical infrastructure. This technology is underfunded and outdated, leaving vital infrastructure like water systems, power facilities, and industrial plants, particularly in rural states like Arkansas, vulnerable to cyberattacks by our adversaries.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cAttacks on civilian infrastructure have become a routine instrument of modern warfare, and American operational technology is a target. I write concerning federal tax guidance that discourages the investment needed to defend it.\n\nOperational technology is the hardware and software that directly controls physical systems, including the sensors that regulate the chemical mix safeguarding our drinking water and the controllers running a turbine or a processing line. These controllers were invented in the 1960s and still rely on protocols designed for isolated plants, not for today\u2019s interconnected environment.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nAugust 05, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretary Bessent:\n\nAttacks on civilian infrastructure have become a routine instrument of modern warfare, and American operational technology is a target. I write concerning federal tax guidance that discourages the investment needed to defend it.\n\nOperational technology is the hardware and software that directly controls physical systems, including the sensors that regulate the chemical mix safeguarding our drinking water and the controllers running a turbine or a processing line. These controllers were invented in the 1960s and still rely on protocols designed for isolated plants, not for today\u2019s interconnected environment.\n\nThe United States is already under attack. Chinese state-sponsored hackers spent nearly a year inside a New England utility and obtained its operational technology procedures and grid layout data. In April 2026, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency confirmed that Iranian actors exploited programmable logic controllers across American critical infrastructure. Most recently, a coordinated cyberattack disrupted operational technology at more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota. Preliminary assessments point to Iranian-linked hackers.\n\nThose who carry the greatest risk are least able to manage it. Arkansas has roughly 670 community water systems primarily serving small rural populations. Most cannot employ even one security engineer. With your assistance, we can make better use of existing incentives in the tax code that will strengthen our critical infrastructure. I therefore request the Department:\n\nConfirm that developing security software for industrial control systems qualifies as research under section 41. A company writing code to detect an intruder inside a water plant\u2019s controls is doing research in the ordinary sense of the word. The tax code rewards research, but it is unclear whether this research qualifies, which discourages the necessary investments in operational technology security.\n\nEstablish a safe harbor for cybersecurity service agreements with publicly owned utilities under section 7701(e). Small public systems cannot hire their own security staff and must contract with outside firms. Under current rules, these contracts can be treated as equipment leases, forcing the vendor\u2019s equipment onto a fifty-year write-off, which pushes vendors away from servicing rural areas. The Department can end this uncertainty by clarifying that cybersecurity monitoring contracts with public utilities are treated as services, not long-term equipment leases.\n\nExtend the existing utility exception in Treasury Regulation \u00a71.168(k)-2(b)(2)(ii)(F) to service providers as well as lessors. The current exception protects a company that leases security equipment to a utility, but a company that retains ownership and sells monitoring services receives no such protection, even though the work is essentially identical. The distinction steers small systems away from these arrangements.\n\nI look forward to working with you on this matter and stand ready to discuss further.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-recognizing-the-arkansas-national-guard/", "Floor Speech Recognizing the Arkansas National Guard", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "I speak today in recognition of the bravery, courage, and valor of nearly 9,000 men and women in the Arkansas National Guard. Day in and day out, the heroes of our National Guard protect our communities and our homeland, stand at the ready to respond to natural disasters, and defend our freedom around the world.\n\nTheir work is having a huge impact on many fronts. In Little Rock, our National Guardsmen recently participated in the Pentagon\u2019s largest unclassified cyber defense exercise, known as Cyber Shield, alongside more than 1,000 participants from 44 states and nearly two dozen countries.\n\nDown at the southern border, Arkansas National Guard troops are working to keep illegal aliens out of our country and stop the flow of deadly, illicit drugs into our communities. Additionally, Arkansas National Guardsmen on the home front have provided 15% of the targeting information for Operation Epic Fury, while guardsmen deployed overseas work on the ground in support of this critical mission.\n\nAnd last, but certainly not least, and most recently, the National Guardsmen stationed in Washington, D.C. as part of the President\u2019s Safe and Beautiful Mission are cleaning up our nation\u2019s capital for all Americans to enjoy. Earlier this summer, just a couple of miles from the Capitol building, Arkansas National Guardsmen intervened in a violent assault and stopped a potential shooting. While out on patrol earlier, Sergeant Memphis Perez, Specialist Edwin Martinez, Specialist Christian Diaz, and Private First Class Gabriel Oliva encountered a woman with a bloodied face, multiple groups of people yelling and arguing, and a suspect threatening to shoot a group of women.\n\nThe brave guardsmen of Team Razorback stepped into action, detained the suspect with flex cuffs after he attempted to retrieve a Glock pistol from his car, provided medical assistance to the victim, and secured the scene while waiting for the Metropolitan Police Department officers to arrive. The heroism of these men saved lives, and because of their courage, they received the Joint Service Achievement Medal.\n\nI\u2019d like to extend my gratitude and admiration to Sergeant Perez, Specialist Martinez, Specialist Diaz, and Private First Class Oliva for doing\u2014as my drill sergeant used to say\u2014the hard right over the easy wrong. You did your duty with honor and integrity in a very dangerous situation. I commend you for your brave actions and congratulate you on earning the distinguished award.\n\nOn the ground, in the air, in cyberspace, and right here in the nation\u2019s capital, Arkansas National Guardsmen are always ready, and always there. To my fellow Arkansans who have answered the call to serve in the Guard, I say thank you. Your example of selflessness, courage, and patriotism has made our country and our state proud. May God bless you, protect you, and may God bless the United States of America.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-lutnick-combat-communist-chinas-ai-diffusion-strategy", "Cotton to Lutnick: Combat Communist China\u2019s AI Diffusion Strategy", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 30, 2026\n\nCotton to Lutnick: Combat Communist China\u2019s AI Diffusion Strategy\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraging a proactive, coordinated, multipronged approach to combat Communist China\u2019s AI diffusion strategy and ensure lasting U.S. AI dominance, both domestically and globally. The letter follows recent concerns about increased American reliance on Chinese AI models.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI write to you concerned about American companies increasingly relying on Chinese AI models. While the U.S. is the leader in the most cutting edge, closed models, recent progress in Chinese AI models highlights alarming gaps. To stay ahead in the AI race, the U.S. must fully capture AI\u2019s economic and geopolitical returns, while continuing to create the most advanced frontier models. This means ensuring that as many U.S. firms, researchers, and institutions as possible are able to leverage AI for productivity and scientific gains. It also means ensuring that global customers adopt and build on our models, where we can set standards, norms, and dependencies.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 29, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Howard Lutnick\n\nSecretary of Commerce\n\nDepartment of Commerce\n\n1401 Constitution Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20230\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick,\n\nI write to you concerned about American companies increasingly relying on Chinese AI models. While the U.S. is the leader in the most cutting edge, closed models, recent progress in Chinese AI models highlights alarming gaps. To stay ahead in the AI race, the U.S. must fully capture AI\u2019s economic and geopolitical returns, while continuing to create the most advanced frontier models. This means ensuring that as many U.S. firms, researchers, and institutions as possible are able to leverage AI for productivity and scientific gains. It also means ensuring that global customers adopt and build on our models, where we can set standards, norms, and dependencies.\n\nCommunist China is pursuing an aggressive AI diffusion strategy, and Chinese open weight models have become dominant players in the AI space. Foreign and domestic customers seeking cost savings and more flexibility are increasingly moving to Chinese models as a \u201cgood enough\u201d alternative to proprietary U.S. models. One report estimates that nearly 80% of U.S. startups build applications on Chinese models. Larger U.S. companies are following suit, with applications such as Airbnb\u2019s Qwen-powered chatbot and Cursor\u2019s Kimi-based coding agent. The latter is especially concerning, as defense primes use Cursor\u2019s coding tools to build software for the Department of War (DOW), even though Chinese models generate lower quality, more vulnerable code when the user is American. Microsoft, one of the largest federal IT vendors, is also considering DeepSeek as an alternative for its Copilot Cowork. Backdoors may be embedded into open weight Chinese models, and auditing produces limited assurances. American companies, particularly those that do business with the U.S. government, should never jeopardize our security for higher profits.\n\nI encourage you to pursue a proactive strategy to address these issues, with a coordinated, multi-pronged approach. First, we should continue to deny Communist China the frontier and limit its ability to serve customers on a global scale by enacting and enforcing strict export controls on advanced compute and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Second, I would urge that we guard against deepening dependence on Chinese AI models. DOW already bars agency and contractor use of DeepSeek, and other Federal agencies have also blocked access internally. I propose we extend these prohibitions to additional Chinese models and enact a government-wide ban on contractor use. American businesses must understand that the U.S. government will not accept the risks of Chinese AI, and such a prohibition also sends an unmistakable demand signal for American alternatives. Finally, I recommend that we actively nurture an open AI ecosystem in the U.S. to rival Communist China\u2019s. Customers at home and abroad will prefer an American option, and that is how we can take the lead in global AI diffusion.\n\nAmerica wins the AI race when we offer models that provide optionality, from the state-of-the-art frontier for high-assurance, mission-critical applications in defense, critical infrastructure, and advanced scientific research, to cheaper, more efficient models for various commercial and consumer workloads where price may be more important than raw capability. I commend the administration\u2019s current efforts and believe that if you take prompt action, America can keep the frontier advantage and unleash a diffusion strategy that ensures U.S. AI dominance, both domestically and globally.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-lutnick-combat-communist-chinas-ai-diffusion-strategy/", "Cotton to Lutnick: Combat Communist China\u2019s AI Diffusion Strategy", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 30, 2026\n\nCotton to Lutnick: Combat Communist China\u2019s AI Diffusion Strategy\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraging a proactive, coordinated, multipronged approach to combat Communist China\u2019s AI diffusion strategy and ensure lasting U.S. AI dominance, both domestically and globally. The letter follows recent concerns about increased American reliance on Chinese AI models.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI write to you concerned about American companies increasingly relying on Chinese AI models. While the U.S. is the leader in the most cutting edge, closed models, recent progress in Chinese AI models highlights alarming gaps. To stay ahead in the AI race, the U.S. must fully capture AI\u2019s economic and geopolitical returns, while continuing to create the most advanced frontier models. This means ensuring that as many U.S. firms, researchers, and institutions as possible are able to leverage AI for productivity and scientific gains. It also means ensuring that global customers adopt and build on our models, where we can set standards, norms, and dependencies.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 29, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Howard Lutnick\n\nSecretary of Commerce\n\nDepartment of Commerce\n\n1401 Constitution Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20230\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick,\n\nI write to you concerned about American companies increasingly relying on Chinese AI models. While the U.S. is the leader in the most cutting edge, closed models, recent progress in Chinese AI models highlights alarming gaps. To stay ahead in the AI race, the U.S. must fully capture AI\u2019s economic and geopolitical returns, while continuing to create the most advanced frontier models. This means ensuring that as many U.S. firms, researchers, and institutions as possible are able to leverage AI for productivity and scientific gains. It also means ensuring that global customers adopt and build on our models, where we can set standards, norms, and dependencies.\n\nCommunist China is pursuing an aggressive AI diffusion strategy, and Chinese open weight models have become dominant players in the AI space. Foreign and domestic customers seeking cost savings and more flexibility are increasingly moving to Chinese models as a \u201cgood enough\u201d alternative to proprietary U.S. models. One report estimates that nearly 80% of U.S. startups build applications on Chinese models. Larger U.S. companies are following suit, with applications such as Airbnb\u2019s Qwen-powered chatbot and Cursor\u2019s Kimi-based coding agent. The latter is especially concerning, as defense primes use Cursor\u2019s coding tools to build software for the Department of War (DOW), even though Chinese models generate lower quality, more vulnerable code when the user is American. Microsoft, one of the largest federal IT vendors, is also considering DeepSeek as an alternative for its Copilot Cowork. Backdoors may be embedded into open weight Chinese models, and auditing produces limited assurances. American companies, particularly those that do business with the U.S. government, should never jeopardize our security for higher profits.\n\nI encourage you to pursue a proactive strategy to address these issues, with a coordinated, multi-pronged approach. First, we should continue to deny Communist China the frontier and limit its ability to serve customers on a global scale by enacting and enforcing strict export controls on advanced compute and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Second, I would urge that we guard against deepening dependence on Chinese AI models. DOW already bars agency and contractor use of DeepSeek, and other Federal agencies have also blocked access internally. I propose we extend these prohibitions to additional Chinese models and enact a government-wide ban on contractor use. American businesses must understand that the U.S. government will not accept the risks of Chinese AI, and such a prohibition also sends an unmistakable demand signal for American alternatives. Finally, I recommend that we actively nurture an open AI ecosystem in the U.S. to rival Communist China\u2019s. Customers at home and abroad will prefer an American option, and that is how we can take the lead in global AI diffusion.\n\nAmerica wins the AI race when we offer models that provide optionality, from the state-of-the-art frontier for high-assurance, mission-critical applications in defense, critical infrastructure, and advanced scientific research, to cheaper, more efficient models for various commercial and consumer workloads where price may be more important than raw capability. I commend the administration\u2019s current efforts and believe that if you take prompt action, America can keep the frontier advantage and unleash a diffusion strategy that ensures U.S. AI dominance, both domestically and globally.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-jay-claytons-confirmation-as-director-of-national-intelligence", "Cotton Statement on Jay Clayton\u2019s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 28, 2026\n\nCotton Statement on Jay Clayton\u2019s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement after Walter \u201cJay\u201d Clayton III was confirmed by the Senate as Director of National Intelligence:\n\n\u201cJay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. As U.S. attorney, Mr. Clayton has worked hand in glove with our intelligence agencies and counterterrorism personnel to lock up criminals who threaten our national security. I\u2019m pleased that my colleagues voted to confirm Mr. Clayton as Director of National Intelligence and look forward to working with him to keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-jay-claytons-confirmation-as-director-of-national-intelligence/", "Cotton Statement on Jay Clayton\u2019s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 28, 2026\n\nCotton Statement on Jay Clayton\u2019s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement after Walter \u201cJay\u201d Clayton III was confirmed by the Senate as Director of National Intelligence:\n\n\u201cJay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. As U.S. attorney, Mr. Clayton has worked hand in glove with our intelligence agencies and counterterrorism personnel to lock up criminals who threaten our national security. I\u2019m pleased that my colleagues voted to confirm Mr. Clayton as Director of National Intelligence and look forward to working with him to keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-on-jay-claytons-nomination-to-be-director-of-national-intelligence/", "Floor Speech on Jay Clayton\u2019s Nomination to be Director of National Intelligence", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "Mr. President, I speak today in support of Mr. Jay Clayton\u2019s nomination to be the next Director of National Intelligence.\n\nEarlier this month, Mr. Clayton appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he answered hundreds of written questions for the record and provided detailed testimony on his approach to serving in this new role. As part of these discussions, Mr. Clayton assured the committee he would assist our efforts to return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to its original size, scope, and mission. He also pledged to work with the committee to secure the essential funding the Intelligence Community needs. Based on the shortcomings my committee staff has identified, I project that any supplemental appropriations or reconciliation bill must include around forty billion dollars for our intelligence agencies. I look forward to working with Mr. Clayton to meet this vital need.\n\nGiven his past professional experience, Mr. Clayton is well qualified to serve as the Director of National Intelligence. As the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Mr. Clayton went after some of the worst of the worst national security threats. He\u2019s overseen numerous high-profile cases, including the indictment of Venezuelan dictator Nicol\u00e1s Maduro and the prosecution of an Iran-backed terrorist connected to multiple attempted terror attacks in the United States. Time and again, Mr. Clayton has worked hand in glove with our intelligence agencies and counterterrorism personnel to put these savages behind bars and keep America safe.\n\nBased on Mr. Clayton\u2019s testimony and the many conversations I\u2019ve had with him over the last few months, I can say with confidence that his reputation for leading with integrity precedes him. I\u2019m pleased to support his nomination, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of his confirmation.\n\nMr. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-mcmahon-investigate-chinese-investments-in-american-universities", "Cotton to McMahon: Investigate Chinese Investments in American Universities", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 27, 2026\n\nCotton to McMahon: Investigate Chinese Investments in American Universities\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon encouraging additional scrutiny of Chinese investments in American universities which allow Communist China to advance their interests while undermining American innovation and national security.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI commend the Department of Education\u2019s work to improve transparency, which includes actions against universities that have failed to comply with statutory financial reporting requirements. Federally funded universities are not required to disclose transactions from a single foreign source that are less than $250,000 in a single year. I remain concerned that millions in additional transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported.\n\nTherefore, I encourage additional scrutiny of financial ties between American universities and Communist China.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 27, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Linda McMahon\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Education\n\n400 Maryland Ave, SW\n\nWashington, DC 20202\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nI write to express concern about sanctioned Chinese entities investments in American universities. These investments allow China to advance their interests, while undermining American innovation and our national security.\n\nOn January 2, 2026, the Department of Education launched an online portal which provides aggregate, institution-level data about donations American universities have received from foreign sources. As of January 31, 2026, federally funded universities accepted more than $6.8 billion from Communist China \u2013 including more than $300 million from sanctioned entities. Harvard, for instance, has received more than $630 million from Chinese entities. This includes roughly $418,000 from organizations participating in foreign talent programs and nearly $420,000 from entities allegedly supporting unauthorized military advancements.\n\nI commend the Department of Education\u2019s work to improve transparency, which includes actions against universities that have failed to comply with statutory financial reporting requirements. Federally funded universities are not required to disclose transactions from a single foreign source that are less than $250,000 in a single year. I remain concerned that millions in additional transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported.\n\nTherefore, I encourage additional scrutiny of financial ties between American universities and Communist China.\n\nI look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-mcmahon-investigate-chinese-investments-in-american-universities/", "Cotton to McMahon: Investigate Chinese Investments in American Universities", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 27, 2026\n\nCotton to McMahon: Investigate Chinese Investments in American Universities\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon encouraging additional scrutiny of Chinese investments in American universities which allow Communist China to advance their interests while undermining American innovation and national security.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI commend the Department of Education\u2019s work to improve transparency, which includes actions against universities that have failed to comply with statutory financial reporting requirements. Federally funded universities are not required to disclose transactions from a single foreign source that are less than $250,000 in a single year. I remain concerned that millions in additional transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported.\n\nTherefore, I encourage additional scrutiny of financial ties between American universities and Communist China.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 27, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Linda McMahon\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Education\n\n400 Maryland Ave, SW\n\nWashington, DC 20202\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nI write to express concern about sanctioned Chinese entities investments in American universities. These investments allow China to advance their interests, while undermining American innovation and our national security.\n\nOn January 2, 2026, the Department of Education launched an online portal which provides aggregate, institution-level data about donations American universities have received from foreign sources. As of January 31, 2026, federally funded universities accepted more than $6.8 billion from Communist China \u2013 including more than $300 million from sanctioned entities. Harvard, for instance, has received more than $630 million from Chinese entities. This includes roughly $418,000 from organizations participating in foreign talent programs and nearly $420,000 from entities allegedly supporting unauthorized military advancements.\n\nI commend the Department of Education\u2019s work to improve transparency, which includes actions against universities that have failed to comply with statutory financial reporting requirements. Federally funded universities are not required to disclose transactions from a single foreign source that are less than $250,000 in a single year. I remain concerned that millions in additional transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported.\n\nTherefore, I encourage additional scrutiny of financial ties between American universities and Communist China.\n\nI look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-close-tax-loopholes-exploited-by-far-left-terrorist-organizations", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Exploited by Far-Left Terrorist Organizations", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 23, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Exploited by Far-Left Terrorist Organizations\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced legislation to eliminate tax loopholes exploited by far-left terrorist organizations. Under current law, a charity can collect tax-deductible donations and hand the money to a group that isn\u2019t a charity at all, which allows far-left radical groups\u2014like the Palestinian Youth Movement\u2014to manipulate the U.S. tax code. The Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would force charities to report these arrangements and impose a steep tax when they blindly pass money along without any oversight to how it\u2019s spent.\n\nRepresentative Lloyd Smucker (Pennsylvania-11) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cFar-left terrorist organizations shouldn\u2019t be able to manipulate our tax code for their advantage. My bill would require public disclosure of these activities, tax the charities that don\u2019t control where their money is spent, and end tax write-offs for donors who bankroll these unchecked arrangements,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would:\n\nMandate Form 990 disclosure of fiscal sponsorship arrangements.\n\nImpose an excise tax on improper conduit arrangements.\n\nDeny the charitable deduction for conduit contributions.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-close-tax-loopholes-exploited-by-far-left-terrorist-organizations/", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Exploited by Far-Left Terrorist Organizations", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 23, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Exploited by Far-Left Terrorist Organizations\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced legislation to eliminate tax loopholes exploited by far-left terrorist organizations. Under current law, a charity can collect tax-deductible donations and hand the money to a group that isn\u2019t a charity at all, which allows far-left radical groups\u2014like the Palestinian Youth Movement\u2014to manipulate the U.S. tax code. The Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would force charities to report these arrangements and impose a steep tax when they blindly pass money along without any oversight to how it\u2019s spent.\n\nRepresentative Lloyd Smucker (Pennsylvania-11) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cFar-left terrorist organizations shouldn\u2019t be able to manipulate our tax code for their advantage. My bill would require public disclosure of these activities, tax the charities that don\u2019t control where their money is spent, and end tax write-offs for donors who bankroll these unchecked arrangements,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would:\n\nMandate Form 990 disclosure of fiscal sponsorship arrangements.\n\nImpose an excise tax on improper conduit arrangements.\n\nDeny the charitable deduction for conduit contributions.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-pulte-chinese-investment-in-brazil-agriculture-threatens-arkansas-farmers", "Cotton to Pulte: Chinese Investment in Brazil Agriculture Threatens Arkansas Farmers", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 21, 2026\n\nCotton to Pulte: Chinese Investment in Brazil Agriculture Threatens Arkansas Farmers\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte requesting an update on Chinese investments in Brazil\u2019s agriculture sector. Communist China\u2019s investment in global agriculture attempts to bypass the American supply chain, threatening Arkansas farmers and food security.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cChina\u2019s growing footprint in global agriculture is a deliberate, strategic effort to dominate food production and supply chains in ways that threatens American farmers and food security. Chinese state-backed money is remaking the hemisphere\u2019s ports and reshaping grain routes to Asia. For states like Arkansas, where agriculture is the number one industry, the consequences are real. Chinese state owned companies now have direct access to Brazilian farmers, purchasing their soybeans and overseeing the entire commercialization chain, including storage and transport to China, effectively locking in a supply chain that bypasses American producers entirely.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 20, 2026\n\nThe Honorable William Pulte\n\nActing Director of National Intelligence\n\nOffice of the Director of National Intelligence\n\n1500 Tysons McLean Dr.\n\nMcLean, VA 22102\n\nDear Acting Director Pulte:\n\nI write regarding the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) assessment and report on Chinese investments in Brazil\u2019s agriculture sector.