{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"RI\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trump-admins-attack-on-offshore-wind-and-ri-jobs", "Reed Statement on Trump Admin\u2019s Attack on Offshore Wind & RI Jobs", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "CRANSTON, RI \u2013 After the Trump Administration today announced it is once again halting offshore wind projects across the nation \u2013 including Revolution Wind, which is 85 percent complete and located approximately 15 miles off the southern shore of Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s outdated energy policies are killing good-paying union jobs and have already increased energy bills for the average American family by thirteen percent since January.\n\n\u201cWhile energy prices are soaring and our competitors across the globe are racing to innovate and find new sources of clean energy, we need to make energy more affordable and our energy grid more resilient. But Trump\u2019s repeated attacks on offshore wind are holding our nation back, increasing energy bills, and hurting our economy.\n\n\u201cThe Ocean State knows the great potential of offshore wind for our economy and environment. I will continue fighting to ensure these projects can move forward to help lower energy bills for Rhode Islanders and create more jobs and more opportunity for all.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-bird-flu-spreads-reed-calls-for-hearings-and-a-comprehensive-national-strategy", "As Bird Flu Spreads, Reed Calls for Hearings & a Comprehensive National Strategy", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 As highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as \u2018bird flu\u2019 or \u2018avian flu\u2019 continues to spread worldwide and decimate American poultry flocks, it has also now infected dairy herds in 18 states.\n\nWhile the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the agency which serves as Europe\u2019s surveillance hub for infectious diseases, is urging preventative steps and a comprehensive strategy to prepare for and respond to animal-to-human influenza transmission, the Trump Administration is dragging its feet, misaligning resources, and failing to execute a strategic U.S. plan that includes bird flu vaccination as one component of a broader approach to HPAI.\n\nNow, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging the Trump Administration to ramp up their avian flu response, stop subsidizing an unhealthy system, and calling on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to hold hearings on the dangers of avian flu and the Ending Taxpayer Support for Big Egg Producers Act (S. 1904), which Senator Reed introduced in May.\n\nReed\u2019s bill would ensure that limited resources are used effectively to combat the avian flu and help producers who need them most, rather than highly-profitable companies. He has called on the federal government to examine what role industry consolidation has had on egg prices, noting that Cal-Maine, a publicly-trade egg producer that controls one fifth of the nation\u2019s egg supply, had no bird flu outbreaks in fiscal year 2023 but still raised prices and raked in over $1 billion in windfall profits that year.\n\nIn a letter to the Senate Ag Committee, Reed wrote: \u201cAs these investigations proceed, however, companies continue to reel in profits while benefitting from taxpayer support. For example, Cal-Maine Foods received $44 million in indemnity payments in 2024, and in 2025 repurchased approximately $50 million in shares from family members of the company\u2019s founder. SEC filings show Cal-Maine may spend up to an additional $450 million on buybacks, even as it benefits from taxpayer-funded indemnity payments. The Trump Administration has continued to issue indemnity payments to companies; however, proper guardrails do not exist to ensure payments reach those who need them most.\u201d\n\nSenator Reed notes it is imperative for the Trump Administration to wisely allocate limited federal resources and implement science-based solutions that strengthen flock health while protecting the ability of American farmers to compete in global markets.\n\n\u201cIt is important to have a plan in place before the virus can trigger a major outbreak,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cBut the Trump Administration\u2019s failure to properly prepare and respond is troubling. Federal funds that are supposed to go to early detection, response, and control of animal diseases and outbreaks like avian flu are instead being unused or directed elsewhere. That makes farmers, consumers, and public health more vulnerable and could force Americans to pay a much higher price in the long run.\u201d\n\nThe avian flu virus has jumped to several mammal species in the last few years, including cats, cows, foxes, bears, and other birds. About 1,000 humans have also caught the virus since it first emerged, but fortunately it has not mutated to spread between humans.\n\nReed is urging the Trump Administration to move forward with finalizing and implementing a national avian influenza vaccination program. In February, USDA announced a Five-Pronged Approach to combatting avian influenza, but has since pulled back on key planks of the strategy, such as \u2018Exploring Pathways toward Vaccines, Therapeutics, and Other Strategies for Protecting Egg Laying Chickens to Reduce Instances of Depopulation.\u2019\n\nAfter being awarded a $590 million contract by the Biden Administration to help develop a vaccine effective against bird flu, in May, the Trump Administration cancelled the contract with Moderna. This week, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a public-private partnership of governments and philanthropic groups developing new vaccines to prevent future epidemics, announced a $54.3 million investment to help Moderna get its bird flu vaccine candidate to licensure.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got to learn the right lessons from the past: an ounce of prevention can go a long way toward protecting public health and economic health. Right now, the Trump Administration\u2019s anti-vax bias seems to be clouding its judgement and shortchanging taxpayers, shirking its commitment, and hoping the private sector will step in. If the avian flu mutates, this could prove to be exponentially costly for taxpayers, patients, and our economy,\u201d noted Reed.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-warn-against-trumps-fish_wildlife-service-staff-cuts", "Reed & Whitehouse Warn Against Trump\u2019s Fish & Wildlife Service Staff Cuts", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- After a public records request showed that nearly 1,800 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) employees have left or been forced out of the agency -- a loss of 18 percent of the service\u2019s staff -- U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are teaming up with their colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to reverse course and end the FWS staffing crisis.\n\nData obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the Center for Biological Diversity showed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffing levels dropped from 9,957 to 8,179, nationwide between 2024 and the end of May. The massive reduction in FWS staff is largely the result of DOGE-driven cuts and Trump Administration policies to purge federal workers.\n\nIn Rhode Island, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service oversees the state\u2019s five national wildlife refuges in Charlestown, South Kingstown, Narragansett, Middletown, and Block Island. FWS employees work with Rhode Island\u2019s Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to conserve and protect fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats, focusing on endangered species, migratory birds, and managing resources for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.\n\nThis week, Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and seventeen of their colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at FWS, which is at risk of losing the capacity to properly manage many of America\u2019s wildlife refuges -- putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service\u2019s care.\n\nIn a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country \u2014 with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions.\n\n\u201cAmericans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America\u2019s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThis downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem\u2014it has made the situation far worse. The President\u2019s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS\u2019s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators also emphasized that operating with few or no employees has also hurt disaster resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires.\n\nIn addition to Schiff, Reed, and Whitehouse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik:\n\nWe write to sound the alarm on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\u2019s (FWS) staffing crisis, which is causing particular harm to the National Wildlife Refuge System. A startling amount of staff and expertise needed to manage the Refuge System and protect America\u2019s wildlife have been lost due to the administration\u2019s firings, early retirement programs, and other efforts to push staff out of FWS. The agency is losing the capacity to manage America\u2019s wildlife refuges and struggling to even keep them open. We ask that you provide Congress with your plan to address FWS\u2019s staffing crisis and immediately act to ensure that FWS and the Refuge System have the staff and resources needed to guarantee a safe, quality experience for visitors to the Refuge System and to protect the invaluable wildlife species under the agency\u2019s care.\n\nAmericans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America\u2019s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats. There are 573 national wildlife refuges across the country, with a footprint in every state. The Refuge System also utilizes a unique conservation approach through community-based initiatives that provide recreational and sporting opportunities and other localized needs. According to FWS, wildlife refuge recreation generates $3.2 billion in local economic activity each year. Every dollar that is invested in the Refuge System generates $3.12 in U.S. economic activity, a tremendous return on investment for the American taxpayer.\n\nHowever, according to recently released internal agency documents, almost 60 percent of the nation\u2019s wildlife refuges lack the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. FWS has experienced a staggering 29 percent loss of employees who work for the Refuge System. This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem\u2014it has made the situation far worse. The President\u2019s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS\u2019s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies.\n\nStaffing reductions have negatively impacted national wildlife refuges across the country, forcing multiple wildlife refuges to operate with few or no employees. FWS\u2019s internal estimates indicate that 9 percent of wildlife refuges are now classified as \u201cshuttered.\u201d It appears that FWS has abandoned these refuges, as there may not be a single employee on the ground to manage the refuge.\n\nThe consequences of slashing the FWS workforce are already being felt across the nation. The collapse of staffing capacity within the Refuge System leaves refuges open to damage, vandalism, flooding, fire, and loss of protection and conservation measures for threatened and endangered wildlife species who rely on these refuges for survival. FWS staffing losses also hurt resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires.\n\nIt has also become more difficult for the agency to meet deadlines to list species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, an already challenging but essential obligation. This delay in work pushes endangered species closer to extinction and prevents infrastructure projects from moving forward, as they may encounter difficulties with acquiring needed permits amid such regulatory uncertainty.\n\nConsidering the alarming scale of FWS\u2019s staffing crisis, we request answers to the following by January 2, 2026:\n\n1. Will you commit to reversing the staffing losses at FWS? What is your plan to address FWS\u2019s debilitating loss in capacity?\n\n2. Has the Administration considered the impact of decimating the FWS workforce on the economics of gateway communities?\n\n3. Does the Administration still plan on moving forward with firing more FWS employees, even as those firings are being stopped by federal courts?\n\n4. How is FWS planning to meet deadlines to list species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act?\n\nProtecting natural resources for Americans has always been a bipartisan effort and it is important that FWS has the workforce required to meet its core mandates. Thank you, and we look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-ross-intro-bicameral-proposal-to-better-protect-consumers_crack-down-on-abusive-practices-in-the-buy-now-pay-later-industry", "Reed & Ross Intro Bicameral Proposal to Better Protect Consumers & Crack Down on Abusive Practices in the Buy Now, Pay Later Industry", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 During this year\u2019s busy holiday shopping period from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, consumers spent a record amount of over $1 billion in purchases with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, according to data from Adobe Analytics.\n\nAs shopping gets more convenient for consumers online and on their phones, BNPL loans have continued on a path of explosive growth. While BNPL allows consumers weary of credit cards to split up their purchases over time, it is crucial to ensure that the rulebook for BNPL products keeps pace with how they have become embedded in the shopping experience for many consumers\u2014especially younger borrowers.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC-02) today introduced a new bill that would make commonsense updates to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to extend many key consumer protections for traditional credit cards to \u201cpay-in-four\u201d BNPL loans.\n\nThe Buy Now, Pay Later Protection Act would update TILA so that when BNPL functions like a credit card, it carries the same core protections: commonsense parity for consumers and a level playing field for responsible providers.\n\nBNPL products have surged in popularity as an easy, convenient way to split purchases into interest-free installments at the click of a button. If they are well-designed, transparent, accountable, and supervised, BNPL products can legitimately serve an important role in meeting the needs of consumers who may be wary of credit cards.\n\nAs costs rise and usage of BPNL products increases across the nation, basic protections are needed to prevent predatory practices like hidden fees, failure to provide timely refunds, and pushing consumers to rack up unsustainable debt. These protections\u2014which currently exist for credit cards\u2014include standardized periodic statements, clear dispute and refund rights, and consistent billing-error procedures. Existing laws were not drafted with BNPL products in mind, resulting in gaps and uncertainty for BNPL users.\n\n\u201cResponsible Buy Now, Pay Later options can be helpful to consumers. As they grow in popularity, we must take proactive steps to prevent unsuspecting risks to consumers,\u201d said Senator Reed, who has taken repeated action to push for commonsense guidelines and rules to better govern BNPL products. \u201cThe Buy Now, Pay Later Protection Act will set up real guardrails to better protect consumers and ensure that fees and terms are transparent and easy to understand.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time when prices are rising, Buy Now, Pay Later is a useful tool for many households, especially around the holidays. Unfortunately, these services are increasingly engaging in predatory practices, charging hidden fees and locking working Americans into inescapable cycles of debt,\u201d said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. \u201cCongress needs to put consumers first. That\u2019s why we\u2019re introducing the Buy Now, Pay Later Protection Act, which will ensure consumers have the options and information they need to make informed decisions.\u201d\n\nKey provisions of Senator Reed and Congresswoman Ross\u2019 bill include:\n\nDisclosures: Clear information on due dates, fees, and information on how consumers can dispute charges.\n\nRight to Periodic Statements: BNPL providers must issue periodic billing statements, similar to credit cards, so consumers can track their spending and balances.\n\nChargeback Rights: When customers are the victims of payment fraud or deceptive practices, they have the right to seek a chargeback.\n\nBilling Error Resolution: Provides timelines and procedures for investigating billing disputes and restricts adverse credit reporting or collection on transactions under active dispute.\n\nNo Surprise Fees: Providers can\u2019t jack up interest, fees, or other charges on an existing BNPL balance midway through repayment and can only apply fees that were disclosed up front.\n\nSupervision: Provides the CFPB with authority to supervise BNPL lenders to spot violations before they spiral out of control.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), American for Financial Reform, and the Consumer Federation of America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-commends-law-enforcement-for-cracking-brown-university-shooting-case", "Reed Commends Law Enforcement for Cracking Brown University Shooting Case", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe Brown shooting was a horrific tragedy. Even though the suspected gunman is dead, this continues to be a complex case with many remaining questions. More answers will come as the investigation continues, and more facts are uncovered. But tonight, I hope Rhode Islanders can breathe a little easier.\n\n\u201cI commend our law enforcement and public safety officials who worked non-stop to crack this case and keep the public safe. Their focus, skill, determination, and professionalism made all the difference.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re so grateful to the unified community response team that came together from all over to solve this case. We thank the men and women of the Providence Police Department, the FBI, the State Police, the ATF, and other partner agencies, officers, and experts who provided valuable assistance, as well as the Mayor, the Attorney General, the Governor, and all who supported this criminal investigation and the community response.\n\n\u201cTwo amazing young people \u2013 Brown students Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook \u2013 were tragically taken from us. Their lives were cut short, several others were wounded by the gunman, and many more in the Brown community and our state have invisible scars from this tragedy. We are here for all of them. We\u2019re rallying to uplift them and support their family and loved ones.\n\n\u201cTonight\u2019s outcome is a step toward healing, but the investigation continues and the road ahead is difficult. We remain focused on public safety. All of us are challenged to think about what we can do as individuals and collectively to ensure other communities don\u2019t feel the same sense of loss and heartbreak that we\u2019re feeling.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-congressional-investigation-of-trumps-boat-strike-campaign", "Reed Statement on Congressional Investigation of Trump\u2019s Boat Strike Campaign", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding the ongoing congressional inquiries into the Trump Administration\u2019s military operations in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific:\n\n\u201cI remain entirely dissatisfied with the Trump Administration\u2019s engagement with Congress regarding its boat strike campaign in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. The Senate Armed Services Committee has been denied basic information, documents, and answers from the Department of Defense about this campaign.\n\n\u201cFor months, in multiple briefings, the Department omitted the fact that there were two survivors in the initial September 2nd strike. We learned the circumstances of the strike from press reports. That is completely unacceptable. Given the repeated lack of transparency from the Department in this instance and others, it is imperative that we receive the requested materials covering this operation.\n\n\u201cI appreciate the partnership of my colleagues on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees for exercising oversight and holding multiple briefings the past several weeks, but much more work remains. In particular, given the continued questions surrounding the September 2nd strike, there should be additional congressional inquiries and an independent command investigation to understand all of the facts and garner lessons learned.\n\n\u201cI would reiterate the need for DOD to provide documents and information requested by the Senate Armed Services Committee, including several that are required by existing law and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, including:\n\nThe Execute Orders guiding these operations;\n\nUnedited video of all strikes;\n\nThe updated legal and policy framework reports;\n\nAll audio, transcripts, and chat logs of communications between commanders, aircraft, and others involved in the Sept. 2nd strike;\n\nRegular staff briefings on the operations;\n\nResponses to dozens of written follow-up questions seeking clarification of initial notifications; and\n\nUpdated costs of the operations.\n\n\u201cI respect the difficult and dangerous missions that we ask of our servicemembers, and all Americans should be grateful for their sacrifice.\n\n\u201cBut the United States military answers to the American people. Congress has not authorized any armed conflict, yet the Trump Administration is undertaking military operations in America\u2019s name, under circumstances where there is no imminent military threat to the country, and Congress \u2013 the representatives of the people \u2013 deserves answers. I will continue to press the Department of Defense and my colleagues in Congress for the transparency this Administration owes the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-passes-ndaa-to-strengthen-national-security-and-boost-ri-jobs", "Congress Passes NDAA to Strengthen National Security & Boost RI Jobs", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate today voted 77-20 to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (S.1071). The measure previously passed the full U.S. House of Representatives and now goes to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion for both the military and the U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s nuclear weapons programs.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says the bill will strengthen and safeguard the nation, benefit U.S. troops and their families, improve the U.S. Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) acquisition process, and boost Rhode Island\u2019s economy \u2013 bringing more good-paying jobs to the Ocean State.\n\n\u201cThis bill strengthens military readiness, revitalizes our industrial base, and provides our troops with a pay raise and the tools to deter and defeat adversaries,\u201d said Senator Reeed. \u201cThe bill bolsters America\u2019s posture toward China, reinforces our support for NATO and Ukraine, and ensures sustained support for key partners around the world, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Indeed, with strong bipartisan backing it firmly pushes back against the executive branch\u2019s retreat to uphold U.S. security commitments. And it positions the Department of Defense to adapt to evolving threats while maintaining robust Congressional oversight.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA enhances existing defense programs and improves pay and benefits for servicemembers -- including a 3.8 percent pay increase for all servicemembers. It includes major investments in science and technology to advance cutting-edge research and concrete support for key U.S. allies and partners, including Ukraine.\n\nSenator Reed stated: \u201cThis NDAA is the result of a bipartisan and bicameral compromise. It isn\u2019t perfect, but it makes a lot of needed improvements that will help strengthen America\u2019s economic, industrial, and military might. It invests in our servicemembers by increasing their pay and it protects civilian DOD employees too. It includes major quality of life enhancements in areas like childcare, housing, education, and more. The acquisition reforms will help speed the development and fielding of new systems and technology to our forces on the front lines. And it authorizes critical investments in technology and advanced weapons systems; strengthens our cyber capabilities and defenses; and bolsters innovative research and development efforts.\u201d\n\nSignificantly, the bipartisan bill reaffirms America\u2019s global leadership by extending the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and authorizing additional security assistance to European partners. It strengthens our alliances in Asia by authorizing full funding the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and bolsters activities relating to the security partnership among Australia, United Kingdom, and the United States, known as AUKUS. Importantly, the bill seeks to guard against reckless reductions in U.S. force posture in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.\n\nTo improve congressional oversight of the Pentagon, the NDAA compels the Secretary of Defense to follow the law and submit to Congress a number of reports he has deliberately withheld. Specifically, the bill cuts off portions of the Secretary of Defense\u2019s budget until he submits the execute orders and unedited videos of the boat strikes related to ongoing operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The bill asserts congressional authority over several other areas in which the Secretary has been negligent.\n\nNotably, this year\u2019s NDAA would repeal the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) that was adopted in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq but subsequently used to underpin a host of military actions worldwide since 2002.\n\nRhode Island defense workers, contractors, and suppliers would benefit from shipbuilding funds to build the Columbia-class submarine and Virginia-class submarine. Thousands of Rhode Islanders make critical contributions to designing, engineering, and building these next generation submarines, which are made by General Dynamics Electric Boat.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA authorizes a $1.9 billion boost for the Virginia-class submarine program to ensure a two-per-year build rate. It also includes incremental funding authority for the Columbia-class submarine program to keep construction on track,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cAnd to strengthen our industrial base and boost wages for welders and shipyard workers at Quonset Point and Groton, Connecticut, and other places that help build submarines, it includes $615 million to help provide higher wages and workforce stability initiatives.\u201d\n\nIn April, the U.S. Navy signed an $18.4 billion contract awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat for production of two new Virginia-class fast attack submarines.\n\nHundreds of small businesses across Rhode Island supply the U.S. Department of Defense, and hardworking Rhode Islanders contribute to the creation of a wide range of military products, equipment, and services. Additionally, Rhode Island is home to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport; Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport; and the Naval War College. These facilities, along with leading academic research institutions and a network of suppliers and small businesses, contribute to a defense industry that is boosting Rhode Island\u2019s economy and leading to advancements in technology and innovation.\n\nA report by the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) shows that the total direct and indirect economic impact from defense spending in Rhode Island accounted for $7.6 billion in 2022. The report found that Rhode Island\u2019s defense industry is growing and supported a total of 34,068 direct and indirect jobs across the Ocean State with an annual payroll of $3 billion.\n\nOther initiatives that benefit Rhode Island include authorizations of:\n\n$71.8 million for Navy applied research on undersea warfare technologies, led by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC);\n\n$20 million for the Defense Established Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR), which ensures Rhode Island universities may compete to perform cutting-edge basic research and partner with defense labs;\n\n$50 million in supplemental Impact Aid and $20 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities; and\n\n$190 million for Military Construction funding for four projects at NUWC Newport:\n\n$40 million for Consolidated RDT&E Systems Facility;\n\n$73 million for Next Generation Secure Submarine Platform Facility;\n\n$40 million for Submarine Payload Integration Laboratory; and\n\n$37 million for Next Generation Torpedo Integration Lab.\n\nThe bill previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a vote of 312-112. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.\n\nWhile the NDAA authorizes federal funding, Congress must also appropriate spending through a separate Defense Appropriations bill. Senator Reed is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on defense.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-cosponsor-legislation-to-close-charleston-loophole_prevent-dangerous-gun-sales", "Reed & Whitehouse Cosponsor Legislation to Close Charleston Loophole & Prevent Dangerous Gun Sales", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 When it comes to the sale of firearms, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse say the rule should be simple: \u2018no background check, no sale\u2019 for all firearm transfers and purchases.\n\nIn an effort to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of people the law already says should not own them, Reed and Whitehouse joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and 23 of their Senate colleagues on December 12 in introducing the Background Check Completion Act (S.3458). This legislation would end an exemption -- known as \u201cdefault to proceed\u201d -- that allows a sale to go forward if the background check process takes more than 72 hours.\n\nWhen a criminal background check indicates that a firearm purchaser may have a criminal record, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tries to determine whether the purchaser can legally buy a gun. If this process takes longer than 72 hours for those 21 years of age or older, or 10 days for those under 21, gun dealers can complete the sale even though there is a heightened risk that the purchaser is legally disqualified from purchasing a gun.\n\nThe gap in existing law has allowed thousands of gun sales to prohibited buyers, including the sale of the firearm used by the shooter in the deadly attack at Charleston\u2019s Emanuel AME Church. In that case, the church shooter was able to buy a .45 caliber handgun, even though he admitted to a disqualifying drug crime. But due to a bureaucratic processing error, the FBI was unable to confirm the admission, and the mandatory 72 hours elapsed, so the gun purchase went forward.\n\nCompanion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is led by U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (D-SC).\n\nAccording to Everytown for Gun Safety, background checks stop gun sales to criminals every day. Since 1994, these laws have blocked more than 5 million gun sales to people who could not legally own guns.\n\n\u201cBackground checks are effective, but only if they are allowed to be complete. Closing the Charleston loophole is a commonsense, overdue step to save lives and prevent guns from ending up in the hands of dangerous individuals who are ineligible to own them,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cSomeone who is ineligible to own a gun shouldn't be able to obtain one just because of an error or a three day shot clock running out. Congress should close this dangerous loophole and invest in modernizing the FBI background check interface to enhance public safety and keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica faces constant tragic reminders of how devastating gun violence can be. We need to do everything we can to keep guns out of the wrong hands, including making sure no one can purchase a gun without a background check,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse, who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. \u201cThis commonsense measure to finally close a background check loophole is long overdue and will help save lives.\u201d\n\nThe Background Check Completion Act would require a completed background check for every gun buyer who purchases a gun from a federally-licensed gun dealer.\n\nIn addition to Blumenthal, Reed, and Whitehouse, the Background Check Completion Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords, Brady, Sandy Hook Promise and Newtown Action Alliance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senators-tell-vought-he-must-ask-for-cfpb-funding", "U.S. Senators Tell Vought He Must Ask for CFPB Funding", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- In addition to filing an amicus brief challenging Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Acting Director Russell Vought\u2019s attempt to dismantle the agency by illegally denying it the funds it needs to operate, members of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) sent a letter directly to Acting Director Vought urging him to comply with the law and immediately ask the Federal Reserve for the maximum allowable amount to carry out the activities of the consumer watchdog agency.\n\nIn an effort to prevent the CFPB from fulfilling its statutory obligations to protect consumers from scams and predatory financial practices, Acting Director Vought is attempting to claim he cannot request funding because the Federal Reserve System is technically \u201cunprofitable.\u201d\n\nLawsuits are currently pending before Federal courts in DC and California against Acting CFPB Director Vought and the CFPB. The DC Court has already enjoined the CFPB from terminating some 2,400 employees and taking other specific actions in pursuit of Vought\u2019s goal of minimizing the CFPB while the lawsuit is pending.\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDecember 16, 2025\n\nThe Honorable Russell Vought, Acting Director\n\nConsumer Financial Protection Bureau\n\n1700 G St. NW\n\nWashington, DC 20552\n\nDear Acting Director Vought:\n\nWe write to demand that you fulfill your obligation under the Dodd-Frank Act to ensure that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has the resources it needs to operate. The law is simple and obvious. It requires the CFPB to request the funding it needs each year from the Federal Reserve, which is then required to transfer the requested amount from its \u201ccombined earnings.\u201d The CFPB\u2019s role is only to make the funding request, not to question the source of the funding.\n\nNonetheless, you have solicited a spurious opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) in the Department of Justice to justify your position that the CFPB cannot seek funding from the Federal Reserve. Based on the OLC\u2019s disingenuous analysis that \u201ccombined earnings\u201d means profits and not revenues, the CFPB would be able to seek funding only in years in which the Federal Reserve happens to be profitable. It is laughable to argue that Americans should be protected from predatory lending and abusive financial practices only in years when the Federal Reserve makes an accounting profit. Indeed, three federal courts, including two within the Fifth Circuit, have considered this analysis and none of them has endorsed it.\n\nBut even under this discredited legal theory, there is no rationale for CFPB not to seek funding. According to both the Bank Policy Institute and the American Enterprise Institute, which have been highly critical of the CFPB, the Federal Reserve is on pace to turn a substantial profit this quarter of up to $2 billion. This amount far exceeds the CFPB\u2019s statutory funding cap. In other words, the Federal Reserve has ample \u201cprofits\u201d from which to meet the CFPB\u2019s funding needs.\n\nWe therefore request that you immediately submit a request to the Federal Reserve for the maximum allowable amount to carry out the activities of the CFPB, and we further request that you repudiate the OLC\u2019s opinion.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/bipartisan-ndaa-to-strengthen-national-security-and-boost-ri-jobs", "Bipartisan NDAA to Strengthen National Security & Boost RI Jobs", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "***VIDEO: SASC Ranking Member Reed delivers floor speech on FY26 NDAA***\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In an effort to strengthen military readiness, revitalize our industrial base, and provide our troops with a pay raise and the tools to deter and defeat adversaries, the U.S. Senate today voted 76-20 to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (S.1071). The measure already passed the full U.S. House of Representatives and is now on track for final passage by the full U.S. Senate later in the week.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted the bill authorizes $900.6 billion to strengthen and safeguard the nation, benefit U.S. troops and their families, improve the U.S. Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) acquisition process, protect civilian workers from arbitrary reductions in force, and boost Rhode Island\u2019s economy \u2013 bringing more good-paying jobs to the Ocean State.\n\nThe NDAA strengthens congressional oversight of the Administration, enhances existing defense programs, and improves pay and benefits for servicemembers -- including a 3.8 percent pay increase for all servicemembers. It includes major investments in science and technology to advance cutting-edge research and concrete support for key U.S. allies and partners, including Ukraine.\n\nSenator Reed stated: \u201cThis bipartisan, bicameral NDAA makes a lot of needed improvements that will help strengthen America\u2019s economic, industrial, and military might. It invests in our servicemembers by increasing their pay and it protects civilian DOD employees too. It includes major quality of life enhancements in areas like childcare, housing, education, and more. The acquisition reforms will help speed the development and fielding of new systems and technology to our forces on the front lines. And it authorizes critical investments in technology and advanced weapons systems; strengthens our cyber capabilities; and bolsters innovative research and development efforts.\u201d\n\nSignificantly, the bipartisan bill reaffirms America\u2019s global leadership by extending the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and authorizing additional security assistance to European partners. It strengthens our alliances in Asia by authorizing full funding the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and bolsters activities relating to the security partnership among Australia, United Kingdom, and the United States, known as AUKUS. Importantly, the bill seeks to guard against reckless reductions in U.S. force posture in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.\n\nTo improve congressional oversight of the Pentagon, the NDAA compels the Secretary of Defense to follow the law and submit to Congress a number of reports he has deliberately withheld. Specifically, the bill cuts off portions of the Secretary of Defense\u2019s budget until he submits the execute orders and unedited videos of the boat strikes related to ongoing operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The bill asserts congressional authority over several other areas in which the Secretary has been negligent.\n\nNotably, this year\u2019s NDAA would repeal the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) that was adopted in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq but subsequently used to underpin a host of military actions worldwide since 2002.\n\nRhode Island defense workers, contractors, and suppliers would benefit from shipbuilding funds to build the Columbia-class submarine and Virginia-class submarine. Thousands of Rhode Islanders make critical contributions to designing, engineering, and building these next generation submarines, which are made by General Dynamics Electric Boat.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA authorizes a $1.9 billion boost for the Virginia-class submarine program to ensure a two-per-year build rate. It also includes incremental funding authority for the Columbia-class submarine program to keep construction on track,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cAnd to strengthen our industrial base and boost wages for welders and shipyard workers at Quonset Point and Groton, Connecticut, and other places that help build submarines, it includes $615 million to help provide higher wages and workforce stability initiatives.\u201d\n\nIn April, the U.S. Navy signed an $18.4 billion contract awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat for production of two new Virginia-class fast attack submarines.\n\nHundreds of small businesses across Rhode Island supply the U.S. Department of Defense, and hardworking Rhode Islanders contribute to the creation of a wide range of military products, equipment, and services. Additionally, Rhode Island is home to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport; Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport; and the Naval War College. These facilities, along with leading academic research institutions and a network of suppliers and small businesses, contribute to a defense industry that is boosting Rhode Island\u2019s economy and leading to advancements in technology and innovation.\n\nA report by the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) shows that the total direct and indirect economic impact from defense spending in Rhode Island accounted for $7.6 billion in 2022. The report found that Rhode Island\u2019s defense industry is growing and supported a total of 34,068 direct and indirect jobs across the Ocean State with an annual payroll of $3 billion.\n\nOther initiatives that benefit Rhode Island include authorizations of:\n\n\u2022 $71.8 million for Navy applied research on undersea warfare technologies, led by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC);\n\n\u2022 $20 million for the Defense Established Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR), which ensures Rhode Island universities may compete to perform cutting-edge basic research and partner with defense labs;\n\n\u2022 $50 million in supplemental Impact Aid and $20 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities; and\n\n$190 million for Military Construction funding for four projects at NUWC Newport:\n\n$40 million for Consolidated RDT&E Systems Facility;\n\n$73 million for Next Generation Secure Submarine Platform Facility;\n\n$40 million for Submarine Payload Integration Laboratory; and\n\n$37 million for Next Generation Torpedo Integration Lab\n\nThe bill previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a vote of 312-112. Now that cloture has been invoked by the U.S. Senate, the bill will be debated and then voted on for final passage.\n\nOnce it fully clears Congress, President Donald Trump is expected to sign it into law. While the NDAA authorizes federal funding, Congress must also appropriate spending through a separate Defense Appropriations bill. Senator Reed is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on defense.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-deadly-shooting-at-brown-university", "Reed Statement on Deadly Shooting at Brown University", "2025-12-13", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 Tonight, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) released the following statement on the shooting at Brown University earlier today at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building:\n\n\u201cThis is a horrific, active, and unfolding tragedy and it is important that everyone listens to law enforcement as they continue working to ensure the entire campus and surrounding community is safe and this threat is neutralized.\n\n\u201cWe are heartbroken for the victims, their families, and all those impacted. Brown\u2019s students and its neighbors are shaken. Some families, classmates, and loved ones are gathered together in hospital waiting rooms at this very moment waiting for updates on patients. We are with them in spirit. They will need the support of all us in the days ahead.\n\n\u201cAs the situation evolves, my office is in direct contact with the Mayor\u2019s office, university officials, and law enforcement, as well as some of the individuals impacted. As information comes in, I will continue to closely monitor the situation. The FBI and ATF are assisting and will work to ensure every federal resource required is available to assist the state, the City of Providence, and Brown University\u2019s police and public safety officials. We appreciate the hard work and professionalism of our first responders and hospital staff.\n\n\u201cEvery lead is being followed, every bit of video evidence reviewed, and the manhunt will relentlessly continue. Whoever did this must be captured and our efforts will not cease until justice is served.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-asks-doj-watchdog-to-probe-trump-admins-favorable-treatment-for-convicted-sex-offender-ghislaine-maxwell", "Reed Asks DOJ Watchdog to Probe Trump Admin\u2019s Favorable Treatment for Convicted Sex Offender Ghislaine Maxwell", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Donald Trump has a well-documented decades long relationship with federal inmate number 02879-509, a British socialite and child sex trafficker named Ghislaine Maxwell.\n\nOn July 2, 2020, the FBI tracked Ms. Maxwell to a secluded home in New Hampshire and arrested her. She was subsequently charged, convicted, and began serving a 20-year sentence for multiple counts of child sex trafficking in June of 2022. Now she is reported to be actively seeking a potential pardon or commutation of her sentence from the president.\n\nSince the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell case was first investigated twenty years ago, it has centered on predators in power and the ability of the wealthy and well-connected to sexually abuse over 80 young women while avoiding accountability and escaping justice.\n\nNow, after his previous requests for information were ignored for months and stonewalled by the Trump Administration, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is asking an independent watchdog at the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into the unprecedented favorable treatment of federal inmate number 02879-509, who, despite being a sex offender who is just a few years into her sentence, has been transferred from a Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida, to the minimum security Federal Prison Camp Bryan \u2013 better known as \u2018Club Fed\u2019 in Bryan, Texas.\n\nThe mysterious transfer came just days after extensive meetings with President Trump\u2019s Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously represented Trump as his personal lawyer.\n\nSenator Reed wants the public to know: \u201cwho requested that Ms. Maxwell be transferred to a prison camp; identifying which officials granted approval; and specifying which rules or procedures were waived or invoked to effectuate the transfer.\u201d Reed is also asking the IG\u2019s office to determine \u201cwhether any DOJ officials played any role in, or engaged in any communication with BOP regarding, Ms. Maxwell\u2019s security designation and custody classification.\u201d\n\nThis month, DOJ officials requested that a Federal judge in New York release grand jury testimony from investigations into both Maxwell and Epstein. But the release of these materials would only amount to a fraction of the 300 gigabytes of Epstein-related material that DOJ and FBI officials themselves have previously stated they have in their possession, but have not yet been made publicly available.\n\nLast month, Congress enacted legislation requiring that DOJ release all unclassified documents, records, and communications related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell by December 19.\n\nThis is not the first time the media has reported on favorable behind the scenes treatment factoring into the Epstein case.\n\nAfter making a controversial deal in 2008 with the then-U.S. attorney in Miami -- who went on to become a cabinet member of President Donald Trump\u2019s first Administration \u2013 Jeffrey Epstein was convicted and sentenced in Florida on state prostitution charges even though federal prosecutors in South Florida had enough evidence to fill a 53-page federal indictment on sex trafficking charges and other crimes. Epstein served just 13 months before he was released. He was arrested again in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges.\n\nFull text of Reed\u2019s letter to the Acting Inspector General follows:\n\nMr. Don R. Berthiaume, Acting Inspector General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume:\n\nI write to request that you open an investigation into the favorable treatment of convicted child sex trafficker and sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, including her transfer to a minimum security prison camp, following her meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on July 24.\n\nOn August 6 and October 23, I wrote to Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director William Marshall seeking a formal explanation for Ms. Maxwell\u2019s transfer along with any justifying documentation. Those letters are enclosed. He has yet to respond to the questions I raised in these letters. But on September 16, FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that BOP made the decision to transfer Ms. Maxwell.