home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

One row per release. Full-text search runs over title + body text.

Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

url
Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

1,441 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Democrat" and state = "CA" sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

year 4

  • 2026 638
  • 2020 614
  • 2025 187
  • 2021 2

state 1

  • CA · 1,441 ✖

party 1

  • Democrat · 1,441 ✖

chamber 1

  • Senate · 1,441 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-peters-durbin-schumer-lead-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ Padilla, Peters, Durbin, Schumer Lead Senate Colleagues in Demanding Secretary Mullin Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections, Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), led 30 of their Senate colleagues in demanding Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over, and undermine public trust in, the 2026 midterm elections. The Senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about thousands of noncitizens who allegedly registered to vote, and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and immediately end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” wrote the Senators. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The Senators… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-huffman-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule/ Padilla, Schiff, Huffman, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California’s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying so… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-protect-college-sports-act/ Padilla Statement on Protect College Sports Act 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), issued the following statement after voting to pass the Protect College Sports Act of 2026: “College sports have long been an enriching part of American life, but in recent years, the pressures of big money have destabilized college athletics and overshadowed the primary mission of higher education. “College athletes are students first. I am proud to have secured critical provisions to better support their success both in and out of the classroom by strengthening oversight of health and safety standards, holding colleges and universities accountable for ensuring students achieve academic success, and allowing college athletic programs the flexibility to make conference decisions that best serve their students. “This bill also preserves opportunities for women’s sports and Olympic sports by protecting roster spots and requiring continued investment in the pipeline of American Olympic talent. “These reforms will help keep the focus where it belongs: on the students and the education that college sports are meant to serve.” The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 includes several provisions Padilla authored, including: Academic Performance Rating (APR) Padilla secured a change that would condition a school’s ability to use the retention fund to being in good standing with the NCAA’s academic performance and graduation standards for student athletes. Health and Safety Standards Padilla secured a change that strengthens and expands the work of the Commission on the Future of College Athletics to: Ensure the adequacy of and compliance with health and safety standards required in the bill (and consider options to further strengthen these standards and oversight, including through the creation of a third-party oversight organization), Evaluate the efficacy of the independence structure of health and safety officers, and Review violations, athlete injuries, or deaths. Conference Provision Padilla secured changes to reduce and eventually end the i… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-momentum-already-building-for-sens-tim-scott-adam-schiff-bill-to-establish-a-federal-film-tax-credit-with-8-new-bipartisan-backers-in-senate/ NEWS: Momentum Already Building for Sens. Tim Scott, Adam Schiff Bill to Establish a Federal Film Tax Credit with 8 New Bipartisan Backers in Senate 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Bipartisan, bicameral backing from Senators in film production states – Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, and Montana – follows call for action by President Trump, decades-long push by lawmakers to enact federal credit Washington, D.C. — Bipartisan momentum for U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Adam Schiff’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan, bicameral legislation to create a federal film tax incentive is already building in the Senate with the addition of 8 new bipartisan Senate backers from across the country. Scott and Schiff are announcing today that their Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will be cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). This legislation, introduced last week in both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, follows years of advocacy to create a nationwide tax credit, a push recently echoed by President Donald Trump. “For years, I’ve been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of TV and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it’s time we get this passed,”said Senator Schiff. “Having worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like ‘The Notebook’ bring us to tears, and films like ‘Forrest Gump’ inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-huffman-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule/ NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Huffman, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California’s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying so… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-schiff-hails-bipartisan-cooperation-on-new-bill-to-create-federal-film-tax-incentive-emphasizes-need-for-congress-to-take-action-to-regulate-ai-on-cnns-the-story-is-with-elex-michaels/ WATCH: Schiff Hails Bipartisan Cooperation on New Bill to Create Federal Film Tax Incentive, Emphasizes Need for Congress to Take Action to Regulate AI on CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson to discuss the introduction of his new bill with Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, to create the nation’s first federal film tax incentive to help keep film and television production in the United States. The Senator highlighted support from Congressional Republicans and President Trump as evidence of a pathway to get the bill signed into law by the end of this year. He also discussed the importance of Congress taking action to regulate artificial intelligence and the need for the United States to come to an agreement with China on AI. View the full interview here. Key Excerpts: On Republican support for creating a federal film tax incentive: […] I think a lot of the Republicans were supportive of this. I’ve been having conversations with them for the last two years, and in the House for many, many years before that. What it really took was the president issuing a statement of support. I think they were waiting for a signal from the White House that if they got on board with this, they would have the president’s backing, and he did issue that statement. It was a full-throated endorsement of this bill, and that really moved things forward. Then it was just a question of hammering out some last-minute provisions, we already had a very good draft. I’ve had that for you know the last couple of years, and we also obviously worked with our Democratic and Republican counterparts in the House so that when we introduced the bill today, it was not only bipartisan but also in both houses, and that just gives us that much stronger chance for passage. On working with the White House, Trump administration, and stakeholders: We’ve been working closely with the White House, and Spencer Pratt has been very helpful. John Voight has been very helpful. They’ve been, I think, very good liaisons with the White House. And my understanding is that we have sign-off o… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-introduce-bill-to-prevent-unlawful-immigration-arrests-and-detentions/ Padilla, Durbin Introduce Bill to Prevent Unlawful Immigration Arrests and Detentions 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced new legislation to clarify existing requirements for immigration arrests and codify statutory procedures to prevent unlawful arrests and detentions. Immigration enforcement officers under this Administration have arbitrarily arrested U.S. citizens and immigrants with lawful status, including George Retes, Javier Ramirez, Andrea Velez, Wilmer Chavarria, and Dayanne Figueroa. “Republicans continued to write blank checks to ICE and CBP while serious concerns remain about officer and agent training, accountability, and the treatment of U.S. citizens,” said Senator Padilla. “Every person in America has civil rights — in spite of this Administration’s total disregard for the Constitution. This bill would establish stronger accountability and oversight, restore due process, and ensure federal immigration enforcement respects the rights and safety of Americans and noncitizens alike.” “The disturbing reality today is that many American citizens and immigrants with lawful status have been caught in the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement dragnet across the country,” said Senator Durbin. “As Justice Sotomayor stated in her dissent in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, referring to immigration agents: ‘United States citizens are … being seized, taken from their jobs, and prevented from working to support themselves and their families.’ This must stop. The Immigration Warrant Reform Act will help prevent these due process violations while ensuring noncitizens who present a threat to public safety are not released. It is commonsense, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.” In a concurrence in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, Justice Kavanaugh relied on these gaps in immigration laws to find that immigration officers and agents may … 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-van-hollen-senate-democrats-to-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi/ Padilla Joins Van Hollen, Senate Democrats to Push Trump to Negotiate AI Guardrails with Xi 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators’ letter calls for global cooperation on AI development to preserve public safety and human control WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 15 of his colleagues in calling on President Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a letter to Trump, the Senators also urged President Trump to consider enacting a mutual pause in frontier AI development to prevent potential cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that could threaten humanity. “We write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level,” the Senators wrote. “As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI’s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threa… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-trump-administrations-last-minute-election-security-plan/ Padilla Statement on Trump Administration’s Last Minute Election Security Plan 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Overdue plan comes after Trump Administration defunded election security efforts, fired staff WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released its 2026 Election Infrastructure Security Plan, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections: “Donald Trump isn’t serious about election security. His Administration’s newly released election security plan is the product of an election denier in chief who has spent his time in office installing like-minded conspiracy theorists in leadership positions across the federal government. “After the President rehashed his tired conspiracy theories during his White House address in July, Secretary Mullin promised an election security plan within 30 days, along with DHS assistance for state and local election officials. The deadline came and went, voting is underway for the midterm elections, and the Trump Administration has gutted DHS’s election cybersecurity work. Election security staff has been fired and funding for state and local election officials has been cut, allowing mis- and disinformation to run rampant while denying election officials the tools to counter it. Meanwhile, the Administration is even withholding counterterrorism and disaster funds unless states go along with voter purging and voter suppression efforts. “While CISA claims to be changing course and offering to help state and local governments with election security, this report does not do that. The Administration must restore the Election Infrastructure ISAC funding as Congress has directed – and then support legislation like my State and Local Election Security Act of 2026 to provide state and local election officials with the resources they need to modernize voting equipment and defend against any potential interference and cyberattacks.” As Ranking Member of the Sena… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-breaks-down-new-whistleblower-allegations-of-dhs-lawbreaking-ahead-of-midterms/ WATCH: Padilla Breaks Down New Whistleblower Allegations of DHS Lawbreaking Ahead of Midterms 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WATCH: Padilla uncovers Trump’s voter intimidation push through DHS whistleblower disclosure WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, released a video sounding the alarm over Trump’s ongoing attacks on American elections, including a recent disclosure by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistleblower that alleges that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Division officers to violate state laws as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at substantiating President Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. With just weeks to go until the November election, Senator Padilla breaks down the whistleblower’s claims and how the federal government’s alleged interference will impact eligible voters. Additionally, Senator Padilla calls for every American to resist these voter suppression tactics by making a plan and committing to vote this November. Following receipt of the bombshell whistleblower disclosure, Padilla and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow immediately halt the “Unlawful Voter Initiative” and provide responses to Congress on its activities, and protect naturalized citizens who were erroneously flagged as “unlawful voters.” On Monday, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighting the concerning activities detailed by the DHS whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions violated California law. Last week, Padilla and Schumer led 16 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to demand the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower’… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-deluzio-launch-effort-to-prohibit-firearms-at-polling-places-protect-voters-and-election-workers/ Padilla, Deluzio Launch Effort to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places, Protect Voters and Election Workers 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper In early 2026, 32 percent of local election workers experienced threats or harassment, 52 percent concerned for staff safety WASHINGTON, D.C. — With midterm elections just around the corner and threats to our elections at an all-time high from Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and California’s former Secretary of State, and Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17) introduced bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help further ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections. “No voter should have to walk past a gauntlet of firearms to exercise their right to vote, and no election worker should have to risk armed threats just to do their job,” said Senator Padilla. “Intimidation and violence have no place at our polls. These threats disenfranchise voters, undermine the fairness of our elections, and prevent nonpartisan election workers from doing their jobs. Our bill will keep visible firearms and other forms of violence away from polling places, ensuring every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right safely, freely, and without intimidation.” “The right to vote is foundational to America’s democracy, and part of protecting that right is keeping official ballot drop sites and polling places free from intimidation,” said Congressman Deluzio. “With the rising risk of political violence and ongoing threats to our democratic system, we need to strengthen the sanctity of our elections. Th… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-demands-answers-from-governor-abbott-on-texas-voter-registration-errors/ Padilla Demands Answers from Governor Abbott on Texas Voter Registration Errors 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, demanded answers from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden regarding recent disclosures showing potentially hundreds of thousands of Texas voter registration applications were not properly processed, leaving newly registered voters at risk of being disenfranchised in the 2026 midterm elections. Ranking Member Padilla stressed that Congress has an oversight responsibility over Texas’ mass failure to process voter registration, due to federal laws like the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), also known as the “Motor Voter Law”, writing: “[t]he NVRA requires states to offer voter registration at the state’s motor vehicle registration agency, and these issues raise questions about the state’s compliance with the law. Understanding both the scope of this error, how it occurred, and how the state will remedy it to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised is therefore an important subject for congressional oversight.” In his letter to Abbott and Howden, Padilla also pointed out that the error cannot be viewed in isolation and instead placed it within a broader pattern of state actions that have made it more difficult for Texans to make their voices heard at the ballot box. “The late timing of this announcement threatens the voting rights of more than a hundred thousand Texas voters on the heels of other intentional actions by the state that harm voting rights, such as mid-decade gerrymandered electoral maps and Senate Bill 1 that streamlined mass voter purges and restricted voting methods – including harsh limits on vote by mail. Voting rights advocates have also expressed concern that the state has failed to fund efficient election administration, greenlighted reductions in polling locations, and other additional obstacles and confusions for voters,” wrote Senator Padilla. “Texas has also proactively cooperated with the Tru… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-raskin-press-dhs-secretary-and-other-officials-on-trump-administrations-refugee-admission-policy/ Padilla, Durbin, Raskin Press DHS Secretary and Other Officials on Trump Administration’s Refugee Admission Policy 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the Trump Administration’s shameful policies dismantling the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program during an annual, statutorily required refugee consultation for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting occurred as the Trump Administration is slated to limit refugee admissions “primarily” to just 17,500 White Afrikaners from South Africa over the next fiscal year. “Welcoming a thoughtful number of refugees every year is part of our nation’s legacy and an important international obligation. Yet the Trump Administration has all but closed the door on people fleeing persecution, even leaving behind Afghan allies who fought alongside U.S. service members and have now spent years in the resettlement pipeline,” said Senator Padilla. “Meanwhile, the Administration is aggressively pursuing the deportation of refugees, asylum seekers, TPS holders, and green card holders to countries we know are unsafe and have questionable human rights records. It’s un-American and flies in the face of our longstanding commitment to being a beacon of freedom in the world. The Administration must restart refugee resettlement to a respectable and honorable level.” “The Trump Administration’s agenda is clear: prioritize white-only Afrikaners as refugees and disregard the millions of men, women, and children from around the world who are trying to escape horrific violence and persecution,” said Senator Durbin. “Although we finally heard directly from a Cabinet official on this Administration’s refugee policies, unlike the last consultations, as the law requires, the Trump Administration is doing everything possible to attack our immigrant communities. We must restore… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-tillis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-install-suicide-prevention-infrastructure/ Padilla, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Install Suicide Prevention Infrastructure 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, introduced the Barriers to Suicide Act, legislation that would create grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure. “Too many Americans die by suicide – and we know physical barriers can help save lives during times of crisis,” said Senator Padilla. “California has seen firsthand at the Golden Gate Bridge that nets and barriers work. As we continue to confront the suicide crisis, we must do more to help state and local governments install nets and barriers on bridges and other high structures. The Barriers to Suicide Act is commonsense, life-saving legislation that will help enhance safety standards and make our public infrastructure safer.” “We should be doing everything in our power to address our nation’s mental health crisis and investing in life-saving barriers plays an important role in preventing a moment of crisis from becoming a tragedy,” said Senator Tillis. “The Barriers to Suicide Act will provide critical funding to state and local governments to prevent more valuable lives from being lost.” Nearly 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falling deaths are a common cause of suicide, and restricting access to lethal means allows time for a feeling of crisis to pass, allowing people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help. A study found that San Francisco’s installation of netting on the Golden Gate Bridge reduced suicide rates by 73% in one year. Specifically, the Barriers to Suicide Act would: Establish a competitive grant program for states and localities to apply for federal funding under the National Highway Performance Program to install nets and barriers on bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail grade crossings, and at rail stations; and Authorize a study to identify the types of… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-warren-torres-introduce-bill-to-address-basic-needs-insecurity-in-higher-education/ Padilla, Warren, Torres Introduce Bill to Address Basic Needs Insecurity in Higher Education 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), reintroduced the Basic Assistance for Students In College (BASIC) Act, legislation to help community colleges and four-year institutions address the unmet basic needs of their students by establishing a $1 billion competitive grant program to better connect students with the resources they need to stay in school and complete their degrees. Amidst the ongoing affordability crisis, college students across America are struggling to afford food, safe housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other necessities. Nearly one in four college students across the country experience food insecurity, a rate twice that of all other U.S. households, and 1 in 10 students experience homelessness. Research from The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University shows that 3 in 5 students do not have enough to eat or a safe place to live. “Higher costs fueled by the Trump Administration’s policies are making it harder for millions of students to afford basic needs like housing, healthcare, and nutritious food,” said Senator Padilla. “No student should have to choose between meeting their everyday needs and pursuing higher education. The BASIC Act will help bridge these gaps by providing resources to universities to support students not having to skip a meal or sacrifice their mental or physical health in pursuit of their higher education goals.” Students with limited income or access to opportunities, such as Pell Grant recipients, parenting students, first-generation students, veterans, former foster youth, students with disabilities, and students at community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), typically experience the highest levels of basic needs insecurity. “No student working toward a college degree should have to wonder where their next meal will come from or whether they can keep a roo… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-as-gas-and-diesel-prices-spike-sen-schiff-introduces-legislation-to-levy-an-excess-profits-tax-on-big-oil-companies-to-discourage-price-gouging/ NEWS: As Gas and Diesel Prices Spike, Sen. Schiff Introduces Legislation to Levy an Excess Profits Tax on Big Oil Companies to Discourage Price Gouging 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Los Angeles, CA – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to levy an excess profits tax on big oil companies to discourage price gouging and ensure oil companies aren’t profiting off of prolonged war and oil market instability. Schiff’s legislation comes as Americans are facing sky-high prices at the gas pump and Big Oil companies are projected to rake in $96 billion in profits in 2026, $13.5 billion more than last year. “After half a year of war, it’s clear who has benefited from rising gas prices: Big Oil companies. While American families struggle to fill their tanks, and farmers can’t afford diesel fuel, oil and gas companies are realizing massive profits. We need legislation to stop these companies from the price gouging that only adds to the pain at the pump. Big Oil must pay their fair share,” said Senator Schiff. The Oil Company Windfall Profits Tax Act would: Impose a permanent excess profits tax on big oil companies; and Direct all revenues raised by the excess profits tax to the Highway Trust Fund, Mass Transit Account, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, consistent with gas tax ratios As President Donald Trump’s war with Iran has entered its seventh month, gas per gallon and utility costs have reached record highs – increasing to nearly double the amount before the war. In California, gas prices have reached over six dollars. Schiff’s legislation comes at a time when even President Trump has called out oil companies – saying this past summer that Americans are being “gouged.” Background: In July, Schiff demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) launch a federal investigation into potential price gouging by Big Oil companies and publicly report its findings to Congress. He has previously championed a windfall profits tax on oil companies as a way of shifting the cost burden of gas prices off of American families, who have been spending at least $1.00 a gallon more compared to last year thanks to Trump’s war in Iran. This Summer, outside of a gas station wi… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-scott-schiff-reps-moran-sanchez-jack-friedman-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-a-federal-film-tax-credit-to-keep-film-and-television-production-in-the-u-s/ NEWS: Sens. Scott, Schiff, Reps. Moran, Sanchez, Jack, Friedman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish a Federal Film Tax Credit to Keep Film and Television Production in the U.S. 