\n\nPresident Trump signed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 into law on December 18, 2025. This legislation required the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Agriculture, to assess the extent of Chinese investment in Brazil's agricultural sector no later than 60 days after enactment. It also required ODNI to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees no later than 90 days after enactment. This assessment was due February 16, 2026, and the report was due to Congress by March 18, 2026.\n\nChina\u2019s growing footprint in global agriculture is a deliberate, strategic effort to dominate food production and supply chains in ways that threatens American farmers and food security. Chinese state-backed money is remaking the hemisphere\u2019s ports and reshaping grain routes to Asia. For states like Arkansas, where agriculture is the number one industry, the consequences are real. Chinese state owned companies now have direct access to Brazilian farmers, purchasing their soybeans and overseeing the entire commercialization chain, including storage and transport to China, effectively locking in a supply chain that bypasses American producers entirely.\n\nBrazil's climate compounds the threat. A second annual corn crop, planted right after soybean harvest, lets Brazilian farmers spread land and equipment costs across two harvests instead of one. This allows Brazil to undercut U.S. prices, giving China an increasingly attractive alternative to American grain. As American farmers continue to face rising input costs, volatile markets, and increasing competition from foreign-subsidized agriculture, understanding the full scope of Chinese investment in Brazil's agricultural sector is vital to Arkansas farmers.\n\nI therefore request an update on the status of this assessment and report.\n\nI look forward to working together to ensure this critical report reaches Congress without further delay.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-intelligence-committee-advances-clayton-nomination", "Senate Intelligence Committee Advances Clayton Nomination", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "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: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 21, 2026\n\nSenate Intelligence Committee Advances Clayton Nomination\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement after the committee voted 9-8 to report with a favorable recommendation Walter \u201cJay\u201d Clayton III\u2019s nomination to be Director of National Intelligence:\n\n\u201cJay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. I\u2019m pleased that the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to advance his nomination to be Director of National Intelligence. Once confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Clayton to keep Americans safe and continue reforming the Office of Director of National Intelligence.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-pulte-chinese-investment-in-brazil-agriculture-threatens-arkansas-farmers/", "Cotton to Pulte: Chinese Investment in Brazil Agriculture Threatens Arkansas Farmers", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 21, 2026\n\nCotton to Pulte: Chinese Investment in Brazil Agriculture Threatens Arkansas Farmers\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte requesting an update on Chinese investments in Brazil\u2019s agriculture sector. Communist China\u2019s investment in global agriculture attempts to bypass the American supply chain, threatening Arkansas farmers and food security.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cChina\u2019s growing footprint in global agriculture is a deliberate, strategic effort to dominate food production and supply chains in ways that threatens American farmers and food security. Chinese state-backed money is remaking the hemisphere\u2019s ports and reshaping grain routes to Asia. For states like Arkansas, where agriculture is the number one industry, the consequences are real. Chinese state owned companies now have direct access to Brazilian farmers, purchasing their soybeans and overseeing the entire commercialization chain, including storage and transport to China, effectively locking in a supply chain that bypasses American producers entirely.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 20, 2026\n\nThe Honorable William Pulte\n\nActing Director of National Intelligence\n\nOffice of the Director of National Intelligence\n\n1500 Tysons McLean Dr.\n\nMcLean, VA 22102\n\nDear Acting Director Pulte:\n\nI write regarding the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) assessment and report on Chinese investments in Brazil\u2019s agriculture sector.\n\nPresident Trump signed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 into law on December 18, 2025. This legislation required the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Agriculture, to assess the extent of Chinese investment in Brazil\u2019s agricultural sector no later than 60 days after enactment. It also required ODNI to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees no later than 90 days after enactment. This assessment was due February 16, 2026, and the report was due to Congress by March 18, 2026.\n\nChina\u2019s growing footprint in global agriculture is a deliberate, strategic effort to dominate food production and supply chains in ways that threatens American farmers and food security. Chinese state-backed money is remaking the hemisphere\u2019s ports and reshaping grain routes to Asia. For states like Arkansas, where agriculture is the number one industry, the consequences are real. Chinese state owned companies now have direct access to Brazilian farmers, purchasing their soybeans and overseeing the entire commercialization chain, including storage and transport to China, effectively locking in a supply chain that bypasses American producers entirely.\n\nBrazil\u2019s climate compounds the threat. A second annual corn crop, planted right after soybean harvest, lets Brazilian farmers spread land and equipment costs across two harvests instead of one. This allows Brazil to undercut U.S. prices, giving China an increasingly attractive alternative to American grain. As American farmers continue to face rising input costs, volatile markets, and increasing competition from foreign-subsidized agriculture, understanding the full scope of Chinese investment in Brazil\u2019s agricultural sector is vital to Arkansas farmers.\n\nI therefore request an update on the status of this assessment and report.\n\nI look forward to working together to ensure this critical report reaches Congress without further delay.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-intelligence-committee-advances-clayton-nomination/", "Senate Intelligence Committee Advances Clayton Nomination", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy\n\nJuly 21, 2026\n\nSenate Intelligence Committee Advances Clayton Nomination\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement after the committee voted 9-8 to report with a favorable recommendation Walter \u201cJay\u201d Clayton III\u2019s nomination to be Director of National Intelligence:\n\n\u201cJay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. I\u2019m pleased that the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to advance his nomination to be Director of National Intelligence. Once confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Clayton to keep Americans safe and continue reforming the Office of Director of National Intelligence.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-expand-employment-opportunities-for-disabled-arkansans", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities aged 18 years or older. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would enable anyone over the age of 18 to participate in a 14(c) program.\n\n14(c) programs are meant to enable employment opportunities for disabled individuals who may not otherwise be hired at full wage. The current law, passed in 2014, creates a complicated, multi-step process that is often a significant barrier to entry.\n\n\u201cHard-working Arkansans shouldn\u2019t have to jump through hoops to get a job. My bill would remove obstacles for any disabled adult to participate in the 14(c) program,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would:\n\nPermit individuals 18 years or older to participate in 14(c) programs.\n\nEstablish that 14(c) employers can employ individuals aged 18 years and older if they document that a state agency failed to provide counseling and referrals to potential workers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-expand-employment-opportunities-for-disabled-arkansans/", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities aged 18 years or older. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would enable anyone over the age of 18 to participate in a 14(c) program.\n\n14(c) programs are meant to enable employment opportunities for disabled individuals who may not otherwise be hired at full wage. The current law, passed in 2014, creates a complicated, multi-step process that is often a significant barrier to entry.\n\n\u201cHard-working Arkansans shouldn\u2019t have to jump through hoops to get a job. My bill would remove obstacles for any disabled adult to participate in the 14(c) program,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would:\n\nPermit individuals 18 years or older to participate in 14(c) programs.\n\nEstablish that 14(c) employers can employ individuals aged 18 years and older if they document that a state agency failed to provide counseling and referrals to potential workers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-opening-statement-at-clayton-confirmation-hearing/", "Cotton Opening Statement at Clayton Confirmation Hearing", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "Good morning. This hearing will come to order. I want to welcome all of you to today\u2019s hearing on the nomination of Mr. Jay Clayton to be the Director of National Intelligence.\n\nBefore we begin, I would also like to recognize the devastating loss we suffered over the weekend, and, on behalf of this committee, pay tribute to our former colleague, Lindsey Graham. Though Lindsey didn\u2019t serve on the Intelligence Committee, as a former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he was part of our extended family, and he was obviously a champion for intelligence officers just as he was for our troops. He was a true partner on issues such as FISA, FBI, and DOJ oversight. Lindsey ensured that the intelligence community had the resources to confront our adversaries. Lindsey was a true patriot who led with courage, loyalty, and relentless optimism during his time both as an airman in the Air Force and in the United States Congress. In remembrance of Senator Lindsey Graham\u2019s lifetime of service, I invite the members of this committee to honor our colleague and friend by living up to the example he set and carrying forward his love for God and for country. We also welcome his sister and new senator, Darline, whom we all had the occasion to meet yesterday and who I know will carry forward his legacy in a way that would make him immensely proud, as he always was proud of his younger sister.\n\nToday\u2019s hearing is an opportunity to consider Mr. Clayton\u2019s qualifications. So, I\u2019d like to welcome him and his wife, Gretchen, to the Senate Intelligence Committee. Mr. Clayton, thank you for once again answering the call to public service. To your family and loved ones, including those watching from home, thank you for your support during this process. I want to state for the record that Mr. Clayton has provided answers to our standard, 40-page committee questionnaire; he has answered in writing more than 200 advance questions for the record as well; he has completed his FBI background investigation; he has met with most members of this committee; and he has provided more than five years of tax returns. This is no small feat, but was helped, in large part, by the fact that this was his third time through the process. I want to thank all of those persons and organizations who worked to move his nomination at very fast speeds; that includes our committee staff, the staff at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI, the Office of Government Ethics, and the White House counsel\u2019s office.\n\nI\u2019d also like to offer my prayers to outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard\u2019s husband, Abraham, as he battles cancer, and thank Ms. Gabbard for her efforts to streamline the ODNI as she turns understandably to her husband\u2019s care. This committee is grateful for her decades of service to the country, both in uniform and as a civilian.\n\nI\u2019d also want to take a moment to thank Bill Pulte for his leadership to date as Acting Director of National Intelligence. The additional steps he\u2019s taken to right-size the office of the DNI will help Mr. Clayton be successful on day one of assuming this position. Mr. Pulte has been highly communicative and engaged with me and my staff throughout his tenure, for which I am grateful.\n\nMr. Clayton, it is my understanding that you intend to finish Ms. Gabbard\u2019s work to return ODNI to its original size, scope, and mission. I have long said that the right number of staff at ODNI would number in the dozens, maybe a couple hundred at maximum, but certainly not the thousands of recent years. Congress intended ODNI to be a lean and efficient organization to keep bureaucratic intelligence agencies at bay. But some twenty years later, the ODNI has unfortunately become yet another bloated agency that incentivizes bureaucratic make-work as opposed to genuine intelligence work.\n\nMr. Clayton, given your many years as a seasoned professional in public and private practice, I\u2019m eager to hear how your experience will inform your plans to return the ODNI to those roots. I look forward to working with you to provide any legislative relief that you deem necessary\u2014such as transferring centers or functions to other government agencies because while many functions that are necessary occur at the ODNI, they don\u2019t necessarily need to be occurring there. Additionally, I am interested in hearing about your efforts to advance America\u2019s national security in your current role as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.\n\nAs U.S. attorney, Mr. Clayton has gone after some of the worst of the worst national security threats, including foreign enemies who put innocent Americans at risk and have American blood on their hands. For example, he has overseen the indictment of Venezuelan dictator Nicol\u00e1s Maduro, secured the guilty plea of Venezuelan general Hugo Carvajal, and overseen the prosecution of an Iran-backed terrorist connected to multiple attempted terror attacks in the United States. Though these are just a few high-profile cases, let me state for the record that Mr. Clayton has worked hand in glove with our intelligence agencies and counterterrorism personnel to lock up criminals who threaten our national security. I commend him and all those involved for this important work. I\u2019m interested in hearing from the nominee how he plans to apply this experience as the leader of the intelligence community.\n\nMr. Clayton, in addition to streamlining the ODNI, foremost on your to-do list will be helping refocus the intelligence community on operations by being a vocal and uncompromising advocate for its resources. If confirmed, I\u2019ll expect you to make the case to the Intelligence and Appropriations Committees for why the funding requests in a supplemental are so vital. As most of us know, intelligence community operations are at an all-time high with great successes, and while the Pentagon received money from the Working Families Tax Cut, the intelligence community did not. I\u2019ll say here publicly what I wrote to Acting Director Pulte and Director Ratcliffe last month\u2014I do not want to see any more reprogramming requests that borrow from one operational account to fund another. There are plenty of underperforming and under-executing programs across the intelligence community that can be the bill payer for needful operations until Congress can pass supplemental appropriations bills.\n\nNow, before I turn it over to the Vice Chairman, I\u2019d like to put on the record that in all my experiences with Mr. Clayton, his reputation as someone who operated with morality, decency, and integrity has proven to be true. The job Mr. Clayton has been nominated for today is not one which is sought, but one which he has been gracious enough to take on. I\u2019m confident that by the end of today, my colleagues will join me in seeking to get Mr. Clayton\u2019s nomination over the finish line.\n\nI now recognize the Vice Chairman for his opening remarks.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-moreno-to-trump-rubio-support-de-la-espriella-in-his-transition-to-power", "Cotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nCotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) today sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanking them for their recognition of President-elect of Colombia Abelardo de la Espriella and encouraging the administration to name a U.S. delegation to attend his inauguration.\n\nOn June 21st, 2026, de la Espriella was elected President of Colombia through a free and fair election. In the following weeks, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize de la Espriella\u2019s victory, alleging fraud without providing any evidence.\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n\u201cWe write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America\u2019s support to the new Colombian government, we also request you officially name a U.S. delegation to the August 7 inauguration and offer any needed transition support.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\n\nPresident of the United States of America\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nThe Honorable Marco Rubio\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C St. NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20451\n\nDear President Trump and Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America\u2019s support to the new Colombian government, we also request you officially name a U.S. delegation to the August 7 inauguration and offer any needed transition support.\n\nPresident Petro\u2019s claims of election fraud are, of course, nonsense, and multiple observers have assessed the election was conducted transparently while fully complying with Colombian law. Petro is simply seeking to place his hand-chosen successor in power by alleging election interference.\n\nPetro\u2019s actions endanger Colombia\u2019s peaceful democratic transition and potentially jeopardize our relationship with the country. A strong, democratically elected Colombian government is central to continuing your work to enhance regional security across issues such as combatting illegal immigration and narcoterrorism.\n\nBoth of your personal congratulations and prompt recognition of Mr. de la Espriella after his election win in June sent a strong message of support to the newly elected Colombian government. We ask that you continue that support by making it clear that the United States government will participate in the peaceful transition to the presidency of Abelardo de la Espriella.\n\nThank you for your steadfast focus on advancing America\u2019s interests in the Western Hemisphere. Congress stands by to assist as required.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-remembering-senator-lindsey-graham", "Floor Speech Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Lindsey Graham was a self-made American original. Born in central South Carolina, Lindsey grew up in a room behind his parent\u2019s bar and pool hall where he worked to help the family make ends meet and earned the nickname \u201cStinkball\u201d from his patrons because of his sense of humor and his irrepressible nature and his rascal streak as he called it.\n\nI saw that in my first experience with Lindsey Graham. I traveled with him and Senator McCain to the Munich Security Conference in 2013 as a brand-new congressman. That evening as I was meeting some of the other Senators on the delegation, Senator Ayotte, Senator Corker, Lindsey came up to me and slapped me on the back and asked me who the hell I was, and I introduced myself and I told him a little bit about my story and my service in the Army before I was elected to the House and he told me I was great, I needed to run for Senate; we had to win the Senate seat in Arkansas. The next morning, we had a 08 briefing with General Breedlove, then the commander of our forces in Europe, and Lindsey stumbled in about 8:55. Senator McCain held the arrival of his illegitimate son, and then we had a coffee break five minutes later when Lindsey came over, slapped me on the back and said \u201cYou are great. We got to have you run for Senate, now, what was your name again?\u201d That was Lindsey. Self-described rascal that he was.\n\nAs often joked about him, and with him, you never knew quite what Lindsey was up to, but it probably wasn\u2019t nothing. He became the first member of his family to attend college. After suddenly and unexpectedly losing both parents while attending University of South Carolina, he stepped in the raise his beloved younger sister Darline. But even in the face of tragedy, Lindsey\u2019s grit, determination, and faith enabled him to finish college, earn a law degree, serve in the Air Force, and eventually make his way here to the United States Congress.\n\nWhen Lindsey arrived in the House in 1995 as the first Republican congressman from South Carolina\u2019s Third Congressional District since 1877, he brought with him a sense of duty and responsibility, a love for liberty, and a resolute commitment to America\u2019s national security. He carried this with him to the Senate where he served for more than two decades and became the first person in South Carolina history to earn more than one million votes in a general election. Needless to say, South Carolinians loved him and it\u2019s not hard to see why.\n\nThroughout my time working with Lindsey in the Senate, he fought for South Carolinians, he defended America's founding principles, and he supported the men and women of our military. While he served as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, he oversaw the confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice and more than 200 federal judges committed to upholding the rule of law as our founders intended. Further, Lindsey knew that strength produces peace and prosperity, and he believed that the United States is the greatest force for freedom that mankind has ever known. Through every bill he introduced, every speech he gave, every statement he made, Lindsey ensured our allies knew our word was good and our enemies feared our resolve.\n\nIf you loved America, Lindsey loved you. And if you fought for freedom, Lindsey would fight for you. Only in America could a man like Lindsey Graham leave such a mark on our history and our future. That above all is a testament to his strength of character. Lindsey's unwavering love for our Lord, devotion to our country, and commitment to his family defined his entire life. He was an example of what makes America exceptional.\n\nThough we lost a dedicated public servant, a workhorse of a colleague, and an irreplaceable friend, his memory and his legacy will never be forgotten. I extend my deepest prayers, thoughts, and condolences to Darline, Lindsey's family, Lindsey\u2019s staff, his friends, his loved ones. America and this Senate will forever be grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham for his lifetime of service, patriotism, and courageous leadership.\n\nMr. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-moreno-to-trump-rubio-support-de-la-espriella-in-his-transition-to-power/", "Cotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nCotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) today sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanking them for their recognition of President-elect of Colombia Abelardo de la Espriella and encouraging the administration to name a U.S. delegation to attend his inauguration.\n\nOn June 21st, 2026, de la Espriella was elected President of Colombia through a free and fair election. In the following weeks, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize de la Espriella\u2019s victory, alleging fraud without providing any evidence.\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n\u201cWe write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America\u2019s support to the new Colombian government, we also request you officially name a U.S. delegation to the August 7 inauguration and offer any needed transition support.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\n\nPresident of the United States of America\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nThe Honorable Marco Rubio\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C St. NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20451\n\nDear President Trump and Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America\u2019s support to the new Colombian government, we also request you officially name a U.S. delegation to the August 7 inauguration and offer any needed transition support.\n\nPresident Petro\u2019s claims of election fraud are, of course, nonsense, and multiple observers have assessed the election was conducted transparently while fully complying with Colombian law. Petro is simply seeking to place his hand-chosen successor in power by alleging election interference.\n\nPetro\u2019s actions endanger Colombia\u2019s peaceful democratic transition and potentially jeopardize our relationship with the country. A strong, democratically elected Colombian government is central to continuing your work to enhance regional security across issues such as combatting illegal immigration and narcoterrorism.\n\nBoth of your personal congratulations and prompt recognition of Mr. de la Espriella after his election win in June sent a strong message of support to the newly elected Colombian government. We ask that you continue that support by making it clear that the United States government will participate in the peaceful transition to the presidency of Abelardo de la Espriella.\n\nThank you for your steadfast focus on advancing America\u2019s interests in the Western Hemisphere. Congress stands by to assist as required.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-remembering-senator-lindsey-graham/", "Floor Speech Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "Lindsey Graham was a self-made American original. Born in central South Carolina, Lindsey grew up in a room behind his parent\u2019s bar and pool hall where he worked to help the family make ends meet and earned the nickname \u201cStinkball\u201d from his patrons because of his sense of humor and his irrepressible nature and his rascal streak as he called it.\n\nI saw that in my first experience with Lindsey Graham. I traveled with him and Senator McCain to the Munich Security Conference in 2013 as a brand-new congressman. That evening as I was meeting some of the other Senators on the delegation, Senator Ayotte, Senator Corker, Lindsey came up to me and slapped me on the back and asked me who the hell I was, and I introduced myself and I told him a little bit about my story and my service in the Army before I was elected to the House and he told me I was great, I needed to run for Senate; we had to win the Senate seat in Arkansas. The next morning, we had a 08 briefing with General Breedlove, then the commander of our forces in Europe, and Lindsey stumbled in about 8:55. Senator McCain held the arrival of his illegitimate son, and then we had a coffee break five minutes later when Lindsey came over, slapped me on the back and said \u201cYou are great. We got to have you run for Senate, now, what was your name again?\u201d That was Lindsey. Self-described rascal that he was.\n\nAs often joked about him, and with him, you never knew quite what Lindsey was up to, but it probably wasn\u2019t nothing. He became the first member of his family to attend college. After suddenly and unexpectedly losing both parents while attending University of South Carolina, he stepped in the raise his beloved younger sister Darline. But even in the face of tragedy, Lindsey\u2019s grit, determination, and faith enabled him to finish college, earn a law degree, serve in the Air Force, and eventually make his way here to the United States Congress.\n\nWhen Lindsey arrived in the House in 1995 as the first Republican congressman from South Carolina\u2019s Third Congressional District since 1877, he brought with him a sense of duty and responsibility, a love for liberty, and a resolute commitment to America\u2019s national security. He carried this with him to the Senate where he served for more than two decades and became the first person in South Carolina history to earn more than one million votes in a general election. Needless to say, South Carolinians loved him and it\u2019s not hard to see why.\n\nThroughout my time working with Lindsey in the Senate, he fought for South Carolinians, he defended America\u2019s founding principles, and he supported the men and women of our military. While he served as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, he oversaw the confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice and more than 200 federal judges committed to upholding the rule of law as our founders intended. Further, Lindsey knew that strength produces peace and prosperity, and he believed that the United States is the greatest force for freedom that mankind has ever known. Through every bill he introduced, every speech he gave, every statement he made, Lindsey ensured our allies knew our word was good and our enemies feared our resolve.\n\nIf you loved America, Lindsey loved you. And if you fought for freedom, Lindsey would fight for you. Only in America could a man like Lindsey Graham leave such a mark on our history and our future. That above all is a testament to his strength of character. Lindsey\u2019s unwavering love for our Lord, devotion to our country, and commitment to his family defined his entire life. He was an example of what makes America exceptional.\n\nThough we lost a dedicated public servant, a workhorse of a colleague, and an irreplaceable friend, his memory and his legacy will never be forgotten. I extend my deepest prayers, thoughts, and condolences to Darline, Lindsey\u2019s family, Lindsey\u2019s staff, his friends, his loved ones. America and this Senate will forever be grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham for his lifetime of service, patriotism, and courageous leadership.\n\nMr. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-supreme-court-ruling-on-banning-men-from-womens-sports", "Cotton Statement Following Supreme Court Ruling on Banning Men from Women\u2019s Sports", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 30, 2026\n\nCotton Statement Following Supreme Court Ruling on Banning Men from Women\u2019s Sports\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released a statement following the Supreme Court ruling banning men from women\u2019s sports:\n\n\u201cToday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of common sense\u2014women\u2019s sports are for women, not for men. Arkansas was one of the first states to push back on this madness and I\u2019m glad the Supreme Court agrees. This decision benefits women across the country.