{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"CO\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/29/bennet-statement-on-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter/", "Bennet Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the below statement following the death of President Jimmy Carter:\n\n\u201cPresident Jimmy Carter campaigned on telling the truth to the American people, and he kept his promise. He was a devoted family man, principled statesman, and champion for rural communities. His post-presidency set a global standard for dignity and selflessness. Susan and I join Colorado in mourning his loss and recommitting ourselves to the common good he espoused.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-bucshon-outline-next-steps-cures-21", "DeGette, Bucshon Outline Next Steps for Cures 2.1", "2024-12-24", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", "degette", "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released next steps for Cures 2.1 and the 21st Century Cures initiative. This follows a request for information in June which yielded over 300 responses and recommendations to further innovation and access to quality health care.\n\n\u201cBuilding on the success of previous Cures legislation is vital to further the innovation that is necessary in health care. The information we received is helping to lay the groundwork for further bipartisan achievement in health care discovery, development, and delivery, and as we head into the 119th Congress, there is a clear path for us to power innovation,\u201d said Rep. DeGette. \u201cI am grateful to Dr. Bucshon who has been a tremendous partner in this process, and I look forward to continuing our work to ensure that patients, caregivers, health care providers, and the biomedical research community receive the support they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday represents another milestone in advancing a more dynamic, patient-centered health care system that incentivizes the development and discovery of new treatments,\u201d said Dr. Bucshon. \u201cPrevious iterations of Cures legislation brought transformative changes to how we develop and deliver life-changing treatments to patients who so badly need them. The responses we have received over the past few months will undoubtedly continue to help shape a health care landscape that is innovative, responsive, and patient-focused. I am proud to have partnered with Rep. DeGette on this critical initiative as we continue to revolutionize America\u2019s biomedical research for generations to come.\u201d\n\nIn June, DeGette and Bucshon put out a request for information which received over 300 comments on next steps for the 21st Century Cures Initiative. Major themes included improving clinical trials, improving the use of health information technology (IT), expanding the use of real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE), improving Medicare coverage policies, ensuring proper Medicare payment for novel technologies, and addressing artificial intelligence in the health care space.\n\nA potential \u201cCures 2.1\u201d update would aim to:\n\nCreate an environment that enables the rapid and appropriate deployment of innovative technologies to improve health outcomes;\n\nBuild a health care infrastructure that enables information sharing, continuous evidence gathering, and implementation of new knowledge; and\n\nFoster innovations that improve public health, promote patient-centric care, reduce the burden of chronic disease, and conserve valuable resources.\n\nRelevant documents can be found here:\n\nFull white paper\n\nSummary\n\nAppendix A\n\nAppendix B\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-applauds-seven-year-extension-upper-colorado-and-san", "Assistant Leader Neguse Applauds Seven-Year Extension of Upper Colorado and San Juan River Endangered Fish Recovery Programs", "2024-12-24", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed his bill to extend authorization for the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs into law:\n\n\u201cWe have been focused in our efforts to secure a seven-year extension for the highly successful Upper Colorado and San Juan River Endangered Fish Recovery Programs. And I am incredibly grateful to the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who helped us achieve this goal, including my friend, colleague, and fellow Coloradan, Senator John Hickenlooper.\n\n\u201cIn 2021, thanks to these recovery programs, the humpback chub was downlisted from \u2018endangered\u2019 to \u2018threatened.\u2019 This achievement is a true testament to what\u2019s possible when we advance models of collaboration\u2014protecting and recovering endangered species while allowing water projects to continue.\n\n\u201cAs we celebrate this bill being signed into law, I am excited for the successes still to come.\u201d\n\nMore information about the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/24/bennet-sends-nine-bills-to-the-presidents-desk/", "Bennet Sends Nine Bills to the President\u2019s Desk", "2024-12-24", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Bennet-Led Legislation to Protect Kids in Foster Care, Build Affordable Housing, Invest in Rural Communities Included in End-of-Year Packages\n\nDenver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet passed nine pieces of legislation through the House and Senate over the past month and sent them to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nThis legislation includes provisions from:\n\nForest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act\n\nStop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act\n\nGood Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act\n\nSummit of the Americas Act\n\nProtecting America\u2019s Children by Strengthening Families Act\n\nRural Outdoor Investment Act\n\nColorado River Salinity Control Fix Act\n\nCoordinating AUKUS Engagement with Japan Act of 2024\n\nWomen\u2019s Suffrage National Monument Location Act\n\nIn case you missed it, here\u2019s what they\u2019re saying:\n\nColorado Newsline: Colorado Democrats, outdoor recreation groups cheer Senate passage of public lands bill\n\n\u201cWhile chaos in the U.S. House of Representatives threatened to trigger a government shutdown just before the holidays, Colorado Democrats and outdoor recreation advocates cheered the passage of a wide-ranging public lands bill in the Senate on Thursday.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences or EXPLORE Act was unanimously approved by the Senate after being passed by the House earlier this year. It now heads to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThe EXPLORE Act includes a variety of measures aimed at protecting certain recreational uses of federally owned public lands, simplifying permitting procedures for federal land management and ensuring equal access for people with disabilities, military veterans and young people.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cThe Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, also sponsored by Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, aims to strengthen coordination between federal and state agencies responding to the spread of invasive species, including by giving the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation the authority to fund response programs, improving data sharing and ensuring that \u201cat-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding.\u201d\n\nColorado Public Radio: Colorado has tens of thousands of abandoned hardrock mines. Congress just passed a bill to help more groups clean them up\n\n\u201cCongress has passed a bill that could make it easier for non-profits or states and local governments to clean up abandoned mines.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. House on Tuesday approved the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, via voice vote. The bill passed the Senate in July and now goes to President Joe Biden\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cThe bill sets up a pilot program under the Environmental Protection Agency to allow \u201cgood Samaritans\u201d to clean up and improve water quality around abandoned hard rock mine sites without being subject to liability for pre-existing pollution.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cBennet said he was thrilled the bill made it through Congress, finally.\n\n\u2018It\u2019s 15 years of work by a lot of people, so it will be good to get it done,\u2019 he noted. Bennet co-sponsored past versions of the bill.\u201d\n\nSteamboat Pilot & Today: Workforce housing revival for U.S. Forest Service project in Steamboat Springs\n\n\u201cU.S. Senator Michael Bennet, who co-sponsored the legislation with U.S. Rep. Neguse and has adamantly pushed for the continuation of the Forest Service leasing authorization, said Friday that he was happy that congress members were able to work together to get the EXPLORE Act passed.\n\n\u201cIt started out in the 2018 Farm Bill, the expiration was making it difficult for what people had to do on the ground, even in Steamboat, but we were able to get the parties to come together to agree that putting it in the EXPLORE act made sense and I am really glad that we did because we were running out of time,\u201d said Sen. Bennet.\n\n\u201c\u2018It became clear, we had wanted to pass the Farm Bill and I think there was a sense, earlier in the year, that we would pass the Farm Bill, that is a deadline that we usually don\u2019t miss, but we were not able to get to a bipartisan Farm Bill this year so we had to find a different vehicle in the Senate and that is what EXPLORE became,\u2019 he added.\n\n\u201cThe legislation included in the EXPLORE Act also improves what might have been continued in the Farm Bill by extending the limit for Forest Service lease agreements from 50 to 100 years.\n\n\u201c\u2018We heard from local communities that we needed that extended period of time for them to make sense from a leasing and a financing point of view. So, we were able to double the time, and I think we are going to make that program better and more durable and maybe give us more flexibility on the ground,\u2019 added Sen. Bennet.\u201d\n\nFOX31 Denver\n\n\u201cEarlier this term, Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet called on a committee to prioritize policies that would help people in Colorado access clean water, and today, they celebrate the successful passage of the bill.\n\n\u201cThe Water Resources Development Act of 2024 authorizes $20 million for water supply and storm[water] management for El Paso County and $50 million for Fremont County.\u201d\n\nVail Daily: Salt in the Colorado River is causing problems. A bill is now heading to Biden\u2019s desk that would send more money to address the challenge.\n\n\u201cSince 1974, the Bureau of Reclamation has supported various projects to reduce salt levels in the Colorado River\u2019s upper and lower basins. Now, a bill to increase the 50-year-old program\u2019s funding is heading to President Joe Biden\u2019s desk after passing both chambers of Congress.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cBennet said in a statement that the legislation will \u2018support ongoing efforts to keep water from the Colorado River safe for communities, farmers and ranchers and water users throughout the entire Basin.\u2019\u201d\n\nColorado Public Radio: In the final days of a historically dysfunctional Congress, lawmakers sprint to pass a flurry of bills\n\n\u201cLast fall the House passed the Women\u2019s Suffrage National Monument Location Act, introduced by Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse and Arizona Rep. Debbie Lesko. The Senate gave its approval to the bill Friday. It places the monument, whose idea came from a constituent in Neguse\u2019s district, on the National Mall\u2026 A number of other Coloradans co-sponsored the bill, including Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and Reps. Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cMesa County could be buying some land from the federal government. The Senate passed the CONVEY Act, which the House passed earlier this year.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cHickenlooper, who introduced the bill with Bennet and got the bill through the Senate called it a win-win for locals and for the federal government\u2026 Bennet agreed. \u201cMesa County has made significant strides to secure a vibrant future for Clifton, and our legislation would be one more step towards prosperity for the community,\u201d he said in a statement.\u201d\n\nNBC Grand Junction\n\n\u201cU.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet celebrate passing the Clifton Opportunities Now for Vibrant Economic Yields Act, or CONVEY.\n\n\u201cThis act allows a 31 acre plot of land to be sold to Mesa County by the Bureau of Land Management. That land would be used for new economic development in Clifton.\n\n\u201cBoth senators commented on the passing, with Hickenlooper saying it\u2019s a win-win for the federal government and Mesa County, while Bennet says Mesa County has made significant strides to secure a vibrant future for Clifton.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crow-and-sen-bennet-introduce-bill-to-support-law-enforcement-and-improve-mental-health-crisis-response", "Rep. Crow and Sen. Bennet Introduce Bill to Support Law Enforcement and Improve Mental Health Crisis Response", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington \u2014 Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-6) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Supporting Mental Assistance Responder Teams Community Policing Act or SMART Community Policing Act to dedicate funding for collaborative partnerships between law enforcement and local responders. The legislation would allow health professionals, case managers, and outreach teams to engage people experiencing crises related to mental health, poverty, homelessness, or substance use disorders and to de-escalate challenging situations.Studies confirm that community policing produces better outcomes for public safety while saving limited resources.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen community policing work in Colorado, and I\u2019m glad to partner with Senator Bennet to bring this public safety model to the rest of the nation,\u201d said Crow. \u201cOur bill will help ensure law enforcement has the resources to protect our communities and connect people in need with local mental health and other life-saving services.\u201d\n\n\u201cColorado has proven that community policing improves public safety and saves tax dollars by meeting mental health and drug-related emergencies with resource-based responses,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cLaw enforcement should focus on violent crime while trained health and social service professionals de-escalate emergencies and connect individuals with services they need. This legislation draws on Colorado\u2019s leadership and expands the successes of community policing nationwide.\u201d\n\nThe SMART Community Policing Act would create or expand programs that:\n\nPair a mental health clinician with a paramedic or emergency medical technician (EMT) to respond to certain low-risk calls to the 911 system;\n\nTrain crisis workers to respond to calls for service and help stabilize encounters;\n\nProvide mental health services for persons, including those in crisis who may need further evaluation and treatment;\n\nStabilize encounters between law enforcement officers and people experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis and connect them with appropriate support programs;\n\nBuild case management and outreach teams to follow up with people to develop specific solutions to reduce repeat interactions with emergency services.\n\nThe legislation is based on Denver\u2019sSTAR Program and Grand Junction\u2019sCo-Responder Program. Denver\u2019s STAR Program has responded to almost 7,500 calls for service that would have otherwise required police to respond. Grand Junction\u2019s Co-Responder Unit has responded to over 3,200 crisis calls.\n\n\"By combining the skills of highly trained Police Officers with mental health clinicians we are able to provide a safer environment to address the needs of an individual experiencing a mental health crisis,\u201d said Matt Smith, Chief of Police, Grand Junction Police Department. \u201cThis collaborative effort allows many individuals to get resources at home or the most appropriate treatment facility for their individual needs.\"\n\n\u201cSMART delivers a continuum of care from crisis response through stabilization, with the ultimate goal of safe return to the community,\u201d Jaime FitzSimons, Sheriff, Summit County Sheriff\u2019s Office. \u201cSMART\u2019s response offers broader benefits too, such as de-escalating situations that might have otherwise led to arrests or hospitalizations and achieving significant cost savings through community stabilization. The program has been nothing short of a miracle, in its effectiveness in improving public safety and providing appropriate care while reducing strain on law enforcement. I applaud and appreciate Senator Michael Bennet's leadership in proposing legislation to expand such initiatives nationwide, recognizing them as essential for the future of community policing.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe co-responder program in Eagle County is addressing mental health crises with trained mental health clinicians, community paramedics and when needed by law enforcement officers,\u201d said Ryan Kenney, Police Chief, Vail Police Department. \u201c The program has drastically reduced emergency room visits and worked to keep patients in their homes while getting the services they need. Someone experiencing a mental health crisis needs the support and expertise of professionals who are trained to recognize and respond to their specific symptoms. The co-responder program in Eagle County has limited law enforcement\u2019s role in these incidents and allowed law enforcement to dedicate their time to public safety. The work Senator Bennet is doing ensures that co-responder programs like the one in Eagle County have the support they need to continue to provide these critical services.\u201d\n\nThe text of the bill is availablehere. A summary of the bill is availablehere.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crow-leads-letter-to-request-update-on-ongoing-human-rights-concerns-in-ethiopia", "Rep. Crow Leads Letter to Request Update on Ongoing Human Rights Concerns in Ethiopia", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Jason Crow led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing concerns related to the human rights situation in Ethiopia and requesting an update from the Department of State on whether the Government of Ethiopia is engaged in a pattern of gross violations of internationally-recognized human rights.\n\nIn the letter, Congressman Crow details decisions made by the Department to restrict or allow aid to the Government of Ethiopia between 2021 and 2024, including a June 2023 determination made by the Administration that Ethiopia was no longer \u201cengaging in a pattern of gross violations of human rights.\u201d\n\n\u201cReporting indicates that abuses in the Amhara region are occurring at the same time as ongoing conflict in the Oromia region, where drone strikes have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, and continued abuses in the Tigray region,\u201d Congressman Crow said in the letter.\n\nThe letter continues: \u201cIn light of this reporting, I request an update regarding whether the Department\u2019s assessment still holds that the Government of Ethiopia is not engaging in a pattern of gross human rights abuses.\u201d The letter also inquires as to whether the Government of Ethiopia is allowing for international investigations into human rights violations to proceed unimpeded.\n\nThis letter follows questions raised by Congressman Crow in a hearing of the Africa Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee last year, in which he asked the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Deputy Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development\u2019s Africa Bureau about challenges to accessing basic necessities in Tigray following the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement reached in 2022, as well as reports of civilian harm in Amhara, the impacts of the state of emergency, and the need for all Ethiopians to live in \u201csecurity, dignity, and safety.\u201d Crow has repeatedly called for the protection of civilians across Ethiopia, highlighted the need for assistance to reach those in need, and emphasized the importance of stability in Ethiopia to the region. Rep. Crow has also met with officials, including the former Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and the former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, to reiterate these concerns.\n\nA PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:\n\nDecember 23, 2024\n\nDear Secretary Blinken,\n\nI write with concern regarding the human rights situation in Ethiopia and to inquire about the Department of State\u2019s assessment regarding the Government of Ethiopia\u2019s respect for human rights. I also request the Department\u2019s assessment of the extent to which Ethiopia is allowing for an unimpeded international investigation of alleged human rights violations.\n\nThe State Department notified Congress in May 2021 that the United States would be restricting certain types of aid to Ethiopia consistent with Sec. 116 and 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 based on an apparent pattern of abuses committed in the context of the Tigray conflict. Subsequently, in March 2023, the Department announced its determination that members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), among other parties to the conflict, had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.\n\nIn June 2023, however, the Department of the Treasury relayed to Congress the Administration\u2019s determination that the Government of Ethiopia was no longer \u201cengaging in a pattern of gross violations of human rights,\u201d pursuant to Section 701 of the International Financial Institutions Act (22 USC 262d). This determination was based on an assessment by the Department of State and enabled the resumption of certain types of foreign assistance and engagement with Ethiopia, including through the International Monetary Fund.\n\nThis determination occurred in parallel with rising tensions in the Amhara region between the ENDF and an Amhara militia group known as the Fano. After these tensions escalated into active hostilities in mid-2023, the Ethiopian federal government issued a six-month state of emergency in August 2023. The state of emergency was subsequently extended and reportedly used to repress dissent, restrict freedoms, impose curfews, and arbitrarily detain and arrest individuals in Amhara and beyond. Reporting indicates the ongoing conflict resulted in numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including those resulting from drone strikes in residential areas and on vital facilities such as schools and hospitals.\n\nAdditional reporting indicates that abuses in the Amhara region are occurring at the same time as ongoing conflict in the Oromia region, where drone strikes have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, and continued abuses in the Tigray region. Although monitoring of the human rights situation in these three regions, and across the country, is challenged by limited access provided to outside media and observers, reporting includes:\n\nJune 2023: A rising trend of enforced disappearances, per the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC);\n\nSeptember 2023: Extrajudicial killings by government security forces in Amhara and \u201cwidespread and arbitrary arrests\u201d in Amhara, Oromia, and Addis Ababa, per the EHRC;\n\nOctober 2023: Extrajudicial executions and large-scale detention in the context of the Amhara conflict and what it described as \u201congoing patterns by Government forces of arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture of civilians\u201d in Oromia region, per the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE);\n\nFebruary 2024: Ethiopian authorities implicated in extrajudicial killings, including in the Amhara town of Merawi in January 2024, per the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR);\n\nJune 2024: Documentation of human rights violations in 2023, that attributed 70 percent to state actors, and implicated government security forces in most of the documented killings of civilians in Amhara, per the OHCHR;\n\nJuly 2024: Targeted attacks by government security forces on health workers and healthcare facilities in Amhara, per Human Rights Watch;\n\nAugust 2024: The United Nations Human Rights Committee\u2019s concern over reports of \u201cthe continued prevalence of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,\u201d its concern about reports of large-scale arbitrary detention, and its concern about reports of \u201charassment and attacks against, and arbitrary arrests and detentions of, journalists, human rights defenders, government critics and activists,\u201d per the OHCHR;\n\nOctober 2024: Ongoing arbitrary detention of people in Amhara, per Amnesty International; and\n\nDecember 2024: Forced conscription, arbitrary detention and extortion, including of children, in Oromia per the EHRC.\n\nIn light of this reporting, I request an update regarding whether the Department\u2019s assessment still holds that the Government of Ethiopia is not engaging in a pattern of gross human rights abuses. I also request that the Department identify what assistance may be affected if it is determined that the Government of Ethiopia is engaging in a pattern of gross human rights abuses. Further, I request the Department\u2019s assessment of the extent to which the Government of Ethiopia is permitting an \u201cunimpeded investigation of alleged violations of internationally recognized human rights by appropriate international organizations,\u201d in accordance with 22 USC 262d.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-nunn-blumenauer-and-wenstrup-lead-51-colleagues-in-bipartisan-letter-to-honor-us-promises-safeguard-the-afghan-special-immigrant-visa-siv-program", "Reps. Crow, Nunn, Blumenauer, and Wenstrup Lead 51 Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter to Honor US Promises, Safeguard the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa  (SIV) Program", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Afghanistan, joined Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA-3), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH-2) in leading a letter with 51 of their colleagues urging leadership on the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs to prioritize the life-saving Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program in the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations package. Essential provisions include an authorization of an additional 20,000 visas and an extension of the program through December 31, 2027.\n\nIn the letter, the Members highlight the bipartisan and bicameral support the SIV program has historically received, noting that \u201cCongress recognized the importance of the SIV program and demonstrated a shared commitment to honoring our allies by authorizing additional visas through appropriations packages\u201d in five of the last six fiscal years. These critical provisions are included in the Senate version of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill.\n\n\u201cCongress must continue this work so that the State Department is able to issue visas to eligible Afghans who face imminent threats from the Taliban, Islamic State, and other hostile groups because of their service to the U.S. and our allies,\u201d the Members said in the letter.\n\nThe Members continue: \u201cOur Afghan allies must not be left without this crucial pathway to safety from the violent dangers they face because of their service to the U.S. mission.\u201d\n\nThe Afghan SIV program was first enacted through the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 to provide a life-saving path to safety for Afghan nationals who face serious danger as a result of their work alongside U.S. troops, diplomats, and contractors. Since that time, the program has been extended and reformed numerous times, each time with significant bipartisan and bicameral support.\n\nThis letter builds on Congressman Crow\u2019s relentless advocacy in support of our Afghan partner. Earlier this month, Crow highlighted the importance of the SIV program, the need for swift processing, and the need for additional SIVs in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He previously worked to ensure the authorization of 12,000 additional Afghan SIVs in the State Department's foreign operations funding bill, introduced the Afghan Allies Protection Act to expand and extend the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, helped introduce the Afghan Adjustment Act to provide a legal adjustment process for Afghan allies already in the US, and started the Honoring Our Promises Working Group following the announcement of the withdrawal to help expedite Special Immigrant Visas and U.S. Refugee Admissions Programs.\n\nA PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:\n\nDecember 18, 2024\n\nDear Chairs Cole and Diaz-Balart and Ranking Members DeLauro and Lee:\n\nWe write to urge you to maintain critical provisions for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program1 in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations package. Authorizing new Afghan SIVs is critical to vetting and relocating qualified Afghan principal applicants currently in the processing pipeline.\n\nThe Afghan SIV program was first enacted through the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 to provide a life-saving path to safety for Afghan nationals who face serious danger as a result of their work alongside U.S. troops, diplomats, and contractors. Since that time, the program has been extended and reformed numerous times, each time with significant bipartisan and bicameral support.\n\nIn FY 2019, FY 2020, FY 2021, FY 2023, and FY 2024, Congress recognized the importance of the SIV program and demonstrated a shared commitment to honoring our allies by authorizing additional visas through appropriations packages. Congress must continue this work so that the State Department is able to issue visas to eligible Afghans who face imminent threats from the Taliban, Islamic State, and other hostile groups because of their service to the U.S. and our allies.\n\nWe therefore request that you maintain the following language in the FY 2025 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill (S. 4797, Section 7034(d)(6)):\n\nAFGHAN ALLIES.\u2014Section 602(b)(3)(F) of 13 the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 (8 U.S.C. 14 1101 note) is amended\u2014\n\n(A) in the heading, by striking \u2018\u20182024\u2019\u2019 and inserting \u2018\u20182025\u2019\u2019;\n\n(B) in the matter preceding clause (i), in the first sentence, by striking \u2018\u201850,500\u2019\u2019 and inserting \u2018\u201870,500\u2019\u2019; and\n\n(C) in clauses (ii), by striking \u2018\u2018December 31, 2025\u2019\u2019 and inserting \u2018\u2018December 31, 2027\u2019\u2019.\n\nOur Afghan allies must not be left without this crucial pathway to safety from the violent dangers they face because of their service to the U.S. mission. Thank you for your consideration.\n\nThank you for your consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-cheers-senate-passage-of-bill-to-support-colorado-children-in-foster-care/", "Bennet Cheers Senate Passage of Bill to Support Colorado Children in Foster Care", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "After Passing House, Unanimous Senate Approval Sends Legislation to the President\u2019s Desk\n\nDenver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet celebrated Senate passage of the Protecting America\u2019s Children by Strengthening Families Act. The bipartisan legislation, which had already passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote, reauthorizes and improves child welfare programs that promote family unity and the safety and well-being of children. The legislation now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to ensure that every kid in America grows up in a loving and supportive home. This legislation cuts through bureaucracy and provides a critical, flexible investment for the welfare of our nation\u2019s children,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for my colleagues\u2019 strong bipartisan support to pass this legislation so communities in Colorado and throughout the country continue to have the flexibility they need to keep kids safe and families together.\u201d\n\n\u201cCreating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment at home is the first step to helping Texas children thrive,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation would make strategic and evidence-backed improvements to ensure a 360-degree support system is in place for children in foster care nationwide.\u201d\n\nThis legislation would reauthorize Title IV-B of the Social Security Act for five years and improve its child welfare programs by:\n\nIncreasing funding by $75 million a year;\n\nExpanding evidence-based services to prevent child abuse and neglect;\n\nIncreasing access to training for caseworkers and improving recruitment and retention efforts to address caseworker shortage and bolster the workforce;\n\nReducing administrative burden;\n\nProviding grant funding for the Court Improvement Program to support child legal proceedings;\n\nStreamlining access to funding, including for Indian tribes; and\n\nStrengthening support systems for relatives and family transitions, including children entering into kinship diversion, exiting foster care, or transitioning to an adopted family.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-final-passage-of-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Final Passage of Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Legislation Includes Colorado Priorities to Manage Flood Risk, Promote Healthy Waterways\n\nDenver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated the final passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which includes Colorado priorities to manage flood risk and promote healthy waterways. WRDA is passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities. The legislation now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cColorado and the West are on the front lines of climate change. That\u2019s why it\u2019s more important than ever to invest in water infrastructure that can meet our state\u2019s changing needs,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the passage of this important package to protect Colorado\u2019s vital waterways and resources.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese investments equip our communities with more resilient infrastructure,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cWe need to harden our infrastructure to be sure we can handle more erratic weather.\u201d\n\nThe final legislation includes the following Colorado projects:\n\n$20 million authorized for El Paso County to address water supply and stormwater management;\n\n$50 million authorized for Fremont County for water supply infrastructure needs;\n\nA feasibility study of a project to restore ecosystems along Monument and Fountain Creeks and to rehabilitate the Templeton Gap Levee in Colorado Springs;\n\nA U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Government Accountability Office study to help speed the completion of two projects to promote healthy waterways along the South Platte River and neighboring water systems in the Denver area; and\n\nA boost in the federal share for assistance from USACE for Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs) to allow USACE to participate in smaller-scale projects to reduce flood damages and restore aquatic ecosystems.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-341-million-to-cut-methane-emissions-in-colorado/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $341 Million to Cut Methane Emissions in Colorado", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $850 million from the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Methane Emissions Reduction Program to fund methane emissions reduction projects and combat climate change, including $341 million for six Colorado-based projects led by Colorado State University and Pioneer Energy, Inc. This funding is part of $1.36 billion from EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) to reduce methane emissions provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Bennet and Hickenlooper helped pass into law.\n\n\u201cColorado has been a national leader in addressing methane pollution from the oil and gas industry,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis funding helps ensure Colorado will continue leading the way towards cutting dangerous air pollution, slowing the rate of climate change, and growing our clean energy economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cMethane emissions are driving our climate crisis and putting Coloradans\u2019 health at risk,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cAs governor, we set the global standard on methane regulations. Now Colorado will lead the fight to stop these emissions at the source \u2013 all thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act.\u201d\n\nIn total, the EPA announced over $850 million for 43 projects, with over $341 million allocated to multiple projects led by two Colorado organizations:\n\nOver $324 million to Colorado State University to reduce methane emissions from existing wells, improve data monitoring of methane emissions; and\n\n$17 million to Pioneer Energy, Inc. to deploy technologies that reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production.\n\nBennet and Hickenlooper have consistently worked to cut methane emissions and strengthen federal oil and gas methane rules modeled on Colorado\u2019s. In 2021, Bennet and Hickenlooper led members of the Colorado congressional delegation to push the EPA for stronger methane regulations for the oil and gas sector. In 2023, both senators sent multiple letters to the EPA urging them to track methane emissions more accurately. Bennet and Hickenlooper joined members of the Colorado congressional delegation in a letter of support for Pioneer Energy\u2019s funding application.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-government-funding-bill", "DeGette Statement on Government Funding Bill", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", "degette", "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after she voted to pass the government funding bill.\n\n\u201cHouse Democrats stopped Donald Trump and Elon Musk from paving the way for a $2.2 trillion tax cut for billionaires and millionaires. Democrats stood unified to force the House Republicans to remove the debt limit hike that did not even have support from their full conference. Tonight, House Democrats were once again the adults in the room and provided the votes to avert a costly Republican-led government shutdown. Despite these victories, I am concerned about the important health policies that were only extended until March, including the Special Diabetes Program. The American people deserve a government that works without being in a constant cycle of continuing resolutions, yet it looks like we are heading for more dysfunction when Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House in 2025. I\u2019ll continue to find bipartisan success wherever possible and advance the issues that matter most to Denver when we come back for the 119th Congress.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=977", "Rep. Pettersen Statement on Averting a Government Shutdown", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after voting for legislation to fund the government temporarily until March 14, 2025.\n\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m relieved that we passed legislation to keep the government temporarily open, it\u2019s unacceptable that Republicans repeatedly push us to the brink of a shutdown. Republicans had ample opportunity to work with Democrats to fund the government but instead chose to put the interests of billionaires over hardworking Coloradans.\n\n\u201cThis constant chaos and dysfunction jeopardize our national security, undermine our military readiness, and disrupt the critical services that millions of Americans rely on. As we move forward, I urge my Republican colleagues to put partisanship aside and work with Democrats to fund the government and fulfill the critical responsibilities we were elected to carry out for the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/20/bennet-cortez-masto-cassidy-cornyn-announce-bipartisan-effort-to-help-train-more-doctors-and-address-health-care-workforce-shortages/", "Bennet, Cortez Masto, Cassidy, Cornyn Announce Bipartisan Effort to Help Train More Doctors and Address Health Care Workforce Shortages", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet alongside U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) \u2014 members of the Senate Finance Committee and the bipartisan Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Working Group \u2014 released draft legislation to improve the Medicare GME program, which makes payments to teaching hospitals for training residents and fellows in approved training programs. Their bipartisan proposal aims to help increase the supply of physicians and meet the growing needs of communities across the country.\n\n\u201cRural Coloradans shouldn\u2019t have to travel long distances to see a doctor,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis bipartisan effort will help teaching hospitals train and retain providers in rural and underserved communities. All Americans deserve access to quality health care \u2013 no matter where they live.\u201d\n\n\u201cWorkforce shortages are straining our health care system, especially in rural areas, and we must do more to recruit, train and retain doctors in communities across Nevada,\u201d said Cortez Masto. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019ve been working across the aisle on this bipartisan proposal to address critical gaps in our physician workforce. I\u2019ll continue working to ensure Nevada families in every corner of our state can access the care they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cDoctors often practice where they do a residency. If it helps to get doctors to practice in rural and low-income areas, let\u2019s put training programs in these areas!\u201d said Cassidy.\n\n\u201cBy creating new graduate medical education slots, our bill would expand access to and improve the quality of behavioral health and primary care in rural communities across the Lone Star State,\u201d said Cornyn.\n\n\u201cThe physician workforce shortage is threatening the health of Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities with fewer primary care doctors, psychiatrists, and other health care providers,\u201d said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. \u201cI\u2019m pleased that members of the Finance Committee are taking this challenge head-on in a bipartisan way. I will continue to work with them to ensure aspiring physicians are being put on the fast track to work in the places that need them most.\u201d\n\nIn 1996, Congress capped funding for physician training through Medicare based on residency numbers, fearing a surplus. Nearly 30 years later, the Health Resource and Services Administration now projects a shortage of over 187,130 physicians by 2037 \u2014 including more than 87,000 primary care doctors and over 50,000 psychiatrists. By modernizing Medicare GME, this proposal aims to ensure that every state has the workforce it needs to provide the care every American deserves.\n\nThis bipartisan draft legislation would:\n\nExpand Medicare-supported residency positions in areas and specialties with critical shortages, like primary care and psychiatry.\n\nSupport rural hospitals in building residency training infrastructure.\n\nImprove federal data collection to better allocate GME funding and address workforce gaps.