{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"TN\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/human-trafficking/blackburn-cornyn-klobuchar-colleagues-bill-to-improve-investigations-of-online-child-exploitation-signed-into-law", "Blackburn, Cornyn, Klobuchar, Colleagues\u2019 Bill to Improve Investigations of Online Child Exploitation Signed into Law", "2024-12-24", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statements after their Project Safe Childhood Act, which would make improvements to the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\u201cIt is our duty to protect the most innocent among us: our nation\u2019s children,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cKids need more protections in this rapidly increasing digital age, and the Project Safe Childhood Act will modernize how we investigate and prosecute online child predators by giving state and local law enforcement the federal support and training they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo child should be exposed to vicious threats from online predators,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cThis law will make key strategic improvements to give law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors the tools to go after online child predators and ensure more children are shielded from this horrific crime.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse,\u201d said Senator Klobuchar. \u201cBy modernizing the Project Safe Childhood program, our bipartisan legislation will ensure that law enforcement has the tools and resources it needs to rescue victims and prosecute those who commit these terrible crimes.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many young lives have been lost or destroyed by online sexual abuse,\u201d said Senator Grassley. \u201cBy empowering local law enforcement and federal prosecutors to take down online predators, we can protect vulnerable kids and bring criminals to justice.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Project Safe Childhood Act takes a major step forward in the fight to protect children from the horrendous crime of online sexual exploitation,\u201d said Sen. Blumenthal. \u201cSafeguarding our nation\u2019s children from such abhorrent abuse is urgent and imperative, and this critical legislation empowers law enforcement to combat these serious dangers and hold predators accountable. I\u2019ve long championed efforts to better protect children in an increasingly online society, and I look forward to swift action from the President.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/news/video-blackburn-hassan-introduce-improving-travel-for-families-act", "VIDEO: Blackburn, Hassan Introduce Improving Travel for Families Act", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Ahead of Christmas travel, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video announcing the introduction of her Improving Travel for Families Act with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) to allow young children to accompany their parents through Global Entry. This will provide flexibility to help families traveling internationally with children.\n\n\u201cOne of the important things that we do is solve problems that Tennesseans let us know about, and that is something that we are working on with a new piece of legislation. We\u2019ve heard from so many of our families that are stationed overseas that using the Global Entry program can really be very helpful. However, when they are traveling with young children \u2013 even newborns \u2013 those children are not allowed to go through that process, so I am filing the Improving Travel for Families Act. It will make it easier for parents with children that are under the age of 10 to have them go through global entry with them.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nClick here to download video of Senator Blackburn discussing the Improving Travel for Families Act.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn fiscal year 2023, over 10 million individuals were members of Global Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection\u2019s program allowing pre-approved, low-risk travelers to go through expedited customs and passport control when arriving in the United States. These streamlined processes are incredibly important for the traveling public\u2014especially as air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels\u2014with the number of travelers arriving by air into the country increasing by 6.1% from August 2023 to August 2024.\n\nBut Global Entry, specifically its redundant and bureaucratic processes, isn\u2019t well-suited for family travel. While Transportation Security Administration PreCheck has adopted measures to allow children to join their parents in the fast lanes, the Global Entry Program has fallen behind and does not allow small children to travel in the Global Entry lanes if those children are not enrolled in the program\u2014even if the child is an infant.\n\nIMPROVING TRAVEL FOR FAMILIES ACT:\n\nThe Improving Travel for Families Act would:\n\nAllow children under the age of 11 who are not a member of Global Entry to go through the Global Entry lanes with their parent or legal guardian who is enrolled in the program; and", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/crime/blackburn-ossoff-bill-to-prevent-sexual-abuse-of-prison-staff-passes-senate", "Blackburn, Ossoff Bill to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Prison Staff Passes Senate", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the Senate passed the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act introduced by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) to help address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates:\n\n\u201cLast year, nearly half of surveyed Bureau of Prisons staff stated they had been sexually harassed or assaulted by an inmate. This statistic is appalling and unacceptable. No federal employee or law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work, and I\u2019m pleased to see the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act move one step closer to becoming law,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\n\u201cI remain focused on oversight of the Federal prison system and ending sexual abuse in prisons and jails, including the abuse of prison staff. Senator Blackburn and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass this bipartisan bill to help end sexual abuse in Federal prisons,\u201d said Senator Ossoff.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAccording to a February 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), a staggering 40% of 7,000 surveyed BOP staff stated they had been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted by an inmate.\n\nThe 2023 report found that the BOP has inadequate data on inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and assault and has not been able to fully ascertain the scope of this widespread problem. The report also made a number of significant recommendations for the BOP to implement to help the agency better understand and mitigate this nationwide problem.\n\nAt United States Penitentiary Thomson (USP Thomson) in Illinois, the American Federation of Government Employees reported that there had been over 300 incidents of inmate-on-staff sexual harassment in 2022 alone. USP Thomson houses only 875 inmates.\n\nThis report, combined with BOP staff testimonials on this troubling problem, strongly suggest that BOP\u2019s reporting and corrective procedures for inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment are inadequate, creating an institutional culture that lacks accountability and endangers BOP employees.\n\nTHE PRISON STAFF SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT:\n\nThe Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would require:\n\nThe BOP to fully implement the recommendations in the Inspector General\u2019s 2023 report regarding mitigating inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and assault and fully ascertaining the scope of the problem;\n\nThe DOJ OIG to conduct an analysis of punishments for sexual harassment and sexual assault in BOP facilities; and\n\nThe U.S. Attorney General to promulgate a rule adopting national standards for prevention, reduction, and punishment of sexual assault and harassment of BOP staff by inmates.\n\nSenators Blackburn and Ossoff sent a letter to BOP Director Colette Peters requesting that BOP release information about inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment reporting procedures, correctional methods, and staff assistance programs.\n\nCouncil of Prison Locals 33 National President Brandy Moore White wrote a letter expressing support for this legislation.\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Prison Staff\n\nBlackburn, Ossoff Launch Inquiry to Protect Federal Prison Staff from Sexual Assault and Harassment\n\nClick herefor bill text.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/jobs-and-economy/blackburn-bennet-tillis-coons-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-domestic-semiconductor-supply-chains", "Blackburn, Bennet, Tillis, Coons Introduce Bill to Strengthen Domestic Semiconductor Supply Chains", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Strengthening Essential Manufacturing and Industrial (SEMI) Investment Act to expand tax incentives for semiconductor facilities to include upstream materials suppliers. This would help protect U.S. defense supply chains by supporting domestic investment and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries like China.\n\n\u201cOver the past few years, Communist China has dramatically ramped up its production of semiconductors, which power everything from cell phones to computers to trains,\u201dsaid Senator Blackburn. \u201cBy expanding tax incentives for semiconductor facilities, the SEMI Investment Act would support investment right here at home and increase supply chain security.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe CHIPS and Science Act revitalized advanced domestic manufacturing and restored funding for cutting-edge research and development. But without sustained investment across the semiconductor supply chain, we risk undermining these important efforts,\u201d said Senator Bennet. \u201cThe Strengthening Essential Manufacturing and Industrial Investment Act (SEMI) Investment Act will secure our supply chains and ensure companies across the semiconductor ecosystem are able to invest in and expand U.S. production.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress passed the CHIPS Act to support our entire domestic semiconductor supply chain,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cIt is crucial for our national security and economic resilience that we get this policy right and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure we reduce our reliance on our adversaries like China.\u201d\n\n\u201cSemiconductors drive everything from smartphones to medical devices to automobiles, and countries that excel at manufacturing them will be stronger and more secure in the decades ahead,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cExpanding the semiconductor manufacturing investment tax credit\u2014established by President Biden\u2019s CHIPS and Science Act\u2014will strengthen our semiconductor supply chain and advance us toward that goal.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nFueled by massive government subsidies, China\u2019s state-controlled companies now dominate nearly 85% of global processing capacity for rare earth minerals used in semiconductor manufacturing.\n\nEarlier this month, China imposed new export bans on rare earth materials like gallium, germanium, and antimony, which are key to semiconductor production.\n\nUnder current law, tax incentives are only available for facilities that directly produce semiconductors or manufacturing equipment. However, much of the upstream materials and components used in these facilities are sourced from China, leaving our critical supply chains vulnerable and heavily reliant on foreign adversaries.\n\nSEMI INVESTMENT ACT:\n\nTo safeguard national security and counter China\u2019s growing dominance in the semiconductor sector, the SEMI Investment Act would foster the development of a robust U.S.-based supply chain by expanding the tax credit to include upstream materials suppliers.\n\nExpanding incentives to include upstream production would also bolster American innovation, create jobs, and ensure the resilience of this vital industry.\n\nClick here for bill text.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/jobs-and-economy/blackburn-marshall-introduce-bill-to-reduce-tax-burden-on-social-security-benefits-for-seniors", "Blackburn, Marshall Introduce Bill to Reduce Tax Burden on Social Security Benefits for Seniors", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the Reducing Excessive Taxation and Inefficiencies by Reforming Elder Exemptions to Support Fairness, Inflation Relief, and Simpler Taxes (RETIREES FIRST) Act to lower the tax burden on Social Security benefits for seniors.\n\n\u201cRetirees across the country depend on Social Security, especially after enduring the record-high inflation of the last four years,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThis bill would cut taxes on seniors\u2019 benefits, helping them keep more of their hard-earned money.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump promised to protect Social Security and deliver relief to senior citizens by cutting taxes on these benefits. This simple action will put more money in seniors' pockets, correct a fundamental flaw in our tax system, and support President Trump\u2019s economic agenda and a promise made to the American people: No Tax on Social Security,\u201d said Senator Marshall.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nHistorically, Social Security benefits were entirely exempt from the federal income tax, reflecting the understanding that these benefits were funded by workers\u2019 own earnings.\n\nIn 1983, Congress passed legislation that taxed benefits for higher-income retirees to strengthen program solvency. However, the measure was only intended to impact a small portion of households.\n\nCurrent exemption thresholds\u2014$25,000 for single filers and $32,000 for married filers\u2014have not been adjusted for inflation since their creation, causing \u201cbracket creep\u201d that increasingly taxes middle-income retirees.\n\nToday, nearly 56% of retirees pay taxes on their Social Security benefits, compared to less than 10% in 1984, with this figure projected to rise further.\n\nMany retirees rely on Social Security as their primary source of income, but the added tax burden reduces their quality of life, especially as inflation erodes the value of their benefits.\n\nRETIREES FIRST ACT:\n\nThis RETIREES FIRST Act would:\n\nEliminate Taxes on Benefits for Most Retirees: Raise the provisional income threshold to $34,000 for single filers and $68,000 for married filers, exempting most middle-class retirees from paying taxes on their Social Security benefits.\n\nKeep Exemptions Aligned with Rising Costs: Ensure the new thresholds are updated annually to prevent bracket creep, preserving the value of exemptions and shielding retirees from inflation\u2019s impact.\n\nSimplify Tax Rules and Eliminate the Marriage Penalty: Maintain a single 85% inclusion rate for benefits exceeding the new thresholds, simplifying the filing process and reducing confusion for seniors. Additionally, the bill would eliminate the substantial tax penalty currently imposed on married retirees who both receive benefits.\n\nProtect Long-Term Solvency by Cutting Bureaucratic Waste: Redirect funds from inefficient government spending in the non-defense, non-veterans, non-homeland security discretionary appropriations accounts to offset revenue reductions, safeguarding the Social Security and Medicare trust funds while prioritizing retirees.\n\nClick here for bill text.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/military/blackburn-secures-tennessee-priorities-in-2025-national-defense-bill", "Blackburn Secures Tennessee Priorities in 2025 National Defense Bill", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after securing vital wins for Tennessee in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate yesterday and will soon be signed into law:\n\n\u201cIn the face of formidable threats from Communist China, Iran, and Russia, this year\u2019s national defense bill will help safeguard U.S. national security and support our men and women in uniform,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cTennessee is home to tens of thousands of active-duty servicemembers, and this legislation will enhance their defense capabilities, support the development of new technology, and strengthen cybersecurity efforts in the Volunteer State.\u201d\n\nKEY TENNESSEE PRIORITIES:\n\nSupport the Pathfinder Program, which is developing technological solutions for real-world Army challenges at Vanderbilt University and in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville\n\nSupport the development of advanced materials for hypersonic vehicles, including at Arnold Air Force Base and the University of Tennessee Space Institute\n\nSupport modernization efforts at production and support facilities, including at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant\n\nContinue to support the construction of the Uranium Processing Facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex\n\nSupport Unmanned Arial Systems (UAS) test capabilities, unmanned underwater vehicle experiments, and other research projects, including through the partnership between the University of Memphis and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division on President\u2019s Island in Memphis, Tennessee\n\nSupport advanced materials manufacturing research, including ongoing research between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville,Army Research Lab, andOak Ridge National Laboratory\n\nSupport the Nonproliferation Stewardship Program (NSP), creating a workforce of nuclear subject matter experts through Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Y-12 National Security Complex\n\nSupport the classified additive manufacturing partnership between the Air Force Research Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for future Air Force assets, including at Arnold Air Force Base\n\nSupport cybersecurity for autonomous vehicles research, including at Tennessee Tech University\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/news/blackburn-announces-tennessee-priorities-in-water-resources-bill", "Blackburn Announces Tennessee Priorities in Water Resources Bill", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after securing important projects for Tennessee in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, which passed the Senate this week and will soon be signed into law:\n\n\u201cFollowing the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene across East Tennessee, rebuilding our communities and reassessing flood risk is extremely important across the entire state,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThis year\u2019s Water Resources Development Act will allow the dredging and maintenance of Pidgeon Harbor in Memphis, enabling the continued growth of the industrial area and supporting the city as the Logistics Hub of America. It will also improve our state\u2019s flood risk management to help us better respond to future natural disasters and strengthen wastewater infrastructure to support the development of Blue Oval City.\u201d\n\nKEY TENNESSEE PRIORITIES:\n\nAuthorization of federal maintenance and dredging of Pidgeon Harbor navigation channel in Memphis\n\nFeasibility study for flood risk management in Nashville\n\nFeasibility study for water supply support, including evaluation of Nolichucky River capabilities in Greene County\n\nExpedited completion of the Kentucky Lock and Dam navigation project\n\n$35 million for wastewater infrastructure and water supply infrastructure in Tipton County\n\n$50 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Tipton, Haywood, and Fayette Counties\n\nMandated coordination with stakeholders to address the dredging needs of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Mississippi and Alabama", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/women/senators-blackburn-and-gillibrand-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-remove-the-tax-penalty-on-settlements-awards-and-judgments-paid-to-survivors-of-sexual-assault-and-sexual-harassment", "Senators Blackburn And Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Remove The Tax Penalty On Settlements, Awards, And Judgments Paid To Survivors Of Sexual Assault And Sexual Harassment", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) introduced the Tax Fairness for Survivors Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would remove the federal tax penalty on settlements, awards, and judgments paid to survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault.\n\nCurrent law exempts payments for damages due to physical and emotional injuries from physical injury cases from taxation. However, payments from sexual harassment and sexual assault lawsuits are taxed as income unless the survivor can prove that they received physical injuries, such as broken bones or bruises, during the incident. This can cause uncertainty in some cases regarding whether settlements from sexual assault or sexual harassment cases are taxed or not, causing additional anxiety for survivors.\n\n\u201cSurvivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment should not be forced to pay taxes on compensation they receive as a result of the crime,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Tax Fairness for Survivors Act would ensure these courageous survivors do not have to bear the cost of unjust financial penalties.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable to force survivors of sexual assault and harassment to pay taxes on the compensation they rightfully deserve,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThe Tax Fairness for Survivors Act is commonsense legislation that will eliminate this tax burden, allowing survivors to focus on healing in the wake of their trauma. I am proud to introduce this legislation, and I will continue fighting to ensure that survivors of sexual assault and harassment are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.\u201d\n\nBlackburn and Gillibrand\u2019s introduction of the Tax Fairness for Survivors Act follows the introduction of the same legislation in the House of Representatives by Reps. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) in August. The bill is endorsed by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence and Lift Our Voices.\n\n\u201cSurvivors of sexual harassment and assault deserve fair treatment under the law,\u201d said Representative Frankel. \u201cIt is unacceptable for a woman who has been raped, who endures immense pain and trauma, or who had to quit her job to escape harassment, to face further tax burdens on the compensation she rightfully deserves. This bill ensures survivors receive equal treatment regarding their payments.\u201d\n\n\u201cSurvivors of assault have already endured the unimaginable; they should not face tax penalties on monetary settlements obtained in their pursuit of justice. This commonsense bill closes an unfair loophole in our tax code by exempting settlements and judgments from sexual harassment or assault claims from income taxes, aligning the tax treatment of these settlements with physical injury settlements and ensuring survivors are not further penalized,\u201d said Congresswoman Tenney.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/news/blackburn-ossoff-introduce-bill-to-help-rescue-more-children-from-violence-by-recording-child-protective-services-interviews/6583f60b-5203-4a53-8e5e-6edfd577b4f2", "Blackburn, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Help Rescue More Children from Violence by Recording Child Protective Services Interviews", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the Generate Recordings of All Child protective Interviews Everywhere (GRACIE) Act, which would incentivize states to require the recording of all Child Protective Services (CPS) interviews with children and adults. Modernizing CPS interview protocols would increase the likelihood that child trafficking victims will be identified and removed from dangerous situations, including sex and labor trafficking, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, and other forms of violence.\n\n\u201cChildren are often silenced by their abusers, and we need to do everything in our power to ensure that does not happen,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe GRACIE Act would help give more children a voice, increase domestic violence reporting, and strengthen the foster care system.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe can never do enough to support vulnerable children in Georgia and across the country,\u201d said Senator Ossoff. \u201cSenator Blackburn and I are introducing this new bipartisan bill to strengthen transparency in State child protective agencies and help States better fund their operations.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn the U.S., 37.4% of children will be interviewed by CPS at some point in their childhood. These initial interviews can be traumatic, so we must do everything we can to ensure transparency and accountability during the process. CPS is the gateway to the foster care system, and approximately 60% of U.S. domestic child sex trafficking victims have engaged with the foster care system. Many of them undergo multiple interviews without one CPS staffer identifying them as child trafficking victims or removing them from real-time trafficking violence.\n\nCPS has a history of distorting the testimony of children who are trying to speak out about abuse and trafficking. As a result, children can remain in abusive and dangerous situations. CPS interview protocols are broken, and mandating all CPS interviews be recorded would be a good first step toward fixing this broken system.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has required recordings of all interrogations for nearly a decade, and state law enforcement departments often require police body cameras. Similar accountability measures are long overdue in the child protection space. It is imperative that federal and state legislation require at least audio recording\u2013if not video recording, too\u2013of all CPS interviews.\n\nTHE GRACIE ACT:\n\nThe GRACIE Act would create a grant program within the DOJ to award grants to states that require the recording of all CPS interviews with children and adults. This legislation includes provisions to protect the privacy and security of those recordings, so they are not shared with anyone outside of a law enforcement investigation. They would also only be retained for the amount of time needed to deal with the case.\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Street Grace, No Trafficking Zones, Pearl at the Mailbox, The Foundation United, Rights for Girls, and 3Strands Global.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/national-security/blackburn-urges-dod-to-protect-u-s-airspace-national-security-following-ongoing-drone-sightings", "Blackburn Urges DOD to Protect U.S. Airspace & National Security Following Ongoing Drone Sightings", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding the ongoing drone sightings across the Eastern United States over the past several weeks.\n\nIn the letter, Senator Blackburn requested more information on the DOD\u2019s assessments of the drone sightings, what counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems are currently deployed to address these threats, and how the DOD is coordinating with federal, state, and local authorities.\n\nDrone Sightings Appear to Be Part of Broader Foreign Surveillance Pattern of U.S. Activity\n\n\u201cI write to urgently raise concerns regarding the ongoing drone sightings across the Eastern United States, which have been widely reported over the past several weeks. These incidents, which seem to involve clusters of drones appearing near critical infrastructure and sensitive areas, represent a growing threat to our national security that demands immediate and serious attention. The reports of drone activity appear to be part of a broader pattern of foreign surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts, including the 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident and the recent Chinese-backed Salt Typhoon hack targeting our telecommunications networks. These actions demonstrate a clear willingness from adversarial nations to utilize unconventional technologies to surveil, gather intelligence, and intimidate.\u201d\n\nBlackburn Urges DOD to Take Clear and Immediate Action to Send a Strong Message to Any U.S. Adversaries Seeking to Undermine National Security\n\n\u201cThe persistence of credible sightings indicates a significant and evolving risk. The drone sightings across the East Coast should be viewed within this context as part of an ongoing, multidimensional threat to our national security. I strongly urge the Department of Defense to take all necessary steps \u2013 up to and including military action \u2013 to ensure the protection of our airspace and the security of the American people. A clear and immediate response will not only mitigate the current threat but also send a message to any foreign power seeking to undermine the security and safety of the United States.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/technology/bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-prevent-supply-chain-disruptions-protect-american-producers-pocketbooks-set-to-pass-in-end-of-year-package", "Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers & Pocketbooks, Set to Pass in End of Year Package", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Representatives Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), secured a package of provisions based on the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act in the must-pass Continuing Resolution. The package authorizes the U.S. Department of Commerce to strengthen American supply chains for critical industries and emerging technologies by working with the private sector and other U.S. government partners to anticipate and prevent future supply chain disruptions before they happen. In the process, it will also identify opportunities to grow manufacturing capacity and jobs, and reduce costs for American consumers.\n\n\u201cStrengthening supply chains is essential to ensuring that groceries, fuel, household products, and every other consumer product is accessible and affordable,\u201d said Sen. Blackburn. \u201cTo achieve a strong, resilient, supply chain, we must have a coordinated, national strategy that decreases dependence on our adversaries, like Communist China, and leverages American ingenuity. By establishing a supply chain resiliency program at the Department of Commerce, the U.S. government can better coordinate with private sector partners, identify risks, and increase our competitiveness.\u201d\n\n\u201cStrengthening our supply chains is essential to ensuring that critical goods remain accessible and affordable,\u201d Sen. Cantwell said. \u201cAnd we need strong, secure supply chains to keep our country competitive in the global race for emerging technologies. This bill will strengthen American manufacturing jobs, keep our store shelves stocked and lower costs for American families.\"\n\nSenators Cantwell and Blackburn introduced the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act (S. 4375) in May 2024. The House companion legislation, introduced by Reps. Bucshon and Blunt Rochester (H.R. 6571), overwhelmingly passed the House the same month.\n\n\u201cThe past few years have revealed significant weaknesses in the supply chains that Americans depend on, affecting everything from manufacturers and healthcare providers to our warfighters. Now more than ever, we must support American business seeking to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on unstable or adversarial trading partners such as China,\u201d said Dr. Bucshon. \u201cThe inclusion of key provisions from The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act will help bolster our economy by enabling us to proactively address potential disruptions and respond effectively when they arise.\u201d\n\n\u201cStrong, functional, and secure supply chains are critical not just to our businesses and workers, but to our national security. I am thrilled that provisions from our bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, legislation I championed alongside Dr. Bucshon in the House, is set to pass in the end of year package and be on its way to President Biden\u2019s desk for his signature,\u201d said Rep. Blunt Rochester, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. \u201cThe pandemic exposed the need for us to shore up our supply chains, and in the years since, I\u2019ve heard directly from Delawareans about how shortages of critical goods have impacted them, their families, and their businesses. It\u2019s why I\u2019ve been laser-focused on building bipartisan and bicameral support for this legislation, so we can put a national strategy in place to anticipate shocks before they occur, ultimately creating more good-paying jobs and lowering costs for consumers in Delaware and across our nation.\u201d\n\nGeopolitical conflicts, natural disasters and the pandemic have highlighted the fragility of supply chains. These events can cause significant delays and shortages, impacting everything from consumer goods to critical medical supplies and driving up the costs of consumer goods. The U.S. is heavily reliant on single countries for critical supply chain segments, including manufacturing components, critical minerals, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This concentration poses a significant risk of disruption. Most U.S. companies currently lack full visibility into their supply chains, with estimates suggesting that more than 90 percent do not have complete transparency throughout their entire supply chain.\n\nThe Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act: Section-by-Section", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/technology/blackburn-blumenthal-joint-statement-on-house-leadership-s-refusal-to-allow-a-vote-on-the-kids-online-safety-act", "Blackburn, Blumenthal Joint Statement on House Leadership\u2019s Refusal to Allow a Vote on the Kids Online Safety Act", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the status of passing the Kids Online Safety Act in the 118th Congress:\n\n\u201cWhile the House has refused to take up the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, countless children and teens have died from suicide, mental health disorders, predation, bullying, and drug use fostered and fueled by Big Tech.\n\nOne of these victims, Jesse Harrington, was a 15-year-old boy who wanted to be a firefighter and died by suicide in October after becoming addicted to Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, while the House sat on its hands at the behest of Mark Zuckerberg. The House\u2019s active obstruction of the Kids Online Safety Act will tragically result in the deaths of even more children like Jesse.\n\nTo be clear: the blockade against safeguards and accountability was about padding Big Tech\u2019s financial bottom line, not principle. For nearly four years, we have worked with more than 240 organizations and colleagues across the political spectrum to craft bipartisan legislation to protect children online from Big Tech abuses \u2013 legislation that passed the Senate on a 91-3 vote. Yet falsehoods crafted in Silicon Valley boardrooms and parroted by Washington politicians, along with millions of dollars spent along the way, held up KOSA in the House to advance Meta and Google's goal of profiting off our children.\n\nWe are thankful to Senate leadership, most especially Senators Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, John Thune, Ted Cruz, and Maria Cantwell and the powerful bipartisan coalition that supported KOSA and continues to believe it is necessary. We are grateful for the many free speech advocates who saw through Big Tech's lies and smokescreen, including Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, and Donald Trump, Jr. It was House Republican leadership who chose not to move this bill forward despite overwhelming support.\n\nWe will continue the strongly bipartisan fight on the Kids Online Safety Act for the young people and parents across the country that have spoken up and demanded reforms from Big Tech. The American public deserves to know that their families and kids\u2019 lives are more important than Meta and Google\u2019s profits.\u201d \u2013 Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/veterans/blackburn-demands-accountability-from-secretary-mcdonough-on-mountain-home-va-scandal", "Blackburn Demands Accountability from Secretary McDonough on Mountain Home VA Scandal", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough regarding the disturbing reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and inappropriate workplace conduct involving multiple employees at the Mountain Home Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).\n\nSenator Blackburn requested an update on the status of the ongoing investigation, how many allegations have been made against the Mountain Home VAMC in recent years, what corrective actions will be taken, and how many employees have been terminated or reassigned as a result of the investigation.\n\nMountain Home VAMC Is Subject of Ongoing Investigation on Reports of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, and Inappropriate Workplace Conduct\n\n\u201cI write to inquire about the ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct at the James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Mountain Home VAMC) in Johnson City, Tennessee. As you know, your staff briefed me regarding disturbing reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and inappropriate workplace conduct involving multiple employees at the Mountain Home VAMC.\u201d\n\nSuch Disgusting Misconduct Should Never Have Been Allowed to Occur\n\n\u201cIt is beyond reprehensible that no individual has been held meaningfully accountable for their actions. Equally troubling are the leadership and oversight failures that may have allowed such misconduct to occur. The absence of clear answers, coupled with media reports, has caused unnecessary distress among the Mountain Home veteran community. The VA must act urgently to address these concerns. Transparency and accountability are not optional\u2014they are essential to restoring trust and ensuring my constituents feel that they can expect this facility to provide them with the highest standard of care.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issue/technology/blackburn-on-fox-business-we-have-the-votes-to-pass-kosa-in-the-house", "Blackburn on Fox Business: \u2018We Have the Votes to Pass KOSA in the House\u2019", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today on Fox Business\u2019 Varney & Co., U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) urged House Republican leadership to call a vote on the Kids Online Safety Act, which overwhelmingly passed the Senate 91-3 in July. Last week, free speech champion Elon Musk endorsed the new negotiated text as well as X CEO Linda Yaccarino and Donald Trump, Jr.