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-supreme-court-ruling-on-banning-men-from-womens-sports/", "Cotton Statement Following Supreme Court Ruling on Banning Men from Women\u2019s Sports", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 30, 2026\n\nCotton Statement Following Supreme Court Ruling on Banning Men from Women\u2019s Sports\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released a statement following the Supreme Court ruling banning men from women\u2019s sports:\n\n\u201cToday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of common sense\u2014women\u2019s sports are for women, not for men. Arkansas was one of the first states to push back on this madness and I\u2019m glad the Supreme Court agrees. This decision benefits women across the country.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-americans-from-chinese-made-medical-devices", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Chinese-Made Medical Devices", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 25, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Chinese-Made Medical Devices\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to combat the cybersecurity risk posed by Communist Chinese-made medical devices. The Countering Chinese Cyberthreats for Patients (Countering CCP) Act would direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review and recall these devices to protect American\u2019s health data and privacy.\n\nIn May, Senator Cotton sent a letter to the FDA requesting an enhanced review of Chinese-manufactured medical devices following the FDA recall of Contec CMS8000.\n\n\u201cCommunist Chinese-made medical devices threaten the privacy and safety of every American patient. My bill would crack-down on these dangerous devices,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Countering Chinese Cyberthreats for Patients (Countering CCP) Act would:\n\nDirect the FDA and CISA to conduct a retroactive review of legacy Chinese-made networked medical devices to identify potential cybersecurity risks.\n\nDirect the FDA to recall Chinese-made networked medical devices that pose cybersecurity risks to American patients.\n\nDirect HHS and CISA to submit a report to Congress describing cyber preparedness of the U.S. medical device industry, Chinese market share of medical devices made in the U.S., and methods to bolster cyber preparedness of the U.S. medical device industry.", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-americans-from-chinese-made-medical-devices/", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Chinese-Made Medical Devices", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 25, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Chinese-Made Medical Devices\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to combat the cybersecurity risk posed by Communist Chinese-made medical devices. The Countering Chinese Cyberthreats for Patients (Countering CCP) Act would direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review and recall these devices to protect American\u2019s health data and privacy.\n\nIn May, Senator Cotton sent a letter to the FDA requesting an enhanced review of Chinese-manufactured medical devices following the FDA recall of Contec Medical Systems Co., Ltd. CMS8000.\n\n\u201cCommunist Chinese-made medical devices threaten the privacy and safety of every American patient. My bill would crack-down on these dangerous devices,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Countering Chinese Cyberthreats for Patients (Countering CCP) Act would:\n\nDirect the FDA and CISA to conduct a retroactive review of legacy Chinese-made networked medical devices to identify potential cybersecurity risks.\n\nDirect the FDA to recall Chinese-made networked medical devices that pose cybersecurity risks to American patients.\n\nDirect HHS and CISA to submit a report to Congress describing cyber preparedness of the U.S. medical device industry, Chinese market share of medical devices made in the U.S., and methods to bolster cyber preparedness of the U.S. medical device industry.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-lee-to-wright-chinese-nationals-steal-innovation-from-american-labs", "Cotton, Lee to Wright: Chinese Nationals Steal Innovation from American Labs", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 23, 2026\n\nCotton, Lee to Wright: Chinese Nationals Steal Innovation from American Labs\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) today sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright raising concern over Chinese nationals\u2019 access to American National Labs. Chinese nationals infiltrate sensitive research facilities to steal American intellectual property and technology which is then used to benefit Communist China.\n\nIn January 2026, the Senators, along with nine of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary Wright urging him to address this issue. In March 2025, they introduced the Guarding American Technology from Exploitation (GATE) Act as a legislative solution. The bill is currently being blocked by Energy and Natural Resources Committee Democrats.\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n\u201cWe write expressing serious concern regarding the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) continued practice of permitting foreign nationals from China to access facilities across the National Laboratory complex and work alongside American scientists. Recent DOE data underscores that this practice puts the nation\u2019s research enterprise at risk of foreign intelligence collection and technology transfers that will benefit our adversaries.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJune 23, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Chris Wright\n\nSecretary, Department of Energy\n\n1000 Independence Avenue SW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20024\n\nDear Secretary Wright:\n\nWe write expressing serious concern regarding the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) continued practice of permitting foreign nationals from China to access facilities across the National Laboratory complex and work alongside American scientists. Recent DOE data underscores that this practice puts the nation\u2019s research enterprise at risk of foreign intelligence collection and technology transfers that will benefit our adversaries.\n\nAccording to DOE\u2019s own data, Chinese nationals continue to occupy substantial roles across a variety of access types, including short term visits (approximately 1,900 in FY 2025), long term research assignments (approximately 1,300 in FY 2025), and even formal employment (approximately 2,100 in FY 2025). The Department further reports in FY 2025, on-site user facilities at the National Labs were accessed physically and remotely more than 5,000 times by Chinese nationals. These facts reflect severe vulnerabilities at our nation\u2019s premier and most sensitive scientific environments.\n\nChina is our main competitor in research and development and the race for emerging tech, where it seeks to surpass the United States by stealing American intellectual property and technologies. This is widely known and well-documented, and yet for decades we continue to give Chinese national scientists access to our National Laboratories.\n\nThese numbers are not small, nor are they incidental. They represent a systemic exposure of our National Labs, including the American scientists who work there and topics they are working on, to an adversary determined to defeat the United States. Given that DOE has not substantially reduced this exposure, we respectfully request answers to the following:\n\nHow does DOE's risk framework account for China's National Intelligence Law, which legally obligates every Chinese citizen\u2014including those working in our National Laboratories\u2014to cooperate with Chinese intelligence services upon demand, regardless of where they reside?\n\nWhy does the Department permit Chinese nationals to work inside the National Labs, side by side with American scientists?\n\nAre Chinese nationals given access to controlled technologies, export controlled technologies, or any other sensitive research environments within the National Laboratories? If so, how many?\n\nWhat steps is DOE taking to reduce remote access by Chinese nationals, given the Department\u2019s own finding that thousands of users operate remotely with limited oversight?\n\nDoes DOE intend to reduce or cap Chinese nationals\u2019 participation in unclassified research areas, and if not, why not?\n\nWhat counterintelligence assessments has DOE conducted regarding the concentration of Chinese nationals in specific labs, programs, or user facilities?\n\nThe Department\u2019s mission is to advance American scientific leadership, protect national security, and safeguard critical technologies. This mission can\u2019t be achieved when it\u2019s undermined by thousands of Chinese nationals infiltrating the National Labs each year. We look forward to your thoughts on these systemic vulnerabilities affecting our labs.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-lee-to-wright-chinese-nationals-steal-innovation-from-american-labs/", "Cotton, Lee to Wright: Chinese Nationals Steal Innovation from American Labs", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 23, 2026\n\nCotton, Lee to Wright: Chinese Nationals Steal Innovation from American Labs\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) today sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright raising concern over Chinese nationals\u2019 access to American National Labs. Chinese nationals infiltrate sensitive research facilities to steal American intellectual property and technology which is then used to benefit Communist China.\n\nIn January 2026, the Senators, along with nine of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary Wright urging him to address this issue. In March 2025, they introduced the Guarding American Technology from Exploitation (GATE) Act as a legislative solution. The bill is currently being blocked by Energy and Natural Resources Committee Democrats.\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n\u201cWe write expressing serious concern regarding the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) continued practice of permitting foreign nationals from China to access facilities across the National Laboratory complex and work alongside American scientists. Recent DOE data underscores that this practice puts the nation\u2019s research enterprise at risk of foreign intelligence collection and technology transfers that will benefit our adversaries.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJune 23, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Chris Wright\n\nSecretary, Department of Energy\n\n1000 Independence Avenue SW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20024\n\nDear Secretary Wright:\n\nWe write expressing serious concern regarding the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) continued practice of permitting foreign nationals from China to access facilities across the National Laboratory complex and work alongside American scientists. Recent DOE data underscores that this practice puts the nation\u2019s research enterprise at risk of foreign intelligence collection and technology transfers that will benefit our adversaries.\n\nAccording to DOE\u2019s own data, Chinese nationals continue to occupy substantial roles across a variety of access types, including short term visits (approximately 1,900 in FY 2025), long term research assignments (approximately 1,300 in FY 2025), and even formal employment (approximately 2,100 in FY 2025). The Department further reports in FY 2025, on-site user facilities at the National Labs were accessed physically and remotely more than 5,000 times by Chinese nationals. These facts reflect severe vulnerabilities at our nation\u2019s premier and most sensitive scientific environments.\n\nChina is our main competitor in research and development and the race for emerging tech, where it seeks to surpass the United States by stealing American intellectual property and technologies. This is widely known and well-documented, and yet for decades we continue to give Chinese national scientists access to our National Laboratories.\n\nThese numbers are not small, nor are they incidental. They represent a systemic exposure of our National Labs, including the American scientists who work there and topics they are working on, to an adversary determined to defeat the United States. Given that DOE has not substantially reduced this exposure, we respectfully request answers to the following:\n\nHow does DOE\u2019s risk framework account for China\u2019s National Intelligence Law, which legally obligates every Chinese citizen\u2014including those working in our National Laboratories\u2014to cooperate with Chinese intelligence services upon demand, regardless of where they reside?\n\nWhy does the Department permit Chinese nationals to work inside the National Labs, side by side with American scientists?\n\nAre Chinese nationals given access to controlled technologies, export controlled technologies, or any other sensitive research environments within the National Laboratories? If so, how many?\n\nWhat steps is DOE taking to reduce remote access by Chinese nationals, given the Department\u2019s own finding that thousands of users operate remotely with limited oversight?\n\nDoes DOE intend to reduce or cap Chinese nationals\u2019 participation in unclassified research areas, and if not, why not?\n\nWhat counterintelligence assessments has DOE conducted regarding the concentration of Chinese nationals in specific labs, programs, or user facilities?\n\nThe Department\u2019s mission is to advance American scientific leadership, protect national security, and safeguard critical technologies. This mission can\u2019t be achieved when it\u2019s undermined by thousands of Chinese nationals infiltrating the National Labs each year. We look forward to your thoughts on these systemic vulnerabilities affecting our labs.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-investigate-airwallex-for-ties-to-communist-china", "Cotton to Bessent: Investigate Airwallex for Ties to Communist China", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 17, 2026\n\nCotton to Bessent: Investigate Airwallex for Ties to Communist China\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to investigate Communist Chinese investment in Airwallex. Airwallex is a cross-border payment platform that processes highly sensitive data for major American companies.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cLeft unchecked, Airwallex has been doubling down. It intends to acquire a US banking license. It holds about 90 financial licenses across 50 markets and has bought three businesses since September 2025, including a financial data platform this month. Each acquisition pulls more American data within reach of the Chinese communists. CFIUS has jurisdiction over foreign investment in U.S. businesses that hold sensitive personal data of Americans. I urge it to examine the Chinese investments in Airwallex through its non-notified transaction process and conduct a full review of any transaction, bank acquisition, company purchase, or data-rich investment that deepen Airwallex\u2019s footprint. If the review confirms the risk, CFIUS should seek the company\u2019s divestment of the Chinese stakes, as it did with StayNTouch and PatientsLikeMe. At a minimum, CFIUS should impose binding conditions that end China-based access to American data and require independent audits.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJune 17, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretary of the Treasury\n\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nI write to request the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) open a national security review of Chinese investment in Airwallex, a payments platform that maintains sensitive data on US citizens. In December, I asked the Department of Justice to conduct their own investigation.\n\nAirwallex operates as a U.S. money transmitter inside major American corporate payment and workforce management platforms, processing Social Security numbers, dates of birth, payroll records, and travel patterns for leading American artificial intelligence labs and defense contractors. Airwallex sits unseen in the backend of payment systems Americans use every day.\n\nWhile Airwallex markets itself as an Australian company, its ties to Communist China run deep. Tencent and HongShan reportedly hold a combined stake of more than 20 percent. The Department of Defense kept Tencent on its list of Chinese military companies released earlier this month. About 40 percent of Airwallex employees work in China, all of whom are legally required to covertly assist Chinese intelligence services under China\u2019s National Intelligence Law. Airwallex admits that American data-security rules, which ban sending Americans\u2019 sensitive data to countries of concern, drove its decision to move more than 100 employees out of China. That admission concedes what matters. The relocated positions were security chokepoints inside China. A company that keeps 40 percent of its workforce in China does not confine those chokepoints to 100 desks.\n\nLeft unchecked, Airwallex has been doubling down. It intends to acquire a US banking license. It holds about 90 financial licenses across 50 markets and has bought three businesses since September 2025, including a financial data platform this month. Each acquisition pulls more American data within reach of the Chinese communists. CFIUS has jurisdiction over foreign investment in U.S. businesses that hold sensitive personal data of Americans. I urge it to examine the Chinese investments in Airwallex through its non-notified transaction process and conduct a full review of any transaction, bank acquisition, company purchase, or data-rich investment that deepen Airwallex\u2019s footprint. If the review confirms the risk, CFIUS should seek the company\u2019s divestment of the Chinese stakes, as it did with StayNTouch and PatientsLikeMe. At a minimum, CFIUS should impose binding conditions that end China-based access to American data and require independent audits.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-18T06:41:00Z", "2026-06-18T06:43:25Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-investigate-airwallex-for-ties-to-communist-china/", "Cotton to Bessent: Investigate Airwallex for Ties to Communist China", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 17, 2026\n\nCotton to Bessent: Investigate Airwallex for Ties to Communist China\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to investigate Communist Chinese investment in Airwallex. Airwallex is a cross-border payment platform that processes highly sensitive data for major American companies.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cLeft unchecked, Airwallex has been doubling down. It intends to acquire a US banking license. It holds about 90 financial licenses across 50 markets and has bought three businesses since September 2025, including a financial data platform this month. Each acquisition pulls more American data within reach of the Chinese communists. CFIUS has jurisdiction over foreign investment in U.S. businesses that hold sensitive personal data of Americans. I urge it to examine the Chinese investments in Airwallex through its non-notified transaction process and conduct a full review of any transaction, bank acquisition, company purchase, or data-rich investment that deepen Airwallex\u2019s footprint. If the review confirms the risk, CFIUS should seek the company\u2019s divestment of the Chinese stakes, as it did with StayNTouch and PatientsLikeMe. At a minimum, CFIUS should impose binding conditions that end China-based access to American data and require independent audits.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJune 17, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretary of the Treasury\n\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nI write to request the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) open a national security review of Chinese investment in Airwallex, a payments platform that maintains sensitive data on US citizens. In December, I asked the Department of Justice to conduct their own investigation.\n\nAirwallex operates as a U.S. money transmitter inside major American corporate payment and workforce management platforms, processing Social Security numbers, dates of birth, payroll records, and travel patterns for leading American artificial intelligence labs and defense contractors. Airwallex sits unseen in the backend of payment systems Americans use every day.\n\nWhile Airwallex markets itself as an Australian company, its ties to Communist China run deep. Tencent and HongShan reportedly hold a combined stake of more than 20 percent. The Department of Defense kept Tencent on its list of Chinese military companies released earlier this month. About 40 percent of Airwallex employees work in China, all of whom are legally required to covertly assist Chinese intelligence services under China\u2019s National Intelligence Law. Airwallex admits that American data-security rules, which ban sending Americans\u2019 sensitive data to countries of concern, drove its decision to move more than 100 employees out of China. That admission concedes what matters. The relocated positions were security chokepoints inside China. A company that keeps 40 percent of its workforce in China does not confine those chokepoints to 100 desks.\n\nLeft unchecked, Airwallex has been doubling down. It intends to acquire a US banking license. It holds about 90 financial licenses across 50 markets and has bought three businesses since September 2025, including a financial data platform this month. Each acquisition pulls more American data within reach of the Chinese communists. CFIUS has jurisdiction over foreign investment in U.S. businesses that hold sensitive personal data of Americans. I urge it to examine the Chinese investments in Airwallex through its non-notified transaction process and conduct a full review of any transaction, bank acquisition, company purchase, or data-rich investment that deepen Airwallex\u2019s footprint. If the review confirms the risk, CFIUS should seek the company\u2019s divestment of the Chinese stakes, as it did with StayNTouch and PatientsLikeMe. At a minimum, CFIUS should impose binding conditions that end China-based access to American data and require independent audits.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-cortez-masto-introduce-bill-to-accelerate-energy-projects-stalled-by-red-tape", "Cotton, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects Stalled By Red Tape", "2026-06-16", "2026", "2026-06", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 16, 2026\n\nCotton, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects Stalled By Red Tape\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to cut bureaucratic red tape that is often used to unnecessarily delay energy projects. The Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would eliminate excessive litigation against fully permitted energy projects.\n\n\u201cEndless lawsuits delay vital energy projects, resulting in higher energy prices for Arkansans. My bill will eliminate bureaucratic red tape to streamline energy projects,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cFor far too long, energy projects across the country have been slowed by bureaucracy. The bipartisan FREEDOM Act is a critical first step in slashing this unnecessary red tape so we can meet the energy needs of the future and unlock America\u2019s full potential,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would:\n\nEmpower project sponsors to file court petitions with expedited review.\n\nBan federal agencies from revoking permits, issuing stop-work orders, or halting construction on fully permitted projects that do not meet a narrow set of extreme circumstances.\n\nEmpower project sponsors to hire qualified contractors to complete administrative work at no cost to the project when non-negotiable timelines are missed by agencies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-17T06:49:24Z", "2026-06-17T06:50:53Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-cortez-masto-introduce-bill-to-accelerate-energy-projects-stalled-by-red-tape/", "Cotton, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects Stalled By Red Tape", "2026-06-16", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 16, 2026\n\nCotton, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects Stalled By Red Tape\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to cut bureaucratic red tape that is often used to unnecessarily delay energy projects. The Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would eliminate excessive litigation against fully permitted energy projects.\n\n\u201cEndless lawsuits delay vital energy projects, resulting in higher energy prices for Arkansans. My bill will eliminate bureaucratic red tape to streamline energy projects,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cFor far too long, energy projects across the country have been slowed by bureaucracy. The bipartisan FREEDOM Act is a critical first step in slashing this unnecessary red tape so we can meet the energy needs of the future and unlock America\u2019s full potential,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would:\n\nEmpower project sponsors to file court petitions with expedited review.\n\nBan federal agencies from revoking permits, issuing stop-work orders, or halting construction on fully permitted projects that do not meet a narrow set of extreme circumstances.\n\nEmpower project sponsors to hire qualified contractors to complete administrative work at no cost to the project when non-negotiable timelines are missed by agencies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-biological-smuggling", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Biological Smuggling", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 10, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Biological Smuggling\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to crack down on biological smuggling. The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would impose tough, unavoidable mandatory minimum sentences on individuals who illegally import biological agents.\n\nThis follows the Department of Justice\u2019s charging two foreign-national researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH) with conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox virus into the United States.\n\n\u201cIllegally smuggling dangerous viruses into our country threatens the health and safety of all Americans. My bill would increase the punishment for anyone who commits this heinous crime,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would:\n\nImpose a 20-year mandatory minimum for the smuggling (or attempted smuggling) of any biological agent or toxin (as defined in 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 178, which includes monkeypox virus and other select agents) \u2014 whether committed by a lone actor or as part of a conspiracy.\n\nImpose a 20-year mandatory minimum for conspiracy to smuggle such agents.\n\nImpose a 5-year mandatory minimum for making false statements to federal agents in connection with the smuggling, importation, declaration, or permitting of biological agents.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-11T06:38:38Z", "2026-06-11T06:41:07Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-doj-investigate-communist-china-influence-on-data-center-development", "Cotton to DOJ: Investigate Communist China Influence on Data Center Development", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 10, 2026\n\nCotton to DOJ: Investigate Communist China Influence on Data Center Development\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting an investigation into the efforts of foreign adversaries, including Communist China, to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. AI infrastructure is vital to maintaining America\u2019s AI advantage, an economic and national security priority.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI write requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate foreign influence efforts targeting the buildout of American AI infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that a network of foreign actors, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is attempting to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. Maintaining America\u2019s AI advantage is vital to American economic strength, diplomacy, national security, and military power. Americans certainly have valid concerns about potential rising energy costs and strains on natural resources related to data centers, and we should implement common sense regulations and legislation to protect communities from adverse effects. But we can\u2019t allow any effort by foreign adversaries to extort these fears and undermine our technological development.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJune 10, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Todd Blanche\n\nActing Attorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20530\n\nDear Mr. Blanche,\n\nI write requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate foreign influence efforts targeting the buildout of American AI infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that a network of foreign actors, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is attempting to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. Maintaining America\u2019s AI advantage is vital to American economic strength, diplomacy, national security, and military power. Americans certainly have valid concerns about potential rising energy costs and strains on natural resources related to data centers, and we should implement common sense regulations and legislation to protect communities from adverse effects. But we can\u2019t allow any effort by foreign adversaries to extort these fears and undermine our technological development.\n\nA recent report uncovers a multi-year campaign waged across multiple vectors of foreign influence. Among them is a network of U.S. nonprofits funded by Neville Roy Singham, a Shanghai-based American expatriate under U.S.-government scrutiny for his ties to the Chinese Communists. For years, Singham\u2019s network has been producing content opposing the development of American AI infrastructure, and various investigations have found that the Chinese government is the network\u2019s ultimate paymaster. All while the Chinese government promotes its own AI ambitions at home, where sentiments are overwhelmingly pro-technology.\n\nForeign-funded charitable entities tied to this campaign have reportedly funneled more than $2 billion into U.S. advocacy organizations, with a significant portion going to groups that are driving the campaign against U.S. data centers and influencing policymakers. Just one month ago, Senator Bernie Sanders hosted a 75-minute panel on \u201cthe existential threat of AI\u201d where two of the four panelists were Chinese government affiliates. This included a professor from Tsinghua University, a crown jewel of China\u2019s Military-Civil Fusion strategy and a host to multiple defense research laboratories.\n\nSeveral of these matters are already under congressional review. Yet no entity in the network has been charged under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). I therefore request that the DOJ launch a full investigation into these matters.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-11T06:38:38Z", "2026-06-11T06:41:07Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-biological-smuggling/", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Biological Smuggling", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 10, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Biological Smuggling\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to crack down on biological smuggling. The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would impose tough, unavoidable mandatory minimum sentences on individuals who illegally import biological agents.\n\nThis follows the Department of Justice\u2019s charging two foreign-national researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH) with conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox virus into the United States.