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/20/bennet-neguse-daines-celebrate-final-passage-of-bills-to-help-colorado-communities-address-housing-shortages-stop-invasive-species/", "Bennet, Neguse, Daines Celebrate Final Passage of Bills to Help Colorado Communities Address Housing Shortages, Stop Invasive Species", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "After Unanimous Passage in Congress, Legislation Heads to President\u2019s Desk\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), celebrated unanimous House and Senate passage of their Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act and Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act. Their bipartisan legislation will strengthen the authority of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to lease underutilized administrative sites to address local needs, including for building affordable housing, and slow the movement of aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels, into Colorado, Montana, and other Western States. Both pieces of legislation now head to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cColorado and the American West face multiple challenges \u2013 from invasive species in our rivers, lakes and waterways, to a housing crisis that makes it impossible for working families to make ends meet,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the strong bipartisan support to pass these bills that will invest in our mountain communities and protect Colorado\u2019s precious natural resources. The Flexible Housing Partnerships bill especially will help open up more opportunities for housing projects in our mountain communities who face a dire housing crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s as simple as this \u2014 in Colorado, the preservation of our public lands and the strength of our outdoor recreation economy is not only integral to the spirit of our state but to the success of our people,\u201d said Neguse. \u201cI am proud to see these bills through to the finish line\u2014and even more excited for the ways in which they will deliver for our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see these commonsense, bipartisan bills to help address the housing shortage in rural Montana and across the west and to protect our Montana wildlife from invasive species heading to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law! Protecting our Montana way of life will always be my top priority,\u201d said Daines.\n\nIn the 2018 Farm Bill, Bennet authored legislation in partnership with Colorado communities and helped secure the authority for the Forest Service to lease administrative sites to localities in exchange for in-kind contributions, including housing construction and improvement or maintenance of federal facilities. To provide towns and counties with greater certainty, the Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act lengthens the site\u2019s lease authority to up to 100 years and allows it to be renewed at the end of its term. As a result of the housing crisis in the West, the Forest Service currently experiences a severe staffing shortage. This legislation will also help the agency provide more housing for its workforce and better serve Colorado communities.\n\nAquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to Western rivers and reservoirs. Once established, these intruders are nearly impossible to eradicate and wreak havoc on crucial water infrastructure, limit recreation opportunities, and harm ecosystems and local economies. As invasive mussels spread across the West, preventative measures \u2013 like watercraft inspection and decontamination stations \u2013 are key to limiting their spread. The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act will strengthen prevention efforts, provide all federal agencies the authorities they need to limit the movement of invasive species into and out of U.S. waters, and ensure that all at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding.\n\nSupport for Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act:\n\n\u201cThe passage of the Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnership Act will allow for continued partnerships among local governments, private industry, and the Forest Service as we work together on very complicated but much-needed workforce and affordable housing projects. CAST thanks Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse for their leadership to pass this important legislation into law,\u201d said Margaret Bowes, Executive Director, Colorado Association of Ski Towns.\n\n\u201cFederal lands comprise 84% of Eagle County. With very little private lands for affordable workforce housing development, this is a problem Eagle County will struggle to fix on its own. The creative solutions in the Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act will help relieve this pressure. Authorizing the Forest Service to lease appropriate parcels for housing will greatly benefit our workforce and our mountain resort economy. We are excited about the improvements this legislation will now make to the existing Flexible Partnerships Authority and we thank Senator Bennet for his efforts on our behalf to get this bill passed into law,\u201d said Kathy Chandler-Henry, Commissioner, Eagle County.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Aspen community, I thank Senator Bennet for his steadfast support in making affordable housing happen. The bill\u2019s passage is a critical milestone for Aspen and our partners, including the dedicated staff of the USFS White River National Forest,\u201d said Torre, Mayor, City of Aspen.\n\n\u201cSan Miguel County is thrilled to learn of the passage of the Flexible Partnership Act and deeply grateful to Senator Bennet and his team for stewarding this common-sense legislation to the finish line. Like many resort communities, San Miguel County faces a shortage of affordable land appropriate for workforce housing. Governmental entities in our county have already been in conversation with local USFS representatives about opportunities to collaborate on workforce housing, while waiting for this bill to pass and allow us to move forward. We are excited to now roll up our sleeves and get to work on building housing that will benefit our whole community, including the Forest Service and other local employers,\u201d said Anne Brown, Commissioner, San Miguel County.\n\n\u201cSummit County is proud to have signed the first lease agreement in the country using the authority provided by the Flexible Housing Partnerships Act,\u201d said Tamara Pogue, Commissioner, Summit County. \u201cThanks to the leadership of Senator Bennet, more communities will have the opportunity to build the affordable housing they desperately need.\u201d\n\n\u201cLa Plata County is delighted to hear that this important legislation has been passed into law. As we struggle with the affordable housing crisis we need every tool in the toolbox we can to help our mountain communities. Often having land available for housing projects is the deal breaker for providing new opportunities. This legislation opens up more possibilities for underused federal land that can be used for community housing in collaboration with the Forest Service, who also desperately needs housing for their employees that can be provided by projects under this legislation as well. These can be win-win projects for our communities and federal agencies to work together,\u201d said Marsha Porter-Norton, Commissioner, La Plata County.\n\nThe Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act is supported by Summit County, Grand County, Eagle County, Aspen, Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST), and Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-bipartisan-coalition-western-lawmakers-advance-drought", "Assistant Leader Neguse & Bipartisan Coalition of Western Lawmakers Advance Drought Preparedness Bills to President's Desk for Signature", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse successfully passed two of his bills, the Drought Preparedness Act and Water Monitoring and Tracking Essential Resources (WATER) Data Improvement Act, through the United States Senate. In championing the legislation, Neguse, the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, was joined by a bipartisan coalition of Western lawmakers working to address water scarcity and improve drought preparedness. The group included fellow River Caucus Co-Chair Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), as well as Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).\n\nBoth the Drought Preparedness Act and the WATER Data Improvement Act have previously passed the House of Representatives and now head to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cBy bringing these bills across the finish line and to the President\u2019s desk, we are showing what happens when lawmakers roll up their sleeves, work together, and put the interests of our communities above all else,\u201d said Assistant Leader Neguse. \u201cDroughts threaten our water supplies, devastate our crops, and have countless other impacts on the daily lives of folks who call Colorado and the American West home. And I am so incredibly proud to see our proposals to address the severe impacts of record-breaking drought get enacted into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore than 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for water, food, recreation, and energy,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cOur communities, our farms, our environment, all depend on water. These bills extend the programs that we know already work. At risk is our entire way of life.\u201d\n\n\u201cWater is our most precious resource, and I am dedicated to solutions that protect our watersheds and ensure that southern Arizona continues to lead the way in conservation and resiliency efforts,\u201d said Congressman Ciscomani. \u201cI am proud to see the Senate pass these crucial pieces of legislation to ensure our communities have the tools, data, and resources they need to protect our supply of water amid the ongoing drought in the West.\u201d\n\nThe American West is in the midst of a \u201cmegadrought,\u201d with many communities experiencing the driest conditions in over 1,200 years. These soon to be enacted laws support the continuation of key drought relief and water data initiatives.\n\nThe Drought Preparedness Act reauthorizes the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act through 2028, allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to continue to minimize drought damages and losses and improve water availability for those harmed by drought. The bill is co-led by Rep. Ciscomani and sponsored by Senator Hickenlooper in the U.S. Senate.\n\nThe WATER Data Improvement Act supports United States Geological Survey (USGS) programs for water monitoring, measurement, and estimation including the National Groundwater Resources Monitoring Network and Federal Priority Streamgage Network through 2028. The bill is co-led by Rep. Ciscomani and sponsored by Senator Lummis in the U.S. Senate.\n\nBackground\n\nAssistant Leader Joe Neguse, whose district includes the headwaters of the Colorado River, has been steadfast in his efforts to address water-related issues, working to enact significant bills that invest in drought resilience and water management. As co-founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, he brought together a bipartisan mix of lawmakers each representing a state along the Colorado River Basin. The group is working to build consensus on critical issues plaguing the river and support the work of the Colorado River Basin states on how best to address the worsening levels of drought in the Colorado River Basin.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/explore-act-advances-several-neguse-led-bills-head-president-bidens-desk", "EXPLORE Act Advances, Several Neguse-led Bills Head to President Biden\u2019s Desk for Signature", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, the United States Senate successfully passed the bipartisan, bicameral Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act\u2014advancing four bills led by House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse to President Biden\u2019s desk for signature, including the Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act, the Biking On Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act, the Improving Access to Outdoor Recreation Coordination Act, and the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act. Notably, the EXPLORE Act also includes the Simplifying Access for Outdoor Recreation Permitting (SOAR) Act, a bill Neguse co-leads in the House of Representatives.\n\nAssistant Leader Neguse, whose congressional district is nearly 60% public lands, has made improving access to the outdoors and protecting these treasured spaces a top priority since he first took office. Today\u2019s announcement provides much-needed support for the rural and mountain communities he represents, including those along Colorado\u2019s Western Slope, as they work to bolster their recreation economies while advancing conservation efforts.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s as simple as this \u2014 in Colorado, the preservation of our public lands and the strength of our outdoor recreation economy is not only integral to the spirit of our state but to the success of our people,\u201d said Assistant Leader Neguse. \u201cI am proud to see these bills through to the finish line\u2014and even more excited for the ways in which they will deliver for our communities.\u201d\n\nAdditional information about the bills below:\n\nThe Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act helps address the housing shortage in rural and mountain communities by strengthening the authority of the United States Forest Service (USFS) to lease underutilized administrative sites to address local needs, including for building affordable housing.\n\nThe Biking On Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act expands outdoor recreation opportunities by identifying potential long-distance bike trails and bolstering mapping resources for long-distance bikers.\n\nThe Improving Access to Outdoor Recreation Coordination Act establishes the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation which would coordinate outdoor recreation policies among the various land management agencies. It aims to streamline processes across federal agencies to bolster recreation on public lands.\n\nThe Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act helps to slow and prevent the spread of highly invasive aquatic species, including fast-spreading zebra mussels, in the Colorado River and other waters across the West. It strengthens efforts led by states and agencies in partnership with the U.S. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to implement preventative measures.\n\nThe Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act simplifies the permitting process for outdoor guides, outfitters, education organizations, and college and university programs.\n\nThese Neguse-led proposals first passed the House as part of the EXPLORE Act earlier this year. More information about the larger legislative package can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=974", "Rep. Pettersen Announces Bipartisan House Task Force Report on Artificial Intelligence", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Alongside members of the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI), U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) announced the release of the Task Force\u2019s AI report, detailing recommendations to ensure the United States continues to be a global leader in technology and innovation.\n\nPettersen is one of just twelve Democrats appointed to the bipartisan Task Force. The group is comprised of Members from key committees of jurisdiction. The Task Force held multiple hearings and met with over a hundred AI experts \u2013 including government officials, business leaders, and other specialists \u2013 to compile this comprehensive report to serve as a blueprint for Congress to implement proper guardrails that protect consumers while fostering innovation.\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence has the potential to enhance the lives of Americans, but it also poses serious threats \u2013 from fraud and identity theft to election integrity and more,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cAfter months of bipartisan collaboration, I\u2019m proud to help release this report which will serve as a blueprint for Congress to enact policies that help harness the potential of this emerging technology while ensuring strong guardrails and consumer protections. This report is an important step toward ensuring Congress meets the moment, and the United States remains a global leader in AI.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the report included the following priorities of Pettersen:\n\nEnergy: The report acknowledges the growing power demands of AI requires innovations in the energy sector. Pettersen has been working to ensure energy is a top priority in discussions around AI. The report recommends increased federal research to support innovations in algorithmic efficiency and energy infrastructure to meet the demand for energy as AI usage increases.\n\nElections and content authenticity: AI-generated content like images, videos, and audio can affect election information in the United States. The report highlights that the federal government can play a key role in providing local election assistance to support AI readiness through Election Security Grants, helping protect the integrity of the democratic process.\n\nSmall businesses: Pettersen has been working to address the fact that small businesses and smaller organizations often lack the resources needed to take advantage of AI technology. The report highlights the importance of supporting AI resources such as computing power and AI-ready data sets to help small businesses leverage the potential of AI. The report also calls for a key federal program focused on making federal and industry resources available to support the research and education community.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=976", "Rep. Pettersen Statement on Government Funding", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after House Republicans abandoned a bipartisan government funding deal, pushing Congress to the brink of a shutdown:\n\n\u201cRepublicans have shown repeatedly that they will put the interests of billionaires over the American people. Leadership on both sides of the aisle came together and negotiated bipartisan legislation to keep the government open. Now, Republicans are going back on their word and pushing us to the brink of a catastrophic government shutdown once again.\n\n\u201cShutting down the government and the services that so many rely on would hurt the military, our national security, our economy, and hardworking Coloradans. The legislation put forward by Republicans only paves the way for tax breaks for billionaires on the backs of working people. Let\u2019s be clear: Republicans and Elon Musk will be responsible if the government shuts down.\u201d\n\nIn Colorado:\n\n52,367 active duty and reserve personnel serving our nation's armed forces would be forced to go without the pay they earned in a shutdown.\n\n87,752 Coloradans would lose access to Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits in a prolonged shutdown.\n\n43,634 federal workers would be furloughed or forced to work without pay during a total government shutdown, in addition to the many employees of businesses with government contracts who could be laid off, furloughed, or see their hours cut.\n\nThe Department of Agriculture would be forced to stop processing housing loans, which provide $114,787,932 in funding to help 445 families in rural Colorado communities buy homes every year.\n\n7,434,361 people who visit national parks in Colorado every year would be turned away or unable to fully access parks, monuments, and museums if the government shuts down.\n\nWorkers at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would be sidelined in a shutdown, risking interruptions and delays to the 186 food safety, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other inspections conducted in Colorado last year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/19/bennet-priorities-to-invest-in-outdoor-recreation-boost-rural-economies-head-to-presidents-desk/", "Bennet Priorities to Invest in Outdoor Recreation, Boost Rural Economies Head to President\u2019s Desk", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Based on the Rural Outdoor Investment Act, Provisions in Economic Development Legislation Will Recognize Importance of Outdoor Recreation for Public Funding\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet cheered Senate passage of legislation to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which included provisions from a bill he introduced in 2023 that recognizes outdoor recreation as a key driver of rural economies and prioritizes it for future federal funding opportunities.\n\n\u201cIn Colorado, outdoor recreation is an economic engine and a cornerstone of our Western way of life. Investments in trails, boat ramps, and campgrounds help attract tourism, boost local economies, and create good-paying jobs,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cBy passing this legislation, Congress is finally recognizing its importance to rural economies and ensuring that as demand for outdoor recreation in Colorado grows, rural economies grow too.\u201d\n\nThe EDA\u2019s Public Works grant program helps communities invest in local infrastructure to attract new industry, encourage business expansion, diversify local economies, generate local investment, and create or retain jobs. This reauthorization bolsters funding for the Public Works program to a historic $270 million annually and, for the first time, gives outdoor recreation special importance when awarding these grants. The new focus will mean that recreation assets will be recognized as vital elements for growing economies across Colorado to build a sustainable economic future and improve quality of life for people living in rural communities.\n\n\u201cOIA and its members are thrilled to see Congress elevate recreation as an infrastructure priority through the EDA for the first time. This funding will not only help Main Streets across the country better connect with recreation assets but also enable communities to build infrastructure that enhances residents\u2019 quality of life,\u201d said Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association. \u201cWe want to thank Senators Bennet and Schumer for championing this win-win approach\u2014helping grow local businesses while improving people\u2019s access to the outdoors. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking support rural America needs right now.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-introduces-magnus-white-cyclist-safety-act-memory-17", "Assistant Leader Neguse Introduces the Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act, In Memory of 17-Year-Old Boulder Resident", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, in collaboration with Boulder residents Jill and Michael White, introduced the Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act, named in honor of their 17-year-old son who tragically lost his life while riding his bicycle. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to issue a rule requiring that automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems be installed on all new passenger motor vehicles. AEB systems help detect if there is a pedestrian or cyclist in front of the car and will prompt the vehicle to brake before a collision occurs.\n\nLast year, Magnus White, a 17-year-old cycling star and member of the United States Junior Men's National Team, sadly lost his life after being struck by a car while biking along Colorado State Highway 119. Advanced safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, could have prevented this senseless tragedy and saved the lives of countless other pedestrians and cyclists.\n\n\u201cI am deeply inspired by Jill and Michael\u2019s continued courage and advocacy, turning their pain into purpose and honoring Magnus\u2019s memory by helping to make our roads safer for everyone. The Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act implements common-sense solutions that prevent tragedies and ultimately save lives,\u201d said Assistant Leader Neguse.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t bring Magnus back. That pain will never go away. But we can fight like hell to make sure no other family has to live through this. This bill isn\u2019t just about technology\u2014it\u2019s about saving lives when drivers fail. It\u2019s about making sure no one else has to bury a loved one because the system didn\u2019t do enough,\u201d said Jill and Michael White, Magnus\u2019s parents.\n\nIn 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created a minimum performance standard requiring that all passenger vehicles be equipped with AEB systems. In addition, this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a rule to make these systems standard on all passenger cars and light trucks by September 2029. The Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act would expand on these provisions to ensure AEB systems also detect both bicycles and motorcycles.\n\nRead the bill text HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/18/bennet-hickenlooper-cassidy-pass-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-u-s-diplomacy-in-the-western-hemisphere/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Cassidy Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Support U.S. Diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) celebrated the final passage of their Summit of the Americas Act to strengthen U.S. diplomatic leadership in the Western Hemisphere. The Summit of the Americas convenes heads of state to bolster ties and promote regional partnerships, mostly recently in Los Angeles in 2022.\n\n\u201cColoradans understand that the Americas share more than a hemisphere; we share a braided culture, an economy, and a common destiny that we must write together,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cBy passing this legislation, Congress has committed the United States to continue deepening these relationships by institutionalizing such summits at least every four years.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Summit of the Americas provides us and our democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere a unique forum to tackle the world\u2019s largest issues and deepen our economic ties,\u201d said Hickenlooper.\n\n\u201cThe Summit of the Americas is key to building a stronger, more prosperous hemisphere,\u201d said Cassidy. \u201cThe Senate reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties and promoting economic growth across the Western Hemisphere.\u201d\n\nThe Summit of the Americas Act directs the Secretary of State to support the Summit of the Americas and codify the existing State Department unit to ensure implementation of Summit commitments and work with other U.S. agencies to ensure continued U.S. participation. The bill also expresses support for the Cities Summit of the Americas \u2013 of which Denver hosted the inaugural summit in 2023 \u2013 to continue as a key element of the larger Summit.\n\nIn 1994, President Bill Clinton convened the first Summit of the Americas in Miami to promote prosperity and enhance democracy throughout the Americas. Succeeding summits have elevated these and other issues like climate change and immigration.\n\nIn 2021 Bennet supported Colorado\u2019s bid to host the 2022 Summit of the Americas, which took place in Los Angeles. Bennet and Hickenlooper led the effort to support Colorado\u2019s bid to host the Summit of the Americas and Bennet spoke at the first-ever Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver in 2023.\n\nBennet and Cassidy are also the lead sponsors of the Americas Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to drive shared economic prosperity, strengthen democracy in our hemisphere, counter the influence of China and Russia, and address some of the causes of migration. The Financial Times Editorial Board, former U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Commander General Laura Richardson, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle, and Costa Rican Trade Minister Manuel Tovar have all endorsed the bill.\n\nU.S. Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Ill.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), and Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) introduced and passed bipartisan companion legislation to the Summit of the Americas Act in the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/18/bennet-secures-bipartisan-wins-for-colorado-military-bases-military-family-health-care-and-personnel-pay/", "Bennet Secures Bipartisan Wins for Colorado Military Bases, Military Family Health Care, and Personnel Pay", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Bennet Priorities Passed in the National Defense Authorization Act Authorizes $270 Million for Colorado\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet celebrated the passage of major investments in Colorado military bases, protections for children\u2019s hospitals serving military families, and pay increases for military personnel in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Bennet helped secure over $270 million for Colorado including funding for Colorado Space Force installations and investments in U.S. space and defense capabilities.\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA also includes language requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to brief Congress on the effects of a recent Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule change decreasing TRICARE reimbursement rates for children\u2019s hospitals by 40 percent. This requirement follows Bennet\u2019s push for the DoD to reverse the rule and advocate for hospitals serving military family communities such as Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado.\n\nBennet priorities passed in the FY25 NDAA include:\n\nBuckley Power Independence Project \u2013 $68 million in military construction for Buckley Space Force Base\u2019s power resiliency project which will support all of Colorado\u2019s Space Force installations.\n\nTRICARE Children\u2019s Hospitals Reimbursements Briefing \u2013 The DoD is now required to brief the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on the effects of a recent DHA rule change decreasing TRICARE reimbursements to children\u2019s hospitals by 40%. The DoD must also provide a military contingency payment adjustments plan for assisting affected children\u2019s hospitals.\n\nMilitary Personnel Pay Increase \u2013 Junior enlisted service members (E-1 to E-4) will receive a 14.5% pay raise. All other service members will receive a 4.5% basic pay increase.\n\nColorado Defense and Aerospace Industry Investments \u2013 $216.1 million for research, development, and deployment of national defense and aerospace technology. This funding will improve U.S. military readiness and capabilities in the space domain.\n\nRip and Replace Funding \u2013 $3.08 billion for cellular companies to remove and replace sensitive telecommunications equipment. This funding will allow providers to fulfill the requirements set out in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. Over 120 companies faced shortfalls that jeopardized cellular coverage for Americans across the country, including in Colorado.\n\nContraception Coverage Parity Under the TRICARE Program \u2013 This legislation provides coverage parity and eliminates copays for contraceptives for eligible TRICARE beneficiaries acquired through retail pharmacies and the national mail-order pharmacy.\n\nCoordinating AUKUS Engagement with Japan \u2013 This amendment requires the DoD and State Department to evaluate Japan\u2019s export control systems and engage relevant Japanese stakeholders on AUKUS-relevant issues. The DoD is required to brief Congress on those discussions and potential technical cooperation with Japan on Pillar II of AUKUS, which focuses on jointly developing advanced capabilities between Australia, the UK, and the U.S.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/17/bennet-and-crow-reintroduce-bill-to-support-law-enforcement-and-improve-mental-health-crisis-response/", "Bennet and Crow Reintroduce Bill to Support Law Enforcement and Improve Mental Health Crisis Response", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Jason Crow reintroduced the Supporting Mental Assistance Responder Teams Community Policing Act or SMART Community Policing Act to dedicate funding for collaborative partnerships between law enforcement and local responders. The legislation would allow health professionals, case managers, and outreach teams to engage people experiencing crises related to mental health, poverty, homelessness, or substance use disorders and to de-escalate challenging situations. Studies confirm that community policing produces better outcomes for public safety while saving limited resources.\n\n\u201cColorado has proven that community policing improves public safety and saves tax dollars by meeting mental health and drug-related emergencies with resource-based responses,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cLaw enforcement should focus on violent crime while trained health and social service professionals de-escalate emergencies and connect individuals with services they need. This legislation draws on Colorado\u2019s leadership and expands the successes of community policing nationwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen community policing work in Colorado, and I\u2019m glad to partner with Senator Bennet to bring this public safety model to the rest of the nation,\u201d said Crow. \u201cOur bill will help ensure law enforcement has the resources to protect our communities and connect people in need with local mental health and other life-saving services.\u201d\n\nThe SMART Community Policing Act would create or expand programs that:\n\nPair a mental health clinician with a paramedic or emergency medical technician (EMT) to respond to certain low-risk calls to the 911 system;\n\nTrain crisis workers to respond to calls for service and help stabilize encounters;\n\nProvide mental health services for persons, including those in crisis who may need further evaluation and treatment;\n\nStabilize encounters between law enforcement officers and people experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis and connect them with appropriate support programs;\n\nBuild case management and outreach teams to follow up with people to develop specific solutions to reduce repeat interactions with emergency services.\n\nThe legislation is based on Denver\u2019s STAR Program and Grand Junction\u2019s Co-Responder Program. Denver\u2019s STAR Program has responded to almost 7,500 calls for service that would have otherwise required police to respond. Grand Junction\u2019s Co-Responder Unit has responded to over 3,200 crisis calls.\n\n\u201cBy combining the skills of highly trained Police Officers with mental health clinicians we are able to provide a safer environment to address the needs of an individual experiencing a mental health crisis,\u201d said Matt Smith, Chief of Police, Grand Junction Police Department. \u201cThis collaborative effort allows many individuals to get resources at home or the most appropriate treatment facility for their individual needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cSMART delivers a continuum of care from crisis response through stabilization, with the ultimate goal of safe return to the community,\u201d Jaime FitzSimons, Sheriff, Summit County Sheriff\u2019s Office. \u201cSMART\u2019s response offers broader benefits too, such as de-escalating situations that might have otherwise led to arrests or hospitalizations and achieving significant cost savings through community stabilization. The program has been nothing short of a miracle, in its effectiveness in improving public safety and providing appropriate care while reducing strain on law enforcement. I applaud and appreciate Senator Michael Bennet\u2019s leadership in proposing legislation to expand such initiatives nationwide, recognizing them as essential for the future of community policing.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe co-responder program in Eagle County is addressing mental health crises with trained mental health clinicians, community paramedics and when needed by law enforcement officers,\u201d said Ryan Kenney, Police Chief, Vail Police Department. \u201c The program has drastically reduced emergency room visits and worked to keep patients in their homes while getting the services they need. Someone experiencing a mental health crisis needs the support and expertise of professionals who are trained to recognize and respond to their specific symptoms. The co-responder program in Eagle County has limited law enforcement\u2019s role in these incidents and allowed law enforcement to dedicate their time to public safety. The work Senator Bennet is doing ensures that co-responder programs like the one in Eagle County have the support they need to continue to provide these critical services.\u201d\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/17/bennet-hickenlooper-urge-tricare-and-childrens-hospital-colorado-to-fulfill-their-duty-to-military-families/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Crow, Lamborn Urge TRICARE and Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado to Fulfill their Duty to Military Families", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside U.S. Representatives Jason Crow and Doug Lamborn released the following statement regarding the decision by Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) to go out-of-network for patients on TRICARE, the health care program for military service members and their families:\n\n\u201cMilitary families across the West rely on Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado \u2013 especially those with very ill or medically fragile children. Service members\u2019 children deserve the best medical care available, and the possibility that Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado would be out-of-network for TRICARE users on January 1st is unacceptable. We call on TRICARE and CHCO to come to the table, ensure fair reimbursement rates, and fulfill their duty to military families to provide access to the health care they need.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/17/bennet-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-hold-insurance-companies-accountable-for-surprise-medical-billing/", "Bennet Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Hold Insurance Companies Accountable for Surprise Medical Billing", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. This bill reinforces the No Surprises Act, which protects patients against surprise medical bills when they receive unanticipated out-of-network health care and helps ensure that the law is working as intended.\n\n\u201cFor too long, surprise medical billing left Coloradans on the hook for outrageous and unexpected costs after a hospital visit. That\u2019s why I introduced bipartisan legislation in 2019 to ban this harmful practice, and I was glad to see the No Surprises Act signed into law,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis legislation is a necessary next step to make sure health care providers and insurance companies are both upholding their responsibilities to patients under that law.\u201d\n\n\u201cSurprise medical bills can have devastating economic impacts on families\u2019 bottom lines. The idea that health insurers are breaking the law and unfairly punishing patients and providers is beyond the pale. Our legislation ensures that out-of-network medical bills are resolved promptly and fairly, with enhanced penalties for any failure by the health insurers to do so. We are fighting for patients, who often feel helpless battling the insurers and the health care industry. Let\u2019s level the playing field and put patients\u2019 care and positive outcomes above unfair payment practices,\u201d said Marshall.\n\nThe No Surprises Act was signed into law in 2020 to instill key patient protections while ensuring a balanced resolution process for disputes between insurers and providers when a patient received unanticipated out-of-network care. Under the law, patients cannot receive \u201csurprise\u201d medical bills when there is a dispute between the doctor and the insurer on the price of that care. However, the intent of the law is not being carried out and this bill creates additional guarantees that all parties are treated fairly.\n\nThis legislation reinforces the No Surprises Act by:\n\nClosing enforcement gaps through increased penalties for non-compliance of statutory payment deadlines;\n\nProviding parity between penalties imposed against parties who are not compliant with the law; and\n\nIncreasing transparency in reporting requirements.\n\nIn 2019, Bennet first introduced bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills.\n\nU.S. Representatives Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), John Joyce (R-Pa.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/16/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-11-7-million-from-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-for-fort-collins-city-vehicles-electrification/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $11.7 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Fort Collins City Vehicles\u2019 Electrification", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed more than $11.7 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to accelerate the electrification of Fort Collins city vehicles. This funding was awarded through DOT\u2019s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The senators sent a letter to DOT supporting Fort Collins\u2019 application for this funding in August.\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the largest investment in America\u2019s roads, bridges, and local infrastructure since President Eisenhower,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis funding will help Fort Collins achieve its emissions reduction goals by the end of the decade, fuel our state\u2019s transition to a clean energy economy, and reduce pollution for Northern Colorado.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment will supercharge Fort Collins\u2019 EV charging infrastructure,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cMore reliable charging. Lower costs. Less emissions. That\u2019s our BIL at work!\u201d\n\n\u201cColorado and our local communities are leading the nation when it comes to putting electric vehicles on the road. And today\u2019s investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is propelling this progress forward,\u201d said U.S. Representative Joe Neguse.\n\n\u201cThe City of Fort Collins is very appreciative of our congressional delegation for securing money to help us transition to our clean energy future,\u201d said Jeni Arndt, Mayor, City of Fort Collins.\n\nThe SMART grant program was created to help state and local governments develop and implement advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of transportation infrastructure across the country. Fort Collins will use this investment to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the City, which will help create a more reliable and affordable electrical grid, and reduce emissions and operating costs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-dean-houlahan-lead-74-colleagues-in-letter-to-the-biden-administration-seeking-assessment-of-israel-s-compliance-with-us-laws-and-policies", "Reps. Crow, Dean, Houlahan Lead 74 Colleagues in Letter to the Biden Administration Seeking Assessment of Israel\u2019s Compliance with US Laws and Policies", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, as well as Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-04), led a letter with 74 of their House colleagues urging the Biden Administration to provide their full assessment of the status of Israel\u2019s compliance with relevant U.S. policies and laws, including National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) and Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act.