\n\nClick here to download video of Senator Blackburn\u2019s remarks about KOSA on Fox Business.\n\nSTUART VARNEY: \u201cHouse lawmakers have just weeks to pass the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act before the new Congress is sworn in. The Senate has already passed this bill with overwhelming majority. This bill would limit who kids can talk to, limit infinite scrolling and notifications, make it easy for kids to delete data, and a whole lot more\u2026 Are there enough votes to get this thing passed now?\u201d\n\nSENATOR BLACKBURN: \u201cYes, indeed. In the House, we have enough votes to get it passed. It is a matter of the Leader and the Speaker in the House actually putting it on the floor and calling a vote. There\u2019s been all these falsehoods about the bill, and we have worked to tighten up protections on free speech. We have addressed some of the \u2018duty of care.\u2019 There is absolutely no reason for the bill not to move forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cStuart, when Elon Musk has signed off on this bill \u2013 he is truly the free speech champion. He bought X to make certain that free speech was protected. And he and Linda Yaccarino, who is the CEO of X, have both tweeted in support. Donald Trump, Jr. has tweeted in support. We need to make certain we put protections in place for our children in the virtual space just like we have them in the physical space.\u201d\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Blumenthal Statement on New \u2018X\u2019 Negotiated KOSA Text", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/jobs-and-economy/blackburn-tenney-introduce-doge-acts-to-make-federal-government-more-efficient-and-slash-wasteful-spending", "Blackburn, Tenney Introduce \u201cDOGE Acts\u201d to Make Federal Government More Efficient and Slash Wasteful Spending", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) introduced a package of bills known as the \u201cDOGE Acts\u201d to hold the federal government accountable for managing taxpayer dollars. The DOGE Acts coincide with President-elect Trump\u2019s recently announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which will be led by entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.\n\n\u201cThe American people have had enough of outsized bureaucracy and wasteful government spending. The DOGE Acts are the first step to achieving government efficiency by requiring federal employees to get back in the office, moving federal agencies into the heartland of America, cutting bloated federal spending across the board, and freezing federal hiring and salaries until we can rightsize the federal government,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\n\u201cUnder President Trump's leadership and a Republican-controlled Congress, we are determined to cut wasteful government spending and reduce costs for hardworking Americans. Congress is ready to collaborate with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to rein in bloated budgets, relocate federal agencies out of Washington, DC, reform outdated bureaucracies, and ensure bureaucrats actually work for their pay. The DOGE Acts embody these priorities, serving as a bold first step in advancing the incoming Trump Administration's 'Make America Efficient Again' agenda,\u201d said Representative Tenney.\n\nTHE DOGE ACTS:\n\nThe DOGE Acts include the separate pieces of legislation below:\n\nThe Federal Freeze Act would help address out-of-control spending and save taxpayer dollars by implementing a one-year freeze on increases in federal civilian employees\u2019 salaries, directing federal agency heads to establish a cap on the number of workers that can be employed over a period of three years, and decreasing the number of employees at federal agencies. This legislation would exempt certain employees deemed necessary to serve the interests of law enforcement, national security, public safety, and public health services. Click here for bill text.\n\nThe Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act would decentralize the power held by unelected bureaucrats in Washington D.C. by establishing a plan to relocate non-national security related agencies to states across the country based on financial efficiency, existing infrastructure, and related industries. Click here for bill text.\n\nThe Federal Employee Performance and Accountability Act would establish a performance-based pay structure that bolsters government efficiency by incentivizing high performance among federal employees, exempting agencies deemed necessary for national security or public safety. Click here for bill text.\n\nThe Stopping Home Office Work\u2019s Unproductive Problems (SHOW UP) Act would require federal agencies to return to pre-pandemic telework levels within 30 days and would prevent federal agencies from permanently expanding telework without submitting to Congress telework plans certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This legislation passed the House last year. Click here for bill text.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/technology/blackburn-warner-delbene-pfluger-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-u-s-immersive-technology-leadership", "Blackburn, Warner, DelBene, Pfluger Introduce Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Immersive Technology Leadership", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) along with Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas) introduced the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act to establish an advisory panel tasked with creating a national immersive technology strategy:\n\n\u201cWe need to stay two steps ahead of our adversaries when it comes to applying immersive technology in American industries and stimulating economic growth,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cOur United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act would make certain we can compete with adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party and safeguard national security as virtual reality and augmented reality become more prevalent on the world stage.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe global technology landscape is rapidly changing. In order to take full advantage of the possibilities of XR, remain competitive globally, and protect our national interests, it\u2019s crucial that we have industry and government leaders working together on the same page. This legislation will help to do just that by creating a national strategy for XR,\u201d said Senator Warner.\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow ourselves to be left behind in the burgeoning XR field,\u201d said Rep. DelBene. \u201cAs our world becomes increasingly technological, it is crucial that we prepare to compete effectively on the global stage while protecting our interests. This legislation will help us catch up to other global leaders and regain our foothold in creating national standards.\u201d\n\n\u201cImmersive Technology is an essential technological tool utilized by thousands of Americans, businesses, and our military for enhanced simulation and training capabilities. Recently, China has been aggressively investing in XR technology, posing a potential threat to our economic and national security interests,\u201d said Rep. Pfluger. \u201cOur legislation will ensure the United States maintains global leadership through a national strategy in this emerging technology.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nVirtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), collectively known as immersive technology (XR), allow us to blend the digital and physical worlds into one integrated experience. From automatically generated closed captions of live conversations for the hearing impaired to creating personalized, hands-on training modules for students, the benefits of XR are limitless.\n\nDespite being home to some of the world\u2019s largest XR content and hardware producers, the U.S. lags behind other countries in creating a clear roadmap for applying them to commercial and personal use. Already, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and China have strategies that allow them to embrace immersive technologies. The U.S. is relinquishing its role on the international stage to guide the creation of XR standards without a strategy.\n\nUNITED STATES LEADERSHIP IN IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT:\n\nThe United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act would:\n\nDirect the U.S. Department of Commerce to create an advisory panel to advise the president on how to utilize XR in commerce, trade, and economic competitiveness, in coordination with relevant Congressional committees.\n\nDirect the advisory panel to study the state of XR and the effects of XR on our national security.\n\nRead the full bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/immigration/video-blackburn-calls-on-senate-judiciary-committee-to-pass-the-clear-act", "VIDEO: Blackburn Calls on Senate Judiciary Committee to Pass the CLEAR Act", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) called on Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to take up and pass the CLEAR Act, which would ensure state and local law enforcement officials can help the federal government deport criminal illegal immigrants from the U.S. This hearing included testimony from Patty Morin whose daughter, Rachel Morin, was allegedly murdered last year by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador.\n\nClick here to download video of Senator Blackburn\u2019s remarks during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.\n\nBlackburn: Open-Border Policies Are Not Compassionate\n\n\u201cThis open-border policy that we\u2019ve seen is not a compassionate policy. I\u2019ve talked to people that work with human trafficking and sex trafficking, and what is happening to women and children is abhorrent, and we are all aware of that. Mr. Chairman, I appreciated your remark that we should deport those that are truly a danger to Americans. I think that\u2019s accurate. I don\u2019t think anyone would disagree with that.\u201d\n\nBlackburn Calls on Senate Judiciary Committee to Pass the CLEAR Act\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve all seen the uptick in violent crimes \u2013 such as Ms. Morin and her family have experienced \u2013 and this is the reason I re-introduced my CLEAR Act this year, which would enable local law enforcement when they apprehend someone who is in the country illegally to detain them and then call on ICE to deport them. And then the federal government have to repay that local law enforcement agency for what they\u2019ve spent in that apprehension, that detention, and we should pass this bill today. That would be a good thing for this committee to be doing this last week. Pull it up, put it on the hotline, and run it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/news/blackburn-cortez-masto-probe-doj-on-match-fixing-risk-ahead-of-2026-fifa-world-cup-and-2028-olympics", "Blackburn, Cortez Masto Probe DOJ on Match-Fixing Risk Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri on the growing risk of match-fixing in the United States and its potential ties to organized crime around the world.\n\nMatch-fixing not only threatens the game, but is often connected to human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and terrorism. The Senators are seeking answers from the DOJ on U.S. enforcement against match-fixing and the steps federal law enforcement is taking to protect the integrity of sports against those running illegal offshore sports books.\n\nAmerican Law Enforcement Must Be Equipped to Combat Organized Crime and Match-Fixing as U.S. Prepares to Host FIFA World Cup and Olympics\n\n\u201cWe write to you today to express our unease at the growing risk of match-fixing in the United States and its potential ties to organized crime around the world. As the United States plans to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics\u2014two of the biggest sporting events in the world\u2014we must ensure American law enforcement has every tool at their disposal to protect the integrity of the games and fight against organized crime.\u201d\n\nOrganized Crime Efforts Are Becoming More Sophisticated and Lucrative\n\n\u201cOrganized crime has long manipulated sporting events, and their efforts are only getting more sophisticated. Match-fixing does not simply pose threats to the integrity of the game, but it can be connected to violent crime\u2014including human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and terrorism. These criminals have seized on illicit sports betting and match-fixing as a vehicle for laundering money and making incredible profits. Foreign, illegal online betting markets have become the perfect venues for these schemes, with studies showing that up to 10% of organized crime revenue is made from sports bets. Experts estimated in 2014 that $140 billion is laundered annually through illegal and unregulated sport betting, an amount that has undoubtedly grown. While the most prominent examples of sports corruption have been international, there is risk of\n\nmatch-fixing in this country... Given this risk, it is important to ensure the United States government has every possible tool to keep our sports safe for players and fans alike.\u201d\n\nMatch-Fixing Exploits the Vulnerable, Harms Athletes, and Corrupts Athletics \u2013 We Must Bring Transnational Criminals to Justice\n\n\u201cWhen similar concerns were raised in countries around the world, their legislative bodies acted to make match-fixing a specific criminal act to address the full scope of match-fixing behavior and give their judicial and law enforcement systems the clarity and tools needed to bring these transnational criminals to justice. Sport brings the world together, and we must fight to protect its integrity against the onslaught from criminals who exploit the vulnerable, target athletes for harassment, and corrupt the globe\u2019s best traditions. The United States has one of the most vibrant sporting communities in the world, and it is imperative we support our athletes\u2014from little league teams to collegiate stars to professional players.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/technology/blackburn-blumenthal-statement-on-new-x-negotiated-kosa-text", "Blackburn, Blumenthal Statement on New \u2018X\u2019 Negotiated KOSA Text", "2024-12-07", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement after X CEO Linda Yaccarino announced updated KOSA bill text to further safeguard freedom of speech for minors online.\n\n\u201cLed by X, the new changes made to the Kids Online Safety Act strengthen the bill while safeguarding free speech online and ensuring it is not used to stifle expression,\u201d said Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal. \u201cThese changes should eliminate once and for all the false narrative that this bill would be weaponized by unelected bureaucrats to censor Americans. We thank Elon and Linda for their bold leadership and commitment to protecting children online and for helping us get this bill across the finish line this Congress. We appreciate that this endorsement and revised text reflects their publicly stated goal of furthering free speech without fear of censorship. We reiterate X\u2019s call to pass KOSA by the end of the year \u2013 it is clear that this legislation has overwhelming support from Congress.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nYou can view the revised bill text, including changes negotiated by X, here.\n\nThese changes were made to further make clear that KOSA would not censor, limit, or remove any content from the internet, and it does not give the FTC or state AGs the power to bring lawsuits over content or speech, no matter who it is from.\n\nThe bill passes First Amendment scrutiny because it is content neutral.\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn Announces Growing Conservative Momentum for the Kids Online Safety Act\n\nTennessee AG Leads 31 State Attorneys General in Urging Congress to Pass Blackburn\u2019s Kids Online Safety Act", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/immigration/blackburn-ossoff-introduce-bill-to-crack-down-on-fentanyl-trafficking-dangerous-counterfeits-and-imports-made-with-forced-labor", "Blackburn, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Fentanyl Trafficking, Dangerous Counterfeits, and Imports Made with Forced Labor", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the Detection and Exclusion of Negligent, Illicit, and Extralegal Deliveries (DENIED) Act to crack down on fentanyl trafficking, protect Americans from unsafe counterfeits, and prevent bad actors from importing products made with forced labor into the United States by exploiting U.S. Customs and Border Protection\u2019s (CBP) screening process:\n\n\u201cForeign criminals and shady businesses exploit vulnerabilities in our trade system to import products made with forced labor, slip counterfeit goods into U.S. markets, and smuggle drugs across the southern border,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cWe need to strengthen efforts to prevent bad actors from importing unethical goods, and our DENIED Act would combat the fentanyl epidemic, protect U.S. intellectual property, and counter forced labor practices around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Blackburn and I are introducing this bipartisan bill to strengthen enforcement against imports tainted by forced labor and illegal trade practices,\u201d said Senator Ossoff.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nDe minimis entry permits imports valued under $800 to enter the United States duty-free through a streamlined inspection process, allowing CBP to focus its resources on higher-risk shipments.\n\nWhile most businesses follow the rules, some have exploited the de minimis process to import products made with forced labor, especially from regions like Xinjiang, China. This allows them to bypass critical inspections and undercut companies that adhere to ethical standards.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Blackburn sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen raising concerns about the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s failure to fully enforce the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).\n\nIn addition, criminals are using the de minimis process to smuggle drugs like fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the United States, avoiding detection by shipping small packages and fueling the ongoing opioid crisis.\n\nIn 2023 alone, CBP seized over 27,000 pounds of fentanyl \u2013 enough to kill over 6 billion people \u2013 yet many de minimis shipments go uninspected, allowing dangerous drugs to slip through undetected.\n\nCounterfeit goods are also being imported through the de minimis process, stealing the innovative work of American businesses and endangering consumers with dangerous products like faulty electronics, fake pharmaceuticals, and substandard automotive parts.\n\nDENIED ACT:\n\nThe DENIED Act would empower CBP to establish a new \u201cDenied Parties List,\u201d barring foreign companies that repeatedly aid or facilitate the import of forced-labor products, counterfeit goods, or illegal drugs from leveraging the de minimis process. This safeguard ensures that bad actors can no longer dodge inspections to flood the market with dangerous and unethical products.\n\nThe Treasury Secretary would be required to publish the Denied Parties List every 90 days, exposing companies banned from duty-free entry and detailing the reasons for their ban.\n\nEntities added to the Denied Parties List would also be referred to the UFLPA Task Force, strengthening coordination among enforcement agencies and reaffirming America\u2019s commitment to combating forced labor in China and around the world.\n\nCBP, in coordination with the United States Postal Service, would be authorized to enhance data collection on de minimis imports, providing law enforcement with the tools they need to better target and crack down on unauthorized imports.\n\nThis legislation would also empower CBP to impose steep fines on violators, starting at $1,000 for the first offense and rising to $5,000 for repeat offenses, ensuring there are real consequences for breaking the law and deterring future abuses.\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Shatterproof, the Uyghur Human Rights Project, the Campaign for Uyghurs, and the Citizen Power Initiatives for China.\n\n\u201cShatterproof, a national nonprofit leading the fight against our nation\u2019s addiction crisis, is grateful to Senators Blackburn and Ossoff for introducing the DENIED Act,\u201d said Kevin Roy, Chief Public Policy Officer of Shatterproof. \u201cFentanyl-related deaths demand immediate action to stop the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into our country. This legislation enhances CBP\u2019s capacity to combat illegal imports by closing smuggling loopholes and barring violators, including those trafficking fentanyl, from exploiting duty-free exemptions. Shatterproof calls on Congressional leadership to prioritize this critical issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cCompanies profiting from Uyghur forced labor are now on notice: you will be barred from direct-shipping access to U.S. consumers. Uyghurs are deeply grateful to Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Jon Ossoff for this important bipartisan bill to stop complicity in the atrocities against our people,\u201d said Omer Kanat, Executive Director, Uyghur Human Rights Project.\n\n\u201cThe proposed measures to establish a \u2018Denied Parties List\u2019 and combat forced labor and unethical practices are critical steps in ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of global supply chains. CFU would be honored to provide an endorsement for this initiative. We believe this Act not only strengthens safeguards against forced labor but also underscores the United States\u2019 commitment to upholding human rights and ethical business practices,\u201d said Rushan Abbas, Executive Director of Campaign for Uyghurs.\n\n\u201cI strongly endorse the DENIED Act authored by Senator Masha Blackburn (R, Tennessee) and Senator Jon Ossoff (D, Georgia). The Act is a crucial step toward safeguarding both human rights in China and American markets. By closing loopholes in the de minimis entry process, this bill ensures that importers who engage in unethical practices\u2014especially the use of forced labor\u2014cannot bypass critical inspections. The establishment of the Denied Parties List, paired with steep fines and accountability measures, sends a powerful message: America will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable populations or the undermining of ethical businesses. Strengthening our commitment to human dignity and a fair global trade system, the DENIED Act sets a good example of bi-partisan effort to help advance human rights in China while defending our American values and interests,\u201d said Dr. Jianli (Doc) Yang, Founder and President, Citizen Power Initiatives for China.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/jobs-and-economy/senate-passes-blackburn-hickenlooper-music-tourism-bill", "Senate Passes Blackburn, Hickenlooper Music Tourism Bill", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan American Music Tourism Act introduced by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors:\n\n\u201cTennesseans know a thing or two about the positive impact that music tourism has on the economy and culture,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Volunteer State is proud to be home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to enjoy \u2013 from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol. This bipartisan legislation promotes music tourism\u2019s fast-growing industry, and I\u2019m pleased the Senate took action to ensure fans from all over the world can celebrate the rich history of music for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s vibrant music scene attracts artists and fans from around the world,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cOur bipartisan bill will help our local music venues thrive and expand.\u201d\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\nThis legislation is supported by the Recording Academy, the Nashville Songwriter\u2019s Association International, the Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, the National Independent Venue Association, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Memphis Tourism, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, the Overton Park Shell, Airbnb, Eventbrite, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.\n\n\u201cThe Recording Academy is pleased to support the American Music Tourism Act and applauds Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for their continued dedication to lifting up the music community. Music has long played an important role in our economy and culture. This bill will amplify the music community\u2019s contributions to economic growth and increase understanding of music\u2019s impact on the U.S. and the world,\u201d said Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy and Public Policy Officer of the Recording Academy.\n\n\u201cThe Nashville Songwriters Association International is glad to lend our support to the American Music Tourism Act. As owners of an iconic music venue, The Bluebird Caf\u00e9, we acutely understand the impact of music on tourism dollars. With the music tourism market expected to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032, and since the United States is one of the main beneficiaries of music tourism, it is essential that the Commerce Department\u2019s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism identify and promote musical sites of significance,\u201d said Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriter\u2019s Association International.\n\n\u201cFrom the historic Grand Ole Opry to the legendary Telluride Bluegrass Festival, America\u2019s music story comes alive at iconic venues and landmarks all across the country. We applaud Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for introducing the American Music Tourism Act, which will encourage even more music fans to experience the rich legacy of American music firsthand,\u201d said Mitch Glazier, Chairman & CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America.\n\n\u201cIn Nashville, Memphis, and countless other communities across the country, a vibrant live music scene is an economic magnet that draws fans from around the globe. The American Music Tourism Act is an important piece of legislation that will help ensure live music remains a pillar of American culture and tourism, and we\u2019d like to thank the Senator for her leadership on this issue,\u201d said Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy for Live Nation Entertainment.\n\n\u201cFrom rural communities to city centers, independent stages attract investment and visitors for the artists and professionals that put on shows and the restaurants, retail, and attractions around them. The American Music Tourism Act finally recognizes music tourism as a catalyst for economic development and ensures its growth is a national priority. We applaud Senators Marsha Blackburn and John Hickenlooper for aligning the nation\u2019s tourism strategy with the venues and festivals across our country that the world travels to experience,\u201d said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association.\n\n\u201cAs the proud home to world-renowned attractions like Graceland, Grand Ole Opry, Dollywood, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Tennessee's tourism industry thrives on our rich musical heritage. The American Music Tourism Act reflects our agency\u2019s dedication to preserving this legacy and bolstering our state\u2019s global music appeal. By championing our diverse creative talent and attractions, we believe this legislation can bolster economic growth and draw visitors seeking authentic American music experiences,\u201d said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.\n\n\u201cFor decades, Tennessee has maintained its reputation as a mecca for music tourism attracting both domestic and global audiences alike. Our State\u2019s uniquely positioned musical legacy has become a valuable tool in shaping cultural pride, economic growth, and community development across all grand divisions. The American Music Tourism Act promotes and supports our distinctive destinations and music heritage, preserving what makes Tennessee a truly exceptional place to visit,\u201d said Bob Raines, Executive Director of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission.\n\n\u201cMusic is Memphis\u2019 primary travel motivator, as it brings in both domestic and international visitors year-round. Visitors from around the world choose Memphis as a vacation destination for our live music, musical attractions, as well as to see and learn about our talented musicians of the past, present and future. Tourism is currently a 6-billion-dollar industry for Memphis and Shelby County. The American Music Tourism Act will allow for the preservation of all areas of our music industry and will be essential to the sustainability and future of tourism,\u201d said Kevin Kane, President and CEO of Memphis Tourism.\n\n\u201cMusic tourism is of vital importance to Tennessee, but specifically to Pigeon Forge. Last year, more than eight million people visited our destination, many of whom came in search of musical entertainment. In addition to a highly successfully musical theater community, we are especially proud that Dolly Parton, one of the world\u2019s most celebrated musicians and prolific songwriters, and her Dollywood theme park give so many visitors reasons to visit time and time again. The Commerce Department\u2019s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism has a vital role in promoting and increasing tourism for both domestic and international visitors. On behalf of Pigeon Forge and other Tennessee destinations that rely on music-seeking visitors, I encourage the Assistant Secretary to expand these efforts through the American Music Tourism Act,\u201d said Leon Downey, Executive Director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.\n\n\u201cThe historic Overton Park Shell of Memphis, Tennessee is thrilled to lend our support to the American Music Tourism Act. As stewards of our iconic venue which was home to Elvis Presley's first live performance in 1954, The Overton Park Shell acutely understands the impact of music on tourism dollars. Amplifying the work of cultural assets will have a ripple effect to the economic impact that these entities bring to our Country and the legacy of American music known worldwide,\u201d said Natalie Wilson, Executive Director of the Overton Park Shell.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen firsthand how concerts have become a growing tourist attraction, driving travel demand to regions around the world. That\u2019s why we are proud to support the American Music Tourism Act, which helps promote domestic tourism in the US and amplifies the positive economic impact of Airbnb guests seeking music experiences across the country,\u201d said Mike Signer, North America Policy Director Airbnb.\n\n\u201cEventbrite applauds Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for their American Music Tourism Act, bipartisan legislation consistent with Eventbrite\u2019s commitment to live music and mission to bring the world together through shared experiences,\u201d said Julia Hartz, Co-Founder, CEO, and Executive Chair Eventbrite.\n\n\u201cThe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony, and have welcomed nearly 15 million visitors from all 50 states and around the world to our Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. We support the American Music Tourism Act to reinforce our music community\u2019s massive economic and emotional impact on the U.S. and beyond,\u201d said Greg Harris, President & CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nMusic tourism \u2013 both the act of visiting sites important to the history of American music culture and the act of traveling for current concerts and music festivals \u2013 is a vital industry for American culture and an economic driver for our communities.\n\nMusic tourism has emerged as a top travel trend, with the market forecasted to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032.\n\nThe United States, which boasts one of world\u2019s largest music industries that generates over $43 billion in revenue each year, is one of the main beneficiaries of this international interest in music tourism.\n\nThe Commerce Department\u2019s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism is uniquely positioned to identify and promote sites of musical significance.\n\nAMERICAN TOURISM ACT:\n\nSpecifically, the American Music Tourism Act would:\n\nLeverage the existing framework within the Department of Commerce to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States.\n\nRequire the Assistant Secretary to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors; and\n\nRequire a report to Congress on the successes and vulnerabilities of the Assistant Secretary\u2019s goals to increase travel and tourism.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/technology/icymi-in-the-hill-senators-ramp-up-pressure-on-house-to-pass-online-safety-privacy-package-in-lame-duck-session", "ICYMI in The Hill: Senators Ramp up Pressure on House to Pass Online Safety, Privacy Package in Lame-Duck Session", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Earlier this week, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined a bipartisan group of legislators urging House Republican Leaders to pass the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) package before the end of the year.\n\nThe legislation to protect children from increasing harms caused by social media has languished in the House for months after overwhelmingly passing the Senate, 91-3, in July. Read more about the Senators\u2019 push to pass this legislation before the end of the year below.\n\nSenators ramp up pressure on House to pass online safety, privacy package in lame-duck session\n\nMiranda Nazzaro\n\nThe Hill\n\nA group of bipartisan senators pushed House Republican leadership on Wednesday to pass the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) before the end of the year as it remains stalled in the lower chamber.\n\nIn a letter sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), six senators with the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee asked the leaders to \u201cput the well-being of our children ahead of tech companies and bring KOSPA to the House floor for a vote.\n\nThe KOSPA package, which overwhelmingly passed the Senate in July, combines two measures, including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which would create regulations for the kinds of features tech and social media companies offer kids online and aims to reduce the addictive nature and mental health impact of these platforms.\n\nThe package also includes the Children and Teens\u2019 Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0). If passed, the measure would update the original COPPA from 1998 and add data privacy measures including the ban of targeted advertising to teens and kids online.\n\n\u201cWe write today to state our support for protecting American children from the harms caused by social media and other online platforms,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWhile the internet and digital tools have helped kids connect with others and the world around them, these benefits have come at a profound cost\u2014our children are experiencing emotional, mental, and physical harm from their use of digital platforms.\u201d\n\n\u201cFederal law protecting children\u2019s privacy has not kept up with technology. Further, current law does not protect the online privacy of teens aged 13-16,\u201d the letter added.\n\nSignatories on the letter included Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) \u2014 the coauthors of KOSA \u2014 and Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), the authors of COPPA 2.0.\n\nThe pressure comes with just weeks to go in the lame-duck session. KOSA and COPPA advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September, but House leadership has mostly sidestepped whether the bills will be brought to the floor before the end of the year.\n\nMembers of both parties have expressed issues with the language of the Senate versions, for varied reasons.\n\nJohnson told Punchbowl News last month he likes the concept of KOSA, though the details of the Senate-passed version are \u201cvery problematic.\u201d\n\nMeanwhile, some lawmakers were concerned with the language of KOSA\u2019s \u201cduty of care\u201d provision. As written in the Senate version, the provision would require platforms to design and implement features for minors to prevent and reduce harm, such as those caused by content promoting suicide and eating disorders.\n\nThe House version that advanced out of committee last month included amendments changing this provision.\n\nThe letter follows a series of other efforts from senators, namely Blackburn to push KOSA and COPPA past the finish line. The campaigns have included meetings between tech advocacy groups and members, along with parents of children who either died or were seriously harmed because of social media.\n\nThe Hill reached out to Johnson and Scalise\u2019s offices for comment.\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/health-care/blackburn-kelly-introduce-bill-to-increase-primary-care-access-and-lower-costs-for-medicaid-recipients-in-rural-communities", "Blackburn, Kelly Introduce Bill to Increase Primary Care Access and Lower Costs for Medicaid Recipients in Rural Communities", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introduced the Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act to grant state Medicaid programs the authority to explore and implement direct primary care arrangements for Medicaid beneficiaries. Key features of the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model include predictable costs, improved access, reduced administrative burden, and lower costs.\n\n\u201cRural residents often experience worse health outcomes and higher hospital utilization compared to urban populations, and 78 of Tennessee\u2019s 95 counties are rural \u2013 making it extremely important to improve primary care access for Medicaid recipients in these communities,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act would address disproportionate health care coverage in rural areas by providing states with greater flexibility to address primary care challenges within Medicaid populations.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccess to quality primary care is essential for the health and well-being of Arizonans,\u201d said Senator Kelly. \u201cBy expanding care options for patients, this bill will allow providers to meaningfully address health needs and improve preventive care.