\n\n\u201cIllegally smuggling dangerous viruses into our country threatens the health and safety of all Americans. My bill would increase the punishment for anyone who commits this heinous crime,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would:\n\nImpose a 20-year mandatory minimum for the smuggling (or attempted smuggling) of any biological agent or toxin (as defined in 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 178, which includes monkeypox virus and other select agents) \u2014 whether committed by a lone actor or as part of a conspiracy.\n\nImpose a 20-year mandatory minimum for conspiracy to smuggle such agents.\n\nImpose a 5-year mandatory minimum for making false statements to federal agents in connection with the smuggling, importation, declaration, or permitting of biological agents.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-doj-investigate-communist-china-influence-on-data-center-development/", "Cotton to DOJ: Investigate Communist China Influence on Data Center Development", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJune 10, 2026\n\nCotton to DOJ: Investigate Communist China Influence on Data Center Development\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting an investigation into the efforts of foreign adversaries, including Communist China, to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. AI infrastructure is vital to maintaining America\u2019s AI advantage, an economic and national security priority.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI write requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate foreign influence efforts targeting the buildout of American AI infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that a network of foreign actors, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is attempting to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. Maintaining America\u2019s AI advantage is vital to American economic strength, diplomacy, national security, and military power. Americans certainly have valid concerns about potential rising energy costs and strains on natural resources related to data centers, and we should implement common sense regulations and legislation to protect communities from adverse effects. But we can\u2019t allow any effort by foreign adversaries to extort these fears and undermine our technological development.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJune 10, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Todd Blanche\n\nActing Attorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20530\n\nDear Mr. Blanche,\n\nI write requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate foreign influence efforts targeting the buildout of American AI infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that a network of foreign actors, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is attempting to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. Maintaining America\u2019s AI advantage is vital to American economic strength, diplomacy, national security, and military power. Americans certainly have valid concerns about potential rising energy costs and strains on natural resources related to data centers, and we should implement common sense regulations and legislation to protect communities from adverse effects. But we can\u2019t allow any effort by foreign adversaries to extort these fears and undermine our technological development.\n\nA recent report uncovers a multi-year campaign waged across multiple vectors of foreign influence. Among them is a network of U.S. nonprofits funded by Neville Roy Singham, a Shanghai-based American expatriate under U.S.-government scrutiny for his ties to the Chinese Communists. For years, Singham\u2019s network has been producing content opposing the development of American AI infrastructure, and various investigations have found that the Chinese government is the network\u2019s ultimate paymaster. All while the Chinese government promotes its own AI ambitions at home, where sentiments are overwhelmingly pro-technology.\n\nForeign-funded charitable entities tied to this campaign have reportedly funneled more than $2 billion into U.S. advocacy organizations, with a significant portion going to groups that are driving the campaign against U.S. data centers and influencing policymakers. Just one month ago, Senator Bernie Sanders hosted a 75-minute panel on \u201cthe existential threat of AI\u201d where two of the four panelists were Chinese government affiliates. This included a professor from Tsinghua University, a crown jewel of China\u2019s Military-Civil Fusion strategy and a host to multiple defense research laboratories.\n\nSeveral of these matters are already under congressional review. Yet no entity in the network has been charged under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). I therefore request that the DOJ launch a full investigation into these matters.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-leads-colleagues-in-court-challenge-to-fight-investor-surveillance-scheme", "Cotton Leads Colleagues in Court Challenge to Fight Investor Surveillance Scheme", "2026-05-29", "2026", "2026-05", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 29, 2026\n\nCotton Leads Colleagues in Court Challenge to Fight Investor Surveillance Scheme\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), joined by 11 colleagues, filed an amicus brief in American Securities Association and Citadel Securities vs. SEC in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission\u2019s (SEC) authority to create and fund the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). The CAT is a vast new surveillance system that tracks the entire American securities market and every investor in it \u2013 including anyone with a retirement account \u2013 without any suggestion of wrongdoing.\n\n\"The SEC gave itself a surveillance database on the backs of American investors and never bothered to ask Congress. That\u2019s not how the Constitution works. It is time to end it,\" said Senator Cotton.\n\nThe amicus brief may be found here.\n\nThe brief is also signed by:\n\nSen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina)\n\nSen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee)\n\nSen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana)\n\nRep. French Hill (Arkansas-02)\n\nRep. Don Bacon (Nebraska-02)\n\nRep. Troy Downing (Montana-02)\n\nRep. Scott Fitzgerald (Wisconsin-05)\n\nRep. Barry Loudermilk (Georgia-11)\n\nRep. Marlin Stutzman (Indiana-03)\n\nRep. Randy Weber (Texas-14)\n\nRep. Steve Womack (Arkansas-03)\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-30T06:11:53Z", "2026-05-30T06:13:24Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-leads-colleagues-in-court-challenge-to-fight-investor-surveillance-scheme/", "Cotton Leads Colleagues in Court Challenge to Fight Investor Surveillance Scheme", "2026-05-29", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 29, 2026\n\nCotton Leads Colleagues in Court Challenge to Fight Investor Surveillance Scheme\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), joined by 11 colleagues, filed an amicus brief in American Securities Association and Citadel Securities vs. SEC in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission\u2019s (SEC) authority to create and fund the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). The CAT is a vast new surveillance system that tracks the entire American securities market and every investor in it \u2013 including anyone with a retirement account \u2013 without any suggestion of wrongdoing.\n\n\u201cThe SEC gave itself a surveillance database on the backs of American investors and never bothered to ask Congress. That\u2019s not how the Constitution works. It is time to end it,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nThe amicus brief may be found here.\n\nThe brief is also signed by:\n\nSen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina)\n\nSen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee)\n\nSen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana)\n\nRep. French Hill (Arkansas-02)\n\nRep. Don Bacon (Nebraska-02)\n\nRep. Troy Downing (Montana-02)\n\nRep. Scott Fitzgerald (Wisconsin-05)\n\nRep. Barry Loudermilk (Georgia-11)\n\nRep. Marlin Stutzman (Indiana-03)\n\nRep. Randy Weber (Texas-14)\n\nRep. Steve Womack (Arkansas-03)\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-fda-investigate-dangerous-chinese-manufactured-medical-devices", "Cotton to FDA: Investigate Dangerous Chinese-Manufactured Medical Devices", "2026-05-26", "2026", "2026-05", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 26, 2026\n\nCotton to FDA: Investigate Dangerous Chinese-Manufactured Medical Devices\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Kyle Diamantas requesting enhanced review of medical devices manufactured in Communist China to address potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Compromised Chinese-made medical devices give malign foreign actors access to sensitive personal health data, potentially exposing American patients to identity theft, fraud, extortion, and dangerous medical misdiagnoses.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cProtecting Americans\u2019 privacy and ensuring their health data isn\u2019t accessible to cybercriminals in adversarial nations is of utmost importance. I look forward to working with you on this matter.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMay 26, 2026\n\nKyle Diamantas\n\nActing Commissioner\n\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration\n\n10903 New Hampshire Ave.\n\nSilver Spring, MD 20993\n\nDear Acting Commissioner Diamantas:\n\nI write to express concerns regarding cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with networked medical devices manufactured in China. American patients\u2019 exposure to compromised Chinese-made medical devices poses a risk to both national security and public health.\n\nOn January 30, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) notified parties of cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with the Contec CMS8000, a networked patient monitoring device manufactured in Communist China. The FDA found the device would automatically extract personally identifiable patient health information when connected to the internet. Data exfiltration of sensitive medical information can lead to widespread identity theft, insurance fraud, extortion, and more sophisticated scams against American patients. CISA also warned the device was programmed to allow unverified users to remotely control the device without a health provider\u2019s knowledge. This gave malign Chinese actors an opportunity to directly manipulate how the device operates and displays data, potentially leading to dangerous misdiagnoses of heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension. On May 14, 2025, FDA issued a Class II recall of the Contec CMS8000.\n\nThe FDA started requiring medical device manufacturers to demonstrate enhanced cybersecurity safeguards to receive FDA pre-market clearance in 2023. But this requirement did not extend to medical devices on the market prior to the enactment of the enhanced cybersecurity requirements. Thus, more must be done to protect Americans from compromised medical devices.\n\nI respectfully ask the FDA and CISA to review Chinese-made medical devices cleared prior to March 29, 2023. Protecting Americans\u2019 privacy and ensuring their health data isn\u2019t accessible to cybercriminals in adversarial nations is of utmost importance. I look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-27T06:38:34Z", "2026-05-27T06:40:17Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-fda-investigate-dangerous-chinese-manufactured-medical-devices/", "Cotton to FDA: Investigate Dangerous Chinese-Manufactured Medical Devices", "2026-05-26", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 26, 2026\n\nCotton to FDA: Investigate Dangerous Chinese-Manufactured Medical Devices\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Kyle Diamantas requesting enhanced review of medical devices manufactured in Communist China to address potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Compromised Chinese-made medical devices give malign foreign actors access to sensitive personal health data, potentially exposing American patients to identity theft, fraud, extortion, and dangerous medical misdiagnoses.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cProtecting Americans\u2019 privacy and ensuring their health data isn\u2019t accessible to cybercriminals in adversarial nations is of utmost importance. I look forward to working with you on this matter.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMay 26, 2026\n\nKyle Diamantas\n\nActing Commissioner\n\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration\n\n10903 New Hampshire Ave.\n\nSilver Spring, MD 20993\n\nDear Acting Commissioner Diamantas:\n\nI write to express concerns regarding cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with networked medical devices manufactured in China. American patients\u2019 exposure to compromised Chinese-made medical devices poses a risk to both national security and public health.\n\nOn January 30, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) notified parties of cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with the Contec CMS8000, a networked patient monitoring device manufactured in Communist China. The FDA found the device would automatically extract personally identifiable patient health information when connected to the internet. Data exfiltration of sensitive medical information can lead to widespread identity theft, insurance fraud, extortion, and more sophisticated scams against American patients. CISA also warned the device was programmed to allow unverified users to remotely control the device without a health provider\u2019s knowledge. This gave malign Chinese actors an opportunity to directly manipulate how the device operates and displays data, potentially leading to dangerous misdiagnoses of heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension. On May 14, 2025, FDA issued a Class II recall of the Contec CMS8000.\n\nThe FDA started requiring medical device manufacturers to demonstrate enhanced cybersecurity safeguards to receive FDA pre-market clearance in 2023. But this requirement did not extend to medical devices on the market prior to the enactment of the enhanced cybersecurity requirements. Thus, more must be done to protect Americans from compromised medical devices.\n\nI respectfully ask the FDA and CISA to review Chinese-made medical devices cleared prior to March 29, 2023. Protecting Americans\u2019 privacy and ensuring their health data isn\u2019t accessible to cybercriminals in adversarial nations is of utmost importance. I look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-sanction-entities-illegally-paying-iran-for-strait-of-hormuz-passage", "Cotton to Bessent: Sanction Entities Illegally Paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage", "2026-05-22", "2026", "2026-05", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 22, 2026\n\nCotton to Bessent: Sanction Entities Illegally Paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraging the administration to use existing authorities to sanction any entity assisting Iran with illegally blocking the Strait of Hormuz, including the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA). The PGSA operates directly under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and illegally attempts to regulate transit and collect fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Senator Cotton further offered to work on legislation to provide the administration with additional authorities as needed.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cThe PGSA cannot operate without the consent of other nations, and the United States must ensure every actor enabling the terrorist Iranian regime is held accountable. I stand ready to work with you and am preparing legislation to further codify your efforts. In the meantime, I support the use of existing authorities to impose sanctions on the PGSA, its officers, and any foreign entity that pays, processes, or facilitates tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMay 21, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretary of the Treasury\n\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nI applaud your warning that participants in the \u201cTehran Toll Booth\u201d may face punitive sanctions. Iran\u2019s efforts to illegally control the Strait of Hormuz are yet another example of the ongoing threats posed by the terrorist Iranian regime that Operation Economic Fury rightly targets. And reports that Iran is coordinating with other governments to jointly regulate traffic through the Strait are particularly alarming. Congress stands ready to support any actions that further this mission and hold these entities to account.\n\nJust this week, Iran officially launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), claiming sovereign authority to regulate transit and collect fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Under this illegal framework, ships must apply to the PGSA, disclose ownership, insurance, crew manifests, and cargo, and pay tolls reportedly reaching $2 million per vessel before being granted permission to transit. The PGSA operates directly under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, meaning every dollar collected directly finances a sanctioned terrorist entity.\n\nBeyond the immediate revenue it generates for the IRGC, formal recognition of their scheme by any government, shipowner, or financial institution would violate the principle of freedom of navigation and set a dangerous precedent for other coastal states near the world\u2019s critical maritime routes. Any individual, entity, or nation that lends legitimacy to Iran\u2019s illegal toll booth is enabling the IRGC and undermining the global trading system.\n\nThe PGSA cannot operate without the consent of other nations, and the United States must ensure every actor enabling the terrorist Iranian regime is held accountable. I stand ready to work with you and am preparing legislation to further codify your efforts. In the meantime, I support the use of existing authorities to impose sanctions on the PGSA, its officers, and any foreign entity that pays, processes, or facilitates tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-23T06:08:46Z", "2026-05-23T06:10:20Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-sanction-entities-illegally-paying-iran-for-strait-of-hormuz-passage/", "Cotton to Bessent: Sanction Entities Illegally Paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage", "2026-05-22", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "page_html", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 22, 2026\n\nCotton to Bessent: Sanction Entities Illegally Paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraging the administration to use existing authorities to sanction any entity assisting Iran with illegally blocking the Strait of Hormuz, including the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA). The PGSA operates directly under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and illegally attempts to regulate transit and collect fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Senator Cotton further offered to work on legislation to provide the administration with additional authorities as needed.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cThe PGSA cannot operate without the consent of other nations, and the United States must ensure every actor enabling the terrorist Iranian regime is held accountable. I stand ready to work with you and am preparing legislation to further codify your efforts. In the meantime, I support the use of existing authorities to impose sanctions on the PGSA, its officers, and any foreign entity that pays, processes, or facilitates tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMay 21, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretary of the Treasury\n\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nI applaud your warning that participants in the \u201cTehran Toll Booth\u201d may face punitive sanctions. Iran\u2019s efforts to illegally control the Strait of Hormuz are yet another example of the ongoing threats posed by the terrorist Iranian regime that Operation Economic Fury rightly targets. And reports that Iran is coordinating with other governments to jointly regulate traffic through the Strait are particularly alarming. Congress stands ready to support any actions that further this mission and hold these entities to account.\n\nJust this week, Iran officially launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), claiming sovereign authority to regulate transit and collect fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Under this illegal framework, ships must apply to the PGSA, disclose ownership, insurance, crew manifests, and cargo, and pay tolls reportedly reaching $2 million per vessel before being granted permission to transit. The PGSA operates directly under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, meaning every dollar collected directly finances a sanctioned terrorist entity.\n\nBeyond the immediate revenue it generates for the IRGC, formal recognition of their scheme by any government, shipowner, or financial institution would violate the principle of freedom of navigation and set a dangerous precedent for other coastal states near the world\u2019s critical maritime routes. Any individual, entity, or nation that lends legitimacy to Iran\u2019s illegal toll booth is enabling the IRGC and undermining the global trading system.\n\nThe PGSA cannot operate without the consent of other nations, and the United States must ensure every actor enabling the terrorist Iranian regime is held accountable. I stand ready to work with you and am preparing legislation to further codify your efforts. In the meantime, I support the use of existing authorities to impose sanctions on the PGSA, its officers, and any foreign entity that pays, processes, or facilitates tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-blanche-investigate-chinese-controlled-delivery-networks", "Cotton to Blanche: Investigate Chinese-Controlled Delivery Networks", "2026-05-21", "2026", "2026-05", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 21, 2026\n\nCotton to Blanche: Investigate Chinese-Controlled Delivery Networks\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche urging an investigation into Chinese-controlled third-party logistics networks. Chinese-controlled delivery networks undercut American operators while collecting sensitive data on addresses, businesses, and critical infrastructure.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI write asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review Chinese-controlled last-mile delivery and third-party logistics (3PL) networks.\n\nThese companies move through American neighborhoods, commercial districts, and roads near critical infrastructure. They collect detailed data on routes, businesses, and homes while undercutting American competitors on price. This is a familiar playbook: Chinese firms enter the United States at subsidized prices, capture market share, and embed themselves into daily American commerce. Last-mile logistics is just the most recent example.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMay 19, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Todd Blanche\n\nActing Attorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nI write asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review Chinese-controlled last-mile delivery and third-party logistics (3PL) networks.\n\nThese companies move through American neighborhoods, commercial districts, and roads near critical infrastructure. They collect detailed data on routes, businesses, and homes while undercutting American competitors on price. This is a familiar playbook: Chinese firms enter the United States at subsidized prices, capture market share, and embed themselves into daily American commerce. Last-mile logistics is just the most recent example.\n\nFirms tied to the Chinese communists are expanding inside our borders and collecting granular data on Americans. They fall into three groups. The Chinese corporations include Zongteng Group, and its subsidiaries YunExpress and Cirro Logistics. The US-incorporated affiliates include the Zongteng-backed Gofo, and SpeedX, founded by a veteran of the Chinese freight industry to serve Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop. The other foreign carriers include the Canadian-incorporated UniUni, Chinese-backed, and the Indonesian, Tencent-backed, J&T Express.\n\nThe economic damage is significant. American last-mile delivery supports 1.5 million jobs and American 3PL operators pay the President's tariffs in full. But Chinese-owned 3PLs make a business out of helping their clients evade them through transshipment, undervaluation, and ghost importers of record, then undercut domestic firms with the savings. That is not competition. That is industrial displacement.\n\nDOJ has the tools to address this conduct. I respectfully ask DOJ to review (1) the ownership and control structures behind Chinese-linked last-mile delivery and 3PL platforms operating in the United States, (2) the data they collect and the Chinese government\u2019s access to it, (3) whether their subsidized, predatory pricing violates federal antitrust law, and (4) whether these firms or their parent companies facilitate tariff evasion and customs fraud at industrial scale.\n\nIf we act now, we can minimize the damage and stop this Communist surveillance of our neighborhoods. I look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-22T06:27:39Z", "2026-05-22T06:29:18Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-intelligence-committee-passes-the-intelligence-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2027", "Senate Intelligence Committee Passes the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027", "2026-05-21", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence\n\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nMay 21, 2026\n\nCONTACT:\n\nHannah McCarthy (Cotton) 202 465-5601\n\nRachel Cohen (Warner) 202 228-6884\n\nSenate Intelligence Committee Passes the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence passed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (IAA) today on a bipartisan 14-3 vote. The bill authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight for the United States Intelligence Community (IC).\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank my colleagues for their work on this bill, which will keep America safe and make our intelligence agencies more transparent and efficient. Our bipartisan legislation introduces several key changes, including barring purchases from adversaries like China and a review of real-estate transactions near IC facilities. Most importantly, the bill will continue to return our intelligence agencies back to their core mission: the collection of clandestine foreign intelligence to protect our homeland,\u201d said Chairman Cotton.\n\n\u201cI am proud of the Senate Intelligence Committee\u2019s bipartisan legislation to conduct meaningful oversight of the nation\u2019s intelligence agencies, as well as provide them with the tools and authorities they need to do their job to keep America safe. This year\u2019s IAA enhances support to and oversight of the Intelligence Community\u2019s use of artificial intelligence to ensure that this powerful technology keeps America safe without creating unexpected vulnerabilities. The bill also ensures continued support to America\u2019s allies and partners, including Ukraine. At the same time, the bill combats corruption by ensuring that clearance holders cannot personally profit by using insider information on prediction markets and by banning \u2018pay-to-play\u2019 national security transactions,\u201d said Vice Chairman Warner.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe IAA for Fiscal Year 2027 authorizes funding and ensures that the IC has the resources, personnel, and authorities it needs to protect our country and inform decision-makers, while under robust Congressional oversight.\n\nThe Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 will:\n\nSignificantly reform the IC\u2019s authorities to focus on foreign intelligence, international terrorism, and foreign threats to the homeland;\n\nProvide for additional resources to recruit intelligence officers and expand foreign intelligence collection against U.S. adversaries;\n\nProhibit the IC from using or procuring products and services made in Communist China;\n\nEstablish a task force to identify indications and warning of Chinese military aggression regarding Taiwan;\n\nEnhance oversight and governance of use of artificial intelligence by the IC, including in adoption of advanced AI capabilities and use of AI in lethal targeting;\n\nEstablish opportunities for pre-deployment testing of AI models, helping U.S. firms protect against potential misuse of their models for foreign hacking or weapons proliferation activity;\n\nAmend the Spectrum Relocation Fund authorization to clarify eligibility for Title 50 agencies that utilize spectrum and whose usage could be impacted by future reallocation decisions;\n\nProhibit the IC from acquiring or operating autonomous ground systems from China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea;\n\nEnsure intelligence support to U.S. allies, including Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan;\n\nProtect whistleblowers\u2019 right to bring their complaints to Congress in a timely fashion;\n\nImprove anonymized biological data and intelligence within the IC;\n\nEstablish a Counterintelligence Office at the Department of Commerce;\n\nEnhance U.S. person privacy by codifying IC policy guidance requiring IC elements to develop procedures for unmasking requests of U.S. person identities;\n\nProhibit IC employees and contractors with security clearances from using nonpublic information to place bets on prediction markets;\n\nRequire the IC to report on hostile foreign cyber actors, including foreign scam centers;\n\nEstablish an Office of Counterintelligence within the Department of Treasury\u2019s Office of Intelligence and Analysis;\n\nCreate a fellowship named after Senator Ben Sasse for IC employees to gain experience at technology companies and bring this expertise back to their home agencies;\n\nMandate security procedures for Federal Reserve data and information;\n\nRequire the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review real estate transactions with foreign persons near IC facilities; and\n\nExtend authorities for protecting Central Intelligence Agency facilities from unmanned aircraft systems.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-22T06:27:39Z", "2026-05-22T06:29:18Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-senators-to-trump-eliminate-un-agency-that-employs-hamas-terrorists", "Cotton, Senators to Trump: Eliminate UN Agency that Employs Hamas-Terrorists", "2026-05-19", "2026", "2026-05", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 19, 2026\n\nCotton, Senators to Trump: Eliminate UN Agency that Employs Hamas-Terrorists\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), joined by 24 colleagues, sent a letter to President Trump requesting that his administration work with the United Nations (UN) to fully dismantle and eliminate the budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Numerous UNRWA employees have ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups, yet they continue to receive millions of dollars annually from the UN.\n\nThe letter is cosigned by Senators Jim Banks (R-Indiana), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi).\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n\u201cWe strongly urge your administration to take decisive action to fully dismantle UNRWA and eliminate it from the UN budget. Any aid organization in Gaza or otherwise must be demonstrably free of ties to terrorism and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace. We must ensure this failed system doesn\u2019t continue reinforcing the conditions that have fueled terrorism for generations. The time to act is now.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMay 18, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\n\nPresident of the United States of America\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nWe strongly support your administration\u2019s efforts to preserve Israel\u2019s long-term security and ensure that Gaza has a future free of Hamas\u2019s terrorist influence. Your strong leadership has been instrumental in advancing a comprehensive 20-point peace plan that demands Hamas disarm and play no role in Gaza governance. Achieving stability in Gaza requires ridding Gaza of the military, social, and political infrastructure that fed Hamas\u2019s power. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is one such structure that must be dismantled, not just in Gaza but across the region.\n\nEstablished in 1949 as a temporary relief agency, UNRWA operates across Gaza, Judea and Samaria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. In defiance of its mission, extensive reports, investigations, and intelligence assessments have confirmed UNRWA\u2019s systemic infiltration by Hamas and other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations. Yet America continued to fund UNRWA.\n\nIsrael found that at least twelve UNRWA employees participated in the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, and that roughly ten percent of the agency\u2019s employees in Gaza have ties to terrorist groups. Recently, a USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation identified three additional UNRWA employees who participated in the attacks as well as 14 others affiliated with Hamas. The USAID OIG is expanding its probe to examine more than 100 UNRWA employees for potential ties to Hamas and involvement in the attacks.\n\nSince October 7, Hamas has repeatedly diverted UNRWA\u2019s supplies, used its facilities to hide weapons stockpiles and tunnel infrastructure, and even used its buildings to hold hostages. UNRWA\u2019s educational curriculum glorifies terrorism and antisemitism. Yet while the United States has suspended direct funding and Israel has banned the agency from operating on its territory, UNRWA remains active in Gaza. UNRWA continues to receive $70 million annually from the United Nations regular budget \u2013 of which the United States provides roughly a quarter.\n\nWe strongly urge your administration to take decisive action to fully dismantle UNRWA and eliminate it from the UN budget. Any aid organization in Gaza or otherwise must be demonstrably free of ties to terrorism and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace. We must ensure this failed system doesn\u2019t continue reinforcing the conditions that have fueled terrorism for generations. The time to act is now.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. We stand prepared to assist.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-20T06:27:31Z", "2026-05-20T06:28:54Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-revoke-visas-of-terrorists-family-members", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Revoke Visas of Terrorists\u2019 Family Members", "2026-05-15", "2026", "2026-05", "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: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 15, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Revoke Visas of Terrorists\u2019 Family Members\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to close a national-security loophole that allows close family members of designated terrorists to legally live in the United States.\n\nThe No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would revoke existing visas from terrorists\u2019 close family members and prohibit them from obtaining any future visas. This follows the recent report that Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani\u2019s niece and grandniece, known for spreading anti-American, pro-terror propaganda, were allowed to legally live in the United States on visas for years.\n\n\u201cRelatives of terrorists have no business being in our country. My bill would revoke visas from family members of terrorists to keep Arkansans safer,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would:\n\nCreate a new, permanent ground of inadmissibility that prevents spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of America\u2019s most dangerous adversaries from receiving any U.S. visa or immigrating here.\n\nRequire the Secretary of State to revoke any existing visa held by a covered family member within 30 days of determining they are inadmissible.", 1, "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-senators-to-dow-invest-in-high-grade-arkansas-lithium", "Cotton, Senators to DoW: Invest in High-Grade Arkansas Lithium", "2026-05-12", "2026", "2026-05", "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\nMay 12, 2026\n\nCotton, Senators to DoW: Invest in High-Grade Arkansas Lithium\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Department of War Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) Director David Lorch. The letter requests that domestic lithium production, particularly in the Smackover Formation, be treated as a priority investment. Domestic production from the Smackover Formation in south Arkansas would reduce dependence on foreign-controlled lithium, a change vital to American national security. Classifying domestic lithium production as a priority investment would allow for streamlined, non-standard deal structures to help ensure Department investment strategies adequately fund this crucial need.\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n\u201cWe write seeking clarity about the Department\u2019s prioritization and support of domestic critical mineral supply chains, particularly lithium resources. Lithium is foundational to the precision munitions and advanced weapons systems that underpin American military superiority. Critical systems and platforms such as Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, Patriot Batteries/PAC-3 missiles, Hellfire missiles, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, among many others, rely on lithium-based battery technologies for guidance, power, and reliability.\n\nThe Smackover Formation is a brine-rich geological stratum stretching across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Recent assessments indicate the Formation may represent one of the most significant lithium brine deposits in the Western Hemisphere. Domestic production from this region could materially reduce American dependence on foreign-controlled lithium sources and provide a reliable upstream supply for domestic defense manufacturers.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMay 12, 2026\n\nMr. David Lorch\n\nDirector, Office of Strategic Capital\n\nUnited States Department of War\n\n3030 Defense Pentagon\n\nWashington, DC, 20301\n\nDear Director Lorch,\n\nWe write seeking clarity about the Department\u2019s prioritization and support of domestic critical mineral supply chains, particularly lithium resources. Lithium is foundational to the precision munitions and advanced weapons systems that underpin American military superiority. Critical systems and platforms such as Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, Patriot Batteries/PAC-3 missiles, Hellfire missiles, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, among many others, rely on lithium-based battery technologies for guidance, power, and reliability.\n\nThe Smackover Formation is a brine-rich geological stratum stretching across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Recent assessments indicate the Formation may represent one of the most significant lithium brine deposits in the Western Hemisphere. Domestic production from this region could materially reduce American dependence on foreign-controlled lithium sources and provide a reliable upstream supply for domestic defense manufacturers.\n\nWe know you share our conviction that allowing strategic vulnerabilities in our mineral supply chains is not an option that the United States can afford. We urge the Department to treat Smackover lithium development as a priority investment target worthy of OSC engagement, Title III Defense Production Act authorities, and other available financing mechanisms. We respectfully request answers to the below questions by May 25, 2026.\n\nWhat criteria and process does OSC employ to evaluate and rank critical minerals for prioritized investment or industrial base support? What protections are in place to ensure a long-term strategic commitment that withstands short term shifts?\n\nIs lithium designated as a high-priority material in the Department\u2019s critical minerals framework? If so, how is that prioritization reflected in OSC\u2019s project pipeline? If not, what is the rationale?\n\nWhat is the Department\u2019s coordination process to ensure critical mineral supply chains efforts are synchronized? What mechanisms exist to ensure OSC\u2019s financing activities are aligned with the requirements of the military services and combatant commands?\n\nHas OSC (or other offices within the Department) coordinated with other agencies, to include the Department of Energy, United States Geological Survey, and Department of Commerce, on domestic critical mineral development? If so, how is that coordination structured? How are investment signals and strategic priorities communicated?\n\nWhat legislative provisions or resources would materially enhance OSC's ability to support lithium projects such as those in the Smackover Formation?\n\nThe urgency of this issue demands we move with speed. We are confident that the Department shares this urgency. We look forward to working with you on this issue of critical importance.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-safeguard-american-military-assets-from-foreign-adversaries", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Safeguard American Military Assets from Foreign Adversaries", "2026-04-30", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 30, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Safeguard American Military Assets from Foreign Adversaries\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to safeguard America\u2019s most sensitive military assets from foreign adversaries. The Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act presumes any foreigner from a country of concern caught photographing or tracking American military material acts with intent to harm the United States. This follows multiple recent arrests of foreign nationals accused of photographing highly sensitive American military bases.\n\n\u201cForeign nationals photographing sensitive military assets are only doing so for one reason, to spy on the United States. My bill would hold these criminals accountable,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act would:\n\nCreate a rebuttable presumption that a national of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea who photographs, videos, or tracks a high-value strategic asset did so with intent to injure the United States or advantage a foreign nation.\n\nStrengthen penalties for photographing high-value strategic assets at Tier-1 installations, imposing up to 10 years in prison with a 5-year mandatory minimum for citizens or nationals of countries of concern.\n\nRequire the Department of War to maintain a public list of high-value assets and Tier-1 installations and install clear signage warning that photography and surveillance of these assets are strictly prohibited.\n\nEnsure that any covered foreign adversary convicted under the new rules faces immediate visa revocation and removal proceedings.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-01T06:06:26Z", "2026-05-01T06:08:22Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-house-vote-on-department-of-homeland-security-funding", "Cotton Statement Following House Vote on Department of Homeland Security Funding", "2026-04-30", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 30, 2026\n\nCotton Statement Following House Vote on Department of Homeland Security Funding\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released a statement following the vote in the House of Representatives to fund the Department of Homeland Security, ending a 76-day Democrat shutdown of the agency:\n\n\u201cDemocrats closed the Department of Homeland Security for 76 days and achieved nothing. They wanted to defund ICE and border patrol, but their plan backfired. Republicans will now supercharge ICE and border patrol funding without a single Democrat vote.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-01T06:06:26Z", "2026-05-01T06:08:22Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-covid-19-origin-coverup-indictment", "Cotton Statement on COVID-19 Origin Coverup Indictment", "2026-04-28", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 28, 2026\n\nCotton Statement on COVID-19 Origin Coverup Indictment\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the federal indictment of a former senior National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) official for concealing records related to the origin of COVID-19:\n\n\u201cPointing out that COVID leaked from a lab in Communist China was never a conspiracy, it was common sense. The conspiracy was Tony Fauci and his assistants doing Xi Jinping\u2019s dirty work and lying about COVID\u2019s origins. I\u2019m thankful that the Department of Justice and FBI are holding these fraudsters accountable.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-29T06:03:53Z", "2026-04-29T06:05:09Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-mullin-investigate-de-facto-amnesty-fraud-scheme", "Cotton to Mullin: Investigate \u201cDe Facto Amnesty\u201d Fraud Scheme", "2026-04-28", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 28, 2026\n\nCotton to Mullin: Investigate \u201cDe Facto Amnesty\u201d Fraud Scheme\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mullin urging an investigation into illegal migrant exploitation of the U visa program. Originally intended to assist law enforcement investigations, fraudsters now target the U visa program due to the benefits illegal migrants gain simply by applying.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI write concerning the U visa program that appears to operate as a de facto amnesty program for hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens. Congress originally created this program to assist law enforcement with investigating and prosecuting serious crimes. Instead, criminal illegal aliens are reportedly exploiting loopholes to gain permanent legal status.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nApril 27, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Markwayne Mullin\n\nSecretary\n\nDepartment of Homeland Security\n\n2702 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE\n\nWashington, D.C. 20528\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nI write concerning the U visa program that appears to operate as a de facto amnesty program for hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens. Congress originally created this program to assist law enforcement with investigating and prosecuting serious crimes. Instead, criminal illegal aliens are reportedly exploiting loopholes to gain permanent legal status.\n\nCriminal organizations have reportedly staged fake crimes so fraudsters can qualify for U visas. In one example, eleven Indian nationals staged armed robberies at convenience stores so store clerks could falsely claim they were victims of a crime on their immigration applications. Additionally, Illinois and California passed state laws which require their law enforcement agencies to presume all U visa claims are valid and sharply limit officer discretion.\n\nAs of June 2025, more than 400,000 U visa petitions remain pending at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), even though Congress limits approvals to 10,000 principal visas per year. This massive backlog forces legitimate victims, especially women and children fleeing domestic violence and sexual assault, to wait six to ten years for relief, with some forced to wait more than 15 years. Meanwhile, USCIS\u2019s policies grant full work authorization and deferred action to hundreds of thousands of applicants, some here illegally with fraudulent claims.\n\nIn fact, a USCIS study of petitioners revealed that 79 percent had never held lawful status and many had prior deportation proceedings. Another DHS Office of the Inspector General report found that 66 percent of U visa applications rested on closed criminal cases, meaning applicants could not possibly assist law enforcement as is the intent of the program. These applicants are likely able to work and receive benefits solely because they applied for a U visa. Many law enforcement agencies report that the program provides little prosecutorial benefit while imposing heavy administrative burdens.\n\nI commend President Trump for his strong leadership in defending our homeland by aggressively deporting criminal illegal immigrants and restoring law and order. The failures within this program undermine law enforcement, burden state and local police, and leave genuine crime victims waiting years for justice. To help Congress improve and restore integrity to the program, I respectfully request the following information:\n\nWhat, if any, new or modified authorities does DHS require to close loopholes within the U visa program? These may include tying law enforcement certifications exclusively to active investigations, prohibiting USCIS from accepting certifications for closed cases or those past the statute of limitations, or enabling USCIS to conduct full background checks against U visa applicants before granting benefits.\n\nHow can Congress assist in reducing the backlog of more than 400,000 U visa petitions?\n\nI look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-29T06:03:53Z", "2026-04-29T06:05:09Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-critical-infrastructure-from-drones", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Critical Infrastructure from Drones", "2026-04-23", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 23, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Protect Critical Infrastructure from Drones\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to protect critical infrastructure sites from unauthorized drones. The Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act enhances security at critical infrastructure sites by ensuring federally trained individuals have the authority and tools to protect the sites from unmanned aerial threats in real-time. This legislation expands on bipartisan counter-drone measures introduced by Senator Cotton and passed in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\n\u201cOur hospitals, power plants, water treatment facilities, and other critical infrastructure sites can\u2019t remain sitting ducks for potential drone attacks. My bill will ensure these important sites are protected from all unauthorized drones,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act would:\n\nGive critical infrastructure sites the legal authority to take down unauthorized drones.\n\nEstablish a grant program for critical infrastructure sites to purchase, install, and operate approved technology.\n\nCritical infrastructure refers to the assets, systems, and networks\u2014whether physical or virtual\u2014that are so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on national security, economic security, public health or safety, or any combination of these. These include:\n\nPower plants\n\nNuclear sites\n\nAirports\n\nPipelines\n\nDams\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-24T05:51:25Z", "2026-04-24T05:53:00Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-illegal-chinese-vapes", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Chinese Vapes", "2026-04-16", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 16, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Chinese Vapes\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to protect Arkansas youth by cracking down on dangerous, illicit Chinese vapes. The Eliminating Nefarious Distribution of Smuggled Chinese Vapes Act (ENDS Chinese Vapes Act) increases penalties for importers of illegal vapes. In 2025, Senator Cotton wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary expressing concern about the distribution of illicit Chinese nicotine products.\n\n\u201cDangerous, illegal Chinese vapes threaten the health of our children. My bill would increase the penalty on companies that enable Communist China to sell these dangerous devices in American markets,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Eliminating Nefarious Distribution of Smuggled Chinese Vapes (ENDS Chinese Vapes) Act would:\n\nEstablish escalated civil penalties specifically for any person who imports or attempts to import illegal vapes into the United States.\n\nPenalty Structure:\n\n$500 per vape unit for violations involving ordinary negligence.\n\n$1,000 per vape unit for violations involving gross negligence.\n\n$5,000 per vape unit for violations involving fraud or knowing mislabeling.\n\nPenalties double if the shipment involved transshipment, false country-of-origin declarations, or other evasion tactics, and triple for repeat offenders within a three-year period. The combined penalty is capped at 1,000 percent of the shipment's estimated retail value in the United States.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-17T05:47:03Z", "2026-04-17T05:48:33Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-eliminate-national-security-risk-posed-by-ccp-affiliated-drugs", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Eliminate National Security Risk Posed by CCP-Affiliated Drugs", "2026-04-16", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 16, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Eliminate National Security Risk Posed by CCP-Affiliated Drugs\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to eliminate the national security risk posed by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over entities that sell pharmaceuticals products to the American public. The Securing America\u2019s Drug Supply from Communist China Act directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that drugs in the U.S. supply chain are not made by companies affiliated with the CCP.\n\n\u201cRelying on our chief adversary for life-saving medicine endangers Arkansans and threatens our national security. My bill would ensure our drugs aren\u2019t produced by companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Securing America\u2019s Drug Supply from Communist China Act would:\n\nDirect FDA, in coordination with the HHS Office of National Security (HHS ONS), to review future drug applications and previously approved drugs made by Chinese entities, or entities licensing a product owned by a Chinese entity, to ensure that the company does not have ties to the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nEnable the destruction of drug products if they are determined to have been produced by a company with ties to the CCP.\n\nAppropriate $5,000,000 to carry out this work.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-17T05:47:03Z", "2026-04-17T05:48:33Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/04/15/2026/cotton-introduces-bill-to-lower-energy-costs-for-arkansans", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Energy Costs for Arkansans", "2026-04-15", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 15, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Lower Energy Costs for Arkansans\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to streamline natural gas pipeline projects. The Jurisdiction Oversight and Adjudication for Natural Gas Act affirms the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the sole lead agency and eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, which will lower energy costs for Arkansans.\n\n\u201cUnnecessary, complex natural gas permitting laws often result in energy shortages and higher prices for Arkansans. My bill would streamline this process to lower prices,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Jurisdiction Oversight and Adjudication for Natural Gas Act would:\n\nAffirm FERC as the sole lead agency for coordinating National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews and related federal authorizations for interstate natural gas pipelines under the Natural Gas Act.\n\nRequire participating federal and state agencies to follow schedules set by FERC and conduct their reviews concurrently with FERC\u2019s NEPA process, including acceptance of appropriate remote environmental data.\n\nIncorporate Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification into FERC\u2019s NEPA review, including any terms or conditions required to comply with the Clean Water Act, preventing separate, indefinite processes that can delay projects for reasons unrelated to water quality.\n\nRequire FERC to act on certification requests within 90 days after completing NEPA review.\n\nRequire FERC to consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure and security measures.\n\nEnsure continued compliance with the Clean Water Act and all other environmental protections.\n\nEstablish a fast, exclusive, and consolidated judicial review process for challenges to federal authorizations for certain energy infrastructure projects (\u201ccovered projects\u201d).\n\nApply to projects requiring a core authorization under the Natural Gas Act. \u201cThe term \u2018core authorization\u2019 means a Federal authorization issued pursuant to section 3(e) or section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act.\u201d\n\nAutomatically deem a core authorization final agency action for all related federal authorizations.\n\nEstablish a single civil action as the sole and exclusive means of judicial review for the project.\n\nBar all subsequent challenges after final adjudication (except by the project sponsor).\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-16T05:48:36Z", "2026-04-16T05:50:08Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-confirmation-of-judge-shepherd-to-us-district-court-for-the-western-district-of-arkansas", "Cotton Statement on Confirmation of Judge Shepherd to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas", "2026-04-14", "2026", "2026-04", "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\nApril 14, 2026\n\nCotton Statement on Confirmation of Judge Shepherd to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released a statement following the confirmation of Judge John Thomas Shepherd to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Senator Cotton spoke about Judge Shepherd\u2019s nomination on the Senate Floor. Video and transcript available.\n\n\u201cJudge John Thomas Shepherd has worked throughout his career to uphold the rule of law, preserve public safety, and keep crime out of Arkansas. I\u2019m pleased that Judge Shepherd has been confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-15T05:46:42Z", "2026-04-15T05:48:27Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-illegal-alien-drunk-driving-crash", "Cotton Statement on Illegal Alien Drunk Driving Crash", "2026-03-30", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 30, 2026\n\nCotton Statement on Illegal Alien Drunk Driving Crash\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the fatal accident in Avoca, Arkansas, allegedly caused by an illegal alien:\n\n\u201cThe tragic deaths of Freda and Michael Cordes should have never happened, and my prayers are with their family and friends. I\u2019m grateful for the quick work of Arkansas State Police in bringing this illegal alien criminal to face justice. The Department of Homeland Security deports violent illegal aliens just like this man to protect innocent Americans\u2014Democrats in Washington must stop their political crusade, fund the department, and put the safety of Americans first.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-schumer-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-americans-data-from-foreign-adversaries", "Cotton, Schumer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans\u2019 Data from Foreign Adversaries", "2026-03-26", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 26, 2026\n\nCotton, Schumer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans\u2019 Data from Foreign Adversaries\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect Americans from national security threats that are introduced by foreign-controlled robots.\n\nThe American Security Robotics Act will prohibit the federal government from procuring and operating unmanned ground vehicles made by foreign adversaries, specifically Communist China. Robotics companies tied to the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese military are increasingly selling their products to American research labs, universities, law enforcement, and even targeting consumers who are purchasing robots for personal use.\n\nAdvanced Chinese robotics contain backdoors that enable data exfiltration and risk remote-hijacking, threatening American\u2019s privacy and national security. America can\u2019t allow our adversaries to establish a foothold in our homes, law enforcement agencies, and broader robotics industry, particularly as these platforms provide a connection to the physical world as the AI algorithms that power them are rapidly advancing.\n\nCongresswoman Elise Stefanik (New York-21) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cRobots made by Communist China threaten Arkansans\u2019 privacy and our national security. Our bill will ban the federal government from buying and operating these devices made in countries that wish us harm,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party has shown that they are willing to lie and cheat to get ahead at the expense of the American people and our national security. They are running their standard playbook \u2013 this time in robotics \u2013 trying to flood the U.S. market with their technology, which presents real security risks and threats to Americans\u2019 privacy and American research and industry. We must protect our country from these threats, starting with a ban on the federal government buying this CCP technology,\u201d said Senator Schumer.\n\n\u201cOne of America\u2019s greatest strengths is the ingenuity of our people\u2014our visionaries, inventors, engineers, and dedicated workers. We must continue to promote and propel America\u2019s robotics superiority while safeguarding our privacy and national security from adversaries. This is why I am introducing bicameral, bipartisan legislation with my colleague Senator Cotton,\u201d said Congresswoman Stefanik.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe American Security Robotics Act would:\n\nBan federal government from procuring and operating unmanned ground vehicle systems manufactured by foreign entities of concern, including humanoid robots and autonomous patrol technology.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-temporarily-allow-on-road-use-of-red-diesel-to-help-arkansas-farmers", "Cotton to Bessent: Temporarily Allow On-Road Use of Red Diesel to Help Arkansas Farmers", "2026-03-26", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 26, 2026\n\nCotton to Bessent: Temporarily Allow On-Road Use of Red Diesel to Help Arkansas Farmers\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging a temporary suspension on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. Arkansas farmers are required to buy taxed highway diesel when using public roads, costing an extra 24 cents per gallon on every highway mile.