\n\nIn the letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the Members reaffirm their support for Israel\u2019s right to self-defense, condemn the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and call on Hamas to release all remaining hostages, while also expressing their deep concern for the continued level of civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering in Gaza.\n\nThe Members specifically highlight concerns that Secretaries Blinken and Austin recently raised in a letter to the Israeli government, which established a 30-day deadline to \u201creverse the downward humanitarian trajectory\u201d in Gaza and fulfill requirements consistent with Israel\u2019s March 2024 assurances that its actions are compliant with U.S. and international law, including facilitating and not arbitrarily restricting humanitarian assistance.\n\nThat deadline has expired, and while some progress has been made, the signers believe the Israeli government has not yet fulfilled the requirements outlined in that letter.\n\n\u201cTherefore we request that your Administration provide a full assessment of the status of Israel\u2019s compliance with all relevant U.S. policies and laws, including National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM20) and Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act,\u201d the Members said in the letter.\n\nThe Members continued: \u201cWe believe further administrative action must be taken to ensure Israel upholds the assurances it provided in March 2024 to facilitate, and not directly or indirectly obstruct, U.S. humanitarian assistance. We remain committed to a negotiated solution that can bring an end to the fighting, free the remaining hostages, surge humanitarian aid, and lay the groundwork to rebuild Gaza with a legitimate Palestinian governing body.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Reps. Crow, Dean, Houlahan, and 74 other signatories, this letter is endorsed by groups such as the Center for International Policy, Foreign Policy For America, and J Street.\n\nThis letter follows Rep. Crow\u2019s work to ensure Israel is fighting in line with US values. In May 2024, he led a similar letter with Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and 86 of his House colleagues urging the Biden Administration to enforce US law and policy regarding US humanitarian aid to Gaza. Before that, he sent a letter to ODNI Director Avril Haines seeking information on the US-Israel intel sharing relationship, as well as a separate letter urging the Biden Administration to demand a shift in Israeli military strategy.\n\nA PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:\n\nDecember 12, 2024\n\nDear Secretaries Blinken and Austin: We strongly support Israel\u2019s right to self-defense and condemn the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, in which Hamas killed over 1,200 people and took 235 people hostage. We continue to call on Hamas to release all hostages and support the Biden Administration\u2019s efforts to broker a bilateral ceasefire that includes the release of hostages. We also support U.S. efforts to reach a security agreement between Israel and Lebanon to end the fighting, allow citizens on both sides of the border to return home, and lower regional tensions. Further, we condemn the unprecedented Iranian attacks against Israel launched on April 13, 2024, and October 1, 2024. We must continue to avoid a major regional conflict \u2013 and we welcome the concerted diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and our allies to prevent further escalation.\n\nWe are also deeply troubled by the continued level of civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering in Gaza. We welcomed the October 13th letter you sent to the Israeli government, imposing a 30-day deadline to \u201creverse the downward humanitarian trajectory\u201d in Gaza and fulfill requirements consistent with Israel\u2019s March 2024 assurances that its actions are compliant with U.S. and international law, including facilitating humanitarian assistance. That deadline has expired, and while some progress has been made, we believe the Israeli government has not yet fulfilled the requirements outlined in your letter.\n\nTherefore we request that your Administration provide a full assessment of the status of Israel\u2019s compliance with all relevant U.S. policies and laws, including National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM20) and Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act.\n\nThis request is consistent with one made by many of us in a May letter to the Administration in which we raised similar concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urged enforcement of NSM-20.\n\nOur concerns remain urgent and largely unresolved, including arbitrary restrictions on humanitarian aid and insufficient delivery routes, among others. As a result, Gaza\u2019s civilian population is facing dire famine. As documented in the State Department\u2019s May 10th NSM-20 report, although overall access to humanitarian aid has improved, it remains insufficient and there are credible reports of potential breaches of U.S. law. Further, on October 28th, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, that \u201cAt this point, they\u2019re not meeting all the conditions of the letter\u201d with reference to Israel.\n\nWe believe further administrative action must be taken to ensure Israel upholds the assurances it provided in March 2024 to facilitate, and not directly or indirectly obstruct, U.S. humanitarian assistance. We remain committed to a negotiated solution that can bring an end to the fighting, free the remaining hostages, surge humanitarian aid, and lay the groundwork to rebuild Gaza with a legitimate Palestinian governing body. We thank you and the Administration for its ongoing work to achieve those shared goals.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-crow-secures-key-wins-for-colorado-s-servicemembers-buckley-space-force-base-in-annual-defense-legislation", "Congressman Crow Secures Key Wins for Colorado\u2019s Servicemembers, Buckley Space Force Base in Annual Defense Legislation", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 11, 2024\n\nCrow: \u201cThis bill will help to make critical infrastructure upgrades at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado and provide the largest pay raise for junior servicemembers\u2026\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), a former Army Ranger who serves as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, voted to pass this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA), which included key priorities he championed to bolster military readiness, improve the lives of US servicemembers and their families in Colorado, and build a stronger national defense at home and abroad.\n\n\u201cI will never forget what it\u2019s like to serve in the boots of an Army private. I know first-hand the impact our annual defense bill has on servicemembers\u2019 lives, military readiness, and our national security,\u201d said Congressman Crow. \u201cThis bill will help make critical infrastructure upgrades at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado and provide the largest pay raise for junior servicemembers to help support military readiness and retention.\u201d\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA, includes the following Congressman Crow-led priorities:\n\nStrengthening the Future of Buckley Space Force Base:\n\nSupporting the Power Independence Project: Provision authorizing $68M for the Power Independence Project to ensure Buckley is able to field new Missile Warning capabilities and not face any power capacity limits.\n\nEnhancing Transparency and Oversight Policies:\n\nImproving Transparency on DOD Contracts: Provision that requires the Secretary of Defense to publicize formal guidance on the oversight of Department of Defense contracts that support or enable sensitive activities\n\nExtending Reporting Requirements: Provision requiring a report on the number of strikes undertaken by the United States against terrorist targets outside areas of active hostilities and the number of combatant and non-combatant deaths resulting from those strikes\n\nExamining the Impact of Civilian Harm: Provision examining the extent to which civilian harm that occurs during counterterrorism operations informs intelligence community analyses on mission success of campaigns to defeat foreign terrorist organizations\n\nEnsuring a More Cost-Effective Use of Taxpayer Dollars:\n\nWinding Down Duplicative Oversight Office: Provision to responsibly wind down the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), the office tasked with overseeing U.S. reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan, and transferring its role to permanent inspector general offices following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021\n\nBuilding a stronger national defense at home and abroad:\n\nUplifting Crisis Management Officials: Provision that designates a senior official within the State Department to coordinate the Department\u2019s overall response to international crises\n\nImproving Crisis Response Posture: Provision that requires regular tabletop crisis simulations and exercises to strengthen personnel training and improve overall response posture at the Department of State\n\nStrengthening Lessons Learned: Provision that establishes a clearinghouse of resources that lessons learned at the Department of State to improve crisis response and contingency planning\n\nBolstering Diplomatic Training: Provision that highlights the importance of crisis management in the training of foreign service officials\n\nThe final conference report also includes:\n\nIncreasing servicemember pay: A 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers, and a 4.5% pay increase for the remainder of the force.\n\nMaking life better for our servicemembers: Improvements for servicemember housing, health care, child care, and spousal support\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-kim-introduce-bill-to-responsibly-sunset-the-office-of-the-special-inspector-general-for-afghanistan-reconstruction", "Reps. Crow, Kim Introduce Bill to Responsibly Sunset the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger who served in Afghanistan, and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA-40) introduced the Sunsetting the Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) Act, bipartisan legislation to responsibly sunset the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) by January 31, 2026. Although SIGAR has conducted robust oversight of U.S. reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, this bill is responsive to the situation on the ground and a reduction in U.S. assistance to the country since the withdrawal of American troops.\n\nFollowing the wind down of the agency, this bill would provide a more cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars and hand oversight responsibilities to the inspector generals at the State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).\n\n\u201cI was proud to serve our country in combat in Afghanistan. Now that the war is over, I\u2019ve introduced a bipartisan bill with Congresswoman Kim to save American taxpayer dollars and responsibly wind down SIGAR,\u201d said Rep. Jason Crow.\n\n\u201cAfter the Taliban takeover, U.S. assistance to Afghanistan has declined drastically. Naturally, transferring SIGAR\u2019s oversight role to permanent inspector general offices will save taxpayer dollars,\u201d said Rep. Young Kim. \u201cI am proud to join Rep. Crow in a bipartisan effort to reduce the federal bureaucracy and ensure an efficient federal government.\u201d\n\n\u201cI appreciate SIGAR\u2019s vital work to conduct comprehensive oversight of U.S. assistance to Afghanistan from 2008 until our withdrawal in 2021. Although our commitment to the people of Afghanistan and those who supported our decades-long mission there endures, the shape of our engagement has changed,\u201d said House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks. \u201cWinding down SIGAR in a responsible manner is an important recognition of that fact, will help avoid duplication, and conserve taxpayer resources.\u201d\n\nIn terminating SIGAR by January 31, 2026, this legislation allows funds associated with the Office to be transferred to the Department of State, foreign operations, and related appropriations, pending consultation between the U.S. Secretary of State and the Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Relations in both chambers of Congress.\n\nSIGAR was created by Congress as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in order to provide independent and objective oversight of Afghanistan reconstruction projects and activities. Throughout its 16-year existence, SIGAR routinely provided an overview of reconstruction activities to Congress on a quarterly basis, along with detailed statements of all obligations, expenditures, and revenues associated with these activities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-national-defense-authorization-act", "DeGette Statement on National Defense Authorization Act", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", "degette", "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement following the vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cIt is a shame that Speaker Johnson has hijacked the NDAA to advance his extreme social agenda. Every year, the NDAA provides Congress with the opportunity to invest in the men and women who bravely serve our country in uniform. This year\u2019s bill would give our most junior enlisted servicemembers a well-deserved pay increase and make meaningful investments in our armed forces. It is unfortunate that Speaker Johnson is prioritizing a toxic policy position over the well-being of our men and women in uniform.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-neguse-led-bill-better-equip-communities-access-federal-disaster", "House Passes Neguse-Led Bill to Better Equip Communities with Access to Federal Disaster Assistance", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 11, 2024\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 This week, the House passed Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse\u2019s bipartisan, bicameral Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act. This legislation enhances communities\u2019 capacity for long-term disaster recovery by allowing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster management funds awarded for one disaster to be applied to other open disasters.\n\n\u201cAs we continue to face increasing numbers of natural disasters across our country\u2014wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and more\u2014it\u2019s critically important that we work to equip our communities with the resources that they need. My home state of Colorado has seen firsthand the devastating impacts of these disasters, Mr. Speaker, as we\u2019ve unfortunately experienced record-breaking and deadly wildfires, drought, and flood conditions\u2013all over just the last few years. This bill would strengthen our efforts to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of future disasters across our country,\u201d Assistant Leader Neguse stated while speaking in support of his legislation during House consideration of the bill.\n\nNeguse\u2019s full remarks can be found HERE.\n\nFor communities in Colorado and beyond that are experiencing an increase in natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and droughts, the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act streamlines unnecessary red tape to enable state and local governments to utilize FEMA-allocated management costs across multiple disasters and build future disaster recovery capacity. Under current law, management costs awarded for one disaster may only be used for that disaster, which creates additional administrative burdens for communities who may be managing multiple open disasters.\n\nAdditional information on the legislation can be located HERE.\n\nBackground\n\nHouse Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse has been steadfast in his efforts to expand access to critical federal disaster assistance for communities impacted by natural disaster. In July, when the Alexander Mountain Fire and Stone Canyon Fire threatened parts of his congressional district, Neguse acted swiftly to secure federal funds authorized by FEMA to fight the fires.\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Neguse was successful in enacting the Disaster Assistance Deadlines Alignment Act, which merges the application deadlines for the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program and Individuals and Households Program (IHP). He is also the sponsor of a legislative package aimed at streamlining federal assistance under the Small Business Administration for families and communities impacted by natural disasters.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=971", "House Passes Pettersen\u2019s Provision to Restore Silver Cliff ZIP Code", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8753, bipartisan legislation that included a provision introduced by Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) to restore the Town of Silver Cliff\u2019s ZIP Code.\n\nIn 1991, the town lost its unique ZIP Code and was forced to use the ZIP Code of the neighboring town of Westcliffe, which has resulted in delays and extensive errors with postal delivery, as well as a loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales tax revenue. The bill would reinstate the original ZIP Code to the Town of Silver Cliff, decoupling them from Westcliffe and alleviating these issues.\n\n\u201cColoradans depend on reliable postal service for everything from prescription drugs and billing notices to food, clothing, and other necessary items,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cIt\u2019s unacceptable that the Town of Silver Cliff has faced delayed and lost deliveries, subpar postal service, and thousands of dollars lost in sales tax revenue since they lost their unique ZIP Code in 1991. Today, I\u2019m grateful to see this legislation pass with bipartisan support, bringing us one step closer to restoring Silver Cliff\u2019s ZIP Code.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn addition to losing our identity, the town of Silver Cliff has lost thousands and thousands of dollars in sales taxes from online, out of county and out of state sales, and has caused serious mail delivery issues since we lost our ZIP Code,\u201d said Silver Cliff Mayor H.A. Buck Wenzel. \u201cThe passage of this bill will ensure that the sales taxes from our residents will be applied to our town, so that we can continue to provide services - roads, streets, parks, trails, museum, senior care - that they deserve. We are grateful to our Congresswoman for listening to our plight, caring, and acting on this crucial issue that has adversely affected the Town of Silver Cliff for the past 33-years.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/11/bennet-lummis-bill-to-reduce-salinity-of-the-colorado-river-heads-to-the-presidents-desk/", "Bennet, Lummis Bill to Reduce Salinity of the Colorado River Heads to the President\u2019s Desk", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Senate and House Unanimously Pass Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) celebrated Senate and House passage of the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act. Their bipartisan legislation, introduced in the House by U.S. Representative John Curtis (R-Utah) and passed by voice vote last week, will provide greater support for Colorado River Basin water users and local governments working to reduce the salt load in the Colorado River. The bill now heads to the President\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River is a precious resource for communities in Colorado and the industries that drive our economy. As our population grows and as we face a hotter and drier future, the federal government needs to step up and support state and local leaders to better protect our water supply,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI\u2019m glad we were able to pass this bill that will support ongoing efforts to keep water from the Colorado River safe for communities, farmers and ranchers, and water users throughout the entire Basin.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River is a major source of water for Wyoming residents and businesses, and reducing its salinity is key to ensuring Wyoming continues to have access to clean and usable water,\u201d said Lummis. \u201cI am thrilled the Senate and House passed the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Fix Act to help implement important infrastructure projects on the river to reduce salt levels.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River is the lifeblood of the West, and its health is crucial for our communities, our economy, and our environment,\u201d said Curtis. \u201cThe Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act builds on decades of collaborative efforts to reduce salinity levels, which have greatly improved water quality across the Basin. I\u2019m grateful for the bipartisan support for this legislation and for the dedicated work of my colleagues, including Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), the seven Basin states, and all the partners who have contributed to this important step forward for water users across the West.\u201d\n\nNearly 40 million people across seven states and over 30 Tribes rely on water from the Colorado River. However, naturally occurring salinity affects our ability to harness this water source for agricultural, municipal, and industrial water users. High salinity levels can reduce crop yields, limit crop growth, kill trees, and make land unsuitable for agriculture.\n\nThe Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974 authorized and supported salinity control projects and research across the American West, including through the Bureau of Reclamation\u2019s Basin States Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program. These programs provide assistance to farmers, ranchers, and water users who utilize salinity control measures. The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act would increase the federal cost-share for these salinity control programs across the Colorado River Basin.\n\n\u201cOver the years the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program has been successful in reducing the damages to water users caused by the high level of salts, most of which come from federally administered lands, in the Colorado River. However, damages still exceed $350 million annually. The Program is funded through appropriations and a cost-share which comes from a mill levy on power sales from federal projects within the Colorado River Basin. However, in recent years, due to prolonged drought and increased costs, the power revenues have been insufficient to provide the needed cost-share dollars. The proposed legislation, which is supported by all seven Colorado River Basin States, adjusts the cost-share percentages on portions of the Program to bring the cost-share in balance with Program needs,\u201d said Don Barnett, Executive Director of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum.\n\n\u201cColorado recognizes the importance of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program to our water users and the entire state, and supports this effort to address the imbalance between funding and cost share requirements, which is needed to sustain this important Program,\u201d said Becky Mitchell, Colorado Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission and Vice-Chair of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum.\n\n\u201cAs a headwaters state, Colorado has always been a strong supporter of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program. This Program helps Colorado and its water users stay in compliance with Clean Water Act requirements,\u201d said David Robbins, Colorado member of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum. \u201cThe proposed Colorado River Salinity Fix Act fixes the present imbalance between Program funding and cost share requirements, and will allow Colorado and the other Basin States to continue to maintain compliance with water quality standards.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Lummis, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) also sponsored this legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=970", "House Passes Pettersen\u2019s Provisions to Improve Colorado Water Infrastructure", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), which included three provisions championed by Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) to improve Colorado\u2019s water infrastructure.\n\nWRDA is a legislative package that provides Members of Congress the opportunity to authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works projects to improve the nation\u2019s waterways and water infrastructure, flood and storm protection, ports and harbors, the inland waterway navigation network, and other water resources infrastructure.\n\nIncluded in WRDA is Pettersen\u2019s bill - the John Griffin Regional Reservoir Project Act - which authorizes a $50 million investment to reconnect John Griffin Regional Park in Ca\u00f1on City to the Arkansas River ecosystem. Pettersen worked on this provision after hearing directly from Fremont County officials about their plans to create a reservoir within John Griffin Regional Park and the need for federal assistance.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard directly from Coloradans about the urgent need to improve our water infrastructure, particularly in our rural communities,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cAfter meeting with Ca\u00f1on City officials and learning about their need for federal support to reconnect the John Griffin Regional Park channels to the Arkansas River, I fought to include this provision. Today, I\u2019m grateful the House passed this legislation with bipartisan support. I will continue working to secure federal resources like this that will make a tangible difference in our communities.\u201d\n\nIn May, Rep. Pettersen visited John Griffin Regional Park in Ca\u00f1on City, where she heard updates from officials about efforts to reconnect John Griffin Regional Park\u2019s channels to the Arkansas River.\n\n\u201cThe city is excited to see this vital community project continue along the path towards reality,\u201d said Leo Evans, Director of Department of Public Works, Ca\u00f1on City. \u201cWe look forward to continued progress and partnership between the local, state, and federal partners as we move one step closer to completion.\u201d\n\nPettersen also successfully included a provision to designate Corps regional staff as Technical Assistance Liaisons to support communities with federal water infrastructure projects and a provision to include low-head dams in the National Inventory of Dams to protect recreators, such as rafters and kayakers.\n\nBackground:\n\nJohn Griffin Regional Reservoir Project Act: Included in WRDA is Rep. Pettersen\u2019s bill authorizing a $50 million investment to reconnect the John Griffin Regional Park channels in Ca\u00f1on City to the Arkansas River ecosystem. Today, landscape scars in John Griffin Regional Park demonstrate that this area once had a wide floodplain with braided channels. Side channels still exist, but are disconnected from the Arkansas River, leading to potential floods and other natural disasters. This investment will reconnect remaining side channels, boost water storage, create a natural barrier to protect against wildfires, and create more space for recreational use.\n\nEstablishing Technical Assistance Liaisons: This provision authorizes Economic Development Administration Regional Directors to designate a regional staff member to act as a Technical Assistance Liaison to help them navigate federal processes as they develop water infrastructure plans and projects. These liaisons will give guidance to local partners on accessing federal programs, services and other assistance that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/10/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-passage-of-legislation-to-help-clean-up-abandoned-mines-in-colorado/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Passage of Legislation to Help Clean Up Abandoned Mines in Colorado", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "After Passing Senate and House, Bipartisan Legislation Heads to President\u2019s Desk\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper applauded House passage of their Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. This legislation, which would make it easier for \u2018Good Samaritans\u2019 such as state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits, and other groups, to clean up abandoned hardrock mines, passed the Senate unanimously in July and it now heads to the President\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cThousands of abandoned mines pollute our ecosystems and threaten our watersheds in Colorado and across the West,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis bill will make it easier for our state, local governments, and nonprofits to clean up these mines, reduce pollution, and improve water quality. It\u2019s common sense for Coloradans, and I look forward to President Biden signing it into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cTens of thousands of abandoned mines across Colorado and the West are releasing acid and heavy metals into our water,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cGood faith actors are ready to help clean up these mines. All we have to do is cut the red tape and let them.\u201d\n\nAcross the United States, thousands of abandoned hardrock mines pose environmental hazards to surrounding communities, environments, and watersheds. Organizations that have no legal or financial responsibility to an abandoned mine want to volunteer to remediate some of these sites. Unfortunately, liability rules would leave these \u2018Good Samaritans\u2019 legally responsible for all the pre-existing pollution from a mine, even though they had no involvement with the mine prior to cleaning it up.\n\nThe Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act creates a pilot permitting program to enable not-for-profit cleanup efforts to move forward, while ensuring Good Samaritans have the skills and resources to comply with federal oversight. This pilot program is designed for lower risk projects that will improve water and soil quality or otherwise protect human health.\n\n\u201cColorado voices have long called for legislation to empower Good Samaritans to conduct mine remediation projects, and with more than 23,000 abandoned mines statewide, the significance for our waters is clear. We look forward to seeing one or more pilot projects under this bill take place here in Colorado, so that we and our partners can finally roll up our sleeves and get to work improving water quality. Colorado\u2019s U.S. Senators have been leaders on Good Samaritan legislation for decades, and we thank Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for all their hard work and dedication in bringing this commonsense legislation to fruition,\u201d said David Nickum, Executive Director, Colorado Trout Unlimited.\n\n\u201cAs a founding member of the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee in the late 1999 near Creede, Colorado, I worked on the first version of Good Samaritan legislation introduced in 2004. Today\u2019s passage is the culmination of a long-time effort to remove the roadblocks for grassroots watershed groups to take action in cost-effective ways to remove contamination from historic mining in the Mountain West. Thank you to Senator Bennet for his efforts to get this across the finish line,\u201d Zeke Ward, Commissioner-elect, Mineral County.\n\n\u201cMineral County is pleased to hear that the Good Samaritan legislation has passed and we are hopeful the President will sign it soon. We express our gratitude to the courageous hard work of those in Congress that brought it about. Our County has been fortunate to have a Stakeholder Group actively engaged in cleanup of the Willow Creek Watershed since 1999. It is our sincere hope the Pilot Projects this legislation permits will demonstrate the viability of getting more done to improve environmental conditions utilizing the volunteers we are calling Good Samaritans,\u201d said Scott Lamb, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, Mineral County.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-secures-extension-upper-colorado-and-san-juan-river", "Assistant Leader Neguse Secures Extension of Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs in Annual Defense Bill", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 9, 2024\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse released the following statement regarding the inclusion of his bill, the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act, in the final negotiated language for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Neguse\u2019s bill, which mirrors legislation championed by Senator John Hickenlooper in the U.S. Senate, extends the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program and San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program for seven years, advancing protections for four threatened and endangered native fish species in the region.\n\n\u201cOver the course of the 118th Congress, I\u2019ve been proud to lead efforts to reauthorize the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Endangered Fish Recovery Programs through 2031. This reauthorization will build on the significant progress already made by these highly successful programs. It is essential that Congress acts before the end of the year to reauthorize the programs, and I am optimistic that we can get it across the finish line and continue safeguarding Colorado's fish and wildlife for years to come,\u201d said Assistant Leader Joe Neguse.\n\nIn 2022, Assistant Leader Neguse led a successful bipartisan effort to extend the authorization for the recovery programs through 2024 as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus government funding bill. The program authorization was originally set to expire in 2023.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Upper Colorado River Basin is home to 14 native fish species, including the threatened and endangered humpback chub, bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow, and razorback sucker. These threatened and endangered fish are found only in the Colorado River system.\n\nThe Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, founded in collaboration with public and private entities, was established in 1988 to save four endangered fish species from extinction. This program represents an unprecedented partnership of local, state, and federal agencies, water and power interests, and environmental groups working together to recover endangered fish and is a national success.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-bilirakis-urge-reauthorization-special-diabetes-program", "DeGette, Bilirakis Urge Reauthorization of Special Diabetes Program", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", "degette", "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), co-chairs of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, led 196 Members of Congress on a letter to House Leadership supporting the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) and asking for its reauthorization prior to its expiration at the end of December.\n\n\u201cDiabetes is one of our country\u2019s most expensive diseases in both human and economic terms, affecting people of all ages and races, and in every region of our country. It is a leading cause of kidney disease, adult blindness, lower-limb amputations, heart disease, and stroke. Approximately one in four health care dollars and one in three Medicare dollars are spent treating people with diabetes. Although the costs and prevalence of diabetes continue to increase, the SDP is making meaningful progress,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\n\u201cAs we face yet another expiration of this program at the end of this year, we look forward to working with you to ensure the SDP can continue to support Americans living with or at risk of developing diabetes,\u201d the Members closed.\n\nThe Special Diabetes Program is comprised of two components: the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research (SDP) and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDP-I). Since the program\u2019s inception, it has delivered meaningful resources and research breakthroughs for the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes and 97.6 million with prediabetes, as well as their loved ones who are impacted by the disease. SDP and SDP-I are each currently authorized at a level of approximately $160 million per year. This authorization runs out at the end of the year.\n\nSustained, long-term investment allows the SDP to fund research that leads directly to the development of new insights and therapies that improve the lives of those with diabetes and accelerates progress towards curing and preventing the disease. Likewise, the SDP-I has a significant and positive impact on the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), who are disproportionately affected by type 2 Diabetes (T2D), including a marked decrease in diabetes incidence among AI/AN. SDP-funded research has led to notable developments including a new drug that delays the onset of Type 1 Diabetes, therapies to reverse vision loss associated with diabetes, and early groundwork for artificial pancreas systems, which have been proven to reduce costly and burdensome complications for people with Type 1 Diabetes.\n\nThe Special Diabetes Program improves the lives of the 136 million Americans living with or at risk of developing diabetes, while also greatly reducing the long-term healthcare expenditures related to its complications.\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below:\n\n--\n\nDear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries:\n\nThank you for your long-standing support of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), an essential resource in our nation\u2019s investment in diabetes research, treatment, education and prevention programs. We write today to ask for your continued commitment to this vital program by ensuring its reauthorization prior to its expirationon December 31, 2024.\n\nDiabetes is one of our country\u2019s most expensive diseases in both human and economic terms, affecting people of all ages and races, and in every region of our country. It is a leading cause of kidney disease, adult blindness, lower-limb amputations, heart disease, and stroke. Approximately one in four health care dollars and one in three Medicare dollars are spent treating people with diabetes. The total cost of diabetes in the United States was $412.9 billion in 2022, and medical expenditures for individuals diagnosed with diabetes are roughly 2.6 times higher than expenditures for those without the disease. Although the costs and prevalence of diabetes continue to increase, the SDP is making meaningful progress.\n\nThe SDP is comprised of two partner components: the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research (SDP) and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDP-I). Since the program\u2019s inception, it has delivered meaningful and impactful resources and research breakthroughs for the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes and 97.6 million with prediabetes, as well as their loved ones, who are impacted by the disease. It is essential we continue to invest in the research necessary to develop a cure for diabetes, as well as support the programs that help prevent and treat the disease and its complications.\n\nResearch funded by the program is leading to new insights and treatment options that improve the lives of diabetes patients and accelerate progress toward curing and preventing the disease. In recent years, this funding contributed to landmark research that culminated in the first early, preventive treatment that can delay clinical diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in those at high risk of developing the disease. SDP-funded research is also advancing knowledge of how insulin-producing beta cells are lost with T1D and how they can be protected or replaced in people, which is helping scientists accelerate new cell replacement therapies. The SDP has also allowed researchers to continue to make progress in other areas, such as:\n\nTherapies to Delay T1D Onset: The SDP enabled the creation of TrialNet, the largest clinical network for T1D, which conducted the clinical trials that supported the 2022 FDA approval of the first diseasemodifying therapy for T1D, which can delay onset by nearly three years. Other therapies to delay and ultimately prevent onset are in the research pipeline.\n\nDiabetes Prevention in the American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Community: SDP-I has been one of the most successful programs ever created to reduce the incidence and complications due to Type 2 diabetes. Communities with SDPI-funded programs have seen substantial growth in diabetes prevention resources, and, for the first time, from 2013 to 2017, diabetes incidence in the AI/AN population decreased each year. In addition, the average blood sugar level, as measured by the hemoglobin A1C test, decreased from 9.0 percent in 1996 to 8.1 percent in 2014 in the American Indian and Alaskan Native population, resulting in reduced risk of eye, kidney, and nerve complications.\n\nArtificial Pancreas (AP) Systems: SDP-funded research laid early groundwork for developing AP systems, which have shown the ability to reduce costly and burdensome complications and improve the quality of life for those with the disease. SDP funds led to the first fully automated insulin-dosing system being made available to patients in 2017, some five to seven years earlier than expected. Positive results from clinical trials since then have led to another FDA-approved AP system and next-generation AP devices that have outperformed first-generation devices in adolescents and young adults. According to one study, the use of AP systems in adults could save Medicare roughly $1 billion over 25 years.\n\nEye Therapies: SDP-funded research discovered that combining a drug with laser therapy can reverse vision loss in people living with diabetes. The SDP also filled a critical research gap by funding a head-to-head comparison of three drugs for the treatment of diabetic eye disease. In the SDP era, diabetic eye disease rates have decreased by more than 50 percent for the AI/AN population, resulting in a reduction of vision loss and blindness.\n\nEnvironmental Factors Influencing T1D: Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking 15-year study to determine what environmental factors influence the onset of T1D. They believe by identifying specific triggering factors, new strategies can be developed to prevent the initial onset of the disease.\n\nThese are only a few of the many groundbreaking discoveries made possible by the SDP. New technology, therapies, and data sets are improving the lives of the 136 million Americans living with or at risk of developing diabetes, while also greatly reducing the long-term health care expenditures related to its complications. Long-term, sustained investment in this program would provide the stability researchers need to continue large-scale trials, conduct outreach and education, and determine where best to allocate resources \u2013 all of which play an important role in helping to better treat, prevent, and ultimately cure diabetes.\n\nWe thank you for your steadfast support of the SDP in the March funding package when you helped deliver the first funding increase for the program in nearly 20 years. Congress has reauthorized the SDP with bipartisan support on a regular basis since the program\u2019s inception in 1997, prior to this action, funding had remained flat since fiscal year 2004. During this time, the cost of research has increased, as has the size of the Indian Health Service population and the cost of medical care. We greatly appreciate your recognition of these considerations. Extending the SDP beyond December 2024 will continue our momentum and provide renewed hope for the diabetes community.