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Bipartisan, bicameral legislation from lawmakers from film production states follows call for action by President Trump, decades-long push by lawmakers to enact federal credit Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) alongside U.S. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas-1) Linda Sanchez (D-Calif- 38), Brian Jack (R-Ga-3), and Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30) introduced new bipartisan legislation to create a federal film tax incentive to keep film and television production in the United States. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would benefit every U.S. state and promote American jobs and spur local economic growth while allowing the United States to compete with foreign production incentives. The bicameral effort follows years of advocacy to create a nationwide tax credit, a push recently echoed by President Donald Trump. “For years, I’ve been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of TV and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it’s time we get this passed,” said Senator Schiff. “Having worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like ‘The Notebook’ bring us to tears, and films like ‘Forrest Gump’ inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South Carolina is blessed to serve as the backdrop for both of these iconic American stories,” said Senator Scott. “We cannot stand by as more and more Americ… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-as-uss-abraham-lincoln-returns-home-after-300-days-of-deployment-sen-schiff-renews-call-for-end-to-trumps-war-in-iran/ WATCH: As USS Abraham Lincoln Returns Home after 300+ Days of Deployment, Sen. Schiff Renews Call for End to Trump’s War in Iran 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Today, Senate Republicans again blocked a measure that would have confirmed Congress has not authorized the ongoing deployment of U.S. troops for Trump’s Iran War Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) took to the Senate floor to urge Senate Republicans to pass a War Powers Resolution to end President Trump’s illegal war in Iran. Schiff highlighted constituent stories from servicemembers’ families detailing the abysmal conditions onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, contrasting their sacrifices against the President’s downplaying of the war’s impact and obsessions with his vanity projects. Senate Republicans’ blocking of this resolution follows a series of similar resolutions led by Democrats in Congress, including by Senator Schiff and colleagues in the Senate, to confirm that Congress has not authorized this use of the U.S. military and require the President to end the war. The resolution failed today in a 49 to 50 vote. “In fact, the Lincoln set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea without a port visit. And a record away from its home port of San Diego. And even now, just recently after stopping in Thailand for its first regular port call in nearly nine months — hull rusted, paint peeling — the Lincoln and its crew were still a long way from home,” said Senator Schiff on the Senate floor. Schiff emphasized how the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln has sent shockwaves throughout the San Diego community and continued his call for an end to this war. Watch the full speech HERE. Download the remarks HERE. Read the full transcript of his remarks as delivered below: Ever since the USS Abraham Lincoln was commissioned in the waning days of the Cold War, it has been known for many things. After a volcano erupted in the Philippines in 1991, the Lincoln led the largest peacetime evacuation of U.S. military personnel and their families. A baby was even born onboard during the evacuation — and named Abraham Lincoln. In 1993, the Lincoln became the first carrier in the P… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-hears-damning-testimony-on-flock-surveillance-camera-misuse/ WATCH: Padilla Hears Damning Testimony on Flock Surveillance Camera Misuse 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, raised serious concerns about Flock surveillance cameras, particularly their misuse for immigration enforcement. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Padilla questioned Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) about the widespread use of Flock technology among local, state, and federal officials as well as the private sector. Padilla also raised concerns about Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers’ ability to access Flock data despite Flock’s claims that it does not contract with ICE. Key Excerpts: PADILLA RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT FLOCK DATA SHARING WITH ICE PADILLA: Broad data sharing with ICE: Is it happening or is it not happening? Flock claims that it does not partner with ICE, and ICE does not have direct access to Flock cameras, or their systems, or their data. But we know that ICE is still able to access Flock data through state and local law enforcement agencies that have entered into agreements, cooperative agreements, with ICE, known as 287(g) agreements. So, can you explain in more detail how these agreements can function as a loophole for ICE or other immigration enforcement agencies to access data that they otherwise couldn’t? […] MARLOW: I would point out Flock seems to change its story week to week. It’s hard to even remember. But they did say for a long period of time, that ICE does not have direct access to Flock data, and that was true. But the key word there is “direct.” Exactly. And so, it doesn’t even take a 287(g) agreement, although that’s obviously a major problem. All it takes is one officer in one department who is a customer of Flock and participates in their nationwide data-sharing program, and you get a call from, be it ICE or any other federal agency, that says, “Hey, can you run a search for me?” And either because they believe in the cause that that federal agency is pursuing, or they just want to be on good terms… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-once-again-defeats-republican-efforts-to-advance-save-act-condemns-trumps-tariffs/ WATCH: Padilla Once Again Defeats Republican Efforts to Advance SAVE Act, Condemns Trump’s Tariffs 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padila (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, once again took to the Senate floor to lead his colleagues in defeating Republicans’ attempts to pass parts of the SAVE Act voter suppression bill after the 2026 midterm election has already begun. Padilla opposed Senator Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) efforts to advance Senator Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) MAGA voter ID bill, S. 5271, which consists of a provision of the SAVE Act that would require eligible voters to provide specific types of photo identification when voting, including in their mail and absentee ballots, threatening to violate the right to a secret ballot and cause chaos in an election where mail ballots are already printed and voting is underway. With Election Day now 41 days away, Padilla highlighted the deliberate timing of Republicans’ attempts to advance the bill. Some eligible voters have already exercised their right to vote early, and Padilla emphasized the additional burden, especially for mail and absentee ballots, and chaos that would immediately follow if the voter ID bill passed. “The 2026 midterm election has already begun — it’s in full swing,” said Senator Padilla. “So let’s not be fooled about this attempt to pass a piece of the SAVE Act. Number one, the substance. It’s not just a voter ID bill. It’s a bill, and the timing is curious, that seeks to create chaos and confusion over vote by mail and absentee voting. The other part is, indeed, the timing and its implications. Trying to change the rules, because this bill, if signed into law, would go immediately into effect, creates chaos in the middle of an election that’s already underway.” Padilla sounded the alarm on President Trump’s efforts to interfere in the upcoming midterm elections and detailed the Supreme Court’s recent decision to block Trump’s vote-by-mail executive order’s directive that the U.S. Postal Service determine who is and is not allowed to receive ballots. He highlighted the bipartisan opposition … 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-amidst-worsening-staffing-crisis-sens-schiff-and-whitehouse-renew-probe-of-fish-and-wildlife-service-after-dodging-lawmakers-inquiries/ NEWS: Amidst Worsening Staffing Crisis, Sens. Schiff and Whitehouse Renew Probe of Fish and Wildlife Service after Dodging Lawmakers’ Inquiries 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators emphasize that staff and resources are spread thin, drastically impacting the ability to protect wildlife and public lands Washington, D.C. – After the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) sidestepped repeated inquiries from lawmakers regarding the worsening staffing crisis at the agency and dodged questions during Senate hearings, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate EPW Committee, are renewing demands that the agency immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at FWS. Since the Senators’ last inquiry in December 2025, which FWS did not respond to, FWS has lost 36% of its workforce – up nearly 10% since December. FWS offices in California have lost more than 40% of staff. With resources spread thin, the Senators emphasize that the reduction in its workforce drastically impacts the agency’s ability to carry out their responsibilities to protect wildlife and manage wildlife refuge lands. “Many are being forced to rely on outside nongovernment organizations for support of critical functions. Making matters worse, you removed the 16-year-long Chief of the Refuge System from her post without explanation. Further, there is currently a backlog of more than 400 species waiting for protection decisions, wasting critical time that could be used implementing species protection plans. Continued mismanagement and reductions to the workforce threaten FWS’s ability to perform these vital functions and leave American wildlife and the public to bear the consequences,” the Senators wrote in a new oversight letter to FWS Director Brian Nesvik. During Nesvik’s June 10 appearance before the Environment and Public Works Committee, Schiff pushed Nesvik on answers for the findings of the nationwide review of the Refuge System that the Senators demanded over six months ago. Nesvik stated they were “getting close to being wrapped up to where we can… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-duckworth-and-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-to-extend-and-redesignate-tps-for-ukrainians/ NEWS: Schiff Joins Duckworth and Bipartisan Group of Senators in Demanding the Trump Administration to Extend and Redesignate TPS for Ukrainians 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper The Senators’ call for an 18-month extension and redesignation comes as TPS for Ukrainians is set to expire next month Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. In their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone that has resulted in significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and displacement. “Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,” wrote the Senators. Ukrainian TPS holders have long contributed to communities in Illinois, and across the country, both culturally and economically. The Senators noted that allowing an 18-month extension of the TPS would prevent these community members from being forced to return to dangerous conditions, while allowing the communities that benefit from their contributions to continue to benefit and learn from them. Along with Schiff and Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim … 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-breaks-down-need-for-federal-film-tax-incentive-to-keep-production-in-america/ WATCH: Sen. Schiff Breaks Down Need for Federal Film Tax Incentive to Keep Production in America 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released a video highlighting his push to secure a bipartisan federal film tax incentive to drive more production in America while increasing job opportunities and economic development. The latest momentum for a federal film tax incentive in Congress follows President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of its passage. In the video, Schiff breaks down how a federal film tax incentive would work and how it would increase America’s competitive edge in film and television production. Watch the videohere Background: For years, Schiff has highlighted the need to increase film production in America and has continued to build bipartisan support in Congress for his federal film incentive proposal, which would promote American jobs and spur local economic growth by creating additional support for film and television production in the U.S., allowing us to compete with foreign incentives. This proposal would benefit every U.S. state and territory, doubling down on the investments of the 40 states that already have some form of film production incentive with a stackable federal credit. During his time in the California State Senate, Schiff helped lead efforts to increase production in California and protect local jobs. Schiff spearheaded efforts in Congress to extend California’s film tax credit, including in 2014 when he led 28 members of the California Democratic delegation in urging the leaders of the California State Senate and Assembly to reauthorize and enhance the tax credit. In 2024, Schiff sent a letter to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics requesting detailed data on the impact of foreign production incentives on the domestic industry. In March 20, 2026, Senator Adam Schiff hosted a spotlight hearing in Burbank, California entitled, “Lights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production” to highlight the importance of bolstering American film production, and tackling the challenges facing the industry from generous ta… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-murphy-introduce-bill-to-protect-students-from-physical-abuse-end-dangerous-corporal-punishment-practices-in-schools/ Padilla, Murphy Introduce Bill to Protect Students from Physical Abuse, End Dangerous Corporal Punishment Practices in Schools 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in re-introducing the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, legislation that would ban corporal punishment for any school that receives federal funding, as well as establish a federal grant program to support states and school districts across the country improve school safety. “Every student deserves a safe, supportive learning environment that fosters positive relationships and protects their physical and emotional well-being,” said Senator Padilla. “The evidence is clear – corporal punishment is a cruel and outdated method that harms students, hinders academic achievement, and worsens behavior. This bill will make more of our schools safer spaces for students of all backgrounds.” “Families should be able to trust that when they send their kids to school, they will be in a safe learning environment free from physical abuse,” said Senator Murphy. “The evidence is overwhelming: hitting kids does nothing to help kids. It’s past time to get this archaic, counterproductive practice out of our schools for good.” “Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every student,” said Senator Durbin. “We know that corporal punishment is counterproductive to learning and can harm a student’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It should be left out of the classroom entirely. By standing with Senator Chris Murphy and co-sponsoring this bill, we can ensure that no student falls victim to this outdated and cruel punishment.” “No child should ever face physical abuse, including at school,” said Senator Kaine. “It’s time to end the outdated and harmful practice of corporal punishment in every school across the country. Instead of relying on fear, our schools should provide safe, supportive learning environments that students need to thrive and be healthy.” Inflicting physical pain on a student’s body as a form of discipline is used … 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-demands-health-net-restore-coverage-for-thousands-in-ca-depending-on-assisted-living-care-warns-of-health-implications/ NEWS: Sen. Schiff Demands Health Net Restore Coverage for Thousands in CA Depending on Assisted Living Care, Warns of Health Implications 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is urging Health Net, one of the largest Medicaid plans in California, to reverse its termination of assisted living coverage for 3,000 Californians, jeopardizing access to housing and essential care services. “The sudden loss of assisted living benefits could have potentially devastating repercussions for enrollees and their family members. I urge Health Net to reconsider this coverage termination,” Senator Schiff said to Interim CEO at Health Net Eric Schmacker in a new letter. The Senator emphasized that millions of Californians are already facing significant uncertainty about accessing medical care in the aftermath of the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history by this Republican-led Congress. Additionally, Schiff warned that forcing thousands to pay out of pocket for assisted living services will be a heavy burden on these patients and their family members. “Very few families have the capacity to provide full-time care, imposing undue financial, physical, and emotional strain on loved ones. Sadly, others have no family or support systems to rely on at all. With such limited alternatives, the risk of sudden coverage loss could be catastrophic,” the Senator wrote. “I am deeply concerned that Health Net’s coverage termination of Medi-Cal assisted living benefits will compound the damage caused by the cuts to Medicaid programs across the country. While California’s health care safety net faces extraordinary strain, we must work together to mitigate coverage loss and help Medi-Cal beneficiaries access the care and support they need,” the Senator concluded. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Mr. Schmacker, I write to you today with deep concerns regarding Health Net’s decision to terminate Medi-Cal coverage of Assisted Living Facility Transitions (ALFT) and Personal Care Homemaker Services (PCHS) Community Support benefits, impacting approximately 3,000 Californians enrolled in Health Net plans. The sudden loss of assisted… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-to-ag-bonta-investigate-shocking-whistleblower-disclosure-alleging-alarming-dhs-activities-in-california/ Padilla, Schiff to AG Bonta: Investigate Shocking Whistleblower Disclosure Alleging Alarming DHS Activities in California 2026-09-21 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Allegations made by DHS Whistleblower could have far-reaching impacts on eligible California voters and lawfully present noncitizens WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), in a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, flagged concerning activities detailed in a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions may have violated California law. In their letter to Bonta, the Senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread noncitizen voter fraud. The Senators emphasized the potential impacts these actions could have on eligible California voters, including naturalized citizens, such as the creation of erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records,” especially given the reckless performance quotas of 40 subjects per day being demanded by DHS and the required usage of unreliable source data compiled with so-called “supplemental magic.” “Of particular interest to Californians are the claims that USCIS personnel were directed to misrepresent themselves on California’s voter registration site to access voter data,” wrote the Senators. “California’s voter registration website is clearly intended for the use of voters themselves, and requires the use of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) to access this voter data, including driver’s license number and/or partial Social Security Number. As outlined in the USCIS training materials p… 1 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-to-ag-bonta-investigate-shocking-whistleblower-disclosure-alleging-alarming-dhs-activities-in-california/ NEWS: Schiff, Padilla to AG Bonta: Investigate Shocking Whistleblower Disclosure Alleging Alarming DHS Activities in California 2026-09-21 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Allegations made by DHS Whistleblower could have far-reaching impacts on eligible California voters and lawfully present noncitizens Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), in a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, flagged concerning activities detailed in a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions may have violated California law. In their letter to Bonta, the Senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread noncitizen voter fraud. The Senators emphasized the potential impacts these actions could have on eligible California voters, including naturalized citizens, such as the creation of erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records,” especially given the reckless performance quotas of 40 subjects per day being demanded by DHS and the required usage of unreliable source data compiled with so-called “supplemental magic.” “Of particular interest to Californians are the claims that USCIS personnel were directed to misrepresent themselves on California’s voter registration site to access voter data,” wrote the Senators. “California’s voter registration website is clearly intended for the use of voters themselves, and requires the use of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) to access this voter data, including driver’s license number and/or partial Social Security Number. As outlined in the USCIS training materials