{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"CO\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/31/bennet-hickenlooper-slam-trumps-veto-of-their-finish-the-avc-act/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Slam Trump\u2019s Veto of Their Finish the AVC Act", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed their bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act:\n\n\u201cNothing says \u2018Make America Great Again\u2019 like denying 50,000 rural Coloradans access to clean, affordable drinking water. President Trump\u2019s first veto of his second term blocks a bipartisan bill that both the House and Senate passed unanimously, costs taxpayers nothing, and delivers safe, reliable water to rural communities that overwhelmingly supported him. Trump\u2019s attacks on Southern Colorado are politics at its worst\u2014putting personal and political grievances ahead of Americans. Southeastern Coloradans were promised the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit more than 60 years ago. With this veto, President Trump broke that promise and demonstrated exactly why so many Americans are fed up with Washington. We will keep fighting to make sure rural Coloradans get the clean drinking water they were promised.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/31/bennet-statement-on-federal-intervention-at-northwest-colorado-power-plant/", "Bennet Statement on Federal Intervention at Northwest Colorado Power Plant", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement following the Department of Energy\u2019s 202(c) 90-day order to require Craig Station\u2019s Unit 1, a 427 MW coal-fired power plant in Northwest Colorado, to remain operational past its planned 2025 retirement:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cenergy emergency\u201d is being used to justify tying the hands of utilities, forcing them to keep aging, outdated power plants open, often at high cost to the consumers they serve, whether or not it makes sense for energy reliability. It is unacceptable to burden ratepayers with these unnecessary costs. The Department of Energy (DOE) should be focused on doing everything it can to partner with transitioning communities and make energy more affordable. Instead, this administration is overriding business decisions and ignoring the costly consequences for Coloradans.\n\n\u201cThe DOE order is the latest in a string of attacks against Colorado, because we refuse to bend to the President. President Trump continues to take out his personal and political grievances on Coloradans who are already struggling to make ends meet. Federal intervention like this makes long-term planning impossible \u2013 this is not how you operate a business, plan an electric grid, or help a community stay prosperous. I am disappointed but not surprised by this continued revenge tour.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-slam-trumps-veto-of-their-finish-the-avc-act/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet Slam Trump\u2019s Veto of Their Finish the AVC Act", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "DENVER \u2014 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed their bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act:\n\n\u201cNothing says \u2018Make America Great Again\u2019 like denying 50,000 rural Coloradans access to clean, affordable drinking water. President Trump\u2019s first veto of his second term blocks a bipartisan bill that both the House and Senate passed unanimously, costs taxpayers nothing, and delivers safe, reliable water to rural communities that overwhelmingly supported him. Trump\u2019s attacks on Southern Colorado are politics at its worst\u2014putting personal and political grievances ahead of Americans. Southeastern Coloradans were promised the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit more than 60 years ago. With this veto, President Trump broke that promise and demonstrated exactly why so many Americans are fed up with Washington. We will keep fighting to make sure rural Coloradans get the clean drinking water they were promised.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/23/icymi-bennet-fights-back-against-trumps-targeted-attacks-on-colorado/", "ICYMI: Bennet Fights Back Against Trump\u2019s Targeted Attacks on Colorado", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet slammed President Trump for canceling hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants from the Departments of Transportation and Energy, dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and denying Colorado\u2019s request for two emergency declarations following extreme flooding and wildfires. Before the Senate adjourned for the year, Bennet blocked the appropriations package from advancing before the holidays to demand funding to protect NCAR.\n\n\u201cAfter more than a week of targeted actions against Colorado, it\u2019s clear President Trump has turned his sights on our state because we refuse to go along with his corrupt demands,\u201d said Senator Bennet. \u201cThis holiday season, hundreds of NCAR employees face uncertainty about their jobs and communities across the state are worried they won\u2019t get the support they need to rebuild their lives after historic flooding and wildfires. Colorado deserves better, and I am doing everything in my power to fight back and protect our state from the President\u2019s vindictive chaos.\u201d\n\nHere\u2019s how Senator Bennet is fighting for Colorado:\n\nKKCO 11: Colorado Senator Bennet accuses Trump of retaliating against Colorado over Tina Peters\n\nSen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., is accusing President Donald Trump of taking punitive actions against Colorado that Bennet describes as political retaliation.\n\nDuring a press call, Bennet criticized several recent decisions tied to the federal government\u2019s relationship with the state \u2014 including the administration\u2019s reported call to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).\n\nBennet also warned of broader consequences beyond Colorado if NCAR were dismantled.\n\n\u201cI think that Colorado deserves much better from our federal government. Our entire country deserves better from our federal government. We will not stand by while President Trump attacks Colorado and puts our communities in danger. We\u2019ll use every tool at our disposal to fight back against this reckless political attack,\u201d he said.\n\nColorado Sun: Colorado\u2019s U.S. senators hold up appropriations package over NCAR\u2019s future\n\nColorado\u2019s U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper\u2026put a hold on the so-called mini-bus package over the Trump administration\u2019s decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is attacking Colorado because we refuse to bend to his corrupt administration. His reckless decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research will have lasting, devastating impacts across the country,\u201d Bennet and Hickenlooper said in a joint statement.\n\nIn a social media post, Bennet, who is also running for governor, said \u201cwhen Trump comes after Colorado, we don\u2019t back down, we fight back.\u201d\n\nThe Denver Post: Trump denies disaster declarations for Colorado fires, flooding: \u2018We won\u2019t stop fighting\u2019\n\nSen. Michael Bennet called President Trump\u2019s decision to deny Colorado\u2019s request for federal assistance \u201cunacceptable.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump continues to use Coloradans for political games; it is malicious and obscene,\u201d Bennet said. \u201cA disaster is a disaster, regardless of what state in the country it took place. Together with Governor Polis and the Colorado delegation, I will take every available step to appeal this decision.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/2025-in-review-hickenlooper-defends-colorado-against-trump-chaos/", "2025 in Review: Hickenlooper Defends Colorado Against Trump Chaos", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 It\u2019s been a hell of a year, Colorado. Here are just a few of the ways Senator Hickenlooper fought this administration\u2019s chaos and stood up for Coloradans in 2025.\n\nDEFENDING SCIENCE\n\nLast week, Senator Hickenlooper blocked a federal appropriations package in the Senate after President Trump announced his plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder and cancel millions intransportation grants designated for Colorado. Hickenlooper demanded Republicans add an amendment to the package guaranteeing that all funding for NCAR be fully spent.\n\nAfter blocking the bill on the Senate floor, Hickenlooper joined protesters outside of NCAR in Boulder on Saturday to raise public pressure against cuts to critical environmental research.\n\nPROTECTING PUBLIC LANDS\n\nHickenlooper also led the fight against Senator Mike Lee\u2019s proposal to force the BLM to sell up to 1.2 million acres of public lands in Colorado and 10 other Western states. Hickenlooper first sounded the alarm in April, when he voted against the Republican budget resolution and introduced an amendment to protect public lands from being sold to pay for Republicans\u2019 tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.\n\nIn May, Hickenlooper held a press conference in Estes Park with Congressman Neguse, public lands advocates, and local elected officials to call out the Trump administration\u2019s threats to Colorado\u2019s national parks and public lands, including Rocky Mountain National Park.\n\nThe public pressure campaign worked. Following mounting opposition from Western senators and their constituents, Senator Lee stripped the public lands sale provision from the bill in June.\n\nPROTECTING HEALTH CARE\n\nSince the beginning of the year, Hickenlooper has railed against Republicans\u2019 manufactured health care crisis and worked closely with state leaders to protect Coloradans\u2019 care.\n\nIn July, congressional Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, cutting more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to pay for huge tax cuts for the richest Americans and largest corporations. 15 million Americans \u2013 including 241,000 Coloradans \u2013 are expected to lose their health care because of Republicans\u2019 cuts.\n\nHickenlooper helped mount a political pressure campaign to fight for Americans\u2019 health care. He was one of the first senators to announce he\u2019d oppose the Republican government funding bill unless Republicans worked with Democrats to lower health care costs. Hickenlooper voted against Republicans\u2019 funding bill every time it came to the Senate floor.\n\nDuring the 43-day government shutdown, Hickenlooper organized a press conference with Coloradans facing steep premium increases and cuts to their Medicaid in 2026 to pressure Colorado Republicans and the administration to fix skyrocketing health care costs.\n\nRecently, in a last-ditch effort to save Americans\u2019 health care, Hickenlooper and Senate Democrats proposed a simple extension of the Affordable Care Act\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits for three years, without any changes, to save more than 24 million Americans from paying double for their health costs or losing their insurance entirely. Republicans rejected the proposal.\n\nFIGHTING ICE OBSTRUCTION\n\nThroughout the year, Senator Hickenlooper and his office have worked to help families desperately searching for loved ones arrested by ICE, and to advocate for those in detention.\n\nIn August, Hickenlooper visited the ICE detention center in Aurora after ICE repeatedly stonewalled his office\u2019s calls and emails. During the visit, he raised concerns with ICE officials regarding delayed communication with congressional offices, irregular process changes, reports of ICE pressuring detainees to voluntarily depart instead of proceeding through a judicial process, and facility conditions. ICE failed to give satisfactory answers.\n\nIn August, Senator Hickenlooper\u2019s office led the effort to get a mother and her 7-year-old son from Chaffee County released from the family detention center in Dilley, Texas. The mother had no criminal record and an active asylum claim \u2013 she and her son were held for two months before their release.\n\nIn November, Hickenlooper called for the immediate release of a Durango father and his two young children after ICE arrested them while they were on their way to school. Following ICE\u2019s failure to release the family, Senator Hickenlooper spoke directly with DHS Secretary Noem, demanding ICE release them from custody after they reported being physically abused while in ICE detention. Despite having active asylum claims and no criminal record, DHS refused.\n\nIn response, Hickenlooper and Senator Jon Ossoff opened an inquiry into ICE\u2019s unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight. Just last week, a federal judge blocked a Trump administration policy requiring members of Congress to give prior notice before visiting ICE facilities. On Saturday, Hickenlooper performed a congressional oversight visit to ensure ICE was following the law and to push for two young detainees to be released.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-neguse-hurd-mobilize-bipartisan-coalition-to-protect-ncar/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse, Hurd Mobilize Bipartisan Coalition to Protect NCAR", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd led a bipartisan, bicameral coalition to protect funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder. They mobilized 76 lawmakers to demand top congressional appropriators include language in the government funding package to prevent the dismantling of NCAR and ensure NCAR can maintain its core capabilities and continue delivering vital Earth system science that promotes public safety and improves national security.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump\u2019s vengeful plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research is not only illegal, it\u2019s indefensible,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cIt will have devastating consequences not only for Colorado, but across the country. Colorado won\u2019t be intimidated by the bully in the White House. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to fight back.\u201d\n\n\u201cLast week, I blocked the Senate appropriations process to demand full funding for NCAR in response to President Trump\u2019s threat to dismantle it,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cNCAR\u2019s work is indispensable for communities, decision-makers, and emergency responders. From predicting extreme weather conditions to supporting disaster preparedness to understanding how wildfires spread, the elimination of NCAR would be catastrophic for public safety and national security. I am grateful to Representatives Neguse and Hurd for their partnership on the effort to protect NCAR. We will explore every avenue to ensure we don\u2019t lose this vital institution.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe work being done at NCAR is vital to our state, our country, and our planet. The breathtaking advancements these scientists and researchers are making every day play a critical role in alerting communities to extreme weather conditions and the advanced modeling systems they are creating are vital to our national security. Any attempt to dismantle this institution is dangerous, reckless, and would, ultimately, put the United States at a very deep competitive disadvantage,\u201d said Neguse. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for taking critical action last week to stand up for NCAR\u2019s continued funding, and I\u2019m proud to work with my Republican colleague from the Western Slope, Jeff Hurd, to carry the baton in the House. As Coloradans, first and foremost, we intend to fight back against attempts to gut this cutting-edge institution\u201d\n\n\u201cNCAR does critical work in Colorado that helps predict severe weather and keeps America competitive in climate science. The research happening there protects communities and supports our national security. Dismantling this institution doesn\u2019t make sense, and I\u2019m glad to work with my colleagues in both chambers to make sure NCAR has the funding it needs to keep operating,\u201d said Hurd. \u201cThe scientists at NCAR are doing work that matters \u2013 work that helps families prepare for storms, helps farmers plan their seasons, and keeps us ahead on the world stage. Supporting NCAR is a smart investment we should continue to make, not walk away from. I\u2019m grateful to my House colleague, Joe Neguse, for his partnership in protecting an institution that matters to Colorado and the country.\u201d\n\nNCAR is one of the world\u2019s premier research centers and was founded in 1960 by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Its mission is to understand global weather systems and support the capabilities of the university community and broader scientific community, nationally and internationally.\n\nFollowing the Trump admin announcement to dismantle NCAR in Boulder, Hickenlooper has led the fight against their effort by blocking a Senate funding package, which did not fully protect NCAR funding, and joining a rally to save NCAR in Boulder.\n\nFull text of the letter available HERE and below.\n\nDear Chair Collins, Ranking Member Murray, Chair Cole, and Ranking Member DeLauro:\n\nWe write to express our bipartisan bicameral support for continued funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) as the FY 2026 appropriations process moves to conference. As the Committees finalize the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill, we believe NCAR represents a sound, forward-looking federal investment that delivers tangible benefits to communities, industries, and public agencies across the nation, particularly in weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, agriculture, and water management.\n\nWe agree with the President\u2019s FY 2026 National Science Foundation Budget Request regarding the importance of NCAR as a national research and infrastructure asset. As the Budget request states:\n\n\u201cThe National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is an NSF-sponsored Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) guided by the vision: \u2018a world-class research center leading, promoting and facilitating innovation in the atmospheric and related Earth Systems sciences.\u2019 NCAR addresses this vision with integrated research and facilities organized around\n\nthree overlapping areas of activity: cutting-edge airborne and ground-based observational facilities; community weather and climate models with thousands of users worldwide; and petascale high-performance computing.\u201d\n\nNCAR\u2019s integrated approach ensures that federal investments in weather and Earth-system science translate into practical, usable tools. Its community weather and seasonal forecast models underpin forecasting systems used by federal agencies, the military, state and local governments, universities, and private-sector partners. These models support a wide range of real-world applications, including agricultural planning, drought and water management, wildfire behavior analysis, flood forecasting, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness. Their research in the Earth-sun system is invaluable for understanding and predicting solar weather. Solar weather storms threaten satellites in orbit that provide crucial GPS and communications capabilities,\n\nposing a risk to our military, emergency responders, and banking systems.\n\nIn agriculture, NCAR-supported modeling and data tools help producers anticipate seasonal variability, manage water resources, and mitigate weather-related risk. In wildfire-prone regions, NCAR research improves understanding of fire behavior and smoke transport, supporting more\n\neffective preparedness and response. For emergency managers, improved modeling and data integration contribute to earlier warnings and better coordination during extreme weather events\u2014saving lives and reducing economic losses.\n\nAs the President\u2019s Budget further recognizes, continued operation of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputer Center is essential for the integration, analysis, and modeling of large and complex data sets. This computing capacity enables more accurate forecasts and supports the growing demand for data-intensive applications across government and industry, including defense, aviation, and critical infrastructure planning, ensuring the United States remains competitive in weather and Earth system science.\n\nAs an NSF-sponsored FFRDC, NCAR serves as a shared national resource that promotes efficiency and collaboration. By providing common infrastructure and open modeling frameworks, NCAR reduces duplication, strengthens partnerships, and ensures that federal research dollars are leveraged across states and sectors.\n\nAs conferees complete the FY 2026 bill, we respectfully request sustained funding for NCAR. Continued investment will ensure that NCAR can maintain its core capabilities and continue delivering practical, high-value outcomes that support economic resilience, public safety, and informed decision-making nationwide. Funding for NCAR is essential to maintaining America\u2019s\n\nleadership in global weather forecasting and to protecting our economy, our communities, and the everyday livelihoods of families across the nation.\n\nThank you for your consideration and for your leadership throughout the appropriations process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-polis-call-on-president-to-reverse-denial-of-colorados-disaster-requests/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Polis Call on President to Reverse Denial of Colorado\u2019s Disaster Requests", "2025-12-21", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "This Saturday, President Trump denied Colorado\u2019s requests for FEMA funding to help communities rebuild from devastation fires and floods\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Governor Jared Polis called on President Trump to reverse his decision to deny Colorado\u2019s Major Disaster Declaration requests for the Elk and Lee Fires and the flooding in Western Colorado. These federal declarations would have unlocked FEMA funding to support the recovery efforts for each of these disasters, providing critical aid to impacted Western Colorado residents and businesses.\n\n\u201cColoradans are trying to rebuild their lives after fires and floods destroyed homes and communities across our state. Trump\u2019s decision to reject our disaster requests, and therefore withhold resources as our communities continue to recover, is unacceptable. This isn\u2019t a game. These are people\u2019s lives,\u201d said Hickenlooper.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decision to deny Colorado\u2019s request for critical federal assistance is unacceptable,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cCommunities in Western Colorado are in serious need of help after the life-threatening flooding and historic wildfires earlier this year. Trump continues to use Coloradans for political games; it is malicious and obscene. A disaster is a disaster, regardless of what state in the country it took place. Together with Governor Polis and the Colorado delegation, I will take every available step to appeal this decision.\u201d\n\n\u201cColoradans impacted by the Elk and Lee fires and the flooding in Southwestern Colorado deserve better than the political games President Trump is playing. One of the most amazing things to witness as Governor has been the resilience of Coloradans following a natural disaster. Their courage, strength, and willingness to help one another is unmatched \u2013 values that President Trump seems to have forgotten. I call on the President\u2019s better angels, and urge him to reconsider these requests. This is about the Coloradans who need this support, and we won\u2019t stop fighting for them to get what they deserve. Colorado will be appealing this decision,\u201d said Polis.\n\nHickenlooper and the entire Colorado delegation previously wrote to President Trump to support both of Governor Polis\u2019 requests for Presidential Major Disaster Declarations and the activation of Public Assistance to help Colorado communities recover from the fires and the floods.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/19/bennet-hickenlooper-hold-appropriations-package-to-demand-ncar-funding/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Hold Appropriations Package to Demand NCAR Funding", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper issued the following joint statement on their hold to the Senate Appropriations Package to demand funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR):\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is attacking Colorado because we refuse to bend to his corrupt administration. His reckless decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research will have lasting, devastating impacts across the country. We are holding the Senate\u2019s appropriations package to demand full funding for NCAR. As Trump\u2019s rampage continues, we will pull every lever available to do what is right for Colorado.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-demand-answers-on-trump-vas-plan-to-eliminate-tens-of-thousands-of-health-care-jobs/", "Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand Answers on Trump VA\u2019s Plan to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of Health Care Jobs", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Richard Blumenthal, along with 36 of their Senate colleagues, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins demanding answers about the Trump administration\u2019s plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\n\n\u201cUnfilled positions are not reflective of unnecessary positions, and the length of time a position is vacant is not a suitable data point for determining need. At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them. Veterans deserve a VA staffed according to their needs and a Secretary who works to fill needed positions, not abolish them,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThis follows recent reporting on the Administration\u2019s plans to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled mission-critical health care positions at the VA, including for doctors, nurses, and support staff.\n\nThe VA already lost more than 40,000 employees between January and September of this year as a result of President Trump\u2019s hiring freeze, deferred resignations, early retirements, and many have quit as a result of this administration\u2019s reckless policies. The VA had at least 42,000 vacancies across the Department as of March 31, 2025, and that number is estimated to have grown significantly since then. The removal of these positions would put VA at pre-PACT Act staffing levels. More than one million veterans newly enrolled in VA health care as a result of expanded eligibility under the PACT Act, and millions more have increased reliance on VA because of toxic exposure-related illnesses and injuries.\n\nThese continued cuts of VA health care follow widespread health care cuts initiated by Republicans across the government. Senate Republicans have failed to join Democratic efforts to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which many veterans across the country rely on to afford health care. Coupled with Medicare and Medicaid cuts from the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d that go into effect next year, Americans, including millions of veterans and veteran family members, are facing skyrocketing premiums..\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Collins:\n\nWe write to express our concern following the December 13, 2025, Washington Post article \u201cVA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs,\u201d which spotlights the Department\u2019s plan to cut as many as 35,000 vacant positions from its workforce rolls before the end of the calendar year. Compounded by the exodus of more than 40,000 Department employees in fiscal year (FY) 2025, any unjustified cuts to existing vacancies would further disrupt a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce that is already stretched dangerously thin and under assault.\n\nBased on data mandated by Section 505 of Public Law 115-182, the VA MISSION Act of 2018, as of quarter two of FY 2025, the Department had a total of 42,518 vacancies. These vacant positions included 7,560 nurses, 4,400 schedulers, 2,800 physicians, 1,900 social workers, 1,650 nursing assistants, 1,630 practical nurses, 1,230 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, 1,080 health technicians, 860 veterans claims examiners, 760 police, and 710 psychologists \u2013 totaling more than 24,500 of the 42,500 vacancies. If the Department cut every other vacancy outside of these roles \u2013 which would still include cuts to various clinical and veteran-facing roles \u2013 VA would still have to cut 18,000 vacancies from essential, veteran-facing positions in order to meet the 35,000 number. These cannot all be \u201cCOVID-era roles,\u201d as VA has claimed, nor can these cuts be downplayed because some have been vacant for longer than one year.\n\nWe request the following information regarding VA\u2019s elimination of these positions:\n\nPlease provide a list of vacant positions removed, disaggregated by facility and job series.\n\nPlease provide a list of positions removed, disaggregated by job series and then by length of time since they were last encumbered or the position was created based on these categories of time: less than 30 days, greater than 30 days, greater than 90 days, greater than 180 days, greater than 365 days, and greater than 730 days.\n\nPlease provide the titles of VA Central Office staff and the offices or departments involved in making this decision.\n\nVA already regularly adds and removes positions based on need as part of its normal recruitment and budgeting processes. What evidence was there to support this significantly larger removal of vacancies?\n\nMemos from the Department planning for this removal of vacancies reference a baseline number of positions used to inform individual facility staffing numbers. What is that baseline, and how was that number decided upon? How were individual facility baselines calculated based on that number?\n\nWhy did the Department choose to use number of positions instead of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to establish these baselines? How were positions that typically do not occupy one FTE for each individual staff member, such as researchers, accounted for in the baseline and the cuts?\n\nPlease detail the approval process for a facility or hiring manager to request new vacancies, roles, or recruitment processes beyond the new baseline.\n\nBased on what criteria can a facility or hiring manager request a new position or vacancy above the baseline?\n\nIn VA\u2019s FY 2026 budget request, the Department requested funding for 396,000 total FTE. As such, Congress provided $167 billion for the treatment of 7.7 million patients and 162.6 million outpatient visits to VA for FY 2026. Please provide an updated staffing and workload projection for FY 2026 that accounts for these vacancy cuts.\n\nHow did the Department account for minimum staffing ratios when making these cuts, especially those required for nursing, long-term care, spinal cord injury and disorder teams, and mental health care?\n\nUnfilled positions are not reflective of unnecessary positions, and the length of time a position is vacant is not a suitable data point for determining need. At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them. Veterans deserve a VA staffed according to their needs and a Secretary who works to fill needed positions, not abolish them.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-reintroduces-bill-to-prepare-federal-government-for-cannabis-legalization-2/", "Hickenlooper Reintroduces Bill to Prepare Federal Government for Cannabis\u00a0Legalization", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "PREPARE Act would develop framework federal legalization based on Colorado\u2019s Task Force\n\nThe President announced plans to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper reintroduced the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act to prepare the federal government for federal legalization of cannabis. Following the President\u2019s announcement to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III, Hickenlooper welcomed the decision and pushed the admin to support his bill:\n\n\u201cAnother example of Colorado blazing the trail,\u201d Hickenlooper posted on Twitter/X. \u201cNow release and expunge records for everyone who was charged with federal marijuana crimes \u2013 and let\u2019s pass our bill to prepare us for federal legalization while we\u2019re at it.\u201d\n\nHickenlooper has consistently advocated for the federal government to change the classification of marijuana. Hickenlooper previously urged the DEA to completely deschedule marijuana. He co-sponsors the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, which would deschedule marijuana.\n\nThough cannabis is currently illegal at the federal level, many states have followed Colorado\u2019s safe and legal model. The PREPARE Act establishes a federal commission, modeled after Colorado\u2019s regulatory commission, to advise the government on proper safeguards for federal cannabis legalization.\n\nOn December 10, 2012, a month after Colorado voted to legalize marijuana, then-Governor Hickenlooper convened the Amendment 64 Task Force to provide recommendations for the development of regulations. Those regulations led to the thriving, safe, marijuana industry in Colorado today. The PREPARE Act would replicate the Amendment 64 Task Force at the federal level.\n\nSpecifically, the PREPARE Act-established federal commission would:\n\nAdvise on the development of a federal regulatory framework modeled after state cannabis regulations.\n\nConsider barriers and suggestions for regulating Cannabis similar to alcohol.\n\nIdentify ways to remedy the disproportionate impact cannabis prohibition has had on minority, low-income, and veteran communities.\n\nInclude representatives from relevant federal agencies and offices, individuals nominated by Senate and House leadership, industry representatives, and representatives of state and local governments.\n\nImportantly, the commission would not have rulemaking authority; its sole role would be to develop proposals and make policy recommendations.\n\nHickenlooper\u2019s bill has broad support from stakeholders, including the National Hispanic Cannabis Council, Partnership to End Addiction, Veterans Cannabis Coalition, NORML, US Cannabis Council, Minorities for Medical Marijuana, National Cannabis Industry Association, Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education and Regulation, Colorado Association of Ski Towns, Colorado Municipal League, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.\n\nA one-page explainer is available HERE.\n\nFull bill text is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/18/bennet-leads-bipartisan-colleagues-in-support-of-european-plans-to-leverage-russian-sovereign-assets-for-ukraine/", "Bennet Leads Bipartisan Colleagues in Support of European Plans to Leverage Russian Sovereign Assets for Ukraine", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led a bipartisan letter to Belgian Ambassador to the U.S. Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bernard expressing support for European Commission efforts to leverage Russian sovereign assets to finance a loan for Ukraine.\n\n\u201cAs Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to wage his unjust and unprovoked war against Ukraine \u2013 all while carrying out a variety of hybrid attacks against Europe and the United States \u2013 we write to express our support for European Commission (EC) proposals to raise up to $244 billion via leveraged frozen Russian sovereign assets to provide a loan to Ukraine, which Kyiv will repay only if Moscow pays reparations after the war,\u201d said the Senators.\n\nThe Senators emphasized the importance of moving quickly to leverage Russian sovereign assets to enable Ukraine\u2019s purchase of essential defense systems and alleviate looming fiscal challenges.\n\n\u201cPutin will not stop if he wins in Ukraine but will continue testing NATO\u2019s resolve, posing risks to our collective security. Providing additional financial support is of paramount importance for the sake of Ukraine, for a Europe that is whole and free, and one day at peace \u2013 and for the defense of democracy everywhere,\u201d concluded the Senators.\n\nU.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) also signed the letter.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Ambassador Bernard:\n\nAs Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to wage his unjust and unprovoked war against Ukraine \u2013 all while carrying out a variety of hybrid attacks against Europe and the United States \u2013 we write to express our support for European Commission (EC) proposals to raise up to $244 billion via leveraged frozen Russian sovereign assets to provide a loan to Ukraine, which Kyiv will repay only if Moscow pays reparations after the war.\n\nEuropean Union (EU) officials have negotiated an approach that seeks to minimize any potential legal risks to Belgium. It could strongly benefit Ukraine and trans-Atlantic security if your government and EC leadership can expeditiously find a mutually acceptable agreement.\n\nIn 2024, Congress passed the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act as part of the national security supplemental (P.L. 118-50), which authorized the President to seize Russian sovereign assets in the United States. Some of us recently introduced legislation, building upon that law, to start repurposing these assets to support Ukraine.\n\nLeveraging these assets could enable Ukraine to purchase critical defensive systems, including through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, and help Ukraine manage a looming fiscal shortfall \u2013 potentially unlocking a finalized International Monetary Fund (IMF) program crucial to sustaining the Ukrainian government\u2019s basic functions.\n\nPutin will not stop if he wins in Ukraine but will continue testing NATO\u2019s resolve, posing risks to our collective security. Providing additional financial support is of paramount importance for the sake of Ukraine, for a Europe that is whole and free, and one day at peace \u2013 and for the defense of democracy everywhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-hold-appropriations-package-to-demand-ncar-funding/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet Hold Appropriations Package to Demand NCAR Funding", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet issued the following joint statement on their hold to the Senate Appropriations Package to demand funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is attacking Colorado because we refuse to bend to his corrupt administration. His reckless decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research will have lasting, devastating impacts across the country. We are holding the Senate\u2019s appropriations package to demand full funding for NCAR. As Trump\u2019s rampage continues, we will pull every lever available to do what is right for Colorado.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-slams-new-republican-effort-to-open-national-parks-for-sale/", "Hickenlooper Slams New Republican Effort to Open National Parks for Sale", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "This latest effort follows Senate Republicans\u2019 push to sell off three million acres of public lands this summer\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper called out the latest Republican effort to erase protections for national parks and public lands in a Senate spending package and open them to being sold. On Twitter/x, he posted:\n\n\u201cRight before the holidays, Republicans keep looking for sneaky ways to sell off our public lands and national parks \u2013 this time as an amendment to the Interior appropriations bill.\n\n\u201cWe stopped them before, and we\u2019re ready to do it again.\n\n\u201cOUR PUBLIC LANDS ARE NOT FOR SALE.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR) Chairman Mike Lee proposed an amendment to the proposed spending package for the Department of Interior to remove provisions that prevent the Trump administration from selling off national parks and require the administration to keep ownership and maintain all existing National Park Service units and national historic trails.\n\nHickenlooper has been outspoken against Trump administration cuts to public lands and helped lead the fight against Senator Mike Lee\u2019s proposal to sell off more than three million acres of public lands this summer. Hickenlooper first sounded the alarm back in April when he voted against the Republican budget resolution and introduced an amendment with colleagues to protect public lands from being sold to pay for Republicans\u2019 tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.\n\nIn May, Hickenlooper held a press conference in Estes Park with Congressman Neguse, public lands advocates, and local elected officials to call out the Trump administration\u2019s threats to Colorado\u2019s national parks and public lands, including Rocky Mountain National Park.\n\nHe also led an effort against the admin\u2019s plans to overturn the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) Public Lands Rule. In March, he introduced legislation to reinstate the thousands of National Park Service and Forest Service workers the Trump administration illegally fired.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/17/bennet-hickenlooper-statement-on-trump-administrations-vengeful-attack-on-colorado/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Statement on Trump Administration\u2019s Vengeful Attack on Colorado", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper released the following joint statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder and cancel millions in transportation and energy grants designated for Colorado:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump\u2019s vengeful plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research and cut millions in federal grants is the latest in a list of indefensible attacks against Colorado. The announcement of NCAR\u2019s closure comes after the administration\u2019s plans to cancel federal grants from the Departments of Transportation and Energy\u2014making clear this is not policy, but political retribution against a state that refuses to bend to the president\u2019s will.\n\n\u201cWe will not stand by while Donald Trump weaponizes the federal government to punish Colorado. These reckless, politically motivated decisions put lives and livelihoods at risk, and we will use every tool at our disposal to fight back.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/17/bennet-hickenloopers-dolores-river-national-conservation-area-and-special-management-area-act-passes-senate-committee-with-bipartisan-support/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper\u2019s Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act Passes Senate Committee with Bipartisan Support", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), celebrated the Committee\u2019s unanimous passage of their Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act out of ENR.\n\n\u201cFor the people of Southwest Colorado, the Dolores River is more than just a landmark \u2013 it\u2019s the lifeblood of their communities and way of life,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis bill was written by Coloradans who live, work, and depend on the Dolores River. It represents a balanced, sensible way forward to resolve many long-standing disagreements, protect the river for all parties, and provide long-term certainty for generations. I am glad to see that it has once again passed out of Committee unanimously, and I will keep pushing to ensure this becomes law.\u201d\n\n\u201cSouthwestern Coloradans care deeply about the Dolores River,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cLeaders on the ground have spent years deciding how to best protect and invest in the Dolores. We worked with them side by side to design a bipartisan bill to preserve this landscape.\u201d\n\nThe Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act, which passed the ENR Committee today by a unanimous bipartisan voice vote, would protect over 68,000 acres of public lands in three Colorado counties of Montezuma, Dolores, and San Miguel.\n\nFor over a decade, Senator Bennet has led congressional engagement with local stakeholders to craft legislation that could garner broad support. As a result, more than two dozen stakeholder groups and local and Tribal governments have sent letters to Senator Bennet in favor of the Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act. In 2021, Bennet invited Coloradans to share suggestions to improve the bill during a 45-day comment period and introduced the bill in July 2022 with Senator Hickenlooper. This is the second time the bill has been passed out of the Senate ENR Committee with a unanimous bipartisan voice vote.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\n\u201cThe Tribe is intent on protecting our Dolores Project allocations. We believe the proposed NCA legislation supports this goal by legislatively addressing the potentially conflicting authorities of Reclamation over the Dolores Project contracts and the jurisdiction of the Forest Service and BLM below McPhee Reservoir. This legislation also protects Tribal cultural rights and practices within the NCA and provides for a Ute Mountain Ute representative on the Resource Advisory Council that will be involved in developing a Resource Management Plan for the NCA,\u201d said Selwyn Whiteskunk, Chairman Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. \u201cThis legislation has been in the works for many years, involving careful consideration and compromise of the needs of every involved interest. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe believes that now is the time to move this legislation forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe proposal is the result of a long-standing collaborative effort to protect the Dolores River and the interests of the various stakeholders that it serves, including water users, agricultural entities, local governments, OHV users, conservation groups, and recreationalists. ln crafting the NCA proposal, Montezuma County, San Miguel County, Dolores County, and other partners sought to address a myriad of concerns, including those arising from the finding that the Dolores River is \u2018suitable\u2019 for designation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act,\u201d said the Montezuma County Commissioners. \u201clt is the position of Montezuma County that designating the Dolores River as Wild and Scenic would result in significant consequences for water users and other groups seeking to access natural resources along the river corridor. By supporting the proposal for an NCA, it is Montezuma County\u2019s intent to ensure that portions of the lower Dolores River that run through Montezuma, Dolores, and San Miguel counties will not be designated as Wild and Scenic, and it is our position that the NCA proposal sets forth an acceptable compromise between the various stakeholders interested in utilizing water and land resources in and along the Dolores River.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor over a decade, San Miguel County has been engaged in discussions with Dolores and Montezuma Counties, the Ute Mountain Utes, and other regional stakeholders to determine a locally driven long-term management solution for the Dolores River,\u201d said Lance Waring, San Miguel County Commissioner. \u201cCollaboration and compromise have brought all these parties together on this issue. The Dolores County NCA is a locally built and broadly supported proposal that protects both natural resources and existing uses. I\u2019m grateful to Senator Bennet for leading this effort and to Senator Hickenlooper for supporting this bill to ensure the protection of this magnificent river canyon.\u201d\n\n\u201cDolores County is very pleased to hear that the Dolores River National Conservation Area (NCA) is progressing through the legislature. This legislation represents the culmination of decades of work by a broad coalition of stakeholders\u2014local governments, conservation groups, agricultural interests, and community members\u2014who came together through the Lower Dolores River Working Group to find common ground,\u201d said the Dolores County Commissioners. \u201cThe result is a balanced, bipartisan proposal that protects and sustains our cultural and natural resources while supporting our agricultural industry and the treasured landscapes of the Lower Dolores River canyon. We are further encouraged that the NCA Act passed unanimously through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, underscoring the strong bipartisan support for this effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Bennet has been a longtime champion for protecting the Dolores River and surrounding landscape. We are excited that the Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area legislation has passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with unanimous support. This bill represents the wisdom of southwest Colorado\u2019s diverse interests and would protect the southern portion of the greater Dolores River Canyon Country. Farmers, ranchers, boaters, motorized recreationists, water and energy interests, landowners, and conservation organizations all recognize the need to protect the region and are aligned on how best to do it. We are grateful to our delegation for their commitment to protecting these important cultural, natural, and recreational resources for generations to come,\u201d said Amber Clark, Executive Director, Dolores River Boating Advocates.\n\n\u201cI have worked continuously on this proposal since 2008. I believe local participation in the management of the area will provide better benefits for the native fish, scenic area, recreation, permitted federal land uses, private land values and water rights than a wild and scenic designation. I have ranching and farming operations in all three counties involved. I appreciate Senator Bennet for his many years of his leadership on this bill and Senator Hickenlooper for joining him in supporting this bill. I hope this bill can go forward in the bipartisan way we have shown is possible with the diverse local groups that put this proposal together,\u201d said Al Heaton, local rancher that operates in the proposed NCA.\n\nThis bill is supported by: the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; Montezuma, San Miguel, Dolores Archuleta, and La Plata Counties; the city of Cortez; the towns of Dove Creek, Norwood, and Dolores; Dolores River Boating Advocates, The Wilderness Society, American Rivers, Conservation Lands Foundation, American Whitewater, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Conservation Colorado, Sheep Mountain Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Alliance, Outdoor Alliance, Outdoor Industry Association, Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, Trout Unlimited, San Miguel Watershed Coalition, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Colorado, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, the Southwestern Water Conservation District, and the Western Small Miners Association.\n\nThe bill text is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE. A map of the proposed National Conservation Area and Special Management Area is available HERE. You can find additional information, including support letters and answers to frequently asked questions on the bill\u2019s webpage HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/17/bennet-neguse-hickenlooper-statement-on-trump-administrations-plan-to-dismantle-national-center-for-atmospheric-research-in-boulder/", "Bennet, Neguse, Hickenlooper Statement on Trump Administration\u2019s Plan to Dismantle National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado:\n\n\u201cThe National Center for Atmospheric Research and its 830 employees are leading the nation\u2019s climate science research, delivering life-saving breakthroughs that provide early warnings for natural disasters and deepen our understanding of Earth\u2019s systems. They are a core component of our state\u2019s economy and an integral part of the fabric of Colorado. Efforts to dismantle this institution and its essential programs are deeply dangerous and blatantly retaliatory. This reckless directive would have devastating consequences for families in Colorado and communities across the nation. We intend to fight back against attempts to gut this cutting-edge research institution with every tool we have.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-neguse-slam-trump-admins-plan-to-dismantle-national-center-for-atmospheric-research-in-boulder/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse Slam Trump Admin\u2019s Plan to Dismantle National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse released the following joint statement after it was reported that the Trump administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado:\n\n\u201cThe National Center for Atmospheric Research and its 830 employees are leading the nation\u2019s climate science research, delivering life-saving breakthroughs that provide early warnings for natural disasters and deepen our understanding of Earth\u2019s systems. They are a core component of our state\u2019s economy and an integral part of the fabric of Colorado.\n\n\u201cEfforts to dismantle this institution and its essential programs are deeply dangerous and blatantly retaliatory. This reckless directive would have devastating consequences for families in Colorado and communities across the nation. We intend to fight back against attempts to gut this cutting-edge research institution with every tool we have.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-slam-trump-admins-vengeful-attack-on-colorado/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet Slam Trump Admin\u2019s Vengeful Attack on Colorado", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet released the following joint statement following reports that the Trump administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, as well as cancel millions in transportation and energy grants designated for Colorado:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump\u2019s vengeful plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research and cut millions in federal grants is the latest in a list of indefensible attacks against Colorado. The announcement of NCAR\u2019s closure comes after the administration\u2019s plans to cancel federal grants from the Departments of Transportation and Energy\u2014making clear this is not policy, but political retribution against a state that refuses to bend to the president\u2019s will.