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI write to urge the administration to implement a temporary moratorium on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. American farmers continue to face a cost crisis that threatens the survival of family farms across the country. A penalty waiver for the duration of the current disruption to global energy markets would provide immediate relief at minimal cost to the federal government.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMarch 26, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretary of the Treasury\n\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nI write to urge the administration to implement a temporary moratorium on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. American farmers continue to face a cost crisis that threatens the survival of family farms across the country. A penalty waiver for the duration of the current disruption to global energy markets would provide immediate relief at minimal cost to the federal government.\n\nThankfully the Trump administration made $12 billion available through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, but we must examine all options that may be available to assist farmers. Unfortunately, Arkansas led the country with 33 Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in 2025, more than double the prior year. The gap between farm input costs and prices received hit a 10-year high in early 2026. Row crop producers in Arkansas expect to lose hundreds of dollars per acre on cotton, corn, rice, and soybeans this year.\n\nFuel is one of the largest variable costs on any farm operation. Farmers use tax-exempt red diesel in their fields, but the moment they drive a truck on a public road to haul grain, livestock, or inputs, they must buy taxed highway diesel. Electric vehicles pay no federal fuel excise tax and contribute nothing to the Highway Trust Fund while using the same roads. The federal government spent billions subsidizing electric vehicles while farmers absorb rising fuel costs on shrinking margins.\n\nAs Iranian aggression threatens the flow of petroleum through the Strait of Hormuz, a penalty moratorium would save farmers 24 cents per gallon on every highway mile.\n\nA nation that cannot feed itself cannot defend itself. And if we continue to lose family farms, we will depend on foreign producers for the food on our tables. Lifting the red diesel penalty is a small step the administration can take today to keep our family farms operational for generations to come.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-ban-illegal-migrants-from-american-banking-system", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Ban Illegal Migrants from American Banking System", "2026-03-25", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 25, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Ban Illegal Migrants from American Banking System\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to ban illegal migrants from the American banking system. The Know Your American Customer Act requires U.S. financial institutions to verify the legal status of new customers to ensure American banks are not helping illegal migrants break our nation\u2019s laws. In 2025, Senator Cotton wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking that he review current rules for illegal immigrant access to the U.S. banking system.\n\n\u201cAccess to the American banking system is a privilege that should only be reserved for those who respect our laws and sovereignty. My bill will prevent illegal aliens from using our financial institutions to help them stay in our country,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Know Your American Customer Act would:\n\nRequire FDIC or NCUA-insured banks and credit unions to verify that anyone opening a new account is a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or is here legally on a valid visa. Customers show a driver's license, passport, or other approved ID at account opening, the same way they already do today, with one added check for legal status.\n\nGrandfather all existing clients into the system and allow them to maintain their existing accounts or create new accounts at banks or credit unions, provided they already have a relationship with the institution in question.\n\nMake it a federal crime for anyone in the country illegally to open or maintain an account at a covered institution. That legal liability falls entirely on the individual, provided that covered institutions make a good faith effort to verify documentation and comply with the new requirements.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-sensitive-academic-research-from-foreign-nationals", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Sensitive Academic Research from Foreign Nationals", "2026-03-24", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 24, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Protect Sensitive Academic Research from Foreign Nationals\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to track foreign student and faculty visa holders in an effort to safeguard the sensitive research being done at American universities. The Educational Visa Transparency Act expands the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to include all student, faculty, and staff visa holders in U.S. higher education. It would also allow other federal agencies to access this information. The introduction of this bill follows several concerning cases in which foreign nationals, including from Communist China, attempted to smuggle dangerous biological materials into the United States, under the guise of academic research.\n\n\u201cUnmonitored foreign nationals in the labs and research centers of our colleges and universities pose a grave national security threat. My bill will require tracking all student and faculty visas to ensure foreign nationals aren\u2019t stealing valuable research,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Educational Visa Transparency Act would:\n\nRequire the inclusion of all visa holders serving as students, faculty, or staff in U.S. higher education within the SEVIS database, and authorize Department of Justice to have access to the list as well, enabling more effective real-time monitoring, fraud detection, and rapid response to national security threats posed by foreign nationals in sensitive academic environments.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-huizenga-to-lutnick-stronger-export-controls-of-ai-chips-is-needed", "Cotton, Huizenga to Lutnick: Stronger Export Controls of AI Chips is Needed", "2026-03-20", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 20, 2026\n\nCotton, Huizenga to Lutnick: Stronger Export Controls of AI Chips is Needed\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Representative Bill Huizenga (Michigan-04), today sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick raising concerns about large-scale advanced AI chip smuggling, in light of the recent indictments of Super Micro Computer employees. The lawmakers, both lead sponsors of the Chip Security Act, asked Secretary Lutnick to begin implementing some of their bill\u2019s anti-diversion provisions to prevent Communist China from stealing our most advanced technology and undermining the Trump administration\u2019s current export control policy.\n\nIn part, the lawmakers wrote:\n\n\u201cExport enforcement is a notoriously challenging problem, and the various concealment methods demonstrated in past cases show the need for more modern, creative solutions. Our Chip Security Act would require location verification to be implemented for export-controlled advanced chips. While no tool is foolproof, new anti-diversion methods would enable American companies to sell their products with greater peace of mind and open new markets.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMarch 20, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Howard Lutnick\n\nSecretary of Commerce\n\nU.S. Department of Commerce\n\n1401 Constitution Ave NW\n\nWashington, DC 20230\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick:\n\nWe write to you alarmed about yet another case of large-scale chip smuggling. This underscores the need for stronger and more creative approaches to export enforcement.\n\nMultiple investigations, reporting, and testimonies show that there is diversion of advanced chips.\n\nIn one U.S. investigation dubbed \u201cOperation Gatekeeper\u201d, authorities disrupted a smuggling ring that was buying Nvidia chips through straw purchasers and stripping the manufacturer's labels before attempting to illegally ship them to China.\n\nIn another case, four men built a black-market network to route Nvidia chips through Malaysia and Thailand to eventually reach China. The ringleader was arrested days before he was set to become the chief technology officer of a cloud company.\n\nEarly last year, Singapore officials raided more than 20 locations suspected of diversion activity and charged three individuals who were falsifying paperwork to conceal that Nvidia chips, officially destined for Malaysia, were illegally heading to China.\n\nMegaspeed, a Singapore-based spin-off of a Chinese government-owned cloud company, imported over $4.6 billion worth of Nvidia hardware and is now under investigation for potential violations of U.S. export controls.\n\nAccording to a U.S. official, DeepSeek\u2019s latest model was trained on Nvidia Blackwell chips, likely clustered in a data center in an autonomous region of China.\n\nUnder Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler said, \u201cwe catch significant smuggling and illicit exports, but we\u2019re concerned it\u2019s just the tip of the iceberg.\u201d\n\nAssistant Secretary for Export Enforcement David Peters recently testified, \u201cyes, there is chip smuggling, it is going on\u2026it is among our top enforcement priorities.\u201d\n\nMost recently, the Department of Justice unsealed an indictment revealing Super Micro Computer employees, including a co-founder, have been charged with smuggling billions of dollars of Nvidia chips to China through an unnamed shell company. The perpetrators even built \u201cdummy\u201d servers, removed labels and stickers from the original servers containing Nvidia chips using hair dryers, and reaffixed them to the dummy servers to fool auditors. Every instance of chip smuggling undermines U.S. export policy and erodes America\u2019s advantage in the race for technological dominance.\n\nExport enforcement is a notoriously challenging problem, and the various concealment methods demonstrated in past cases show the need for more modern, creative solutions. Our Chip Security Act would require location verification to be implemented for export-controlled advanced chips. While no tool is foolproof, new anti-diversion methods would enable American companies to sell their products with greater peace of mind and open new markets.\n\nThe world\u2019s compute infrastructure must be built on American technology, requiring us to export chips at scale, while keeping smuggling efforts at bay. While we work to get the Chip Security Act passed into law, we respectfully request that you begin implementation of some of the provisions in the bill, including requiring technical anti-diversion solutions for advanced chips.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-replenish-strategic-petroleum-reserve", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Replenish Strategic Petroleum Reserve", "2026-03-20", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 20, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Replenish Strategic Petroleum Reserve\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) after years of misuse and neglect under the Biden administration. The Strategic Petroleum Accumulation and Reserve Tax Alignment Act (SPARTA) Act will use revenue collected from clean electricity tax credits to support the SPR.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s strategic petroleum reserve is crucial to protecting our national security and responding to energy emergencies. Unfortunately, it has been depleted after years of misuse under Joe Biden. My bill will replenish this crucial energy stockpile and shield Arkansans from paying high prices at the pump for years to come,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Strategic Petroleum Accumulation and Reserve Tax Alignment Act would:\n\nTake revenue from clean electricity tax credits and put it towards Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-denaturalize-convicted-felons", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Denaturalize Convicted Felons", "2026-03-17", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 17, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Denaturalize Convicted Felons\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to keep Arkansas communities safer by providing grounds to revoke citizenship from any naturalized citizen who commits a felony or supports a terrorist group. The Naturalization Accountability Act will ensure that naturalized citizens who break our nation\u2019s laws are subject to denaturalization criminal proceedings.\n\n\u201cAmerican citizenship is sacred and should not be given to criminals and terrorists under false pretenses. My bill will keep Arkansans safer by subjecting felons and terrorists to denaturalization proceedings when appropriate,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Naturalization Accountability Act would:\n\nAdd any felony conviction that occurred before, during, or after naturalization as grounds for revoking citizenship.\n\nEnsure any naturalized citizen who is a member or affiliated with a terrorist organization, at any point after receiving citizenship, is subject to having his or her citizenship revoked.\n\nAllow denaturalization criminal proceedings against an individual at any point after receiving citizenship.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-strengthen-access-to-care-for-active-duty-military-families", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Strengthen Access to Care for Active-Duty Military Families", "2026-03-17", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 17, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Strengthen Access to Care for Active-Duty Military Families\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) today introduced legislation to strengthen pharmacy access for active-duty military members and their families. The Rx ACCESS Act protects independent pharmacies from unfair reimbursement practices in the TRICARE program and ensures that military members and their families have easy access to the prescriptions they need.\n\n\u201cOur active-duty troops and their families make extraordinary sacrifices for our nation, yet they often face difficulties accessing essential prescription medications. Our bill will ensure that active-duty military families can access their prescriptions at pharmacies of their choice,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cWe have an obligation to our servicemembers and their families to ensure they have access to high-quality health care. This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring active-duty military members and families can get the prescription medication they need, and I\u2019ll be working with my colleagues to get it passed,\u201d said Senator Kaine.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Rx ACCESS Act would:\n\nRequire pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies participating in TRICARE:\n\nThe actual cost of the drug; or\n\nThe national average drug acquisition cost.\n\nEnsure pharmacies are paid a dispensing fee equal to the Medicaid dispensing fee.\n\nDirect the Comptroller General to conduct an annual audit of TRICARE PBM data related to:\n\nPrescription drug reimbursement rates, and;\n\nAdequacy of TRICARE retail pharmacy network access with respect to continuity of care and geographic accessibility.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-ban-chinese-nationals-from-handling-us-military-equipment", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese Nationals from Handling U.S. Military Equipment", "2026-03-12", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 12, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese Nationals from Handling U.S. Military Equipment\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to ban Communist Chinese nationals from operating trucks carrying Department of War (DoW) cargo. The Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to establish and maintain a registry for handlers cleared to transport DoW freight.\n\nRepresentative Elise Stefanik (New York-21) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cCommunist China continues spying on American military technology by exploiting truck drivers handling Department of War cargo. My bill will require anyone handling military freight to be properly vetted to ensure our adversaries cannot gain access to valuable information,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cMost Americans would be shocked to learn that U.S. law does not already prohibit Communist China's military from receiving transportation contracts tied to American defense projects. This bicameral legislation closes that loophole by establishing a clear firewall between the Chinese Communist Party and Department of War contracts. American tax dollars should never benefit our greatest adversary at the expense of U.S. national security,\u201d said Representative Stefanik.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act would:\n\nRequire trucking companies carrying Department of War (DoW) cargo to certify that they have no ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or Chinese companies that pose a threat to national security.\n\nRequire the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish and maintain a registry for carriers that pass extensive national security checks and are cleared to handle DoWfreight.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-wright-democrats-undermining-of-strategic-petroleum-reserve-threatens-higher-gas-prices", "Cotton to Wright: Democrat\u2019s Undermining of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Threatens Higher Gas Prices", "2026-03-11", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 11, 2026\n\nCotton to Wright: Democrat\u2019s Undermining of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Threatens Higher Gas Prices\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Chris Wright raising concerns over the Biden administration\u2019s misuse of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). America\u2019s emergency energy stockpile is an instrument designed to protect our national security and respond to supply emergencies, not a political tool.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cI write to express my concerns about the Biden administration\u2019s actions related to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and its consequences for the U.S. government\u2019s ability to respond to the illegal attacks by the Iranian regime in the Middle East.\n\nThe Biden administration released 180 million barrels from the SPR between April and October 2022 to suppress gas prices ahead of the midterm elections. That decision drained the reserve to a 40-year low. The decision to drain the SPR was not a response to a supply emergency; it was a deliberate political act designed to protect Democrats from the consequences of their own failed energy policies.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMarch 11, 2026\n\nSecretary Chris Wright\n\nSecretary of Energy\n\nU.S. Department of Energy\n\n1000 Independence Avenue Southwest\n\nWashington, D.C. 20024\n\nDear Secretary Wright,\n\nI write to express my concerns about the Biden administration\u2019s actions related to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and its consequences for the U.S. government\u2019s ability to respond to the illegal attacks by the Iranian regime in the Middle East.\n\nThe Biden administration released 180 million barrels from the SPR between April and October 2022 to suppress gas prices ahead of the midterm elections. That decision drained the reserve to a 40-year low. The decision to drain the SPR was not a response to a supply emergency; it was a deliberate political act designed to protect Democrats from the consequences of their own failed energy policies.\n\nThis wasn\u2019t the first time Democrats undermined the reserve. In 2020, they blocked the Trump administration\u2019s effort to invest $3 billion in domestic petroleum for the SPR, calling it a \u201cbailout\u201d for the oil industry. Then, in January 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14008, which imposed a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and offshore waters. This executive order constrained domestic production while the administration was draining the reserve.\n\nThe Strait of Hormuz is the world\u2019s most important oil transit chokepoint, with roughly 20 percent of the global petroleum liquids consumption moving through it in recent years. That is precisely why the SPR must be treated as a strategic national security asset, not a political tool.\n\nI commend President Trump\u2019s commitment to replenish the SPR and reestablish the principle that America\u2019s emergency stockpile is an instrument designed to protect our national security. To better understand how Biden\u2019s actions have impacted the SPR, I respectfully request answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat would an investment of $3 billion in domestic petroleum for the SPR today provide compared to $3 billion in 2020? How would that investment in 2020 have impacted SPR levels today?\n\nWhat effect did the Biden administration\u2019s Executive Order 14008 have on domestic oil and gas supplies in 2021 and 2022? What impact did this have on overall domestic supplies that could be used to replenish the reserve?\n\nI look forward to continuing our work together on this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-confirmation-of-general-rudd", "Cotton Statement on Confirmation of General Rudd", "2026-03-10", "2026", "2026-03", "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\nMarch 10, 2026\n\nCotton Statement on Confirmation of General Rudd\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after the confirmation of General Joshua M. Rudd to lead the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command:\n\n\u201cGeneral Rudd is a war hero with a lifetime of service to our nation. He is the right choice to lead the protection of our nation from cyberattacks by Iran, Russia, and China. Instead of gambling with the lives of our troops and the safety of the homeland, Senate Democrats should have confirmed his nomination weeks ago.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/speech-at-the-republican-jewish-coalition-symposium-on-antisemitism", "Speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition Symposium on Antisemitism", "2026-03-10", "2026", "2026-03", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Norm thank you very much for the kind introduction and thank you all for the warm welcome. Norm, we\u2019ve got to get you my revised biography, we\u2019re not supposed to mention where I went to school anymore these days, it\u2019s too harmful to my reputation. People say, \u201cdidn\u2019t you go to Harvard\u201d, and I say \u201cno, no not at all\u201d it\u2019s like well what did you do all those years in Massachusetts, tell them I \u201cserved hard time in the state penitentiary\u201d and it\u2019s definitely less injurious to my reputation. It\u2019s correct as Norm said that my in-laws live in Minnesota, although got to say after the recent display of Tim Walz up there they are looking to maybe escape to some warmer climate somewhere that\u2019s better governed. Maybe they will go to Florida like everyone else does.\n\nIt\u2019s an honor to join you all today. Norm, it\u2019s always great to be with you. I want to thank the RJC Chief Operating Officer Alex Siegel, it\u2019s always great to be here with you, I\u2019m sorry Matt Brooks couldn\u2019t be here with us today. Chuck DeFeo, the National Review CEO and my old friend the editor-in-chief of the National Review, Rich Lowry. Thank you all for convening this conference. Thank you all for leading the fight against antisemitism. This is unfortunately a timely and important symposium given the state of affairs in the world.\n\nI know many of you are deeply concerned about what seems to be a rising tide of antisemitism. I am as well, but as King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes: \u201cThere is nothing new under the sun.\u201d There\u2019s a reason antisemitism is called the ancient hatred. It\u2019s been with us always, sadly it will probably always be with us whether it\u2019s spouted by the likes of Father Coughlin, Adolf Hitler, Louis Farrakhan, Ilhan Omar.\n\nI know many of you are also concerned though about a seeming rise of antisemitism among \u201cinfluencers\u201d on the erstwhile right. Now I use sarcastic air quotes for a reason, first off, these \u201cinfluencers\u201d are perceived to be on the \u201cright.\u201d And maybe they once were, maybe they once wrote for center right magazines, maybe they once worked for center right websites or media companies, but I do not agree that I share a political movement or political party with anyone who traffics in antisemitism. And for that matter doesn\u2019t just traffic in antisemitism or at least adjacent to antisemitism, but shares Liz Warren\u2019s economic policies or Rashida Tlaib\u2019s foreign policy. Because if you notice, these so-called \u201cinfluencers\u201d like antisemites usually do, often have a deep antipathy to free market capitalism. Whatever, their views once were they have sense adopted indeed Liz Warren\u2019s economic policies. They also as I\u2019ve said share Rashida Tlaib\u2019s foreign policy which could be summed up as Jeane Kirkpatrick once said, \u201cblame America first,\u201d they always blame American first, if they're not blaming Israel first, it\u2019s a close competition.\n\nI also used ironic, sarcastic air quotes about the term \u201cinfluencer.\u201d That is a fake, made up, phony word. It didn\u2019t exist 5 or 10 years ago, go look at a dictionary, see if that word was present in that dictionary 5 or 10 years ago, it wasn\u2019t. So, the question is why did people have to make up the word \u201cinfluencer?\u201d And I think the answer is the time tested, old fashioned, sturdy word influential does not apply to them. They are not influential. They are at least not influential with Donald Trump, who continues to reject their kooky advice. They\u2019re not influential with Republicans in the Senate, who continue to reject their kooky advice. And if you look at public opinion polls, they\u2019re least influential of all with normal voting Republicans all across the country. Indeed, self-identified MAGA Republicans - there\u2019s polls out there you can identity. The pollster asks the respondent, \u201care you a republican?\u201d \u201cyes,\u201d \u201cdo you identify as a MAGA republican or let\u2019s call it a traditional republican?\u201d- self-identified MAGA Republicans are more supportive in general of the President\u2019s foreign policy then self-identified traditional Republicans. Think about that, people who are asked to identify as a MAGA Republican with Donald Trump are more in favor of bombing the hell out of the ayatollahs than self-identified traditional Republicans. So, it\u2019s clear that these \u201cinfluencers\u201d don\u2019t have much influence where it matters.\n\nRight now, these days it matters most in the White House. And is that all that surprising? I know we\u2019re having a conference about antisemitism but in the White House we have the most philosemitic President ever. Not only has he been the strongest supporter of Israel, not only does he condemn antisemitism in all its forms, Donald Trump loves the Jewish people so much, that he has Jewish grandchildren. I got to tell you like the image of Donald Trump going to a grandchild\u2019s bar or bat mitzvah it's very entertaining to me. I\u2019d like to be a fly on the wall there. But, again, these so-called \u201cinfluencers\u201d don\u2019t have influence where it really matters. And where it really matters today, besides the White House, is taking the fight to the worst source of antisemitism in the world, which is of course the Islamic Republic of Iran. That is where, I know, many of your thoughts are today, it's where my thoughts and a lot of my work in the Senate is today. So, I just want to touch briefly on where things stand there.\n\nFirst off, I want to express my condolences and sympathies to the families of 7 brave Americans who have been killed so far in our campaign against the ayatollah\u2019s revolutionary regime. I also want to express condolences to the Israelis, whether they\u2019re soldiers, or whether they're innocent civilians, and for that matter the innocent civilians in Arab nations who have lost their lives due to Iran\u2019s, I don\u2019t know what you might call it, their Yosemite Sam\u2019s strategy of just shooting at everyone in the region, even countries who have been relatively friendly to Iran, like Oman, who tried to facilitate a diplomatic resolution here. They did not die in vain, not those Americans or anyone in the Middle East, because after 47 years of terror and revolutionary violence, America is finally putting our foot down and saying we're not going to take it anymore.\n\nTheir outlaw regime from the very beginning has waged a campaign of terror against the United States, invading our embassy, taking hostage dozens of our fellow citizens for more than a year, killing more than 200 at the Marine Barracks in Beirut, killing several of our troops at Khobar towers, likely being complicit in the bombing of the USS Cole, maiming and killing thousands of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and generally terrorizing the civilized world. The President has said time and again, as I\u2019ve said since I entered public life, we can never allow such lunatics to have a nuclear weapon and we put an end to their ambitions last June when our Air Force, combined with the Israeli Defense Forces destroyed their nuclear program, but apparently the ayatollahs didn\u2019t get the picture.\n\nAs the President said yesterday, we had clear evidence that they were trying to move forward at other locations with their nuclear program, but perhaps even more importantly we couldn\u2019t live with the imbalance of power of their missiles and our defenses. I can\u2019t get into the numbers, but I can tell you that before this war started, Iran had thousands and thousands of missiles and their vast missile arsenal far, far exceeded the combined missile defenses of the United States, Israel and our Arab friends. That is an unacceptable threat to the United States. That would create in essence within a few months, maybe a year, an impenetrable shield through which they could continue to build a nuclear program in the future. That\u2019s much like what happened with North Korea in the 1990s and 2000s, they didn\u2019t have nuclear weapons yet, but they had tens of thousands of rockets, and arterially shells, and missiles aimed at Soeul which prevented a barrier to stop them from going nuclear. But if it\u2019s an unacceptable threat to the United States, it\u2019s an extensional threat to Israel. Because they have enough conventional missiles to destroy Israel\u2019s way of life. That is not something that we could allow to continue. That was a dark and gathering storm cloud on the horizon and the President decided in conjunction with Prime Minister Netanyahu that after Iran had been so badly weakened over the last two years, now was the time to go for the jugular and put an end to this menacing threat and that\u2019s what we're currently on the path to do. So that was the first objective of this operation, to destroy their missile forces, and to destroy their ability to reconstitute them by hitting their manufactures site.