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nPrimary care providers play a critical role in preventing serious health conditions, reducing emergency room utilization, improving patient outcomes, and potentially lowering overall healthcare costs. Studies consistently show that higher continuity of primary care, where patients maintain a long-term relationship with their primary care physician, leads to fewer hospital admissions.\n\nHowever, Medicaid populations face unique challenges that exacerbate costs and strain provider capacity, including high emergency room utilization, disproportionate coverage in rural areas, and poorer outcomes in rural communities.\n\nAccess to primary care is especially limited in rural, low-income areas. The patient-to-physician ratio in rural areas is just 39.8 physicians per 100,000 people, compared to 53.3 per 100,000 in urban areas. The United States is projected to face a shortage of up to 55,200 primary care physicians by 2032. Expanding access to DPC can help address these workforce and cost challenges by empowering state Medicaid programs to innovate and improve care delivery.\n\nDPC is an innovative health care delivery model that provides patients with unrestricted access to primary care services in exchange for a flat, predictable monthly fee. Unlike traditional fee-for-service models, DPC eliminates third-party billing for most primary care services, allowing physicians to focus on patient care rather than administrative requirements.\n\nWhile DPC practices are primarily used by privately insured or self-pay patients, there is growing interest in adapting the model for Medicaid beneficiaries to improve access and outcomes, particularly in underserved areas.\n\nMEDICAID PRIMARY CARE ENHANCEMENT ACT:\n\nThe Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act would clarify that state Medicaid programs have the authority to explore and implement direct primary care (DPC) arrangements for Medicaid beneficiaries.\n\nThe DPC model is a healthcare delivery approach in which patients pay a flat, monthly fee for access to primary care services, enabling predictable costs and potentially improving care coordination and outcomes.\n\nBy codifying this authority, the bill seeks to provide states with greater flexibility to address primary care access challenges within Medicaid populations.\n\nClick herefor bill text.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/technology/news-bipartisan-senate-leaders-urge-house-gop-to-stand-up-to-tech-companies-protect-children-from-social-media-harms-pass-kids-online-privacy-legislation-before-end-of-year", "NEWS: Bipartisan Senate Leaders Urge House GOP to Stand Up to Tech Companies, Protect Children From Social Media Harms & Pass Kids Online Privacy Legislation Before End of Year", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), authors of bipartisan bills to protect children online, wrote to House Republican Leaders urging them to pass the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) package before the end of the year. The legislation to protect children from increasing harms caused by social media has languished in the House for months after overwhelmingly passing the Senate, 91-3, in July.\n\n\u201cWhile the internet and digital tools have helped kids connect with others and the world around them, these benefits have come at a profound cost\u2014our children are experiencing emotional, mental, and physical harm from their use of digital platforms,\u201d the senators wrote in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise. \u201cStudies show the more time youth spend on social media, the greater the risk they will suffer from poor mental health, disordered eating, and diminished sleep quality. These risks are multiplied because social media platforms are designed to be addictive, so that kids will spend more time online.\u201d\n\nThe KOSPA package combines two key pieces of legislation. The first is the Markey-Cassidy Children and Teens\u2019 Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), which updates the original COPPA passed in 1998. This legislation bans online companies from collecting personal information from users under 17 years old without their consent and creates an eraser button to eliminate personal information online. The second component is the Blumenthal-Blackburn Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which provides children and parents with the tools, safeguards and transparency to protect against online harms, establishes a duty of care for online platforms and requires the most protective settings for kids by default.\n\n\u201cKOSPA proves that Congress can set aside politics and act decisively when our children are at stake,\u201d the letter continued. \u201cWe ask that you join the 91 United States Senators who put the well-being of our children ahead of tech companies and bring KOSPA to the House floor for a vote.\u201d\n\nRead the letter here and below:\n\nDear Speaker Johnson and Leader Scalise:\n\nWe write today to state our support for protecting American children from the harms caused by social media and other online platforms. While the internet and digital tools have helped kids connect with others and the world around them, these benefits have come at a profound cost\u2014our children are experiencing emotional, mental, and physical harm from their use of digital platforms.\n\nThese are not isolated harms. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the use of social media among American youth is pervasive, with up to 95 percent of kids aged 13-17 reporting that they use social media, and more than one-third of them use it constantly. Nearly 40 percent of kids aged 8-12 use social media, even though most platforms purportedly do not allow children under 13 to create an account.\n\nStudies show the more time youth spend on social media, the greater the risk they will suffer from poor mental health, disordered eating, and diminished sleep quality. The use of targeted advertising results in kids being shown ads for alcohol, tobacco, diet pills, or gambling sites. These risks are multiplied because social media platforms are designed to be addictive, so that kids will spend more time online.\n\nFederal law protecting children\u2019s privacy has not kept up with technology. Further, current law does not protect the online privacy of teens aged 13-16.\n\nThe \u201cKids Online Safety and Privacy Act\u201d (\u201cKOSPA\u201d) will give parents and kids more tools to avoid harm. And the law will provide a long overdue update to the current Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act. The Senate passed KOSPA by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 91-3. KOSPA proves that Congress can set aside politics and act decisively when our children are at stake.\n\nWe ask that you join the 91 United States Senators who put the well-being of our children ahead of tech companies and bring KOSPA to the House floor for a vote.\n\nSincerely,\n\nSenator Maria Cantwell\n\nSenator Ted Cruz\n\nSenator Edward Markey\n\nSenator Bill Cassidy\n\nSenator Richard Blumenthal\n\nSenator Marsha Blackburn", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/pro-life/blackburn-smith-lead-over-100-members-of-congress-in-asking-gao-to-investigate-how-much-federal-funding-has-been-awarded-to-abortion-providers", "Blackburn, Smith Lead Over 100 Members of Congress in Asking GAO to Investigate How Much Federal Funding Has Been Awarded to Abortion Providers", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In a bicameral letter led by U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Representatives Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), 112 Members of Congress asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate and report on the amount of federal funding that has been awarded to abortion providers\u2014including Planned Parenthood\u2014over the past three years:\n\n\u201cWe are writing to request updated information on federal funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Planned Parenthood Federation of America, International Planned Parenthood Federation, MSI Reproductive Choices, and four domestic abortion providers,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cProper oversight of public funds and programs is crucial for determining the value of the goods and services provided to and funded by American taxpayers. The information sought in this inquiry is instrumental for policymakers and the public alike,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cIt is our hope that this report will provide greater insight as Congress considers funding levels and provides increased transparency and openness for our constituencies and the general public.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe lawmakers noted the GAO has prepared several congressionally requested reports on federal funding for these organizations over the years. According to its most recent report, the abortion industry had siphoned off nearly $2 billion federal taxpayer between fiscal years 2019-2021.\n\nCO-SIGNERS:\n\nAmong the 81 House Members and 31 Senators who signed the letter are the top three leaders of the new Congress: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issue/technology/blackburn-fights-to-protect-seniors-from-skyrocketing-artificial-intelligence-scams", "Blackburn Fights to Protect Seniors from Skyrocketing Artificial Intelligence Scams", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Ahead of the holiday season, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, issued a warning to seniors at risk of harmful cyber-attacks during a hearing on protecting consumers from artificial intelligence (AI) enabled fraud and scams:\n\nClick hereto watch the full hearing and here to download Senator Blackburn\u2019s remarks.\n\nSenior Citizens Are Targeted Most Frequently by AI Scams\n\n\u201cOlder Americans are the ones who have been hit most frequently with this, as an emerging threat. Now, the fraudsters that are utilizing AI to deceive consumers have gotten crafty when it comes to creating these highly personalized and convincing attacks. What is surprising to a lot of people is the fact that they are doing this at scale\u2026 These attacks have become very realistic. The spear phishing emails that really use a lot of this, make it appear that it's coming from a trusted source. And adding to this, the chat box, which make it appear that you are having an actual real-time conversation with someone, is very disarming\u2026 The use of these tools by the scammers are becoming more prevalent, they're becoming more precise, more widespread, and harder to attack.\u201d\n\nArtificial Intelligence Scams Are Putting Tennesseans at Risk\n\n\u201cIn Tennessee, I say we've got the good, bad, and ugly relationship with AI. A lot of our manufacturers, people that are working in healthcare, predictive diagnoses, disease analysis, logistics, they are utilizing AI every day, to achieve efficiencies\u2026 The ugly is really what is happening to people with these scams, and with these frauds, and especially when it comes to senior citizens\u2026 The FTC with the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book listed that scams increased a billion dollars over the last 12 months to $10 billion. This is what it's costing\u2026 We know AI is what is driving a lot of this. It is a technology that is advancing so incredibly fast, and of course legislation never keeps pace with technology.\u201d\n\nBlackburn Says Congress Must Advance Legislation to Protect Citizens in the Virtual Space and Strengthen Privacy\n\n\u201cConsumers need to be armed with knowledge about what is happening here and\u2026 we know that it is also going to require that we move forward with having an actual online privacy standard, which we've never passed\u2026 It is going to require that we take those actions, [and] we're really thrilled to have you all before us today. It helps to inform not only our committee, our subcommittee, informs our colleagues, and builds into the record for the need to move forward on legislation that will enhance the privacy, and help to protect our citizens in the virtual space.\u201d\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Cantwell, Heinrich Introduce Legislation to Combat AI Deepfakes & Put Journalists, Artists & Songwriters Back in Control of Their Content\n\nBlackburn, Coons, Tillis, Klobuchar Announce Draft of Bill to Protect Voice and Likeness of Individuals from AI-Generated Replicas", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/11/issues/veterans/video-blackburn-honors-tennessee-veterans", "VIDEO: Blackburn Honors Tennessee Veterans", "2024-11-11", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video honoring the patriotism and service of more than 400,000 veterans across the Volunteer State on Veterans Day. Learn more about Senator Blackburn\u2019s work to support Tennessee veterans here.\n\nClick here to download this video of Senator Blackburn honoring Veterans Day.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/11/issues/immigration/blackburn-ernst-fight-to-protect-americans-and-deport-illegal-immigrants-convicted-of-sex-crimes", "Blackburn, Ernst Fight to Protect Americans and Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Sex Crimes", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 After a shocking report revealed that tens of thousands of illegal immigrants with sexual assault convictions are in the country, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and 18 of their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan bill that will allow America to deport sexual offenders currently in the country and block those seeking to enter:\n\n\u201cLed by Border Czar Kamala Harris, the Biden-Harris administration has left our southern border wide open to dangerous criminals and national security threats,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cOur Be GONE Act would ensure that illegal immigrants who commit sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence are deported to keep American citizens safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese violent criminals never would have entered America in the first place if we had real border security, but now that they\u2019re in our communities, they need to BE GONE,\u201d said Senator Ernst. \u201cSince Border Czar Kamala Harris won\u2019t protect this country, then I will. My legislation will combat sexual violence by ensuring predators are identified, stopped, and deported.\u201d\n\nBE GONE ACT:\n\nSpecifically, the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as crimes that are defined as \u201caggravated felonies.\u201d\n\nCO-SPONSORS:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/immigration/blackburn-cornyn-gop-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-stop-biden-harris-amnesty-program", "Blackburn, Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stop Biden-Harris Amnesty Program", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and 12 of their colleagues introduced the Visa Integrity Preservation Act, which would close a loophole in current law that the Biden-Harris administration exploited in a June 2024 executive action to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants who entered the United States without inspection or overstayed a visa:\n\n\u201cSince day one in office, the Biden-Harris administration has made it crystal clear that they support an open border and providing mass amnesty to illegal immigrants through unlawful catch-and-release programs,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cOur Visa Integrity Preservation Act would stop the Biden-Harris administration from devaluing U.S. citizenship and making illegal immigration legal.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor almost four years, the Biden-Harris administration has waived their magic amnesty wand to create unlawful programs that allow any and every person to enter and stay in the U.S. \u2013 legally or not,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cBy strengthening the laws already on the books, our legislation would root out this massive pull factor while also preserving the integrity of our employment-based nonimmigrant visa program, and I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues for their support.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nUnder current immigration law, illegal immigrants who overstay their visas cannot reenter the United States for up to 10 years if they leave, and those who illegally enter the U.S. are not allowed to reenter at all. Federal law also requires that temporary visa applicants interview abroad at a U.S. consulate before they can receive their visas, so illegal immigrants are not eligible to regularize their status using the temporary visa programs. The law does allow the U.S. Secretary of State to waive the consular interview requirement, but only on a case-by-case basis where in the national interest of the United States or in emergency situations.\n\nIn June 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced a new initiative to grant amnesty to over half a million illegal immigrants, including spouses of American citizens. As part of that initiative, President Biden and Vice President Harris waived the consular interview requirement for nonimmigrant visas, enabling immigrants who have illegally entered the U.S. or overstayed a visa to obtain temporary work visas. The Biden-Harris administration\u2019s waiving of this policy encroaches on Congress\u2019s authority and threatens to transform nonimmigrant visa programs into a tool to provide amnesty to illegal immigrants.\n\nVISA INTEGRITY PRESERVATION ACT:\n\nThe Visa Integrity Preservation Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that immigrants who have entered the U.S. illegally or overstayed a visa for more than 180 days are not eligible for a waiver of the in-person consular interview requirement and would instead be required under all circumstances to depart the U.S. for an interview before they could receive a nonimmigrant visa. Under existing law, they are barred from reentering the U.S. upon presenting for inspection at a Port of Entry.\n\nCO-SPONSORS:\n\nThis legislation is also co-sponsored by Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/women/video-blackburn-highlights-domestic-violence-awareness-month-and-the-salons-stories-act-on-unmuted-with-marsha", "VIDEO: Blackburn Highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month and The SALONS Stories Act on \u2018Unmuted with Marsha\u2019", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a new episode of \u2018Unmuted with Marsha\u2019 highlighting Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the SALONS Stories Act. Senator Blackburn spoke with Tennessee salon owner and Shear Haven Co-Founder Susanne Post about her personal experience and how the SALONS Stories Act would incentivize states to provide domestic violence awareness training for beauty professionals.\n\nThe national domestic violence hotline number is 800-799-SAFE (7233). The free 20-minute Shear Haven training can be found at Shearhaventraining.org.\n\nClickhere to watch this episode of Unmuted with Marsha.\n\n\u201cLast December, Senator Duckworth and I introduced a piece of legislation, the SALONS Stories Act. This is important because it allows training that is done by a nonprofit for all of our estheticians and barbers and beauticians. Tennessee and Illinois have moved forward with this training. This is something we are trying to incentivize and do nationwide.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\n\u201cThis advocacy work that I'm doing was born out of a very personal season for me as a survivor of domestic violence. I know firsthand how isolating it is to be in an abusive relationship, how difficult it can be to take steps to lead safely, and how important it was for me, personally to have someone trusted and close to me that was educated with the signs of domestic violence.\u201d \u2013 Susanne Post, Tennessee salon owner and Shear Haven Co-Founder\n\nRELATED:\n\nVIDEO: Blackburn Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/health-care/blackburn-whitehouse-colleagues-urge-dea-to-extend-telehealth-flexibilities-for-substance-use-disorder-and-mental-health-treatment", "Blackburn, Whitehouse, Colleagues Urge DEA to Extend Telehealth Flexibilities for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Treatment", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) led a group of 11 Senators in sending a bipartisan letter calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to extend COVID-era regulatory flexibilities that increase access to telehealth services.\n\nThese rules have been a lifeline for many patients, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, as well as individuals managing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and chronic illnesses.\n\n\u201cTelemedicine has proven to be an effective tool in reducing barriers to care, supporting those with the greatest need, and bridging the divide between patients and providers,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\n\u201cAs bipartisan senators committed to safeguarding public health and promoting equitable access to health care, we are concerned that the reported proposed restrictions could have significant unintended consequences, including disrupting access to treatment for substance use disorder,\u201d added the Senators. \u201cWe urge the DEA to continue working with stakeholders on a proposal that prioritizes the public health benefit for continued access to telemedicine, and finalize an additional temporary extension well before the December 31, 2024 deadline so that both providers and patients have certainty that there will be no gap in their ongoing care.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe bipartisan letter urges the Biden administration to extend the current flexibilities that safeguard access to necessary care while addressing the risks of prescription medication misuse, and recommends a final rule that creates no new barriers to care.\n\nThe letter highlights that telemedicine has expanded access to life-saving treatments, particularly for opioid use disorder, mental health care, and chronic illnesses.\n\nOverdose deaths involving opioids rose to a peak of 84,181 Americans in 2022 before falling to 81,083 in 2023. Despite strong evidence that medication is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder, only one in five Americans with opioid addiction receive medication treatment that could help them quit and stay in recovery.\n\nThe Senators\u2019 letter also stresses the importance of ensuring there is no gap in services when the current rules expire at the end of 2024.\n\nTREATS ACT:\n\nIn November 2023, Senators Blackburn, Whitehouse, Murkowski, and Warner reintroduced the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act to increase access to medication for substance use disorder through telehealth.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation would waive regulatory restrictions for accessing care, preserving flexibilities put in place to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nDuring the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the DEA and the Department of Health and Human Services temporarily removed the in-person exam requirement for prescribing medication via telemedicine for people with opioid use disorder. Telehealth flexibilities helped a broad range of patients \u2013 including veterans, those living in rural areas, people experiencing homelessness, individuals in the criminal justice system, and racial and ethnic minorities \u2013 access treatment. The flexibilities are set to expire on December 31, 2024.\n\nThe TREATS Act would make the changes permanent, allowing providers to waive the in-person visit requirement and instead use audio-only or audio-visual telehealth technology. The TREATS Act has 20 bipartisan co-sponsors in the Senate.\n\nCO-SIGNERS:\n\nThe letter is also signed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) are leading a similar effort in the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/immigration/broadband-czar-harris-must-be-held-accountable-for-mismanagement-of-federal-initiatives", "\u201cBroadband Czar\u201d Harris Must Be Held Accountable for Mismanagement of Federal Initiatives", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, and seven of their Senate colleagues sent a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her egregious mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives.\n\nIn 2021, President Biden specifically tasked the Vice President to lead the administration\u2019s effort to expand broadband services to rural, unserved communities. Under Vice President Harris\u2019s tenure as the \u201cbroadband czar,\u201d the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has yet to connect a single person to the internet.\n\n\u201cInstead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cBy imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.\u201d\n\nCO-SIGNERS:\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/human-trafficking/blackburn-cornyn-blumenthal-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-combat-child-exploitation", "Blackburn, Cornyn, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Combat Child Exploitation", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and three of their Senate colleagues introduced the PROTECT Our Children Act, which would reauthorize and modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program:\n\n\u201cFor more than 15 years, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has helped law enforcement agencies protect innocent children from sexual predators who wish to exploit them online,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe PROTECT Our Children Act would reauthorize this critical program to combat technology-facilitated crimes against children.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor decades, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has played an invaluable role in helping federal, state, and local law enforcement work together to fight child exploitation and put vicious predators behind bars,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cBy extending and modernizing this program, our legislation would ensure these Task Forces can continue to protect our next generation in an increasingly digital world.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must save children who are victims of the most ongoing vile, stomach-churning crimes because child sexual abuse goes unstopped,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cProtecting such victims is urgent and imperative\u2014and we have an obligation to provide tools and resources necessary to do it. The PROTECT Our Children Act reauthorizes and modernizes the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Programs, enabling law enforcement to combat the exploding, serious dangers of abhorrent abuse in an online society. This essential legislation will help safeguard our children and hold predators accountable.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education. This national network of 61 coordinated task forces represents more than 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in both proactive and reactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions.\n\nSince 1998, ICAC Task Forces have trained more than 826,700 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other professionals on techniques to investigative and prosecute ICAC-related cases. They have also reviewed more than 1,452,040 reports of online child exploitation, resulting in the arrest of more than 123,790 suspects.\n\nTHE PROTECT OUR CHILDREN ACT:\n\nThe PROTECT Our Children Act would:\n\nUpdate and modernize the requirements for the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, including requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to provide detailed, useful information on efforts to protect children nationwide;\n\nProvide liability protection for ICAC Task Forces in the course of conducting criminal investigations of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child abuse material;\n\nMake needed technical improvements and clarifications to the statutory text of the program to match it to current technology and needs;\n\nFocus the ICAC program on both proactive and reactive investigations; and\n\nReauthorize the ICAC Program through 2027 with an escalator authorization.\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\nThe PROTECT Our Children Act is endorsed by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), National Children\u2019s Alliance, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Rights 4 Girls, National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), Raven, Fraternal Order of Police, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC).\n\nCO-SPONSORS:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/women/video-blackburn-recognizes-breast-cancer-awareness-month", "VIDEO: Blackburn Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encouraging women to get their yearly mammogram.\n\nOne in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and now is the perfect time to encourage your mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends to go in for a yearly checkup. Last year, Senator Blackburn led a bipartisan effort to address the challenges female veterans face when seeking mammogram services. Expanding access to mobile mammography units, improving advanced mammography equipment, and enhancing outreach services to better publicize mammography services will increase female veterans\u2019 access to lifesaving preventative screening.\n\nClick here to download this video of Senator Blackburn discussing Breast Cancer Awareness Month.\n\n\u201cAs we think about breast cancer, one in eight women is expected to experience breast cancer in her lifetime, so breast health and mammograms are important. Last year, I led an effort to make certain that our female veterans have access to mammograms, and we did that through legislation that would allow mobile mammography. So \u2018think pink\u2019 during the month of October, and wear some pink, as you remind moms and sisters and daughters and friends to get that mammogram.\u201d\u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/technology/icymi-in-the-hill-blackburn-pushes-back-against-kosa-lies", "ICYMI in The Hill: Blackburn Pushes Back Against KOSA Lies", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a memo rebutting Big Tech\u2019s lies about the Kids Online Safety Act, which passed the Senate 91-3. Read more about this memo in the article here and below.\n\nRepublican senator pushes back against KOSA \u2018lies\u2019\n\nMiranda Nazzaro\n\nThe Hill\n\nSen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) pushed back against tech companies\u2019 criticism of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), responding in a memo Monday to what she described as \u201clies\u201d about the privacy legislation.\n\nThe memo, released Monday morning by her office, rebuked a series of arguments made by some leading tech companies and lawmakers opposed to the bill\u2019s current form. It comes as the legislation faces an uncertain future in the House after passing in the Senate earlier this year.\n\nBlackburn, the co-author of the Senate-passed version, wrote KOSA does not censor speech nor affect the First Amendment \u2014 concerns raised by some House Republicans.\n\n\u201cKOSA would not censor, limit, or remove any content from the internet and it does not give the FTC or state AGs the power to bring lawsuits over content or speech, no matter who it is from,\u201d the memo stated. \u201cThe bill passes First Amendment scrutiny because it is content neutral.\n\nThe bill would not give any new \u201crulemaking power\u201d to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Blackburn wrote in response to some Republicans\u2019 concerns it would give the FTC too much authority to regulate social media platforms.\n\nKOSA, which overwhelmingly passed the Senate in a 91-3 vote in late July, is aimed at boosting online privacy and safety for children. The bill would create regulations for the kinds of features tech and social media companies offer kids online and intends to reduce the addictive nature and mental health impact of these platforms.\n\nSome House Republicans suggested last month the bill could specifically censor conservative voices or anti-abortion views. Blackburn disagreed with this, writing online platforms will not be held liable for hosting or boosting users with these views, and emphasized the bill does not grant enforcement powers related to speech or content.\n\n\u201cClaims that KOSA allows the FTC to decide what kids see online are blatant falsehoods circulated by tech companies trying to stop the bill from becoming law,\u201d Blackburn wrote. \u201cThe bill gives the FTC the ability to hold social media accountable for their product designs \u2014 their own predatory business practices and deadly apps.\u201d\n\nWhile the bill advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee last month, members in both parties expressed concerns with its language, for different reasons.\n\nSome lawmakers took issue with the language of KOSA\u2019s \u201cduty of care\u201d provision. As written in the Senate version, the provision would require platforms to design and implement features for minors to prevent and reduce harms, such as those caused by content promoting suicide and eating disorders.\n\nBlackburn offered her definition of the provision, writing it \u201csimply states that online platforms cannot put products on the market that will cause specific harms to kids, such as suicide and sexual predation. These harms are specified and defined by Congress, not the FTC.\u201d\n\nThe House version that advanced out of committee last month includes amendments changing this provision.\n\nThe Tennessee Republican further emphasized that KOSA applies to commercial and online platforms like social media, online video games and video streaming services, but it does not apply to nonprofit organizations, blogs, news outlets, churches or broadband companies.\n\n\u201cIt would not impact the ability of kids to watch online sports, news or a church sermon,\u201d Blackburn wrote.\n\nThe bill would \u201cgive parents a seat at the table\u201d and a place to voice their concerns with leading tech companies, she added.\n\nThe push comes nearly a week after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) revealed he likes the concept of KOSA, though he claims the details of the Senate-passed version are \u201cvery problematic.\u201d\n\n\u201cI love the principle, but the details of that are very problematic,\u201d Johnson told Punchbowl News in an interview in Pennsylvania.\n\nThe Speaker said the Senate bill, as written, would have \u201cunintended consequences,\u201d Punchbowl reported. Johnson\u2019s office confirmed his comments to The Hill.\n\nPunchbowl reported Johnson did not appear open to persuasion on the Senate version, a potential blow to KOSA advocates who previously told the outlet the House leader might be flexible.\n\nMonday\u2019s memo follows a series of other efforts led by Blackburn and tech advocacy groups to pass the legislation on the full House floor.\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/news/icymi-on-wjhl-blackburn-lauds-volunteers-promises-fema-oversight-after-floods", "ICYMI on WJHL: Blackburn Lauds Volunteers, Promises FEMA Oversight After Floods", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with WJHL News Channel 11 during her trip to Northeast Tennessee on Friday, where she received an update from local and state officials on repairs following Hurricane Helene:\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blackburn\u2019s interview with News Channel 11.\n\nBlackburn lauds volunteers, promises FEMA oversight after floods\n\nMurry Lee\n\nWJHL News Channel 11\n\nU.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was in Northeast Tennessee surveying damage left by Hurricane Helene on Friday.\n\nBlackburn toured damage in parts of Northeast Tennessee like Washington and Greene counties. Blackburn went to the remains of the Highway 107 Kinser Bridge and examined the amount of debris in the area.\n\nNews Channel 11 spoke with Blackburn in Greene County during a meeting with local leaders like County Mayor Kevin Morrison and EMA Director Heather Sipe.\n\n\u201cWe are working on flood damage and of course, the response here with the EMA with the mayor, with your local elected officials has really been exemplary,\u201d Blackburn said. \u201cAnd our team has worked really closely with them. We\u2019re standing up the multi-agency resource centers. We are doing pop-up office hours, and Michael and Kim in our office are working with people to be sure that they recover those Social Security and VA and income tax documents.\u201d\n\nBlackburn told News Channel 11 it is critical that people and businesses receive the care and attention required after the natural disaster.\n\n\u201cWhat we want to do is make certain that FEMA stays on the ground, that individuals are able to apply for all the resources that are available to them, and that FEMA processes these claims in a timely manner, whether it is something for the county, for businesses, or for individuals,\u201d she said.\n\nBlackburn\u2019s office has also created a web page to direct flood-impacted Tennesseans to resources like FEMA individual assistance and Multi-Agency Resource Centers.\n\nThe senator also praised the volunteer spirit of Tennessee during her visit.\n\n\u201cTennessee has the best volunteers and the best communities, and people have stepped up,\u201d she said. \u201cI think it is just so inspiring how they\u2019ve come forward with water and food and furniture and clothing, and the communities are partnering up to help everybody in Upper East Tennessee and help them rebuild. We have so many families that have really lost everything.\u201d\n\nBlackburn stated that part of the process going forward will be to ensure federal agencies like FEMA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) fulfill their obligations in the months to come.\n\n\u201cWhat we will do is just continue,\u201d Blackburn said. \u201cIt\u2019s mostly oversight. There will be some funding provisions and we want to make certain that the agencies are funded adequately so that they respond appropriately to the needs that are there in the communities. And then looking at the oversight for how FEMA and the Small Business Administration and DOT, those agencies that respond in times of disaster to make certain that they do that in the proper manner.\u201d\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/immigration/blackburn-hagerty-colleagues-call-out-doj-for-refusing-to-provide-answers-on-prosecutions-of-illegal-aliens-registering-to-vote", "Blackburn, Hagerty, Colleagues Call Out DOJ for Refusing to Provide Answers on Prosecutions of Illegal Aliens Registering to Vote", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and a group of bicameral colleagues in calling out U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) failure to prevent illegal aliens from registering to vote in American elections or prosecute those who evidently have done so:\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections,\u201d the Members of Congress wrote. \u201cAs of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting. Given that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 34 days, your Department\u2019s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming.\u201d\n\n\u201cClearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans\u2019 trust and confidence in election results,\u201d the Members of Congress continued.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nState officials across the country have recently taken steps to prevent, deter, and investigate cases of illegal voter registration by non-citizens, including in South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and Tennessee. Since the Members of Congress sent their initial letter, cases have emerged in Virginia and Texas.\n\nCO-SIGNERS:\n\nCo-signers of the letter include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Kennedy (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), along with Representatives Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Gary Palmer (R-Ala.), Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Bob Good (R-Va.), Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Lance Gooden (R-Texas.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Mike Collins (R-Ga.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Greg Lopez (R-Colo.), Keith Self (R-Texas), Brian Babin (R-Texas), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Alex Mooney (R-W. Va.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Randy Weber (R-Texas.), Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), and Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/technology/rebuttal-to-big-tech-s-lies-about-kosa", "Rebuttal to Big Tech\u2019s Lies about KOSA", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "To: Interested Parties\n\nDate: October 21, 2024\n\nRe: Rebuttal to Big Tech\u2019s Lies About the Kids Online Safety Act\n\nKOSA Does Not Censor Speech Nor Impact the 1st Amendment\n\nKOSA would not censor, limit, or remove any content from the internet and it does not give the FTC or state AGs the power to bring lawsuits over content or speech, no matter who it is from. This bill passes First Amendment scrutiny because it is content neutral.\n\nOnline platforms cannot be held liable for hosting or promoting conservative voices or pro-life views as a result of this bill. The legislation does not include any enforcement powers or obligations related to content or speech.\n\nTo be clear on Congress\u2019s intent to protect speech, the bill includes an explicit statement that it does not expand or limit Section 230, which provides online platforms broad legal immunities for third-party content. Furthermore, the bill provides legal safeguards to protect users\u2019 ability to view and search for the content that they choose to see.\n\nKOSA Does Not Increase The Authority of the Federal Government or FTC\n\nIt is important to note that there is no new rulemaking power for the FTC in KOSA nor any ability to create rules about content. KOSA gives the FTC clear direction from Congress about how to apply its existing enforcement authorities to protect kids online.\n\nClaims that KOSA allows the FTC to decide what kids see online are blatant falsehoods circulated by tech companies trying to stop the bill from becoming law.\n\nWhat Does KOSA\u2019s Duty of Care Actually Do?\n\nThe bill gives the FTC the ability to hold social media platforms accountable for their product designs \u2013 their own predatory business practices and deadly apps. This is the same responsibility and accountability that exists for almost every other industry in America\n\nThe duty of care simply states that online platforms cannot put products on the market that will cause specific harms to kids, such as suicide and sexual predation. Those harms are specified and defined by Congress, not the FTC.\n\nBig Tech will be required to ensure their platforms are safe for kids by default, and not put the burden exclusively on parents. This will also ensure that the protections for kids keep up with changes in technology.\n\nKOSA Will Not Require Anyone To Upload ID\n\nKOSA does not impose age verification requirements or require platforms to collect more data about users (government IDs or otherwise). In fact, the bill explicitly states that it does not require age gating, age verification, or the collection of additional data.\n\nKOSA Protects Churches, Blogs, and News Outlets\n\nKOSA covers commercial, online platforms such as social media, social networks, online video games, social messaging applications, and video streaming services, such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Roblox.\n\nNon-profit organizations, blogs, personal websites, news outlets, churches, broadband companies, etc. are not covered by KOSA. It would not impact the ability of kids to watch online sports, news, or a church sermon.\n\nKOSA Gives Parents A Seat At The Table\n\nFor decades, Big Tech lobbyists and their front groups have dominated the conversation, denying the suffering of American families. The Kids Online Safety Council is a place where parents have a seat across the table from big tech and they can raise the issues they are seeing with their kids. The Council has no rulemaking or enforcement power.\n\nKOSA Uses The Same Methods Our Military Utilizes to Define \"Mental Health Disorder\u201d\n\nFor decades, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Mental Disorders (DSM) has been used by Congress and states, as well as our military, the VA, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.\n\nHow Can Companies Know Who Is Under 17?\n\nOnline platforms have been required to provide legal protections to kids for more than two decades under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Just as COPPA has not required age-gating or substantial burdens on business or privacy, neither will KOSA.\n\nIf an online platform truly doesn\u2019t know the age of the user, then it does not face any obligation under the bill. It is not required online platforms collect more data to determine the user\u2019s age.\n\nClick here to download the full memo.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/news/blackburn-rose-tennessee-delegation-call-for-urgent-aide-to-farmers-devastated-by-helene", "Blackburn, Rose, Tennessee Delegation Call for Urgent Aide to Farmers Devastated by Helene", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), U.S. Representative John Rose (R-Tenn.), and the entire Tennessee Congressional Delegation sent a letter urging U.S. House and Senate leadership to provide meaningful disaster relief for Tennessee farmers in the weeks ahead.\n\nHurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend of Florida as a Category 4 storm. While assessments are ongoing, Helene is on track to become one of the deadliest and most devastating hurricanes to hit the United States. In the letter, Members of the Tennessee Delegation highlighted the important role federal agricultural disaster assistance will have in helping Tennessee farmers recover.\n\n\u201cIn Tennessee, some areas received nearly 10 \u2013 15 inches of rainfall in addition to runoff from surrounding states, drowning crops and littering fields with debris. Ruined ready-to-harvest crops and forage, flooded pastures, equipment loss, and distressed livestock have left farmers questioning how their operations will move forward and how they will provide for their families,\u201d wrote the Tennessee Delegation. \u201cProducers, who are already engulfed by the ongoing farm financial crisis, will require meaningful disaster assistance to stand up their operations and continue farming.\u201d\n\nCO-SIGNERS:\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/news/blackburn-receives-update-on-flooding-repairs-along-nolichucky-river", "Blackburn Receives Update on Flooding Repairs Along Nolichucky River", "2024-10-19", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) met with local and state officials to receive an update on repairs following the devastating damages caused by Hurricane Helene. In Washington County, Senator Blackburn met with families who have lost loved ones, homes, and businesses during the destruction alongside Governor Bill Lee and Deputy Governor and Commissioner of Transportation for Tennessee Butch Eley. In Greene County, Senator Blackburn received an update on the reconstruction of Kinser Bridge, which was washed away in the Nolichucky River during the storm.\n\n\u201cOur staff is working every single day to help people with flood recovery, and right now people are trying to get things cleaned up and cleaned out so they can make assessments about rebuilding and what recovery is going to look like. Our goal at the federal level is to continue to work with FEMA to get these projects completed as quickly as possible. We continue to lift up those who have felt the wrath of this storm in prayer.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nClick hereto download this photo of Senator Blackburn, Governor Lee, and First Lady Maria Lee.\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/jobs-and-economy/blackburn-bennet-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-employer-child-care-tax-credit", "Blackburn, Bennet Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Employer Child Care Tax Credit", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Finance, introduced the bipartisan Child Care for American Families Act to strengthen the employer-provided child care credit and expand support for small and rural businesses:\n\n\u201cMany families across Tennessee and America are struggling to find reliable and affordable child care, and we need to incentivize businesses to invest in child-care services for their employees,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cOur Child Care for American Families Act would help alleviate the financial burden of child-care costs by expanding and modernizing the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit.\u201d\n\n\u201cChild care costs are rising nationwide, and countless families lack access to affordable, high-quality child care. This makes things that much harder for working parents, strains families\u2019 budgets, and adds undue stress for families with young children,\u201d said Senator Bennet. \u201cThe Child Care for American Families Act will help increase our country\u2019s child care supply and reduce the number of Americans in child care deserts.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, 48 percent of Tennessee residents live in a child care desert, with disproportionate impacts felt by rural and low-income communities.\n\nThe Bipartisan Policy Center found that 31.7 percent of children below the age of six with working parents do not have access to child care, and in rural communities, that number arises to 35.1 percent.\n\nTHE CHILD CARE FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES ACT:\n\nExpands the employer-provided child care credit to cover a greater percentage of child care expenses, equal to:\n\n60% for businesses in eligible rural and low-income areas, up to a maximum of $1.2 million annually;\n\n50% for small businesses, up to a maximum of $1 million annually; and\n\n40% for all other businesses, up to a maximum of $800,000 annually.\n\nDirects the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue guidance on multi-employer facilities.\n\nENDORSEMENTS\n\nThe Child Care for American Families Act is endorsed by Save the Children, Colorado Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), Kindercare, and Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC).\n\nClick here for bill text.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/fighting-wokeness/blackburn-to-blinken-the-state-department-s-divisive-dei-agenda-undermines-america-s-interests-abroad", "Blackburn to Blinken: The State Department\u2019s Divisive DEI Agenda Undermines America\u2019s Interests Abroad", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter demanding transparency from U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken on the Department\u2019s use of taxpayer dollars to pay the salaries of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) employees instead of promoting U.S. security overseas.\n\nLast month, reporting revealed top DEI officials at the Biden-Harris State Department make nearly $200,000 each year \u2013 nearly double the pay of average State Department employees.\n\nThe State Department Goes to Extreme Lengths to Prioritize Diversity Over Competence\n\n\u201cI write with concern regarding the State Department\u2019s use of hundreds of thousands of taxpayer funds to pay the salaries of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) employees. The State Department\u2019s apparent willingness to go to extreme lengths to prioritize diversity over competence in formulating a workforce for the agency, whose stated mission, in part, is to \u2018protect and promote U.S. security,\u2019 is demonstrated by the hefty salaries of top DEI officials. According to financial disclosures, the position of Chief Diversity and Inclusion officer received an annual salary of $194,510, and the State Department\u2019s Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity receives $191,000 per year. Conversely, the base salary of the average State Department employee is just $97,000.\u201d\n\nAs Iran, China, and Russia Wage War on Democracy, the State Department\u2019s DEI Agenda Is Offensive and Irresponsible\n\n\u201cAs you know, the current geopolitical landscape is dangerously volatile, and the United States is entangled in multiple diplomatic conflicts worldwide. Israel, one of our closest allies, is fighting an existential war against Iran\u2019s proxy terrorist groups on several fronts, Communist China continues to threaten Taiwan\u2019s sovereignty and bully nations in the Indo-Pacific into subservience, and Russia\u2019s brutal war against Ukraine has now resulted in at least one million casualties on both sides. During this capricious period, it imprudent and offensive for your agency to allocate hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to support a DEI agenda that does not support, but in fact undermines, America\u2019s interests abroad. The American people deserve transparency over the use of their tax dollars to advance a divisive ideological agenda, particularly when it comes at the expense of protecting and promoting U.S. security overseas.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/health-care/blackburn-duckworth-introduce-bill-to-increase-access-to-advanced-wheelchairs", "Blackburn, Duckworth Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Advanced Wheelchairs", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the Choices for Increased Mobility Act to increase access to wheelchairs made with advanced materials by allowing Medicare beneficiaries to upgrade to lighter, more functional wheelchairs without bearing the entire upfront cost. These manual wheelchairs help prevent shoulder injuries, enhance maneuverability, and reduce overall pain and fatigue for users.\n\n\u201cToo many Americans with disabilities face unnecessary barriers to obtaining the best mobility equipment to meet their needs,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cBy making it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to upgrade to wheelchairs made with advanced, lighter materials like carbon fiber and titanium, this bipartisan bill would help improve the quality of life for countless individuals. I\u2019m pleased to work with Senator Duckworth to reduce financial burdens on those who rely on these essential devices and ensure that more people have access to the mobility solutions they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too long, Medicare recipients have struggled to access lighter, more functional wheelchairs that would help them get around more easily while putting significantly less strain on their bodies,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation would help ensure Medicare recipients are better able to access the wheelchairs they need to live healthier, more independent lives\u2014with minimal cost to the federal government. It\u2019s a win-win.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nComplex Rehab Technology (CRT) is a specialized subset of the Durable Medical Equipment benefit, which includes highly configurable manual and power wheelchairs, adaptive seating, and positioning systems. Among these, manual wheelchairs constructed from advanced materials like carbon fiber and titanium are significantly stronger and lighter than standard aluminum wheelchairs.\n\nWhen the Medicare billing code for ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs was established in 1993, materials like titanium and carbon fiber were not considered, as they were not yet in use for wheelchairs. As a result, CRT providers have struggled to supply wheelchairs with these advanced materials at the fee schedule amounts set by Medicare.\n\nHistorically, Medicare allowed beneficiaries who met medical necessity requirements to upgrade their equipment by paying the difference between standard and upgraded materials. However, a policy change in 2016 removed this option, requiring beneficiaries to prepay the entire cost of the wheelchair out-of-pocket and await reimbursement for the standard portion, significantly limiting access to these advanced wheelchairs.\n\nCHOICES FOR INCREASED MOBILITY ACT\n\nThe Choices for Increased Mobility Act would create two new billing codes for ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs: one for base models and another for those constructed with titanium or carbon fiber. This change would allow Medicare beneficiaries to upgrade to lighter, more functional wheelchairs without bearing the entire upfront cost. Instead, beneficiaries would only pay for the cost of the specialized materials, significantly reducing their financial burden.\n\nThis bill aims to restore the option for beneficiaries to choose and pay for advanced materials for their wheelchairs without removing medical necessity requirements. It would ensure that Medicare covers the standard portion of the wheelchair cost, with beneficiaries responsible only for the upgraded materials.\n\nENDORSEMENTS\n\nThis legislation is supported by the American Association for Homecare, Permobil Americas, National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology, National Registry for Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers, Clinical Task Force, The VGM Group, U.S. Rehab, Association for Tennessee Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment Services, Great Lakes Home Medical Services Association, Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services, Southwest Medical Equipment Suppliers Association, Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association, Michigan HomeCare & Hospice Association, Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers, Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers, Texas Medical Equipment Providers Association, Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England, Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers, Florida Alliance of Home Care Services, Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association, Northeast Medical Equipment Providers Association, Nevada Association of Medical Product Suppliers, Big Sky Association of Home Medical Equipment Suppliers, Pacific Association for Medical Equipment Services, Colorado Association for Medical Equipment Services, California Association of Medical Product Suppliers, Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services, and Arkansas Medical Equipment Providers.\n\n\u201cWe are so fortunate to be able to work with leaders like Senator Blackburn and Senator Duckworth who share our passion for supporting people with disabilities,\u201d said Tom Ryan, President & CEO of the American Association for Homecare. \u201cTheir work to improve access to lightweight wheelchairs is the latest example of their commitment to ensuring people with mobility challenges can remain actively engaged in their communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur mission will always be to enable those with disabilities to live life with independence by providing aides of the same technical standards that we all use in our daily lives. S. 5154 is a common sense, budget neutral solution that empowers individuals with the choice to access to the many benefits of titanium or carbon fiber wheelchair frames,\u201d said Chuck Witkowski, President of Permobil Americas. \u201cWe are immensely grateful to Senators Blackburn and Duckworth and thank them for their continued leadership and support of this community.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/women/video-blackburn-recognizes-domestic-violence-awareness-month", "VIDEO: Blackburn Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and calling on the Senate to pass her bipartisan legislation to better protect women nationwide from domestic violence before the end of the year.\n\nOne in four women will face physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Some women, even at their most vulnerable and isolated, will continue going to the salon and building relationships with their cosmetologists. The bipartisan bill, the SALONS Stories Act, would empower beauty professionals to recognize and respond to domestic violence.\n\nClick here to download this video of Senator Blackburn discussing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the SALONS Stories Act.\n\n\u201cEvery year, there's about 5 million occurrences of domestic violence against women age 18 and older, and there are things that we can do. There is awareness that can be built. One item we're pushing forward in the U.S. Senate is the SALONS Stories Act. This is legislation that will provide training for estheticians and beauticians so that they are able to look for the signs of domestic violence and then intercede and get help for people who are victims and need that help.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Duckworth Introduce Bill To Help Cosmetologists Recognize & Respond To Domestic Violence", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/immigration/blackburn-grassley-bicameral-colleagues-call-out-abuses-in-the-biden-harris-unaccompanied-migrant-children-program", "Blackburn, Grassley, Bicameral Colleagues Call Out Abuses in the Biden-Harris Unaccompanied Migrant Children Program", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 42 bicameral Republican colleagues in a letter urging President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to work with Congress to root out abuses in their administration\u2019s unaccompanied migrant children program and stop the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) cover-up of the crisis. HHS has failed to comply with two out of every three U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) subpoenas and other information requests issued amid its investigation into more than 100 suspicious sponsors.\n\nThe lawmakers are urging Biden and Harris to \u201cmake changes to [their] policies and procedures\u201d in order to \u201cend this public safety crisis.\u201d They are specifically calling on the Biden-Harris administration to enhance information sharing with law enforcement and Congress, fully cooperate with DHS\u2019s child exploitation investigation, and thoroughly respond to all congressional oversight requests.\n\n\u201c[The Biden-Harris HHS] must stop its cover-up and cooperate with law enforcement and Congress to end this crisis and protect unaccompanied children and the American people,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nMore than 500,000 unaccompanied migrant children have crossed the southwest border under the Biden-Harris administration, while cartel trafficking activity surged an estimated 2,500 percent. Amid this crisis, the lawmakers note that the Biden-Harris administration limited background checks for sponsors of unaccompanied children, cut back on familial DNA testing at the border and decreased information sharing with law enforcement.\n\nIn addition to hampering DHS\u2019s child exploitation investigation, the Biden-Harris HHS attempted to obstruct oversight of HHS contractors, including Southwest Key. HHS has also defied House Judiciary Committee subpoenas.\n\nCO-SPONSORS:\n\nJoining Senators Blackburn and Grassley in signing the letter are Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), along with Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Kennedy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).\n\nAdditional co-signers in the House include Representatives Tom McLintock (R-Ca.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Russell Fry (R-S.C.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), and Michael Rulli (R-Ohio).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/technology/blackburn-blumenthal-demand-tiktok-documents", "Blackburn & Blumenthal Demand TikTok Documents", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn), authors of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, wrote TikTok CEO Shou Chew requesting \u201cdocuments, communications, and research held by TikTok regarding the safety of minors on its platform.\u201d The request follows reports of a court filing from the Kentucky Attorney General\u2019s Office revealing TikTok executives\u2019 awareness of the platform\u2019s harm to young people and subsequent disregard of the mental and physical dangers the platform poses to children and teens.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn the letters, the Senators requested that TikTok provide documents and information previously produced to the Kentucky Attorney General\u2019s Office and other states\u2019 Attorneys General.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found .", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/women/blackburn-ernst-to-tiktok-celebrating-female-athletes-is-not-hate-speech", "Blackburn, Ernst to TikTok: Celebrating Female Athletes Is Not Hate Speech", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) sent a letter to TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Zi Chew regarding the platform\u2019s decision to ban and label pro-women\u2019s sports advertisements as \u201chate speech\u201d while simultaneously allowing graphic advertisements promoting transgender surgery for minors on the platform.\n\nTikTok\u2019s Ban of Pro-Women Sports Ads Is Only Latest Example of Attempt to Indoctrinate Users\n\n\u201cWe write to you today regarding TikTok\u2019s decision to ban pro-women\u2019s sports advertisements as \u2018hate speech,\u2019 while allowing ads promoting transgender surgery for minors on the platform. This is yet another example of TikTok\u2019s attempted indoctrination of its users, in addition to instances where TikTok has deplatformed notable female athletes\u2014like Bethany Hamilton and Riley Gaines\u2014simply for advocating for fair play. These blatant examples of bias further call into question the extent to which TikTok levies its influence over Americans for nefarious purposes.\u201d\n\nTikTok Labeled Small Business Advertisement Celebrating Female Achievement in Sports as \u201cOffensive\u201d and \u201cHate Speech\u201d\n\n\u201cReporting from June indicates that TikTok banned XX-XY Athletics\u2014an American owned small business that supports biological women in sports\u2014from advertising on the platform\u2026 TikTok labeled the content offensive and, later, hate speech. The advertisement deemed hateful by TikTok was simply a celebration of female achievement\u2014using a real life example\u2014and encouraged young women to \u2018be honest and be brave.\u2019 Supporting young women should never be offensive, and it is telling that TikTok would consider a celebration of our girls in sports as worthy of being banned.\u201d\n\nMeanwhile, TikTok Allows Graphic Ads Promoting Transgender Surgery for Minors\n\n\u201cEven more troubling are the advertisements that TikTok does permit on its platform. TikTok allows woke advertisements in an attempt to mold Americans\u2019 minds on a litany of issues. One of the most concerning advertisements that TikTok allows, though, is an advertisement promoting transgender surgery for minors. The sponsored content shows a teenage girl who recently had a double mastectomy, exposing her surgery in graphic detail. TikTok allowing this advertisement to run on minors\u2019 feeds is the height of hypocrisy from a platform that suppresses conservative speech while profiting from leftist propaganda.\u201d\n\nProtecting Female Athletes Is Not Controversial \u2013 Nearly 70% of Americans Agree Athletes Should Only Be Allowed to Compete Against Their Own Biological Sex\n\n\u201cAlmost 70% of Americans agree that athletes should only be allowed to compete on sports teams that correspond with their sex at birth. There is nothing controversial or hateful about the fact that men and women have biological differences, and any argument to the contrary is simply an attack on our nation\u2019s women and girls. Not only is TikTok a threat to every American\u2019s privacy and our national security, but it also threatens free speech and the rights of parents to rear their children in the way they see fit\u2014rights fundamental to who we are as Americans. TikTok should immediately stop their assault on America\u2019s young women and small businesses and allow companies that promote biological women in sports to advertise on the platform.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/women/video-blackburn-celebrates-female-athletes-on-october-10", "VIDEO: Blackburn Celebrates Female Athletes on October 10", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video celebrating women\u2019s athletic achievements on October 10th after introducing a resolution earlier this year to designate 10/10 as \u2018American Girls in Sports Day.\u2019\n\nDespite the fact that nearly70% of Americans agree athletes should only be allowed to compete on teams that correspond with their sex at birth, Senate Democrats blocked the effort to pass this resolution last month.\n\nClick here to download this video of Senator Blackburn discussing \u2018American Girls in Sports Day.\u2019\n\n\u201cIn 2022, the Biden-Harris Department of Education announced new rules that would actually force schools to allow biological men to play on female teams. This regulation really does undermine women's sports, so I introduced legislation that would establish a day, October 10th, as \u2018American Girls in Sports Day.\u2019 The Democrats went to the floor and blocked that resolution, but October 10th should still be a day we set aside and celebrate our female athletes. In the last 50 years, since the signing of Title IX, female athletes have really gone from the sidelines to center stage. That is something to celebrate.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nRELATED:\n\nSenate Democrats Block Blackburn\u2019s Effort to Establish \u201cAmerican Girls in Sports Day\u201d\n\nBlackburn Leads Resolution To Recognize \u2018American Girls In Sports Day\u2019", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/military/blackburn-tennessee-officials-tour-disaster-relief-center-and-receive-update-on-i-40-repairs-in-east-tennessee", "Blackburn, Tennessee Officials Tour Disaster Relief Center and Receive Update on I-40 Repairs in East Tennessee", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) toured the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center at Bristol Motor Speedway, which currently serves as a major donation and collection site, provides logistics for search-and-rescue operations, and houses a regional disaster relief hotline. After the tour, Senator Blackburn, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, and U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) held a media availability.\n\nSenator Blackburn then heard from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) at I-40 in Cocke County about the steps the agency is taking to repair damages along the vital roadway that connects North Carolina and Tennessee. Following the update, Senator Blackburn, Governor Lee, Representative Harshbarger, Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Commissioner of Transportation for Tennessee and Deputy Governor Butch Eley, and other Tennessee officials held a media availability.\n\n\u201cI want to say a heartfelt thank you to the Governor\u2019s team and to the TDOT Commissioner for working so quickly on all of this. Tennesseans who still need assistance getting documents can visit our website, blackburn.senate.gov/Helene. They can view that webpage in English or Spanish and find out where to get help and how to give help. We are also beginning pop-up office hours this week in affected counties to help residents access the critical federal resources they need.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nClick here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn and Representative Harshbarger with members of the Tennessee National Guard at Bristol Motor Speedway.\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn Announces Pop-Up Office Hours to Assist Flood Victims in East Tennessee\n\nBlackburn, Tennessee Officials Survey Storm Damage and Meet with Flood Victims in East Tennessee", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/israel/video-blackburn-marks-one-year-since-barbaric-october-7th-attack-on-israel", "VIDEO: Blackburn Marks One Year Since Barbaric October 7th Attack on Israel", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video recognizing the one-year anniversary of Hamas\u2019 horrific terrorist attack on Israel that claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people:\n\nClick here to download this video of Senator Blackburn discussing the October 7th attack against Israel.\n\n\u201cToday, on October 7, it is important for us to pause and to remember what happened one year ago today, and it is important for us to recommit ourselves in supporting Israel and making certain that Israel has what they need to protect themselves.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Graham, Rubio, Colleagues Condemn Palestinian Effort Targeting Israel at UN\n\nBlackburn, Graham, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Condemning Any Action by the Biden Administration To Withhold Ammunition Or Weapons For Israel\n\nBlackburn Statement On Terrorist Attacks Against Israel", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/news/blackburn-announces-pop-up-office-hours-to-assist-flood-victims-in-east-tennessee", "Blackburn Announces Pop-Up Office Hours to Assist Flood Victims in East Tennessee", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in counties across East Tennessee, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced pop-up office hours in affected counties for staff to provide immediate assistance to flood victims:\n\n\u201cOur hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent flooding,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cAs we continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to support recovery efforts, I want to ensure that every impacted resident has access to the resources they need.\u201d\n\nADDITIONAL INFORMATION:\n\nPop-up office hours will be available to help residents access critical federal resources and navigate replacing any federal documentation that may be needed to receive federal assistance, including social security cards, veteran records, and tax information.\n\nStaff can also assist flood victims in following up on disaster assistance applications with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).\n\nConstituents are encouraged to bring any relevant documentation with them, such as proof of residency and identification, to streamline the process.\n\nFor those unable to attend pop-up office hours, assistance remains available at Senator Blackburn\u2019s state offices or at https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/helene.\n\nFor more information on pop-up office hours, please contact (423) 753-4009.\n\nSCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS:\n\nTuesday, October 8, 2024 \u2013 Johnson and Carter Counties\n\nJohnson County Courthouse - Lower Courtroom\n\n9:00AM \u2013 12:00PM ET\n\n222 West Main Street\n\nMountain City, TN 37683\n\nCarter County Courthouse - Mayor's Conference Room\n\n2:00PM \u2013 5:00PM ET\n\n801 E Elk Ave\n\nElizabethton, TN 37643\n\nWednesday, October 9, 2024 \u2013 Washington and Unicoi Counties\n\nJonesborough Visitors Center Community Room\n\n9:00AM \u2013 12:00PM ET\n\n117 Boone St.\n\nJonesborough, TN 37659\n\nErwin City Hall\n\n2:00PM \u2013 5:00PM ET\n\n211 N Main Ave\n\nErwin, TN 37650\n\nThursday, October 10, 2024 \u2013 Greene and Cocke Counties\n\nGreene County Annex\n\n9:00AM \u2013 12:00PM ET\n\n204 N Cutler St.\n\nGreeneville, TN 37745\n\nCocke County Recreation Center\n\n2:00PM \u2013 5:00PM ET\n\n466 Learning Way\n\nNewport, TN 37821\n\nFriday, October 11, 2024 \u2013 Hamblen and Hawkins Counties\n\nHamblen County Mayor's Office\n\n9:00AM \u2013 12:00PM ET\n\n511 W 2nd St.\n\nMorristown, TN 37814\n\nMayor's Office Admin Building\n\n2:00PM \u2013 5:00PM ET\n\n301 E. Washington St.\n\nRogersville, TN 37857", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/issues/military/blackburn-on-mcghee-tyson-ang-base-s-advancement-in-competition-to-become-main-operating-base-for-kc-46-aircraft", "Blackburn on McGhee Tyson ANG Base\u2019s Advancement in Competition to Become Main Operating Base for KC-46 Aircraft", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard (ANG) Base outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, was selected for the final phase of competition to house the U.S. Department of the Air Force\u2019s next generation of air refueling aircraft, the KC-46 Pegasus:\n\n\u201cWith decades of proven experience and service, McGhee Tyson ANG Base would be the perfect fit to receive and employ the KC-46, and I applaud the Air Force\u2019s decision to keep Tennessee in the running,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Blackburn led the entire Tennessee congressional delegation in sending a letter urging U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III to make McGhee Tyson ANG Base the seventh main operating base for the KC-46. Senator Blackburn recently spoke with Air Force officials, who informed her of the Department\u2019s decision to keep Tennessee in the running between seven possible locations.\n\nClick here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn with Airmen of Tennessee\u2019s 134th Air Refueling Wing.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nMcGhee Tyson ANG Base boasts over 68 years of volunteer excellence and service to the Air Force. The unit has received a remarkable 16 Air Force Outstanding Unit awards and is one of the most decorated air refueling units in Air Force history.\n\nKC-46 acquisition is the Tennessee Air National Guard\u2019s number one short-term priority. Securing KC-46 aircraft for McGhee Tyson ANG Base will preserve over 1,500 jobs and $203 million annually for decades to come.\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/news/blackburn-tillis-colleagues-make-bipartisan-push-for-quick-passage-of-hurricane-helene-disaster-relief-legislation", "Blackburn, Tillis, Colleagues Make Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Legislation", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and 10 of their Senate colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) on the urgent need to pass a disaster relief package to support the millions of Americans affected by Hurricane Helene:\n\n\u201cThe devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable\u2026Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cEven preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\n\u201cAlthough the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year. Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nCO-SPONSORS:\n\nSenators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) also signed the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/news/icymi-blackburn-speaks-with-wjhl-in-flooding-aftermath", "ICYMI: Blackburn Speaks with WJHL in Flooding Aftermath", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with WJHL News Channel 11 about the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in communities across East Tennessee and the federal government\u2019s response to the crisis:\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blackburn\u2019s interview with News Channel 11 about Hurricane Helene.\n\nBlackburn, Hagerty, Harshbarger tour flood damage and answer questions\n\nAnslee Daniel\n\nWJHL News Channel 11\n\nTennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn spent the day touring damaged areas in Northeast Tennessee, speaking to those impacted and answering questions.\n\nLocal leaders, including U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, joined them at the destroyed I-26 bridge in Unicoi County to survey the damage and hear an update on recovery and rebuilding efforts.\n\nInterviews with Blackburn, Hagerty and Harshbarger can be watched below:\n\nLINK TO SENATOR BLACKBURN INTERVIEW\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Tillis, Colleagues Make Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Legislation\n\nBlackburn, Tennessee Officials Survey Storm Damage and Meet with Flood Victims in East Tennessee", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/blackburn-tennessee-officials-survey-storm-damage-and-meet-with-flood-victims-in-east-tennessee", "Blackburn, Tennessee Officials Survey Storm Damage and Meet with Flood Victims in East Tennessee", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) surveyed storm damage and met with flood victims and local officials across East Tennessee, which has been significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Senator Blackburn visited a shelter at Elizabethton High School, a residential neighborhood cleanup in Hampton, and a distribution center at Southside Freewill Baptist Church in Erwin.\n\nSenator Blackburn, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Director Patrick Sheehan, and other Tennessee officials held a media availability at the I-26 East Bridge in Unicoi County over Nolichucky River.\n\n\u201cThroughout the day, I heard from families, local officials, first responders, and volunteers who have seen and experienced devastating loss in the wake of Hurricane Helene. It was heartbreaking to hear from Tennesseans who lost everything due to this tragedy. We will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to make sure impacted families have the support they urgently need. We will not allow the federal government to neglect Tennesseans and will ensure all resources are provided to help folks rebuild.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nClick hereto download photos from Senator Blackburn\u2019s stops in Carter County and Unicoi County.\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Urging Swift Approval of Updated Disaster Declaration Requesting Additional Assistance Following Hurricane Helene\n\nSen. Blackburn, Gov. Lee, Rep. Harshbarger Survey Storm Damage in East Tennessee\n\nBlackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Urging Swift Approval of Disaster Declaration Following Hurricane Helene Flash Flooding", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/10/news/blackburn-leads-tennessee-delegation-in-urging-swift-approval-of-updated-disaster-declaration-requesting-additional-assistance-following-hurricane-helene", "Blackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Urging Swift Approval of Updated Disaster Declaration Requesting Additional Assistance Following Hurricane Helene", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "ERWIN, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led the Tennessee Congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to swiftly approve Governor Bill Lee\u2019s request for an updated major disaster declaration in the wake of flash flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.\n\nGovernor Lee requested individual assistance and other necessary federal resources to respond to the devastation from Hurricane Helene. The Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.\n\nRead full the letter here or below.\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write to urge swift approval of Governor Bill Lee\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe weather beginning on September 26, 2024.\n\nThe remnants of Hurricane Helene have caused widespread damage across Tennessee, especially in East Tennessee. The unprecedented amount of rainfall in the region had devastating consequences, with some areas receiving up to 12 inches of rainfall. Multiple rivers in the state neared or exceeded historical flood stage records, and multiple dams overtopped or were under imminent threat of failure. Catastrophic flash flooding has devastated communities across East Tennessee, causing I-40 to collapse and leaving homes destroyed, businesses underwater, and widespread power outages. In fact, many areas are expected to be without power for weeks. As of September 30, approximately 20 water treatment facilities reported disruptions, impacting over 160,000 Tennesseans. 77 school districts experienced disruptions due to the extreme weather event. Sadly, the Tennessee Department of Health attributed the flooding to the deaths of six Tennesseans, and the search continues for over 100 individuals in impacted counties. We are grateful to the heroic actions of first responders on the local, state, and federal level for their work up to this point.\n\nTo respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is specifically requesting Individual Assistance for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington Counties. He is also requesting Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance, for Carter, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington Counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The Governor further requests 100 percent federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective services\u2014Categories A and B\u2014under the Public Assistance program for the first 45 days of the incident, beginning on September 26, 2024. On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible.\n\nOur offices can provide you with any additional information you need.\n\nCO-SIGNERS:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/news/blackburn-leads-tennessee-delegation-in-urging-swift-approval-of-disaster-declaration-following-hurricane-helene-flash-flooding", "Blackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Urging Swift Approval of Disaster Declaration Following Hurricane Helene Flash Flooding", "2024-09-28", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led the Tennessee delegation in sending a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to swiftly approve Governor Bill Lee\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration in the wake of flash flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write to urge swift approval of Governor Bill Lee\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe weather occurring on September 26 and 27, 2024.\n\nThe remnants of Hurricane Helene have caused widespread damage across Tennessee, especially in East Tennessee. An estimated 6 to 10 inches of rain has fallen across the eastern part of the state over the past 48 hours. Catastrophic flash flooding has devastated communities across East Tennessee, causing I-40 to collapse and leaving homes destroyed. The Unicoi County Hospital has been inundated with flood waters, and patients and staff were forced to take shelter on the roof to await rescue. Over 75,500 power outages were reported statewide. With the heaviest rains expected to shift through Middle and West Tennessee over the weekend, more damage is expected.\n\nTo respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is specifically requesting an Emergency Declaration, Categories A and B, including Direct Federal Assistance. Governor Lee\u2019s request is attached. On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible.\n\nOur offices can provide you with any additional information you need.\n\nCO-SIGNERS:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/news/sen-blackburn-gov-lee-rep-harshbarger-survey-storm-damage-in-east-tennessee", "Sen. Blackburn, Gov. Lee, Rep. Harshbarger Survey Storm Damage in East Tennessee", "2024-09-28", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), along with Governor Bill Lee, Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Tenn.), and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Director Patrick Sheehan surveyed storm damage and met with local officials in East Tennessee.\n\n\u201cI am heartbroken by the devastating damage in East Tennessee caused by the horrific storm. Thank you to our first responders, Tennessee National Guard, TEMA, and the countless other agencies that have been working around the clock to rescue Tennesseans.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nClick here to view Senator Blackburn\u2019s remarks following tour of storm damage.\n\nFollowing the devastating damage, Senator Blackburn led the entire Tennessee Congressional delegation in swiftly securing federal assistance.\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Urging Swift Approval of Disaster Declaration Following Hurricane Helene Flash Flooding\n\nBlackburn Statement on Flash Flooding Emergency in Tennessee", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/news/blackburn-statement-on-flash-flooding-emergency-in-tennessee", "Blackburn Statement on Flash Flooding Emergency in Tennessee", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on the impact of flash flooding and severe weather caused by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee:\n\n\u201cAll Tennesseans impacted by flash flooding and severe weather should follow local guidance and evacuation protocols carefully. We are working with local officials to ensure public safety, and I encourage every Tennessean to avoid dangerous areas and heed the direction of emergency personnel if traveling. We stand ready to assist and help secure any federal assistance that may be necessary,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/immigration/blackburn-to-schumer-bring-the-save-act-to-a-vote", "Blackburn to Schumer: Bring the SAVE Act to a Vote", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to secure U.S. elections by allowing a vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which she co-sponsored.\n\nThis legislation would ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration across the country. It passed the House over the summer and was introduced in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) earlier this year.\n\nClick here to download video of Senator Blackburn\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor about the SAVE Act.\n\nREMARKS AS PREPARED:\n\nOver the Years, Thousands of Illegal Immigrants Have Been Discovered on U.S. Voter Rolls\n\n\u201cIn America, nothing is more fundamental to preserving our God-given freedoms\u2014as equal citizens\u2014than fair and open elections.\n\nBut for more than three years, we have seen the Biden-Harris administration wage a war on this sacred institution by making illegal immigration legal.\n\nUnder this administration, there have been more than 10.2 million illegal crossings\u2014with countless illegal aliens receiving government benefits, including drivers\u2019 licenses and state IDs.\n\nOf course, illegal aliens can break the law and use state IDs to register to vote.\n\nIn fact, over the years, thousands of aliens have been discovered on voter rolls from Massachusetts to Arizona and everywhere in between.\u201d\n\nIn 14 States Across the Country, Voters Are Not Required to Show ID at the Polls\n\n\u201cUnder Republican leadership, Virginia has discovered and removed more than 6,000 aliens from its voter rolls in less than three years.\n\nOn top of this, in 14 states across the country, voters aren\u2019t required to show any form of identification at the polls.\n\nOne thing is clear: While it is against the law for illegal aliens to vote in federal elections, many states and jurisdictions lack the proper safeguards to enforce the law\u2014and ensure that not a single illegal alien can vote in our elections.\u201d\n\nAmid Skyrocketing Illegal Immigration Under Biden-Harris, the SAVE Act Would Require Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration\n\n\u201cThe risk is especially high with the millions of illegals now in our country because of the Biden-Harris Open Border.\n\nOur SAVE Act would solve this problem.\n\nThis bill would require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship\u2014in person\u2014before allowing an individual to register to vote for a federal election.\n\nThe SAVE Act also has crucial provisions to restore election integrity.\n\nIt would require states to establish programs to remove aliens from their voter rolls.\n\nIt would also allow citizens to sue election officials who fail to uphold requirements for proof of citizenship.\u201d\n\nSenate Democrat Leadership Has Refused to Allow Vote on the SAVE Act\n\n\u201cThe House passed this important legislation in July\u2014but for two months, Senate Democrat leadership have refused to bring this bill up for a vote.\n\nWhat about this bill could they possibly oppose?\n\nDo they want foreign nationals voting in federal elections?\n\nDo they want illegal aliens voting in federal elections?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/education/blackburn-kelly-cornyn-baldwin-introduce-bill-to-stop-school-bus-manufacturers-tied-to-chinese-communist-party-from-receiving-federal-funding", "Blackburn, Kelly, Cornyn, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Stop School Bus Manufacturers Tied to Chinese Communist Party from Receiving Federal Funding", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the Secure School Buses Act to ensure school bus manufacturers tied to foreign entities and countries of concern, including the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), do not receive federal funding:\n\n\u201cUnder current law, federal funding for public transit is banned from going to companies tied to U.S. adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, but the requirements do not apply to federal funding for school buses,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cOur Secure School Buses Act would close this dangerous loophole and safeguard national security and our nation\u2019s students.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Clean School Bus Program has provided school districts in Arizona and throughout the country opportunities to modernize their school bus fleets, while supporting bus manufacturers based here in the United States,\u201d said Senator Kelly. \u201cThis bill ensures companies that receive state support from the Chinese government can\u2019t take advantage of this program to unfairly compete against American manufacturers. We\u2019ve taken these same steps to protect public transit systems, and now it\u2019s time we apply the same standard to the buses carrying our kids to school every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable for adversarial nations to receive any benefit at the expense of American taxpayers,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cThis bill would prohibit federal dollars from going to subsidiaries and spin-offs of predatory entities in China and other countries of concern that don\u2019t have our interests at heart, and I\u2019m glad to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen we use taxpayer dollars, we should be investing those dollars back into American businesses, workers, and communities \u2013 not sending money overseas to adversaries like China,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cI\u2019m proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to ensure taxpayer investments in our children\u2019s school buses won't line the pockets of bad actors like China and give them a competitive edge over our workers and businesses.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSeveral years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Clean School Bus Program to replace existing school buses with electric models. According to the EPA, they have awarded almost $3 billion in taxpayer funds through this program. Troublingly, certain companies in the electric bus industry have ties to the CCP and other foreign entities of concern.\n\nLocalities can currently use their federal funding to purchase buses from companies with ties to these foreign entities of concern, with some of these companies marketing buses specifically for the Clean School Bus Program. In the past, Congress has made clear that no federal taxpayer dollars should go to companies with ties to our adversaries.\n\nWhile federal funds are prohibited from going to companies with ties to the CCP and other foreign entities of concern for public transit, there are no such prohibitions for the procurement of school buses. If these products are not safe enough for public transit, they certainly are not safe enough for our nation\u2019s children.\n\nSenator Blackburn has worked extensively on the national security risks posed by Chinese-made connected cars and electric vehicles proliferating in the United States, due to many Chinese companies\u2019 subservience to the CCP. The same holds true for these electric bus companies with ties to the CCP and other foreign entities of concern.\n\nSECURE SCHOOL BUSES ACT:\n\nThe Secure School Buses Act would prohibit the award of federal grant funding to school bus manufacturers with certain ties to a foreign entity of concern.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the Alliance for American Manufacturing and Heritage Action.\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Peters Probe Chinese Automakers on Ties to the Chinese Communist Party to Safeguard U.S. Security", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/jobs-and-economy/senate-passes-blackburn-kaine-resolution-designating-october-as-national-country-music-month", "Senate Passes Blackburn, Kaine Resolution Designating October as \u201cNational Country Music Month\u201d", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor ahead of the Senate\u2019s passage of her resolution with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to designate the month of October as \u201cNational Country Music Month.\u201d\n\nThis resolution honors the contributions of country music to the story and history of the U.S. and encourages the American people to observe \u201cNational Country Music Month\u201d with appropriate ceremonies and activities.\n\nClick here to download video of Senator Blackburn\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor about her \u201cNational Country Music Month\u201d resolution.\n\nREMARKS AS PREPARED:\n\nNext Month, Country Music Association Will Add John Anderson, James Burton, and Toby Keith to Country Music Hall of Fame\n\n\u201cEach year since 1961, the Country Music Association has inducted the legendary performers, songwriters, and artists of this uniquely American musical tradition into the Country Music Hall of Fame.\n\nIn many ways, this distinction is the highest honor in country music\u2014with names like Hank Williams, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley among its roll of honor.\n\nNext month, three new names will join this legendary group during the Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony: John Anderson\u2014a force for traditionalism in country music who achieved twenty Top Ten country singles across a five-decade-long career. James Burton\u2014who is considered one of the greatest guitarists in all of music, performing and recording with the likes of Elvis, Merle Haggard, John Denver, and Emmylou Harris. And the late Toby Kieth\u2014an exceptional storyteller who brought joy to millions around the world through his music, especially to our men and women in uniform.\u201d\n\nCountry Music Reminds Every American of the Importance of Faith, Family, Freedom, Hope, Opportunity, and Patriotism\n\n\u201cWhile each artist has their own distinct sound and style, they share a music tradition that reminds every American of the things that truly matter: faith, family, freedom, hope, opportunity, and patriotism.\n\nTo honor this incredible genre, I come to the floor today to call for a unanimous consent vote for my resolution that would designate October 2024 as \u2018National Country Music Month.\u2019\u201d\n\nBlackburn Honors Grand Ole Opry as \u201cHome of American Music\u201d\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a reason the Grand Ole Opry, the most famous stage in country music, is known as the \u2018home of American music.\u2019\n\nNow is the perfect time for Congress to honor the contributions of country music\u2014and its legendary performers and artists\u2014to the story and history of the United States.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/technology/blackburn-probes-big-tech-platforms-after-cox-media-group-admits-it-listens-to-users-phone-conversations", "Blackburn Probes Big Tech Platforms After Cox Media Group Admits It Listens to Users\u2019 Phone Conversations", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent three letters to the leadership of Cox Media Group and its clients, Google and Meta, following reporting that Cox Media Group admitted to investors that it listens to users\u2019 smartphone microphones using \u201cActive Listening\u201d software.\n\nAccording to this reporting, Cox Media Group claimed the company targets advertisements based on phone conversations of potential customers and identified specific clients during a slide deck presentation to investors, including Google and Meta. Both Google and Meta have a troublesome history of ignoring consumer privacy.\n\nCox Media Group Admitted It Uses Artificial Intelligence to Listen to Phone Conversations\n\n\u201cI write today with concerns following recent reporting by the New York Post that Cox Media Group has admitted to investors that it deploys \u2018active listening\u2019 software, which uses artificial intelligence to \u2018capture real-time intent data by listening to [users] phone conversations.\u2019\u201d\n\nReporting Confirms Longstanding Concerns Held by Consumers about Online Privacy\n\n\u201cConsumers have long expressed concerns about their privacy in the virtual space and how their data is misused. If this reporting is true, it confirms longstanding suspicions by many consumers that technology and media companies are violating their privacy for profit by marketing products that closely reflect key words or phrases from private conversations. It is imperative that consumers have the ability to clearly opt in and out of features that track their behavior and that they are alerted when these features are deployed. I request a copy of the slide deck presented to investors.\u201d\n\nBlackburn Demands Google and Meta Reveal Extent \u201cActive Listening\u201d Tools Were Deployed on Users\n\n\u201cI am seeking answers regarding Google\u2019s [and Meta\u2019s] relationship with Cox Media Group, the extent to which, if at all, \u2018active listening\u2019 tools were deployed on users, the steps Google [and Meta] [are] taking to investigate the products and services from Cox Media Group used by Google [and on Facebook] and the extent to which those products may have violated any applicable privacy policies or user agreements [and users\u2019 privacy].\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nLast year, Google settled a $5 billion lawsuit claiming it \u201csecretly tracked the internet use of millions of people who thought they were doing their browsing privately.\u201d This is not the first time Google has seen legal action for violating consumers\u2019 privacy rights. A search engine with the reach of Google must prioritize the privacy of its users and use diligence when handling their data.\n\nIn 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a $5 billion penalty on Facebook for violating consumers\u2019 privacy. Then-FTC Chairman Joe Simons said of Facebook, \u201cdespite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers\u2019 choices.\u201d This long-demonstrated pattern of public reassurances by Meta directly contradicts the company\u2019s record of flagrant disregard for user privacy.\n\nRELATED:\n\nICYMI: Senator Blackburn Pushes Big Tech For Answers On Their Predatory Privacy Practices\n\nBlackburn, Wicker Introduce Federal Data Privacy Legislation\n\nClickhere to view the letter to Meta Platforms Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.\n\nClickhere to view the letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/health-care/video-blackburn-discusses-fentanyl-epidemic-with-tennessee-mom-who-lost-her-17-year-old-son", "VIDEO: Blackburn Discusses Fentanyl Epidemic with Tennessee Mom Who Lost Her 17-Year-Old Son", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video detailing her conversation with a Middle Tennessee mother named Kathy, who tragically lost her 17-year-old son, Vaughn-Thomas, after he unknowingly took a pill laced with fentanyl.\n\nClick here to download this video of Senator Blackburn\u2019s conversation about the fentanyl epidemic with Kathy.\n\n\u201cMost all of us know at least one person through friends, through family that has been affected, their lives have been torn apart by fentanyl. Over 100,000 Americans a year die [from drug overdoses], and it\u2019s primarily fentanyl. The precursors come from China into Mexico, and then drug cartels bring it into the country. What we know is that across our great state, there are so many physicians and nurses and healthcare professionals who are on the front line of this every day. That is why we say thank you to our law enforcement and our healthcare community for the work that they are doing to fight back against fentanyl.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\n\u201cVaughn-Thomas\u2026 was our firstborn, our oldest of three sons. He was very strong in his faith, he loved his friends, he was a good student, he was athletic, he loved golf \u2013 life was going really well for him\u2026 He was supposed to play golf with his dad the next day, and when Vaughn-Thomas didn\u2019t wake up to his alarm, that\u2019s when we found him. He took what he thought was a Xanax \u2013 it was a counterfeit Xanax. Our borders are inviting tragedy into the lives of our children. One mistake should not have been a death sentence for Vaughn-Thomas.\u201d \u2013 Kathy\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nFentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death for Americans age 18-45.\n\nAccording to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), CBP\u2019s fentanyl seizures increased more than 860% from fiscal years 2019 to 2023, and they nearly doubled from fiscal years 2022 to 2023.\n\nJust last month, CBP officers in Arizona seized roughly 4 million blue fentanyl pills \u2013 weighing more than 1,000 pounds and the largest singular fentanyl seizure in CBP history.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/veterans/blackburn-sullivan-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-hold-va-accountable-for-financial-shortfall", "Blackburn, Sullivan, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Hold VA Accountable for Financial Shortfall", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and 12 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act to hold the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accountable for the Veterans Benefits Administration\u2019s (VBA) nearly $3 billion budget shortfall and the $12 billion projected shortfall in Fiscal Year 2025 for VA medical care.\n\nLast week during a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Blackburn questioned the VA\u2019s Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs and Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal on the VA\u2019s gross mismanagement of federal funds.\n\n\u201cThe VA\u2019s budget shortfall that put millions of veterans\u2019 benefits at risk is only the agency\u2019s latest failure to responsibly manage federal funds under the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s leadership, and it proves the VA needs to be subject to greater accountability and oversight,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThis legislation would require the VA to provide regular, in-person budget reports to Congress to ensure they are properly managing taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nPROTECTING REGULAR ORDER FOR VETERANS ACT:\n\nThis legislation would institute a three-year requirement for the VA to submit quarterly in-person budget reports to Congress to give federal legislators the opportunity to ask questions and strengthen oversight and accountability of the VA.\n\nEarlier this year, a watchdog report found that the VA improperly awarded $10.8 million in bonuses to senior executives at its central office.\n\nIf there are VA budget shortfalls outside of regular order, this legislation would restrict bonuses for Senior Executive Service (SES) employees in the VA\u2019s central office as well as employees at the Office of Management and Budget.\n\nCO-SPONSORS:\n\nThis legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Moran, Boozman Introduce Legislation to Restrict Bonuses to Senior Executives at VA\n\nBlackburn Leads Letter to Hold VA Accountable for Misusing Taxpayer Dollars\n\nBlackburn To Biden\u2019s VA: Putting Illegal Immigrants Above America\u2019s Veterans Is Unacceptable", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/israel/blackburn-graham-rubio-colleagues-condemn-palestinian-effort-targeting-israel-at-un", "Blackburn, Graham, Rubio, Colleagues Condemn Palestinian Effort Targeting Israel at UN", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and 27 of their Republican colleagues issued a joint statement in response to the Palestinian Mission to the United Nations (UN) submitting a disgraceful and flagrant resolution. This resolution was submitted ahead of the UN General Assembly and targets the Jewish State of Israel and its rightful control over its historic homeland.\n\nThe Senators wrote, \u201cThis proposal introduced by the Palestinian delegation, ahead of the United Nations\u2019 General Assembly, is an absolute disgrace that rewards terrorism. It is a clear insult to the Jewish people and anyone who understands history.\u201d\n\nSenators continued, \u201cAs we approach the one-year anniversary of the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas and affiliated Palestinian terrorist groups against innocent Israeli civilians, which involved murder, mutilation, and sexual violence, the international community must unequivocally unite against this evil, one-sided effort to delegitimize Israel. Instead of proposing biased and counter-productive initiatives, which will do nothing to advance a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the international community must focus its energy and resources on ensuring Hamas and other terrorist groups are completely destroyed. We must remain firm to ensure every single hostage held by these terrorists is safely returned to their loved ones.\u201d\n\nCO-SIGNERS:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/blackburn-blumenthal-statement-on-house-energy-and-commerce-committee-s-passage-of-kids-online-safety-act", "Blackburn, Blumenthal Statement on House Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s Passage of Kids Online Safety Act", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the House Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s passage of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act:\n\n\u201cChildren are dying every single day at the hands of social media companies. The House Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s passage of KOSA is a positive step towards protecting our children online. While we still have more work to do on KOSA, we are pleased that we are one step closer to having this legislation signed into law before the end of the 118th Congress. We applaud Chairwoman McMorris-Rodgers (R-Wash.) for moving forward with the Kids Online Safety Act and thank her and her staff for their hard work on this legislation, along with Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.).\u201d \u2013 Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal\n\nBACKGROUND:", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/crime/blackburn-ossoff-introduce-bill-to-prevent-sexual-abuse-of-prison-staff", "Blackburn, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Prison Staff", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act to help address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates:\n\n\u201cLast year, nearly half of surveyed Bureau of Prisons staff stated they had been sexually harassed or assaulted by an inmate. This statistic is appalling and unacceptable. No federal employee or law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work, and the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would be an important step forward in ending sexual abuse of prison staff who are simply trying to do their jobs,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\n\u201cI remain focused on oversight of the Federal prison system and ending sexual abuse in prisons and jails, including the abuse of prison staff. Senator Blackburn and I are introducing this bipartisan bill to help end sexual abuse in Federal prisons,\u201d said Senator Ossoff.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAccording to a February 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), a staggering 40% of 7,000 surveyed BOP staff stated they had been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted by an inmate.\n\nAt United States Penitentiary Thomson (USP Thomson) in Illinois, the American Federation of Government Employees reported that there had been over 300 incidents of inmate-on-staff sexual harassment in 2022 alone. USP Thomson houses only 875 inmates.\n\nThis report, combined with BOP staff testimonials on this troubling problem, strongly suggest that BOP\u2019s reporting and corrective procedures for inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment are inadequate, creating an institutional culture that lacks accountability and endangers BOP employees.\n\nTHE PRISON STAFF SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT:\n\nThe Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would require:\n\nThe DOJ OIG to conduct a comprehensive statistical review and analysis of the incidence and effects of sexual harassment and assault perpetrated by federal inmates against BOP staff;\n\nThe U.S. Attorney General to report the findings of the Inspector General\u2019s review to Congress; and\n\nThe U.S. Attorney General to promulgate a rule adopting national standards for prevention, reduction, and punishment of sexual assault and harassment of BOP staff by inmates.\n\nLast week, Senators Blackburn and Ossoff sent a letter to BOP Director Colette Peters requesting that BOP release information about inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment reporting procedures, correctional methods, and staff assistance programs.\n\nCouncil of Prison Locals 33 National President Brandy Moore White wrote a letter expressing support for this legislation.\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn, Ossoff Launch Inquiry to Protect Federal Prison Staff from Sexual Assault and Harassment", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/health-care/blackburn-casey-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-lift-restriction-on-care-for-people-with-disabilities", "Blackburn, Casey Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lift Restriction on Care for People with Disabilities", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Programs Act. The bipartisan bill would lift a restriction that prevents people with disabilities from buying-in to Medicaid after they turn 65.\n\n\u201cAmericans with disabilities should be able to continue working without losing coverage or care through Medicaid when they turn 65,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Program Act would ensure adults with disabilities over the age of 65 can continue to work without sacrificing their Medicaid coverage and benefits.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeople with disabilities deserve to be given the resources and support they need to live and work independently no matter their age,\u201d said Chairman Casey. \u201cThe Medicaid buy-in program is a critical way for many people with disabilities to receive that support, and should not be restricted to those under 65. This new bipartisan bill will prevent people with disabilities from being forced into retirement just to maintain access to the support they need to live independently.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Medicaid buy-in program allows people with disabilities to access daily long-term care services that most employer-sponsored insurance plans do not typically cover, but currently has an age limit of 65, forcing many people with disabilities to retire in order to maintain Medicaid coverage. Senators Casey and Blackburn\u2019s bill would remove that restriction, allowing people with disabilities to continue to work as long as they wish while receiving Medicaid to support their independence.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/immigration/video-senator-blackburn-discusses-deadly-impacts-of-open-border-with-tennessee-law-enforcement", "VIDEO: Senator Blackburn Discusses Deadly Impacts of Open Border with Tennessee Law Enforcement", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video about the deadly impacts of our wide-open border on counties across our state. Since day one in office, the Biden-Harris administration has sought to make illegal immigration legal. During President Biden and Vice President Harris\u2019 first 100 days in office, they issued 94 executive orders to implement their open-border agenda.\n\nHuman and drug trafficking networks organized by Mexican cartels are infiltrating communities and putting Americans in danger. In January, Cheatham County Drug Unit authorities stated that Nashville had become a hub for drug trafficking, citing a lack of resources for special drug units and the record number of people illegally crossing our southern border. The Biden-Harris administration\u2019s failed policies are to blame for the border crisis and the death of countless Americans due to fentanyl poisoning and violent crimes committed by dangerous individuals illegally crossing the southern border.\n\nClick here to download this video.