\n\n\u201cWe will not stand by while Donald Trump weaponizes the federal government to punish Colorado. These reckless, politically motivated decisions put lives and livelihoods at risk, and we will use every tool at our disposal to fight back.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennets-dolores-river-national-conservation-area-and-special-management-area-act-passes-senate-committee-with-bipartisan-support/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet\u2019s Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act Passes Senate Committee with Bipartisan Support", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet celebrated unanimous passage of their Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which Hickenlooper sits on.\n\n\u201cSouthwestern Coloradans care deeply about the Dolores River,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cLeaders on the ground have spent years deciding how to best protect and invest in the Dolores. We worked with them side by side to design a bipartisan bill to preserve this landscape.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the people of Southwest Colorado, the Dolores River is more than just a landmark \u2013 it\u2019s the lifeblood of their communities and way of life,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis bill was written by Coloradans who live, work, and depend on the Dolores River. It represents a balanced, sensible way forward to resolve many long-standing disagreements, protect the river for all parties, and provide long-term certainty for generations. I am glad to see that it has once again passed out of Committee unanimously, and I will keep pushing to ensure this becomes law.\u201d\n\nThe Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act would protect over 68,000 acres of public lands in Montezuma, Dolores, and San Miguel counties.\n\nThe bill follows nearly two decades of local discussion and collaboration on the Dolores River and twelve years of work to find a legislative compromise. In 2004, the Dolores River Dialogue began as a forum for all stakeholders to discuss their perspectives on Dolores River management. In 2008, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management requested that the Dolores River Dialogue \u2013 a coalition of diverse interests in the region \u2013 convene a broad-based community group to study pressing management issues in the Dolores River corridor from McPhee to Bedrock, including the possibility of a Wild and Scenic River federal designation. Through consensus agreement, the working group, known as the Lower Dolores Plan Working Group, decided to explore the possibility of an NCA and appointed a Legislative Subcommittee, which included counties, water managers, conservation groups, landowners, recreationists, energy companies, and staff from federal elected officials\u2019 offices, to draft a legislative proposal for further vetting.\n\nThe bill text is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE. A map of the proposed National Conservation Area and Special Management Area is available HERE. You can find additional information, including support letters and answers to frequently asked questions on the bill\u2019s webpage HERE.\n\nThis bill is supported by: the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; Montezuma, San Miguel, Dolores, Archuleta, and La Plata Counties; the city of Cortez; the towns of Dove Creek, Norwood, and Dolores; Dolores River Boating Advocates, The Wilderness Society, American Rivers, Conservation Lands Foundation, American Whitewater, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Conservation Colorado, Sheep Mountain Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Alliance, Outdoor Alliance, Outdoor Industry Association, Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, Trout Unlimited, San Miguel Watershed Coalition, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Colorado, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and the Southwestern Water Conservation District.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/new-study-finds-hickenlooper-methane-rules-cut-colorado-oil-and-gas-emissions-by-70/", "New Study Finds Hickenlooper Methane Rules Cut Colorado Oil and Gas Emissions by 70%", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper cheered new findings from the Environmental Defense Fund showing that methane rules Hickenlooper pioneered as governor reduced methane emissions fromColorado\u2019s oil and gas sector by a whopping 70% between 2010 and 2017.\n\nUnder Hickenlooper\u2019s leadership, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission brought together environmentalists and the oil and gas industry to establish the world\u2019s first methane regulations in 2014. Those regulations were used by President Obama as a model for national standards, which in turn formed the basis of the international methane pledge in 2021.\n\n\u201cColorado was the first state to enact smart methane rules,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThe data proves they work, delivering cleaner air for our communities and making real progress in confronting the climate crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnder the leadership of then-Gov. John Hickenlooper, Colorado led the nation in tackling the methane problem by adopting the first set of standards to address emissions from oil and gas operations. Analyzing the satellite data indicates that emissions fell dramatically following the adoption of the 2014 rules,\u201d said Nini Gu, Senior Regulatory & Legislative Manager for the West Region. \u201cSmart energy policy design and rigorous data collection are the key to a thriving climate and a thriving economy, in Colorado and beyond.\u201d\n\nThe findings are based on data collected by Japan\u2019s Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite, also known as GOSAT, between 2010 and 2019. They are reinforced by independent aircraft studies over the Denver-Julesburg Basin that find similar downward trends in the basin\u2019s emissions intensity.\n\nAs senator, Hickenlooper has championed stronger federal methane rules modeled on Colorado\u2019s. In 2021, he led members of the Colorado congressional delegation in urging the EPA to strengthen methane regulations for the oil and gas sector. He helped negotiate and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created a $4.7 billion federal program to plug orphaned wells on Federal, State, and Tribal lands.\n\nHickenlooper has repeatedly pressed the EPA to improve methane emissions tracking and celebrated $162.3 million in loan guarantees from the Inflation Reduction Act to support the installation of a real time methane emissions monitoring network across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, North Dakota, and New Mexico.\n\nThe EDF study is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/what-theyre-saying-hickenlooper-is-right-to-oppose-trumps-latest-blm-nominee/", "What They\u2019re Saying: Hickenlooper is Right to Oppose Trump\u2019s Latest BLM Nominee", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Hickenlooper: \u201cHis nomination is proof that the Trump administration still views our public lands as assets for sale.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper announced at the beginning of the month that he would oppose President Trump\u2019s nomination of former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce to be Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). He was the first senator to publicly oppose Pearce\u2019s nomination and has been sounding the alarm about his nomination.\n\nHere\u2019s what they\u2019re saying:\n\nGrand Junction Daily Sentinel: Hick is right to oppose BLM nominee early\n\nDenver 7: WATCH: Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper pushing back against the President\u2019s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management\n\nColorado Politics: Colorado\u2019s John Hickenlooper says he\u2019ll oppose BLM nominee\n\nDurango Herald: Our view: Reject Pearce\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve a BLM director who will be a true steward of the millions of acres under the agency\u2019s care. Steve Pearce is NOT that person. While in Congress, he attacked environmental protections and fought to sell off public land,\u201d said Hickenlooper.\n\n\u201cHis nomination is proof that the Trump administration still views our public lands as assets for sale. On behalf of Colorado, I will vote NO because our public lands are NOT for sale.\u201d\n\nPearce marked his time in Congress working to undermine environmental protections, open public lands for oil and gas operations, and sell public lands.\n\nHickenlooper is a former geologist and one of the only scientists in the Senate. He has been outspoken against Trump administration cuts to public lands and led an effort against the admin\u2019s plans to overturn the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) Public Lands Rule. In March, he introduced legislation to reinstate the thousands of National Park Service and Forest Service workers the Trump administration illegally fired.\n\nHickenlooper also helped lead the fight against Senator Mike Lee\u2019s proposal to sell off more than three million acres of public lands. Hickenlooper first sounded the alarm back in April when he voted against the Republican budget resolution and introduced an amendment with colleagues to protect public lands from being sold to pay for Republicans\u2019 tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.\n\nIn May, Hickenlooper held a press conference in Estes Park with Congressman Neguse, public lands advocates, and local elected officials to call out the Trump administration\u2019s threats to Colorado\u2019s national parks and public lands, including Rocky Mountain National Park.\n\nCheck out what they\u2019re saying:\n\nGrand Junction Daily Sentinel: Hick is right to oppose BLM nominee early\n\nSteve Pearce, President Trump\u2019s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management, is a leopard who can\u2019t change his spots.\n\nThat\u2019s the opinion of Colorado\u2019s U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, who took the unusual step of announcing he\u2019ll oppose the nomination well ahead of Pearce\u2019s confirmation hearing, expected to be scheduled in January.\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve a BLM director who will be a true steward of the millions of acres under the agency\u2019s care,\u201d Hickenlooper said. \u201cPearce is NOT that person. While in Congress, he attacked environmental protections and fought to sell off public land.\n\n\u201cHis nomination is proof that the Trump administration still views our public lands as assets for sale. On behalf of Colorado, I will vote NO because our public lands are NOT for sale.\u201d\n\nPretty blunt, but entirely appropriate for the moment. Hickenlooper, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, helped lead the fight against Utah Sen. Mike Lee\u2019s proposal to sell off more than three million acres of public land earlier this year.\n\nLee withdrew his proposal from a major spending bill in late June 2025 due, in part, to overwhelming bipartisan opposition. The fight led to the formation of the bipartisan Senate Stewardship Caucus, which Hickenlooper joined as an inaugural member.\n\n\u2026Hickenlooper, for one, has made clear that Pearce is the wrong man for the job.\n\nWATCH: Denver 7: Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper pushing back against the President\u2019s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management\n\nColorado Politics: Colorado\u2019s John Hickenlooper says he\u2019ll oppose BLM nominee\n\nU.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., a member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Thursday he will oppose the nomination of Steve Pearce to be the next director of the Bureau of Land Management.\n\n\u2026\u201cAmericans deserve a BLM director who will be a true steward of the millions of acres under the agency\u2019s care,\u201d Hickenlooper said. \u201cPearce is NOT that person,\u201d the senator said. \u201cWhile in Congress, he attacked environmental protections and fought to sell off public land.\u201d He added that Pearce\u2019s nomination is proof the Trump administration still views public lands as assets for sale. \u201cOn behalf of Colorado, I will vote NO because our public lands are NOT for sale,\u201d he said.\n\nDurango Herald: Our view: Reject Pearce\n\nWe thought the fight over selling off America\u2019s public lands had been settled in July. But President Donald Trump\u2019s nomination of former New Mexico Republican Congressman Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management makes clear the threat is back \u2013 and more brazen than ever. Pearce embodies the belief that public lands exist to be liquidated, drilled, or handed off to private interests. Putting him in charge of the BLM is the political equivalent of putting the fox in charge of the henhouse.\n\nSen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) clearly recognizes the danger. On Dec. 4, he took the rare step of announcing \u2013 before any confirmation hearing \u2013 that he would vote no. Senators do not do this lightly, especially those on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. But Hickenlooper didn\u2019t mince words: Americans deserve a BLM director who is \u201ca true steward,\u201d and \u201cSteve Pearce is NOT that person.\u201d Pearce\u2019s record attacking environmental protections and backing the sale of public lands, he said, proves the administration still sees shared lands as \u201cassets for sale.\u201d\n\nHe\u2019s right to sound the alarm early. This nomination cannot be treated as business as usual\u2026\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/16/bennet-cassidy-pettersen-salazar-reintroduce-tax-credit-to-help-families-and-small-businesses-prepare-for-natural-disasters/", "Bennet, Cassidy, Pettersen, Salazar Reintroduce Tax Credit to Help Families and Small Businesses Prepare for Natural Disasters", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), alongside U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) and Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Shelter Act to help families and small businesses protect their homes and properties from future natural disasters and combat rising insurance costs. The legislation would create a first-of-its-kind disaster mitigation tax credit for families and business owners in disaster-prone areas.\n\n\u201cColoradans are all too familiar with increasingly devastating wildfires and other natural disasters that threaten their homes and businesses and drive up insurance costs,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cWe can\u2019t focus solely on helping communities recover after these disasters. Congress must do more to help them prepare. This bill helps taxpayers invest in tools and materials to safeguard their homes, businesses, and families from natural disasters before they occur.\u201d\n\n\u201cEverybody in my state has lost someone or something they love because of flooding. This is another tool for families to minimize that loss,\u201d said Cassidy.\n\n\u201cIn Colorado, wildfire season has become a year-round problem and extreme weather events continue to harm more communities every year,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cOur small businesses and families shouldn\u2019t have to pay the price for the costly impact of wildfires, especially when rising costs are already squeezing Coloradans. As we combat the climate crisis, one of the best things we can do is make sure people can protect their homes and businesses before disaster strikes.\u201d\n\n\u201cA single storm shouldn\u2019t be able to erase a lifetime of work. The Shelter Act empowers families and small businesses to fortify their property before disaster strikes, making our communities safer, stronger, and more resilient,\u201d said Salazar. \u201cMiami families know the cost of preparedness all too well, and this bill helps ensure they\u2019re not facing those challenges alone.\u201d\n\nThe Shelter Act allows Americans to write off 25 percent of qualifying mitigation expenses, up to $3,750 per taxpayer, to help homes and businesses reinforce their properties against natural disasters such as flood, wildfire, hail, and wind. This would be the first-ever federal tax incentive to help families and businesses invest in disaster resilience and mitigation ahead of time, helping offset the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars spent on natural disaster recovery each year.\n\n\u201cEncouraging and incentivizing proactive measures that mitigate or safeguard homes and communities from the devastating impacts of disasters benefit all Americans,\u201d said Dr. George Guszcza, President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences. \u201cPreventing or lessening damage from wildfires, earthquakes, and storms protects families across our nation, property owners benefit from less damage, taxpayers and government agencies avoid massive emergency aid payouts, and insurance companies face fewer claims.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the understanding that disaster response and recovery is significantly more costly than mitigation and preparedness, the Colorado Resiliency Office (CRO) focuses much of its efforts on ensuring communities of all sizes and resources have the tools and education they need to be ready. The CRO supports the Shelter Act as an opportunity for households and small businesses to protect their homes and property from increasing natural hazard risks and build community resilience,\u201d said Anne Miller, Director, Colorado Resiliency Office, Department of Local Affairs.\n\n\u201cThe Boulder County Commissioners welcome Senator Bennet\u2019s Shelter Act and the opportunities it creates for our community to receive federal tax credits as they protect their homes and businesses before a natural disaster strikes,\u201d said Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann. \u201cIn a time of climate-driven wildfires, Boulder County residents have felt first-hand the devastating impact of natural disasters. As we work to recover from the Marshall Fire \u2013 the most expensive and destructive wildfire in Colorado\u2019s history \u2013 thousands of homeowners are taking action to harden their homes before wildfires ignite. We welcome Senator Bennet\u2019s efforts to provide tax credits to help dramatically increase the pace and scale of our mitigation efforts in order to save billions of dollars of future home loss.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Association of Home Builders applauds Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) for introducing the Shelter Act, bipartisan legislation that gives Americans the tools they need to make their homes more resilient and safer. As natural disasters grow more frequent, mitigation is an essential tactic to safeguard homes and communities. The Shelter Act empowers homeowners to invest in resilient construction by creating a targeted tax credit for disaster and mitigation upgrades,\u201d said Buddy Hughes, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders.\n\n\u201cThe National Association of REALTORS\u00ae applauds Senator Bennet for reintroducing the Shelter Act,\u201d said Kevin Sears, President, National Association of Realtors. \u201cA changing global climate continues to necessitate innovation in our nation\u2019s real estate industry. Policies incentivizing property owners to proactively manage climate risks are now more important than ever. NAR intends to continue working with Congress to reduce the financial burdens of this country\u2019s increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Shelter Act will help make homes and communities more survivable and insurable by incentivizing resilient retrofits,\u201d said Roy Wright, CEO, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). \u201cThe time is now for this investment.\u201d\n\n\u201cFire Adapted Colorado is a statewide NGO supporting a network of over 270 wildfire resilience leaders. Fire Adapted Colorado is a strong proponent of incentives for wildfire mitigation measures. Colorado has had a statewide tax incentive for hazardous fuel reduction near wildfire-prone homes since 2008, and this has proven to be a helpful tool for incentivizing wildfire mitigation. Local mitigation leaders are able to point to the tax credit, and it helps residents make the decision to prioritize completing their wildfire mitigation projects. With limited federal and state grant programs directly investing in hardening structures to withstand natural disasters, including wildfires, a federal tax credit would be a valuable tool to incentivize property owners to take personal responsibility for their disaster vulnerabilities,\u201d said Rebecca Samulski, Executive Director, Fire Adapted Colorado.\n\n\u201cWe know definitively that wildfire mitigation saves homes and communities, yet the upfront costs can put meaningful action out of reach for many residents. The Shelter Act is a smart, forward-looking solution that removes financial barriers and rewards homeowners for investing in proven risk-reduction measures. By helping close the gap that too often slows progress, this bill strengthens our collective ability to build resilience before the next fire. At the Wildfire Collaborative Roaring Fork Valley, we see every day how community-scale mitigation protects lives, landscapes, and local economies \u2014 benefits that extend far beyond a single property line. The Shelter Act represents the kind of federal leadership we need to accelerate the pace and scale of wildfire readiness across the West,\u201d said Angie Davlyn, Executive Director, Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative.\n\n\u201cIn 2024, there were 27 individual weather and climate disasters, each causing at least $1 billion in damages. The Shelter Act can significantly reduce these losses\u2014totaling over $180 billion\u2014by protecting lives and property, reducing liability, increasing market confidence, and supporting recovery efforts. It achieves this by leveraging every $1 invested in resilience to save $13 in recovery costs. According to FEMA, 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after experiencing a natural disaster and of the companies that do bounce back, 25 percent of them close within one year. The American Institute of Architects is proud to support this measure, as it establishes a critical standard in the resilience space and paves the way for stronger economies and safer communities,\u201d said Illya Azaroff, President, American Institute of Architects, FAIA.\n\nBennet and Cassidy first introduced the Shelter Act in 2019. Bennet is a leading advocate for disaster recovery and mitigation support for families and business owners. This year, he reintroduced the Replacing Essential Passports and Licenses After Certain Emergencies (REPLACE) Act to automatically waive replacement fees for survivors who lose critical documents like passports in natural disasters. In 2024, Bennet reintroduced the Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act to streamline the process for survivors of natural disasters seeking housing assistance. Earlier this year, Bennet joined Senator Schiff to introduce the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act, granting federally-backed mortgage forbearance to disaster survivors.\n\nThe Shelter Act is supported by: National Institute of Building Sciences, Colorado Resiliency Office, National Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, Fire Adapted Colorado, Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Reinsurance Association of America (RAA), Satellite Condominiums LLC, and WesternLaw Group LLC.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/16/bennet-hickenlooper-bill-to-finish-the-arkansas-valley-conduit-heads-to-presidents-desk/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Bill To Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper\u2019s Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC) Act unanimously passed the Senate today, and will head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. The legislation will reduce interest payments on all non-federal cost share funds and provide greater flexibility in repayment terms. Further, this bill will ensure underserved communities in Southeastern Colorado can access clean drinking water and repay the federal government. In the last few years, the project cost estimate has nearly doubled due to inflation and increased labor costs.\n\n\u201cOver six decades ago, President Kennedy came to Pueblo, Colorado and promised to build the Arkansas Valley Conduit,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cNow, I am pleased to see my Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. This bill will ensure the federal government makes good on its promise to Southeastern Coloradans to deliver a safe and reliable water supply.\u201d\n\n\u201cWater has been the lifeblood of Colorado\u2019s Arkansas River Valley since long before JFK promised to deliver them clean drinking water,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cShovels are in the ground and we\u2019re now on the way to completing the AVC to deliver reliable drinking water to Southeast Colorado.\u201d\n\nThe Arkansas Valley Conduit is the final component of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, a water diversion and storage project in the lower Arkansas Valley, which Congress approved in 1962. Once constructed, the Conduit will deliver clean drinking water from the Pueblo Reservoir to more than 50,000 families, producers, and municipalities throughout 39 communities in the Lower Arkansas River Valley.\n\nSince joining the Senate, Bennet has fought for the Arkansas Valley Conduit. Bennet and Hickenlooper reintroduced the Finish the AVC Act in January of this year. The Senators helped deliver $500 million in funding for the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the AVC, including $250 million earlier this year, $90 million in 2024, $100 million in 2023 and $60 million in 2022. Bennet and Hickenlooper also secured over $60 million in annual appropriations spending bills since 2010, including $10.1 million in Fiscal Year 2024 and $10.1 million in Fiscal Year 2023. Following Bennet and Hickenlooper\u2019s call to the Senate Appropriations Committee Leadership this April to increase funds for the project, the Committee included $13 million for the AVC in their Fiscal Year 2025 Energy and Water bill.\n\nBennet\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor can be seen HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/16/bennet-statement-on-president-trumps-executive-order-blocking-state-level-ai-laws/", "Bennet Statement on President Trump\u2019s Executive Order Blocking State-Level AI Laws", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement on President Trump\u2019s executive order restricting current and future state laws regulating the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s executive order to block state laws regulating artificial intelligence is a dangerous overreach of power that will only make it more difficult to keep our communities safe while promoting innovation. While AI has enormous potential to increase productivity and grow our economy, this unilateral action weakens Colorado\u2019s ability to protect children and consumers.\n\nCongress can and must pass bipartisan legislation that supports AI development while protecting the American people. Until then, states must be allowed to develop common-sense frameworks to safeguard their communities while preserving conditions that allow businesses and start-ups to thrive.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/16/bennet-statement-on-president-trumps-nominee-to-lead-bureau-of-land-management/", "Bennet Statement on President Trump\u2019s Nominee to Lead Bureau of Land Management", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement on President Trump\u2019s nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management:\n\n\u201cSteve Pearce\u2019s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management is an insult to Colorado and anyone who cares about the lands that sustain our economy and Western way of life.\n\n\u201cPearce\u2019s views on public lands are completely out of touch with Colorado\u2019s values. He will be the first to sell off our public lands, promote Trump\u2019s misguided \u2018drill baby drill\u2019 policies, and demolish the protections that ensure our kids and grandkids will benefit from public lands as we do now.\n\n\u201cHe is unfit for this position and a threat to Colorado. For these reasons, I will oppose his nomination.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-bill-to-finish-the-arkansas-valley-conduit-heads-to-presidents-desk/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet Bill to Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet\u2019s Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC) Act unanimously passed the Senate, and will head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Their bill will lower costs and complete the AVC, a water project that will deliver clean, reliable water to Southeast Colorado communities.\n\n\u201cWater has been the lifeblood of Colorado\u2019s Arkansas River Valley since long before JFK promised to deliver them clean drinking water,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cShovels are in the ground and we\u2019re now on the way to completing the AVC to deliver reliable drinking water to Southeast Colorado.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver six decades ago, President Kennedy came to Pueblo, Colorado and promised to build the Arkansas Valley Conduit,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cNow, I am pleased to see my Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. This bill will ensure the federal government makes good on its promise to Southeastern Coloradans to deliver a safe and reliable water supply.\u201d\n\nThe Arkansas Valley Conduit is the final component of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, a water diversion and storage project in the lower Arkansas Valley, which Congress approved in 1962. Once constructed, the Conduit will deliver clean drinking water from the Pueblo Reservoir to more than 50,000 families, producers, and municipalities throughout 39 communities in the Lower Arkansas River Valley.\n\nThe Finish the AVC Act would remove interest payments on all non-federal cost share funds and extend the repayment period from 50 to 100 years. This bill helps make sure that underserved communities of Southeastern Colorado can access clean drinking water and repay the federal government. The estimated cost of the project more than doubled from the 2019 estimate of $640 million to $1.3 billion due to increased inflation and labor costs.\n\nHickenlooper and Bennet have long advocated for increased federal funding for the AVC and reintroduced the bipartisan Finish the AVC Act in January this year. Both senators helped deliver $500 million in funding for the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the AVC, including $250 million earlier this month, $90 million earlier this year, $100 million in 2023 and $60 million in 2022. Following Hickenlooper and Bennet\u2019s call to the Senate Appropriations Committee Leadership this April to increase funds for the project, the Committee included $13 million for the AVC in their fiscal year 2025 Energy and Water bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/15/bennet-hickenlooper-wyden-democratic-colleagues-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-and-drug-companies-as-health-care-costs-skyrocket/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Wyden, Democratic Colleagues Demand Answers from Trump Administration and Drug Companies as Health Care Costs Skyrocket", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and five Senate Democratic colleagues to demand four major pharmaceutical companies provide specific details about agreements they announced with President Donald Trump to lower drug costs as millions of Americans see the cost of health care skyrocket.\n\nOn September 30, the Trump Administration announced new agreements with drug manufacturers to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Now, as millions of Americans brace for their health care premiums to double, triple, or even quadruple, the Trump Administration and drug manufacturers have provided few details about how and when Americans will see lower drug costs.\n\n\u201cThe deep Medicaid cuts in H.R. 1 have put states in the impossible position of trying to figure out how to keep our Medicaid programs afloat and ensure continued patient access across the health care system writ large,\u201d wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, Wyden, and the senators.\n\nThe letters, sent to Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly ask for specific pricing information on which drugs will be affected by the announcements, what the \u201cmost favored nation\u201d price is for those drugs, and what state Medicaid programs will pay in the wake of these announcements.\n\n\u201cCritical details about the GENEROUS model also remain unclear, including whether manufacturers can seek exemptions for the drugs where this model could potentially have the greatest impact. It is difficult to draw any firm conclusions about what pricing manufacturers will have to offer states under the model and on which drugs,\u201d continued the senators.\n\nHickenlooper and Bennet have been vocal opponents of the Trump Administration\u2019s massive cuts to health care. Earlier this year, Republicans passed President Trump\u2019s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which slashes over $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Last week, Senate Democrats put forward a proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits for three years to save more than 24 million Americans from paying double for their health costs or losing their insurance entirely. In total, Republican cuts are expected to force 15 million Americans off their health insurance.\n\nThe text of the letter to Pfizer is available HERE and below. The letter to AstraZeneca is available HERE, the letter to Novo Nordisk is HERE, and the letter to Eli Lilly is HERE.\n\nDear Dr. Bourla:\n\nOn July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the Republican reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) into law. That bill included nearly $900 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program, which will create disastrous consequences for state budgets, and, in turn, access to health care services for Americans all across the country. States have few options when it comes to filling the hole left by massive federal cuts \u2013 all of which lead to less access for patients. States can either cut provider rates, cut services, or cut eligibility for Medicaid \u2013 each of these options will make Americans sicker, force hospitals to close and cut services, and increase health care costs for all.\n\nThe deep Medicaid cuts in H.R. 1 have put states in the impossible position of trying to figure out how to keep our Medicaid programs afloat and ensure continued patient access across the health care system writ large. With that in mind, we write today to seek more information from Pfizer about which drugs are subject to the Medicaid components of your agreement with the Trump administration and whether the prices you will make available on these drugs are actually lower than the net pricing states currently receive on the same products in Medicaid.\n\nOn September 30, 2025, you held a press conference with President Trump announcing that Pfizer would offer \u201cmost-favored nation\u201d pricing on certain prescription drugs in Medicaid. It is clear that Pfizer stands to gain a lot from this agreement, including relief from tariffs and potential priority review of new drug applications at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Trump administration is also pressuring other countries, such as the U.K., to pay higher prices for drugs, which will further increase revenues for industry, even though it is unclear whether industry will be expected to proportionally lower pricing in the U.S.\n\nIt is difficult to discern, however, what patients in Medicaid and taxpayers stand to gain from your agreement with the Trump administration. On November 6, 2025, CMS announced the Generating Cost Reductions for U.S. Medicaid Model (GENEROUS) model and released a corresponding request for applications from manufacturers. The GENEROUS model is a voluntary demonstration program under which CMS will negotiate supplemental rebates and coverage terms on prescription drugs with participating manufacturers. The Trump administration claims that these rebates will bring Medicaid drug costs closer to international pricing on covered outpatient drugs for states that choose to participate in the model. Presumably, manufacturers like Pfizer that have announced agreements with the Trump administration will be able to effectuate the Medicaid components of those agreements through the GENEROUS model.\n\nStates won\u2019t benefit if GENEROUS model prices are essentially the same as current Medicaid net prices or higher. Medicaid already pays the lowest drug prices in the U.S., often in line with the prices paid in other wealthy countries. For example, a 2021 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the average net price of top-selling brand drugs in Medicaid was $118, relative to an average price of $343 in Medicare Part D.1Critical details about the GENEROUS model also remain unclear, including whether manufacturers can seek exemptions for the drugs where this model could potentially have the greatest impact. Furthermore, the RFA explicitly states that terms under CMS agreements with manufacturers can differ from the terms CMS just publicly released about the model. Thus, it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions about what pricing manufacturers will have to offer states under the model and on which drugs.\n\nAttached to this letter, you will find a table listing brand drugs currently marketed by Pfizer and a list of Pfizer subsidiary and affiliate companies. We ask that Pfizer promptly respond by populating those tables and providing the following information:\n\n1. Does Pfizer plan to effectuate the Medicaid components of its drug pricing agreement with the Trump administration through the GENEROUS model? If not, please explain how Pfizer will effectuate its Medicaid drug pricing agreement with the Trump administration.\n\n2. During which calendar years does Pfizer plan to either participate in the GENEROUS model or otherwise offer agreed upon pricing to state Medicaid programs pursuant to your agreement with the Trump administration?\n\n3. Please populate Table 1 by:\n\nIdentifying which drugs in your current book of business are subject to the Medicaid part of your agreement with the Trump administration and/or will be included in the GENEROUS model;\n\nProviding the second lowest country specific average net price on each drug identified above over the last 12 months from the following countries: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, Denmark, and Switzerland;\n\nProviding the net price available to state Medicaid programs under your agreement with the Trump administration and/or the GENEROUS model for each such drug identified above;\n\nConfirming whether the price listed above is lower than the lowest net price Pfizer currently offers to any state Medicaid program for such drug (including both statutorily required rebates under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and any supplemental rebates).\n\n4. Please populate Table 2 by:\n\nListing all drugs marketed in the United States under labels of Pfizer subsidiary or affiliate companies;\n\nIdentifying which drugs among those listed above are subject to the Medicaid part of your agreement with the Trump administration and/or will be included in the GENEROUS model;\n\nProviding the second lowest country specific average net price on each drug identified above over the last 12 months from the following countries: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, Denmark, and Switzerland;\n\nProviding the net price available to state Medicaid programs under your agreement with the Trump administration and/or the GENEROUS model for each such drug identified above; and\n\nConfirming whether the price listed above is lower than the lowest net price Pfizer currently offers to any state Medicaid program for such drug (including both statutorily required rebates under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and any supplemental rebates).\n\n5. If Pfizer is effectuating the Medicaid components of your agreement with the Trump administration through a method other than the GENEROUS model:\n\nPlease explain how state Medicaid programs would receive any additional discounts or rebates on the relevant drugs.\n\nIn order to access any additional discounts on Pfizer drugs under the agreement, would state Medicaid programs need to agree to any conditions related to coverage, formulary placement, or utilization management for such drugs? If yes, would states have to opt into the agreement with respect to the entire bundle of drugs subject to the arrangement? Or could states make separate decisions with respect to each individual drug?\n\nHow would any additional discounts or rebates relate to the statutorily required rebates under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program or supplemental rebates obtained by state Medicaid programs?\n\nStates need timely access to this information in order to make urgent state budgetary decisions due to the loss of Medicaid funding, including during special sessions and in preparation of budgets for the upcoming state fiscal year, and prioritize preserving patient access to health care. Therefore, we ask that you provide this information no later than January 30, 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/15/bennet-murray-colleagues-demand-answers-from-ice-on-racial-profiling-of-tribal-members-refusal-to-accept-tribal-ids/", "Bennet, Murray, Colleagues Demand Answers from ICE on Racial Profiling of Tribal Members, Refusal to Accept Tribal IDs", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and 10 Senate colleagues in urging U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to provide answers regarding recent incidents of Tribal citizens being mistreated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers pointed to reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason apart from their physical appearance, and urged Secretary Noem to develop policy and trainings to ensure that all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands.\n\n\u201cWe write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented,\u201d wrote Bennet, Murray, and the senators. \u201cIn February, several Senators wrote to you following reports of ICE agents improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens. In June, you replied with a letter in which you failed to respond to the majority of the questions raised in the letter. Over the past month, we have heard additional alarming reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance. The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.\u201d\n\nIn November, Elaine Miles, an Indigenous actor, was approached by four men who identified themselves as ICE agents while waiting for a bus in Redmond, Washington. When she handed them her Tribal ID issued by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, the immigration agents reportedly claimed that her ID was \u201cfake\u201d and that \u201canyone can make that.\u201d When she attempted to call the Umatilla Tribal enrollment office phone number to verify her ID to the officers, an officer tried unsuccessfully to pry her phone out of her hands, then departed with his counterparts in unmarked vehicles. Miles alleges that her son and uncle were also both detained by ICE agents who initially did not accept their Tribal IDs before eventually releasing them. In response, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that allegations that DHS law enforcement officers engage in racial profiling are \u201ccategorically FALSE.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, the senators note that ICE had previously told Members of Congress that \u201cThe ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Academy does not train ERO officers to require any specific document to prove U.S. citizenship.\u201d However, this incident suggests that ICE agents are demanding certain documents to prove citizenship and are unaware of different forms of Tribal ID.\n\nIn another recent incident, Leticia Jacobo, a member of Arizona\u2019s Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, was nearly deported after an Iowa jail mistakenly issued an ICE detainer for another inmate. Despite the fact that Jacobo was in possession of her Tribal ID and had her Social Security number on file with the jail, her family had to prove her identity and Tribal citizenship to the jail staff, who released her just hours before she would have been transferred into federal custody. At least 15 Tribal citizens in Arizona and New Mexico reported being questioned or detained by ICE agents in January of 2025. Following widespread harassment of Navajo Nation citizens by ICE, Navajo President Buu Nygren advised his members to carry identification, driver\u2019s licenses and their Certificate of Indian Blood on their person at all times.\n\nIn Colorado, the Ute Mountain Ute and the Southern Ute Indian Tribes have also encouraged their Tribal Members to carry their Tribal ID, in addition to at least one other form of identification, in light of continuing concerns surrounding ICE.\n\n\u201cYou have an obligation to uphold the federal government\u2019s trust and treaty obligations to Tribes and to treat Tribal citizens with respect\u2014this is not optional. In light of recent incidents, we urge you to develop policy and trainings to ensure that all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands,\u201d concluded the senators.\n\nBennet has consistently fought to protect due process rights, transparency, and safety in immigration enforcement. This month, Bennet and 20 Senate colleagues introduced the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act, legislation to reverse the provisions in Republicans\u2019 so-called \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d that harm children seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. Last month, Bennet joined 48 bicameral colleagues to introduce the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, legislation to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. In August, Bennet and Senate colleagues introduced the Immigration Enforcement Identification Safety Act to prohibit law enforcement officers from obscuring their faces and require that they clearly display their agency, name, and a unique identifier while conducting immigration enforcement functions. In April, Bennet and U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) led bicameral colleagues in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to address the Executive Office for Immigration Review\u2019s decision to fire key immigration judges. In March, Bennet urged the Trump Administration to ensure unaccompanied children in the immigration system receive legal representation. In February, Bennet and 20 Senate colleagues introduced the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which would reinstate DHS\u2019s long-standing policies to prevent ICE from making arrests at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship.\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Murray, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) signed the letter.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Noem:\n\nWe write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented. In February, several Senators wrote to you following reports of ICE agents improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens. In June, you replied with a letter in which you failed to respond to the majority of the questions raised in the letter. Over the past month, we have heard additional alarming reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance. The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.\n\nIn one recent incident, several Tribal citizens were stopped by ICE agents at a bus stop in Redmond, Washington. These agents reportedly questioned the validity of their Tribal ID, with agents allegedly telling one Tribal citizen that her Tribal ID was \u201cfake\u201d and that \u201canyone can make that.\u201d ICE agents also reportedly refused an offer to contact her Tribal government to verify these individuals\u2019 enrollment and identification documents.\n\nIn our February letter, you were asked to supply information about the training offered to ICE agents about different forms of valid identification and documentation of United States citizenship for enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes. In response, you wrote, \u201cThe ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Academy does not train ERO officers to require any specific document to prove U.S. citizenship.\u201d The experience of these Tribal citizens in Washington suggests that this is false: ICE agents are demanding certain documents to prove citizenship and are unaware of different forms of Tribal ID.\n\nYou have an obligation to uphold the federal government\u2019s trust and treaty obligations to Tribes and to treat Tribal citizens with respect\u2014this is not optional. In light of recent incidents, we urge you to develop policy and trainings to ensure that all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands. Additionally, we request that you answer the following questions:\n\nWhat steps, if any, has your Department taken to develop new or change existing policies regarding its interactions with Tribal citizens and governments this year?\n\nPlease provide a detailed description of how agents are trained to respond when presented with a Tribally-issued identification card or document.\n\nDoes the Department require additional resources to develop training and policies for ICE agents to recognize identification documents issued by Tribal governments?\n\nPlease provide a detailed description of how the Department is working with its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to review and investigate any allegations of civil rights and civil liberties violations as it pertains to ICE\u2019s treatment of United States-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes.\n\nIn both your June letter and in the Department\u2019s public response to the Redmond incident, your Department has denied that it racially profiles Tribal members. How do explain the pattern of ICE agents stopping and detaining Tribal citizens under the current Administration?\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this request and ask that you respond to these questions no later than January 11, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/15/jewish-senate-democrats-statement-on-deadly-attack-against-sydney-hanukkah-celebration/", "Jewish Senate Democrats\u2019 Statement on Deadly Attack Against Sydney Hanukkah Celebration", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2019i), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), issued the following statement after the murder of 15 people at a menorah lighting in Sydney, Australia celebrating the first night of Hanukkah:\n\n\u201cThe Festival of Lights commemorates and celebrates the resilience of the Jewish people, our identity and heritage. As we moved into the first night of Hanukkah, that tenacity was tested once again as we mourn those murdered in Sydney during a menorah lighting. Our prayers go out to the Jewish community in Australia, whom we embrace in their terrible hour of suffering.\n\n\u201cWe are horrified by the brutality of this attack, which comes at a time when Australia has seen a terrible rise in antisemitism. The disturbing wave of antisemitism around the globe has struck anxiety and fear into the hearts of every Jewish community. Some have faced harassment, vandalism, and discrimination. Others, violence as brutal as what we saw yesterday in Sydney.\n\n\u201cThis attack is the latest reminder of the work that remains to end the scourge of hatred towards Jews. To combat this disease of antisemitism, we must summon the strength to take action against this ancient hatred, and the courage to press on in the face of such violence against Jewish people at home and abroad.\n\n\u201cWe must speak out against all discrimination, from heinous acts like today to the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric, and the attempts to blur the line between political disagreement and antisemitic hate. And we give thanks to the bravery of people like Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner, who risked his own life on Bondi Beach to stop others from losing theirs.\n\n\u201cMay the memory of those we lost be a blessing, and may courage flow through the hearts of every Jewish family that lit their first candle last night and over the next seven nights.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-democratic-colleagues-demand-answers-from-trump-admin-and-drug-companies-as-health-care-costs-skyrocket/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Democratic Colleagues Demand Answers from Trump Admin and Drug Companies as Health Care Costs Skyrocket", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Letter comes as 15 million Americans \u2013 and 241,000 Coloradans \u2013 brace to lose health care under cuts in Trump\u2019s tax and spending bill\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet recently joined six of their Democratic Senate colleagues to demand four major pharmaceutical companies provide specific details about agreements they announced with President Trump to lower drug costs as millions of Americans see the cost of health care skyrocket.\n\nOn September 30, the Trump administration announced new agreements with drug manufacturers to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Now, as millions of Americans brace for their health care premiums to double, the Trump administration and drug manufacturers have provided few details about how and when Americans will see lower drug costs.