Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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275 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Democrat" and state = "DE" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-protect-college-sports-act/ | Senator Coons statement on Senate passage of the Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), an original co-sponsor of the Protect College Sports Act, released the following statement after the Senate voted 77-22 on the bill’s final passage this evening: “College sports are in crisis, and I’m grateful to Senators Cantwell and Cruz for leading this bipartisan effort to save them. Their hard work negotiating with colleges and universities, HBCUs, the NCAA, unions, trial lawyers, players, and others has created a badly needed bill that is a win for student-athletes, schools, and fans. Today’s resounding, bipartisan vote for final passage that won the support of a majority of my Democratic colleagues is proof of their success. “No matter which school they attend or what sport they play, this bill will protect the education, health, and compensation rights of all 550,000 NCAA student-athletes. It keeps college sports from collapsing and leaves student-athletes better off than before. I want to thank my colleagues for taking up and passing this bill so swiftly, and I urge the House to do the same.” | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-tillis-blackburn-schiff-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-protect-u-s-internet-users-from-foreign-online-piracy/ | Senators Coons, Tillis, Blackburn, Schiff introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect U.S. internet users from foreign online piracy | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the Deterring Extraterritorial Foreign Exploitation of Networks Damaging Intellectual Property (DEFEND IP) Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would allow U.S. courts to direct internet service providers to block specifically identified foreign criminals and the piracy sites they operate from gaining access to U.S. internet users. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Ben Cline (R-Va.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Pirating American movies, TV shows, art, and books by foreign websites steals tens of billions of dollars from the U.S. economy each year, costing our creative community hundreds of thousands of jobs,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give American creators the tools they need to protect their intellectual property rights, while ensuring the internet remains a vibrant forum for free speech.” “Foreign piracy continues to threaten American creators, putting well-paying jobs at risk, while exposing consumers to malware, identity theft, and other serious online harms,” said Senator Tillis. “The DEFEND IP Act provides a targeted, commonsense tool to shut down these foreign, criminal operations at the source while protecting lawful speech and due process. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to safeguard America’s creative economy and strengthen digital security, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to counter these threats.” The DEFEND IP Act would only target foreign-operated websites dedicated to piracy, require a showing of harm and ongoing monitoring, hold service providers harmless for implementing orders, and safeguard legitimate websites and free expression. This legislation was originally introduced as a discussion draft of the Block BEARD Act of 2025. The following organizations endorse the DEFEND IP Act: the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the Recording Industry… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-blunt-rochester-ernst-bill-to-strengthen-u-s-manufacturing-passes-senate/ | ICYMI: Blunt Rochester, Ernst Bill to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Passes Senate | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) celebrated the unanimous passage of the bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act to decrease our reliance on foreign imports for key materials and boost manufacturing in rural America. The bill instructs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in rural areas and industrial parks, boosting manufacturing here at home. Blunt Rochester and Ernst were joined by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.). The House companion was led by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa-1) and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.-8). The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “Supply chains are critical to global competitiveness and our national security,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass into law to help identify where we are over-reliant on foreign imports for critical infrastructure and explore how we can bring that manufacturing back to the United States. These investments will strengthen domestic production, secure our supply chains, and support good-paying jobs right here at home.” “My bipartisan bill will identify vulnerabilities in our supply chains and help bring manufacturing back to rural America, where Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves, get to work, and once again make ‘Made in America’ the norm instead of the exception,” said Sen. Ernst. “I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.” “Iowa has the skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and strong communities America needs to lead the next generation of domestic manufacturing. For too long, critical production has moved overseas, leaving American workers behind and making our country dependent on foreign supply chains,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “This bipartisan bill gives us a roadmap to bring that production home, cre… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-blunt-rochester-and-budd-introduce-bill-to-establish-biometrology-laboratory-program-accelerate-development-in-biotech/ | NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester and Budd Introduce Bill to Establish Biometrology Laboratory Program, Accelerate Development in Biotech | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) this week introduced the Standards and Collaboration for American Leadership in Engineering (SCALE) Biology Act, legislation that would establish a Biometrology Laboratory Program for the research of engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This new program would advance research into the measurement of key units and inputs and promote U.S. competitiveness in biotech development. “America’s bioeconomy is critical to our economy, national security, and leadership in fields from health care to agriculture. The bipartisan SCALE Biology Act will strengthen the measurement science and technical standards needed to accelerate innovation and bring new biotechnology from the lab to the marketplace. Delaware is home to a robust life sciences and biomanufacturing ecosystem, and I’m proud to work with Senator Budd to strengthen this important sector and ensure the United States continues to set the global standard for biotechnology and biomanufacturing,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “If the U.S. is going to continue to lead the world in biotechnology innovation, we must ensure that the accepted standards for the most fundamental inputs that these programs will rely on are developed in America,” said Senator Budd. “With China’s recent increases in state support for their bioeconomy, I am grateful to Senator Blunt Rochester for her partnership on this effort to facilitate commercial development here in America.” U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-Md.-06) and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-08) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives in May. The SCALE Biology Act has been endorsed by OpenAI and Google. | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-and-representative-brown-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-preserve-existing-affordable-housing/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester and Representative Brown Introduce Bicameral Bill to Preserve Existing Affordable Housing | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, DC – U.S. SenatorLisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs,was joined byRepresentativesShontel Brown (D-Ohio-11)and Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.-21) to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Affordable Housing Preservation and Protection Act, which will help tackle the affordable housing preservation crisis. This legislation would improve the quality of existing HUD-assisted housing by providing loans to qualified owners of distressed units to make critical improvements to ensure housing is safe for our most vulnerable families. Additionally, this legislation would increase outreach to support the preservation of distressed properties. “Earlier this year, the first comprehensive housing legislation became law after more than three decades, but with a nationwide shortage of 4-7 million affordable housing units, it becomes more important than ever to preserve the affordable units that we do have,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to introduce this bill alongside Congresswoman Brown to build on the achievements of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act by providing long-overdue support for existing affordable housing units and encouraging investments that contribute to their long-term success.” “We must address the affordable housing crisis from all angles. This means building more affordable housing, but it also means preserving the housing we already have. I’m proud to partner with Senator Blunt Rochester and Congressman Gimenez on The Affordable Housing Preservation and Protection Act, which provides needed capital to repair, renovate, and preserve HUD-assisted housing. Cleveland has seen at properties like Rainbow Terrace how serious the consequences can be when federally assisted multifamily housing falls into distress. This bill gives HUD another tool to finance critical repairs, preserve long-term affordability, and, when necessary, help qualified new owners step in before affordable housing is lost,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. Th… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-trump-nominee-for-commissioner-of-the-food-and-drug-administration/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Trump Nominee for Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “We hope that you will use science if you are confirmed, and we hope that you will stand up if the information is incorrect or wrong because lives are on the line.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.),a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today questioned Heidi Overton, MD, PhD, President Trump’s nominee for Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Blunt Rochester’s questions focused on Dr. Overton’s involvement in the Trump administration’s changes to critical vaccine schedules. Senator Blunt Rochester’s exchange can be found here, and a key excerpt is below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “The president has also proposed giving babies microdosed vaccines at roughly 20 percent of the current dose. So, wouldn’t that mean that they’d have to have five times the [number] of shots, [and] the parents would have to visit five times with their child…Who pays for that? Is it insurers who pay for it? Is it the parents who pay for it? Is it the taxpayers who pay for it? How does this actually happen?” Dr. Overton: “The President is aware, and he has talked about it recently. He knows that companies would need to submit an application to the FDA. That this would take time. I believe that he is solving for feedback he has gotten of parents wanting an additional option on the market. It is not taking anything away. The current MMR vaccine is safe and effective. It is our best tool, and right now people should get that.” Senator Blunt Rochester: “The administration is saying they want people to [get] less shots, but then they’re telling them to [get] more shots, and it is not based on science. I’m really concerned about that.” | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-representative-ross-introduce-legislation-to-protect-seniors-from-surprise-healthcare-bills/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester, Representative Ross Introduce Legislation to Protect Seniors from Surprise Healthcare Bills | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. SenatorLisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee onHealth, Education, Labor, and Pensions,andRepresentativeDeborah Ross(D-N.C.-02), today introduced the bicameral No Surprise Bills for Seniors Act. Medicare beneficiaries—many of whom enroll in zero- or low-cost premiums—rely on prescription drug coverage to access lifesaving medications. However, recipients can lose coverage if they unintentionally fail to pay surprise monthly premium increases, regardless of the amount. The No Surprise Bills for Seniors Act would create broader protections for Medicare Enrollees, keeping seniors and individuals with disabilities from losing prescription drug coverage due to accidental payment failures. “Missing a payment on a surprise monthly premium increase—which can be as little as one dollar—shouldn’t cost someone their access to medication. Yet for thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, it’s a risk they have to take to afford their health care,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to introduce the No Surprise Bills for Seniors Act with Congresswoman Ross to bring clarity to our complex healthcare system and help seniors and individuals with disabilities maintain access to their medications.” “No senior should lose access to the medications they depend on because their premium increased –often by only a few dollars– without them realizing it,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “If a senior is able and willing to pay what they owe, they should not be forced to go months without life-saving medication because of bureaucratic changes within the Medicare system. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester to give Medicare the flexibility it needs to make sure a surprise bill does not result in the loss of health care for our seniors.” The No Surprise Bills for Seniors Act would give the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to establish protections for Medicare enrollees who lost healthcare coverage after failing to pay unclear or unknown premium increases… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senators-blunt-rochester-budd-introduce-legislation-to-bolster-americas-talent-pipeline-workforce/ | NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Budd Introduce Legislation to Bolster America’s Talent Pipeline, Workforce | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. SenatorLisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions,andU.S. SenatorTedd Budd(R-N.C.) today introduced the bipartisan National Talent Strategy Act, which would direct the U.S. Secretary of Labor, in partnership with a newly established Talent Working Group, to develop a comprehensive federal talent strategy to meet the needs of the American workforce and economy. This legislation would create a strategic planning process for America’s workforce, help to create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy and national security, and reduce national workforce shortages. “For generations, the strength of the American workforce and our entrepreneurial spirit have helped our country thrive. As our economy evolves, we must be strategic. This bill would direct the Secretary of Labor to call together workforce development leaders to create a government-wide strategic plan on the future of our economy,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan National Talent Strategy Act with Senator Budd to close workforce gaps, prepare workers for jobs of the future, and ensure the stability and security of our economy.” “Ensuring our workforce is prepared for the next generation of American Innovation hinges on strong coordination from our federal government, state and local governments, and educators,” said Senator Budd. “By establishing the American Talent Working Group, we can ensure that our leaders have the most up to date data and understanding of the challenges both America’s workers and employers face so that they can be addressed swiftly.” The National Talent Strategy Act would: Direct the U.S. Secretary of Labor to lead on the development of a comprehensive federal talent strategy to meet the needs of the American workforce and economy. Establish an American Talent Working Group to serve as an interagency forum for aligning federal policy on education, workforce, and talent goals, and proposing related legislative recommendations. R… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-britt-schatz-and-lankford-introduce-bipartisan-ai-safety-and-transparency-legislation/ | Senators Coons, Britt, Schatz, and Lankford introduce bipartisan AI safety and transparency legislation | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) introduced the AI Systems Transparency Act (ASTA) which would require AI companies to be more transparent with the public about what data their models are collecting from users, the safeguards they’ve put in place for children and adults, and the guardrails they’ve created to stop systems from going rogue or being used dangerously by bad actors. Under ASTA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would have the power to enforce these transparency requirements, while ensuring that companies can continue to grow and innovate. “AI is rapidly evolving in ways that are radically reshaping our society and transforming our world and how we interact with each other, and Americans are rightfully concerned about what AI companies and their government are doing to protect against worst case scenarios,”said Senator Coons. “Companies must not be allowed to hand wave away these doubts without meaningful disclosures, safeguards, and oversight in place. Americans deserve to know what they are actually doing to place safety guardrails on large AI models, and that’s what this bipartisan bill will ensure.” “Americans are understandably concerned with the rapid development of AI, and they deserve straight answers. We know that this technology is not slowing down, which is why it’s critical that AI companies provide transparency to both researchers and parents on how their systems work and address potential risks – especially risks related to America’s youth. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort to provide the American people visibility into how these systems are built, tested, and secured,” said Senator Britt. “Recent reports of security incidents with AI models make transparency and oversight all the more urgent. Our bill requires disclosures that help both consumers and evaluators understand both the capabilities of and risks posed by these models and what companies are doing to keep people safe,” sa… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-coons-leads-senior-democrats-accusing-trump-of-failing-to-stand-up-to-china/ | ICYMI: Senator Coons leads senior Democrats accusing Trump of failing to stand up to China | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) led a group of senior Democratic senators in raising alarm ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting in particular the White House’s failure to halt China’s access to American AI technology. As industry leaders raise concerns about AI’s dangers and China shows increasing aggression toward the United States and our allies and partners, President Trump has refused to take any action to bar China from accessing the American-designed AI chips it needs to sustain its AI innovation pace. In the statement, the senators describe the increasing ways China is threatening American security and our economy, helping Iran and Russia, and encroaching on our allies. They contrast those actions with President Trump’s warm welcome of President Xi with an extravagant state visit and lay out a set of priorities President Trump must accomplish during the summit and beyond to protect American interests. In addition to Senator Coons, the letter is signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jack Reed (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance. The Hill: Trump failing to block China’s access to American AI technology, say senior Senate Democrats A group of Senate Democrats on Tuesday said President Trump is failing to block China from accessing sensitive American technology to accelerate its development of artificial intelligence, ahead of the Chinese leader’s state visit to Washington this week. Trump must close loopholes that China … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-warren-wyden-gallego-introduce-bill-to-impose-sanctions-on-israeli-settlement-construction-in-the-e1-area-of-the-west-bank/ | Senators Coons, Warren, Wyden, Gallego introduce bill to impose sanctions on Israeli settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) today introduced legislation to impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced tenders to allow companies to bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement of the E1 settlements in August 2025, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reportedly stated: “The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not by slogans but by deeds. Every settlement, every neighborhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.” “For decades, American presidents from both parties have warned successive Israeli governments that construction in E1 threatened the viability of a Palestinian state and was unacceptable to the United States,” said Senator Coons. “As Palestinian civilians face a campaign of devastation and fear from violent extremist settlers, the United States must send a strong message that this behavior is unacceptable and that it remains committed to freedom, security, prosperity, and self-determination for all Israelis and Palestinians.” “The E1 settlement project is a move towards de facto annexation of the West Bank, and those who choose to facilitate settlement construction should understand that they risk losin… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-blunt-rochester-discusses-housing-affordability-and-ai-at-politicos-policy-outlook/ | ICYMI: Senator Blunt Rochester Discusses Housing Affordability and AI at Politico’s Policy Outlook | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | The conversation can be found HERE soon. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today participated in POLITICO’s “Policy Outlook: Housing Affordability,” moderated by Victoria Guida. She discussed Congress’s role in addressing the housing crisis and AI’s impact on our nation’s future. Senator Blunt Rochester: “Every single member on our committee has constituents who care about this issue, whether they’re young people trying to get their first home, or again, seniors. Every single one of us should have our fingerprints on this legislation.” | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-experts-on-increasing-public-trust-in-nuclear-energy/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Experts on Increasing Public Trust in Nuclear Energy | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “This is an issue of public safety and public trust.