\n\nGiven the highly unusual circumstances surrounding Ms. Maxwell\u2019s transfer and the enactment of a bipartisan law championed by victims of Ms. Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein requiring disclosure of information regarding their criminal conduct, I ask that you open an investigation covering the following issues, among others:\n\n1. Identifying officials at the Department of Justice (DOJ), BOP, or elsewhere, who requested that Ms. Maxwell be transferred to a prison camp; identifying which officials granted approval; and specifying which rules or procedures were waived or invoked to effectuate the transfer.\n\n2. Determining whether any DOJ officials played any role in, or engaged in any communication with BOP regarding, Ms. Maxwell\u2019s security designation and custody classification.\n\n3. Determining whether, in connection with her meeting with Mr. Blanche or otherwise, any inducements, incentives, or conditions were offered to Ms. Maxwell concerning her treatment or her sentence. If so, specify what was required of Ms. Maxwell in return.\n\n4. Determining how frequently BOP independently exercises discretion to redesignate and reclassify inmates convicted of the same crimes as Ms. Maxwell in manner that results in a lower security level, and what role DOJ typically plays in BOP\u2019s exercise of this discretion.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-end-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-safeguard-fema-mitigation-program", "Reed & Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard FEMA Mitigation Program", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 For years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has provided communities across the country with resources to proactively fortify their infrastructure against natural disasters, such as building floodwalls, fortifying bridges, or protecting wastewater treatment facilities from floods. But the Trump Administration tried to unilaterally defund and dismantle the program.\n\nIn an effort to make it easier for communities across the nation to better protect critical, at-risk infrastructure and community assets from worsening natural disasters, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced a bipartisan bill that would reinstate the BRIC program and protect it against elimination in the future.\n\nThe Building Resilience and Stronger Communities Act (S.3403) reestablishes BRIC, protects it against future cancellation, and makes key changes to amplify the local impact of federal investments made through the program.\n\nEarlier this year, the Trump Administration attempted to cancel the BRIC program and prevent congressionally-appropriated BRIC funding from being distributed to states, claiming it was \u201cwasteful and ineffective.\u201d Today, a U.S. District Court judge stepped in to block the Administration\u2019s effort to terminate the program and claw back funding. As the legal process continues, Reed and Murkowski\u2019s bill will ensure the program is protected against future cancellation by requiring that FEMA administer the program, rather than leaving it as an option for the administration.\n\n\u201cAn ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to disaster preparedness, every dollar we proactively invest in boosting the resilience of our communities helps us save big in the long-term,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cI am pleased to team with up with Senator Murkowski on this bill and appreciate her leadership to help protect critical infrastructure. Our bipartisan legislation will reinstate and protect the BRIC program against future cancellation. At the same time, it will make it easier for Rhode Island\u2019s towns and cities of all sizes to leverage federal funds for projects that better protect their community assets, homes, and businesses and save taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nSince 2020, BRIC has directed more than $4.5 billion in federal investments that have helped communities across the country prepare for natural disasters, reduce the impacts of disasters, promote long-term safety, and better steward taxpayer funds through proactive and wise investments. Through BRIC, local governments have been able to carry out essential projects such as elevating at-risk infrastructure, reinforcing bridges, and improving drainage systems.\n\nStudies have found that every dollar invested in resilience and preparedness save communities between $13 to $18 in damages, cleanup costs, and economic impact.\n\nThe legislation introduced by Senators Reed and Murkowski will make it easier for small communities to leverage BRIC funding. Commonsense reforms in the bill include increasing the federal cost-share for small projects and for efforts to protect critical facilities like hospitals, schools, police and fire stations, and power stations. The bill also expands eligibility to ensure tribal governments can access funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/republicans-block-the-lower-health-care-costs-act", "Republicans Block the Lower Health Care Costs Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 By a vote of 51-48, Senate Republicans today filibustered passage of the Lower Health Care Costs Act, a clean 3-year extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Despite picking up support from four Senate Republicans, the bill fell 9 votes short of clearing the filibuster\u2019s 60-vote threshold.\n\nThe Lower Health Care Costs Act, unanimously supported by Senate Democrats and Independents, would have ensured that consumers purchasing an ACA plan pay no more than 8.5 percent of their income on monthly health insurance premiums.\n\nForty-eight Senate Republicans voted against the bill, which means the ACA tax credits will expire at the end of the month absent a massive change on the part of Republicans and President Trump.\n\nIf that happens, roughly 24 million Americans will see the cost of their health care spike by an average of 114 percent, according to the non-partisan health research organization KFF. In Rhode Island, Republican obstruction of the bill means the state could lose $130 million in federal support, a sum that is not easily made up with a state-subsidized plan. Meanwhile, over 40,000 Rhode Islanders would face higher health care costs and up to 13,000 could lose coverage entirely, according to estimates from HealthSource RI.\n\nAdditionally, by forcing more Americans to lose their ACA health coverage, Republicans are also pushing the price of health insurance higher for everyone, as the remaining population on insurance will be sicker on average, a condition that health care experts often refer to as a worse \u201crisk pool.\u201d That makes it costlier for companies to insure the average policyholder. So as the Congressional Budget Office points out, the result of millions of consumers dropping their health insurance means that insurance will likely get more expensive for those who still have it.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cCongress needs to lower health care costs, but Senate Republicans just voted to double people\u2019s health premiums overnight, destabilize the health care marketplace, and impose steep price increases on working Americans.\n\n\u201cBy denying people access to affordable, comprehensive care, and through their devastating Medicaid cuts, Congressional Republicans are increasing the odds of hospital and nursing home closures and making life more difficult for caregivers too.\n\n\u201cThe ACA works because it is cost-effective and benefits everyone. But under the Trump Administration, Republican attacks on affordable health care and the ACA have been relentless. Their so-called \u2018big ugly bill\u2019 cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and health programs. And now, at the same time the president is prioritizing $20 billion in taxpayer dollars to prop up Argentina\u2019s economy, he is pricing people out of their health coverage or forcing them to pay double just to keep what they already had.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump calls affordability a \u201choax.\u201d He is wrong. People understand this issue. They can feel the rising cost of health care and see their loved ones forced into untenable decisions. It is crystal clear who is on their side and who is putting the interest of billionaires ahead of working families.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t give up and Democrats won\u2019t stop working to make health care more affordable for all Americans. There is still time to pass a simple extension and prevent an avoidable health care crisis, but Congressional Republicans need to come to the table. I will continue pushing practical, people-first solutions to restore these tax credits, restrain cost increases across the health care system, and make the ACA more effective and affordable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-congressional-colleagues-warn-trumps-u-turn-on-ai-chip-sales-to-china-is-a-colossal-economic-and-national-security-failure", "Reed & Congressional Colleagues Warn Trump\u2019s U-Turn on AI Chip Sales to China is a \u201cColossal Economic and National Security Failure\u201d", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- In a potentially significant blow to U.S. national security, President Trump announced that his Administration is reversing course and will greenlight the sale of NVIDIA\u2019s powerful H200 chips to China, the second most powerful chip it currently produces. This is a major win for China\u2019s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities -- including AI-enabled military capabilities -- and a financial windfall for the chipmaker, but one that could come at a steep price for long-term U.S. interests and in the near term erodes a U.S. leadership advantage in advanced AI.\n\nThis week, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned President Trump\u2019s transactional maneuver and whether it is wise for the U.S. to lift the export controls and allow NVIDIA\u2019s advanced chips to supercharge China\u2019s AI factories, capabilities, and infrastructure.\n\n\u201cThis flawed, transactional decision without a broader AI export control strategy could gift China\u2019s military key technology gains and seems completely divorced from any consideration of America\u2019s economic and national security interests,\u201d noted Reed.\n\nCongressional Republicans have also sounded the alarm. U.S. Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI), the chairman of the House\u2019s Select Committee on Competition with China posted: \u201cThe CCP [Chinese Communist Party] will use these highly advanced chips to strengthen its military capabilities and totalitarian surveillance.\u201d\n\nSenator Reed joined several of his national security colleagues in panning the move as a \u201ccolossal economic and national security failure\u201d and noting the sale of these sensitive chips to China offers the Chinese military \u201ctransformational 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.\u201d\n\nReed issued a joint statement with U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee; Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS); Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance; Michael Bennet (D-CO), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee; and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, sounding the alarm:\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 the eight U.S. senators stated.\n\nIn 2022, the Biden Administration imposed sweeping restrictions on sales of advanced chips to China. On December 8, President Trump reversed that policy and approved the sale of NVIDIA\u2019s H200 chips to \u201capproved customers\u201d in China, in exchange for 25 percent of the NVIDIA chip sale proceeds \u201cwill be paid to the United States of America,\u201d in some sort of profit-sharing deal. According to the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce is currently \u201cfinalizing the details\u201d of H200 sales and will allow other U.S. chip manufacturers to sell advanced chips to China.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-republicans-to-put-politics-aside-extend-affordable-care-act-tax-credits", "Reed Urges Republicans to Put Politics Aside, Extend Affordable Care Act Tax Credits", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "***VIDEO: Sen. Reed delivers remarks urging Senate to pass bill extending key ACA tax credits***\n\nWASHINGTON, DC -- Ahead of this week\u2019s U.S. Senate vote to prevent health insurance premiums from skyrocketing for tens of millions of Americans, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging members of Congress to put politics aside and prevent massive cost increases to people\u2019s health premiums.\n\nEver since President Trump signed a law in July cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid that will hit families, seniors, hospitals, nursing homes, and more, Senator Reed has been working to try to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and prevent roughly 24 million Americans from seeing a sudden spike in healthcare costs. Without the enhanced premium tax credits, ACA enrollees are facing average premium increases of 114 percent in 2026.\n\nMany consumers have been delaying their health enrollment this year, partly because of the uncertainty over whether Republicans would block renewal of the ACA tax credits. Now it\u2019s crunch time for Republicans who must decide before December 15th, if they are willing to help those wanting seamless health coverage starting on January 1, 2026 (note: you can shop for health coverage on Health Source RI through January 31, 2026 for coverage that starts later).\n\nSenator Reed and all Senate Democrats unanimously support a clean, three-year extension of the ACA premium tax credits. But there\u2019s no agreement yet from Republicans, who have offered their own last minute proposal, which would force families off their current comprehensive insurance plans and onto junk plans that leave them at real risk of falling into crippling medical debt if they develop a chronic illness.\n\nIf Senate Republicans force the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits at the end of the year it will drive up costs and Rhode Island could lose $130 million in federal support, a sum that is not easily made up with a state-subsidized plan. Meanwhile, over 40,000 Rhode Islanders would face higher health care costs and up to 13,000 could lose coverage entirely, according to estimates from HealthSource RI.\n\nForcing people to go without health care does not save taxpayers money and ends up increasing costs for everyone as the remaining population on insurance will be sicker on average, a condition that health care experts often refer to as a worse \u201crisk pool.\u201d That makes it costlier for companies to insure the average policyholder. So as the Congressional Budget Office points out, the result of millions of consumers dropping their health insurance means that insurance will likely get more expensive for those who still have it.\n\nReed implored his colleagues not to set health care progress back and take affordable health insurance away from those who need it.\n\nSenator Reed noted that Congress has a responsibility to help protect families and ensure they can afford a health insurance plan that meets their needs, not force them to go without coverage, which ends up costing taxpayers more in the long run as greater numbers of people without health insurance seek uncompensated care in emergency rooms.\n\n\u201cWorking families are already struggling to get by and President Trump\u2019s tariffs are already raising the cost of living and increasing prices. If Republicans in Congress refuse to act, people in their states aren\u2019t going to be able to afford coverage. And without coverage, the sad fact is some will not survive. So I hope my Republican colleagues will listen to their constituents and act in their best interests,\u201d stated Reed.\n\nSenator Reed delivered a floor speech on the Senate floor where he shared stories from several constituents, including:\n\nJeffrey from Westerly, Rhode Island wrote this to me:\n\n\u201cI am a retiree on a fixed income purchasing my health insurance through HealthSource RI. Today, I received a letter in the mail from the State of Rhode Island outlining the shocking details comparing my 2025 medical insurance costs with those projected for 2026.\n\n\u201cTo give context, my current health insurance plan for my wife and I costs $1,181.86 per month, and after Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC) of $896.58, we pay $285.28. The health insurance plan I have is projected to increase to $1,505.47 in 2026, for a 27.4% increase!! That in and of itself seems unconscionable with inflation running about 3% currently. However, the real kicker is that my tax credits are expected to expire and be $0 for 2026, which in real terms to me means that my health insurance monthly costs will skyrocket from $285.28 to $1,505.47, for a whopping increase of 428%!!!\u201d\n\nNino from Wakefield, Rhode Island similarly said:\n\n\u201cI just got my estimated charges for healthcare in 2026 from HealthSourceRI. My cost is going up by over 300%!!!\n\n\u201cI can\u2019t imagine how many of the 42 million Americans with ACA healthcare exchanges will lose their healthcare if the subsidies are not reinstated!\u201d\n\nLeigh wrote to me, saying:\n\n\u201c\u2026.[M]y insurance rates will climb on the marketplace from $773 to over $1300 and will be unaffordable. Without health insurance, I will die. I live with rare diseases that pose life threatening effects on a daily basis.\n\n\u201cWe have no spare funds for an increase in our health insurance. This administration is trying to take away the only thing that is keeping me alive. I am a productive member of society. I am a defense contractor, I am a graduate student. I am a dog mom. I am a neighbor, friend, and community advocate. I matter.\n\n\u201cPlease fight for me. Don't stop fighting for my ability to have health insurance and stay alive. If I go more than 3 days without meds, I can end up in the ER with a stroke. I need my job to afford meds. I need health insurance to be able to work. I need a graduate degree to keep my job. I'm supposed to graduate in Dec 2025 with a masters in system engineering. I need a car to get to school to get my degree. I need meds to drive my car.\u201d\n\nThese are real people facing impossible decisions about their health care. And it\u2019s not just happening in Rhode Island. There are people like Jeffrey, Nino, and Leigh in every state. And the tough choices they are facing are entirely avoidable. This bill we are about to vote on would do just that\u2026 prevent these drastic increases in health care costs\u2026 extend the tax credits\u2026 and provide certainty to everyone shopping for health care right now.\n\nThe Senate is scheduled to vote tomorrow on the extension of ACA tax credits.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-trumps-tariffs-jilt-american-farmers-and-consumers-his-proposed-bailout-could-make-things-worse", "As Trump\u2019s Tariffs Jilt American Farmers & Consumers, His Proposed Bailout Could Make Things Worse", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In a dubious effort to try and soften the blow to farmers negatively impacted by President Donald Trump\u2019s unilateral tariff taxes and reckless trade war maneuvers, the White House is planning a $12 billion farm aid package.\n\nAccording to news reports, much of the U.S. taxpayer funded aid -- $11 billion -- will be distributed in one time payments to major row crop farmers as a part of what the Trump Administration is calling \u201cbridge\u201d payments. The remaining $1 billion will go toward producers of fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s tariffs are making things more expensive for average Americans. On the world stage, he\u2019s become an unreliable partner to our allies and an unstable force for trade. As a result, he\u2019s raising prices for consumers, undermining economic growth and holding back job creation and economic investment in the Grain Belt and across the country. Now, like an arsonist-firefighter who ignites a blaze in order to ride to the \u2018so-called rescue,\u2019 he is once again touting a bailout for farmers due to the financial catastrophe and market losses his chaotic policies created.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s \u2018farmageddon\u2019 tariff taxes have absolutely hammered family farmers by raising their costs and shrinking their foreign markets. His own Agriculture Department projects that U.S. crop receipts will hit an 18-year low this year, driven in large part by a Chinese boycott of American soybeans during this year\u2019s trade war. This half-baked bailout scheme to unequally return a fraction of the funds Trump\u2019s tariffs took from farmers and consumers is likely to be unevenly distributed and further distort the market. Instead of helping farmers and allowing them to compete on an even playing field, it could end up prolonging and exacerbating the economic downturn for rural America. The Trump Administration will pick winners and losers and small family farmers are the ones most likely to lose out while big agribusinesses and wealthy landowners cash-in. Our farmers want a chance to work and trade, not rely on more government aid.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, American consumers are left paying higher prices and get no relief. The president should work with Congress to help make things easier for farmers, not harder. Instead of turning America\u2019s grain belt into a rust belt, we need to win back customers for U.S. grown crops, not raise prices and make America less competitive.\n\n\u201cThe House should join the Senate in passing legislation that reins in Trump\u2019s reckless tariffs and the Supreme Court should make it clear the president has totally overstepped his bounds and exceeded his authority by imposing these sweeping and unjust import taxes.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. Supreme Court could rule as soon as this month on the validity of the Trump Administration\u2019s so-called \u2018emergency tariffs.\u2019 President Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy blanket tariffs on goods from other countries. But Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government with oversight of taxation and spending -- not the president and the executive branch.\n\nThe U.S. Senate has repeatedly voted on a bipartisan basis to reject Trump\u2019s tariffs and support resolutions to terminate Trump\u2019s misuse of emergency powers to enact steep tariffs on American consumers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/republican-inaction-reed-rallies-support-for-vote-to-extend-key-aca-tax-credits-for-3-years", "Amidst Republican Inaction, Reed Rallies Support for Vote to Extend Key ACA Tax Credits for 3 Years", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI -- The U.S. Senate is set to vote this coming week on extending current Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for over 21 million Americans -- including about 40,000 Rhode Islanders -- through a clean three-year extension before they expire at the end of the year.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) supports the bill and is urging his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to renew the tax credits, which have helped millions of Americans afford to buy quality health insurance that meets their needs. If Republicans force the tax credits to expire, Americans across the country, regardless of where they get their health insurance, will face higher health costs and spiking premiums.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s imperative that Congress work to bring health care costs down, but President Trump\u2019s policies are forcing people to pay more to see a doctor or fill a prescription,\u201d said Senator Reed. \"Democrats are unified around lowering health care costs for working Americans and have put forth a plan to prevent the doubling of health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. If Republicans block this bill it will send premium costs soaring and could trigger a tidal wave of hospital shutdowns and nursing home closures. Republicans took nearly one trillion from Medicaid in their billionaire-first mega bill and now average working families are the ones who could soon pay the price.\u201d\n\nRegardless of whether Americans have employer-sponsored insurance or purchase it through the ACA, people across all income levels could face health care changes in 2026 if Republicans for federal insurance subsidies to expire and Trump\u2019s sweeping Medicaid cuts begin to take effect.\n\nThe enhanced ACA tax credits help Americans who earn up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level pay for insurance. Without those subsidies, experts at HealthSource RI say many Rhode Islanders could see their average monthly health costs double, depending on their circumstances and level of coverage. HealthSource RI enrollees are projected to pay about $111 more per person per month unless Republicans in Congress join with Democrats to extend enhanced federal tax credits that are expiring at the end of the year.\n\nThe vote to extend the ACA tax credits was procured last month as part of negotiations to end the federal government shutdown.\n\nDemocrats would need the support of at least 13 Republican Senators in order to overcome a filibuster, and even if the full Senate passes the bill it is unclear whether House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) would allow a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives before the end of the year.\n\n\u201cDemocrats are the only ones with a concrete plan. Not still distant \u2018concepts of a plan,\u2019 but an actual plan. Republicans have disparaged Obamacare since it first became law fifteen years ago. And for the last fifteen years, the law has grown more popular as people see how it works, even as Republicans try to sabotage it,\u201d said Reed. \u201cI am for comprehensive coverage, smart reforms, anything that actually improves the law and enhances people\u2019s lives and ensures they can afford the care they need. But I do not support this partisan blockade that is based on spite and will cost some families access to health care altogether. Republicans need to get their act together and get to work.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-colleagues-call-on-mcmahon-to-reverse-unlawful-attempts-to-dismantle-us-department-of-education-and-outsource-responsibilities", "Reed, Colleagues Call on McMahon to Reverse Unlawful Attempts to Dismantle U.S. Department of Education & Outsource Responsibilities", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined 35 of his Senate colleagues in taking U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to task for attempting to shirk her duties and unlawfully transfer core Department of Education responsibilities to the departments of Labor, Interior, State, and Health and Human Services. The Senators sent a letter slamming the Trump Administration\u2019s recent announcement that it has signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core functions that students and their families rely on and called on the Secretary to reverse these latest steps that would further erode the Department of Education.\n\nThe 36 senators accused Secretary McMahon of creating \u201ceven 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.\u201d\n\nToday, Senator Reed stated: \u201cAlmost 90 percent of Rhode Island children attend public schools. Making sure they are well-resourced is critical for children and our nation\u2019s economic future. The Trump Administration is shortchanging students and public schools nationwide. Trump\u2019s reckless education cuts and dismantling of the Department of Education are sowing chaos in the programs that support students from academics to mental health to preparing them to succeed in college. The Trump Administration isn\u2019t cutting red tape, it is cynically transferring responsibilities to other agencies, adding exponential layers of bureaucracy, and making it harder for taxpayers to get the services they pay for. Instead of focusing on how to improve their schools and meet their students\u2019 needs, local school districts will be forced to jump through new hoops and could be shuttled between three or four different federal departments \u2013 with little expertise in education and public school systems. This is not a streamlined way to get people the answers and information they need to access resources Congress has provided to support our students. This plan deserves an F because it is failure by design.\u201d\n\nThe letter notes: \u201cThe actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education 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.\u201d\n\nThe letter continues: \u201cWe 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\n\n\u201cWe 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. \u2026 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,\u201d added the senators.\n\nThe senators continued: \u201cUnfortunately, 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.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senator Reed, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bernie Sanders (I-ME), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\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's 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. Moreover, 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,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-whitehouse-and-kelly-want-airlines-that-cause-cancellations_delays-to-compensate-passengers-with-cash", "Reed, Whitehouse & Kelly Want Airlines That Cause Cancellations & Delays to Compensate Passengers with Cash", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 In an effort to require airlines to provide financial compensation to passengers if air carriers cause significant delays, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are teaming up with U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and a dozen of their colleagues to introduce the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act (S.3347).\n\nThis new legislation would better protect passengers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The bill would also direct the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate airlines reimburse passengers for hotels, meals, and transportation to lodging as a result of flight disruptions, regardless of the cause of the delay.\n\nThe Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act comes in response to the Trump Administration\u2019s cancellation of a popular consumer protection rule in the making that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for preventable travel cancellations or delays.\n\n\u201cFlying is already stressful and expensive. Airlines have to be accountable when they cost the American people money and travelers are left stranded,\u201d said Senator Kelly. \u201cWe\u2019re working to make sure that passengers are protected so that cancellations and delays don\u2019t cost them money out of their own pockets.\u201d\n\n\u201cTravelers shouldn\u2019t have to foot the bill for airline-caused flight delays or cancellations. This bill would require DOT to reinstate common-sense compensation for passengers when they experience lengthy flight delays or cancellations within the airline\u2019s control,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\n\u201cAir travel disruptions cost passengers time, aggravation and money,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cOur commonsense legislation would hold airlines accountable for disruptions, providing travelers cash compensation and fair reimbursements when travel plans get fouled up, and giving airlines more incentive not to foul them up in the first place.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Kelly, Reed, and Whitehouse, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumental (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-WA).\n\nMultiple consumer and air traveler advocates are supporting the legislation:\n\n\u201cDelays and cancellations are far and away the Number 1 complaint of airline passengers. Most are due to causes within airline control such as lack of airworthy equipment, flight personnel or not enough paying passengers, not weather or air traffic control. FlyersRights, the largest airline passenger organization, believes delay compensation is essential to improve air travel reliability and endorses the subject legislation. Delay compensation is the norm outside the US. Recent studies show major increases in lengthy delays is accelerating,\u201d said FlyersRights President Paul Hudson.\n\n\u201cAt a time when this DOT appears to be abandoning the public, it\u2019s critical for Congress to step up,\u201d said National Consumers League Senior Public Policy Manager Eden Iscil. \u201cThis bill would bring consumer protections for flying into the 21st Century and in line with those found in many international jurisdictions. There\u2019s no reason an American airline should provide better care for its passengers when departing from Frankfurt while still denying those same basic accommodations for flights out of Phoenix.\u201d\n\nUnder the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, the DOT would be required to issue regulations that:\n\nRequire the DOT to establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) that includes consumer protection groups to develop recommendations for how to implement rules that would require air carriers to provide consumers experiencing significant flight disruptions cash compensation, free rebooking, and reimbursements for passenger care needs such as meals, lodging for overnight delays, and transportation to and from lodging;\n\nRequire the ARC to develop recommendations for passenger compensation in alignment with foreign standards, including the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) Air Passenger Protection Regulations and Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council;\n\nSet a baseline standard of compensation of at least $300 for a delay of more than 3 hours but less than 6 hours; and at least $600 for a delay of 6 hours or more;\n\nDirect DOT to undertake a rulemaking to implement the ARC recommendations within 90 days after the ARC report is submitted; and", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-book-bans-spread-reed-and-grijalva-introduce-right-to-read-act-to-boost-literacy_strengthen-school-libraries", "As Book Bans Spread, Reed & Grijalva Introduce Right to Read Act to Boost Literacy & Strengthen School Libraries", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Literacy opens the door for lifelong opportunity and economic success. To make sure this door is open to every child, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07) introduced the Right to Read Act, which will close gaps in access to school library resources and surge federal investment in support of increasing student literacy across America.\n\nIn the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, reading scores for American nine-year-olds have dropped to their lowest point since 1990.\n\nResearch consistently shows that access to school libraries makes a big difference in giving kids the skills and inspiration they need to become proficient and enthusiastic readers. Students who utilize their school libraries have 73 percent higher literacy rates than their peers who do not. However, not every student has access to a school library or school librarian.\n\nThe Department of Education\u2019s National Center for Education Statistics reports that about 8,830 public schools across America do not have a school library. For schools that do, nearly 17,000 do not have a full- or part-time librarian. Vulnerable students face even greater disadvantages in accessing strong school library programs, with students experiencing the highest levels of poverty being 30 percent more likely to not have a school library at all.\n\nSchool libraries are most effective when they offer resources that resonate, engage, and empower students. Yet, during the 2024-2025 school year, PEN America recorded 6,870 instances of book bans across 23 states and 87 public school districts. Since 2021, the organization has tracked nearly 23,000 book bans in public schools.\n\nThe Right to Read Act will help close these gaps, ensuring that students have evidence-based reading instruction, well stocked and staffed school libraries, family literacy programs, a wide range of reading materials, and the freedom to choose what to read. It also addresses the information digital literacy needs of today\u2019s students. The bill goes further to strengthen effective school libraries by investing in recruiting and retaining state-certified school librarians and supporting staff working to broaden access to library collections.\n\n\u201cOur students deserve to have an education that prepares them for future success. Decades of research tells us that strong school library programs help our students improve test scores, deepen their understanding of key topics, and achieve higher graduation rates,\u201d said Senator Reed, the leading champion for libraries in Congress. \u201cThe Right to Read Act makes sure that every student across America has access to the opportunities that literacy provides them through high-quality, appropriately staffed school libraries and a wide range of books and reading material to choose from.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former school board member, I\u2019ve seen how libraries can spark confidence, curiosity, and opportunity for our children,\u201d said Congresswoman Grijalva. \u201cBut today, thousands of students \u2013 especially those in our highest-poverty schools \u2013 don\u2019t have access to a library or a certified librarian. At the same time, politically-motivated book bans are limiting the stories and ideas students can explore. Books open doors; censorship closes them. The Right to Read Act tackles these inequities head-on by investing in evidence-based literacy, rebuilding and staffing school libraries, and defending every child\u2019s right to read.\u201d\n\nThe Right to Read Act would reauthorize the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant program at $500 million and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program at $100 million.\n\nThis legislation reaffirms that first amendment rights apply to school libraries in response to the alarming trend of book banning, and it protects school librarians and other educators in carrying out their duty to protect students\u2019 right to read.\n\nIn addition to Senator Jack Reed and Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate and U.S. Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and Summer Lee (D-PA-12) in the House.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the American Library Association (ALA) and its division, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), as well as the American Federation of Teachers, PEN America, Reach Out and Read, the National Education Association, and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).\n\n\u201cSchool librarians and media specialists uplift students every school day across our nation\u201d said American Library Association President Sam Helmick.\u201d Librarians help students learn to read and inspire them to read to learn. The Right to Read Act strengthens the resources they depend on, ensuring every student has early, equitable access to up-to-date books, technology, and expert guidance. We applaud Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Adelita Grijalva for championing this essential legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe evidence is clear: well-resourced school libraries and certified school librarians are not optional, they are foundational to student success,\u201d said American Association of School Librarians President Amanda Kordeliski. \u201cMore than fifty years of research across over sixty studies show that students with access to full-time, state-certified librarians and robust collections consistently perform better academically. When we invest in school librarians, we are investing in equity, literacy, and the future of our communities.\"\n\n\u201cAs educators, we know that reading opens the world for kids. Literacy is fundamental to student success, empowerment and a strong democracy. The Right to Read Act ensures students have access to evidence-based reading instruction and a well-stocked school library. The legislation shares our goal of encouraging a love of reading and ensuring teachers, paraprofessionals and librarians have the resources they need. Sen. Reed is a champion for literacy and libraries because he knows that literacy is foundational to our kids\u2019 success in school and in life,\u201d said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.\n\n\u201cPEN America applauds U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Adelita Grialva for reintroducing the Right to Read Act. Public school libraries are gateways for young readers to learn about themselves and others through the stories, experiences, and histories shared in books. Efforts to ensure access to libraries and books for students are essential in upholding our rights to read and learn,\u201d said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America.\n\n\u201cReach Out and Read applauds Senator Reed and Representative Grijalva for reintroducing the Right to Read Act, which calls for increasing the authorization for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program to $100 million. The IAL program serves an important role creating a comprehensive approach to early childhood literacy and development, including pediatric literacy programs used by trained medical providers during well-child visits. Reach Out and Read looks forward to working with Congress to continue bringing attention to early literacy and child development,\u201d said Dr. Lynette Fraga, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Reach Out and Read.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-dod-inspector-general-report-on-secretary-hegseths-mishandling-of-classified-information", "Reed Statement on DOD Inspector General Report on Secretary Hegseth's Mishandling of Classified Information", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement responding to the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General report on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's use of Signal to share highly sensitive operational information:\n\n\u201cThe Inspector General's findings confirm that Secretary Hegseth violated military regulations and continues to show reckless disregard for the safety of American servicemembers.\n\n\u201cThe report makes clear that Secretary Hegseth violated Department of Defense policies and shared information that was classified at the time it was sent to him. These were precise strike timings and locations that, had they fallen into enemy hands, could have enabled the Houthis to target American pilots. Contrary to the Administration\u2019s claims, this report is the opposite of \u2018total exoneration\u2019 for the Secretary. The IG concluded this information could have jeopardized the mission and endangered U.S. personnel.\n\n\u201cFor months, Secretary Hegseth has attempted to mislead Congress and the American people, claiming repeatedly that no classified information was involved. The Inspector General has now definitively cast doubt on those false assurances.\n\n\u201cWhile the report notes that Secretary Hegseth has declassification authority, it fails to explain why he believed it appropriate or necessary to declassify and share sensitive battlefield information on an unsecured commercial platform with unauthorized recipients, including family members and his personal attorney. It is also clear that he did not follow established procedures for declassification that apply to every other classification official throughout the Department.\n\n\u201cThe IG's findings reinforce a troubling pattern: there appear to be two standards in Mr. Hegseth's Pentagon: one for himself, and one for everyone else. If any other military servicemember or Defense Department employee engaged in similar conduct, they would face severe consequences, including potential prosecution.\n\n\u201cI want to thank Acting Inspector General Stebbins and his team for their thorough and professional work on this investigation. Chairman Wicker and I requested an independent review that would provide the American people with a complete accounting of the facts, and the Inspector General provided it.\n\n\u201cThis report validates the serious concerns I hold about Secretary Hegseth's judgment, competence, and fitness to lead our nation's military. I urge Secretary Hegseth to explain himself to Congress, the public, and the servicemembers he leads. The men and women of our armed forces deserve leadership they can trust with their lives.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-september-2nd-boat-strike-briefing", "Reed Statement on September 2nd Boat Strike Briefing", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after receiving a briefing on the Trump Administration\u2019s September 2nd boat strike in the Caribbean:\n\n\u201cI am deeply disturbed by what I saw this morning. The Department of Defense has no choice but to release the complete, unedited footage of the September 2nd strike, as the President has agreed to do. This briefing confirmed my worst fears about the nature of the Trump Administration\u2019s military activities, and demonstrates exactly why the Senate Armed Services Committee has repeatedly requested \u2013 and been denied \u2013 fundamental information, documents, and facts about this operation. This must and will be the only beginning of our investigation into this incident.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act", "Reed Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has joined with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to introduce a resolution marking 50 years since Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).\n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral measure was introduced by U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.) in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe resolution recognizes the historic step IDEA took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education.\n\n\u201cCongress passed IDEA to ensure all students have the same access to a high-quality public education that prepares them for a successful future. Millions of students, families, and educators have benefited from this critical legislation and the expanded reach of special education services it has fueled over the years,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cAs we mark five decades since the bill was signed into law, we must join together and renew our shared commitment to the promise of full inclusion that IDEA gives to students with disabilities and their families.\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 Senator Van Hollen, who has also introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act.\n\n\u201cAll children deserve an education that gives them the resources they need to reach their full potential,\u201d said Dr. 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\nThis resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), 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 Lujan (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.). In the House, it is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.-08), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.-01), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.-01), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif-01), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30), John Mannion (D-N.Y.-22), James Moylan (R-Guam), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.-27), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.-24), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22).\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.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-colleagues-urge-us-treasury-secretary-to-reject-proposed-dollar-coin-designs-featuring-sitting-president", "Reed, Colleagues Urge U.S. Treasury Secretary to Reject Proposed Dollar Coin Designs Featuring Sitting President", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and several Senate Democrats in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling on him to reject the proposed designs for the Semiquincentennial dollar coin featuring the likeness of President Donald Trump.\n\n\u201cAmerican lawmakers throughout history have reaffirmed the time-honored tradition of not circulating U.S. currency with images of currently elected officials,\u201d wrote the nine U.S. Senators. \u201cFor centuries, minting sitting presidents on U.S. currency has been avoided to prevent the appearance that the U.S. is a monarchy or subject to a cult of personality. While the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have featured images of former Queen Elizabeth II for decades, and now also feature King Charles III on their banknotes, the United States has never, and we should not now, mint circulating currency with images of currently elected officials.\u201d\n\nOn November 18, the U.S. Mint published draft designs for the Semiquincentennial $1 Coin, which include three different portrait options placing President Trump on the front of the coin. The Senators continue: \u201cA portrait of President Trump is the only CCAC proposed design option for the semiquincentennial $1 coin, all but confirming the U.S. Mint intends to mint a circulating coin with a portrait of President Trump while he is in office. Putting an image of President Trump on a circulating coin is not only inconsistent with congressional intent to honor 250 years of United States\u2019 history, but also un-American. We should not depict a living, current president on U.S. currency.\u201d\n\nAdditional signatories of the letter include U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nAmerican lawmakers throughout history have reaffirmed the time-honored tradition of not circulating U.S. currency with images of currently elected officials. For centuries, minting sitting presidents on U.S. currency has been avoided to prevent the appearance that the U.S. is a monarchy or subject to a cult of personality. While the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have featured images of former Queen Elizabeth II for decades, and now also feature King Charles III on their banknotes, the United States has never, and we should not now, mint circulating currency with images of currently elected officials.