\n\n\u201cThe deep Medicaid cuts in H.R. 1 have put states in the impossible position of trying to figure out how to keep our Medicaid programs afloat and ensure continued patient access across the health care system writ large,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cCritical details about the GENEROUS model also remain unclear, including whether manufacturers can seek exemptions for the drugs where this model could potentially have the greatest impact. It is difficult to draw any firm conclusions about what pricing manufacturers will have to offer states under the model and on which drugs,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe letters, sent to Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly ask for specific pricing information on which drugs will be affected by the announcements, what the \u201cmost favored nation\u201d price is for those drugs, and what state Medicaid programs will pay in the wake of these announcements.\n\nHickenlooper and Bennet have been vocal opponents of the Trump administration\u2019s massive cuts to health care. Earlier this year, Republicans passed President Trump\u2019s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act which slashes over $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Last week, Senate Democrats put forward a proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits for three years to save more than 24 million Americans from paying double for their health costs or losing their insurance entirely. In total, Republican cuts are expected to force 15 million Americans off their health insurance.\n\nLast month, Hickenlooper and Bennet voted NO on the Republicans\u2019 government funding bill after Trump and MAGA Republicans shut down the federal government instead of addressing the health care crisis they created.\n\nFull text of the letter to Pfizer is available HERE and below. Click HERE for the letter to AstraZeneca, HERE for the letter to Novo Nordisk, and HERE for the letter to Eli Lilly.\n\nDear Dr. Bourla:\n\nOn July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the Republican reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) into law. That bill included nearly $900 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program, which will create disastrous consequences for state budgets, and, in turn, access to health care services for Americans all across the country. States have few options when it comes to filling the hole left by massive federal cuts \u2013 all of which lead to less access for patients. States can either cut provider rates, cut services, or cut eligibility for Medicaid \u2013 each of these options will make Americans sicker, force hospitals to close and cut services, and increase health care costs for all.\n\nThe deep Medicaid cuts in H.R. 1 have put states in the impossible position of trying to figure out how to keep our Medicaid programs afloat and ensure continued patient access across the health care system writ large. With that in mind, we write today to seek more information from Pfizer about which drugs are subject to the Medicaid components of your agreement with the Trump administration and whether the prices you will make available on these drugs are actually lower than the net pricing states currently receive on the same products in Medicaid.\n\nOn September 30, 2025, you held a press conference with President Trump announcing that Pfizer would offer \u201cmost-favored nation\u201d pricing on certain prescription drugs in Medicaid. It is clear that Pfizer stands to gain a lot from this agreement, including relief from tariffs and potential priority review of new drug applications at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Trump administration is also pressuring other countries, such as the U.K., to pay higher prices for drugs, which will further increase revenues for industry, even though it is unclear whether industry will be expected to proportionally lower pricing in the U.S.\n\nIt is difficult to discern, however, what patients in Medicaid and taxpayers stand to gain from your agreement with the Trump administration. On November 6, 2025, CMS announced the Generating Cost Reductions for U.S. Medicaid Model (GENEROUS) model and released a corresponding request for applications from manufacturers. The GENEROUS model is a voluntary demonstration program under which CMS will negotiate supplemental rebates and coverage terms on prescription drugs with participating manufacturers. The Trump administration claims that these rebates will bring Medicaid drug costs closer to international pricing on covered outpatient drugs for states that choose to participate in the model. Presumably, manufacturers like Pfizer that have announced agreements with the Trump administration will be able to effectuate the Medicaid components of those agreements through the GENEROUS model.\n\nStates won\u2019t benefit if GENEROUS model prices are essentially the same as current Medicaid net prices or higher. Medicaid already pays the lowest drug prices in the U.S., often in line with the prices paid in other wealthy countries. For example, a 2021 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the average net price of top-selling brand drugs in Medicaid was $118, relative to an average price of $343 in Medicare Part D.1Critical details about the GENEROUS model also remain unclear, including whether manufacturers can seek exemptions for the drugs where this model could potentially have the greatest impact. Furthermore, the RFA explicitly states that terms under CMS agreements with manufacturers can differ from the terms CMS just publicly released about the model. Thus, it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions about what pricing manufacturers will have to offer states under the model and on which drugs.\n\nAttached to this letter, you will find a table listing brand drugs currently marketed by Pfizer and a list of Pfizer subsidiary and affiliate companies. We ask that Pfizer promptly respond by populating those tables and providing the following information:\n\n1. Does Pfizer plan to effectuate the Medicaid components of its drug pricing agreement with the Trump administration through the GENEROUS model? If not, please explain how Pfizer will effectuate its Medicaid drug pricing agreement with the Trump administration.\n\n2. During which calendar years does Pfizer plan to either participate in the GENEROUS model or otherwise offer agreed upon pricing to state Medicaid programs pursuant to your agreement with the Trump administration?\n\n3. Please populate Table 1 by:\n\na. Identifying which drugs in your current book of business are subject to the Medicaid part of your agreement with the Trump administration and/or will be included in the GENEROUS model;\n\nb. Providing the second lowest country specific average net price on each drug identified above over the last 12 months from the following countries: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, Denmark, and Switzerland;\n\nc. Providing the net price available to state Medicaid programs under your agreement with the Trump administration and/or the GENEROUS model for each such drug identified above;\n\nd. Confirming whether the price listed above is lower than the lowest net price Pfizer currently offers to any state Medicaid program for such drug (including both statutorily required rebates under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and any supplemental rebates).\n\n4. Please populate Table 2 by:\n\na. Listing all drugs marketed in the United States under labels of Pfizer subsidiary or affiliate companies;\n\nb. Identifying which drugs among those listed above are subject to the Medicaid part of your agreement with the Trump administration and/or will be included in the GENEROUS model;\n\nc. Providing the second lowest country specific average net price on each drug identified above over the last 12 months from the following countries: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, Denmark, and Switzerland;\n\nd. Providing the net price available to state Medicaid programs under your agreement with the Trump administration and/or the GENEROUS model for each such drug identified above; and\n\ne. Confirming whether the price listed above is lower than the lowest net price Pfizer currently offers to any state Medicaid program for such drug (including both statutorily required rebates under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and any supplemental rebates).\n\n5. If Pfizer is effectuating the Medicaid components of your agreement with the Trump administration through a method other than the GENEROUS model:\n\na. Please explain how state Medicaid programs would receive any additional discounts or rebates on the relevant drugs.\n\nb. In order to access any additional discounts on Pfizer drugs under the agreement, would state Medicaid programs need to agree to any conditions related to coverage, formulary placement, or utilization management for such drugs? If yes, would states have to opt into the agreement with respect to the entire bundle of drugs subject to the arrangement? Or could states make separate decisions with respect to each individual drug?\n\nc. How would any additional discounts or rebates relate to the statutorily required rebates under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program or supplemental rebates obtained by state Medicaid programs?\n\nStates need timely access to this information in order to make urgent state budgetary decisions due to the loss of Medicaid funding, including during special sessions and in preparation of budgets for the upcoming state fiscal year, and prioritize preserving patient access to health care. Therefore, we ask that you provide this information no later than January 30, 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-cornyn-cheer-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-satellite-data-sharing/", "Hickenlooper, Cornyn Cheer Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Satellite Data Sharing", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Legislation would ensure partnerships between NASA and the private sector to boost satellite-enabled research\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and John Cornyn applauded the unanimous Senate passage of their bipartisan Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries (ASCEND) Act, which would codify NASA\u2019s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program and continue shared access to commercial small-satellite (SmallSat) datasets that prove crucial for Earth science research and applications. The bill passed the Senate last week and now heads to the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cScientists rely on satellite data to understand Earth and beyond. We\u2019re one step closer to signing our ASCEND Act into law to strengthen our private-sector partnerships for satellite data and drive new discoveries,\u201d said Hickenlooper.\n\n\u201cInvesting in satellite data and imagery gives us a deeper understanding of everything from agricultural yields to weather forecasting and disaster response,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation would create a permanent program through NASA to expand the data pool available to us and build on prior success.\u201d\n\nAlongside the unprecedented growth of the commercial space industry, technological advancements have enabled the development of SmallSats with novel capabilities. Commercial SmallSats provide high-resolution data to complement the suite of Earth observations acquired by NASA, other U.S. Government agencies, and international partners. Earth observation data supplied by satellites in orbit provide important information for a variety of purposes, including increasing agricultural crop yields, informing forest conservation, improving disaster mitigation and response, forecasting space weather, advancing science, and more.\n\nNASA established CSDA as a pilot program in 2017 to identify and evaluate commercial capabilities, establish new processes to onramp vendors, and enable broad sharing and use of acquired data products. The CSDA pilot program proved to be a success, with participating scientists finding the program\u2019s datasets to be useful and reliable for a variety of research topics. Today, fifteen commercial vendors are providing 7 unique data types to federal researchers through CSDA.\n\nThe ASCEND Act would permanently authorize CSDA within NASA to sustain and expand the program and continue to leverage the advancing capabilities in remote sensing offered by commercial vendors.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation will:\n\nEstablish CSDA as a permanent program within NASA\u2019s Earth Science Division\n\nDirect NASA to expand procurement licenses and provide federal agencies access to high-quality Earth remote sensing datasets and imagery\n\nPromote the acquisition of new datasets for scientific and non-scientific applications\n\nRequire an annual report to Congress on the uses and impact of commercial data products and licensing agreements\n\nA one-pager on the bill is available HERE. The full text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/12/bennet-leads-colorado-democrats-in-demanding-dhs-implement-the-law-to-protect-religious-communities/", "Bennet Leads Colorado Democrats in Demanding DHS Implement the Law to Protect Religious Communities", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led his Colorado Democratic colleagues \u2013 U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Diana DeGette, Brittany Pettersen, and Jason Crow \u2013 on a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging the DHS to protect religious communities in Colorado and across the country by implementing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act, legislation passed through the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill made necessary improvements to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which organizations use to deploy physical security enhancements and emergency preparedness capabilities. These improvements include expanding the eligible uses of grant funding and reauthorizing the NSGP at higher funding levels.\n\n\u201cThe NSGP provides at-risk nonprofit organizations \u2013 like places of worship, schools, and community centers \u2013 with critical resources to bolster protections amid heightened risk of attack. The NSGP Improvement Act provided necessary funding and strengthened FEMA\u2019s ability to administer the program, directing FEMA to establish an office dedicated to overseeing the NSGP. That office would be responsible for publishing important information about grant applications, conducting outreach, and providing technical assistance to states and nonprofit organizations. To date, neither FEMA nor DHS has released information on the creation of this office,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nAdditionally, the letter urges DHS to allow organizations to use NSGP funds to pay permanent salaried employees or personnel expenses. The lawmakers emphasized that without this flexibility, nonprofits are forced to rely on security contractors who are unreliable and often hard to procure.\n\n\u201cIn light of the recent surge in anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, and other violent hate-based incidents in the United States, the importance of this program cannot be overstated. We urge DHS and FEMA to do more to ensure NSGP allows nonprofits and religious organizations to better protect the people they serve,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nBennet has long fought for greater funding for the NSGP. Earlier this year, he and Hickenlooper wrote to Senate leadership advocating for $500 million for the program in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. Bennet also led the effort to pass the April 2024 national security supplemental, which included $400 million for the NGSP.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Noem,\n\nWe write to express our concern regarding the implementation of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022, which was included in the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation made crucial improvements to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), such as expanding eligible uses of grant funding and reauthorizing the program at higher funding levels. We are concerned that the federal government has not implemented this legislation to its full congressional intent. Accordingly, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to take immediate steps to ensure the program is implemented effectively, particularly given the disturbing increase in anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, and other hateful attacks across the country.\n\nThe NSGP provides at-risk nonprofit organizations \u2013 like places of worship, schools, and community centers \u2013 with critical resources to bolster protections amid heightened risk of attack. The NSGP Improvement Act provided necessary funding and strengthened FEMA\u2019s ability to administer the program, directing FEMA to establish an office dedicated to overseeing the NSGP. That office would be responsible for publishing important information about grant applications, conducting outreach, and providing technical assistance to states and nonprofit organizations. To date, neither FEMA nor DHS has released information on the creation of this office. We request that you confirm whether FEMA has established this office, and if so, to what extent it is appropriately staffed to carry out the duties outlined in the NSGP Improvement Act.\n\nThe NSGP Improvement Act also directed FEMA to publish grant guidelines and ensure that State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), the entities responsible for vetting and submitting applications to FEMA, do not close their application processes before the guidelines are published. We are concerned about the lack of standardization of application details or deadlines for SAAs. Implementing a standard deadline for all SAAs and a set list of required documents would make the process significantly more efficient and less confusing for the organizations applying. In addition, we believe there should be increased transparency between FEMA and SAAs. FEMA should provide uniform guidance and feedback regarding both successful and unsuccessful applications. This increased communication would allow unsuccessful organizations to improve their applications.\n\nThe legislation also expanded the eligible uses of grant funds to include payments to contracted security personnel and administrative expenses. While this has been helpful, at present, organizations cannot use funds from this program for permanent salaried employees or personnel expenses. This means that non-profits are reliant on contracting outside security vendors, which can be unpredictable and hard to hire when needed. We request that DHS and FEMA take steps to allow organizations to use NSGP grants to pay permanent security guards and other critical personnel.\n\nIn light of the recent surge in anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, and other violent hate-based incidents in the United States, the importance of this program cannot be overstated. We urge DHS and FEMA to do more to ensure NSGP allows nonprofits and religious organizations to better protect the people they serve.\n\nAll Americans deserve to visit their places of worship, schools, and community centers freely and without fear.\n\nWe look forward to your response and stand ready to work with you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-degette-neguse-crow-pettersen-demand-dhs-protect-religious-communities/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen Demand DHS Protect Religious Communities", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen on a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging the DHS to protect religious communities in Colorado and across the country by implementing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act, legislation passed through the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill made necessary improvements to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which organizations use to deploy physical security enhancements and emergency preparedness capabilities. These improvements include expanding the eligible uses of grant funding and reauthorizing the NSGP at higher funding levels.\n\n\u201cThe NSGP provides at-risk nonprofit organizations \u2013 like places of worship, schools, and community centers \u2013 with critical resources to bolster protections amid heightened risk of attack. The NSGP Improvement Act provided necessary funding and strengthened FEMA\u2019s ability to administer the program, directing FEMA to establish an office dedicated to overseeing the NSGP. That office would be responsible for publishing important information about grant applications, conducting outreach, and providing technical assistance to states and nonprofit organizations. To date, neither FEMA nor DHS has released information on the creation of this office,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nAdditionally, the letter urges DHS to allow organizations to use NSGP funds to pay permanent salaried employees or personnel expenses. The lawmakers emphasized that without this flexibility, nonprofits are forced to rely on security contractors who are unreliable and often hard to procure.\n\n\u201cIn light of the recent surge in anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, and other violent hate-based incidents in the United States, the importance of this program cannot be overstated. We urge DHS and FEMA to do more to ensure NSGP allows nonprofits and religious organizations to better protect the people they serve,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nEarlier this year, Hickenlooper and Bennet wrote to Senate leadership advocating for $500 million for the program in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Noem,\n\nWe write to express our concern regarding the implementation of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022, which was included in the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation made crucial improvements to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), such as expanding eligible uses of grant funding and reauthorizing the program at higher funding levels. We are concerned that the federal government has not implemented this legislation to its full congressional intent. Accordingly, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to take immediate steps to ensure the program is implemented effectively, particularly given the disturbing increase in anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, and other hateful attacks across the country.\n\nThe NSGP provides at-risk nonprofit organizations \u2013 like places of worship, schools, and community centers \u2013 with critical resources to bolster protections amid heightened risk of attack. The NSGP Improvement Act provided necessary funding and strengthened FEMA\u2019s ability to administer the program, directing FEMA to establish an office dedicated to overseeing the NSGP. That office would be responsible for publishing important information about grant applications, conducting outreach, and providing technical assistance to states and nonprofit organizations. To date, neither FEMA nor DHS has released information on the creation of this office. We request that you confirm whether FEMA has established this office, and if so, to what extent it is appropriately staffed to carry out the duties outlined in the NSGP Improvement Act.\n\nThe NSGP Improvement Act also directed FEMA to publish grant guidelines and ensure that State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), the entities responsible for vetting and submitting applications to FEMA, do not close their application processes before the guidelines are published. We are concerned about the lack of standardization of application details or deadlines for SAAs. Implementing a standard deadline for all SAAs and a set list of required documents would make the process significantly more efficient and less confusing for the organizations applying. In addition, we believe there should be increased transparency between FEMA and SAAs. FEMA should provide uniform guidance and feedback regarding both successful and unsuccessful applications. This increased communication would allow unsuccessful organizations to improve their applications.\n\nThe legislation also expanded the eligible uses of grant funds to include payments to contracted security personnel and administrative expenses. While this has been helpful, at present, organizations cannot use funds from this program for permanent salaried employees or personnel expenses. This means that non-profits are reliant on contracting outside security vendors, which can be unpredictable and hard to hire when needed. We request that DHS and FEMA take steps to allow organizations to use NSGP grants to pay permanent security guards and other critical personnel.\n\nIn light of the recent surge in anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, and other violent hate-based incidents in the United States, the importance of this program cannot be overstated. We urge DHS and FEMA to do more to ensure NSGP allows nonprofits and religious organizations to better protect the people they serve.\n\nAll Americans deserve to visit their places of worship, schools, and community centers freely and without fear.\n\nWe look forward to your response and stand ready to work with you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-shaheen-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-restore-u-s-support-for-un-reproductive-health-agency/", "Hickenlooper, Shaheen, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Restore U.S. Support for UN Reproductive Health Agency", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Jeanne Shaheen, along with 15 of their Senate colleagues introduced the Support UNFPA Funding Act to resume U.S. contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN agency that provides access to family planning, supports the prevention of maternal death, and responds to gender-based violence.\n\n\u201cThe Trump admin\u2019s reckless decision to cut funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) jeopardized life-saving care for women around the world,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cOur bill reaffirms the United States\u2019 commitment to providing support that helps global communities become safer, stronger, and more secure\u2014and in turn, helps keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cU.S. investment in UNFPA saves lives, advances women\u2019s rights and directly supports global stability and security,\u201d said Shaheen. \u201cWhen the United States abruptly halted funding, clinics closed, women lost access to basic health care and preventable maternal deaths increased, particularly in conflict zones and humanitarian emergencies. This bill restores a common-sense, bipartisan approach: supporting voluntary, rights-based family planning and maternal health while ensuring full compliance with U.S. law. Undermining proven programs like UNFPA weakens our global leadership and creates unnecessary instability that ultimately affects Americans too.\u201d\n\nThis year, the Trump administration halted U.S. funding for UNFPA, forcing the closure of health centers, cutting off lifesaving maternal and reproductive health care, and leaving millions of women and girls in danger. UNFPA operates in more than 150 countries and is the only U.N. agency mandated to provide reproductive and maternal health care in humanitarian crises. UNFPA ensures women and families can access voluntary family planning, safe childbirth services and protection from gender-based violence.\n\nSpecifically, the Support UNFPA Funding Act would recognize the important work of UNFPA; establish as U.S. policy that financial support for UNFPA aligns with U.S. interest; and send $74 million to UNFPA\u2019s core programs over the next two years.\n\n\u201cEveryone deserves access to quality health care, no matter who they are or where they live,\u201d said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. \u201cFull stop. Yet ever since President Trump took office, he and his administration have attacked foreign aid programs, including funding for UNFPA, endangering the health and safety of millions of people across the globe. We thank Sen. Shaheen for introducing this legislation to support UNFPA and its critical work on reproductive and maternal health care around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Support UNFPA Funding Act is a vital step to restoring US funding for a UN agency that provides lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services to millions worldwide,\u201d said Kelly Baden, Vice President for Public Policy, Guttmacher Institute. \u201cUNFPA\u2019s work prevents maternal deaths, expands access to contraception, and combats gender-based violence, including child marriage and female genital mutilation. In humanitarian crises, UNFPA\u2019s work is particularly essential to ensure women and families receive critical health care and supplies. The Trump Administration\u2019s defunding of UNFPA and almost all family planning aid endangers lives, particularly those of women and girls. Congress must counter these devastating moves by strengthening support for UNFPA. We thank Senator Shaheen for her leadership in championing this critical legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThousands of Americans across all 50 states, including New Hampshire, where Sen. Shaheen serves, have voiced their support for UNFPA\u2019s lifesaving work,\u201d said Anu Surendran, CEO, USA for UNFPA. \u201cTheir voices reflect our values, compassion, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that millions of women and girls receive the care they need and deserve.\u201d\n\nFull text of this bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/11/bennet-rosen-colleagues-introduce-resolution-to-overturn-trump-rule-rescinding-automatic-work-permit-renewal/", "Bennet, Rosen, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Overturn Trump Rule Rescinding Automatic Work Permit Renewal", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Work Permits Allow Immigrants With Legal Status To Work, But Long USCIS Processing Times Are Placing U.S. Employers and Workers At Risk\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and nine Senate colleagues to introduce a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn a recent U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rule that ends automatic extensions of work permits, making it so that previously-vetted immigrants with legal status cannot work while they wait for their work permit renewals to be approved.\n\n\u201cIn Colorado and across the country, immigrant workers strengthen our economy and richen our communities,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis legislation will reverse the Trump Administration\u2019s unfair rule change, ensuring that immigrants who are here legally can continue to work while they wait for their work permits to be renewed.\u201d\n\n\u201cImmigrants who work and contribute to our economy are central to Nevada\u2019s prosperity, and they\u2019re the backbone of the U.S. economy,\u201d said Rosen. \u201cThis unfair rule change by the Trump Administration will cause chaos \u2014 forcing thousands of immigrants with legal authorization to stop working or be fired by their employer. This will hurt our economy and harm thousands of families, so I\u2019m urging my colleagues to join me in overturning this rule.\u201d\n\nUSCIS\u2019s interim final rule, announced on October 30, ended automatic extensions for 18 different categories of immigrants. Due to long USCIS processing wait times, immigrants who submitted work permit renewal applications on time will be left without work authorization while they wait for their application to be processed \u2013 sometimes for many months at a time \u2013 risking their ability to legally work, through no fault of their own.\n\nPrior to this new rule, if an immigrant who is legally present in the United States filed their work permit renewal request on time, they would automatically receive a work permit extension to ensure they don\u2019t lose their authorization while USCIS processes their renewal. The senators\u2019 resolution would reinstate that commonsense policy.\n\nBennet has consistently fought to protect due process rights, transparency, and safety in the U.S. immigration system. This month, Bennet and 20 Senate colleagues introduced the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act, legislation to reverse the provisions in Republicans\u2019 so-called \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d that harm children seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. Last month, Bennet joined 48 bicameral colleagues to introduce the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, legislation to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. In August, Bennet and Senate colleagues introduced the Immigration Enforcement Identification Safety Act to prohibit law enforcement officers from obscuring their faces and require that they clearly display their agency, name, and a unique identifier while conducting immigration enforcement functions. In April, Bennet and U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) led bicameral colleagues in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to address the Executive Office for Immigration Review\u2019s decision to fire key immigration judges. In March, Bennet urged the Trump Administration to ensure unaccompanied children in the immigration system receive legal representation. In February, Bennet and 20 Senate colleagues introduced the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which would reinstate DHS\u2019s long-standing policies to prevent ICE from making arrests at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship.\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Rosen, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Angus King (I-Maine), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt) cosponsored the resolution.\n\nThe text of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/11/bennet-schiff-wyden-demand-answers-from-usfs-on-stalled-hazardous-fuel-reduction-projects/", "Bennet, Schiff, Wyden Demand Answers from USFS on Stalled Hazardous Fuel Reduction Projects", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, California U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, and Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden sent a letter to United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz demanding information on the number of hazardous fuels projects that have completed environmental reviews pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), but have not yet been implemented \u2013 commonly referred to as \u201cshelf stock.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecent reports indicate that the U.S. Forest Service\u2019s (USFS) work to reduce hazardous fuels across the national forest system in Fiscal Year 2025 was down nearly 40% from its previous four-year average. In a letter to Congress on August 6, 2025, you attributed your constrained \u201ccapacity to treat additional acres\u201d in part to \u201csignificant resource and personnel\u201d needs elsewhere at the agency. Given these issues, and the Trump administration\u2019s reduction of nearly 5,000 USFS staff, we are concerned that the decline in hazardous fuels projects stems from insufficient staffing needed to implement already-approved projects, including for mechanical thinning and prescribed fire,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers highlight that the Trump Administration has failed to complete hazardous fuels reduction projects at the same pace and scale as in prior years or at the rate needed in their communities.\n\n\u201cAs you know, the best measures to protect lives and property from wildfire is preparedness \u2013 reducing fire risks before a conflagration ignites,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Chief Schultz:\n\nWe write to request information regarding the number of hazardous fuels projects that have completed environmental reviews pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), but have not yet been implemented (also known as \u201cshelf stock\u201d).\n\nRecent reports indicate that the U.S. Forest Service\u2019s (USFS) work to reduce hazardous fuels across the national forest system in Fiscal Year 2025 was down nearly 40% from its previous four-year average. In a letter to Congress on August 6, 2025, you attributed your constrained \u201ccapacity to treat additional acres\u201d in part to \u201csignificant resource and personnel\u201d needs elsewhere at the agency. Given these issues, and the Trump administration\u2019s reduction of nearly 5,000 USFS staff, we are concerned that the decline in hazardous fuels projects stems from insufficient staffing needed to implement already-approved projects, including for mechanical thinning and prescribed fire.\n\nIn order to help us understand why the Trump administration has failed to complete hazardous fuels reduction projects at a pace and scale commensurate with prior years and the clear needs on the ground, we request that you respond to the following inquiries within 30 days:\n\nPlease provide a report that lists each hazardous fuels reduction project for which a final environmental document, record of decision, or determination that a categorical exclusion applies has been completed consistent with the applicable forest plan and that has not commenced as of the date of this request.\n\nAs part of this report, please provide the approximate number of acres covered by each project;\n\nA breakdown of projects based on unit of the National Forest System; and\n\nAn expected timeline for project implementation.\n\nIf the USFS does not have a nation-wide tracking method for hazardous fuels shelf stock, please explain why the USFS does not track completion of environmental reviews and timelines for project implementation.\n\nIf a nation-wide tracking method does not exist, please provide a shelf stock report for, at a minimum, USFS Region 2 (Rocky Mountain Region), Region 6 (Pacific Northwest Region), and Region 5 (Pacific Southwest Region).\n\nPlease explain any barriers to implementing shelf stock projects and factors that are contributing to delays in implementation.\n\nAs you know, the best measures to protect lives and property from wildfire is preparedness \u2013 reducing fire risks before a conflagration ignites. We look forward to hearing from you about the hazardous fuels projects ready for implementation and how the USFS plans to implement these projects and speed up efforts to reduce wildfire risk.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this important matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/11/bennet-statement-on-the-national-defense-authorization-act/", "Bennet Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after voting to not advance the National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\u201cToday, I voted no on advancing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Over the last several months, we have witnessed President Trump deploy U.S. troops into American cities, carry out reckless and unauthorized actions in the Caribbean, and embolden our adversaries around the world at our allies\u2019 expense. We have witnessed his Defense Secretary leak classified battle plans and withhold information about the Administration\u2019s strikes in the Caribbean. I have voted for 15 previous NDAAs under Democratic and Republican Presidents, but I could not in good conscience vote to support President Trump\u2019s national security agenda under these circumstances.\n\n\u201cLast week, the President released a National Security Strategy dripping with disdain for our closest allies, allies whose cooperation and trust we need to better compete with China and deal with Russia, Iran, and North Korea. President Trump envisions a diminished America, one that is abandoning its political and moral leadership to the detriment of our security and prosperity in the years to come. The challenges and threats in the world are why the United States continues to need allies, stand for democracy and the rule of law, and lead international cooperation to tackle shared challenges. If we don\u2019t solve those challenges out there in the world, they soon will find us here at home. America\u2019s retreat from our alliances and from international cooperation will hasten the arrival of those threats to our shores.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA contains important measures I fought hard to secure, including a pay raise and expanded parental leave for servicemembers, hundreds of millions for Colorado military bases, funding for Ukraine\u2019s defense against Putin\u2019s war, overdue oversight of Secretary Hegseth\u2019s strikes in the Caribbean, and banning American investments in China\u2019s military technologies. I am glad to see those provisions included, but I cannot, in good conscience, rubber-stamp President Trump and Secretary Hegseth\u2019s lawless Department of Defense. Our country deserves better, and our Constitution demands it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/11/bennet-statement-on-vote-to-extend-affordable-care-act-premium-tax-credits/", "Bennet Statement on Vote to Extend Affordable Care Act Premium Tax Credits", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement following the Senate\u2019s vote on a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits:\n\n\u201cToday, Republicans blocked a chance to prevent a looming health care crisis and extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits before they expire in just three weeks. As a result, 24 million Americans, and hundreds of thousands of Coloradans, could see their premiums double, triple, or even quadruple in 2026. For many, that\u2019s the difference between getting care and going without it. Health care is a right, and it should be universal. But with Trump in the White House and Republicans running the Senate, meaningful action to lower health care costs is nearly impossible. Their proposals do nothing to lower costs and only serve Trump\u2019s agenda of chaos.\n\n\u201cThe road ahead will be hard, but we cannot give up. I will never stop fighting to make health care truly affordable, reliably accessible, and a right that every Coloradan can count on.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-fy26-ndaa-vote/", "Hickenlooper Statement on FY26 NDAA Vote", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) with a 75-22 vote:\n\n\u201cIllegally deploying troops to cities. Deporting service members. Conducting illegal military operations. Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth continue to carry out their disastrous agenda domestically and abroad.\u201d Hickenlooper said. \u201cFor the first time, we successfully forced Republicans to agree to hold this administration accountable \u2014 all while supporting Colorado defense priorities like NORTHCOM, NORAD, and more.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA includes several bipartisan guardrails on the Trump administration\u2019s reckless actions including:\n\nPressures Hegseth to release unedited videos of strikes in the South Caribbean: Reduces Secretary Pete Hegseth\u2019s travel budget until the Department of Defense provides Congress with the unedited video of the illegal and unauthorized strikes against boats in the South Caribbean\n\nRepeals Authorizations of Use of Military Force (AUMFs): Repeals past AUMFs that administrations can use to overstep Congressional authority for military action\n\nSupports the headquarters of United States Northern Command in Colorado Springs: Prevents unauthorized funds from being used to modify or combine missions, responsibilities, or force structure of combatant commands\n\nReaffirms U.S. commitment to NATO: Places new restrictions on reducing troop levels in Europe without express certification to Congress, in a clear rebuke of the Trump administration\u2019s decision to scale back U.S. military presence in Europe and pull back from our international alliances.\n\nUkraine Military Assistance: Provides $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine in the face of the Trump administration pulling back support for Ukraine\u2019s battle for democracy\n\nReaffirms U.S. commitment to historic allies: Upholds U.S.-South Korea defense cooperation and requires that Secretary Hegseth maintain troop levels in South Korea after Trump has threatened to turn away from our historic partner\n\nThe legislation also includes numerous funding and policy priorities that are important to our Colorado communities, military installations, and service members including:\n\nHickenlooper-led amendment to continue operation of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP): After the Department of Defense abruptly cancelled the DMSP, which collects global weather data, Hickenlooper led a bipartisan push to restore the critical program. The NDAA includes Hickenlooper\u2019s amendment that requires Hegseth to continue transmitting DMSP data to scientific researchers nationwide for the duration of the satellite\u2019s lifespan.\n\nLarger Paychecks for Military Personnel: Increases all service members\u2019 pay by 3.8%.\n\n$12 Million for Buckley Space Force Base: Authorizes $12 million to improve 351 of Buckley\u2019s family housing units to update living spaces for service members and their families\n\nMore than $22 Million for Cheyenne Mountain: Authorizes $22 million to invest in updated electronics systems at the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station\n\n$226 Million for NORAD / NORTHCOM: Authorizes more than $226 million for increased missile testing by NORAD and NORTHCOM.\n\nBetter Food Quality for Service Members: Modifies the calculation of the basic allowance for food for enlisted servicemembers to improve access to quality food. The legislation also authorizes the Secretary of Defense to conduct a pilot program to provide coupons to junior enlisted members to purchase food at commissaries. Earlier this year, Hickenlooper called on Hegseth to address the DoD\u2019s underinvestment in quality food options for service members, including at Colorado\u2019s Fort Carson.\n\nGrants U.S. Air Force Cadets a Chance to Compete as Olympic and Professional Athletes: Permits USAFA cadets to seek employment as a professional or Olympic athlete upon graduation while maintaining the requirement that they complete their five year service obligation as an officer or pay back their education.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-senate-republicans-vote-against-protecting-millions-of-americans-health-care/", "Hickenlooper Statement on Senate Republicans Vote Against Protecting Millions of Americans\u2019 Health Care", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Bill would extend tax credits that help 225,000 Coloradans afford health care\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked the Democratic proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits to protect Americans\u2019 health care costs from skyrocketing.\n\n\u201cOnce again, Trump and Republicans turned their backs and denied working families affordable health care after THEY created a health care crisis and increased prices with their Big Bad Betrayal Act this summer.\n\n\u201cWe won\u2019t stop fighting until every American receives the health care they deserve.\u201d\n\nSenate Democrats proposed a simple extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits for three years without any changes to save more than 24 million Americans from paying double for their health costs or losing their insurance entirely.\n\nLast month, Hickenlooper voted NO on the Republicans\u2019 so-called \u201ccontinuing resolution\u201d to fund the government after Trump and MAGA Republicans shut down the federal government instead of addressing the health care crisis they created. Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress but still shut down the government for 43 days instead of working with Democrats to lower costs and protect Americans\u2019 health care.\n\nDuring the shutdown, the White House cut food assistance for needy families, blocked solutions for air travel disruptions, fired federal employees, and let the House of Representatives take a weeks-long paid vacation to avoid the release of the Epstein Files.\n\nHickenlooper has been outspoken since before the government shutdown that Republicans need to address the health care crisis they created. Premiums for nearly 225,000 Coloradans will at least double next year unless Republicans work with Democrats to extend the Affordable Care Act\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits.\n\nIn July, Congressional Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to pay for huge tax cuts for the richest Americans and largest corporations. An estimated 15 million Americans \u2013 and 241,000 Coloradans \u2013 will lose their health care because of Republicans\u2019 funding cuts.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/10/bennet-neguse-celebrate-final-passage-of-bill-to-reauthorize-rural-schools-program/", "Bennet, Neguse Celebrate Final Passage of Bill to Reauthorize Rural Schools Program", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse celebrated the final passage of their Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the bipartisan Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. The SRS program provides vital funds to rural and mountain communities that are home to federal lands, which are tax-exempt. The bill now heads to President Trump\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThe Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act is a lifeline for Colorado counties that steward our public lands and shoulder the responsibilities that come with them. These resources help rural communities keep teachers in classrooms, maintain safe roads, and provide public safety services that counties rely on,\u201d said Bennet.\n\n\u201cThe Secure Rural Schools program is a vital lifeline for the communities I serve across Western Colorado, and I\u2019m proud that our efforts to build a bipartisan coalition in support of the program have enabled my legislation to get across the finish line. My top priority is always to deliver for the people I represent, forging common ground to advance the common good for our communities \u2014 from Grand County to Eagle County and everywhere in between. That\u2019s why I\u2019m incredibly proud to see my proposal to reauthorize SRS make its way to the President\u2019s desk, continuing this crucial program for rural counties,\u201d said Neguse.\n\nThe Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act passed the Senate in June by unanimous consent.\n\nThe SRS program supports investments in local infrastructure, public safety, and public education. For communities in Colorado, this includes funding for wildfire mitigation, search-and-rescue operations, and trail and road maintenance. Rural school districts can also use SRS payments to improve school transportation services, ensure high-quality instructional materials, create new extracurricular activities, and more.\n\nBennet has long supported reauthorizing and funding SRS. In 2017, he introduced legislation to reauthorize SRS and secured a two-year reauthorization in the 2018 Omnibus Spending Bill. In 2018, Bennet and a bipartisan group of senators urged Senate leadership to include reauthorization for SRS in any end-of-year package. In 2019, he supported legislation that would extend SRS through fiscal year (FY) 2020. Later that year, Congress authorized SRS funding for FY19 and FY20. In February 2021, Bennet introduced legislation to reauthorize the SRS through September 2022. In August of that year, Bennet applauded the extension of the SRS through 2023 in the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-neguse-celebrate-final-passage-bill-to-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-program/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse Celebrate Final Passage Bill to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Representative Joe Neguse celebrated the final passage of their Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the bipartisan Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. The SRS program provides crucial funds to rural and mountain communities that revolve around federal lands, which are tax-exempt. The bill now heads to President Trump\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cRural Colorado counties are home to millions of acres of public lands, which means they don\u2019t receive the tax revenue other counties rely on to fund their schools, roads, and emergency services,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cOur bill makes sure rural communities get the dependable funding they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act is a lifeline for Colorado counties that steward our public lands and shoulder the responsibilities that come with them. These resources help rural communities keep teachers in classrooms, maintain safe roads, and provide public safety services that counties rely on,\u201d said Bennet.\n\n\u201cThe Secure Rural Schools program is a vital lifeline for the communities I serve across Western Colorado, and I\u2019m proud that our efforts to build a bipartisan coalition in support of the program have enabled my legislation to get across the finish line. My top priority is always to deliver for the people I represent, forging common ground to advance the common good for our communities \u2014 from Grand County to Eagle County and everywhere in between. That\u2019s why I\u2019m incredibly proud to see my proposal to reauthorize SRS make its way to the President\u2019s desk, continuing this crucial program for rural counties,\u201d said Neguse.\n\nThe Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act passed the Senate in June by unanimous consent.\n\nThe SRS program supports investments in local infrastructure, public safety, and public education. For communities in Colorado, this includes funding for wildfire mitigation, search-and-rescue operations, and trail and road maintenance. Rural school districts can also use SRS payments to improve school transportation services, ensure high-quality instructional materials, create new extracurricular activities, and more.