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today participated in a hearing on America’s nuclear waste policy. Blunt Rochester’s questions focused on the development of small modular reactors and on-site storage of nuclear waste, as well as increasing public trust and safety. Witnesses: Lake Barrett – Chair, American Nuclear Society Nuclear Waste Policy Task Force Katrina McMurrian – Executive Director, Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition (NWSC) Kathryn Huff, Ph.D. – Professor and Department Chair, Department of Nuclear Engineering and Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison Senator Blunt Rochester’s exchange can be found here, and a key excerpt is below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “Delaware often ranks last among U.S. states in energy production and produces only a fraction of the energy that we consume. In response, our General Assembly created a 25-member bipartisan task force to look at whether small modular reactors could be developed in the state. “One of the main concerns is the lack of a long-term solution for high-level nuclear waste. Despite the fact that there’s been a law on the books for decades that requires the federal government to take ownership over this kind of waste. States like mine then have to weigh whether to invest in nuclear energy against doing it without a long-term solution. It’s a real risk for our communities. This is an issue of public safety and public trust. “So, Dr. Huff, what can the federal government do to build trust in communities interested in pursuing nuclear energy?” Dr. Huff: “I think a key component is an independent organization like the one that’s been described. But another is to provide resources for independent technical oversight from those communities. A part of the consent-based system that we put together in the previous administration, and those that have succeeded in other nations… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-schumer-murray-reed-shaheen-warner-warren-kim-statement-ahead-of-president-xi-jinpings-state-visit/ | Senators Coons, Schumer, Murray, Reed, Shaheen, Warner, Warren, Kim statement ahead of President Xi Jinping’s state visit | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), ranking member for Senate defense appropriations, Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y), Senate Minority Leader, Patty Murray (D-Wash.), vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jack Reed (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, released the following statement ahead of President Trump’s state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping: “The People’s Republic of China presents a greater threat to American security and prosperity than ever before. According to public reporting, Chinese entities are providing the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies with satellite imagery, technology, and battlefield intelligence to target and kill American service members. China is accelerating its drive for AI dominance by exploiting weaknesses in the administration’s export controls to access advanced chips and manufacturing equipment. At the same time, President Trump dismisses the need for commonsense AI guardrails at home while cutting investments in critical research and workforce training. The Chinese military continues its pressure campaign against our vital democratic partner Taiwan as President Trump has retreated from longstanding security commitments. Beijing also serves as the lifeline for Putin’s brutal war machine in Ukraine, providing technology and oil revenue Moscow needs to manufacture the precision missiles and drones that terrorize Ukraine’s cities. “As Americans face rising prices for gas, food, housing, and more, President Trump is rolling out the red carpet for President Xi and hosting closed-door dinners so his billionaire friends can strike deals that thr… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-blunt-rochester-curtis-call-for-ai-hearings-regulation/ | ICYMI: Blunt Rochester, Curtis Call for AI Hearings, Regulation | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and John Curtis (R-Utah), members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, sent a letter to Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), leadership of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, urging them to convene a hearing with executives from leading AI companies on the capabilities and safety of developing AI systems. The Senators also released a joint statement calling for swift public congressional hearings on potential AI regulatory solutions. The letter can be found HERE. | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-representatives-adams-ruiz-introduce-bill-to-expand-access-to-community-health-worker-services/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester, Representatives Adams, Ruiz, Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Community Health Worker Services | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-N.C.), Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25), today introduced the Community Health Worker Access Act, legislation that would improve Medicare coverage for community health worker services and encourage states to cover these services under their Medicaid programs. “Accessing the right care can feel impossible in our increasingly complex healthcare system, but community health workers help bridge the gap. From connecting people with the right providers to serving as trusted advisors, these community-based navigators drastically improve the quality of life for their neighbors,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to introduce the Community Health Worker Access Act to add coverage for community health workers under Medicare and formally acknowledge the vital role they play in keeping our communities healthy and safe.” “One of my core beliefs as a legislator is that healthcare should be affordable and accessible,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Community health workers help provide preventative care, basic health screenings, and frontline medical support in our neighborhoods. This bill will strengthen the community health workforce and close long-standing gaps in access to care for underserved communities, especially in rural areas.” “Community health workers are often the first and most trusted connection our communities have to the health care system,”saidRepresentativeDr. Raul Ruiz. “In the Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley, San Jacinto Valley, and the Pass area, they close gaps that clinics and hospitals alone cannot. This bill recognizes that work and invests in it, so families get the coordinated, culturally responsive care they deserve.” Community health workers serve as a bridge between patients and the formal health care system, especially for high-risk, high-need, and underserved populations. Their work includes basic health screenings, chronic disease symptom management, health education, and helping patients navigate complex health s… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-blunt-rochester-curtis-call-for-ai-hearings-regulation/ | NEWS: Blunt Rochester, Curtis Call for AI Hearings, Regulation | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and John Curtis (R-UT), members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, issued the following joint statement calling for swift public congressional hearings to inform lawmakers on potential AI regulatory solutions: “Americans deserve representation in Congress that is not only well-informed on cutting-edge AI development but also has the wherewithal to cross the aisle and overcome political pressures to address the concerns these technologies pose. “That is why we are calling for immediate public hearings to bring lawmakers, model makers, and other stakeholders into the same room and work through solutions that maintain America’s competitive edge in development while ensuring that these technologies serve human interests and remain fully under human control. In the meantime, Congress must ensure necessary safeguards are in place. “At the end of the day, technology must be wholly designed to improve our lives, further opportunities for rising generations, and let the human spirit prevail. With no clear partisan divide on this issue, there is an opportunity to prove that Congress is functional, cooperative, and that it can deliver on what is becoming the hallmark issue of our time.” On August 6, 2026, and August 7, 2026, Senator Blunt Rochester sent letters to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, regarding recent cybersecurity incidents in which the companies’ models gained unauthorized access to the internet, launched direct attacks on people and real-world targets. The letters sought information about the circumstances surrounding the incidents, the design and security of the testing environments in which they occurred, the capabilities demonstrated by the models, and the safeguards the companies have implemented or plan to implement to prevent similar incidents. Blunt Rochester received responses from all three companies that identified failures or misconfigurations in te… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-blunt-rochester-slams-trump-economy-amid-first-interest-rate-hike-in-three-years/ | STATEMENT: Blunt Rochester Slams Trump Economy Amid First Interest Rate Hike in Three Years | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today issued the following statement reacting to the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates for the first time in three years: “While I’m glad Federal Reserve Chair Warsh has stayed true to his word to operate independently, today’s decision to raise interest rates underscores a painful reality: The Trump economy is failing Americans. Everyday essentials like gas and groceries are getting more expensive. Trump’s illegal war in Iran has pushed energy prices higher, while the Trump tariffs are squeezing household budgets even more. Families should not have to suffer the consequences of the president’s poor economic policies. It’s time for President Trump to put the needs of American families first and finally focus on bringing costs down.” | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-senate-vote-to-advance-the-protect-college-sports-act/ | Senator Coons statement on Senate vote to advance the Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the Senate voted 74-24 to move forward on the Protect College Sports Act of 2026: “The college sports that are beloved by millions of Americans are in a genuine crisis. The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act is a strong compromise that addresses transfer and eligibility issues. That’s a real win for hundreds of thousands of student-athletes in every sport and at every level who will have new scholarship protections, stronger rights around contracts involving their name, image, and likeness, access to tens of millions of new dollars in direct payments from their schools, improved and lasting healthcare guarantees, and a better process to enforce their rights at school and in court. It’s a win for teams, programs, student-athletes, conferences, and fans who want to know that both the schools and those who play for them are on stronger, more stable footing. “I’m glad three-quarters of the Senate has recognized the urgency of this issue and moved our bill forward. I regret that primary elections in Delaware prevented me from casting my vote for the bill today, but I look forward to supporting it on the floor in the days to come. I urge my colleagues to keep up this strong, bipartisan support and swiftly pass this bill so we can send a clear message to the House of Representatives that the time for action is now.” | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-coons-urges-congress-to-act-on-ai-risks-in-bloomberg-interview/ | ICYMI: “Senator Coons urges Congress to act on AI risks” in Bloomberg interview | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WILMINGTON, Del. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Bloomberg This Weekend yesterday to discuss the growing risks of artificial intelligence and the need for Congress to establish guardrails to protect against the biggest risks that the technology can pose. The interview follows Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s call for AI companies to slow the development of their most advanced models, along with warnings about the potential for catastrophic harm, and the resignation of Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who said Anthropic and OpenAI were “gambling with our lives.” During the interview, Senator Coons called for Congress to work together to establish enforceable guardrails. He noted that the U.S. must work with allies and adversaries alike to mitigate the growing risks. He also highlighted the AI Whistleblower Protection Act, his bipartisan legislation with Senator Chuck Grassley to protect AI whistleblowers. Bloomberg This Weekend: Senator Chris Coons on AI and the need for guardrails Senator Coons: The essay by Dario Amodei says out loud what many of us have known for months, if not years. Especially after the [Hugging] Face hack that happened recently. These models are doing things that their designers didn’t expect, can’t predict, and aren’t able to fully control. And the level of risk for us as a species, as a nation, is gradually accelerating. I have a bill in the Judiciary Committee with Senator Grassley that we are going to try and get passed soon that would protect AI whistleblowers. Because frankly, the main reason we know about these steadily increasing risks is because of whistleblowers. They’re taking career risks, even personal risks, by stepping out and saying this. Now that we’ve got agreement from Elon Musk and Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, we need agreement from Republicans and Democrats in Congress to put aside our partisan pre-election bickering and put in place some real guardrails before AI goes off the rails. … I think all of us are concerned about our competit… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-murray-shaheen-klobuchar-slotkin-statement-on-president-trumps-trade-war-with-canada/ | Senators Coons, Murray, Shaheen, Klobuchar, Slotkin statement on President Trump’s trade war with Canada | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s continued imposition of new tariffs on Canada: “The states we represent rely on Canada as a key trading partner and our primary export market. We have deep ties with our neighbors to the north, and we share one of the world’s most enduring defense partnerships. We have built two powerful nations over many decades by working together, growing our economies together, and securing our homelands together. Our countries have achieved great things by working closely together, and we still can. “Instead of working with our neighbors, President Trump is doubling down on a pointless trade war. His tariffs will squeeze our states’ small businesses and farmers harder and drive costs up for working families. They will raise the cost of the lumber, plywood, and construction equipment we need to build new housing. They will hurt our workers and businesses who manufacture autos, aircraft, and machinery. They will drive up the prices consumers pay for everyday basics like milk, clothing, and paper products. “President Trump’s tariffs have already cost American families as much as $5,000 in some states, and his senseless trade war with Canada will only grow that number. While American families and businesses suffer from President Trump’s trade wars, partners around the world, including Canada, are increasingly looking to diversify away from the United States and deepen trade ties with other countries including China. Congressional Republicans need to stand up to the president and do their part to give families and businesses on both sides of the border relief from this insanity.” | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-blunt-rochester-joined-state-leaders-for-signing-of-key-maternal-health-legislation/ | ICYMI: Senator Blunt Rochester Joined State Leaders for Signing of Key Maternal Health Legislation | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Newark, DE — Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, joined Delaware state leaders last week to sign Senate Bill 301 (SB 301)— requiring in-state hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients experiencing labor symptoms. SB 301 models the Women Expansion of Learning and Labor Safety Act (WELLS Act), brought forth by Senator Blunt Rochester and Congresswoman Robin Kelly. The passage of this legislation is one of the most recent collaborations where Delaware Federal and State leaders focus on expanding access to maternal health care. Senator Blunt Rochester has partnered with SB 301 sponsors, State Senator Marie Pinkney and Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, for years, on policies that directly address the maternal health crisis — including The Momnibus, which was also mirrored and enacted in the First State. “I was honored to stand by my partners in progress — Senator Marie Pinkney and Speaker Minor Brown— to celebrate the signing of Senate Bill 301. This legislation builds off our efforts in Congress to save lives by ending the maternal health crisis,” said U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. “The work continues as we strive to give moms and families the support, they need to be healthy, from the first trimester to the fourth trimester.” Senator Blunt Rochester introduced the WELLS Act, as part of a legislative package aimed to strengthen healthcare services for pregnant and postpartum moms, and reduce inequitable maternal health outcomes. | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-sponsors-billionaires-income-tax-act-to-address-tax-fairness-reduce-nations-deficits/ | Senator Coons sponsors Billionaires Income Tax Act to address tax fairness, reduce nation’s deficits | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WILMINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) announced he would cosponsor the Billionaires Income Tax Act, legislation that would require the wealthiest Americans to pay taxes on income generated by their assets, creating more than $500 billion in new federal tax revenue over 10 years. Senator Coons’ support for the legislation comes following news that the national debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time in American history, underscoring the urgent need for Congress to take steps to address the nation’s long-term fiscal challenges. The national debt reached $40 trillion earlier this month, adding more than $1 trillion in debt in just five months, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The federal government is spending more and more tax dollars to pay interest on the nation’s growing debt, putting increasing pressure on the federal budget and limiting the resources available for investments that strengthen the economy and programs that Americans rely on. The national debt has ballooned as tax revenues have fallen in recent decades – repeated Republican tax cuts for wealthy Americans have caused tax revenue as a percentage of GDP to decline 14% since 2000, according to the Federal Reserve. “Our national debt is a crisis that we cannot afford to leave to our children, and the problem is driven in large part by the fact that too many Americans aren’t paying their fair share. Right now, some of the wealthiest Americans can defer taxes on enormous gains indefinitely, while middle-class Delawareans see taxes taken out of every single paycheck. This legislation requires the very wealthiest Americans to pay taxes on their gains and slashes our deficit while leaving tax rates the same for nearly every American,” said Senator Coons. “As interest costs put growing pressure on our budget, we need to reduce our deficits and protect the investments that keep our economy strong.” The Billionaires Income Tax Act would apply to fewer than 1,000 of the wealthiest taxpayers in a country of more than 342 million… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-murray-call-for-immediate-independent-investigation-of-extended-deployments-and-unacceptable-quality-of-life-issues-on-aircraft-carriers-as-uss-lincoln-heads-home/ | Senators Coons, Murray call for immediate independent investigation of extended deployments and unacceptable quality of life issues on aircraft carriers as USS Lincoln heads home | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers seek answers on glaring quality of life and operational issues aboard not only the USS Lincoln, but the USS Ford and USS Benfold, which recently suffered a dayslong power outage WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) called for the Department of Defense (DOD) to immediately open an independent review of the extended deployments of the USS Ford and USS Lincoln, as well as the USS Benfold’s four-day power loss, in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao. Senator Coons is ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator Murray is vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent extended deployments of the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, and the USS Benfold’s recent undisclosed power loss, and what it means for our sailors, Marines, and their families, as well as for the Navy’s overall military readiness,” wrote Ranking Member Coons and Vice Chair Murray. “Given the serious quality of life and operational concerns that have been documented and the Department’s inability – or refusal – to provide the congressional defense committees with full and accurate information, we request that the Navy initiate an immediate independent strategic review of these deployments, and brief Congress on its findings.” The lawmakers note that a variety of serious quality of life issues have been documented aboard these aircraft carriers, and service members and their families deserve better: “This administration has tried to downplay or paper over these reports, but the fact is our servicemembers and their families have reported alarming concerns that deserve redress and accountability.” Ranking Member Coons and Vice Chair Murray called on DOD to immediately conduct a review of these issues and to provide additional responses to a series of questions about the extended deployments by September 1, 2026. The full text of the letter is available here an… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-kennedy-bipartisan-bill-to-update-federal-diversity-jurisdiction-threshold-passes-senate/ | Senators Coons, Kennedy bipartisan bill to update federal diversity jurisdiction threshold passes Senate | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, celebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan Diversity Jurisdiction Inflation Adjustment Act, legislation that would update the dollar threshold for certain state-law lawsuits between parties from different states to be heard in federal court. “Federal courts and judges are already stretched too thin without having to handle low-dollar civil suits that Congress has long intended should be argued in front of state courts,” said Senator Coons. “Fixing outdated thresholds and indexing them for inflation ensure more cases will end up in front of the judges who are best positioned to hear them, streamlining court caseloads and helping justice move faster for every American. I’m grateful to see this measure pass the Senate unanimously and move closer to easing the burden on our busy court system.” “Federal judges already have plenty on their plate, and Congress ought to respect their limited time and resources. Our bipartisan bill updates a 30-year-old threshold, preserves the role of state courts and makes our federal judiciary more efficient. I’m glad the Senate passed this common-sense fix,” said Senator Kennedy. Federal diversity jurisdiction allows federal courts to hear certain state-law disputes between parties from different states. To prevent federal courts from being flooded with lower-value state-law claims, Congress requires these lawsuits meet a minimum dollar amount, known as the amount-in-controversy requirement. In 1996, Congress updated the dollar threshold to $75,000 to account for inflation, but hasn’t changed it since. In 2021, the Judicial Conference of the United States recommended the amount be increased to $150,000, which would be equivalent to $187,000 today. The Diversity Jurisdiction Inflation Adjustment Act would: Allow federal courts to hear state-law disputes between parties from different states so long as the amount-in-controversy requirement is satisfied Rais… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-schmitt-celebrate-senate-passage-of-bill-extending-authorization-for-national-ems-memorial/ | Senators Coons, Schmitt celebrate Senate passage of bill extending authorization for National EMS Memorial | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) celebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to extend the deadline for the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring the nation’s EMS professionals. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year, now heads to the president’s desk for his signature. The legislation would extend the foundation’s authorization through 2032, giving it additional time to complete a memorial honoring the commitment, service, and sacrifice of EMS professionals who provide life-saving care to communities across the country. The memorial will be fully funded by the foundation not taxpayers, and any surplus funds will be returned to the federal government after the project is completed. “Every day, emergency medical technicians are the first line of support when lives in their communities are at risk, sometimes throwing themselves into dangerous and deadly situations to begin treatment,” said Senator Coons.“These first responders deserve to be commemorated in our nation’s capital, and I’ll continue to work to support these efforts so that the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial is completed. This bipartisan law will ensure that EMS organizations have the time they need to build a memorial worthy of them and their service.” “This isn’t about politics – it’s about honor. EMS professionals in Missouri, and across the United States work tirelessly, often putting themselves in harm’s way for the communities they serve. Thanks to this bipartisan legislation, the United States is keeping our promise that their fallen brothers and sisters, their courage, and their sacrifices are permanently dignified with a monument deserving of the heroism they’ve shown,” said Senator Schmitt. “I’m proud to have led this effort to ensure that future generations of Americans will never forget the brave men and women who ran towards danger, not away from it.” The original bill … | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/let-me-be-blunt-its-good-to-be-home/ | Let Me Be Blunt: It’s good to be home! | 2026-08-22 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Dear Friend, Let Me Be Blunt is back! From a monumental housing celebration to seeing how federal investments are making big changes in the First State, we hit the ground running for the August State Work Period. I’m spending this month traveling up and down the state to meet with our communities. This week we visited all three counties, checking in on federally funded projects, celebrating legislative wins, and catching up with Delawareans. These visits directly inform my work in D.C., and we have a lot of ground to cover. Keep reading to learn more about what I was up to this week and stay tuned for another busy schedule in the state next week. Celebrating a New Way Home As many of you know, I was heavily involved in the passage of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which was the first comprehensive housing legislation to become law in 30 years. The final package included five of my bills, which will help increase housing supply, lower costs, and cut red tape – ultimately improving the quality of life for families and strengthening our economy. This week we celebrated these bills becoming law with the countless Delaware stakeholders who helped develop them. Almost one year ago on the ground of Imani Village, a new mixed-income family rental complex, we launched my first policy agenda,“New Way Home Agenda,” to tackle the housing crisis, and this week we came together to see this vision becoming a reality! I’m so proud to stand with the Delawareans who made these bills possible. In the spirit of increasing housing supply, I visited Tharros Village in Lewes. Tharros Village is Delaware’s first self-governed, transitional village for individuals experiencing homelessness. This seasonal shelter provides residents with supportive services as they transition towards permanent housing. We still have work to do to ensure everyone can access affordable housing, but I’m grateful for the Delawareans who have developed innovative solutions that support our neighbors along the way. Tharros Village is a … | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-coons-highlights-4-h-and-ffa-as-a-way-to-take-onyouth-loneliness-in-new-op-ed/ | ICYMI: Senator Coons highlights 4-H and FFA as a way to take onyouth loneliness in new op-ed | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “Young people crave the same two things people always have: community and purpose.” WILMINGTON, Del. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an op-ed in Bay to Bay News highlighting how Delaware’s 4-H and FFA programs are giving young people a sense of community and purpose at a time when young people across the country are facing a loneliness epidemic. Bay to Bay News: Fair offered encouraging view of youth At this year’s Delaware State Fair, Senator Coons met dozens of young Delawareans involved in 4-H and FFA who challenged the idea that today’s young people are disconnected and disengaged. “While 4-H and FFA (formerly the Future Farmers of America) both began as farming organizations, they’ve grown far larger, providing opportunities and leadership training for students covering a variety of careers and interests,” Senator Coons wrote. “For 4-H, programming begins as young as 5, and kids in Delaware can join FFA as early as middle school.” Delaware has 5,000 FFA members and 36,000 children participating in 4-H programs, roughly one in five kids in the state. These programs give young people a place to belong while helping them develop leadership skills, build friendships, discover their interests, and work on projects that give them a sense of purpose. Senator Coons argues that, on top of that, these programs may offer a solution to the “loneliness epidemic,” providing young people with the kind of connection we all need. Senator Coons attended the Delaware FFA State Fair awards breakfast, an event organized by students, from programming and speeches to food and contests. Across 4-H and FFA, students take on projects ranging from photography and landscaping to plumbing, electronics, and robotics. “These are all skills any employer would want,” Senator Coons wrote. “They’re also the skills needed to start a small business, and they are the skills artificial intelligence can’t replace.” Senator Coons also highlighted his bipartisan Youth Lead Act, which he introduced with Se… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-blunt-rochester-celebrates-passage-of-landmark-housing-legislation/ | ICYMI: Senator Blunt Rochester Celebrates Passage of Landmark Housing Legislation | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Wilmington, DE – Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, joined Delaware stakeholders to celebrate the passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act – the first comprehensive housing legislation to become law in over 30 years. Blunt Rochester authored five bills included in the package to lower housing costs, increase supply, and cut red tape. The passage of this legislation comes nearly a year after Blunt Rochester introduced “The New Way Home Agenda: A Federal Framework to Address America’s Housing Crisis,” her comprehensive legislative agenda to lower housing costs in Delaware and across the nation. “As we address the shortage of 4-to-7 million housing units across the country, the passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act signifies a bipartisan commitment to making affordable housing a reality for all of us and revitalizing the ‘American Dream’,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m grateful for the Delawareans who partnered with me to craft my contributions to this package and am proud to stand with them to celebrate this momentous occasion here in the First State.” Event speakers included: Logan Herring, CEO, The WRK Group Matt Heckles, Director, Delaware State Housing Authority Susan Kent, Executive Director, Better Homes of Seaford Brandy Nauman, Director, Sussex County Community Development Karen Speakman, CEO, NeighborGood Partners Inc. Chris Neary, Senior Vice President, Policy, Research, and Advocacy, Cinnaire Blanche Jackson, President & CEO of Stepping Stones Credit Union Miketia Edmond, a homeowner with Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County at Bennett Point II. The five bipartisan Blunt Rochester bills included in the 21st Century Road to Housing Act are: The Housing Supply Frameworks Act, which would direct the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop zoning and land use policy frameworks for states and localities. The Accelerating Home Building Act, which would help local governments cr… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-mccormick-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-nih-mentorship-and-support-next-generation-of-biomedical-researchers/ | Senators Coons, McCormick introduce bipartisan bill to strengthen NIH mentorship and support next generation of biomedical researchers | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) introduced the NIH Mentorship Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s scientific workforce by formalizing consistent, evidence-based mentorship standards across National Institutes of Health (NIH) career development and research training programs. The biomedical research enterprise depends on a steady pipeline of talent, but too many early-stage investigators leave the field for the private sector before they ever reach an R01 grant –the traditional marker of an independent research career. This attrition point, the gap between early career development awards and R01-level funding, is one of the most vulnerable stages in a researcher’s career and a critical juncture where the nation risks losing its most promising scientific talent. Strong mentorship has been shown to help early-career researchers navigate this gap, stay in the research pipeline, and go on to lead their own research programs. The legislation formalizes mentorship as a standard part of NIH-funded career development and training programs, giving young, accomplished researchers the structured support they need to remain in research rather than exit the industry. It builds on existing mentorship practices, preserves flexibility for research institutions, and minimizes unnecessary administrative burden by relying on NIH’s existing reporting requirements. “The next generation of scientists will contain the next generation of disease outbreaks and cure the next generation of illnesses, but first those scientists must be properly prepared for their careers,” said Senator Coons. “Mentorship is a powerful way of ensuring we have capable and qualified researchers to keep our nation healthy.” “America’s leadership in biomedical research depends on developing the next generation of scientific talent,” said Senator McCormick. “Strong mentorship helps young researchers succeed, drives innovation, and ensures taxpayer investments in medical research deliver la… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-rounds-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-fortify-our-electric-grid-against-emerging-quantum-cyber-threats/ | Senators Coons, Rounds introduce bipartisan legislation to fortify our electric grid against emerging quantum cyber threats | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the Quantum Grid Utility Assurance and Resilient Defense Act of 2026 (Quantum-GUARD Act) to strengthen electric grid resilience by proactively addressing cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing. Quantum computing technology is rapidly progressing, and powerful quantum computers may soon be able to break widely used encryption standards that protect the cybersecurity of critical systems and sensitive data. In 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finalized post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards that are more resistant to quantum-enabled decryption. Critical infrastructure sectors face unique challenges in adopting these new standards. The Quantum-GUARD Act seeks to address those challenges. It directs federal agencies to evaluate quantum-related cybersecurity vulnerabilities, assist electric utilities in transitioning to PQC, and improve coordination between grid operators, cybersecurity experts, and government partners. “Quantum computing has the potential to create new economic opportunities, but it also presents tremendous cybersecurity risks. We need to make sure essential infrastructure like our electrical grid is secured against this coming wave of quantum cyber threats,”said Senator Coons. “As the technology races forward and our adversaries continue to seek vulnerabilities in our critical systems, we need to pass the Quantum-GUARD Act to ensure our government is using every available tool to meet this threat.” “As advances in quantum computing increase cybersecurity threats to the United States, we must continue to strengthen protections for our nation’s most sensitive data,” said Senator Rounds. “I’m pleased to be co-leading the Quantum-GUARD Act, which will codify parts of President Trump’s executive order regarding advanced cryptographic attacks and support our electrical grid’s transition to post-quantum cryptography.” The Quantum-GUARD Act: Directs the Federal Energy Regulato… | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-rounds-introduce-bill-to-preserve-records-for-at-risk-afghan-allies/ | Senators Coons, Rounds introduce bill to preserve records for at-risk Afghan allies | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the Afghan Ally Records and Credential Heritage (ARCH) Act, legislation to establish a process at the Pentagon to identify, verify and preserve the service records of certain Afghan allies who served alongside our forces during the war in Afghanistan. The bill is also cosponsored by Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Under the ARCH Act, the Department of Defense would establish a secure online application system through which eligible Afghan allies or their representatives could submit service information and supporting documentation. After reviewing available military, contractor, and biometric records, the department would preserve verified records for future use. The bill also provides applicants with notice of adverse decisions, an opportunity to appeal and the ability to request reconsideration when new evidence becomes available. “We owe an enormous debt to the Afghans who supported U.S. forces during their 20-year mission in Afghanistan,” said Senator Coons. “In exchange for that huge risk to themselves and their families, we promised them protection. This is a first step to fulfilling that promise by ensuring those who put their lives on the line for our country don’t fall through the cracks.” “Thousands of brave Afghans stood shoulder-to-shoulder with American service members in some of the most dangerous missions of the war,” said Senator Rounds. “Many of these individuals risked everything to support the United States, yet the records documenting their service remain vulnerable to loss or destruction. The ARCH Act creates a secure process to preserve this documentation, making certain that accurate records are maintained.” “We must keep our covenant with the Afghans who served beside us, risking everything — often at great personal expense to themselves and their families — to further America’s mission,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure Afghan allies can be confident the… | 1 | 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z | 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-joins-markey-colleagues-to-demand-education-department-withdraw-proposed-rule-gutting-equity-assistance-centers/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Joins Markey, Colleagues to Demand Education Department Withdraw Proposed Rule Gutting Equity Assistance Centers | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and other colleagues in writing to Linda McMahon, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, to condemn the agency’s efforts to gut the Equity Assistance Centers (EACs), which provide free technical assistance to school districts, states, and communities to prepare, adopt, and implement plans to desegregate public schools in compliance with federal civil rights law. The Department of Education’s decision to dismantle the EACs with its proposed rule, “Rescinding the Equity Assistance Center Program Regulations,” upends a longstanding congressionally funded program and joins similar actions from the Administration in destroying civil rights enforcement infrastructure. As a result, schools, students, and parents will be left without these resources at a time of persistent segregation and growing inequality. In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “As with other efforts to erode federal civil rights oversight and enforcement, ED’s proposed rule is ‘like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.’ While the rule claims to offer ‘flexibility’ in desegregation compliance efforts, the Administration’s actions reveal that its goal is to throw away the umbrella, not find a raincoat instead. We urge the Department to withdraw this proposed rule, ensure that the federal government upholds the civil rights of all students, and work to ensure all students can attend schools that are not segregated.” Co-signers of the letter include Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-schatz-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-restore-press-freedom-at-the-pentagon/ | Senators Coons, Schatz, colleagues introduce bill to restore press freedom at the Pentagon | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and 13 of their Senate colleagues introduced the Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act to restore press access at the Department of Defense, reversing attempts by Secretary Pete Hegseth to suppress independent reporting at the Pentagon. “The First Amendment and a free press aren’t sidelined during a time of war, they become more important than ever. Under Secretary Hegseth, the Pentagon has hidden from the American people and their representatives in the press, denying the public critical information about the war in Iran and our own security here at home,” said Senator Coons. “Congress must pass this legislation swiftly and restore the press’ ability to accurately and transparently report on the Pentagon’s activity.” “At a time of war, transparency and independent, accurate reporting matter more than ever,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will reverse the Pentagon’s effort to shut out the free press and make sure the public gets the information it deserves.” Since taking office, Secretary Hegseth imposed a series of unreasonable and retaliatory restrictions on credentialed journalists’ access to the Pentagon and their ability to report. These measures go well beyond reasonable rules of conduct and reverse the Pentagon’s longstanding approach to the press, which has been maintained by officials from both parties. The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act would: Restore press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible prior to the 2025 restrictions, including the “Correspondents’ Corridor” Renew unescorted press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible without an escort prior to the 2025 restrictions Require the Secretary to ensure the integrity of the process to issue to reporters a Pentagon credential, ensuring the security review process is conducted by career officials in the Pentagon Force Protection Agency without unnecessary delays or political influence Prohibit any changes to press access at the Pentagon, … | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-blunt-rochester-presses-big-tech-companies-on-recent-autonomous-hacking-incidents/ | ICYMI: Senator Blunt Rochester Presses Big Tech Companies on Recent Autonomous Hacking Incidents | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent letters to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, regarding recent cybersecurity incidents in which the companies’ models gained unauthorized access to the internet, autonomously hacked third party systems, and even launched direct attacks on people and real-world targets. The letters seek clarity on the cybersecurity breaches, development of testing environments, future capabilities of advanced AI models, and the companies’ internal safeguards to prevent additional incidents. “These incidents mark the first publicly confirmed instances of a frontier AI model autonomously launching unauthorized attacks on real people and companies, underscoring the urgent need for federal oversight of frontier AI systems,” wrote Senator Blunt Rochester in a letter to OpenAI. “OpenAI models’ repeated attacks on third parties with no knowledge of, or role in, the company’s internal evaluations demonstrate an alarming pattern of malicious behavior. We cannot wait for a more consequential incident before establishing federal testing standards, containment requirements, and disclosure obligations for frontier model evaluations. Left unaddressed, these gaps could allow a future model, potentially one with greater capability or less oversight, to compromise critical infrastructure, financial systems, or sensitive data.” In a letter to Anthropic, Blunt Rochesterwrote, “I appreciate Anthropic’s voluntary review of its cybersecurity evaluations and public disclosure of the findings, and I encourage other companies to follow suit. However, these incidents demonstrate the potential risks of deploying pre-release models internally, particularly when safeguards are reduced, even when strictly for testing and evaluation.” In a letter to Meta, Blunt Rochester concluded, “In each scenario, without specific tasking direction, the models gained internet access and independen… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-experts-on-increasing-capital-access-for-american-families/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Experts on Increasing Capital Access for American Families | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “Capital markets are ultimately about opportunity.