\n\nUnfortunately, on November 18, 2025, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) published the semiquincentennial $1 coin design proposals, which includes three different portrait options of President Trump on the obverse design. A portrait of President Trump is the only CCAC proposed design option for the semiquincentennial $1 coin, all but confirming the U.S. Mint intends to mint a circulating coin with a portrait of President Trump while he is in office. Putting an image of President Trump on a circulating coin is not only inconsistent with congressional intent to honor 250 years of United States\u2019 history, but also un-American. We should not depict a living, current president on U.S. currency.\n\nFurthermore, historically, federal law forbids the inclusion of living people on U.S. currency. The Contraction Act of 1866 (31 U.S.C. \u00a7 5114(b)). specifically states that \u201c[o]nly the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities.\u201d2The potential inclusion of President Trump\u2019s image on a semiquincentennial coin would violate 31 U.S.C. \u00a7 5114(b).\n\nWhen Congress passed the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-330), it was seen as an opportunity for the U.S. Mint to honor our Nation\u2019s Semiquincentennial by providing unique quarters and dollars related to our long history. The law clearly requires that the designs selected by you following your consultation with the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the CCAC be \u201cemblematic of the United States semiquincentennial, including at least one quarter dollar design emblematic of a woman\u2019s or women\u2019s contribution to the birth of the Nation or the Declaration of Independence or any other monumental moments in American History.\u201d It also requires that your design selections be made \u201cin consultation with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and with recommendations from the general public.\u201d As the coin design featuring President Trump does not satisfy those requirements, you must reject it.\n\nThere is a time and place for Presidents to be honored with circulating currency. The Presidential $1 Coin Act (PL: 109-145) would provide that honor upon the death of the President. That authority has expired. The Presidential and First Spouse Coin Act of 2025 (S. 633) would automatically mint $1 coins for all presidents posthumously. All Presidents who have died, with the exception of the recently deceased President Jimmy Carter, have been honored with a $1 circulating coin.\n\nIn closing, we urge you to follow the intent of the law and choose designs for the Semiquincentennial quarter and dollar that honor images and concepts foundational to American history, not those honoring or promoting the current President of the United States.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-welcomes-24-million-in-liheap-aid-to-help-riers-lower-home-energy-bills", "Reed Welcomes $24 Million in LIHEAP Aid to Help RIers Lower Home Energy Bills", "2025-12-01", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- As families brace for cold weather and higher utility bills, approximately $3.7 billion in delayed federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is finally being released by the Trump Administration.\n\nLIHEAP is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a leading member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a Congressional champion for LIHEAP, cheered the release of funds and says it includes $24,068,998 for Rhode Island. Reed led a November 14 letter calling for the swift release of the funding.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t just leave vulnerable people in the cold. LIHEAP is a lifeline and getting this aid to those who need it is a moral and economic imperative. We\u2019ve got to move faster and provide robust LIHEAP funding because more and more people are struggling and falling behind with higher energy bills,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\nThe federal LIHEAP aid was held up during the beginning of the cold-weather season because of the federal government shutdown, which ended on November 12. In an internal communication sent to state agencies on November 18, the Trump Administration said it anticipated releasing approximately $3.7 billion in LIHEAP funding by the end of November. That message was sent by the Administration for Children and Families, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) division that currently oversees LIHEAP, after the Trump Administration terminated the entire LIHEAP staff in early April \u2013 about two dozen federal workers who were tasked with managing the multi-billion program annually.\n\nReed noted that in addition to terminating the entire LIHEAP staff, the Trump Administration proposed eliminating LIHEAP entirely in its annual budget blueprint, but Congress voted on a bipartisan basis to continue funding the program, with Senator Reed working on a bipartisan basis with Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to include a $20 million increase for LIHEAP, raising the overall amount to $4.045 billion in the Senate\u2019s Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026.\n\n\u201cThis latest infusion of federal LIHEAP funding will provide overdue support to families in need and help them cope with high energy costs. In addition to easing the strain on household budgets, the release of LIHEAP funds also helps local small businesses that supply home heating fuel to customers with fixed or limited incomes,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\nLIHEAP is administered by states and accessed in Rhode Island through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.\n\nNationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year, including over 28,200 Rhode Island households.\n\nThe average household will pay about $976 for home heating this winter, up from $907 just a year ago \u2014 an increase that outpaces inflation, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.\n\nLast year, the average LIHEAP benefit covered about $500 in winter home heating costs for eligible Rhode Islanders.\n\nRhode Islanders wishing to apply for LIHEAP may click here to reach the Rhode Island Department of Human Services website to get more information and links to an online application.\n\nSenator Reed noted that while the overdue release of these federal funds to state agencies is good news, he remains deeply concerned about the Trump Administration decimating the LIHEAP staff and the impact it could have on the federal government\u2019s ability to effectively manage the program and assist states with LIHEAP going forward. Reed says he has no doubt that President Trump will once again try to eliminate LIHEAP altogether but vowed to continue working on a bipartisan basis to include LIHEAP funding in future Appropriations laws.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-shooting-of-national-guard-soldiers-in-washington-dc", "Reed Statement on Shooting of National Guard Soldiers in Washington, DC", "2025-11-26", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, after two National Guard soldiers were shot in Washington, DC, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cI am profoundly saddened and disturbed by the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in our nation\u2019s capital today. Every member of the National Guard serves with a commitment to protect their country and support their community. It is unconscionable that these two soldiers were attacked while carrying out that mission.\n\n\u201cMy thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with their families, loved ones, and the entire Guard community, and I hope for the soldiers\u2019 swift and full recovery. This was a reprehensible act of violence, and I expect law enforcement to pursue accountability to the fullest extent of the law.\n\n\u201cThere is no place for violence like this in our country. In this difficult moment, I urge calm, compassion, and unity.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/pawtucket-wwii-veteran-lauded-posthumously", "Pawtucket WWII Veteran Lauded Posthumously", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "CRANSTON, RI \u2013 On January 16, 1943, Henry Ambrose Maynard of Pawtucket left his job with the New Haven Railroad and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. Sergeant Maynard served as a radio mechanic for the 93rd Bombardment Squadron in the Pacific during World War II.\n\nSgt. Maynard joined his two older brothers \u2013 Vincent and Raymond \u2013 who were also serving overseas in the U.S. military during the war. He received training as a radio mechanic at the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute in Washington, DC and received top marks from his instructors. During the war, radio mechanics were responsible for ensuring vital communication lines remained open in extremely difficult conditions and were absolutely crucial for aircraft in order to navigate, coordinate, and communicate.\n\nUpon returning home from the war, Maynard capitalized on his training as a radio mechanic to launch a lengthy and successful career as an electrical engineer at Miller Electric in Woonsocket. Soon after Mr. Maynard returned home, he met Lucille Prefontaine. They married and brought up their daughters Donna, Linda, Pamela, and Lauren in the Darlington section of Pawtucket.\n\nMr. Maynard passed away in 1998.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed held a special medal ceremony for Sgt. Maynard\u2019s family to celebrate his service and present them with several military honors that Sgt. Maynard earned in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II and should have obtained for his service.\n\n\u201cOur state and nation are grateful to Henry Ambrose Maynard for his profound commitment to duty and service. It is my honor to recognize Sgt. Maynard and his brothers for their distinguished service during World War II. Like so many of their generation, they put their lives on hold and risked everything in order to stand a post for freedom and save the world from the forces of evil,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cWe offer our heartfelt thanks to Sgt. Maynard and his fellow servicemembers for the sacrifices they made. Sgt. Maynard did not seek out accolades for his service in the military, but he certainly earned them, and it is never too late to present them, salute his service, and keep his memory alive This is a long overdue tribute to an outstanding hometown hero.\u201d\n\nDuring today\u2019s special medal ceremony, Senator Reed presented Mr. Maynard\u2019s family with the following military awards in recognition of his exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity while serving in the U.S. Army:\n\n\u2022 Good Conduct Medal;\n\n\u2022 American Campaign Medal;\n\n\u2022 Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal;\n\n\u2022 World War II Victory Medal, and;\n\n\u2022 Marksman Badge with Carbine Bar.\n\nA Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active federal military service\n\n\u201cThe entire Maynard family, especially Henry\u2019s four daughters, would like to thank Senator Reed and his staff for their timely and thorough assistance in locating and receiving these military honors. This information has brought our dad back to us in a very meaningful way,\u201d said the Maynard Family.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/at-federal-hill-houses-swiss-street-food-pantry-reed-touts-plan-to-reverse-trumps-snap-cuts-and-restore-nutrition-assistance", "At Federal Hill House\u2019s Swiss Street Food Pantry, Reed Touts Plan to Reverse Trump\u2019s SNAP Cuts & Restore Nutrition Assistance", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 As families prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is concerned a growing number of Americans may not have enough to eat. The problem is compounded by President Trump slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), America\u2019s most effective anti-hunger program, by roughly 20 percent and adding new red tape to the program that could cause many people who qualify for nutrition assistance to go without.\n\nToday, Reed visited one of Rhode Island\u2019s largest and busiest food pantries \u2013 Federal Hill House\u2019s (FHH) Swiss Street Food Pantry \u2013 to highlight the urgent need to deliver nutrition assistance and rally support for new legislation to overturn Trump-Republican cuts to SNAP, the biggest cut to the food aid program in American history.\n\nSNAP is a lifeline for over 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans \u2013 including 144,000 Rhode Islanders.\n\nAs President Trump\u2019s economic policies contribute to rising prices, more Rhode Islanders are being squeezed when it comes to essentials such as food, health care, heating, housing, and transportation. That has led to increased demand at food pantries across the state and the nation.\n\nThe Congressional Budget Office estimates President Trump\u2019s budget and tax law will eliminate $187 billion in food assistance over the next decade, even as grocery prices rise. Trump\u2019s cuts will cause as many as 88,000 Rhode Islanders to lose some or all of their SNAP benefits, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute. In total, Rhode Island would lose $85.8 million in SNAP funds every year under the new Trump budget law.\n\nThe state currently receives roughly $343.5 million annually in SNAP benefits. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, SNAP participants in Rhode Island received an average of $198.52 per month in SNAP benefits which nets out as about $6.52 per person per day.\n\n\u201cWe are so grateful to food pantries like Federal Hill House. And it\u2019s important to note that community food banks across the country are experiencing the same high prices, federal cuts, and surge of demand that was exacerbated by President Trump needlessly withholding SNAP funds. Our foodbanks and volunteers are doing heroic work, but they can only do so much, and President Trump\u2019s SNAP cuts are dragging the country in the wrong direction. The federal government needs to do more, not less. The Trump Administration is forcing higher costs and a heavier economic burden onto states and vulnerable families, and that is a recipe for increasing poverty,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cAs more Americans feel the pinch, Congress must act swiftly to restore and strengthen SNAP before Trump-Republicans\u2019 devastating cuts kick in. We must also deliver relief to hard-working families bearing the undue burden of President Trump\u2019s cost-raising tariff taxes and repeated failures to address the skyrocketing costs of health care.\u201d\n\nThis week, Senator Reed teamed up with Senator Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM) and others to introduce the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025 (S.3281). The bill would reinstate SNAP funding and access, reversing the changes that slashed $187 billion in food benefits from Americans in need.\n\n\u201cFHH\u2019s Swiss Street Food Pantry works daily to feed our neighbors in need, but we are only part of the solution to hunger in our community. We appreciate Senator Reed\u2019s leadership on legislation that restores essential support for individuals and families whose income doesn\u2019t provide enough to put nutritious food on the table. We also applaud his efforts to strengthen local food systems by increasing access to fresh, locally sourced foods from farmers and producers\u201d said Kimberly Fernandez, executive director of Federal Hill House.\n\nFederal Hill House operates one of Rhode Island\u2019s largest and most visited food pantries, serving approximately 3,900 families across nearly 21,000 visits so far this year \u2013 an 14 percent increase over the same period last year. The organization distributed 2 million pounds of food to Rhode Islanders in 2024.\n\nSenator Reed is also the author of bipartisan legislation that would increase access to locally-sourced, fresh, healthy, and nutritious food in underserved communities and schools. The Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S.2338) would create a permeant grant program for state and tribal governments to procure local foods from family farmers, fishermen, and food producers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-ices-aggressive-overreach-in-wrongfully-detaining-ri-judges-intern", "Reed Condemns ICE\u2019s Aggressive Overreach in Wrongfully Detaining RI Judge\u2019s Intern", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI -- Yesterday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to wrongfully abduct a Rhode Island Superior Court intern and high school student who the agents misidentified. They also apparently broke the rules of the Licht Judicial Complex and reportedly surrounded a judge\u2019s car, demanding everyone exit the vehicle and threatening to smash in windows if the vehicle\u2019s occupants did not comply -- and were confronted by the head of Security Operations for R.I. Superior Court. The ICE agents did not release the intern until Superior Court Judge Joseph McBurney intervened by correctly noting ICE had the wrong person.\n\nCondemning the negligence of these ICE agents and the agency\u2019s troubling pattern of unlawfully detaining U.S. citizens nationwide, U.S. Senator Jack Reed condemned the incident, stating:\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration refuses to accept we\u2019re a nation of laws with a constitution that provide all of us with rights. Trump and his team\u2019s tactics are jeopardizing public trust and public safety. Innocent people are being wrongfully targeted. We should not accept a bunch of masked armed individuals running rampant, ignoring the rules, and threatening innocent students and judges as routine law enforcement. Every day law enforcement across our state don their uniforms and display their badges proudly. The leadership of ICE and any unprofessional field agents must be held accountable for this type of outrageous incident. The pattern of too many ICE agents committing civil rights abuses and disregarding the law is very disturbing. We have to protect everyone\u2019s rights and legal obligations. Failing to speak out against escalating authoritarian immigration enforcement tactics only invites the further use of these tactics against more Americans and the erosion of due process.\u201d\n\nJournalists have uncovered dozens of cases nationwide where U.S citizens, including children, have been unlawfully swept up in ICE raids and held for days or weeks without legal recourse.\n\nSenator Reed is cosponsoring legislation to address a growing concern of Homeland Security-controlled field agents engaging with the public while wearing unmarked tactical gear and concealing clothing that obscures both their agency affiliation and personal identity. Without visible badges, names, or insignia, members of the public often have no way to confirm whether they are interacting with legitimate government or law enforcement officials. Indeed, the FBI put out an official bulletin warning of criminals dressed and acting like immigration enforcement to commit violence and theft.\n\n\u201cThe utter lack of transparency set by the Trump administration endangers public safety by causing confusion, fear, and mistrust. It also puts everyone at risk \u2013 including the targeted individuals, ICE officers, and bystanders who may misunderstand what is happening and attempt to intervene, as well as local law enforcement who may be called to the scene. This is a real law enforcement worry since even the FBI put out a bulletin on how criminals are now dressing and acting like these immigration patrols,\u201d noted Reed.\n\nSenator Reed is a cosponsor of the VISIBLE Act (S.2212), which would require immigration officers, including DHS personnel (such as CBP/ICE), federal agents, and deputized state or local officers engaged in immigration operations to display clearly visible identification during public-facing enforcement action. Led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) the bill would:\n\nRequire offices to display clearly legible identification \u2013 including their agency name or initials and either their name or badge number;\n\nProhibit non-medical face coverings (such as ski masks or balaclavas), with some exceptions; and\n\nRequire DHS to establish disciplinary procedures for violations.\n\nThe Immigration Enforcement Identification Safety (IEIS) Act (S.2594), led by Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) seeks to enhance the safety of the public and law enforcement by specifically requiring any officer or agent conducting immigration enforcement operations, including any Federal or non-federal law enforcement officers, to:\n\nVisibly display their name and unique identifier and the name of their law enforcement organization;\n\nVisibly display their face; and\n\nProvides reimbursement privacy-enhancing services to thwart doxxing attempts.\n\nBoth bills make exceptions to ensure the safety of federal agents, including allowances for covert action.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-seek-to-repeal-gops-self-dealing-january-6-related-phone-data-payout", "Reed & Whitehouse Seek to Repeal GOP\u2019s Self-Dealing January 6-Related Phone Data Payout", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- After Senate Republican leaders added a secretive, self-dealing provision to the continuing resolution (CR) government funding bill that allows several Republican senators to receive payments of up to $500,000 if their phone records were accessed by January 6 investigators without their knowledge, a group of 33 U.S. Senators is pushing back to repeal the measure and prevent lawmakers from cutting themselves half a million dollar checks using U.S. taxpayers\u2019 money.\n\nThe highly controversial provision, inserted at the last minute by Senate Republican leadership, has drawn strong rebukes from Democrats and many Republicans. House Republicans have introduced a standalone bill to repeal this provision, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) claiming he was \u201cshocked\u201d and \u201cangry\u201d when he learned about the measure.\n\nNow, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are teaming up with Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, and 30 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Anti-Cash Grab Act (S.3195). This bill would repeal the provision allowing eight Senate Republicans to claim at least $500,000 in taxpayer money over phone record collections that lawfully occurred during the January 6th insurrection investigation process.\n\nThe phone records that were seized were legally obtained through a grand jury subpoena and covered the call logs, numbers, times, and durations of several lawmakers, but not the contents of their conversations. They were subject to a lawful non-disclosure order signed by a federal judge, as part of a lawful criminal investigation. Under the provision, the senators could receive \"the greater of statutory damages of $500,000 or the amount of actual damages\" for each violation, plus legal fees. The provision was made retroactive to January 1, 2022.\n\n\u201cWhile Democrats were fighting to make health care more affordable and help working families put food on the table, Senate Republicans were focused on taxpayer-funded windfalls for themselves. Let\u2019s be crystal clear: negotiating a $500,000 windfall for yourself while refusing to help everyday Americans is wrong and deserves to be called out,\u201d said Senator Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch. \u201cOur bill is about accountability, transparency, and fighting for working families. The Senate must take this bill up and pass it now.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Republicans who wrote this bill tried to sneak a $500,000 payout for a select group senators who were caught up in the investigation of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Nobody wants to admit responsibility for inserting this provision into the bill. And many of potential beneficiaries of the provision have disavowed it and have said they were not aware of its inclusion. Regardless of how it made its way into the government funding bill, it should be repealed. It smacks of corruption and both parties should repudiate it,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\n\u201cWhile Democrats are fighting for affordable health care, Republicans are trying to enrich themselves with your tax dollars,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cThis commonsense legislation stops a scheme where Republicans slyly voted money ($500K each!) for the Trump DOJ to dole out to senators. Grift seems to be the G in MAGA.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Heinrich, Reed, and Whitehouse, the Anti-Cash Grab Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brain Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-denounces-trumps-threats-to-press-and-excuses-for-the-murder-of-jamal-khashoggi", "Reed Denounces Trump\u2019s Threats to Press & Excuses for the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Extending a pattern of calling for broadcasters who criticize him to lose their license, President Donald Trump today called for ABC to have its broadcast license revoked after one of its reporters asked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and later asked President Trump about the Jeffrey Epstein files.\n\nUnconscionably, President Trump sought to brush off Khashoggi\u2019s murder by Saudi agents, which U.S. intelligence says was ordered by the Saudi crown prince, by saying: \u201cYou\u2019re mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn\u2019t like that gentleman you\u2019re talking about. Whether you like him or didn\u2019t like him, things happen.\u201d\n\nThen, referring to the crown prince, Trump said: \u201cBut he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that.\u201d\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) stated:\n\n\u201cOnce again, President Trump is dismissing U.S. intelligence and seeking to undermine press freedoms. He wants to silence his critics and evade accountability. His Administration has systematically sought to put down key independent watchdogs and tried to restrict press access.\n\n\u201cThere is a clear pattern of President Trump putting his own narrow self-interest above American values. He continues to threaten government retaliation against organizations that disagree with his views or criticizes his irresponsible policies that are creating serious economic hardships for everyday Americans.\n\n\u201cOur democracy requires a free, independent press that has a right and a duty to ask questions, challenge the government\u2019s positions, help root out corruption, and speak truth to power without fear of government interference, revenge, and reprisal.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth should remember that in America, unlike Saudi Arabia, the press serves the public -- not the government. Here in the United States, journalists are protected by the law, have the right to free speech, and a duty to truthfully report the facts \u2013 even if the President himself disagrees. And we as lawmakers and citizens must stand up for those rights, freedoms, and protections lest they be taken away or eroded by executive overreach.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-announces-25m-for-new-hybrid-buses-for-ripta", "RI Delegation Announces $25M for New Hybrid Buses for RIPTA", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to strengthen public transportation, reduce pollution, and lower costs, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that Rhode Island will soon receive $25 million in Low or No Emission Grant Program funding to support the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority\u2019s (RIPTA) transition to low- or zero-emission buses.\n\nThe Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is awarding Rhode Island the federal funding through the Low or No Emission Grant, which provides federal funding through a competitive process to states and transit agencies to purchase or lease low- or no-emission buses and other transit vehicles that use advanced technologies such as battery electric or fuel-cell power to provide cleaner, more energy efficient transit service in communities across the country.\n\nRIPTA\u2019s new electric bus fleet will provide modern, sustainable, and emissions-free transportation for riders across the state.\n\nThe funds are being made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58), which Senators Reed and Whitehouse helped pass in 2022.\n\n\u201cThis federal funding will help shift RIPTA\u2019s bus fleet to newer, more energy-efficient buses, resulting in reliable rides, cleaner air, and lower costs for taxpayers,\u201d said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has successfully led bipartisan efforts to plus up the Low-No Emissions Bus Grant Program. \u201cI am committed to delivering federal resources to help steer us toward a cleaner energy future with less pollution and more convenient and efficient public transportation options.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis federal funding will support RIPTA\u2019s transition to a modernized hybrid fleet,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. \u201cOur Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to make smart investments in public transportation that move the Ocean State toward a clean energy future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis federal funding for RIPTA to transition to low- or no-emission fleets means lower costs for travelers, cleaner air, and more energy-efficient systems,\u201d said Rep. Magaziner. \u201cI am proud to assist in this transition and make Rhode Island cleaner, more affordable, and better connected.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in energy-efficient buses will help Rhode Island do its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and support our clean energy future,\" said Congressman Amo. \"I'm thrilled this new federal funding will help RIPTA reduce costs and expand its energy-efficient fleet.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to our congressional delegation for their unwavering support and tireless advocacy of public transit,\u201d said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. \u201cThis vital $25 million federal investment will help fund our vision for a modern, sustainable transit system while improving the passenger experience, supporting cleaner air, and delivering meaningful benefits to communities across Rhode Island.\u201d\n\nWith this latest grant, RIPTA has now been awarded over $77 million in federal competitive grants since 2020 to make capital investments in upgrading its clean energy fleet of buses and charging infrastructure.\n\nRIPTA operates a fleet of about 230 fixed-route buses and continues to actively transition its fleet to include more sustainable, zero-emission vehicles.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/senedia-awarded-follow-on-contractfor-workforce-development", "Reed Helps SENEDIA Land New Submarine Workforce Development Contract", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "MIDDLETOWN, RI \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined with SENEDIA, the Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation, to announce a four-year, $98.3 million contract, if all options are exercised, from the U.S. Department of Defense to continue to advance workforce development in the New England submarine industrial base. This Follow-On Production Agreement (FPA) is a continuation of an August 2020 award and can support the trades and industrial skills training of more than 8,600 candidates through 2029.\n\nAcross New England, the defense sector supports more than 407,000 jobs and $40 billion in income.\n\n\u201cThis announcement is great news that recognizes the progress we\u2019ve made and further solidifies submarine production as an engine for economic growth in Rhode Island and the region for years to come. I worked with SENEDIA to create and champion this skills-development workforce pipeline from the very beginning to train Rhode Islanders for these critical, good-paying jobs that contribute significantly to our nation\u2019s defense. It has grown across New England because the program works, and the need is that great. This is a smart investment in hardworking people that expands opportunity, creates desirable career paths, and strengthens our economy and the nation\u2019s Maritime Industrial Base,\u201d said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nThe 2020 award \u2013 which grew from an initial award of $18.6 to $78.4 million total by its completion in October 2025 \u2013 facilitated training for over 8,600 new and incumbent workers. It also supported outreach to more than 6,000 people, from grade school students to under and unemployed adults, about the high-skill, high-wage career opportunities in the submarine industrial base.\n\nThat work will continue through this FPA, thanks to SENEDIA\u2019s New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership. The Partnership directs resources and opportunities towards the economic and workforce development of the region\u2019s maritime industrial base.\n\n\u201cThe New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership today includes regional suppliers and stakeholders from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, allowing SENEDIA to effectively mobilize the supply chain and connect them with the pipeline of skilled workers for today and tomorrow,\u201d said SENEDIA Chief Executive Officer Molly Donohue Magee. \u201cFrom K-12 education to skilled training to career placement, SENEDIA works across the workforce continuum to reinforce New England\u2019s role as the epicenter of submarine shipbuilding.\u201d\n\nThe contract is with the Department of Defense Innovation Capability and Modernization Office, executed through the Cornerstone Other Transaction Authority Agreement, with technical support from the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base program office.\n\n\u201cThe New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership plays an important role in strengthening the region\u2019s ability to support the Navy\u2019s submarine programs,\u201d said Matt Sermon, Direct Reporting Program Manager for the Maritime Industrial Base Program. \u201cThis work helps expand access to training and connect more people to the careers required to build and sustain the undersea fleet our nation depends on.\u201d\n\nIn addition to industry suppliers and stakeholders, the Partnership includes a regional training network of 10 partners at community colleges, universities, and training facilities.\n\n\u201cSENEDIA training programs have prepared thousands of employees for rewarding careers in shipbuilding at Electric Boat,\u201d said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. \u201cTo provide the U.S. Navy with the Virginia and Columbia-class submarines our nation needs, we must continue to grow and develop our workforce, and our continued partnership with SENEDIA is important to our success in that effort.\u201d\n\nSENEDIA also supports career and technical education programs across Connecticut and Rhode Island, growing the annual pipeline of K-12 candidates from a dozen in 2021 to over 200 in 2025. The retention of these CTE graduates is significantly higher than general new hires. Under the FPA, SENEDIA is expanding this support to Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-passes-bill-to-compel-the-release-of-epstein-files", "U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Compel the Release of Epstein Files", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, after bucking a months-long pressure campaign by President Donald Trump and partisan maneuvering by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to try and delay the release of the \u201cEpstein files,\u201d the U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation to direct U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his associate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, and any communications regarding those cases. The bill, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, previously passed the U.S House of Representatives by a vote of 427-1. The measure now goes to President Trump\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nThirty days after the bill becomes law, all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation are to be released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). DOJ has leeway to withhold or redact personal information about victims, explicit depictions of child abuse, anything jeopardizing a federal investigation, depictions of death or injury, and information properly classified to protect national security. However, within 15 days of the initial release of the files, DOJ must provide Congress a full list of all materials released and withheld, as well as a comprehensive report on any redactions, and a list of all government officials and \u201cpolitically exposed persons\u201d named in the materials.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a supporter of releasing the Epstein files, warned that this is not the end of the battle to transparently release the files, stating:\n\n\u201cThis was a positive step toward justice. But it\u2019s still an uphill climb to transparently provide the American people with facts, ensure justice for the victims, and hold the perpetrators, accomplices, and enablers accountable.\n\n\u201cThe Epstein scandal is about the getting justice and full disclosure for the survivors of Epstein\u2019s child sex trafficking ring. We can\u2019t forget that the center of this story is dozens of women who, as young girls, were horrifically abused. They were taken advantage of by wealthy men who abused their power. And, to make matters worse, Epstein was given a sweetheart deal by a now-disgraced U.S. Attorney who went on to serve in President Trump\u2019s cabinet.\n\n\u201cThe American people are not going to tolerate it if the Trump Administration tries to play partisan games to withhold key information and leave Epstein\u2019s victims in the dark once again.\n\n\u201cAmericans saw Attorney General Bondi wildly backtrack on her promise of transparency when it comes to the Epstein files. They know President Trump spent months resisting calls to release these documents. They see Ms. Maxwell is being given unexplained preferential treatment in prison and President Trump dangling a pardon for her. They\u2019ve read emails suggesting Donald Trump could have had more detailed knowledge and involvement than previously known. They\u2019ve seen the disturbing birthday card image presented to Mr. Epstein with Trump\u2019s signature \u2013 that he claims is not his \u2013 and a message that references a \u201cwonderful secret\u201d and their long friendship. Now is the time to unravel the web of secrets related to this case.\n\n\u201cIt is no coincidence President Trump recently ordered a fresh Epstein investigation to look into former President Clinton and others. This will undoubtedly be used to claim cover of an \u2018active investigation\u2019 as an excuse to withhold evidence. Lawmakers must not allow partisan games to coverup the crimes of rich and influential men or allow them to use their wealth and political influence to avoid accountability.\n\n\u201cI will continue working to ensure the Epstein files are released in their entirety. No one is above the law. Mr. Epstein is dead. Ms. Maxwell was sentenced to twenty years for perpetrating heinous crimes against children. It\u2019s long past time for Americans to know the full truth.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-bill-would-dump-trumps-coffee-tariffs-and-help-lower-prices", "Reed Bill Would Dump Trump\u2019s Coffee Tariffs & Help Lower Prices", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI -- Donald Trump\u2019s reckless tariffs are brewing up economic volatility, uncertainty, and higher prices for American businesses and consumers alike -- making a cup of coffee more expensive than ever. And with Americans drinking about 400 million cups of coffee per day, according to the National Coffee Association, Trump\u2019s tariff price hikes really add up.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s reckless tariffs have driven up the cost of coffee \u2013 jolting prices by more than 40 percent over a year ago. For coffee shop owners, roasters, and customers alike, Trump\u2019s coffee price hikes have been a bitter brew to swallow,\u201d said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.\n\nToday, Senator Reed visited Mills Coffee Roasting Company to discuss his latest efforts to help lower coffee prices.\n\nDating to 1860, Mills Coffee is one of the oldest family-owned roasters in the country.\n\nSenator Reed is backing the No Coffee Tax Act (S.3072). This legislation would repeal Trump\u2019s tariffs on coffee imports from Brazil, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Indonesia, and every foreign country and prevent him from putting new tariffs on coffee in the future. If the bill becomes law, tariff rates on coffee would return to what they were on January 19, the day before President Donald Trump\u2019s inauguration \u2013 which was 0 percent.\n\nPresident Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazil, a country from which American imports around one-third of its coffee, after the country refused to drop criminal charges against far-right former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been convicted of attempting to overthrow Brazil\u2019s government. The next two biggest coffee exporters to the U.S., Vietnam and Colombia, have been hit with 20 percent and 10 percent tariffs, respectively.\n\nNow, the average U.S. price of a pound of ground coffee is $9.14 as of September, the latest data government data currently available -- 41 percent higher than the year before, according to U.S. government data.\n\nCoffee production is not an industry the U.S. can reasonably onshore and the U.S. is the largest importer of coffee in the world. Ninety-nine percent of all coffee consumed in the United States is imported, according to the National Coffee Association, because there are very few places in the U.S. with the climate necessary to grow coffee.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. can\u2019t grow our own coffee to meet demand, so President Trump\u2019s reckless coffee tariffs won\u2019t create a single American job or suddenly bring coffee production to the U.S. Instead, President Trump is misusing so-called emergency declarations as an excuse to unfairly tax coffee drinkers and he\u2019s making it harder for small businesses that roast and sell coffee to budget and plan for the future,\u201d said Reed.\n\n\u201cMills Coffee dates back to 1860, and it has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. We work directly with our growers and take a very hands-on approach to our supply chain because we value quality, community, sustainability, and stability in all that we do,\u201d said Susan Mills, who is the fourth-generation owner and operator of Mills Coffee Roasting Company. \u201cOur customers want stability, but chaotic tariffs have been making it more and more difficult to budget, plan ahead, and give our customers the stability they need. There is no way to plan for rapidly changing tariffs on the inputs we need to run our business. And as a family-owned small business, we are being forced to either take on significant cost increases on our own or pass them down to our customers. Tariffs don\u2019t belong on agricultural products that we cannot grow sufficiently in the United States. I am very grateful for Senator Reed\u2019s leadership on the No Coffee Tax Act and I hope that the tariffs on coffee will swiftly be eliminated.\u201d\n\nNCA\u2019s latest economic report shows that the total economic impact of the coffee industry in the United States in 2022 was $343.2 billion. It found that the coffee industry is responsible for more than 2.2 million U.S. jobs and generates more than $100 billion in wages per year.\n\nWhile the coffee industry faces several challenges that impact prices \u2013 including extreme weather stemming from climate change as well as supply issues \u2013 Senator Reed notes that President Trump\u2019s tariff are particularly avoidable, unwarranted, and reversible. Last month, Senator Reed helped pass three resolutions to end blanket tariffs on countries that President Trump installed via executive order.\n\nThe U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments earlier this month for a case that will decide the fate of many of Trump\u2019s tariffs, with most Supreme Court justices expressing skepticism that the duties were legal.\n\nReed says there isn\u2019t time to wait and there is bipartisan momentum for the No Coffee Tax Act, which is led by Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Rand Paul (R-KY).\n\nThis week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent finally acknowledged that tariffs do increase prices on American consumers and hinted that the Trump Administration may start reversing some of its price-hiking policies. However, the Trump Administration\u2019s initial plan only eliminates a tiny fraction of the President\u2019s tariffs and offers no real help lowering prices.\n\nSenator Reed stated: \u201cThe Trump Administration seems to be finally waking up to the financial damage its policies are causing. But so far, the so-called deals they have announced aren't finalized, don\u2019t provide real relief, and only apply to 7 percent of the coffee that the U.S. imports. So, as I learned from my coffee tour today: we need to keep \u2018grinding away\u2019 and \u2018keep the heat on\u2019 to ensure the Trump Administration follows through and actually lowers prices -- not just with respect to coffee, but on everyday staples, including health care, housing, energy, and other big-ticket essentials.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-collins-murkowski-and-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-swiftly-release-liheap-home-heating-aid", "Reed, Collins, Murkowski & Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Home Heating Aid", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The federal government shutdown is over but as utility rates continue to rise, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) are leading a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump Administration is sitting on $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars that have yet to be distributed this year.\n\n\u201cAs Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution,\u201d the 31 U.S. Senators wrote.\n\nThe bipartisan group of Senators say the federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives.\n\nNationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year.\n\nStates and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline or 60 percent of the state median income.\n\nThe Trump Administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP, including zeroing out funds in its fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget plan, but Senators Reed, Collins, and Murkowski have led successful bipartisan pushback to save and fund the program. The Senate\u2019s Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26 would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP to $4.045 billion, while the House Appropriations Committee recommended a $10 million increase.\n\nLIHEAP applications are now open for all income-eligible households. Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through spring of 2026 \u2014 or until the funding is exhausted. To find your state agency, visit the U.S. Department of Energy LIHEAP State Map of Contacts.\n\nIn addition to Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) Richard Durbin (D-IL) Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nAccording to a new forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8 percent over last winter on average, with costs for heating with electricity forecasted to increase even higher \u2013 to 10 percent above last year.\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nThe Honorable Robert Kennedy, Jr.\n\nSecretary of Health and Human Services\n\n200 Independence Avenue SW\n\nWashington, DC 20201\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nAs Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution.\n\nAs the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. October marked the start of the heating season for many states, and with temperatures already dropping, low-income families and seniors are feeling additional strains on their household budgets.\n\nAs state agencies and tribes activate their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is crucial that they have the resources on hand to help low-income households and seniors as soon as possible. As such, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine.\n\nWe look forward to working with you on this critical program, and thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-warren-demand-answers-regarding-suspicious-ouster-of-fhfas-internal-watchdog", "Reed & Warren Demand Answers Regarding Suspicious Ouster of FHFA\u2019s Internal Watchdog", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 As the Trump Administration tries to avoid independent oversight and take unjustified steps to possibly cover up misconduct by a senior official at a key housing agency, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, are demanding to know why the acting inspector general (IG) for the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) was ousted in the midst of an investigation into potentially unlawful administrative actions by President Trump\u2019s FHFA Director Bill Pulte.\n\nThe FHFA IG, who serves as an independent, internal watchdog at the agency, was removed at a time FHFA Director Pulte is playing an unprecedented partisan role in using government resources to target President Donald Trump\u2019s perceived political enemies.\n\nReed and Warren are demanding answers and accountability surrounding the IG\u2019s removal, which occurred in flagrant violation of legal removal procedures.