\n\n\u201cEvery time I travel to counties across our state, I hear about how drug and human trafficking at the southern border is impacting local communities. The disastrous policies implemented by the Biden-Harris administration have contributed to fentanyl deaths, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violent crimes committed by illegal aliens. Under this administration, every town is a border town, and every state is a border state,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration ended Title 42, terminated President Trump\u2019s successful \u201cRemain in Mexico\u201d policy, and brought back catch-and-release policies.\n\nAs a result, over 10 million people have illegally crossed the southern border since the Biden-Harris administration took office.\n\nOver 1.7 million known \u201cgotaways\u201d have evaded U.S. Border Patrol.\n\nNearly 100 illegal immigrants on the terrorist watchlist have been released into the country under the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s watch.\n\nThis devastating crisis has impacted every single state across the country, including Tennessee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/technology/blackburn-statement-on-instagram-child-safety-changes-ahead-of-house-kosa-markup", "Blackburn Statement on Instagram Child Safety Changes Ahead of House KOSA Markup", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement following Instagram\u2019s announcement of new child safety changes ahead of the House Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s markup of the Kids Online Safety Act:\n\n\u201cIf anyone needed further proof that Big Tech has no interest in actually protecting our children, the timing of Instagram\u2019s announcement on the eve of a House markup of the Kids Online Safety Act is it. Just like clockwork, the Kids Online Safety Act moves forward and industry comes out with a new set of self-enforcing guidelines. We applaud Chairwoman McMorris-Rodgers for moving forward with the Kids Online Safety Act and thank her and her staff for their hard work on this legislation, along with Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Erin Houchin (R-Ind.).\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/women/senate-democrats-block-blackburn-s-effort-to-establish-american-girls-in-sports-day", "Senate Democrats Block Blackburn\u2019s Effort to Establish \u201cAmerican Girls in Sports Day\u201d", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) urged her Senate colleagues to stand with female athletes by designating October 10 as \u201cAmerican Girls in Sports Day.\u201d Senate Democrats blocked the resolution in favor of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s radical agenda to allow biological males to compete in women\u2019s sports by dismantling Title IX. Nearly 70% of Americans agree, athletes should only be allowed to compete on sports teams that correspond with the sex they were assigned at birth.\n\nSenator Blackburn\u2019s resolution is co-sponsored by 37 Senators and has been endorsed by many key advocates for female athletes, including Riley Gaines, Caitlyn Jenner, and Sage Steele.\n\nClick hereto download video of Sen. Blackburn discussing \u201cAmerican Girls in Sports Day\u201d and here to view it.\n\nREMARKS AS PREPARED:\n\nAthletics Create Opportunities and Offer Life Lessons for Young Women\n\n\u201cAcross our country, more than 3 million female high school and college athletes compete, practice, and train every day to achieve athletic success.\n\nFor many of these young women and girls, their sports are more than just a game: They are life-long passions that improve their physical health, boost their self-confidence, and teach them the leadership skills to succeed on and off the field.\n\nIn short, women\u2019s athletics has done incredible things for women.\u201d\n\nThe Biden-Harris Administration Waged War on Women\u2019s Sports by Overhauling Title IX\n\n\u201cWhich is why it is so deeply disturbing to see the Biden-Harris administration wage a war on women\u2019s sports.\n\nIn their crosshairs: Title IX\u2014 the landmark civil rights law that codified protections on the basis of sex.\n\nBy requiring equal resources for training, recruitment, and scholarships for female athletic programs, Title IX led to an explosion of women\u2019s participation in sports.\n\nIn fact, since 1972, the year Title IX became law, the number of female college athletes increased by a factor of seven, while the number of female high school athletes has increased more than ten-fold.\n\nYet for years we have seen this administration undermine the very Title IX provisions that enabled greater women\u2019s participation in sports.\n\nIn 2022\u2014 on the 50th anniversary of Title IX\u2014the Department of Education announced new rules that force schools to allow biological males to play on female teams.\n\nAnd just in April, the administration redefined \u2018discrimination\u2019 to allow biological men to use women-only locker rooms and bathrooms.\n\nAre Tennesseans and the American people really expected to believe that this is okay?\n\nYou do not need to be a biologist to understand that there are fundamental biological differences between men and women.\n\nAnd when it comes to sports, these differences undermine fair play, erase women\u2019s hard-earned achievements, and put female athletes in danger.\u201d\n\nBlackburn Commends Young Women for Bravely Speaking Out Against the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Radical Agenda\n\n\u201cThankfully, many young women are bravely speaking out against the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s radical agenda, including Tennessee\u2019s Riley Gaines.\n\nIn 2021, Riley was forced to compete against\u2014and share a locker room with\u2014a biological male during the NCAA Women's Swimming & Diving Championships.\n\nDuring the 200-meter competition, Riley tied for fifth with her male competitor. But when Riley went to the award ceremony to pick up her trophy, officials told Riley that they were giving the fifth-place trophy to the biological male.\n\n\u2018Yours will be coming in the mail,\u2019 they told Riley.\n\nThis should never happen in the United States of America.\u201d\n\nBlackburn Urges Senate Colleagues to Stand with Female Athletes to Establish \u201cAmerican Girls in Sports Day\u201d\n\n\u201cNow more than ever, Congress should stand with the female athletes fighting for fair play and celebrate the incredible contributions women have made to the world of sports.\n\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019m calling for unanimous consent for my resolution to establish October 10 as \u2018American Girls in Sports Day.\u2019\n\nOf course, we picked that date for a special reason: As the 10th day of the 10th month, October 10 is represented by the roman numerals XX\u2014the same numerals of the female sex chromosome.\n\nIn the last 50 years, female athletes have gone from the sidelines to the center stage of competition. As we continue to fight for women\u2019s participation in sports, we must keep in mind what is at stake\u2014and the \u2018American Girls in Sports Day\u2019 resolution will help ensure that happens.\n\nI urge all my colleagues to support it.\u201d\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/crime/blackburn-to-secret-service-two-assassination-attempts-on-former-president-in-two-months-is-unfathomable-and-unacceptable", "Blackburn to Secret Service: Two Assassination Attempts on Former President in Two Months is \u2018Unfathomable and Unacceptable\u2019", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe urging the agency to provide former President Trump with the same level of protection that it provides a sitting president following the second apparent attempt to assassinate the former President in two months:\n\nTwo Assassination Attempts Against a Major Presidential Candidate in Two Months is Unacceptable\n\n\u201cWhile we are still awaiting more details about this horrific event, I am thankful that the perpetrator was unsuccessful and the Secret Service agent acted swiftly to ensure that the former president is safe. But one thing is abundantly clear: within the span of a mere two months, there have been two assassination attempts against a major presidential candidate and former president in the United States of America. It is unfathomable and unacceptable that this incident occurred.\u201d\n\nSecret Service Must Elevate Former President Trump\u2019s Security Detail and Level of Protection\n\n\u201cI urge you to immediately elevate President Trump\u2019s security detail to the same level of protection that the Secret Service provides to a sitting President of the United States. As you know, incumbent presidents receive the highest level of Secret Service protection, while former presidents and presidential candidates are afforded lower levels of security that vary depending on the threat level to the protectee. Following the tragic first assassination attempt that occurred on July 13, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas confirmed that the Secret Service enhanced President Trump\u2019s level of protection. But, put simply, that security enhancement was still not enough to prevent an unimaginable second assassination attempt.\u201d\n\nAmericans Deserve to Know Exactly How the Secret Service Will Right This Wrong\n\n\u201cIn your testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in July, you promised to \u2018implement meaningful change\u2019 following the Butler assassination attempt. That meaningful change is long overdue\u2026 The American people deserve answers about what actions the Secret Service will be taking to right this wrong, and I hope and expect that you will provide public congressional testimony on this tragic event.\u201d\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Durbin: Call Secret Service Director, DHS Secretary, FBI Director to Testify on Assassination Attempt on President Trump\n\nBlackburn Renews Call for Secret Service Director Cheatle to Resign Following House Oversight Committee Hearing", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/technology/icymi-new-polling-shows-massive-public-support-for-the-kids-online-safety-act", "***ICYMI*** NEW POLLING SHOWS MASSIVE PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it, a new poll shows that the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, sponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), has massive support across the political spectrum. The poll, released this week by Issue One\u2019s Council for Responsible Social Media, ParentsSOS, and Fairplay found that 86 percent of U.S. voters support the Kids Online Safety Act. Support for the bill crosses partisan lines, with 87 percent of Republicans, 88 percent of Democrats, and 82 percent of independents in favor of it. 76 percent of Republican voters are also more likely to vote for a candidate of Congress that supports the Kids Online Safety Act.\n\nThe poll also found that the public has serious concerns about Big Tech\u2019s harms to kids. Ninety percent of the electorate believes that it is important to combat the harms being caused by social media platforms, and nearly nine in ten voters (88 percent) believe the government should pass laws to enact safeguards. Nearly all voters (93 percent) agree that mental health challenges facing young people today are a serious issue, and 67 percent believe that social media has made child and teen mental health worse today than 15 years ago.\n\n\u201cThe Kids Online Safety Act provides parents and young people the tools they need to protect themselves against Big Tech causing life-changing harm; 91 to 3\u2014that is the margin by which we passed the legislation in the Senate. The overwhelming bipartisan support from our colleagues and the American public demonstrates that the time is now to hold Big Tech accountable for putting profits over safety, and we will continue in this fight to make social media a safer place for our nation\u2019s children,\u201d said Blackburn and Blumenthal.\n\nMore information about the newly released poll can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/technology/video-why-we-must-pass-the-kids-online-safety-act", "VIDEO: Why We Must Pass The Kids Online Safety Act", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a heart-wrenching video showcasing the urgent need to pass the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act to save lives.\n\nSenator Blackburn sat down with Kathy, a Middle Tennessee mom, who shared her tragic story of how her 17-year-old son, Vaughn-Thomas, bought a pill likely on Snapchat that was unknowingly laced with fentanyl and was poisoned.\n\nWatch Kathy\u2019s story to learn why Congress must pass KOSA here.\n\nVaughn-Thomas Was a Good Student and an Athlete\n\n\u201cHe was very strong in his faith, he loved his friends, he was a good student, he was athletic, [and] he loved golf. Life was going really well for him.\u201d \u2013 Kathy\n\nThe Last Time Kathy Saw Her Son \u2013 \u201cGood Night, I Love You\u201d\n\n\u201c[On] December 1st, I had put up some Christmas decorations and I had gone to pick up my youngest at basketball practice. Vaughn-Thomas texted me he was hungry, he just got through working out at the gym [and he] wanted me to grab him some food. I brought that home to him and we talked a little bit and I gave him a big hug and said \u2018good night I love you\u2019 and he hugged me back and said \u2018I love you more.\u2019 That was the last time I talked to him.\u201d \u2013 Kathy\n\nVaughn-Thomas Was Poisoned from a Pill Likely Bought on Snapchat\n\n\u201cWhen Vaughn-Thomas didn't wake up to his alarm, that's when we found him. He took what he thought was a Xanax, it was a counterfeit Xanax [laced with fentanyl]. He [may have acquired] some of that via Snapchat. One mistake should not have been a death sentence for Vaughn-Thomas.\u201d \u2013 Kathy\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nKOSA would specifically help mitigate social media being used to push drugs such as fentanyl onto our children.\n\nKOSA includes a \u201cduty of care\u201d that requires social media companies to prevent and mitigate certain harms, including illicit drugs such as fentanyl, that they know their platforms and products are causing young users to be exposed to as a result of their own design choices, such as their recommendation algorithms and addictive product features.\n\nIn July, the Senate voted 91-3 in favor of KOSA.\n\nRELATED:\n\nBlackburn Announces Growing Conservative Momentum for the Kids Online Safety Act", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/crime/blackburn-ossoff-launch-inquiry-to-protect-federal-prison-staff-from-sexual-assault-and-harassment", "Blackburn, Ossoff Launch Inquiry to Protect Federal Prison Staff from Sexual Assault and Harassment", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) launched a bipartisan inquiry to protect federal prison staff from sexual assault and harassment. Their letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Colette Peters follows reports of inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment.\n\nAccording to a February 2023 report by the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG), 40% of 7,000 BOP surveyed staff stated they had been sexually harassed by an inmate.\n\n\u201cThe DOJ OIG report, as well as personal testimony BOP staff has provided to my office, strongly suggest that BOP\u2019s reporting and corrective procedures for inmate-on-staff sexual assault/harassment are inadequate, creating an institutional culture that lacks accountability and endangers BOP employees,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAs part of their inquiry, the Senators requested that BOP release information about their inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment reporting procedures, correctional methods, and staff assistance programs, including statistics and data from FCI Atlanta, formerly USP Atlanta, and federal prison facilities around the country.\n\nLast year, Senator Blackburn co-sponsored the Federal Prisons Accountability Act to increase federal oversight and accountability of the federal prison system.\n\nTennessee houses one federal prison\u2014Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Memphis\u2014in Shelby County.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/crime/video-senator-blackburn-raises-the-alarm-on-soft-on-crime-practices", "VIDEO: Senator Blackburn Raises the Alarm on Soft-on-Crime Practices", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video about the disastrous impact that releasing violent criminals\u2014without bail\u2014back onto our streets has on public safety in cities across the country.\n\nCash bail is an essential public safety tool that keeps violent offenders off the streets and restores law and order in our communities. In Memphis, a suspect accused of shooting four people was recently released from police custody by Shelby County Judge Bill Anderson without bond. At the end of last year, Judge Anderson also signed off on the release of a man charged with the first-degree murder of 15-year-old Anthony Mason.\n\nClick hereto watch this video andhere to download.\n\n\u201cAllowing dangerous criminals back on the streets and in our communities after they have committed a crime defies common sense. We must put an end to soft-on-crime practices like cashless bail that incentivize violent criminals to reoffend and put public safety at risk,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\nBACKGROUND:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/technology/blackburn-announces-growing-conservative-momentum-for-the-kids-online-safety-act", "Blackburn Announces Growing Conservative Momentum for the Kids Online Safety Act", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced new conservative endorsements for the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act she authored with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to provide young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to protect against online harms. This legislation is the first major reform to the tech industry since 1998 and passed the Senate with 91 Senators voting in favor of it.\n\nChildren face an endless list of online threats, including sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, and the promotion of suicide, eating disorders, and illegal products. The Kids Online Safety Act has garnered support from a strong coalition of conservative stakeholders who are calling on the House of Representatives to quickly take up and pass this legislation before the end of the year.\n\nNEW ENDORSEMENTS:\n\nKellyanne Conway: \u201cIncreasingly, children are vulnerable to online distortion and exploitation due to social media use. Social media can be a force for good, but also lurking there are traffickers, drug dealers and other bad actors. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) would begin to implement concrete measures that ensure our children are protected online and parents are given more control over what their children are viewing. I commend Sen. Marsha Blackburn\u2019s persistent dedication and leadership on KOSA. For the well-being of our children, the health of our nation, and the security of our future, Congress must act now.\u201d \u2013 Kellyanne Conway, Chair, Center for the American Child, America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Former Senior Counselor to President Donald J. Trump\n\nMercedes Schlapp: \u201cBig Tech must be held accountable for refusing to protect children from online harms. When children are online, they are vulnerable to traffickers, child predators, and drug dealers who want to manipulate and harm them. It\u2019s past time for social media platforms to prioritize the safety of children by adding stronger privacy settings and preventing the promotion of harmful content to minors. Keeping children safe is paramount, and I commend Senator Blackburn for standing up against Big Tech and for conservative values.\u201d \u2013 Mercedes Schlapp, Former White House Director of Strategic Communications under the Trump Administration\n\nMorgan Ortagus: \u201cThe Kids Online Safety Act is a critical step for protecting those who depend on us most for protection\u2014our children. By requiring social media platforms to enable strong private settings by default, our minors will be better defended against the exploitation attempts visible every day on these platforms. As a mother, I am so grateful to Senator Blackburn for standing up for our children and being a leader in this fight.\u201d \u2013 Morgan Ortagus, Former U.S. Department of State Spokesperson under the Trump Administration\n\nMike Huckabee: \u201cI\u2019m delighted to support the heroic efforts that [Senator Blackburn] and Senator Blumenthal are leading in a bi-partisan plan to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Protecting America\u2019s children is not a political issue, but a public safety concern that transcends the normal horizontal political spectrum of left/right. This is a vertical issue of up and down and KOSA is straight UP for families who are struggling to protect their children from the \u2018Wild West\u2019 of online dangers. Those who legitimately have concerns of censorship should realize KOSA does not threaten the First Amendment, but it helps protect children from the very real threat of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.\u201d \u2013 Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas\n\nJonathan Skrmetti: \u201cI appreciate Senator Blackburn\u2019s leadership on this bipartisan effort to protect kids from the worst effects of social media. Algorithmic social media platforms have devastated teen mental health. I\u2019m proud that Senator Blackburn places such a high priority on kids\u2019 online safety.\u201d \u2013 Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti\n\nLynn Fitch: \u201cSocial media platforms promise connectivity, but not without consequences. These platforms pose a serious risk to our children and their futures depend on our willingness to protect them in this digital era. It is past time the federal government updated the rules to help parents protect their children from the mental and physical effects of this epidemic. I am proud to support Senator Blackburn\u2019s Kids Online Safety Act to ensure our children receive the protection they desperately need and deserve.\u201d \u2013 Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch\n\nHarmeet Dhillon: \u201cAmericans have all seen the threat posed by Big Tech companies. I\u2019ve represented clients against big tech companies including Google who fired them for expressing conservative views. I\u2019ve said before that I\u2019m surprised we haven\u2019t seen Washington do more to rein in Big Tech\u2019s excesses, so I\u2019m glad that lawmakers such as Senator Blackburn are stepping up to do so. The Kids Online Safety Act will put rules into place to prevent these platforms from exploiting vulnerable kids and will give families a remedy against the CEOs who offer false apologies but enable these practices for profit and ideological reasons. To be clear: this is not about so-called \u2018misinformation,\u2019 although we know tech uses Section 230 as a mechanism to freely censor content that falls outside of their version of the truth. KOSA will address the other side of the coin, tech companies\u2019 effective immunity against real harms caused by publishing others\u2019 content, including sex trafficking of children, drug sales to minors, and kids committing suicide. I commend the Senate for passing this much-needed legislation and look forward to seeing the House pass it soon.\u201d \u2013 Harmeet K. Dhillon, Founder and Managing Partner of Dhillon Law Group Inc.\n\nJosh Hammer: \u201cI commend Senator Blackburn and Congressman Bilirakis for their work on the Kids Online Safety Act. At a time where family values are consistently under attack, this legislation takes the right steps to help parents fight back against Big Tech\u2019s exploitation of our children. We know that internet platforms are targeting kids for everything from the solicitation of sex to fentanyl trafficking courtesy of China and the Mexican cartels. Don\u2019t buy Big Tech\u2019s claims to the contrary \u2013 it\u2019s time Congress stepped in to regulate Big Tech for the sake of American families.\u201d \u2013 Josh Hammer, Senior Editor-at-Large for Newsweek and Host of The Josh Hammer Show\n\nJohn Yoo: \u201cThe Kids Online Safety Act is a critical step forward in the fight to protect our children online. It empowers families with the tools that they need to remain safe online. It holds platforms accountable by creating a targeted duty of care to prevent and mitigate risks to children. The Act falls squarely within the First Amendment, which recognizes the government's compelling interest in preventing the sexual exploitation of children and protecting their physical and emotional well-being. That compelling interest, and the Act's narrowly tailored means, will outweigh any free speech claims from the Big Tech platforms. This bill is not about censorship or content, but about the dangerous features that tech companies have pushed towards America\u2019s children.\u201d \u2013 Professor John Yoo, Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at the University of California at Berkeley and Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel\n\nPaula White-Cain: \u201cAs a Pastor and a parent, I affirm that supporting the Kids Online Safety Act is a pro-life value because it protects the dignity and well-being of our children from the relentless exploitation by Big Tech. Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal's bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act is a crucial step in defending our youth from the toxic content, addictive algorithms, and mental health risks that have become rampant online. By demanding stricter privacy settings and greater parental control, this bill stands against those who seek to profit from the vulnerability of our children. We must champion this cause to safeguard the future of our next generation. That is why the National Faith Advisory Board supports the Kids Online Safety Act and urges people of faith, parents and anyone who wants to protect children to voice their support too.\u201d \u2013 Pastor Paula White-Cain, President and Founder of the National Faith Advisory Board and Spiritual Advisor to President Donald J. Trump\n\nCONSERVATIVE LEADERS SUPPORT PROTECTING KIDS ONLINE:\n\nRichard Grenell: \u201cThe Kids Online Safety Act is pro-family and pro-America. It will help protect children from being exploited online by drug cartels, sex predators, and human traffickers. Big tech has abused conservatives for far too long. I know that big tech will continue spending millions to defeat this legislation, but my good friend [Senator] Marsha Blackburn will not back down.\u201d \u2013 Richard Grenell, Former Acting Director of National Intelligence under the Trump Administration\n\nNewt Gingrich: \u201cThe Senate should pass the Kids Online Safety Act. It is a vital step toward protecting children.\u201d \u2013 Newt Gingrich, Former U.S. Speaker of the House\n\nSebastian Gorka: \u201cI can\u2019t remember the last time there was 70 plus co-sponsors for a bill in the Senate\u2026 God bless Senator Marsha Blackburn. Please follow her right now and express your support for this crucial piece of legislation.\u201d \u2013 Sebastian Gorka, Former Deputy Assistant to President Donald J. Trump, Host of \u201cAmerica First with Sebastian Gorka\u201d\n\nAmerica First Policy Institute: \u201cCongrats to the U.S. Senate for passing the Kids Online Safety Act, which empowers parents to make better-informed decisions about their children\u2019s online presence. It\u2019s well past time to stand up for our children from predators, toxic content, exploitation, and more, and this bill would do just that!\u201d\n\nThe Heritage Foundation: \u201cNormally I am just an analyst here but today I am a grateful mom. The Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act by a vote of 91-3. If it is successful in the House, this would be the first concrete piece of legislation aimed at protecting kids online in almost THREE DECADES. Big Tech will finally be held accountable for targeting younger and younger users and parents will finally have a fighting chance against their predations.\u201d \u2013 Kara Frederick, Director of the Heritage Foundation Tech Policy Center\n\nHeritage Action: \u201cIt\u2019s no secret that big tech companies prey on children\u2019s personal data to keep them addicted to scrolling, regardless of the negative impact on kids and the dangerous content that\u2019s far too easy for them to access. Social media has proven to lead to deteriorated mental health, bullying, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Protecting children and young adults from those threats is one of the biggest issues of our time\u2014Heritage Action applauds Sen. Blackburn for taking up the mantle. The Kids Online Safety Act is an important, unifying bill that holds big tech accountable for their greed and protects American children from exploitation.\u201d \u2013 Ryan Walker, Heritage Action Executive Vice President\n\nConcerned Women for America: \u201cThe last time that Congress addressed the safety of children online was in 1998, long before the age of social media. Since then, we've seen catastrophic numbers of children exploited on social media platforms that have no protective guardrails. Since these companies have yet to address this issue themselves, Congress needs to act. By introducing common-sense provisions, KOSA is an important first step towards making these platforms safer for minors.\u201d \u2013 Penny Nance, President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee\n\nParents Defending Education Action: \u201cThe bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act will help protect minors and empower parents to have more control over what their children are doing online. [Parents Defending Education Action] is proud to support it.\u201d \u2013 Nicki Neily, Executive Director of Parents Defending Education Action\n\nNational Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE): \u201c#KOSA passing in the Senate is a monumental win for the safety of children online\u2014it is the first time in 25 years that a federal bill on online child protection has been this close to passing! #PassKOSA #ProtectKidsOnline #BigTech.\u201d\n\nEthics and Public Policy Center: \u201cParents have been left on their own to try to fend off a massive tech-induced health crisis among today\u2019s tweens and teens, contending against the allure of products engineered to be maximally addictive to their kids. KOSA offers a much-needed solution to ensure parents have the ability to protect their kids online from content that hurts their development and mental health. KOSA will grant children and parents more control over children\u2019s experiences on the platforms and what they see; and prevent tech companies from taking those choices away with the design of their automatic features or algorithms.\u201d \u2013 Clare Morell, Head of the Technology and Human Flourishing program for the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC)\n\nThe Institute for Family Studies: \u201cYoung Americans are suffering from a profound mental health crisis caused by addiction to social media. Big Tech companies have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will not reform themselves, but instead, driven by profits, they will do all they can to keep unfettered access to children. The Kids Online Safety Act gives parents and young Americans more effective tools to gain control over their experiences on these platforms to make them more age-appropriate, allowing them to disable the most addictive features. It also imposes upon these Big Tech companies a \u2018duty of care\u2019 to ensure that they are not designing their platforms to exploit children. It is time to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. The children of America desperately need it.\u201d \u2013 Michael Toscano, Executive Director of the Institute for Family Studies\n\nWired Human: \u201cThe Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) makes it clear to Big Tech, that \u2018Childhood is Not for Sale.\u2019 With the explosion of AI-driven algorithms, Big Tech is profiting by the billions from the commodification of children online, leading to countless forms of exploitation and harm so severe that children are dying. KOSA\u2019s ability to target the harmful design mechanisms of social media platforms makes it the most reasonable form of child protection legislation I have witnessed. Tech companies that stand against KOSA, stand against America\u2019s children and families at large.\u201d \u2013 Jason Frost, LL.M, CEO of Wired Human\n\nAmerican Principles Project: \u201cSome folks like to make a flawed argument that parents and only parents should be concerned with the safety and well-being of their children online \u2014 that tech companies and government should bear no responsibility. This is completely unreasonable. Screens are everywhere. Parents obviously cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. Tech platforms specifically should bear responsibility for how they are interacting with minor users and what kinds of content they are making available to them. The Kids Online Safety Act is an important bill that aims to protect kids from some of the worst aspects of the Internet, while providing parents with stronger tools to better direct their children\u2019s online experience.\u201d \u2013 Jon Schweppe, Policy Director for American Principles Project.\n\nDigital Progress Institute: \u201cKOSA\u2019s targeted bipartisan approach ensures that parents can protect their kids online from content that hurts their development and mental health. This is something everyone should support. Thank you, [Senator] Blackburn and [Senator] Blumenthal, for your unwavering leadership!\u201d \u2013 Joel Thayer, President of Digital Progress Institute\n\nEnough is Enough: \u201cToo many children have been sacrificed online due to the misguided notion that big tech companies get a \u2018no responsibility/no accountability free pass\u2019 when it comes to doing their part. EIE offers its highest gratitude to all of the bi-partisan sponsors of KOSA and COPPA 2.0, our allies across America and the survivors and Gold Star parents who have supported these critical bills. Each bill puts a stake in the ground that says \u2018Enough Is Enough\u00ae!\u2019. It takes all of us, working together to safeguard our children, our future. Remember, making the internet safer for children and families is a marathon, a war. Today's Senate success marks a huge victory!\u201d\n\nParents Television and Media Council: \u201cWe commend the Senate for recognizing the real harms to children online and acting with urgency to ensure that tech platforms are held accountable for protecting our children.\u201d \u2013Melissa Henson, Vice President of the Parents Television and Media Council\n\nAngel AI: \u201cFor far too long, we have allowed children to be exploited online by multi-billion dollar Tech Companies that designed their products to addict and monetize kids but too poorly to protect their safety. After over a decade of damage and harms to countless kids from this negligence, enough is enough. KOSA represents the beginning of our Democracy stepping up to defend our kids by setting a standard for age appropriate design of products. Now, like any other mature industry, Tech companies and social media will have liability for the harms they incur through their ongoing negligence. I applaud the many cosponsors of this Bill and look forward to the day it is passed and signed into law. A day that cannot come soon enough for the children of America.\u201d \u2013 Tim Estes, CEO of Angel AI\n\nGingrich 360: \u201cToday, the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act. The House should do the same when they return in September. Congress must protect America\u2019s children.\u201d \u2013 Callista Gingrich, CEO of Gingrich 360\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/technology/icymi-conservative-commentator-and-legal-scholar-josh-hammer-urges-house-to-pass-kids-online-safety-act", "ICYMI: Conservative Commentator and Legal Scholar Josh Hammer Urges House to Pass Kids Online Safety Act", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Josh Hammer, senior editor-at-large of Newsweek and host of \u201cAmerica on Trial with Josh Hammer\u201d and \u201cThe Josh Hammer Show,\u201d urged the House to pass the Kids Online Safety Act.\n\nThis legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), passed the Senate 91-3 and would provide young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to protect against online harms. If signed into law, it would be the first major reform to the tech industry since 1998.\n\nBelow are excerpts of yesterday\u2019s episode of \u201cAmerica on Trial with Josh Hammer.\n\nJosh Hammer Says KOSA is \u201cas Bipartisan as it Gets\u201d in Washington, D.C.\n\n\u201cThe Kids Online Safety Act \u2013 or KOSA for short \u2013 was approved by a 91-3 vote in the U.S. Senate. That is about as bipartisan as it gets these days in Washington, D.C. What would the Kids Online Safety Act actually do? Well, it would force the Big Tech platforms or social media oligarchs to take \u2018reasonable steps to prevent harms to children such as bullying, drug addiction, and sexual exploitation,\u2019 and it would broaden existing federal privacy protections to include kids and teens, 16-years-old and younger.\u201d\n\nBig Tech Has Colluded with the Federal Government to Censor Americans\n\n\u201cHave we not seen enough evidence over the years\u2026 involving Big Tech collusion with the federal government to censor, the \u2018censorship industrial complex.\u2019 Have we not gotten more than enough evidence by now to know that Big Tech is not necessarily our friend... Big corporations, the Fortune 500, not only are they not the allies of the American right and the conservative cause and, indeed, of the Republican Party at this point, they are something closely approximating the enemy.\u201d\n\nBig Tech Has Taken Advantage of Vulnerable Teenage Girls Leading to Unprecedented Rates of Depression and Suicide\n\n\u201cWhat's happening with Big Tech exploiting our children is horrific. Instagram and Tiktok, perhaps above all. Teenage girls in particular are the most vulnerable demographic out there when it comes to the garbage, and yes, garbage that is posted regularly on Tiktok, that the Instagram algorithms regularly show them based on how they interact with the posts and stories that they see there. They are made to feel insecure. They are made to feel vulnerable. They are made to feel they are inadequate, not good enough. And tragically, those resulted in historically unprecedented rates of depression and yes, indeed, tragically, suicide rates when it comes to teenage, adolescent and young girls and young women in particular.\u201d\n\nJosh Hammer to Speaker Johnson: Now is the Time to Bring KOSA for a Vote\n\n\u201cIn an election year, there are very few opportunities to pass any kind of legislation, really whatsoever, other than those that are deemed \u2018must-pass\u2019 and that fund the federal government. If you want to get a legislation, a bill, passed \u2013 let alone one that passed by a bipartisan margin of 91-3 in the House, this is the time to do it\u2026 Right now, the onus is on Mike Johnson, Speaker Mike Johnson, to bring this thing up for a vote.