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today participated in a hearing on increasing capital access for everyday Americans. Blunt Rochester’s questions focused on how emerging technologies like AI can increase opportunities and how tokenization will strengthen investor protections. Senator Blunt Rochester’s questions can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “Helping families build wealth increasingly means understanding how technology is changing the way financial decisions are made. We’re seeing artificial intelligence transform healthcare, our workplace, and now investing. Millions of Americans are already using AI to answer financial questions. “Mr. Dumas, as these tools become more sophisticated, what role should Congress play in making sure they help families build wealth without exposing them to new risks?” Mr. Dumas: “I think AI has an opportunity to transform our economy. It has an opportunity to expand opportunity for everyone. But at the same time, I think that especially in the financial markets, we should be careful using AI without understanding the background. AI has the potential to have certain biases, right? “So we need Congress to understand AI, provide certain guardrails, provide some type of protection, and inform investors or people who look to AI for investment advice to see some type of disclosure, some type of information, letting them know that AI could be wrong.” | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-senator-lisa-blunt-rochester-releases-statement-on-russia-sanctions-vote/ | STATEMENT: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester Releases Statement on Russia Sanctions Vote | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today released the following statement on the Lindsay Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026: “Let me be clear: I fully support sanctioning Russia and helping the Ukrainian government and its people protect their sovereignty, and I have consistently voted to support Ukraine. However, this bill seeks to solve one problem by worsening another. It dramatically expands the president’s tariff authority at a time when he has demonstrated an irresponsible use of it. “While I don’t support the bill in its current form, it would have received my support if any of the meaningful bipartisan amendments introduced by my colleagues had been adopted. Most notably, the Paul-Wyden amendment – which I cosponsored – would have struck the excessive tariff provisions while maintaining the sanctions in the legislation. “For over a year, this president has unilaterally leveraged tariff authorities to bully allies and serve himself with no regard for the economic consequences. The reckless, arbitrary tariffs he’s already imposed have dramatically raised prices for families and small businesses. It is evident that if this administration is entrusted with this authority, it will likely be abused. Given this reality, we should consider more narrowly targeted ways to curtail foreign demand for Russian oil and gas and support the Ukrainian resistance without putting the American economy at risk. “American families are suffering enough in this economy. With them in mind and without proper guardrails on the president’s tariff authority clearly enshrined in the bill, I voted no.” | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-senator-lisa-blunt-rochester-to-oppose-todd-blanches-nomination-for-attorney-general/ | STATEMENT: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester to Oppose Todd Blanche’s Nomination for Attorney General | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today released the following statement opposing Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as United States Attorney General: “Todd Blanche said it himself – he serves one person: Donald Trump. I have absolutely no confidence that he will respect the rule of law, remain impartial, or honorably serve the American people. Throughout the confirmation process, he has committed to restricting abortion access, restated his blind allegiance to the president, and defended Trump’s slush fund for January 6th rioters. His letter to the committee does not convince me that he will uphold his new position. “I opposed his nomination as Deputy AG over a year ago, and I will do the same now. Nothing he said throughout the confirmation process gave me confidence that he would not weaponize the Department of Justice to serve the president. The American people deserve an Attorney General who values the rule of law above all else – that is not Mr. Blanche.” | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-tillis-introduce-legislation-to-further-protect-law-enforcement-after-targeted-shootings-of-officers/ | Senator Coons, Tillis, introduce legislation to further protect law enforcement after targeted shootings of officers | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Introduction follows killing of Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook in Delaware last December WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), today introduced the Protect and Serve Act of 2026 to deter attacks on law enforcement officers by creating new federal charges against criminals who intentionally target them. The introduction comes in honor of law enforcement officers in Delaware and North Carolina who were killed in targeted attacks. Senator Coons was inspired to introduce the Protect and Serve Act of 2026 following the tragic shooting of Corporal Grade One Matthew “Ty” Snook, who was killed in the line of duty on December 23, 2025, at a Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles office. Corporal Snook was a father, husband, brother, and friend who died serving and protecting the people of Delaware. “No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their lives just because they put on their badge before they go to work each day. Yet too many officers have been killed in targeted attacks designed specifically to take the lives of law enforcement, leaving a gaping tear in the hearts of spouses, parents, children, and communities,” said Senator Coons. “I’m proud to introduce the Protect and Serve Act of 2026 because those who perpetrate crimes like this one should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.” “Law enforcement officers in North Carolina and across the country are heroes who risk their lives every day to protect our communities,” said Senator Tillis. “Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to lead the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act of 2026. Officers put their lives on the line to protect us, and we should do the work in Congress to protect them.” “Targeted violence towards a law enforcement officer is completely unacceptable and anyone who tries to hurt a cop because of their job should be held accountable to th… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-presses-openai-and-anthropic-on-recent-autonomous-hacking-incidents/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Presses OpenAI and Anthropic on Recent Autonomous Hacking Incidents | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent letters to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, regarding recent cybersecurity incidents in which the companies’ models gained unauthorized access to the internet, autonomously hacked third party systems, and even launched direct attacks on people and real-world targets. The letters seek clarity on the cybersecurity breaches, development of testing environments, future capabilities of advanced AI models, and the companies’ internal safeguards to prevent additional incidents. “These incidents mark the first publicly confirmed instances of a frontier AI model autonomously launching unauthorized attacks on real people and companies, underscoring the urgent need for federal oversight of frontier AI systems,” wrote Senator Blunt Rochester in a letter to OpenAI. “OpenAI models’ repeated attacks on third parties with no knowledge of, or role in, the company’s internal evaluations demonstrate an alarming pattern of malicious behavior. We cannot wait for a more consequential incident before establishing federal testing standards, containment requirements, and disclosure obligations for frontier model evaluations. Left unaddressed, these gaps could allow a future model, potentially one with greater capability or less oversight, to compromise critical infrastructure, financial systems, or sensitive data.” In a letter to Anthropic, Blunt Rochester wrote, “I appreciate Anthropic’s voluntary review of its cybersecurity evaluations and public disclosure of the findings, and I encourage other companies to follow suit. However, these incidents demonstrate the potential risks of deploying pre-release models internally, particularly when safeguards are reduced, even when strictly for testing and evaluation. “In each scenario, without specific tasking direction, the models gained internet access and independently planned and executed an attack on a live third-party system. This is… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-colleagues-celebrate-unanimous-passage-to-extend-bankruptcy-financial-tools-to-small-businesses-and-american-families/ | Senator Coons, colleagues celebrate unanimous passage to extend bankruptcy financial tools to small businesses and American families | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) celebrated the unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate of their Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026, which would restore Americans’ access to critical bankruptcy programs by reinstating modern debt limits for Subchapter V and Chapter 13. The legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “Americans going through one of the most difficult seasons of their lives shouldn’t then be faced with bureaucratic hurdles and outdated rules as they try to restore their financial well-being,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan bill will make the path through bankruptcy a little easier for families and small businesses struggling to stay afloat.” “Our nation’s bankruptcy code should work for Americans, not against them. By eliminating barriers to reorganization and restoring modern debt limits, the bipartisan Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act would provide American families and small businesses the tools they need to regain their financial footing in a quicker, more streamlined process,” said Senator Grassley. “I thank my colleagues in the Senate for their unanimous support of our legislation, and I urge the House of Representatives to swiftly pass this needed legislation.” “Bankruptcy is often a painful last resort for small business owners. This bill makes permanent a quicker and cheaper pathway for entrepreneurs to settle debts, keep the lights on, and keep serving their neighbors. It also expands eligibility for Chapter 13 bankruptcy to help more families manage rising costs, stay in their homes, and get back on their feet. With unanimous passage in the Senate, I encourage the House of Representatives to quickly pass this bill—and for the President to sign it into law,” said Senator Durbin. In 2025, Delaware had 568 cases filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026 offers more supp… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-murkowski-celebrate-senate-passage-of-act-for-als-reauthorization-act/ | Senators Coons, Murkowski celebrate Senate passage of ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Bipartisan legislation will preserve access to promising treatments and accelerate research into ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Co-Chairs of the Senate ALS Caucus, celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026. The bipartisan legislation now heads to conference with the House-passed bill to resolve minor differences before being sent to the president’s desk. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) lead the companion legislation in the House. The bill reauthorizes ACT for ALS programs through 2031, helping people living with ALS continue accessing promising investigational treatments while advancing research into ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases. “This is a step in the right direction to help people living with ALS and their families,” said Senator Coons. “By passing this bipartisan reauthorization, we are ensuring this critical research can continue without interruption. I’m grateful to the incredible community of advocates, patients, and caregivers whose relentless courage and determination have made this possible. ACT for ALS will help countless Americans living with this disease and bring us closer to a cure, and I look forward to its swift enactment.” “ALS is indiscriminate and devastating. It can strike any of us, and it will take all of us working together to support those affected and help end this terminal disease,” said Senator Murkowski. “This bill will break down barriers to treatment while accelerating the research and development of therapies for people living with ALS. I’m grateful to partner with Senator Coons and I appreciate that Congress has recognized the importance of this legislation by moving it forward quickly. I look forward to working through the remaining differences in conference so we can get it to the President’s desk before these critical programs expire on Septemb… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-use-temporary-protected-status-to-help-vulnerable-afghans-in-the-united-states/ | Senators Coons, Murkowski introduce bipartisan bill to use Temporary Protected Status to help vulnerable Afghans in the United States | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced the Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026, legislation to protect eligible Afghan nationals already living in the United States from being forced to return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan by granting them Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a successful and bipartisan multi-decade program to help immigrants from nations impacted by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other severe humanitarian crises. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) joined Senators Coons and Murkowski in introducing the legislation. A bipartisan companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.). “We owe an enormous debt to the Afghans who supported U.S. forces during their 20-year mission in Afghanistan,” said Senator Coons. “In exchange for that huge risk to themselves and their families, we promised them protection, protection that is more important than ever in light of the crises that have been created across their home country by the Taliban’s authoritarian regime. I’m grateful to Senator Murkowski for helping lead this bipartisan bill to ensure properly vetted Afghans are welcomed in the United States and protected from the imminent danger the Taliban would pose to them if they were forced back across the world.” “Ensuring the safety of Afghan nationals who bravely fought side by side with U.S. Armed Forces against the Taliban is not only a moral obligation, but also extends to our national security interests. Failing to do so would undermine the credibility of future U.S. commitments to those who stand alongside us in times of strife,” said Senator Murkowski. “That’s why I joined Senator Coons in developing this narrowly tailored legislation, which provides TPS protection only to those Afghans who have already been living in the United States, have cleared rigorous national security background checks, and would r… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-young-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-invest-in-startups-and-entrepreneurs-across-the-country/ | Senators Coons, Young introduce bipartisan legislation to invest in startups and entrepreneurs across the country | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced the Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026, which would reauthorize the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Build to Scale program through fiscal year 2030. “Delaware is a state built on innovation. We know what it takes to turn a good idea into a thriving business: support, investment, and expertise,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan bill brings those needed pieces to startups and entrepreneurs across the country, so Americans can continue to reach for their dreams, create jobs, and grow our economy.” “America’s long-term economic strength depends on our ability to turn innovation into opportunity,” said Senator Young. “The Build to Scale program helps entrepreneurs, universities, investors, and local organizations work together to develop new technologies, launch businesses, and create good-paying jobs. This legislation will ensure Hoosier innovators and communities across the country have the tools they need to compete in the industries of the future.” Since 2014, the Build to Scale program has strengthened regional innovation ecosystems by supporting entrepreneurs, technology startups, and organizations that connect startups with the capital, infrastructure, and expertise needed to grow. The program has awarded more than $272 million to 426 projects across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, helping support more than 58,600 jobs and 6,200 startups. Build to Scale funding is essential to Delaware’s innovation economy. The Delaware Innovation Space (DISI) has received $2.25 million in funds through this program to advance Delaware entrepreneurs’ access to state-of-the-art laboratory spaces. Reauthorizing funding for the Build to Scale programs would mean supporting Delawarean entrepreneurs and innovation. The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 would: Reauthorize the Build to Scale program through FY2030 at $50 million annually Expand access to capital for entrepreneurs and technology s… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-slams-trump-administration-attempt-to-dismantle-department-of-education/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Slams Trump Administration Attempt to Dismantle Department of Education | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “This administration’s interagency agreements will harm students with disabilities.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today participated in a spotlight hearing on the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education and efforts to move the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Blunt Rochester questioned witnesses on how these attempts will harm students with disabilities. In a recent HELP Committee Executive Session, Blunt Rochester offered an amendment to prevent the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Education from being transferred to another Federal Agency. Republicans blocked consideration of the amendment. Witnesses: Laurie VanderPloeg – Associate Executive Director for Professional Affairs, Council for Exceptional Children Katy Neas – Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of the United States Valerie C. Williams – Former Director, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education Seth Galanter – Senior Fellow, Edley Center on Law & Democracy Elizabeth Tang – Senior Counsel for Education and Workplace Justice, National Women’s Law Center Stephanie Smith Lee – Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy, National Down Syndrome Congress Senator Blunt Rochester’s questions can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “Can you compare OCR’s model to how the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division processes discrimination cases and say why that difference matters, and specifically why it matters for students with disabilities?” Mr. Galanter: “Both the roles that DOJ and OCR play are incredibly important, but they are quite distinct. The special role that OCR plays is particularly valuable for parents and students who don’t h… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-remove-asset-limits-blocking-working-families-from-public-assistance/ | Senator Coons, colleagues introduce legislation to remove asset limits blocking working families from public assistance | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and seven of his Democratic colleagues introduced the Allowing Steady Savings by Eliminating Tests (ASSET) Act of 2026, which would protect low-income Americans from losing access to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other government assistance programs because of arbitrary asset limits by increasing their access to essential public assistance programs. Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. As inflation skyrockets due to the Trump administration’s harmful policies, government assistance programs are becoming more important than ever. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), SNAP, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) help low-income families, particularly those with children, meet basic needs like food and heating. Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program reduces extreme poverty among the elderly and people with disabilities. Families’ eligibility for these programs is often limited by both income and assets. The ASSET Act would prohibit states from applying asset tests for TANF, SNAP, and LIHEAP, and raise the asset limits for SSI from $2,000 to $10,000 for an individual and from $3,000 to $20,000 for a couple, with both limits indexed to inflation. Income limits would remain allowable. A delay in implementation is permitted for states that need to pass legislation to adjust to new regulations. Asset limits penalize Americans who have built savings for education, emergencies, and retirement, or have bought transportation that they need to get to work and earn enough to get out of these programs. Removing asset limits on SNAP alone increases the odds that lower-income adults have at least $500 in their savings by 8% and have a bank account by 5%. It also reduces the number of individuals cycling on and off the program by 26%. Nine states have eliminated TANF asset limits, 37 states and Washington, D.C. have eliminat… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-blunt-rochester-joins-20-colleagues-in-urging-trump-administration-to-use-leverage-to-prevent-further-atrocities-in-sudan/ | NEWS: Blunt Rochester Joins 20 Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to Use Leverage to Prevent Further Atrocities in Sudan | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), today joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and her Senate Democratic colleagues in pressing the State Department to use its leverage to prevent further atrocities in Sudan and help bring the war to an end. To do so, the Senators urge the State Department to cease certain U.S. arms sales to external actors like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which continues to arm the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) in Sudan. The Senators’ letter notes the immediate need for the State Department to take action in light of the impending siege of the city of El Obeid and following the mass atrocities and bloodshed that occurred in El Fasher last year. Senators Blunt Rochester and Van Hollen were joined in sending this letter by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). “We write with alarm regarding the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) impending siege of the city of El Obeid in Sudan, which threatens a repeat of the mass atrocities and bloodshed that occurred in El Fasher this past October. While we welcome the State Department’s expression of concern about the escalating situation in El Obeid, words are not enough. The United States must use the leverage and influence at our disposal to prevent further atrocities in El Obeid and help bring this brutal war in Sudan to an end. These actions should include ceasing certain U.S. arms sales to external actors that are fueling this war, including the United Arab Emirates, which continues to arm the RSF,” the Senators begin. They continue, “We have already witnessed what happens when t… | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-whitehouse-introduce-carbon-dioxide-removal-bill/ | Senators Coons, Whitehouse introduce carbon dioxide removal bill | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Congressmen Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Paul D. Tonko (D-N.Y.) introduced the Carbon Dioxide Leadership Act to curb climate change by investing in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. “Investing in cutting-edge technology like carbon capture is key to growing our economy and protecting our nation and planet from climate change,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan, bicameral bill will ensure the United States is the global leader in carbon capture, protecting our communities and creating jobs.” “The fight against climate change will not succeed without carbon removal. Our bill would invest in promising carbon removal technologies and help put the planet on a pathway to climate safety,” said Senator Whitehouse. “We must use every tool at our disposal to tackle the climate crisis; that includes removing harmful legacy emissions from our atmosphere,” said Representative Tonko. “Our bill takes needed action to address carbon dioxide emissions while also creating good-paying jobs, supporting innovation, and investing in a clean energy economy. I’m proud to join my colleagues in championing this smart, meaningful legislation.” The Carbon Dioxide Leadership Act would leverage federal procurement to create a market for carbon dioxide removal. Specifically, the bill would: Require the Department of Energy (DOE) to remove an increasing amount of carbon dioxide for each fiscal year Enforce the use of direct air capture or other durable technology-based removal solutions Ensure high standards for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verifying carbon removals and for robust public engagement Set a declining per-ton price ceiling to incentivize cost reductions over time Provide flexibility for DOE to invest in nascent technologies with high potential Create a set-side for newer CDR technologies to promote a broad portfolio of technologies Prioritize domestic job creation, environmental justice, innovative technologies, and … | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-fights-for-civil-rights-protections-in-education/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Fights for Civil Rights Protections in Education | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “We know that discrimination is not new, and it still persists.