\n\nFull text of the Senate bill available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-cortez-masto-introduce-bill-to-create-fee-free-days-of-public-service-on-federal-lands/", "Hickenlooper, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Create Fee-Free Days of Public Service on Federal Lands", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Last week, President Trump removed MLK Day, Juneteenth from list of Fee-Free Days, included his birthday instead\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Catherine Cortez Masto, along with five of their Senate colleagues, introduced the Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act to codify six days where visitors to National Parks and other federal lands can enter free-of-charge. This legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to officially designate Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s Birthday, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day as fee-free entry days.\n\n\u201cCelebrating our national parks is part of the Colorado way of life,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cTaking away days where people can visit our parks for free is another example of Trump\u2019s attacks on our public lands.\u201d\n\n\u201cFree entry days were created as a way for our National Parks to encourage public service and volunteer work,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cIt\u2019s our national responsibility to protect and maintain our public lands \u2013 so let\u2019s recommit to ensuring free entry days promote this patriotic act of service, not stroke the President\u2019s ego.\u201d\n\nSince the National Park System and other land management agencies began collecting entry and recreation fees, the Department of the Interior has offered fee-free days to promote America\u2019s public lands, especially on select federal holidays where many Americans already have the day off. Last week, the Trump administration cut Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s Birthday and Juneteenth, two holidays honoring Black history, from its list of free entrance days and replaced them with his birthday.\n\nThe legislation would restore these two holidays to the list of free entrance days and make a list of public service days permanently fee-free. Additional free entry days would be possible at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior. The dates are as follows:\n\nMartin Luther King Jr.\u2019s Birthday, the third Monday in January\n\nThe first day of National Park Week in April\n\nJuneteenth, June 19\n\nGreat American Outdoors Day, August 4\n\nNational Public Lands Day, the fourth Saturday in September\n\nVeterans Day, November 11\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-help-committee-democrats-call-for-secretary-mcmahon-to-testify-before-committee/", "Hickenlooper, HELP Committee Democrats Call for Secretary McMahon to Testify Before Committee", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Senators demand Secretary of Education to answer for efforts to dismantle Department of Education\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, along with all the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Democratic senators, called on Chairman Bill Cassidy to immediately hold an oversight hearing with Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon about the illegal efforts to dismantle the Department.\n\n\u201cAt a time when U.S. students rank 34th in the world in math and academic outcomes have sharply declined since the early 2010s, it is outrageous that the Trump administration is trying to dismantle the only agency dedicated to improving outcomes for all students,\u201d Hickenlooper and his colleagues wrote. \u201cBurying education programs in other federal agencies will not help students or support schools and colleges.\u201d\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter follows McMahon\u2019s latest effort to undermine the Department of Education by transferring core elementary, secondary and postsecondary education programs out of the Education Department without congressional authority.\n\nHickenlooper voted against McMahon\u2019s nomination and has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration\u2019s relentless attacks on the Department of Education. He also fought to get the admin to release $7 billion in federal funding for K-12 schools and adult literacy programs across America, including $70 million for Colorado schools which was released.\n\nFull text of letter HERE and below:\n\nDear Chair Cassidy,\n\nOn November 18, 2025, the Department of Education (Department) announced it had entered into six interagency agreements (IAAs) to transfer over 50 elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education programs covering over $30 billion in annual funding to federal agencies that do not have the expertise or capacity to administer them. This transfer is an alarming and illegal step toward fulfilling President Trump\u2019s threat to eliminate the entire Department.\n\nAt a time when U.S. students rank 34th in the world in math and academic outcomes have sharply declined since the early 2010s, it is outrageous that the Trump administration is trying to dismantle the only agency dedicated to improving outcomes for all students. Burying education programs in other federal agencies will not help students or support schools and colleges. Rather, it will jeopardize services for tens of millions of students, educators, and families across the country.\n\nThese dangerous changes will create chaos and uncertainty for school districts, colleges, and universities who will now have to navigate multiple federal agencies just to get funds they rely on to serve students. Already, this administration has cancelled billions of dollars in education programs, illegally withheld nearly $7 billion in formula funds, and proposed to fully eliminate many of the programs included in the latest transfer. In our minds, that is unacceptable.\n\nThis is not just our view: Margaret Spellings, the Education Secretary under President G.W. Bush said: \u201cMoving programs from one department to another does not actually eliminate the federal bureaucracy, and it may make the system harder for students, teachers and families to navigate and get the support they need.\u201d Chester Finn, President Emeritus of the Fordham Institute and a former Department official under President Reagan, called the interagency agreements \u201cconfusing to everybody\u201d and \u201cpointless and disruptive for no good reason.\u201d\n\nCongress unambiguously vested responsibility for administering education programs with the Department under numerous laws, and Congress explicitly appropriated funding to the Department to carry them out. If Congress wanted the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Interior, or State to administer education programs, Congress would have expressly said so. This illegal action is part of the administration\u2019s broader effort to dismantle the Department. Congress established the Department and only Congress has the power to eliminate it, which the Trump administration has acknowledged. That is why Secretary McMahon is using the IAAs to circumvent Congress.\n\nIn addition to ignoring the law, Secretary McMahon has broken a commitment she made to this Committee. In her confirmation hearing, you asked Secretary McMahon about her plans to dismantle the Department, and she assured you that she would \u201cmake sure that we are presenting a plan that I think our\n\nSenators could get on board with and our Congress could get on board with that would have a better functioning Department of Education. But certainly, it does require Congressional action.\u201d\n\nHowever, the Secretary has not upheld that commitment and has unilaterally moved to illegally transfer these programs. As members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee we must hold an oversight hearing on this massive and unprecedented transfer of responsibility and federal funding to other agencies.\n\nTherefore, we are calling on you to immediately hold a bipartisan oversight hearing to bring Secretary McMahon to testify before the Committee about these interagency agreements.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to hearing from you soon.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/09/bennet-coons-young-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-american-leadership-in-digital-trade/", "Bennet, Coons, Young, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen American Leadership in Digital Trade", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to introduce the Digital Trade Promotion Act, legislation to strengthen America\u2019s global leadership in digital trade.\n\nDigital trade is a driving force in our everyday economy, from the buying and selling of goods in online marketplaces to the digital services that enable smart manufacturing and modern agricultural practices. While the United States has historically led the development of rules and standards for digital trade, China continues to advance digital trade policies that would undermine American businesses and workers.\n\nThe Digital Trade Promotion Act would authorize the president to negotiate and enforce digital trade agreements with trusted partners and allies, thereby bolstering opportunities for businesses and workers, strengthening our economic security, and ensuring that American values power the digital world.\n\n\u201cThe United States\u2019 digital sector is the envy of the world, but we cannot allow China to write the rules of the road for the next generation of emerging technology,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis legislation will ensure the U.S. can work closely with our allies and partners to establish a strong international framework for innovation and consumer protection in the digital age.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom farmers in Sussex to fintech startups in New Castle County, digital tools help every entrepreneur compete around the world. I\u2019m proud to introduce the bipartisan Digital Trade Promotion Act to help businesses big and small compete on a level playing field and ensure the global rules of the road are rooted in American values of openness, transparency, and fairness,\u201d said Coons.\n\n\u201cChina and other strategic competitors are pushing digital regimes that create new barriers and tilt the field against U.S. companies and workers. To ensure American workers, businesses, and consumers can succeed in the digital age, we must cement U.S. leadership in the global digital economy,\u201d said Young. \u201cNegotiating more digital trade agreements with partners and allies will strengthen our economic security, spur more opportunities for Hoosiers, and secure America\u2019s competitive edge.\u201d\n\n\u201cAdvancing the digital trade of goods and services positively impacts everyone across our state \u2013 from farmers and manufacturers to small businesses and consumers,\u201d said Moran. \u201cThis legislation allows for greater executive authority to promote trade deals involving digital products and services, reducing digital trade barriers while allowing Congress to exercise necessary oversight of any agreement in order to make certain the American people are prioritized.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Digital Trade Promotion Act would:\n\nReaffirm that digital trade is critical to U.S. growth, jobs, competitiveness, and leadership, and that the United States should lead in setting high-standard rules with like-minded partners;\n\nAuthorize the president, through the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), to negotiate, enter, and enforce digital trade agreements with trusted partners that meet specified rule-of-law, openness, and intellectual property protections;\n\nRequire that any digital trade agreement cover all sectors and include the following key negotiating priorities: nondiscrimination for digital goods and services, bans on discriminatory digital taxes and data localization, free cross-border data flows, strong protections for source code and algorithms, interoperable privacy and consumer protections, AI and emerging-tech cooperation, cybersecurity cooperation, and support for open, voluntary international standards;\n\nEstablish congressional oversight with advance notice, consultation during negotiations, a pre-signing report, and a defined review window in which Congress can block an agreement; and\n\nDirect USTR to monitor partner compliance on an ongoing basis and give the president tools to respond to violations, including suspending or withdrawing agreement benefits, negotiating corrective and compensatory arrangements, or taking other actions to push partners back into compliance.\n\nBennet has consistently fought to advance U.S. global leadership in trade and U.S. digital leadership. In October, Bennet joined U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) to urge U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to reverse the Trump Administration\u2019s reckless plan to import more beef from Argentina. In April, Bennet joined U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and bipartisan colleagues to introduce the Trade Review Act, legislation that would reestablish limits on the President\u2019s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without Congress\u2019 approval. In March, Bennet introduced legislation that would require the independent, bipartisan U.S. International Trade Commission to issue a report on the economic effects of recent and proposed tariffs. Bennet and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) issued statements in both March and February warning against President Trump\u2019s Canada and Mexico tariffs, which are a tax on American consumers and undermine crucial relationships with our neighbors and closest allies.\n\nIn January, Bennet urged the then-incoming Trump Administration to pursue an international economic policy that goes beyond broad-based tariffs to include additional policies \u2013 such as the CHIPS and Science Act and his and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy\u2019s (R-La.) Americas Act \u2013 to drive broad-based American growth, increase domestic and regional capacity, and protect U.S. national and economic security.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-help-committee-democrats-call-for-secretary-kennedy-to-testify-before-committee/", "Hickenlooper, HELP Committee Democrats Call for Secretary Kennedy to Testify Before Committee", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, along with all the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Democratic senators, called on Chairman Bill Cassidy to immediately hold an oversight hearing with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.\n\n\u201cSince assuming office, Secretary Kennedy has waged an unprecedented war on science and vaccines that have saved millions of lives,\u201d Hickenlooper and his colleagues wrote. \u201cVaccination rates across the country are falling. Children are dying from illnesses that vaccines could have prevented.\u201d\n\n\u201cSecretary Kennedy\u2019s response to these crises has been to spread misinformation, end campaigns encouraging flu vaccinations, fire officials who disagree with him, and place individuals with significant conflicts of interest in positions of power \u2013 completely undermining Americans\u2019 faith in our nation\u2019s public health institutions,\u201d continued the senators. \u201cIt has been seven months since Secretary Kennedy last testified in front of our Committee\u2026 The time has come for the HELP Committee to hold Secretary Kennedy accountable for his actions.\u201d\n\nThe senators called for Chairman Cassidy to schedule an oversight hearing following the disastrous vote by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to end the decades-long recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. This year, RFK Jr. replaced all 17 non-partisan experts on CDC\u2019s top vaccine committee with ideologues who have a history of undermining vaccines.\n\nHickenlooper has been a fierce critic of the admin\u2019s senseless attacks on American science and voted against RFK Jr.\u2019s nomination. Earlier this year, he also questioned RFK Jr. on his public anti-science views and plans regarding transparency in NIH studies during RFK Jr.\u2019s HELP confirmation hearing.\n\nLast week, he led eight other senators to introduce the Family Vaccine Protection Act to protect Americans\u2019 access to vaccines and to safeguard proven science from recent Trump administration efforts to undermine vaccines.\n\nFull text of the letter available HERE and below.\n\nDear Chairman Cassidy:\n\nWe write to urge you to schedule an oversight hearing as soon as possible with respect to the actions Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has taken as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to undermine the health and well-being of the American people and people throughout the world.\n\nSince assuming office, Secretary Kennedy has waged an unprecedented war on science and vaccines that have saved millions of lives.\n\nHe has directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to publish false information on its website suggesting that childhood vaccines cause autism despite the findings of more than 40 scientific studies in seven countries involving over 5.6 million people that there is no link between vaccines and autism.\n\nHe has spread misinformation about the safety and effectiveness of the measles vaccine during the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. in over 30 years.\n\nHe has removed the Director of the CDC who refused to rubber stamp his dangerous and unsubstantiated vaccine recommendations.\n\nHe has defunded promising vaccine research that will leave us woefully unprepared for future pandemics and public health emergencies.\n\nHe has packed a critical scientific body, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), with vaccine deniers, completely upending the rigorous scientific process for reviewing and recommending vaccines to the public despite a commitment he made to you that ACIP would be \u201cmaintained without changes.\u201d\n\nAs a result of this unacceptable action, ACIP voted 8-3 to end a decades-long recommendation that all newborns be immunized at birth against hepatitis B despite decades of scientific data finding not only that it is safe and effective, but that it has successfully reduced the number of babies and young children infected by this virus from 20,000 a year to fewer than 20.\n\nMr. Chairman: Holding an oversight hearing on Secretary Kennedy\u2019s ill-conceived actions is more important now than ever.\n\nUnder Secretary Kennedy\u2019s leadership, over 1,700 people have been infected with measles. Whooping cough cases are surging nationwide, and concerns about a severe flu season continue to grow. Vaccination rates across the country are falling. Children are dying from illnesses that vaccines could have prevented.\n\nSecretary Kennedy\u2019s response to these crises has been to spread misinformation, end campaigns encouraging flu vaccinations, fire officials who disagree with him, and place individuals with significant conflicts of interest in positions of power\u2014completely undermining Americans\u2019 faith in our nation\u2019s public health institutions.\n\nImportantly, these are not just our concerns.\n\nThe American College of Physicians, representing 162,000 internal medicine physicians, called for Secretary Kennedy\u2019s removal, stating that his actions were \u201csowing chaos and confusion and putting lives at risk.\u201d\n\nDozens of scientific and medical groups, including the Academic Pediatric Association, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the American Public Health Association, have called for Secretary Kennedy\u2019s resignation, highlighting their concern \u201cthat American people will needlessly suffer and die as a result of policies that turn away from sound interventions.\u201d\n\nMore than 1,000 current and former staff at HHS called on Secretary Kennedy to resign, stating that he \u201ccontinues to endanger the nation\u2019s health.\u201d\n\nIn September, nine former CDC directors appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, called Secretary Kennedy\u2019s actions to severely weaken our nation\u2019s public health programs \u201cunacceptable\u201d which \u201cshould alarm every American, regardless of political leanings.\u201d\n\nIn October, six former surgeons general appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, wrote that they \u201cwere compelled\u201d to \u201cspeak with one voice\u201d in the Washington Post that Secretary Kennedy\u2019s actions \u201care endangering the health of the nation,\u201d stating that \u201cthe profound, immediate and unprecedented threat that Kennedy\u2019s policies and positions pose to the nation\u2019s health cannot be ignored.\u201d\n\nThis month, a dozen former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioners appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine that that they were \u201cdeeply concerned by sweeping new FDA assertions about vaccine safety and proposals that would undermine a regulatory model designed to ensure that vaccines are safe, effective and available when the public needs them most.\u201d\n\nMr. Chairman: You were right when you recently stated that \u201cACIP is totally discredited. They are not protecting children.\u201d\n\nYou were also correct when you wrote last month: \u201cWhat parents need to hear right now is vaccines for measles, polio, hepatitis B and other childhood diseases are safe and effective and will not cause autism. Any statement to the contrary is wrong, irresponsible, and actively makes Americans sicker.\u201d\n\nUnfortunately, Secretary Kennedy is not communicating that important message to the American people. He is doing the exact opposite, and he is endangering the lives of our children and grandchildren in the process.\n\nFailure to conduct an oversight hearing on Secretary Kennedy\u2019s actions would be an abdication of our responsibility\u2014both from a moral perspective and as a matter of sound public health policy.\n\nIn February, you gave a speech on the Senate floor stating that you secured a commitment from Secretary Kennedy that \u201che will come before the HELP Committee on a quarterly basis, if requested.\u201d\n\nIt has been seven months since Secretary Kennedy last testified in front of our Committee. Since Secretary Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate in February, he has come before our Committee just once. In our view, that is unacceptable.\n\nThe time has come for the HELP Committee to hold Secretary Kennedy accountable for his actions. It is imperative that Secretary Kennedy come before our Committee to testify as soon as possible.\n\nWe look forward to working with you to make that happen.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/08/bennet-shaheen-coons-national-security-democrats-statement-on-president-trumps-decision-to-allow-the-export-of-advanced-nvidia-h200-ai-chips-to-china/", "Bennet, Shaheen, Coons, National Security Democrats Statement on President Trump\u2019s Decision to Allow the Export of Advanced NVIDIA H200 AI Chips to China", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Committee; Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee; Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations; Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance; and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, to issue the following statement in response to the Trump administration\u2019s decision to allow NVIDIA to sell its H200 AI chips to China:\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration\u2019s announcement that it will allow the export of advanced H200 AI chips to China is a colossal economic and national security failure. The H200s are vastly more capable than anything China can make and gifting them to Beijing would squander America\u2019s primary advantage in the AI race.\n\n\u201cAccess to these chips would give China\u2019s military transformational technology to make its weapons more lethal, carry out more effective cyberattacks against American businesses and critical infrastructure, and strengthen their economic and manufacturing sector. Chinese AI giant DeepSeek said as recently as last week that the lack of access to advanced American-designed AI chips is the single biggest impediment to its ability to compete with U.S. AI companies. With this decision, President Trump is poised to remove that barrier.\n\n\u201cSenate Democrats and Republicans both know that the 21st century will be defined by whether the leading AI systems are built on values of free societies and free markets or the repressive, authoritarian values of the Chinese Communist Party. The Trump administration clearly doesn\u2019t grasp the urgency of this contest. President Trump must reverse course and recommit to preserving American dominance in AI.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-slam-trump-admins-latest-effort-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education/", "Hickenlooper, Colleagues Slam Trump Admin\u2019s Latest Effort to Dismantle the Department of Education", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined 35 Senate colleagues in a letter demanding U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reverse her recent decision to further dismantle the ED by illegally transferring core programs and funding to other federal agencies.\n\n\u201cYour brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department\u2014including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding\u2014will undermine public education,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families. We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students,\u201d they continued.\n\nIn March of this year, President Trump signed an executive order announcing plans to shut down the ED. Despite federal law requiring an act of Congress to close any federal agency, the Trump administration has gutted the department through sweeping layoffs and cuts to programs and critical funding.\n\nText of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nThe actions you announced on November 18 to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education (\u201cthe Department\u201d) are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on. Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department\u2014including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding\u2014will undermine public education. This is the latest example of this administration\u2019s complete lack of regard for our laws and its failure to provide the certainty, clarity, and stability that students and schools deserve when it comes to the federal government\u2019s approach and commitment to properly implementing federal education laws and appropriations.\n\nLet\u2019s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families. We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students. We expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you have yourself stated you would do in your confirmation hearing.\n\nThe Department of Education is the only federal agency whose sole mission is to help children learn and improve their educational outcomes. The Department delivers much-needed federal funding and enforces basic educational guardrails and civil rights protections so that every child can get the quality public education that they are entitled to under the law, no matter who they are or where they live. Congress has unambiguously authorized dozens of education programs to be administered by the Department through numerous laws and has clearly appropriated funding on a bipartisan basis for decades to the Department to carry out those programs. Appropriations law prohibits the transfer of funds to another federal agency unless expressly authorized in appropriations law, which it has not done in this case. When Congress wants another agency to administer a program or function, it has expressly said so\u2014and in some cases, it has provided authority to transfer funds to allow this to happen. By contrast, Congress has not expressly authorized any other agency to administer the programs established under the previously mentioned laws, nor has it provided the authority for the Department to transfer these programs and associated funding to another agency.\n\nThe November 18 announcement outlines six interagency agreements (IAAs) with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State to transfer major responsibilities out of the Department of Education. The authorities cited in the IAAs do not enable the Department to do an end-run around the relevant authorizing and appropriating statutes. For example, the Department cites the Economy Act to justify its use of the IAA framework. While the Economy Act is routinely used by other federal agencies to enter into IAAs for the procurement of discrete goods and services that a particular agency might have expertise in and authority to provide, such as DOJ\u2019s fingerprinting authority, this authority was never contemplated to allow the transfer of major program functions or entire offices to another agency with the express stated purpose of eventually dismantling the agency or putting the Secretary \u201cout of a job.\u201d Federal resources outlining the purpose of the Economy Act make this clear. This view is further affirmed by the Department\u2019s inability to cite a single instance of using this statute or any others in a similar way prior to this year.\n\nYou have expressed your interest in working with Congress on these issues, but these IAAs were developed in secret without outside input. The fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department makes no reference to administering these programs at other agencies and the fiscal year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), for example, makes no reference to administering them either. The Secretaries of Labor, Interior, State, and HHS have similarly never testified to Congress on how they would carry out and administer these critical education programs.\n\nSince you were nominated to lead the Department, you have routinely misled the public about the level of involvement the Department has long had in the day-to-day management of schools\u2014inaccurately suggesting that the Department was depriving states and families from making choices about their children\u2019s education, shackling teachers with burdensome regulations and paperwork and causing K-12 and college students to experience \u201cdrudgery caused by administrative burdens.\u201d On the basis of these false assertions, you have strangely claimed that we need to \u201cReturn Education to the States.\u201d In fact, states and local communities have\u2014since the founding of our republic\u2014had the primary responsibility for educating our students and the establishment of the Department in 1979 did nothing to change that fact. In fact, there are numerous federal laws that prevent the Department from being involved in the day-to-day decision making in schools and colleges as it relates to curriculum, teaching, and programs.\n\nUntil your arrival at the Department, its role has been to provide funding, support, and oversight as authorized by federal education laws to ensure students from all walks of life and in every part of the country can get a high-quality public education. The Department\u2019s programs ensure that parents get timely, accessible information about how their kids\u2019 schools are doing. They ensure students with disabilities\u2019 rights are enforced, so that they can get the education they are entitled to. The Department administers programs to help under-resourced rural school districts and allocates Impact Aid for more than 1,000 school districts with a reduced revenue base or increased costs due to a federal presence, such as a military base. It also administers programs to help first-generation and low-income students pursue and succeed in college. These are just a select few examples of the indispensable supporting role that the federal government\u2014and the Department, in particular\u2014plays in advancing educational outcomes for students.\n\nTo justify these new IAA\u2019s, you say federal funding will keep flowing to states, school districts, and colleges. But we have already seen funding held up and seriously delayed because of this administration\u2019s chaotic changes\u2014and its extreme policies\u2014and the moves you announced last week are certain to further jeopardize these funds.\n\nYou claim these actions will improve student achievement, yet your actions will significantly weaken federal monitoring of states\u2019 K-12 accountability and school improvement systems. Before Congress mandated that states develop these systems with key guardrails in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, several states had weak or no school improvement systems, which allowed vulnerable students to slip through the cracks. As part of ESEA and subsequent appropriations directives, Congress has charged OESE with improving state compliance in state and local school report cards requirements, school improvement, and more. But without the staff expertise from OESE, it is likely that DOL will be ineffective in holding states accountable for improving student outcomes.\n\nThe Department also provides deep policy expertise to ensure programs support improved student outcomes, such as through expert guidance to colleges and universities to improve college access, retention, and completion through programs like TRIO, GEAR UP, the Postsecondary Student Success Grant Program, and others. Now, DOL, who lacks the necessary expertise, is tasked with managing these programs and students will suffer as a result.\n\nDOL has no prior experience in administering education programs at this scale and complexity and will need to develop the capacity and processes to allot billions of dollars in funding to state and local educational agencies. States will also have to make changes to receive any funds distributed through DOL\u2019s grant system while continuing to draw down prior year grant funding in the Department\u2019s system. Your IAA also seems to suggest the Department will still retain some authorities over Title I-A, which means that states will now have to work with two federal agencies when they need help navigating this complex and absolutely critical program. These changes solve exactly zero problems but manage to create an onslaught of new ones. We are very concerned that these changes will mean funds our constituents rely on will not continue to flow as intended under federal education laws.\n\nIn addition to its scope and complexity, the Title I-A program primarily funds instruction and activities in elementary schools. We do not believe kindergartners or other elementary school students should be the focus of efforts to integrate workforce programming and education activities, activities that are better suited to older students. Instead of improving students\u2019 readiness for the workforce, the move of Title I-A to DOL is much more likely to deprive states and school districts of the technical assistance and support they need to effectively implement federal education funding in their schools and provide high-quality educational opportunities to all students.\n\nDOL already has a comprehensive workload to support the nation\u2019s workers and workforce programs. It is authorized and funded to administer workforce training and enforce worker protection programs for which Congress appropriates $13.5 billion in discretionary funding annually, including for roughly a dozen workforce training grant programs totaling approximately $4 billion in annual funding. In addition to lacking the subject area expertise needed to administer the Department\u2019s programs, DOL does not have the grant administration capacity to take on the work outlined in the IAA; the approximately $30 billion in the Department\u2019s funding across approximately 50 discrete formula and competitive education grant programs that you seek to transfer now to DOL dwarf its current grant administration and oversight work. Transferring basic and significant responsibilities for administering education programs to DOL creates very significant risks of delays in funding and other administrative challenges for states, school districts, institutions of higher education, and other organizations through Impact Aid, rural education programs, afterschool programs, TRIO, and foundational education formula grant programs that tens of thousands of schools count on to help provide a quality education to millions of students.\n\nUnfortunately, we have already seen negative consequences for states, schools, colleges, and students as these IAAs roll out: the first IAA inked earlier this year between the Department and DOL on career and technical education and adult education has been plagued with serious challenges\u2014and it is but a small fraction of what is now being transferred to DOL. In fact, as your own staff reportedly concluded in its analysis after this transfer, \u201cThe size and scope of OCTAE\u2019s programs are miniscule [sic] compared to other [Education Principal Operating Components] and programs\u2026Larger formula grants and competitive grants are going to be much more difficult to migrate.\u201d States and districts faced delays in accessing their Perkins CTE funding, and advocates report delays in guidance and training issued by DOL.\n\nMoreover, a CTE expert recently testified before the House of Representatives, \u201cAt a time of scarce resources, it\u2019s hard to understand why the Department is paying Labor to do work that it can do for itself.\u201d The fiscal year 2025 funding level for Perkins CTE and adult education was $2.18 billion, whereas the other programs DOL will now be responsible for are funded at roughly $30 billion. If the administrative costs balloon under these new IAAs as the administrative costs under the CTE IAA have, not only will these IAAs be terrible for students, their families, and educators, they will also be a catastrophic waste of time and money for the American taxpayer.\n\nThe Department has provided no substantive detail or even basic information about how the significant changes envisioned by these IAAs would be implemented. The other federal agencies that will suddenly have significant responsibilities in administering billions in education funding\u2014have provided no information about their roles or their capacity to carry out these programs and activities. The plan seems clear\u2014to jam these changes through for a talking point, whatever the consequences may be for states, school districts, schools, students, and families.\n\nWe once again demand that you reverse these detrimental plans and refocus your efforts on supporting state and local efforts by properly implementing federal laws intended to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all students, especially those who count on the Department doing its job most.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/05/bennet-honors-mikaela-naylon-renames-the-give-kids-a-chance-act/", "Bennet Honors Mikaela Naylon, Renames the Give Kids A Chance Act", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet renamed the Give Kids a Chance Act to the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act in honor of Mikaela, a Colorado teenager who tirelessly advocated for children\u2019s access to cancer treatment throughout her brave battle with cancer.\n\nMikaela Naylon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2020, when she was just ten years old. Following her diagnosis, she traveled across the country pursuing treatment and advocating for other children with cancer. Mikaela tragically lost her battle with cancer on October 29. As a final act of advocacy in the hopes that other kids wouldn\u2019t have to go through what she did, Mikaela donated her body to science to help find a cure.\n\n\u201cEven in the midst of her own battle with cancer, Mikaela fought tirelessly to increase other children\u2019s access to life-saving care,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cChildren with cancer deserve access to the most advanced medicines possible, and we must ensure our medical professionals have every tool at their disposal to treat them. I am glad to rename this bill in honor of Mikaela, and I will keep fighting for young cancer patients to access life-saving trials and therapies to battle this disease.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Michael Bennet, alongside U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), introduced the Give Kids a Chance Act to improve outcomes for children with cancer by ensuring they can participate in clinical trials and have access to essential treatments. This bill will allow children to participate in combination trials that include targeted medicines for pediatric cancer. It also extends the Pediatric Priority Review Voucher Program, which encourages companies to develop treatments and therapies for pediatric diseases.\n\nBennet previously introduced the Give Kids a Chance Act in 2022.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-banks-hassan-husted-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-better-forecast-ais-impact-on-workforce/", "Hickenlooper, Banks, Hassan, Husted Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Better Forecast AI\u2019s Impact on Workforce", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Jim Banks, Maggie Hassan, and Jon Husted introduced the bipartisan AI Workforce PREPARE Act to assess AI\u2019s impact on America\u2019s workforce and make education and job training programs more effective.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t sit in the backseat while AI transforms our workforce,\u201d said Hickenlooper, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety. \u201cWorkers, employers, and educators need a roadmap to understand these new directions. Our bipartisan bill will help deliver that map so that we can leverage AI and make sure American workers lead the way.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have to understand how AI is changing the workforce so we can equip American workers with the skills necessary to stay ahead of China and lead the world,\u201d said Banks.\n\n\u201cThere is no question that AI will significantly transform the way we work in the coming years, and it\u2019s important that we have the facts on how our workforce will be impacted and evolve,\u201d said Husted. \u201cAmerica must lead and win the global innovation race, and this bill ensures our workforce not only avoids being left behind, but is prepared to lead the way in developing and using new technology.\u201d\n\nThe legislation directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to work with NIST, NSF, and the Census Bureau to create a framework for measuring and forecasting AI\u2019s workforce impacts.\n\nKey provisions would:\n\nSolicit ideas from the public and convene researchers, technical experts, business, and labor to improve data collection on AI and the workforce\n\nEnhance the Labor Department\u2019s authorities to hire a core group of AI experts\n\nCreate an AI Workforce Research Hub to help implement the White House\u2019s AI Action Plan\n\nCarry out a pilot project to produce statistics on workers\u2019 movements between occupations as they are affected by AI\n\nIncrease researchers\u2019 access to the federal government\u2019s workforce data\n\nConduct prize competitions to better understand AI adoption, job impacts, labor-market outcomes, and how AI systems augment or automate tasks in particular occupations\n\nFacilitate voluntary public-private partnerships to share anonymized data on how users are adopting AI\n\nImprove AI-related questions in federal surveys\n\nUpdate the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notice (WARN) Act to provide basic information to employees, if AI is a substantial factor in a layoff\n\nImprove the Bureau of Labor Statistics\u2019 occupational projections\n\nProduce a report on how better AI forecasts can be incorporated into grantmaking decisions\n\nConduct a study on how to design more effective rapid retraining programs to assist workers displaced by AI\n\n\u201cOur workforce is potentially facing a large-scale disruption as AI is integrated in our economy. In order to respond effectively with programs that support workers during an era of unprecedented automation, we need better data. Policymakers need to know what jobs are being eliminated, what new work is being created, and how we can train a workforce prepared for the future,\u201d said Americans for Responsible Innovation President Brad Carson. \u201cThe AI Workforce PREPARE Act gets right to the heart of that issue by supporting high-quality economic data collection, analysis, and forecasting on AI\u2019s impact.\u201d\n\nHickenlooper previously proposed a \u201cTrust, but Verify Framework\u201d, which included a call to establish auditing standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in order to increase transparency and adoption of AI while protecting consumers, and introduced the bipartisan Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (VET AI) Act to do just that.\n\nHis VET AI Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to work with federal agencies and stakeholders across industry, academia, and civil society to develop detailed specifications, guidelines, and recommendations for third-party evaluators to work with AI companies to provide robust independent external assurance and verification of how their AI systems are developed and tested. He initially introduced the bill in the 118th Congress and helped pass it out of the Senate Commerce Committee last year.\n\nFull text of the bill available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-colleagues-push-forest-service-to-immediately-address-understaffing-wildfire-mitigation-concerns/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Push Forest Service to Immediately Address Understaffing, Wildfire Mitigation Concerns", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Public data indicates the Forest Service is significantly behind in hazardous fuels reductions\n\n27% of Forest Service wildland firefighting positions remain vacant\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet recently joined ten of their Senate colleagues to press U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz to confront understaffing and mounting setbacks to wildfire risk reduction efforts across the West and nation.\n\nTheir inquiry follows an independent analysis of publicly available data indicating that the Forest Service is approximately 38% behind on hazardous fuels reduction work, as compared to the previous four calendar years.\n\n\u201cAn analysis of publicly available data indicates that for calendar year 2025 the Forest Service is significantly behind in hazardous fuels reduction across National Forest System lands. When compared to the previous four calendar years, there has been a 38% reduction in wildfire risk reduction in 2025,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThe steep decline in hazardous fuels reduction efforts on Forest Service lands poses a serious risk to public safety, public health, and the economy. It is imperative that the Forest Service works closely with Congress to address shortfalls in wildfire mitigation and ensure staffing and budgetary resources are sufficient to fulfill the agency\u2019s mission,\u201d they continued.\n\nHickenlooper and Bennet have been vocal critics of the Trump administration\u2019s cuts to public lands.\n\nFollowing the administration\u2019s reckless decision to fire 3,400 USFS employees earlier this year, Hickenlooper and Bennet immediately sounded the alarm and called on Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to reinstate them. Hickenlooper also introduced two bills to reinstate the thousands of NPS and USFS workers the Trump administration illegally fired.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Chief Schultz:\n\nWe write with significant concerns regarding the persistent wildland firefighter staffing shortages at the U.S. Forest Service, leading to a significant decline in planned wildfire prevention work in high-risk, fire-prone areas. We are asking you to provide clear answers regarding the Forest Service\u2019s efforts to ensure adequate staffing and reduce wildfire risk in the West during this challenging fire season.\n\nYou have continued to maintain that the Forest Service has adequate resources and staffing to manage wildfire preparedness and response on federal lands, and that, while the Forest Service is significantly behind on hazardous fuels reduction work overall, there have been more positive results in certain regions like the Pacific Northwest. You have also claimed that in certain Western states, the Forest Service has even exceeded annual hazardous fuels reduction goals. However, it appears that to make these claims, you are referencing all Fiscal Year 2025 data, which began under the Biden Administration and includes five months of work prior to the beginning of the Trump Administration and its mass staff firings, forced retirements, and unnecessary pauses on projects.\n\nAn analysis of publicly available data indicates that for calendar year 2025 the Forest Service is significantly behind in hazardous fuels reduction across National Forest System lands. When compared to the previous four calendar years, there has been a 38% reduction in wildfire risk reduction in 2025. Through September of calendar year 2025, only 1.7 million acres received hazardous fuels reduction treatment, a decline from the four-year average of 3.6 million acres. Additionally, as of this summer, as many as 27% of Forest Service wildland firefighting positions remained vacant.\n\nThe steep decline in hazardous fuels reduction efforts on Forest Service lands poses a serious risk to public safety, public health, and the economy. It is imperative that the Forest Service works closely with Congress to address shortfalls in wildfire mitigation and ensure staffing and budgetary resources are sufficient to fulfill the agency\u2019s mission.\n\nPlease provide answers to the following questions as soon as possible, but not later than December 12, 2025:\n\n1. How many full-time wildland firefighter and other hazardous fuel reduction personnel, including those with \u201cred cards,\u201d were employed at the beginning of FY 2025?\n\na. What are the current staffing levels for wildland firefighters and other hazardous fuels reduction personnel within the U.S. Forest Service?\n\nb. Are those staffing levels sufficient to conduct the necessary amount of hazardous fuels reduction on National Forest System lands by the end of calendar year 2025?\n\n2. What is the Forest Service plan to fill vacant wildland firefighting positions?\n\n3. You have publicly stated that the agency has \u201cthe staffing levels and resources necessary \u2010 to adequately prepare for and respond to wildfires.\u201d What evidence do you have (and can you provide) that your staffing levels are sufficient given the current wildfire risk environment?\n\n4. What was the total number of acres treated by the Forest Service in FY 2025 for hazardous fuels reduction (mechanical thinning, prescribed burn, brush clearing) and how does that compare to the target set at the beginning of the year and to the average for FY 2021\u20132024?\n\n5. What is the total number of acres treated by the Forest Service in calendar year (CY) 2025 to date for hazardous fuels reduction (mechanical thinning, prescribed burn, brush clearing) and how does that compare to the target set at the beginning of the year and to the average for CY 2021-2024?\n\n6. What percentage of Forest Service hazardous fuels treatment projects in FY 2025 and in CY 2025 (to date) were delayed, cancelled, or reduced in scale relative to plan, and what were the primary reasons for such \u201coperational challenges\u201d?\n\n7. How are treatment priorities set (i.e., certain forests, risk levels, proximity to communities) and how has that priority setting changed (if at all) in recent years given \u2010 increasing wildfire risk?\n\n8. In the regions/states where treatment is < 30-40 % of the four-year average (e.g., Idaho, Montana, Oregon), what is being done differently (or will be done) to bring those areas back on track?\n\n9. How has reduced staffing affected interagency coordination with state, local, and tribal firefighting partners?\n\na. Has reduced federal capacity affected collaborative fuel treatment projects (mechanical thinning and prescribed burning) with tribal, state, or local partners?\n\n10. Will you commit to providing Congress a quarterly update detailing: authorized vs. filled crew positions, number of vacancies, acres treated (by region/state), funding expended, number of delayed/cancelled projects with reasons, contractor usage and costs?\n\n11. Will you commit to providing Congress a quarterly update detailing hazardous fuels reduction efforts on National Forest System lands?\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/04/bennet-blocks-88-trump-nominees/", "Bennet Blocks 88 Trump Nominees", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet took to the Senate floor to block Republicans\u2019 improper attempt to push through a slate of 88 Trump nominations.\n\nBennet: Thank you, Mr. President. The precedent of September 11, 2025, that established a majority vote \u2013 threshold vote \u2013 for cloture on an executive resolution that provided for the en bloc consideration of nominations, excluded nominations at level one of the executive schedule under 5 USC 5312, or Article 3 judges. Is that correct, Mr. President?\n\nSenate President: That is correct.\n\nSenate President: That is correct.\n\nBennet: Mr. President, I\u2019m sorry to say this slate of nominations in S.Res.520 includes Calendar No. 476, Sarah Bailey of Texas, to be Director of National Drug Control Policy. That position is among those listed in 5 USC 5312. Therefore the threshold for cloture on this vote would be three fifths of those duly chosen and sworn. Is that correct, Mr. President?\n\nBennet: I object.\n\nEarlier this year, Republicans exercised the nuclear option to allow for the Senate to pass nominations en bloc. Today, Republicans attempted to approve 88 nominations \u2013 including the nomination of Sarah Bailey for Director of National Drug Control Policy, a position that is not eligible for inclusion in this package under the new Senate rules. Following Bennet\u2019s opposition, Republicans pulled their nomination package and will have to refile without Bailey\u2019s nomination.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/04/bennet-hickenlooper-cortez-masto-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-unaccompanied-migrant-children-reverse-republicans-fees-on-children-seeking-asylum/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Cortez Masto, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Children, Reverse Republicans\u2019 Fees on Children Seeking Asylum", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and 19 of their Senate Democratic colleagues to introduce the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act, legislation to reverse the provisions in Republicans\u2019 so-called \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d that harm children seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries.\n\n\u201cAll too often, our immigration system fails to protect unaccompanied migrant children seeking asylum,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis legislation will protect unaccompanied children fleeing violence by reversing cruel provisions in Republicans\u2019 Big Beautiful Bill. I won\u2019t stop pushing the Trump Administration to ensure that these children are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cMAGA Republicans created new fees and recurring charges for unaccompanied children fleeing violence as their cases are stuck being processed,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cIt\u2019s a betrayal to our original promise of justice and freedom. We\u2019re working to stop it.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs members of Congress, it\u2019s our duty to stand up for those who can\u2019t stand up for themselves,\u201d said Cortez Masto. \u201cThat includes the unaccompanied children who come to the United States after escaping trafficking and abuse. It\u2019s essential that we reverse the Republican tax law\u2019s cruel provisions and protect these kids.\u201d\n\nThis summer, President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans passed the so-called \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d into law, which imposed a new $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee on any child who arrives to the U.S. between ports of entry. The bill also required children to pay a mandatory asylum application fee and new annual asylum maintenance fees for every year their case remains pending in the government\u2019s yearslong backlog. For children fleeing human trafficking and extreme violence, these fees are often impossible to pay.\n\nRepublicans\u2019 One Big Beautiful Bill also provides funding for intrusive body examinations of minors, who are often the victims of abuse and trafficking, and provides funding for deporting unaccompanied children who have not been screened for signs of trafficking or allowed a full review of their case before an immigration judge.\n\nThe Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act would reverse these provisions and protect unaccompanied children by:\n\nExempting unaccompanied children from the following fees:\n\nAsylum fee, employment authorization document fee, annual asylum fee, employment authorization renewal fees, and others;\n\nRepealing the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status fee;\n\nRepealing a provision that funds summary returns of \u201cspecified\u201d unaccompanied children;\n\nRepealing funding for body examinations of children in Customs and Border Protection or Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody;\n\nProhibiting ORR from sharing sponsor information with the Department of Homeland Security or any other federal agency for the purpose of immigration enforcement; and\n\nRefunding fees that have been paid under any of the provisions that have been repealed or amended under this bill.\n\nBennet has consistently advocated for the protection of children in the immigration system. In November, Bennet joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and 48 bicameral colleagues to introduce the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, legislation to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. In March, Bennet urged the Trump Administration to reinstate critical protections for unaccompanied migrant children following the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Executive Office for Immigration Review\u2019s (EOIR) decision to rescind the 2023 Memorandum on Children\u2019s Cases in Immigration Court and reinstate 2017 guidelines. In March, Bennet also urged the Trump Administration to ensure unaccompanied children in the immigration system receive legal representation. Last year, alongside Senate colleagues, Bennet called on Senate Appropriations leaders to ensure EOIR reports on the implementation of specialized children\u2019s immigration courts. In 2023, Bennet and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced the Immigration Court Efficiency and Children\u2019s Court Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a dedicated Children\u2019s Court within EOIR. The legislation would combat the immigration court backlog and strengthen due process rights for unaccompanied migrant children.\n\nIn addition to Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Cortez Masto, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) cosponsored the bill.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/04/bennet-joins-crapo-wyden-colleagues-to-introduce-bipartisan-pharmacy-benefit-manager-legislation/", "Bennet Joins Crapo, Wyden, Colleagues to Introduce Bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Legislation", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, joined Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to introduce the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Price Transparency and Accountability Act. This legislation will fix market distortions and increase transparency in federal prescription drug programs to lower patient costs at the pharmacy counter.\n\n\u201cWe live in the wealthiest country in the world, yet lifesaving medicine is still unaffordable for far too many Americans. This bill is an important step toward increasing accountability and transparency in drug pricing and making prescriptions more affordable for Coloradans,\u201d said Bennet.\n\n\u201cPharmacy benefit managers should not profit from overcharging patients for their prescriptions,\u201d said Crapo. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation is a decisive step toward making the prescription drug market easier to navigate for both patients and pharmacies. These proposals form a strong foundation for additional efforts to promote pharmacy access, demystify drug pricing and reduce costs for both taxpayers and seniors.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s long past time to go after middlemen who are making Americans\u2019 prescription drugs more expensive,\u201d said Wyden. \u201cThe Finance Committee has put forward a comprehensive approach to stop the pharmacy benefit manager business practices that are harming seniors and taxpayers who count on Medicare to deliver affordable prescription drugs. It\u2019s time to get this done.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the PBM Price Transparency and Accountability Act would:\n\nDelink PBM compensation from their negotiated rebates to disincentivize PBMs from promoting higher-priced medications;\n\nIncrease PBM reporting requirements to Medicare Part D plan sponsors and to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and empower Part D plan sponsors to audit their PBM for compliance with contract requirements;\n\nReinforce existing requirements that plan sponsors contract with any willing pharmacy that meets their standard contract terms and conditions to better protect independent pharmacies in rural areas from practices that have contributed to widespread closures;\n\nRequire participation by retail community pharmacies in the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost survey, which would ensure accurate Medicaid payments to pharmacies; and\n\nMandate that PBMs pass Medicaid payments directly to pharmacies to ensure transparent drug costs for states and taxpayers.\n\nIn addition to Senators Bennet, Crapo, and Wyden, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N,M.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mark Warner (D-Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) cosponsored the bill.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/04/bennet-kaine-colleagues-reintroduce-medicare-x-choice-act-to-achieve-universal-health-care/", "Bennet, Kaine, Colleagues Reintroduce Medicare-X Choice Act to Achieve Universal Health Care", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "A Public Health Insurance Plan Would Provide An Affordable Option for Families Across Colorado, Virginia, and the Country\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013\u2013 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) announced the reintroduction of their legislation, the Medicare-X Choice Act, which would create a public option by building on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare frameworks as over 14 million Americans are set to lose their health care coverage as a result of Republicans\u2019 $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and the expiration of critical premium tax credits. The Medicare Exchange (Medicare-X) plan would offer families, individuals, and small businesses affordable health insurance, decrease the number of uninsured Americans, control the cost of health care, and increase competition in the health insurance market.\n\n\u201cOur health care system repeatedly fails to give working Americans the care they need,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cNow, millions face even greater barriers to accessing affordable health care due to the largest cuts to Medicaid in history. Countless families are also grappling with the possibility of losing their coverage due to skyrocketing premiums as time runs out to extend critical ACA tax credits. In the wake of a looming health care crisis, Medicare-X will give everyone an affordable option regardless of where they live, reduce health care costs, and improve the quality of available insurance. We have a responsibility to create the best health care system possible, achieve universal coverage in our country, and save millions of Americans from being thrown off their health insurance. We can do that through Medicare-X.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccess to high-quality and affordable health care is essential to the health and well-being of our communities. This year, Republicans have decimated health care and have yet to come to the table to extend critical enhanced premium tax credits to prevent health care costs from skyrocketing. My hope is that in the coming days, my Republican colleagues will join us in voting for legislation to extend critical enhanced premium tax credits while we work together on long-term solutions to expand care,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cOne of those solutions is passing my Medicare-X Choice Act to provide Americans with another option to get affordable health insurance.\u201d\n\nThe ACA expanded health insurance coverage to an additional 20 million Americans, established critical protections for patients with pre-existing conditions, and standardized essential health benefits for all qualified plans. However, many Americans still face high health care costs and limited options for affordable insurance.\n\nThe bill would work within the Medicare and ACA frameworks to establish a Medicare Exchange public option plan in every county in America for individuals, families, and small businesses, providing an additional, affordable option in all communities. It would also permanently extend enhanced premium tax credits to make all exchange options even more affordable.\n\n\u201cColoradans and all Americans are in desperate need of more affordable and equitable health coverage. Congress must act so our families, friends, and neighbors aren\u2019t forced into the impossible decisions between health coverage and other basic necessities. This bill creates a long term solution with Medicare-X that will be more affordable, equitable, and control costs while ensuring the ongoing success and affordability of coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Where Republicans in Congress have refused to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that are vital to keeping coverage affordable for millions of Americans, this will give families long-term affordable coverage across our country,\u201d said Adam Fox, Deputy Director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.\n\nBennet and Kaine first introduced the Medicare-X Choice Act in 2017.\n\nMedicare-X plans would cover essential health benefits like other qualified health plans, including maternity and newborn care, pediatric services, and mental and behavioral health care. The plan expands on these benefits by covering primary care services without any cost-sharing for plan holders. A 2022 report from the Urban Institute showed that Medicare-X would reduce the number of uninsured people by 1.1 million, would save households $10.9 billion, and would cut spending on health care by $456 billion over a ten year period.\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Kaine, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) co-sponsored this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/04/bennet-renews-calls-for-hegseth-to-resign-following-pentagon-inspector-general-report/", "Bennet Renews Call for Hegseth to Resign Following Pentagon Inspector General Report", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after reviewing the Department of Defense Inspector General\u2019s report on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sharing sensitive operational information over an unsecure personal Signal chat:\n\n\u201cThe Pentagon\u2019s Office of Inspector General has now confirmed what I said months ago: Secretary Hegseth created unacceptable risks to U.S. troops and our military objectives by sharing sensitive operational battleplans in a Signal group chat.\n\n\u201cThe Inspector General\u2019s report, following recent reports that Secretary Hegseth may have given orders resulting in unlawful strikes in the Caribbean, only further demonstrates his recklessness and incompetence.\n\n\u201cHe is unfit to lead our men and women in uniform and should resign immediately. Every day that he remains in this position endangers our troops and our national security.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/04/bennet-statement-on-blocking-88-trump-nominees/", "Bennet Statement on Blocking 88 Trump Nominees", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement after blocking 88 Trump nominees on the Senate floor:\n\n\u201cI just blocked 88 Trump nominees from confirmation\u2014 including Sara Carter Bailey, a former Fox News contributor nominated to be our country\u2019s Drug Czar.\n\n\u201cBailey was nominated by Trump, who just pardoned the former President of Honduras, as he served 45 years in prison for conspiring to distribute over 400 tons of cocaine.\n\n\u201cAt the same time, Pete Hegseth, another unqualified Fox News host Trump hand-picked for a role far above his station, is running the Pentagon. This week, we found out that he ordered potentially unlawful strikes in the Caribbean, while the Pentagon watchdog found that he potentially risked servicemembers\u2019 lives by sharing battleplans via Signal.\n\n\u201cI will not allow unqualified nominees, this White House, or the President to undermine the rule of law and our national security.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-cortez-masto-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-unaccompanied-migrant-children-reverse-republicans-fees-on-children-seeking-asylum/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Cortez Masto, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Children, Reverse Republicans\u2019 Fees on Children Seeking Asylum", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Trump\u2019s Big Ugly Betrayal Act imposes a $5,000 fee for children seeking asylum as well as annual fees while their cases are reviewed\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, Catherine Cortez Masto, and 19 of their Senate Democratic colleagues introduced the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act to reverse the provisions in Trump\u2019s Big Bad Betrayal Act that cruelly punish children seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries.\n\n\u201cMAGA Republicans created new fees and recurring charges for unaccompanied children fleeing violence as their cases are stuck being processed,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cIt\u2019s a betrayal to our original promise of justice and freedom. We\u2019re working to stop it.\u201d\n\n\u201cAll too often, our immigration system fails to protect unaccompanied migrant children seeking asylum,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis legislation will protect unaccompanied children fleeing violence by reversing cruel provisions in Republicans\u2019 Big Beautiful Bill. I won\u2019t stop pushing the Trump Administration to ensure that these children are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs members of Congress, it\u2019s our duty to stand up for those who can\u2019t stand up for themselves,\u201d said Cortez Masto. \u201cThat includes the unaccompanied children who come to the United States after escaping trafficking and abuse. It\u2019s essential that we reverse the Republican tax law\u2019s cruel provisions and protect these kids.\u201d\n\nThis summer, Trump and congressional Republicans jammed through their Big Bad Betrayal Act which cuts $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to pay for his huge tax cuts for the richest Americans and largest corporations.\n\nTheir reckless bill also imposed a new $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee on any child who arrives to the U.S. between ports of entry while also requiring children to pay a mandatory asylum application fee and new annual asylum maintenance fees for every year their case remains pending in the government\u2019s yearslong backlog. For children fleeing human trafficking and extreme violence, these fees are often impossible to pay.\n\nRepublicans\u2019 Big Bad Betrayal Act also provides funding for intrusive body examinations of minors who are often the victims of abuse and trafficking and provides funding for deporting unaccompanied children who have not been screened for signs of trafficking or allowed a full review of their case before an immigration judge.\n\nTo reverse these provisions and protect unaccompanied children, the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act would:\n\nExempt unaccompanied children from the following fees:\n\nAsylum fee, employment authorization document fee, annual asylum fee, employment authorization renewal fees, and others\n\nRepeals the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status fee.\n\nRepeals provision that funds summary returns of \u201cspecified\u201d unaccompanied children.\n\nRepeals funding in the reconciliation bill for body examinations of children in Customs and Border Protection or Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody.\n\nProhibits ORR from sharing sponsor information with DHS or any other federal agency for the purpose of immigration enforcement.\n\nRefund of fees that have been paid under any of the provisions that have been repealed or amended under this bill.\n\nHickenlooper has consistently pushed back on the Trump administration\u2019s reckless efforts to undermine due process, slow the already backlogged immigration system, and obstruct congressional oversight of ICE detention facilities. This week, he launched an inquiry into the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) obstruction of congressional oversight of ICE facilities. He also recently urged DHS Secretary Noem to release a Durango father and two children from ICE custody after they reported being physically abused while in ICE detention. Despite having active asylum claims and no criminal record, DHS refused to release them.\n\nIn August, Hickenlooper visited the ICE detention center in Aurora to perform routine oversight and push for more transparency from ICE. During the visit, he raised concerns with ICE officials regarding delayed communication with congressional offices, irregular process changes, reports of ICE pressuring detainees to voluntarily depart instead of proceeding through a judicial process, and facility conditions. ICE failed to give satisfactory answers.\n\nThis spring, Hickenlooper helped introduce the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025 to guarantee unaccompanied children get legal counsel, after the Trump administration cut off funding for required services under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and began fast-tracking kids into immigration proceedings.\n\nHickenlooper cosponsors the Immigration Enforcement Identification Act to increase transparency, accountability, and safety in immigration law enforcement. This bill prohibits law enforcement officers from obscuring their faces and requires that they clearly display their agency, name, and a unique identifier while conducting immigration enforcement functions.\n\nIn July, Hickenlooper joined 22 of his Senate colleagues to call out the Trump administration\u2019s recent efforts to arrest noncriminal immigrants at their immigration court hearings and deport them without adequate due process. In April, Hickenlooper joined 65 other members of Congress to urge Attorney General Pam Bondi to address the impact of the Executive Office for Immigration Review\u2019s (EOIR) alarming decision to fire key judges as the immigration system faces a staggering backlog of cases.\n\nFull text of the legislation available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-rejects-trumps-latest-blm-nominee/", "Hickenlooper Rejects Trump\u2019s Latest BLM Nominee", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement regarding his opposition to President Trump\u2019s nomination of former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce to be Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM):\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve a BLM director who will be a true steward of the millions of acres under the agency\u2019s care.\n\n\u201cSteve Pearce is NOT that person. While in Congress, he attacked environmental protections and fought to sell off public land.\n\n\u201cHis nomination is proof that the Trump administration still views our public lands as assets for sale.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Colorado, I will vote NO because our public lands are NOT for sale.\u201d\n\nPearce marked his time in Congress working to undermine environmental protections, open public lands for oil and gas operations, and sell public lands.\n\nHickenlooper is a former geologist and one of the only scientists in the Senate. He has been outspoken against Trump administration cuts to public lands and led an effort against the admin\u2019s plans to overturn the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) Public Lands Rule. In March, he introduced legislation to reinstate the thousands of National Park Service and Forest Service workers the Trump administration illegally fired.\n\nHickenlooper also helped lead the fight against Senator Mike Lee\u2019s proposal to sell off more than three million acres of public lands. Hickenlooper first sounded the alarm back in April when he voted against the Republican budget resolution and introduced an amendment with colleagues to protect public lands from being sold to pay for Republicans\u2019 tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.\n\nIn May, Hickenlooper held a press conference in Estes Park with Congressman Neguse, public lands advocates, and local elected officials to call out the Trump administration\u2019s threats to Colorado\u2019s national parks and public lands, including Rocky Mountain National Park.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/03/bennet-cornyn-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-increase-housing-availability-and-affordability/", "Bennet, Cornyn, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Bill to Increase Housing Availability and Affordability", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and bipartisan Senate colleagues to introduce the More Homes on the Market Act. This bill will make housing more available and affordable by amending the tax code to allow sellers to exclude additional funds from capital gains taxes, incentivizing homeowners to sell their homes and increasing market supply.\n\n\u201cToo many families in Colorado struggle to find affordable homes in their communities that meet their needs. At the same time, seniors are struggling to sell their homes for fear of a massive tax bill,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis bill addresses this problem and updates outdated tax rules so more homes can come on the market and more Coloradans can find a place to call their own.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American dream is rooted in owning a home and raising a family, but an outdated tax code not only prevents the next generation from being able to afford a home, but it also prevents seniors seeking to downsize from selling theirs,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation would update the tax code to incentivize sellers and make homes more affordable, and I\u2019m glad to support it.\u201d\n\nThe current tax code allows homeowners who sell their primary home to exclude $250,000 in gains from capital gains taxes, or $500,000 in the case of a couple filing jointly. However, this exclusion has not been updated since 1997, nor is it indexed for inflation. Because of this, millions of homeowners in Colorado and across the country face overly burdensome taxes from the sale of their homes, leading many homeowners \u2013 especially seniors who have lived in their home for decades \u2013 to choose not to sell. The More Homes on the Market Act would increase the exclusion to $500,000 for single filers and $1 million for joint filers, making it more financially desirable for homeowners to sell and increasing housing turnover.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Realtors and AARP.\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Cornyn, U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) cosponsored the bill.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/03/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-420-million-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funding-to-deliver-internet-across-colorado/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $420 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding to Deliver Internet Across Colorado", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed the announcement that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Colorado\u2019s proposal to invest more than $420 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding in affordable, high-speed internet. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is the largest broadband investment in American history, and provides funding to build essential infrastructure and connect communities to high-speed internet. The BEAD program is based on Bennet\u2019s bipartisan BRIDGE Act.\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s BEAD program, based on my bipartisan BRIDGE Act, will bring high-speed internet to communities across Colorado, helping close the digital divide and ensuring every Coloradan can participate in the 21st century economy,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cWe must build upon this important funding announcement \u2013 I will continue pushing to ensure that the full $826 million allocation is made available to connect Coloradans to affordable, high-speed internet.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe wrote the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to connect every American to high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThis funding will unlock better access to health care, greater work opportunities, and more connected lives for thousands of Coloradans. We\u2019re disappointed that the millions of dollars in potential budget cuts to the program could leave behind thousands of families and small businesses.\u201d\n\nFollowing NTIA\u2019s revised policy guidance, Colorado\u2019s new BEAD proposal request was for a partial amount of the originally allocated $826 million dollars the state received in 2023. Bennet and Hickenlooper will continue to work to ensure that the full allocation is made available to Colorado. Bennet recently led the Colorado Democratic delegation in a letter to the NTIA Administrator supporting Colorado\u2019s application to retain its full allocation. Over the summer, Bennet and Hickenlooper condemned Secretary Lutnick\u2019s decision to ask states to reapply for BEAD funding.\n\nThe BEAD program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states and territories. The program prioritizes unserved and underserved locations that have no or very slow internet access.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/03/bennet-schiff-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration/", "Bennet, Schiff, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and 15 Senate colleagues to introduce the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump Administration\u2019s abuse of loopholes under current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s inhumane immigration policies are only made worse by its mass firing of immigration judges, creating an even greater backlog of immigration cases,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cAs families and community members languish in detention centers, our immigration courts are unable to efficiently enforce due process rights. This bill addresses this crisis created by the Administration and puts qualified judges back on the bench to ensure our courts fulfill their duty.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s willingness to fire experienced immigration judges and hire inexperienced or temporary \u201cdeportation judges,\u201d especially in places like California, has fundamentally impacted the landscape of our justice system,\u201d said Schiff. \u201cGiven the Administration\u2019s unlawful terminations of qualified judges, and their plan to leverage the power of temporary positions to speed up their mass deportation agenda, the risks of grave injury to families, fairness, and due process have expanded. The Administration\u2019s unlawful mass firing of immigration judges at an alarming rate is their latest aggressive enforcement tactic that jeopardizes our judicial workforce. Amidst the growing number of pending cases in immigration courts, this legislation will ensure that only experienced and trained temporary immigration judges will have the privilege of adjudicating cases that have permanent consequences for millions of people.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter purging over 100 permanent immigration judges from the DOJ, the Trump Administration is now looking to push attorneys with limited to no prior immigration law experience into these roles,\u201d said Vargas. \u201cAnyone facing the life-altering consequences of deportation deserves to have their case heard in front of a judge who is trained and experienced in immigration law. We need guardrails now as the Trump Administration continues to attack our immigrant communities and due process rights.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers introduced this legislation following the Trump Administration\u2019s mass firing of immigration judges and authorization of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges. The bill aims to close the loopholes the Administration has utilized to accelerate mass deportations, such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings.\n\nSpecifically, the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act would:\n\nCap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms, establishing a 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services;\n\nPrevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals from being appointed as temporary immigration judges;\n\nAuthorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice (DOJ) who meet the eligibility requirements; and\n\nEstablish basic training requirements.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, American Immigration Council (AIC), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ).\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration has exploited its ability to improperly influence immigration judges\u2019 decisions, further eroding the integrity of the immigration court system. This year alone, the Administration has fired or pushed out more than a hundred permanent judges while simultaneously taking steps to hire hundreds of unqualified temporary judges. The American Immigration Council supports this bill because it would prevent future Administrations from replacing permanent immigration judges with temporary appointees who lack immigration law experience and are vulnerable to political pressure. Noncitizens are entitled to fair and impartial hearings, and this bill is a critical step toward protecting the independence and credibility of immigration courts,\u201d said Adriel D. Orozco, Senior Policy Counsel, AIC.\n\n\u201cThe bill is a common-sense approach that ensures temporary immigration judges have sufficient expertise and training to allow them to handle immigration cases. The Supreme Court has recognized immigration law as a complex legal specialty, and minimum requirements are needed to make sure immigrants\u2019 due process rights are respected,\u201d said Brennan Center for Justice.\n\n\u201cStrengthening appointment criteria to emphasize credentials, judicial temperament, and commitment to due process reinforces public trust that decisions are based on law and evidence\u2014not politics. Further, implementing rigorous vetting, training, and performance evaluation standards, with safeguards against political influence, promotes judicial excellence and consistency across both permanent and temporary appointments,\u201d said the NAIJ.\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Schiff, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) cosponsored the legislation.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-alsobrooks-blumenthal-blunt-rochester-heinrich-kim-markey-schiff-van-hollen-introduce-bill-to-protect-scientific-standards-safeguard-acip-vaccine-committee/", "Hickenlooper, Alsobrooks, Blumenthal, Blunt Rochester, Heinrich, Kim, Markey, Schiff, Van Hollen Introduce Bill to Protect Scientific Standards, Safeguard ACIP Vaccine Committee", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Senators introduce bill ahead of ACIP\u2019s meeting tomorrow to revisit hepatitis B, other childhood shots\n\nThis year, HHS Secretary replaced all 17 non-partisan experts on CDC\u2019s top vaccine committee, attacked settled science\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Angela Alsobrooks, Richard Blumenthal, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Martin Heinrich, Andy Kim, Ed Markey, Adam Schiff, and Chris Van Hollen introduced the Family Vaccine Protection Act to protect Americans\u2019 access to vaccines and to safeguard proven science from recent Trump administration efforts to undermine vaccines. The senators\u2019 bill comes as the CDC\u2019s top vaccine panel meets tomorrow to discuss \u2013 and potentially vote on \u2013 updates to the childhood vaccine schedule, including the hepatitis B vaccine.\n\n\u201cVaccine decisions should be grounded in facts \u2013 not conspiracy theories,\u201d said Hickenlooper, member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. \u201cThis administration\u2019s senseless attacks on science erodes Americans\u2019 trust in public health and undermines families\u2019 access to safe vaccines. Our bill protects science and restores Americans\u2019 confidence that vaccine recommendations are rooted in data, not politics.\u201d\n\n\u201cI became the first Senator to call on RFK Jr. to resign or be fired because he is unqualified and his dangerous agenda was clear from day one: politicize our life-saving immunization schedule. In the meantime, I will fight tooth and nail to keep our families healthy and safe despite the Secretary\u2019s efforts to the contrary. That\u2019s why the Senate must pass our Family Vaccine Protection Act \u2013 to protect families from vaccine-preventable diseases,\u201d said Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThis legislation protects access to essential vaccines and counters the Trump Administration\u2019s senseless corruption of science. By prioritizing conspiracy theories over science, Trump is depriving Americans of basic public health. Vaccines save lives\u2014it\u2019s simple. Americans need them,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to be joining my colleagues in introducing the Family Vaccine Protection Act. For decades, Americans have counted on ACIP for safe, reliable, and science-backed guidance on vaccines. Now, thanks to Secretary Kennedy\u2019s reckless actions and continued vaccine skepticism, families are faced with conspiracy theories and confusion,\u201d said Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. \u201cThis bill builds upon our work to defend health and safety amidst Secretary Kennedy\u2019s dismantling of our public health institutions and norms. As we enter the peak of the flu season, families in Delaware and across our nation need clarity. It\u2019s long past time to get politics out of public health.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans expect our public health decisions to be guided by facts and science in order to keep families and children safe from preventable diseases. Instead at every turn Donald Trump and RFK Jr. have undermined Americans\u2019 health and safety by installing vaccine skeptics and deniers in key roles, and jeopardizing children\u2019s access to lifesaving vaccines,\u201d said Schiff. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Family Vaccine Protection Act to fight back against Trump\u2019s war on science and health care, and to ensure all communities have access to the preventative care they need.\u201d\n\nThe bill codifies the structure and practices of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a 60-year-old federal panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that recommends who should get vaccines and when. It strengthens transparency into how vaccine guidance is developed and adopted, reinforces science-based decision-making, and ensures accountability in the nation\u2019s vaccine process.\n\nACIP\u2019s recommendations inform which vaccines are covered by insurers and government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Vaccines for Children, which provides free vaccines to more than half of the children in the U.S.\n\nThe senators\u2019 legislation comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. undermined the ACIP and replaced all 17 non-partisan scientific experts with ideologues who have a history of undermining vaccines. Two weeks after RFK Jr. replaced all of the committee\u2019s members, the new ACIP announced plans to revisit the childhood vaccine schedule, putting access to vaccines that children have received for decades, such as hepatitis B and polio, in danger. The new ACIP also invited a known vaccine denier and conspiracy theorist to speak on vaccines, and then made recommendations based solely on her pseudoscience-filled presentation.\n\nThis attack on settled vaccine science comes as the U.S. faces the highest total number of measles cases in 33 years, including the first measles deaths in the country in a decade.\n\nSpecifically, the Family Vaccine Protection Act would:\n\nEstablish guardrails to ensure vaccines remain accessible to all:\n\nProtect the role of ACIP recommendations in programs like the Vaccine for Children Program and ensure that health insurance plans provide cost-free coverage for vaccines recommended by ACIP.\n\nCodify current rigorous, science-based processes for recommending vaccines:\n\nSet a timeline for new vaccine consideration by ACIP\n\nRequire that both the CDC Director and HHS Secretary adopt such recommendations if supported by a majority of the scientific evidence.\n\nStrengthen the independence of the Advisory Committee:\n\nWrite the role of ACIP into statute and specify its structure, its membership selection processes, meeting frequency, and expertise requirements to protect it from dissolution or undue interference by the HHS secretary.\n\nEnsure the Secretary cannot unilaterally make or withdraw vaccine recommendations contrary to the advice of scientific experts:\n\nRequire the HHS secretary to adopt the official vaccine decision as set by ACIP\n\nRequire the secretary to publish the basis for the agency action, including an explanation as to how the action is supported by the best available, peer-reviewed scientific evidence, if the secretary chooses to depart from an ACIP recommendation.\n\nHickenlooper has been a fierce critic of the admin\u2019s senseless attacks on American science. He called out RFK Jr.\u2019s latest efforts to undermine Americans\u2019 access to safe vaccines, helped launch an investigation into RFK Jr.\u2019s decision to replace the ACIP experts, raised alarm about the mass firings at HHS, and demanded answers on how the firing of IVF researchers at the CDC will impact families seeking fertility treatment.\n\nEarlier this year, he also questioned RFK Jr. on his public anti-science views and plans regarding transparency in NIH studies during RFK Jr.\u2019s HELP confirmation hearing. Hickenlooper voted no on RFK Jr.\u2019s nomination.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, The American Public Health Association, The Infectious Disease Society of America, and American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Education, Healthcare, Public Services.\n\nRepresentatives Frank Pallone and Kim Schrier introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-welcome-420-million-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funding-to-deliver-internet-across-colorado/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet Welcome $420 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding to Deliver Internet Across Colorado", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "96,000 Coloradans are expected to get connected\n\nTrump admin\u2019s last-minute overhaul of BEAD funding resulted in millions less for Colorado, falls short of potential\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed the announcement that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Colorado\u2019s proposal to invest more than $420 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is the largest broadband investment in American history, and provides funding to build essential infrastructure and connect communities to high-speed internet.\n\nHowever, the Trump administration delayed and overhauled the BEAD program, leaving millions of dollars on the table. Hickenlooper and Bennet recently led the Colorado Democratic delegation in a letter to the NTIA Administrator, supporting Colorado\u2019s application to retain its full allocation. They\u2019ll continue pressing for the rest of Colorado\u2019s allocation.\n\n\u201cWe wrote the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to connect every American to high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThis funding will unlock better access to health care, greater work opportunities, and more connected lives for thousands of Coloradans. We\u2019re disappointed that the millions of dollars in potential budget cuts to the program could leave behind thousands of families and small businesses.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s BEAD program, based on my bipartisan BRIDGE Act, will bring high-speed internet to communities across Colorado, helping close the digital divide and ensuring every Coloradan can participate in the 21st century economy,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cWe must build upon this important funding announcement \u2013 I will continue pushing to ensure that the full $826 million allocation is made available to connect Coloradans to affordable, high-speed internet.\u201d\n\nIn 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded $826 million in BEAD funding for Colorado. However, the Trump admin asked states to reapply for their funding and changed the program, resulting in half of Colorado\u2019s original award being left on the table.\n\nHickenlooper was part of the bipartisan group of 22 senators who negotiated and wrote the $1.2 trillion infrastructure deal, which authorized the BEAD program.\n\nThe BEAD program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states and territories. The program prioritizes unserved and underserved locations that have no or very slow internet access. In Colorado, 10 percent of locations are unserved or underserved, and 190,850 households lack access to the internet. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Colorado Broadband Mapping Hub.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/02/bennet-hickenlooper-colleagues-push-forest-service-to-immediately-address-understaffing-wildfire-mitigation-concerns/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Push Forest Service to Immediately Address Understaffing, Wildfire Mitigation Concerns", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Public data indicates the Forest Service is significantly behind in hazardous fuels reductions\n\n27% of Forest Service wildland firefighting positions remain vacant\n\nDenver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined ten of their Senate colleagues to press U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz to address persistent staffing shortages and mounting setbacks to wildfire risk reduction efforts across the West and the nation.\n\n\u201cWe write with significant concerns regarding the persistent wildland firefighter staffing shortages at the U.S. Forest Service, leading to a significant decline in planned wildfire prevention work in high-risk, fire-prone areas. We are asking you to provide clear answers regarding the Forest Service\u2019s efforts to ensure adequate staffing and reduce wildfire risk in the West during this challenging fire season,\u201d wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators.\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter follows an independent analysis of publicly-available data indicating that USFS is approximately 38 percent behind on hazardous fuels reduction work compared to the previous four calendar years.\n\n\u201cThe steep decline in hazardous fuels reduction efforts on Forest Service lands poses a serious risk to public safety, public health, and the economy. It is imperative that the Forest Service works closely with Congress to address shortfalls in wildfire mitigation and ensure staffing and budgetary resources are sufficient to fulfill the agency\u2019s mission,\u201d continued the senators.\n\nBennet and Hickenlooper have been vocal critics of the Trump Administration\u2019s layoffs to USFS staff. In April, Bennet and Hickenlooper urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to reinstate the roughly 3000 USFS staff who hold Incident Qualification Cards, commonly called red cards, ahead of peak wildfire season. In February, the senators led their Colorado Democratic Congressional colleagues in urging Secretary Rollins to reinstate 3,400 USFS employees, including at least 90 in Colorado, after the agency enacted mass layoffs. In February, Bennet also delivered a speech on the Senate floor highlighting the threats posed by this mass termination of USFS staff.\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Hickenlooper, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) signed the letter.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Chief Schultz:\n\nWe write with significant concerns regarding the persistent wildland firefighter staffing shortages at the U.S. Forest Service, leading to a significant decline in planned wildfire prevention work in high-risk, fire-prone areas. We are asking you to provide clear answers regarding the Forest Service\u2019s efforts to ensure adequate staffing and reduce wildfire risk in the West during this challenging fire season.\n\nYou have continued to maintain that the Forest Service has adequate resources and staffing to manage wildfire preparedness and response on federal lands, and that, while the Forest Service is significantly behind on hazardous fuels reduction work overall, there have been more positive results in certain regions like the Pacific Northwest. You have also claimed that in certain Western states, the Forest Service has even exceeded annual hazardous fuels reduction goals. However, it appears that to make these claims, you are referencing all Fiscal Year 2025 data, which began under the Biden Administration and includes five months of work prior to the beginning of the Trump Administration and its mass staff firings, forced retirements, and unnecessary pauses on projects.\n\nAn analysis of publicly available data indicates that for calendar year 2025 the Forest Service is significantly behind in hazardous fuels reduction across National Forest System lands. When compared to the previous four calendar years, there has been a 38% reduction in wildfire risk reduction in 2025. Through September of calendar year 2025, only 1.7 million acres received hazardous fuels reduction treatment, a decline from the four-year average of 3.6 million acres. Additionally, as of this summer, as many as 27% of Forest Service wildland firefighting positions remained vacant.\n\nThe steep decline in hazardous fuels reduction efforts on Forest Service lands poses a serious risk to public safety, public health, and the economy. It is imperative that the Forest Service works closely with Congress to address shortfalls in wildfire mitigation and ensure staffing and budgetary resources are sufficient to fulfill the agency\u2019s mission.\n\nPlease provide answers to the following questions as soon as possible, but not later than December 12, 2025:\n\n1. How many full-time wildland firefighter and other hazardous fuel reduction personnel, including those with \u201cred cards,\u201d were employed at the beginning of FY 2025?\n\na. What are the current staffing levels for wildland firefighters and other hazardous fuels reduction personnel within the U.S. Forest Service?\n\nb. Are those staffing levels sufficient to conduct the necessary amount of hazardous fuels reduction on National Forest System lands by the end of calendar year 2025?\n\n2. What is the Forest Service plan to fill vacant wildland firefighting positions?\n\n3. You have publicly stated that the agency has \u201cthe staffing levels and resources necessary \u2010 to adequately prepare for and respond to wildfires.\u201d What evidence do you have (and can you provide) that your staffing levels are sufficient given the current wildfire risk environment?\n\n4. What was the total number of acres treated by the Forest Service in FY 2025 for hazardous fuels reduction (mechanical thinning, prescribed burn, brush clearing) and how does that compare to the target set at the beginning of the year and to the average for FY 2021\u20132024?\n\n5. What is the total number of acres treated by the Forest Service in calendar year (CY) 2025 to date for hazardous fuels reduction (mechanical thinning, prescribed burn, brush clearing) and how does that compare to the target set at the beginning of the year and to the average for CY 2021-2024?\n\n6. What percentage of Forest Service hazardous fuels treatment projects in FY 2025 and in CY 2025 (to date) were delayed, cancelled, or reduced in scale relative to plan, and what were the primary reasons for such \u201coperational challenges\u201d?\n\n7. How are treatment priorities set (i.e., certain forests, risk levels, proximity to communities) and how has that priority setting changed (if at all) in recent years given \u2010 increasing wildfire risk?\n\n8. In the regions/states where treatment is < 30-40 % of the four-year average (e.g., Idaho, Montana, Oregon), what is being done differently (or will be done) to bring those areas back on track?\n\n9. How has reduced staffing affected interagency coordination with state, local, and tribal firefighting partners?\n\na. Has reduced federal capacity affected collaborative fuel treatment projects (mechanical thinning and prescribed burning) with tribal, state, or local partners?\n\n10. Will you commit to providing Congress a quarterly update detailing: authorized vs. filled crew positions, number of vacancies, acres treated (by region/state), funding expended, number of delayed/cancelled projects with reasons, contractor usage and costs?\n\n11. Will you commit to providing Congress a quarterly update detailing hazardous fuels reduction efforts on National Forest System lands?\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/02/bennet-hickenlooper-neguse-cheer-progress-senate-hearing-on-bill-to-expand-sarvis-creek-wilderness/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Cheer Progress, Senate Hearing on Bill to Expand Sarvis Creek Wilderness", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse applauded progress on their Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act, which received a hearing today in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. The bill would expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area in the Routt National Forest by 6,817 acres, protecting sub-alpine wilderness habitats and wildlife while preserving access to outdoor recreation.\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s public lands are the cornerstone of our Western way of life, and for decades, Sarvis Creek Wilderness has deserved further protection,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cLocal elected officials and outdoor recreation, agriculture, water, and environmental leaders came together to craft this bill that protects critical watersheds, enhances wildlife habitat, and safeguards outdoor exploration for Coloradans. I look forward to getting this important legislation across the finish line for our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cSarvis Creek Wilderness has outdoor recreation opportunities and landscapes that are hard to imagine anywhere but where you see them there. Coloradans across the state want to make sure that that\u2019s protected,\u201d said Hickenlooper.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m excited to see the Senate consider our critically important bill, the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act, which would expand protections in the Routt National Forest, helping preserve public lands, support wildlife, and more. I remain committed to advancing the bill in the House and look forward to continuing our bicameral efforts to usher it across the finish line,\u201d said Neguse.