\n\nThe second, while we are at it, was to sink their Navy, which was old and decrepit and small, but it is powerful enough to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which no president since World War II has ever been willing to tolerate. Third, we\u2019re also going to return to those nuclear sites and make sure that they get the message once again, that we will never allow it. And fourth, we\u2019re hitting, and especially Israel is hitting, the thugs that have been responsible for repressing Iran\u2019s own people and supporting terrorists around the world: the revolutionary guard core, the Quds force, the Basij militia. Now, we can\u2019t predict the future about what will happen with Iran, or who might be the next leader of Iran. Hopefully, the people of Iran can rise up and reclaim their destiny and once again live with some measure of freedom and dignity, but even if that\u2019s not the case at least Iran will be totally neutered as a military threat to the United States, to Israel, and to the rest of the civilized world.\n\nThose are big ambitions, but we are a big nation. We have power that far exceeds any other nation. We have a president who is willing to use it. And you see that thanks to the bravery and skill of our troops, and Israel\u2019s troops, that less than 2 weeks into this war we have Iran on the back foot. You probably saw Admiral Cooper who commands our forces in the region who said that their launches of missiles and drones has declined by more than 90% since the first days of this war. We expect it to continue to decline. We might still face more causalities, there might be more civilian lives lost, but in the end when we face either a new Iran that is a normal nation, not an ideological and revolutionary exporter of violence and terror. Or if we simply have an Iran that is totally defamed, which has no Navy, has no Air Force, has no missile arsenal, the world will be much safer because of the skill and bravery of our combined forces and because of the strength and resolution of the President and the Prime Minister.\n\nSo, we\u2019ve got many uncertain days ahead of us and there may be more cost to pay, but I predict that when we all is said and done because of these actions once again, we will be the strongest and most powerful nation in the region. And not just Israel and not just our troops, but everyone who lives within shooting distance of Iran will be grateful for what the United States and Israel has done in these days.\n\nThank you all. God bless you. God bless the United States.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-help-committee-passage-of-living-donor-protection-act", "Cotton Statement on HELP Committee Passage of Living Donor Protection Act", "2026-02-27", "2026", "2026-02", "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\nFebruary 27, 2026\n\nCotton Statement on HELP Committee Passage of Living Donor Protection Act\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Senate HELP Committee\u2019s passage of the Living Donor Protection Act:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for my Living Donor Protection Act in yesterday\u2019s HELP Committee markup. Organ donation is an extraordinary sacrifice that gives someone else a new life and donors should be protected from adverse consequences. My bill encourages donation by prohibiting insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage solely based on their status as a living organ donor. I\u2019m thankful for Senator Gillibrand, HELP Committee Chairman Cassidy, and the entire Senate HELP Committee for passing this legislation by a large margin. I look forward to supporting this important legislation on the Senate floor.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-scott-to-bondi-investigate-chinese-owned-surrogacy-centers", "Cotton, Scott to Bondi: Investigate Chinese owned Surrogacy Centers", "2026-02-26", "2026", "2026-02", "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\nFebruary 26, 2026\n\nCotton, Scott to Bondi: Investigate Chinese owned Surrogacy Centers\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) today sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging an investigation into surrogacy centers operated by foreign nationals. Recent reports indicate Chinese nationals systematically exploiting America\u2019s surrogacy and birthright citizenship laws through CCP affiliated surrogacy agencies operating in the United States.\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n\u201cRecent reports have uncovered more than 107 Chinese-owned surrogacy agencies operating in Southern California alone. These agencies cater almost exclusively to wealthy Chinese clients, and some are affiliated with Chinese state-owned entities. Chinese nationals pay women living in the United States more than $50,000 to serve as surrogates. The children are born on United States soil and granted automatic citizenship. And in most cases, the infants are promptly flown to China and raised there under the direct influence of the Chinese Communist Party.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nFebruary 26, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Pam Bondi\n\nAttorney General of the United States\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20530\n\nDear Attorney General Bondi:\n\nWe write requesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate surrogacy centers operated by foreign nationals. Alarming reports indicate that Chinese nationals are systematically exploiting America\u2019s surrogacy and birthright citizenship laws.\n\nRecent reports have uncovered more than 107 Chinese-owned surrogacy agencies operating in Southern California alone. These agencies cater almost exclusively to wealthy Chinese clients, and some are affiliated with Chinese state-owned entities. Chinese nationals pay women living in the United States more than $50,000 to serve as surrogates. The children are born on United States soil and granted automatic citizenship. And in most cases, the infants are promptly flown to China and raised there under the direct influence of the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nIn one instance, a single Chinese billionaire has fathered more than 100 American-born children through this process, with the explicit goal of producing male heirs who hold U.S. passports. These children will eventually be eligible to vote in American elections, access sensitive positions, or otherwise advance Beijing\u2019s interests, all while owing their allegiance to the CCP. This not only exploits our current immigration and citizenship laws, but also raises serious concerns whether this is a deliberate, long-term strategy by an adversary to ideologically and systematically undermine the United States. This practice poses a serious national security risk.\n\nWe therefore request that the DOJ launch a full investigation into the matter. We also respectfully request written responses to the following questions no later than March 13, 2026:\n\nHas the DOJ identified any potential violations of federal statutes\u2014including but not limited to immigration fraud, human trafficking, or foreign-agent registration requirements\u2014by foreign-owned surrogacy agencies or their clients?\n\nWhat is the DOJ\u2019s current estimate of the total number of surrogacy clinics and agencies operated by foreign nationals nationwide?\n\nOf those clinics and agencies, how many are owned or primarily controlled by Chinese nationals?\n\nWe look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7F0E7EA0-1638-48E0-8F70-6FF8DA99B507", "Boozman Recognized for Championing Policies to Support Arkansas Manufacturing and Growth", "2026-02-25", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Sen. Boozman is presented the AEM Champion of Industry award by Jay Allen and AEM leaders.\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) received the Association of Equipment Manufacturers\u2019 Champions of the Industry Award for his leadership supporting pro-growth policies that benefit the agriculture and construction industries, advancing rural infrastructure priorities and demonstrated dedication to American manufacturing. Boozman was presented the award by Jay Allen, CEO and President of Allen Engineering Corporation in Paragould, Arkansas.\n\n\u201cI am proud to be recognized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers for championing the businesses and workforce in Arkansas as well as nationally that create innovative tools to power American agriculture, construction and infrastructure,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cPassing pro-growth tax policies that help manufacturers operate efficiently and expand, in addition to supporting deployment of advanced technologies benefits our communities and economy. We look forward to advancing more shared priorities that support good jobs and long-term success.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers is proud to recognize Senator Boozman who earned this distinction for working in a bipartisan manner to advance policies that drive growth, innovation, and opportunity for our industry,\u201d said AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg. \u201cThese lawmakers have demonstrated an unwavering ability to work with colleagues across the aisle and have positively contributed to a public policy environment that is predictable, certain, and conducive to economic growth and job creation. We are grateful to each of them for their steadfast leadership on behalf of our industry.\u201d\n\nAEM is a national leader in advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and the industries they serve. The Champions of Industry award, presented for the fifth time in the association\u2019s 131-year history, recognizes Members of Congress who steadfastly support the equipment manufacturing industry and bipartisan, commonsense solutions to the country\u2019s toughest challenges.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C4A9F15C-A10C-4332-91B1-E1AB773967A9", "Boozman, Peters Champion Veterans in Hospice Care", "2026-02-25", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, and Gary Peters (D-MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, have introduced the Gerald\u2019s Law Reauthorization Act of 2026 to ensure terminally ill veterans are not prevented from receiving a monetary burial allowance if they pass away at a facility not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\n\nPreviously, VA was only able to offer funds for burial and funeral expenses for veterans hospitalized at the VA at the time of death through the \u201cNon-Service-Connected Burial and Plot Benefit.\u201d Gerald\u2019s Law, which Boozman and Peters worked to include in the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, updated this policy to ensure veterans aren\u2019t penalized for remaining in non-VA hospice when they pass away. The legislation is named after Army veteran Gerald \u201cJerry\u201d Elliot, whose family was denied the benefit after he passed away in a non-VA facility. This bipartisan reauthorization measure would extend the expanded benefit, currently set to expire in October of this year, through 2030.\n\n\u201cVeterans receiving hospice care who spend their last days in security and familiarity all deserve access to the hard-earned benefits they were promised including their final arrangements,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cAllowing the men and women who have worn our nation\u2019s uniform to make end-of-life decisions based on comfort \u2013 not cost \u2013 is only right, and I am pleased to work in a bipartisan fashion to ensure they are laid to rest with this dignity.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, because of late Michigander Gerald Elliot\u2019s story, our veterans can no longer be denied critical VA benefits if they choose to receive hospice care outside of a VA facility,\u201d said Peters. \u201cNow, it\u2019s time to extend the commonsense law that we worked to enact so that our nation\u2019s veterans and their families can continue to depend on the burial benefits they have earned during their service.\u201d\n\nGerald\u2019s Law has received support from American Veterans (AMVETS), the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, Combined Arms, Disabled American Veterans and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0334CC98-8319-49B2-BF5D-0A8273241A99", "Boozman Statement on State of the Union Address", "2026-02-24", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) issued the following statement regarding the State of the Union address:\n\n\u201cThe Republican agenda is helping Arkansans keep more of their hard-earned paychecks while bolstering national security and protecting communities from dangerous threats including crime and drugs. We are working closely with the Trump administration, delivering on these priorities through the Working Families Tax Cuts and other policies that reduce burdensome regulations, unleash domestic energy and support those defending us at home and abroad. Importantly, the president\u2019s leadership secured a once-in-a-generation investment for the families who feed, fuel and clothe the world, and we will continue our efforts to ensure a bright and strong future for rural America. I\u2019m grateful for our partnership and appreciate his firm dedication to Arkansas\u2019s and our nation\u2019s prosperity.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=02FEDEEC-AFAB-4F39-9669-F6530898B8A7", "Boozman, Lankford, Shaheen Lead Bipartisan Resolution as Iranian Protests Face Violent Regime Crackdown", "2026-02-13", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), James Lankford (R-OK) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution condemning the Iranian regime for suppressing its citizens\u2019 right to peacefully assemble and long pattern of censorship, intimidation and violent crackdowns against its own people.\n\nThe resolution outlines the regime\u2019s sweeping crackdown since protests began in late December, including mass arrests, internet blackouts and the killing of peaceful protestors in the streets. The measure also describes authorities\u2019 violent suppression of dissent in addition to affirming the Iranian people\u2019s right to assemble freely and determine their own future.\n\n\u201cThe Iranian regime\u2019s brutal attacks against its own people are disturbing and inhumane,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cThe United States unequivocally condemns it and reaffirms our support for the Iranian people hoping for freedom from government oppression and the possibility for a better life.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Iranian regime has a long record of threatening Americans and our allies while denying its own people the most basic freedoms,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cFor weeks, security forces have fired live rounds into crowds, overwhelmed hospitals and morgues, and carried out mass arrests as Iranians gathered to assemble peacefully in protest. Innocent civilians, including children and bystanders, have been killed in the streets. The United States stands with the Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom and will continue to condemn the regime for its ongoing human rights abuses against its own citizens.\u201d\n\nJoining Boozman, Lankford and Shaheen on the resolution are Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Andy Kim (D-NJ).\n\nOrganizations supporting the resolution include AIPAC, American Jewish Committee, Jewish Institute for National Security of America, FDD Action and Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans.\n\nYou can read the full resolution here or below:\n\nCondemning the Government of Iran for its suppression of the right of Iranians to peacefully assemble.\n\nWhereas, on December 28, 2025, protests began in Iran in response to enduring economic hardship;\n\nWhereas, in December 2025, the annual inflation rate in Iran reached 42.2 percent;\n\nWhereas, on December 29, 2025, the Iranian rial hit a record low of 1,430,000 Iranian rials per one United States dollar, further causing economic strife for everyday Iranians;\n\nWhereas the protests have spread throughout Iran\u2019s capital of Tehran, all 31 provinces of Iran, and at least 100 other cities and towns nationwide in the country\u2019s largest protests since 2022;\n\nWhereas the first deaths were recorded on January 1, 2026, when at least seven protestors were shot and killed;\n\nWhereas, on January 3, 2026, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that \u201crioters must be put in their place;\u201d\n\nWhereas, beginning on January 8, 2026, the Iranian regime implemented near-total internet blackouts across the country, including both intranet access and external internet access as well as cellular services;\n\nWhereas the Iranian regime uses censorship and internet blackouts as a tool of repression against the Iranian people;\n\nWhereas the United States has long supported tools to ensure Iranians have access to the means to circumvent the censorship of the regime and access to news and information free of the regime\u2019s interference, including through the Open Technology Fund, Radio Farda, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks;\n\nWhereas, on January 10, 2026, the Attorney General of Iran, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, said that anyone taking part in protests and those who \u201chelped rioters\u201d would be considered an \u201cenemy of God,\u201d a capital offense in Iran;\n\nWhereas, as of February 10, 2026, there have been at least 6,126 deaths, with credible reporting of up to 30,000 deaths, including 86 children and 49 civilians who were not demonstrating, and 41,800 arrests of protestors have been reported;\n\nWhereas hospitals, medical centers, and morgues have been overwhelmed with injured and dead protestors;\n\nWhereas medical professionals inside Iran have reported receiving hundreds of patients who were injured by live rounds of ammunition from security forces;\n\nWhereas Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds ultimate authority over Iran\u2019s security agencies and has overseen and orchestrated countless human rights violations against Iranian citizens and dissidents since 1989;\n\nWhereas the Iranian regime has used its security forces to crack down on protests through violent means, including through extrajudicial killings\u2014\n\n(1) in 1999, when at least three students were killed, several students disappeared, and at least 1,500 people were arrested following passage by the Iranian Parliament of censorship legislation and the subsequent closure of a reformist newspaper;\n\n(2) in 2009, when dozens of people were killed and opposition candidates were arrested following protests over fraudulent elections;\n\n(3) in 2017, when protests began as a result of increasing food prices and the deepening economic crisis, resulting in 20 deaths and hundreds of arrests;\n\n(4) in 2019, when Iranian security forces killed approximately 1,500 people and detained 8,600 in response to protests over fuel; and\n\n(5) in 2022, when more than 500 protestors were killed and 22,000 were detained after Mahsa Amini died while in the custody of the Morality Police after being detained for wearing a hijab \u201cimproperly,\u201d prompting thousands of women to lead the Women, Life, Freedom effort in the streets of Iran;\n\nWhereas the regime has a history of disproportionately cracking down on religious and ethnic minorities, including Christians, Baha\u2019is, Zoroastrians, Jews, Sunnis, agnostics and Kurds;\n\nWhereas Iranian civilians\u2019 unprecedented nationwide protests and bravery, confronted with the regime\u2019s unprecedented widespread extrajudicial killing of thousands and disruption of all electronic communication, have profoundly destabilized the country and constitute changed conditions in Iran;\n\nWhereas the regime continues to persecute citizens who it disagrees with by using criminal statutes like \u201cinsulting the Prophet,\u201d \u201cinsulting Islam,\u201d \u201crebellion against God,\u201d and \u201ccorruption on earth;\u201d\n\nWhereas the Government of Iran continues to attempt to suppress protestors, including through means of\u2014\n\n(1) extrajudicial killings;\n\n(2) forced disappearances;\n\n(3) torture;\n\n(4) sexual and gender-based violence;\n\n(5) arbitrary detention and imprisonment;\n\n(6) severe restrictions on free expression,\n\n(7) internet blackouts, censorship, and prohibition of virtual private networks;\n\n(8) criminalization of libel; and\n\n(9) severe restrictions of religious freedom; and\n\nWhereas the people of Iran have continued to fight for their basic human rights in the face of violence and oppression: Now, therefore, be it\n\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\n\n(1) strongly condemns the Government of Iran\u2019s continued killing of protestors and bystanders;\n\n(2) condemns the Government of Iran for its suppression of Iranians\u2019 basic human rights, including their right to peacefully assemble;\n\n(3) commends the courage of the Iranian people to protest amid increased and harsh persecution from the Government of Iran;\n\n(4) calls on the Government of Iran to hold free and fair elections and allow the people of Iran to determine their own future; and", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-makary-investigate-unregulated-drug-ingredients-from-communist-china", "Cotton to Makary: Investigate Unregulated Drug Ingredients from Communist China", "2026-02-13", "2026", "2026-02", "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\nFebruary 13, 2026\n\nCotton to Makary: Investigate Unregulated Drug Ingredients from Communist China\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Martin Makary urging further investigation into unregulated pharmaceutical ingredients flowing into our country from Communist China. Illegal, unregulated active pharmaceutical ingredients pose significant health risks to Arkansans.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cThank you for your actions to combat unsafe ingredients in our pharmaceutical supply chain. I write to reiterate concerns about active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from unregulated Chinese entities that have made their way into our domestic supply chain. China\u2019s access to America\u2019s pharmaceutical supply chain presents national security risks as well as significant health risks to American patients.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nFebruary 13, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Martin Makary, M.D., M.P.H.\n\nCommissioner\n\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration\n\n10903 New Hampshire Ave.\n\nSilver Spring, MD 20993\n\nDear Commissioner Makary:\n\nThank you for your actions to combat unsafe ingredients in our pharmaceutical supply chain. I write to reiterate concerns about active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from unregulated Chinese entities that have made their way into our domestic supply chain. China\u2019s access to America\u2019s pharmaceutical supply chain presents national security risks as well as significant health risks to American patients.\n\nA recent analysis from the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol shows that between September 2023 and January 2025, 195 illegal shipments of APIs, likely used in compounded weight loss medications, entered the U.S. market. Roughly 60 of the identified shipments originated from China and Hong Kong. It is estimated that as of January 2026, up to 1.5 million American patients could be using unregulated compounded weight loss medications that may contain potentially dangerous ingredients from Chinese manufacturers.\n\nOn February 6, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that it was referring a prevalent U.S.-based marketer of under-regulated compounded medications to the Department of Justice for potential violations of federal law. I encourage further investigations into other entities that expose American patients to dangerous, unregulated Chinese APIs.\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1EEDDCF7-B376-44A0-B61E-996C53187CAB", "Boozman, Cornyn Call to Investigate Obamacare Subsidy Fraud", "2026-02-12", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 13 of his Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Division Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate calling on the Department to investigate and pursue civil remedies to recover Obamacare subsidy payments made during the Biden administration to insurance companies due to fraudulent, unauthorized or improper enrollment in insurance plans at the expense of American taxpayers.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s expansion of ACA subsidies in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan Act allowed $0 premiums in silver plans on the ACA marketplace, emboldening certain brokers and agents who sought to profit from enrolling as many consumers as possible onto ACA insurance plans, even without consumer consent,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cI urge you to evaluate civil remedies to recover ACA subsidy payments made to insurance companies due to waste, fraud, and abuse. Americans deserve to know that their taxpayer dollars are not being spent in furtherance of fraudulent ACA marketplace enrollment schemes,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\nBoozman and Cornyn were joined by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), John Kennedy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Roger Marshall, M.D (R-KS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jon Husted (R-OH), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John Hoeven (R-ND).\n\nYou can read the full letter here and below:\n\nThe Honorable Brett A. Shumate\n\nAssistant Attorney General, Civil Division\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Assistant Attorney General Shumate:\n\nI am writing to encourage the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and pursue civil remedies to recover Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace subsidies paid to insurance companies due to fraudulent, unauthorized, or improper enrollment in insurance plans. When an improper enrollment occurs due to fraudulent broker or agent activity, the broker or agent receives a commission from the insurance company, and the insurer receives a direct ACA subsidy payment from the federal government. As a result, every improper enrollment directly harms the American taxpayer.\n\nAs you are aware, President Biden\u2019s expansion of ACA subsidies in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan Act allowed $0 premiums in silver plans on the ACA marketplace, emboldening certain brokers and agents who sought to profit from enrolling as many consumers as possible onto ACA insurance plans, even without consumer consent. In fact, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) received approximately 275,000 complaints between January and August 2024 that consumers were enrolled in a plan or had their plans changed without their consent.\n\nWhile I am encouraged by the DOJ\u2019s recent criminal convictions of certain brokers and agents in connection with fraudulent enrollment schemes, the federal government has a duty to ensure that the associated ACA marketplace subsidies paid directly to insurance companies are properly recouped. In April 2025, a Florida executive pled guilty to submitting fraudulent applications to enroll consumers in fully-subsidized ACA insurance plans, costing the federal government at least $133.9 million in fraudulent subsidies paid to insurers. Then, in November 2025, a president of a brokerage firm and a marketing company executive were convicted in a $233 million, years-long, fully-subsidized ACA marketplace insurance plan fraudulent enrollment scheme. Under this scheme, the federal government paid at least $180 million in subsidy payments directly to insurers.\n\nAt the end of last year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published its preliminary report on its review of ACA marketplace subsidy fraud, concluding that significant fraud risks persist. In the report, the ACA marketplace approved all of GAO\u2019s fictitious applicants in plan year 2024 and 18 of its 20 fictitious applicants in plan year 2025. Additionally, GAO identified risks related to potential misuse of social security numbers and unauthorized enrollments. Most concerning, GAO could not identify evidence of reconciliation for over $21 billion in ACA marketplace subsidies in tax year 2023.\n\nI\u2019m encouraged by the reconstitution of the HHS-DOJ False Claims Act Working Group, which shows this administration\u2019s commitment to combat healthcare fraud and to restore integrity to the federal healthcare system. The DOJ has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer funds are not misused and to enforce federal civil fraud remedies, when necessary. Accordingly, I request the following information:\n\nFollowing criminal convictions for ACA fraudulent enrollments, what current mechanisms exist for the DOJ to pursue recovery of federal funds paid to insurance companies that were tied to fraudulent ACA marketplace enrollments?\n\nIs the DOJ currently pursuing or considering pursuing False Claims Act or unjust enrichment cases against insurance companies to recover the improper ACA subsidy payments paid to insurers?\n\nIf not, what other remedies are available to recover the improper ACA subsidy funds paid to insurers?\n\nSince April 1, 2021, when enhanced ACA tax subsidies under the American Rescue Plan Act went into effect, how many civil matters has DOJ opened relating to:\n\nfraudulent or unauthorized ACA marketplace enrollments;\n\nsubsidy-eligibility misrepresentations; or\n\nidentity misrepresentations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=50A8E319-D7DB-4499-93AE-C793D80E2D97", "Boozman, Blumenthal Lead Bipartisan Push to Secure Toxic Exposure Benefits for K2 Veterans", "2026-02-12", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Angus King (I-ME) led a formal request for the Department of Defense to review and confirm the presence of radiation and toxic substances at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Once confirmed, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can deliver K2 veterans exposed to radiation long-overdue benefits through the authorities of the PACT Act Boozman championed into law in 2022.\n\n\u201cWithout an accurate accounting of the toxic substances found at K2 by the Department, VA is unable to ensure veterans who suffer from conditions related to radiation, jet fuels, asbestos, chemical agents, and other toxins receive the benefits they deserve,\u201d wrote the senators in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.\n\nThe senators pointed to early reviews identifying toxic substances at K2, and a study from the Army Medical Department Journal on a potential connection between K2 deployment and certain rare cancers associated with radiation exposure. They requested DOD conduct a review of the toxic and radiological substances present at K2 and a review of the potential health effects of combined exposure to the contaminants found at K2.\n\nK2 was a military base in Uzbekistan where some of the first servicemembers were deployed in the Global War on Terror. It was a former chemical weapons site believed to be linked to uranium contamination.\n\nThe letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth,\n\nWe write to request a review of the toxic substances present at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Nearly 16,000 service members deployed to K2 from 2001 to 2005. These service members have since developed serious health conditions. Yet, the federal government has not provided a consistent explanation of the hazards they encountered, which denies them the answers, care, and benefits they deserve.