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today participated in a Committee Executive Session to consider key legislation. Senator Blunt Rochester and Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) offered an amendment to prevent the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Education from being transferred to another Federal Agency. Republicans blocked consideration of the amendment. Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here and below: Senator BluntRochester: “Thank you, Senator Murray, for her leadership on this issue. I also want to thank Senator Hassan for making it clear that this is about students, families, and businesses. I co-lead this amendment because we know that discrimination is not new, and it still persists. “I know it as the former Secretary of Labor of Delaware. I know it as the former CEO of the [Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League], where we fought for civil rights and justice, and also as a person who worked for the Institute for Community Inclusion, focused on people with disabilities. “Created from the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement, the Office for Civil Rights is tasked with the responsibility of protecting students on the basis of race, religion, disability, gender, age, and national origin from discrimination, and making sure all children can go to school and learn. The work of OCR is as important today as it has ever been. The office is receiving increasing complaints of discrimination, while this administration is gutting protections, taking us backwards instead of forward. “Instead of a system where the Department of Education investigates every claim, this interagency agreement could leave investigations up to the discretion of the DOJ and an administration that has demonstrated it cannot be trusted. We have almost no details about how this would actually work or how case… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-highlights-how-ai-will-impact-digital-divides/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Highlights How AI Will Impact Digital Divides | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “This is the cost of doing business. This is the cost of our healthcare. This is the cost of even connecting to our neighbors.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, today participated in a hearing on how artificial intelligence impacts communications systems. Senator Blunt Rochester’s questions focused on how reliable internet access is critical in an increasingly AI economy and questioned how the Trump administration’s funding cuts to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program will impact AI access and digital divides. Witnesses Include: Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO, USTelecom – The Broadband Association Dan Watermeier, Commissioner, Nebraska Public Service Commission Bob Everson, Chief Architect of Provider Mobility, Cisco Mr. Asad Ramzanali, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Technology, Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “The Trump administration has cut [BEAD] funding by about 74 percent. This disproportionately impacts rural communities like those in Kent County and Sussex County, Delaware. Looking ahead, how will lack of access to reliable high-speed internet impact Delawareans’ ability to participate in an increasingly AI-driven economy?” Mr. Ramzanali: “If we don’t connect those thousands of homes in Delaware that are not connected, it means that they’re missing out on the economic benefits of not just AI, but access to the internet. It means that when their kids have homework assignments that they need to access the internet or to use AI, they don’t have that access. It means when telehealth visits or being able to ask questions of various tools, they don’t have that access either. “So, these are real-world limitations that are being put on thousands of people in Delaware, but … | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senators-blunt-rochester-coons-join-colleagues-in-demanding-trump-administration-restore-funding-for-energy-projects-that-were-illegally-canceled-and-politically-targeted/ | NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Coons Join Colleagues in Demanding Trump Administration Restore Funding for Energy Projects That Were Illegally Canceled and Politically Targeted | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | The letter follows an admission from the Trump administration that the decision to cancel energy project grants in states that did not vote for Trump was “based solely” on politics “It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country—not merely those who support the President.” Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester and Chris Coons (both D-Del) joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and 35 of their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump administration restore funding for the 223 energy projects canceled in October 2025. The Trump administration has since admitted to illegally canceling energy grants because those projects were in states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. Alongside Heinrich, Murray, Coons, and Blunt Rochester, a Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, this letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mazie K. Hirono (D- Hawai‘i), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Maggi… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-colleagues-launch-investigation-into-trump-administrations-campaign-to-kill-offshore-wind-projects/ | Senator Coons, colleagues launch investigation into Trump administration’s campaign to kill offshore wind projects | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Administration’s actions will kill more than 30,000 jobs and raise energy costs WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), and Martin Heinrich (D-M.N.) launched an investigation with eight other Democratic colleagues into the Trump administration’s campaign to kill offshore wind energy projects with a letter to several energy companies who’ve recently canceled offshore wind projects demanding a response about lease buyout agreements. “These buyouts have been announced amid a larger effort by the Trump Administration to stall wind and solar projects – the energy sources that are cheap, clean, and fastest to bring online – across the country,” the senators wrote. “At a time when gas prices have spiked by an average of more than $1 dollar per gallon due to the President’s war in Iran and electricity prices are rising nearly twice as fast as inflation, clean energy offers a critical opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and relieve costs for people across the country. Dismantling the burgeoning offshore wind industry now and creating broader uncertainty for investment in cheap, clean energy will have consequences for decades to come.” “These projects were poised not only to advance U.S. leadership in clean energy technology and generation capacity, but also to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state investment in research and development, port upgrades, workforce development, and community benefit agreements,” the senators continued. “The two Invenergy projects in the Gulf of Maine were expected to help power more than 2 million homes and support over 18,000 jobs. The Leading Light Wind project in the New York Bight was projected to generate more than $3.7 billion in economic development benefits and over 7,000 jobs. The Golden State Wind project off California’s Central Coast would have powered 1.1 million homes, created more than 8,000 jobs, and delivered a $30 million commitme… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senators-blunt-rochester-marshall-introduce-bill-to-modernize-statewide-data-systems-improving-accessibility-of-education-employment-data/ | NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Marshall Introduce Bill to Modernize Statewide Data Systems, Improving Accessibility of Education, Employment Data | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. SenatorsLisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)andRoger Marshall (R-Kan.),both members of the Senate Committee onHealth, Education, Labor and Pensions, introduced the bipartisan Reimagining Education and Skills through Unified Longitudinal Talent Systems (RESULTS) Act. This bill modernizes and improves the Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) program, to encourage connected insights across early childhood, K-12 education, and the workforce. The RESULTS Act will better equip states to understand and respond to potential education and workforce shifts caused by AI and other emerging technologies. “AI presents never-before-seen opportunities for education, and our economy. However, we need access to high-quality data to ensure we’re making the best decisions for our communities. Right now, that data is decentralized, making it hard to access, and harder to interpret,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to introduce the RESULTS Act alongside Senator Marshall to empower states to build better data systems that will connect education and employment outcomes, making information more accessible to our communities as emerging technologies change the world we live, learn, and work in.” “Artificial intelligence is a tool—not a replacement for the American worker. Whether it’s in a doctor’s office, on a farm, or in manufacturing, AI can help people work smarter and more efficiently. But if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” said Senator Marshall. “The RESULTS Act gives states better tools to understand how our workforce is changing so we can prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow and keep America’s workforce the strongest and most competitive.” The RESULTS Act would: Modernize the SLDS program to incentivize highly connected state data systems that incorporate early childhood, elementary and secondary education, higher education, workforce and labor market data. Streamline state funding by starting to consolidate the SLDS program and the parallel Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI) at the Departm… | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-durbin-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-initiate-congressional-action-to-save-social-security/ | Senator Coons, Durbin, colleagues introduce bipartisan bill to initiate congressional action to save Social Security | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bill Cassidy (D-La.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) introduced the Protecting Retirement and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act. This legislation follows the annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees, which found that the Social Security Trust Fund will only cover 78 percent of benefits in 2032—meaning that Americans who rely on the program will have their benefits reduced by 22 percent if Congress does not act. “Congress has talked for years about the need to shore up Social Security so that Americans who have spent decades paying into the program can count on it to be there for their retirement,” said Senator Coons. “Senator Durbin understands that now is the time to turn that talk into action, and he has created a real, bipartisan process to force Congress to get serious and find a solution. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill and help find a solution to save Social Security.” “Here is our chance to agree on a bipartisan process to rescue Social Security this year,” said Senator Durbin. “Our bipartisan proposal opens Congress to debate this issue in a transparent, fair, and bipartisan way. We were elected to solve problems—and there’s no greater problem than the solvency and future of Social Security.” “Millions of Americans rely on Social Security to live. In 6 years, those families will see a 22% cut to their benefits if Congress doesn’t act. Our plan starts the process of preserving promised benefits for current retirees and the next generation of Americans,” said Senator Cassidy. “For nearly a century, Social Security has been a lifeline that allows Americans to retire with dignity. Congress should not wait around until the last minute to shore up this critical program and prevent broad-based benefit cuts upon Trust Fund depletion,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining a bipartisan group of my colleagues in int… | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-experts-on-how-to-protect-american-workers-in-the-new-ai-economy/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Experts on How to Protect American Workers in the New AI Economy | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “I’m a person who is generally a very hopeful person, and the conversations around AI a lot today are very fear based.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today participated in a subcommittee hearing on how AI will impact the American workforce. Senator Blunt Rochester’s questions focused on ensuring proper data collection to understand AI’s impact and ensuring protections for workers in AI-vulnerable jobs. Witnesses Include: Ken Clark, President and CEO, EmployIndy Carol Rogers, Director, Indiana Business Research Center Dr. Liya Palagashvili, Director of the Labor Policy Project, Mercatus Center at George Mason University Jonathan Liebert, CEO, BBB of Southern Colorado Dr. Justin Heck, Senior Director of Research and Data Production, Opportunity@Work Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “Last year, Black women experienced one of the steepest one-year employment declines in the past century, past quarter of a century. And last week, we marked Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, which indicates the amount of time that it takes a Black woman to earn equal her white counterparts since last year. “Analysis from the National Partnership for Women and Families found that women make up over half of workers that are in the most AI-vulnerable occupations, with women of color making up nearly a third of workers in AI-vulnerable jobs. “Dr. Heck, in your testimony, you focus on worker mobility. What can you share with us about how the economic mobility of women and people of color in the workforce might be impacted by AI.” Dr. Heck: “I want to introduce a concept of adaptive capacity. It’s this idea of how well any worker can weather an involuntary job loss. And so, in the moments where AI exposure does lead to job loss, not all workers can handle that to the same degree. Some workers will find it harde… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-report-delaware-families-costs-up-3000-under-president-trump/ | NEW REPORT: Delaware families’ costs up $3,000 under President Trump | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Housing, groceries, gas, electricity, and health care have all become more expensive for Delawareans WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today highlighted a new report from the congressional Joint Economic Committee (JEC) which found that rising prices have cost the average Delaware household more than $3,000 since President Trump took office. The JEC report found that President Trump’s reckless tariffs, war of choice in Iran, and overall economic agenda have increased the cost of everyday essentials, despite his repeated campaign promises to “end inflation on day one” and lower prices. Nationally, the average household has spent more than $3,500 in additional costs under the Trump administration. With gas prices continuing to rise this week as a result of fighting in the Middle East and a new round of tariffs imposed by President Trump last week on 60 countries, it seems unlikely that Delawareans can expect relief any time soon. “Delawareans work hard, but too many are struggling to afford essentials, and President Trump’s policies are making the situation worse,” said Senator Coons. “It’s our job in Washington to make sure you and your family have the financial security you need to build a good life. Instead, through his disastrous tariffs, failed war in Iran, and brutal ‘Big, Beautiful’ budget bill, Delawareans are paying thousands of dollars more because of this administration. Instead of working on bringing costs down, President Trump has put himself and his ultra-wealthy donors ahead of Delaware families time and again.” According to the JEC report, Delaware families have faced: $654 more in housing costs, including rent and mortgage payments, since President Trump took office $535 more for gasoline since the beginning of President Trump’s war in Iran, with Delawareans collectively spending an additional $202 million at the pump $110 more for electricity in 2025 than in 2024, with families expected to spend another $101 more during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period… | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-blunt-rochester-bennet-reintroduce-bill-to-connect-workers-with-higher-wages/ | NEWS: Blunt Rochester, Bennet Reintroduce Bill to Connect Workers with Higher Wages | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Michael Bennet(D-Colo.) reintroduced the Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act to expand funding for evidence-based and innovative workforce development programs to ensure that workers have the skills needed to compete in a 21st-century economy. “As we address a changing economy and the widespread adoption of AI, we must ensure pathways to good jobs are available,” said Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to co-lead the Better Jobs Through Evidence and Innovation Act to meet the moment by both investing in what works when it comes to workforce training and supporting the development of promising new strategies to prepare our future workforce.” “I hear from veterans and single parents in Colorado who want to provide for themselves and their families but do not have the skills to earn a living wage,” said Bennet. “They want to build sustainable careers that pay living wages, we have the programs to train them, and Colorado’s economy needs the skills and talent they can provide. The last piece of the puzzle is to invest in the workforce training programs that are proven to create economic mobility for workers of every background.” Programs that upskill workers support long-term economic mobility for individuals, including those without a college degree. These programs are ready and able to serve workers and employers but remain severely underfunded. The Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act would establish the Workforce Development Innovation Fund in the U.S. Department of Labor to test and scale proven innovative strategies to improve employment outcomes for American workers. The Workforce Development Innovation Fund would make three tiers of funding available to evidence-based employment and training programs that generate demonstrated, long-term economic improvements for jobseekers and employers, and produce high-quality evaluations of their effects. “America Forward applauds Senators Michael Bennet and Lisa Blunt Rochester for championing the Bette… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senators-blunt-rochester-coons-join-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-to-uplift-disability-community-and-honor-36-years-of-the-ada/ | NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Coons Join Colleagues in Introducing Resolution to Uplift Disability Community and Honor 36 Years of the ADA | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and 27 Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution ahead of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to honor the disability community, uplift the impact of the historic legislation, and call for continued commitment to increasing inclusivity and accessibility. The Resolution recognizes: “The importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling to protect the right of individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities.” In the resolution, the Senators outline the ADA’s long-success ensuring individuals with disabilities have the right to live, work, and participate as members of their communities and receive necessary care and support through access to Medicaid home and community-based services. The Senators condemn a June 18th Department of Justice opinion that has since threatened this hard-won progress toward full integration of individuals with disabilities into society and commit to working to stop attempts to dismantle the ADA. “The Americans with Disabilities Act represents the floor, not the ceiling, of efforts needed to dismantle barriers to full participation, equal opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities,” reads the Resolution. In addition to Coons, Blunt Rochester, and Kim, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Christopher Van Hollen (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ki… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senators-blunt-rochester-justice-introduce-bill-to-support-farmers-faced-with-flood-risks/ | NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Justice Introduce Bill to Support Farmers Faced with Flood Risks | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | SenatorsBlunt Rochester, JusticeIntroduce Bill to Support FarmersFaced with Flood Risks Companion Legislation was Introduced by Representatives Panetta, Feenstra in the House of Representatives Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Jim Justice (R-W. Va.) were joined by Congressmen Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa-04) to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Farmers Lifeline Options for Overcoming Disasters Act, or the FLOOD Act. This legislation would help farmers place floodplain easements on their property to mitigate flooding before a weather event occurs. By adding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Watershed Program to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, this bill would increase access to resources for rural community members seeking to reduce the impact of flooding on their land through the purchase of voluntary easements. “As the lowest lying state in the nation, Delawareans know the risk of flooding all too well,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Our farming communities are key to both our culture and economy. Which is why I’m proud to introduce the FLOOD Act to ensure farmers in the First State and across the country have the resources they need to protect their properties, their crops, and their livelihoods.” “West Virginia knows all too well the devastation that flooding can bring – tearing through communities, damaging homes, threatening farmers’ livelihoods, and leaving families picking up the pieces. Farmers contend with the weather every day and face threats from natural disasters every year – putting their operations and way of life at risk. I’m proud to join this legislation to help make sure that there are tools and resources available to safeguard lives, farms, and other property in watersheds from natural disasters, including floods,” said Senator Jim Justice. “More