\n\n\u201cFederal law requires that Congress be notified and provided with a justification at least 30 days before an inspector general is removed from office. The Administration did not provide notice or an explanation for Mr. Allen\u2019s firing, but FHFA\u2019s website currently lists the Inspector General position as vacant. According to a November 3rd Reuters news article, Mr. Allen was removed from his position just as he was preparing to notify Congress that FHFA was not cooperating with the Inspector General\u2019s office,\u201d Reed and Warren wrote.\n\nFHFA oversees key elements of the mortgage industry. Senator Reed helped create FHFA, which was established under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and oversees and manages two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) known as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), which guarantee and securitize mortgages to facilitate financing for single-family homes and for apartment buildings.\n\nGiven the suspicious circumstances and timing surrounding the IG\u2019s removal, Reed and Warren want to know whether this move could be an attempt to coverup previous misdeeds: \u201cThe removal of the Acting Inspector General adds to the cloud of uncertainty hanging over FHFA, which, under Director William J. \u201cBill\u201d Pulte, has operated in a highly partisan and legally questionable fashion. As we noted in the enclosed letter to the former FHFA Inspector General at the very start of Mr. Pulte\u2019s tenure, Mr. Pulte appears to have violated Federal law by appointing himself Chairman of the Boards of Directors at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and he seems to have run afoul of FHFA regulations by installing business associates and unqualified partisan loyalists to independent positions at both companies. In the time since, Mr. Pulte has used agency resources to partisanly and publicly accuse three public officials of mortgage fraud and to meddle in the affairs of the Federal Reserve, an independent entity over which he has no jurisdiction,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nNoting the importance of non-partisan, independent oversight - and echoing recent concerns about IG removals on the Senate floor from Republican Senator Charles Grassley - the Senators expressed concern that inspectors general are being removed from office simply for doing their job and following the facts of a case.\n\n\u201cIn its reporting, Reuters also noted that just before his firing Mr. Allen had made efforts to provide information to the office of Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who is prosecuting New York Attorney General Letitia James at your direction based on Mr. Pulte\u2019s accusations. According to the article, the information Mr. Allen turned over was \u201cconstitutionally required\u201d and \u201cpotentially relevant in discovery,\u201d\u201d wrote Reed and Warren. \u201cThese reports deserve scrutiny and independent investigation, as does the conduct of Mr. Pulte. To that end, we ask that, not later than November 19, 2025, you provide a full explanation for your removal of Mr. Allen and for recent press reports concerning circumstances surrounding his firing, which we have outlined here.\u201d\n\nReed and Warren, along with Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), previously asked the FHFA IG\u2019s office to probe the legality of Mr. Pulte\u2019s controversial reshuffling of the boards of directors of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.\n\nIn an effort to evade independent oversight and accountability, the Trump Administration has fired nearly two dozen IGs across the federal government since the start of President Trump\u2019s second term. There are 74 statutory IG positions in the U.S. federal government. Additionally, President Trump\u2019s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed a blockade on federal funding to the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), which supports IGs and helps prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\n\nPresident\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nWe write regarding your apparent removal of Mr. John \u201cJoe\u201d Allen from his post as the Acting Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).\n\nFederal law requires that Congress be notified and provided with a justification at least 30 days before an inspector general is removed from office. The Administration did not provide notice or an explanation for Mr. Allen\u2019s firing, but FHFA\u2019s website currently lists the Inspector General position as vacant. According to a November 3rd Reuters news article, Mr. Allen was removed from his position just as he was preparing to notify Congress that FHFA was not cooperating with the Inspector General\u2019s office.\n\nThe removal of the Acting Inspector General adds to the cloud of uncertainty hanging over FHFA, which, under Director William J. \u201cBill\u201d Pulte, has operated in a highly partisan and legally questionable fashion. As we noted in the enclosed letter to the former FHFA Inspector General at the very start of Mr. Pulte\u2019s tenure, Mr. Pulte appears to have violated Federal law by appointing himself Chairman of the Boards of Directors at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and he seems to have run afoul of FHFA regulations by installing business associates and unqualified partisan loyalists to independent positions at both companies. In the time since, Mr. Pulte has used agency resources to partisanly and publicly accuse three public officials of mortgage fraud and to meddle in the affairs of the Federal Reserve, an independent entity over which he has no jurisdiction.\n\nIn its reporting, Reuters also noted that just before his firing Mr. Allen had made efforts to provide information to the office of Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who is prosecuting New York Attorney General Letitia James at your direction based on Mr. Pulte\u2019s accusations. According to the article, the information Mr. Allen turned over was \u201cconstitutionally required\u201d and \u201cpotentially relevant in discovery.\u201d\n\nThese reports deserve scrutiny and independent investigation, as does the conduct of Mr. Pulte. To that end, we ask that, not later than November 19, 2025, you provide a full explanation for your removal of Mr. Allen and for recent press reports concerning circumstances surrounding his firing, which we have outlined here.\n\nThank you for your attention to this serious matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-presents-local-vietnam-veteran-with-combat-action-ribbon", "Reed Presents Local Vietnam Veteran with Combat Action Ribbon", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "CRANSTON, RI \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today hosted a special medal ceremony for local Vietnam veteran and former Warren Fire Chief, Alexander \u201cAl\u201d Galinelli.\n\nChief Galinelli served four years on active duty in the U.S. Navy from September 1965 to September 1969. He served aboard the USS Waldron (DD-699), a 2200-ton Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer that was commissioned in June 1944 and arrived in Vietnamese waters on July 24, 1967, to provide gunfire support for various operations onshore.\n\nThe USS Waldron earned one battle star for service during the Vietnam conflict, signifying meritorious participation in combat or a specific campaign.\n\nSenator Reed today presented Chief Galinelli with the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) he earned while serving aboard the USS Waldron. The CAR is a military honor that was established by the Department of the Navy during the height of the Vietnam War. It is both the most highly regulated and most retroactively awarded honor in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.\n\n\u201cChief Al Galinelli is a true patriot that has dedicated his life to service, from standing a post for freedom during Vietnam to saving countless lives here at home in Warren. I am honored to present him with the military honors he earned through his dedicated service to our nation. A grateful nation and a proud state gives our eternal thanks to Chief Galinelli and his family,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\n\u201cI want to thank Senator Reed and his staff for helping to ensure that the military honors I earned in Vietnam were finally delivered to me today,\u201d said Chief Galinelli. \u201cService has always been very important to my family, on both my mother\u2019s and father\u2019s sides. I am proud that these awards will forever be a part of my family\u2019s history.\u201d\n\nAfter his time in the Navy, Chief Galinelli returned home to Rhode Island and worked in maintenance at Brown University before becoming a firefighter at the U.S. Naval Station Newport. After becoming a fire captain, he left to fulfill his lifelong dream of serving as a firefighter in Warren, where he later became chief. Chief Galinelli retired from the Warren Fire Department after a total of 52 years of service, including nearly three decades as Warren\u2019s fire chief.\n\nChief Galinelli is the father of two daughters, Lisa and Amy, a proud grandfather to three, and a great-grandfather to two. He currently resides in Warren with his partner of many years, Sue Annarummo.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/the-dog-that-hasnt-barked-newly-released-epstein-emails-may-explain-convicted-sex-offender-ghislaine-maxwells-prison-perks", "The \u201cdog that hasn\u2019t barked\u201d: Newly Released Epstein Emails May Explain Convicted Sex Offender Ghislaine Maxwell\u2019s Prison Perks", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 On April 2, 2011, long before Donald Trump ran for president, Jeffrey Epstein sent an email to Ghislaine Maxwell that allegedly read: \"I want you to realize that that dog that hasn\u2019t barked is trump.. Virginia [sic] spent hours at my house with him ,, he has never once been mentioned. Police chief. etc. im 75 % there\".\n\nMs. Maxwell replied several hours later: \u201cI have been thinking about that\u2026\u201d\n\nFourteen years later, and just a few years into her 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking, Ghislaine Maxwell is now in a cushy federal prison camp, where news reports indicate she has recently been granted a puppy to play with \u2013 part of the preferential treatment she is now mysteriously receiving, apparently thanks to the \u2018dog that hasn\u2019t barked.\u2019\n\nEpstein and Maxwell were friends of Donald Trump\u2019s in the 1990s and 2000s. Ms. Maxwell is seeking a pardon or commutation from President Trump and he refuses to rule one out for her.\n\nMaxwell was suspiciously transferred from a Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida, to Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Texas in August \u2013 just days after extensive meetings with President Trump\u2019s Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously represented Trump as his personal lawyer. Ms. Maxwell seemingly has been granted all sorts of unexplained prison perks.\n\nAnd the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has yet to explain the highly controversial move, despite U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) requesting detailed answers in an August letter to the head of BOP and a follow-up letter sent late last month.\n\nSenator Reed says the 2011 emails released today by the House Oversight Committee may shed crucial light on the situation. Reed stated:\n\n\u201cThe Epstein files should be released because the American people deserve to know the truth and President Trump\u2019s actions surrounding this case simply don\u2019t add up.\n\n\u201cI am still pressing BOP for answers about Ms. Maxwell\u2019s highly unusual prison transfer and preferential treatment. In light of these new emails, it heightens concern about potential witness tampering. There are serious questions about whether President Trump, through his lawyer, and Ms. Maxwell are together concealing damning information.\n\n\u201cIf Donald Trump knew his friends were engaged in child sex trafficking and said nothing then he himself is guilty of a heinous crime.\n\n\u201cSpeaker Johnson has kept the House of Representatives in recess for the last 54 days. And for seven weeks, he refused to seat a duly elected member of the House in order to block bipartisan legislation to force the release of the Epstein files. Whether the evidence implicates princes or presidents, it\u2019s time that the American people get the facts.\u201d\n\nJeffrey Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-cr-funding-bill", "Reed Statement on CR Funding Bill", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump has presided over the two longest shutdowns in American history and that is not a coincidence. People are struggling under the financial burden of his irresponsible and chaotic economic policies. President Trump and Congressional Republicans unilaterally cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid in the \u2018big ugly bill\u2019 -- sending our already fragile health care system into decline.\n\n\u201cMake no mistake, every Democrat voted to prevent this Republican health care disaster and every Republican voted to let it happen.\n\n\u201cIn addition, the Trump-Republican refusal to prevent these massive premium price shocks across America is a testament to their utter indifference to the plight of everyday Americans.\n\n\u201cOver the last several weeks, I voted seven times to responsibly reopen the government and lower health care costs. But I can\u2019t support this bill because it fails to deliver actual relief and doesn\u2019t stop the devastating health care price spikes. It is also clear that President Trump will continue to flout the laws passed by this Congress until my Republican colleagues stop supporting him in lockstep.\n\n\u201cPeople are making decisions today about whether or not they can afford to keep their health insurance. They cannot wait for the Republicans to get serious about a bipartisan solution. They need help now.\n\n\u201cBeing healthy should not just be for the wealthy. The fight for health care affordability and access is not a game and it\u2019s not about which party wins or loses \u2013 it\u2019s about who actually listens to the American people and puts their well-being first. It\u2019s about doing our jobs and providing real oversight, not just a rubber stamp. Democrats are listening and will continue working to improve people\u2019s lives, help save health care, and lower prices.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-backs-effort-to-reopen-government-with-1-year-aca-fix", "Reed Backs Effort to Reopen Government with 1-Year ACA Fix", "2025-11-07", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In yet another effort to urgently end the budget impasse, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is backing a plan that would immediately reopen the government and simultaneously extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits for one year, and create a bipartisan panel to work together on longer-term solutions to reduce health care costs.\n\n\u201cSenate Democrats have offered a simple compromise to quickly pass a government funding bill that includes health care affordability. This is not everything Democrats wanted, but it would immediately reopen the government, help working families, and address rising health care costs while Congress works on a bipartisan, long-term solution. It\u2019s time for Republicans to say \u2018yes\u2019 and for President Trump to actually engage and lead his party,\u201d said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.\n\nThe shutdown began on October 1 and open enrollment for health care started on November 1. Under this proposal, insurers could update their rates after Congress passes a simple extension of the tax credits.\n\nThe parameters of this commonsense approach are consistent with what Republicans have requested, and it ensures the American people get the immediate health care help they absolutely need.\n\nAs Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) noted on the floor today: \u201cSince what we are proposing is only a simple extension of current law, the Senate could do this within a few hours. This is a reasonable offer that reopens the government, deals with health care affordability, and begins a process for negotiating reforms to the ACA tax credits for the future. Now, the ball is in Republicans\u2019 court. We need Republicans to just say yes.\u201d\n\nThe clean, one-year extension of the enhanced ACA tax credits would prevent the doubling of health insurance premiums for more than 24 million Americans.\n\nThe U.S. Senate is heading toward a likely weekend session.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-salutes-speaker-nancy-pelosi-for-outstanding-service-to-the-nation", "Reed Salutes Speaker Nancy Pelosi for Outstanding Service to the Nation", "2025-11-06", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12), the first and only woman ever elected to serve as Speaker of the House, announced her decision to serve out her current term and not seek reelection in 2026, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cSpeaker Pelosi has had a remarkable, trailblazing career and incredible record of achievement. She remains a formidable force and I know she will continue to tenaciously serve the people of San Francisco until her last day of office.\n\n\u201cHer strong conviction, steely resolve, and principled leadership helped guide passage of the Affordable Care Act, Wall Street reform, the American Rescue Plan, and many more consequential pieces of legislation.\n\n\u201cUndoubtedly there will be many more women who lead the U.S. House of Representatives in the future, but Nancy Pelosi will always be the first Madame Speaker. She broke that barrier and blazed a trail for others to follow. We are grateful for her service. She has helped make America a better place for all.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-rips-trump-for-threatening-to-defy-courts-and-unlawfully-withhold-snap", "Reed Rips Trump for Threatening to Defy Courts & Unlawfully Withhold SNAP", "2025-11-04", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Despite the fact that the Trump Administration has the money and authority to fully and immediately fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), President Trump appeared today threatened to defy court orders and withhold SNAP Assistance to 42 million low-income Americans until the end of the government shutdown.\n\nSNAP is a nutrition assistance lifeline that helps feed 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million disabled Americans, and many more who struggle to make ends meet -- people who work hard but don\u2019t earn a living wage.\n\nA day after saying his administration would comply with a federal court order and pay out at least half a month of SNAP benefits using contingency funds -- which Treasury Secretary Bessent said could happen as soon as tomorrow -- President Trump today seemed to pull an about face when he posted on social media that SNAP: \u201cwill be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) blasted President Trump for willfully and wildly seeming to threaten SNAP benefits for millions of Americans across the country:\n\n\u201cIt sure seems desperate and indecent to willfully withhold food aid from needy kids and seniors on fixed incomes. It would be indefensible for President Trump to try and take food off the plates of vulnerable children and inflict mass-suffering on their families. President Trump is trying to bully Americans. His budget would push millions more into poverty in order to give billionaires a bigger tax benefit. The government is supposed to work for the American people and improve their lives, not deny them services and shrink opportunity. As we approach Thanksgiving, I believe Americans will strongly condemn President Trump for trying to bully kids, the elderly, sick, disabled, and vulnerable. Democrats are fighting to lower prices, save health care, and reopen the federal government. And we will hold President Trump accountable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/health-care-sticker-shock-aca-open-enrollment-begins-with-huge-spike-in-premiums", "Health Care Sticker Shock: ACA Open Enrollment Begins with Huge Spike in Premiums", "2025-11-03", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplace is now open for enrollment for 2026 coverage. Between now and January 31, 2026, Rhode Islanders can shop for health and dental insurance that meets their needs and budgets using the state\u2019s ACA portal: HealthSource RI.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed says many Rhode Islanders are already facing sticker shock due to President Trump\u2019s policies and Congressional Republicans\u2019 refusal to extend ACA tax credits. As a result, millions of families across the country will pay double or triple what they did before \u2014 or may lose their coverage altogether.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is refusing to even meet and talk about this crisis. Instead, Trump is forcing Americans to pay more for their health care or lose coverage altogether. Rather than invest in innovations that help patients or reducing the costs of prescription drugs, President Trump is cutting health care to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and special interests. He continues to try to tear down the ACA, and still has no plan to replace it \u2013 he hasn\u2019t even produced his so-called \u2018concepts of a plan.\u2019 His health care policy is a cruel joke that makes it harder to see a doctor, more expensive to get health coverage, and more difficult to keep and renew it. And he\u2019s forcing these health care price increases at the same time his tariffs, Medicaid cuts, and economic policies are causing higher grocery bills, housing, utilities, and other basic expenses,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\nAccording to experts at HealthSource RI, many Rhode Islanders could see their average monthly health costs double, depending on their circumstances and level of coverage. HealthSource RI enrollees are projected to pay about $111 more per person per month unless Republicans in Congress join with Democrats to extend enhanced federal tax credits that are expiring at the end of the year.\n\nAn estimated 13,000 Rhode Islanders could drop insurance coverage if that happens, according to HealthSource RI estimates.\n\nNationwide, Republicans\u2019 steep cuts to Medicaid, coupled with the likely expiration of ACA tax credits, could leave roughly 14 million Americans without insurance.\n\n\u201cEvery American deserves affordable, quality health coverage,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cThat is why I am fighting to re-open the government, lower costs, and protect people\u2019s access to health care so it is there when they need it. With open enrollment, people are starting to see the reality of the Trump-Republican plan and experience the resulting price shocks, dropped coverage, and marketplace instability.\u201d\n\nThe cost of health insurance for the roughly 165 million Americans under the age of 65 who receive their coverage through work is also rapidly rising and is expected to increase by the biggest annual jump in 15 years.\n\nOver the last twelve years, Rhode Island\u2019s uninsured rate has decreased by more than two-thirds: in 2024 the uninsured rate was 2.2 percent, down from 11 percent in 2012.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-blasts-trump-for-only-partially-funding-snap-despite-having-legal-authority-and-funds-to-fully-fund-program", "Reed Rebukes Trump for Only Partially Funding SNAP Despite Having Legal Authority and Funds to Fully Fund Program", "2025-11-03", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- After deleting its own authorized contingency plan and refusing to release billions of dollars in emergency funds, the Trump Administration was required to provide a compliance update to a federal court order that issued a temporary restraining order directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue November benefit payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement after the Trump Administration begrudgingly announced it is choosing to only partially fund SNAP:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s outrageous that it took a court order for President Trump to follow the law and fund SNAP. He\u2019s had the money and authority all along. His half-baked approach to only provide partial funding hurts the whole country and underscores Trump\u2019s gross mismanagement. This is about Trump actively denying food assistance to millions of children and vulnerable seniors while he\u2019s simultaneously increasing costs, hurting local economies, and pushing more people into poverty.\u201d\n\nSNAP is a nutrition assistance lifeline that helps feed 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million disabled Americans, and many more who struggle to make ends meet -- people who work hard but don\u2019t earn a living wage.\n\nTrump\u2019s move to delay and deny the federal funding comes after Senate Republican leaders blocked consideration of both the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), and the Keep SNAP Funded Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO). Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) refused to put Senator Hawley\u2019s bipartisan bill to keep SNAP benefits flowing up for a vote\u2014despite the fact that it has the necessary votes to pass.\n\nIt also comes on the heels of President Trump and Congressional Republicans enacting the largest cuts to SNAP in American history this summer\u2014and both President Trump\u2019s budget request and House Republicans\u2019 draft fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill cut WIC benefits for millions of moms and kids.\n\nThose who rely on SNAP to buy groceries for themselves and their families make up about 12 percent of all grocery sales nationwide, according to the National Grocers Association.\n\nGrocery stores typically time larger shipments of goods to the start of the month to coincide with the reloading of EBT cards. Smaller grocers and convenience stores, particularly those located in areas with high concentrations of SNAP recipients, make up a majority of the stores that accept SNAP credits and often have smaller margins to navigate the financial strain on their customer base. A drop in sales could lead to layoffs and increased costs for all consumers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/sasc-leaders-request-defense-department-orders-and-information-on-counternarcotics-operations", "SASC Leaders Request Defense Department Orders and Information on Counternarcotics Operations", "2025-10-31", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) released two letters to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth requesting execute orders (EXORDs), legal rationale, and designated terrorist organization lists related to Department of Defense operations against drug trafficking cartels.\n\nThe September 23, 2025 letter addresses existing legal requirements under the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2025 that mandate congressional oversight of military execute orders. The senators are seeking all EXORDs approved by the Secretary of Defense or combatant commanders that underpin DOD activities to combat drug trafficking cartels.\n\nThe October 6, 2025 letter requests any written opinion from the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel regarding the domestic or international legal basis for these operations and strikes, and a complete list of all designated terrorist organizations and drug trafficking organizations with whom the President has determined the United States is in a non-international armed conflict and against whom lethal military force may be used.\n\nTo date, these documents have not been submitted. These oversight requests were made pursuant to Section 1067 of the FY2025 NDAA, Section 1744 of the FY2020 NDAA, and Section 1230 of the FY2024 NDAA.\n\nA copy of the September 23rd letter may be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-demand-trump-reverse-plan-to-open-new-offshore-oil-and-gas-leases", "Reed & Whitehouse Demand Trump Reverse Plan to Open New Offshore Oil and Gas Leases", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In response to leaked plans that the Trump Administration wants to open up offshore drilling along the East and West coasts, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today joined over 100 lawmakers in demanding President Trump and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum immediately cease any plans to open new offshore oil and gas leases in U.S. federal waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, in the Arctic Ocean and northern Bering Sea off of Alaska, and in the Eastern Gulf.\n\nThe lawmakers warned that opening these untouched coastlines to new offshore drilling would devastate coastal economies, jeopardize our national security, ravage coastal ecosystems, and put millions of Americans\u2019 health and safety at risk, hurting people across the political spectrum.\n\nBy reversing long-standing legal protections for vulnerable coastal waters, new offshore leases would cause significant environmental damage to communities already reeling from natural disasters and recent oil spills. Oil spills not only cause irreparable environmental damage, but also suppress the value of coastal homes, harm tourism economies, and weaken coastal infrastructure. Already, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forced to respond to over 150 oil and chemical spills each year. One disastrous spill can cost taxpayers billions in lost revenue, cleanup costs, and ecosystem restoration.\n\nThese threats of expanded oil drilling come as the Administration already dismantled NOAA\u2019s oil spill prevention and response programs, as almost 30 percent of the team in charge of addressing oil spills has been laid off or took early retirement. The Emergency Response Division team and the oil spill program would also lose half their funding under the Administration\u2019s proposed FY 2026 budget.\n\n\u201cThis is a matter of national consequence for coastal communities across the country, regardless of political affiliation. It puts our economies, national security, and our most vulnerable ecosystems at severe risk,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201c\u2026 Expanded oil and gas leasing poses risks to the health and livelihoods of our constituents, jeopardizes our tourism, fishing, and recreation economies, and threatens the marine life that inhabits our coastlines.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States already leads the world in oil and gas production. The industry currently holds more than 2,000 offshore leases covering over 12 million acres of federal waters \u2014 yet fewer than 500 of those leases are actively producing oil and gas,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cThere is no justification for opening vast swaths of our oceans to leasing when existing leases remain largely unused, while imposing mounting environmental and economic costs on coastal communities.\u201d\n\nAdditionally, the Department of Defense (DOD) previously warned that oil and gas leases in portions of the Eastern Gulf would impact areas critical to our military readiness, including for military training and testing opportunities and assets. DOD has also signaled that parts of the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Planning Areas are \u201cnot compatible with oil and gas activities and infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers condemned the potential expansion of offshore drilling while the Administration simultaneously curtails offshore wind and clean energy development. This year, the Trump Administration has halted all outer continental offshore wind leasing, rescinded all designated Wind Energy Areas, and eliminated $679 million in offshore-wind-related port infrastructure funding.\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers demanded that President Trump and Secretary Burgum:\n\n\u2022 Halt any steps toward new offshore oil and gas leasing in the Atlantic, Pacific, off the coast the Arctic and Bering Sea coasts of Alaska, and the Eastern Gulf;\n\n\u2022 Limit offshore drilling, consistent with previous statutory and agency protections;\n\n\u2022 Prioritize coastal resilience, including expanded storm-surge and flood protection, restoration of wetlands and sand dunes, and early-warning systems, so that communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, New Jersey, Alaska, and beyond are better protected; and\n\n\u2022 Restore a credible pathway for offshore wind and other clean-energy projects by rescinding the OCS wind-leasing withdrawal and rescinded WEAs, enabling science-based projects that support jobs and coastal economies.\n\n\u201cOur coastal communities, fishermen, small business owners, Tribal Nations, tourism operators, and families cannot be sacrificed in the name of short-term drilling booms,\u201d concluded the lawmakers. \u201cOpening new offshore lease areas while cancelling clean energy progress is potentially illegal, a failure of leadership, and a dereliction of the public trust.\u201d\n\nSenator Reed co-leads the COAST Act (S.1486) with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Whitehouse leads the bipartisan New England Coastal Protection Act (S.1472). Whitehouse has long been the lead sponsor of legislation to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling off the coast of New England. While working in the Rhode Island Attorney General\u2019s office, Whitehouse assisted Attorney General James O\u2019Neill with the state\u2019s response to the 1989 World Prodigy oil spill. As U.S. Attorney, Whitehouse led the federal response to the 1996 North Cape oil spill, securing what was then the largest settlement payment in Rhode Island history.\n\nIn addition to Reed and Whitehouse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nIn 2018, during President Trump\u2019s first term, his administration proposed opening up vast stretches of the Atlantic Coast to offshore drilling. However, thanks to strong public resistance by residents from coastal towns and inland cities, Trump\u2019s attempt to drill for oil near East Coast beaches was defeated.\n\nThe 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and well were located off the coast of Louisiana when an explosion and blow-out released about 171 million gallons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. The oil coated more than 1,100 miles of the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida.\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Mr. President and Secretary Burgum:\n\nWe write to express our strongest opposition to any effort to open new offshore oil and gas leasing in federal waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, in the Arctic Ocean and northern Bering Sea off of Alaska, and in the Eastern Gulf. This is a matter of national consequence for coastal communities across the country, regardless of political affiliation. It puts our economies, national security, and our most vulnerable ecosystems at severe risk. These reported proposals would reverse long-standing protections that shield sensitive coastal waters from new drilling, including withdrawals under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, statutory moratoria, and agency restrictions.\n\nExpanded oil and gas leasing poses risks to the health and livelihoods of our constituents, jeopardizes our tourism, fishing, and recreation economies, and threatens the marine life that inhabits our coastlines. Many of these communities are already reeling from compounded disasters: hurricanes, sea-level rise, storm surge, and the lingering legacy of oil-spill disasters. Since 1980, hurricanes alone have generated well over $1.5 trillion in damage in the United States. Expanding offshore leasing increases the likelihood that future storms, oil spills, or other disasters will impose even greater burdens on front-line coastal communities.\n\nIn addition to storms, the threat of oil spills remains real and costly. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard reported a spill of more than 30,000 gallons of \u201coily-watery mixture\u201d off Louisiana\u2019s coast earlier this year. Oil spill damage threatens not just the environment, but the value of coastal homes, the health of tourism economies, and the resilience of coastal infrastructure. A single catastrophic spill could cost taxpayers, states, and local communities tens of billions of dollars in cleanup costs, lost revenue, and degraded ecosystems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) already responds to over 150 oil and chemical spills in U.S. waters every year. Under the administration\u2019s proposed plan, every part of the United States\u2019 coastline would be at risk of disaster.\n\nThese risks are magnified by the administration\u2019s dismantling of NOAA and its oil spill prevention and response programs. Nearly 30 percent of NOAA\u2019s Office of Response and Restoration Emergency Response Division staff\u2014the team that addresses oil spills\u2014were already laid off or took early retirement as part of the administration\u2019s ongoing reductions in force. The administration\u2019s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget would cut in half funding for the oil spill program and the Emergency Response Division.\n\nUnder the administration\u2019s reported plans, harmful seismic testing could take place across every coast. NOAA Fisheries recently concluded that oil and gas activities like seismic exploration in the Gulf of Mexico could drive the endangered Rice\u2019s whale\u2014of which only a few dozen individuals remain\u2014to extinction. Seismic testing for oil and gas disrupts communication, navigation, and breeding among whales, fish, and other marine species, inflicting irreversible harm on ocean ecosystems.\n\nThe administration\u2019s reported plans would also open up oil and gas leasing in areas the Department of Defense (DOD) has previously stated would be problematic for military readiness. Leaked documents report that the administration will conduct leasing in parts of the Eastern Gulf, which includes irreplaceable military training and testing opportunities and assets. The DOD has similarly labeled portions of the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Planning Areas \u201cnot compatible with oil and gas activities and infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThe United States already leads the world in oil and gas production. The industry currently holds more than 2,000 offshore leases covering over 12 million acres of federal waters \u2014yet fewer than 500 of those leases are actively producing oil and gas. There is no justification for opening vast swaths of our oceans to leasing when existing leases remain largely unused, while imposing mounting environmental and economic costs on coastal communities.\n\nWhile the administration prepares to expand offshore drilling, it is simultaneously undermining offshore wind and clean energy development, thereby reducing our ability to expand energy supplies and build resilient coastal economies. On January 20, 2025, the President issued a memorandum withdrawing all areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from offshore wind leasing, pending review. On July 30, 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) rescinded all designated Wind Energy Areas (WEAs). The Department of the Interior has issued directives curbing so-called \u201cpreferential treatment\u201d for wind and solar, and the U.S. Department of Transportation withdrew $679 million in offshore-wind-related port infrastructure funding. These actions raise electricity costs for families, make our coastlines less safe, and our communities more vulnerable.\n\nWe therefore urge your administration to take the following actions to reverse course immediately:\n\n1. Halt any steps toward new offshore oil and gas leasing in the Atlantic, Pacific, off the coast the Arctic and Bering Sea coasts of Alaska, and the Eastern Gulf;\n\n2. Limit offshore drilling, consistent with previous statutory and agency protections;\n\n3. Prioritize coastal resilience, including expanded storm-surge and flood protection, restoration of wetlands and sand dunes, and early-warning systems, so that communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, New Jersey, Alaska, and beyond are better protected; and\n\n4. Restore a credible pathway for offshore wind and other clean-energy projects by rescinding the OCS wind-leasing withdrawal and rescinded WEAs, enabling science-based projects that support jobs and coastal economies.\n\nProtecting our waters from offshore drilling is broadly supported by the American public. Nearly two-thirds of registered voters oppose new offshore drilling, and hundreds of municipalities along the Atlantic, Pacific, the eastern Gulf, and these regions of Alaska have passed formal resolutions against its expansion. These communities have made clear that safeguarding their coastal economies, fisheries, and way of life must take precedence over short-term fossil fuel interests. Our coastal communities, fishermen, small business owners, Tribal Nations, tourism operators, and families cannot be sacrificed in the name of short-term drilling booms. Opening new offshore lease areas while cancelling clean energy progress is potentially illegal, a failure of leadership, and a dereliction of the public trust.\n\nWe look forward to your prompt response detailing what specific steps the Administration will take to halt this course of action and recommit to safeguarding our nation\u2019s shores, economy, and shared future.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trumps-nuclear-saber-rattling-could-upend-decades-of-weapons-cooperation", "Reed: Trump\u2019s Nuclear Saber Rattling Could Upend Decades of Weapons Cooperation", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, President Donald Trump created international confusion with an apparent call for the Pentagon to start testing nuclear explosive weapons, a reversal of decades of U.S. nuclear policy that could have far-reaching consequences.\n\nIn response, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cOnce again, President Trump has it wrong when it comes to nuclear weapons policy. This time, he seems to have ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear explosive weapons testing. This confusing directive reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of our nuclear enterprise\u2014it is the Department of Energy, not the Department of Defense, that manages our nuclear weapons complex and any testing activities.\n\n\u201cBreaking the explosive testing moratorium that the United States, Russia, and China have maintained since the 1990s would be strategically reckless, inevitably prompting Moscow and Beijing to resume their own testing programs. Further, American explosive testing would provide justification for Pakistan, India, and North Korea to expand their own testing regimes, destabilizing an already fragile global nonproliferation architecture at precisely the moment we can least afford it.\n\n\u201cThe United States would gain very little from such testing, and we would sacrifice decades of hard-won progress in preventing nuclear proliferation.\"\n\nThe last U.S. nuclear explosive weapon test was held in 1992, before President George H.W. Bush implemented a moratorium on such exercises at the conclusion of the Cold War.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-rebukes-trump-and-rejects-emergency-global-tariffs", "U.S. Senate Rebukes Trump & Rejects \u2018Emergency\u2019 Global Tariffs", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In a resounding rebuke of President Donald Trump\u2019s costly and reckless economic policies, the U.S. Senate voted on a bipartisan basis, 51-47, to reject Trump\u2019s tariffs on a global scale. U.S. Senator Jack Reed was among the majority of U.S. Senators voting to approve the resolution and block Trump\u2019s tariffs.\n\nToday\u2019s vote marked the fourth time the Senate came together on a bipartisan basis in support of a resolution to terminate Trump\u2019s misuse of emergency powers to enact steep tariffs on American consumers. Under the guise of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, President Trump declared he would enact a tariff of 10 percent or higher on countries across globe. His executive order sought to proclaim a \u201cnational emergency arising from conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits\u201d as a reason to impose the tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s unwarranted tariffs increased prices and punished American consumers and businesses alike. Despite the President\u2019s claims, American companies, small businesses, and consumers \u2013 not foreign companies \u2013 are paying nearly all of the costs of his tariffs, with Goldman Sachs estimating that foreign companies paid less than 10 percent of tariff costs this summer. Researchers at Yale estimate American families will pay an extra $1,700 this year due to President Trump\u2019s tariffs. This bipartisan rebuke of Trump\u2019s reckless tariffs is a positive step forward for consumers. But the job won\u2019t be done unless Speaker Johnson (R-LA) reconvenes the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington to finish the job,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cHistorians and economists across the political spectrum agree that IEEPA was never meant to authorize tariffs, and for its nearly fifty years of existence, no president sought to abuse and ignore the law this way until President Trump came along trying to seize new power and authority for himself at the expense of everyday Americans and by upending the constitutional order.\n\nThe Senate\u2019s previous three votes were narrowly targeted at specific tariffs on Brazil and Canada, while the latest vote was in support of ending the so-called \u2018national emergency\u2019 Trump used to try to justify \u201creciprocal\u201d tariffs on countries around the world.\n\nFour Republican Senators crossed party lines in voting to disapprove of Trump\u2019s tariffs today: Rand Paul (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY).\n\nDemocrats were able to force a vote on the issue by invoking a Senate rule that allows Congress to vote to block a president\u2019s emergency powers.\n\nOn November 5, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments regarding President Donald Trump\u2019s power to impose sweeping tariffs on virtually all goods imported into the United States. Senator Reed filed an amicus brief in that case urging the high court to strike down Trump\u2019s \u2018emergency\u2019 tariffs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-tillis-make-push-for-corporate-governance-fairness-act", "Reed & Tillis Make Push for Corporate Governance Fairness Act", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to protect investors, enhance corporate governance, and hold proxy advisory firms accountable, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) are teaming up on the bipartisan Corporate Governance Fairness Act (S.3055). This bill would help ensure that investors may confidently rely on the advice of proxy advisory firms by requiring the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate all major proxy advisory firms under the Investment Advisers Act (IAA). This advice is critical for investors as they decide how to vote their shares on important corporate governance matters, such as director elections or whether to sell the company.\n\nProxy advisory firms are an essential tool for investors, and the senators want to ensure they are well-regulated and ensure that the information that they provide to their institutional clients is factual and unbiased.\n\nThe Corporate Governance Fairness Act would direct the SEC to conduct periodic examinations, which must include a serious review of the conflicts of interest policies of registered proxy advisory firms and whether firms knowingly made false statements to any of its clients. It also requires the SEC to consult with all relevant stakeholders and report back periodically to the Senate Banking Committee and the House Financial Services Committee with recommendations for any additional investor protections beyond continued access to proxy advisory firms so that investors have the tools to make informed investment decisions and exercise their rights as shareholders.\n\n\u201cGiven the importance that investors have placed on continued access to proxy advisory firms, it is critical that proxy advisory firms are appropriately transparent, well-regulated, and held accountable to investors. The bipartisan Corporate Governance Fairness Act would help ensure conflicts of interest are avoided while boosting confidence in our public markets,\u201d said Senator Reed, a leading member of the Banking Committee. \u201cUnder our legislation, all major proxy advisory firms would be required to register as investment advisers under the IAA, and therefore have a fiduciary duty to their clients. So as to not discourage new entrants into the proxy advisory business, our bill provides smaller proxy advisory firms the choice to voluntarily register under the IAA, but does not require them to do so. The Congressional intent of this legislation is to preserve the critical role played by proxy advisory firms and to hold them accountable to investors.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvestors deserve confidence that the advice they receive from proxy advisory firms is accurate and free from conflicts of interest,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation strengthens oversight and accountability to ensure our markets remain fair, competitive, and trustworthy.\u201d\n\nUnder the Reed-Tillis bill, all major proxy advisory firms would be required to register as investment advisers under the Advisers Act. They will owe a fiduciary duty to their clients, and that duty will be enforceable under federal law.\n\nThe legislation also directs the SEC to conduct periodic examinations, which must include a serious review of the conflicts of interest policies of registered proxy advisory firms and whether firms knowingly made false statements to any of its clients.\n\nThe bill also requires the SEC to consult with all relevant stakeholders and report back periodically to the Senate Banking Committee and the House Financial Services Committee with recommendations for any additional investor protections beyond continued access to proxy advisory firms so that investors have the tools to make informed investment decisions and exercise their rights as shareholders.