\u201d\n\nClick hereto listen to the full episode.\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/china/blackburn-peters-probe-chinese-automakers-on-ties-to-the-chinese-communist-party-to-safeguard-u-s-security", "Blackburn, Peters Probe Chinese Automakers on Ties to the Chinese Communist Party to Safeguard U.S. Security", "2024-09-11", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, sent a letter to several Chinese automakers urging them to make their ties to the Chinese Communist Party clear and highlighting the national security concerns these ties raise if their vehicles are imported into the U.S.\n\nLast year, China became the second largest exporter of vehicles in the world, and the global automotive market has been flooded with Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). The Chinese Communist Party\u2019s (CCP) control of industry in China poses serious concerns that the CCP could leverage certain connected technology to access sensitive personal data and critical infrastructure. If Chinese-made connected cars proliferate in the U.S., the CCP could theoretically control or disable these vehicles at will.\n\nSenators Blackburn and Peters sent this letter to the leaders of Geely Holding, Great Wall Motors Group, SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, BYD, and GAC Group.\n\nGrowing Chinese Global Automotive Manufacturing Sparks Concerns About Security of U.S. Data and Critical Infrastructure\n\n\u201cThe global automotive market is being flooded with Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). In fact, in 2023, China became the second largest exporter of vehicles in the world. Given the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)\u2019s control of industry in China, we are deeply concerned that Chinese automakers are beholden to the regime and that the technology used in Chinese-made automobiles could be leveraged by the CCP for nefarious purposes. The data security of both American citizens and the critical infrastructure of our nation must be prioritized.\u201d\n\nExperts Have Sounded the Alarm on Potential for CCP Unauthorized Access to Vehicle Systems\n\n\u201cIt is well documented that the CCP and Chinese intelligence agencies are provided access to data stored in China or accessible by companies incorporated in China for the purpose of \u2018national security.\u2019 Specifically, experts have sounded the alarm regarding the control of data for connected vehicles manufactured by companies incorporated in China, particularly when it comes to the potential for unauthorized access by the CCP to vehicle systems, data collection, and surveillance capabilities embedded within the vehicle\u2019s technology.\u201d\n\nCCP Access to Video Cameras and Over-the-Air Update Systems Raise Serious Security Concerns\n\n\u201cModern vehicles are equipped with video cameras and sensors both within and outside the vehicle that are capable of continuously monitoring the vehicle\u2019s surroundings and passengers\u2026 In the hands of our adversaries\u2014they could be used to map our critical infrastructure and roads, track the movements of U.S. citizens, provide access to the electric grid, and generally surveil Americans\u2026 Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems found in Chinese-made vehicles also raise security concerns. OTA updates\u2014or the digital software updates intended to ensure that a vehicle runs efficiently and safely\u2014in a Chinese-made vehicle could be vulnerable to malicious activity, opening a window for an adversary to push compromised software to Americans\u2019 vehicles. If Chinese-made EVs proliferate in the U.S., the CCP could theoretically control or disable vehicles in the United States at will.\u201d\n\nChinese Automakers Must Be Honest About Ties to the CCP\n\n\u201cThe CCP has made clear that they intend to make the 21st century a \u2018Chinese Century,\u2019 with domination of the global automotive market being a key piece of their strategy. The United States has a responsibility\u2014for the sake of the next generation of Americans and the world at large\u2014to ensure that does not become a reality\u2026 As the potential national security threat posed by connected vehicles becomes more acute, we believe you must make clear the depth and nature of your ties to the CCP, as well as your future plans to potentially import vehicles into the U.S. market.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/news/video-blackburn-commemorates-23rd-anniversary-of-9-11", "VIDEO: Blackburn Commemorates 23rd Anniversary of 9/11", "2024-09-11", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a video commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001:\n\n\u201cToday, we all pause, and we remember the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost on September 11, 2001. I think most of us remember where we were as we began to look at these images that were coming across our TV screens and not even believing what we were seeing. As the day wore on, we realized that there were Tennesseans that lost their lives in that number \u2013 Tennesseans that were at the Pentagon, the North Tower, the South Tower. Families today still grieve those losses, and we grieve with them. That is why it is so important that today we commit ourselves to making certain that we do what is necessary to protect our nation and that we each rediscover that love of country and that value of sacrifice for protecting this nation and our citizens.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/education/blackburn-fleischmann-lead-tn-delegation-in-resolution-celebrating-scarboro-85", "Blackburn, Fleischmann Lead TN Delegation in Resolution Celebrating Scarboro 85", "2024-09-10", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) led the entire Tennessee delegation in introducing a resolution celebrating the role of 85 students from the Scarboro neighborhood in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in the desegregation of public schools following the Supreme Court\u2019s landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education.\n\nOn September 6, 1955, these 85 African American students \u2013 known as the \u201cScarboro 85\u201d \u2013 entered all-white classrooms in Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High, becoming the first public schools in the Southeast region to integrate and implement the ruling of the Supreme Court.\n\n\u201cThe Scarboro 85 made the monumental first step in integrating schools in Tennessee and the Southeast region. It is an honor to celebrate these 85 Tennesseans along with my colleagues in the Tennessee delegation following the 69th anniversary of desegregation at Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High School,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\n\u201cThe moment the Scarboro 85 desegregated two public schools in Oak Ridge, the first school desegregation anywhere in the Southeast, a new chapter in America\u2019s history began \u2013 a chapter where the fundamental truth of America envisioned by our Founders that \u2018all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness\u2019 was fulfilled. The Scarboro 85 are heroes, and every American should know their story from coast to coast. I am honored to join Senator Blackburn and my Tennessee Congressional colleagues to honor the Scarboro 85 and the brave and noble work they did to make our state and nation a better place for every Tennessean and American,\u201d said Representative Fleischmann.\n\nClick here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn with \u201cScarboro 85\u201d students in 2021.\n\nTennessee Led the Southeast Region in Desegregating Public Schools Thanks to the Bravery of the Scarboro 85\n\n\u201cIn a second opinion issued on May 31, 1955, the Supreme Court of the United States decreed that schools should be desegregated \u2018with all deliberate speed\u2019\u2026On September 6, 1955, Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, became the first public schools in the Southeast region to implement the ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States in Brown v. Board of Education\u2026The integration of Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High was conducted in a peaceful manner.\u201d\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\nThis resolution is endorsed by the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association (ORHPA).\n\n\u201cIn preparation for the first day, I and other students had been coached with training by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). I endured the negative glances and unfair treatment by students and teachers because I was determined to graduate in 1956 and be successful. This resolution and the actions of the Scarboro 85 were the keys to unlock the doors in this nation's long road to equality,\u201d said Shirley Hawkins Lawrence, Scarboro 85 student.\n\n\u201cWe really appreciate Congress recognizing these wonderful pioneers,\u201d said Ms. Rose Weaver, longtime Scarboro Historian and Co- Chair of the Scarboro 85 Anniversary Celebration in 2020. \u201cThey changed the course of education and sports in our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cYou just can\u2019t speak of Civil Rights in America, without talking about the Scarboro 85,\u201d said Coach John Spratling, award-winning educator and Chairman of the Scarboro 85 Monument Celebration Committee. \u201cThey made all the difference. In many ways, they opened the modern civil rights era!\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Scarboro 85 students, parents, and teachers brought Black and White communities together to help America,\u201d said Martin McBride, Ph.D., member of the Monument Celebration Committee and Co-Chair of the Scarboro Anniversary Celebration in 2020. \u201cThey set a wonderful example for our nation --- and the World.\u201d\n\nCO-SPONSORS:\n\nSenator Blackburn and Representative Fleischmann were joined by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.) in introducing this resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/immigration/video-senator-blackburn-demands-justice-for-woman-murdered-in-tennessee-by-illegal-immigrant", "VIDEO: Senator Blackburn Demands Justice for Woman Murdered in Tennessee by Illegal Immigrant", "2024-09-10", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) slammed the Biden-Harris administration for allegedly allowing an illegal alien into our country who murdered a woman in Tennessee.\n\nUntil we secure our border, every town is a border town, and every state is a border state. The Biden-Harris immigration policies are claiming lives every single day.\n\nThe Biden-Harris Admin Reportedly Let in an Illegal That Murdered a Woman in Cleveland\n\n\u201cThe accused murderer of a 25-year-old woman in Cleveland, Tennessee, is an illegal alien, someone who came in this country on the CBP One App. You've heard me talk about this because it is another of those components that the Biden-Harris administration is using trying to make illegal aliens legal. This absolutely has to stop. This is why it is imperative that we close the border.\u201d \u2013 Senator Blackburn\n\nClick here to download the video and here to watch it.\n\nBACKGROUND:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/issues/technology/blackburn-confronts-meta-over-reports-they-are-censoring-olympic-and-paralympic-champions-in-shooting-sports", "Blackburn Confronts Meta Over Reports They Are Censoring Olympic and Paralympic Champions in Shooting Sports", "2024-09-04", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter confronting Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg over reports that the platform is unfairly censoring shooting sports content and athletes.\n\nMeta has reportedly shadow-banned and de-platformed several members of USA Shooting who represent our nation on the world stage, including four-time Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock and Paralympian McKenna Geer, in blatant instances of bias against the Second Amendment and freedom of expression. The West Point Rifle Team has experienced similar censorship. Big Tech must be held accountable for this unacceptable bias and pattern of censorship.\n\nElite Athletes in Shooting Sports Report Meta is Censoring Their Content\n\n\u201cAccording to reports, Meta has censored leading athletes in shooting sports, including Olympian Vincent Hancock and Paralympian McKenna Geer. Mr. Hancock, a U.S. Army veteran, recently won his fourth Olympic gold medal in skeet shooting, having previously proved himself the world\u2019s best marksman in 2008, 2012, and 2021. A dominant figure in the sport, Mr. Hancock is the first skeet shooter to earn an Olympic gold medal more than once, and he joined an elite group, becoming only the sixth Olympian to win a gold medal in the same event four times. He has become a role model for others in the same way that swimmers look to Michael Phelps. Yet, instead of allowing his athletic feats to be celebrated, moderators at Meta have chosen to punish Mr. Hancock by restricting his accounts.\u201d\n\nMeta Displays Bias Against Firearm Content Without Clear Guidelines\n\n\u201cIn July of this year, Ms. McKenna Geer faced similar censorship from Meta. Ms. Geer was born with a muscular disorder that can impact an individual\u2019s ability to do even the simplest tasks. Incredibly, Ms. Geer has risen to the highest echelons of shooting sports and was chosen to represent the United States in the air-rifle event at the Paralympic Games. When she posted a photo holding the very rifle she used to qualify for the Games, Meta flagged the photo as a violation of its guidelines and informed her that she would be effectively shadow-banned, with nonfollowers being unable to view her account or her content, all because her post failed to promote a \u2018safe environment.\u2019 When she tried to appeal the decision, the appeal platform wasn\u2019t functional.\u201d\n\nMeta Has a Pattern of Censoring Shooting Sport Athletes and Suppressing the Freedom of Speech\n\n\u201cMeta\u2019s discrimination is not limited to these two athletes. Instead, this pattern of censorship has affected other shooting athletes and even the West Point Rifle Team\u2019s page, which Facebook argued violated their Community Standards. This censorship seems specifically targeted at shooting sports, as no other sport faces the same online discrimination. Any reasonable individual could draw only one conclusion: this attack on freedom of speech and sport is simply due to the use of a firearm. Never mind the fact that many of these athletes use their platforms to advocate for firearm safety and responsible gun ownership, or that shooting is one of the few sports that can unite athletes across the boundaries of age and ability. This is simply an effort by Meta to virtue signal to the world and trample on these athletes\u2019 freedom of expression.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/education/video-blackburn-renews-call-to-pass-after-school-act-as-tennessee-students-begin-new-school-year", "VIDEO: Blackburn Renews Call to Pass AFTER SCHOOL Act as Tennessee Students Begin New School Year", "2024-08-30", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a video urging Congress to pass her bipartisan AFTER SCHOOL Act, which would establish a grant program for local communities to establish, maintain, and strengthen after school programs to combat violent crime among juveniles. Earlier this year, the Memphis City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of this legislation.\n\n\u201cAcross the country, 64 percent of violent juvenile crime happens [on] school days. In the U.S. Senate, I\u2019ve introduced the bipartisan AFTER SCHOOL Act. It would strengthen after school programs with a goal of reducing violent juvenile crime. After school programs have the proven effect of keeping youth crime low and keeping our young kids out of trouble. As children go back to school, I\u2019m calling on the U.S. Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation. Let\u2019s give more tools to our local communities to address juvenile crime,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\nClick here to download this video.\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\n\u201cWe believe regular, organized after-school programs help to disrupt the cycle of violence and give young people pathways to more productive activities. This act would help provide much-needed funding to facilitate these programs in our neighborhoods, giving our young people options that don\u2019t currently exist,\u201d said Memphis Mayor Paul Young.\n\n\u201cPublic safety and youth crime is a pressing issue for Shelby County residents. We know that if we could provide more quality after school programs, we could reduce crime and make our young people stay on track. Here in Shelby County, we implemented a program to provide free summer camp opportunities for youth in coordination with local churches and nonprofits. Through that effort, we know that there are dozens of community organizations who want to provide programming, but do not have federal support to do so. The AFTER SCHOOL Act could give us an opportunity to build on that approach and partner with our local school districts to make sure our young people stay out of trouble after school. I am proud to endorse this bipartisan bill and hope to see it signed into law soon. We need to do everything we can do reduce crime and expand opportunities for our next generation,\u201d said Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.\n\n\u201cAt a time when juvenile crime and public safety are top of mind for Memphis residents, it's critical that positive youth development initiatives like after school programs flourish and grow. That's why I'm proud to endorse Senator Blackburn's bill, the AFTER SCHOOL Act, which gets school districts the funds they need to expand these after school programs that are so successful in helping to reduce juvenile crime rates. I hope that the United States Congress passes this bipartisan bill very soon. I am proud to partner with Senator Blackburn as we work together to Make Memphis Matter at home, in Nashville, and in our nation\u2019s capital! The AFTER SCHOOL Act is a positive step in the right direction,\u201d said State Senator Brent Taylor.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to support the bipartisan AFTER SCHOOL Act and appreciate Senator Blackburn\u2019s advocacy for this work, which has the potential to spur economic and workforce development and to improve public safety. I look forward to bringing a resolution to the Shelby County Commission for further bipartisan support for this bill,\u201d said Shelby County Commissioner Brandon Morrison.\n\n\u201cUnited Ways of Tennessee supports the AFTER SCHOOL Act and commends Senators Blackburn on her leadership. The proposed afterschool program funding is greatly needed, and we know it can be put to good and impactful use to ensure that our struggling children and youth have the ability to thrive,\u201d said Mary Graham, President & CEO of United Ways of Tennessee.\n\n\u201cAfterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, give working parents peace of mind, and help students succeed in school and in life. With nearly 25 million U.S. children who would be in a program if one were available, ensuring that we have strong, stable afterschool and summer learning programs for all students should be a high priority\u2014and investments like those proposed in the bipartisan AFTER SCHOOL Act are a step in the right direction towards addressing the tremendous need for these important programs,\u201d said Jodi Grant, Executive Director of Afterschool Alliance\n\nTHE AFTER SCHOOL ACT:\n\n64 percent of violent crimes committed by youth occur on school days, and this violence peaks in the afterschool hours.\n\nThe AFTER SCHOOL Act, which Senator Blackburn introduced with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), would establish a grant program administered through the Department of Justice to reduce juvenile crime in local communities.\n\nThis grant program would provide funding for localities to establish, maintain, and strengthen these after school programs that are so effective.\n\nSpecifically, school districts may be eligible to receive these funds upon submission of an application in which they confirm that their county\u2019s juvenile offense rate (the percentage of violent juvenile offenses as compared to the total number of violent offenses committed by all age groups) is more than 10 percent.\n\nThe school district must calculate this data by using the FBI\u2019s Uniform Crime Reporting Program.\n\nBy a vote of 13-0, the Memphis City Council passed a resolution in support of the AFTER SCHOOL Act in May.\n\nMemphis leadership, including Memphis Mayor Paul Young, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, and State Senator Brent Taylor, also announced support for the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/jobs-and-economy/video-senator-blackburn-discusses-impact-of-inflation-with-tennessee-small-business-owner", "VIDEO: Senator Blackburn Discusses Impact of Inflation with Tennessee Small Business Owner", "2024-08-30", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video about the impact of inflation and rising prices on Tennesseans. Senator Blackburn spoke with a small business owner in East Tennessee about how rising costs have made it harder to afford materials, keep costs low for customers, and hire new employees. In the video, the small business owner shares that the same materials she bought for $18.84 per thousand in 2018 cost $32.91 per thousand in 2024, which is nearly a 75% cost increase.\n\nClick here to download this video.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and Vice President Harris have continued to downplay the devastating impact of inflation, but hardworking Americans are feeling that impact each and every day whether it\u2019s at the gas pump or the grocery store. What Tennesseans want to see is action to get this inflation under control,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nA family in Tennessee is paying on average $1,017 more each month to purchase the same goods and services since President Biden took office.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/immigration/blackburn-presses-dhs-and-ice-on-new-report-revealing-they-may-have-lost-track-of-more-than-300k-unaccompanied-migrant-children", "Blackburn Presses DHS and ICE on New Report Revealing They May Have Lost Track of More than 300K Unaccompanied Migrant Children", "2024-08-29", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Patrick Lechleitner demanding answers as to why ICE lost track of at least 32,000 unaccompanied migrant children (UCs) and may have lost track of up to 323,000 UCs, according to a new report released by the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG).\n\nAlthough the OIG report confirms that ICE lost track of at least 32,000 UCs who failed to appear for their immigration court hearings, the agency may have lost track of an additional 291,000 UCs who were not placed in removal proceedings and were never given a court date. Thus, because ICE has no formal policy in place to follow up with UCs who did not appear in court, the total number of children the Department has lost track of is likely significantly higher.\n\nNew Report Reveals ICE Lost Track of at Least 32,000 Unaccompanied Migrant Children \u2013 Leaving Them Vulnerable to Human Trafficking and Exploitation\n\n\u201cOn your department\u2019s watch, tens of thousands of migrant children are now missing\u2014leaving them highly vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation. This, unfortunately, is just the latest failure of the Biden-Harris border crisis that continues to unfold\u2026 According to this devastating report, over the last five years, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lost track of more than 32,000 UCs.\u201d\n\nICE May Have Lost an Additional 291,000 Children\n\n\u201cJust as disturbing, it appears that the number of missing migrant children could very well be far greater than 32,000. Over the course of five years, ICE transferred more than 448,000 UCs to the custody of HHS, with more than 32,000 of those children failing to appear for their immigration court dates. As the report notes, the number of missing children may be much higher, as ICE failed to issue Notices to Appear (NTAs) to more than 291,000 UCs who were not placed in removal proceedings. In other words, because these hundreds of thousands of children were not served NTAs, they did not have a court date, and \u2018ICE has not developed a formal policy or process to follow up on UCs who did not appear in court.\u2019\u201d\n\nICE Failed in its Most Basic Duty to Keep Children Safe\n\n\u201cIt is ICE\u2019s duty to safely transfer UCs to HHS after they are initially taken into custody by border agents\u2014as well as to manage and monitor their immigration cases. Yet, it is plain to me that you have failed in your most basic duty to keep these children safe from harm, as the OIG report found that ICE has failed to track the whereabouts of thousands of children who have been released or transferred from ICE\u2019s custody.\u201d\n\nBiden Admin Has Devastating Track Record of Failing to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Children \u2013 HHS Previously Lost Track of at Least 85,000 UCs\n\n\u201cThis tragedy is not surprising given the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s past failures with respect to the well-being and safety of migrant children. As you know, the Biden HHS lost track of at least 85,000 migrant children who they are charged with protecting, and the whereabouts of those children are still unknown. I have inquired for more information from Secretary Becerra\u2014to no avail\u2014about that unconscionable failure. The American people, and the families of these hundreds of thousands of children, deserve answers about your reckless disregard for the well-being of the children in your care and what your department is doing to address these failures.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIt is ICE\u2019s responsibility to safely transfer UCs to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) after they are initially taken into custody by border agents. According to a recent report released by the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), ICE lost track of more than 32,000 UCs who failed to appear for their immigration court hearings from Fiscal Year 2019 to 2023.\n\nEven worse, the number of missing children may actually be much higher, as ICE failed to issue Notices to Appear (NTAs) to more than 291,000 UCs who were not placed in removal proceedings \u2013 meaning they did not have a court date. Therefore, ICE may have lost as many as 323,000 UCs who either failed to appear for their immigration court hearings or were never given a court date. The report states that ICE \u201chas not developed a formal policy or process to follow up on UCs who did not appear in court.\u201d\n\nLast year, bombshell reporting also revealed HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra ignored the concerns of HHS staffers and outside contractors about the potential exploitation of 85,000 children who went missing under his department\u2019s watch. Secretary Becerra has refused to provide more information about this devastating failure, despite Senator Blackburn\u2019s repeated requests.\n\nRELATED:\n\nREAD: Blackburn Puts HHS On Blast: \u2018Nothing Compassionate About Turning A Blind Eye To The Victimization Of Children\u2019\n\nWATCH: Senator Blackburn Presses Becerra Over Losing Migrant Children Coming Into The U.S.\n\nREAD: Blackburn Slams HHS Over Missing Migrant Children Response, Demands Honesty", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/national-security/blackburn-merkley-call-out-nba-commissioner-for-deepening-relationship-with-rwanda-putting-profit-over-principle", "Blackburn, Merkley Call Out NBA Commissioner for Deepening Relationship with Rwanda: \u2018Putting Profit Over Principle\u2019", "2024-08-27", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oreg.) sent a letter to National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver calling out the NBA\u2019s deepening engagement with Rwandan President Paul Kagame who has a demonstrated record of human rights abuses. The letter also expresses concern about the league\u2019s engagement with Chinese Communist Party officials.\n\nAs of 2021, NBA\u2019s Business in Africa Was Valued at Nearly $1 Billion\n\n\u201cWe write to express deep concern about the National Basketball Association (NBA)\u2019s deepening relationship with Rwanda, led by President Paul Kagame. It seems that the NBA\u2014which has long positioned itself as a beacon of social justice\u2014is choosing to continue developing relationships with dictators and despots, all in the name of putting profit over principle. Reporting indicates that the League\u2019s relationship with President Kagame began in 2018, as you \u2018shot free throws\u2019 with the President in Kigali. The NBA then gave President Kagame the advice and support he needed to build a massive new $104 million arena to establish the Basketball Africa League (BAL), expanding the NBA\u2019s presence on the continent. Indeed, the NBA\u2019s business in Africa was valued at almost $1 billion as of 2021.\u201d\n\nRwandan President\u2019s Government Has Long History of Brutality and Abuse\n\n\u201cThe NBA has hosted President Kagame in Toronto, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Oakland, and at various other NBA sponsored events across North America, treating him like a friend and dignitary. The league profits from this relationship, but at what cost? President Kagame has ruled Rwanda for over 20 years with impunity. Freedom of expression and internet freedom is extremely limited in the country. Anyone who dares to question Kagame\u2019s rule\u2014whether it be opposition candidates or the free press\u2014is jailed, disappeared, or brutally assassinated. President Kagame\u2019s government has also allegedly provided military support to M23, a rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has caused tens of thousands of Congolese people to flee their homes in fear. This group has been accused of horrific abuses, including recruiting child soldiers, using rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war, and torturing civilians.\u201d\n\nPlaying Ball with Dictators Should Not Be the NBA\u2019s Business Model\n\n\u201cThe Rwandan government is known for murdering, kidnapping, and intimidating dissidents living overseas, including those in the United States. The NBA should not remain silent as Kagame exports his authoritarianism. Our concern about the NBA\u2019s business relationship with a government with a demonstrated record of human rights abuses and repressive behavior is not limited to Rwanda. The league\u2019s activities in China, engagement with Chinese Communist Party officials, and policies on products made with forced labor remain troubling\u2026 Playing ball with dictators and brutal regimes should not be the NBA\u2019s business model. Instead, the league should use its influence to advocate for governance reforms, including respect for the rule of law.\u201d\n\nRELATED\n\nNBA Confirms it is Continuing to Cozy up with Communist China\n\nClick here to view the full letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/veterans/blackburn-rubio-colleagues-introduce-ensuring-continuity-in-veterans-health-act", "Blackburn, Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Ensuring Continuity in Veterans\u2019 Health Act", "2024-08-26", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and their colleagues introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans\u2019 Health Act to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to consider continuity of healthcare when deciding whether seeing a provider in the community is in a veteran\u2019s best medical interest.\n\nAs the VA opens up new facilities, many veterans are losing access to the VA\u2019s Community Care Program and, consequently, their long-term healthcare providers. Veterans throughout the country have reported a loss of care.\n\n\u201cAs the Biden administration continues to threaten veterans\u2019 access to the Community Care Program, veterans across Tennessee consistently tell me how much they value this program because it provides them with options to receive medical care closer to home. This legislation will broaden access to community care by ensuring that our veterans receive the quality care they deserve without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\n\u201cOur veterans have sacrificed so much for this country and often have PTSD or other mental health issues as a result. Addressing mental health issues takes trust and time. The Ensuring Continuity in Veterans\u2019 Health Act will ensure our veterans can continue receiving care from their long-term providers that they have established a trusted relationship with,\u201d said Senator Rubio.\n\nU.S. Representative Scott Franklin (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nCommunity Care allows veterans to go to regular doctors in their community when the VA cannot provide the care needed. Community Care is based on specific eligibility requirements, the availability of VA care, and the needs and circumstances of individual veterans.\n\nCO-SPONSORS:\n\nSenators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) co-sponsored this legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/technology/blackburn-cruz-persuade-noaa-to-pause-restrictions-on-undersea-cables", "Blackburn, Cruz Persuade NOAA to Pause Restrictions on Undersea Cables", "2024-08-23", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Commerce Committee Ranking Member, issued the following statements after National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that they would pause burdensome permitting restrictions on commercial submarine cables in national marine sanctuaries, a change Senators Blackburn and Cruz urged them to make in a letter sent earlier this year.\n\n\u201cUndersea cables are vital components of our telecommunications and data infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cNOAA\u2019s decision to pause its efforts to make it more difficult to operate and maintain these important undersea cables is a major victory in the fight to encourage technological innovation and prioritize American interests.\u201d\n\n\u201cImpeding the laying, maintaining, and repairing of undersea cables undermines both the commercial and national security operations relying on this critical communications infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Cruz. \u201cI am glad that NOAA now recognizes that America\u2019s undersea cable network does not harm national marine sanctuaries, and redundant environmental regulations are unnecessary for protecting marine ecosystems. I am proud to have joined Senator Blackburn in this effort to prioritize American interests and technological innovation.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nNOAA is reviewing the nomination of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary as part of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which currently encompasses more than 620,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters. Several undersea cables exist within this new proposed national marine sanctuary, all of which are environmentally benign and cause minimal impact to its area.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/technology/icymi-top-conservative-women-s-group-urges-support-for-kids-online-safety-act", "ICYMI: Top Conservative Women\u2019s Group Urges Support for Kids Online Safety Act", "2024-08-23", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) celebrated the Senate passage of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act earlier this month. The bill is headed to the House with growing support from conservative groups, including Concerned Women for America.\n\nCongress Aims to Keep Children Safe Online\n\nMaggie McKneely\n\nConcerned Women for America\n\nCongress took an important first step in making the internet safer for kids by passing the Kids Online Safety Act.\n\nThe bill was first introduced in 2022 by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) in response to several Congressional hearings regarding the exploitation of children online. Since then, the bipartisan outcry against this particular epidemic has only grown louder. Earlier this year, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, along with representatives from X, TikTok, and Discord, once again appeared in front of the Senate Judiciary hearing to defend their companies\u2019 practices regarding child safety on their platforms. The questioning from Senators became so intense that Zuckerberg was forced to apologize for the harm done to children on Meta\u2019s platforms.\n\nDespite the overwhelming agreement that the online community must be made safer for kids, Congress has yet to pass any meaningful legislation on the issue. The 1998 Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act was the last bill signed into law related to the issue \u2013 an outdated law that predates the age of social media. A major reason that nothing has been done since then is that legislators have been unsure how to make social media more child-friendly without infringing on First Amendment protections. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) was able to garner broad appeal because rather than policing the content on social media or intrusively meddling in the affairs of private companies, the bill\u2019s goal is merely to ensure that these platforms are more child friendly.\n\nKOSA\u2019s primary objective is to direct how the big tech companies deliver content to minors. One of the bill\u2019s provisions would establish a \u201cduty of care,\u201d which would mandate all covered companies \u201cexercise reasonable care\u201d in the creation and implementation of any design or feature to prevent various harms, including the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. That means limiting the ability of unknown adults to communicate with minors on the app.\n\nKOSA would also prevent companies from adopting any algorithmic designs or other modes that entice kids to spend too much time on the apps, such as limitless scrolling and video auto plays. As Sen. Blumenthal noted, \u201cRecord levels of hopelessness and despair\u2014a national teen mental health crisis\u2014have been fueled by black box algorithms featuring eating disorders, bullying, suicidal thoughts, and more. Kids and parents want to take back control over their online lives.\u201d The less time kids spend on these apps, the better off they\u2019ll be.\n\nFurther, KOSA would require companies to put many features in place, enabled by default, to safeguard minors, including restricted public access to personal data. Under the bill, companies would be required to implement tools that give parents the ability to manage their child\u2019s social media account, allowing them to adjust privacy settings, restrict purchases, and easily report harmful content. While many companies currently have reporting tools, they lack transparency about where those reports go and how they\u2019re handled, or if they\u2019re investigated at all. KOSA would ensure these tools are actually effective.