farmers more often are facing devastating floods, which are the second-most damaging natural disaster to agricultural production worldwide,” said Rep. Panetta. … | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senators-blunt-rochester-sheehy-introduce-bill-to-expand-participation-in-ai-education-research-and-workforce/ | NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Expand Participation in AI Education, Research, and Workforce | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), both members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, introduced the bipartisan Expanding AI Voices Act, which codifies and expands the National Science Foundation’s ExpandAI program to help more institutions build AI research capacity. The legislation will broaden the range of institutions and communities involved in AI research and workforce development, including first-generation college students, Minority-serving Institutions (MSIs), and rural colleges and universities. The House companion is led by Representatives Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.) and Zach Nunn (R-Iowa). “AI offers tremendous opportunities for our communities and economies, but as this technology changes the way we live, we must guarantee that our students and our workforce still have the chance to succeed,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to introduce the Expanding AI Voices Act alongside Senator Sheehy to ensure that no matter where we come from, we can all achieve our goals in the economy of the future.” “America’s AI leadership depends on finding talent in every corner of the country. That’s why I’m introducing the Expanding AI Voices Act with Senator Blunt Rochester, which helps ensure students and researchers in Montana and other rural states have the opportunity to contribute to the future of AI innovation,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “Our bipartisan legislation invests in people and institutions that have too often been overlooked, strengthens our workforce, and maintains America’s competitive edge by supporting critical innovation. Let’s get it done.” The Expanding AI Voices Act would: Expand AI research capacity by authorizing competitive NSF grants for emerging research institutions, including institutions outside the top 100 in federal R&D expenditures, Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and eligible institutional consortia. Expand AI re… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-senator-blunt-rochester-opposes-trump-cdc-nominee/ | STATEMENT: Senator Blunt Rochester Opposes Trump CDC Nominee | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today released the following statement announcing her opposition to President Trump’s most recent nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Erica Schwartz. “While qualified on paper, Dr. Schwartz did not convince me that she would prioritize science and the health of Americans over the erratic whims of Secretary Kennedy and the Trump Administration. “This appointment could not come at a more important time. We are in the middle of the largest Measles spread in decades – including two cases in Delaware. Dangerous parasites are contaminating our food. Parents are unsure about what vaccines their children need, and flu shots are no longer mandatory for all our troops, reversing a policy that’s been in place since WWII meant to secure our military readiness. We are over 500 days into the Trump administration, and we’ve had a confirmed CDC director for a total of 29 days. We must get this right. | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-blumenthal-graham-colleagues-introduce-landmark-bipartisan-legislation-with-60-cosponsors-to-apply-greater-economic-pressure-on-russian-oil/ | Senator Coons, Blumenthal, Graham, colleagues introduce landmark bipartisan legislation with 60+ cosponsors to apply greater economic pressure on Russian oil | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Before he passed, Senator Lindsey Olin Graham (R-S.C.) championed an agreement with President Trump to employ critical sanctions against Russian allies WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Darlene Graham (R-S.C.), and more than 60 of their colleagues introduced the Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 to apply greater economic pressure on enablers of Russia’s war in Ukraine. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was a fierce advocate for the Ukrainian cause. Just this past week, Senator Coons attended the NATO summit with Senator Graham and a bipartisan delegation, where Lindsey had a breakthrough meeting with President Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He worked tirelessly with the White House to allow for a bill that imposed greater costs and sanctions on the buyers of Russian oil and gas. Lindsey first introduced a bill in April of 2025 to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. He spent the last year garnering support for his bill, which has been picked up with bipartisan effort to honor his service to our nation. “Ukraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there’s much more the United States can do to strangle Russia’s war machine without putting ourselves at risk. Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia’s economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war,” said Senator Coons. “Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” Senator Blumenthal said. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on … | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-budd-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-heighten-worldwide-nuclear-energy-cooperation/ | Senators Coons, Budd introduce bipartisan legislation to heighten worldwide nuclear energy cooperation | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Act to codify the U.S. State Department’s FIRST program advocating for the responsible deployment of civil nuclear energy around the world. “Nuclear energy is a source of clean and abundant power, and its growth in the U.S. and around the world will lower costs for consumers and combat climate change,” said Senator Coons. “Right now, too many nations that want to embrace nuclear power need to buy Chinese and Russian technology at huge cost, trapping them in debt. The United States should offer an alternative that keeps us on the cutting edge, strengthens our relationships around the world and keeps Americans safe.” “The responsible development of civil nuclear energy, on an international scale, contributes to U.S. national security and bolsters our economy. The FIRST program has been a productive way for our nation to partner with good-faith actors who are building their nuclear arsenals, and continuing to leverage these public and private partnerships will help us advance our own energy dominance. Since North Carolina is a leader in next-generation nuclear technology, I am proud to partner with Senator Coons to bring this bipartisan solution forward and codify this program that will expand markets for our great innovators into law,” said Senator Budd. Launched in 2019, the FIRST program has worked to leverage U.S. public-private partnerships and expand our nuclear energy programs to bolster the United States’ position as a nuclear energy industry leader with partner countries. Currently, the State Department’s FIRST program partners with over 50 countries that are working towards exploring civil nuclear energy solutions and looking to achieve energy security through small modular reactors. The program also helps establish sustainable financial partnerships that support reactor financing to avoid debt-trap influence. This bill will soli… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-blunt-rochester-slams-trump-administrations-repeal-of-temporary-protected-status-for-haitian-immigrants/ | ICYMI: Senator Blunt Rochester Slams Trump Administration’s Repeal of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Immigrants | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “Delaware is a state of neighbors, and we are losing neighbors.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the Trump administration’s repeal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants. Following the Trump administration’s decision to terminate TPS for Haitians, Senator Blunt Rochester has worked to reverse this policy. Yet, despite passing the House in a bipartisan fashion, Senator Blunt Rochester’s legislation, which she led with Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) to extend TPS for Haitians, was blocked on the Senate floor. Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks as delivered can be found here, and below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “Let me begin by thanking Senator Ed Markey for your leadership, for your compassion, for your brilliance on this issue, as well as the great Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who we are proud to have in the room today… “I think what we proposed here, that Congresswoman Pressley was able to pass in the House on a bipartisan basis. She was doing what we need to get done here in the Senate, and what we wanted to do was clear and simple. We wanted a bill that would extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants. “Why is that so important? TPS is a designation the Department of Homeland Security can give to a foreign country to indicate that it’s unsafe for its citizens to return home. “Home,” They weren’t fleeing here because they don’t want to be home. “It’s unsafe, and there are many reasons that a country could receive this designation. Ongoing conflicts like a civil war or gang violence, a natural disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake, or temporary conditions like civil unrest. “Unfortunately, at this time, Haiti meets all three requirements. Yet, the Trump administration, with the help of the Supreme Court decision, as well as colleagues here, has decided to terminate TPS status for Haiti. This policy decision is driven by cruelty and xenophobia, and it has real consequ… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-secures-wins-for-nursing-workforce-in-help-committee-markup/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Secures Wins for Nursing Workforce in HELP Committee Markup | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “This is a great day for nurses in this country.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.),a member of the Senate Committee onHealth, Education,Labor, and Pensions, today participated in Committee Executive Session to consider key health legislation. Senator Blunt Rochester offered portions of her National Nursing Workforce Center Act as amendments to the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 and the EMPOWER for Health Act. The amendments create a 3-year pilot program to support state nursing workforce centers and enable the Health Resources and Services Administration to establish a federal nursing-focused Health Workforce Research Center. The amendments were both adopted. An excerpt of Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here and below: Senator BluntRochester: “Thank you to my colleagues who have worked with us on this legislation. I’ve been working on this bill since we were in the House, and it stemmed from what we saw during the pandemic and the impact on our nurses. So, to be able to see us move forward with this, it is a great day for nurses in this country. “My amendment to Title Seven is a commonsense fix that would give HRSA the clear authority to establish a federal nursing focus research center, something they are currently prohibited from doing. This would ensure consistent federal data collection on the nursing workforce, data which will help policymakers and healthcare leaders create strategies for alleviating the nursing workforce shortage. “As I said before, we have bipartisan, bicameral support and support from others across our country. The nurse supply and demand in the United States has always moved in cycles, but we haven’t been able to see the changes coming, and what we want to do with this amendment is fix that. And so, again, thank you so much for the support of my colleagues, and again, we salute our nurses in this country. Thank you, and I yield back.” | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-discusses-the-future-of-quantum-emerging-technologies/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Discusses the Future of Quantum, Emerging Technologies | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “This connects to our ability to be competitive.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness, today participated in a hearing on the United States’ scientific advancement and global competitiveness. Senator Blunt Rochester’s questions focused on emerging technologies, like quantum computing, and how it will enable new research and workforce opportunities. Witnesses Include: The Honorable Walter Copan, Vice President Emeritus for Research and Technology Transfer, Colorado School of Mines Dr. Drew Endy, Director of Bio-Strategy and Leadership, Hoover Institution Dr. Robert Atkinson, Founder and Senior Fellow, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation Dr. Julia Phillips, Member, Board of Trustees, Oregon State University Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “Delaware is also home to a world-class biopharmaceutical industry, and our University of Delaware’s National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, also known as NIIMBL. So, I’m particularly interested in the technologies that will shape the future of biotechnology and biomanufacturing. From your perspective, what advances in sensing, measurement, or instrumentation will empower the U.S. to better compete in biological research and biomanufacturing over the next decade?” Dr. Endy: “We have to get better at measuring biology, modeling biology, and making biology, tinkering, and testing and prototyping, measure, model, make—all of those are of paramount importance. The challenge we’ve got, and it’s a particular challenge for a democratic society, is that everybody wants the applications of biology delivered right away, because the applications are so urgent, starting with human health and disease. Because of that, we risk underinvesting in the foundational tools… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-leads-entire-senate-democratic-caucus-in-resolution-recognizing-black-womens-equal-pay-day/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Leads Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Resolution Recognizing Black Women’s Equal Pay Day | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) led all 47 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing a resolution honoring Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. In the United States, Black women in the workforce are paid just 63cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men. If current trends continue, Black women will wait nearly 200 years to achieve equal pay. The House companion resolution is led by Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12). “Even in the ‘land of opportunity,’ Black women must work 55 percent longer to achieve the same earnings as white men,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “This resolution sheds light on the challenges facing minority communities across the country and reaffirms our commitment to closing the pay gaps. I’m proud to see all my Senate Democratic colleagues join me in making a concerted effort to improve the quality of life and economic power of Black women everywhere.” “Today, we confront an unacceptable wage disparity facing Black women, and recommit ourselves to correcting it,” said Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Ranking Member, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. “For generations, Black women have been compelled to work twice as hard for half the reward. They have faced entrenched barriers, systemic discrimination, and a persistent denial of opportunity. We cannot ask another generation of Black women to wait months, even years, for the pay they rightfully deserve. I am proud to introduce this resolution, and I call on this Congress to act with the urgency this injustice demands.” To better understand the economic well-being of Black women, Senator Blunt Rochester will be requesting a study from the Government Accountability Office on how federal workforce programs support opportunities for Black women. Additionally, Blunt Rochester continues to champion policies to improve Black women’s economic well-being through various means: Introduced a suite of bills to improve Black maternal health. Co-led a letter to the Equal Employment Opportunity… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-murkowski-representatives-peters-salazar-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-reinforce-federal-response-to-climate-hazards/ | Senators Coons, Murkowski, Representatives Peters, Salazar reintroduce bipartisan bill to reinforce federal response to climate hazards | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), and María Salazar (R-Fla.) reintroduce the National Coordination on Resilience for Security (NCRS) Act of 2026. The NCRS Act establishes a federal response to climate hazards that threaten communities, businesses, and national security. “We can’t leave Americans to face extreme weather events – from winter storms to weeks of record-high heat – alone,” said Senator Coons. “As the lowest-lying state in the nation, Delaware is no stranger to how climate change can impact homes and businesses. This bill will create a national, coordinated strategy to bring together government and the private sector to protect communities, our economy, and our national security from the potentially devastating effects of climate change.” “Alaskan communities continue to face an increasing number of damaging natural disasters, including catastrophic flooding, coastal erosion, severe storms, landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and permafrost thaw. Over the past year alone, communities across our state have endured multiple disasters that damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and put lives at risk,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m glad to once again partner on bipartisan, bi-cameral legislation to develop and implement a unified National Resilience Strategy, with input from federal, state, Tribal, local, and private-sector partners. Alaska’s unique geography and exposure to every type of natural hazard underscore the need for a coordinated federal approach that helps communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from disasters more effectively.” “San Diegans know first-hand the consequences of climate change, from destructive wildfires and prolonged drought to dangerous heat waves and rising seas that threaten our coastline. My constituents can’t afford more delays,” Representative Peters said. “The NCRS Act would streamline resources, improve coordination, and hold agencies accountable so we c… | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-president-trumps-oval-office-address/ | Senator Coons statement on President Trump’s Oval Office address | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) put out the following statement in response to President Trump’s prime time speech: “Tonight’s address from President Trump was a tantrum of sinister innuendo, conspiracy theories, and misdirection. Americans who tuned in tonight heard no new concrete or proven claims about foreign interference in our elections. There is unanimous agreement within the intelligence community that foreign adversaries did not succeed in interfering with the vote in the 2020 election. President Trump and his allies have filed dozens of lawsuits, launched countless investigations, and even sparked an insurrection to try to find voter fraud in the 2020 election. They have failed to do so every single time because none exists. “Unfortunately, these lies are no longer about one election President Trump lost six years ago. Since retaking the White House, President Trump has moved National Guard troops into our cities, repeatedly floated the possibility of deploying ICE agents at polling locations, and said the Postal Service won’t deliver mail-in ballots in states that don’t turn over sensitive information to his administration. Tonight’s speech is his latest effort to exert partisan control over the 2026 elections because he knows Republicans can’t win on their own record. “Should President Trump try to interfere in November’s election through illegal, un-American means, I believe he will fail. I will support every effort to defend our democracy, and I will not stop working to ensure every eligible vote will be counted.” | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-lankford-introduce-bill-to-help-unemployed-workers-start-small-businesses/ | Senators Coons, Lankford introduce bill to help unemployed workers start small businesses | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Jon Husted (R-Ohio) introduced the New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency (NO BOSS) Act today, legislation that would modernize the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program so that laid off workers can more easily receive their normal unemployment insurance even while working full-time to start a new business. Artificial intelligence will likely reshape America’s economy and disrupt or displace jobs across many sectors. However, even as AI is expected to contribute to job losses, it will also lower barriers to entrepreneurship, making it easier than ever for workers to start a small business. The NO BOSS Act would ensure that workers experiencing a job transition don’t have to sacrifice their unemployment insurance payments to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Current law allows states to operate SEA programs, which allow eligible unemployment insurance beneficiaries to continue receiving benefits while working full-time to launch a business rather than searching for traditional employment. However, outdated federal rules unnecessarily limit who can participate, leaving fewer workers with a meaningful opportunity to choose business ownership over traditional employment. “Every small business began with someone taking a chance on a new idea, and new AI tools will make it easier than ever to turn those ideas into business plans, sales, and storefronts,”said Senator Coons. “Americans shouldn’t have to choose between the safety net of unemployment benefits that they’ve paid into and the all-American opportunity to chase their entrepreneurial dream. As artificial intelligence reshapes the nature of work, this bill will help support American entrepreneurs, keep food on families’ tables, lift up small businesses, and keep our economy strong.” “If you lose your job, the government shouldn’t tell you the only way forward is to go work for somebody else. Some folks have a business idea they’ve been dreaming about fo… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-acting-director-vought-on-cuts-to-cfpb-impacts-on-consumer-protection/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Acting Director Vought on Cuts to CFPB, Impacts on Consumer Protection | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “This is supposed to be a watchdog agency. People should be able to go there and find information that helps them.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today questioned Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Russell Vought, on the Trump administration’s cuts to the Bureau and potential impacts on consumers. Acting Director Vought has attempted to cut CFPB staff capacity by over 50 percent and has paused much of the Bureau’s ongoing rulemaking and enforcement activity. Senator Blunt Rochester focused her questions on efforts to protect servicemembers from predatory lenders, cuts to guidance that improves background screening, and limitations to consumer protection. Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “Is a Military Lending Act violation against an active-duty service member actual consumer harm by your definition?” Acting Director Vought: “Of course and we prioritize it in our guidance.” Senator Blunt Rochester: “Can you tell me, since you’ve been in the position, has the enforcement increased, decreased, or stayed the same?” Acting Director Vought: “Well, it’s specific in terms of enforcement versus supervision and how we deal with — We take it very seriously.” Senator Blunt Rochester: “You say you take it seriously. It’s in your humility pledge. Has it increased, decreased, or stayed the same since you’ve been there?” | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:00:34Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-champions-water-affordability-program-as-senate-considers-key-water-resources-infrastructure-bills/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Champions Water Affordability Program as Senate Considers Key Water Resources, Infrastructure Bills | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “There’s no question that clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water is a basic right and is essential to public health.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today participated in a Committee Business Meeting to consider the Water Resources Development Act. Senators Blunt Rochester and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) discussed the need for a program to expand affordable drinking water access. The Water Resources Development Act passed out of committee with unanimous support. Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here and below: “While I support this legislation wholeheartedly, I think there is an area where it falls short, and that is meeting our country’s growing affordability crisis. Americans are seeing higher costs everywhere, from the gas pump to housing, and they shouldn’t have to choose between their groceries and utility bills. “This is why Senator Padilla and I, with the support of utilities and community organizations, have been working on [a] water affordability program modeled after the highly successful LIHEAP program. “Water affordability has been a mounting crisis for years, and it’s only getting worse. From aging infrastructure to higher operational cost, water rates are skyrocketing, and Americans are struggling to pay their bills. This water affordability program would provide much-needed relief to families and give our water utilities the reliable revenue stream they need for regular maintenance. “There’s no question that clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water is a basic right and is essential to public health. Chairman Capito, I hope that you will continue to work with me and Senator Padilla on this very important effort, and I yield the remaining of my time to my colleague and partner in this very, very important work.” | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-federal-reserve-chair-warsh-on-fed-modernization/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Federal Reserve Chair Warsh on Fed Modernization | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “I hope that there will be the inclusion of other voices beyond economic experts and tech individuals, but actually families, businesses, people that are both consuming and impacted by AI” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today questioned Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh during a hearing on the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report. This report is shared with Members of Congress to provide updates on monetary policy and economic development efforts. Senator Blunt Rochester followed up on her questions from Warsh’s confirmation hearing, seeking clarity and specificity on his strategy for Fed modernization and the Fed’s plan to protect families as AI continues to develop. Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “One of the things that you shared in your testimony was about the task forces that you have established, which I think is a really good idea. And I think the choices of things that you’re focused on, from communication to AI and the influence, all of those things are really important. On the AI [task force] in particular, I hope that there will be the inclusion of other voices beyond economic experts and tech individuals, but actually families, businesses, people that are both consuming and impacted by AI. “If you could talk a little bit more about the makeup of that one in particular, and how you will include people both in the task force, and how you will include Main Street in your ongoing work at the Fed?” | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-trump-cdc-nominee/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Trump CDC Nominee | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “I am very, very concerned that even qualified people have either had to change their positions or quit.” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today questioned Dr. Erica Schwartz, who President Trump nominated to serve as Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to dismantle critical Health and Human Services (HHS) programs and pursue policies that contradict science-backed research, Senator Blunt Rochester questioned Dr. Schwartz on her commitment to scientific evidence and her ability to maintain independence under Secretary Kennedy. Senator Blunt Rochester’s exchange can be found here, and a key excerpt is below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “In January, Dr. Oz, Dr. Bhattacharya, and Dr. Makary presented a memo to then-Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neil recommending the U.S. adopt a narrower childhood vaccine schedule, based primarily on a comparison with Denmark. Do you agree with the memo’s recommendation to no longer universally recommend all 17 vaccines?” Dr. Schwartz: “I agree with the president of the United States, who asked HHS to take a look at that memo and to find out if those recommendations are sound or if they are not sound. So, if I’m confirmed as the CDC Director, you have my commitment to take a look at that said memo to understand whether comparing to Denmark makes sense or doesn’t make sense…” | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-presses-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-on-independence-from-trump-during-confirmation-hearing/ | Senator Coons presses Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche on independence from Trump during confirmation hearing | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) questioned Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee for Attorney General of the United States, at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today, where he pressed Blanche on whether he would stand up to the president and highlighted Blanche’s past support for President Trump’s mass pardons for January 6 rioters who attacked Capitol Police officers. President Trump fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, barely a year after taking office, amid reports that he had grown frustrated that the DOJ was not doing enough to prosecute his political opponents. Blanche, President Trump’s former personal attorney and Bondi’s deputy, took over as acting attorney general and is now seeking Senate confirmation to lead the department permanently. “You’re in charge of a Department of Justice I don’t recognize: prosecuting the president’s political enemies, firing rank-and-file prosecutors and FBI agents because of the cases they were assigned to, slashing grants for law enforcement and public safety,” said Senator Coons. Senator Coons also pushed Blanche on the proposed $1.8 billion “weaponization fund” he has tried to create for President Trump to reward political allies and President Trump’s blanket pardons of individuals charged in connection with the January 6 attack, including rioters who were convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Blanche struggled to answer questions about the pardons after Senator Coons confronted him with his own remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference where Blanche “trumpeted [the pardons] as an achievement.” A video and full transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below. WATCH HERE. Senator Coons: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member. Acting Attorney General Blanche, thank you for your service and for appearing here. And thank you to your family and to the men and women of the Department of Justice who work tirelessly to fight crime and to make our nation secure, I’m grateful for their serv… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-blunt-rochester-colleagues-send-letter-to-trump-administration-calling-for-answers-on-green-card-application-changes/ | Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, colleagues send letter to Trump administration calling for answers on green card application changes | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | In a letter to USCIS, senators and representatives question the new requirements for green card applicants to apply abroad and demonstrate their presence is in the ill-defined “national interest” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and dozens of their colleagues demanded an explanation from the Trump administration on the recent changes to the green card application process. In a letter to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow, the lawmakers cited a recent USCIS memorandum that requires noncitizens seeking a green card to apply abroad, as well as – for the first time – establish their presence in the United States as “in the national interest.” The lawmakers wrote: “We write to object to your new policy memorandum regarding adjustment of status. Adjustment of status is the statutory process by which immigrants may apply for lawful permanent residence, often called a ‘green card,’ from within the United States. On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum (PM-602-0199) with guidance claiming that adjustment of status is an ‘extraordinary form of relief.’ Without any basis in the law and in a departure from decades of precedent, this guidance creates a policy preference for consular processing abroad over adjustment of status in the United States, requiring applicants to meet new, undefined discretionary criteria to be processed domestically. We urge you to reverse this new policy and restore adjudications of adjustment of status applications in a manner consistent with the law, longstanding practice, and congressional intent.” The lawmakers continued: “PM-602-0199 states that adjustment of status ‘is a matter of discretion and administrative grace not designed to supersede the regular consular processing of immigrant visas.’ This is simply incorrect. There is… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-hickenlooper-colleagues-pressure-white-house-to-reverse-proposed-political-rule-change-harming-american-science-research-and-innovation/ | Senator Coons, Hickenlooper, colleagues pressure White House to reverse proposed political rule change harming American science, research, and innovation | 2026-07-13 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “We cannot afford to export American innovation and American jobs because of partisan games.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and 9 of their colleagues called on White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought in a new letter to reverse a proposed rule, broadly titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance,” that negatively affects how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The OMB’s rule change grants the White House political control over how awards are administered, further enabling corruption, undermining U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness, and blocking funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration. “The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities,” wrote the senators. “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.” The senators continued, “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.” The OMB’s proposed rule change would rework how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. Changing how funding is administered affects th… | 1 | 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z | 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham/ | Senator Coons statement on passing of Senator Lindsey Graham | 2026-07-12 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the passing of his friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.): “I traveled the world with Lindsey, visiting dozens of countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. We argued, advocated, and legislated together for more than fifteen years, and I am stunned by his sudden passing. We had dinner to celebrate his birthday at the NATO summit this past week, and one of my last memories of him will be of his irreverent wit, as well as his patriotism and love of freedom. Lindsey believed in the fundamental goodness of an America that uses its might to support the fight for freedom globally. His passionate advocacy for Ukraine and his tireless fight to impose greater costs on Putin for his war of aggression inspired many of us in the Senate. We should promptly pass his bill with Senator Blumenthal to impose greater sanctions and tariffs on the buyers of Russian oil and gas in his memory. “While we disagreed fiercely on many policy issues, he was complicated and could not be pigeonholed. I will never forget that at the height of the hearings over Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation in 2018, one of the ugliest and most partisan fights we ever had, he was also quietly working hard to save American foreign aid. Several of my most important bills I have passed were with Lindsey, from conservation in Africa to promoting balanced American engagement with fragile states. I will miss having him as a partner in the Senate. “Of my colleagues, few have been able to frustrate and anger, amuse and engage me in a single conversation the way Lindsey could. I will deeply miss his humor, his global view, and his tireless optimism. Annie and I are keeping his family, including his beloved sister Darline, in our prayers.” | 1 | 2026-07-13T08:14:37Z | 2026-07-13T08:15:42Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-coons-legal-experts-warn-against-supreme-courtattempts-to-strip-power-from-congress-in-new-essay/ | ICYMI: Senator Coons, legal experts warn against Supreme Court attempts to strip power from Congress in new essay | 2026-07-09 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “The framers never intended the legislative branch to bend to the will of the president or the court.” WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published a joint op-ed in SCOTUSblog yesterday with Albany Law School Associate Dean Ray Brescia and David Beier, former Chief Domestic Policy Adviser to Vice President Al Gore and former House Judiciary Committee counsel, warning that the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts is systematically stripping authority from Congress, weakening the power of the American people’s directly elected representatives to write the laws, allocate funding, and set federal policy. “Every day, Americans are witnessing the most significant expansion of presidential power in modern times,” the authors wrote. “Just as important, and less obvious, is the other significant shift that is occurring in our system of government: the Roberts Supreme Court is systematically stripping away power from Congress, the directly elected representatives of the people.” Senator Coons, Beier, and Brescia look back at the court’s decisions from recent years, from attacks on the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder and Louisiana v. Callais, to overturning Chevron deference and giving federal judges greater authority over complex regulatory issues in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, to allowing the president to fire the heads of previously independent agencies like the FTC in last week’s Trump v. Slaughter decision. While these decisions have garnered mass outcry for their conservative lean and their embrace of the “Unitary Executive” theory that has given President Trump vast new powers, less attention has been paid to where this power has been drawn from. As the authors note, many of these new powers that the court has bestowed on itself and the executive branch have been taken away from Congress; in many cases, Congress has held these powers for decades. “Taken together, these efforts are a transfer of power from the first branch of government to the thi… | 1 | 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z | 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-streamline-distribution-of-cost-saving-energy-initiative-funding/ | Senator Coons, colleagues introduce bipartisan legislation to streamline distribution of cost-saving energy initiative funding | 2026-07-09 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced the Investing in State Energy Act, which will ensure grant funding from the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Program (SEP) are distributed without delay to state agencies and local partners that implement these cost-saving energy initiates from both programs. This bipartisan bill comes as the U.S. Department of Energy continuing to delay the distribution of more than $400 million in grant funding from both WAP and SEP even as energy costs rise. “Delawareans are struggling under the weight of rising energy bills,” said Senator Coons. “President Trump’s war in Iran has only made energy more expensive. This bipartisan legislation will give Delawareans – and Americans across the country – relief from spiraling costs.” “Right now, the cost of everything is up, and energy prices are no exception. It’s critical that federal funding from these two programs be distributed quickly so that families can make energy efficiency upgrades to lower their utility bills and states can invest in efforts that make energy more reliable and affordable,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan legislation would ensure that the Department of Energy is making this funding available in a timely manner, delivering much-needed certainty to states and localities and financial relief to American households.” “The Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program are proven, cost-effective ways to permanently reduce energy usage and lower home energy bills for low-income Mainers,” said Senator Collins. “By preventing unnecessary delays in the distribution of these funds, this bipartisan bill would give states the certainty they need to plan effectively and help more families affordably weatherize and heat their homes.” “The Trump Administration is driving up energy prices and throttling back federal aid. These bipartisan programs provide real relief … | 1 | 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z | 2026-07-10T08:21:18Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-commemorates-america-250-with-tour-of-the-first-state/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Commemorates America 250 with Tour of the First State | 2026-07-06 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Click here to watch a recap of Senator Blunt Rochester’s tour U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) recently commemorated America’s 250th anniversary with a tour across Delaware. With visits to more than 20 different locations up and down the state, Senator Blunt Rochester highlighted Delaware’s diverse communities and the unique role the First State played in American history, illustrating the theme of the tour: “The American Story Starts Here.” “This Fourth of July we marked the 250th anniversary of the great American experiment. In the days leading up to this historic moment, I felt a need to go back to ‘we the people’ and a journey through our state was born. After all, the American story starts here in Delaware,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I met farmers, learned from historians, thanked veterans, shared pain and pride with leaders of the Nanticoke and Lenape tribes, marveled at a small business who enabled the Artemis mission, saw what the future holds through the eyes of young campers, and received wisdom from two sheroes — 99 and 108 years old. And what I know for sure is the American spirit endures.” Senator Blunt Rochester’s stops included the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover, where Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution; a full-scale replica of the Kalmar Nyckel ship in Wilmington, which carried Swedish settlers to Delaware in 1638; and the site in Seaford where Harriet Tubman helped an enslaved woman named Tilly escape to freedom. From young children at a New Castle County camp to a pair of centenarians at Whatcoat United Methodist Church, Senator Blunt Rochester asked Delawareans what America 250 means to them. Their responses included: “America 250 means to me, opportunity. This country has opportunity beyond anything, any place in the world.” “Celebration. Gratitude. Democracy. The future. [A time to] remind ourselves the work we have to put in today to make sure we’re around for another 250.” “A time of renewal. A new opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves t… | 1 | 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z | 2026-07-10T08:21:18Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-blunt-rochester-commemorates-250-years-of-american-independence/ | Senator Blunt Rochester Commemorates 250 Years of American Independence | 2026-07-03 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today released the following statement celebrating America’s historic 250thanniversary. “This week we mark 250 years since our founders established a system of governance rooted in the ideals of freedom and opportunity. The nation they created has ushered in eras of immense progress and withstood times of incredible turmoil. “On the Fourth of July, I am celebrating the persevering spirit of America, the tenacity of our communities, the unifying faith in our democracy, and a vision of a future that is brighter for everyone who calls the United States home.” | 1 | 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z | 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-supreme-court-decisions-in-trump-v-slaughter-and-trump-v-cook-cases/ | Senator Coons statement on Supreme Court decisions in Trump v. Slaughter and Trump v. Cook cases | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WILMINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Slaughter, a case regarding President Trump’s attempted removal of Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, and in Trump v. Cook, a case regarding the president’s attempted firing of Federal Reserve Board Member Lisa Cook: “The president is not meant to be a dictator or a king, but this Supreme Court continues to give President Trump unchecked power. “Today’s decision will bring the kind of leadership chaos we’ve seen at the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to agencies that protect workers, keep our economy on track, and regulate our internet and our elections. Now, President Trump can remove the heads of those agencies if they make a decision he dislikes even when it is best for our nation. It could leave Americans who are already struggling with more expensive internet, fewer consumer protections, and more dangerous workplaces. “While in the context of Slaughter the decision is baffling, I’m glad the court found a way to limit the scope of this opinion when it comes to the Federal Reserve. The independence of the Federal Reserve is part of the foundation of the American economy and a benchmark for the world – and its decision will protect our economy from some of the president’s political meddling. I’ve known Lisa Cook for over three decades. She is a brilliant economist dedicated to making the economy stronger for the American people. When President Trump doesn’t like our economic numbers, his answer is not to accept responsibility, or to enact policies that will make them better – it’s just to fire people. I’m glad to see that strategy has been halted here.” | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-office-statement-on-minor-injuries-to-senator-coons/ | Coons office statement on minor injuries to Senator Coons | 2026-06-28 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WILMINGTON, Del. – The office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement: “Earlier today, a Delaware driver experienced a medical incident and collided with several cars, including one in which Senator Coons was a passenger. Senator Coons was transported to Beebe Hospital and treated for minor injuries. He is now home and expected to make a full and swift recovery. “Senator Coons is deeply grateful to the first responders for their prompt and professional response, including the Lewes Police Department, Lewes and Rehoboth Fire Departments, and Sussex County Emergency Medical Services, as well as the capable doctors and nurses at Beebe Hospital, where he received excellent care. He feels relieved and blessed that by all accounts no one was seriously injured during the crash.” | 1 | 2026-06-29T06:36:11Z | 2026-06-29T06:37:53Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-blunt-rochester-colleagues-demand-usps-abandon-proposed-rule-to-carry-out-president-trumps-illegal-order-restricting-vote-by-mail/ | Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, colleagues demand USPS abandon proposed rule to carry out President Trump’s illegal order restricting vote by mail | 2026-06-26 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.), as well as Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and the rest of their Democratic colleagues wrote to the United States Postal Service (USPS) demanding it abandon its proposed rule to implement President Trump’s unconstitutional executive order to restrict voting by mail. The senators sent a previous letter in April that urged the USPS to not carry out President Trump’s executive order, which would force states to submit absentee voters’ information to the postal service for the creation of a federal mail-in voter list. Under this order, USPS could refuse to deliver millions of ballots to voters who are not on that list, giving the agency an unprecedented and illegal role in the administration of American elections. The USPS has not responded to that letter and has affirmed President Trump’s executive order by issuing a proposed rule that allows the postal service to determine whether millions of Americans can receive and cast ballots through the mail. “We write for a second time regarding the unconstitutional and illegal attempt to transform the United States Postal Service into an election administration agency controlled by the White House and President Trump,” wrote the senators.