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-backs-bipartisan-snap-patch-to-prevent-first-ever-snap-lapse-in-history", "Reed Backs Bipartisan SNAP Patch to Prevent First Ever SNAP Lapse in History", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 With billions of federal dollars available to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) says a failure by the Trump Administration to disburse these funds would be immoral, indefensible, and unlawful.\n\nSenator Reed is calling on Republican leaders to put bipartisan bills on the floor and urging his colleagues to vote their conscience and pass bipartisan legislation to keep SNAP food assistance flowing uninterrupted to 42 million Americans.\n\nEven President Donnald Trump, who is currently on a weeklong overseas trip \u2013 and whose chaotic and disjointed Administration has forced the shutdown and caused panic by prematurely ordering the suspension of SNAP benefits on November 1 \u2013 now suggests a SNAP reversal by USDA: Speaking aboard Air Force One while in Asia today, President Trump told reporters \u201cwe\u2019re going to get it [SNAP funding] done,\u201d but offered no details on how it might happen.\n\nWith the President in Asia and offering no concrete plan, and with the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives still on an indefinite hiatus because House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) refuses to bring lawmakers back to Washington, DC, Senator Reed says urgent action by the Senate is needed to prevent over 40 million Americans from going hungry.\n\nSenator Reed is throwing his support behind two key SNAP funding bills: the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), and the Keep SNAP Funded Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO).\n\nThe Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act would provide such funds as are necessary to provide uninterrupted benefits for SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at times when continuing or full year appropriations have not been enacted for the Department of Agriculture in FY26.\n\nHawley\u2019s Keep SNAP Funded Act would fund the food aid program for states across the country until the nearly-month-long government shutdown ends and the USDA can receive its allotments through appropriations or stopgap measures.\n\nSo far, ten Republican Senators have cosponsored Senator Hawley\u2019s bill, including: James Lankford (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (RM-E), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jon Husted (R-OH) and John Cornyn (R-TX).\n\nAround 42 million Americans \u2013 including 140,000 Rhode Islanders -- depend on SNAP benefits for nutrition assistance each month, with funds uploaded onto electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to be used at local grocery stores. Each month, Rhode Island receives about $29 million to administer the SNAP program across the state.\n\nWith USDA announcing a pause in federal funding, states had to scramble. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee declared a state of emergency over the impending lapse, freeing up his ability to make emergency funds available to those in need -- and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha joined a federal lawsuit with nearly two dozen states against the Trump Administration over the impending end of federal food assistance.\n\nSenator Reed noted: \u201cAs my colleagues in both parties have attested and agree: There is no reason millions of Americans should go hungry. There is a bipartisan solution on the table. It\u2019s not the exact bill I would have written, but time is of the essence and bipartisan action is required. Democrats are willing to do their part. The only question is: Will Senate Republican leaders allow the Senate to work its will and allow a vote using a 60-vote threshold? This is about helping low-income children, seniors on a fixed income, and disabled Americans who depend on SNAP to make ends meet. If given the chance, I believe both parties can come together to help these vulnerable Americans. But the question is: will Congressional Republicans prioritize protecting the American people, or let the American people go hungry? I urge them to do the right thing and tee up a vote ASAP. If they do, we can get this done on a bipartisan basis.\u201d\n\nWhile a strong majority of Senators support extending SNAP funding, it only takes one senator to object to passing a bill by unanimous consent. And only the Senate Majority Leader can schedule a vote in a timely manner.\n\nThe quickest way to get SNAP aid out in November is for the Trump Administration to simply follow the law and tap into the SNAP contingency fund, which has over $5 billion ready to go immediately, and transfer other USDA funds temporarily to ensure SNAP benefits keep flowing during the shutdown.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-warns-trumps-politicization-of-the-military-breaks-250-years-of-tradition", "Reed Warns Trump\u2019s Politicization of the Military Breaks 250 Years of Tradition", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered a floor speech condemning President Trump\u2019s efforts to politicize the U.S. military and turn it into a partisan instrument. Reed warned that Trump\u2019s actions\u2014including holding campaign-style rallies on military bases, firing senior officers for political reasons, and deploying troops into American cities\u2014undermine 250 years of apolitical military tradition and threaten civilian control of the Armed Forces.\n\nSenator Reed called on Congress to take immediate, bipartisan action to safeguard the Constitution\u2019s balance of powers, codify prohibitions on political activity at military installations, and ensure that the U.S. military remains loyal only to the Constitution\u2014not to any individual or party.\n\nA video of Senator Reed\u2019s remarks may be viewed here.\n\nA transcript of Senator Reed\u2019s floor speech follows:\n\nDrawing the Line: Congress Must Protect America\u2019s Apolitical Military\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed\n\nRanking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee\n\nWednesday, October 29, 2025\n\nREED: Mr. President, I rise today to discuss a matter that transcends party lines and goes to the very heart of what makes America's military the most trusted institution in our country.\n\nI speak from a lifetime of devotion to the Army and our Armed Services. I joined the Army at seventeen when I took the oath to defend and protect the Constitution as a New Cadet at West Point. I served twelve years on Active Duty. I earned my Ranger Tab and my Senior Jump Wings. I had the privilege of commanding an Infantry Company in the 82nd Airborne Division. I taught at West Point. But, I want to make clear that I am not a combat veteran. I have spent nearly three decades on the Senate Armed Services Committee, with the great privilege of serving as both Ranking Member and Chairman.\n\nMy connection to the military is neither transient nor incidental. That is precisely why I must speak out today about what President Trump is doing to our Armed Forces. He is attempting to politicize an institution that has remained steadfastly apolitical for nearly 250 years. He is disrespecting the professionalism and sacrifice of our servicemembers. And if we in Congress do not reject his actions \u2014and soon\u2014the damage could take generations to repair.\n\nAmerica\u2019s Apolitical Military Tradition\n\nAmerica's apolitical military was constructed deliberately by leaders who understood that republics die when generals and soldiers become political pawns.\n\nGeorge Washington set the standard. When he resigned his commission in 1783, he established the principle that military leaders serve the nation, not a party or president. He made clear that military leadership is not a pathway to personal political power. Washington could have made himself king. He refused, and in that refusal, created the tradition we inherit today.\n\nThe Founders enshrined a non-political military in our Constitution, giving Congress\u2014not the President\u2014the sole power to raise armies, establish laws governing the military, and, importantly, to declare war. The Founders built checks and balances precisely to prevent the situation we now face: a President who views the military as his personal political instrument.\n\nThis tradition is maintained in the United States through deliberate policy. The Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits active-duty personnel from partisan political activities. Military bases do not host campaign rallies. Servicemembers do not appear in uniform at political events.\n\nThe Supreme Court itself has affirmed this principle. In Greer v. Spock (1976), the Court upheld military regulations strictly prohibiting partisan political activity on military bases. The Court\u2019s conclusion was unequivocal. The majority opinion explained that the military has a special responsibility to avoid \"both the reality and the appearance of acting as handmaiden for partisan political causes or candidates.\"\n\nJustice Powell also warned that, quote, \u201cIt is the lesson of ancient and modern history that the major socially destabilizing influence in many European and South American countries has been a highly politicized military. . . . Complete and effective civilian control [of the military] would be compromised by participation of the military in the political process.\u201d\n\nThe Supreme Court understood what we must remember: once the military appears political, civilian control itself is compromised. Public confidence evaporates. And history shows us where that leads.\n\nThese are not bureaucratic niceties. Once the military becomes politicized, it loses the trust of the American people. A military seen as serving one party cannot claim to serve the nation. For nearly 250 years, this principle has held. The American military has remained the most trusted institution precisely because it has stayed out of politics.\n\nTrump\u2019s Politicization of the Military\n\nPresident Trump is systematically dismantling this bedrock principle\u2014brazenly, repeatedly, and with apparent pride.\n\nOn May 24th, he addressed West Point's graduating class while wearing a red MAGA hat\u2014a political campaign symbol at a military ceremony. This was not an accident. It was a statement. He told our nation\u2019s future Army officers that his election victory gave him the right to, quote, \"do what we wanna do.\" He told cadets about to take their oath to the Constitution that winning an election means you can do whatever you want.\n\nIn June, at an event at Fort Bragg, President Trump made this politicization even more explicit. Soldiers attending the event were apparently screened for physical appearance and enthusiasm, and were positioned in the bleachers as background props for what Trump boasted was a political rally. The troops were encouraged to boo his opponents, cheer his applause lines, and jeer the press.\n\nAlmost as disturbing, President Trump's team brought vendors onto Fort Bragg to sell campaign merchandise to soldiers in uniform. This was an explicit violation of longstanding Army regulations and Department of Defense policies. It exploited soldiers and the prestige of their service for the President's partisan and personal gain.\n\nAnd again, just last month at Quantico, Trump spoke to a hall of hundreds of generals and admirals to make explicit what had previously been unspoken. He complained about, quote, \"an enemy within,\" and told the assembled officers that dealing with this domestic enemy \"is going to be a major part for some of the people in this room. That's a war, too. It's a war from within.\"\n\nLet us be clear about who Trump means when he says \"the enemy within.\" He does not mean terrorists or foreign agents. He means his political opponents. He means Americans exercising their Constitutional rights to disagree with him.\n\nIndeed, any doubt about who he considers \u201cthe enemy within\u201d was erased when he pardoned more than 1,500 people convicted of attacking Congress and Capitol Police on January 6th, 2021. These are people who attacked the Capitol \u2013 at President Trump\u2019s urging \u2013 who savagely beat police officers, who forced members of Congress to flee the chamber for their own lives. The vast majority of my colleagues were there that day and know exactly what they saw.\n\nThese criminals, who supported President Trump, were rewarded with pardons, while those who he believes are opposed to him are being targeted for retribution.\n\nThis is not a theoretical concern. The President went further in his remarks at Quantico, suggesting that he wants to use \"some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military.\" He proposed to deploy American troops in American cities to train for operations against American citizens\u2014all without the consent of state and local leaders, and in apparent violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. Already, we have seen him order such deployments in Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, Portland, and elsewhere.\n\nThe pattern is unmistakable. Trump is attempting to transform the military from an apolitical institution that serves the Constitution into a political tool that serves him. He stages political rallies on military bases. He sells campaign merchandise to troops in uniform. He fires generals who give him professional military advice he doesn't like. He tells military leaders that their mission includes waging war on his domestic political opponents.\n\nThis is not normal. This is not acceptable. And if my Republican colleagues don\u2019t publicly reject this behavior, the President will fundamentally alter the character of American civil-military relations.\n\nTrump\u2019s Disrespect Toward the Military\n\nBeyond politicization, President Trump has shown consistent disrespect for the military's leaders and values.\n\nAt his West Point graduation speech, he claimed he defeated ISIS \"in three weeks.\u201d There\u2019s just one problem: it's not true. General Caine himself has refuted the story that President Trump repeatedly tells about that campaign \u2013 that he defeated ISIS. In fact, according to the 2025 Intelligence Community Threat Assessment \u2013 which was prepared by the Trump Administration itself \u2013 ISIS \"remains the world's largest Islamic terrorist organization.\" The President stood before America's future military leaders and lied to inflate his ego and his reputation.\n\nTrump also told West Point graduates, quote, \"we do not need an officer corps of yes-men.\" Yet, he fired General Kruse, the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, because the DIA\u2019s expert analysts contradicted Trump's claims about his military strikes on Iran. He has fired General CQ Brown, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, General Timothy Haugh, and many others in a purge of flag officers that appears motivated by race, gender, and political loyalty rather than merit. The message is clear: give the President the advice he wants to hear, or lose your job.\n\nPresident Trump disrespects not just military leaders, but also military customs and traditions. At the West Point graduation, he left before the diplomas were presented. He declined the opportunity to present the first and last cadets their diplomas\u2014a tradition honored by Presidents before him. He couldn't be bothered to fully participate in a ceremony that meant everything to those young officers and their families.\n\nAnd earlier this month at Norfolk, at the Navy's 250th anniversary celebration, Trump dispensed with any pretense. He declared, quote, \"Let's face it, this is a rally.\u201d He closed the ceremony by dancing to his campaign song, \"Y.M.C.A.\" by the Village People. The Navy's 250th anniversary became about Trump, not about the history of blood and sacrifice of sailors and the service they represent.\n\nTo my Republican colleagues who have served in uniform: you understand what service requires. Honesty. Humility. Respect for those who came before you. You know that officers must give their best professional advice, even when it's not what the Commander-in-Chief wants to hear. You know that when officers fear giving honest answers, people die. Missions fail. Wars are lost.\n\nSo when the President lies about military operations, he disrespects every soldier who has told the truth about the battlefield. When he fires officers for honest advice, he disrespects every officer who has had the courage to speak truth to power. When he turns military ceremonies into political rallies, he disrespects every servicemember who has kept politics out of their professional life.\n\nYou know this. The question is what you will do about it.\n\nCongress Must Act\n\nWe are at a crossroads. The damage Trump is inflicting is not theoretical. It is happening now, and if we don\u2019t act, it will accelerate.\n\nAmerica\u2019s civil-military relationship took 250 years to build, but it can be destroyed in a fraction of that time. Once the military is seen as a partisan instrument serving one party, once it is deployed domestically against political opponents, the trust that sustains it will evaporate. And that trust, once lost, can take generations to rebuild.\n\nConsider the dangers if this continues. Will military officers refuse to serve under future administrations, depending on the party in power? Will they resist civilian authority over policy disagreements? Will the military fracture along partisan lines?\n\nConsider what happens if Trump continues to deploy the National Guard against his political opponents. What happens when citizens see soldiers in their streets to suppress Constitutionally permitted dissent? What happens to recruiting when young Americans view the military as a partisan tool? What happens to military cohesion when soldiers treat fellow citizens as enemies?\n\nThese are not hypothetical questions. President Trump told our most senior military leaders that fighting the \"enemy within\" is their mission. He suggested using American cities as training grounds. The precedent he sets will outlast his administration and be available to every president after.\n\nCongress has the Constitutional authority and moral obligation to stop this. We are not powerless. We control the purse. We have oversight authority. We can pass legislation. And we must act now.\n\nAfter nine months of this presidency, it is clear that my Republican colleagues must do more than recognize the problem\u2014they must act. Republicans must work with us to call out the President and take concrete legislative action.\n\nFirst, we must codify prohibitions on political activities at military installations and block federal funds from supporting such activities. No more campaign rallies on military bases. No more merchandise sales to troops in uniform.\n\nSecond, we must pass legislation\u2014already in the Senate NDAA\u2014to require explanations and notifications for senior general and flag officer dismissals. If these decisions are based on merit, the administration should have no problem explaining them publicly.\n\nThird, we must strengthen the Hatch Act as it applies to political leaders interacting with military personnel. The rules that constrain servicemembers from politics must also constrain politicians from exploiting servicemembers for political purposes.\n\nAnd fourth, we must establish clear standards requiring congressional approval for domestic military deployments except in genuine emergencies. The Founders gave Congress the power over the military for exactly this reason\u2014to prevent any president from deploying troops as a personal force.\n\nI recognize the political pressures that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle face. But we all took the same oath\u2014either in uniform or in elected office\u2014to support and defend the Constitution, not a President or party. The American military is trusted by the American people because it has earned that trust by remaining apolitical, professional, and devoted to defending the Constitution.\n\nConclusion\n\nMr. President, I'll close with this. Yesterday in Japan, President Trump boarded an aircraft carrier to address American sailors and Marines. For a full hour, standing before hundreds of young men and women deployed thousands of miles from home, the Commander-in-Chief lectured them on his political grievances. He complained the 2020 election was stolen. He mocked reporters. He whined about the Nobel Peace Prize. He boasted about deploying the National Guard domestically. He invented false stories about President Biden and jeered him. The sailors and Marines, for their part, remained silent and respectful, like the professionals they are.\n\nBut the name of that aircraft carrier is worth noting: the USS George Washington.\n\nHow fitting that our first president set the standard for the military we inherit today, and how shameful that President Trump so badly fails that standard. Washington recognized that the presidency and the military are grander than any one person\u2014and he recognized the danger of any man who believes otherwise. As he warned in his Farewell Address: \"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.\"\n\nIn President Trump, I fear that Washington\u2019s warning has come to bear. Simply put, President Trump is politicizing the military for his benefit. He is disrespecting our servicemembers. And he is setting precedents that will haunt us for generations.\n\nEvery day that passes, every political rally on a military base, every firing of an officer for honest advice, every statement about deploying troops against domestic opponents\u2014each inflicts damage that becomes harder to repair.\n\nTo my Republican colleagues: this is your moment. You can help defend the military you cherish. You can exercise your constitutional authority as the majority power. Or you can stand by and concede to an executive who recognizes no limits. I suspect history will not forgive this body for remaining silent while the President transforms the military into his personal political tool.\n\nThe military I served in deserves better. The country we all swore to defend deserves better. And the young men and women taking the oath today deserve the apolitical, professional military our Founders fought and died to establish.\n\nLet us reassert Congress\u2019s power and preserve the military tradition we inherited.\n\nThank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/bipartisan-us-senators-file-supreme-court-brief-urging-high-court-to-strike-down-trumps-emergency-tariffs", "Bipartisan U.S. Senators File Supreme Court Brief Urging High Court to Strike Down Trump\u2019s \u2018Emergency\u2019 Tariffs", "2025-10-28", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In an effort to prevent the abuse and misuse of emergency powers by the president \u2013 regardless of party -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined over 200 members of Congress in filing a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging President Donald Trump\u2019s authority to impose tariffs without permission from Congress.\n\nThe brief was filed ahead of a November U.S. Supreme Court hearing on the consolidated case Learning Resources et al. v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections et al., which challenges President Donald Trump\u2019s unlawful use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on imported goods.\n\nThe sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump have increased average tariffs to their highest rate since the Great Depression and would cost households almost $2,400 more a year, according to the Yale Budget Lab.\n\nThe brief Senator Reed and his colleagues signed argues that the Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to impose tariffs and regulate commerce with foreign nations, and that Congress did not delegate that power to the President under IEEPA, which was enacted in 1977. It urges the Supreme Court to reaffirm Congress\u2019s constitutional authority over tariff policy and to strike down the President\u2019s misuse of IEEPA.\n\n\u201cIEEPA was never meant to authorize tariffs, and for its nearly fifty years of existence, no president has sought to abuse and ignore the law this way until President Trump came along trying to seize new power and authority for himself at the expense of everyday Americans and by upending the constitutional order,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cWhat President Trump is attempting to do is seize new powers for himself. If the Supreme Court rules in his favor then he and every future president may weaponize tariffs, unilaterally pick winners and losers, and use tariffs to punish opponents or curry favor with certain industries.\u201d\n\nThe brief notes that the Trump Administration\u2019s recent tariffs were not imposed through trade statutes in which Congress did delegate tariff authority to the President, such as Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Rather, President Trump imposed them under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law originally intended to restrict financial transactions with hostile foreign actors during national security emergencies. By invoking IEEPA to impose tariffs without Congressional input or a transparent policy process, the Trump Administration is attempting an unlawful executive overreach that harms Americans\u2019 financial interests and undermines Congress\u2019s constitutional authority.\n\n\u201cPresidents have used IEEPA to block financial transactions with hostile actors, freeze assets, and to impose targeted sanctions ... Yet between 1977 and 2024, not once did a President use IEEPA to impose tariffs. The total absence of tariffs for nearly fifty years reinforces the conclusion that the statute does not authorize such measures,\u201d the amicus briefing states.\n\nThe Supreme Court filing follows consistent rulings from three key courts: The Federal Circuit; the Court of International Trade; and the District Court for the District of Columbia, which all found the Trump Administration\u2019s misuse of IEEPA to impose tariffs to be unlawful.\n\nOral arguments in the case are set to begin before the U.S. Supreme Court on November 5.\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined with Reed and 34 other U.S. Senators in signing the brief, which is also backed by 171 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-seek-to-boost-social-security-benefits-for-seniors", "Reed & Whitehouse Seek to Boost Social Security Benefits for Seniors", "2025-10-28", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The Trump Administration announced the latest Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) this month: a paltry 2.8 percent increase that is unlikely to keep pace with the cost of surging healthcare premiums and other price hikes fueled by President Donald Trump\u2019s irresponsible tariff policies and tax laws that are geared toward billionaires. This amounts to an average of $52 per month per recipient starting in January 2026. But the projected 11.6 percent increase in Medicare Part B premiums next year would wipe out about 40 percent of the COLA increase for retirees.\n\nOver 70 million Americans receive their earned Social Security benefits, and for 40 percent of older Americans, Social Security is their primary source of income.\n\nThis week, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in introduced the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act (S.3059). This legislation seeks to protect and expand Social Security benefits for older adults. As Social Security benefits have failed to accurately account for rising costs and inflation, the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act makes necessary changes to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) formula, better supporting older Americans who rely on Social Security benefits.\n\n\u201cThis overdue measure makes necessary adjustments to Social Security benefits\u2014more accurately accounting for rising prices and inflation\u2014to better support older Americans,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cOur nation\u2019s seniors are struggling to afford basic necessities like food, medication, and clothing, and the overall cost of living index may not reflect their particular needs. This legislation ensures that older Americans have the support they deserve to live with dignity.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration is boosting inflation and shortchanging seniors. Rapidly rising costs and health care price spikes mean more Social Security recipients are feeling the pinch. I am concerned the latest COLA is inadequate and seniors on fixed incomes will feel the real value of their Social Security payments decrease. Our seniors deserve a bump in Social Security pay to ensure their purchasing power keeps pace with economic reality,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cPresident Trump must join Democrats in trying to get costs under control. We must protect Social Security, strengthen it, and prevent partisan detractors from further undermining it and trying to reduce benefits or cut the COLA altogether.\u201d\n\n\u201cRhode Island seniors pay into Social Security over a lifetime of hard work so they can enjoy a dignified retirement,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse, a founding member of the Expand Social Security Caucus. \u201cAs the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans drive up costs for Rhode Islanders, our commonsense legislation increases benefits and protects the promise of Social Security for future beneficiaries.\u201d\n\nWhitehouse\u2019s Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act would protect the solvency of Social Security and Medicare for at least 75 years by requiring the nation\u2019s highest earners to contribute a fairer share of their income into the system. Reed and Whitehouse also cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in January. The legislation eliminated two policies that reduced Social Security benefits for public service employees.\n\nThe Social Security Administration has paid COLAs since 1975.\n\nThe Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act directs the Social Security Administration to adjust benefits based on the Consumer Price Index for Americans aged 62 or older (CPI-E), whereas current benefits are based off the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W). The CPI-E takes into account more of the costs incurred by older Americans, such as medical expenses\u2014making it more a more reflective index to use when calculating benefits.\n\nForbes.com notes: \u201cWhile the COLA increase is a welcome boost in a small benefit check, not many people realize \u2014 until they receive a Social Security check \u2014 that Medicare premiums are deducted from it. According to projections from AARP published August 12, 2025: 'How Social Security COLA May Increase 2026 Benefits\u2019, premiums could rise nearly 12%, from $185 in 2025 to an estimated $206.50 in 2026. For many retirees, this will offset the COLA. A retiree with a $2,000 monthly benefit might see a gross increase of $54, but after Medicare deductions, the net increase could be as little as $32.50.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Fetterman (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\nThe Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act is supported by a number of organizations, including: the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Social Security Works, California Alliance for Retired Americans, Alliance for Retired Americans, Justice in Aging, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Education Association, National Organization of Social Security Claimants\u2019 Representatives, New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, and Women\u2019s Institute for a Secure Retirement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-the-passing-of-ambassador-j-william-middendorf", "Reed Statement on the Passing of Ambassador J. William Middendorf", "2025-10-25", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 Ambassador J. William \u201cBill\u201d Middendorf II passed away Friday at the age of 101. A seventy-plus year resident of Little Compton, Middendorf had an extensive career that included serving as an engineering officer and navigator during World War II, an investment banker, as treasurer of the Republican National Committee, and was appointed to ambassadorships in the Netherlands, the Organization of American States, and the European Union. He also served as the 62nd Secretary of the Navy.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today paid tribute to Ambassador Middendorf, issuing the following statement:\n\n\u201cBill Middendorf was a true patriot, a strong leader, and an impactful Rhode Islander. We are grateful for his distinguished service as a sailor, statesman, and thoughtful diplomat. His contributions to the state as a businessman, author, artist, and community leader are many.\n\n\u201cAs a diplomat and Navy secretary, he understood the importance of international relations, alliances, and the power of American values. I didn\u2019t always see eye to eye with Bill on every issue, but I always respected his scholarly insight and integrity, and appreciated his passion, wit, and self-effacing humor.\n\n\u201cRhode Island and the nation have lost a faithful public servant and I have lost a friend. We salute both Bill and his late, great wife, Isabelle, for a life well lived and extend our condolences to their beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/latest-data-shows-trump-policies-causing-prices-to-rise-job-market-to-shrink-and-economic-uncertainty-to-spread", "Latest Data Shows Trump Policies Causing Prices to Rise, Job Market to Shrink, & Economic Uncertainty to Spread", "2025-10-24", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- President Donald Trump\u2019s weak handling of the economy and costly trade wars are hampering American commerce and forcing consumers to pay more for groceries, medicine, cars, housing, and everyday goods and services. At the same time, Trump is forcing a much heavier economic burden onto working families and states by cutting $1 trillion from Medicaid and causing people to pay double or triple for health insurance. As a result, more Americans are about to be hit with price shocks, inflation is rising, the Trump economy is shedding jobs, and small businesses and big companies alike are paralyzed by needless economic uncertainty.\n\n\u201cPeople are really struggling. More Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. And Donald Trump\u2019s chaotic and irresponsible economic policies are making things worse. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are raising costs, putting people out of work, and putting Main Street companies out of business because they\u2019re uncertain of what Trump will do to them next. President Trump bragged about giving a big tax cut to billionaires, but he's making everyone else poorer -- taking a bigger bite out of people\u2019s paycheck, making them pay more for essentials, and driving up inflation and the debt alike. The Trump Administration must change course before the president drives America into recession,\u201d said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.\n\nThe latest economic data released this week shows annual inflation hitting 3 percent -- a full percentage point higher than the Federal Reserve\u2019s target. And it comes amidst the backdrop of President Trump abruptly terminating trade negotiations with Canada, after the president got upset about a Canadian television advertisement featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs like the dubious ones imposed unilaterally by Trump.\n\nAccording to a new analysis by Moody\u2019s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi, 21 states nationwide -- including Rhode Island -- are currently in or at high risk of entering a recession, while another 13 are classified as \u2018treading water.\u2019\n\nTrump\u2019s war on renewable energy and eagerness to halt shovel-ready and nearly finished projects that compete with his oil or coal backers is reducing energy supply -- causing America to fall behind on meeting its energy demands while increasing utility bills for homes and businesses alike. All Americans are paying more for Trump's backward energy policies which have caused electricity prices to surge and outpace inflation, increasing 10 percent in the past year.\n\nBusinesses are also hiring far fewer workers than in recent years, pushing unemployment higher and forcing millions of Americans into deeper financial pain. Businesses have also been negatively impacted by Trump's immigration policies. Some sectors, like housing, construction, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and the restaurant industry have been hit particularly hard, and many more have been unable to find enough low-skilled workers. Additionally, Trump took a sledgehammer to the H-1B visa worker program, blocking high-skilled workers from overseas coming to American companies in fields such as sciences, medicine, technology, and biotechnology -- hampering innovation and economic growth and giving foreign competitors a leg up on the competition to win the future.\n\nAnd while Trump\u2019s unmoored and chaotic policies are making it harder for U.S. businesses to compete, Trump is handing out personal favors to prop up foreign friends, such as the President of Argentina. The Trump Administration provided Argentina President Javier Milei\u2019s government with a $20 billion U.S. taxpayer backed bailout earlier this month, which both Trump and his staff made clear was provided solely to help President Milei in October\u2019s elections. Argentina repaid President Trump\u2019s giveaway by promptly suspending certain export taxes and doubling its soybean sales to China overnight -- undercutting American soybean farmers who have been frozen out by China, normally their largest market, since President Trump\u2019s tariffs took effect earlier this year. Instead of learning its lesson, the Trump Administration is now offering President Milei another sweetheart deal; this time to buy more beef from Argentina at the expense of American ranchers.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s weak ego is damaging Americans in every state -- not for the betterment of the country, quite the opposite: He is being fiscally irresponsible and putting his own personal interests above the nation\u2019s to the detriment of hardworking Americans,\u201d said Reed.\n\nAmericans have taken notice: a new Quinnipiac University poll released this week shows just 38 percent of voters approve of Trump\u2019s handling of the economy.\n\nU.S. job growth has slowed from an average of 150,000 per month at the start of 2025 to just 25,000 by August, according to analysis from Elsie Peng, research economist at Goldman Sachs. More recent data from payroll company ADP found the private sector actually lost 32,000 jobs last month. Ms. Peng's report noted that uncertainty created by constant changes in trade policy appear to be dampening investment and holding companies back from hiring.\n\nSenator Reed noted that the United States has many economic advantages, America\u2019s economy can come roaring back, and that the United States must continue to be the world\u2019s most innovative nation. But that requires President Trump to change course, to start prioritizing the middle-class and Main Street, and to start behaving in a more balanced, strategic, and stable manner that puts America\u2019s interests above his own personal whims.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s economic policies are negatively impacting people\u2019s financial health and spiking health care costs at the same time. Hardworking Americans deserve relief. Instead, they are suffering while Trump proposes paying himself a quarter billion dollars courtesy of American taxpayers, sends $20 billion in U.S. tax dollars to Argentina, and builds himself a gilded palace ballroom that would make Marie Antoinette blush. And he is using dark money for the ballroom that he claims is \u2018donated\u2019 but refuses to tell anyone where the money is actually coming from, who provided it, and what favors he did in return to those who provided it. The American people want and deserve answers and Republicans in Congress need to stop hiding and join Democrats in providing real oversight,\u201d concluded Reed.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-call-on-trump-admin-to-release-snap-contingency-funds", "Reed & Whitehouse Call on Trump Admin. to Release SNAP Contingency Funds", "2025-10-24", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Historically, both Democratic and Republican administrations have found ways to sustain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program during past budget crises and federal shutdowns by using contingency funds, carry-over appropriations, and short-term adjustments. That was the case in 2013 and 2018-2019. But now, despite the fact that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is legally obligated to release SNAP contingency funds, the Trump Administration is threatening to withhold roughly $6 billion in reserve funding meant to help feed vulnerable Americans and is choosing not to transfer funds from other available USDA reserve accounts.\n\nStressing the importance of sustained funding for SNAP, which helps feed nearly 42 million Americans nationwide, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined 44 of their colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to protect and deliver full SNAP benefits for the coming month. If the Trump Administration refuses to follow the law and take appropriate action, 140,000 Rhode Islanders may not receive SNAP benefits on November 1.\n\nSNAP is administered jointly by states and USDA and receives federal funding through the annual appropriations process. However, the Trump-Republican budget law that was recently enacted cut SNAP by $186 billion over the coming years to fund the GOP\u2019s billionaire tax breaks. Still, SNAP has a contingency fund of about $6 billion that, by law, should be tapped, and USDA has other sources of funding it could use to ensure SNAP benefits are disbursed without interruption.\n\nThis week, Reed and Whitehouse joined with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and forty-three of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the Trump Administration not to delay or deny SNAP funds to states. The senators say USDA should release the billions of dollars currently at USDA\u2019s disposal to ensure SNAP benefits continue uninterrupted in November. The senators warn that inaction by the Trump Administration would be cruel, unnecessary, and could force millions of Americans to go hungry.\n\nThe Democrats raised the alarm about the USDA\u2019s failure to use available funding to continue SNAP, writing: \u201cWe were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will \u2018run out of money in two weeks.\u2019 In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.\u201d\n\n\u201cFirst, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,\u201d the 46 U.S. Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators concluded: \u201cIn the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA\u2019s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government.\u201d\n\nThe non-partisan Food Research & Action Center echoed these concerns and called out the Trump Administration, stating: \u201cAllowing hunger to deepen during a shutdown is not an inevitability; it is a policy choice. The Trump Administration has demonstrated urgency in funding other priorities, but not the same commitment to protecting low-income families\u2019 access to food through SNAP.\u201d\n\nAccording to USDA\u2019s own funding lapse plan, which the Trump Administration removed after September 30 and replaced with a partisan message trying to blame others for the shutdown, SNAP \u201cshall continue operations during a lapse in appropriations, subject to the availability of funding.\u201d Internet archives show USDA\u2019s funding lapse plan, which clearly acknowledges: \u201cCongressional intent is evident that SNAP\u2019s operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds that can be used for State Administrative Expenses to ensure that the State can also continue operations during a Federal Government shutdown. These multi-year contingency funds are also available to fund participant benefits in the event that a lapse occurs in the middle of the fiscal year.\u201d\n\nReed and Whitehouse point out that in addition to helping 140,000 Rhode Islanders in need access nutritious food, SNAP supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. The state receives about $29 million per month -- nearly $350 million per year -- from the federal government to administer SNAP across Rhode Island.\n\nIn Rhode Island, SNAP participants receive an average individual monthly benefit of roughly $200, or about $6.50 per day. Recipients may use their SNAP benefits to purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread and other foods at 900 retailers and markets across the state.\n\nSNAP eligibility and benefit amounts are based on income, expenses, resources and the number of people living in a household. Recipients get an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that can be used at supermarkets, grocery/convenience stores, farmers\u2019 markets and participating online retailers.\n\nLocal foodbanks are bracing for increased demand due to the SNAP disruption and Rhode Islanders in need may call United Way of Rhode Island\u2019s (UWRI) 2-1-1 hotline to get connected to help.\n\nIn addition to Reed, Whitehouse, and Booker, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Secretary Rollins,\n\nThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is our nation\u2019s largest food assistance program, serving 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities. Any halt in SNAP funding will have devastating impacts for program beneficiaries, increasing food insecurity and undermining family budgets. Given the critical importance of SNAP benefits, the USDA must take all steps possible to ensure that families do not go hungry.\n\nWe were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will \u201crun out of money in two weeks.\u201d In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November. First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown. In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November.\n\nAmericans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA\u2019s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-announce-recommendation-process-for-us-attorney", "Reed & Whitehouse Announce Recommendation Process for U.S. Attorney", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI -- U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today outlined their process for ensuring there is a talented and diverse pool of highly-qualified candidates for the current U.S. Attorney vacancy in Rhode Island.\n\nSenators Reed and Whitehouse made this announcement following consultation with the White House and their colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Senator Whitehouse is a senior member.\n\nIt is customary for the President to ask U.S. Senators for recommendations for appointments in their state, who are ultimately nominated by the President. It is also customary for home-state senators to return so-called \u201cblue slips\u201d that indicate their approval of the President\u2019s choices for nominees in their state before the Senate begins formal consideration of the nominees.\n\nThe U.S. Attorney serves as the state\u2019s top federal prosecutor. There are 93 U.S. Attorneys nationwide, one of whom serves in Rhode Island. Each U.S. attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer within a specified jurisdiction.\n\nApplicants for U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island must have a minimum of ten years as a practicing attorney, deep experience with criminal law, be residents of the state, and demonstrate a commitment to the fair, evenhanded, and independent administration of justice. The process includes confidential and detailed scrutiny of each applicant\u2019s professional experience and personal background.\n\nAll interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Senator Reed\u2019s office via email (to:US_Attorney@reed.senate.gov) or via mail (to: 1000 Chapel View Boulevard, Suite 290, Cranston, RI 02920) by November 3.\n\n\u201cOur goal is to fill this position with an outstanding, highly-qualified candidate who will serve the people of Rhode Island with honor, integrity, and distinction,\u201d said Reed and Whitehouse in a joint statement.\n\nAfter carefully reviewing resumes and interviewing applicants, Senators Reed and Whitehouse will follow their customary process with the Administration.\n\nAfter a candidate is formally nominated by the President, they may receive a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Any nominee must then be approved by the Committee, as well as by the full U.S. Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-criticize-trumps-brazen-shakedown-demand-for-doj-to-pay-him-230-million-for-past-cases", "Reed & Whitehouse Criticize Trump\u2019s Brazen Shakedown Demand for DOJ to Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and Sheldon Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized President Donald Trump for pursuing a $230 million payout from DOJ using American taxpayer money. Trump reportedly wants \u2018restitution\u2019 for DOJ\u2019s past investigations into his conduct.\n\nThe New York Times reported that President Trump has submitted complaints through an administrative claims process, about criminal investigations into his actions over the past several years for which he feels entitled to compensation.\n\nSome of Trump\u2019s former personal attorneys, who are now heading up the Department of Justice, are in key positions to decide whether or not to grant their former boss and current employer the taxpayer money he wants. However, President Trump claims that he himself would make the final determination of whether he ultimately takes the massive payout from taxpayers, which may not even be publicly disclosed when it\u2019s made.\n\nSenator Reed stated: \u201cThis is a sickening brand of cash-grab corruption that should have no place in our democracy. President Trump has zero evidence that these investigations were launched improperly and yet he claims he alone is positioned to decide whether he can just take a quarter of a billion dollars from taxpayers and not even inform the public. No president or any elected official should line their pockets with a corrupt DOJ payout like this.