\n\nSpecifically, the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act:\n\nFulfills the community\u2019s vision for the entire Sarvis Creek wilderness area by adding 6,817 acres on to the existing 44,556 acres, which had originally been excluded due to a plan to develop a ski area;\n\nExtends wilderness protection to the Harrison and Green Creek watersheds \u2013 rare, pristine sub-alpine regions that feed into the Yampa River, safeguarding aquatic resources and preserving water quality;\n\nProtects winter range and spring calving areas for elk that inhabit the area, in addition to habitat for other native Colorado wildlife and fish species; and\n\nProvides easy public access from Steamboat Springs and Stagecoach for low impact recreation, including hunting, fishing, back-country skiing, and hiking.\n\nState, Tribal, and local leaders \u2013 including Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Routt County Board of Commissioners, and several local towns \u2013 have expressed their support for the legislation. Additionally, a wide range of conservation and outdoor recreation organizations support the bill, including The Wilderness Society, Trout Unlimited, National Wildlife Federation, Friends of Routt Backcountry, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Rocky Mountain Wild.\n\nBennet, Hickenlooper, and Neguse first introduced the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act in 2024.\n\nIn addition to the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act, the subcommittee heard testimony on the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act, introduced by Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Neguse. The CORE Act would protect approximately 420,000 acres of public land in Colorado, establish new wilderness areas, and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/02/bennet-hickenlooper-neguse-support-core-act-at-senate-energy-and-natural-resources-committee-hearing/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Support CORE Act at Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Video of Bennet\u2019s Testimony is available HERE.\n\nVideo of Hickenlooper\u2019s Remarks is available HERE.\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, testified during a Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining hearing in support of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act. The Senators have worked with Colorado U.S. Congressman Joe Neguse and Colorado counties, in close coordination with Tribes, businesses, recreation groups, sportsmen, ranchers, and conservationists, to develop this bill over the last decade. The legislation protects approximately 420,000 acres of public land, establishes new wilderness areas, and safeguards existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations.\n\n\u201cCounty commissioners across the political spectrum, outfitters, ranchers, hunters and anglers, and local businesses rolled up their sleeves to find the best way forward to preserve our special places. These Coloradans know how fundamental public lands are to our identity and economy, and they did the hard work to ensure the CORE Act reflects the diverse interests of our diverse state,\u201d Bennet said during his testimony.\n\n\u201cPublic lands power our economy and connect our communities in Colorado,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cA decade\u2019s worth of partnerships built these common-sense measures to protect our public lands and invest in our outdoor recreation economy. We won\u2019t let up until we get the CORE Act signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe CORE Act is a transformational bill that would protect our treasured public lands for generations to come,\u201d said Neguse. \u201cDuring my time in Congress, I\u2019ve been proud to work with Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper to usher components of the bill across the finish line, including successfully securing the establishment of the historic Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. But our fight continues. And I\u2019m heartened to see the Senate take up this bill once again, continuing our work to protect public lands for all Coloradans.\u201d\n\nOf the approximately 420,000 acres of public land that would be protected by the bill, 71,000 acres are designated as new wilderness, and nearly 80,000 acres are designated as new recreation and conservation management areas that preserve existing outdoor uses, such as hiking and mountain biking. The bill would also designate the Sandy Treat Overlook and Tenmile Wilderness in the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument and establish a permanent mineral withdrawal in areas important to ranchers and sportsmen in the Thompson Divide.\n\nDuring the hearing, Senator Bennet submitted more than 50 letters of support for the CORE Act into the record, including from 2 Tribes, 7 counties, 17 towns and cities, and Governor Jared Polis.\n\nIn February, Senator Bennet, Senator Hickenlooper, and Representative Neguse reintroduced the CORE Act with bipartisan support from counties across Colorado. In 2022, they led the push to establish the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument and secure a proposed administrative mineral withdrawal for the Thompson Divide \u2013 critical provisions of the original CORE Act, first introduced in 2019. In 2024, the Department of the Interior approved a 20-year mineral withdrawal in the Thompson Divide.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\n\u201cIn Colorado, expanding outdoor recreational opportunities, and protecting our public lands are vital for our state and future generations,\u201d said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. \u201cI am proud to have worked in Congress to champion the Continental Divide Recreation, Wilderness and Camp Hale Legacy Act with Senator Bennet, that set the stage for the CORE Act, a locally-led bill that deserves passage and boosts our outdoor recreation economy, invests in our communities, and protects access to our public lands for everyone.\u201d\n\n\u201cGlenwood Springs has consistently and unequivocally supported permanent protections for the Thompson Divide, most recently through another resolution reaffirming our strong commitment to protecting this landscape,\u201d said Erin Zalinski, Glenwood Springs City Council. \u201cThe Thompson Divide is central to our community\u2019s outdoor heritage, economic vitality, and way of life. We welcome this Senate hearing on the CORE Act as a critical step toward securing the Divide\u2019s future.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor nearly two decades, stakeholders, conservationists, and lawmakers have spoken about landscape protections in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado,\u201d said John Clark, Mayor of Ridgway. \u201cThe proposed San Juan Mountains protections in the CORE Act are not just lines on the map, they\u2019re the result of decades of local input. Knowledgeable community members from Norwood, Ophir, Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, and Telluride have walked hundreds of miles to establish the proposed expanded boundaries in the CORE Act. Along with the many other important components of the Act, the protections for our region are long overdue. I\u2019m confident that the Colorado Congressional delegation can finally get the CORE Act over the finish line!\u201d\n\n\u201cBreckenridge\u2019s identity is rooted in the mountains and our commitment to protecting the landscapes that support our economy and way of life,\u201d said Kelly Owens, Mayor of Breckenridge. \u201cWe appreciate Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper\u2019s and Congressman Neguse\u2019s dedication to the CORE Act and its effort to safeguard important public lands, support outdoor recreation, and preserve Colorado\u2019s natural resources for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe CORE Act continues a proud Colorado tradition of protecting our wild lands, clean water and outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations,\u201d said Jim Ramey, Colorado State Director of The Wilderness Society. \u201cThis legislation would protect some of the best that Colorado\u2019s public lands have to offer, including pristine watersheds and key wildlife habitat along the Continental Divide, three popular fourteeners, and the rugged mountains and ranching heritage of the Thompson Divide. The CORE Act has something for everyone and all Coloradans stand to benefit. Protecting our public lands and preserving our freedom to hike, hunt and fish on them is something that unites all of us, and we urge Congress to advance this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe reintroduction of the CORE Act is a major opportunity for Congress to conserve one of Colorado\u2019s greatest attributes: our high country and our access to it,\u201d said David Lien, co-chair for the Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. \u201cElk, bighorn sheep, black bears, mule deer, greenback cutthroat trout and more native species need this space to survive and thrive, and it\u2019s our responsibility as Coloradans and stewards of these public lands and waters to do our part in sustaining them for future generations.\u201d \u2013\n\n\u201cWilderness is more vital than ever to me, as my life as a small business owner is hectic 24/7,\u201d said Todd Rutledge, Mountain Trip Guide. \u201cI have been hiking, skiing, climbing, hunting and riding horses in the area encompassed by the CORE Act for 25 years and find solace, challenges and incredible natural beauty in its alpine environment. The value of having contiguous wild places in a world that is increasingly busy is immeasurable.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/02/bennet-hickenlooper-pettersen-degette-neguse-crow-demand-answers-from-the-department-of-education-on-ending-grants-for-minority-serving-institutions/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Pettersen, DeGette, Neguse, Crow Demand Answers from the Department of Education on Ending Grants for Minority-Serving Institutions", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen, Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, and Jason Crow sent a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon in opposition of the Department of Education\u2019s decision to end several discretionary grant programs for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).\n\n\u201cMSIs serve a broad range of students for whom a college degree is often out of reach, like first-generation college-goers, English language learners, parents, and transfer students, as well as students in rural communities. There are roughly 800 MSIs in the United States, including 14 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and 1 Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution in Colorado. Funds from these programs support vital activities, including academic support services, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and helping prepare students for the workforce,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cMSIs, and specifically HSIs, have a proven track record of success when it comes to setting up graduates for economic security and success. HSIs are especially effective at providing social mobility for students from low-income families. In 2023, eight of the top 10 colleges in the Social Mobility Index rankings were HSIs. We have heard strong concerns from Colorado colleges and universities that have received termination notices from the Department. The loss of millions of dollars will mean fewer opportunities for students and will only cause harm to the communities these institutions serve,\u201d continued the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers emphasized that ending these programs will cause widespread detrimental effects on students, not just in Colorado but all over the country. They underscored that they remain ready and willing to work with the Trump Administration to ensure that the United States has an education system that allows every American student to succeed.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nWe write today in opposition to the Department of Education\u2019s (the Department) decision to end several discretionary grant programs for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). These grant programs help provide programming and support specifically for students of color and lower- income students. Ending these programs will have widespread detrimental effects on students from all states and backgrounds.\n\nAs you know, Titles III and V of the Higher Education Act authorize grant programs for MSIs. To be eligible for funding, schools must serve a certain percentage of minority students within their designation. In addition, 50 percent of all students enrolled must receive some form of need-based assistance, and a substantial percentage of students must receive a Pell Grant. However, MSIs serve a broad range of students for whom a college degree is often out of reach, like first-generation college-goers, English language learners, parents, and transfer students, as well as students in rural communities. There are roughly 800 MSIs in the United States, including 14 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and 1 Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution in Colorado. Funds from these programs support vital activities, including academic support services, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and helping prepare students for the workforce.\n\nMSIs, and specifically HSIs, have a proven track record of success when it comes to setting up graduates for economic security and success. HSIs are especially effective at providing social mobility for students from low-income families. In 2023, eight of the top 10 colleges in the Social Mobility Index rankings were HSIs.\n\nWe have heard strong concerns from Colorado colleges and universities that have received termination notices from the Department. The loss of millions of dollars will mean fewer opportunities for students and will only cause harm to the communities these institutions serve. As one university president wrote to us: \u201cThe loss of this support will have immediate and far- reaching effects on our ability to provide equitable access, persistence, and completion opportunities in one of Colorado\u2019s most rural regions.\u201d Schools and universities understood they would receive these grants and had made plans to allocate these funds. Can the Department commit to working with these institutions to ensure that they receive other federal funds to compensate for this loss?\n\nTo the extent the Department is working to reenvision these programs, we ask you to please provide, in detail, how the Department plans to reallocate these funds to ensure students still receive the support they need. We respectfully request a written response to this letter within 30 days.\n\nWe must ensure that our education system can provide the opportunity for every American student to thrive, and we stand ready to work with you to achieve this goal.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to hearing the Department\u2019s response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/02/bennet-statement-on-reports-concerning-u-s-strikes-in-the-caribbean/", "Bennet Statement on Reports Concerning U.S. Strikes in the Caribbean", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement on U.S. strikes on suspected narcotics vessels in the Caribbean:\n\n\u201cAs a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am alarmed by reports that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the U.S. military to \u2018kill everybody\u2019 on an alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean. Hegseth\u2019s order apparently resulted in a military strike \u2013 a second strike on survivors of an initial strike \u2013 that may violate both the law of armed conflict and the Department of Defense\u2019s own Law of War manual.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees announce bipartisan oversight inquiries into the strikes. These efforts must determine if laws or conventions were broken. The responsible parties must be held accountable.\n\n\u201cSecretary Hegseth has repeatedly demonstrated that he was never qualified to lead the Pentagon. I have long called for his resignation, and continue to believe that he must step aside.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/02/bennet-van-hollen-cassidy-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act/", "Bennet, Van Hollen, Cassidy, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral, Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic step this legislation took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to public education. U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cFor fifty years, IDEA has provided landmark civil rights protections for students with disabilities, guaranteeing that all students have equal access to education,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cWe must continue fighting to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed in school and build their future.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince its passage fifty years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disabilities across America. On IDEA\u2019s anniversary, we honor all those who fought to make IDEA a reality and celebrate the dedicated educators who support students with disabilities in and out of the classroom. While we take stock of the progress that has been made because of this landmark legislation, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA \u2013 to move us closer to delivering greater, more equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,\u201d said Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cAll children deserve an education that gives them the resources they need to reach their full potential,\u201d said Cassidy. \u201cBy empowering parents to partner in their child\u2019s education and equipping teachers with resources, IDEA ensures children with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.\u201d\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Council for Exceptional Children, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and National PTA.\n\n\u201cIDEA\u2019s promise has always been about more than access \u2013 it\u2019s about opportunity. It opened doors to possibility, respect, and belonging for millions of students who had long been denied access to public education. It transformed what families could expect and reshaped what our schools could provide. But opportunity demands resources. As we reflect on 50 years of IDEA, we thank members of Congress for recognizing this important milestone and urge them to put forward the resources so we can continue to implement the law with fidelity,\u201d said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.\n\n\u201cFifty years ago, Public Law 94 142 ignited a culture shift that affirmed the inherent potential and rights of children with disabilities. CEC\u2019s members have led the charge- opening school doors, designing curriculum and supports, and translating research into practice across the country. This week we honor that legacy and look forward with determination to building on that progress to improve education and outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities,\u201d said Chad Rummel, Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children.\n\n\u201cFifty years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is an incredibly important milestone and on behalf of the students, families, and educators we serve, I am privileged to remark on the tremendous progress that has been made in educating students with disabilities,\u201d said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. \u201cWe commend the bipartisan leadership in celebrating this anniversary and upholding the importance and significance of this federal law that ensures a free appropriate public education in the United States.\u201d\n\nAs the former Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, Bennet is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to education. In March of this year, Bennet issued a statement opposing President Trump\u2019s executive order dismantling the Department of Education. In July, Bennet demanded that U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon provide answers for DOE\u2019s decision to continue withholding $70 million in federal funds from Colorado schools. In November, Bennet wrote Secretary McMahon to demand that the Trump Administration halt illegal efforts to shut down the Department of Education\u2019s (DOE) Administration and enforcement of IDEA.\n\nIn addition to Bennet, Van Hollen, and Cassidy, U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) cosponsored the resolution.\n\nThe text of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-degette-neguse-crow-pettersen-demand-answers-from-department-of-education-on-ending-grants-for-minority-serving-institutions/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen Demand Answers from Department of Education on Ending Grants for Minority-Serving Institutions", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet andU.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen sent a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon in opposition of the Department of Education\u2019s decision to end several discretionary grant programs for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).\n\n\u201cMSIs serve a broad range of students for whom a college degree is often out of reach, like first-generation college-goers, English language learners, parents, and transfer students, as well as students in rural communities. There are roughly 800 MSIs in the United States, including 14 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and 1 Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution in Colorado. Funds from these programs support vital activities, including academic support services, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and helping prepare students for the workforce,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cMSIs, and specifically HSIs, have a proven track record of success when it comes to setting up graduates for economic security and success. HSIs are especially effective at providing social mobility for students from low-income families. In 2023, eight of the top 10 colleges in the Social Mobility Index rankings were HSIs. We have heard strong concerns from Colorado colleges and universities that have received termination notices from the Department. The loss of millions of dollars will mean fewer opportunities for students and will only cause harm to the communities these institutions serve,\u201d continued the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers emphasized that ending these programs will cause widespread detrimental effects on students, not just in Colorado but all over the country. They underscored that they remain ready and willing to work with the Trump Administration to ensure that the United States has an education system that allows every American student to succeed.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nWe write today in opposition to the Department of Education\u2019s (the Department) decision to end several discretionary grant programs for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). These grant programs help provide programming and support specifically for students of color and lower- income students. Ending these programs will have widespread detrimental effects on students from all states and backgrounds.\n\nAs you know, Titles III and V of the Higher Education Act authorize grant programs for MSIs. To be eligible for funding, schools must serve a certain percentage of minority students within their designation. In addition, 50 percent of all students enrolled must receive some form of need-based assistance, and a substantial percentage of students must receive a Pell Grant. However, MSIs serve a broad range of students for whom a college degree is often out of reach, like first-generation college-goers, English language learners, parents, and transfer students, as well as students in rural communities. There are roughly 800 MSIs in the United States, including 14 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and 1 Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution in Colorado. Funds from these programs support vital activities, including academic support services, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and helping prepare students for the workforce.\n\nMSIs, and specifically HSIs, have a proven track record of success when it comes to setting up graduates for economic security and success. HSIs are especially effective at providing social mobility for students from low-income families. In 2023, eight of the top 10 colleges in the Social Mobility Index rankings were HSIs.\n\nWe have heard strong concerns from Colorado colleges and universities that have received termination notices from the Department. The loss of millions of dollars will mean fewer opportunities for students and will only cause harm to the communities these institutions serve. As one university president wrote to us: \u201cThe loss of this support will have immediate and far- reaching effects on our ability to provide equitable access, persistence, and completion opportunities in one of Colorado\u2019s most rural regions.\u201d Schools and universities understood they would receive these grants and had made plans to allocate these funds. Can the Department commit to working with these institutions to ensure that they receive other federal funds to compensate for this loss?\n\nTo the extent the Department is working to reenvision these programs, we ask you to please provide, in detail, how the Department plans to reallocate these funds to ensure students still receive the support they need. We respectfully request a written response to this letter within 30 days.\n\nWe must ensure that our education system can provide the opportunity for every American student to thrive, and we stand ready to work with you to achieve this goal.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to hearing the Department\u2019s response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-neguse-cheer-progress-senate-hearing-on-bill-to-expand-sarvis-creek-wilderness/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse Cheer Progress, Senate Hearing on Bill to Expand Sarvis Creek Wilderness", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "In hearing, Hickenlooper spoke in support of his Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act and CORE Act\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse applauded progress on their Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act, which received a hearing today in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. The bill would expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area in the Routt National Forest by 6,817 acres, protecting sub-alpine wilderness habitats and wildlife while preserving access to outdoor recreation.\n\n\u201cSarvis Creek Wilderness has outdoor recreation opportunities and landscapes that are hard to imagine anywhere but where you see them there. Coloradans across the state want to make sure that that\u2019s protected,\u201d said Hickenlooper, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in his remarks during today\u2019s hearing.\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s public lands are the cornerstone of our Western way of life, and for decades, Sarvis Creek Wilderness has deserved further protection,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cLocal elected officials and outdoor recreation, agriculture, water, and environmental leaders came together to craft this bill that protects critical watersheds, enhances wildlife habitat, and safeguards outdoor exploration for Coloradans. I look forward to getting this important legislation across the finish line for our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m excited to see the Senate consider our critically important bill, the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act, which would expand protections in the Routt National Forest, helping preserve public lands, support wildlife, and more. I remain committed to advancing the bill in the House and look forward to continuing our bicameral efforts to usher it across the finish line,\u201d said Neguse.\n\nState, Tribal, and local leaders\u2014including Colorado Governor Polis, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Routt County Board of Commissioners, and several local towns\u2014have expressed their support for the legislation. The bill also received support from a wide range of conservation and outdoor recreation organizations including The Wilderness Society, Trout Unlimited, National Wildlife Federation, Friends of Routt Backcountry, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Rocky Mountain Wild.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation:\n\nFulfills the community\u2019s vision for the entire Sarvis Creek wilderness area by adding 6,817 acres on to the existing 44,556 acres, which had originally been excluded due to a previously-proposed plan to develop a ski area.\n\nExtends wilderness protection to the Harrison and Green Creek watersheds\u2014rare, pristine sub-alpine regions that feed into the Yampa River, safeguarding aquatic resources and preserving water quality.\n\nProtects winter range and spring calving areas for elk that inhabit the area, in addition to habitat for other native Colorado wildlife and fish species.\n\nProvides easy public access from Steamboat Springs and Stagecoach for low impact recreation\u2014including hunting, fishing, back-country skiing and hiking.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available HERE. For full video of Hickenlooper\u2019s remarks in support, click HERE.\n\nIn addition to the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act, the subcommittee heard testimony on the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act, introduced by Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Neguse, which would protect approximately 420,000 acres of public land in Colorado, establish new wilderness areas, and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities.\n\nThe subcommittee also heard testimony on two Hickenlooper-cosponsored bills, including the Roadless Area Conservation Act, which would protect almost 60 million acres of National Forest Lands by codifying the Roadless Rule, and the bipartisan Small County PILT Parity Act, which would allow counties with populations under 5,000 to receive increased Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) payments to create parity with larger counties where per capita funding increases as population decreases.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-neguse-support-core-act-at-senate-energy-and-natural-resources-committee-hearing/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse Support CORE Act at Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Video of Hickenlooper\u2019s Remarks is available HERE.\n\nVideo of Bennet\u2019s Testimony is available HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, testified during a Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining hearing in support of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act. The Senators have worked with Colorado U.S. Congressman Joe Neguse and Colorado counties, in close coordination with Tribes, businesses, recreation groups, sportsmen, ranchers, and conservationists, to develop this bill over the last decade. The legislation protects approximately 420,000 acres of public land, establishes new wilderness areas, and safeguards existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations.\n\n\u201cPublic lands power our economy and connect our communities in Colorado,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cA decade\u2019s worth of partnerships built these common-sense measures to protect our public lands and invest in our outdoor recreation economy. We won\u2019t let up until we get the CORE Act signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cCounty commissioners across the political spectrum, outfitters, ranchers, hunters and anglers, and local businesses rolled up their sleeves to find the best way forward to preserve our special places. These Coloradans know how fundamental public lands are to our identity and economy, and they did the hard work to ensure the CORE Act reflects the diverse interests of our diverse state,\u201d Bennet said during his testimony.\n\n\u201cThe CORE Act is a transformational bill that would protect our treasured public lands for generations to come,\u201d said Neguse. \u201cDuring my time in Congress, I\u2019ve been proud to work with Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper to usher components of the bill across the finish line, including successfully securing the establishment of the historic Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. But our fight continues. And I\u2019m heartened to see the Senate take up this bill once again, continuing our work to protect public lands for all Coloradans.\u201d\n\nOf the approximately 420,000 acres of public land that would be protected by the bill, 71,000 acres are designated as new wilderness, and nearly 80,000 acres are designated as new recreation and conservation management areas that preserve existing outdoor uses, such as hiking and mountain biking. The bill would also designate the Sandy Treat Overlook and Tenmile Wilderness in the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument and establish a permanent mineral withdrawal in areas important to ranchers and sportsmen in the Thompson Divide.\n\nDuring the hearing, Bennet submitted more than 50 letters of support for the CORE Act into the record, including from 2 Tribes, 7 counties, 17 towns and cities, and Governor Jared Polis.\n\nIn February, Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Neguse reintroduced the CORE Act with bipartisan support from counties across Colorado. In 2022, they led the push to establish the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument and secure a proposed administrative mineral withdrawal for the Thompson Divide \u2013 critical provisions of the original CORE Act, first introduced in 2019. In 2024, the Department of the Interior approved a 20-year mineral withdrawal in the Thompson Divide.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\n\u201cGlenwood Springs has consistently and unequivocally supported permanent protections for the Thompson Divide, most recently through another resolution reaffirming our strong commitment to protecting this landscape,\u201d said Erin Zalinski, Glenwood Springs City Council. \u201cThe Thompson Divide is central to our community\u2019s outdoor heritage, economic vitality, and way of life. We welcome this Senate hearing on the CORE Act as a critical step toward securing the Divide\u2019s future.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor nearly two decades, stakeholders, conservationists, and lawmakers have spoken about landscape protections in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado,\u201d said John Clark, Mayor of Ridgway. \u201cThe proposed San Juan Mountains protections in the CORE Act are not just lines on the map, they\u2019re the result of decades of local input. Knowledgeable community members from Norwood, Ophir, Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, and Telluride have walked hundreds of miles to establish the proposed expanded boundaries in the CORE Act. Along with the many other important components of the Act, the protections for our region are long overdue. I\u2019m confident that the Colorado Congressional delegation can finally get the CORE Act over the finish line!\u201d\n\n\u201cBreckenridge\u2019s identity is rooted in the mountains and our commitment to protecting the landscapes that support our economy and way of life,\u201d said Kelly Owens, Mayor of Breckenridge. \u201cWe appreciate Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper\u2019s and Congressman Neguse\u2019s dedication to the CORE Act and its effort to safeguard important public lands, support outdoor recreation, and preserve Colorado\u2019s natural resources for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe CORE Act continues a proud Colorado tradition of protecting our wild lands, clean water and outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations,\u201d said Jim Ramey, Colorado State Director of The Wilderness Society. \u201cThis legislation would protect some of the best that Colorado\u2019s public lands have to offer, including pristine watersheds and key wildlife habitat along the Continental Divide, three popular fourteeners, and the rugged mountains and ranching heritage of the Thompson Divide. The CORE Act has something for everyone and all Coloradans stand to benefit. Protecting our public lands and preserving our freedom to hike, hunt and fish on them is something that unites all of us, and we urge Congress to advance this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe reintroduction of the CORE Act is a major opportunity for Congress to conserve one of Colorado\u2019s greatest attributes: our high country and our access to it,\u201d said David Lien, co-chair for the Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. \u201cElk, bighorn sheep, black bears, mule deer, greenback cutthroat trout and more native species need this space to survive and thrive, and it\u2019s our responsibility as Coloradans and stewards of these public lands and waters to do our part in sustaining them for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cWilderness is more vital than ever to me, as my life as a small business owner is hectic 24/7,\u201d said Todd Rutledge, Mountain Trip Guide. \u201cI have been hiking, skiing, climbing, hunting and riding horses in the area encompassed by the CORE Act for 25 years and find solace, challenges and incredible natural beauty in its alpine environment. The value of having contiguous wild places in a world that is increasingly busy is immeasurable.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act/", "Hickenlooper, Colleagues Celebrate 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Members of Congress introduced bicameral, bipartisan resolution recognizing landmark legislation\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined Senators Chris Van Hollen and Bill Cassidy to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic investments IDEA has made to ensure every child with a disability in America gets equal access to public education.\n\n\u201cEvery student in America deserves high-quality and accessible education,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cIDEA invests in that promise and has delivered quality education and resources to millions of students. Our work isn\u2019t finished until IDEA is fully funded and every child gets the education they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince its passage fifty years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disabilities across America. On IDEA\u2019s anniversary, we honor all those who fought to make IDEA a reality and celebrate the dedicated educators who support students with disabilities in and out of the classroom. While we take stock of the progress that has been made because of this landmark legislation, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA \u2013 to move us closer to delivering greater, more equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,\u201d said Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cAll children deserve an education that gives them the resources they need to reach their full potential,\u201d said Cassidy. \u201cBy empowering parents to partner in their child\u2019s education and equipping teachers with resources, IDEA ensures children with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.\u201d\n\nThe senators\u2019 resolution is endorsed by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Council for Exceptional Children, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and National PTA.\n\n\u201cIDEA\u2019s promise has always been about more than access \u2013 it\u2019s about opportunity. It opened doors to possibility, respect, and belonging for millions of students who had long been denied access to public education. It transformed what families could expect and reshaped what our schools could provide. But opportunity demands resources. As we reflect on 50 years of IDEA, we thank members of Congress for recognizing this important milestone and urge them to put forward the resources so we can continue to implement the law with fidelity,\u201d said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.\n\n\u201cFifty years ago, Public Law 94 142 ignited a culture shift that affirmed the inherent potential and rights of children with disabilities. CEC\u2019s members have led the charge \u2013 opening school doors, designing curriculum and supports, and translating research into practice across the country. This week we honor that legacy and look forward with determination to building on that progress to improve education and outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities,\u201d said Chad Rummel, Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children.\n\n\u201cFifty years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is an incredibly important milestone and on behalf of the students, families, and educators we serve, I am privileged to remark on the tremendous progress that has been made in educating students with disabilities,\u201d said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. \u201cWe commend the bipartisan leadership in celebrating this anniversary and upholding the importance and significance of this federal law that ensures a free appropriate public education in the United States.\u201d\n\nU.S. Representatives Jared Huffman, Glenn Thompson, Hillary Scholten, and John James introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nThis November, Hickenlooper called out the Trump administration\u2019s illegal efforts to shut down the Department of Education\u2019s administration and enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), following a report from the Washington Post. In October, he helped reintroduce the 21st Century Dyslexia Act to incorporate the modern, scientific understanding of dyslexia into federal statute and prevent the harm unidentified dyslexia can inflict on young students.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-ossoff-launch-inquiry-into-dhs-obstruction-of-congressional-oversight/", "Hickenlooper, Ossoff Launch Inquiry into DHS\u2019 Obstruction of Congressional Oversight", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Letter follows Trump admin refusal to release a Durango father and children who reported abuse in ICE detention\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined Senator Jon Ossoff and 11 of their Senate colleagues to demand that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stop obstructing congressional oversight. Specifically, the senators are pushing ICE to end its unlawful, arbitrary policies \u2013 including forcing members of Congress to wait seven days before entering ICE facilities and blocking them and their staff from bringing doctors, attorneys, or other experts on detention facility tours.\n\n\u201cCongressional oversight protects detainees\u2019 human rights and delivers transparency and accountability to Americans,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress\u2019s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe letter comes after Senator Hickenlooper urged DHS Secretary Noem in November to release a Durango father and two children from ICE custody after they reported being physically abused while in ICE detention. Despite having active asylum claims and no criminal record, DHS refused to release them.\n\nSince the beginning of 2025, there have been numerous, publicly reportedexamples of members of Congress and their staff facing obstructed access to ICE facilities nationwide, including ICE field offices where people are being detained.\n\nHickenlooper has consistently pressed ICE to follow the law, including due process and humane treatment of detainees. In August, Hickenlooper visited the ICE detention center in Aurora to conduct routine oversight and push for more transparency from ICE. During the visit, he raised concerns to ICE officials regarding delayed communication with congressional offices, irregular process changes, reports of ICE pressuring detainees to voluntarily depart instead of proceeding through a judicial process, and facility conditions. ICE failed to give satisfactory answers.\n\nHickenlooper is a cosponsor of the Immigration Enforcement Identification Act to increase transparency, accountability, and safety in immigration law enforcement. This bill prohibits law enforcement officers from obscuring their faces and requires them to clearly display their agency, name, and a unique identifier while conducting immigration enforcement functions.\n\nIn July, Hickenlooper joined 22 of his Senate colleagues to call out the Trump administration\u2019s recent efforts to arrest noncriminal immigrants at their immigration court hearings and deport them without adequate due process. In April, Hickenlooper joined 65 other members of Congress in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to address the impact of the Executive Office for Immigration Review\u2019s (EOIR) decision to fire key judges as the immigration system faces a staggering backlog of cases.\n\nText of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Noem,\n\nWe write with alarm regarding the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) arbitrary and illegal obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities. Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress\u2019s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals\u2019 human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 requires DHS and its component and partner agencies to allow members of Congress to inspect detention facilities without notice, and for their staff to enter if at least 24 hours\u2019 notice is given. Even so, Members of Congress and their staff have been denied access to multiple detention facilities this year. Members from across the country have reported being denied access for unannounced inspections of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. In the course of Sen. Ossoff\u2019s ongoing investigation of human rights abuses in federal immigration detention, ICE arbitrarily required seven-day notice for Congressional staff to inspect a facility, postponing an urgent inspection of conditions for children held in a \u201cfamily\u201d detention center. Congressional offices have also been informed that ICE will no longer accommodate \u201cmixed groups,\u201d preventing members and their staff from being accompanied by doctors, attorneys, or other experts as they tour detention facilities.\n\nDHS\u2019s latest changes to ICE policies on Congressional detention facility visits violate Federal law. Despite statutory access requirements, ICE issued a new guidance memo in June, which, while re-stating these statutory requirements, purported to require 72-hour notice for a visit for members and staff alike. The memo, which DHS has since removed from ICE\u2019s website, was paired with a press statement from DHS claiming to require seven calendar days\u2019 notice for visits to DHS detention facilities. The memo also purported to exclude ICE Field Offices, which are reportedly holding hundreds of detainees, from Congressional oversight. This runs counter to statute, which clearly contemplates Congressional access to any facility where individuals are detained by or for DHS, even if only temporarily.\n\nCongressional oversight protects detainees\u2019 human rights and delivers transparency and accountability to Americans. As of the end of July, Sen. Ossoff\u2019s office had received or identified 510 credible reports of human rights abuse against individuals in federal immigration custody, including deaths in custody, physical and sexual abuse, mistreatment of pregnant women and children, medical neglect, overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions, denial of adequate food and water, exposure to extreme temperatures, denial of access to attorneys, and family separations.\n\nMembers of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress\u2019s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention. We urge you to follow the law and grant full access to detention facilities to members of Congress and their staff, and ask that you respond to the following questions in writing by December 15, 2025.\n\n1. How many visits to DHS facilities or any other place where detainees are being held, requested either by Members of Congress or their staff, did DHS and its component or partner agencies block or delay since January 20, 2025? Please indicate how many Member visit requests and how many Congressional staff visit requests were delayed or blocked, whether temporarily or permanently.\n\n2. How many Members of Congress or Congressional staff members have been turned away since January 20, 2025, at DHS facilities or any other place where detainees are being held? Please indicate how many Members and how many Congressional staffers were temporarily or permanently denied entry into facilities or denied interviews with staff, contractors, or detainees.\n\na. How many visits were allowed, meaning the Member or Congressional staff was able to enter the facility without delay, as requested, and interview staff, contractors, or detainees? Please provide a breakdown by facility, facility operator, month, and, if requested by a Member of Congress, whether the visit was announced or unannounced.\n\nb. Where visits were ultimately allowed, please provide the dates that each visit was initially requested, the date when the visit ultimately took place, and whether the visit involved Members of Congress or Congressional staff.\n\n3. Please provide a copy of the most recent guidance to members of Congress and their staff with regard to Congressional access to facilities where individuals are held by or for DHS, including ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) facilities, as well as facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local partners.\n\n4. Please provide a copy of the most recent guidance to facility operators with regard to Congressional access to facilities where individuals are held by or for DHS, including ICE and CBP facilities, as well as facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local partners.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/01/bennet-statement-on-the-national-renewable-energy-laboratorys-name-change/", "Bennet Statement on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory\u2019s Name Change", "2025-12-01", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory\u2019s new name:\n\n\u201cFor decades, Colorado has been home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and its global leadership on renewable energy and energy efficiency. As the Lab transitions to its new name, it should continue its groundbreaking work to achieve an affordable, net-zero energy economy. President Trump\u2019s \u2018Drill Baby Drill\u2019 slogan will never solve our nation\u2019s most complex energy challenges. Instead, we must pursue innovation so America\u2019s energy economy continues to compete effectively in the world and ultimately leads the global energy transition. I will continue working to ensure that the Lab\u2019s core capabilities and unrivaled expertise remain among the best in the world, and that Colorado continues to lead the way on energy innovation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/25/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-over-60-million-for-colorado-transportation-projects/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Over $60 Million for Colorado Transportation Projects", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "LocationProject NameApplicantAmount AwardedDescriptionCity of PuebloPueblo Transit LOW Fleet TransitionCity of Pueblo$15,687,944The City of Pueblo (Pueblo Transit) will receive funding to buy hybrid buses to replace aging diesel buses.Crested ButteThe Mountain Express Bus Storage, Maintenance, and Operations FacilityColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of Mountain Express$14,400,000The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of Mountain Express (MX), will receive funding for the construction of a bus storage, maintenance, and operations facility to support the delivery of public transit services in the Crested Butte, Colorado region.City of Colorado SpringsMountain Metropolitan Transit Hybrid Bus ExpansionCity of Colorado Springs (Mountain Metropolitan Transit)$7,623,000The City of Colorado Springs (Mountain Metropolitan Transit) will receive funding to implement two express bus networks and to buy new hybrid buses for its fixed\u2011route fleet.Rural Western ColoradoRFTA \u2013 Rural Transit Diesel Bus ReplacementColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority$6,745,942The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) in rural western Colorado, will receive funding to buy buses to replace older buses that have reached their useful life.City of Fort CollinsTransfort Fleet Replacement and Modernization ProjectCity of Fort Collins$4,838,610The City of Fort Collins (Transfort) will receive funding to buy CNG buses to replace older buses to improve reliability and operational flexibility.Roaring Fork ValleyRFTA \u2013 Rural Transit Hybrid Electric Bus ReplacementColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA)$3,745,800The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) will receive funding to buy hybrid buses to replace aging buses that have reached their useful life.Mesa CountyGrand Valley Transit Bus Replacements and Equipment PurchasesMesa County$2,097,033Mesa County (Grand Valley Transit) will receive funding to buy CNG, paratransit, and cutaway buses to replace older buses that have reached their useful life. flexibility.City of Steamboat SpringsSteamboat Springs Transit \u2013 Bus Acquisition ProjectColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of City of Steamboat Springs Transit (SST)$1,504,000The City of Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) will receive funding to buy new hybrid buses to increase capacity and deliver a safer, more efficient, and reliable transit service.Eagle CountySafer Stops and SheltersColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of Eagle Valley Transportation Authority$1,060,000The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of Eagle Valley Transportation Authority, will receive funding to construct new bus shelters at rural transit stops where none currently exist or where existing shelters have exceed their useful life.Winter ParkWinter Park Transit Maintenance Facility Paving ProjectColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of Town of Winter Park$1,056,120The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Town of Winter Park, will receive funding to rehabilitate its Winter Park Transit Maintenance Facility to improve safety, operational efficiency, and address critical infrastructure needs.Gunnison ValleyGunnison Valley RTA purchase of one replacement Over-the-Road 57 Passenger Commuter CoachColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of Gunnison Valley Transportation Authority (GVRTA)$768,557The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of Gunnison Valley Transportation Authority (GVRTA), will receive funding to buy a commuter bus to replace an older bus that is at the end of its useful life.San Miguel CountySMART Cutaway Replacement ProjectColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation$534,108The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) will receive funding to buy buses to replace older buses that have reached their useful life.