provided by this whistleblower, USCIS officers were directed to enter this information, obtained from other DHS data, in order to access the voter data on California’s voter website.” The Se… 1 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-bombshell-whistleblower-disclosure-padilla-schumer-senators-to-demand-investigation-into-dhs-voter-data-misconduct/ Following Bombshell Whistleblower Disclosure, Padilla, Schumer, Senators to Demand Investigation into DHS Voter Data Misconduct 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper 18 Senators seek “thorough and objective” investigation into new whistleblower disclosure revealing DHS officers were directed to illegally access sensitive voter data and create law enforcement records based on unreliable data compiled with “supplemental magic” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Immigration Subcommittee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) led 16 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to demand the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower’s disclosure. The disclosure alleges that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. “The DHS Office of Inspector General’s mission is ‘[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS,’” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower’s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity.” The Senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations and potential impacts on eligible voters and other lawfully present noncitizens, such as directing USCIS personnel to make false certifications to access sensitive voter information, create erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records,” require reckless performance quotas of reviewing 40 subjects per day, and rely on unreliable sourc… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-slotkin-and-senate-democrats-in-demanding-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war/ NEWS: Schiff Joins Slotkin and Senate Democrats in Demanding Answers from Hegseth on Cost of Iran War 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Pentagon Greatly Underestimates Cost of Iran War to Taxpayers and Families Washington D.C. — U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (Calif.) joined Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and 44 of their colleagues, nearly the entire Democratic caucus, in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. The United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, Slotkin and her colleagues note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the Senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document o… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-unveils-legislative-package-to-expand-access-to-affordable-meals-for-college-students-address-food-insecurity-on-college-campuses/ NEWS: Sen. Schiff Unveils Legislative Package to Expand Access to Affordable Meals for College Students, Address Food Insecurity on College Campuses 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is unveiling two pieces of legislation that will provide college students across the nation’s campuses access to affordable, nutritious, and hot meals – addressing the worsening food insecurity students on college campuses face. The Hot Meals for College Students Act will allow for college students to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot and prepared meals from on-campus vendors. The Food for Thought Act will direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a grant program for colleges to offer free meals to low-income students. “College students should never have to worry about where their next meal will come from or have to drop out because they can’t afford food and tuition. These bills are a commonsense approach to addressing student hunger and strengthening higher education,” said Senator Schiff. As the food and housing insecurity crises worsen, these challenges are especially acute in California, where the rising cost of food, housing and other necessities continues to strain students already confronting the high cost of attending college. Senator Schiff developed this legislation through his ongoing effort to visit community colleges across California and hear directly from students about the challenges they face. During a visit to San Bernardino Valley College, Jazmyn Garcia, a San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Student Trustee, raised the difficulty of not being able to use SNAP benefits to purchase meals on campus. By bringing students’ experiences into the policymaking process, this bill offers a practical solution to make SNAP more accessible on college campuses and ensure students can more readily use their benefits for nutritious food. “Students like me aren’t asking for a new benefit. We’re asking to use the food assistance we already qualify for where we spend most of our day. I’m a full-time STEM student, I work, and SNAP is my food budget. I already qualify for these … 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-curtis-merkley-sheehy-dexter-announce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-federal-wildland-firefighters/ Padilla, Curtis, Merkley, Sheehy, Dexter Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Federal Wildland Firefighters 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, along with U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), announced the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act, bipartisan legislation that would address the long-overdue gaps in health and safety protections that wildland firefighters receive. U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. For nearly 30 years, federal agencies have had clear data showing the serious health risks wildland firefighters face on the job while working in dangerous conditions. Meanwhile, structural firefighters began using respiratory protection in the 1970s. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act is comprehensive legislation to be developed in partnership with firefighters, unions, and health experts to finally address the long-overdue gaps and ensure federal wildland firefighters have the support they need given the dangerous conditions of their work. “Every day, wildland firefighters face tremendous health risks at work, where they protect our communities, defend the environment, and save lives,” said Senator Padilla. “As California faces an increasing threat from devastating wildfires, we have a responsibility to make sure the heroes fighting these fires have the resources, safety equipment, and support needed to do their jobs safely. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act takes an important step toward closing longstanding gaps in health and safety protections, giving our wildland firefighters the equipment, resources, and support they need to stay healthy while they brave dangerous conditions to save lives.” “Utah’s wildland firefighters put their health and safety on the line every day to protect our communities. We owe it to them to look beyond the immediate danger and address the lasting impacts of smoke and other harmful exposures,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan bill is a common… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-schatz-pocan-in-introducing-legislation-to-make-college-more-affordable/ Padilla Joins Schatz, Pocan in Introducing Legislation to Make College More Affordable 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) in introducing the Debt-Free College Act, legislation that would reduce the cost of college for students and help mitigate the growing student debt crisis in the United States. The bill also restores a path to an affordable college education by providing states incentives through matching grants to increase investments in public higher education and provide students with debt-free college. “Rising costs and overwhelming student debt shouldn’t keep students from pursuing life changing higher education opportunities,” said Senator Padilla. “I’m proud to cosponsor this bill to expand affordable higher education access and ensure more students and families can earn a college degree without financial burdens.” “Solving the student loan debt crisis means focusing on the full cost of college – that includes books, room and board, and supplies,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill brings states back to the table and leverages federal dollars to reinvest in public education and help students and their families cover the real cost of college.” “Every student in America deserves the opportunity to get a college education without student debt crushing them for years after graduation,” said Representative Pocan. “The Debt-Free College Act creates a federal-state partnership that would enable students to attend college debt-free within five years. Student debt isn’t just about tuition—it’s books, housing, supplies, and food. This bill reflects those true costs. If we believe in the value of our education system, then we should make it easier for students to pursue higher education, not financially burdensome for years to come. This bill helps ensure that college is accessible to all.” The Debt-Free College Act would establish a state-federal partnership that provides a dollar-for-dollar federal match to state higher education appropriations in exchange for a commitment to help students … 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joines-markey-and-budd-to-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-chinas-wrongful-detention-of-american-academics/ NEWS: Schiff Joins Markey and Budd to Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning China’s Wrongful Detention of American Academics 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and John Curtis (R-Utah) in introducing a bipartisan resolution that condemns the People’s Republic of China’s repeated pattern of arbitrary or wrongful detention of American academics and urges the United States government to prioritize the safe return of all United States citizens wrongfully detained in China, including Massachusetts resident and academic Dr. Youlin Chen, and American scholar Min Zin. Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08) and Congressman John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China (R-Mich.-02), led a companion resolution in the House of Representatives. The resolution expresses that the Senate: Condemns the People’s Republic of China’s repeated pattern of arbitrary or wrongful detention of United States citizens. Urges the United States government to make the safe return of United States citizens detained in China a top priority, including the return of Dr. Chen and Min Zin. Urges the Secretary of State to use all available tools to press for the release of all United States nationals being unlawfully or wrongfully detained in the People’s Republic of China. “China’s repeated and cruel pattern of wrongful detentions of American citizens, leaving some without access to legal counsel, is nothing short of an affront to the rule of law and infringes on their rights and freedoms. The U.S. government must redouble its efforts to ensure U.S. citizens unjustly detained abroad, like Min Zin and Dr. Chen, return safely back home to their loved ones,” said Senator Schiff. “The wrongful detainment of innocent civilians is never justifiable and should always be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We owe it to the American people to stand up and speak out when our citizens are wrongfully detained in foreign prisons. It is my hope that this bipartisan resolution from the United States Congress will bring increased attention to the unjust detention of Dr. Youlin… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senate-agriculture-committee-advances-schiff-curtis-bill-to-create-first-ever-respiratory-protection-requirements-for-federal-firefighters/ NEWS: Senate Agriculture Committee Advances Schiff-Curtis Bill to Create First-Ever Respiratory Protection Requirements for Federal Firefighters 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Federal firefighters were prohibited from wearing respiratory protections while fighting wildfires, Schiff’s bipartisan proposal with Senator Curtis would create the first-of-its-kind standard to change that Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry advanced language proposed by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) to create the first-ever respiratory protection standards for wildland firefighters. For decades, federal firefighters were prohibited from wearing respiratory protection despite a growing body of evidence warning about long-term health risks of wildfire smoke. The provision included in the Senate’s 2026 Farm Bill will ensure the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) take overdue steps to protect the health of these heroes. “Firefighters are heroes, and it’s critical that we do everything possible to ensure they’re protected from the health risks associated with wildfires. This bipartisan solution will minimize the toxic exposures that firefighters face when they’re defending our communities and public lands. I am proud to see my language was included in the farm bill and is making progress, even if other provisions and omissions in the Farm Bill precluded Democratic support,” said Senator Schiff. “Our wildland firefighters already face some of the most grueling, dangerous conditions imaginable. The least we can do is ensure access to materials that will protect them from the long-term health consequences of breathing toxic smoke. This bill ensures we bring common sense, science, and basic decency to how we equip our firefighters,” said Senator Curtis. The language was included in the 2026 Farm Bill advanced by the committee yesterday. In addition to Schiff and Curtis, this legislation first introduced in November was co-sponsored by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Steve Daines (D-Mont.). “We’ve spent decades urging the public to protect themselves from the dangers of wi… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-wyden-press-flock-ceo-for-answers-on-troubling-abuse-of-technology-amid-surveillance-network-concerns-push-to-protect-americans-privacy/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Wyden Press Flock CEO for Answers on Troubling Abuse of Technology Amid Surveillance Network Concerns, Push to Protect American’s Privacy 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, are pressing for information regarding allegations of abuse of Flock’s surveillance platforms and whether their existing protocols are failing to protect Americans’ privacy. The inquiry follows increasingly troubling, documented reports of law enforcement officials abusing Flock’s nationwide license plate readers, camera network, and sensors to carry out extensive, unauthorized surveillance. “Despite a professed public commitment to responsible governance, Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans’ civil liberties,” the Senators wrote. Multiple organizations and news reporting have revealed alarming concerns of unauthorized surveillance by Flock cameras. For instance, organizations have come forward to express concern that states restricting reproductive health care access are using Flock data to track down patients traveling to other states for care while other reports indicate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are conducting immigration-related searches of Flock databases to pursue individuals without warrants. An analysis of police and court reports by The Washington Post revealed that at least 50 law enforcement officers have been charged or accused of misusing Flock’s surveillance system for unauthorized purposes. In their inquiry, the Senators express concern over how Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans’ civil liberties and demand answers on how the company is protecting against misuse by law enforcement and others, as well as its compliance with existing privacy laws. They also direct Flock to preserve all records between the company, employees, consultants, and state, local, and federal agents regarding Flock cameras. The full text of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Mr. Langley: We write seeking informati… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-calls-out-trumps-obsession-with-kennedy-center-disregard-for-addressing-high-costs/ WATCH: Sen. Schiff Calls Out Trump’s Obsession with Kennedy Center, Disregard for Addressing High Costs 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Schiff: “It becomes not just absurd, but dangerously absurd that the president is spending so much mental energy on this ridiculousness.” Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined MS NOW’s All In with Chris Hayes to condemn President Donald Trump’s latest vanity project – threatening to tear down the Kennedy Center if his name does not appear on the building. Schiff emphasized Trump’s repeated pattern of ignoring the Congress and the courts, putting his interests over Americans’ interests, and downplaying the recent the costs of the Iran War and its impacts on our economy. View the full interview here. On Trump bypassing the Congress and courts when it comes to renaming the Kennedy Center: […] We have those images of the East Wing being bulldozed after, in fact, the president had promised not to touch the East Wing. So, you can’t put anything past this president. The court seems determined to stop it. Congress could stop it in a heartbeat if, on a bipartisan basis, for once they were willing to stand up to this president. There’s little sign of that. All you hear are from a few members who are leaving the Congress, a willingness to criticize this. But I think, and again, this I guess gets into psychoanalysis: the Kennedy Center not only is a memorial to John F. Kennedy, it is also part of the Kennedy legacy and mystique, part of the whole Camelot appearance, the glamor, the arts, the culture. And Donald Trump just craves to be a part of that, wants his name on that, doesn’t want any president to seem greater than he is. And so any president that he is insecure about, the way he’s insecure about Obama, the way he’s insecure about Kennedy, his answer is “put my name on it. Let people know I’m the dominant one. I’m the greatest president of all time. My name is on these buildings, and if you won’t let me do it, then I’m just going to tear it all down.” You add that to the fact that we’re in the middle of a war, and it becomes not just absurd, but dangerously absurd that the president is spe… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-blasts-kash-patels-firing-of-fbi-officials-investigating-cases-against-trump-and-january-6-insurrectionists-calls-out-att/ WATCH: Sen. Schiff Blasts Kash Patel’s Firing of FBI Officials Investigating Cases Against Trump and January 6 Insurrectionists, Calls Out Attacks on Media 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) blasted Kash Patel, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for his widespread mismanagement and politicization of the nation’s foremost law enforcement agency. Schiff pressed Patel on the Trump administration’s firing of FBI agents working on the investigations into President Donald Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection and his mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, as well as the FBI’s investigation of members of the media under Patel’s leadership. Watch the full clip here. Download the full clip here. Key Excerpts: On Patel’s refusal to admit termination of FBI employees was motivated by political retribution: Schiff: Mr. Patel, there were at least two major investigations of President Trump in the previous Justice Department. One that investigated his role in the violent attack on the Capitol and the incitement of that attack. Another investigation that investigated his purloining of hundreds of classified documents, their storage in his place at Mar-a-Lago, efforts to obstruct the investigation. Those two investigations were properly predicated. Those investigations resulted in grand juries bringing, returning indictments, charging the president numerous times with serious felony offenses. I have questions for you today about the agents who worked on those investigations. Let me first start with a simple numeric question: How many agents, FBI agents, were used in the investigation of the Mar-a-Lago documents case against the president? About how many? Patel: I have no idea. I wasn‘t here then. Schiff: Would it have been dozens? Patel: I don’t know. You’d have to ask the prior administration. Schiff: Well, a lot of those people were fired under your directorship, were they not? Patel: I don‘t think a lot of them, but a lot of them retired, and some of the ones that weaponized law enforcement were terminated, as they always will be. Schiff: So, can you pull t… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-advances-padilla-bill-to-help-prevent-wildfires-padilla-sounds-alarm-on-protecting-public-lands-from-environmental-disasters/ Senate Committee Advances Padilla Bill to Help Prevent Wildfires; Padilla Sounds Alarm on Protecting Public Lands from Environmental Disasters 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senate Committee Advances Padilla’s bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sounded the alarm on protecting communities and public lands from disaster, preventing wildfires, and providing resources to safeguard forests and lands from further destruction. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) held a hearing on Padilla’s bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA), a bipartisan bill to prevent wildfires and increase the use of prescribed fire. The bill advanced out of committee with a unanimous vote. “Year after year, increasingly devastating wildfires ravage our public lands and communities, so it’s critical we act with urgency,” said Senator Padilla. “Today’s unanimous Committee vote to advance WEPA will allow more prescribed fire to be deployed on the landscape and help prevent or mitigate wildfires. I am proud to see our bill advance as we work to be proactive in responding to the wildfire crisis instead of waiting to respond after disaster strikes.” WEPA provides certainty that states will not be penalized for taking action to prevent wildfires and authorizes a program to help communities plan and prepare for smoke events. Padilla underscored the urgent need to make it easier for communities to use prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. Full text of the bill is available here. Video of Padilla’s EPW remarks is available here. Padilla then delivered remarks at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee hearing, emphasizing the importance of passing legislation to prevent and respond to future wildfires that impact public lands and surrounding communities. Padilla underscored the importance of his bipartisan Save Our Sequoias Act, legislation to protect giant sequoias… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-ahead-of-vote-on-senate-farm-bill-sen-schiff-releases-new-reporting-highlighting-impact-of-republican-snap-cuts-making-food-insecurity-worse-for-families/ NEWS: Ahead of Vote on Senate Farm Bill, Sen. Schiff Releases New Reporting Highlighting Impact of Republican SNAP Cuts Making Food Insecurity Worse for Families 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper As a result of Trump Administration policies, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, more than 330,000 Californians lost food benefits, including more than 156,000 children. Washington, D.C. – Washington, D.C. – Ahead of another markup on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released a new report underscoring the harmful impact that Trump administration policies, including its signature legislative package, are having on food insecurity for California families and the need for a Farm Bill that helps address this and rising food costs. The current version of the Farm Bill set to be voted on today does not adequately address the deep cuts made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California. “As the cost of food in the United States soars, the Trump Administration’s continued attacks on proven federal food assistance programs are putting the health and prosperity of American families across the country in jeopardy. By purging millions of people from SNAP and other nutrition programs, the legacy of the Trump Administration and this Republican Congress will be one of increased hunger and more families struggling to make ends meet to keep food on their tables,” Schiff’s report says. To understand the impact of food prices in California, Senator Schiff and his staff visited and interviewed dozens of employees and volunteers at foods banks and their partners across the state. Their message was clear and concerning: more people need food assistance, and higher food prices coupled with regressive federal policies are squeezing families already struggling to put food on the table. Data in Schiff’s report show that SNAP participation fell by more than 4.5 million people since January 2025. In that same time period, more than 330,000 Californians have fallen off SNAP, including more than 156,000 children. From a California Constituent: “I am a parent in Tulare County, in a little town called Stra… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-as-the-administration-continues-dangerous-effort-to-exploit-federal-workers-health-records-sens-schiff-and-warner-demand-end-to-violation-of-privacy/ NEWS: As the Administration Continues Dangerous Effort to Exploit Federal Workers’ Health Records, Sens. Schiff and Warner Demand End to Violation of Privacy 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Following the White House Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) failure to suspend their proposed collection of the personal medical records of millions of federal workers, retirees, and their families to be weaponized in employment actions, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) are leading their colleagues in urging the administration to end this illegal effort and demanding safeguards to protect the data of federal workers. Earlier this year, Schiff, Warner and 17 Senators urged the administration to reverse course on the dangerous decision to seek unprecedented access to personal medical records. In addition to OPM’s failure to address the Senators’ inquiry, the System of Records Notice (SORN), published in June, confirms their intention to collect identifiable data of federal workers. “The modified SORN does not resolve the fundamental privacy, legal, and constitutional concerns raised in our initial letter regarding a federal personnel agency maintaining a longitudinal repository of highly sensitive health information on more than eight million people…Most concerningly, the SORN states that OPM retains the right to re-identify pseudonymized records. In combination, these features create an extraordinarily detailed longitudinal health history that remains linkable to a specific person,” the Senators wrote in a new letter to OPM Director Scott Kupor. The Senators point to the administration’s clear intent to target vulnerable communities by using sensitive health information in employment actions, including the hiring and firing of federal workers. The SORN revealed OPM is “utilizing ZIP code, birth year, provider, service dates, diagnoses, procedures, and drug information to reveal highly specific patterns of care.” “We support responsible efforts to protect the integrity of federal health-benefit programs. However, OPM’s proposals create an unnecessarily broad, decades-long, re-identifiable medical history of millions of workers, retirees, spouses, children, an… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-and-kaine-file-oman-war-powers-resolution/ NEWS: Schiff and Kaine File Oman War Powers Resolution 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) filed a War Powers Resolution to prohibit the use of the U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities in or against Oman. Last month, President Donald Trump threatened to “bomb the shit” out of Oman if it interferes with the United States’ blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. “Donald Trump threatened, and then launched a war with Iran. Donald Trump threatened, and then launched strikes against Venezuela. And last month, Donald Trump threatened strikes against Oman – his next potential target for yet another foreign war,” said Senator Schiff. “Congress has not authorized any of these commitments of our armed forces. And this resolution will make it clear that the American people and the U.S. Senate reject any additional deployment of our servicemembers for new wars around the globe.” “President Trump calls himself the ‘Peace President,’ but he has ordered military strikes in more countries around the world than any President in recent history,” said Senator Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees. “The American people don’t want more war, but instead of listening to them, President Trump is threatening to bomb Oman. The use of the U.S. military has a time and a place, but President Trump’s chaotic and expansive use of the military isn’t making Americans more secure. All it’s doing is raising costs, hurting servicemembers and their families, depleting our munitions stockpile, killing innocent civilians, and distracting us from real threats posed by China and Russia. I hope my colleagues will join us in trying to prevent the Trump-Vance Administration from stumbling from one blunder into another.” The full text of the resolution is available here. ### 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-breaks-down-fbi-director-kash-patels-sidestepping-during-senate-hearing-warns-of-future-investigations-of-patel/ WATCH: Sen. Schiff Breaks Down FBI Director Kash Patel’s Sidestepping During Senate Hearing, Warns of Future Investigations of Patel 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Schiff to FBI Director Patel: “You damn well better preserve records, because we’re going to be investigating all these hundreds of wrongful terminations, and we’re going to hold you accountable.” Washington, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined MS NOW’s The Briefing with Jen Psaki to recap the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel’s refusal to answer questions during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. During the hearing, Schiff pressed Patel on his mismanagement and politicization of the agency – including purging FBI agents who investigated President Trump – and emphasized that he will investigate Patel. View the full interview here. Key Excerpts: On Schiff investigating Patel’s corruption at the FBI and attacks on the media: […] [Patel] is being sued and the bureau being sued for wrongful terminations. There’s also litigation always when they try to go after journalists. And if discovery comes out and shows that Patel was made aware and maybe even asked for information about these reporters, and the reporters I was asking about there were those who wrote stories about him using a SWAT team to provide protection to his girlfriend and other stories about his excessive drinking on the job; these are not predicates to investigate some reporter or do queries or abuse FBI resources. And if it comes out in litigation that he was aware of this, that he was involved in this, he’s committed perjury – so, part of the object here too is to pin him down; I fully expect that he will lie to the Congress and hope that he doesn’t get caught – but we will be investigating. I will also be really interested in this private litigation and what it turns up in discovery. On Patel and Blanche dodging Schiff’s questioning on purging investigators tied to investigating President Trump at the FBI and DOJ: […] When Todd Blanche testified, I asked him about comments he made at CPAC, that conservative convention, when he said that basically they had cleaned house at the Department of … 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-blumenthal-whitehouse-jayapal-raskin-introduce-resolution-to-block-trump-administration-rule-restricting-international-students-exchange-visitors-and-foreign-journalists/ Padilla, Durbin, Blumenthal, Whitehouse, Jayapal, Raskin Introduce Resolution to Block Trump Administration Rule Restricting International Students, Exchange Visitors, and Foreign Journalists 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to block a regulation, entitled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” which changes how international students, exchange visitors, and foreign journalists maintain their immigration status. U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08) are leading the House companion. For more than 40 years, F-1 visa students, J-1 visa exchange visitors, and I visa international journalists have been permitted to remain in the U.S. for as long as they engage in the activity that qualifies them for the visa, known as “duration of status.” However, on July 17, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that eliminates duration of status and requires recipients of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas to enter the U.S. for a fixed admission period capped at a maximum of four years. Similarly, recipients of I visas would be admitted for the length of their project in the U.S. or a maximum of 240 days. The rule also includes significant limitations on transfers and changes of educational objectives for student visa recipients. Educational institutions, labor unions, and medical associations have raised serious concerns about this rule’s impacts on the nation’s ability to attract the best and brightest students to U.S. universities and to retain doctors in American communities that desperately need them. The rule was scheduled to go into effect on September 15 but is currently paused by court order. “Internation… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-costa-huffman-lead-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/ Padilla, Schiff, Costa, Huffman Lead Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, led a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” In addition to Padilla and Schiff, the letter was signed by U.S.… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-presses-patel-on-election-interference-secures-commitment-fbi-will-not-seize-ballots-or-voting-machines-ahead-of-midterms/ WATCH: Padilla Presses Patel on Election Interference, Secures Commitment FBI Will Not Seize Ballots or Voting Machines Ahead of Midterms 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Padilla also raised AI security, immigration enforcement concerns WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, pressed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel on the Trump Administration’s efforts to involve federal law enforcement in elections and secured a commitment that the FBI will not seize ballots, voting machines, or other election materials in connection with the 2026 midterm elections before they have concluded. During the oversight hearing, Padilla raised concerns about the FBI’s unjustified raids on Fulton County, Georgia earlier this year to seize ballots from the 2020 presidential election that Donald Trump lost. He also cited the subsequent “copycat move” by a county sheriff to seize 650,000 ballots in Riverside County, California following the Prop 54 congressional redistricting referendum in 2025. Additionally, Padilla highlighted Patel’s failure to provide any answers to written questions from last year’s congressional oversight hearing — severely undermining Patel’s claims of transparency and accountability. Padilla also raised concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI) cyberattacks, and the FBI’s role in investigating the violent use of force by ICE and CBP officers and agents. PADILLA PRESSES PATEL ON FBI ELECTION INVOLVEMENT First, Padilla asked Patel to reaffirm the Department of Justice’s longstanding election noninterference policy to not take overt criminal investigative measures involving any alleged ballot fraud until an election has concluded, results have been certified, and recounts and election contests have been resolved. Padilla also asked if the FBI Director could make the same commitment that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, recently made that he has “no plans to use such personnel to seize ballots, voting machines, or other election related material.” “My question to you is, can you make the same commitment?” Padilla asked Patel. “Yes,” Pat… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-costa-huffman-lead-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/ NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Costa, Huffman Lead Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, led a bipartisan group of 157 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” In addition to Schiff and Padilla, the letter was signed by U.S.… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-statement-on-the-clarity-act/ STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff Statement on the Clarity Act 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Schiff (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act: “I have long believed that Congress should institute rules of the road for the digital asset industry to protect consumers and our global financial system, and to ensure an even playing field with regulatory certainty for the industry. Equally important is ensuring that digital assets are not used for corrupt profit schemes by elected officials, nor used to evade sanctions or fund illicit financial and other criminal activity. This bill achieves some of these important goals, but unfortunately not all of them. “From the beginning of this process, I have been clear that I will not support market structure legislation which fails to establish strong and enforceable ethics provisions in light of this administration’s complete disregard for ethical norms and President Trump’s entanglement of personal profit with his official duties. My position from the beginning has been simple, and something both Democrats and Republicans should support: all elected and senior government officials must be prohibited from issuing, sponsoring, and endorsing digital assets. No public official, including those currently serving in government, should get a carveout. “After more than a year of intensive negotiations with my Senate Democratic colleagues, Republican counterparts and the White House, the administration has made clear it is not willing to reach a deal that would put an end to the President’s profiteering through digital assets. “Over the last two years, we have seen an unprecedented level of pay to play corruption made possible by the Trump family’s role in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company founded just days before the inauguration. This has opened the door for foreign governments to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars to the President in an apparent effort to obtain special treatment ranging from the sale of AI chips to the pardoning of convicted felons. This behavior underm… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schumer-announce-dhs-whistleblower-report-revealing-trump-administration-directed-officers-to-break-state-laws-in-voter-fraud-hunt/ Padilla, Schumer Announce DHS Whistleblower Report Revealing Trump Administration Directed Officers to Break State Laws in Voter Fraud Hunt 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Whistleblower reveals DHS officers were directed to illegally access sensitive voter data and create law enforcement records based on faulty data; Senators demand DHS immediately halt illegal initiative Known U.S. citizens are being swept up into the initiative, based on faulty and rushed data that DHS compiled using “supplemental magic” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, with jurisdiction over federal elections, and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced the receipt of a new whistleblower disclosure that alleges the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration officers to violate state laws as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at substantiating President Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. In response to the compelling evidence of this and other wrongdoing in the disclosure, Padilla and Schumer demanded DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow immediately halt the “Unlawful Voter Initiative” and provide an urgent report to Congress on its activities. Following reports of the launch of a vast “Unlawful Voter Initiative” at DHS, an anonymous DHS whistleblower has come forward with a disclosure reporting illegal, deceptive and reckless practices that the Trump Administration is undertaking ahead of the midterm elections. The disclosure alleges that DHS and USCIS leadership has abruptly diverted USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) immigration officers from their national security-related duties and directed them instead to use illegal procedures and questionable data to identify purported “unlawful voters,” and create federal law enforcement records against them, including naturalized U.S. citizens. The disclosure addressed to Senator Pa… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-leads-congressional-response-to-bombshell-dhs-whistleblower-disclosure-demands-trump-administration-stop-sham-unlawful-voter-investigation/ WATCH: Padilla Leads Congressional Response to Bombshell DHS Whistleblower Disclosure, Demands Trump Administration Stop Sham “Unlawful Voter” Investigation 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper New report reveals federal officers told to impersonate voters to access state voter websites, use unreliable “magic” data in effort to justify Trump Administration’s baseless voter fraud claims and undermine elections WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Immigration Subcommittee, called for immediate action and transparency from the Trump Administration following a bombshell whistleblower disclosure he received last week alleging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration officers to violate state laws as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. The disclosure, which was addressed to Padilla and made public today, details allegations that USCIS immigration officers have been directed to stop their regular national security and anti-fraud work, misrepresent themselves to access sensitive voter information, and rush to create potentially unreliable law enforcement records targeting American citizens in many cases. Key excerpts: Padilla laid out the whistleblower’s claims and warned that USCIS officers have been directed to find evidence of voter fraud, ultimately diverting agency resources: “They were directed to stop their national security screenings. They were directed to stop all the things that this Administration claims it cares about and instead go on a wild goose chase to find or manufacture evidence for the president’s conspiracy theories of widespread voter fraud. This, without question, is a terrible waste and misuse of agency resources. But, colleagues, it is actually so much more worse than that.” On the disclosure’s claim that USCIS officers misrepresent themselves to access sensitive and private voter data, as directed by agenc… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-durbin-and-senate-judiciary-democrats-in-scrutinizing-director-patels-decision-to-gut-bis-hiring-standards/ NEWS: Schiff Joins Durbin and Senate Judiciary Democrats in Scrutinizing Director Patel’s Decision to Gut BI’s Hiring Standards 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper In their letter to FBI Director Patel ahead of tomorrow’s oversight hearing, Senate Judiciary Democrats demand justification for the FBI’s recent decision to remove sex solicitation, bestiality, and theft from an employer from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications Washington, D.C. – Ahead of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel’s testimony in tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight on the agency, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and all other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in sending a letter to Director Patel demanding answers about the FBI’s recent decision to gut hiring standards. In June, the FBI reportedly revised their hiring policy to remove theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications; however, some of these changes may have been quietly implemented as early as February 2025. “We write to request a full accounting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) decision to gut hiring standards that have governed the FBI’s workforce for decades,” the lawmakers wrote. Under the new criteria, an applicant who paid for sex fewer than three times more than 10 years ago no longer faces automatic disqualification if they were not serving in positions the FBI deems of “public trust” at the time of the solicitation. Theft from a prior employer that occurred more than three years ago, and other extreme conduct, including a history of bestiality or animal cruelty that occurred prior to the applicant turning 18, is also no longer automatically disqualifying. As the lawmakers note in their letter, these are major adjustments to FBI eligibility requirements, opening up law enforcement positions to be filled by applicants with a history of significant misconduct. “These are not minor technical adjustments. They represent a considered decision to open the Bureau’s ranks to individuals… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-warren-padilla-blumenthal-demand-freedom-250-disclose-donations-raise-concerns-over-whether-organization-was-a-slush-fund-for-trump-corruption-pay-to-play-politics/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Warren, Padilla, Blumenthal Demand Freedom 250 Disclose Donations, Raise Concerns Over Whether Organization Was a Slush Fund for Trump Corruption, Pay-to-Play Politics 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Freedom 250 has received over $50 million from corporate sponsors, many of whom have ongoing business before the federal government “The American people deserve to know who has or will finance Freedom 250, how those funds are being or will be used, and whether the organization’s fundraising activities are creating financial conflicts of interest for President Trump or other administration officials.” Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in pressing Freedom 250 — the entity established by President Trump to plan and fund the widely panned 250th anniversary celebrations in Washington, D.C. — on whether it represented a slush fund for President Trump’s pay-to-play politics and demanded that the organization disclose its corporate donors. The Senators are requesting answers following the Freedom 250 celebrations this summer, including the Great American State Fair, the July 4 Celebrations, the Patriot Games, and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. In the letter, the senators expressed concerns that the secrecy surrounding Freedom 250’s corporate sponsors raised questions about how the organization was funded and whether donors received any favors or special treatment. New reports indicate that Freedom 250 has raised over $50 million from more than 20 corporate sponsors, many of whom have ongoing business with the federal government. “The lack of transparency in these donations makes it difficult for the public to determine whether donors may have received any favors or special treatment in exchange for their donations, concealing potential pay-to-play politics or even outright bribery,” wrote the Senators. Recent reporting also alleges that the President is personally involved in fundraising for his projects, including those organized with Freedom 250, and may be engaged in corrupt quid pro quo dealings. According to the Wall Street Journal, “Trump has been demanding large checks from companies for a r… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-with-ai-rapidly-advancing-washington-cannot-afford-to-sit-on-its-hands/ STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff: With AI Rapidly Advancing “Washington Cannot Afford to Sit on its Hands” 2026-09-13 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Senator Schiff released the following statement in response to recent AI news: “There’s been a lot of news and warnings this week about AI. And I think it’s fair to ask whether Congress is asleep at the wheel as we hurtle towards AGI and the unknown. “AI experts and industry executives are delivering a clear message — the risks of quickly evolving frontier AI pose serious threats to our safety and the future of our society. We must heed their call, and we can’t wait. “I’ve spent the last four years learning from experts, companies and researchers about AI, the threat it poses, and the promise it holds. Many of these companies and workers are in California, and I’ve been hearing about the existential threat to humankind for years. And I’ll be honest, I’m not sure everyone in Congress has been doing the same. I’m far from an expert, but this technology is improving and changing so fast that it’s incumbent on all of us to learn and understand the dangers. “AI undoubtedly holds great opportunity for scientific advancement and other innovation. However, we’ve seen harbingers of the threats that this technology holds as researchers and developers lose control of rogue collusive AI agents, and the technology is advancing far more rapidly than we originally assumed it would. It’s science fiction come to life. “The past decade has shown us what happens when Congressional inaction leaves private technology companies to regulate themselves. We failed on social media (and still are). We failed on foreign interference online. We cannot fail here. “Washington cannot afford to sit on its hands while our economy, national security and everyday lives are disrupted more rapidly than even AI labs themselves believed possible. I’ve put forth several bipartisan proposals to ensure Congress is keeping up with the state of this technology, and have many more that I’m working on. “I’m glad that the biggest AI companies are clamoring for regulation. One of the most promising suggestions has been to incorporate t… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-bennet-schiff-sound-alarm-on-lack-of-firefighting-resources-during-the-2026-wildfire-season/ Padilla, Bennet, Schiff, Sound Alarm on Lack of Firefighting Resources During the 2026 Wildfire Season 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper (both D-Colo.