\u201d\n\nSenator Whitehouse stated: \u201cThe President has proposed looting $230 million directly from American taxpayers. Presented with this proposed public embezzlement by President Trump, his former defense attorneys who now run the Department of Justice pledged to \u2018follow the guidance of career ethics officials,\u2019 curiously omitting that they\u2019ve fired those same career ethics officials. It\u2019s a cesspool of corruption with no equivalence in American history.\u201d\n\nThe Senators urged President Trump to drop the unethical claims and said that any DOJ officials involved in the cases should recuse themselves from such a blatant conflict of interest.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-lauds-coast-guard-for-listening-to-public-and-suspending-buoy-removal-plan", "Reed Lauds Coast Guard for Listening to Public & Suspending Buoy Removal Plan", "2025-10-22", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Committee, is lauding the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for listening to the valid concerns of Rhode Islanders and suspending its proposal to remove over 300 buoys and other aids to navigation from Northeast waters.\n\n\u201cAfter receiving over 3,200 public comments, the Coast Guard will be conducting further analysis of the aids to navigation system. There will be no changes to ATON in relation to the proposal until further analysis is complete,\u201d the Coast Guard announced yesterday in a written statement.\n\nThe Coast Guard recently announced a revised modernization plan that scaled back its original controversial plan to phase out hundreds of physical coastal buoys and lateral marks across Coast Guard District North East (formerly First Coast Guard District). In Rhode Island, the Coast Guard was proposing to discontinue 20 buoys, down from 37 earlier this year.\n\nSenator Reed has been actively engaged on this issue. Earlier this year, he led initial efforts urging the Coast Guard to seek input from Rhode Island commercial and recreational boaters and harbormasters before removing any navigational markers in the water and later joined the entire northeast states delegation in a unified effort to push back and reconsider.\n\n\u201cThis is a win for our marine interests, including recreational and commercial boats. Rhode Islanders know these waters best and I appreciate the Coast Guard listening to their concerns, \u201c said Senator Reed. \u201cThis means all the buoys Rhode Islanders wanted to keep have been saved for the foreseeable future. I will continue to monitor this situation going forward to keep the public informed and work with the Coast Guard to ensure they continue proactive public outreach as part of any future decision-making process.\u201d\n\nThis coastal buoy project is just the first of USGC\u2019s three planned efforts to modernize and reduce Rhode Island\u2019s overall buoy constellation. Two other plans identify shallow water and harbor buoys that the Coast Guard is considering for discontinuation. In total, Rhode Island waters could see roughly 70 federally maintained aids to navigation cut, or roughly 17 percent of the total buoy constellation reduced in the coming years. The Coast Guard\u2019s overall plan can be viewed with this interactive map.\n\nThe Coast Guard maintains more than 5,600 aids to navigation in its Northeast district.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-forgoing-pay-during-trump-shutdown", "RI Delegation Forgoing Pay During Trump Shutdown", "2025-10-22", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In a show of solidarity with federal workers impacted by the \u2018Trump Shutdown,\u2019 all four members of Rhode Island\u2019s Congressional delegation have requested that their Congressional pay be withheld for the duration of the federal government shutdown as they fight to re-open the government and bring down health care costs for Rhode Islanders.\n\nEmphasizing the need for a bipartisan solution to responsibly reopen the government and save Americans\u2019 health care, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo have all publicly announced they will decline their paychecks until the federal government is reopened and public servants are paid.\n\nPresident Trump and Congressional Republicans initiated the federal shutdown on October 1 and continue refusing to negotiate with Senate Democrats over a plan to responsibly fund the government and save health care for millions of Americans. Throughout the federal shutdown, all four Congressional offices have remained fully open. The U.S. Senate has remained in session and continues to vote while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has kept the House in an extended recess.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-action-to-lower-health-costs-cannot-wait", "Reed & Whitehouse: Action to Lower Health Costs Cannot Wait", "2025-10-20", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "CRANSTON, RI \u2013 President Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Instead, two hundred and seventy-three days later, President Trump\u2019s polices have increased prices and American workers are facing soaring health costs and record paycheck deductions. Democratic lawmakers are taking a stand to help lower costs and save health care.\n\nWith the start of open enrollment just eleven days away, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are pressing Congressional Republicans to join them in taking urgent action to prevent devastating premium increases starting in January. In some cases, Rhode Islanders could be looking at paying double, triple or even quadruple what they paid last year for the same level of health insurance.\n\nThese steep price hikes stem directly from three key Trump-Republican health care cuts and policies:\n\nOne: The expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Republican refusal to extend the discounts will spike average annual household insurance costs by 101%, or $1,332 a year, for 40,000 Rhode Islanders, cutting off nearly $60 million in federal subsidies for Rhode Island.\n\nTwo: Increasing costs for Medicare and Medicaid, and President Trump\u2019s historic $1 trillion cut to health care under his 'One Big Ugly' budget.\n\nThree: The impact of Trump\u2019s tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and other everyday goods that are squeezing consumers and Main Street businesses alike.\n\nAs a result of Trump-Republican health cuts and inaction, an estimated 13,000 Rhode Islanders will be unable to afford coverage or opt to go uninsured \u2014 the latter mostly younger, healthier people willing to take the financial risk. That increases the concentration of older, sicker, and more medically expensive people left for insurers to cover -- increasing costs for everyone with health insurance, regardless of where they get it.\n\nSenator Reed stated: \u201cI am committed to driving down costs and ensuring every Rhode Islander can purchase affordable, comprehensive coverage that meets their needs. This can't wait. Republicans must join us in taking swift, comprehensive action because this goes to the heart of health and financial stability for millions of Americans. If these price hikes go forward unchecked, it will decimate families, hurt communities, and require even more expensive solutions. Republicans manufactured this crisis and now they want to shift a greater burden onto consumers and states, dismantle the ACA, and kick the can further down the road to try and avoid blame. People\u2019s lives are at stake and there is urgent, pressing need for action. This isn\u2019t a question of belt-tightening: You can\u2019t just turn down your premium and deductible costs like a thermostat or skip a month of health care and still get coverage. President Trump is the main driver of these price spikes and he needs to change course and help us lower costs instead of raising tariffs and handing out bigger tax breaks to billionaires.\u201d\n\n\u201cTens of thousands of Rhode Islanders will see their health care premiums skyrocket if Congress doesn\u2019t work in a bipartisan way to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cWithout action, premiums will double \u2013 that\u2019s not going to work for families, and it\u2019s going to further strain our health care system. I won\u2019t stop fighting for Rhode Islanders to have access to affordable health care.\u201d\n\nToday, Reed and Whitehouse joined HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang and Peter Marino, the President and CEO Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, to discuss the looming price hikes facing Rhode Islanders and the urgent need for action.\n\n\u201cIt is urgent that Congress act now to ensure access to coverage for thousands of Rhode Islanders and millions of Americans who rely on the enhanced tax credits to afford their monthly premiums,\u201d said Lindsay Lang, director of HealthSource RI. \u201cProtecting Rhode Islanders\u2019 ability to seek the mental and physical health care services they need to lead healthy, productive lives is core to HSRI\u2019s mission and to the good of our state. We worry about our neighbors becoming uninsured and facing insurmountable medical costs or suffering serious health consequences from avoiding or delaying care. It is vital that we continue to offer the resources needed to keep people connected to quality coverage.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnhanced premium tax credits have been a lifeline for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders,\u201d said Peter Marino, President and CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood). \u201cWithout them, individuals and families will face difficult financial decisions impacting their health and wellbeing. Neighborhood urges Congress to protect these vital subsidies and continue supporting the people who rely on them.\u201d\n\nAccording to examples and data provided by HealthSource RI, Rhode Island\u2019s insurance marketplace established under the ACA, a 60-year old retiree with an annual income of just over $62,000 and in reasonably good health could see their monthly health insurance bills climb from $427 per month to $1,077 per month -- that is an extra $650 per month just to keep the same level of health insurance they already have. That adds up to a yearly increase of $7,800 for one person.\n\nThe prospect of more people becoming uninsured in a few months or losing affordable health insurance altogether means fewer people accessing preventative care, which makes communities less healthy and increases costs in the long run.\n\nReed and Whitehouse say the need for Republicans to take action is urgent: The enhanced tax credits expire at the end of the year. Open enrollment, the two-month period where people have the opportunity to purchase a health insurance plan that fits their budget and needs, begins on November 1. Public health experts have already warned that the higher cost of insurance plans may drive consumers away from the marketplace and cause them to abandon health insurance altogether, even if the subsidy is later renewed by Congress before the end of the year.\n\nCurrently in Rhode Island, marketplace enrollees receive $472 monthly, on average, in the form of preferred federal tax credits, according to KFF [kff.org].", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/durbin-and-reed-lead-call-for-dod-inspector-general-inquiry-into-domestic-deployment-of-military-in-us-cities", "Durbin & Reed Lead Call For DOD Inspector General Inquiry into Domestic Deployment of Military in U.S. Cities", "2025-10-17", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; along with U.S. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; and combat Veteran U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and 22 Senators in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense Acting Inspector General (DOD IG) Steven Stebbins to call for an inquiry into the recent domestic deployments of active-duty and National Guard troops to Chicago; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Portland; and Memphis. In the letter, the Senators underscore the illegality of the domestic troop deployments, which undermines military readiness and politicizes the nation\u2019s military.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our concern about the deployment of U.S. troops to American cities, including in Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Portland; Chicago; and Memphis. The military\u2019s expanded use to support immigration operations and domestic law enforcement activities at home is fundamentally un-Constitutional, dangerous for American civil rights, and risks straining military readiness and resources, weakening troop morale, undermining recruitment and retention, and eroding public trust in the military,\u201d the 27 Senators began the letter. \u201cNeither the active-duty military nor the National Guard are intended or trained at scale for the purposes that the Administration has claimed they are used for, including \u2018crime-fighting.\u2019 We are concerned that these domestic deployments erode the military\u2019s and National Guard\u2019s ability to prepare for their critical missions.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe urgently request that you initiate an inquiry into the cumulative effects of these domestic deployments of U.S. active-duty troops and the National Guard\u2014over the objections of state and local officials\u2014on military readiness, resources, personnel, and our military as an institution,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators made clear that pulling National Guard troops away from their assigned duties to assist in law enforcement operations erodes public trust; diverts critical resources from communities in need, including those impacted by natural disasters; and costs American taxpayers millions of dollars. As the Senators note, the Pentagon has estimated the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles costs approximately $170 million for a 60-day deployment.\n\n\u201cWhen military and Guard units are pulled away from scheduled training or mission preparation, the consequences extend beyond individual units and erode operational strength across the force, leaving the military less prepared for overseas operations and crisis response. The Guard\u2019s unique role as both a state and federal force makes it particularly vulnerable to strain, which could impact the ability of the Guard to protect and save local communities during natural disasters at home,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cService members commit to service with the understanding that their sacrifices will aid communities in times of disaster and defend our nation overseas. They are not trained nor prepared to act as a domestic police force.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe domestic deployment of military personnel also is a significant waste of resources\u2026 The Washington, DC, National Guard deployment is estimated to cost $2.5 million per day. Many of the Guard units deployed to Washington, DC, to \u2018help restore law and order\u2019 are now tasked with \u2018beautification projects\u2019 such as picking up trash and spreading mulch\u2026 Diverting military personnel and defense funds to such missions is inconsistent with the Constitution, congressional intent and responsible stewardship of resources entrusted to the Department of Defense,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators then laid out the illegality of using the nation\u2019s military as civilian law enforcement under the Posse Comitatus Act.\n\n\u201cThese domestic deployments also risk normalizing military involvement in contentious civilian law enforcement, which apart from being deeply contrary to the Constitution, raises serious concerns about the apolitical character of our armed forces and compliance with the Posse Comitatus Act. The Posse Comitatus Act reflects the founding principle\u2014reflected in the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments\u2014that separating civilian law enforcement from the military protects both individual liberties and states\u2019 rights,\u201d the Senators continued their letter.\n\n\u201cSeveral federal courts have found no credible evidence that the Administration\u2019s use of the military in this way is justified, finding that conditions on the ground have not reached the high threshold of crisis that merits such a militarized response, especially over the objection of local officials. Further, the Trump Administration\u2019s unprecedented deployment of out-of-state Guard personnel into a non-consenting jurisdiction is a significant overreach of executive power,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators concluded their letter by reiterating their call for an inquiry into the domestic deployments of troops to American cities.\n\n\u201cThese deployments place a burden on the military and create national security risks when defense funding and personnel are diverted from their core purpose. We urge your office to examine the matter of these military deployments to Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Portland; Chicago; and Memphis as well as the potential for further deployments to additional American cities, and report your findings to Congress no later than November 21, 2025,\u201d the Senators concluded their letter.\n\nIn addition to Durbin, Reed, Schumer, Coons, and Duckworth, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA). Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below:\n\nOctober 17, 2025\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Stebbins,\n\nWe write to express our concern about the deployment of U.S. troops to American cities, including in Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Portland; Chicago; and Memphis. The military\u2019s expanded use to support immigration operations and domestic law enforcement activities at home is fundamentally un-Constitutional, dangerous for American civil rights, and risks straining military readiness and resources, weakening troop morale, undermining recruitment and retention, and eroding public trust in the military. Neither the active-duty military nor the National Guard are intended or trained at scale for the purposes that the Administration has claimed they are used for, including \u201ccrime-fighting.\u201d We are concerned that these domestic deployments erode the military\u2019s and National Guard\u2019s ability to prepare for their critical missions. We urgently request that you initiate an inquiry into the cumulative effects of these domestic deployments of U.S. active-duty troops and the National Guard\u2014over the objections of state and local officials\u2014on military readiness, resources, personnel, and our military as an institution.\n\nReadiness is the cornerstone of our national defense, yet repeated politicized domestic deployments place that readiness at risk. When military and Guard units are pulled away from scheduled training or mission preparation, the consequences extend beyond individual units and erode operational strength across the force, leaving the military less prepared for overseas operations and crisis response. The Guard\u2019s unique role as both a state and federal force makes it particularly vulnerable to strain, which could impact the ability of the Guard to protect and save local communities during natural disasters at home.\n\nService members commit to service with the understanding that their sacrifices will aid communities in times of disaster and defend our nation overseas. They are not trained nor prepared to act as a domestic police force. Assignments in support of politically charged law enforcement operations in Los Angeles; Portland; Washington, DC; Memphis; or Chicago erode trust in leadership and accelerate burnout. Military personnel who feel their service has strayed from its intended purpose may question their continued commitment, compounding the Army and the Guard\u2019s already significant retention challenges. At the same time, successfully recruiting new personnel depends on a clear, apolitical mission that honors the history of the active-duty force and the Guard. Associating military service with domestic law enforcement duties\u2014fundamentally contrary to our Constitution\u2014may deter recruits and shrink the pipeline of talent needed to sustain force levels essential to our national security. We cannot afford to drive out servicemembers by normalizing putting them in highly political and fraught conditions, including by forcing troops to confront fellow Americans as opposed to prepare for war, and forcing military officers to navigate unprecedented legal territory and worry about whether they are upholding their oath.\n\nThe domestic deployment of military personnel also is a significant waste of resources. The Pentagon initially estimated the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles to be approximately $170 million for a 60-day deployment. The Washington, DC, National Guard deployment is estimated to cost $2.5 million per day. Many of the Guard units deployed to Washington, DC, to \u201chelp restore law and order\u201d are now tasked with \u201cbeautification projects\u201d such as picking up trash and spreading mulch. These assignments are a misuse of military personnel and resources, trivialize the professionalism of our service members, and damage morale. Diverting military personnel and defense funds to such missions is inconsistent with the Constitution, congressional intent and responsible stewardship of resources entrusted to the Department of Defense (Department).\n\nThese domestic deployments also risk normalizing military involvement in contentious civilian law enforcement, which apart from being deeply contrary to the Constitution, raises serious concerns about the apolitical character of our armed forces and compliance with the Posse Comitatus Act. The Posse Comitatus Act reflects the founding principle\u2014reflected in the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments\u2014that separating civilian law enforcement from the military protects both individual liberties and states\u2019 rights. Several federal courts have found no credible evidence that the Administration\u2019s use of the military in this way is justified, finding that conditions on the ground have not reached the high threshold of crisis that merits such a militarized response, especially over the objection of local officials. Further, the Trump Administration\u2019s unprecedented deployment of out-of-state Guard personnel into a non-consenting jurisdiction is a significant overreach of executive power.\n\nAs such, we request that your office conduct an inquiry into these recent domestic deployments of active-duty and National Guard troops to Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Portland; Chicago; and Memphis. As part of that inquiry, we ask that you provide us with responses to the following:\n\nWhat assessment, if any, did the Department complete to examine whether the domestic deployment of active-duty or National Guard personnel to American cities fully complies with all applicable statutes, including but not limited to 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1385, 10 U.S.C. \u00a7 12406, and 32 U.S.C. \u00a7 502, and Department directives, instructions, manuals, and other policy guidance?\n\nIs the Department adhering to its own directives, instructions, manuals, and other policy guidance regarding the permissible scope of support under the applicable statutes?\n\nHave the interpretations of applicable statutes been applied consistently and in accordance with established legal standards, or have there been deviations from standard practice in these deployments?\n\nWhat assessments, if any, did the Department complete to examine the impact to readiness, resources, personnel, and the Armed Forces as an institution, of the deployment of military personnel to American cities for domestic law enforcement activities?\n\nHow does the Department plan to evaluate the cumulative effects of these prolonged or indefinite domestic deployments on the Guard?\n\nTo what extent have these deployments disrupted military training schedules, delayed certification or qualification milestones, or otherwise degraded overall readiness for federal missions or overseas operations?\n\nHow have DoD funds, personnel, and facilities allocated for military readiness and training been redirected to support these domestic deployments of the military for law enforcement activities?\n\nWhat specific fund or funds are paying for the deployments of each active-duty or federalized National Guard unit?\n\nWhat impact has their diversion had on the Department\u2019s ability to fulfil its core defense responsibilities?\n\nPlease provide a full accounting of DoD equipment and facilities within the United States that has been redirected for support to federal law enforcement since January 20, 2025.\n\nHow have readiness rates of each category of such redirected DoD equipment (e.g., airlift, surveillance equipment) been affected by these diversions?\n\nHow many DoD facilities or installations have been directed to support federal law enforcement and what impact has their diversion had on the installations\u2019 or facilities\u2019 ability to fulfil their core missions?\n\nTo what extent have military installations or facilities been used to support the training, staging, or housing of active-duty or National Guard personnel during these deployments, and what impact have these uses had on the day-to-day operations, training schedules, and readiness of those installations?\n\nPrior to deployment, what form of legal instruction or training does the Department provide military and Guard personnel regarding the lawful scope of their mission and limitations on their authority while deployed domestically? At what level within the Department are any such decisions about instruction or training made?\n\nDoes any such training or instruction include rules for the use of force, training in de-escalation, training in crowd or protest management, or training in community engagement? Please provide any written materials or documents used to convey this information.\n\nDoes any such training include instruction on the limitations imposed by the Posse Comitatus Act? Please provide any written materials or documents used to convey this information.\n\nHow is the Department ensuring service members operating in U.S. cities are not placed in direct law enforcement roles in violation of law and the Posse Comitatus Act?\n\nWhat benchmarks have been established to determine when the deployments will conclude?\n\nWho within the Department is responsible for assessing whether those conditions have been met and authorizing the termination or extension of the mission?\n\nWhat steps, if any, has the Department taken since these deployments began to clarify or strengthen policies preventing military personnel from being used in a civilian law enforcement capacity in American cities?\n\nWhat assessment or review, if any, has the Department completed regarding the legal liability for the Department of deploying military personnel into American cities, including over the objections of state and local leaders, and in instances of out-of-state Guard personnel deployed to a non-consenting jurisdiction?\n\nWhat assessment or review, if any, has the Department completed regarding the potential legal liability for service members who may be placed at risk of violating 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1385?\n\nThese deployments place a burden on the military and create national security risks when defense funding and personnel are diverted from their core purpose. We urge your office to examine the matter of these military deployments to Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Portland; Chicago; and Memphis as well as the potential for further deployments to additional American cities, and report your findings to Congress no later than November 21, 2025.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/during-manufacturing-month-reed-seeks-to-help-ri-businesses-grow-innovate-and-succeed", "During Manufacturing Month, Reed Seeks to Help RI Businesses Grow, Innovate, & Succeed", "2025-10-17", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "EAST PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 Highlighting Rhode Island\u2019s vital manufacturing sector, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today convened a roundtable discussion with a host of local businesses that produce Rhode Island-made products to unpack the challenges they face and opportunities ahead for growth and success.\n\nSenator Reed\u2019s annual Manufacturing Month forum included small business leaders, industry experts, and manufacturing assistance organizations. Reed partnered with Polaris MEP and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association to bring together leaders in Ocean State manufacturing across a number of industries to discuss the challenges they currently face, including President Trump\u2019s tariff taxes, as well as resources and support available to help them grow, thrive, and succeed.\n\nAmong the top concerns shared by local business owners was the negative impacts that President Trump\u2019s widespread tariffs are having on their ability to plan for the future and chart a course for success. A recent survey conducted by Polaris MEP, Rhode Island Commerce, and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association found that over 80 percent of respondents reported that President Trump\u2019s tariff taxes were having a negative impact on their business. The business leaders also discussed the opportunities presented by Rhode Island\u2019s leading role in the Blue Economy and how small businesses and local manufacturers can benefit from the industry\u2019s growth.\n\n\u201cRhode Island\u2019s small businesses and manufacturers help fuel our economy. Our manufacturers innovate, create jobs and opportunities, and produce a range of well-made products. The success of manufacturing in Rhode Island is critical to the success of our economy. That\u2019s why I will continue working to support our small businesses, boost workforce development initiatives, and strengthen Rhode Island\u2019s manufacturing ecosystem,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\nRhode Island is home to over 1,600 manufacturing companies that employ approximately 8.5 percent of the Ocean State\u2019s total workforce. Rhode Island\u2019s manufacturers have a multiplying effect across the state\u2019s economy, with every $1 in pay for manufacturing workers resulting in an income increase of 90 cents for other workers in the state.\n\nAccording to Rhode Island Commerce, the total economic output from the state\u2019s manufacturers was $5.28 billion in 2021.\n\nSenator Reed says that strengthening and expanding efforts on the federal level to support Rhode Island\u2019s manufacturers will help to increase wages, bolster the state\u2019s economy, and better position the state to be a leader in numerous industries.\n\nThis year\u2019s roundtable included business owners and representatives from Deep Blue Composites, a Bristol-based advanced material integration and precision manufacturer; igus, Inc., a global plastics and high-performance polymer manufacturer with North American headquarters in Rumford; Yushin America, Inc., a Cranston-based robotics company; Mearthane Products Corporations, a Cranston-based manufacturer of high-performance polyurethane components; AmeriSewn, a Pawtucket-based high quality custom sewing company for military, industrial, health care, and consumer markets; and Murdock Webbing, a Central Falls-based small family business that manufactures woven products for a wide range of industries.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-southcom-commander-admiral-holsey-resignation", "Reed Statement on SOUTHCOM Commander Admiral Holsey Resignation", "2025-10-16", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Today, after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the resignation of Admiral Alvin Holsey, the Commander of U.S. SOUTHCOM, less than one year into his three-year post, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cAdmiral Holsey has served our nation with distinction for nearly four decades, and I thank him for his dedication. The American people are safer and our country is stronger because of his service.\n\n\u201cHowever, this unexpected resignation is troubling. At a moment when U.S. forces are building up across the Caribbean and tensions with Venezuela are at a boiling point, the departure of our top military commander in the region sends an alarming signal of instability within the chain of command.\n\n\u201cAny operation to intervene militarily in Venezuela \u2013 especially without congressional authorization \u2013 would be unwise and dangerous. Admiral Holsey\u2019s resignation only deepens my concern that this administration is ignoring the hard-earned lessons of previous U.S. military campaigns and the advice of our most experienced warfighters.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/blumenthal-and-reed-lead-senators-in-calling-out-noems-blatant-violation-of-hatch-act-with-partisan-airport-video", "Blumenthal & Reed Lead Senators in Calling Out Noem\u2019s Blatant Violation of Hatch Act With Partisan Airport Video", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jack Reed (D-RI) today called out Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem for potentially violating federal law by asking airports to play blatantly partisan videos at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints regarding shutdown staffing and delays. In a letter to Noem, the Senators demanded that DHS immediately remove the videos and provide information about the resources that were used to create and disseminate them.\n\n\u201cFederal law clearly prohibits using federal funding for partisan political activities as a violation of Section 715 of P.L. 118-47, and the requirement that airports play these videos is also likely a violation of the Hatch Act and the Anti-Lobbying Act. At a time when federal employees, including TSA agents, are being asked to work without pay, this outwardly political act was not just a violation of law but an insult to the thousands of TSA employees serving in your department,\u201d the 17 Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cThis video is just the latest in a series of violations of Sec. 715 by the Trump Administration. As we reminded OMB Director Russ Vought in an October 7, 2025 letter, \u2018Spirited public debate has its place, but agency resources, including websites or emails, should not be used to send overtly political, and in this case, misleading messages, to the American people.\u2019\u201d\n\nU.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined Blumenthal and Reed in sending today\u2019s letter to Noem. The full text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Secretary Noem,\n\nOn October 9, 2025, airports across the country were asked to play blatantly partisan videos at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints regarding shutdown staffing and delays at your direction. Federal law clearly prohibits using federal funding for partisan political activities as a violation of Section 715 of P.L. 118-47, and the requirement that airports play these videos is also likely a violation of the Hatch Act and the Anti-Lobbying Act.[1] At a time when federal employees, including TSA agents, are being asked to work without pay this outwardly political act was not just a violation of law but an insult to the thousands of TSA employees serving in your department. We write to demand that you immediately remove these videos and provide information about the resources that were used to create and disseminate them.\n\nAccording to reports, you have directed airports around the country to play a \u201cpublic service video\u201d from the Department of Homeland Security that accuses Democrats in Congress of not funding the government.[2] This appears to be a flagrant violation of Sec. 715, which states, \u201cNo part of any funds appropriated in this or any other act shall be used by an agency of the executive to branch \u2026 for the preparation, distribution or use of any \u2026 film presentation designed to support or defeat legislation pending before the Congress, except in presentation to the Congress itself.\u201d[3] The video is also wrong: we have voted seven times in the last two months to provide funding for the government and lower health care costs for Americans around the country, but the Republican-controlled Senate has repeatedly rejected the measure.\n\nThis video is just the latest in a series of violations of Sec. 715 by the Trump Administration. As we reminded OMB Director Russ Vought in an October 7, 2025 letter, \u201cSpirited public debate has its place, but agency resources, including websites or emails, should not be used to send overtly political, and in this case, misleading messages, to the American people.\u201d[4]\n\nYou must immediately remove these videos from all TSA checkpoints and cease illegally using federal funds for partisan political messaging. Additionally, we request the following information to help us examine the extent to which your actions violated federal law and misused federal funds:\n\n1. Provide a complete breakdown of the cost of creating and disseminating the video, including:\n\na. The cost of production, editing, filming, and circulation;\n\nb. What funding sources were used to cover the costs;\n\nc. Who approved their use; and\n\nd. When the use of these funds was approved.\n\n2. Who in the Trump Administration was consulted on the decision to create the video?\n\n3. Were outside consultants or other individuals not employed by the Department of Homeland Security involved in the decision to create the video or the production and/or dissemination of the video? If so, please list those individuals and organizations, and how much they were paid for their work.\n\nWe will be monitoring your compliance with federal law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-hegseth-effort-to-censor-pentagon-press-corps", "Reed Condemns Hegseth Effort to Censor Pentagon Press Corps", "2025-10-14", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has issued an unprecedented and unsound requirement that Pentagon reporters sign a form acknowledging a policy forbidding them from gathering or publishing unapproved information\u2014including unclassified material\u2014under threat of losing their press credentials.\n\nIn response, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe American people pay for our defense in both blood and treasure, and they deserve journalists who can ask tough questions of our military leaders without fear or favor. A free and fair press is essential to our nation, but Secretary Hegseth is attempting to shut down independent reporting with these coercive restrictions.\n\n\u201cThis ongoing effort to censor the Pentagon press corps is affront to the U.S. military\u2019s proud tradition of accountability and to the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.\n\n\u201cOur troops serve at great personal risk, and the free press has a fundamental role in ensuring that our civilian and uniformed leaders wield their authority responsibly. With an annual defense budget approaching $1 trillion, the American people have every right to know how their money is being spent.\n\n\u201cIt speaks volumes that so many respected outlets have refused to sign this misguided order. Mr. Hegseth and his team have missed the mark legally and morally, and they should immediately abandon this policy and restore the Pentagon\u2019s longstanding commitment to independent press access.\n\n\u201cThe Secretary of Defense should lead by example with seriousness and integrity, not secrecy and suspicion.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trump-is-more-focused-on-bailing-out-argentina-than-working-to-help-americans", "Reed: \u201cTrump is more focused on bailing out Argentina than working to help Americans\u201d", "2025-10-14", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on President Trump\u2019s White House meeting with Argentina\u2019s President Javier Milei to highlight a $20 billion U.S. taxpayer-funded bailout for the controversial Argentinian politician who is in a tight re-election race back home in Argentina:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is more focused on bailing out Argentina than working to help Americans.\n\n\u201cInstead of doing the hard work of negotiating with Democrats to lower costs for Americans and prevent them from losing their health care, Donald Trump is taking $20 billion worth of taxpayer dollars to prop up a whacky right-wing Argentinian politician whose highly indebted foreign government has already taken dozens of bailouts from international banks. Argentina has defaulted on its debt three times just in the past 20 years, while President Milei\u2019s political party has been plagued by corruption scandals. So this could end up being a costly, ill-advised handout from President Trump to President Milei.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/more-republicans-recognize-need-to-extend-aca-tax-credits-avoid-premium-hikes-and-end-trump-shutdown", "More Republicans Recognize Need to Extend ACA Tax Credits, Avoid Premium Hikes & End Trump Shutdown", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) became the latest Congressional Republican to signal that Republicans should join Democrats to help save health care for millions of Americans.\n\nIn a lengthy social media post, Rep. Greene stated that she is \u201cabsolutely disgusted\u201d that health insurance premiums could double if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expire, even as she stressed her opposition to the Obama-era legislation, and to the concept of health insurance in general.\n\nNoting that the enhanced premium health care tax credits have been a lifeline for millions of Americans and are set to expire at the end of the year, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging Congress to act swiftly to prevent skyrocketing premiums, massive health coverage losses, and the potential closure of hundreds of hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers nationwide.\n\nReed stated: \u201cPresident Trump controls the White House, the Senate, and the House. He ordered Congressional Republicans not to negotiate with Democrats in order to shut down the federal government so he could try to fire more federal workers and implement his reckless partisan agenda in the shadows. He mistakenly insists he can ignore Democrats, the states they represent, and the lawmaking process while driving the country down a dead-end road that ends with more uninsured Americans in every state and double the uninsured rate in some states. Instead of reflexively shutting down dialogue, debate, and allowing the Senate to work its will, I hope the president will heed his own advice: \u201cYou have to get everyone in a room. You have to be a leader.\u201d Democrats are pursuing bipartisan solutions and trying to save people's health care in red and blue states alike, even as President Trump seeks to target blue states for revenge. Democrats want to lower costs and help people while the Trump agenda increases costs and takes away people's health care.\u201d\n\nOpen enrollment in ACA marketplaces starts on November 1. Millions of Americans could soon see their health care premiums double due to inaction by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. After first cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and imposing tariffs that increase health costs, the Trump Administration is now blocking the extension of essential tax credits that enable millions of Americans to afford health care.\n\nWhile Senate Democrats continue to advocate for bipartisan solutions, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has sent the U.S. House of Representative on another extended recess. Adjourning the House ensures the federal government remains shut and it prevents a bipartisan vote that would force the Trump Administration to start releasing the Epstein files.\n\n\u201cGovernment shutdowns, regardless of length, create hardship. Denying people health care creates hardship too. I have now voted five times to keep the government open and preserve healthcare for millions; something that every Republican opposed. It\u2019s time for the President and his party to accept the reality that the American people want affordable health care. He needs to get to work and negotiate,\u201d said Reed. \u201cI will continue working to strengthen our nation, ensure affordable access to health care, lower costs, put guardrails on federal spending, and stand up for all Rhode Islanders.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-second-anniversary-of-hamas-terror-attacks-on-israel", "Reed Statement on Second Anniversary of Hamas Terror Attacks on Israel", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Today, two years after Hamas carried out a terror attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people and led to more than 250 people taken hostage, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cToday marks two years since the horrific terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, when Hamas brutally murdered and kidnapped innocent men, women, and children. I remember the victims, stand with the survivors, and reaffirm our unwavering support for Israel\u2019s right to exist in peace and security.\n\n\u201cWe must also confront the immense suffering that this conflict has brought to the people of Gaza \u2013 families who deserve safety, dignity, and hope for a better future. I urge both Israel and Hamas to accept the terms of the current proposal to bring an end to this devastating war.\n\n\u201cPeace will not come easily, but it must come. A lasting ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge in humanitarian assistance, and a credible path toward Palestinian-led security and governance are the only way forward. The people of Israel and Gaza alike deserve a future defined by peace.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senators-call-for-removal-of-political-propaganda-from-federal-agency-web-sites-and-communication-channels", "U.S. Senators Call for Removal of Political Propaganda from Federal Agency Web Sites & Communication Channels", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 As the Trump Administration blatantly tries to weaponize federal funding and misuse official government communications channels for partisan propaganda purposes, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led 22 Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought demanding the Trump Administration immediately remove unprecedented partisan political messages from official government websites and other official communication accounts that violates federal law.\n\nWhile President Trump has the same free speech rights as every other citizen and may use the \u2018bully pulpit\u2019 of the presidency to express his political views, the rules and regulations of federal agencies and federal law itself clearly restricts the political activities of civil servants using official government resources. Federal agencies have an obligation to operate and serve the American people without regard to politics. Indeed, during the first Trump Administration, the government shut down twice for a length of 3 and 35 days respectively, and agency websites followed past precedent in notifying Americans about the shutdown.\n\nAs early as September 30, 2025, in the lead up to the ongoing government shutdown, federal agencies began a seemingly coordinated effort to blast partisan political messages from official government websites, accounts, and email correspondence. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) official website is currently dominated by a misleading red banner that reads: \u201cThe Radical Left in Congress shut down the government,\u201d while some furloughed employees in the U.S. Department of Education report that their non-partisan out-of-office messages have been modified without their consent to try and make it seem like they blame Senate Democrats for voting against Republican funding proposals.\n\nIn their letter to OMB, the Senators call for the immediate removal of the illegal, partisan messages to comply with the law. The Senators are also seeking to hold accountable those within the Trump Administration who have directed the behavior.\n\n\u201cThese activities are in blatant violation of Section 715 of P.L. 118-47, which prohibits federal funds from being used for propaganda purposes \u2018designed to support or defeat legislation pending before the Congress,\u2019\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cThese activities also appear to violate the Anti-Lobbying Act and the Hatch Act. We urge you to immediately remove these illegal, partisan messages to comply with the law and hold accountable those who have directed this behavior.\u201d\n\nThe letter notes a pattern of abuse and politicization of executive branch agencies that includes official sites for HUD, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Additionally, civil servants at the SBA, Department of Labor, Department of Education, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) were also reportedly instructed by Trump Administration officials to improperly set automatic reply email messages containing partisan political propaganda.\n\nBlasting the administration\u2019s blatant attempts to mislead the American public and misuse American tax dollars, the Senators also pointed out: \u201cAs you well know, these messages are misleading, given that Democrats have voted four times over the last week to fully fund the government only to be rebuffed by our Republican colleagues.\u201d\n\nThe Senators continued: \u201cSpirited public debate has its place, but agency resources, including websites or emails, should not be used to send overtly political, and in this case, misleading messages, to the American people.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senators Reed and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).\n\nViolating the Hatch Act can be cause for removal from federal service, and other penalties may include grade reduction, ban from government employment for up to five years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty up to $1,000. Violating the Anti-Lobbying Act can result in civil penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 per occurrence.