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-celebrate-over-60-million-for-colorado-transportation-projects/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet Celebrate Over $60 Million for Colorado Transportation Projects", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "LocationProject NameApplicantAmount AwardedDescriptionCity of PuebloPueblo Transit LOW Fleet TransitionCity of Pueblo$15,687,944The City of Pueblo (Pueblo Transit) will receive funding to buy hybrid buses to replace aging diesel buses.Crested ButteThe Mountain Express Bus Storage, Maintenance, and Operations FacilityColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of Mountain Express$14,400,000The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of Mountain Express (MX), will receive funding for the construction of a bus storage, maintenance, and operations facility to support the delivery of public transit services in the Crested Butte, Colorado region.City of Colorado SpringsMountain Metropolitan Transit Hybrid Bus ExpansionCity of Colorado Springs (Mountain Metropolitan Transit)$7,623,000The City of Colorado Springs (Mountain Metropolitan Transit) will receive funding to implement two express bus networks and to buy new hybrid buses for its fixed\u2011route fleet.Rural Western ColoradoRFTA \u2013 Rural Transit Diesel Bus ReplacementColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority$6,745,942The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) in rural western Colorado, will receive funding to buy buses to replace older buses that have reached their useful life.City of Fort CollinsTransfort Fleet Replacement and Modernization ProjectCity of Fort Collins$4,838,610The City of Fort Collins (Transfort) will receive funding to buy CNG buses to replace older buses to improve reliability and operational flexibility.Roaring Fork ValleyRFTA \u2013 Rural Transit Hybrid Electric Bus ReplacementColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA)$3,745,800The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) will receive funding to buy hybrid buses to replace aging buses that have reached their useful life.Mesa CountyGrand Valley Transit Bus Replacements and Equipment PurchasesMesa County$2,097,033Mesa County (Grand Valley Transit) will receive funding to buy CNG, paratransit, and cutaway buses to replace older buses that have reached their useful life. flexibility.City of Steamboat SpringsSteamboat Springs Transit \u2013 Bus Acquisition ProjectColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of City of Steamboat Springs Transit (SST)$1,504,000The City of Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) will receive funding to buy new hybrid buses to increase capacity and deliver a safer, more efficient, and reliable transit service.Eagle CountySafer Stops and SheltersColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of Eagle Valley Transportation Authority$1,060,000The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of Eagle Valley Transportation Authority, will receive funding to construct new bus shelters at rural transit stops where none currently exist or where existing shelters have exceed their useful life.Winter ParkWinter Park Transit Maintenance Facility Paving ProjectColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of Town of Winter Park$1,056,120The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Town of Winter Park, will receive funding to rehabilitate its Winter Park Transit Maintenance Facility to improve safety, operational efficiency, and address critical infrastructure needs.Gunnison ValleyGunnison Valley RTA purchase of one replacement Over-the-Road 57 Passenger Commuter CoachColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of Gunnison Valley Transportation Authority (GVRTA)$768,557The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of Gunnison Valley Transportation Authority (GVRTA), will receive funding to buy a commuter bus to replace an older bus that is at the end of its useful life.San Miguel CountySMART Cutaway Replacement ProjectColorado Department of Transportation on behalf of San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation$534,108The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) will receive funding to buy buses to replace older buses that have reached their useful life.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/24/bennet-heinrich-hickenlooper-and-lujan-urge-trump-administration-to-protect-taxpayers-and-ensure-oil-and-gas-companies-pay-for-site-cleanup/", "Bennet, Heinrich, Hickenlooper, and Luj\u00e1n Urge Trump Administration to Protect Taxpayers and Ensure Oil and Gas Companies Pay for Site Cleanup", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.) urged U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Bureau of Land Management Acting Director Bill Groffy to maintain the federal oil and gas bonding requirements in the 2024 Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule to hold developers accountable for the costs of site cleanup on federal lands. The Trump Administration has proposed rescinding the 2024 rule, and the Senators strongly oppose the potential repeal of the federal bonding requirements included in that rule, which could cost taxpayers over $15 billion to clean up orphaned wells and put local communities at risk from harmful methane leaks, water contamination, and degraded habitat across the West.\n\n\u201cFor years, we have championed stronger bonding standards to make sure oil and gas companies\u2014not taxpayers\u2014pay the true costs of cleaning up oil and gas drilling on federal lands. In 2022, the Oil and Gas Bonding Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act was introduced in the Senateto increase woefully outdated bonding rates. The 2024 Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule built directly on these efforts by modernizing federal bonding requirements for the first time since the 1950s and 1960s to better reflect the actual cost of reclamation, which frequently exceeds $300,000 per well,\u201d said Bennet, Heinrich, Hickenlooper, and Luj\u00e1n.\n\nThe Senators emphasized that rescinding the 2024 bonding requirements would undo the first meaningful step in decades to ensure fiscal accountability for oil and gas operations on federal lands. They also highlight the overwhelming public support for the rule, with 90 percent of Westerners believing oil and gas companies should pay to clean up their own drilling sites.\n\n\u201cThe bonding requirements in the Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule represent a balanced, responsible approach to energy development, which is grounded in fiscal prudence, environmental stewardship, fairness to the American people, and a responsible approach to public lands management. We strongly urge you to maintain the rule\u2019s bonding requirements and reject any effort to roll them back. Doing so will protect taxpayers, honor the values of the West, and safeguard our land and water for future generations,\u201d concluded the Senators.\n\nSenator Bennet is a leading advocate for oil and gas bonding reform on federal land. In 2020, he introduced the Oil and Gas Bonding Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act to address risks posed by orphaned wells, reduce the burden on local governments, and modernize federal rules. Following Bennet\u2019s push in 2022, 2023, and 2024 for the Biden Administration to address outdated and insufficient federal oil and gas bonding rates, the administration updated federal rules to help ensure oil and gas companies, not taxpayers, cover the costs of cleaning up wells drilled on federal lands.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Burgum and Principal Deputy Director Groffy,\n\nWe write to express strong opposition to the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) proposal to rescind the oil and gas bonding requirements in the 2024 Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule. These requirements reflect input from Western communities and public lands advocates to promote responsible oil and gas production and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Reversing oil and gas bonding requirements would undo the first meaningful progress in decades toward ensuring fiscal accountability for oil and gas operations on federal lands.\n\nFor years, we have championed stronger bonding standards to make sure oil and gas companies\u2014not taxpayers\u2014pay the true costs of cleaning up oil and gas drilling on federal lands. In 2022, the Oil and Gas Bonding Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act was introduced in the Senate to increase woefully outdated bonding rates. The 2024 Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule built directly on these efforts by modernizing federal bonding requirements for the first time since the 1950s and 1960s to better reflect the actual cost of reclamation, which frequently exceeds $300,000 per well. The Government Accountability Office has repeatedly warned that outdated bonds leave taxpayers responsible for cleanup when operators walk away. Rescinding this rule would reverse this important step and shift the financial burden back onto taxpayers.\n\nRequiring sufficient bonding for oil and gas drilling reflects the fairness and accountability that define Western values. People across the West overwhelmingly support these reforms, with 90 percent of Westerners believing oil and gas companies should pay to clean up their own drilling sites, and nearly three-quarters considering the impacts of oil and gas development on land, air, and water to be a serious problem. When BLM finalized the 2024 rule to cover bonding on federal lands, it received more than 260,000 public comments, with more than 99 percent in support of the reforms. Weakening these standards would ignore the will of the American public and reward irresponsible use of public lands \u2013 which Westerners have consistently rejected.\n\nRolling back the 2024 bonding requirements would also worsen the public safety risks and fiscal threats of orphaned wells. As of September 2024, more than 10,000 idle wells sit on our national public lands, and as an oil and gas executive acknowledged in a recent industry survey, that number is expected to grow over time. Before bonding requirements were strengthened, a report from Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship found that cleaning up existing wells could cost taxpayers as much as $15 billion. Repealing these reforms would push those costs back onto the public and increase the risks of harmful methane leaks, water contamination, and degraded habitat across the West.\n\nMany states, including both Colorado and North Dakota, recognize the risks posed by inadequate bonding and orphaned wells and have enacted strong state-level bonding rules for oil and gas production. In Colorado, the State designed standards to account for and not duplicate federal standards, and the rollback of the federal bonding requirements would undermine public confidence in the broader financial assurance regime. Keeping the bonding requirements as enacted in the 2024 rule provides regulatory stability and predictability for industry.\n\nThe bonding requirements in the Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule represent a balanced, responsible approach to energy development, which is grounded in fiscal prudence, environmental stewardship, fairness to the American people, and a responsible approach to public lands management. We strongly urge you to maintain the rule\u2019s bonding requirements and reject any effort to roll them back. Doing so will protect taxpayers, honor the values of the West, and safeguard our land and water for future generations.\n\nThank you for your consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-gallego-colleagues-call-for-emergency-funding-to-support-wildfire-recovery-on-federal-lands/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Gallego, Colleagues Call for Emergency Funding to Support Wildfire Recovery on Federal Lands", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Senators requested funding to aid recovery efforts in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, and Ruben Gallego, along with seven of their Senate colleagues, called on the Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to back additional funding to support wildfire recovery on federal lands.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s public lands have tremendous intrinsic, economic, and ecological value,\u201d wrote the senators in their letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and Vice Chair Patty Murray. \u201cWe write to request that any emergency disaster appropriations bills drafted this year include funding for wildfire recovery on federal lands. Repairing wildfire damages to National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management Lands is vital for the safety and economies of the entire country.\u201d\n\nThe senators pressed for additional resources to help National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands recover from this year\u2019s devastating wildfires. Since damage to federal lands is not covered by FEMA funding, federal land agencies are responsible for cleanup and restoration on their own.\n\nNearly one million acres of BLM land burned across the West in 2025 alone, including the fire at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado.\n\nFull text of the letter available HERE and below:\n\nDear Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray:\n\nWe write to request that any emergency disaster appropriations bills drafted this year include funding for wildfire recovery on federal lands. Repairing wildfire damages to National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management lands is vital for the safety and economy of the entire country. Just as our forests and parks require restoration, so too do the surrounding counties and communities that bear the economic and infrastructure impacts of these disasters; their recovery is inseparable from that of the federal lands themselves.\n\nUnfortunately, federal lands in each of our states have recently experienced the damaging and widespread effects of wildfire. This year, the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires devastated over 200,000 acres in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Kaibab National Forest, destroying structures including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, Joshua Tree National Park in California, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon have all had wildfires this year as well.\n\nAcross the West, nearly a million acres of BLM land burned this year alone. While each of these fires has unique response needs, all will require mitigation activities such as removing hazard trees, road and bridge assessment, structural replacements, and trail repairs.\n\nAs you know, unlike wildfire response activities on state, tribal, or private lands which are coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), wildfire response on federal land is managed by the land agencies themselves. In the past, Congress has appropriated the funds our public land agencies require for their critical response, remediation, and mitigation activities.\n\nOur nation\u2019s public lands have tremendous intrinsic, economic, and ecological value. Gateway communities rely on the tourism generated by National Parks and other federal lands for economic development and employment opportunities. Many federal lands include sacred tribal sites that must be preserved to uphold federal trust responsibilities. Our watersheds originate in national forests and on public lands \u2013 promoting wildfire recovery on these lands helps mitigate water pollution for communities downstream. Ensuring that federal lands are restored after wildfires is a responsibility to our shared, national heritage.\n\nWe will continue to work closely with federal land management agencies and local officials in our states to assess specific wildfire reconstruction needs and to identify the most urgent priorities for recovery. We stand ready to provide any additional information or support that the Appropriations Committee may require to ensure that our federal lands, surrounding counties, and gateway communities receive the resources necessary to recover fully and build long-term resilience.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this important request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-heinrich-lujan-urge-trump-admin-to-protect-taxpayers-ensure-oil-gas-companies-pay-for-site-cleanup/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Heinrich, Luj\u00e1n Urge Trump Admin to Protect Taxpayers, Ensure Oil, Gas Companies Pay for Site Cleanup", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Senators demand oil and gas companies pay the true costs of cleaning up drilling on federal lands, not taxpayers\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, Martin Heinrich, and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n urged Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Bureau of Land Management Acting Director Bill Groffy to maintain the federal oil and gas bonding requirements to hold developers accountable for the costs of site cleanup on federal lands.\n\n\u201cReversing oil and gas bonding requirements would undo the first meaningful progress in decades toward ensuring fiscal accountability for oil and gas operations on federal land,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cWeakening these standards would ignore the will of the American public and reward irresponsible use of public lands \u2013 which Westerners have consistently rejected. Rolling back the 2024 bonding requirements would also worsen the public safety risks and fiscal threats of orphaned wells.\u201d\n\nAs of September 2024, more than 10,000 idle wells sit on our national public lands, and as an oil and gas executive acknowledged in a recent industry survey, that number is expected to grow over time. Colorado has 625 abandoned wells, and as many as 19,000 oil and gas wells that are producing less than the equivalent of two barrels of oil per day.\n\nThe Trump administration has proposed rescinding the 2024 rule, a move which could end up costing taxpayers over $15 billion to clean up orphaned wells and put local communities at risk from harmful methane leaks, water contamination, and degraded habitat across the West.\n\nThe senators also highlighted the overwhelming public support for the rule, with 90 percent of Westerners believing oil and gas companies should pay to clean up their own drilling sites.\n\nHickenlooper cosponsored the Oil and Gas Bonding Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act to increase woefully outdated bonding rates and helped negotiate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created a $4.7 billion federal program to plug, remediate, and reclaim orphaned wells on Federal, State, and Tribal lands.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum and Principal Deputy Director Groffy,\n\nWe write to express strong opposition to the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) proposal to rescind the oil and gas bonding requirements in the 2024 Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule. These requirements reflect input from Western communities and public lands advocates to promote responsible oil and gas production and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Reversing oil and gas bonding requirements would undo the first meaningful progress in decades toward ensuring fiscal accountability for oil and gas operations on federal lands.\n\nFor years, we have championed stronger bonding standards to make sure oil and gas companies\u2014not taxpayers\u2014pay the true costs of cleaning up oil and gas drilling on federal lands. In 2022, the Oil and Gas Bonding Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act was introduced in the Senate to increase woefully outdated bonding rates. The 2024 Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule built directly on these efforts by modernizing federal bonding requirements for the first time since the 1950s and 1960s to better reflect the actual cost of reclamation, which frequently exceeds $300,000 per well. The Government Accountability Office has repeatedly warned that outdated bonds leave taxpayers responsible for cleanup when operators walk away. Rescinding this rule would reverse this important step and shift the financial burden back onto taxpayers.\n\nRequiring sufficient bonding for oil and gas drilling reflects the fairness and accountability that define Western values. People across the West overwhelmingly support these reforms, with 90 percent of Westerners believing oil and gas companies should pay to clean up their own drilling sites, and nearly three-quarters considering the impacts of oil and gas development on land, air, and water to be a serious problem. When BLM finalized the 2024 rule to cover bonding on federal lands, it received more than 260,000 public comments, with more than 99 percent in support of the reforms. Weakening these standards would ignore the will of the American public and reward irresponsible use of public lands \u2013 which Westerners have consistently rejected.\n\nRolling back the 2024 bonding requirements would also worsen the public safety risks and fiscal threats of orphaned wells. As of September 2024, more than 10,000 idle wells sit on our national public lands, and as an oil and gas executive acknowledged in a recent industry survey, that number is expected to grow over time. Before bonding requirements were strengthened, a report from Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship found that cleaning up existing wells could cost taxpayers as much as $15 billion. Repealing these reforms would push those costs back onto the public and increase the risks of harmful methane leaks, water contamination, and degraded habitat across the West.\n\nMany states, including both Colorado and North Dakota, recognize the risks posed by inadequate bonding and orphaned wells and have enacted strong state-level bonding rules for oil and gas production. In Colorado, the State designed standards to account for and not duplicate federal standards, and the rollback of the federal bonding requirements would undermine public confidence in the broader financial assurance regime. Keeping the bonding requirements as enacted in the 2024 rule provides regulatory stability and predictability for industry.\n\nThe bonding requirements in the Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule represent a balanced, responsible approach to energy development, which is grounded in fiscal prudence, environmental stewardship, fairness to the American people, and a responsible approach to public lands management. We strongly urge you to maintain the rule\u2019s bonding requirements and reject any effort to roll them back. Doing so will protect taxpayers, honor the values of the West, and safeguard our land and water for future generations.\n\nThank you for your consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/21/bennet-ernst-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-natos-anti-drone-defenses/", "Bennet, Ernst Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster NATO\u2019s Anti-Drone Defenses", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)\u2019s air defense capabilities against unmanned aerial systems, including military drones. In recent months, Russian drones have entered the airspace of several NATO allies, including Romania and Poland; Russia also deployed fighter jets into the airspace of Estonia, another NATO ally.\n\n\u201cPutin is not satisfied with attacking Ukraine, and instead continues to test NATO\u2019s resolve by deploying drones and fighter jets across the borders of key allies, including Estonia, Romania, and Poland,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThe United States must work hand-in-hand with our allies to deter this threat and defend every inch of NATO territory.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the face of Russian aggression, strengthening NATO\u2019s ability to counter drone incursions is essential to deterring the threats of today and stopping Putin in his tracks,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cI\u2019m proud to work with Senator Bennet to prepare our partners to close potential gaps. Through a more strategic air defense plan, Russian drones can be kept at bay and prevented from encroaching on a single inch of NATO territory.\u201d\n\nThe bill requires the Secretary of Defense to engage NATO to develop and implement a strategy to field a multi-layered, integrated air defense system to defeat unmanned aerial systems and deter Russian aggression, particularly against NATO\u2019s eastern flank.\n\nThe bill further requires this strategy to identify gaps \u2013 and steps the Department of Defense (DOD) plans to take to fill these gaps \u2013 in NATO\u2019s defense against unmanned aerial systems, particularly with regard to using mass-produced, lower-cost technologies and next-generational technologies. Additionally, the bill requires the Pentagon to identify plans the United States will take to produce more of these mass-produced, lower-cost technologies, including through cooperation with Ukraine, given Ukraine\u2019s demonstrated success on this front.\n\nThese efforts would build upon NATO\u2019s \u201cEastern Sentry\u201d effort to bolster the alliance\u2019s eastern flank posture by deploying both traditional capabilities and novel technologies to address new challenges, including those posed by unmanned aerial systems.\n\nBennet is a leading advocate for greater U.S. cooperation with NATO allies and continued support for Ukraine.\n\nIn March 2025, Bennet introduced the Baltic Security Initiative Act (BSI) to codify the Baltic Security Initiative, which the DOD created in 2020 to deter Russian aggression and strengthen the NATO alliance by enhancing regional planning and cooperation. Bennet also worked with colleagues to secure language in the Fiscal Year 2026 Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which the Senate passed last month, authorizing the BSI to deepen security collaboration with our Baltic allies. The bill authorizes $350 million for the BSI for each fiscal year through 2028.\n\nIn September, he introduced an amendment to the NDAA directing the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence to continue sharing information, intelligence, and imagery to support Ukraine on the battlefield. He has traveled to Ukraine twice since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, visiting in February 2024 and February 2025.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/21/bennet-gallego-colleagues-call-for-emergency-funding-for-wildfire-recovery-on-federal-lands/", "Bennet, Gallego, Colleagues Call for Emergency Funding for Wildfire Recovery on Federal Lands", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and eight Senate colleagues in calling on Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Mich.) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) for additional funding to support wildfire recovery on federal lands. In their letter, the senators pressed for additional resources to help National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands recover from this year\u2019s devastating wildfires. Since damage to federal lands is not covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, federal land agencies are responsible for cleanup and restoration on their own.\n\n\u201cWe write to request that any emergency disaster appropriations bills drafted this year include funding for wildfire recovery on federal lands,\u201d wrote Bennet, Gallego, and the senators. \u201cRepairing wildfire damages to National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management Lands is vital for the safety and economies of the entire country. Just as our forests and parks require restoration, so too do the surrounding counties and communities that bear the economic and infrastructure impacts of these disasters; their recovery is inseparable from that of the federal lands themselves.\u201d\n\nNearly one million acres of BLM land burned across the West in 2025 alone. The Lee Fire, Colorado\u2019s fourth-largest wildfire which burned approximately 138,000 acres, and the Elk Fire, which burned approximately 15,000 acres, were devastating for Colorado communities in Rio Blanco County earlier this year. In addition, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Joshua Tree National Park in California, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon have all had wildfires this year.\n\n\u201cAs you know, unlike wildfire response activities on state, tribal, or private lands which are coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), wildfire response on federal land is managed by the land agencies themselves. In the past, Congress has appropriated the funds our public land agencies require for their critical response, remediation, and mitigation activities,\u201d continued the senators. \u201cEnsuring that federal lands are restored after wildfires is a responsibility to our shared, national heritage.\u201d\n\nIn September of this year, Bennet joined the Colorado Congressional Delegation to urge President Donald Trump to declare a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and Public Assistance for Rio Blanco County following the devastating Lee and Elk wildfires. In August, Bennet urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to deliver fast, coordinated assistance to Colorado\u2019s livestock producers to help recover from this summer\u2019s wildfires.\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Gallego, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) signed the letter.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray:\n\nWe write to request that any emergency disaster appropriations bills drafted this year include funding for wildfire recovery on federal lands. Repairing wildfire damages to National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management lands is vital for the safety and economy of the entire country. Just as our forests and parks require restoration, so too do the surrounding counties and communities that bear the economic and infrastructure impacts of these disasters; their recovery is inseparable from that of the federal lands themselves.\n\nUnfortunately, federal lands in each of our states have recently experienced the damaging and widespread effects of wildfire. This year, the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires devastated over 200,000 acres in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Kaibab National Forest, destroying structures including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, Joshua Tree National Park in California, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon have all had wildfires this year as well. Across the West, nearly a million acres of BLM land burned this year alone. While each of these fires has unique response needs, all will require mitigation activities such as removing hazard trees, road and bridge assessment, structural replacements, and trail repairs.\n\nAs you know, unlike wildfire response activities on state, tribal, or private lands which are coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), wildfire response on federal land is managed by the land agencies themselves. In the past, Congress has appropriated the funds our public land agencies require for their critical response, remediation, and mitigation activities.\n\nOur nation\u2019s public lands have tremendous intrinsic, economic, and ecological value. Gateway communities rely on the tourism generated by National Parks and other federal lands for economic development and employment opportunities. Many federal lands include sacred tribal sites that must be preserved to uphold federal trust responsibilities. Our watersheds originate in national forests and on public lands \u2013 promoting wildfire recovery on these lands helps mitigate water pollution for communities downstream. Ensuring that federal lands are restored after wildfires is a responsibility to our shared, national heritage.\n\nWe will continue to work closely with federal land management agencies and local officials in our states to assess specific wildfire reconstruction needs and to identify the most urgent priorities for recovery. We stand ready to provide any additional information or support that the Appropriations Committee may require to ensure that our federal lands, surrounding counties, and gateway communities receive the resources necessary to recover fully and build long-term resilience. Thank you for your consideration of this important request.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/21/bennet-hickenlooper-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-stop-stalling-toxic-pfas-cleanups-protect-military-families-and-communities/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Stop Stalling Toxic PFAS Cleanups, Protect Military Families and Communities", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined 26 of their Senate Democratic colleagues to demand that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reverse the Department of Defense\u2019s (DoD) decision to delay the cleanup of toxic chemicals at military installations across the country and take action to protect military families and nearby communities by addressing contamination at the affected sites.\n\nIn their letter, Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators called on the Trump Administration to immediately restore the previous timetable for remediating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at U.S. military bases and to reverse plans that would further delay long-overdue cleanups, including at eight installations in Colorado such as Buckley Space Force Base, Petersen and Schriever Space Force bases, and Fort Carson.\n\n\u201cFor years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DoD installations in our states have waited for the DoD to take action. We request that the Department reverse its decision, return to the previous timetable released in December 2024, and accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination,\u201d wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators.\n\nPFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications, especially around U.S. military installations. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of drinking water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to servicemembers, their families, and surrounding communities.\n\nAt least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DoD activities. The DoD\u2019s delayed timetable would postpone cleanup efforts by years for over 140 of these sites. Specifically, the DoD pushed back the timeframe of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase for these bases, which involves collecting detailed information on the nature and extent of the PFAS contamination and conducting a study to evaluate potential options for cleanup.\n\nBennet and Hickenlooper have consistently advocated for increased funding and resources for PFAS cleanup at military bases and in Colorado communities. In February 2023, Bennet and Hickenlooper welcomed nearly $86 million in grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS contamination. In 2022, Bennet and Hickenlooper urged the U.S. Air Force to address water contamination in El Paso County from PFAS, which was found in firefighting foam used at Peterson Space Force Base.\n\nA full list of military installations affected by the delays can be found HERE. A list of the military installations in Colorado that are affected by the Trump Administration delays can be found below:\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth,\n\nWe write to express our concerns regarding the Department of Defense\u2019s (DoD) decision to delay the cleanup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at military installations across the country. This is unacceptable. For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DoD installations in our states have waited for the DoD to take action. We request that the Department reverse its decision, return to the previous timetable released in December 2024, and accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination.\n\nPFAS are a class of synthetic chemical substances that have been manufactured for decades for use in various consumer products and industrial processes. However, the strong chemical bonds in PFAS that make them useful in the manufacturing of certain goods also make them extraordinarily persistent in our bodies and the environment, earning PFAS the label of a \u201cforever chemical.\u201d Already, PFAS have been found in drinking water sources for at least 172 million people across the country. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a litany of public health risks, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, and thyroid problems.\n\nThere are over 700 military sites with known or suspected PFAS contamination from DoD activities. According to reporting, DoD\u2019s new timetable delays cleanup of PFAS pollution at approximately 140 sites, and in some instances, the delay will be nearly a decade. Studies confirm that residents living near many of these sites have dangerously high levels of PFAS in their drinking water, putting them at risk for serious health issues linked to PFAS exposure. PFAS from these sites have also contaminated surrounding groundwater and soil, hurting the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. Further delaying cleanup will only increase the health and\n\neconomic costs to servicemembers and communities across the country.\n\nWe are also alarmed that DoD lacked transparency when changing the timeline for remediation. Servicemembers, their families, and the communities surrounding contaminated military installations need to be able to make informed decisions about their health. Given the current and continuous impact on these servicemembers and communities, please provide answers to the following inquiries by December 1, 2025:\n\nWhat is the reason for delaying cleanup at each of the DoD installations with confirmed PFAS contamination?\n\nHow did DoD communicate with impacted bases and surrounding communities to notify them of the change in cleanup timetables?\n\nWhat resources will be provided to the communities currently exposed to PFAS and dangerous drinking water to mitigate ongoing exposure due to the delay in remediation?\n\nWhat water quality monitoring will DoD conduct in impacted communities?\n\nWe again urge you to reverse your decision to delay cleanup timelines and prioritize remediation of PFAS contamination at bases to protect the public health of military families across the country.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/21/bennet-hickenlooper-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-reverse-snap-cuts-restore-food-security-for-millions-of-americans/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Reverse SNAP Cuts, Restore Food Security for Millions of Americans", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus to introduce the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act, which would repeal all the devastating Republican cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) made in the Republican \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d.\n\n\u201cAcross Colorado, families tell me they\u2019re working hard but still can\u2019t keep up with the cost of groceries,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cSNAP is an essential lifeline for more than 600,000 Coloradans. But in a moment of rising need, the devastating cuts Republicans passed this summer are already taking hold, with even deeper reductions ahead. That means parents skipping meals so their kids can eat, seniors choosing between groceries and prescriptions, farmers losing customers, food pantries stretched to the brink, and local grocers seeing fewer sales. This won\u2019t only harm families, it will strain entire communities and local economies. With this bill, we can reverse that damage and make sure Colorado families can put food on the table.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re the wealthiest country in the world, yet families are struggling to afford groceries,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cRepublicans pushed through the Big Ugly Betrayal bill, gutting SNAP to fund tax cuts for the richest Americans. Their cuts will take meals away from thousands of Coloradans. It\u2019s cruel, and we need to fix it.\u201d\n\nSNAP is the nation\u2019s largest food assistance program and serves 42 million Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, workers, and people with disabilities. This past July, Republicans voted to strip $186 billion from SNAP in their \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d, marking the largest cut to the program in history. Additionally, the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d creates a massive unfunded mandate on state governments by shifting a portion of benefit costs to states and increasing the amount of funding states must pay to administer the program.\n\nIn October, Bennet and Hickenlooper called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to release billions of dollars in funding to ensure SNAP benefits continued during the shutdown. Despite this, the Trump Administration illegally withheld funding for SNAP, leaving millions of Americans unsure whether they would receive the benefits they need to put food on the table. In November, Bennet and Hickenlooper joined the Senate Democratic Caucus to introduce the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act, legislation to protect Americans\u2019 food access while the Trump Administration illegally withheld available funds. Bennet and Hickenlooper also introduced a resolution in November calling on Senate Republicans to force President Trump to immediately use all congressionally approved funding to keep families from going hungry.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-colleagues-demand-trump-admin-stop-stalling-toxic-pfas-cleanups-protect-military-families-and-communities/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Demand Trump Admin Stop Stalling Toxic PFAS Cleanups, Protect Military Families and Communities", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Holdups are affecting PFAS cleanup at seven bases in Colorado and the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined 26 of their Senate Democratic colleagues to demand that the Trump administration reverse its decision to delay the cleanup of toxic chemicals at military installations across the country and take action to protect military families and nearby communities by addressing contamination at the affected sites.\n\nIn a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Hickenlooper, Bennet, and the senators called on the Trump administration to immediately restore the previous timetable for remediating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at U.S. military bases and to reverse plans that would further delay long-overdue cleanups, including at seven bases in Colorado and the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\n\u201cAccording to reporting, DoD\u2019s new timetable delays cleanup of PFAS pollution at approximately 140 sites, and in some instances, the delay will be nearly a decade. Studies confirm that residents living near many of these sites have dangerously high levels of PFAS in their drinking water, putting them at risk for serious health issues linked to PFAS exposure. PFAS from these sites have also contaminated surrounding groundwater and soil, hurting the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. Further delaying cleanup will only increase the health and economic costs to servicemembers and communities across the country,\u201d wrote Hickenlooper, Bennet, and the senators. \u201cFor years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DoD installations in our states have waited for the DoD to take action. We request that the Department reverse its decision, return to the previous timetable released in December 2024, and accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination.\u201d\n\nAt least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from Department of Defense (DoD) activities. DoD\u2019s delayed timetable would postpone cleanup efforts by years for over 140 of them. Specifically, DoD pushed back the time frame of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase for these bases, which involves collecting detailed information on the nature and extent of the PFAS contamination and conducting a study to evaluate potential options for cleanup.\n\nPFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications and especially around U.S. military installations. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of drinking water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to service members and their families, as well as surrounding communities.\n\nHickenlooper and Bennet have consistently advocated for increased funding and resources for PFAS cleanup at military bases and in Colorado communities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested $5 billion over five years, including $86 million in Colorado, to help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS contamination. In 2022, Hickenlooper and Bennet urged the U.S. Air Force to address water contamination in El Paso County from PFAS, which was found in firefighting foam used at Peterson Space Force Base.\n\nThe full text of the senators\u2019 letter can be found here.\n\nA full list of military installations affected by the delays can be found here. A list of the military installations in Colorado that are affected by the Trump administration delays can be found below:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-reverse-snap-cuts-restore-food-security-for-millions-of-americans/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Reverse SNAP Cuts, Restore Food Security for Millions of Americans", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Effort to protect SNAP comes as grocery prices increase, Trump admin attempted to leverage shutdown to undermine SNAP programs\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus to introduce the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025, which would repeal all the devastating Republican cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) made in the Republicans\u2019 Big Ugly Betrayal bill.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re the wealthiest country in the world, yet families are struggling to afford groceries,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cRepublicans pushed through the Big Ugly Betrayal bill, gutting SNAP to fund tax cuts for the richest Americans. Their cuts will take meals away from thousands of Coloradans. It\u2019s cruel, and we need to fix it.\u201d\n\n\u201cAcross Colorado, families tell me they\u2019re working hard but still can\u2019t keep up with the cost of groceries,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cSNAP is an essential lifeline for more than 600,000 Coloradans. But in a moment of rising need, the devastating cuts Republicans passed this summer are already taking hold, with even deeper reductions ahead. That means parents skipping meals so their kids can eat, seniors choosing between groceries and prescriptions, farmers losing customers, food pantries stretched to the brink, and local grocers seeing fewer sales. This won\u2019t only harm families, it will strain entire communities and local economies. With this bill, we can reverse that damage and make sure Colorado families can put food on the table.\u201d\n\nSNAP is the nation\u2019s largest food assistance program, serving 42 million Americans. This past July, Republicans voted to strip $186 billion from SNAP in their \u201cBig Ugly Betrayal Bill\u201d, marking the largest cut to the program in history, even as grocery prices rise and President Trump\u2019s tariff costs increase. In Colorado, over 600,000 people \u2013 or 10% of the state population \u2013 rely on SNAP benefits.\n\nThese Republican cuts will take meals from millions of Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, workers, and people with disabilities, while harming farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and grocers who rely on SNAP dollars. Additionally, the Republican Budget Betrayal creates a massive unfunded mandate on state governments that could force deep cuts or even eliminate SNAP entirely.\n\nDuring the Republicans\u2019 government shutdown, the Trump administration illegally attempted to withhold funding for SNAP programs, jeopardizing millions of Americans\u2019 meals. The senators introduced the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act to protect Americans\u2019 food access while the Trump Administration illegally withholds available funds. In October, Hickenlooper also called on the Trump administration to immediately release SNAP benefits. This latest attack on food assistance comes after President Trump signed the Republican-led budget bill into law earlier this summer, which cut billions from SNAP.\n\nFull text of the legislation available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/20/bennet-demands-department-of-the-interior-grant-backpay-to-furloughed-national-park-service-seasonal-employees/", "Bennet Demands Department of the Interior Grant Backpay to Furloughed National Park Service Seasonal Employees", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum demanding the Interior Department grant backpay to National Park Service (NPS) seasonal employees who were furloughed during the recent government shutdown.\n\n\u201cAs you know, the NPS relies on thousands of seasonal employees each summer and shoulder season to fill essential roles across the agency. They serve as rangers, camp hosts, maintenance crews, researchers, and staff for visitor centers, campgrounds, trails, waysides, and entrance stations. Seasonal staff are often the first and last points of contact for visitors at more than 430 national park units, making them an indispensable part of the agency\u2019s workforce and the overall visitor experience at America\u2019s most iconic destinations,\u201d wrote Bennet.\n\n\u201cThese employees remained available during the shutdown. They choose this work not for financial gain, but out of dedication to America\u2019s national parks and a desire to preserve and share our nation\u2019s history. These realities make reports that your Department may not issue backpay for seasonal employees especially troubling. Not only does withholding pay irreparably harm some of the NPS\u2019s most vulnerable staff at a time of immense difficulty and uncertainty, it discourages future applicants and further strains the NPS\u2019s ability to recruit the skilled, committed employees the agency and the American public depend on,\u201d continued Bennet.\n\nSecretary Burgum consolidated all human resource (HR) functions at the Department of the Interior\u2019s bureaus, including the NPS, under the Office of the Secretary\u2019s jurisdiction, giving the Secretary sole HR responsibility across the Department. Bennet emphasized that federal law requires agencies to grant furloughed employees retroactive pay, and if NPS continues to refuse to grant backpay, it will be in violation of existing law.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Burgum:\n\nI am writing to express serious concern about reports that the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) may not grant backpay to National Park Service (NPS) seasonal employees furloughed during the 2025 government shutdown and urge you to immediately authorize backpay.\n\nAs you know, the NPS relies on thousands of seasonal employees each summer and shoulder season to fill essential roles across the agency. They serve as rangers, camp hosts, maintenance crews, researchers, and staff for visitor centers, campgrounds, trails, waysides, and entrance stations. Seasonal staff are often the first and last points of contact for visitors at more than 430 national park units, making them an indispensable part of the agency\u2019s workforce and the overall visitor experience at America\u2019s most iconic destinations.\n\nDespite this critical work, seasonal employees are often paid low wages and struggle with high living costs in remote or expensive park communities. These employees remained available during the shutdown. They choose this work not for financial gain, but out of dedication to America\u2019s national parks and a desire to preserve and share our nation\u2019s history.\n\nThese realities make reports that your Department may not issue backpay for seasonal employees especially troubling. Not only does withholding pay irreparably harm some of the NPS\u2019s most vulnerable staff at a time of immense difficulty and uncertainty, it discourages future applicants and further strains the NPS\u2019s ability to recruit the skilled, committed employees the agency and the American public depend on.\n\nSection 116 of Division A of the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2026 (2026 CR) provides retroactive pay pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1341(c) to Federal employees affected by the 2025 government shutdown, including furloughed employees and employees required to perform excepted work. Seasonal workers are federal employees, and withholding pay is counter to the 2026 CR and therefore in violation of existing law.\n\nBecause the human resources functions of each DOI bureau have been consolidated under the Office of the Secretary and are now ultimately your sole responsibility, I urge you to immediately instruct DOI to issue backpay for the affected seasonal employees furloughed during the 2025 government shutdown.