\n\nAs we face yet another expiration of this program at the end of this year, we look forward to working with you to ensure the SDP can continue to support Americans living with or at risk of developing diabetes.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=968", "Reps. Pettersen, Edwards Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Post-Disaster Recovery Through Reforestation and Restoration", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act. This bipartisan legislation would help communities impacted by natural disasters \u2013 including wildfires and floods \u2013 recover and rebuild more resilient to future threats through reforestation and restoration efforts. Specifically, the legislation would require the Department of Interior, in coordination with states, local governments, tribes, and colleges to identify critical lands in need of rehabilitation after natural disasters and support projects through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.\n\nOver 3 million Coloradans \u2013 more than 50% of the state\u2019s population \u2013 live in a moderate to high risk area for wildfires. As wildfires become increasingly common, it is crucial to implement post-disaster recovery strategies, including reforestation and restoration efforts. This not only helps restore damaged ecosystems but also protects communities from future disasters.\n\n\u201cAs wildfires become a year-round threat, prioritizing post-disaster recovery is more important than ever,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cBy investing in rehabilitation after wildfires and other natural disasters, we can ensure that our communities not only recover but also rebuild in a way that enhances their resilience against future disasters. I thank Congressman Edwards for his partnership on this bipartisan legislation and will keep working to ensure we are better prepared for wildfires and other threats for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cWestern North Carolina is home to the Pisgah National Forest, much of which was devastated by Hurricane Helene. The work to restore vast swaths of forest land will be difficult but must be done as quickly as possible to mitigate the risk of wildfire and other negative effects if left unaddressed,\u201d said Edwards. \u201cThat is why I am co-leading the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act, which requires the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to identify priority areas and support targeted projects for reforestation and restoration.\u201d\n\nThe Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act is endorsed by the following organizations: The Nature Conservancy, American Forests, National Association of Counties, the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/05/bennet-hickenlooper-applaud-lake-nighthorse-agreement-between-bureau-of-reclamation-and-ute-mountain-ute-tribe/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Applaud Lake Nighthorse Agreement Between Bureau of Reclamation and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper applauded the announcement that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) signed a contract with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe that will help them benefit from the water they have long held rights to in the Animas-La Plata project\u2019s Lake Nighthorse.\n\n\u201cFor over a decade, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Bureau of Reclamation worked hard to come to an agreement for the Animas-La Plata Project that would protect the Tribe\u2019s long term interests and ensure it could benefit from federal drought funding,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI was grateful to have visited Towoac in October and to have successfully encouraged Commissioner Touton to travel there, as well, so she could hear from Chairman Heart directly. Today\u2019s contract signing represents important progress for the effective management of the Colorado River that the Tribe and Coloradans across our state rely on.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo one has been denied use of their own water more than Tribes have. Today\u2019s agreement is an important step towards the Ute Mountain Ute finally benefitting from their water rights,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful Reclamation heard us out and worked with the Ute Mountain Ute to reach an agreement.\u201d\n\n\u201cSigning this agreement is an historic moment for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. This agreement is like no other and is the culmination of over a decade of hard work on the part of both the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Bureau of Reclamation. With the signing of this agreement, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is one step closer to finally unlocking its A-LP water,\u201d said Manual Heart, Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.\n\nIn October, Bennet visited the Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch Operation in Towoac with USBR Commissioner Camille Touton. During this visit, Bennet heard about the challenges the Tribe faces due to long-term drought in the Colorado River Basin. The Ute Mountain Ute are currently unable to access or use water from Lake Nighthorse due to a lack of infrastructure, and would face high operations and maintenance charges if they were to enter agreements regarding use \u2013 or forbearance of use \u2013 of their water.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/05/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-61-million-for-aging-water-infrastructure-increase-drought-resilience-in-colorado/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate $61 Million for Aging Water Infrastructure, Increase Drought Resilience in Colorado", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated the U.S. Department of Interior\u2019s (DOI) announcement of over $61 million for six Colorado projects to update aging water infrastructure, increase drought resilience, and improve hydropower generation. This investment is provided through the DOI\u2019s Aging Infrastructure Account, which received over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n\u201cAs Colorado and the West face historic drought, we must safeguard clean water for future generations,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThese Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments will revitalize aging water delivery systems across the West and help ensure Colorado\u2019s families, farmers, and Tribes have access to a safe, reliable water supply.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur water is too precious to waste even a drop on outdated infrastructure meant to deliver and conserve our water supplies,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cOur BIL is fixing that. These updates will help save water and make us more resilient to drought.\u201d\n\nBennet and Hickenlooper fought to include $8 billion for western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $19 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nA full list of projects in Colorado is below.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/05/bennet-hickenlooper-cheer-77-million-from-chips-science-act-to-make-colorado-a-microchip-manufacturing-hub/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Cheer $77 Million from CHIPS & Science Act to Make Colorado a Microchip Manufacturing Hub", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Significant Federal Investment Will Help Colorado Springs-based Entegris Create Hundreds of Jobs & Strengthen Colorado\u2019s High-Tech Manufacturing Economy\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s announcement of a final agreement on a $77 million investment from the CHIPS and Science Act. This investment will help Entegris expand its advanced technology manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs and create approximately 900 jobs.\n\n\u201cThanks to the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, we\u2019re bringing the semiconductor industry back to America \u2013 and more economic opportunity to Colorado,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis historic funding for Entegris will create good-paying jobs and help our state continue to lead the way in advanced manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe need to win the race with China to shape the future of technology and who benefits,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cOur CHIPS and Science Act is helping us catch up with semiconductor manufacturing right here in Colorado with companies like Entegris.\u201d\n\nEntegris is a leading supplier for the semiconductor industry. This investment will help onshore critical semiconductor supply chain and manufacturing equipment materials for leading-edge chip production and support Entegris\u2019 construction of its state-of-the-art manufacturing center in Colorado Springs. The manufacturing center, which is targeted to begin initial commercial operations in 2025, will initially support production of highly specialized containers that secure semiconductor wafers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-rogers-and-sens-bennet-and-cramer-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-honoring-the-fifth-anniversary-of-the-founding-of-the-us-space-force", "Reps. Crow, Rogers and Sens. Bennet and Cramer Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring the Fifth Anniversary of the Founding of the US Space Force", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, joined Chair of the House Armed Services Committee Mike Rogers (R-AL-3) in introducing a bipartisan resolution honoring the fifth anniversary of the founding of the United States Space Force, which will fall on December 20, 2024. A companion resolution honoring this anniversary was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND).\n\nIn addition to honoring this important date, the resolution commends the \u201cdedication, professionalism, and service\u201d of the men and women of the US Space Force, and acknowledges the Force\u2019s critical role in protecting and \u201cmaintaining the safety and security of the American people, allied forces, and global space infrastructure.\u201d The resolution also recognizes 11 installations nationwide that support its missions, three of which are located within Colorado: Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, as well as Peterson Space Force Base and Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs.\n\n\u201cThe United States Space Force plays a critical role in advancing US national security. My district is home to Buckley Space Force Base, and I\u2019ve seen first-hand how important it is that we continue to support the future of Space Force,\u201d said Rep. Crow. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead a bipartisan resolution recognizing the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Space Force and thank the dedicated men and women who are hard at work ensuring that the United States continues to lead the way in space operations.\u201d\n\nThis resolution builds on Congressman Crow\u2019s efforts to advance US space operations. He is a member of the US Space Force Caucus in the US House of Representatives, and has long worked to support Buckley Space Force Base and solidify Colorado\u2019s role as a global aerospace leader. He recently convened the third meeting of the Future of Buckley Task Force, which brings together high-level defense community stakeholders and base leaders for an open discussion on the future of Buckley. He also secured $14.7M for critical water and electric infrastructure upgrades at the base.\n\nThe US Space Force is America\u2019s newest military branch, and was officially established on December 20, 2019, by the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. It consists of more than 14,000 military and civilian personnel, who are known as \u201cGuardians.\u201d Organized under the United States Department of the Air Force, Space Force has conducted over 200 launches throughout their five year history. It is one of only two independent space forces in the world.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/04/bennet-cramer-crow-rogers-bipartisan-and-bicameral-colleagues-introduce-resolution-to-commemorate-5th-anniversary-of-space-force/", "Bennet, Cramer, Crow, Rogers, Bipartisan and Bicameral Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Commemorate 5th Anniversary of Space Force", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and U.S. Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) joined 17 bipartisan colleagues in the House and Senate to introduce a resolution honoring the 5th anniversary of the United States Space Force. The resolution recognizes space as a critical military domain, celebrates the essential role the U.S. Space Force and its service members play in our national security, and urges continued development and modernization of its capabilities.\n\n\u201cThe United States Space Force plays a critical role in maintaining and advancing the United States\u2019 military readiness, superiority, and technological dominance in space,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe 5th anniversary of the United States Space Force is an occasion to honor the contributions of its personnel and recognize the installations that support its vital mission. \u201d\n\nThe U.S. Space Force was established on December 20, 2019, and created the first new branch of the U.S. armed services in 73 years. Superiority in the space domain is critical to protecting U.S. satellite operations and national security amidst growing threats from near-peer competitors such as China and Russia. Space Force\u2019s establishment centralized, expanded, and advanced space operations previously operated by the U.S. Air Force. Space Force operations include 36 bases and installations across 18 states and territories with approximately 14,000 active military and civilian personnel.\n\nThe text of the resolution is available HERE and below.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/04/bennet-relaunches-senate-website-with-interactive-federal-investments-map/", "Bennet Relaunches Senate Website with Interactive Federal Investments Map", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Website Redesign Includes Updated Legislation, Newsletter, Constituent Services, and Spanish Pages\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet launched a redesigned Senate website for Coloradans to more easily contact his office, share their opinions, and stay informed on federal investments in the state. Constituents visiting the site can receive assistance from federal agencies, request federal grant funding, and find the latest news from the Senator\u2019s office. Bennet\u2019s new website includes an interactive map, the first for Colorado. It shows that he secured over $10.5 billion in federal investments for Colorado from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, American Rescue Plan, and Congressional Directed Spending.\n\n\u201cColoradans should be able to reach my office and see the work we\u2019re doing for their communities in just a few clicks,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cMy updated website makes it easy to see how Colorado is represented in Washington and celebrates the generational investments we have made in our infrastructure, economy, and clean energy future.\u201d\n\nBennet\u2019s Senate website also offers student resources and detailed pages on major legislation such as the CORE Act and Child Tax Credit expansion.\n\nThe interactive map of Colorado investments can be found HERE. Visit bennet.senate.gov to see more.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/04/bennet-warren-khanna-jayapal-introduce-bill-to-provide-data-on-socioeconomic-effects-of-legislation/", "Bennet, Warren, Khanna, Jayapal Introduce Bill to Provide Data on Socioeconomic Effects of Legislation", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Bill Would Allow Legislators to More Effectively Address Racial and Economic Inequality\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), alongside U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), reintroduced the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Fiscal Analysis by Income and Race (FAIR) Scoring Act. This legislation seeks to provide policymakers with standardized data about the effects of their policies across race and income groups.\n\n\u201cOur country suffers from enormous income and wealth inequality, and too often legislation fails to account for how policy changes affect all Americans. Our FAIR Scoring Act will ensure there is objective, non-partisan information on how the effects of legislation will be distributed by income and race to better inform lawmakers and the American people,\u201d said Bennet.\n\n\u201cWe must do more to close the wealth gap in America that continues to widen across race and income,\u201d said Warren. \u201cThis bill is a first step towards that end by providing lawmakers with the data they need to make informed decisions to advance racial and economic justice in future legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs wealth inequality becomes one of the greatest challenges facing the US today, I am proud to partner with Sen. Warren (D-MA) on the FAIR Scoring Act. Our bill standardizes the legislative scoring system and ensures that legislators consider a bill\u2019s impact on various socioeconomic groups. It is an important step to promoting strong, equitable, growth in the 21st century economy,\u201d said Khanna.\n\n\u201cWhen legislation is proposed, it is critical that we know all of the impacts of it, including on people who have been disadvantaged as a result of years of damaging policies,\u201d said Jayapal. \u201cWhile the CBO currently scores the financial impacts, that leaves major question marks around what communities are affected. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this legislation that will help to ensure racial, gender, and economic justice is considered in introduced bills before they become law.\u201d\n\nThe CBO is required by law to produce a formal cost estimate for nearly every bill that is approved by a full committee in the House or Senate describing how the legislation would affect major components of the federal budget over a 10-year window. While these cost estimates provide insight into the fiscal impact of proposed legislation, policymakers have limited information about the distributional effects of bills across racial and income groups.\n\nThe CBO FAIR Scoring Act would:\n\nRequire the CBO to estimate the distributional impacts by race and income for bills that have a gross budgetary effect of at least 0.1% of GDP in any fiscal year within the 10-year budget window;\n\nRequire the CBO to provide such scores to relevant congressional committees before the bills are reported to the floor, to the extent possible;\n\nRequire the CBO to prepare a report describing possible methods for conducting distributional analyses by gender to strengthen CBO\u2019s capacity to conduct analyses of the interaction between race and gender.\n\nBennet, Warren, and Khanna previously introduced the CBO FAIR Scoring Act in 2021.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by: The Washington Center for Equitable Growth, Our Revolution, Indivisible, and Coalition on Human Needs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-rutherford-introduce-bill-to-permanently-enhance-transparency-and-oversight-of-us-immigration-detention-facilities", "Reps. Crow, Rutherford Introduce Bill to Permanently Enhance Transparency and Oversight of US Immigration Detention Facilities", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and John Rutherford (R-FL-05) introduced the Public Oversight of Detention Centers (POD) Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation that would improve transparency and accountability in the operation of US immigration detention facilities.\n\nThis bill would codify existing protections for Members of Congress and designated staff to conduct critical oversight visits to oversee facility operations, including any concerns related to public health and the humane treatment of detained individuals. Rep. Crow led the push for these existing protections through the FY2020 appropriations process, and though included in annual appropriations legislation, the POD Act would formally codify these protections into law.\n\n\u201cThroughout my time in Congress, I have worked hard to promote transparency in government, and that includes making oversight visits to immigration detention facilities. My experience being denied access to conduct an oversight visit of an immigration detention facility in my own community highlighted the importance of these visits in ensuring government accountability and the humane treatment of all those detained,\u201d said Congressman Crow. \u201cThat\u2019s why today I\u2019m introducing the POD Act with Congressman John Rutherford, because it\u2019s critical we as lawmakers take all steps necessary to ensure these facilities operate in compliance with US law.\u201d\n\n\u201cOversight is one of the most important functions of Congress,\u201d said Congressman Rutherford. \u201cThat\u2019s why members of Congress should never be denied access to immigration facilities altogether. As lawmakers, it is our job to ensure that immigration detention centers are being properly run, and in-person visits are an essential part of Congressional oversight. I am proud to join Congressman Crow on this bill to promote transparency and accountability by allowing access to immigration detention centers upon a member\u2019s request.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, this bill would ensure that any Member of the US Senate or House of Representatives is able to gain immediate access to any immigration detention facility operated by or for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and that any designated members of their staff are able to gain access to a DHS detention facility within a 24-hour period. This bill also ensures that Members of Congress are not prevented from entering any facility operated by or for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), but stipulates that because these facilities house minors, Members must be given access within two days of making the request to make an oversight visit.\n\nThis legislation has been endorsed by a number of key stakeholders, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), the National Immigrant Legal Center, UnidosUS, Church World Service, the National Council of Jewish Women, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), and the Village Exchange Center.\n\nCongressman Crow introduced a previous version of the POD Act in the 116th Congress alongside Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), and Hank Johnson (D-GA-04). This legislation was inspired by Congressman Crow\u2019s own experience of being denied entry to the Aurora Contract Detention Facility, following reports of multiple disease outbreaks in the facility. Ultimately, Crow was denied entry for 24 days, and since then, he has led the fight for greater governmental accountability and transparency of immigration detention facilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-introduces-bill-stop-spread-invasive-mussels-colorado", "Assistant Leader Neguse Introduces Bill to Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels in the Colorado River", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse introduced the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, to help slow and prevent the spread of highly invasive aquatic species, including fast-spreading zebra mussels, in the Colorado River and other waters across the West. More specifically, the bicameral bill strengthens efforts led by states and agencies in partnership with the U.S. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to implement preventative measures\u2014like watercraft inspection and decontamination stations\u2014that help limit the spread of these invasive species. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Steve Daines (R-MO) are championing companion legislation in the United States Senate.\n\nNeguse, who also serves as founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, took action following reports that researchers have identified highly invasive zebra mussels in the Colorado River. Zebra mussels are considered the most costly invasive species in the U.S., rapidly attaching themselves to underwater infrastructure and causing fractures and clogs.\n\n\u201cInvasive species are costly and pose significant threats to our ecosystems,\u201d said Assistant Leader Neguse. \u201cI am proud to work alongside Senator Bennet on the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act to help protect waters in Colorado and across the Rocky Mountain West. We must safeguard our water supply and work to prevent these aquatic species from doing greater harm to our infrastructure and ecosystems.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have to do everything we can to protect our rivers, lakes, and waterways that are vital to our local communities and outdoor recreation economy,\u201d said Senator Michael Bennet. \u201cThis legislation invests to reduce the spread of invasive species in Colorado \u2013 saving money for taxpayers and ensuring the health of our ecosystems.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the discovery of zebra mussel veligers in the Colorado River and in the Government Highline Canal near Grand Junction, CO, Representative Neguse\u2019s legislation is needed now more than ever to protect our state\u2019s waterways and critical infrastructure,\u201d said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. \u201cWe commend Representative Neguse for being a continued champion of legislation to expand collaboration between state and federal partners, which will be critical to preventing these harmful species from further taking root in western rivers.\u201d\n\nThe Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act will strengthen efforts to prevent and manage the spread of aquatic invasive species by improving federal and state partnerships, enhancing agency coordination, and providing funding support for inspections and decontamination programs.\n\nMore specifically, the legislation will:\n\nStrengthen prevention efforts by providing the Bureau of Reclamation with the authority to partner with states and municipalities to fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations;\n\nProvide all federal agencies participating in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force with the authority to limit the movement of invasive species into and out of U.S. waters and take steps to improve data sharing between agencies; and\n\nEnsure that all at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding.\n\nThe bill is supported by the Colorado Water Congress, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Aurora Water, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Northern Water.\n\nFind all quotes of support here.\n\nBackground\n\nAssistant Leader Joe Neguse, whose district includes the headwaters of the Colorado River, has been working to address water and drought-related issues, securing funding and enacting significant bills that invest in water management. Earlier this year, he successfully secured passage of his Bipartisan WATER Data Improvement Act and Bipartisan Drought Preparedness Act through the House of Representatives. Together, these policies extend the authorization of emergency drought relief measures and increase water measurement and monitoring technologies.\n\nAdditionally, as founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, Rep. Neguse formed a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, each representing a state along the Colorado River Basin. The lawmakers are working to build consensus on critical issues plaguing the river, support the work of the Colorado River Basin states on how best to address the worsening levels of drought in the Colorado River Basin, and ensure western communities have stable access to safe and clean drinking water.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/11/08/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-7-5-million-from-inflation-reduction-act-for-ute-mountain-ute-tribe-clean-water-infrastructure/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $7.5 Million from Inflation Reduction Act for Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Clean Water Infrastructure", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $7.5 million from the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) to expand clean drinking water access for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The funding, made possible in part through the Inflation Reduction Act, will help the Tribe plan and complete 18 miles of a 22-mile waterline to connect Cortez and Towaoc and deliver clean water to the community. Two weeks ago, the senators urged USBR to explore new opportunities for Colorado\u2019s Tribes to access federal funding for drought and water supply management.\n\n\u201cWhen the federal government established reservations for Native American Tribes, it promised a permanent and livable homeland for those it had displaced from their ancestral lands. At a time when our country\u2019s Tribes still lack reliable access to clean and safe water in the 21st century, that promise clearly has been denied and critical tribal water infrastructure like this pipeline should be a priority for the federal government,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis funding is an important step forward to ensure more members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe can continue to access clean water, and I\u2019m grateful to the Biden/Harris administration for working to fulfill our nation\u2019s promises.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur tribal communities have long lacked adequate resources to reliably access clean drinking water,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThanks to our Inflation Reduction Act, we\u2019re changing that. This $7.5 million will connect Cortez and Towaoc to deliver clean drinking water and create good-paying jobs for the Ute Mountain Ute.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Ute Mountain Ute Tribe considers water and its watersheds as a sacred and vital element to life. Stewardship of the environment allows life to flourish and is an obligation of our tribe and people. This grant is a crucial step in finishing the project that we\u2019ve been working on for over 14 years to make sure everyone in our community has access to drinking water,\u201d said Manuel Heart, Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-2024-election-results", "DeGette Statement on 2024 Election Results", "2024-11-07", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", "degette", "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "DENVER \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement.\n\n\u201cI am honored to have been reelected by my constituents to continue serving them in the United States House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cThe results of the presidential election and Senate races are deeply disturbing, especially for the millions of women whose reproductive rights now hang in the balance. Now more than ever, we need leaders who will stand up for what is right and advocate for the American people. I remain focused on this fight and on delivering for the people of Colorado\u2019s First District, regardless of who is in the White House.\n\n\u201cNext Congress, I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner on the issues that matter most to my constituents. As the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I am committed to improving health care access and affordability as well as enhancing biomedical research to better advance treatments and cures. There is plenty of serious work for us do\u2014from ensuring that every American can receive the health care they need to building consensus on clean energy solutions.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-whip-clark-rep-pettersen-host-roundtable-discussion", "Assistant Leader Neguse, Whip Clark, Rep. Pettersen Host Roundtable Discussion on Child Care, Tout Democrats\u2019 Plan to Ensure Access and Affordability", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "November 1, 2024\n\nImage\n\nPictured Above: Neguse, Clark, Pettersen, and community participants at the Child Care roundtable on Wednesday. View additional photos from the event HERE.\n\nLafayette, CO \u2014 In case you missed it, on Wednesday, October 30th, House Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse welcomed Democratic Whip Katherine Clark to Boulder, Colorado for a roundtable conversation on House Democrats\u2019 plan to make child care affordable and accessible for American families. The Democratic leaders were joined by Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, local officials, and representatives from child care and early childhood education organizations from across Colorado.\n\nAccess to high-quality child care expands economic opportunities for parents, but for many American families, the cost of care is simply too high. With caregivers and affordable child care services in short supply due to low wages, it has become incredibly difficult for parents to find classroom slots for their children, especially in rural and mountain communities like those along Colorado\u2019s Western Slope. As a result, child care has become one of the most expensive items in a family\u2019s budget, forcing an estimated 400,000 middle-class families each year into a lower income bracket.\n\nNeguse, Clark, and Pettersen all emphasized the urgency of affordable child care, discussing ways the Federal government can better support families in accessing affordable child care\u2014promoting the development of students and the wellbeing of families. They also highlighted that advancing an affordable childcare agenda would be a top priority for Democrats as they look toward the 119th Congress.\n\n\u201cAs a parent of two young children, I know firsthand that access to quality child care and early childhood education is invaluable. These services don\u2019t just give our children the best possible start\u2014they also open doors to economic opportunities for parents and families, empowering us to build stronger, more resilient communities,\u201d said Assistant Leader Neguse. \u201cI am incredibly grateful for Whip Clark\u2019s leadership on this issue, and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that every family and young student in Colorado and across America has the tools they need to succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the leadership of House Democrats, the lack of affordable child care is now part of the national political conversation \u2014 aligning with millions of kitchen table conversations across America,\u201d said Whip Clark. \u201cWe understand child care is critical to building a robust and inclusive economy. That's why we are committed to stopping the Republican Project 2025 Agenda, which would increase costs on families, and ensuring everyone can find and afford the care they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a working mom with another child on the way, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find child care, and even when you do, nothing ever seems affordable,\u201d said Congresswoman Pettersen. \u201cThe federal funding from the American Rescue Plan made transformative investments in child care, and now that this funding has expired, Congress must act and continue to build on that progress. It was an honor to join Assistant Leader Joe Neguse and host Whip Katherine Clark \u2013 a champion in this fight \u2013 to reaffirm our commitment to expanding access to quality child care, which is critical for our economy and the success of our kids and families.\u201d\n\nAdditional roundtable participants included Boulder County Commissioners Ashley Stolzmann, and Clare Levy; Chris Coker and Jen Spettel, YMCA Northern Colorado & Southern Wyoming; Mitch Houston and Jessica Tribbett, Clear Creek Schools Foundation; Jessica North, Clear Creek County School Board; Kaycee Headrick, Boulder County Early Childhood Council; Christina Taylor, Larimer County Early Childhood Council; Linda Siptroth, YWCA of Boulder County; and Gabriela Lopez Ortega, City of Boulder Child Care Subsidy Office (CCS).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-secures-500000-award-csus-christman-airfield-enhanced", "Assistant Leader Neguse Secures $500,000 Award to CSU's Christman Airfield for Enhanced Firefighting and Drone Innovation", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 30, 2024\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nPictured Above: Congressman Neguse, President Parsons, members of the CSU Drone Center Team, and university faculty and students. View additional photos from the visit HERE.\n\nLafayette, CO \u2014 Yesterday, U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse announced he secured $500,000 in Community Project Funding to Colorado State University (CSU) to advance their Multiuse UAS Airfield Project. This funding\u2014secured by Congressman Neguse as part of a government funding package signed into law earlier this year\u2014will support the renovation and improvement of Christman Airfield, which plays a key role in emergency firefighting operations across the Front Range and is paving the way in drone training and research for the Rocky Mountain West.\n\nThe Colorado Congressman was joined by CSU President Amy Parsons, Drone Center Director Christopher Robertson, and a wide array of university faculty and students\u2014highlighting the critical role of federal support in advancing this initiative. The event featured a ceremonial check presentation and allowed CSU researchers the opportunity to elaborate on the development of new aircraft and UAS technologies.\n\n\u201cCSU stands at the forefront of innovation and technology in Colorado, and I\u2019m incredibly proud to have secured $500,000 in Federal funding to help renovate and improve the Christman Airfield,\u201d said Assistant Leader Joe Neguse. \u201cAfter the recent Alexander Mountain and Stone Canyon Fires, our community understands the critical need to strengthen aerial firefighting and emergency management capabilities\u2014and this investment directly addresses that need. Together, we\u2019re taking meaningful steps to better protect Coloradans from the increasing threat of wildfires.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re grateful to Congressman Neguse for his efforts to secure this funding for several community-based projects in Larimer County. Christman Airfield at CSU plays a critical role in wildfire mitigation, and is used for everything from response to natural disasters to law enforcement to search and rescue. It\u2019s also foundational to our drone education at CSU, and we\u2019re appreciative for the opportunity to invest in this multi-use resource,\u201d said Amy Parsons, Colorado State University President .\n\n\"Colorado State University\u2019s Christman Field is a highly versatile UAV research, education, and flight training facility, located northwest of Fort Collins at the base of the foothills. When it\u2019s not being utilized to train the next generation of aviators, the airfield also serves as an essential emergency operations center and staging ground for aerial firefighting efforts,\u201d said Adam Smith, Associate Director, Colorado State University Drone Center. \u201cAs the third-longest continuously operating airfield in Colorado, the facilities and runway at Christman Field are beginning to show signs of age. This grant funding provides a crucial opportunity to revitalize the airfield, enabling expanded aerial firefighting operations. With these upgrades, Christman Field will remain a vital asset for Colorado\u2019s emergency management professionals, helping to safeguard our natural resources and mountain communities.\u201d\n\nAdditional Background on CSU Multiuse UAS Airfield Project:\n\nAs mentioned, the $500,000 federal investment will go toward the renovation and improvement of the Christman Airfield, which is utilized for aviation research and training for wildfire fighting. The renewed facility provides an updated location for aerial firefighting and emergency management during forest fire operations, supporting the protection of Colorado\u2019s natural areas as well as properties in the forested areas of the state.\n\nNeguse secured a total of $11 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding for 14 projects that directly benefit cities and towns across Colorado\u2019s 2nd Congressional District.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-and-local-leaders-celebrate-664-million-front-range", "Assistant Leader Neguse and Local Leaders Celebrate $66.4 Million for Front Range Passenger Rail Project", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lafayette, CO \u2014 In case you missed it, earlier today, U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse celebrated the announcement that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $66.4 million to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to help bring the Front Range Passenger Rail Project to life. The funding was allocated through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which invests in railroad infrastructure projects that improve safety and support economic vitality.\n\nAt a press conference in Westminster this morning, Congressman Neguse, Governor Polis, Senator Bennet, Congresswoman Pettersen, CDOT Executive Director Lew, and local leaders announced that four Colorado rail projects will receive a total of $129.5 million in federal funds. The CRISI grants were awarded to CDOT, Colorado State University Pueblo, San Luis Central Railroad Co., and OmniTRAX.\n\n\u201cAfter years of working to secure federal support for the Front Range Passenger Rail Project, I am excited to see the Department of Transportation heed our calls and commit to modernizing Colorado\u2019s passenger rail system\u2014not just for communities along the Front Range but for residents throughout the entire state. This is a once-in-a-generation investment in our passenger rail infrastructure, creating countless new opportunities for communities to connect, grow, and thrive\u2014and we will continue to work together to ensure this momentum leads to lasting benefits for all Coloradans,\u201d said Assistant Leader Joe Neguse.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s grant will make freight rail traffic in some of our busiest growing communities safer quickly while providing critical building blocks for Front Range Passenger Rail. This major funding will help achieve important priorities like complying with longstanding federal standards and improving the safety of rail crossings, which can be the sites of dangerous incidents. With more than $66 million in federal support from the Biden-Harris administration, the future of Colorado\u2019s rail network is a clear priority for the federal government, as it should be. We thank Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet, Congressman Neguse and Congresswoman Pettersen, and our communities for their support of this important project,\u201d said Governor Jared Polis.\n\nThis announcement is the result of the persistent advocacy from Neguse, members of Colorado\u2019s federal delegation, and state officials who have long championed investments in the state\u2019s transit infrastructure. Earlier this year, Rep. Neguse led his colleagues in a letter to House Appropriators, requesting full funding for the FRA's passenger rail programs. This follows previous outreach to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, urging the inclusion of the Front Range Passenger Rail in the FRA\u2019s newly established Corridor Identification and Development Program (CDIP)\u2014created as part of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help the federal government identify new passenger rail services.\n\nLeaders across the Front Range joined in celebrating the news:\n\n\u201cThe recent award by the Federal Rail Administration of $66.4 million dollars is a great big step in the right direction for Colorado to realize our front range passenger rail! Thank you Representative Neguse for leading the way, at the federal level, on this critical project,\u201d said Jeni Arndt, Mayor of Fort Collins.