\n\nThe full text of the letter follows:\n\nThe Honorable Russ Vought\n\nDirector\n\nThe Office of Management and Budget\n\n725 17th Street, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20503\n\nRE: Executive Branch violations of Section 715 of P.L. 118-47\n\nDirector Vought,\n\nAs Congress continues to work on funding the federal government for Fiscal Year 2026, the White House and political appointees assigned to agencies within the executive branch have been engaged in a widespread campaign of partisan political activities. These activities are in blatant violation of Section 715 of P.L. 118-47, which prohibits federal funds from being used for propaganda purposes \u201cdesigned to support or defeat legislation pending before the Congress.\u201d[1] These activities also appear to violate the Anti-Lobbying Act[2] and the Hatch Act.[3] We urge you to immediately remove these illegal, partisan messages to comply with the law and hold accountable those who have directed this behavior.\n\nAs early as September 30, 2025, federal agencies began publicly posting various notices and other media from official accounts, on official websites, and in official email correspondence that violate Sec. 715\u2019s prohibition on propaganda.\n\nFor example, beginning on September 30, 2025, the official website for the Department of Housing and Urban Development displayed a blatantly partisan political banner on their website claiming that the \u201cRadical Left are going to ... inflict massive pain on the American people...[4]\u201d On October 1, 2025, similar partisan political messages appeared on the websites for the Small Business Administration, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture, among others.\n\nIn addition to website updates, federal employees - including of the Small Business Administration, Department of Labor, Department of Education, and Department of Veterans Affairs - were reportedly directed to set automatic reply email messages containing partisan political propaganda which asserts that \u201cDemocrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations.[5]\u201d As you well know, these messages are misleading, given that Democrats have voted four times over the last week to fully fund the government only to be rebuffed by our Republican colleagues. But more important, they are clear violations of Section 715, which prohibits the use of federal funds by an agency to publicly support or oppose legislation pending before Congress.\n\nSpirited public debate has its place, but agency resources, including websites or emails, should not be used to send overtly political, and in this case, misleading messages, to the American people.\n\nCongress has enacted longstanding laws to ensure that partisan political activities and propaganda do not impede the government\u2019s ability to serve all Americans. However, given the blatant, systematic, and repeated violations of Sec. 715 of P.L. 118-47, and likely the Anti-Lobbying and Hatch Acts, over the last week, you must immediately remove these partisan messages from all executive branch agency communications and websites.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-rebukes-trump-administrations-escalating-attacks-on-rule-of-law-for-endangering-judges-and-undermining-judicial-independence", "Reed Rebukes Trump Administration\u2019s Escalating Attacks on Rule of Law for Endangering Judges & Undermining Judicial Independence", "2025-10-06", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senior members of the Trump Administration are escalating verbal attacks on judges and the federal judiciary. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who previously proclaimed Americans \u201care living under a judicial tyranny,\u201d recently declared that a Trump-appointed judge is guilty of \u2018legal insurrection\u2019 for issuing a temporary restraining order against Trump\u2019s deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) warned that there must be bipartisan condemnation of such irresponsible rhetorical attacks on judges.\n\nReed stated:\n\n\u201cMr. Miller\u2019s rising hostility toward federal judges is beyond the pale and should be troubling to all. The Trump Administration\u2019s pattern of intimidation toward those who show any legal restraint against executive overreach endangers individuals and the rule of law itself. Our system of government depends on checks and balances and there must be a bipartisan commitment to the rule of law and the safety of judges.\u201d\n\nOver the years, President Donald Trump himself has engaged in a troubling pattern of rhetorical attacks on judges and the courts for rulings he disagrees with.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trump-declaring-armed-conflict-in-the-caribbean", "Reed Statement on Trump Declaring Armed Conflict in the Caribbean", "2025-10-03", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, President Trump ordered the U.S. military to conduct a lethal strike on a boat in the Caribbean for the fourth time in a month, bringing the total number of individuals killed to 21. This follows his unilateral declaration that the United States is in an \u201carmed conflict\u201d with unnamed \u201cnon-state armed groups\u201d in Central and South America, and his deployment of thousands of U.S. forces, ships, and aircraft to fight them \u2013 without Congressional authorization.\n\nIn response, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cEvery American should be alarmed that the President believes he can wage secret wars against anyone he chooses. Congress alone has the constitutional power to decide when America goes to war. The President cannot launch military campaigns and invent legal cover after the fact.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s be clear: Drug cartels are reprehensible and have caused immense suffering in our communities. U.S. law enforcement must be fully equipped and resourced to dismantle them.\n\n\u201cBut the Trump Administration has offered no credible legal justification, evidence, or intelligence for these Caribbean strikes. By the President\u2019s own words, the U.S. military is in armed conflict with undefined enemies he labels \u2018unlawful combatants,\u2019 while deploying thousands of troops and ships, all without informing Congress or the public.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s declaration of \u2018armed conflict\u2019 is a dangerous overreach of executive power. If one man alone decides when and where America fights, we abandon the checks and balances that safeguard our democracy.\n\n\u201cFor decades, Republicans and Democrats alike have rightly criticized presidents for engaging in armed conflicts without Congressional approval. The Administration must immediately testify before Congress and the American people about this reckless campaign.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-another-dismal-jobs-report-reinforces-that-trumps-economic-policies-arent-working", "Reed: Another Dismal Jobs Report Reinforces That Trump\u2019s Economic Policies Aren\u2019t Working", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. economy lost 32,000 private-sector jobs in September according to the latest ADP jobs report, a stark contrast to the expected gain of around 50,000-plus jobs that analysts were expecting. Additionally, the August ADP jobs number was revised down sharply, and now shows negative 3,000 compared to the initial report of positive 54,000.\n\nThe weak private sector jobs number comes as President Trump may conduct yet another a mass-firing of federal employees under the cover of a government shutdown and as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) postpones releasing economic data that was set to go out Friday.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed stated:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time for President Trump to drop his tariffs. His weak and reckless policies are killing job growth, increasing prices, and taking a bigger bite out of people\u2019s pay checks. Instead of cutting families\u2019 health care coverage, canceling infrastructure projects, and firing tens of thousands more federal employees, he should focus on strengthening America\u2019s economy, support smart policies that help create jobs, and end his failed tariff tax war.\n\nBLS was scheduled to release its jobs report on Friday. However, due to the federal shutdown, BLS is expected to delay its release.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump forced this government shutdown because he wants to cut health care, and I think he is happy to delay another poor jobs report. Instead of shutting the government down and increasing costs on consumers, President Trump should work with Democrats on bipartisan solutions to protect people\u2019s health care and get our economy growing again. Trump\u2019s policies are hurting American workers and businesses alike. Prices are rising, jobs growth has stalled, uncertainty is everywhere, and Trump is pushing America toward stagflation,\u201d said Reed.\n\nThe last time the U.S. experienced prolonged stagflation was in the 1970s, when elevated oil prices and Presidential pressure on the Federal Reserve to artificially inflate the economy caused inflation to rise, while unemployment rose as consumers cut back on spending.\n\nIn September, BLS reported that U.S. businesses added just 22,000 jobs in August, the fourth disappointing monthly report in a row. Previous job numbers were revised down to show that the U.S. actually lost 13,000 jobs in June \u2014 the first time that had happened since December 2020, when President Trump was in his first term.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/klobuchar-reed-and-colleagues-call-for-halt-of-argentina-bailout-that-will-harm-american-farmers", "Klobuchar, Reed & Colleagues Call for Halt of Argentina Bailout That Will Harm American Farmers", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed is teaming up with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and a dozen of their colleagues in calling on President Trump to immediately halt his plan to send a $20 billion bailout to Argentina, which recently suspended soybean export taxes, undercutting American farmers in the international market.\n\n\u201cWe write with deep concern regarding your plan to send a $20 billion bailout, funded by American taxpayers, to Argentina just days after the country took steps to undermine American farmers,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cLast week, Argentina announced its plan to suspend export taxes on soybeans, effectively sidelining American soybean farmers in the international market.\u201d\n\n\u201cDespite Argentina\u2019s decision, you are still reportedly moving forward with the bailout for the country,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cAmerican soybean farmers \u2013 who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs \u2013 deserve better.\u201d\n\nAlong with Klobuchar and Reed, signers of the letter included U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nWe write with deep concern regarding your plan to send a $20 billion bailout, funded by American taxpayers, to Argentina just days after the country took steps to undermine American farmers. Last week, Argentina announced its plan to suspend export taxes on soybeans, effectively sidelining American soybean farmers in the international market. Despite Argentina\u2019s decision, you are still reportedly moving forward with the bailout for the country. American soybean farmers \u2013 who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs \u2013 deserve better.\n\nAmerican farmers are confronting unprecedented challenges under your sweeping and uncertain trade policies. Across-the-board tariffs are increasing the cost of critical inputs farmers need to produce a crop, like fertilizer and equipment, at the same time retaliatory tariffs are making U.S. agricultural products less competitive and putting key export markets at risk. Nearly 20 percent of U.S. farm production is typically sold to customers abroad. With those markets in jeopardy, farmers and businesses across the agricultural supply chain are now facing falling commodity prices and shrinking profit margins, while farm debt, bankruptcy rates, and distressed operations are rising across the country. Soybean producers have been particularly affected, as China \u2013 historically our largest agricultural export market \u2013 has purchased no U.S. soybeans since May and bought 51 percent less through July compared to the same period last year.\n\nDespite the crisis facing our farmers, your attention appears to be elsewhere: last Monday, September 22, your Administration announced it \u201cstands ready to do what is needed\u201d to bail out Argentina amidst the country\u2019s economic turmoil. Argentina\u2019s President, Javier Milei, is notably one of your close personal friends and ideological allies and faces a crucial midterm election on October 26.\n\nImmediately following your Administration\u2019s announcement regarding potential U.S. financial support for Argentina, Argentina suspended export taxes on soybeans, corn, wheat, and other agricultural commodities. Argentina\u2019s policy change had immediate consequences for American farmers. Argentine agricultural products are now significantly more competitive on global markets, and Chinese buyers have reportedly purchased up to 40 cargoes of soybeans from Argentina in just one week. Now, even after Argentina suspended its export duties, your Administration is moving full steam ahead with its plans to offer financial assistance to the tune of $20 billion \u2013 rewarding a country that has implemented policies that directly disadvantage American farmers in favor of our competitors.\n\nIt is unclear why you are choosing to use taxpayer dollars to bolster the reelection campaign of a foreign president while they take steps to undermine U.S. farmers. As the American Soybean Association put it last week: \u201cU.S. soybean prices are falling; harvest is underway; and farmers read headlines not about securing a trade agreement with China, but that the U.S. government is extending $20 billion in economic support to Argentina.\u201d\n\nRather than reversing course on tariffs or abandoning your plans to bail out Argentina, you are reportedly planning to provide American farmers with an aid package, nominally paid for with tariff revenues. Farmers want fair trade and steady markets, not tariff uncertainty and short-term aid payments. The best way to support American producers would be to end your chaotic tariff policies that are hamstringing farmers in the first place. Meanwhile, your Administration has failed to reach any trade deal with China that would restore market access for U.S. soybean farmers.\n\nWe call on you and your Administration to immediately halt any plans to provide financial assistance to Argentina. Instead of subsidizing a foreign country to influence a midterm election on behalf of your friend \u2013 and further undermining America\u2019s farmers in the process \u2013 you should prioritize lowering costs for American families and strengthening the nation\u2019s agricultural competitiveness.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-trump-hegseth-quantico-military-gathering", "Reed Condemns Trump-Hegseth Quantico Military Gathering", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, after President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered hundreds of U.S. military leaders from across the world to gather in Quantico, Virginia, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis event was an expensive, dangerous dereliction of leadership by the Trump Administration.\n\n\u201cWhile American forces confront real threats across the globe, Mr. Hegseth and President Trump chose to pull generals and admirals away from their missions to listen to hours of political grievances.\n\n\u201cEven more troubling was Mr. Hegseth\u2019s ultimatum to America\u2019s senior officers: conform to his political worldview or step aside. That demand is profoundly dangerous. It signals that partisan loyalty matters more than capability, judgment, or service to the Constitution, undermining the principle of a professional, nonpartisan military.\n\n\u201cHis words were divisive and corrosive to the force itself. America\u2019s military strength depends on men and women of every race, gender, and creed. By dismissing and marginalizing servicemembers who do not fit his narrow vision, Hegseth insulted those who serve honorably and eroded the cohesion that makes our military strong.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s remarks offered no strategy, no operational guidance, and no plan to address real threats. His reckless suggestion that American cities be used as \u201ctraining grounds\u201d for U.S. troops is a dangerous assault on our democracy, treating our own communities as war zones and our citizens as enemies.\n\n\u201cAt a time when global security demands focus, this gathering distracted from our troops\u2019 missions and wasted their time. Leadership requires seriousness and respect for those who serve. What happened at Quantico was the opposite.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-rolls-out-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-free-mobile-cancer-screenings", "Reed Rolls Out Bipartisan Bill to Increase Free Mobile Cancer Screenings", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Each year, thousands of Americans die of cancer that was detected too late.\n\nIn an effort to help ensure more Americans have access to modern and potentially life-saving health checks and cancer screenings in their own communities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) to introduce the Mobile Cancer Screening Act, a bipartisan bill to increase the availability of cancer detection services in underserved communities across the United States.\n\nThe Mobile Cancer Screening Act would offer up to $15 million annually in federal grants to help local hospitals and health centers purchase mobile Computed Tomography (CT) screening units to serve local communities in rural, isolated, and medically underserved communities. The mobile screening units would help make a positive difference, bringing life-saving care directly to patients in often overlooked areas who might not otherwise access preventive screenings.\n\n\u201cThe Mobile Cancer Screening Act would make cancer screenings more convenient and accessible. Detecting cancer early offers patients a much better chance of treating and beating it. Increasing the number of mobile screening units across the country will help put these units in more communities and help save lives,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cCancer screenings don\u2019t have to be invasive, but when it comes to cancer detection, it pays to be proactive. These units will help people get properly diagnosed, treated, and give them the best shot to beat cancer.\u201d\n\nCurrent federal guidelines require most private insurers to cover annual cancer screenings for individuals at high risk due to their personal medical history. Still, many eligible patients encounter barriers to annual screenings, including lack of transportation access and long travel distances, leading to poorer cancer outcomes.\n\nReed noted the bipartisan bill is essential in the wake of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump signed into law to cut Medicaid and enact new stipulations that could lead to the closure of more rural hospitals, leading to further travel distances and increased health disparities for individuals in rural communities seeking health care.\n\nThe Mobile Cancer Screening Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of representatives by Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO-08) and Congressman D. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-president-trump-not-to-force-a-federal-shutdown", "Reed Urges President Trump Not to Force a Federal Shutdown", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 After President Trump ordered Congressional Republicans to continue rejecting any Democratic input on a continuing resolution, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump controls every branch of government and his failed policies are about to cause insurance premiums to spike upwards of 75 percent for tens of millions of Americans, with millions more set to lose their coverage and access to health care in the weeks ahead. There is urgent need for bipartisan action, but instead, President Trump is forcing a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cSince taking office, President Trump has enriched himself and his cronies while his tariffs fuel inflation and his policies drive up the costs of everything from food to electricity to medicine for everyday Americans. He has ignored Congress, flouted the law, and his partisan enablers refuse to provide real checks and balances that the Framers established.\n\n\u201cDemocrats are seeking to responsibly fund the government and protect your health care. I urge President Trump not to force a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cIf the government shuts down, it\u2019s because Donald Trump puts his personal grievances first and wants to further test the limits of his power. We already know a Trump shutdown would be costly, wasteful, and needlessly disruptive. A shutdown should be avoided, but Democrats can\u2019t force Trump to put the needs of Americans above his own whims.\n\n\u201cI will continue working to reach a principled compromise that helps save your health care. And I am ready and willing to help negotiate a binding bipartisan solution that puts our country on a stronger, more secure, and prosperous trajectory.\n\n\u201cRegardless of whether the Trump Administration shuts down the government and causes millions to lose or pay more for health care, my office will continue working to assist Rhode Islanders, save our health care system, and deliver for our state. And I will do everything I can to hold President Trump accountable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-announces-234-million-to-remove-hazardous-former-point-street-bridge-pilings-from-providence-river", "RI Delegation Announces $2.34 Million to Remove Hazardous Former Point Street Bridge Pilings from Providence River", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a $2,344,000 grant to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) to remove toxic and hazardous debris remnants of the old Point Street Bridge from the Providence River.\n\n\u201cThis $2.34 million grant will help advance removal of toxic and hazardous debris remnants of the old Point Street Bridge and mitigate the navigational hazards for neighbors, visitors, boaters, and others. Removing this pollution increases safety, supports our local marine ecosystems, and will help further cement Providence\u2019s place as an inviting city to live, work, and visit,\u201d said Reed.\n\n\u201cOld pilings in the Providence River are more than an eyesore \u2013 they create pollution and impede navigation. I am very glad CRMC and the Nature Conservancy have this federal funding to finally clear decaying debris from the gateway to our capital city,\u201d said Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and a longtime champion for cleaning up marine debris in the Ocean State and around the world.\n\n\u201cRemoving hazardous debris from the Providence River is good for the environment, the local economy, and Rhode Islanders\u2019 quality of life,\u201d said Magaziner, member of House Natural Resources Committee. \u201cThis new federal funding will make the river safer for boaters and strengthen Providence\u2019s waterfront for residents and visitors alike.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe deteriorating wooden pilings from the former Point Street Bridge pollute the Providence River and impede marine navigation,\u201d said Amo, Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee, which oversees NOAA\u2019s climate and weather-related work. \u201cIn collaboration with our Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, I'm thrilled to celebrate federal funding from NOAA to clear these pilings and restore the ecosystem. I will continue to fight in Congress to support NOAA and ensure Rhode Islanders have clean, easy-to-navigate waterways.\u201d\n\nBuilt in 1927, the old Point Street Bridge spanned 529 feet across the Providence River and was originally protected by a wooden timber fender system. The bridge is no longer operational, and its severely deteriorated wooden timbers remain in place, posing risks to the environment and navigation. CRMC will partner with the Rhode Island chapter of the Nature Conservancy to remove approximately 250 tons of creosote timbers, swing station pilings, and sub-aquatic bridge debris. This cleanup will help restore the ecosystem and result in healthier fisheries across the Narragansett Bay Estuary. The project will also enhance navigational safety and restore the natural viewshed, supporting tourism and recreation in Providence\u2019s vibrant waterfront district.\n\nThe grant comes from NOAA\u2019s Marine Debris Program alongside more than $26.4 million in federal funding for 13 new projects to remove large marine debris in communities across the country. Funding for the Marine Debris Program was included in Democrats\u2019 historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Reed and Whitehouse helped pass in 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trumps-bailout-of-argentinas-right-wing-president-shortchanges-americans", "Reed: Trump\u2019s Bailout of Argentina\u2019s Right-Wing President Shortchanges Americans", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 With everyday costs in the U.S. on a tariff-fueled upswing and a federal government shutdown looming, the Trump Administration is sending billions in American taxpayer money to bail out right-wing Argentine President Javier Milei, who once handed Elon Musk a \u2018bureaucracy chain saw\u2019 onstage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). President Donald Trump and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are offering Argentina a $20 billion financial backstop to try to help their far-right ally stabilize Argentina\u2019s financial turmoil ahead of the South American country\u2019s October midterm elections that are critical to Mr. Milei retaining power.\n\nWhile Trump\u2019s risky U.S. taxpayer-financed backstop offers very little upside for U.S. taxpayers, it appears to be a huge financial victory for a few wealthy investors and organizations with close ties to Bessent and Trump. Meanwhile, Trump\u2019s so-called \u2018deal\u2019 is a gut-punch to American farmers who are already reeling from Trump\u2019s tariffs because Argentina just suspended its soybean export taxes so it can undercut American farmers and boost Argentinian sales to China.\n\nThe Trump Administration\u2019s move comes just months after Argentina received a separate $20 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and on top of another $40 billion that Argentina already needs to repay to the IMF. The Trump Administration has no plan for getting back American taxpayers\u2019 $20 billion, especially as Argentina already must repay the IMF.\n\n\u201cInstead of lowering costs for Americans and preventing them from losing their health care, Donald Trump is taking $20 billion to prop up a flailing right-wing Argentinian politician whose highly indebted foreign government has already taken dozens of bailouts from international banks. Milei\u2019s political party has been plagued by corruption scandals. So this could end up being a costly, ill-advised handout from President Trump to President Milei.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, a few of the Trump Administration\u2019s wealthy, well-connected friends appear to be cashing in on the move. The United States should help our foreign neighbors in need, but it should be done in a strategic, transparent way that broadly protects American interests. Instead, President Trump is handing our competitors a financial windfall while sidelining American farmers and shrinking the market for U.S.-grown products.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s disjointed policies are bailing out Argentina\u2019s president and helping to make Argentina\u2019s crops more attractive to foreign markets while raising costs on Americans. This is another terrible Trump \u2018deal\u2019 for Americans that put his narrow interests above the nation\u2019s. Trump\u2019s policies are causing more financial hardships for farmers, rural communities, and consumers in all fifty states.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-presents-posthumous-distinguished-flying-cross-to-family-of-local-wwii-hero", "Reed Presents Posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross to Family of Local WWII Hero", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "CRANSTON, RI \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hosted a special military honors ceremony for the family of Mr. Daniel Rapoza, Sr. During World War II, Sergeant Daniel Rapoza served as a flight engineer on B-24L #44-41440, assigned to the 10th Air Force, 7th Bombardment Group, 493rd Bombardment Squadron. His plane crashed in the mountains during a search mission looking for an Allied B-29 aircraft and all aboard were reported killed in action.\n\nDuring today\u2019s ceremony in Cranston, Senator Reed honored Mr. Rapoza\u2019s heroic service and thanked his family members from Tiverton for preserving the story of their father and grandfather\u2019s service during World War II and presented them with several medals that Sgt. Rapoza earned during World War II, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal.\n\nCongress established the Distinguished Flying Cross on July 2, 1926. It may be awarded to any Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard personnel, while serving in the capacity of the Armed Forces, who distinguish themselves for heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. The Purple Heart medal is a solemn distinction presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military. The Air Medal is awarded for sustained performance while participating in aerial flight under combat conditions.\n\nBorn to parents, Jacintho and Emily Rapoza, in March of 1923, Mr. Rapoza grew up, went to school, and worked alongside his family throughout Southeastern Massachusetts as a farmer, machinist, and manufacturer. He was 19 when he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in February 1942, just about two years after marrying his wife, Lena, who gave birth to their son, Daniel Rapoza Jr., while Mr. Rapoza was in training.\n\nAfter being trained as an airplane mechanic at the Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute in Glendale, California, Technical Sergeant Daniel Rapoza served as the flight engineer on B-24L #44-41440, assigned to the 10th Air Force, 7th Bombardment Group, 493rd Bombardment Squadron.\n\nOn November 5, 1944, Sgt. Rapoza\u2019s bomber was part of a six plane formation that departed Pandaveswar, India in search of a missing B-29 that had not returned from a mission over the Bay of Bengal. During the mission, Mr. Rapoza\u2019s B-24L Liberator was seen pulling away from the rest of the planes and did not return to the base. A subsequent search later that month found that the plane crashed approximately twenty miles southwest of Udala, Burma, on top of the Banjhikusame Mountain Range, and no crew members survived.\n\nIn recognition of Mr. Rapoza\u2019s extraordinary and meritorious achievements as an engineer gunner flying missions throughout the Pacific during the Second World War, Senator Reed, a U.S. Army veteran and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, presented Mr. Daniel Rapoza, Jr. with military honors that were posthumously awarded to his father, including:\n\nDistinguished Flying Cross;\n\nPurple Heart;\n\nAir Medal;\n\nGood Conduct Medal;\n\nAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal;\n\nWorld War II Victory Medal;\n\nHonorable Service Lapel Button WWII;\n\nMarksman Badge with Pistol Bar, and;\n\nMarksman Badge with Carbine Bar\n\n\u201cWe are forever proud of men like Sgt. Daniel Rapoza and grateful to members of the Greatest Generation and their families. Mr. Rapoza was just 19 when he joined the Army Air Corps during a defining moment in history. During the war, he bravely flew hundreds of hours of missions over the Pacific as an Engineer Gunner. I am honored to present his family with the military awards that he earned. On behalf of a grateful nation, we express our enduring gratitude for Mr. Rapoza\u2019s tremendous service and sacrifice,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\n\u201cFor many decades we were not able to access my father\u2019s military records,\u201d said Mr. Daniel Rapoza, Jr. \u201cI appreciate the work of Senator Reed in helping to find them, attain these medals, and bring some closure to our family.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-rebukes-trumps-pressure-campaign-to-indict-james-comey-on-false-statement-charges", "Reed Rebukes Trump\u2019s Pressure Campaign to Indict James Comey on False Statement Charges", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI -- After President Donald Trump ordered U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey and other individuals who President Trump has labeled his \u2018enemies,\u2019 and after President Trump pressured Erik Siebert, the now former-U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to resign because Siebert refused to prosecute them, and after Trump named a White House staffer with zero prosecutorial experience as Seibert\u2019s replacement to rush the prosecution, Mr. Comey has been indicted by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia on two counts of making false statements and obstruction of justice.\n\nIn a major departure from DOJ norms, the former White House aide and newly installed acting U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia personally presented the case to the grand jury, rather than long-serving assistant U.S. Attorneys, who usually make these presentations to the grand jury, and who reportedly raised concerns about the case.\n\nThis stunning development comes on the heels of President Trump sending a written communication to Attorney General Pam Bondi via Truth Social that addressed her directly as \u201cPam\u201d and demanded that action be taken against Comey and others. President Trump wrote: \u201cWe can\u2019t delay any longer, it\u2019s killing our reputation and credibility,\u201d and \u201cThey impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!) OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!\u201d\n\nMr. Comey has denied wrongdoing.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis is yet another instance of President Trump abusing power, this time by firing and forcing professional prosecutors to try and put one of his perceived enemies in jail.\n\n\u201cHe is seeking vengeance to settle a personal grudge. We are supposed to be a nation of laws in which criminal investigations are conducted impartially. The law must be applied equally and fairly to everyone without any political bias.\n\n\u201cI have little faith that this prosecution meets that standard. At the same time, I do have faith that a judge and jury will follow the law and the evidence and that justice will run its course.\n\n\u201cThere must be an investigation into how President Trump has corrupted the Department of Justice and perverted the rule of law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-delivers-over-85-million-for-local-firefighters", "RI Delegation Delivers Over $8.5 Million for Local Firefighters", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo announced $3,080,791 in federal grants to strengthen safety and training, upgrade equipment, and purchase new emergency response vehicles for fire departments in Barrington, Central Falls, Cranston, Cumberland, Exeter, Jamestown, Johnston, Lincoln, Manville, Newport, Portsmouth, Prudence Island, Smithfield, and Woonsocket. Additionally the Providence Fire Department is being awarded $5,447,112 in federal funds through three competitive grants.\n\nRhode Island\u2019s delegation helped secure a total of $648 million in FY2024 federal funding to make this round of competitive fire grant awards available to communities nationwide through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program.\n\nFederal AFG grants are designed to help local fire departments upgrade and modernize their equipment, improve training, and enhance their abilities to comply with response, equipment, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). SAFER grants support the hiring and retention of firefighters. Together, these programs have injected tens of millions of dollars in federal assistance into local fire departments across Rhode Island over the last decade, enhancing their response and staffing capabilities to provide fire protection, emergency medical services, search and rescue, hazardous materials incident response, and wildfire response.\n\nLocal Fire Departments in the following communities will receive federal AFG funds to enhance the safety of firefighters and improve emergency response:\n\nBARRINGTON: $34,857.14 for CPR devices\n\nCENTRAL FALLS: $43,909.09 for firefighter turnout gear\n\nCRANSTON: $500,000.00 toward vehicle acquisition for a new pumper truck\n\nCUMBERLAND: $167,013.36 for new firefighter breathing apparatus\n\nEXETER: $690,476.19 for vehicle acquisition of a tanker truck for Exeter Volunteer Fire Company No. 2\n\nJAMESTOWN: $285,714.28 for new firefighter breathing apparatus\n\nJOHNSTON: $141,787.27 for firefighter bailout kits, which are personal safety kits that allow firefighters to escape if they are cutoff by a fire collapse, and portable multi-gas meters to detect dangerous gas leaks\n\nLINCOLN: $472,022.72 for advanced firefighter training programs and $60,357.14 for new firefighting hoses\n\nMANVILLE: $108,001.90 for firefighter turnout gear, specialized PPE washer/dryer units\n\nNEWPORT: $160,090.96 for new firefighting hose, nozzles, appliances\n\nPORTSMOUTH: $218,460.95 for paramedic training programs\n\nPROVIDENCE: a SAFER award for $3,985,936.00 to hire 16 firefighters; $1,461,176.70 for firefighter training, wellness programs, and cardiac monitors; and $369,711.82 in AFG funds for vehicle acquisition of a new ambulance\n\nPRUDENCE ISLAND: $94,563.77 for firefighter turnout gear for volunteer firefighters\n\nSMITHFIELD: $49,909.09 for new CPR devices\n\nWOONSOCKET: $262,681.82 for firefighter bail out kits, cardiac arrest monitors, and new automatic defibrillators\n\nTOTAL: $8,527,903\n\n\u201cRhode Island\u2019s brave firefighters help save lives and keep our communities safe. We owe it to them to provide them with the best equipment and training possible,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cThis federal funding ensures our first responders have the right tools and staffing levels to do their jobs safely and effectively. I urge the Trump Administration to make all fire grant funding available to communities in a timely manner so our fire departments can effectively budget and plan for the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cFirefighters serve on the frontlines protecting their communities each day,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cThis federal funding will provide a big boost for fifteen local fire departments to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to conduct their work safely and effectively.\u201d\n\n\u201cFire departments across Rhode Island are too often they are working with outdated equipment. We owe it to them to ensure they have the tools and training they need to respond quickly and keep Rhode Islanders safe,\u201d said Representative Magaziner. \u201cI will continue working to bring federal resources back to our state so that local departments are not left to shoulder these costs alone.\u201d\n\n\u201cRhode Island firefighters run into danger to keep our communities safe,\u201d said Congressman Gabe Amo. \u201cThis federal funding will help ensure firefighters across the Ocean State have the training and tools they need to safely do their jobs. I will always fight for federal funding that keeps Rhode Island communities safe.\u201d\n\nOver the last two years, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state have been awarded over $30 million in federal funding through FEMA\u2019s AFG and the Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funding.\n\nSenator Reed leads an annual fire grant workshop that helps local fire departments with the competitive grant application process. Both AFG and SAFER awards are based on need, scope, community impact, and overall application merit.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trump-is-marching-us-toward-a-government-shutdown-while-forcing-millions-of-americans-to-lose-health-care", "Reed: Trump is Marching U.S. Toward a Government Shutdown While Forcing Millions of Americans to Lose Health Care", "2025-09-25", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Earlier this week President Donald Trump abruptly canceled talks with Democratic Congressional leaders on funding the federal government and averting a shutdown. With a potential shutdown looming after September 30, the Trump White House circulated a memo late Wednesday to federal agencies directing political appointees to plan to use the shutdown as an excuse for mass-firings.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cEvery Democrat voted to prevent millions of Americans from losing health care and to keep the government open. It\u2019s time for President Trump to accept reality and avoid yet another Trump-shutdown. But so far Trump is dragging his feet, cancelling meetings, refusing to negotiate, and now threatening to fire even more Americans who work for the federal government.\n\n\u201cDemocrats have a plan for health care and the budget; Trump and the Republicans clearly don\u2019t or they\u2019d be at the table right now rather than threatening people\u2019s livelihoods and their health care.\n\n\u201cIn the days ahead, I expect Donald Trump to spend a lot of avoiding the truth and trying to blame everyone but himself. But that doesn\u2019t change the facts or fix the health care mess he created.\n\n\u201cSenate Republicans have already admitted that President Trump is the holdup and all they need to resolve this issue is a greenlight from the White House to negotiate a bipartisan solution. Instead, Donald Trump, who\u2019s tariffs are hurting consumers and farmers, is going to try to inflict pain on innocent, hardworking Americans.\n\n\u201cTime is of the essence. The President signed a law slashing nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid just as open enrollment season rapidly approaches. If President Trump prevents Congress from acting, 25 million Americans who get their insurance through ACA exchanges will see premiums spike by about 75 percent. And millions more with employer-sponsored coverage could face equal or even higher price increases. Democrats are fighting to give these Americans an urgent and much-needed lifeline. Instead of shutting the government down, President Trump should start working toward a solution.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-vaccines-save-lives-and-trumps-unfounded-medical-conspiracy-theories-put-kids-and-communities-kids-at-risk", "Reed: Vaccines Save Lives & Trump\u2019s Unfounded Medical Conspiracy Theories Put Kids and Communities Kids at Risk", "2025-09-24", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "EAST PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 This week, President Donald Trump irresponsibly promoted debunked anti-vaccine claims, wrongly implied vaccines are causing autism, and injected his own \u2018gut feelings\u2019 into calls for changes to the childhood immunization schedule that could have negative health impacts for children and U.S. public health.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed reminded people that vaccines are safe and effective and significantly improve health outcomes and reduce direct health care expenditures by preventing diseases before they occur.\n\nReed urged parents and expectant parents to listen to their pediatricians, not Donald Trump, when it comes to medical advice and vaccinating children. And he urged the Trump Administration to work with Congress on a bipartisan basis to strengthen, not weaken, the nation\u2019s health care system and ensure people have access to affordable health care.\n\n\u201cVaccines save lives. By creating vaccine confusion and spreading misinformation about autism, President Trump did a real disservice to parents and patients looking to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Evidence-based medicine works and the facts are clear: Vaccines are safe, effective, and help save lives and money,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cWhen it comes to vaccines and children\u2019s health, parents should follow the science and not politics: Listen to your pediatrician about the benefits, risks, and everything needed to make an informed decision. Neither Donald Trump nor Robert Kennedy Jr. have any medical or scientific background. They are recklessly politicizing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an organization that should be apolitical. I\u2019m working at the federal level to restore integrity and evidence-based facts to our public health system,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\nWhen it comes to vaccine safety, major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, consistently affirm the safety and efficacy of vaccines.\n\nPediatricians also emphasize that there are benefits and risks when it comes to medical choices, including vaccines. While the risks of serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare, the benefits -- including preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death -- are quite substantial to both individuals and communities.\n\nIn Rhode Island, the state\u2019s vaccination rate during the 2024 school year was 96.7 percent according to an analysis of state health and state education department data conducted by NBC News and Stanford University that looked at core childhood vaccines that includes measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, and diphtheria shots. The report found that nationally 68 percent of counties and jurisdictions currently have immunization rates below 95 percent \u2014 the level of herd immunity doctors say is needed to protect against an outbreak.\n\n\u201cRhode Island proudly boasts some of the highest pediatric vaccine rates in the nation but given the barrage of current headlines and social media posts, we want to continue to keep all of our children protected and vaccinated against significant, and at times, life threatening, preventable illnesses,\u201d said Dr. Elizabeth Lange, a pediatrician at Waterman Pediatrics/Coastal Medical Lifespan and co-director of PCMH-Kids. \u201cWith all the vaccine success stories we have and the statistics to back them up, knowing that we have the vaccines to prevent devastating illnesses, why would we knowingly go back? The science is clear \u2013 vaccines are well studied, well tolerated, and the safest way to protect children and all citizens against serious and life-threatening infections.\u201d\n\n\u201cPrevention is at the heart of pediatrics. We strive to help children grow into their best selves, physically healthy, emotionally strong, and confident. In this work, vaccines are incredible important. Vaccines are the safety and most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, like measles, whooping cough, and polio,\u201d said Dr. Patricia Flanagan, a pediatrician at Hasbro Children\u2019s Hospital, a professor of pediatrics at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and co-director, PCMH-Kids. \u201cThanks to vaccines, many serious diseases that used to be common are now rarely seen. Ensuring that children stay up to date on vaccinations keeps these diseases from making a comeback. Because the germs are still out there.\u201d\n\nSince becoming President Trump\u2019s secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Kennedy has undermined America\u2019s public health consensus, leading to the dismissal of Director Susan Monarez from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the departure of other top CDC officials who refused to carry out Kennedy\u2019s dangerous, anti-science policies, with one former CDC expert accusing him of \u201cweaponization of public health.\u201d\n\nDuring the event, Senator Reed warned President Trump and Secretary Kennedy\u2019s spread of misinformation about childhood vaccinations could lead to more infections, more hospitalizations, and more preventable deaths.\n\n\u201cEnsuring children have access to routine childhood vaccinations is a public health imperative,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cThe Trump Administration should stop spreading vaccine misinformation, cutting Medicaid, reducing access to affordable health coverage, and driving up health care costs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/trump-abruptly-bails-on-meeting-with-democratic-leaders-and-then-demands-democrats-bail-him-out", "Trump Abruptly Bails on Meeting with Democratic Leaders & Then Demands Democrats Bail Him Out", "2025-09-23", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 A week from today, funding for the government expires at midnight on September 30. Today, President Donald Trump reversed himself and abruptly cancelled a bipartisan meeting with Democratic leadership in the Oval Office to discuss efforts to avoid a federal government shutdown.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump is making a mess of our economy and health care system. He\u2019s recklessly raising prices and taking a bigger bite out of average people\u2019s paychecks while placing a heavier burden on state budgets, all while giving billionaires a bigger tax windfall.\n\n\u201cDemocrats put forward a proposal that actually won more votes than Trump\u2019s. We have offered President Trump a clear plan to address rising costs and provide a bipartisan offramp to avoid a shutdown, but so far, he refuses to even talk about it.\n\n\u201cIf Donald Trump thinks he can bail on negotiations and then expect Senate Democrats to bail him out as he worsens the health care crisis, fuels inflation, forces people to pay more, and undermines our states then he is sorely mistaken.