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), expressed serious concerns about the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) preparedness and ability to adequately respond to the 2026 fire season. California has faced severe wildfires this year, with more than 310,000 acres burned. In a letter to DOI Secretary Doug Bergum and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Senators highlighted the impacts that wildfires have had on communities throughout the 2026 fire season. “[…] Record-breaking high temperatures and historic drought have led to catastrophic fires across the West, destroying thousands of homes, wreaking havoc on the economies of rural communities, stressing the budgets of local governments, and leading to the loss of four wildland firefighters and two pilots,” wrote the Senators. Between July 18 and September 4, 2026, the national firefighting force was at preparedness level 5 with federal resources fully committed to combating wildland fires across the country. So far this year, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service has dedicated over $6 billion to fire suppression budget authority, spending nearly the entire fire suppression budget as of September 2, 2026. The West is expected to remain in peak fire season with hot, dry, and windy conditions for at least the next two months, raising concerns that federal wildfire resources and suppression funds could run out entirely. “In light of these concerns, the capacity of the federal government to sustain operations is critical,” continued the Senators. “We are concerned that the agencies simply do not have enough highly qualified personnel, Incident Management Teams, and supervisory staff to sustain operations. Our offices have received reports that teams have worked more fires than is safe, using temporary supervisory structures because fully qualified personnel are not available. We have also heard th… 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-25th-anniversary-of-september-11-attacks/ Padilla Statement on 25th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001: “Today, we remember and mourn the innocent lives lost twenty-five years ago during the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in our nation’s history. “We continue to stand with the families carrying the unimaginable grief of losing loved ones. We recognize the heroism and sacrifice of the many firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders who put their lives on the line. We remember the construction workers and countless others who worked tirelessly to rescue those they could, recover those who were lost, clear the rubble, and help New York rebuild – many at great cost to their own health. And we honor the Muslim and Sikh communities who faced bigotry and violence in the aftermath of the attacks because of their faith. “I had the solemn duty of serving as Acting Mayor of Los Angeles on September 11, 2001, and in the days that followed, I saw firsthand the fear and uncertainty that swept across our nation – a shadow that would linger over our daily lives for years to come. But I also witnessed the extraordinary outpouring of support, generosity, and compassion as we came together across race, religion, geography, and political party in common cause – all as Americans. “As we commemorate the lives lost and the sacrifices made twenty-five years later, we must remember that sense of unity and recommit ourselves to our shared values – compassion, courage, service, and the belief that together we can build a better world and a brighter future for all.” ### 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-and-scotts-doug-lamalfa-federal-disaster-tax-relief-certainty-act-signed-into-law/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff and Scott’s Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act Signed into Law 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, bipartisan, bicameral legislation by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act, was signed into law by President Donald Trump. The bill provides tax relief for victims of wildfires and other natural disasters and ensures victims of natural disasters have immediate access to tax relief for years to come. The bill also extends victims’ ability to receive tax deductible payments from wildfire settlements, which often happen many years after a disaster, through January 1, 2027. The bill was renamed last year to the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act to honor Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away in January of 2026. “Surviving a natural disaster can place an enormous financial burden on families. It is critical that we support victims of devastating disasters like the wildfires in California and across the country. That’s why I was proud to team up with Senator Rick Scott and Representatives Greg Steube, Mike Thompson and Jimmy Panetta to provide tax relief to the victims of natural disasters and why I am so grateful to see our bipartisan bill signed into law. We must ensure that those hit the hardest when disaster strikes receive the support and the tax relief they need to recover. And in seeing our bill become law, we affirm a vital part of the late Doug LaMalfa’s legacy,” said Senator Adam Schiff. “After disaster strikes, impacted Americans should be focused on rebuilding their lives and their communities – not surprise changes to their tax bills. After speaking with so many Americans in Florida and across the country impacted by natural disasters, including meeting Spencer Pratt at his burned-down home and touring the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, I knew we had to do something. Now that President Trump has signed this bill into law, I’m grateful to have worked with Spencer, Rep. Steube, and Sen. Schiff to ensure those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters … 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-statement-marking-25-years-since-september-11th-attacks/ STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff Statement Marking 25 Years Since September 11th Attacks 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) issued the following statement to mark 25 years since the September 11th attacks: “Today, we remember the 2,977 innocent lives tragically lost 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. We honor the heroism of the first responders, passengers, crews and countless volunteers who put their lives on the line for our country. And we pray for all those grieving loved ones lost on that terrible day and for those still dealing with its calamitous effects. “In the days following our nation’s darkest hours, millions of Americans – regardless of party – stood side-by-side in the face of violence and the threat of international terrorism. While the horrible actions of that day remain forever etched in our minds, so do the incredible acts of patriotism – from the first responders who, in the face of immeasurable loss, bravely ran towards the smoke and rubble to the thousands of volunteers who provided assistance and the generation of Americans who stepped up to serve their country. “On this solemn anniversary, we are reminded that America must remain unified and resilient in protecting our democracy, national security and fundamental freedoms.” ### 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-whitehouse-carbajal-lead-colleagues-in-filing-amicus-brief-challenging-trump-administrations-involvement-in-the-sable-offshore-pipeline-restart/ NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Whitehouse, Carbajal Lead Colleagues in Filing Amicus Brief Challenging Trump Administration’s Involvement in the Sable Offshore Pipeline Restart 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), along with U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), led 14 of their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in California v. Wright, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, to challenge the Trump Administration’s use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to facilitate the restart of the Sable Offshore oil pipeline system along California’s Central Coast. The brief argues that the Administration has failed to identify a legitimate national defense need for Sable’s crude oil and that the DPA order does not satisfy the statutory requirements for invoking this extraordinary authority. Sable produces crude oil — not finished fuels used by the military—and the order does not establish a connection between Sable’s production and an unmet military fuel requirement. “The idea that reopening a damaged pipeline on the Central Coast of California is somehow imperative to our national defense – when killing other renewable energy sources is just fine, when data centers are demanding new energy and we’re taking offline 90 to 95% of the new energy coming into the grid – tells you this has nothing to do with national security. It has nothing to do with your price at the pump. It only has to do with the president keeping a promise to the big oil companies, and we are all paying the price,” said Senator Schiff. “Californians have been clear: we don’t want oil infrastructure off our coast,” said Senator Padilla. “The Trump Administration is using a bogus justification to open our waters to their Big Oil donors, jeopardizing our environment and our economy. It’s corrupt, it’s dangerous, and I’ll do everything in my power to stop it.” Sable Offshore acquired the Santa Ynez Unit from ExxonMobil in 2024. The pipeline had been out of service since the 2015 Refugio oil spill. In March 2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the DPA and ordered Sable to restore pipeline opera… 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-continues-bipartisan-push-for-federal-film-tax-incentive-highlights-benefits-of-keeping-film-production-in-america/ WATCH: Sen. Schiff Continues Bipartisan Push for Federal Film Tax Incentive, Highlights Benefits of Keeping Film Production in America 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Burbank, CA – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson to discuss the latest developments in his push to secure a bipartisan film tax incentive following President Donald Trump’s endorsement of its passage. Schiff highlighted the tax incentive’s benefits, emphasizing how the drive for more production will increase job opportunities and economic development. The Senator emphasized his willingness to work across the aisle to make sure this legislation gets bipartisan support and is able to get passed to ensure the future of film production in America and all those who support it. View the full interview here. Key excerpts: On working to make this a bipartisan agreement: […] When I took this office, I said I’m going to try to do two things that are going to be in tension with each other. I’m going to try to get things done, and I’m going to try to fight any corruption, any attack on our democracy. Well, this is something we can get done. And just because it’s this president, if it’s a good idea, I’m not going to oppose it. In fact, I fully support this. As you know, I’ve been working for a federal tax credit for the film and television industry to bring these jobs back to California. And now I think we are very close to making that happen. On the parameters of a federal tax incentive: The basic plan would provide a 15, 20, or 25% tax credit for production that’s made in the United States for film or television. We’ve lost almost all the film industry; it’s gone overseas to Canada, to Britain, to New Zealand, elsewhere. This would help bring that back. We’ve lost a lot of television production as well. It would be overlaid on top of the state tax credits, and the cumulative amount would be equivalent to what other countries are offering. And we want to bring these jobs home. This has been the epicenter of that industry. It’s not just people working industry, but people work adjacent to the industry who are also deeply impacted. The restaurants, the caterers, the dry cl… 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schumer-lead-all-senate-democrats-to-urge-supreme-court-to-block-postal-service-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting/ Padilla, Schumer Lead All Senate Democrats to Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper 261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), along with Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, and Co-Chairs of the House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), led a bicameral amicus brief challenging the legality of President Trump’s Executive Order and U.S. Postal Service rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers and former lawmakers, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The court case challenges a final rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. “The law is clear: states and Congress have authority over our elections — not the President and certainly not the Postal Service. Protecting the right to vote-by-mail is critical to ensure every eligible voter can make their voices heard in the November midterm elections and in future elections,” said Senator Padilla. “Despite the Trump Administration’s attempts to eliminate vote… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-bunchs-decision-to-retire/ Padilla Statement on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch’s Decision to Retire 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement after Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III announced his decision to depart from the Smithsonian Institution: “Secretary Bunch has been instrumental in telling and preserving the story of our nation and our culture, putting truth and accuracy over politics. Since 2019, he has protected the Smithsonian’s long-standing mission of telling the full story of America, and not shying away from the challenges and injustices many have faced throughout our history. I have had the honor of working with Secretary Bunch to ensure the voices of all Americans are represented and uplifted in our museums. I commend him for his longstanding service to our country and I wish him the best in his retirement. “In the face of Donald Trump’s attacks on the Smithsonian, Secretary Bunch spoke truth to power and reasserted his commitment to defend and uphold American history and values. While I respect his decision to depart, the job now falls to the Board of Regents and Congress to ensure the success of his work will remain for generations to come. “While Trump continues to try to re-write history, I will continue to fight to defend the Smithsonian’s independence from Trump’s pressure campaign and political agenda. And I fully expect the Regents and my colleagues in Congress to do the same.” ### 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-whitehouse-schiff-carbajal-lead-colleagues-in-filing-amicus-brief-challenging-trump-administrations-involvement-in-the-sable-offshore-pipeline-restart/ Padilla, Whitehouse, Schiff, Carbajal Lead Colleagues in Filing Amicus Brief Challenging Trump Administration’s Involvement in the Sable Offshore Pipeline Restart 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), led 14 of their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in California v. Wright, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, to challenge the Trump Administration’s use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to facilitate the restart of the Sable Offshore oil pipeline system along California’s Central Coast. The brief argues that the Administration has failed to identify a legitimate national defense need for Sable’s crude oil and that the DPA order does not satisfy the statutory requirements for invoking this extraordinary authority. Sable produces crude oil — not finished fuels used by the military—and the order does not establish a connection between Sable’s production and an unmet military fuel requirement. “Californians have been clear: we don’t want oil infrastructure off our coast,” said Senator Padilla. “The Trump Administration is using a bogus justification to open our waters to their Big Oil donors, jeopardizing our environment and our economy. It’s corrupt, it’s dangerous, and I’ll do everything in my power to stop it.” Sable Offshore acquired the Santa Ynez Unit from ExxonMobil in 2024. The pipeline had been out of service since the 2015 Refugio oil spill. In March 2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the DPA and ordered Sable to restore pipeline operations. The brief argues that the Administration used national defense as a pretext to advance domestic energy policy and benefit a specific company. “This case is not about national defense. It is about a heavily leveraged, crude oil company asking the President to transform the Defense Production Act (DPA) from a statute designed to ‘assure the availability of domestic energy supplies for national defense ne… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-continues-push-for-federal-film-tax-incentive-breaks-down-upcoming-elections-on-abc7/ WATCH: Sen. Schiff Continues Push for Federal Film Tax Incentive, Breaks Down Upcoming Elections on ABC7 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Los Angeles, CA – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined ABC7 Los Angeles’ Josh Haskell to discuss his ongoing push to enact a bipartisan federal film tax incentive following President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post last week declaring support for the passage of a federal incentive. Schiff highlighted how federal film tax credits would create thousands of jobs and support local economic growth in California and across the country. The Senator also broke down efforts to disenfranchise voters which are being enacted ahead of the 2026 midterm election and outlined his agenda for safeguarding elections to ensure every American’s right to vote is protected ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. View the full interview here. Key Excerpts: On the importance of a federal film tax incentive: This is some rare, good news of bipartisan agreement in Congress. And that is, this is a fabulous industry. It brings a lot of good-paying jobs. It supports the local economy here in Burbank, Glendale. We have so much of the industry, and it’s great for people who work in the industry. But it’s also great for the dry cleaners. It’s great for the caterers and the wardrobe people, and it supports the entire economy. But we’re losing those jobs overseas because other countries have given tax incentives that we haven’t matched. Now, for the first time, there’s a lot of bipartisan interest in this, in getting a federal tax credit done. This is something I’ve been carrying for years and years and years and fighting for. And now we have this rare confluence where the president is for it, Democrats are for it, Republicans are for it. So, we actually have a chance now, finally, to get it done. On the administration’s voting restriction plans: […] They realize I think there’s going to be a major backlash against the tariffs, against the Iran war, against many of the president’s policies that have raised the cost of living for Americans, and they want to basically discourage people from voting. Their hope is to win the elec… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-welch-condemn-dojs-failure-to-vigorously-defend-fundamental-gun-violence-prevention-law/ Padilla, Welch Condemn DOJ’s Failure to Vigorously Defend Fundamental Gun Violence Prevention Law 2026-09-04 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led eleven colleagues in condemning the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s refusal to seek immediate appellate relief from a recent district court decision striking down key regulatory requirements of the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA). In a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators expressed serious concerns about DOJ’s failure to vigorously defend the NFA, a foundational federal gun violence prevention law that regulates some of the most dangerous concealable weapons in the country. “For months, DOJ has defended the NFA in court against legal challenges brought by the firearms industry, certain state attorneys general, and the gun lobby. But less than one week after you were confirmed as Attorney General, the Department appears to have reversed course,” wrote the Senators. “The Department’s failure to immediately pursue an appeal in support of the NFA calls into question statements you made to the United States Senate during your confirmation process and raises serious doubts about your willingness—and ability—to keep Americans safe.” Last month, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas held unconstitutional the NFA’s regulatory requirements for certain highly dangerous weapons. Although the court temporarily stayed its order to give DOJ time to seek immediate appellate relief, DOJ declined to do so, opting instead to let the court’s injunction take effect. “DOJ’s failure to seek immediate relief is profoundly concerning—for the integrity of the Department, the rule of law, and the public’s safety,” the Senators explained. “The Department has long recognized its ‘duty to defend the constitutionality of an Act of Congress whenever a reasonable argument can be made in its support.’ During your confirmation proceedings, you reiterated this precise principle—including in the specific context of the NFA.” The Senators went on to note that DOJ’s sudden r… 1 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-morelle-demand-dhs-restore-cybersecurity-funding-to-protect-state-and-local-election-offices/ Padilla, Morelle Demand DHS Restore Cybersecurity Funding to Protect State and Local Election Offices 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper DHS has failed to follow congressional direction to restore funding to help states with cyber threats, misinformation for 2026 midterms WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee, the top Democrats on the Senate and House congressional committees with jurisdiction over federal elections, demanded the Trump Administration immediately restore funding to the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), which helps state and local election officials protect federal elections from cybersecurity threats and election mis- and disinformation campaigns, and provide an update on the rehiring of critical election security staff in regions across the country. In a letter directed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Acting Director Nicholas Andersen, Padilla and Morelle highlighted the national security threats that underscore the importance of ensuring election cybersecurity safeguards for the upcoming midterm elections, including Trump’s war with Iran and recent reported cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. “Following the removal of hundreds of CISA personnel and attempts by the Trump Administration to slash the agency’s budget, CISA is only just now beginning to take steps to reestablish working relationships with election officials and rehire critical staff ahead of the 2026 midterms,” wrote Ranking Members Padilla and Morelle. “This is particularly disturbing at a time when our nation is at war with the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has reportedly engaged in sophisticated cybersecurity attacks, including on water infrastructure in the United States and nuclear energy facilities in the United Kingdom. Russia, China, and other foreign and non-state actors also have significant cyber and online election interference capabilitie… 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-nearly-150-million-in-federal-funding-for-la-metro-vermont-transit-corridor-bus-rapid-transit-project/ Padilla, Schiff Announce Nearly $150 Million in Federal Funding for LA Metro Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Project 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement that it is providing nearly $150 million in federal funds for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The federal funding, which Padilla and Schiff have championed, was provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and is the maximum amount permitted under the Capital Investment Grant’s Small Starts Program. The Vermont Avenue BRT Project will include 12.4 miles of all-day dedicated side-running bus lanes. The project will also provide 26 enhanced bus stations along the route with upgraded lighting to improve public safety, as well as installing safety-focused crosswalks. The Vermont Avenue BRT Project is a key component of LA Metro’s transportation plan for the 2028 Olympics and is expected to significantly reduce travel time on major transit corridors across Metro’s service area during the games. “Our local public transit systems are the backbone of economy, connecting people to jobs, schools, essential services, and opportunities in their communities,” said Senator Padilla. “As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we must ensure Angelenos and visitors alike can rely on safe, accessible, and high-quality public transportation. With the Games now less than two years away, this funding is an important down payment, and we look forward to working with DOT and the Administration to secure the remaining federal transportation investment essential to making the Games a success.” “I am proud to work with Senator Padilla, our Congressional partners, and local leaders in securing these important federal dollars that will help deliver safe, efficient, and reliable transportation for thousands of Angelenos ahead of the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Senator Schiff. “This investment will support local economic growth… 1 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-rep-aguilar-deliver-more-than-1-million-for-cal-state-san-bernardino-ai-research-center/ NEWS: Sen. Schiff, Rep. Aguilar Deliver More Than $1 Million For Cal State San Bernardino AI Research Center 2026-08-31 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper New investment in the Inland Empire is part of more than $258 million in federal funds Schiff delivered for California for fiscal year 2026 San Bernardino, CA – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33) announced that they delivered more than $1 million in federal funding for California State University, San Bernardino. The new investment will support the college completing the buildout and launch of The Applied Research Training Center in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Virtual Reality. This federal project will support a new hands-on facility, launched by Cal State San Bernardino with the support of industry partners and government agencies, which will expand on the college’s cybersecurity workforce development program and will incorporate AI-driven security solutions and VR-based training to cultivate a workforce pipeline positioned to navigate complexities around modern cybersecurity, supply chain, and logistics roles. Senator Schiff and Congressman Aguilar secured this federal investment as part of Congress’s fiscal year 2026 funding package, and funding is now being disbursed to the university. This investment is part of the more than $258 million in federal funds Schiff delivered for California for fiscal year 2026. “Cal State San Bernardino plays a critical role in preparing students in the Inland Empire for jobs of the future,” said Senator Schiff. “As artificial intelligence transforms our economy, this new research and training center will ensure students are ready to harness AI advancements as they enter the workforce. I’m proud that Congressman Aguilar and I delivered more than a million dollars toward making sure California students continue leading the way in the innovations of tomorrow.” “Here in the Inland Empire, it’s essential that we invest in innovative technology training to ensure that young people entering the workforce have the tools they need to succeed,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “I was proud to work with Senator Schiff to de… 1 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-colleagues-statement-opposing-israeli-governments-e1-settlement-tenders/ Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues Statement Opposing Israeli Government’s E1 Settlement Tenders 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Statement follows a joint effort with 45 Senators urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately crack down on settler violence and settler expansion in the West Bank WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and 27 Democratic colleagues, issued the following statement opposing the Israeli government’s decision to issue tenders for the construction of 1,234 housing units in the E1 settlement project: “Construction in the E1 area would sever East Jerusalem from major Palestinian population centers and make a viable contiguous Palestinian state under a two-state solution far harder to achieve. For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have recognized that development in E1 would seriously jeopardize the prospects for a Palestinian state. That concern remains just as urgent today. “At a time when settler violence — including violence against Palestinian Americans — is reaching unprecedented levels in the West Bank and severe restrictions continue to constrain Palestinian movement and the Palestinian economy, moving forward with construction in E1 risks further destabilizing the West Bank and making a negotiated resolution even more difficult. “We urge the Israeli government to immediately rescind these tenders, halt settlement expansion in the West Bank, and take urgent action to rein in settler violence. Without a change in course, Israel risks weakening its international standing and undermining its prospects for long-term security. We also urge the Trump administration to make full use of its existing authorities, including targeted sanctions on individuals and entities. “The United States must remain committed to a two-state solution that delivers lasting peace and security for both the Jewish, democratic State of Israel and for a future Palestinian state. Construction in E1 would take us further away from that goal.” In addition to Padilla, Schiff, and Gallego, the statement was issued by Senate Democratic … 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-six-costly-months-of-trumps-war-with-iran/ Padilla Statement on Six Costly Months of Trump’s War with Iran 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after Donald Trump’s war with Iran reached the 6-month mark: “Six months into Donald Trump’s unauthorized war against Iran, American families are less safe and paying the price through rising costs and their taxpayer dollars funding Trump’s reckless whims. Most tragically, 18 service members have died for Donald Trump’s shortsightedness. “This catastrophe is entirely of Donald Trump’s making. Prior to Trump entering office, Iran had agreed to limit its uranium enrichment through the JCPOA — which also included agreements with adversaries like Russia and China to help constrain Iran’s nuclear program. The Strait of Hormuz was open and free from Iranian control. Now, because of Trump’s incompetence, the opposite is true. Instead of enforcing checks on the Iranian regime, Russia and China are helping Iran sustain the war and the Strait of Hormuz is far from open. “This is a failed war from a failed president. American service members deserve better and the American people deserve better. Congress must rein in this out-of-control president.“ ### 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sens-schiff-padilla-cortez-masto-urge-trump-admin-to-abandon-reckless-plan-to-equip-ice-with-electric-shock-gloves/ ICYMI: Sens. Schiff, Padilla, Cortez Masto Urge Trump Admin to Abandon Reckless Plan to Equip ICE with Electric Shock Gloves 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Senate colleagues to call on the Trump Administration to abandon its reckless plan to outfit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks. Their letter also demands that ICE provide Congress with answers and documentation for over 30 questions about how these devices will be used, the protocol for using them, safety guardrails, accountability measures, and more. On August 10, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice concerning ICE’s planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., a glove designed to deliver a painful electric shock. The notice estimates the potential value of the acquisition between $10 million and $20 million. Despite opposition, on August 27, ICE moved forward with a $16.7 million no-bid contract for these gloves without providing Congress responses to questions. “We write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks,” the Senators began. “…The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency’s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause. Therefore, we urge ICE to cancel the contract and reconsider the purchase.” “The proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights,” the Senators continued. “Those questions are particularly important given the significant public scrutiny surrounding ICE’s excessive use of force. A device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests – even more so if… 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-call-for-official-investigation-into-ices-attempt-to-enter-sacramento-immigration-law-firm/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Call for Official Investigation into ICE’s Attempt to Enter Sacramento Immigration Law Firm 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, formally demanded an investigation into Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) recent attempt to enter an immigration law firm in Sacramento, California. “The reporting of this operation is alarming. ICE officers attempted to enter private property unlawfully, with one officer allegedly threatening to return in the early morning hours of the following day and break windows to enter the law firm’s premises. We request a thorough investigation into this operation, including a review of the officer’s conduct, threats made by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE personnel, and timely and comprehensive responses to our questions about ICE’s perceived authorities to conduct such actions,” the Senators wrote. In an inquiry directed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director David J. Ventulla, the lawmakers are pressing for answers on the purpose of ICE’s attempted entry onto Morris Law Group’s premises, on ICE failing to secure a judicial warrant prior to arriving at the firm, information about ICE’s policies to enter private property without warrants and on alleged threats of violence made by an ICE officer during their attempt to gain entry. The lawmakers also pushed back against DHS’s statement that ICE officers were not aware that this address was a law firm prior to their arrival, though the firm’s name was clearly legible on its premises. The Senators continued, “after months of significant community indignation, unanswered congressional oversight, and commitments from DHS Secretary Mullin at his nomination hearing that DHS “will not enter a home or a place of business without a judicial warrant, unless we’re pursuing the individual that runs into a place of business or a house,” DHS is again failing to comply with the law, its commitment to Congress, and its promise to the American peop… 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-call-for-official-investigation-into-ices-attempt-to-enter-sacramento-immigration-law-firm/ Padilla, Schiff Call for Official Investigation into ICE’s Attempt to Enter Sacramento Immigration Law Firm 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, formally demanded an investigation into Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) recent attempt to enter an immigration law firm in Sacramento, California. “The reporting of this operation is alarming. ICE officers attempted to enter private property unlawfully, with one officer allegedly threatening to return in the early morning hours of the following day and break windows to enter the law firm’s premises,” wrote the Senators. “We request a thorough investigation into this operation, including a review of the officer’s conduct, threats made by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE personnel, and timely and comprehensive responses to our questions about ICE’s perceived authorities to conduct such actions.” In their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David J. Venturella, the lawmakers pressed for answers on the purpose of ICE’s attempted entry onto Morris Law Group’s premises, ICE’s failure to secure a judicial warrant prior to arriving at the firm, information about ICE’s policies to enter private property without warrants, and on allegedthreats of violence made by an ICE officer during their attempt to gain entry. The lawmakers also pushed back against DHS’s statement that ICE officers were not aware that this address was a law firm prior to their arrival, given the firm’s name was clearly legible on its premises. “After months of significant community indignation, unanswered congressional oversight, and commitments from DHS Secretary Mullin at his nomination hearing that DHS ‘will not enter a home or a place of business without a judicial warrant, unless we’re pursuing the individual that runs into a place of business or a house,’ DHS is again failing to comply with the law, its commitment to Congress, and its promise to the American people,” co… 1 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-cortez-masto-urge-trump-administration-to-abandon-reckless-plan-to-equip-ice-with-electric-shock-gloves/ Padilla, Schiff, Cortez Masto Urge Trump Administration to Abandon Reckless Plan to Equip ICE with Electric Shock Gloves 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both-D-Calif) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and 13 other Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to abandon its reckless plan to outfit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks. Their letter also demanded that if ICE proceeds with this purchase, it must first provide Congress with answers and documentation to over 30 questions about how these devices will be used, the protocol for using them, safety guardrails, and accountability measures. On August 10, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice concerning ICE’s planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., a glove designed to deliver a painful electric shock. The notice estimates the potential value of the acquisition between $10 million and $20 million. Despite opposition, on August 27, ICE moved forward with a $16.7 million no-bid contract for these gloves without providing Congress responses to questions. “We write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks,” wrote the Senators. “…The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency’s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause. Therefore, we urge ICE to cancel the contract and reconsider the purchase.” “The proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights,” continued the Senators. “Those questions are particularly important given the significant public scrutiny surrounding ICE’s excessive use of force. A device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civ… 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-schumer-lead-condemnation-of-trump-admin-attempts-to-shield-communications-between-trump-and-private-advisers-block-congressional-oversight/ NEWS: Schiff, Schumer Lead Condemnation of Trump Admin Attempts to Shield Communications Between Trump and Private Advisers, Block Congressional Oversight 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Senators are pushing back against the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) opinion asserting that presidential executive privilege applies to communications between the President and his private, non-governmental advisers. In an inquiry to White House Counsel David Warrington, the lawmakers emphasize that OLC lacks the authority to override judicial precedent and unilaterally dictate the boundaries of congressional oversight as they attempt to shield communications involving the President and “private advisers.” “Extending this constitutional protection to private individuals — who hold no official government position, take no oath to support the Constitution, and are exempt from federal ethics and record-keeping laws — fundamentally distorts the intent of the executive privilege. Allowing the President to extend privilege to outside consultants or advisers creates an unchecked loophole through which private citizens can shape public policy without public, electoral, or congressional accountability,” the Senators wrote. “We are deeply concerned that the White House requested guidance pursuant to the August 10 OLC opinion with the intent of improperly withholding documents and instructing private individuals and non-governmental advisers to defy lawful congressional subpoenas and oversight inquiries, now and in the future. Such actions severely harm Congress’s ability to fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities and obstruct any public accountability,” the Senators continued. The Senators are requesting that the White House Counsel’s office confirm whether it will fully cooperate with all current or future constitutionally protected legislative inquiries, a detailed list of all private advisers OLC believes to be shielded under the opinion, and all communications in the White House Counsel’s Office and DOJ’s possession regarding the August 10 OLC opinion. In add… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-booker-blumenthal-demand-dhs-ice-halt-the-purchase-of-electric-shock-gloves/ Padilla, Booker, Blumenthal Demand DHS, ICE Halt the Purchase of Electric Shock Gloves 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately halt the planned purchase of electric shock gloves and demanded answers about the circumstances that led ICE to pursue the acquisition. According to an August 10 DHS acquisition forecast, ICE intends to spend up to $20 million through a sole-source, no-bid contract with Compliant Technologies, the manufacturer of the devices. The weapons, known as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters), are hand-worn electrical devices that deliver a painful shock upon contact. In their letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David J. Venturella, the Senators raised concerns about the safety of the devices, ICE’s record of excessive use of force, and the risks of outfitting untrained officers who operate with little to no accountability, with new weapons. “The manufacturer’s user manual warns that these electric shock weapons can cause sudden death or serious injury, along with physiological changes that increase the risk of elevated blood pressure, changes in blood chemistry, increased respiration and heart rates, changes in heart rhythm, and elevated adrenaline. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk,” wrote the Senators. “The manufacturer recommends avoiding their use on the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.” The Senators warned that the gloves could be deployed more easily than conventional electrical control weapons because an officer only needs to make hand contact and press a switch. They argued that ICE’s existing use-of-force record, combined with fatal shootings of civilians and inadequate training and oversight, raises additional concerns about deploying an untested weapon. They also raised conc… 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-king-and-colleagues-demand-department-of-education-reverse-unlawful-cuts-to-school-based-mental-health-services/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, King, and Colleagues Demand Department of Education Reverse Unlawful Cuts to School-Based Mental Health Services 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Angus King (I-Maine) are leading their colleagues in urging the Department of Education to disburse the funds abruptly and unlawfully canceled for School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs and halt its attempts to end the grant programs. Upon canceling over 200 of these grants in April 2025, the Trump administration attempted to justify their cuts to school-based mental health funding by claiming that grant programs promoted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and did not adhere to the administration’s policy priorities. The Senators push back against this false claim pointing to the significant impact to mental health staffing and resources that thousands of students relied on. “The Department’s recent actions create significant operational uncertainty for local school districts, interrupting student access to care and stalling the recruitment of future school-based mental health care professionals. These choices will increase the financial and administrative barriers to obtaining a quality education. We therefore demand that the Department disburse the funds grantees are contractually owed in a timely manner to ensure local school programs face no further disruption,” the Senators wrote in a new letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon. These grants – part of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – address the shortage of mental health professionals, social workers and services in our nation’s schools, especially those in rural and underserved areas. In California, 44 grantees saw their funding affected by these cuts. “Despite these grants’ clear effectiveness, the Department sent boilerplate notices in April 2025 to 70 SBMH and 153 MHSP recipients claiming that these grantees did not adhere to the Trump Administration’s priorities and policy preferences. The notices failed to provide specific, individualized explanations for why the grants… 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-democratic-colleagues-in-condemning-trump-administration-attempts-to-shield-communications-between-trump-and-private-advisers-from-congressional-oversight/ Padilla Joins Democratic Colleagues in Condemning Trump Administration Attempts to Shield Communications Between Trump and Private Advisers from Congressional Oversight 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and seven Democratic colleagues, pushed back against a recent opinion from the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) asserting that presidential executive privilege applies to communications between the President and his private, non-governmental advisers. In a letter sent to White House Counsel David Warrington, the Senators emphasized that OLC lacks the authority to override judicial precedent and unilaterally dictate the boundaries of congressional oversight as they attempt to shield communications involving the President and “private advisers.” “Extending this constitutional protection to private individuals — who hold no official government position, take no oath to support the Constitution, and are exempt from federal ethics and record-keeping laws — fundamentally distorts the intent of the executive privilege,” wrote the Senators. “Allowing the President to extend privilege to outside consultants or advisers creates an unchecked loophole through which private citizens can shape public policy without public, electoral, or congressional accountability.” “We are deeply concerned that the White House requested guidance pursuant to the August 10 OLC opinion with the intent of improperly withholding documents and instructing private individuals and non-governmental advisers to defy lawful congressional subpoenas and oversight inquiries, now and in the future,” continued the Senators. “Such actions severely harm Congress’s ability to fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities and obstruct any public accountability.” The Senators demanded that the White House Counsel’s Office confirm whether it will fully cooperate with all current or future congressional inquiries, and requested a detailed list of all private advisers OLC believes to be shielded under the opinion as well as all communications in the White House Counsel’s Office and DOJ’s possessio… 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-warner-demand-answers-from-prediction-market-companies-paying-influencers-spreading-election-disinformation/ Padilla, Warner Demand Answers from Prediction Market Companies Paying Influencers Spreading Election Disinformation 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Prediction market paid influencers have posted misinformation about elections under the label “paid partnership,” including in SAVE Act posts WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, demanded answers from the country’s largest prediction market platforms and urged them to take immediate action to protect election integrity ahead of this year’s midterm elections and end relationships with paid influencers on their platforms spreading election disinformation. In a letter to Polymarket and Kalshi, the Senators raised concerns regarding the platforms’ practice of paying online influencers who have spread false information, including claims that U.S. federal elections are subject to widespread fraud. “We are seriously alarmed that your marketing strategy includes paying numerous social media influencers willing to espouse unreliable information on elections,” wrote the Senators. “In doing so, we are concerned that your prediction market platforms may be subsidizing — and amplifying — social media influencers who echo President Trump’s baseless attacks and sow distrust in American elections. Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, we urge your platforms to reevaluate this practice, thoroughly vet your paid influencers election related activities, and immediately terminate any paid influencer relationships with individuals who undermine free and fair elections.” The Senators also highlighted the platforms’ ability to allow users to wager on government actions. They emphasized the role of paid Polymarket and Kalshi influencers in those wagers through spreading false claims of election fraud and ultimately undermining election integrity in their promoted social media posts. The Senators specifically flagged paid influencer posts about the anti-voter SAVE Act. “In July, a series of major social media influencers, including former Congressman Matt G… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-leader-schumer-sen-booker-lead-45-senators-in-urging-netanyahu-to-immediately-crack-down-on-settler-violence-in-west-bank-protect-u-s-citizens/ NEWS: Sen. Schiff, Leader Schumer, Sen. Booker, Lead 45 Senators in Urging Netanyahu to Immediately Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank, Protect U.S. Citizens 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators call for those responsible for violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, to be held accountable Washington, D.C. – Today, a broad group of 45 Senators led by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urged Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate actions to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. They also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years. “We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,” the Senators wrote in a letter signed by almost the entire Senate Democratic Caucus. The Senators warn that “continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel’s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously expressed their opposition to annexation of and violence in the West Bank, which the Israeli government has failed to address. “Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence,” the Senators concluded. Additionally, the Senators call for those responsi… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-join-democratic-colleagues-in-urging-netanyahu-to-immediately-crack-down-on-settler-violence-in-west-bank-protect-u-s-citizens/ Padilla, Schiff Join Democratic Colleagues in Urging Netanyahu to Immediately Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank, Protect U.S. Citizens 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and 41 other Democratic Senators in urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate actions to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. The Senators also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years. “We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,” wrote the Senators. “Many of us have previously expressed to President Trump that continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel’s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” continued the Senators. The Senators called for those responsible for such violent acts to be held accountable and investigated. The Senators also noted that President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have previously voiced opposition to West Bank annexation and violence, concerns they argued the Israeli government has yet to adequately address. “Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance,” concluded the Senators. “We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence.” In add… 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-joined-30th-annual-lake-tahoe-summit-underlined-bipartisan-progress-in-keeping-tahoe-blue/ ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Joined 30th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit, Underlined Bipartisan Progress in Keeping Tahoe Blue 2026-08-25 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper View the full Summit HERE Lake Tahoe, CA – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined the 30th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit where he highlighted key priorities to safeguard Lake Tahoe through supporting scientific research necessary to protect the lake, preserving the forests and supporting firefighters, protecting against invasive species and securing consistent and reliable funding for projects across the lake. “I will be working diligently with my colleagues to continue to bring resources back [to Lake Tahoe] to make sure that these brave firefighters have what they need to do the job and come home safely, that we continue to support all of the good scientific research that is necessary to protect the lake and that we make sure this remains a public-private, nonpartisan partnership for another 30 years,” said Senator Schiff at the Lake Tahoe Summit. U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) hosted the summit this year and U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.); U.S. Representatives Mark Amodei (R-Nev.-02) and Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.-06); Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo; and Chairman Serrell Smokey of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California were in attendance. Background: Senator Schiff hosted the 29th annual Lake Tahoe Summit, “Protecting Lake Tahoe: Balancing Sustainable Recreation and Conservation,” where he emphasized that protecting the environment, improving fire response, addressing the insurance crisis and balancing outdoor recreation and conservation are key priorities to help safeguard Lake Tahoe. The 29th Summit honored the legacy of former California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who created the Summit in 1997 with former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Most recently, Schiff, Rosen, Padilla, and Cortez Masto introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to deliver more funding to protect the Lake Tahoe Basin with no new costs to taxpayers. Schiff secured $2.2 million in federal funding for South Lake Tahoe projects that support critical infrastructure d… 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schiff-blumenthal-and-welch-demand-answers-after-dhs-pays-464-million-for-luxury-jets-and-airplanes-via-a-no-bid-contract-with-company-owned-by-prominent-trump-supporter/ Schiff, Blumenthal and Welch Demand Answers after DHS Pays $464 million for Luxury Jets and Airplanes via a No-bid Contract with Company Owned by Prominent Trump Supporter 2026-08-25 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), today demanded answers from Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Markwayne Mullin, about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In a letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. “Recent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three ‘luxury business jets’ and seven ‘Boeing 737 passenger jets,’ and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them. Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem’s tenure, contracting records indicate that the cost of the contract ‘increased by $303 million on the day that Mr. Mullin was sworn in as secretary,’” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “The apparent waste generated by idle, multi-million-dollar government assets belies the Department’s claim of urgency. To date, there is no public indication that any of these aircraft have ever been used for DHS’s claimed purpose of removing noncitizens from the United States. One of the luxury jets was leased to the FBI for use by Director Kash Patel who, in February 2026, incurred estimated costs of $75 million to fly to the Olympic Winter Games in Italy, using the same make of luxury aircraft as the one reportedly leased to the FBI.” The Senators continued, “DHS purchased the aircraft through a $464 million no-bid contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation (Daedalus), a Virginia-based company led by chairman William Walters…In fact, Mr. Walters has allegedly created ‘a web of companies,’ that subsequentl… 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-huffman-and-panetta-lead-california-lawmakers-in-push-to-end-politically-motivated-attack-on-californias-ability-to-protect-coastline/ NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Huffman, and Panetta Lead California Lawmakers in Push to End Politically Motivated Attack on California’s Ability to Protect Coastline 2026-08-21 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Lawmakers write: “Secretary Lutnick’s threat to revoke California’s program approval and Federal funding for failure to obediently comply with the Department’s prioritization of its favorite projects is contrary to 50 years of cooperative state and Federal relationships – and blatantly illegal.” Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19) are leading 29 colleagues in condemning the administration’s recent decision to initiate a formal review of California’s coastal management program under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) – emphasizing their ideologically driven intent to trample on states’ rights and jeopardize California’s shoreline. “This extraordinary federal review which singles out California is based upon a thinly veiled and non-evidential argument. It is an attempt to curb our state’s federally approved authority to evaluate offshore energy, infrastructure, and commercial activities. We ask that if you proceed with this review, you commit to respecting states’ rights and cooperative federalism as is consistent with the CZMA,” the lawmakers wrote in a new letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Neil Jacobs. The CZMA authorizes California’s ability to preserve and manage its coastline – giving the state the power to review and approve of projects impacting the coastal zone in coordination with the federal government. For 50 years, California and NOAA have successfully worked together to mitigate the effects of coastal projects on California’s coastal ecosystems and economy. The lawmakers rebut U.S. Department of Commerce’s Howard Lutnick’s claim that “California has repeatedly obstructed spaceport development in bad faith,” and that California’s objections were “unfounded.” “Complementing this strong record is the reality that California is the world’s fourth largest economy, home to Silicon Valley, 400 unicorn startups, unmatched hig… 1 2026-08-23T05:27:15Z 2026-08-23T05:29:02Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-huffman-panetta-lead-california-lawmakers-in-push-to-end-politically-motivated-attack-on-californias-coastline-protections/ Padilla, Schiff, Huffman, Panetta Lead California Lawmakers in Push to End Politically Motivated Attack on California’s Coastline Protections 2026-08-21 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), led 29 colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s recent decision to initiate a formal review of California’s coastal management program under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). In the letter, they warned that the politically-motivated review threatens California’s authority to protect its coastline and manage responsible coastal development. The CZMA gives California a federally approved role in preserving and managing its coastline, including reviewing and approving projects impacting the coastal zone in coordination with the federal government. “This extraordinary federal review which singles out California is based upon a thinly veiled and non-evidential argument,” wrote the lawmakers. “It is an attempt to curb our state’s federally approved authority to evaluate offshore energy, infrastructure, and commercial activities. We ask that if you proceed with this review, you commit to respecting states’ rights and cooperative federalism as is consistent with the CZMA.” In the letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Neil Jacobs, the lawmakers emphasized that for 50 years, California and NOAA have successfully worked together to mitigate the effects of coastal projects on California’s coastal ecosystems and economy. The lawmakers rebut U.S. Department of Commerce’s Howard Lutnick’s claim that “California has repeatedly obstructed spaceport development in bad faith,” and that California’s objections were “unfounded.” “Complementing this strong record is the reality that California is the world’s fourth largest economy, home to Silicon Valley, 400 unicorn startups, unmatched high-tech enterprise, world-renowned research institutions,” continued the lawmakers. “California’s global leadership in research and innovation supports a coastal economy that attracts visitors and entrepreneurs f… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-cosponsors-bicameral-bill-protecting-domestic-violence-survivors-from-gun-violence/ Padilla Cosponsors Bicameral Bill Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors from Gun Violence 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04) in introducing the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows domestic abusers to legally obtain weapons. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act restricts those under temporary restraining orders from purchasing or possessing a firearm and extends protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners. The bill is named in memory of Lori Jackson, a Connecticut mother who was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband who had legally obtained a handgun even though he was subject to a temporary restraining order, and Nicolette Elias, a Connecticut mother who, despite securing restraining orders and temporary stalking orders against her estranged and abusive ex-husband, was murdered by her former spouse in front of their children with a handgun that he refused to relinquish. “Denying a domestic abuser access to a gun is one of the most obvious, common-sense steps we can take to protect survivors,” said Senator Padilla. “This bill would address a deadly loophole, reduce dangerous domestic violence incidents, and most importantly, save lives.” “This legislation closes a gaping loophole—to save lives when current law leaves domestic abuse victims most vulnerable to violent partners with guns,” said Senator Blumenthal. “The link between domestic violence and guns is deadly. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would prevent the purchase and possession of a firearm by someone who is subject to a temporary restraining order—protecting survivors of domestic violence when courts recognize the danger.” “Keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers is commonsense,” said Senator Wyden. “It’s past time to help end the cycle of gun violence a… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-senate-democrats-sound-alarm-on-trump-administration-attacks-on-unaccompanied-childrens-legal-representation/ Padilla, Senate Democrats Sound Alarm on Trump Administration Attacks on Unaccompanied Children’s Legal Representation 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) sounded the alarm on the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attacks on legal services for unaccompanied children, requesting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General (IG) conduct a full investigation into the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) process for entering into agreements for legal services and how it plans to ensure children are adequately represented. In a letter to the HHS Inspector General, the Senators raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s continued attempts to undermine essential legal services for unaccompanied children. “On July 31, 2026, after a year and a half of repeated attempts to gut legal services for unaccompanied children, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) allowed contracts for the provision of these services to expire. The agency appeared to have no clear plan to ensure that the over 25,000 children impacted by this expiration would have lawyers in their deportation proceedings,” wrote the Senators. “Instead, ORR has since hastily attempted to award contracts for legal services to political allies of the Trump Administration with few, if any, qualifications to provide such services—all amid a push by the Administration to deport these children. In addition, ORR appears to have provided sensitive personal information about children to new representation without any consultation with current counsel or the children themselves. This has led to a full blown crisis for vulnerable children, who should not have to represent themselves in deportation proceedings. We write to request that you immediately initiate an investigation into whether funds appropriated for legal services to unaccompanied children have been implemented in a manner that meets ORR’s legal obligations.” “Congress… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-ruiz-push-back-against-trump-administration-efforts-to-abandon-new-river-and-imperial-county-wastewater-infrastructure-projects/ Padilla, Schiff, Ruiz Push Back Against Trump Administration Efforts to Abandon New River and Imperial County Wastewater Infrastructure Projects 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) pushed back against a new proposal to deauthorize environmental infrastructure projects for the New River and Imperial County. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, the lawmakers warned that these rollbacks could have serious consequences for surrounding California communities and the environment. The lawmakers criticized the Army Corps of Engineers’ new proposal, emphasizing that these projects do not meet the Corps’ criteria for deauthorization and highlighting the significant public health issues that the projects’ funding could address. “There remains an urgent public purpose for the New River and Imperial County authorizations, given that an estimated 60 million gallons of water flow through the New River into the United States at Calexico each day, and recent border monitoring has documented pollutants and water quality indicators including fecal coliform, ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand, arsenic, and selenium,” wrote the lawmakers. “The urgency of this problem has also generated significant local non-federal support and consideration of additional federal support for actions to remedy the public health impacts.” New River and Imperial County have been authorized $20 million in federal funding for wastewater infrastructure to improve water quality and address environmental and public health issues caused by contaminated water flowing through southern Calexico. “For residents of Calexico, this is a direct environmental threat and public health crisis. Communities live, work, and attend school near the New River and are exposed to the conditions surrounding it every day,” continued the lawmakers. “Air quality surrounding the New River remains a serious public health concern. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns can affect the respiratory and nervous systems, has been … 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-slam-shasta-county-plans-to-hire-election-denier-urge-california-sos-to-conduct-maximum-oversight-of-access-to-sensitive-election-materials/ Padilla, Schiff Slam Shasta County Plans to Hire Election-Denier, Urge California SOS to Conduct Maximum Oversight of Access to Sensitive Election Materials 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), sent a letter to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber expressing deep concern regarding Shasta County Registrar of Voters’ announcement to hire convicted former Mesa County, Colorado Clerk Tina Peters as a senior advisor and urged her office to conduct maximum oversight of Peters’ access to sensitive election materials. The letter also copied the Shasta County Board of Supervisors. “Peters, the former County Clerk for Mesa, Colorado, was convicted on seven separate criminal charges, including four felonies, for participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election,” the Senators wrote. “We are concerned that this hiring decision in Shasta County has less to do with Ms. Peters’ qualifications, and more to do with the President’s obsession with interfering in the midterm elections – having suggested a need to ‘take over the voting’ by installing individuals who would put the President’s agenda above following the law, and his fixation on passage of the SAVE Act, which would create significant barriers to the ballot for millions of Americans.” The Senators highlighted Shasta County Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis’ comments that he is planning to hire Peters “to assist us with making sure the FBI and DHS can test the ballots for authenticity.” “The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security have no role in the administration of elections, and this statement indicates the potential for violations of California and/or federal election laws. Following the FBI’s unjustified raid on Fulton County, Georgia’s election offices and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s illegal seizure of ballots last year, and Ms. Peters’ own record, the California Secretary of State’s office must take this situation seriously,” the Senators continued. “If county officials proceed with this m… 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-says-trump-owns-status-quo-while-democrats-are-focused-on-affordability-at-politico-california-summit/ ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Says Trump Owns “Status Quo” While Democrats Are Focused on Affordability at POLITICO California Summit 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Sacramento, CA – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) spoke at the POLITICO California Summit on his priorities for tackling the affordability crisis, including by addressing the housing shortage. Schiff also emphasized that Democrats should continue pushing a legislative agenda that focuses on making our economy work for all Americans. Schiff, in conversation with POLITICO’s Dasha Burns, highlighted how Trump and Republicans represent the failed status quo as Americans are facing higher prices on their watch as a result. View the full interview here. Key Excerpts: On Republicans and President Trump owning the status quo: […] Donald Trump, Mike Johnson represent an ugly status quo. A status quo in which people can’t afford the price of gasoline, they can’t afford the price of housing, they can’t afford childcare. We’re involved in yet another foreign war that the president doesn’t know what to do about. They are the status quo. And much as they try to change the topic and make a handful of Democrats the subject, I don’t think it’s going to work because people are asking themselves, “Is my life better? Did the president and Republicans keep their word?” And the answer is no. The president promised he would keep us out of foreign wars. He promised he would address rising prices. And what has he done? In addition to getting us involved in this terrible war, he has told the country that the cost-of-living affordability is a hoax. On building an economy that works for everyone as AI transforms the economy: […] What most Americans really have on their minds, and that is, they’re working their ass off, and they’re still struggling to get by. They feel very little security in their retirement. They are afraid of getting sick because their health insurance isn’t going to cut it. They are terrified. […] We are in the midst of another transformation. I think it is the fault of policymakers that we have not adapted to a workplace that is so different than the workplace my parents worked in. Whe… 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-and-ruiz-push-back-against-trump-administration-efforts-to-abandon-new-river-and-imperial-county-wastewater-infrastructure-projects/ NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, and Ruiz Push Back Against Trump Administration Efforts to Abandon New River and Imperial County Wastewater Infrastructure Projects 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) pushed back against a new proposal to deauthorize environmental infrastructure projects for the New River and Imperial County. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, the lawmakers warned that these rollbacks could have serious consequences for surrounding California communities and the environment. The lawmakers criticized the Army Corps of Engineers’ new proposal, emphasizing that these projects do not meet the Corps’ criteria for deauthorization and highlighting the significant public health issues that the projects’ funding could address. “There remains an urgent public purpose for the New River and Imperial County authorizations, given that an estimated 60 million gallons of water flow through the New River into the United States at Calexico each day, and recent border monitoring has documented pollutants and water quality indicators including fecal coliform, ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand, arsenic, and selenium,” wrote the lawmakers. “The urgency of this problem has also generated significant local non-federal support and consideration of additional federal support for actions to remedy the public health impacts.” New River and Imperial County have been authorized $20 million in federal funding for wastewater infrastructure to improve water quality and address environmental and public health issues caused by contaminated water flowing through southern Calexico. “For residents of Calexico, this is a direct environmental threat and public health crisis. Communities live, work, and attend school near the New River and are exposed to the conditions surrounding it every day,” continued the lawmakers. “Air quality surrounding the New River remains a serious public health concern. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns can affect the respiratory and nervous systems, has been … 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-slam-shasta-county-plans-to-hire-election-denier-urge-california-sos-to-conduct-maximum-oversight-of-access-to-sensitive-election-materials/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Slam Shasta County Plans to Hire Election-Denier, Urge California SOS to Conduct Maximum Oversight of Access to Sensitive Election Materials 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), sent a letter to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber expressing deep concern regarding Shasta County Registrar of Voters’ announcement to hire convicted former Mesa County, Colorado Clerk Tina Peters as a senior advisor and urged her office to conduct maximum oversight of Peters’ access to sensitive election materials. The letter also copied the Shasta County Board of Supervisors. “Peters, the former County Clerk for Mesa, Colorado, was convicted on seven separate criminal charges, including four felonies, for participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election,” the Senators wrote. “We are concerned that this hiring decision in Shasta County has less to do with Ms. Peters’ qualifications, and more to do with the President’s obsession with interfering in the midterm elections – having suggested a need to ‘take over the voting’ by installing individuals who would put the President’s agenda above following the law, and his fixation on passage of the SAVE Act, which would create significant barriers to the ballot for millions of Americans.” The Senators highlighted Shasta County Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis’ comments that he is planning to hire Peters “to assist us with making sure the FBI and DHS can test the ballots for authenticity.” “The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security have no role in the administration of elections, and this statement indicates the potential for violations of California and/or federal election laws. Following the FBI’s unjustified raid on Fulton County, Georgia’s election offices and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s illegal seizure of ballots last year, and Ms. Peters’ own record, the California Secretary of State’s office must take this situation seriously,” the Senators continued. “If county officials proceed with this misguided plan, we request that you provide the maximum oversight possible to ensure… 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-brownley-sherman-urge-fema-to-provide-answers-on-delay-to-release-millions-in-federal-funding-for-wildfire-emergency-preparedness-project-in-los-angeles-county/ Padilla, Schiff, Brownley, Sherman Urge FEMA to Provide Answers on Delay to Release Millions in Federal Funding for Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Project in Los Angeles County 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and U.S. Representatives Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32) urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly release more than $4 million in federal funding for the Encinal Canyon Road Emergency Interconnection Project. This project is essential for protecting the flow of fire hydrants and building connections during firefighting operations in the western Malibu community. Malibu was among the cities impacted by the Palisades fire in January 2025. The Los Angeles County was selected for $4,893,885 in FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) award in December 2024 to support construction. However, the project has been significantly delayed due to FEMA’s prolonged processing of the award. The project would provide an urgently needed alternative water source during emergencies, system disruptions, or supply shortages. Any failure to complete this project could jeopardize potable water and fire protection for up to 23,000 residents. “The issuance of this grant is essential to strengthen critical infrastructure and ensure the community remains resilient in the face of increasing risk of natural disasters” the lawmakers wrote. Padilla has worked tirelessly to deliver federal support in the wake of the LA fires. Yesterday, Padilla convened a roundtable with California leaders to sound the alarm about the Trump Administration’s withholding of federal disaster funding. Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously passed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act, which included a version of Padilla’s Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act to extend tax relief for wildfire victims. In July, Padilla blasted the Trump Administration for Trump’s supplemental funding request that did not include disaster aid funding for communities to rebuild and recover following natural disasters across the country. Full letter is available here and below: Dear Administrator Hamilton… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-california-leaders-sound-alarm-as-trump-administration-cuts-billions-in-federal-funding/ Padilla, California Leaders Sound Alarm as Trump Administration Cuts Billions in Federal Funding 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper SACRAMENTO, CA — As the Trump Administration moves to slash federal funding and rewrite longstanding grant programs, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) convened California leaders to sound the alarm about the consequences for communities across the state. The roundtable included a discussion among leaders from California universities, nonprofits, childcare, food banks, immigrant-serving organizations, and philanthropy. In California alone, the Trump Administration has cancelled $7.6 billion in clean energy funding, withdrawn nearly $2 billion in research funding, and continues to withhold overdue disaster relief funding for communities impacted by wildfires. New changes to federal grantmaking and regulations could put even more funding — and the essential services that depend on it — at risk. “The Trump Administration is ripping away billions of dollars that California communities rely on to keep people safe, housed, fed and healthy,” said Senator Padilla. “These are not abstract budget numbers. It means childcare providers struggling to stay open, food banks facing greater demand, researchers losing support, and disaster survivors waiting for the resources they need to rebuild. I’m grateful to the leaders on the front lines who are fighting back, and I will continue doing my part in Congress to protect the critical programs that Californians depend on.” Padilla’s roundtable featured a discussion about how interruptions or restrictions in federal funding could impact basic needs, public education, housing, healthcare, childcare, and immigrant and marginalized communities. The roundtable also highlighted the need for continued coordination and preparedness as organizations navigate an increasingly uncertain federal funding environment. Padilla and California leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration among philanthropy, nonprofits, public institutions, and government to keep essential services running and protect vulnerable communities. In addition to Padilla, the roundtable featured remarks from the… 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-in-new-sacramento-bee-op-ed-sen-schiff-calls-for-new-guardrails-on-fraudulent-ai-use-ad-transparency-in-political-campaigning/ ICYMI: In New Sacramento Bee Op-Ed, Sen. Schiff Calls for New Guardrails on Fraudulent AI Use, Ad Transparency in Political Campaigning 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) penned an op-ed in The Sacramento Bee on how California’s recent primary elections should serve as a warning sign on the proliferation of AI-generated political campaign advertising, as well as political ads posted by paid influencers. In the piece, Senator Schiff asserts that current guardrails around campaign advertisements are not keeping up with the changing landscape of technology-empowered political speech, and he lays out his remedy to the problem. Schiff recently introduced two bills, the AI Ads Act to tamp down on fraudulent AI-generated campaign ads, and the PAID Act to require influencers to publicly disclose when they’re paid to post by a candidate or political committee. “We count on voters to make sense of political speech, to evaluate it and to make their decisions at the ballot box. But what happens when the line between fact and fiction is so obscured by modern technology that Americans are not able to believe their own eyes or ears? When voters cannot determine who put out such statements, who is paying for them and who is soliciting their contributions? Current legislation around campaign advertisements is not keeping up with the changing landscape of technology-empowered political speech,” wrote the Senator. Read the full op-ed here and below: The Sacramento Bee: Sen. Adam Schiff explains bills aimed at combating deepfakes, paid ads By: U.S. Senator Adam Schiff This election season, California has seen an onslaught of campaign advertising made possible by artificial intelligence and a growing influencer economy. Some of it is clever, creative and ingenious. But some of it is just plain fraudulent. Political ads have cropped up showing completely AI-generated scenes. Viral online videos can now utilize a candidates’ name, image, voice and likeness to parody their positions, or to blatantly misrepresent the content as coming from their opponents. Online influencers have found a growing niche in the ability to reach the voters wh… 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-tours-rice-paddy-farm-in-yuba-city-highlights-2026-farm-bill-priorities/ ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Tours Rice Paddy Farm in Yuba City, Highlights 2026 Farm Bill Priorities 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Sutter County, CA – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, visited and toured the rice crops of Montna Farms in California’s Sacramento Valley. California is the second largest rice-producing state. Schiff, the first California Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in over 30 years, discussed with farmers his priorities for the 2026 Farm Bill, including his support for California specialty crop farmers and expanding access to CalFresh and other nutrition programs. View the photos from the visit below: ### 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-reps-brownley-sherman-urge-fema-to-provide-answers-on-delay-to-release-millions-in-federal-funding-for-wildfire-emergency-preparedness-project-in-los-angeles-county/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla, Reps. Brownley, Sherman Urge FEMA to Provide Answers on Delay to Release Millions in Federal Funding for Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Project in Los Angeles County 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), and U.S. Representatives Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32) urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly release more than $4 million in federal funding for the Encinal Canyon Road Emergency Interconnection Project. This project is essential for protecting the flow of fire hydrants and building connections during firefighting operations in the western Malibu community. Malibu was among the cities impacted by the Palisades fire in January 2025. The Los Angeles County was selected for $4,893,885 in FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) award in December 2024 to support construction. However, the project has been significantly delayed due to FEMA’s prolonged processing of the award. The project would provide an urgently needed alternative water source during emergencies, system disruptions, or supply shortages. Any failure to complete this project could jeopardize potable water and fire protection for up to 23,000 residents. “The issuance of this grant is essential to strengthen critical infrastructure and ensure the community remains resilient in the face of increasing risk of natural disasters” the lawmakers wrote. Background: Schiff has led multiple efforts to support communities impacted by natural disasters and to protect them from future disasters. He’s continued calling out the refusal of the Trump administration to provide overdue disaster relief funding for California, more than a year and half past due for communities impacted by Eaton and Palisades fires. The first bill Schiff introduced in the Senate was legislation promoting community resilience to natural disasters through the creation of a new federal tax credit to incentivize home hardening. He’s also authored legislation to stabilize prices for homeowners’ insurance, to grant mortgage relief for disaster survivors, has joined bipartisan legislation to exempt from federal taxes the rebates homeowners receive when pro… 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-over-150-million-to-upgrade-amtraks-pacific-surfliner-route/ Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $150 Million to Upgrade Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Route 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route will receive over $150 million in federal grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) program. The Department of Transportation (DOT) grant is designed to improve railroad performance, expand passenger rail service, and provide more reliable connectivity and safety. “I’m proud to announce more than $150 million in federal funding for Amtrak — an investment in the reliable, affordable rail service Californians count on,” said Senator Padilla. “Reliable rail service means good jobs, less gridlock, and better transportation options for Californians.” “I am proud to help deliver over $150 million in new safety and modernization upgrades across our Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route to improve pedestrian access,” said Senator Schiff. “From extending pedestrian underpasses to increasing reliability, this essential investment will improve safety, efficiency, and reduce travel times for Californians – making travel seamless and keeping pedestrians safe.” New grants announced are: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)’s will receive $124,429,778 to support a new double track segment, bridge replacement, realigning pedestrian access to a bike path, extending a pedestrian underpass, and rail crossing safety upgrades in the City of Oceanside, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and other cities along infrastructure owned by North County Transit District. This project is part of a larger effort to double-track the entire San Diego subdivision of the LOSSAN Corridor. City of Encinitas will receive $33,600,000 to help install new vehicle and pedestrian gates at three existing crossings, close one pedestrian crossing, construct two new pedestrian and bicycle at-grade crossings, and construct a new pedestrian and bicycle undercrossing. Last week, Padilla and Schiff joined their colleagues in demanding the Trump Ad… 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-san-diego-congressional-delegation-demand-answers-surrounding-the-extended-deployment-of-uss-abraham-lincoln/ Padilla, Schiff, San Diego Congressional Delegation Demand Answers Surrounding the Extended Deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51) in a letter to the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request information regarding the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3)’s extended deployment. The ships departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, and continued to be deployed well beyond their originally anticipated return, including more than 200 consecutive days at sea. “We write to request that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) undertake an independent review of the processes, rationale, and decisions surrounding the extended deployment of the San Diego-homeported USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3) and the lessons being applied as the USS George Washington moves to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln,” wrote the lawmakers. “Credible reports of food shortages, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of other essential supplies demonstrate a jarring vulnerability in the necessary sustainment system supporting the strike group,” continued the lawmakers. “An independent review would identify where replenishment capacity and logistics routing failed to meet the demands placed on our servicemembers. There are also credible reports about deteriorating mental health among servicemembers and a lack of responsiveness to such risks by DoD leadership.” The unusually long deployment period and intense combat operations will increase maintenance requirements, which will compromise readiness at a time when we need to be buttressing our presence in the Pacific. The lawmakers requested that the OIG respond to the following questions and provide recommendations for improvement: Did the U.S. Navy’s sustainment operations provide effective support to Carrier Strike Group 3? What process failures led to the reported shortages? Were Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equi… 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-announce-over-150-million-to-upgrade-amtraks-pacific-surfliner-route/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Announce Over $150 Million to Upgrade Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Route 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Federal funding will support safety improvements, extend pedestrian crossings, and implement other infrastructure upgrades across the rail route to ensure pedestrian safety Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route will receive over $150 million in federal grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) program. This Department of Transportation (DOT) grant is designed to improve railroad performance, expand passenger rail service, and provide more reliable connectivity and safety. “I am proud to help deliver over $150 million in new safety and modernization upgrades across our Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route to improve pedestrian access. From extending pedestrian underpasses to increasing reliability, this essential investment will improve safety, efficiency, and reduce travel times for Californians – making travel seamless and keeping pedestrians safe,” said Senator Schiff. “I’m proud to announce more than $150 million in federal funding for Amtrak — an investment in the reliable, affordable rail service Californians count on,” said Senator Padilla. “Reliable rail service means good jobs, less gridlock, and better transportation options for Californians.” New grants announced are: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)’s will receive $124,429,778 to support a new double track segment, bridge replacement, realigning pedestrian access to a bike path, extending a pedestrian underpass, and rail crossing safety upgrades in the City of Oceanside, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and other cities along infrastructure owned by North County Transit District. This project is part of a larger effort to double-track the entire San Diego subdivision of the LOSSAN Corridor. City of Encinitas will receive $33,600,000 to help install new vehicle and pedestrian gates at three existing crossings, close one pedestrian crossing, construct two new pedestria… 1 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-announce-over-42-million-to-upgrade-amtraks-gold-runner-route-in-kern-county/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Announce Over $42 Million to Upgrade Amtrak’s Gold Runner Route in Kern County 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Federal funding will support safety improvements, extend pedestrian crossings, and other infrastructure upgrades across the rail route to ensure pedestrian safety Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak’s Pacific Gold Runner route will receive over $42 million in grant funding from the Federal Rail Administrations (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) program. This Department of Transportation (DOT) grant is designed to improve railroad performance, expand passenger rail service, and provide more reliable connectivity and safety. “I am proud to help deliver over $42 million in new safety and modernization upgrades across our Amtrak Gold Runner route to improve passenger experience and expand accessibility. This federal funding will ensure safety between the rail route and pedestrian and vehicle access,” said Senator Schiff. “I’m proud to help deliver this critical funding to support California’s economy and commuters alike,” said Senator Padilla. “Modernizing our railways will help cut carbon emissions, strengthen our economy, and keep commuters and goods moving safely.” The $42,963,200 will support upgrades at the Cherry Avenue Grade Separation to construct an overpass over both a freight and intercity passenger rail corridor and a major regional arterial roadway. Background: Senators and Schiff and Padilla have been strong advocates for investments in California transportation infrastructure and have fought against the Trump administration’s harmful intentional delays on transportation projects. Most recently, Schiff and Padilla announced over $53 million from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to repair highways and roads across California. Schiff and Padilla also joined their colleagues in demanding the Trump administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded by the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. ### 1 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-san-diego-congressional-delegation-demand-answers-surrounding-the-extended-deployment-of-uss-abraham-lincoln/ NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla & San Diego Congressional Delegation Demand Answers Surrounding the Extended Deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CA Adam B. Schiff S001150 www.schiff.senate.gov schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51) in a letter to the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request information regarding the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3)’s extended deployment. The ships departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, and continue to be deployed well beyond their originally anticipated return, including more than 200 consecutive days at sea. San Diegans understand better than most the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make. The crew aboard the USS Lincoln deserve better than the horrific conditions in which they continue to operate, and their families deserve answers about when then they’ll come home. In the letter, the lawmakers press the Inspector General to “undertake an independent review of the processes, rationale, and decisions surrounding the extended deployment of the San Diego-homeported USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3).” They write, “credible reports of food shortages, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of other essential supplies demonstrate a jarring vulnerability in the necessary sustainment system supporting the strike group. An independent review would identify where replenishment capacity and logistics routing failed to meet the demands placed on our servicemembers.” The unusually long deployment period and intense combat operations will increase maintenance requirements, which will compromise readiness at a time when we need to be buttressing our presence in the Pacific. The lawmakers requested that the OIG respond to the following questions and provide recommendations for improvement: Did the U.S. Navy’s sustainment operations provide effective support to Carrier Strike Group 3? What process failures led to the reported shortages? Were Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for … 1 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z

Next page

Advanced export

JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 2035.288ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press