\n\n\u201cThe Front Range Passenger Rail District Board (FRPRD) is deeply grateful to Congressman Neguse, Senator Hickenlooper and the Secretary of Transportation for their advocacy with the FRA. Their support played a significant part in the $66.4 million award that the FRA awarded to the FRPRD, which will play a pivotal role in advancing rail transportation on Colorado\u2019s front range. This support enables us to move forward with the construction, which will greatly enhance connectivity and improve accessibility for our community. Thank you for your commitment to our vision and for helping us make this important project a reality,\u201d said Joan Peck, Longmont Mayor.\n\n\u201cThis landmark grant from the Federal Railroad Administration is a huge step forward for passenger rail in Boulder and across the region. Front Range Passenger Rail will finally provide long-awaited train service from Boulder to Denver, Longmont and points beyond, and will make a transformative impact on mobility in our community for decades to come. We're incredibly grateful to Congressman Neguse as well as Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for their persistent advocacy for this project,\u201d said Aaron Brockett, Mayor of Boulder.\n\nBackground on Project\n\nThe $66,400,000 for CDOT will go toward the project titled \u2018Modernizing Rail on the Front Range: PTC Installation, Siding, & Grade Crossing Safety and Operational Improvements\u2019 involves systems planning, project planning, project development, final design, and construction activities to for provide track improvement, siding installation, and PTC design/installation in northern Colorado. The project will design, install, and test positive train control with a complementary siding on a portion of the Front Range Subdivision, along with several railroad crossings that could benefit from operational and safety improvements. It will also evaluate, design, and construct site-specific crossing solutions at five high-priority locations along the Subdivision.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/29/bennet-hickenlooper-bipartisan-colleagues-push-for-more-temporary-work-visas-to-help-small-businesses-in-colorado/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Bipartisan Colleagues Push for More Temporary Work Visas to Help Small Businesses in Colorado", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), alongside 37 of their bipartisan colleagues, to urge the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional temporary, non-agricultural (H-2B) visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to support local economies and fill needed roles for American small businesses.\n\n\u201cMany employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers,\u201d wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators. \u201cThe H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that \u2018counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.\u201d\n\nIn Colorado, more than 8,400 temporary H-2B visas were requested by over 250 employers in Fiscal Year 2021 \u2013 reflecting a strong demand for H-2B workers in the state. In the letter, the senators highlight recent data from DOL\u2019s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys illustrating the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The rate of job openings have increased annually for top five H-2B occupations. Landscaping, hospitality, and the ski industry \u2013 all key to Colorado\u2019s economy \u2013 are among the industries with the highest share of certified H-2B workers.\n\n\u201cAs you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024\u2014roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers,\u201d continued the senators.\n\nIn addition to Bennet, Hickenlooper, King, and Rounds, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Teas.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (I-W.V.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) also signed the letter.\n\nBennet and Hickenlooper have previously pushed DHS and DOL to increase the availability of H-2B visas and worked to ensure that the visa program is efficient and effective. In 2022, they welcomed an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretaries Mayorkas and Su:\n\nWe write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states\u2014including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals\u2014who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations.\n\nIn light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024. These visas will help employers handle their labor challenges, and provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months. We urge you to promptly publish a temporary rule implementing the release of these supplemental visas.\n\nMany employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that \u201ccounties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.\u201d\n\nThe most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor\u2019s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024\u2014roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers.\n\nCongress has acknowledged this seasonal labor shortage by providing DHS with the authority to lift the H-2B visa cap for each of the past eight fiscal years. Given the growing demand for H-2B workers as employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages, we encourage you to promptly promulgate a temporary final rule for FY 2025 along the same lines as the FY 2024 rule.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/29/bennet-hickenlooper-colleagues-urge-federal-court-to-protect-access-to-emergency-abortions/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge Federal Court to Protect Access to Emergency Abortions", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside 258 members of Congress, submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit calling on the court to require Medicare-funded hospitals to provide life-saving care that may include abortion care. The court is considering Moyle v. United States and Idaho v. United States which concern the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law that requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding to provide necessary \u201cstabilizing treatment\u201d to patients experiencing medical emergencies, which can include abortion care.\n\n\u201c\u201c[T]he 99th Congress passed EMTALA to ensure that every person who visits a Medicare-funded hospital with an \u2018emergency medical condition\u2019 is offered stabilizing treatment,\u201d wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the lawmakers.\n\nAfter the Dobbs v. Jackson decision in 2022, Idaho passed a law making it a felony for a doctor to terminate a patient\u2019s pregnancy unless it is \u201cnecessary\u201d to prevent the patient\u2019s death. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Idaho, arguing that the state\u2019s law is preempted by EMTALA in those circumstances in which abortion may not be necessary to prevent imminent death, but still constitutes the necessary stabilizing treatment for a patient\u2019s emergency medical condition. The district court agreed; however, Idaho appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.\n\nIn their brief, the lawmakers ask the Ninth Circuit to uphold the district court\u2019s ruling. They argue that the congressional intent, text, and history of EMTALA make clear that covered hospitals must provide abortion care when it\u2019s necessary to stabilize a patient\u2019s emergency medical condition, and that EMTALA preempts Idaho\u2019s abortion ban in emergency situations that present a serious threat to a patient\u2019s health.\n\n\u201cCongress chose broad language for that mandate, requiring hospitals that participate in the Medicare program to provide \u2018such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition.\u2019\u2026 That text\u2014untouched by Congress for the past three decades\u2014makes clear that in situations in which a doctor determines that abortion constitutes the \u2018[n]ecessary stabilizing treatment\u2019 for a pregnant patient, federal law requires the hospital to offer it,\u201d continued the lawmakers.\n\nIn March, Bennet and 257 of his colleagues filed an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm the district court decision. In June, the Supreme Court sent the case back to the Ninth Circuit Court and reinstated the district court\u2019s injunction.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/29/bennet-hickenlooper-neguse-pettersen-polis-welcome-129-million-for-rail-projects-in-colorado/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse, Pettersen, Polis Welcome $129 Million for Rail Projects in Colorado", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Photos from Press Conference HERE\n\nDenver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen, and Governor Jared Polis welcomed over $129.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for four Colorado rail projects. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo, San Luis Central Railroad, and OmniTRAX will all receive funding as part of DOT\u2019s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements Grant Program, funded in part through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The leaders held a press conference on Tuesday in Westminster, Colorado, to celebrate this announcement.\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s railways are vital to connect our communities and get resources to markets across the country. That\u2019s why I ensured the U.S. Department of Transportation understood how critical this funding is for our state\u2019s transportation infrastructure,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI\u2019m glad to have helped secure these investments in our railways\u2019 safety, efficiency, and reliability across the state. \u201d\n\n\u201cFrom freight in the San Luis Valley to passengers on the Front Range and beyond with CSU Pueblo\u2019s research, rail isn\u2019t just a part of our past, it\u2019s a big part of our future, too,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThat\u2019s the case we made to Secretary Buttigieg for this funding and this is just the start.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter years of working to secure federal support for the Front Range Passenger Rail Project, I am excited to see the Department of Transportation heed our calls and commit to modernizing Colorado\u2019s passenger rail system\u2014not just for communities along the Front Range but for residents throughout the entire state. This is a once-in-a-generation investment in our passenger rail infrastructure, creating countless new opportunities for communities to connect, grow, and thrive\u2014and we will continue to work together to ensure this momentum leads to lasting benefits for all Coloradans,\u201d said Neguse.\n\n\u201cToday, I am incredibly grateful to see this federal funding coming to Colorado to strengthen our railway systems, enhance safety, and modernize our infrastructure,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cAfter a train derailment in Boulder injured workers and put our communities at risk, I supported funding to reinforce public safety and restore trust in Colorado\u2019s rail infrastructure. I\u2019m pleased to see these federal dollars coming to our state to help ensure we have safe, reliable infrastructure for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s grant will make freight rail traffic in some of our busiest growing communities safer quickly while providing critical building blocks for Passenger Rail. This major funding will help achieve important priorities like complying with longstanding federal standards and improving the safety of rail crossings, which can be the sites of dangerous incidents. With more than $66 million in federal support from the Biden-Harris administration, the future of Colorado\u2019s rail network is a clear priority for the federal government, as it should be. We thank Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet, Congressman Neguse and Congresswoman Pettersen, and our communities for their support of this important project,\u201d said Polis.\n\nThis funding includes:\n\n$66.4 million for CDOT to modernize Front Range rail. This investment will help CDOT design, install, and test train operation and safety improvements, including Positive Train Control (PTC) and railroad crossings;\n\n$50.5 million for OmniTRAX transportation safety and employment. This investment will help design and construct replacement railroad ties across Omnitrax short lines;\n\n$11.6 million for CSU Pueblo to research renewable energy for rail vehicles. This investment will aid research and development of alternative fuel rail transportation, including safety experiments on the use of CH2/CNG-powered rail cars at the facility; and\n\n$1 million for San Luis Central Railroad to replace wooden ties. This investment will help replace deteriorated cross and switch ties to ensure safety along the SLC corridor.\n\n\u201cSouthern Colorado often represents a hard-working spirit leveraging the opportunity of innovation. This Department of Transportation CRISI grant emboldens that spirit, enabling CSU Pueblo, in partnership with the Southern Colorado Transportation Technology Center (SCITT), to contribute to the future of rail transportation through critical safety research in hydrogen and natural gas technologies. I am particularly proud of how this project will partner with our Engineering program at CSU Pueblo, utilizing the expertise here to create new pathways for our students and local workforce. This grant is more than research \u2013 it\u2019s a valuable investment into Southern Colorado,\u201d said Armando Valdez, President, CSU Pueblo.\n\n\u201cTIES2 will be transformative for the communities served by Great Western Railway of Colorado and the regions served by OmniTRAX railroads in Georgia, Alabama, and Washington state,\u201d said David Arganbright, Senior Vice President, OmniTRAX. \u201cOmniTRAX is proud to call Colorado home, and we are tremendously appreciative of all the work that Sen. Hickenlooper has done in Congress to champion Colorado\u2019s railways and deliver the critical infrastructure investments that strengthen our nation\u2019s supply chains.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/28/bennet-celebrates-billions-of-dollars-from-inflation-reduction-act-for-rural-clean-energy-in-colorado/", "Bennet Celebrates Billions of Dollars from Inflation Reduction Act for Rural Clean Energy in Colorado", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 On Friday, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Brittany Pettersen, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, and leaders from Colorado rural electricity cooperatives to welcome more than $2.5 billion in low-cost financing and grants from USDA\u2019s New ERA (Empowering Rural America) program to support Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association\u2019s clean energy transition. Bennet also welcomed the news that two additional Colorado co-ops: Yampa Valley Electric Association and Poudre Valley REA (PVREA) would move forward in the New ERA awards process. Bennet helped secure roughly $13 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to support rural clean energy initiatives through USDA, including the New ERA program.\n\n\u201cWith [the Inflation Reduction Act], we are rapidly deploying clean energy and boosting American manufacturing for wind, solar, and batteries,\u201d said Bennet in his remarks. \u201cMost important, we put rural America at the center of this transition. Actually, rural America put rural America at the center of this transition because of these co-ops in Colorado.\u201d\n\n\u201cCo-ops deliver power to over 70 percent of our state. They reach all four corners and they serve nearly 1.5 million people. And I think Colorado co-ops are uniquely positioned to drive economic opportunity for rural America, to set a standard for the rest of the country and the rest of the world, and are critical to our affordable transition to clean energy. The funding announced today is going to help our co-ops modernize their energy infrastructure, cut pollution, create high-paying jobs where we need them most, and lower energy costs for farms, for families, and for small businesses all over our state,\u201d concluded Bennet. \u201cI\u2019m so grateful that, as usual, Colorado is leading the way.\u201d\n\nThis funding will help rural electricity cooperatives bring affordable, reliable clean energy to communities across Colorado. Bennet and the leaders made the announcement during an event held at Tri-State\u2019s headquarters in Westminster, Colorado. Ahead of the presentation, they sat down for a roundtable discussion about the importance of rural communities leading the nation\u2019s clean energy transition.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/25/bennet-neguse-colorado-leaders-come-together-to-oppose-hazardous-oil-trains-along-the-colorado-river/", "Bennet, Neguse, Colorado Leaders Come Together to Oppose Hazardous Oil Trains Along the Colorado River", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse joined Colorado leaders to support Eagle County\u2019s position before the U.S. Supreme Court in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado. Eagle County is urging the Court to uphold the August 2023 D.C. Circuit Court decision to overturn the Surface Transportation Board\u2019s (STB) approval of the Uinta Basin Railway project based on flawed environmental review and violations of federal laws. Eagle County\u2019s arguments are supported by amicus briefs filed by the Colorado Attorney General and a broad coalition of Colorado communities that would be affected by the proposed railway.\n\n\u201cAnyone who has spent time along the Colorado River understands what the risks really are for our environment, our local economies, and our state. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve worked for years to urge federal agencies to adequately account for the full threat that the proposed Uinta Basin Railway poses to Colorado. This train has no business increasing the transport of hazardous oil from Utah through our state, and I\u2019ll continue to stand with a broad coalition of local leaders and community members to oppose this dangerous project,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI hope the Supreme Court seriously considers Eagle County\u2019s arguments, the concerns raised by Colorado\u2019s Attorney General and numerous local governments in their amicus briefs, and the implications for those most deeply affected by a potential derailment in the headwaters of the Colorado River.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Uinta Basin Railway Project poses a significant threat to our state\u2019s water resources, wildlife habitats, outdoor recreation, and the broader interests of the Colorado River Basin. With these concerns and the well-being of our communities at the forefront, Senator Bennet and I have led an effort for years opposing this project,\u201d said Neguse. \u201cAs the Supreme Court prepares to hear Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, we stand united with the community and local leaders in opposing this rail line and protecting our shared environment.\u201d\n\nIn their brief, Eagle County argues that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has long required agencies to consider the \u201creasonably foreseeable\u201d environmental consequences of their actions, which was codified in recent amendments to the Act. Eagle County further argues that the proposed railway project and the miles of oil trains traveling through Colorado each day will foreseeably affect Eagle County \u2013 namely, through increased wildfire risk and the potential for oil spills from train accidents.\n\nIf completed, the Uinta Basin Railway would enable the shipment of up to 4.6 billion gallons of waxy crude oil per year from Utah through Colorado to the Gulf Coast on as many as five trains per day. These trains would run over 100 miles directly alongside the headwaters of the Colorado River \u2013 a vital water supply for nearly 40 million Americans, 30 Tribal nations, and millions of acres of agricultural land. A train derailment that spills oil in the headwaters of the River would be catastrophic to Colorado\u2019s water supplies, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. In addition, an accident on the proposed railway would also increase wildfire risk as the West faces a 1,200-year drought.\n\n\u201cThe downline effects of the Uinta line within Eagle County, and our state as a whole, are potentially catastrophic. These potential impacts, including significant wildfire and safety risks, and pollution to the Colorado River, should be fully and thoughtfully considered. We are confident the Supreme Court will agree with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to invalidate the Uinta approval for failing to consider those and other impacts,\u201d said Matt Scherr, Commissioner, Eagle County.\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River is among the most critical natural resources in our state\u2014and our most critical water source. The risk to our state and others from shipping hundreds of thousands of oil barrels along the river daily is significant\u2014from wildfires caused by rail track sparks and oil car leaks contaminating the river to, at worst, derailments, and spills. The risk of harm to our state and mountain communities and others affected by this rail line are simply too great to ignore. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals was correct to throw out this project\u2019s approval for not having fully grasped the magnitude of its impacts to the environment. The Supreme Court should apply the letter of our federal laws and uphold the appellate court\u2019s decision,\u201d said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.\n\n\u201cIt is imperative that the Supreme Court recognize that communities along the Colorado River would be impacted by the proposed Uinta Basin Railway and the ensuing downline effects caused by additional miles-long trains filled with heavy waxy crude oil. As our amicus brief explains, the National Environmental Policy Act is a crucial tool giving voice to communities like Glenwood Springs that stand to bear the environmental and economic consequences that such a project can have on our rivers and public lands and the businesses that depend upon them. We hope that the justices will consider our communities\u2019 unique perspectives in these vital economic matters,\u201d said Ingrid Wussow, Mayor, City of Glenwood Springs.\n\n\u201cWater is an important part of the Western Slope way of life. Protecting our waters is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting Colorado\u2019s outdoor recreation industry, and ensuring the foundation for Colorado\u2019s agricultural economy. The Uinta Basin Railway project will send hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil along the Colorado River, posing a major threat to this water source that over 40 million Americans rely on. A Supreme Court ruling will have significant implications for the future of the Colorado River, and I hope the justices consider the long-term impacts this project could have on Colorado\u2019s environment and our communities,\u201d said Julie McCluskie, Colorado State Representative and Speaker of the House.\n\n\u201cI continue to stand in strong support of Eagle County\u2019s demand for a robust environmental review of this proposed project and commend their efforts in bringing this need for accountability all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court,\u201d said Dylan Roberts, Colorado State Senator. \u201cMy constituents in Eagle County and all along the Colorado River deserve the very highest protection of our water and I am proud to be amongst many national, state, and local leaders and governments in supporting Eagle County\u2019s effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River is the heart of Garfield County. A train derailment from the Uinta Project would have catastrophic environmental consequences on our agricultural and recreational communities. Given the potential impacts to my constituents\u2019 livelihoods, we need to alleviate people\u2019s fear and provide a full environmental review before this project moves forward. I understand that energy security equals national security, however protecting the communities I represent is just as important,\u201d said Perry Will, Colorado State Senator.\n\n\u201cWater is the lifeblood of the Western Slope, supporting daily household needs, tourism, agriculture, local economies and everything in between. Keeping Colorado\u2019s waterways clean is essential and the Uinta Basin Railway will jeopardize our freshwater supply. I stand alongside the people of Eagle County and the more than 40 million Americans who rely on the Colorado River for fresh, clean water \u2013 our way of life depends on it. I hope the Supreme Court recognizes the gravity of the situation and the impact their ruling will have on our community,\u201d said Meghan Lukens, Colorado State Representative.\n\n\u201cThe people of my district would be hugely impacted, and they deserve better. The Uinta Basin Railway would double the amount of oil transported by rail in the U.S. and increase hazardous materials transport TENFOLD right through our communities. It puts our lives at risk: the potential for catastrophic wildfire, water contamination and accidents is too great. Our jobs, our wildlife, our ranches and our drinking water are threatened,\u201d said Elizabeth Velasco, Colorado State Representative. \u201cThis project should never have been approved in the first place. I support Glenwood Springs filing an Amicus Brief to urge the Supreme Court to support our communities and the industries that rely on the Colorado River Basin and reject this dangerous effort to send significantly more shipments of oil through Glenwood Canyon, and through the heart of small towns in Garfield County.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlthough we understand that oil needs to be transported from point A to point B, we are also the headwaters of the Colorado River. We have significant concerns about the impact a derailment and spill in Grand County would have on the ability to deliver clean, high-quality water to our own communities, and those throughout Colorado. Additionally, a waxy crude spill in Grand County would be catastrophic to our recreation- and ag-based economy,\u201d said Merrit Linke, Chair of Board of County Commissioners, Grand County.\n\n\u201cRoutt County is proud to support Eagle County and their effort to ensure rail safety and the protection of the Colorado River Basin. As this case makes its way through the legal system, it is apparent that the approval process for the Uinta Basin Railway did not fully consider the significant risks to Colorado\u2019s communities, our precious water resources, and the environment. Routt County continues to stand with so many of our local government colleagues in support of Eagle County,\u201d said Sonja Macys, Commissioner, Routt County.\n\n\u201cAmerica doesn\u2019t need Uinta\u2019s low quality, dirty oil, and 40 million Americans who depend upon the Colorado River certainly do not need the catastrophic consequences of the inevitable oil train derailment in the Glenwood Canyon. Citizens of western Colorado and Utah deserve better. Pitkin County stands with Eagle County in defending our river and our livelihood from this train wreck of a plan,\u201d said Greg Poschman, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, Pitkin County.\n\n\u201cBoulder County is proud to stand with Eagle County and a bipartisan coalition of local governments and communities who oppose the construction of a railway that will bring railcars brimming with crude oil through pristine Colorado landscapes. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals correctly determined that the Surface Transportation Board violated the National Environmental Protection Act by failing to consider the environmental impacts of the proposed railway. Given the risks of train derailment for miles-long oil trains traveling through difficult mountainous terrain, Boulder County is justifiably concerned about accidents, wildfires, river contamination, and destruction of private property inevitably caused by the Surface Transportation Board\u2019s decision. The briefing before the U.S. Supreme Court demonstrates that the D.C. Circuit court\u2019s decision should be upheld and that federal law requires further evaluation and analysis before the railway can be approved,\u201d said Claire Levy, Marta Loachamin, and Ashley Stolzmann, Commissioners, Boulder County.\n\n\u201cChaffee County Board of County Commissioners wishes to reiterate our strong opposition to the proposed activation and expansion of the Uinta Basin Railway (UBR) Project. Chaffee County leadership share the common opinion of others directly within the path and \u201cdownline\u201d of the UBR corridor that the risks of transporting hundreds-of-thousands of barrels of toxic waxy crude oil through our mountain communities are simply too great for our residents and for the millions of visitors that journey to experience our region each year.\u201d said P.T. Wood, Commissioner, Chaffee County.\n\n\u201cAs representatives of the City of Grand Junction and its residents, we know the importance of ensuring that our community\u2019s interests are considered during the regulatory process for any project with the potential to have a significant impact on communities like ours. We urge the honorable United States Supreme Court to uphold the rulings of two lower courts, and simply ensure that down-line impacts of the proposed project are taken into account during the NEPA process,\u201d said Abram Herman, Mayor, City of Grand Junction.\n\n\u201cMinturn is thankful for the ongoing support from Senator Bennet in his effort to protect our environmental future. The outcome of this issue is collectively important to the communities of Eagle County and Senator\u2019s Bennet\u2019s commitment to our goals has been outstanding,\u201d said Earle Bidez, Mayor, Town of Minturn.\n\n\u201cOpening up the rail line along the Colorado River for oil transportation is a guaranteed water quality catastrophe that will impact millions who are dependent on the Colorado River,\u201d said Eric Heil, Manager, Town of Avon.\n\n\u201cRed Cliff, Colorado, a town of 280 residents nestled between Beaver Creek and Vail along the Colorado Scenic Byway (Highway 24), is deeply concerned about the potential impact of a railroad coming through our town, particularly near the waterways and natural areas we rely on. As a community surrounded by pristine wilderness, we understand all too well the dangers that a single wildfire can pose, not only to our tourism-based economy but also to the health and safety of our residents. The risk of a train derailment or sparks from passing trains igniting a wildfire is especially alarming, given the dense fuel loads in and around Red Cliff. Even more concerning is the potential derailment of trains carrying crude oil, which could result in catastrophic damage to our environment\u2014particularly to our water quality, a vital resource for both residents and wildlife. Any of these types of events could devastate our water supply, cause landslides, debris flows, and road closures, and cripple our town\u2019s economy for years to come. We urge policymakers to take these concerns seriously and prioritize measures that mitigate both wildfire risks and environmental threats posed by rail transport,\u201d said Duke Gerber, Mayor, Town of Red Cliff.\n\n\u201cThe Town of Crested Butte has joined the amicus brief in support of Eagle County\u2019s work to ensure appropriate environmental review of federal actions through the National Environmental Protection Act, or NEPA. It is understandable why the residents of Eagle County want to have full disclosure of federal decision-making. Trains traveling through a complicated mountain terrain will be carrying oil that if spilled, could pollute streams, increase the risk of wildfire, and undercut private property values. More generally, while NEPA does not require a particular outcome to a decision-making process, it has been fundamental to laying bare the logic of federal decisions. Why would anyone think that it is in the best interests of our communities and private property values to let the government make decisions without disclosing the impacts of those decisions? Anybody who is worried about the heavy hand of government should take pause with how the Surface Transportation Board failed to go through the NEPA process,\u201d said Ian Billick, Mayor, Town of Crested Butte.\n\n\u201cWhat happens in one place in the Colorado watershed affects all communities that are located within the watershed. That is why the Town of Basalt is proud to sign onto the amicus brief in support of Eagle County\u2019s position before the Supreme Court. Protecting the waters that support our communities is paramount to our economy and our way of life. The proposed Uinta Basin Railway would jeopardize all of that,\u201d said David Knight, Mayor, Town of Basalt.\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River is one of our state\u2019s most vital resources, and the risk posed by transporting large quantities of oil along its banks is too great to ignore. From potential fires and oil spills to devastating derailments, the consequences for our water, wildlife, and local economies could be catastrophic. The D.C. Circuit Court\u2019s decision to reject the project\u2019s approval was necessary to protect these resources, and we urge the Supreme Court to uphold it,\u201d said Alyssa Shenk, Council Chair, Northwest Colorado Council of Governments.\n\nAn amicus brief submitted in support of Eagle County was signed by the municipalities of Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Minturn, Avon, Red Cliff, Crested Butte, and Basalt, and Grand, Routt, Boulder, and Pitkin Counties, as well as the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/24/bennet-hickenlooper-polis-call-on-reclamation-to-ensure-colorado-tribe-access-to-drought-water-management-funding/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Polis Call on Reclamation to Ensure Colorado Tribe Access to Drought, Water Management Funding", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Governor Jared Polis called on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) to explore new opportunities for the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes to access federal funding for drought and water supply management. The lawmakers\u2019 call comes after USBR announced that forbearance proposals \u2013 paying water users to forgo water use, like the projects the Tribal Nations had planned to submit \u2013 will not be considered for upcoming Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding aimed at increasing water conservation and efficiency in the Upper Colorado River Basin.\n\n\u201cWe write to urge you to ensure that the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (\u201cthe Colorado Tribal Nations\u201d) have the opportunity to apply for funding programs that address drought and water supply management in the Colorado River Basin, including through upcoming drought mitigation funding under the Inflation Reduction Act,\u201d wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper and Polis. \u201cWe strongly encourage you to explore other avenues for Colorado\u2019s Tribal Nations to pursue funding related to drought response, recognizing that they are currently forgoing their water use not by choice, but resulting from a history of inequity reflected in their long-term lack of infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThe Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe hold combined water rights to over 33,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Nighthorse southwest of Durango but lack adequate infrastructure to deliver that water to their reservations. As a result, the Tribal Nations currently cannot use or benefit from their water, and it flows downstream to other users.\n\nThe Tribal Nations planned to apply for IRA funding to receive compensation for forgoing development of their water rights, but recently learned that their planned project would not qualify under the upcoming IRA drought funding announcement. In the letter, the leaders urge USBR to explore alternative funding opportunities that could better suit the needs of the Colorado Tribal Nations.\n\nBennet and Hickenlooper fought for $8 billion for western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $19 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the IRA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Commissioner Touton:\n\nWe write to urge you to ensure that the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (\u201cthe Colorado Tribal Nations\u201d) have the opportunity to apply for funding programs that address drought and water supply management in the Colorado River Basin, including through upcoming drought mitigation funding under the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nAs you know, Colorado\u2019s two federally-recognized Tribal Nations had intended to apply for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation\u2019s (USBR) Upper Colorado River Basin Inflation Reduction Act funding for water supply purposes, known as \u201cBucket 2 Water Supply,\u201d or \u201cB2W\u201d funding. The Colorado Tribal Nations had planned to apply in a bid to receive compensation for forgoing use of certain water rights as recognized under the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 1988 (as amended in 2000). For decades since that Act\u2019s passage, the Colorado Tribal Nations have lacked the infrastructure needed to fully develop their allocated water supply. The Colorado Tribal Nations\u2019 intent to develop uses for their legally recognized settlement water reflects their demand for full utilization of their water rights, despite challenges relating to infrastructure and other issues.\n\nThe Colorado Tribal Nations were disheartened to learn that USBR\u2019s forthcoming B2W funding announcement would not be open to projects such as those they originally planned, which would seek compensation for a forbearance of future development of their settlement water. We understand that USBR believes this activity will not qualify as a verifiable reduction in water use that can be compensated under B2W. Still, we must stress that a Tribe\u2019s lack of opportunity to develop those supplies does not equate to a lack of demand \u2013 nor should it foreclose other opportunities for that Tribe, including those under the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nWe strongly encourage you to explore other avenues for Colorado\u2019s Tribal Nations to pursue funding related to drought response, recognizing that they are currently forgoing their water use not by choice, but resulting from a history of inequity reflected in their long-term lack of infrastructure. We ask that you work with the Colorado Tribal Nations and provide them sufficient time to apply if your agency determines another funding opportunity or source may be better suited to their needs \u2013 whether this be USBR\u2019s environmentally-focused funding for the Upper Basin known as \u201cBucket 2 Environmental\u201d or \u201cB2E\u201d, or another source yet to be identified.\n\nWe value your leadership and continued willingness to work with us on efforts to promote the health of the Colorado River Basin. We also appreciate your attention to addressing the longstanding inequities that Colorado\u2019s Tribal Nations have faced, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that paths toward a more equitable future remain open for them.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/23/press-releases-id-1f93d918-9a33-4776-8aad-ecfb340785c8/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $23 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Denver, Colorado Springs Airports", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $23 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve airport infrastructure in Denver and Colorado Springs. This funding comes through the Airport Terminals Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful the FAA is supporting Colorado\u2019s airports as they improve and modernize to meet our state\u2019s changing needs,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThese dollars will help ensure our airports can continue to fuel our economy and better connect communities across our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps investing in Colorado and creating good-paying jobs. This time by improving travelers\u2019 experiences at both Denver International Airport and the Colorado Springs Airport,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cGiddy up!\u201d\n\nSpecifically, this funding includes:\n\n$15 million for Denver International Airport to increase the efficiency and capacity of its baggage handling system; and\n\n$8 million for Colorado Springs Airport to improve energy efficiency and accessibility, and modernize gate areas.\n\nJust this year, Bennet and Hickenlooper have welcomed nearly $140 million from the FAA for Colorado\u2019s airports.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-hosts-5th-annual-app-thon", "Congressman Neguse Hosts 5th Annual App-A-Thon", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nImage\n\nPictured Above: Congressman Neguse and community professionals at BAE Systems in Boulder, Colorado\u2014discussing student ideas for potential app submissions.\n\nLafayette, CO \u2014 On Saturday, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse hosted his fifth annual App-A-Thon, to help middle and high school-aged students in Colorado's 2nd District prepare their submissions for the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. Students were joined by professionals from BAE Systems and received helpful tips and feedback from expert coders as they refined their app submissions. They also had the opportunity to engage with employees and other STEM professionals, gaining insights into tech-related opportunities in Colorado.\n\n\u201cYear after year, I am continually impressed by the dedication and creativity of the students who participate in our annual App-A-Thon. And as Colorado\u2019s technology and innovation sectors continue to thrive, I am more confident than ever that these students have a bright future ahead of them,\u201d said Congressman Neguse. \u201cA big thank you to all of the students, teaching staff, and tech experts who joined us\u2014looking forward to seeing this year\u2019s final submissions.\u201d\n\nThe deadline to submit an app for this year\u2019s challenge is Thursday, October 24th, 2024 at 10:00 pm MT. Apps may be submitted through the office website, here.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high schoolers in Colorado\u2019s 2nd Congressional District. It was officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015 and is a nationwide effort allowing students to compete against their peers by creating an application (also known as an \"app\") for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi, or other devices.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=916", "Rep. Pettersen Tours Child Care Facility, Highlights Recent Legislation to Expand Access to Care Following Expiration of Federal Funding", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "BROOMFIELD \u2013 U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) joined Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) leadership, and local representatives at Beautiful Savior Lutheran School for a tour, classroom visit, and discussion on the recent expiration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. This federal funding supported 4,374 child care facilities across the state \u2013 including this one \u2013 and 59,764 Colorado children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nColorado faces significant child care challenges, ranking 4th in the nation for highest costs, with limited availability. A recent study found that the state has approximately 75,000 more children under the age of six than available spots at licensed child care facilities. Additionally, providers still struggle with a shortage of qualified early childhood professionals despite increases in educators from stimulus-funded strategies.