\n\nWhile the bill has broad support from both sides of the aisle, the loudest objections have come from the big tech companies themselves and the LGBTQ community. While several companies, including Facebook, have voiced support for strengthening protections, they state that they have disagreements with how KOSA goes about doing so. While those arguments might be valid, these companies have thus far proven unwilling to address the problem themselves, so Congress must intervene. As for the latter, they argue that KOSA may restrict a child\u2019s ability to access online content about their \u201cidentity\u201d \u2013 a compelling reason for those opposed to the gender ideology agenda to support the bill.\n\nThe bill passed out of the Senate by an overwhelming 91-3 vote. It is still unclear whether or not the House will take it up, but the wide vote margin gives the bill momentum. Though there\u2019s far more work to be done when it comes to protecting vulnerable children from online exploitation, KOSA is an important first step that will hopefully pave the way for more in the future.\n\nRELATED:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/jobs-and-economy/senate-commerce-committee-passes-blackburn-hickenlooper-music-tourism-bill", "Senate Commerce Committee Passes Blackburn, Hickenlooper Music Tourism Bill", "2024-08-21", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passed the bipartisan American Music Tourism Act introduced by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors.\n\n\u201cTennesseans know a thing or two about the positive impact that music tourism has on the economy and culture,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Volunteer State is proud to be home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to enjoy \u2013 from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol. This bipartisan legislation promotes music tourism\u2019s fast-growing industry and ensures fans from all over the world can celebrate the rich history of music for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cColoradans are back to filling big event spaces and enjoying good music. But it\u2019s up to us to support our local venues,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cOur bipartisan American Music Tourism Act is one step closer to doing so.\u201d\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\nThis legislation is supported by the Recording Academy, the Nashville Songwriter\u2019s Association International, the Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, the National Independent Venue Association, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Memphis Tourism, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, the Overton Park Shell, Airbnb, and Eventbrite.\n\n\u201cThe Recording Academy is pleased to support the American Music Tourism Act and applauds Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for their continued dedication to lifting up the music community. Music has long played an important role in our economy and culture. This bill will amplify the music community\u2019s contributions to economic growth and increase understanding of music\u2019s impact on the U.S. and the world,\u201d said Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy and Public Policy Officer of the Recording Academy.\n\n\u201cThe Nashville Songwriters Association International is glad to lend our support to the American Music Tourism Act. As owners of an iconic music venue, The Bluebird Caf\u00e9, we acutely understand the impact of music on tourism dollars. With the music tourism market expected to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032, and since the United States is one of the main beneficiaries of music tourism, it is essential that the Commerce Department\u2019s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism identify and promote musical sites of significance,\u201d said Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriter\u2019s Association International.\n\n\u201cFrom the historic Grand Ole Opry to the legendary Telluride Bluegrass Festival, America\u2019s music story comes alive at iconic venues and landmarks all across the country. We applaud Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for introducing the American Music Tourism Act, which will encourage even more music fans to experience the rich legacy of American music firsthand,\u201d said Mitch Glazier, Chairman & CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America.\n\n\u201cIn Nashville, Memphis, and countless other communities across the country, a vibrant live music scene is an economic magnet that draws fans from around the globe. The American Music Tourism Act is an important piece of legislation that will help ensure live music remains a pillar of American culture and tourism, and we\u2019d like to thank the Senator for her leadership on this issue,\u201d said Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy for Live Nation Entertainment.\n\n\u201cFrom rural communities to city centers, independent stages attract investment and visitors for the artists and professionals that put on shows and the restaurants, retail, and attractions around them. The American Music Tourism Act finally recognizes music tourism as a catalyst for economic development and ensures its growth is a national priority. We applaud Senators Marsha Blackburn and John Hickenlooper for aligning the nation\u2019s tourism strategy with the venues and festivals across our country that the world travels to experience,\u201d said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association.\n\n\u201cAs the proud home to world-renowned attractions like Graceland, Grand Ole Opry, Dollywood, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Tennessee's tourism industry thrives on our rich musical heritage. The American Music Tourism Act reflects our agency\u2019s dedication to preserving this legacy and bolstering our state\u2019s global music appeal. By championing our diverse creative talent and attractions, we believe this legislation can bolster economic growth and draw visitors seeking authentic American music experiences,\u201d said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.\n\n\u201cFor decades, Tennessee has maintained its reputation as a mecca for music tourism attracting both domestic and global audiences alike. Our State\u2019s uniquely positioned musical legacy has become a valuable tool in shaping cultural pride, economic growth, and community development across all grand divisions. The American Music Tourism Act promotes and supports our distinctive destinations and music heritage, preserving what makes Tennessee a truly exceptional place to visit,\u201d said Bob Raines, Executive Director of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission.\n\n\u201cMusic is Memphis\u2019 primary travel motivator, as it brings in both domestic and international visitors year-round. Visitors from around the world choose Memphis as a vacation destination for our live music, musical attractions, as well as to see and learn about our talented musicians of the past, present and future. Tourism is currently a 6-billion-dollar industry for Memphis and Shelby County. The American Music Tourism Act will allow for the preservation of all areas of our music industry and will be essential to the sustainability and future of tourism,\u201d said Kevin Kane, President and CEO of Memphis Tourism.\n\n\u201cMusic tourism is of vital importance to Tennessee, but specifically to Pigeon Forge. Last year, more than eight million people visited our destination, many of whom came in search of musical entertainment. In addition to a highly successfully musical theater community, we are especially proud that Dolly Parton, one of the world\u2019s most celebrated musicians and prolific songwriters, and her Dollywood theme park give so many visitors reasons to visit time and time again. The Commerce Department\u2019s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism has a vital role in promoting and increasing tourism for both domestic and international visitors. On behalf of Pigeon Forge and other Tennessee destinations that rely on music-seeking visitors, I encourage the Assistant Secretary to expand these efforts through the American Music Tourism Act,\u201d said Leon Downey, Executive Director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.\n\n\u201cThe historic Overton Park Shell of Memphis, Tennessee is thrilled to lend our support to the American Music Tourism Act. As stewards of our iconic venue which was home to Elvis Presley's first live performance in 1954, The Overton Park Shell acutely understands the impact of music on tourism dollars. Amplifying the work of cultural assets will have a ripple effect to the economic impact that these entities bring to our Country and the legacy of American music known worldwide,\u201d said Natalie Wilson, Executive Director of the Overton Park Shell.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen firsthand how concerts have become a growing tourist attraction, driving travel demand to regions around the world. That\u2019s why we are proud to support the American Music Tourism Act, which helps promote domestic tourism in the US and amplifies the positive economic impact of Airbnb guests seeking music experiences across the country,\u201d said Mike Signer, North America Policy Director Airbnb.\n\n\u201cEventbrite applauds Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for their American Music Tourism Act, bipartisan legislation consistent with Eventbrite\u2019s commitment to live music and mission to bring the world together through shared experiences,\u201d said Julia Hartz, Co-Founder, CEO, and Executive Chair Eventbrite.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nMusic tourism \u2013 both the act of visiting sites important to the history of American music culture and the act of traveling for current concerts and music festivals \u2013 is a vital industry for American culture and an economic driver for our communities.\n\nMusic tourism has emerged as a top travel trend, with the market forecasted to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032.\n\nThe United States, which boasts one of world\u2019s largest music industries that generates over $43 billion in revenue each year, is one of the main beneficiaries of this international interest in music tourism.\n\nThe Commerce Department\u2019s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism is uniquely positioned to identify and promote sites of musical significance.\n\nAMERICAN TOURISM ACT:\n\nSpecifically, the American Music Tourism Act would:\n\nLeverage this existing framework within the Department of Commerce to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States.\n\nRequire the Assistant Secretary to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors; and\n\nRequire a report to Congress on the successes and vulnerabilities of the Assistant Secretary\u2019s goals to increase travel and tourism.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/immigration/blackburn-introduces-resolution-condemning-harris-failure-as-border-czar", "Blackburn Introduces Resolution Condemning Harris\u2019 Failure as Border Czar", "2024-08-20", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris\u2019 failure to secure the border in her role as Border Czar. On March 24, 2021, President Biden designated Vice President Harris as \u201cBorder Czar\u201d to address the \u2018\u2018root causes\u2019\u2019 of illegal immigration into the United States.\n\nUnder the Biden-Harris administration, there have been 10 million illegal border crossings, the most ever recorded in U.S. history. Vice President Harris has taken no decisive steps to close our southern border and has put millions of American lives in danger.\n\n\u201cSince her very first day in office, Vice President Harris \u2013 President Biden\u2019s designated Border Czar \u2013 has refused to take the national security and safety crisis at our southern border seriously. The Biden-Harris administration has presided over more than 10 million illegal border crossings and has released nearly 100 individuals on the terrorist watchlist into our country. Vice President Harris can run, but she cannot hide from her disastrous record that has killed countless innocent Americans,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\nThe Border Czar Has Never Taken Border Security Seriously\n\n\u201cVice President Kamala Harris did not even visit the southern border until June 25, 2021, 93 days after being named \u2018border czar\u2026\u2019 When Vice President Kamala Harris traveled near the southern border for the first time on June 25, 2021, she decided to travel to El Paso, Texas, which is located 800 miles from the Lower Rio Grande Valley.\u201d\n\nUnder Harris\u2019 Watch, Illegal Immigrant Encounters Have Exploded at the Southern Border\n\n\u201cSince Joe Biden and Kamala Harris became President and Vice President, respectively there have been\u2014 (1) more than 9,700,000 illegal immigrant encounters nationwide; (2) more than 7,900,000 illegal immigrant encounters at the United States southern border; and (3) an estimated 2,000,000 known gotaways who evaded the United States Border Patrol, which is more known gotaways than evaded the Border Patrol during the entire previous decade.\u201d\n\nPresident Trump Prioritized Securing the Border While Harris Opened it up to Millions\n\n\u201cIn May 2024, there were 170,723 illegal immigrant encounters at the United States southern border, which represents a 185 percent increase from the average May encounter total during the administration of President Trump\u2026May 2024 was the 39th straight month where monthly illegal immigrant encounters have been higher than the highest month under President Trump.\u201d\n\nThe Border Czar\u2019s Refusal to Close the Southern Border Has Cost American Lives and Puts Millions More at Risk of Terrorist Attacks\n\n\u201cIllegal immigrants with violent criminal histories who have murdered innocent Americans, including Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungary, Rachel Morin, and others throughout the United States, pose an existential threat to the safety and security of the American people\u2026In June 2024, NBC News reported that more than 50 illegal immigrants with ties to ISIS were on the loose in the United States after having been released by officials of the Biden administration\u2026During the Biden administration, more than 350 illegal immigrants with ties to ISIS and whose names appear on the terrorist watch list were stopped while trying to cross the southern border.\u201d\n\nIn the House, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) introduced a companion resolution condemning Kamala Harris\u2019 failure as Border Czar.\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\n\u201cFrom day one, Vice President Kamala Harris has been unrelenting in her goal to open our nation\u2019s borders and grant mass amnesty. She believes in decriminalizing illegal immigration; wants to abolish ICE; and supports free education and health care for all illegal aliens. Harris' failure to lead resulted in an open southern border where criminals, terrorists, and fentanyl are illegally entering our country and harming innocent Americans. Since the start of fiscal year 2021, over 370 individuals on the terrorist watchlist have been caught trying to illegally enter our country through the southern border. Harris' open border is a threat to our national security and has killed countless Americans. Should Harris be allowed to continue her efforts to erase our nation\u2019s border, she will turn America into a sanctuary country.\u201d\u2013 Mark Morgan, former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection\n\n\u201cSince being named Border Czar, Harris has refused to secure the border at every turn. Instead, she has allowed drug cartels, violent criminals, and terrorists to exploit the open border and murder Americans. We know how to secure the border and have done so in the past. If the Biden-Harris administration kept the Trump-era border policies in place, we would not have had over 10 million illegal immigrants enter our country since 2021. Harris' policy agenda is an open border, and that will sadly result in countless more Americans being murdered.\" \u2013 Brandon Judd, former President of the National Border Patrol Council and 25-year Border Patrol veteran\n\n\u201cUnder Harris's open border and failure as a Border Czar historic number of Americans have died from the fentanyl that the criminal cartels push through the open border along with an historic number of people arrested that were on the terror watch list. Add to that more than two million got aways, she has created the biggest national security vulnerability this nation has ever seen, and FBI Director agrees on that vulnerability. Two groups that want Harris as the next President include the criminal cartels of Mexico and numerous terrorist organizations that want to continue to exploit our open borders. That is a fact.\u201d\u2013 Thomas Homan, former Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\n\n\u201cKamala Harris claims to be tough on border security while touting immigration reform that will only incentivize further illegal border crossings. Despite what Kamala Harris believes, illegally crossing the border is a federal crime. Harris' refusal to secure our border is endangering countless Americans and has resulted in innocent victims such as Laken Riley to tragically lose their lives.\u201d \u2013 Matthew Whitaker, former United States Attorney General\n\n\u201cOur nation is in a very vulnerable and dangerous situation right now. For the last three and a half years we in essence, the United States, have had an open border. And it is basically an open invitation for any to come across the border. All are welcome and that\u2019s a problem. Foreign terrorist organization groups are capitalizing on this open border and nefarious actors are taking advantage of this for every single moment they can because there is no one stopping them.\u201d\u2013 Nicole Parker, former FBI Special Agent\n\n\u201cThe catch-and-release policies put in place by the Biden-Harris administration are making our communities less safe. When compounded with the soft-on-crime policies endorsed by this administration, law enforcement officers in Tennessee and across the nation have to work twice as hard to keep people safe. Tennesseans have been victimized at the hands of violent criminals who have illegally entered into our country while border czar Kamala Harris has done nothing. This cannot continue.\u201d \u2013 Sheriff John Fuson, Montgomery County\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s Sheriffs from Western States Sheriffs Association and Southwest Border/Texas Sheriffs Coalition have a vote of NO Confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris for her failure to address and prioritize our southern border. Vice President Harris has abandoned and neglected her Nation\u2019s Oath of Office to protect America to include acknowledging, engaging, and partnering with America\u2019s Sheriffs to protect our communities and families within. In a recent letter reference the border addressed to the White House, our National Sheriffs Association President stated, \u2018Too Little Too Late\u2019 to which, I agree. Our country needs No more excuses, but leadership driven by the Rule of Law and those who believe in protecting our nation\u2019s legacy.\u201d\u2013 Sheriff Mark Dannels, Cochise County, Ariz.\n\n\u201cAfter witnessing this disaster over the past year and listening to the continued rhetoric and intellectual dishonesty from Vice President Harris, The Southwestern Border Sheriff\u2019s Coalition, and its membership must emphatically state our position of having NO confidence in the ability of Vice President Kamala Harris, and her leadership within the office of Vice President, to affect any positive outcome on this matter.\u201d \u2013 Sheriff Leon Wilmot, Yuma County, Ariz.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/news/video-senator-blackburn-completes-sixth-annual-95-county-tour", "VIDEO: Senator Blackburn Completes Sixth Annual 95 County Tour", "2024-08-20", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) completed her sixth annual tour of all 95 counties in Tennessee. During her tour, Senator Blackburn met with elected officials, law enforcement officers, small business owners, educators, farmers, manufacturers, and community leaders to discuss the Volunteer State\u2019s most pressing issues and continued development.\n\n\u201cFor the sixth year in a row, I have officially visited all of Tennessee\u2019s 95 counties. It was exciting to hear about the ways the Volunteer State continues to grow and attract families from all over the nation from local leaders and manufacturers. Across the state, Tennesseans shared their concerns about high prices and the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s wide-open border. It is clear Tennesseans want a secure border, lower prices, and safer communities. It is an honor to represent Tennessee as the state reaches new heights in growth and development.\u201d\n\nSERVING TENNESSEANS:\n\nIn addition to the 95-County Tour, on average each year Senator Blackburn\u2019s office:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/crime/blackburn-cornyn-colleagues-bill-to-ensure-crime-victims-representatives-receive-restitution-signed-into-law", "Blackburn, Cornyn, Colleagues\u2019 Bill to Ensure Crime Victims\u2019 Representatives Receive Restitution Signed into Law", "2024-08-13", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released the following statements after their Victims\u2019 Voices Outside and Inside the Courtroom Effectiveness (Victims\u2019 VOICES) Act was signed into law. This critical bill ensures family members, legal guardians, and those appointed by the court who act on behalf of a victim during certain criminal court case proceedings receive restitution from convicted defendants for costs like transportation, lost income, and childcare that they incur.\n\n\u201cUnder federal law, those convicted of certain crimes are required to pay restitution to their victims \u2013 helping cover necessary expenses such as medical care,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cHowever, that is not the case for a person assuming the rights of a victim who is a minor, deceased or unable to act for themselves. This is important legislation that ensures all victims receive the justice they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamily members of violent crime victims, including children and those who have died, should be reimbursed for the financial burden they take on to achieve justice for their loved ones,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation will make victims\u2019 representatives whole by ensuring they receive restitution from convicted criminals, and I\u2019m glad to see it become law.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Mandatory Victims Restitution Act, which was signed into law in 1996, requires defendants convicted of certain crimes, including violent crimes, to pay restitution to their victims. The restitution can cover a number of costs, including transportation, lost income, and childcare costs incurred while participating in the investigation or prosecution of the offense as well as medical and nonmedical care and treatment and associated costs. In the case of a victim who is a minor, deceased, incapacitated, or otherwise not capable of acting on his or her own behalf, a family member, legal guardian, or a person appointed by the court may \u201cassume\u201d the victim\u2019s rights.\n\nIn many jurisdictions, individuals acting on a victim\u2019s behalf have been precluded from receiving restitution for their own lost income, transportation, childcare, and other costs. This imposes a significant hardship on the victim\u2019s representative and a barrier to vindicating the victim\u2019s rights. The Victims\u2019 VOICES Act would amend existing law to clarify that a person who acts on behalf of a victim is eligible to receive restitution for the expenses associated with participating in the investigation or prosecution of the offense, attending related court proceedings, or transporting a victim to receive medical, therapy, rehabilitation, or other services.\n\nCO-SPONSORS:\n\nSenators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) also co-sponsored this legislation.\n\nRepresentatives Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) and Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nENDORSEMENTS:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/news/blackburn-gop-colleagues-to-ag-garland-release-the-tapes-of-biden-interview-with-special-counsel-hur", "Blackburn, GOP Colleagues to AG Garland: Release the Tapes of Biden Interview with Special Counsel Hur", "2024-08-12", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham and all Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans to call on U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to release the audio recording of President Joe Biden\u2019s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur.\n\nSpecial Counsel Hur\u2019s report concluded that criminal charges against President Biden for mishandling highly classified information for decades and \u201cwillfully retain[ing]and disclos[ing] classified information after his vice presidency\u201d were not warranted, in part, because a jury would perceive him as an \u201celderly man with a poor memory.\u201d\n\nThe Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans wrote,\u201cWe, like our colleagues on the House Judiciary and House Oversight and Accountability Committees, believe the tapes are necessary to assist with the Committee\u2019s constitutional oversight of the Department of Justice. Further, we urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to comply with the valid subpoena by the House Judiciary and House Oversight and Accountability Committees as the law requires. It is unacceptable that you, the chief law enforcement officer of the United States, are continuing to defy a lawful command of Congress and that you have been held in contempt of Congress.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cThe American people deserve to be fully informed as to their President\u2019s faculties, and there is every reason to believe that the President and his Administration have not been forthcoming on this issue. The threats to the United States are at an all-time high, red lights are blinking everywhere, and America cannot afford weak leadership\u2026 We strongly support our House colleagues in their pursuit of the recording and urge you to comply with the House subpoena. Further, we request that you immediately provide a copy of the recording to the Senate Judiciary Committee.\u201d\n\nCO-SIGNERS:\n\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/national-security/blackburn-op-ed-why-is-iran-at-the-olympics", "Blackburn Op-Ed: Why Is Iran At The Olympics?", "2024-08-09", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) wrote the following op-ed in OutKick questioning why Iran \u2013 a country plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump \u2013 is allowed to compete in the Olympic Games, which celebrate international unity, cooperation, and peace.\n\nWhy Is Iran At The Olympics?\n\nSenator Marsha Blackburn\n\nOutKick\n\nShould a country enjoy the honor of participating in the Olympic Games \u2014 long defined by its aspirations of fostering international unity, cooperation, and peace \u2014 while plotting the assassination of a former U.S. president?\n\nAs more than three dozen athletes carried the banner of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made its answer clear: Absolutely.\n\nWhile Iran\u2019s athletes have been practicing to compete in everything from archery and canoeing to weightlifting and wrestling, the authoritarian regime has been busy with a much more vile effort: conspiring to murder former President Donald Trump, a revelation from U.S. authorities that came just days after the failed assassination attempt on the president in Butler, Pennsylvania.\n\nWhile deeply troubling, the Iranian plot, which the regime so far denies, should come as no surprise. For years, the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terrorism has plotted assassinations against senior Trump administration officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton, resulting in federal charges against a member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.\n\nIOC allows Iran to participate in Olympics", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/technology/blackburn-releases-parents-back-to-school-guide", "Blackburn Releases Parents\u2019 Back to School Guide", "2024-08-09", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a Parents\u2019 Guide to Kids Online Safety as children go back to school in Tennessee to equip parents with the information they need to keep their children safe while online.\n\n\u201cBig Tech is using all of their resources to keep children scrolling because addiction is their business model,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cAs parents we must be proactive to protect our children from the harms of social media. Children are heading back to school and my Parents\u2019 Guide to Kids Online Safety outlines helpful safety tips to refresh families on ways to protect children from predators and harmful content on social media.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/veterans/blackburn-moran-boozman-introduce-legislation-to-restrict-bonuses-to-senior-executives-at-va", "Blackburn, Moran, Boozman Introduce Legislation to Restrict Bonuses to Senior Executives at VA", "2024-08-09", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) \u2013 members of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee \u2013 introduced the Stop Government Rewards Enriching Executives in the District (Stop GREED) Act to prohibit PACT Act recruitment and retention incentive payments from going to Senior Executive Service (SES) employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) in Washington, D.C.\n\n\u201cThe VA must be held accountable for its egregious mishandling of the critical skill incentives that were included in the PACT Act,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cWe must restore integrity and trust within the VA, and the Stop GREED Act would help ensure such a failure does not happen again.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe critical skills incentive payments that were included in the PACT Act were meant to improve recruitment and retention for difficult-to-fill positions across VA, not to increase the salaries of senior executives in Washington, D.C.,\u201d said Senator Moran. \u201cThe bonuses to executives were a gross misuse of funds, especially in light of the VA\u2019s budget shortfall failure, and we must make certain it does not happen again.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe PACT Act was intended to expand benefits to the men and women who wore our nation\u2019s uniform now living with toxic exposure-related illnesses as a result of their service,\u201d said Senator Boozman. \u201cThis legislation will ensure funds will be used to support the needs of veterans, not VA executives.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Stop GREED Act follows the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report that found the VA\u2019s Under Secretaries of Health and Benefits improperly approved $10.8 million in PACT Act recruitment and retention incentive payments to VACO\u2019s senior executives rather than rank-and-file employees across the country.\n\nThe Stop GREED Act also follows the VA\u2019s recent announcement of a budgetary shortfall of $3 billion in FY2024 and nearly $12 billion in FY2025 that may cause a delay in veterans benefits without action from Congress by September 20. VACO senior executives involved with this budget mismanagement were approved for recruitment and retention incentive bonuses worth tens of thousands of dollars. The VA has been recovering the improper recruitment and retention incentive payments since the scandal became public but without legislative action, the VA would be able to use these bonus payments to reward VACO executives again in the future.\n\nThe recruitment and retention incentive authority from the PACT Act was intended to strengthen the delivery of health care and benefits to veterans by providing incentives to retain highly-skilled, rank-and-file employees across the country, including human resources staff, police officers and housekeepers in the VA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/issues/technology/commerce-committee-passes-blackburn-cantwell-young-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-u-s-leads-global-ai-innovation", "Commerce Committee Passes Blackburn, Cantwell, Young Bipartisan Bill to Ensure U.S. Leads Global AI Innovation", "2024-08-08", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passed the bipartisan Future of AI Innovation Act, which was introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to maintain America\u2019s leadership in the global race to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.\n\nThe bill promotes strong partnerships between government, business, civil society and academia to advance AI research. It also authorizes the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and creates testbeds with national labs to accelerate groundbreaking AI innovation to spur future economic growth and protect national security.\n\n\u201cThe Future of AI Innovation Act encourages coordination between the U.S. government and industry to capitalize on the promise of AI to revolutionize our lives,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe bill mobilizes the expertise of our National Laboratories, like Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to create testbeds for synthesizing new materials for AI systems. It would also require the identification of regulatory barriers to AI innovation and strengthens our national posture in standard setting bodies \u2013 making sure the government helps, rather than hinders, technological advancement. These policies will help us use AI to find solutions for important issues facing Americans today, including detecting fentanyl and illicit contraband and improving border security.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Cantwell-Young Future of AI Innovation Act builds on recommendations of the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee to encourage strong public-private collaboration, drive innovation and support U.S. competitiveness,\u201d said Senator Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. \u201cIt codifies the AI Safety Institute at NIST that is already developing voluntary guidelines and tests for advanced AI models and systems, and will gather leading private sector and government experts to promote voluntary standards. Our bill will also create joint testbeds with our national laboratories to assess the most complex AI models, create new materials for advanced manufacturing and make new scientific discoveries for the benefit of the U.S. economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Future of AI Innovation Act is critical to maintaining American leadership in the global race to advance AI. This bipartisan bill will create important partnerships between government, the private sector, and academia to establish voluntary standards and best practices that will ensure a fertile environment for AI innovation while accounting for potential risks. One of my top priorities for federal AI policy is to ensure these technologies are developed in a manner that reflects our democratic values and supports innovation continuing to flourish in the United States, and today\u2019s vote represents an important step forward in that effort,\u201d said Senator Young.\n\nTHE FUTURE OF AI INNOVATION ACT:\n\nAuthorizes the NIST AI Safety Institute to Develop AI Standards: Formally establishes the AI Safety Institute at NIST to develop measurement science, voluntary guidelines, and rigorous testing for advanced AI models and systems to ensure AI reliability.\n\nCreates New AI Testbeds with National Laboratories to Evaluate AI Models and Make Discoveries that Benefit the U.S. Economy: Creates testbed programs between NIST, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the private sector to do in-depth evaluation of the most complex AI models and create new materials for advanced manufacturing.\n\nCreates Grand Challenge Prize Competitions to Spur Private Sector AI Solutions and Innovation: Grand challenges elevate and expedite high-priority projects and engage researchers across the country for the benefit of the nation\u2019s competitiveness. Grand challenges are aimed at overcoming barriers to the further development of AI and computing, microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, and other economic priorities like breakthroughs in maritime vessel propulsion systems and border security, including fentanyl and illegal drug detection.\n\nAccelerates AI Innovation with Publicly Available Datasets: Directs federal science agencies to make curated datasets available for public use to accelerate new advancements in AI applications, including solutions to global challenges in agriculture, medicine, transportation, manufacturing, and more. Unlocking datasets will help make discoveries in AI and benefit small and medium businesses that often don't have access to as much data.\n\nCreates International Alliances on AI Innovation and Standards: Directs the Department of Commerce, NSF, and Department of State to seek an alliance with the most technologically advanced, like-minded democracies to cooperate on AI innovation and standards.\n\nENDORSEMENTS:\n\nOn Monday, more than 45 leading tech organizations, companies, and AI safety policy advocates from across the AI community urged passage of the legislation to codify the U.S. AI Safety Institute at NIST. View more supporters of the bill here.\n\nCO-SPONSORS:\n\nJohn Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) also co-sponsored the legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 158, "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": "TN", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 158, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 158, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TN&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "TN", "label": "TN", "count": 158, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 158, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-08-08,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eblackburn~2Esenate~2Egov~2F2024~2F8~2Fissues~2Ftechnology~2Fcommerce-committee-passes-blackburn-cantwell-young-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-u-s-leads-global-ai-innovation", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2024&_next=2024-08-08%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eblackburn~2Esenate~2Egov~2F2024~2F8~2Fissues~2Ftechnology~2Fcommerce-committee-passes-blackburn-cantwell-young-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-u-s-leads-global-ai-innovation&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 266.9143038801849, "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"}