\n\nEarly reviews identified a range of toxic substances at K2. However, follow-up reviews have disputed their toxicity, creating delays and confusion for veterans seeking care. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has acknowledged that conditions at K2 posed immediate and long-term risks to military personnel. VA\u2019s ability to recognize radiation-related exposures, however, remains dependent on confirmation from the Department of Defense (DOD). Without an accurate accounting of the toxic substances found at K2 by the Department, VA is unable to ensure veterans who suffer from conditions related to radiation, jet fuels, asbestos, chemical agents, and other toxins receive the benefits they deserve.\n\nThese veterans dispute the federal government\u2019s dismissal and denial of the hazards associated with their service. The Army Medical Department Journal previously identified a potential connection between K2 deployment and certain rare cancers associated with radiation exposure. Additionally, evidence submitted to the Federal Register by a former member of the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine\u2019s environmental assessment team confirms that enriched uranium was found at K2. If true, DOD must acknowledge enriched uranium was found at K2, as it explains the prevalence of cancer-related health conditions among K2 veterans. A complete review by the Department would resolve the differences in records.\n\nWe respectfully request the following:\n\n1. Review all sources of information regarding toxic and radiological substances at K2, including health record data, scientific research, and information provided directly by service members.\n\n2. A review of the potential health effects of combined exposure to contaminants found at K2. Previous reviews have focused on the health effects of exposure to each contaminant.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1258214B-5E9C-494A-87B3-24D2F552E88C", "Boozman, Barrasso Introduce the No Climate Treaties Act", "2026-02-11", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) and 22 senators in introducing the No Climate Treaties Act. The legislation, which was introduced on the same week the United States officially withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, would mandate U.S. Senate approval for the United States to join or rejoin any international climate agreement.\n\nThe bill requires any such climate agreement, including the Paris Agreement, to be considered a treaty requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate according to Article II of the Constitution. It would also restrict the use of federal funds to implement or comply with any international climate agreement that has not secured Senate approval.\n\n\u201cArkansas families should not have to foot the bill for expansive international climate agreements that more often than not raise their costs and penalize our entire economy,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cRequiring consent from the Senate ensures we can protect Americans\u2019 interests, and I am pleased to join Senator Barrasso and my colleagues on this commonsense measure that demonstrates faithfulness to our Constitution.\u201d\n\n\u201cDemocrat administrations have a history of ignoring the will of the American people and bypassing Senate approval to unilaterally join costly international climate treaties,\u201d said Barrasso. \u201cClimate treaties, like the Paris climate agreement, often set unworkable targets designed to put America at a competitive disadvantage with other countries. They also cost American taxpayers billions of dollars and raise energy prices for working families. The No Climate Treaties Act makes it clear that the United States will no longer join any international climate treaty without Senate approval. This will ensure the American people have the final say on where their tax dollars go.\u201d\n\nWhen the United States initially withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017, Boozman issued a statement of support for the president\u2019s decision, emphasizing the importance of requiring Senate advice and consent.\n\nThe No Climate Treaties Act is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ashley Moody (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), James Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Rand Paul (R-KY).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-lower-arkansas-energy-prices", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Arkansas Energy Prices", "2026-02-11", "2026", "2026-02", "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\nFebruary 11, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Lower Arkansas Energy Prices\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) today introduced legislation that would reduce energy prices for Americans. The Ratepayer Affordability and Transparency in Energy (RATE) Act promotes grid reliability by preventing states from mandating renewables that drive up electricity costs.\n\n\u201cState requirements for less reliable, renewable energy sources, shouldn\u2019t lead to higher energy costs for Arkansans. My bill would ensure those mandates don\u2019t impact energy prices,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cAmericans voted to make energy affordable, accessible, and reliable again. The RATE Act is a commonsense bill to strengthen our grid and lower costs for hardworking families across the country,\u201d said Senator Sheehy.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Ratepayer Affordability and Transparency in Energy Act would:\n\nSafeguard grid reliability by preempting state climate mandates, including renewable portfolio standards, that obstruct or distort infrastructure planning, and inflate electricity costs.\n\nEnsure Americans pay the least cost available for their electricity.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2DBDEA62-18C6-4851-901B-AC5628F1E00F", "Boozman, Bennet PREEMIE Reauthorization Act Signed into Law", "2026-02-10", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Legislation championed by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) extending critical federal research, education and intervention activities aimed at reducing preterm birth and infant mortality has been signed into law. The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act allows for these critical federal efforts to now continue through 2030.\n\n\u201cThere are too many families nationwide dealing with the complications of preterm birth, including thousands in Arkansas,\u201d Boozman said. \u201cIt is vital to continue research and education initiatives that identify causes and contributing factors, as well as solutions. This vital work will help improve prenatal care, address premature birth and reduce infant mortality so more moms and babies in my state and throughout America can thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn an average week in Colorado, 117 babies are born prematurely,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI am pleased to see our PREEMIE Reauthorization Act signed into law. This bill will continue lifesaving research to help prevent premature delivery and give mothers and babies a healthy start in life.\u201d\n\n\u201cReauthorizing the vital research efforts through the PREEMIE Act allows us to continue addressing preterm birth at a time when the United States received a D+ on the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card,\u201d said March of Dimes Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs Stacey Y. Brayboy. \u201cMarch of Dimes is proud to have worked with Senators Bennet and Boozman and their bipartisan colleagues in the House of Representatives to secure passage of the PREEMIE Act, which has now been signed into law. March of Dimes thanks the senators for their strong leadership and commitment to advancing policies that improve maternal and infant health.\u201d\n\nThe PREEMIE Reauthorization Act enables research and data collection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in addition to the Health Resources and Services Administration on infants born prematurely as well as programs designed to improve the treatment and outcomes for infants born prematurely. This includes grants to help doctors and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, as well as screening and treating pregnant women for depression and substance use disorders including opioid addiction. These programs had not been reauthorized since 2023.\n\nIn 2024, there were 4,289 preterm births in Arkansas, representing 12.1 percent of live births. Premature birth can lead to significant developmental delays and chronic health problems for infants. Here\u2019s what Arkansans are saying about passage of the bill:\n\n\u201cThe Arkansas Hospital Association applauds Senator Boozman for his tireless leadership in securing the reauthorization of the PREEMIE Act. Prioritizing this legislation ensures our hospitals have the research and resources necessary to tackle preterm birth head-on and improve outcomes for every mother and baby in Arkansas,\u201dsaid Arkansas Hospital Association Executive Vice President Jodiane Tritt.\n\n\u201cAs a state legislator and a father, I know how critical it is to support mothers and infants\u2014especially when a child is born too soon. The PREEMIE Act strengthens research and care for premature babies and reflects a shared commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life,\u201d said Arkansas State Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville.\n\n\u201cComplications associated with prematurity and low birth weight are leading causes of infant mortality in the United States and can have long-term health implications for survivors. The rates of preterm birth in Arkansas and other Southern states remain higher than other areas of the country. As a practicing neonatologist in a high-risk delivery center, and provider who follows NICU graduates after discharge, I see every day the effects of prematurity on patients and their families, and evidence of the very real health care disparities in our state. Anything we can do to support research to better understand and potentially prevent preterm birth, improve the medical care of infants born prematurely, educate families and healthcare providers, and increase access to medical care in underserved areas is vital to the health and well-being of Arkansas,\u201d said Dr. Sara Peeples, Neonatologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).\n\nThis legislation was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ADBA2720-CD68-46F4-867B-B03372E7B477", "Boozman, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Team USA Ahead of 2026 Winter Games", "2026-02-06", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced their bipartisan resolution honoring Team USA Olympic and Paralympic athletes ahead of the 2026 Winter Games. The Olympic Games will begin this evening in Italy. Boozman, Klobuchar, Bennet and Lankford serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus.\n\n\u201cSports brings people together from all walks of life, and there is no bigger stage than the Olympics. We are proud of the U.S. athletes representing our nation at the highest level of competition and look forward to cheering them on. I am pleased to join my colleagues in expressing the Senate\u2019s support for these remarkable Americans,\u201d said Boozman.\n\n\u201cMinnesota has a great tradition of excelling at winter sports \u2013 the long winters give us plenty of time to practice! \u2013 so it\u2019s no surprise our state is well represented in this year\u2019s games,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThis resolution recognizes our strong bipartisan support for all members of Team USA who have been preparing for this for years and will compete for our country. I look forward to cheering them on.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Olympics mean a lot to Colorado. Our state is not only home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, but at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, we also have the largest delegation of athletes representing America in Milan and Cortina. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, I am looking forward to cheering on Team USA as they compete for Olympic gold and applaud these athletes' commitment to excellence, team spirit, and fair competition,\u201d said Bennet.\n\n\u201cOklahomans are proud to stand behind Team USA as they compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. As we look ahead to welcoming events in Oklahoma City in 2028, our state is ready to show the world the Oklahoma Standard while cheering on America\u2019s athletes every step of the way,\u201d said Lankford.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is below.\n\nWhereas, for more than 100 years, the Olympic and Paralympic Movements have\u2014\n\n(1) educated young people through amateur athletics;\n\n(2) brought together athletes from many countries in friendly competition; and\n\n(3) forged new relationships among athletes bound by friendship, solidarity, and fair play;\n\nWhereas the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games will take place in Italy from February 6, 2026, to February 22, 2026, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games will take place in Italy from March 6, 2026, to March 15, 2026;\n\nWhereas the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams (referred to in this preamble as \u201cTeam USA\u201d) have won 2,077 gold medals, 1,780 silver medals, and 1,657 bronze medals, totaling 5,514 medals, during the past Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games;\n\nWhereas, at the 2026 Olympic Games, over 2,900 athletes from 93 countries will compete in 16 sport disciplines and 116 medal events, and at the 2026 Paralympic Games, 665 athletes from more than 50 countries will compete in 16 sports disciplines and 79 events;\n\nWhereas, at the 2026 Olympic Games, Team USA will compete in 16sports disciplines and 111 contested events;\n\nWhereas the United States plans to send 232 athletes to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games, including 115 women and 117 men;\n\nWhereas the United States has already qualified at least 36 athletes to participate in the 2026 Paralympic Games, with many more expected to qualify;\n\nWhereas the people of the United States stand united in respect, admiration, and pride for the athletes of Team USA and their athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, grace under pressure, goodwill toward other competitors, and commitment to excellence;\n\nWhereas the many accomplishments of Team USA would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the many sports organizations, administrators, coaches, and family members who have provided critical support to the athletes;\n\nWhereas the United States maintains a commitment to the safety and security of Team USA;\n\nWhereas the United States Government is grateful to Italy for hosting the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games;\n\nWhereas, upon the conclusion of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the United States will assume the role of host-country of the next Summer Games and stands ready to support the athletes and organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games and those of the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; and\n\nWhereas Team USA exemplifies rigorous competition, fair play, and the pursuit of dreams: Now, therefore, be it\n\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\n\n(1) applauds the athletes and coaches of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams (referred to in this resolution as \u201cTeam USA\u201d) and the families who support them;\n\n(2) commends the Government of Italy and the regional and local governments of Italy, including Milan and Cortina d\u2019Ampezzo, for their efforts to commit tremendous resources to provide a safe and secure environment for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games;\n\n(3) supports the athletes of Team USA in competing at the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; and", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CC737DCD-0AAB-4139-847A-EA5BCACC0036", "Baxter County Teen Serves as Senate Page", "2026-02-06", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Arkansas student Hunter Coy traded in the halls of Mountain Home High School Career Academies for the corridors of Congress, where he spent the last several months serving as a U.S. Senate Page.\n\nCoy and his fellow Pages attended academic class sessions beginning at 6:00 a.m. before reporting to work one hour before the Senate convened on weekdays. They helped ready the chamber for daily business by distributing materials to senators\u2019 desks, assisting staff in the cloakrooms and, when the lawmaking body was in session, sitting near the dais waiting to aid members delivering remarks or casting votes.\n\n\u201cI am incredibly grateful to Senator Boozman for the opportunity to serve as a Senate Page this semester. From my time on the Senate floor, I had the chance to gain a new perspective on our legislative process and see senators from both parties working together every day to advocate for their constituents. The program was rigorous and made me a stronger student while allowing me to gain valuable skills and form lasting friendships. I was sincerely honored to be selected to represent our great state and know that the skills I gained during my time as a Page will be invaluable to my future,\u201d Coy said.\n\nCoy earned his appointment to the position from Senator John Boozman (R-AR).\n\n\u201cHunter represented Arkansas incredibly well during his time as a Senate Page. He handled his responsibilities with maturity and professionalism while gaining valuable insight into the legislative process. I am confident this experience will encourage him to continue pursuing his passion for public service and leadership. Our entire state can be proud of his accomplishments,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nCoy is involved in various clubs and organizations at Mountain Home High School Career Academies, including serving as Student Council Vice President and Key Club President. In addition, he is a member of the Quiz Bowl Team as well as the Yearbook and Journalism Clubs. He also competes on the varsity track team and is completing a service project with the Clinton Presidential Library.\n\nDuring his time in our nation\u2019s capital, Hunter attended President Trump\u2019s Veterans Day address at Arlington National Cemetery, observed the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House and visited Old Town Alexandria and Jamestown, Virginia.\n\nHe is the son of Randy and Stacie Coy.\n\nThe Senate Page program started in 1829 when Senator Daniel Webster appointed the first Senate Page. Today, the program is a unique, highly selective opportunity for high school juniors with a strong academic standing to learn firsthand about the institution often referred to as \u201cthe world\u2019s greatest deliberative body.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-increase-state-cooperation-with-federal-immigration-laws", "Cotton Introduces Bill to Increase State Cooperation with Federal Immigration Laws", "2026-02-05", "2026", "2026-02", "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\nFebruary 5, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Increase State Cooperation with Federal Immigration Laws\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to ensure states comply with federal immigration enforcement. The Enforce Immigration or Lose Transportation Act would encourage better cooperation and prioritize safety by conditioning transportation funding to states based on compliance with federal immigration laws.\n\n\u201cStates that don\u2019t comply with federal immigration laws don\u2019t just endanger their own citizens, they put the whole country at risk. My bill ensures that these states don\u2019t receive another dime of federal transportation funding until they cooperate with federal immigration authorities,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Enforce Immigration or Lose Transportation Act would:\n\nAllow the Secretary of Transportation to withhold funding from states that do not comply with federal immigration law.\n\nEmpower the Department of Transportation to audit state practices and issue regulations to ensure compliance with the federal transportation and immigration law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-expiration-of-new-start", "Cotton Statement on Expiration of New START", "2026-02-05", "2026", "2026-02", "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\nFebruary 5, 2026\n\nCotton Statement on Expiration of New START\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement on the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty:\n\n\u201cThe New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, also known as New START, expired today, and America is better for it. For too long, this flawed agreement has handcuffed America while our adversaries have expanded their arsenals. Today marks not an end, but a beginning\u2014the beginning of America's return to nuclear strength and the end of the era of unilateral restraint. The treaty's expiration is an overdue correction of a strategic mistake that left America vulnerable to two nuclear peer competitors, Russia and Communist China.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0D256AF3-5C8B-4B18-86C4-E0C79355AFEB", "Boozman, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Veterans\u2019 Access to Cancer Treatment, Address Staffing Shortages at VA", "2026-02-04", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in introducing theDepartment of Veterans Affairs Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act, bipartisan legislation that would remove an arbitrary cap on the pay of Therapeutic Medical Physicists (TMPs) and Diagnostic Medical Physicists (DMPs) \u2013 medical care staff who assist radiation oncologists in delivering cancer care and treatment \u2013 employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation would also help address staffing shortages of TMPs and DMPs at the VA.\n\n\u201cEnsuring those who have served can access the high-quality, timely care they need is only possible if the Department of Veterans Affairs is empowered to recruit and retain the best healthcare providers,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cThat includes the personnel helping deliver radiation and imaging care. I\u2019m pleased to join Senator Kaine and build on the bipartisan efforts I championed in the Dole Act to support competitive wages at the VA in order to better meet veterans\u2019 needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans have made tremendous sacrifices and deserve access to world-class, timely health care,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cBut arbitrary caps on the pay therapeutic medical physicists and diagnostic medical physicists receive contribute to clinical staffing shortages at VA clinics\u2014delaying patients\u2019 access to crucial cancer treatment. I\u2019m proud to introduce commonsense, bipartisan legislation that would make it easier for the VA to hire staff providing cancer treatment and help our heroes access the care they need.\u201d\n\nOver the past two decades, TMP and DMP salaries have increased nationwide as radiation therapy has become more sophisticated and common. However, VA TMPs and DMPs earn approximately $40,000 less than their private sector counterparts. By removing this arbitrary cap, this legislation would allow the VA to offer salaries competitive with the private sector, which would help address persistent staffing shortages that can delay cancer treatments.\n\n\u201cMedical physicists are essential members of the clinical care team, helping ensure that imaging and radiation treatments are accurate and safe\u2014especially for patients with cancer,\u201d said American Association of Physicists in Medicine President Robin Miller. \u201cPassing this legislation would help ensure veterans receive the highest-quality radiology and radiation oncology care. We commend Senators Tim Kaine and John Boozman for their leadership and commitment to improving care for veterans nationwide.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1FCF1235-F377-45E8-A325-6BCCCDBCB4A0", "Boozman Introduces John Thomas Shepherd to Judiciary Committee", "2026-02-04", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Senator Encourages Support for Arkansan to Serve as U.S. District Court Judge\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) introduced John Thomas Shepherd at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to consider his nomination to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.\n\nBoozman highlighted Shepherd\u2019s impressive legal background and expressed strong confidence in his ability to craft sound, fair and impartial rulings from the federal bench.\n\n\u201cHis integrity, professionalism and thoughtful leadership have earned him the trust and respect of Arkansans throughout his career,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cI strongly support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same.\u201d\n\nA native of El Dorado, Shepherd is a graduate of Rice University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. He previously served as a prosecuting attorney and later as a judge for Arkansas\u2019s 13th Judicial Circuit. For more information on his nomination, click here.\n\nBelow are Boozman\u2019s remarks as delivered:\n\nThank you, Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin, and good morning to my distinguished colleagues.\n\nIt is an honor to be here today to introduce fellow Arkansan, John Thomas Shepherd, President Trump\u2019s nominee to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.\n\nI would also like to say hi to his family and friends who are here in attendance to support him. We are more than happy to have you.\n\nA native of El Dorado, Arkansas, John Thomas is a graduate of Rice University and the University of Arkansas School of Law.\n\nAfter graduating, John Thomas served as an attorney and later partner at Shepherd and Shepherd with his brother, Matthew, who is also a very respected lawyer in South Arkansas.\n\nAnd they both take after their father, Bobby, who has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit since 2006.\n\nJohn Thomas went on to become the prosecuting attorney, and then judge, for Arkansas\u2019s 13th Judicial Circuit.\n\nThroughout his career, he has earned the trust and respect of his fellow attorneys, law enforcement officials, and Arkansans through his integrity, professionalism and thoughtful leadership.\n\nHe is widely regarded as a fair and even-handed jurist whose careful analysis and sound judgment reflect a deep respect for the rule of law.\n\nJohn Thomas has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and an intellectual rigor, and I am confident he will bring the same level of care and diligence to every matter that comes before him.\n\nHis breadth of experience as a prosecutor and a judge has prepared him well for the federal bench, and it is for these reasons that I commend President Trump\u2019s decision to nominate him.\n\nThere is no question that John Thomas Shepherd is exceptionally qualified and well-suited to serve with distinction on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.\n\nI strongly support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same.\n\nThank you.\n\nClick play to view the video or follow this link\n\nhttps://youtu.be/DvQ1wbZgLFw?si=j2PhNihLKwCkxb0t", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:26:08Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-klobuchar-introduce-bill-to-establish-federal-biotech-security-framework", "Cotton, Klobuchar Introduce Bill to Establish Federal Biotech Security Framework", "2026-02-04", "2026", "2026-02", "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\nFebruary 4, 2026\n\nCotton, Klobuchar Introduce Bill to Establish Federal Biotech Security Framework\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) introduced legislation to establish a federal biosecurity framework. The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act will require gene synthesis providers screen their orders and customers for bad actors or dangerous pathogens, and will ensure that the U.S. government adopts a flexible and agile approach to biosecurity that will ensure American leadership in biosecurity.\n\n\u201cAmerican innovations in biotechnology are too important to fall into the hands of bad actors or be hamstrung by outdated federal policies. This bill is an important first step towards a comprehensive framework for biosecurity and biosafety, which will encourage American innovation to flourish, while also protecting biotechnology breakthroughs in industries like medicine and agriculture,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cWhile access to genetic material allows scientists to study diseases, develop lifesaving medicine, and improve crops, without safety standards it could be misused, including to create bioweapons. Our bipartisan legislation will enhance biosecurity efforts and reduce the risk of genetic material being used to cause harm by ensuring that the companies selling these products know who their customers are and how they will use genetic material,\u201d said Senator Klobuchar.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act is endorsed by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, the Engineering Biology Research Consortium, Twist Bioscience, Aclid, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), and Ginkgo Bioworks, along with broad support among biosecurity and biotechnology policy researchers.\n\nThe Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act would:\n\nDirect the Secretary of Commerce to require gene synthesis providers screen their orders and customers to ensure bad actors aren\u2019t ordering dangerous sequences.\n\nEstablish a biotechnology governance sandbox at NIST, which would provide a place for the testing of biosecurity tools and enable more flexible biosecurity policymaking to keep up with a rapidly advancing field.\n\nRequire an assessment of the current landscape of federal biosecurity authorities and an evaluation and implementation plan of how to streamline oversight and address gaps; require the executive branch to begin carrying out such an implementation plan, within confines of current law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 121, "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 \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "AR", "p2": "2026"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AR&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 121, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AR&year=2026&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AR&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 121, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AR&year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AR&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "AR", "label": "AR", "count": 121, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AR&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 121, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AR", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-02-04,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecotton~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fcotton-klobuchar-introduce-bill-to-establish-federal-biotech-security-framework", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AR&year=2026&_next=2026-02-04%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecotton~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fcotton-klobuchar-introduce-bill-to-establish-federal-biotech-security-framework&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 167.65537881292403, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}