\n\n\u201cWhen I was pregnant, I toured a child care facility and found myself on a three-year-long waiting list, but we were fortunate that a spot eventually opened up for my son, Davis,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cUnfortunately, many families in Colorado aren\u2019t as lucky. As a state legislator, I sponsored numerous bills during the pandemic to help keep child care centers afloat, increase access in child care deserts, and support loan forgiveness programs for our early childhood educators. Funding from the American Rescue Plan was critical in sustaining these facilities, but now, without it, many are struggling to stay open. Congress must act and pass commonsense measures like the ones I recently introduced because expanding access to child care strengthens our economy and represents the best investment in our children\u2019s future.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/21/press-releases-id-b351178a-dd93-4883-aa3b-4252d370da61/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Welcome Over $47 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for U.S. 287 Safety Improvements in Larimer, Boulder Counties", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse welcomed more than $47 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for safety improvements along U.S. Highway 287 in Larimer and Boulder counties.\n\n\u201cU.S. 287 helps connect communities across Northern Colorado, and historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will improve roadway safety while meeting the needs of Colorado\u2019s growing population. I\u2019m pleased to see Colorado continue to benefit from the most significant investment in America\u2019s roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure since President Eisenhower built the interstate highway system,\u201d said Bennet.\n\n\u201cWildlife crossings save lives by dramatically reducing traffic collisions with animals,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cInfrastructure updates like these are exactly why we passed the infrastructure bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe US 287 corridor is one of Colorado\u2019s main north-south routes, serving as a gateway to Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins. I\u2019m proud to have helped secure $47 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the improvement and redevelopment of this major roadway, which will help connect countless communities and improve roadway safety,\u201d said Neguse.\n\nThis funding will help the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) construct wildlife crossings and intersection improvements, add passing lanes and centerline rumble strips, widen shoulders, and install median barriers along U.S. 287.\n\n\u201cIn Colorado, we are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of Coloradans on the road and avoiding costly wildlife-vehicle collisions. Thanks to the Colorado Department of Transportation for their efforts to secure this funding, Senator Bennet, Senator Hickenlooper, House Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse for their leadership, and the Biden-Harris administration for providing our state with $47 million in funding to continue reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and help create a safer Colorado for travelers and wildlife in Larimer County and on our roads,\u201d said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.\n\n\u201cUS-287 connects bustling communities in Northern Colorado and is an important connector between Colorado and our neighbors in Wyoming. This grant will make it possible to address long-needed safety improvements across this growing corridor and to continue our nation-leading efforts to protect against wildlife collisions. We appreciate the strong support of our Congressional delegation and our strong partnership with Larimer county as well as Wyoming to pursue and advocate for this grant. We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for funding the grant with dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,\u201d said Shoshana Lew, Executive Director, CDOT.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful for this critical funding for CDOT and the support received from Senator Bennet, Senator Hickenlooper, and Congressman Neguse. Improving road safety and protecting our residents is a top priority for Larimer County. This investment in Highway 287 will help ensure safer travel through our region,\u201d said Kristin Stephens, Larimer County Commissioner.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-wilson-and-sen-hickenlooper-lead-letter-with-122-colleagues-urging-senate-and-house-armed-services-committee-leadership-to-retain-house-passed-national-guard-protections-in-fy25-ndaa", "Reps. Crow, Wilson and Sen. Hickenlooper Lead Letter with 122 Colleagues Urging Senate and House Armed Services Committee Leadership to Retain House-Passed National Guard Protections in FY25 NDAA", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, joined Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC-02) in leading a bipartisan, bicameral letter with 122 of their colleagues, urging leadership on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to retain House-passed language in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would maintain the integrity and longstanding tradition of the National Guard as well as 120 years of legal precedent.\n\nThe House-passed language was put forward as a response to U.S. Air Force Legislative Proposal 480 (LP 480), which would forcibly transfer Air National Guard units performing space missions from their respective states and into the active duty U.S. Space Force (USSF), bypassing longstanding federal law that requires governors\u2019 consent before transferring National Guard units.\n\nThe original intent of the National Guard was to have a force ready to respond to the needs of their state and country. Because of this, authority was placed in the hands of each state's individual governor.\n\nThe House language would preserve these statutory protections. A companion measure with 32 bipartisan cosponsors was also put forward in the Senate. However, as this year\u2019s NDAA process did not allow for amendment floor votes in the Senate, the measure was not considered before the full chamber.\n\nIn their letter, the Members strongly urge SASC Chairman Reed, SASC Ranking Member Wicker, HASC Chairman Rogers, and HASC Ranking Member Smith to preserve these House-passed protections for governor oversight in the FY25 NDAA.\n\n\u201cShould Congress strip governors of the ability to manage National Guard units within their states, it would risk fundamentally altering the Guard\u2019s mission and identity, as well as set a concerning precedent whose impacts may be broader than anticipated,\u201d the Members wrote in the letter.\n\nThe Members continued, \u201cWe recognize the urgency of the future threats facing our national security, and we support the Department of the Air Force\u2019s efforts to prepare. We also believe that the desired end can be achieved through dialogue with affected states, without undermining the foundational principles that have guided the National Guard for over a century.\u201d\n\nIn addition to 125 signatories, LP 480 is opposed by the National Guard Association of the United States, the National Guard Bureau, the Council of Governors, and the National Governors Association.\n\nThis letter builds on Congressman Crow\u2019s longstanding efforts to oppose LP 480, and maintain the integrity and longstanding tradition of our National Guard. Congressman Crow joined Congressman Wilson and Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper in May 2024 to lead an earlier letter, urging SASC and HASC leadership to reject the inclusion of LP 480 in the FY2025 altogether.\n\nA PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:\n\nOctober 16, 2024\n\nDear Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith,\n\nAs you begin conference negotiations for the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we urge you to retain the House-passed language regarding the U.S. Air Force\u2019s Legislative Proposal 480 (LP 480) in the final bill. This straightforward and commonsense amendment preserves the statutory authority of governors to oversee National Guard forces under Title 32, while permitting the one-time personnel transfer that the U.S. Air Force requested.\n\nLP 480 seeks to transfer National Guard members performing space missions into the U.S. Space Force without gubernatorial approval. Such a change would undermine Sections 104 of Title 32 and 18238 of Title 10, which ensure that adjustments to the structure, organization, or mission of National Guard units have the consent of the state\u2019s governor. For over a century, this authority has helped the National Guard fulfill the role of a flexible fighting force, able to respond swiftly to both domestic emergencies and national security needs. Should Congress strip governors of the ability to manage National Guard units within their states, it would risk fundamentally altering the Guard\u2019s mission and identity, as well as set a concerning precedent whose impacts may be broader than anticipated.\n\nWe recognize the urgency of the future threats facing our national security, and we support the Department of the Air Force\u2019s efforts to prepare. We also believe that the desired end can be achieved through dialogue with affected states, without undermining the foundational principles that have guided the National Guard for over a century. This goal is shared by all 55 governors, who voiced their opposition to LP 480 in April letters to Secretary Austin. As this year\u2019s NDAA process did not allow for amendment floor votes in the Senate, a companion measure with 32 bipartisan cosponsors was not able to be considered before the full chamber. To that end, we strongly urge the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to preserve the House-passed protections for governor oversight in the FY2025 NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=910", "Rep. Pettersen Celebrates 40 Years of Park County Senior Coalition, Visits Historic Como Roundhouse", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "COMO \u2013 U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) recently traveled across the 7th Congressional District of Colorado, including Park County where she visited the historic roundhouse in Como and celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Park County Senior Coalition in Bailey.\n\nAt her first stop in Park County, Rep. Pettersen visited the historic roundhouse in Como, the longest operating roundhouse in the United States. This historic site holds a significant place in Colorado\u2019s history. Pettersen discussed how her office can be a resource through federal grants and the community project funding process.\n\nFollowing her visit to Como, Pettersen joined the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Park County Senior Coalition in Bailey. For four decades, this organization has provided vital resources to seniors in the Park County community. During her visit, Pettersen met with seniors and highlighted her dedication to ensuring seniors in rural communities have access to the services and resources they need. Specifically, Pettersen introduced the Rural Health Preceptor Tax Fairness Act to incentivize more health care professionals to train and practice medicine in rural communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=912", "Rep. Pettersen Highlights Community Investments in Chaffee, Joins Reopening of Historic McGinnis Gym", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "SALIDA \u2013 U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) recently stopped by Chaffee County to visit facilities that she championed through state and federal funding, including the historic McGinnis Gymnasium in Buena Vista and Solvista Health\u2019s Regional Assessment Center (RAC) in Salida.\n\nAt Pettersen\u2019s first stop in Chaffee County, she visited Solvista Health\u2019s RAC in Salida, a substance use disorder recovery center that she helped secure funding for alongside former state Representative Jim Wilson during her time in the Colorado state legislature. As chair of the Interim Study Committee on Opioids and Other Substance Use Disorders, Pettersen helped establish the Building Substance Use Disorder Treatment Capacity in Underserved Communities Grant Program, delivering $700,000 to Solvista Health\u2019s RAC in Salida. In Congress, Pettersen has built upon this work by calling for increased funding and expanded access to mental health and substance treatment programs.\n\nFollowing her visit to Salida, Pettersen joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the McGinnis Gymnasium in Buena Vista, reopening the facility after refurbishments. Originally built in 1936 through the Public Works Administration as part of the New Deal, this gym holds a unique place in Buena Vista\u2019s history. Pettersen wrote a letter of support to the Environmental Protection Agency for a Brownfields grant that was awarded to the gym. Now, the facility will serve as a safe, indoor recreation space for children and the Chaffee community for generations to come.\n\n\u201cProjects like these are a testament to the positive difference that state and federal dollars can make in our communities,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cI supported funding for these facilities because I know investments like this will elevate the entire Chaffee community. The McGinnis Gym will foster creativity and community engagement in Chaffee for generations to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=914", "Amid Funding Shortfall, Rep. Pettersen, Local Leaders Visit Edgewater Elementary School Kitchen, Call for Robust Federal Funding for School Nutrition Programs", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "EDGEWATER \u2013 U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) visited Edgewater Elementary School with leaders from Nourish Colorado and local school nutrition officials to tour the kitchen and advocate for increased federal support for school nutrition programs.\n\nAs a state legislator, Pettersen sponsored the referred measure that voters passed to create the Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) program, which provides funding to schools like Edgewater Elementary to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in public schools. Currently, HSMA is projected to face a funding shortfall this school year. This also comes as recent federal policy proposals outlined devastating cuts to federal nutrition programs, jeopardizing children\u2019s access to free school meals. During the visit, Pettersen discussed the School Meals Expansion Act, legislation she supports to allow more schools to provide meals to students and ensure schools can continue to provide nutritious meals to Colorado children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/17/press-releases-id-a84bd683-ce9f-426f-87e2-170738465508/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge Defense Secretary to Fix Rule Hurting Colorado Springs Children\u2019s Hospitals", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Doug Lamborn and Jason Crow, along with 16 of their Senate and House colleagues, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The letter urges the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to address the financial burden caused by a change in the way children\u2019s hospitals are reimbursed for the care provided to military families covered by TRICARE, the government health care program for active duty service members and their families.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our deep concerns about a 2023 Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule that catalyzed a major shift in the TRICARE reimbursement methodology for children\u2019s hospitals,\u201d wrote Bennet and the lawmakers. \u201cChildren\u2019s hospitals situated in defense communities in our home states are now grappling with the impacts of this change.\u201d\n\nEach year over 2.4 million children obtain care from children\u2019s hospitals through TRICARE, and the change has placed an outsized burden on children\u2019s hospitals in major defense communities, like Colorado Springs. Specifically, Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado said one in five patients in their Colorado Springs facility pay with TRICARE. The DHA previously exempted children\u2019s hospitals from the adult Medicare reimbursement process because the program\u2019s policies weren\u2019t applicable to the care children typically need. The rule change is expected to cost the hospital over $25 million annually.\n\nThe Children\u2019s Hospital Association (CHA) sent letters to DoD in 2020 and 2023 expressing their concerns about the proposed rule. However, they did not receive a response before the DHA implemented the change in October 2023.\n\nThe lawmakers specifically asked the following questions:\n\nWhat dialogue has DHA had with the affected children\u2019s hospitals to understand how this new reimbursement methodology impacts operations and access to care?\n\nWhat data and sources informed the agency\u2019s analysis of the impact on children\u2019s hospitals that care for TRICARE patients?\n\nHow did the agency account for the financial impacts of military families traveling for care in circumstances where local services are no longer available?\n\nHow did the agency develop the contingency payment and why did the DHA set a lower contingency payment for pediatrics?\n\nCan the agency verify the number of children\u2019s hospitals that are expected to qualify for the contingency payment that is outlined in the rule?\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Austin:\n\nAs members of Congress representing military-connected children, we write to express our deep concerns about a 2023 Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule that catalyzed a major shift in the TRICARE reimbursement methodology for children\u2019s hospitals. Specifically, we urge the Department of Defense (DOD) and DHA to expeditiously meet with the affected hospitals to discuss administrative policy options to preserve access to pediatric care for military dependents.\n\nCollectively, we represent a significant number of the 2.4 million children who obtain care in children\u2019s hospitals through TRICARE each year. These hospitals provide specialized treatment for a spectrum of concerns, including minor health issues and complex, long-term health conditions. They play an essential role in the wellbeing of our nation\u2019s military families.\n\nUntil recently, since 2008, TRICARE exempted children\u2019s hospitals from the adult Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). This exemption made logical sense, as very few children who seek care in children\u2019s hospitals are covered by Medicare and the program policies do not adequately reflect children\u2019s health needs.\n\nIn 2019, however, DHA proposed a rule to eliminate this exemption. In response, children\u2019s hospitals with larger TRICARE volumes collectively submitted comments through the Children\u2019s Hospital Association (CHA), outlining a number of concerns and asking DHA to extend the comment and implementation timelines pending the provision of more information. Instead, DHA\u2019s final rule, TRICARE; Reimbursement of Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Outpatient Services Provided in Cancer and Children\u2019s Hospitals, was finalized without any response and took effect on October 1, 2023.\n\nChildren\u2019s hospitals situated in defense communities in our home states are now grappling with the impacts of this change, as well as the ripple effects that the ensuing financial challenges may have on the provision of care for military families. For states with large military populations and no specialty children\u2019s hospital, any reduction in access to care would further complicate military family\u2019s choices by increasing burdens placed on families who already have to travel outside of their own state for medical services. Given the significant concerns expressed by children\u2019s hospitals about how the rule may impact military families\u2019 access to timely health care, we request that you provide us with responses to the following questions:\n\nDialogue: What dialogue has DHA had with the affected children\u2019s hospitals to understand how this new reimbursement methodology impacts operations and access to care?\n\nFinancial Data: What data and sources informed the agency\u2019s analysis of the rule\u2019s impact on children\u2019s hospitals that care for TRICARE patients? How did the agency account for the financial impacts of military families traveling for care in circumstances where local services are no longer available?\n\nContingency Payment: How did the agency develop the contingency payment and why did the DHA set a lower contingency payment for pediatrics? Can the agency verify the number of children\u2019s hospitals that are expected to qualify for the contingency payment that is outlined in the rule?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-neguse-secures-over-9-million-federal-funding-cd2-labs-enhance-research", "Rep. Neguse Secures Over $9 Million in Federal Funding for CD2 Labs to Enhance Research on Water-Related Climate Impacts", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lafayette, CO \u2014 Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse announced that labs and researchers at higher education institutions in Colorado\u2019s 2nd Congressional District will receive a total of $9,198,000 in Federal funding to advance research on a wide range of water-driven climate impacts. This funding\u2014made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2014is part of a larger $22.78 million package announced by the Department of Commerce for NOAA labs, programs, cooperative institutes, and other partners. Research topics include coastal and inland flood and inundation mapping and forecasting, and next-generation water modeling activities, including modernized precipitation frequency studies.\n\nThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) partners in Neguse\u2019s congressional district include the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado, Boulder and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University. These labs were the recipients of an additional round of funding earlier this week\u2014over $3 million from the Inflation Reduction Act\u2014for research working to provide transparent climate projection products and equitable services for the public.\n\n\u201cRight now, all across Colorado, we see the real and visceral impacts climate change is having on our communities. We must continue to do all we can to predict the challenges ahead, equipping ourselves with the innovation and foresight needed to adapt and prepare for water-related climate impacts like drought, flooding, and more,\u201d said Assistant Leader Neguse. \u201cPreparedness is our strongest tool in the face of climate change\u2014and I am proud to see and support the work underway at CU and CSU to strengthen the same.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to President Biden\u2019s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment will help boost NOAA\u2019s efforts to address the rising threat of climate change \u2014 putting us on the path to becoming more climate resilient and giving future generations the information and resources needed to tackle the climate crisis,\u201d said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.\n\n\u201cBy integrating cutting-edge science and technology into prediction tools, we are working to equip communities to prepare for and respond to water-driven climate impacts on our path to becoming a climate-ready nation,\u201d said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. \u201cThese efforts enhance our nation\u2019s resilience and underscore NOAA\u2019s commitment to supporting sustainable and informed decision-making in the face of climate variability and change.\u201d\n\nIn recent years, the increasing frequency and severity of coastal and inland flooding, extreme precipitation and other weather events have highlighted the urgent need for better prediction and resilience strategies. Rising sea levels, driven by climate change, are exacerbating these challenges, and putting coastal communities at greater risk.\n\nThese funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help communities prepare for a range of climate impacts and will directly benefit policymakers, emergency responders, researchers, and the general public. Assistant Leader Neguse played a key role in crafting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, successfully securing the advancement of several key priorities for Colorado in the bill.\n\nA breakdown of the funding for CIRES and CIRA is as follows:\n\n$2 million awarded to NOAA\u2019s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado (CIRES) to advance subseasonal to annual coastal flooding risks;\n\n$2 million awarded to CIRES to modernize probable maximum precipitation (PMP) estimates. These estimates are necessary to help decision-makers better manage the risk of precipitation that may cause severe damage or catastrophic destruction of major bridges, dams, power plants and other infrastructure. This research will help bring estimates more in line with the projected impacts from a changing climate;\n\n$1.25 million awarded to CIRES for research to advance NOAA next-generation water prediction using a system that integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning; and\n\n$1.975 million awarded to CIRES and $1.973 million to NOAA\u2019s Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere at Colorado State University (CIRA) to advance research to modernize PMP estimates.\n\nBackground\n\nAssistant Leader Neguse has been a continued advocate for increases in federal funding for Colorado\u2019s Federal labs and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Throughout this year\u2019s Federal budgeting and appropriations process, he emphasized the importance of their research to the well-being of the nation\u2014from predicting climate patterns to enhancing cybersecurity.\n\nThe Colorado Congressman is also working to ensure lands in Colorado\u2019s 2nd have the support needed to continue their work through his bill, the Federal Labs Modernization Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-neguse-announces-juana-mendoza-winner-2024-polly-baca-raices-fuertes", "Rep. Neguse Announces Juana Mendoza as Winner of 2024 Polly Baca Ra\u00edces Fuertes Community Leader Award in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month", "2024-10-12", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lafayette, CO \u2014 Today, Congressman Joe Neguse and his staff announced Juana Mendoza is the recipient of the 2024 Polly Baca Ra\u00edces Fuertes Community Leader Award while at Downtown Longmont\u2019s D\u00eda de Muertos Family Celebration. Juana has served the people of Boulder County for more than 30 years, providing critical support to often underserved communities and to families of diverse backgrounds through her work at the Office of Housing and Human Services and the Case Management and Community Outreach Division.\n\n\u201cThe Honorable Polly Baca devoted her life to serving others, and as we come together to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories that shape Colorado\u2019s vibrant Latino community, I can think of no better recipient of this year\u2019s award than Juana Mendoza. Her unwavering dedication to ensuring that people of all backgrounds have access to life-changing programs that pave the way for success, and her tireless work and passion, continue to inspire countless Coloradans,\u201d said Congressman Neguse.\n\nEach year, the Polly Baca Ra\u00edces Fuertes Community Service Award honors individuals who represent the qualities of service to others and the uplifting of the Latino community that former State Senator Polly Baca embodies. Rep. Neguse established the award in 2020 to recognize an exemplary leader in the 2nd Congressional District who best exhibits commitment to the service of others.\n\nAbout Juana Mendoza:\n\nJuana Mendoza devoted more than three decades of service to the families and communities of Boulder County. She has an unwavering commitment to ensuring that people of all backgrounds, particularly those in the Latino community, have access to programs that help them achieve success. She played a critical role in shaping Boulder County\u2019s Early Intervention Team, working as an Early Intervention Support Specialist for 17 years. In this role, she promoted child well-being and prevented abuse and neglect by serving the whole family.\n\nThroughout her career, Juana went above and beyond to provide life-changing support to underserved families. She often extended herself beyond traditional business hours, office settings, job descriptions, and the standard lifecycle of a case, nurturing and maintaining thriving intergenerational relationships with children and families.\n\nAs a mentor to countless social workers, public servants, and leaders in Boulder County, Juana consistently led by example. Even in her retirement, she continues to serve the people and community she loves by volunteering to help victims of human trafficking and people living with addictions in Boulder County.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=906", "Rep. Pettersen Announces $850,000 for Affordable Housing in Leadville, Stops by Tourism & Economic Development Office", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) recently traveled across the high country of the 7th Congressional District of Colorado, announcing federal funding for an affordable housing project in Leadville, meeting with constituents at a community coffee, and stopping by the newly renovated Tourism and Economic Development Office.\n\nAt her first stop in Lake County, Rep. Pettersen attended the weekly Leadville Community Coffee to hear firsthand from local nonprofits and other organizations about updates on their work in the community. During the visit, Pettersen provided an update on her work in Congress. Despite dysfunction in Washington, Pettersen reiterated resources her office offers to rural communities like Leadville \u2013 from the Community Funding Project process to federal grants and more.\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Pettersen secured $13.9 million in federal funding for 15 community projects, including $850,000 for an affordable housing development in Leadville. She recently toured the site with local leaders, including County Commissioners Jeff Fiedler, Hal Edwards, and Sarah Mudge, Leadville Mayor Dana Greene, and Lake County Regional Housing Authority Director Jackie Whelihan, and several members of the Housing Authority Board. The project, located just outside downtown Leadville, will provide walkable access to stores, schools, and the library.\n\nTo close out her visit to Lake County, Pettersen stopped by the new Tourism and Economic Development Office. During the visit, Pettersen discussed her bipartisan legislation \u2013 the Special District Grant Accessibility Act \u2013 to codify a definition of \u201cspecial district\u201d in federal law and ensure that districts are eligible for all appropriate forms of federal assistance. Additionally, Pettersen discussed the need to bring more federal dollars back home to communities in Lake County to update aging water infrastructure and ensure everyone has access to clean drinking water.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crow-joins-colorado-leaders-to-host-third-future-of-buckley-space-force-base-meeting", "Rep. Crow Joins Colorado Leaders to Host Third Future of Buckley Space Force Base Meeting", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AURORA \u2014 Today, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), former Army Ranger, joined Colorado leaders to host the third Future of Buckley Task Force meeting. This event brings together high-level defense community stakeholders and base leaders for an open discussion on the future of Buckley as well as ongoing efforts to support Buckley\u2019s mission and Colorado\u2019s military community. Topics included energy resilience and infrastructure projects on the base; 140th Wing recapitalization efforts; and improving quality of life for servicemembers and base personnel.\n\nThis year, Congressman Crow was joined by Senator John Hickenlooper, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor, and Buckley Space Force Base leadership.\n\n\u201cSupporting Buckley Space Force Base is a major priority of mine in Congress,\u201d said Congressman Crow. \u201cI\u2019m glad to have Senator Hickenlooper, Lieutenant Governor Primavera, Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor, and Buckley leadership here today at the third Future of Buckley Task Force meeting to support Buckley\u2019s mission, uplift our military community, and solidify Colorado\u2019s role as a global aerospace leader.\u201d\n\nBuckley Space Force Base is a key economic driver for Colorado. The base employs 3,100 active duty members, 4,000 National Guard personnel and Reservists, 2,400 civilians, and 2,500 contractors. It is estimated that Buckley contributes $1 billion annually to the local economy.\n\nThis third meeting of the Future of Buckley Task Force builds on Congressman Crow\u2019s longstanding work to support Buckley Space Force Base and solidify Colorado\u2019s role as a global aerospace leader. In December 2023, Congressman Crow secured key priorities in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act, including bipartisan legislation to ensure that the U.S. Air Force conducts necessary planning to ensure that aging jets are replaced at bases nationwide. As part of the NDAA, Congressman Crow also secured $14.7M for critical water and electric infrastructure upgrades at Buckley.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/08/press-releases-id-1ac60e4f-0230-439e-b5f7-51ca9d5360c5/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Funding for Colorado Organizations Supporting Veterans", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed over $1.6 million from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for eight Colorado organizations that offer adaptive sports, recreational activities, and equine therapy for veterans and service members living with disabilities.\n\n\u201cOur veterans have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe, and we owe them our support after they have served,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cColorado veterans deserve to live a full and independent life, and this funding will help wounded heroes access athletics and other recreational activities.\u201d\n\n\u201cAdaptive sports give our wounded veterans a community and outlet for mental health,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThis funding makes it easier for our disabled vets to hit the slopes and enjoy all the outdoor activities that make Colorado special.\u201d\n\nThe funding comes from the VA\u2019s\u2019 Adaptive Sports Grant Program, which supports more opportunities for disabled veterans to play recreational sports and activities customized to better fit their needs. The VA has awarded over $119 million in grants through the Adaptive Sports Grant Program during the last nine years.\n\nA full list of selected organizations is below:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/08/press-releases-id-df178b95-05bb-4a77-93c2-0956dd2bbd89/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Recognize Latina Equal Pay Day", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, along with 23 fellow senators, introduced a resolution to honor Latina Equal Pay Day. The resolution recognizes the disparity in wages paid to Latinas, the significance of equal pay, and its larger impact on women, families, and the economy.\n\n\u201cLost wages mean Latina women have less money to support themselves and their families, save and invest for the future, and spend on goods and services,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nLatina Equal Pay Day, which was observed on October 3, 2024, is a day to reflect on the continued impact of wage gaps on Latina women. In 2023, more than 60 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Latinas were paid just 51 cents for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male colleagues. Latina women also continue to lack access to paid leave and experience increased levels of workplace harassment.\n\nBennet cosponsored a Latina Equal Pay Day resolution in 2022. He also cheered the passage of the Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in September.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-crow-statement-on-one-year-since-the-october-7-attacks", "Congressman Crow Statement on One Year Since the October 7 Attacks", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement marking one year since Hamas launched a brutal terrorist attack against Israel, which resulted in the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.\n\nIn a statement, Congressman Crow said:\n\n\u201cOne year ago, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack against Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking hundreds more hostage. I condemn this heinous attack and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community today in mourning the lives lost. I remain committed to working to bring the remaining hostages home.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-neguse-colorado-delegation-announce-support-colorado-river-districts", "Rep. Neguse, Colorado Delegation Announce Support for Colorado River District\u2019s Application for Funding to Complete Shoshone Water Rights Purchase", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lafayette, CO \u2014 Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse joined Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and members of the state\u2019s congressional delegation in writing to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) in support of the Colorado River Water Conservation District\u2019s (CRWCD) application for federal funding to purchase two of the oldest water rights on the Colorado River mainstem in Colorado, known as the Shoshone Permanency Project. The lawmakers offered their support as part of an ongoing BOR funding opportunity to provide environmental benefits in response to drought, which remains open for additional projects in Colorado and the rest of the Upper Colorado River Basin.\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River District\u2019s mission is to promote the protection, conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Colorado River water basin for the welfare of the state of Colorado. Preserving the Colorado River\u2019s historical flow regime as intended by the Shoshone Permanency Project will benefit the Colorado River ecosystem every year, and especially in dry years,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe letter continues: \u201cThis strong show of funding reflects the local recognition of the Shoshone Water Rights\u2019 importance to the health of western Colorado\u2019s environment and local economies. We recognize the Shoshone Permanency Project\u2019s complex nature and ongoing technical review, but believe the opportunity to protect historical Colorado River flows deserves your attention.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n\u201cFor the future of water, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and our way of life on the Western Slope and for the entire state of Colorado, the time to permanently secure the Shoshone water rights is now. At the state legislature this year, we made a $20 million investment in this effort, our local partners have offered over $36 million and I am so grateful for our federal partners, Congressman Joe Neguse and Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, for doing everything they can to ensure the federal government becomes a key partner in this effort, \u201d said Dylan Roberts, State Senator, Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee.\n\nThe 1902 Senior and the 1929 Junior Shoshone Water Rights currently held by Xcel Energy are used to generate power at the Shoshone Power Plant and then return it to the river. Communities across Western Colorado have already committed over $55 million, and are applying to BOR for funding from the Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program to help complete the purchase and create stability for communities, water and recreational users, and the environment. The Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program funding opportunity is open for application through November 22, 2024, and the lawmakers welcome other applicants to contact their offices on the opportunity to provide support.\n\nAs part of the Shoshone Permanency Project, CRWCD will seek a change in these rights to include an alternate beneficial use and preserve the historical flow regime. The state process for changing these decreed water rights is distinct from any federal funding review or outcome, and will proceed separately. As acknowledged in the letter, data collection and analysis related to the Shoshone water rights\u2019 historic use is ongoing and important to the state of Colorado\u2019s formal review.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/07/press-releases-id-090c9b4b-d040-4120-b30c-f1e109037e8b/", "Bennet Statement Recognizing One Year Since the October 7th Hamas Attack on Israel", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement marking one year since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel:\n\n\u201cOn October 7th, 2023, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, brutally killing 1,200 innocent people and kidnapping 250 more. A year later, Hamas still holds almost 100 hostages, among them at least seven Americans: Edan Alexander, Itay Chen z\u201dl, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Gadi Haggai z\u201dl, Omer Neutra, Keith Siegel, and Judith Weinstein z\u201dl. At the same time, Iran and its proxies continue to sow chaos throughout the Middle East \u2013 including by attacking U.S. troops and targeting American interests. The U.S. must defend our people and our allies, including Israel.\n\n\u201cThis terrible war has inflicted enormous human suffering and trauma on Israelis, Palestinians, and people far beyond the Middle East, itself. As the families of Hamas\u2019 hostages continue to call for an agreement to free their loved ones and secure a mutual ceasefire in Gaza, the U.S. must continue leading efforts to achieve such a deal. The U.S. must also lead efforts to secure an enforceable agreement that allows tens of thousands of displaced civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to return to their homes.\n\n\u201cThese diplomatic efforts are essential; indeed, they are the only way to bring lasting peace and prosperity to the region. These negotiations are a predicate to building a just two-state solution out of the tragedy of the last year.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/07/press-releases-id-5737be4f-27f2-48ac-89da-df5923371375/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen, DeGette Announce Support for Colorado River District\u2019s Application for Funding to Complete Shoshone Water Rights Purchase", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Brittany Pettersen, and Diana DeGette, wrote to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) in support of the Colorado River Water Conservation District\u2019s (CRWCD) application for federal funding to purchase two of the oldest water rights on the Colorado River mainstem in Colorado, known as the Shoshone Permanency Project. The lawmakers offered their support as part of an ongoing BOR funding opportunity to provide environmental benefits in response to drought, which remains open for additional projects in Colorado and the rest of the Upper Colorado River Basin.\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River District\u2019s mission is to promote the protection, conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Colorado River water basin for the welfare of the state of Colorado,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cPreserving the Colorado River\u2019s historical flow regime as intended by the Shoshone Permanency Project will benefit the Colorado River ecosystem every year, and especially in dry years.