\n\nThank you for considering this request.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/20/bennet-joins-bipartisan-group-of-senators-to-designate-november-20th-as-national-rural-health-day/", "Bennet Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators to Designate November 20th as National Rural Health Day", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), all co-chairs of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, introduced and passed a bipartisan resolution declaring November 20, 2025 as National Rural Health Day. The resolution, which passed the Senate unanimously, reaffirms Congress\u2019s commitment to improving health care access and affordability for rural communities across the country.\n\n\u201cRural Coloradans face enormous challenges to access quality health care \u2013 from aging infrastructure, staffing shortages, and rising health coverage costs,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cNational Rural Health Day is an opportunity for us to shed light on the barriers they face and recommit to making sure every American can access the care they need, no matter where they live.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe rural and frontier providers across Wyoming and the West have a long record of ensuring patients receive the care they need close to home,\u201d said Barrasso. \u201cAs a doctor, one of my top priorities is ensuring all patients have access to high-quality care wherever they live. Our resolution honors the hard work of providers in rural communities and reinforces Congress\u2019s bipartisan support of their work to serve patients throughout rural America.\u201d\n\n\u201c78 of Tennessee\u2019s 95 counties are rural, making rural health care a critical issue for our state,\u201d said Blackburn. \u201cAs co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, I have worked tirelessly to ensure access to quality and affordable health care in rural areas. The Senate\u2019s passage of our resolution recognizing November 20th as National Rural Health Day highlights our renewed focus on lowering costs and increasing access to care for people in rural communities.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Bennet, Barrasso, Blackburn, and Smith, U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) cosponsored the resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/20/bennet-statement-on-cwcbs-vote-to-approve-shoshone-water-rights-acquisition/", "Bennet Statement on CWCB\u2019s Vote to Approve Shoshone Water Rights Acquisition", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement on the Colorado Water Conservation Board\u2019s vote to approve the Shoshone Water Rights Acquisition:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see the Colorado Water Conservation Board move forward with the acquisition of an interest in the Shoshone Water Rights for instream flow use. This is a historic step that brings a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect flows in the Colorado River Basin closer to fruition.\n\n\u201cThe State of Colorado and local communities have already provided $60 million for this critical project. The Trump Administration must now heed the bipartisan, statewide support and release the already-approved $40 million in federal funding to get this project across the finish line.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-colleagues-introduce-senate-resolution-to-commemorate-transgender-day-of-remembrance/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Senate Resolution to Commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, Mazie K. Hirono, and 14 of their Senate colleagues introduced a resolution commemorating November 20, 2025 as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).\n\n\u201cHate and bigotry have no place in America. Everyone deserves the right to be who they are without fear, and that includes the trans community,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cIn the face of rising discrimination, we won\u2019t stop fighting to make this country a better place for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the Americans we have lost to violence and those who continue to suffer discrimination and hate for simply being who they are,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cWe must commit to protecting the rights and safety of the transgender community and ensure everyone can live with dignity and respect.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs anti-transgender hate continues to rise across the country, it is crucial that we do everything in our power to protect and support transgender and gender-nonconforming communities,\u201d said Hirono. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to educate people about the discrimination and dangers that transgender communities face, as well as to honor the lives of transgender and gender-nonconforming people who were lost to violence. Transgender rights are human rights, and I\u2019ll continue fighting so no one has to live in fear for simply existing as who they are.\u201d\n\nFollowing the still-unsolved murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman of color, Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded TDOR to honor Hester and other transgender people whose lives were lost to violence. The resolution this year also commemorates Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Black genderqueer transgender rights advocate who passed away last month. Miss Major was a trailblazer of the transgender rights movement and one of this country\u2019s most celebrated transgender rights activists, spending over 50 years fighting at the forefront of the movement and providing a sanctuary for transgender and gender-nonconforming people in her home state of Arkansas.\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), and the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund. In addition to Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Tammy Duckworth, John Fetterman, Martin Heinrich, Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Alex Padilla, Brian Schatz, Adam Schiff, Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Ron Wyden. The House companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Sara Jacobs, and Mark Takano.\n\n\u201cAll Americans deserve to live their lives freely and authentically\u2014without fear of discrimination or harm simply because of their gender identity. I\u2019m proud to introduce this resolution amplifying the voices of our nation\u2019s transgender communities and recognizing the dangers they face simply for living their lives. Transgender rights are human rights, and I look forward to continuing the fight to make our country a more inclusive place for all,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cOn this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the members of the transgender community whose lives were tragically cut short by violence,\u201d said Booker. \u201cWe must all stand together against attacks on the transgender community and continue fighting for a nation where everyone can live their lives freely and authentically without fear.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the transgender Americans whose lives have been cut short by hate,\u201d said Duckworth. \u201cAs Trump continues his campaign of hate against the trans community, I will always fight for the safety, dignity and respect that all human beings deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cTransgender individuals deserve the same respect and dignity that every person is owed. We observe Transgender Day of Remembrance to honor those who lost their lives to violence and to acknowledge the discrimination and bigotry facing transgender people.\u201d said Markey. \u201cWe must continue to fight to protect transgender individuals and make it clear to the transgender community: we see you and we firmly stand with you.\u201d\n\n\u201cLet us all recognize the enormous discrimination and violence that our transgender communities face,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cOn this day of remembrance, we honor the lives and legacies of all in the transgender community who have been taken by violence, just for being who they are. Let\u2019s work towards a world where everyone can live a full and free life.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the trans lives tragically taken from our communities,\u201d said Padilla. \u201cToday is a reminder that we must continue standing up together against hate and fighting to build a more accepting world where everyone can live safely, freely, and authentically.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrans people deserve to live with equality and dignity \u2013 just like everyone else,\u201d said Schatz. \u201cTransgender Day of Remembrance is about highlighting the continued threats that the trans community faces every day and honoring those who were killed solely because of who they were.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to support Senator Hirono\u2019s resolution to raise awareness of the epidemic of violence and discrimination against the transgender community and honor the lives of those lost to acts of violence. Amidst the administration\u2019s targeting of the transgender community and their efforts to dismantle policies directly affecting their freedoms, we will continue fighting to ensure all Americans, including LGBTQ Americans, can live without the fear of discrimination and hate,\u201d said Schiff.\n\n\u201cOur trans community brings so much joy and love to our society \u2014 they shouldn\u2019t have to live in fear of hate and violence because of who they are,\u201d said Warren. \u201cThis resolution honors the lives lost to anti-trans hate and reaffirms our commitment to making a better, more equal country for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo one should face hatred or violence just because of who they are. It\u2019s important to commemorate the transgender Americans who have lost their lives to violence, and to continue working to support trans and gender nonconforming communities until everyone can live without fear of prejudice or persecution,\u201d said Wyden.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bipartisan-colleagues-air-ambulance-providers-at-risk-without-federal-action/", "Hickenlooper, Bipartisan Colleagues: Air Ambulance Providers at Risk Without Federal Action", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Jeff Merkley, Susan Collins, Ron Wyden, Angus King, and Steve Daines called on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to address issues plaguing air ambulance providers and other emergency medical services in Colorado, Oregon, Maine, Montana, and across the nation.\n\n\u201cEach year, air ambulance teams treat and transport hundreds of thousands of critically ill and injured patients nationwide, serving as a vital link in our emergency care system. Congress recognized the unique nature of these services by including dedicated provisions for air ambulances in the NSA, yet significant regulatory and operational gaps remain that make it difficult for air ambulances to provide care to patients,\u201d wrote Hickenlooper, Merkley, Collins, Wyden, King, and Daines. \u201cWe urge you to address these gaps in the final rule related to certain provisions of the No Surprises Act regarding the federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process.\u201d\n\nMore than 550,000 Americans use air ambulance services each year, and people across the country count on them to be there when they need them. However, air ambulance providers have been struggling to navigate financial challenges because of some insurance companies increasingly delaying or denying claims and exploiting the IDR process under the No Surprises Act. In addition, air ambulance providers have seen a lack of enforcement and accountability, even though HHS has clear enforcement authority.\n\nThe senators directed, \u201cWe urge the Department to act swiftly to address these issues and restore the [No Surprises Act\u2019s] promise of fair, timely, and transparent reimbursement for air ambulance services, along with its objective to protect patients from surprise medical bills. Strengthening these protections is essential to safeguarding patient access and the sustainability of critical care providers nationwide.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe write to bring urgent attention to the ongoing challenges faced by air ambulance providers and other emergency medical services in the implementation of the No Surprises Act (NSA). Each year, air ambulance teams treat and transport hundreds of thousands of critically ill and injured patients nationwide, serving as a vital link in our emergency care system. Congress recognized the unique nature of these services by including dedicated provisions for air ambulances in the NSA, yet significant regulatory and operational gaps remain that make it difficult for air ambulances to provide care to patients. We urge you to address these gaps in the final rule related to certain provisions of the No Surprises Act regarding the federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process.\n\nEnforcement and Accountability\n\nOver the last several years, we have heard from air ambulance providers across the country about a lack of enforcement and accountability, despite the fact that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has clear enforcement authority. For example, some insurers frequently miss statutory deadlines for interim and final payments, with no meaningful penalties or enforcement mechanisms in place. Notably, timelines for payment are not consistently within the law\u2019s specified time period, and according to the CMS portal, approximately 35% of IDR air ambulance claims filed in 2024 have not yet been resolved, which has led to severe cash flow crises for providers, base closures, and reduced access to emergency services.\n\nAdditionally, some insurers fail to engage in good-faith negotiations and have submitted higher offers during IDR than in open negotiations. Insurers have also exploited the 90-day \u201ccool-down\u201d period to further delay reimbursement. The lack of good-faith participation by insurers undermines the NSA\u2019s intent to foster in-network agreements. Insurers have been able to miss deadlines or fail to comply with IDR determinations without facing meaningful penalties. Robust enforcement measures, including financial penalties for late payments and allowing providers to seek remedies for noncompliance, are urgently needed.\n\nTransparency and Accuracy of the Qualified Payment Amount (QPA)\n\nWe have also heard from providers that the insurer QPAs are below actual market rates. For instance, some insurers are relying on rates from services that are either rarely performed or never performed, which are also known as \u201cghost rates\u201d and irrelevant contracts to artificially lower reimbursement benchmarks. In response, HHS may want to mandate full transparency and annual validation by CMS of QPA calculations and prohibit the use of ghost rates.\n\nMedical Necessity and Prior Authorization Denials\n\nDespite clear statutory intent outside of the No Surprises Act, insurers are increasingly denying claims for emergency air and ground transports based on medical necessity or lack of prior authorization\u2014even when ordered by EMS or hospital physicians under emergency protocols. These denials contradict established standards, including the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), and create dangerous barriers to timely care. Medical necessity should be presumed for emergency transports, and prior authorization requirements must be prohibited for these services in accordance with federal law.\n\nExcessive Documentation Requirements\n\nProviders are often required to obtain documentation from transferring or receiving hospitals before payment is issued, despite not having access to these records. This practice causes unnecessary delays and should be prohibited; insurers should accept claim attachments with initial submissions and not use documentation gaps to deny or delay payment.\n\nWe urge the Department to act swiftly to address these issues and restore the NSA\u2019s promise of fair, timely, and transparent reimbursement for air ambulance services, along with its objective to protect patients from surprise medical bills. Strengthening these protections is essential to safeguarding patient access and the sustainability of critical care providers nationwide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-crapo-reintroduce-bill-to-protect-night-sky-aid-research/", "Hickenlooper, Crapo Reintroduce Bill to Protect Night Sky, Aid Research", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Mike Crapo reintroduced their bipartisan Dark and Quiet Skies Act, which would preserve the night sky from unintentional light and radio interference that disrupts industry and academic space research.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s bipartisan agreement that we need a strong space economy and cutting-edge scientific research to unlock the mysteries of our universe,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThe Dark and Quiet Skies Act helps us do both. This is a no-brainer solution, and we\u2019re pushing to get it done.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe vastness of Idaho\u2019s wilderness allows for truly magnificent wonders in the night sky,\u201d said Crapo. \u201cThe advancement of space technology has made these majestic spaces fewer, and collaborative approaches to mitigate interference is vitally needed.\u201d\n\nScientific and commercial space observations can be disrupted by the light and radio transmission of passing satellites. In the last five years, the number of satellites in orbit increased from 2,200 to over 9,000 satellites. By 2030, current estimates predict there will be over 500,000.\n\nThe Dark and Quiet Skies Act would create a Center of Excellence overseen by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop best practices to reduce light and noise interference. The Center would boost collaboration between the astronomical community, industry, and Federal agencies to protect federally funded scientific research that observes the sky and celestial bodies.\n\n\u201cAccording to data from the citizen science project Globe at Night, the night sky is growing about 10% brighter each year. In addition to the aesthetic value of dark and quiet skies, there is tremendous educational and scientific value. Senator Hickenlooper\u2019s Dark and Quiet Skies Act will provide essential infrastructure and resources needed to preserve and protect scientific space observations,\u201d said David Brain, Chair of the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.\n\n\u201cSenators Hickenlooper and Crapo are to be commended for encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and government to ensure the space industry can grow without negatively impacting scientific research,\u201d said Audrey Schaffer, Senior Vice President, Global Policy and Government Strategy at Slingshot Aerospace, a leading U.S. space domain awareness company. \u201cEstablishing a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies would accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies and techniques to help satellite operators understand and mitigate their impact on astronomy research. Thank you, Senator Hickenlooper and Senator Crapo, for your leadership on this emerging issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe thank Senators Hickenlooper and Crapo for their leadership towards the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies. By acting as a hub for collaboration and technology development, this Center will help protect federal investments in astronomy research while supporting responsible growth of the commercial space sector,\u201d said Dr. Dara Norman, President of the American Astronomical Society (AAS).\n\n\u201cDarkSky International endorses the Dark and Quiet Skies Act as a crucial step against satellite proliferation. While aimed at protecting astronomical research, we urge expanding the dialogue to include more voices. Dark skies enrich rural economies, preserve Indigenous knowledge, protect nocturnal ecosystems, and inspire wonder. Our cosmic view is a shared heritage that we all have a stake in protecting,\u201d said Ruskin Hartley, CEO of DarkSky International.\n\nSpecifically, the Center would:\n\nEstablish and circulate best practices to reduce unintentional optical and radio interference\n\nConduct research and development on tracking, identifying, modeling, and characterizing satellite interference\n\nDevelop mitigation technology that includes satellite paint, film, orientation adjustments, cooling techniques, or fuselage design\n\nOne pager of the bill available HERE and full text available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/19/bennet-cornyn-coons-celebrate-senate-passage-of-bill-to-strengthen-state-departments-taiwan-strategy/", "Bennet, Cornyn, Coons Celebrate Senate Passage of Bill to Strengthen State Department\u2019s Taiwan Strategy", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) to celebrate Senate passage of their Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, which will require the U.S. Department of State to review and update its policy guidance regarding Taiwan no less than every five years and report to Congress within 90 days amid China\u2019s coercive behavior across the Taiwan Strait. The bill already passed the House and now heads to the President\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cThe United States must continue deepening our ties with Taiwan, a vibrant democracy and key economic partner whose survival is crucial to Indo-Pacific security and to stemming the tide of global democratic backsliding,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cAs the Chinese government escalates military, economic, and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, this legislation will ensure that the State Department adapts U.S. policy to meet threats to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. I am glad the Senate passed this important bipartisan bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe threat China poses to the stability of the Indo-Pacific, including our friend and ally Taiwan, is ever-evolving, and our diplomatic guidance must be able to keep up,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation would help reinstate a strong Taiwan strategy at the State Department at a time when we need it most, and I\u2019m glad it is now headed to President Trump\u2019s desk for signature.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen I traveled to Taiwan earlier this year, I saw first-hand its importance for securing a free and open Indo-Pacific,\u201d said Coons. \u201cCongress has long supported strong United States-Taiwan relations. The Taiwan Assurance Act continues that tradition by supporting our shared values and reinforcing stability in the region, and I\u2019m glad to see the Senate take up and pass this crucial bill.\u201d\n\nBennet has long advocated for stronger U.S.-Taiwan ties. He has also repeatedly warned that allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to claim victory in Ukraine would embolden autocrats everywhere \u2013 specifically emboldening China\u2019s President Xi Jinping to consider military action against Taiwan.\n\nIn October 2025, Bennet and Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced legislation to deter China\u2019s aggression against Taiwan by creating an interagency task force to identify Chinese military and non-military targets for sanctions and other economic measures the United States could rapidly impose if Beijing moves to invade Taiwan or overthrow the island\u2019s government.\n\nIn August, Bennet introduced legislation to support Taiwan and its diplomatic partners in Latin America and the Caribbean and to deepen U.S. engagement in the Western Hemisphere. In April, Bennet introduced legislation to bolster Taiwan\u2019s international standing amid China\u2019s efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan. In May, Bennet introduced legislation to streamline the process for U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. In January, Bennet joined U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to introduce legislation to provide expedited double-tax relief on U.S.-Taiwan cross-border investment and authorize the President to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-cornyn-kelly-wicker-lujan-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-american-space-research-exploration/", "Hickenlooper, Cornyn, Kelly, Wicker, Luj\u00e1n Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster American Space Research, Exploration", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Space RACE Act would create new space research institute to ensure competitive edge over foreign adversaries\n\nLegislation comes as International Space Station (ISS) nears retirement\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Cornyn, Mark Kelly, Roger Wicker, and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n introduced the bipartisan Space Research And Continuing Exploration (RACE) Act to bolster America\u2019s space exploration and research capabilities and ensure America is equipped to lead in the next space race by creating a National Institute for Space Research.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t let the International Space Station\u2019s retirement leave a gap in American research in outer space,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThe Space RACE Act ensures our scientific research and innovation activities secure new opportunities on space stations of the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs our foreign adversaries continue to make advancements in space research and exploration, it is critical for America to have every tool and competitive advantage at our disposal to launch into the next space race,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation to create the National Institute for Space Research, which will help strengthen our nation\u2019s research capabilities and bolster our influence in the global space economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica won the first Space Race, and we will win the second. The National Institute for Space Research would help accomplish that mission,\u201d said Wicker. \u201cBy combining the talents of industry leaders, government officials, and academic researchers, the Institute would extend the capabilities of U.S. space technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom my time on the International Space Station, I saw how the research our astronauts conduct drives innovation here on Earth and strengthens America\u2019s long-term competitiveness,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cAs China and other countries expand their space programs, the United States can\u2019t afford to lose ground. Our bipartisan bill makes sure that when the ISS reaches the end of its service, we continue the groundbreaking work it began and maintain America\u2019s leadership in space.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs China rapidly expands its space capabilities, the United States must harness its competitive edge and world-class research ecosystem by lowering barriers to entry in space research and development to ensure our nation leads in the emerging space economy,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cNew Mexico plays a key role in driving the nation\u2019s space innovation, and this legislation will build on the research and technological advancements happening in our state.\u201d\n\nAs the International Space Station (ISS) approaches retirement, there is an urgent need to ensure uninterrupted access to microgravity research capabilities that underpin advances in national defense, biotechnology, and space manufacturing.\n\nIn addition, reports indicate that China is launching new modules to its Tiangong space station to meet growing demands for science and to boost international cooperation and is developing a new-generation crew spacecraft in an attempt to challenge the United States\u2019 longstanding leadership in space exploration and research.\n\nIn response, the senators\u2019 Space RACE Act would:\n\nCreate a National Institute for Space Research, a federally controlled but independently operated entity designed to coordinate and advance U.S. microgravity research in LEO using next-generation space platforms after the retirement of the ISS\n\nSupport public-private partnerships and economic development by bridging government and commercial sector interests\n\nAnd bolster America\u2019s geopolitical influence, strategic positioning, and leadership in the emerging space economy around the world\n\nThe National Institute for Space Research will enhance U.S. competitiveness in the emerging trillion-dollar space economy, support small businesses, and lower barriers to entry into space research and development. Several Colorado-based aerospace companies are leading contributors to space station projects under development with NASA, including Orbital Reef and Starlab.\n\nOne pager available HERE and full text available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-news-of-durango-familys-return-to-colombia-without-wife-and-mother/", "Hickenlooper Statement on News of Durango Family\u2019s Return to Colombia Without Wife and Mother", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Hickenlooper: \u201cThe Trump administration turned Fernando and his children\u2019s dream into an American tragedy.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement following Compa\u00f1eros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center\u2019s announcement that Fernando Jaramillo-Solano and his two minor children, Jana, age 12, and Kewin, age 15, agreed to return to Colombia. Fernando and his two children have been in ICE detention, separated from his wife and their mother, since October 27th.\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration turned Fernando and his children\u2019s dream into an American tragedy.\n\n\u201cThey forced a father and his 15- and 12-year-old kids to make an impossible choice: leave their wife and mother behind and return to a country where they don\u2019t feel safe; or remain indefinitely isolated in detention, separated from her.\n\n\u201cThey didn\u2019t care that they had been accepted into the asylum process and had no criminal history. They didn\u2019t care that Denver\u2019s third-ranking ICE official admitted that their arrest was a mistake.\n\n\u201cOur office worked day in and day out demanding answers from ICE, advocating for this family, and even spoke directly to Sec. Noem to demand they be released. They refused.\n\n\u201cOur fight is not over. We will continue to demand transparency from DHS regarding allegations of violence, and about what they did to this family.\n\n\u201cTwo innocent children will carry this trauma for the rest of their lives.\u201d\n\nOn October 27th, Fernando and his two children were arrested by ICE in Durango while Fernando was driving them to school. The children\u2019s mother wasn\u2019t notified of their arrest, and was unable to make contact with her son for several hours. When she finally spoke with her son, he described that he and his father experienced physical abuse while in ICE custody. Fernando\u2019s daughter, Jana, also reported physical abuse while in ICE detention. Fernando and his children are currently being held in an ICE detention center in Texas.\n\nGregory Davies, a senior ICE official in Denver, testified that this was a case of mistaken identity and the family was never the intended target. Despite these findings, Fernando and his children remain in detention.Senator Hickenlooper\u2019s office has been in close communication with the family\u2019s legal advocates, including Compa\u00f1eros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center and the family\u2019s lawyer in Texas, since their arrest. In October, Hickenlooper released a statement condemning the arrest and a video calling for the family\u2019s immediate release.\n\nOn November 6th, after the ICE field office failed to respond to the Senator\u2019s questions, Hickenlooper spoke over the phone with Secretary Noem, demanding that the entire family be released from ICE custody and specifically that the children be turned over to a trusted legal representative and then reunited with their mother.\n\nHickenlooper has consistently pressed ICE to follow the laws, including due process and humane treatment of detainees. In October, Hickenlooper visited the ICE detention center in Aurora to perform routine oversight and push for more transparency from ICE. Hickenlooper introduced the Immigration Enforcement Identification Act to increase transparency, accountability, and safety in immigration law enforcement. This bill prohibits law enforcement officers from obscuring their faces and requires that they clearly display their agency, name, and a unique identifier while conducting immigration enforcement functions. Last month, Hickenlooper joined 22 of his Senate colleagues to call out the Trump administration\u2019s recent efforts to arrest noncriminal immigrants at their immigration court hearings and deport them without adequate due process. In April, Hickenlooper joined 65 other members of Congress to urge Attorney General Pam Bondi to address the impact of the Executive Office for Immigration Review\u2019s (EOIR) alarming decision to fire key judges as the immigration system faces a staggering backlog of cases.\n\nHickenlooper\u2019s office and team of constituent advocates stand ready to help family members and detainees navigate the immigration system and address communication and process issues with ICE. Get in contact with our office at hickenlooper.senate.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/18/bennet-hickenlooper-hurd-boebert-crank-crow-degette-evans-neguse-pettersen-urge-president-trump-to-declare-a-presidential-major-disaster-declaration-following-extreme-flooding-in-southwest-co/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Hurd, Boebert, Crank, Crow, DeGette, Evans, Neguse, Pettersen Urge President Trump to Declare a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration Following Extreme Flooding in Southwest Colorado", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S. Representatives Jeff Hurd, Lauren Bobert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Diana DeGette, Gabe Evans, Joe Neguse, and Brittany Pettersen sent a letter in support of Colorado Governor Jared Polis\u2019 request to President Donald Trump for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and activation of Public Assistance for La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County, Colorado, in response to the historic and devastating flooding that began in mid-October.\n\n\u201cCommunities throughout La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered significant damage and losses as a result of heavy rainfall and severe, record-breaking flooding, including debris and mud flows that occurred from October 11 through October 14, 2025. These events destroyed homes, businesses, and private property, and caused extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cSuccessful recovery is essential to restoring the County\u2019s economy, which has already faced a devastating fire season in addition to the catastrophic effects of flooding on infrastructure and private property. Without additional support, residents could face drinking water disruptions, unsafe homes and businesses, and challenges accessing their property. In addition, residents are facing ongoing hazards from the flooding, including dangerous debris, and threats to water quality and drinking water infrastructure,\u201d continued the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers stressed that the historic flooding destroyed public and private property, in addition to causing extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads. They underscored that Southwest Colorado needs federal assistance to recover.\n\nA Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks additional loans, insurance relief, and other critical assistance. This is the second Presidential Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Polis that the full Congressional Colorado Delegation has supported. President Trump has not yet responded to Governor Polis\u2019s Major Disaster Declaration request for the Lee and Elk fires in Colorado during August.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe strongly support Governor Jared Polis\u2019s request on November 12, 2025, for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and Public Assistance for La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County, Colorado, in response to the historic and devastating flooding that began on October 11, 2025. As part of this request, Governor Polis has also requested the activation of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program for the affected counties.\n\nCommunities throughout La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered significant damage and losses as a result of heavy rainfall and severe, record-breaking flooding, including debris and mud flows that occurred from October 11 through October 14, 2025. These events destroyed homes, businesses, and private property, and caused extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads.\n\nGovernor Polis has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the period of October 11 through October 14, 2025. As outlined in Governor Polis\u2019 request, La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered damages severe enough to qualify for the Public Assistance Program. Successful recovery is essential to restoring the County\u2019s economy, which has already faced a devastating fire season in addition to the catastrophic effects of flooding on infrastructure and private property. Without additional support, residents could face drinking water disruptions, unsafe homes and businesses, and challenges accessing their property. In addition, residents are facing ongoing hazards from the flooding, including dangerous debris, and threats to water quality and drinking water infrastructure.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency validated $13,820,036 in eligible damages in La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County. As the damage assessments continue, additional losses are likely to be identified.\n\nAs you are aware, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks federal assistance programs to fund debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration and mitigation of disaster-damaged facilities. These communities urgently need this support to recover and rebuild. We thank you in advance for your expedited review and approval of the Governor\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colorado-congressional-delegation-urge-president-trump-to-declare-major-disaster-declaration-help-communities-recover-from-extreme-flooding/", "Hickenlooper, Colorado Congressional Delegation Urge President Trump to Declare Major Disaster Declaration, Help Communities Recover from Extreme Flooding", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, and Representatives Jeff Hurd, Lauren Bobert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Diana DeGette, Gabe Evans, Joe Neguse, and Brittany Pettersen sent a letter to President Trump in support of Colorado Governor Jared Polis\u2019 request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and the activation of Public Assistance to help Colorado communities recover from the historic and devastating flooding that began in mid-October.\n\n\u201cCommunities throughout La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered significant damage and losses as a result of heavy rainfall and severe, record-breaking flooding, including debris and mud flows that occurred from October 11 through October 14, 2025. These events destroyed homes, businesses, and private property, and caused extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads,\u201d wrote the Colorado lawmakers. \u201cSuccessful recovery is essential to restoring the County\u2019s economy, which has already faced a devastating fire season in addition to the catastrophic effects of flooding on infrastructure and private property.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers stressed that the historic flooding destroyed public and private property, in addition to causing extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads. They underscored that Southwest Colorado needs federal assistance to recover.\n\nA Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks additional loans, insurance relief, and other critical assistance. This is the second Presidential Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Polis that the full Congressional Colorado Delegation has supported. President Trump has not yet responded to Governor Polis\u2019s Major Disaster Declaration request for the Lee and Elk fires in Colorado during August.\n\nFull text of the letter available HERE and below:\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe strongly support Governor Jared Polis\u2019s request on November 12, 2025, for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and Public Assistance for La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County, Colorado, in response to the historic and devastating flooding that began on October 11, 2025. As part of this request, Governor Polis has also requested the activation of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program for the affected counties.\n\nCommunities throughout La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered significant damage and losses as a result of heavy rainfall and severe, record-breaking flooding, including debris and mud flows that occurred from October 11 through October 14, 2025. These events destroyed homes, businesses, and private property, and caused extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads.\n\nGovernor Polis has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the period of October 11 through October 14, 2025. As outlined in Governor Polis\u2019 request, La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered damages severe enough to qualify for the Public Assistance Program. Successful recovery is essential to restoring the County\u2019s economy, which has already faced a devastating fire season in addition to the catastrophic effects of flooding on infrastructure and private property. Without additional support, residents could face drinking water disruptions, unsafe homes and businesses, and challenges accessing their property. In addition, residents are facing ongoing hazards from the flooding, including dangerous debris, and threats to water quality and drinking water infrastructure.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency validated $13,820,036 in eligible damages in La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County. As the damage assessments continue, additional losses are likely to be identified.\n\nAs you are aware, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks federal assistance programs to fund debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration and mitigation of disaster-damaged facilities. These communities urgently need this support to recover and rebuild.\n\nWe thank you in advance for your expedited review and approval of the Governor\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-senate-passage-of-bill-to-release-epstein-files/", "Hickenlooper Statement on Senate Passage of Bill to Release Epstein Files", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement following the Senate passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which he co-sponsors, to direct the Department of Justice to publicly release all files relating to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates.\n\n\u201cTrump could have released the Epstein files and held Epstein\u2019s associates accountable months ago. Instead, he tried to suppress them until he realized Americans weren\u2019t backing down.\n\n\u201cTrump needs to sign this bill and release the files already.\u201d\n\nFor months the Trump administration refused to release the Epstein files after reports surfaced that Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Trump that he is named in the files and additional reporting highlights Trump\u2019s friendship with Epstein. In February, the Attorney General touted that the files were on her desk for review.\n\nHickenlooper has consistently advocated for the Trump admin to release the files and the House of Representatives to take up the legislation.\n\nEarlier today, following the House passage of the bipartisan bill, Hickenlooper called on Senate Majority Leader Thune to not delay further and quickly vote on the legislation in the Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/11/17/bennet-murray-warren-gillibrand-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-immediately-halt-plans-to-upend-key-homelessness-program/", "Bennet, Murray, Warren, Gillibrand, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Immediately Halt Plans to Upend Key Homelessness Program", "2025-11-17", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and 38 Senate Democratic colleagues to urge Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to immediately halt reported plans to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced out of their housing and back into homelessness.\n\nIn their letter, the senators called on Secretary Turner to use the authorities that Congress has given him to renew existing CoC grants for Fiscal Year 2025 to prevent massive disruption and uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Americans in the coming months.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue,\u201d wrote Bennet, Murray, Warren, Gillibrand, and the senators. \u201cHUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year [Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)], and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers noted that the potentially illegal plans to upend the program, which is the largest source of federal grant funding to prevent homelessness, would cause sudden and significant shortfalls across the country.\n\n\u201cThe most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87 percent of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30 percent. This appears to be in contravention of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, undermines local decision-making authority, and ignores decades of research that has proven that permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing are less costly and more likely to be successful in providing long-term stability than other strategies, particularly for chronically homeless people and families,\u201d continued the senators.\n\nThe senators note that, since January 20, repeated, chaotic policy changes affecting the program have created needless, costly uncertainty for communities across the country. HUD has failed to communicate clearly with stakeholders and Congress about its plans.\n\n\u201cFor months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress\u2019s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time,\u201d continued the senators.\n\n\u201cThere is a better way forward,\u201d concluded the senators. \u201cHUD\u2019s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable individuals.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Bennet, Murray, Warren, and Gillibrand, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) signed the letter.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Turner:\n\nWe write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue. Reports indicate that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) intends to issue a new fiscal year 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and make substantial changes to how funds are awarded. HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year NOFO, and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.\n\nThe Continuum of Care program is the largest source of Federal grant funds for providing a wide range of housing and services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness that are responsive to local community needs. On September 29, 2025, Politico reported that the Department intends to make wholesale changes to the fiscal year 2025 CoC NOFO. The most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87 percent of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30 percent. This appears to be in contravention of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, undermines local decision-making authority, and ignores decades of research that has proven that permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing are less costly and more likely to be successful in providing long-term stability than other strategies, particularly for chronically homeless people and families. Today, CoC funds serve over 750,000 Americans experiencing homelessness each year, and every community will feel the impact of this dramatic cut. The cut will be largest for major cities in absolute terms, but rural communities\u2014who experienced a 12 percent increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2024 and are more reliant on Federal funding\u2014are likely to feel the impacts most severely.\n\nIn your written testimony for the June 2025 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on HUD\u2019s fiscal year 2026 budget request, you stated that your budget aimed to \u201cbetter serve the American people while maintaining necessary assistance for the elderly and disabled.\u201d However, seniors are the fastest-growing demographic among people experiencing homelessness. The share of the homeless population aged 60 years and older in 2020 was 2.6 times higher than it was in 1990. By dramatically cutting funding for permanent housing, tens of thousands of older adults and people with disabilities who currently reside in CoC funded permanent supportive housing could soon lose their homes and lose access to the supportive services they need to take care of their physical and mental health needs.\n\nEach new administration can make policy changes when they take office. While we may not always agree on those policy changes, we should never have to question whether agency officials will faithfully follow the law and work to minimize harm to our constituents and communities when implementing those new policies. Reports of HUD intentionally blocking staff from examining the legality of the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes with its own attorneys are deeply troubling. We are also concerned by HUD\u2019s lack of communication with grantees, especially as any new NOFO at this point in the year would not provide grantees with adequate time or opportunity to plan for sweeping changes before some projects begin to run out of CoC funds in January 2026. Over the past decade, HUD has always issued the annual CoC NOFO by mid-August and provided on average 82 days for CoCs to develop applications. Without a NOFO published as of November 12, 2025, thousands of CoC project grants that expire between January and June 2026 will be at risk of funding disruptions or shuttering operations.\n\nFurther, HUD has taken several steps since January 20, 2025 to spark chaos and disrupt grantee operations, including applying new and likely illegal conditions to previously awarded CoC grants, repeatedly recompeting the fiscal year 2023 CoC Builds funding, proposing to eliminate the CoC program altogether, repeating rhetoric used by the President to villainize homeless people, and gutting the HUD workforce that implements the CoC and other community development programs. All these actions raise serious questions and concerns about whether HUD is intentionally violating the law to prevent Congressionally appropriated funds from reaching the people and communities they were intended to support.\n\nFor months, we have heard from countless front-line workers, faith-based and non-profit service providers, mayors, and governors who have been frantically attempting to navigate HUD\u2019s actions and anxiously waiting for HUD to provide details around the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes. For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress\u2019s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time.\n\nThere is a better way forward. Congress already authorized HUD to compete CoC funds on a two-year basis for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and communities already went through a two-year planning process. The shift to a two-year funding cycle had strong bipartisan support and aimed to reduce the burden on communities and provide greater predictability of funding, and members on both sides of the aisle support this approach. HUD should make the responsible choice to renew current CoC grants, proactively work with communities to promote other proven strategies \u201cbased on research and after notice and public comment\u201d, and work to ensure any policy changes meet all legal requirements to avoid more funding delays.\n\nHUD\u2019s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable individuals.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 461, "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": "CO", "p2": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=CO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 461, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=CO&year=2025&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=CO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 461, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=CO&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=CO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "CO", "label": "CO", "count": 461, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=CO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 461, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=CO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-11-17,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ebennet~2Esenate~2Egov~2F2025~2F11~2F17~2Fbennet-murray-warren-gillibrand-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-immediately-halt-plans-to-upend-key-homelessness-program~2F", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=CO&year=2025&_next=2025-11-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ebennet~2Esenate~2Egov~2F2025~2F11~2F17~2Fbennet-murray-warren-gillibrand-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-immediately-halt-plans-to-upend-key-homelessness-program~2F&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 199.88748896867037, "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"}