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-trump-dawdles-federal-government-hurtles-toward-avoidable-shutdown", "As Trump Dawdles, Federal Government Hurtles Toward Avoidable Shutdown", "2025-09-22", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- The Hill newspaper reports: \u201cRepublican and Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill say Washington is headed for a government shutdown next week unless President Trump intervenes to cut a deal with Democrats.\u201d\n\nDespite Trump\u2019s claims to the contrary, Republicans need Democratic buy-in to pass spending bills, but The Hill notes that Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) does not want to sit down with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to negotiate a deal to keep the government open past September 30 because: \u201cRepublican sources familiar with the Senate\u2019s internal dynamics say that Thune doesn\u2019t want to begin negotiating with Schumer until he\u2019s clear what Trump is willing to accept, and Trump himself has yet to give the GOP leader clear guidance about what he would sign into law.\u201d\n\nAfter this stunning admission, U.S. Senator Jack Reed stated: \u201cDonald Trump has presided over multiple government shutdowns and now he\u2019s veering toward another one. A solution could have been reached weeks ago, but Donald Trump can\u2019t even be bothered to talk to Senate Republican leaders. Republicans are paralyzed by Trump\u2019s apathy and lack of focus. The dysfunction of this White House threatens to force an avoidable shutdown.\u201d\n\nSixty votes are needed to advance legislation in the U.S. Senate. Republicans currently hold a 53-seat majority in the U.S. Senate while Senate Democrats and Independents hold 47 seats.\n\nSenate Democrats have offered a bill to keep the federal government funded on a short-term basis, protect Congress\u2019 power of the purse, and preserve existing health care programs. They have repeatedly requested bipartisan meetings to negotiate, but Trump ordered Senate Republicans not to hold discussions.\n\n\u201cRepublicans unilaterally decimated Medicaid and are threatening access to affordable health care for millions of Americans, while the Trump Administration\u2019s stances, tactics, and giveaways to the insurance industry are threatening major health price hikes for over 150 million Americans with employer-sponsored health coverage. Democrats are united in demanding that Congress address this avoidable health care crisis on a bipartisan basis,\u201d said Reed.\n\nThe Hill noted:\n\n\u201cThune said Republicans are discussing that issue [an extension of ACA health programs] but aren\u2019t close to a consensus on what needs to be done.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s another subject that we\u2019ve had a number of discussions about and the House has too. The White House obviously is going to have to be involved in that conversation at some point,\u201d Thune said.\n\nSenator Reed questioned why President Trump has been AWOL when it comes to basic governing: \u201cEven Senator Thune seems frustrated at this point because of Trump\u2019s dawdling and lack of focus on the basic functions of government. President Trump claimed he could pass spending bills with only Republican votes. Now that the Senate has shown that it takes a bipartisan majority to pass legislation, he needs to start working. He must pick up the phone and talk to Senator Thune and Senator Schumer,\u201d said Reed.\n\nThe Hill also states:\n\n\u201cOne Republican senator who requested anonymity to comment on Thune\u2019s relationship with Trump said the GOP leader wants to be careful of not getting too far in front of the president in any negotiation with Schumer.\n\n\u201cThe lawmaker said the impasse between Thune and Schumer over the looming expiration of the Affordable Care Act premium subsidies is \u201csolvable\u201d but not without Trump giving GOP leaders on Capitol Hill the green light.\n\n\u201cThe senator said Republicans even talked about extending the subsidies during the negotiation over the budget reconciliation package that enacted much of Trump\u2019s agenda and passed earlier this year.\n\n\u201cThe lawmaker said it was left out in part because GOP lawmakers thought there would be bipartisan support for extending the subsidies at a later date.\u201d\n\nSenator Reed stated: \u201cPrivately, Senate Republicans admit this is a mess of Trump\u2019s making. They anonymously confess to the press this impasse is easily \u201csolvable\u201d and the only holdup is Trump\u2019s refusal to give Republican leaders the greenlight to reach an agreement. GOP Congressional leaders are capable of reaching an agreement with Democrats that will ensure the government stays open and works for the American people, but they are wary because Trump has demonstrated in the past that he is capable of swooping in at the last minute to scuttle any agreement they reach.\u201d\n\nAs the shutdown looms at the end of the month, Congressional Republicans adjourned both the House and Senate chambers and the House is not scheduled to reconvene until after the shutdown deadline, another clear sign that Republicans are angling for a federal shutdown.\n\nDuring President Trump\u2019s first term in office, his Administration forced several shutdowns \u2013 including a monthlong shutdown that was the longest in federal history. They were costly, wasteful, and achieved nothing.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-trump-admins-attempt-to-restrict-free-speech-and-freedom-of-the-press", "Reed Condemns Trump Admin\u2019s Attempt to Restrict Free Speech & Freedom of the Press", "2025-09-20", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- After Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a memo seeking to restrict how journalists can cover the U.S. Department of Defense going forward -- calling for a signed pledge not to gather any information, including unclassified reports, that hasn't been authorized for release -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, condemned the move and issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis is an ill-advised affront to free speech and freedom of the press. This goes beyond attempting to suppress criticism -- Mr. Hegseth\u2019s goal appears to be eliminating a critical check on government corruption, unlawful practices, and the misuse of taxpayer dollars.\n\n\u201cSecretary Hegseth\u2019s restrictions on the press are part of a broader attempt by this Administration to cover up missteps, stifle independent journalism, and obscure the truth.\n\n\u201cAmerican journalists are not, should not, and must not be mere stenographers for the party in power or the Pentagon itself. Their job is to independently uncover and report the truth, hold those in power accountable, and help keep the American people informed.\n\n\u201cBoth Democrats and Republicans should speak out against this. We must defend the Constitution and the right to speak freely about government actions without being unfairly silenced or controlled by the government itself.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trump-raising-social-security-retirement-age-would-be-a-massive-betrayal-of-americans", "Reed: Trump Raising Social Security Retirement Age Would be a \u201cMassive Betrayal of Americans\u201d", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hit back against President Trump\u2019s Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano\u2019s admission that the Trump Administration is considering raising the retirement age for American workers. Reed stated:\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s DOGE era moves are already making it harder for Social Security beneficiaries to access their benefits. Now they are talking about pushing up the retirement age so people have to work longer and get fewer benefits.\n\n\u201cTalk of hiking up the retirement age is yet another massive betrayal of Americans by President Trump. The cost of living is up, he\u2019s threatening health care for millions, he broke the bank so he could give billionaires tax cuts, and now he wants to raise the retirement age? This administration is out of control.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress must shoot down the Trump Administration\u2019s trial balloon to raise the retirement age and work on a bipartisan basis to protect Social Security.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trumps-weakness-emboldens-putin-to-expand-dangerous-incursions-into-nato-countries-airspace", "Reed: Trump\u2019s Weakness Emboldens Putin to Expand Dangerous Incursions into NATO Countries\u2019 Airspace", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Three Russian fighter jets breached Estonian airspace today in what appears to be the third significant attempt by the Russian military this month -- following previous drone incursions into Poland and Romania -- to test NATO\u2019s eastern border.\n\nAfter this brazen provocation by the Russian military, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, urged President Donald Trump to strengthen security cooperation with NATO allies, provide Ukraine with the equipment it needs to repel Russian invaders, and impose severe sanctions on Russia to let Vladimir Putin know endangering U.S. and European interests will not be tolerated. Today, Senator Reed stated:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s unclear why Donald Trump is so deferential to Vladimir Putin. But it\u2019s painfully obviously that after Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin in Alaska, Russia became emboldened and continues to expand its aggression beyond Ukraine\u2019s borders with virtually no pushback from the Trump Administration.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump should join America\u2019s allies who are already levying tough economic penalties to counter Putin. There is broad bipartisan support for such actions. Instead, Trump\u2019s feeble and feckless response has sent the wrong message to Putin and to U.S. allies, putting U.S. leadership, interests, and security at risk.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump must strongly condemn these Russian breaches of NATO airspace and work to restore deterrence. Trump has powerful cards to play, but continued inaction only strengthens Putin\u2019s position. The American people deserve answers as to why President Trump is behaving so meekly and failing to deter the Kremlin. The cost of his continued apathy will almost certainly be a more aggressive Putin and a wider conflict.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/senate-republicans-reject-bill-to-prevent-trumps-health-care-price-hikes-and-extend-government-funding", "Senate Republicans Reject Bill to Prevent Trump\u2019s Health Care Price Hikes & Extend Government Funding", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Despite the fact that Republicans have a majority in the U.S. Senate, Senate Democrats got a majority of Senators to support the Democratic proposal to avoid a federal government shutdown today \u2013 but the measure still fell short.\n\nForty-five Senate Republicans voted against a Democratic proposal to keep the federal government funded on a short-term basis, protect Congress\u2019 power of the purse, and address the health care crisis caused by President Trump and Congressional Republicans.\n\nSixty votes are needed to advance legislation in the U.S. Senate. Republicans currently hold a 53 seat majority in the U.S. Senate while Senate Democrats and Independents hold 47 seats.\n\nAfter refusing to negotiate with Democrats, Senate Republican leaders put forward a Trump-written bill today that would have funded the government at current spending levels through November 21 and ignored the impending health care price hikes facing millions of Americans. The MAGA-Republican bill failed to attract a simple majority and was defeated on a vote of 44-48, with U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) being the only Democrat to vote yes, and U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joining Democrats in voting no.\n\nA competing Democratic plan earned more votes and got a majority in the Senate chamber but with a final tally of 47-45, it failed to clear the 60-vote threshold.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has been urging Republican leaders for weeks to start negotiating a bipartisan fix to prevent a shutdown. Reed noted the only way to achieve 60 votes is for both sides to ignore President Trump and start negotiating on health care costs and the annual appropriations bills. Today, Senator Reed stated:\n\n\u201cDemocrats have a real plan to address health care costs and fund the government. But Republicans control every branch of government and there is nothing Democrats can do to prevent President Trump from forcing a shutdown.\n\n\u201cDemocrats support responsibly funding the government and addressing the health care crisis to prevent these Trump-imposed price hikes, but that only happens if Republicans come to the table so we can prevent millions of Americans in all fifty states from being hit with massive health care price spikes.\n\n\u201cSo far, the Congressional Republican strategy is to try to ignore their constituents, ignore simple math, and go it alone without lifting a finger to earn Democratic votes. They are refusing to negotiate. Democrats are willing to reach a compromise, but we\u2019re not going to go along with a plan that sticks it to millions of people over, does nothing about prices, and leaves them without access to affordable health coverage.\n\n\u201cThe sooner Republicans come to the table, the sooner we can hammer out an agreement.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/new-cbo-report-shows-health-price-spikes-coverage-loss-will-worsen-if-republicans-fail-to-act-on-aca-tax-credits", "New CBO Report Shows Health Price Spikes, Coverage Loss Will Worsen if Republicans Fail to Act on ACA Tax Credits", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The Trump Administration\u2019s policies, regulation, tariffs, and legal changes are making health coverage less affordable for millions of Americans and have resulted in the steepest health premium increases in 15 years for Americans with employer-sponsored insurance.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed says it is imperative for Republicans to help reverse President Trump\u2019s health care price hikes on Americans as a new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) shows 3.8 million more people will lose health insurance coverage if Republicans continue to reject Democrats\u2019 proposal for the end of the year budget. Altogether, around 15 million people will lose health coverage in the coming decade because of the Trump Administration\u2019s health cuts and inaction.\n\n\u201cFirst President Trump enacted the largest cut to health care in U.S. history and now he\u2019s driving up the cost of health care for even more Americans. Congress must urgently act on a bipartisan basis to lower costs, prevent these premium price hikes, and offer some much needed financial relief to hardworking Americans who are getting squeezed by Trump\u2019s tariff taxes. This new CBO report underscores the urgent need for Congress to act before Americans in all fifty states are hit with double digit price increases for their health care. Democrats aren\u2019t asking for anything new or unreasonable here, just an extension of bipartisan, lifesaving tax credits to ensure millions of Americans can afford to see a doctor,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\nThe findings from CBO include:\n\nIf Congress fails to act to extend the ACA tax credits before September 30, there will be unavoidable premium spikes and coverage losses in 2026 even if the tax credits are extended at a later date.\n\nFailure to extend ACA tax credits would cause an increase of premiums by 7.6 percent for the over 20 million people who buy coverage on the ACA Marketplace over the budget window.\n\nRepealing the provisions of the Trump administration ACA rule would protect ACA coverage for 1.8 million people, and reduce out-of-pocket costs for everyone with ACA coverage. CBO\u2019s estimates reflect the current court stay on the rule.\n\nRepealing the ACA cuts in the Republican reconciliation bill would protect coverage for 2.9 million people who buy their own insurance on the ACA Marketplace.\n\nThe Republican attacks on the ACA this year inject uncertainty into insurance markets across the country that will make premiums more volatile and make it more complicated for working people to enroll and remain enrolled in affordable coverage.\n\nThe latest estimate from CBO brings the total Republican health care cuts to nearly $2 trillion, between the reconciliation bill, failing to extend the ACA tax credits, and actions by the Trump administration. 15 million Americans will lose their health insurance, including 7 million losing coverage through the Affordable Care Act. That number could grow pending court action.\n\nThe analysis comes as boosted tax credits for Americans who buy health insurance on their own are due to expire at the end of 2025.\n\nDemocrats are warning that the time for action is now: open enrollment to purchase health insurance under the ACA begins on November 1st. If the tax credits are not extended, Americans will see significantly higher premiums and deductibles and many will be deterred from shopping further.\n\nRepublicans\u2019 refusal to mitigate this premium crisis is amplified by the Trump Administration\u2019s rulemaking and Republicans\u2019 budget bill. Trump\u2019s ACA rule, parts of which are currently blocked by the courts, will ensnare Americans who buy their own insurance in red tape, increase their health care costs, and let insurance companies offer worse quality coverage, while CBO\u2019s analysis confirms Trumpcare cuts hundreds of billions from the ACA that will bury people seeking affordable health care coverage in red tape.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-help-unveil-the-billionaires-income-tax-act-to-ensure-billionaires-pay-their-fair-share", "Reed & Whitehouse Help Unveil the Billionaires Income Tax Act to Ensure Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In an effort to ensure fairness in the U.S. tax system and crack down on tax avoidance techniques by billionaires, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are teaming up with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to reintroduce the Billionaires Income Tax Act (S.2845).\n\nThis legislation would help ensure billionaires pay a fair share in annual taxes just like Americans who work for a living already do. The bill would prevent billionaires and those who receive over $100 million in three consecutive years from hiding their money from taxation and saddling hardworking taxpayers with the high costs of tax avoidance.\n\n\u201cWhile people like nurses and firefighters pay taxes straight out of every paycheck, there\u2019s a thicket of little-known tricks and accounting rules that allow billionaires to opt out of paying a fair share of tax on the income they enjoy,\u201d Senator Wyden said. \u201cBillionaires and Republicans are going to offer up the same set of trickle-down arguments to pretend this proposal would bring about the end of western civilization. The only time you hear billionaires claim they can\u2019t scrounge together any cash is when somebody brings up taxes, and odds are a lot of these mega-wealthy individuals are crying poverty from their yachts and private islands. This is a carefully designed proposal that draws on accounting methods already used in the tax code and raises revenue without increasing any tax rates.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnder President Trump, more Americans are struggling to afford healthcare, housing and groceries, and they rightfully believe our economy and our tax system are wildly skewed to favor the ultra-wealthy Americans,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cWhile millions of Americans pay taxes directly from their paycheck each month, billionaires with an armada of accountants are able to shield their wealth from taxation and pay a much lower tax rate on their earnings and wealth than the typical, hardworking family. Our bill fixes this disparity and ensures that billionaires pay their share of taxes just like everyone else. American families deserve no less.\u201d\n\n\u201cBillionaires shouldn\u2019t pay lower tax rates than teachers and firefighters,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. \u201cI\u2019m a strong supporter of Senator Wyden\u2019s legislation to begin leveling the playing field for the middle class and put our democracy on a stronger path.\u201d\n\nThe Billionaires Income Tax would expand on an accounting method already used in the U.S. tax code to ensure billionaires pay a fair share. It would not increase tax rates. The proposal would apply to fewer than 1,000 taxpayers and raise more than $500 billion, which could be used to help shore up funding for vital programs like Social Security and Medicare. Only taxpayers with more than $100 million in annual income or more than $1 billion in assets for three consecutive years would be covered by the proposal. It would not affect middle income taxpayers in any way.\n\nIn addition to Wyden, Reed, and Whitehouse, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\nThe Billionaires Income Tax is also endorsed by over 100 supporting organizations. A letter of endorsement with the full list of supporting organizations can be found here.\n\nOn the House side, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Congressman Don Beyer (VA-8) introduced companion legislation, making this the first Congress in which the Billionaires Income Tax is a bicameral proposal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-seek-to-restore-noaas-extreme-weather-database-keep-americans-informed-of-natural-disasters", "Reed & Whitehouse Seek to Restore NOAA\u2019s Extreme Weather Database, Keep Americans Informed of Natural Disasters", "2025-09-17", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 After the Trump Administration terminated America\u2019s extreme weather database that has tracked the cost of disasters since 1980, a group of leading U.S. Senators is fighting back.\n\nU.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are teaming up with U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and several colleagues in introducing the Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act. legislation that would reverse the Trump Administration\u2019s reckless decision to end the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)\u2019s extreme weather database, which has been vital to keeping families, researchers, and policy makers informed on the cost of natural disasters.\n\nThe legislation would require NOAA to restore and maintain the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, which collects and publishes information on natural disasters resulting in at least $1 billion in damage each year in the United States.\n\nIn addition to Welch, Reed and Whitehouse, the Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration is on the warpath to attack science and wreck any progress we\u2019ve made to help fight climate change. That includes the President\u2019s decision to terminate NOAA\u2019s extreme weather tracker, which was vital in sharing information with Vermonters during and after the brutal floods in July of 2023 and 2024. And it\u2019s not just Vermont\u2013this database has been absolutely essential in providing information about the cost of building back homes, businesses, and towns across the country after major weather disasters. The reality is that without this tool, we\u2019ll be worse off and less informed about how to help our communities recover when natural disasters hit,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cOur legislation will reverse the Trump Administration\u2019s reckless decision and restore this database so crucial to emergency preparedness and reducing costs of natural disasters.\u201d\n\n\u201cNOAA\u2019s database on the impacts of severe weather events is essential. As climate change increases the severity, frequency, and cost of these events, we must do more to help our communities prepare and respond,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cThis data has been instrumental in helping communities better understand the growing toll of extreme weather. The Trump Administration\u2019s actions to significantly downsize NOAA leaves our communities less prepared and less informed about the dangers of severe weather events.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s megadonors want to hide the skyrocketing costs of their decades-long fossil fuel disinformation campaign. That\u2019s why the corrupt Trump Administration shut down data reporting on billion-dollar weather disasters. Hiding the cost of climate chaos\u2014as extreme weather grows increasingly frequent\u2014won\u2019t protect families and communities, but it will enable Trump\u2019s fossil fuel patrons to keep cashing in while the rest of us pay the price,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse.\n\nSince 1980, NOAA has maintained a database of all weather disasters in the United States totaling at least $1 billion in damage. The Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database has been essential in tracking how an exponential increase in climate-driven natural disasters over the last two decades has raised costs associated with disaster recovery. The database has also helped communities and lawmakers more effectively allocate resources before extreme weather events.\n\nFrom 1980-2024, the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database recorded 403 weather and climate disasters resulting in at least $1 billion in damages. Combined, losses from these events exceed $2.9 trillion.\n\nIn 2024, the United States experienced 27 individual weather and climate disasters over $1 billion in damages, totaling more than $182.7 billion\u2014the fourth highest on record behind 2017, 2005, and 2022. As the severity and cost of natural disasters continue to rise, research tracking the type and frequency of extreme weather events is crucial to ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and effective resilience strategies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trumps-tax-bill-decimates-medicaid-and-will-increase-health-care-prices-for-all-americans", "Reed: Trump\u2019s Tax Bill Decimates Medicaid & Will Increase Health Care Prices for All Americans", "2025-09-16", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 With Rhode Island health insurance premiums slated to increase by over 20 percent in many cases in the coming year and approximately 175,000 Rhode Islanders who are covered by commercial insurance plans slated to see their premiums rise by double digits in 2026, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is calling on President Trump and Congressional Republicans to work with Democrats and negotiate an end of year budget fix that lessens the blow on families and small businesses.\n\n\u201cCosts matter and it\u2019s high time for President Trump and Congressional Republicans to acknowledge the obvious: Their policies are driving up health care costs for everyone. The Trump-Republican Medicaid cuts will hit seniors, children, disabled Americans, health care providers, hospitals and more. Now the president is saying he won\u2019t support any relief. It\u2019s a continuation of his failure to live up to his campaign promises on the cost of living. If he won\u2019t come to the table and even talk to Democrats about health care costs, then winning Democratic support is far less likely,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\nReed is pressing Republican leaders and President Trump to extend enhanced premium tax credits (PTC) for health care premiums purchased under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), warning that nearly 38,000 Rhode Island residents who purchase coverage through HealthSource RI with tax credits will see a dramatic increase in out-of-pocket costs in 2026.\n\nIf the ACA tax credits disappear, average premiums could soar by as much as 75 percent, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group.\n\nThe average HealthSourceRI enrollee is expected to pay $1,248 more annually for the same health insurance plan if the credits expire. Reed warned that more than 11,000 Rhode Island residents are at risk of losing coverage because they won\u2019t be able to afford it and called on Congress to extend the credits before they expire on September 30 to keep health costs from skyrocketing.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s Medicaid cuts and Congressional Republicans refusal to extend these tax credits means people who need health care aren\u2019t going to get it. It will push more Americans into a pool of already uninsured patients, force rural hospitals to shutter, and increase costs for people on private insurance too,\u201d said Senator Reed.\n\nThe so-called \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act\u201d (H.R. 1), which President Trump signed into law in July, cuts Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion and restricts ACA enrollment. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Trump\u2019s law is expected strip 10 million people of their health care coverage causing market instability and increasing premiums on even more people with private insurance.\n\nThe enhanced premium tax credits have been in place since 2021. Thanks to the ACA, also known as Obamacare, eligible individuals who otherwise couldn't get affordable coverage through their employers may purchase coverage from the marketplace and qualify for the PTC to reduce their monthly premiums.\n\nA report by the Georgetown Center on Health Insurance Reforms, outlines significant premium price increases and coverage loss for millions of Americans fueled by expiring PTCs, President Trump \u2019 s tariff policies, cuts to health care in the Republicans \u2019 budget bill and rising health care costs. The report highlights that low- and middle-income Americans who are older and living in rural areas will be disproportionately affected, and that one commonly cited factor driving 2026 rate increases is the looming expiration of PTCs.\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s law decimates health care access and increases costs for all health consumers. These health insurance spikes for millions of Americans are totally avoidable, but it requires Republicans to agree to put patients ahead of billionaires and special interests. Congress needs to act now before these cuts are locked in and millions of people lose their health coverage and Trump\u2019s policies inflict severe and lasting damage on our public health system. Republicans must join Democrats to help lower health prices, protect Medicaid, and prevent avoidable hospital closures,\u201d said Senator Reed.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-trump-seeks-to-install-his-chief-economist-stephen-miran-on-fed-board-reed-warns-feds-loss-of-independence-is-a-serious-threat-to-us-economy", "As Trump Seeks to Install His Chief Economist Stephen Miran on Fed Board, Reed Warns Fed\u2019s Loss of Independence is a Serious Threat to U.S. Economy", "2025-09-15", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a leading member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, urged his Senate colleagues to vote against Dr. Stephen Miran\u2019s nomination to be a Member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and warned that President Trump\u2019s assault on the Fed\u2019s independence could have devastating economic consequences for all Americans. Text of Senator Reed\u2019s remarks follow and video is available here:\n\nSEN. REED: Mr. President, I rise in opposition to President Trump\u2019s nomination of Stephen Miran to be a Governor of the Federal Reserve Board.\n\nThe Federal Reserve is among the most important economic institutions in the world. Simply put, it is authorized to create money and determine the cost of that money by setting interest rates, all with a goal of achieving maximum employment and stable prices.\n\nWhen its seven Board members have a degree of protection from political interference, then the Fed is better able to contribute to sound economic policy for the Nation. That\u2019s because they have freedom to make tough decisions that may not be favored by the White House but that are necessary to achieve its dual mandate.\n\nIt is unfortunate that Dr. Miran demonstrated at his nomination hearing that he is a political partisan and that he will be President Trump\u2019s man at the Fed.\n\nAs if to emphasize the point, Dr. Miran intends to perform this job while \u201con leave\u201d from his current position as the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers at the White House. In other words, he will be keeping his job as the President\u2019s chief economic adviser while being able to vote on interest rates.\n\nAn architect of Trump\u2019s tariffs -- which have stoked inflation and under which American families and businesses are suffering every single day -- Dr. Miran will now have one foot in the Fed and his other foot in the White House.\n\nSomeone with this atrocious track record -- someone who has been a hardcore proponent of Trump\u2019s policies that raise costs on everyday goods, that debase and devalue the dollar, that are based on unconstitutional notions that executive power has no limits -- does not deserve a second job that comes with additional levers to damage the economy.\n\nSo I will be voting no on Dr. Miran based on his track record and qualifications.\n\nI will also be voting no because he will be making a mockery of the law by refusing to relinquish his White House job.\n\nThe Federal Reserve Act says that \u201cThe members of the Board shall devote their entire time to the business of the Board.\u201d This means quite simply that Dr. Miran can have no contact with the White House whatsoever while at the Fed. In other words, there must be very strong firewalls separating Miran\u2019s Fed duties from his White House duties.\n\nThose firewalls will not work for this President, who demands that his advisors serve his own personal interests, who demands total fealty, and who acts as if he is above the law.\n\nThose firewalls will not work for this agency because Trump is obsessed with browbeating the Fed into submission. He routinely demands that the Fed cut rates from 4.25% to 1%. He has tried to intimidate Chair Powell\u2014a Republican whom Trump first appointed\u2026calling him a \u201closer,\u201d \u201cstupid,\u201d \u201ccorrupt,\u201d and \u201cincompetent\u201d because he won\u2019t do exactly what Trump wants.\n\nTraditional firewalls will not work for this nominee. As the President\u2019s chief economist, Dr. Miran will almost certainly pick up the phone if Trump calls. He will be reading Trump\u2019s social media posts. He has every incentive to do Trump's bidding so he can return to his White House job. In the unlikely event that Dr. Miran acts independently, then Trump can oust him from the CEA.\n\nMost troubling, Dr. Miran has testified that he has received advice from White House lawyers blessing this arrangement. This kind of self-certification is dubious at best, but Dr. Miran has failed to produce it. That\u2019s why I joined Ranking Member Warren and several of our Banking Committee colleagues in demanding that Dr. Miran share this analysis. As is typical with this Administration, he did not even respond to our request.\n\nDr. Miran\u2019s stonewalling can only be read as a concession that this is a corrupt bargain.\n\nCritical questions remain unanswered because of Dr. Miran\u2019s contempt of the Banking Committee, his evasion of our questions, and his refusal to provide details about this fraught proposal to retain his White House job while at the Fed. He must be straightforward and honest about how he intends to do this job. And he must acknowledge the reality that the President will have enormous influence and leverage over him. We must have answers before the Senate votes on his nomination.\n\nI will also be voting no because Dr. Miran has shown exceptionally poor integrity in this confirmation process.\n\nHe tweeted in 2023 that no person \u201con the planet can go from highly political operative to politically neutral just because he or she gets a promotion. That\u2019s just not how human beings work.\u201d He said this during the Biden Administration, when a Fed Governor resigned to become an economic advisor to the President in the White House. Dr. Miran himself now wants to move between the Fed and the White House. Under Dr. Miran\u2019s own standard, he would need to violate the laws of physics to be capable of acting independently.\n\nJust last year, Dr. Miran wrote a 25-page paper proposing an overhaul of the structure and governance of the Fed. In that paper, he wrote that \u201cshort-circuiting the revolving door between the Fed and the executive branch is critical to reducing the incentives for officials to act in the short-term political interests of the president.\u201d Yet he is now racing through this revolving door.\n\nHe called for specific reforms to shut this revolving door. Those reforms include prohibiting any Governor from returning to the executive branch for four years; removing the \u201cfor cause\u201d removal protections for Governors; and the current President voluntarily refraining from removing any incumbent Board members or Reserve Bank leaders during his term.\n\nAt his confirmation hearing, Dr. Miran didn\u2019t even try to stand by these proposals. He testified that this \u201cproposal was a package deal. It was a suite of checks and balances, and it\u2019s highly inappropriate to take one check or balance outside the context of the overall package.\u201d\n\nDr. Miran badly mischaracterized his own work. In his paper, Dr. Miran never said that these proposals as a \u201cpackage deal\u201d or that they must be implemented in an all-or-nothing manner. To the contrary, he wrote that this \u201cproposal can be implemented in a piecemeal fashion, one policy at a time, if legislatively easier.\u201d\n\nThis nominee is asking for the American people\u2019s trust to set the Nation\u2019s credit and monetary policy.\n\nBy misleading the Banking Committee, he has demonstrated that he cannot be trusted with that responsibility.\n\nLike so many of this Administration\u2019s nominees, Dr. Miran knew that standing by his previous views would take him out of the running. So he disavowed them to avoid getting crosswise with Trump, who wants to get his man confirmed to the Fed today -- which happens to be the day before the Fed\u2019s next meeting to vote on interest rates.\n\nTrump's former economics advisor Larry Kudlow said the quiet part out loud on a podcast last week. He said, \u201cThe bottom line is: Trump is going to take over the Fed.\u201d\n\nDr. Miran\u2019s appointment is a critical piece of Trump's hostile takeover along with the attempted ouster of Governor Cook and the disgusting attacks on Chair Powell. When the Fed becomes controlled by Trump\u2019s yes-men, it won\u2019t speak with enough authority to achieve its mandate. Inflation will get out of control and higher prices will persist. Rates on credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages will go up. Working Americans will be asked to pay more to finance our Nation\u2019s enormous and growing public debt. This outcome is unacceptable when millions of Americans are struggling to cover increased costs for everyday expenses.\n\nI would like to close by quoting former Republican Senator Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania, who ably served as the Ranking Member of the Banking Committee. In 2021, he spoke against one of President Biden\u2019s nominees to the Federal Reserve and said, \u201cThe American people deserve a serious nominee who will serve without a political agenda. It is exceptionally important to keep politics out of monetary policy.\u201d\n\nApplying Senator Toomey\u2019s principles, Dr. Miran has not demonstrated his ability to \u201cserve without a political agenda.\u201d He has not demonstrated that he is a \u201cserious nominee.\u201d And he has not demonstrated that he \u201cwill serve without a political agenda.\u201d\n\nInstead, he has demonstrated his loyalty to Trump and thumbed his nose at the Senate. He has already compromised his independence through his plan to hold on to his White House position.\n\nI urge my colleagues to vote against this nominee.\n\nThank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trumps-military-strikes-in-the-caribbean", "Reed Statement on Trump\u2019s Military Strikes in the Caribbean", "2025-09-15", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, after President Trump ordered the U.S. military to attack and destroy a boat in Caribbean for the second time this month, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement condemning the strikes:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s actions are an outrageous violation of the law and a dangerous assault on our Constitution. No president can secretly wage war or carry out unjustified killings \u2013 that is authoritarianism, not democracy.\n\n\u201cThese reckless, unauthorized operations not only put American lives at risk, they threaten to ignite a war with Venezuela that would drag our nation into a conflict we did not choose. The American people deserve to know what is being done in their name and why. Congress must demand answers, force transparency, and hold this administration accountable before it plunges us into another needless war.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-cassidy-lead-bipartisan-colleagues-in-designating-september-as-national-literacy-month", "Reed, Cassidy Lead Bipartisan Colleagues in Designating September as \u201cNational Literacy Month\u201d", "2025-09-12", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of literacy, boost literacy support programs, and encourage more Americans of all ages to read, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) are teaming up on a bipartisan resolution to designate September 2025 as \u201cNational Literacy Month.\u201d\n\nThe measure is being cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).\n\n\u201cReading unlocks opportunity and strengthening literacy for Americans of all ages will help us build a stronger society. We need to do a better job of reaching learners where they are and not letting them slip through the cracks,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cI\u2019m proud to work with Senator Cassidy and our colleagues to introduce this important resolution that amplifies the need for more effective literacy instruction for students of all ages.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe NAEP scores show our K-12 system is failing on literacy. If students do not learn to read, they cannot succeed in school or compete in the workforce. Children and families deserve better,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis resolution highlights the urgency to improve literacy nationwide so children have a chance at a better future.\u201d\n\nReading is a cornerstone for personal growth, economic opportunity, and a strong society. Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the most important predictors of whether a student will graduate high school and succeed in a career, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.\n\nAccording to a 2020 study by Gallup in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, it is estimated that low levels of adult literacy could be costing America as much as $2.2 trillion a year.\n\nIn recognition of National Literacy Month, throughout the month of September, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other organizations will host a variety of activities, events, and free workshops highlighting the importance of building and strengthening literacy skills and the benefits of reading on healthy development.\n\nSupporters of the resolution include the National Parents Union, Ed Trust, and Educators for Excellence.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-announces-8m-for-new-mental-health-facility-for-children-at-bradley-hospital", "RI Delegation Announces $8M for New Mental Health Facility for Children at Bradley Hospital", "2025-09-12", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "EAST PROVIDENCE, RI \u2013 In an effort to help Bradley Hospital provide cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities to support children dealing with mental health disorders, Rhode Island\u2019s Congressional Delegation today announced a new $7,940,991 federal grant for Bradley Hospital to advance the construction of a pediatric psychiatric research laboratory, to be co-located on Bradley\u2019s hospital campus in East Providence.\n\nBradley Hospital is an affiliate of Brown University and is nationally recognized for the quality of its adolescent and child psychiatry programs. Bradley offers families and children access to mental health screening, diagnostics, and a full array of evidence-based therapeutic services to appropriately address pediatric mental and behavioral health needs.\n\nU.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo said the new federal funding, which is administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will help build a state-of-the-art facility to enhance pediatric psychiatric research and centralize services in one convenient, modern facility.\n\nAccording to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), many mental disorders can begin in childhood. Examples include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early treatment can help children manage their symptoms and support their social and emotional well-being.\n\nNearly 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 had ever been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition, according to NIMH\u2019s latest statistics.\n\n\u201cBradley\u2019s new facility will provide Rhode Islanders with high-quality mental health care and help conduct innovative research initiatives that will enhance treatment and prevention efforts. This federal grant is a major boost to help advance the project and better serve the community, especially our youngest patients in need of mental health services,\u201d said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cWe have a children\u2019s mental health crisis in this country, and too many Rhode Island kids are struggling with conditions that have been under-researched and misunderstood,\u201d said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. \u201cThis new federal investment will centralize Bradley Hospital\u2019s innovative researchers at a new top-of-the-line facility that will help more Rhode Island children in need of mental and behavioral health care.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many young people are struggling with mental health challenges, and it is critical that they have access to the high-quality care and support they deserve,\u201d said Congressman Seth Magaziner. \u201cI am proud to join my colleagues in the Rhode Island congressional delegation to announce funding that will help Bradley Hospital continue its leadership in children\u2019s mental health research and treatment, bringing new tools and better care to Rhode Islanders.\u201d\n\n\u201cMental health care is essential and Bradley's new facility will ensure young Rhode Islanders will have access to the services they need to thrive,\u201d said Congressman Gabe Amo. \u201cI'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in our Congressional delegation to secure this federal grant and expand mental health care access and research for Rhode Island's children.\u201d\n\n\u201cWithout a dedicated space on campus, Bradley Hospital\u2019s research laboratories are scattered across multiple locations, limiting collaboration and distancing scientists from the very patients who stand to benefit most from their work. A unified facility would not only provide the appropriate space for advanced research and equipment but also bring researchers closer to their patients\u2014accelerating discoveries, improving outcomes, and fostering vital collaboration across core labs. This proposed center would significantly enhance Bradley Hospital\u2019s capacity to address the urgent and evolving challenges in youth and adolescent psychiatry and behavioral health,\u201d said Dr. Henry Sachs III, President, Bradley Hospital.\n\nThe NIH research facilities construction grant will allow Bradley Hospital to move forward with the multi-phase plans to construct a pediatric psychiatric research laboratory.\n\nBradley Hospital is the nation\u2019s first psychiatric hospital dedicated to children and adolescents. Located in East Providence, it serves youth and families across Rhode Island and New England.\n\nBradley Hospital is a teaching hospital for The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and currently hosts an NIH COBRE Center for Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Child and Adolescent Mental Health; its world-class researchers are also engaged on over 20 other NIH-funded research projects, including Bradley Hospital\u2019s Pediatric Anxiety Research Center (PARC), which has relocated its clinical and research services to the hospital\u2019s main campus.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 379, "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": "RI", "p2": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=RI&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 379, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=RI&year=2025&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=RI&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 379, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=RI&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=RI&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "RI", "label": "RI", "count": 379, "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=RI&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 379, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=RI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-09-12,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ereed~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Freleases~2Fri-delegation-announces-8m-for-new-mental-health-facility-for-children-at-bradley-hospital", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=RI&year=2025&_next=2025-09-12%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ereed~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Freleases~2Fri-delegation-announces-8m-for-new-mental-health-facility-for-children-at-bradley-hospital&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 140.62344608828425, "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"}