\u201d\n\nThe 1902 Senior and the 1929 Junior Shoshone Water Rights currently held by Xcel Energy are used to generate power at the Shoshone Power Plant and then return it to the river. Communities across Western Colorado have already committed over $55 million, and are applying to BOR for funding from the Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program to help complete the purchase and create stability for communities, water and recreational users, and the environment. The Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program funding opportunity is open for application through November 22, 2024, and the lawmakers welcome other applicants to contact their offices on the opportunity to provide support.\n\n\u201cThis strong show of funding reflects the local recognition of the Shoshone Water Rights\u2019 importance to the health of western Colorado\u2019s environment and local economies,\u201dcontinue the lawmakers. \u201cWe recognize the Shoshone Permanency Project\u2019s complex nature and ongoing technical review, but believe the opportunity to protect historical Colorado River flows deserves your attention.\u201d\n\nAs part of the Shoshone Permanency Project, CRWCD will seek a change in these rights to include an alternate beneficial use and preserve the historical flow regime. The state process for changing these decreed water rights is distinct from any federal funding review or outcome, and will proceed separately. As acknowledged in the letter, data collection and analysis related to the Shoshone water rights\u2019 historic use is ongoing and important to the state of Colorado\u2019s formal review.\n\nAs the Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry and Natural Resources, Bennet has consistently worked with his colleagues to help communities in Colorado and across the American West as they face the effects of climate change. In June 2022, as Subcommittee Chair, Bennet held the Senate\u2019s very first hearing on Western drought. In June 2024, Bennet and Subcommittee Ranking Member U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) held a field hearing in Burlington, Colorado, to hear from Western producers and agricultural leaders facing historic drought.\n\nBennet and Hickenlooper fought to include $8 billion for Western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $19 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In September 2022, Bennet, Neguse, and Crow urged BOR to prioritize funding for long-term, permanent solutions to the Colorado River drought crisis as it worked to allocate the $4 billion for Western drought from the IRA. After calling on the Biden administration to make further investments to address long-term drought caused by climate change in April 2024, Bennet welcomed $400 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for investments at the irrigation district scale to address drought in August. The lawmakers will continue to work with communities and water users across the state to ensure as much of this funding as possible comes to the state of Colorado.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Commissioner Touton:\n\nWe write in support of the Colorado River Water Conservation District\u2019s (the River District) application to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation\u2019s (USBR) Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation funding opportunity, referred to as Bucket 2E. As you know, the Inflation Reduction Act provided a historic $4 billion to address issues caused by drought, including activities to support environmental benefits, and ecosystem and habitat restoration. If selected, the River District will leverage Bucket 2E funding alongside significant state and local investment to purchase two of the oldest water rights on the Colorado River mainstem in the State of Colorado \u2013 the Shoshone Water Rights \u2013 to preserve their historical flow regime in perpetuity.\n\nThe River District was established in 1937 as a local governing entity to represent water users across 15 counties in Western Colorado \u2013 including the headwaters of the Yampa, White, Gunnison, and Colorado Rivers. The Colorado River District\u2019s mission is to promote the protection, conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Colorado River water basin for the welfare of the State of Colorado.\n\nNow, the River District is pursuing the Shoshone Permanency Project, which aims to preserve the historical Colorado River flow regime created by the 1902 Senior Shoshone Water Right and the 1929 Junior Shoshone Water Right (the \u201cShoshone Water Rights\u201d). The River District has signed an agreement to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights from Xcel Energy, which currently holds the rights for its Shoshone hydropower plant. Today, the Shoshone Water Rights are decreed as non-consumptive water rights: the water is used to generate hydropower at the Shoshone Power Plant and is returned to the stream. The Shoshone Water Rights\u2019 senior status \u201cpulls\u201d water to Glenwood Canyon, which ensures that water continues to flow and benefits the downstream environment. Preserving the Colorado River\u2019s historical flow regime as intended by the Shoshone Permanency Project will benefit the Colorado River ecosystem every year, and especially in dry years.\n\nData collection and analysis of Shoshone Water Rights\u2019 historic use is not yet completed, and ongoing\u2013a key step for understanding the historic flow regime on the Colorado River. The Shoshone Permanency Project seeks to change the water rights to include an alternate beneficial use for instream flow purposes, a legally recognized beneficial use in Colorado, to preserve the historical Shoshone flow regime. The proposed decree associated with these flows is still under technical review by the State of Colorado. The River District is actively discussing the proposal with other water users across the state. The Colorado Water Conservation Board and the State of Colorado Water Court will conduct a formal review in the coming months. Ongoing modeling will also help quantify the environmental benefits of the Shoshone Water Rights flows. One potential benefit is to the critical habitat of four fish in the Colorado River listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), known as the 15-Mile Reach, located near Palisade, Colorado.\n\nThe State of Colorado and our water users are making their own significant investments to ensure that the historical Shoshone flows can continue in perpetuity. The Colorado River District has allocated $20 million, the State of Colorado has appropriated another $20 million for the acquisition, provided the State\u2019s instream flow requirements are met, and a coalition of Western Slope water users and local governments have formally committed over $15 million. This strong show of funding reflects the local recognition of the Shoshone Water Rights\u2019 importance to the health of western Colorado\u2019s environment and local economies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/04/press-releases-id-5d497567-0bb1-42eb-93ad-dec80719e992/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $170 Million for Clean Water, Reliable Energy Infrastructure in Colorado", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed over $170 million in loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 12 Colorado projects in rural and Tribal communities to expand access to safe drinking water and reliable energy.\n\n\u201cEveryone deserves access to clean and safe water, no matter where they live. However, far too many rural communities in Colorado face the challenges of aging or unsafe water infrastructure,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cI\u2019m glad towns from Holly to Del Norte will receive this federal support to help them continue delivering reliable, clean water to Coloradans across the state.\u201d\u2019\n\n\u201cWhere you live shouldn\u2019t determine if you have clean water to drink or reliable electricity to keep the lights on,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cFrom Rocky Ford to Silverton, these investments will create thousands of good-paying jobs while expanding access to safe drinking water and reliable energy.\u201d\n\nThe funding announcement is part of a $1.3 billion nationwide investment to make water infrastructure and the electrical grid more resilient to extreme weather, while creating thousands of well-paying jobs in the process. This funding comes from USDA\u2019s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants and the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee programs. It is divided between over $127 million in grant funding and over $42 million in federal loans to the 12 Colorado projects.\n\nA full list of selected projects is below:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/04/press-releases-id-d4fd6579-dd97-4a75-a907-b4d27010c0fc/", "Bennet, Colleagues Push to Help More Families, Businesses Benefit from Clean Energy Tax Credits for Geothermal Heat Pumps", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet alongside 13 of his Senate colleagues called on U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to ensure its final rule for the Section 48 investment tax credit (ITC) allows multiple owners of geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems to claim the tax credit. Because GHPs frequently involve multiple ownership structures, the proposed rule could severely limit home-based and community-scale adoption of this clean energy technology.\n\n\u201cGHPs are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available for buildings. Increasing their deployment holds enormous potential to lower energy bills for American families and businesses and to reduce emissions,\u201d wrote Bennet and the senators.\n\nGHPs can play a critical role to help decarbonize buildings, reduce the need for new electricity generation and transmission infrastructure, and enable energy savings for Americans. In their letter, the senators urge the Treasury to allow different taxpayers who own separate, functionally interdependent or integral components of a GHP system to be eligible to claim the tax incentive.\n\n\u201cWe are concerned that Treasury\u2019s proposed guidance\u2026would severely inhibit the adoption of home-based and community-scale GHP systems, which typically involve multiple owners,\u201d continued the senators. \u201cWe urge Treasury to modify the proposed guidance and issue a final rule that acknowledges the unique ownership structure of GHP systems and allows taxpayers who separately own the components of a geothermal heat pump system to fully leverage the [investment tax credit].\u201d\n\nIn addition to Bennet, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) also signed the letter.\n\nIn December 2023, Bennet and 14 Senate colleagues wrote a letter to Secretary Yellen urging Treasury to issue guidance clarifying that GHP systems are exempt from the \u201climited use property doctrine\u201d, enabling third-party ownership models to help ensure we maximize deployment of this technology and the Inflation Reduction Act\u2019s climate, energy reliability, and cost-savings benefits.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Yellen:\n\nWe write to urge you to ensure that the Department of Treasury\u2019s (Treasury) final rule to implement the Section 48 investment tax credit (ITC) allows different taxpayers who own separate, functionally interdependent or integral components of a geothermal heat pump (GHP) system to be eligible to claim the ITC for the equipment they own. We are concerned that Treasury\u2019s proposed guidance in its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Reg-132569-17 (NPRM) for the ITC would severely inhibit the adoption of home-based and community-scale GHP systems, which typically involve multiple owners.\n\nGHPs are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available for buildings. Increasing their deployment holds enormous potential to lower energy bills for American families and businesses and to reduce emissions. Due to their reliable performance during extreme temperature, GHP systems provide certainty in household energy bills and insulate consumers from energy price shocks due to extreme weather events. A 2023 Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory report highlights the important role that GHPs can play in decarbonizing buildings, reducing the need for new electricity generation and transmission infrastructure, and enabling energy savings for Americans across the country. According to the report, broad GHP adoption would result in cumulative savings to the U.S. economy of more than $1 trillion by 2050, eliminate the need for 24,500 miles of transmission lines, decrease required electricity generation by 13 percent, and reduce carbon dioxide emission by more than 7,300 million metric tons.\n\nA GHP system typically includes a ground loop (or heat exchanger) outside the building as well as a heat pump(s) and conditioning distribution system (piping and ductwork) inside the building \u2013 these components typically have different owners. Treasury\u2019s interpretation in the NPRM is that these pieces of equipment are functionally interdependent yet distinct components of the same system. As drafted, the agency proposes excluding multiple taxpayers who own those distinct components of a GHP system from claiming a tax credit under the ITC unless the two taxpayers share more than 50 percent overlapping ownership of the equipment. Treasury\u2019s interpretation in the NPRM runs antithetical to congressional intent in passing updates to the ITC, which was to promote the wide-scale adoption of GHPs and other clean energy technologies.\n\nWe urge Treasury to modify the proposed guidance and issue a final rule that acknowledges the unique ownership structure of GHP systems and allows taxpayers who separately own the components of a geothermal heat pump system to fully leverage the Section 48 ITC. This will ensure, as Congress intended, that we maximize the deployment of GHP technology and its associated energy reliability and cost savings benefits.\n\nWe look forward to hearing from you on this important matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-calls-major-insulin-manufacturers-answer-questions-regarding", "DeGette Calls on Major Insulin Manufacturers to Answer Questions Regarding Access to Insulin", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", "degette", "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C., \u2014 This week, Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) sent letters to the three largest insulin producers urging them to answer questions regarding access to insulin. The letters were sent to Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi.\n\n\u201cThese companies have long provided lifesaving and life-enhancing products to over 38 million individuals in the United States with diabetes. Many of those individuals rely on insulin to regulate blood sugar and lead a healthy life, including the 2 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes and many millions living with type 2 diabetes,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cFor those who rely on insulin, the availability of these products is a life-and-death matter and may not be easily switched to a different product. This year we have seen multiple supply disruptions in insulin across different manufacturers, including in the vials of short-acting insulin individuals with type 1 diabetes need for their insulin pumps.\n\n\u201cWe are concerned that continued supply disruptions could severely impact access to care for patients with diabetes and remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure there are alternatives available that will not present challenges to their daily living. The steady, predictable supply of many forms of insulin is a critical public health need. As one of the major manufacturers of insulin, your company serves as a partner to the diabetes community and is a critical part of this public health infrastructure,\u201d the members closed.\n\nThe full letters can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=891", "Pettersen Introduces Bill to Combat Wildfires Through Early Detection Technology", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced a bipartisan bill to help combat wildfires through advanced early detection using satellite technology. The Strengthening Wildfire Resiliency Through Satellites Act would create a three-year grant program under the United States Geological Survey (USGS), incentivizing states to use satellite technology for early wildfire detection, active fire monitoring, and post-disaster recovery.\n\nOver 3 million Coloradans \u2013 more than 50% of the state\u2019s population \u2013 live in a moderate to high risk area for wildfires. As wildfires become increasingly common, it is crucial to implement mitigation strategies, including early detection efforts to try and stop wildfires before they spread. Pettersen\u2019s legislation would modernize wildfire management through satellite technology to reduce fire damage, enhance safety, and improve long-term recovery efforts.\n\n\u201cWildfires have become a persistent and costly threat to Colorado, putting lives, homes, and our brave first responders at risk,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cThis legislation will equip our states with cutting-edge satellite technology to detect wildfires sooner, respond faster, and better protect our communities. I\u2019m grateful for the partnership of Congressman Obernolte and will keep working to safeguard Coloradans from the devastating effects of wildfires.\u201d\n\nLast week, two of Representative Pettersen\u2019s amendments to mitigate wildfire threats passed out of the House in the Fix Our Forests Act.\n\nOffered by Pettersen, the first amendment would require the Department of Interior, in coordination with states, local governments, tribes, and colleges, to identify critical lands damaged by natural disasters and support reforestation and restoration projects in those areas, enhancing community resilience against future threats.\n\nCo-led with Congressman Obernolte, the second amendment would prioritize the use of emerging technology like low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites through fostering public and private sector partnerships to support critical wildfire mitigation and early detection efforts. This amendment leverages public-private partnerships to enhance monitoring and prevention efforts, protecting communities from wildfires.\n\nThe Strengthening Wildfire Resiliency Through Satellites Act is endorsed by the Megafire Action, Federation of American Scientists, American Forests, Earth Fire Alliance, and National Alliance of Forest Owners.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-and-bacon-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-incarcerated-veterans-access-treatment-and-resources", "Reps. Crow and Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Incarcerated Veterans Access Treatment and Resources", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Representative Jason Crow (D-CO-06), alongside Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act, bipartisan legislation that would create a pilot program to provide grants and technical assistance to state prisons and local jails to improve documentation of whether inmates are veterans.\n\nApproximately 181,000 justice-involved veterans are incarcerated in the United States. Most were not identified during their criminal proceedings to be referred to a Veteran Treatment Court (VTC) or a Veteran Justice Outreach office and often lack knowledge that they can access these benefits.\n\nAcross the United States, more than half of justice-involved veterans face mental health challenges, such as PTSD and depression, or substance abuse disorders, such as alcoholism and drug addiction. Additionally, many justice-involved veterans experience homelessness or are at-risk for homelessness, while others often have difficulty finding work and re-entering society following their service to our nation.\n\nWhile existing services such as Veteran Treatment Courts and Veterans Justice Outreach programs have been shown to lower recidivism and facilitate access to VA services, many justice-involved veterans do not know that these services exist. The Justice Involved Veterans Support Act would create a pilot program to help identify veterans involved in the criminal justice system so they can better access these resources.\n\n\u201cWhen I returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan, I made it my mission to care for my fellow veterans and make sure they had access to their hard-earned benefits. I\u2019ve continued that work in Congress,\u201d said Rep. Crow. \u201cThis legislation will help connect justice-involved veterans to the resources and programs they earned and support their transition back into society.\u201d\n\n\"As a retired Brigadier General that has been deployed four times, I've seen many servicemembers struggle with PTSD or substance abuse,\" said Rep. Bacon. \u201cThe Justice Veterans Support Act will create pilot programs for the Attorney General in consultation with the Sec. of Veterans Affairs to provide grants and technical assistance to state prisons and local jails that document if inmates are veterans. Our Veterans must be treated thoroughly.\u201d\n\nThe Justice Involved Veteran Support Act would specifically create a pilot program for the U.S. Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to provide grants and technical assistance to state prisons and local jails to improve the documentation of inmates\u2019 veteran status. Grants would be prioritized for prisons and jails in states that contain the largest populations of veterans per capita, along with states that contain the highest rates of veterans living in poverty.\n\nCongressman Crow\u2019s introduction of the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act follows his continued efforts to support our veterans and servicemembers. As an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, connecting members of America\u2019s military community with much-needed resources is personal for Congressman Crow. In the 117th Congress, he introduced the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act with the late Rep. Don Young (R-AK-AL) and supported the PACT Act, which expands health care to millions of servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals.\n\nSee the full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-study-group-japan-co-chairs-degette-and-bucshon-statement", "Congressional Study Group on Japan Co-Chairs DeGette and Bucshon Statement on New Japanese Prime Minister", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", "degette", "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressional Study Group on Japan (CSGJ) Co-ChairsCongresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba was elected to serve as the next Prime Minister of Japan.\n\n\u201cAs co-chairs of the Congressional Study Group on Japan, we congratulate Shigeru Ishiba on his election to serve the people of Japan as Prime Minister. We look forward to working with Prime Minister Ishiba to deepen the already strong U.S.-Japan alliance and advance our two nations\u2019 shared priorities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-and-valadao-lead-letter-with-38-house-colleagues-to-support-humanitarian-demining-in-ukraine", "Reps. Crow and Valadao Lead Letter with 38 House Colleagues to Support Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, and Congressman David Valadao (R-CA-22), Co-Chair of the Congressional UXO/Demining Caucus, led a letter with 38 of their House colleagues drawing attention to the importance of humanitarian demining in Ukraine, which is now one of the world\u2019s most landmine-contaminated countries as a result of Russia's illegal invasion in 2022.\n\nThe Members highlight that the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act passed earlier this year stipulates that the Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID Administrator, will soon submit to Congress \u201can assessment of the most pressing needs of Ukraine for reconstruction, rebuilding, and humanitarian aid.\u201d Addressed to Secretary of State Blinken and USAID Administrator Power, the letter inquires as to whether the Biden Administration will include humanitarian demining as one of the most pressing needs for rebuilding and reconstruction in Ukraine.\n\n\u201cAs the State Department and USAID prepares this assessment, we seek to draw attention to the prevalence of landmine contamination in Ukraine and inquire as to whether the Administration intends to include humanitarian demining as one of the most pressing needs for reconstruction, rebuilding, and humanitarian aid,\u201d the Members said in the letter.\n\nThe Members continued, \u201cWe are grateful to the Administration for its ongoing support of Ukraine and your steadfast engagement with our partners and allies. We appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to continuing to work together to support Ukraine, including future reconstruction, rebuilding, and recovery efforts.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rep. Crow, Rep. Valadao, and 38 other signatories, the letter has been endorsed by The HALO Trust USA, which is part of the world\u2019s largest humanitarian landmine clearance organization.\n\nThe letter follows Congressman Crow\u2019s continued efforts to provide military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression. Earlier this year Congressman Crow voted to establish the Ukraine Support Fund to provide assistance to Ukraine for damage resulting from the Russian invasion. He has long championed efforts to further establish Ukrainian military superiority, and has urged the Biden Administration to provide Ukraine with additional air defense capabilities. He also joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in Kyiv to hear directly from President Zelenskyy and other senior officials on how the United States can continue to support the war effort.\n\nA PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:\n\nSeptember 26, 2024\n\nDear Secretary Blinken and Administrator Power,\n\nThe Russian Federation\u2019s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the ongoing conflict have killed thousands of civilians and soldiers, displaced millions of Ukrainians, and ravaged cities, towns, and infrastructure across Ukraine. The United States must continue to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and future against Vladimir Putin\u2019s unprovoked assault. Yet we must also look forward to the day when Ukraine is secure and take stock of factors that are a risk to Ukrainians today and that may present a challenge for eventual recovery and reconstruction.\n\nUkraine is now one of the world\u2019s most landmine-contaminated countries. The Ukrainian Government has stated that over 174,000 square kilometers of land in Ukraine, including more than 25,000 square kilometers of farmland, have been exposed to conflict and may contain explosives.1 The widespread presence of explosives clearly pose a significant humanitarian risk and they also keep large swathes of farmland out of use \u2013 finding one mine in an agricultural area will render the land unsafe for cultivation until it can be cleared.\n\nFuture efforts at reconstruction, rebuilding, and recovery are further challenged when explosives line roads and block critical infrastructure or hide within collapsed and partially collapsed buildings \u2013 preventing safe access for construction and making rubble clearance and rebuilding extremely dangerous. Humanitarian demining efforts will be necessary for public safety, economic health, and future reconstruction.\n\nThe REPO for Ukrainians Act, included in the Ukraine supplemental signed into law on April 24, 2024, outlines that resources in the newly established Ukraine Support Fund shall be available to the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to Ukraine for damage resulting from the Russian invasion. Further, it requires that the Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID Administrator, submit to Congress \u201can assessment of the most pressing needs of Ukraine for reconstruction, rebuilding, and humanitarian aid\u201d within 180 days of the bill\u2019s enactment.\n\nAs the State Department and USAID prepares this assessment, we seek to draw attention to the prevalence of landmine contamination in Ukraine and inquire as to whether the Administration intends to include humanitarian demining as one of the most pressing needs for reconstruction, rebuilding, and humanitarian aid. If this is not being assessed as a most pressing need or is already determined not to be, we would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your reasoning in advance of the release of the assessment in October.\n\nWe are grateful to the Administration for its ongoing support of Ukraine and your steadfast engagement with our partners and allies. We appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to continuing to work together to support Ukraine, including future reconstruction, rebuilding, and recovery efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-announces-6-million-cu-boulders-national-center-women", "Assistant Leader Neguse Announces $6 Million for CU Boulder\u2019s National Center for Women and Information Technology", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lafayette, CO \u2014 Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse announced a total of $5,999,812 in federal funding for the University of Colorado at Boulder\u2019s National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). NCWIT aims to drive systemic change in computing by increasing the representation of women and other underserved groups in rapidly advancing fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and semiconductor chip design.\n\nAccording to statistics published earlier this year, women make up 47% of the United States workforce, but only 25% of computing roles. This award, granted by the National Science Foundation (NSF), will help the University of Colorado at Boulder better support labs and departments in promoting diversity and fostering more inclusive computing education by training faculty to lead diversity efforts and developing a highly qualified, diverse computing workforce that will advance economic growth, health care and national security through diversity-driven innovation.\n\n\u201cI am excited to see our partners at the National Science Foundation award change leaders at CU Boulder with nearly six million dollars in federal funding to boost representation in growing sectors like computing. By supporting these initiatives, we are able to unlock the full potential of our state and further enhance our robust technology and innovation landscape,\u201d said Assistant Leader Neguse.\n\n\u201cOver the last 20+ years, NCWIT has inspired students to pursue degrees in engineering and technology. They also work with industry to create an inclusive workforce that better represents the demographics of our state and nation,\u201d said Keith Molenaar, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder. \u201cOur partnership with NCWIT has placed CU Boulder engineering as a national leader in gender parity and creating an inclusive engineering workforce for the future of our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cNCWIT is proud to be a Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Alliance member, and we are grateful for NSF\u2019s ongoing commitment to funding organizations like ours that seek to make the systemic changes necessary to diversify higher education computing and engineering departments and drive diversity-fueled innovation,\u201d said Terry Hogan Executive Director and CEO of the National Center for Women & Information Technology. \u201cThis federal funding anchors our organization and allows us to work across the entire computing ecosystem, from K-12 through career to encourage underrepresented people to consider and persist in tech fields and careers.\u201d\n\nMore information about the NSF\u2019s award can be found HERE.\n\nAssistant Leader Neguse has been a vocal advocate for Colorado\u2019s growing technology and innovation landscape. Earlier this year, he joined fellow state and Federal leaders in cheering on the news that the NSF selected Colorado and Rocky Mountain West to lead the nation\u2019s quantum revolution. Additionally, Neguse has repeatedly called on appropriators in Congress to support robust funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF). In April, he penned a letter highlighting the need to provide adequate funding for the NSF to support research and innovation taking place at federally funded science and research centers, including labs at the University of Colorado at Boulder and Colorado State University in Fort Collins.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/26/press-releases-id-32137eb9-b6bd-4dcd-af5e-34e81ae7dc62/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Introduce Public Lands Legislation to Protect Gunnison Basin and Surrounding Regions", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act to permanently protect key portions of the Gunnison Basin and the surrounding regions through a variety of public land management tools, including special designations focused on recreation, wildlife, scientific research, and conservation.\n\nThe bill is based on over a decade of collaboration with local governments, Tribes, and public lands user groups. It has the bipartisan support of six counties in Western Colorado, as well as the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and local municipalities. A wide variety of local businesses and public lands user groups, including summer and winter motorized recreation, conservation, mountain biking, whitewater recreation, rock climbers, ranchers, water users, and hunters and anglers, also support the bill.\n\n\u201cFor over a decade, Coloradans have come together at trailheads and kitchen tables to share their love for the spectacular landscape in and around Gunnison County,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis bill proves that people with wide-ranging interests can forge compromise and develop a common vision to protect our public lands for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cAdventurers across Colorado and the country come to the Gunnison Basin for its rugged canyons and untamed wilderness,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cProtecting these additional 730,000 acres will help keep it that way for generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cLand is very important to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and throughout history we have lost a lot of land that has been taken from the tribe unjustly,\u201d said Manuel Heart, Chairman Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. \u201cTo get land back for the tribe by putting it into Trust status as this legislation does, is important to the tribe\u2019s children and grandchildren. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe appreciates Senator Bennet\u2019s work on the GORP Act, supports the legislation and hopes it will move forward quickly in the US Senate.\u201d\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s great outdoors are known around the world and this bill marks a valuable step in the need to protect the incredible Gunnison Basin for future generations of Coloradans and visitors,\u201d said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. \u201cI appreciate Senator Bennet\u2019s leadership on this issue and look forward to seeing this bill move forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former resident of the Gunnison Valley and Western Colorado University graduate, I am intimately aware of the importance public lands, wildlife and outdoor recreation are to local communities\u2019 economy and environment,\u201d said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. \u201cOur forests, water, wildlife and open spaces are some of our most precious natural resources and outdoor recreation drives visitors and residents to our state to enjoy our diverse opportunities. I commend the work of Senator Bennet and the many diverse stakeholders on developing the locally driven Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act. Introduction is a great first step and I look forward to working alongside all interested parties as this legislation makes its way through the U.S. Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe GORP Act reflects the way we do business in Gunnison County: we sit down with our neighbors to find common-ground solutions and a way forward to best serve our community. Public lands are our backyard here and I\u2019m proud of the work we\u2019ve done to bring so many stakeholders \u2013 snowmobilers, ranchers, mountain bikers, and conservationists to name a few \u2013 together,\u201d said Jonathan Houck, Gunnison County Commissioner. \u201cWhile GORP started in Gunnison County, I couldn\u2019t be happier to stand with five neighboring Western Slope counties in support of this legislation, and I thank Senator Bennet for listening to our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cDelta County is glad to have worked with Senator Bennet on the GORP Act,\u201d said the Delta County Commissioners. \u201cIts provisions for Delta County will provide public access to a boat ramp, ensure that the BLM can continue to permit existing motorized boat use, and bring forward a thoughtful balance of uses on public lands in the North Fork Valley. This legislation shows what\u2019s possible when we roll up our sleeves and work together.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Saguache County Board of Commissioners are pleased to support the introduction of Senator Bennet\u2019s Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act (GORP), and eagerly anticipate the passing of this legislation,\u201d said the Saguache County Commissioners. \u201cWe appreciate the multi years the many stakeholders have committed to this project.\u201d\n\n\u201cPitkin County Is a strong supporter of public lands, and we believe in designating new Wilderness areas in sensitive landscapes, where appropriate,\u201d said Greg Poschman, Chairman, Pitkin County Board of Commissioners. \u201cWe are incredibly grateful to Senator Bennet for his work on the GORP Act, and we look forward to celebrating the two proposed Wilderness designations in Colorado\u2019s wild and pristine high country.\u201d\n\n\u201cHinsdale County was proud to have collaborated with Senator Bennet, Gunnison County and Ouray County on the GORP Act,\u201d said Kristie Borchers, Chair, Hinsdale County Board of County Commissioners. \u201cWe are excited that a key portion of the scenic Cimarron area where Hinsdale, Ouray and Gunnison County come together will be protected by this legislation. This bill will help protect our watersheds and the landscapes that attract the visitors who help drive our mountain town economies in the San Juan Mountains. We look forward to seeing the GORP Act move forward in Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe GORP Act sets the bar for collaborative and beneficial legislation,\u201d said Lynn Padgett, Vice-Chair, Ouray County Board of County Commissioners. \u201cI am forever grateful to Senator Bennet and his team and stakeholders like Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Ouray Counties for enthusiastically working together to include the proposed Uncompahgre Wilderness expansion and especially for protecting Turret Ridge. The peaks of the Cimarron range are unique in their scenery and geology. The GORP Act not only protects important migration areas for elk and key habitats for lynx and moose. The GORP Act protects our precious wildlands, vital to our local economy and quality of life.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur groups have worked for nearly a decade to craft a vision for public lands in and around Gunnison County that will benefit our economy, environment, and quality of life into the future,\u201d said members of the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative in a joint statement. \u201cThe GORP Act reflects the countless hours we spent working together and with communities around the Gunnison Basin. We are eager to see this thoughtful and well-vetted legislation signed into law.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe GORP Act will protect over 730,000 acres of public lands in Western Colorado, safeguarding the region\u2019s local economy, world-class recreation, ranching heritage, wildlife habitat, and clean air and water. The bill also includes provisions for recreational boating in Delta County and at the request of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, transfers the Pinecrest Ranch from fee ownership to trust ownership.\n\nSenator Bennet drafted the GORP Act at the request of Gunnison County and based on a proposal from the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative. The bill also reflects the input from surrounding counties and feedback Senator Bennet received during a public comment period held in 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/26/press-releases-id-4db54d97-d730-4c45-89b6-3f82190d7031/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support U.S. Diplomacy With  the Western Hemisphere", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to introduce the bipartisan Summit of the Americas Act to strengthen U.S. diplomatic leadership in the Western Hemisphere. The Summit of the Americas convenes heads of state to bolster ties and promote regional partnership, mostly recently in Los Angeles in 2022. U.S. Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Ill.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), and Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cColoradans understand that the Americas share more than a hemisphere; we share a braided culture, an economy, and a common destiny that we must write together,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cWe demonstrated this at the successful Cities Summit of the Americas in 2023 and must continue working to deepen these relationships by institutionalizing such summits at least every four years.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur country is strongest when we trust and work with our neighbors,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThe Summit of the Americas helps us tackle the world\u2019s largest issues and strengthens our relationships with our democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere.\u201d\n\nThe Summit of the Americas Act directs the Secretary of State to support the Summit of the Americas and codify the existing State Department unit to ensure implementation of Summit commitments and work with other U.S. agencies to ensure continued U.S. participation. The bill also expresses support for the Cities Summit of the Americas \u2013 of which Denver hosted the inaugural summit in 2023 \u2013 to continue as a key element of the larger Summit.\n\nIn 1994, President Bill Clinton convened the first Summit of the Americas in Miami to promote prosperity and enhance democracy throughout the Americas. Succeeding summits have elevated these and other issues like climate change and immigration.\n\n\u201cAs Executive Director of the Biennial of the Americas, which proudly hosted the inaugural Cities Summit of the Americas, I wholeheartedly support the Summit of the Americas Act. This legislation is vital for empowering local leadership and fostering subnational diplomacy across the hemisphere,\u201d said FloraJane DiRienzo, Executive Director, Biennial of the Americas. \u201cBy strengthening collaboration and driving innovative solutions to shared challenges, it builds on our mission to unite diverse voices and create lasting impact. The Biennial remains committed to advancing this important work for a more connected, equitable, and prosperous future for the Americas.\u201d\n\nIn 2021 Bennet supported Colorado\u2019s bid to host the 2022 Summit of the Americas, which took place in Los Angeles. Bennet and Hickenlooper led the effort to support Colorado\u2019s bid to host the Summit of the Americas and Bennet spoke at the first-ever Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver in 2023.\n\nBennet and Cassidy are also the lead sponsors of the Americas Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to drive shared economic prosperity, strengthen democracy in our hemisphere, counter the influence of China and Russia, and address some of the causes of migration. The Financial Times Editorial Board, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Commander General Laura Richardson, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle, and Costa Rican Trade Minister Manuel Tovar have all endorsed the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/26/press-releases-id-db61550c-60ae-41e2-ba19-09862659dd20/", "Bennet, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Employer Child Care Tax Credit", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), 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\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 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\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 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\nThis legislation expands the employer-provided child care credit and increases the existing credit to:\n\n60 percent for businesses in eligible rural areas, for a maximum total credit of $1.2 million annually;\n\n50 percent for small businesses, for a maximum total credit of $1 million annually; and\n\n40 percent of the first $2 million in qualified child care expenses for a maximum total credit of $800,000 annually.\n\nThe legislation also directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue guidance on multi-employer facilities.\n\nIn 2018, the Center for American Progress found that more than half\u2014an estimated 51 percent\u2014of the U.S. population lived in a childcare desert, with disproportionate impacts felt by low-income communities, Hispanic communities, and other communities of color. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, 31.7 percent of children below the age of six with working parents do not have access to child care, while in rural communities, that number rises to 35.1 percent. According to the Center on Poverty and Social Policy at Columbia University and the National Women\u2019s Law Center, increased investment in affordable child care would increase the number of women working full-time by 17 percent; this number jumps to 31 percent for women without a college degree.\n\nBennet has continuously worked to expand the Child Tax Credit to help families afford the rising cost of raising kids. Last year, Bennet joined House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) to call on the Internal Revenue Service to improve outreach promoting awareness of the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit. In 2021, Bennet also introduced the Military Childcare Expansion Act to expand access to child care for servicemembers and their families.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by Save the Children, Colorado Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), Kindercare, Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC), and BPC Action.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-passage-government-funding-legislation", "DeGette Statement on Passage of Government Funding Legislation", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", "degette", "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after voting to pass a government funding bill that will fund the government through December 20.\n\n\u201cToday, House Democrats once again provided the votes needed to avoid a Republican shutdown. Funding the government is Congress\u2019 most basic responsibility, yet a large portion of the Republican majority voted against this bill \u2013 as has been their pattern this Congress. When we come back in November, we need to work together in a serious, bipartisan manner to pass a full slate of legislative items and a bill funding the government for the rest of the fiscal year. The American people deserve more than political dysfunction.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-advances-disaster-management-costs-modernization-act", "Assistant Leader Neguse Advances Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act Through Committee, Bringing Bill Closer to House Floor for Vote", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse successfully advanced his bill, the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act, through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which now heads to the House Floor for consideration. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation helps communities build long-term capacity for disaster recovery by allowing for state and local governments to use Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster management costs for multiple disasters.\n\n\u201cCommunities in my district have received FEMA disaster assistance as recently as last month. This critical support makes it easier to coordinate response and rebuilding efforts at the state and local levels \u2013 and, if enacted, the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act will allow these funds to also bolster community resilience for future disasters,\u201d said Assistant Leader Neguse. \u201cAs Americans continue to see an increase in climate-induced disasters, pursuing policy solutions like these are more important than ever. I look forward to getting this bill through the House and across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cNatural disasters have become more frequent and more severe as a result of climate change, making it important for Congress to ensure communities have the resources they need to mitigate damage and save lives,\u201d Ranking Member Larsen said. \u201cThanks to the leadership of Representative Neguse, the T&I Committee passed the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act today, which allows states, territories and Tribes to transfer excess disaster recovery funds to build capacity. This important legislation ensures critical funding will not go to waste and helps communities remain vigilant against future natural disasters. I look forward to this bill getting a vote in the full House.\u201d\n\nUnder current law, management costs awarded for one disaster may only be used for that disaster. Assistant Leader Neguse\u2019s Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act would allow recipients to retain excess management costs, or use them towards other open disasters, bolstering a community's capacity to prepare for, recover from, or mitigate the impacts of major disasters or emergencies.\n\nMore specifically, the legislation:\n\nAuthorizes FEMA to permit recipients to retain excess management costs for up to five years after the close-out of a disaster; and\n\nPermits grant recipients to use excess management funds for capacity building activities to prepare for or recover from other disasters.\n\nBackground\n\nColorado Congressman and House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse has been leading efforts in Congress to expand access to critical federal disaster assistance for communities impacted by natural disaster. Recently, he introduced a package of legislation to streamline access to federal assistance under the Small Business Administration for families and communities impacted by natural disasters.\n\nAlso, in July, when the Alexander Mountain Fire and Stone Canyon Fire threatened parts of his congressional district, Neguse acted swiftly to secure federal funds authorized by FEMA to fight the fires. He has also fought to secure proper cost coverage for Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire in December 2021.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=873", "Rep. Pettersen Statement on Voting to Avert Government Shutdown", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after voting on a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through December 20th:\n\n\u201cFunding our government and the services so many rely on is one of the most basic functions of Congress. I\u2019m relieved we passed a continuing resolution to temporarily keep the government open, but this is the bare minimum. This temporary solution limits our ability to address critical projects and recruit and retain talent that is vital to our national security.\n\n\u201cColoradans deserve better than this. Not only would a shutdown hurt federal employees and potentially delay Social Security payments to seniors, but it would also freeze service member pay, harm our economy, and close access to public spaces like our national parks and forests.\n\n\u201cThe dysfunction in Washington threatens our national security and military readiness at a time when the world is looking to the United States to be a leader. Republicans must come to the table and work with Democrats to fully fund the government before December 20th.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=875", "Representative Pettersen Introduces Bills to Expand Access to Quality Child Care, Bolster Education Workforce", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, at a press conference, Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) joined Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jennifer McClellan (VA-03), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) to reintroduce the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act. Pettersen also introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act with Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19).\n\nThese pieces of legislation would address critical aspects of the affordable child care crisis by increasing access to quality care. Additionally, these bills would strengthen the workforce by providing incentives to recruit and retain skilled educators, while ensuring high-quality, age-appropriate instruction for young children.\n\n\u201cAs a working mom of a four-year-old son with another child on the way, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find affordable child care and the struggles families in my district are facing, especially in more rural communities,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to help reintroduce these two pieces of legislation to bolster our child care workforce, help lower costs for parents, and ensure every family can access the care they need for their children to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cI'm also grateful for Congressman Molinaro\u2019s partnership on the Creating Childhood Leaders Act. Early childhood education lays the groundwork for lifelong learning, and this bill ensures school leaders focus on children from birth to age eight, building a strong foundation and fostering long-term success,\u201d said Pettersen.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Child Care Infrastructure Act would create a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide funding to states for building or renovating child care facilities and help ensure safe, high-quality learning environments for children. Additionally, the legislation calls for a nationwide assessment of the current condition of child care facilities. Bill text is available HERE.\n\nThe Child Care Workforce Development Act would create a student loan repayment program for early childhood educators and establish a grant program for individuals pursuing a childhood development credential. This would help attract and retain skilled educators, addressing workforce shortages in early education and ensuring that young children receive high-quality care and instruction during their most formative years. Bill text is available HERE.\n\nThe Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would modify Title II of the Higher Education Act by mandating that school leadership programs receiving federal Teacher Quality Partnership grants incorporate training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children from birth to age eight. Companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mitt Romney (R-UT). Bill text is available HERE.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by The Education Trust, National Association of Elementary School Principals, BPC Action, First Five Years Fund, ZERO TO THREE, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and New America.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/25/press-releases-id-1f213b78-27ae-4fe8-87bc-3c115bb531b2/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Introduce Legislation to Compensate Communities Affected by Gold King Mine Disaster", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced the Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act to help communities in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona that were affected by the Gold King Mine disaster of 2015.\n\n\u201cThe effects of the Gold King Mine disaster were felt far beyond the banks of the Animas River. The blowout hurt families, farmers, and outdoor recreation companies in Durango and throughout southwest Colorado who depend on the river for their livelihoods,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cAlmost a decade later, too many Coloradans still feel its effects. Our legislation is a necessary step to help Coloradans finally recover certain remaining costs and damages incurred from the spill and make Southwest Colorado communities whole again.\u201d\n\n\u201cLocal farmers, homeowners, and outdoor rec outfitters were left high and dry after the Gold King Mine spill in 2015,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cOur bill will make sure they get the compensation they need to finally recover and move forward.\u201d\n\nOn August 5, 2015, the Gold King Mine spill released 3 million gallons of polluted mining wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers, affecting waterways in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, the Southern Ute reservation, and the Navajo Nation. Though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was able to partially compensate some claims, its ability to meet the needs of affected businesses, farmers, and homeowners is constrained by existing laws. This legislation would provide EPA with the necessary authority and funding to compensate certain outstanding claims from the spill.\n\n\u201cThe Gold King Mine Compensation Act clears the procedural hurdles that kept businesses that suffered economic losses due to the spill nearly 10 years ago from being made whole,\u201d said Matt Salka, Chair, La Plata County Board of County Commissioners. \u201cWe are grateful that the impact felt by those businesses has not been forgotten and that a remedy is possible through this much-appreciated legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe work that Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and their teams have done on the Gold King Mine Bill is restoring my faith in government. After all these years to see the promise of our government concerning the Gold King Mine incident and its ensuing economic damage was not forgotten, is refreshing. The wheels of government turn slowly. We at Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours are thankful that Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and their teams are keeping them turning,\u201d said Alex Mickel, President, Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours.\n\nThe La Plata County Board of County Commissioners also shared a letter in support of this legislation.\n\nImmediately after the Gold King Mine disaster, then-Governor Hickenlooper declared the affected area a disaster zone. The following month, Bennet requested and testified at a Senate hearing regarding the cause, response, and effects of the Gold King Mine disaster. He also introduced the Gold King Mine Spill Recovery Act to ensure the EPA continued to work with states, local communities, and Tribes to compensate those who were affected and implement long-term water quality monitoring. The following year, Bennet worked to pass legislation to support recovery efforts from the spill.\n\nOn its second anniversary, Bennet and New Mexico Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, alongside then-Representative Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), introduced legislation to reform the nation\u2019s antiquated mining laws and prevent future hardrock mine disasters.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-leader-neguse-unveils-series-bills-improve-wildfire-mitigation", "Assistant Leader Neguse Unveils Series of Bills to Improve Wildfire Mitigation, Research, and Management", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus announces proposals to support communities impacted by the wildfire crisis.\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, unveiled a series of impactful reforms aimed at improving wildfire prevention, mitigation, and management in affected communities. The bills are derived from recommendations put forth by the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, and consist of the bipartisan Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, the Wildfire Coordination Act, and the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act. The entire legislative package is co-led by Congressman Josh Harder (D-CA). Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) also co-lead the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, and Rep. Marc Molinaro additionally co-leads the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act.\n\n\u201cToday, as wildfires continue to ravage communities across America, I\u2019m proud to be joined by a bipartisan coalition of Members in introducing a series of bills that will implement urgent new approaches to addressing this growing challenge. These initiatives are rooted in the non-partisan work of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, and take important steps to mitigate against the impact of wildfires in our communities. This package will ultimately invest in wildfire science and the overall resilience of our communities to reduce the future threat of these disasters.\u201d said Assistant Leader Joe Neguse.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re in the middle of a wildfire crisis and we can\u2019t afford to wait to tackle this threat,\u201d said Rep. Josh Harder. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a partisan political issue \u2013 fires and their toxic smoke affect everyone. America\u2019s top firefighters and wildfire experts came together to tell us what they need to tackle the wildfire crisis and the package of bipartisan bills we\u2019re introducing today are in direct response to the needs of our firefighters. They endure hellish conditions to keep us safe and they deserve our full support. Our families and our communities are counting on us to get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we introduce this bill, firefighters are working around the clock to contain the Airport fire on federal land in the Cleveland National Forest in Trabuco Canyon and surrounding communities. We also saw earlier this week how a fire miles away can negatively impact the air quality in our area,\u201d said Rep. Young Kim, co-lead of the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act. \u201cReducing barriers to wildfire mitigation can save lives. The Cross Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act aims to bridge any barriers to wildfire mitigation and ensure our first responders can do their jobs as effectively as possible. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan, commonsense effort with Reps. Neguse, Harder, and Molinaro, and I will keep doing all I can to keep our communities safe and support first responders.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs recent wildfires to the North have demonstrated, wildfires pose an ongoing threat to Upstate New York communities and our legislation mitigates these risks by ensuring wildfire prevention and response is effective and efficient. I'm proud to partner with my colleagues on these crucial steps to identifying gaps and improvements in wildfire management and strengthening federal agency interaction to improve wildfire preparedness,\u201d said Rep. Marc Molinaro.\n\nAs wildfires continue to devastate communities nationwide, the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has been tasked with bringing together federal agencies, state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as representatives from the private sector to come up with solutions for best addressing this crisis. Co-chaired by the Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency this commission unites a rare diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, including several members from Colorado\n\nLast year, the Commision submitted their report to Congress: \u201cON FIRE: The Report of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission,\u201d which included strategies to improve aerial firefighting efforts and meet equipment needs through 2030. Based on this report, the bills introduced by Assistant Leader Neguse, include the reforms outlined below:\n\nThe Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, co-led by Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) will help inform recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire mitigation by identifying gaps and opportunities in current federal rules and regulations and supporting increased collaboration across agencies and land boundaries.\n\nThe Wildfire Coordination Act, co-led by Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), establishes an advisory board composed of members from various federal, State, local, Tribal, and non-federal partners that will be responsible for coordinating federal wildfire research, translating it into practical applications, and developing future research.\n\nThe Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act, co-led by Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) requires a comprehensive review of the wildfire landscape in the United States every four years, outlining the changes in environments, assessing wildfire management challenges, and evaluating the intersection of wildfires and public health. This federal review will help inform the development of long-term strategies to enhance wildfire preparedness and response and strengthen interagency coordination.\n\nFind a one-pager on the wildfire legislative package here.\n\nFind endorsements and quotes of support here.\n\nBackground\n\nAssistant Leader Neguse has made tackling the wildfire crisis and improving working conditions for federal firefighters a consequential issue for his office since first being elected to Congress in 2018. Earlier this week, Neguse helped to host a Special Order Hour where he called for Congress to enact permanent pay increases for federal wildland firefighters. He also recently partnered with Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA) and Scott Franklin (R-FL) in introducing a landmark piece of legislation to improve fire readiness through the implementation of a first-of-its-kind approach to modernizing how the United States combats the wildfire crisis.\n\nThe Colorado Congressman has also shown continued support for cross-boundary collaborative efforts, including by leading his colleagues in a letter to House Appropriators on the importance of supporting the work being conducted by the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institute to help restore and reimagine fire-adapted forest landscapes. Neguse has also spoken to the work being conducted by Colorado State University\u2019s Colorado Forest Restoration Institute (CFRI).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=869", "Congresswomen Pettersen, Salazar Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Improve Retirement Security for Family Caregivers", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswomen Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) introduced two bipartisan, bicameral bills that would allow family caregivers to better save for retirement. These bills\u2014the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Actand the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act\u2014would help address the financial challenges faced by individuals who leave the workforce to care for loved ones, often sacrificing their own long-term financial security. Companion bills were introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Warner (D-VA).\n\n\u201cCaregivers do some of the most important but underappreciated work in our country,\u201d said Representative Pettersen. \u201cCaregivers do everything from cooking meals, administering medications, paying bills, and driving their loved ones to frequent medical appointments. Caregivers often take a significant financial hit when they take time out of the workforce to prioritize their loved ones and many struggle with their own financial security and ability to save in the long term. These two pieces of legislation make it easier for caregivers to save for retirement, ensuring they can take care of their own financial health while caring for their family.\u201d\n\n\u201cCaregiving is one of the most important jobs, but our current policies penalize selfless Americans who look after their loved ones,\u201d said Representative Salazar. \u201cI\u2019m proud to co-lead the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act, which will reward caregivers with new opportunities to secure a dignified retirement.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamily caregivers provide critical support to their loved ones, yet many are forced to step away from work, significantly inhibiting their ability to save for retirement,\" said Senator Collins. \"Our bipartisan bills would give these individuals a better opportunity to build a secure financial future and help ensure they are not penalized for the vital care they provide.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamily members often make tremendous sacrifices to leave the workforce and care for their aging relatives, and as a result, they miss out on key years of saving for their own golden years,\u201d said Senator Warner. \u201cWe need to make it easier for those folks to continue their essential care work while also securing their own financial futures. I\u2019m proud to introduce bills that would give these family caregivers the flexibility to continue contributing to retirement accounts so it\u2019s easier for more people to care for aging relatives without obstructing their own ability to retire with dignity.\u201d\n\n\u201cCaring for a loved one living with Alzheimer's or other dementia too often takes a devastating toll on caregivers, with many experiencing substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties,\u201d said Robert Egge, Alzheimer\u2019s Association Chief Public Policy Officer and AIM president. \u201cThese two bipartisan bills will support our nation\u2019s dementia caregivers by improving access to retirement resources that can help offset some of the financial challenges faced by families impacted by this disease. Thank you to Sens. Collins and Warner for introducing these bills and for your dedication to the Alzheimer\u2019s community.\u201d\n\n\u201cEdward Jones is grateful for Senator Collins' leadership in introducing the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and Catching-up Family Caregivers Act,\u201d said Dr. Lamell McMorris, Principal and Head of Policy, Regulatory & Government Relations for Edward Jones. \u201cWe know through our experience, that caregivers make significant sacrifices in providing care to loved ones, which can impact their personal financial security and retirement readiness. We believe that this bipartisan legislation will provide savings opportunities to improve the financial futures of millions of Americans and their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cBusiness leaders and HR professionals are responsible for designing and implementing benefit plans that meet the needs of their team members. However, too often, caregiver support is not considered. People are living longer, and workers are caring for both children and elderly parents simultaneously. If we intend to lead with empathy, providing employees with the opportunity to care for ill, injured, or aging loved ones must be a priority,\" said Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs, SHRM. \"That is why we are honored to support the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act. SHRM is pleased to see the bipartisan progress in Congress being made to help employees reconstitute their retirement nest egg after a period of intensive caregiving.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamily caregivers often pause their careers and retirement savings to provide essential care for loved ones, a service vital to both families and the economy. However, this time away from paid work can result in reduced income and benefits, potentially leading to future financial difficulties, particularly in retirement,\u201d said Jason Resendez, CEO & President of the National Alliance for Caregiving. \u201cIf enacted, the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act would represent progress towards acknowledging and addressing the economic sacrifices too many family caregivers make.\u201d\n\nWomen often take time away from careers to care for their families, resulting in a significant loss to their retirement savings. According to the Center for American Progress, an average 26-year-old female making $60,000 a year who leaves the workforce for five years to care for her children will lose close to one million dollars over her lifetime due to lost retirement assets and wage growth. A recent study from the Edward Jones Grassroots Taskforce found that 64 percent of women say their caregiving duties have negatively impacted their ability to save towards their long-term financial goals. Those taking care of an aging parent often face similar repercussions to being a family caregiver. In 2020, AARP found that three in ten caregivers have stopped contributing to their savings. Therefore, these proposals would allow those who dedicate at least 500 hours to family caregiving and are unemployed or severely underemployed the ability to contribute to their retirement now and later.\n\nThe Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act would allow family caregivers to contribute up to $7,000 annually to a Roth IRA, even if their income falls below that threshold. Current law caps contributions at the lower of $7,000 or yearly income, limiting caregivers\u2019 ability to save for retirement when their earnings are reduced due to caregiving responsibilities. By eliminating this income cap for family caregivers, the bill would help to ensure that they can continue to save for retirement despite their reduced wages.\n\nThe Catching Up Family Caregivers Act would allow family caregivers to make catch-up contributions to employer-sponsored retirement plans, an option typically reserved for those over age 50. For every year they are out of the workforce, caregivers could be eligible for an additional year of catch-up contributions, up to a maximum of five years. This provision would help caregivers who miss critical savings years get back on track with their retirement planning.\n\nBoth pieces of legislation are supported by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, the Edward Jones Grassroots Task Force, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the Insured Retirement Institute, and the National Alliance for Caregiving.\n\nThe complete text of the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act can be read here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/24/press-releases-id-6fe903c8-4a64-474d-b274-9a6a04d2a2de/", "Bennet, Caraveo, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Recognize Hispanic Restaurant Owners", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo joined bipartisan Senate and House colleagues to introduce a resolution celebrating Hispanic Restaurant Week. From September 22nd through October 3rd, the designation recognizes the hard work and contributions of Hispanic restaurant owners and employees in Colorado and across the country.\n\n\u201cThrough their rich culinary traditions and hard work, Hispanic restaurant workers and owners contribute significantly to our communities and economy,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cHispanic Restaurant Week celebrates the profound influence of Colorado and the nation\u2019s Hispanic community on our national palette, and I\u2019m grateful to stand with Rep. Yadira Caraveo to honor them with this resolution.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Hispanic community enriches the culture, heritage and history of Colorado. The many Hispanic-owned restaurants in our community are a result of their hard work and conviction to build a better future for themselves and their families. Today, we are presenting a Hispanic Restaurant Week Resolution with the support of both parties and both chambers. This is a special occasion to celebrate the many contributions these restaurants \u2014 and the hardworking families who run them \u2014 bring to our communities.\u201d said Caraveo.\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Caraveo, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.), Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) also cosponsored the resolution.\n\nThis resolution is endorsed by the Hispanic Restaurant Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-crow-introduces-the-overseas-crisis-act", "Congressman Crow Introduces the Overseas CRISIS Act", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Afghanistan veteran and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, introduced the Overseas Crisis Response Implementation System and Immediate Strategy Act(Overseas CRISIS Act) to consistently evaluate and improve the US response to emergency situations abroad. The legislation follows the US Department of State\u2019s After Action Review on Afghanistan, which highlighted the critical need to strengthen the Department\u2019s overall crisis preparedness and response capabilities, utilize Department personnel more effectively in a crisis, and bolster our existing infrastructure for crisis communications.\n\nThe Overseas CRISIS Act addresses these recommendations to ensure that the United States is ready and empowered to respond effectively to crises, wherever they may occur. Specifically, this bill would establish a Crisis Management and Strategy Unit within the State Department to coordinate the Department\u2019s overall response to international crises and establish a Department of State Reserve Corps to leverage expert personnel when circumstances demand them. By requiring regular crisis simulations and exercises, creating a red team capability, and strengthening training through a clearinghouse of best practices and Foreign Service Institute curriculum, these measures will support US capabilities to address emergent threats and protect key diplomatic personnel and assets worldwide.\n\n\u201cAs an Afghanistan veteran, I know the importance of readiness and decisive action when we respond to emergency situations abroad,\u201d said Congressman Crow. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this effort to strengthen the State Department\u2019s preparation for, and response to, international crises. Proactively assessing best practices, challenging existing assumptions, and investing in our workforce will help protect American citizens and our allies while advancing our national security interests around the world.\u201d\n\nAs a former Army Ranger in Afghanistan, Congressman Crow continues his work to honor our promises to our Afghan partners and advance US interests abroad. Crow\u2019s efforts include introducing the Afghan Allies Protection Act to expand and extend the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, and co-leading the Afghan Adjustment Act to provide a legal adjustment process for Afghan allies already in the US. This year, Crow\u2019s fierce advocacy, alongside House and Senate colleagues, resulted in the authorization of 12,000 additional Afghan SIVs in the State Department's Fiscal Year 2024 foreign operations funding bill.\n\nRead the full text of the legislation here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=864", "Pettersen Joins Bipartisan Effort to Protect and Support Transitional Housing Services", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) joined Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Young Kim (CA-40), and Robert Garcia (CA-42) in introducing the Transitional Housing Protection for the Homeless Act. The bipartisan proposal redefines the meaning of chronic homelessness in current law to ensure more people experiencing homelessness can access the resources they need to get back on their feet. It would also help transitional housing providers offer more services to those in need.\n\n\u201cColorado is facing a housing crisis that has pushed many people into homelessness,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cFinding temporary housing or accessing transitional housing should not preclude people experiencing homelessness from receiving assistance that can lead to long-term stable housing. This legislation removes bureaucratic hurdles that are preventing people from getting the support they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo help our homeless population transition into stable housing,\u201d said Chavez-DeRemer. \u201cWe must ensure the floor doesn\u2019t fall out from underneath them while they take concrete steps to get back on track. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce the bipartisan Transitional Housing Protection for the Homeless Act, which builds on my previous efforts to reduce homelessness by protecting and expanding critical resources. This bill would help ensure that our most vulnerable populations receive the comprehensive support they need\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must ensure that our most vulnerable community members can get the services they need when moving into temporary housing, which is why we\u2019re expanding the definition of \u2018chronically homelessness\u2019,\u201d said Garcia. \u201cExperiencing homelessness is already extremely tough, and we need to make sure our government doesn\u2019t let folks slip through the cracks during transition periods. I will always fight to make funding available for those struggling with homelessness,\u201d\n\n\u201cRising housing costs only make life harder for our homeless population to get back on their feet. We must ensure our most vulnerable can receive support,\u201d said Kim. \u201cThe Transitional Housing Protection for the Homeless Act aims to bridge the gap in affordable housing and provide hope to those struggling. I\u2019m proud to help lead this bipartisan, commonsense bill and will keep working to support our communities.\u201d\n\nThe Transitional Housing Protection for the Homeless Act would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to:\n\nUpdate its existing definition of chronic homelessness to include individuals who have experienced homelessness for at least one year \u2014 whether continuously or cumulatively within three years \u2014 to ensure they are eligible for support services;\n\nInclude individuals residing in transitional housing for fewer than 90 days to be considered chronically homeless if they met the original criteria before entering the program \u2013 ensuring short-term residents of transitional housing are not excluded from critical assistance; and\n\nMake these changes within 180 days of the enactment of this legislation.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\nThe bipartisan proposal is supported by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=865", "House Passes Pettersen Bill to Enhance Online Dating Safety", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Brittany Pettersen", "P000620", "pettersen.house.gov", "pettersen", "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Online Dating Safety Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and David G. Valadao (R-CA) to make online dating safer and crack down on scammers. The legislation would require dating apps and services to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with a person removed from the app for fraudulent or inappropriate behavior. In 2023 alone, the Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing $1.14 billion.\n\n\u201cOnline dating services are being used as a platform for bad actors to target and exploit individuals, yet protections continue to lag behind,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cNotifying users if they have been in contact with a potential scammer is a basic security feature that every online dating service should provide. This bipartisan bill will help reduce online crime and keep people safe from online scammers. I\u2019m grateful this legislation has passed the House with bipartisan support, and I will keep working to see it signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith more and more people using online dating services, there are a number of bad actors who use these platforms to commit fraud,\u201d said Valadao. \u201cThese apps have been around for over 10 years, but still there are little safeguards in place to protect users. The Online Dating Safety Act is an important step to enhance online safety, combat fraud, and help people make more informed decisions. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.\u201d\n\nFollowing the introduction of the Online Dating Safety Act, Pettersen met with a victim of an online scam, Coloradan Debbie Fox.\n\n\u201cAs a victim of intentional fraud, I\u2019ve experienced firsthand how transnational cybercriminals manipulate weaknesses in financial institutions and social media platforms, leaving victims like me financially gutted and emotionally devastated. This isn\u2019t just about individual loss\u2014it\u2019s about a system urgently needing to keep pace with modern criminal tactics. These criminals operate without borders and without fear of accountability, exploiting loopholes that remain unchecked. We applaud stronger laws to protect citizens, hold institutions accountable, and ensure that victims receive real, timely support, restitution and justice. The passage of H.R. 6124 moves us closer to stop transnational criminals in their tracks and prevent further harm.\u201d - Debbie Fox.\n\nEarlier this month, Pettersen spoke in support of the bill in a Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions hearing. Click here to watch her remarks.\n\nThe bill passed the House by voice vote and now moves to the Senate.\n\nBackground:\n\nAs Americans continue to go online to find meaningful relationships, scammers are following suit. The Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing $1.14 billion in 2023 alone. When an online dating service provider becomes aware of a user committing fraudulent activity, such as illegally obtaining money, the online dating service provider often immediately deactivates the fraudulent user's account. However, individuals who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms, so even when a fraudulent account is removed, an individual might not know they are still communicating with someone who has been removed from the dating platform. The Online Dating Safety Act seeks to fill this communication gap by requiring these platforms to send a fraud ban notification to anyone who has communicated with someone with a fraudulent account.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/23/press-releases-id-33160d00-894b-4c2b-9e56-57bdd3e22fa5/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Cheer Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced and voted to pass the bipartisan resolution formally recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th through October 15th. The resolution passed unanimously.\n\n\u201cThere is so much to celebrate about the Hispanic community\u2019s deep roots in Colorado,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis month, I\u2019m grateful for the contributions of the more than 1.2 million Hispanic Americans who call our state home.\u201d\n\n\u201c\u00a1Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Colorado\u2019s rich Latino community defines our state and has helped make it the best place to live,\u201d said Hickenlooper.\n\nIn 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson first commemorated Hispanic Heritage by designating \u201cHispanic Heritage Week.\u201d President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration in 1988 for a full month. 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