“In April, 37 senators wrote to you after President Trump issued his Executive Order directing USPS to issue a rule to establish compulsory specifications for election mail and create a master absentee voter list of millions of American voters – with the power to refuse to deliver their ballots.” The senators continued: “Despite these grave and serious legal deficiencies, on June 2, 2026, USPS published a proposed rule that, if finalized, would establish President Trump’s control over federal elections and allow USPS to adjudicate who can and cannot vote by mail. This proposed rule risks disenfranchising millions of voters. We again insist that you follow the law, refuse to implement President Trump’s Executive Order, and withdraw this presiden… | 1 | 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z | 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senators-blunt-rochester-lujan-introduce-bill-to-restore-usda-food-security-supplemental-survey/ | NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Luján Introduce Bill to Restore USDA Food Security Supplemental Survey | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), introduced the Food Assurance and Security Act to reinstate the Food Security Supplemental Survey and resume publication of annual household food security reports. In 1995, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Census Bureau developed this comprehensive nutrition access survey, collecting data on food security and nutrition assistance program participation. However, in September 2025, the Trump administration terminated this survey. Coupled with cuts to nutrition assistance included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, losing the data collected by this survey severely undermines the federal government’s ability to address food insecurity in America. The Food Assurance and Security Act would reinstate this critical reporting tool. “Last year, the Trump administration made devastating cuts to America’s food assistance programs, making it harder for families across the country to put food on the table. Now, they’re trying to mask the reality of food insecurity,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to lead the Food Assurance and Security Act to ensure we have clarity on the nutrition needs of our communities and access to accurate data to respond accordingly.” “For half a century, our nation has stood behind a bipartisan promise: that no child, no senior, no veteran, and no working family should go hungry. Not only did the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans break that promise by ripping meals away from millions of Americans in their Budget Betrayal, but they also eliminated the tools needed to effectively address food insecurity,” said Senator Luján, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with Senator Blunt Rochester in introducing this legislation, which will ensure we have the data necessary to better understand and address food insecurity in New Mexico and communities across the country.” “For decades, the CPS-FSS and Hou… | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-to-end-temporary-protections-for-haitians-and-syrians/ | Senator Coons statement on Supreme Court decision to end temporary protections for Haitians and Syrians | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court declared the Trump administration could end Temporary Protected Status – a kind of immigration status that allows those fleeing crises to reside legally in the United States – for Syrians and Haitians: “This Supreme Court just handed away more of the judiciary’s power to the president for no good reason except that President Trump wants it. “Being a beacon for those seeking refuge from oppression and violence overseas defines one of the most important threads that runs through all of American history. “Temporary Protected Status brought a Haitian community to Delaware. In return, they have made our state stronger. They are our friends and neighbors and integral to our agricultural industry. That’s a quintessentially American story – one that President Trump, and now the Supreme Court, are trying to bring to an end.” | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-blunt-rochester-wyden-schumer-lead-legislation-to-cap-medicare-costs-for-seniors/ | NEWS: Blunt Rochester, Wyden, Schumer Lead Legislation to Cap Medicare Costs for Seniors | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Blunt Rochester, Wyden, Schumer Lead Legislation to Cap Medicare Costs for Seniors The Medicare Cost Cap Act Will Create a $5,000 Ceiling on Out-of-Pocket Costs for People with Traditional Medicare and Protect Low-Income Seniors U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., today introduced the Medicare Cost Cap Act, which will create a $5,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) beneficiaries. Currently, Traditional Medicare does not have a limit on out-of-pocket costs, meaning beneficiaries are confronted with unlimited, catastrophic health care costs if they face serious illness or hospitalization. Medicare Advantage (MA), employer-sponsored insurance, and insurance bought on the marketplace all have annual caps on out-of-pocket spending. An out-of-pocket cap will level the playing field between Traditional Medicare and MA and guarantee that all people with Medicare are protected, no matter what coverage option they choose. The legislation also enhances programs that protect low-income Medicare beneficiaries, shielding seniors and people with disabilities who already rely almost exclusively on their Social Security benefits from rising premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Under the Trump Administration’s watch, Medicare Part B premiums exceeded $200 for the first time last year. “Americans spend their entire working lives paying into Medicare but those with Traditional Medicare are the only group not protected from financial ruin. This bill modernizes Medicare, lowers costs, and brings peace of mind to the millions of seniors and those with disabilities who rely on this program,” said Blunt Rochester. “No one should be one health emergency away from going bankrupt and establishing an out-of-pocket cap in Traditional Medicare gives more seniors and those with disabilities the same financial prote… | 1 | 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z | 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-celebrates-21st-century-road-to-housing-passage-on-cnbcs-squawk-box/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Celebrates 21st Century ROAD to Housing Passage on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Click here to watch the full interview Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today appeared on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” She celebrated the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the first comprehensive congressional housing legislation in 3 decades. Five Blunt Rochester bills were included in the final package. A key excerpt is included below, and the full interview can be found here. Senator Blunt Rochester: “I am a freshman senator, so in my first term to see something like this is amazing. It’s been about three decades since the Congress, and since Washington has really moved on something this consequential for the American people related to housing. “You think back to why this is so significant, and why Democrats and Republicans have come together – we’ve got about a 4 to 7 million housing units’ shortage in this country, and people are feeling it. Whether you’re in a rural area, the north of the country, across the country, people are feeling the impacts of the housing affordability crisis that they’re facing, and we came together and said ‘we got to do something about it. We have to do something now.’ “My first bill as a senator was a housing bill, and I have five bills in this package. It’s going to affect the American people, and that’s the most important thing.” ### | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T07:12:42Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-experts-on-the-current-affordability-crisis-and-support-for-our-veterans/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Experts on the Current Affordability Crisis and Support for Our Veterans | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “These are the people who protect us, we deserve, and they deserve to have our protection as well” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, participated in a hearing on the state of affordability. She celebrated the passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, which will address the state of housing, and reflected on recent conversations with Delaware veterans and their emphasis on the affordability crisis. Her questions focused on resources for our nation’s veterans and the role the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) plays in protecting them from predatory financial practices. Witnesses Include: · Ms. Lindsey Johnson, CEO, Consumer Bankers Association · Mr. Kevin Brown, President, National Association of Realtors · Mr. Cody Carbone, CEO, Digital Chamber · Dr. Julie Margetta Morgan, President, The Century Foundation Senator Blunt Rochester’s full remarks and exchange can be found here, a key excerpt is included below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “It’s my understanding that since 2011, service members from all 50 states and every military base have filed more than 400,000 complaints to the CFPB, and that there was a complaint database. Can you just tell us why was the Office of Service Member Affairs at the CFPB was created in the first place, and what are the consequences of weakening the protections and lessening its staffing? Dr. Margetta Morgan: “Financial readiness is a critical component of military readiness. When people are distracted by dealing with predatory lenders at home, or when their security clearances are held up based on a debt collection they shouldn’t owe, that affects our ability to fight wars and to keep our country safe. This is a really critical component of the overall picture on defense.” | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T07:12:42Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-coons-opposes-initial-supplemental-budget-request/ | Ranking Member Coons opposes initial supplemental budget request | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the Trump administration sent an $87.6 billion supplemental request to Congress: “Our nation’s military has real needs, from filling significant munitions backlogs – partly created by President Trump’s war of choice in Iran – to protecting our troops and bases from the lethal, cheap drones that are a fact of modern warfare. But if this supplemental request is in fact a backdoor to authorizing the war in Iran it will not have my vote. President Trump failed to justify the war in Iran, to consult with Congress, and to win the support of the American people. The supplemental needs to deliver real support for the brave Ukrainians who are fighting on the front lines of freedom and who have mastered drone warfare. It should abandon funding for useless vanity projects like Trump’s class of battleships for a new “Golden Fleet.” The administration also needs to show a serious commitment to funding our military instead of splitting pots of money between supplementals, continuing resolutions, and a doomed reconciliation push. And most of all, it needs have clear spend plans for the tens of billions of dollars in military investment, including money for Ukraine, that they received through the last appropriations process and have yet to fully spend. This bill accomplishes few of those goals, and if brought to the floor, my Democratic colleagues and I would oppose it. “I will do whatever I can to ensure that our service members have what they need to defend themselves, and our military is ready to face down the threats of the modern age. If this administration also takes those aims seriously, I will work with them to fund them.” | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/remarks-senator-coons-marks-americas-250th-anniversary-with-call-to-renew-nations-commitment-to-liberty-and-justice-for-all/ | REMARKS: Senator Coons marks America’s 250th anniversary with call to renew nation’s commitment to liberty and justice for all | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “Ultimately, the American story is not simply one story. We are a nation founded not on one ethnicity or one language, one religion or one history, but on an idea.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor today ahead of Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, calling on Americans to recommit to the shared ideals of liberty, equality, and justice for all. Senator Coons began his remarks by sharing memories of celebrating America’s bicentennial growing up in Hockessin, Delaware. This July 4, Senator Coons will return to Hockessin to once again celebrate with his community. “My recollection as a child was that that day – that period of the bicentennial – was actually a moment for the American people to stop and reflect and think about what brings us together. And so today, I will briefly reflect on what I think we ought to be stopping and reflecting on as we celebrate our 250th,” said Senator Coons. Senator Coons noted that the nation was also deeply divided during the bicentennial, following the Vietnam War and Watergate, but said that America’s 250th anniversary should be a way to look beyond the current political divide and reflect on the nation’s founding promise. “Ultimately, the American story is not simply one story,” said Senator Coons. “We are a nation founded not on one ethnicity or one language, one religion or one history, but on an idea, an idea embodied in the second sentence of the declaration: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’” Senator Coons also emphasized that America’s story must be told honestly, including its accomplishments, failures, and continuing struggle to build a more perfect union. “Our story is stronger when we tell it in its entirety – the good and bad, the challenging chapters, the rough places, the foundational sins, the wrongs, and the arc t… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-featured-in-netflixs-the-american-experiment/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Featured in Netflix’s “The American Experiment” | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), participated in Netflix’s “The American Experiment,” a new five-part historical documentary. The series examines the challenges of the nation’s founding, reflecting on the American Revolution and the drafting of the Constitution. It also offers bipartisan analysis on the future of American democracy from the perspective of politicians. “The American Experiment” premiers on June 26th, 2026. In addition to Senator Blunt Rochester, the series features former vice presidents (Mike Pence, Al Gore and Kamala Harris) and cabinet officials, current and former members of Congress, a former Supreme Court justice and leading historians from across the political spectrum to present bipartisan and deeply informed conversations. “250 years ago, our founders took a risk and I’m sure what we’ve built is far beyond what they imagined,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Netflix’s ‘The American Experiment’ explores our history at a pivotal moment for our national legacy and identity. I’m thrilled to be a part of this project and can’t wait for you to see it.” “They saw the tyranny of monarchy, and they wanted nothing to do with it,” Pence says about the original revolutionaries. Clinton speaks about how radical the new idea of self-rule, called “The American Experiment,” was 250 years ago. | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-key-department-of-transportation-and-consumer-safety-nominees/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Key Department of Transportation and Consumer Safety Nominees | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “It’s a mission-critical focus, and we owe it to the victims’ families, in particular, to get this right” Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks. U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.),a member of the SenateCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today questioned Trump administration nominees for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Surface Transportation Board (STB), Department of Transportation, and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). During her remarks she discussed the tragic January 2025 plane crash at Regan National Airport, which claimed the lives of Delawareans, and emphasized the importance of passing legislation that closes safety gaps. She also discussed modernizing the CPSC to keep up with the rapidly evolving consumer marketplace and transportation infrastructure safety investments. Witnesses Included: Thomas Chapman, Nominee to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board Edward Eppler, Nominee to be Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Transportation Karen Hedlund, Nominee to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board Brian Lorenze, Nominee to be Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Karen Sessions, Nominee to be Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Senator Blunt Rochester’s full remarks and exchange can be found here, a key excerpt is included below: Senator Blunt Rochester: “I understand that you weren’t involved in the tragic DCA midair collision investigation, but that you are fully supportive of the final recommendations, correct?” Mr. Chapman: “That is correct. Senator Blunt Rochester: “Thank you for confirming that. Can you please identify the most urgent recommendation from the final report in your estimation?” | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-at-spotlight-forum-on-dobbs-anniversary-blunt-rochester-and-senate-democrats-highlight-how-republicans-efforts-to-ban-abortion-rip-away-reproductive-health-care-h/ | ICYMI: At Spotlight Forum on Dobbs Anniversary, Blunt Rochester and Senate Democrats Highlight How Republicans’ Efforts to Ban Abortion & Rip Away Reproductive Health Care Has Harmed Women & Families | 2026-06-23 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, were joined by multiple Senate Democrats for spotlight forum titled Post Dobbs Chaos: Republicans’ War on Reproductive Health Care. At the forum, Senate Democrats heard from panelists who have suffered the consequences of the Dobbs decision and subsequent Republican abortion bans firsthand. They discussed how the Trump administration and Republicans are sowing chaos for women and health care providers across the country through ongoing attacks on reproductive rights and women’s health care, alongside escalating efforts to enact a nationwide abortion ban. “When Roe v. Wade was overturned four years ago, the lives of millions of women were upended,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “As we approach America 250, we must reconcile with the fact that women today have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers did when they celebrated the bicentennial. They knew then what we know now: Abortion is healthcare. It’s time to restore our freedoms and our rights.” “The Dobbs decision was just the beginning of Republicans’ war on women’s reproductive rights—their goal has always been a national abortion ban. Republicans are hoping we don’t notice, but from trying to get mifepristone classified as a water contaminant to defunding Planned Parenthood, we can see clear as day that Republicans are working to enact a national abortion ban,” said Senator Murray. “Republicans have already caused enormous damage, shuttering women’s health clinics across the country, forcing women to carry dangerous pregnancies to term, and decimating access to maternal health care. But Democrats will continue to push for legislation to protect women and health care providers. That’s why we are uplifting the stories of women across the country who have suffered from Republicans’ abortion bans an… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-lisa-blunt-rochester-applauds-senate-passage-of-21st-century-road-to-housing-package/ | NEWS: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester Applauds Senate Passage of 21st Century Road to Housing Package | 2026-06-22 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today celebrated the passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing package out of the United States Senate. An agreement between committee leaders in both chambers will pave the way for this bill to become law. “After months of bicameral, bipartisan negotiations, the finish line is finally in sight. Congress is set to pass its first comprehensive housing legislation in three decades and propel millions of Americans closer toward the American dream,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “This package comes at a critical moment. The United States is in a housing crisis and is currently short 4-to-7 million units across the country. This shortage impacts everyone, from veterans to seniors to first time homebuyers and the workforce. This package marks the first time in decades that Congress has taken action to ensure no one is unhoused in America.” “I am proud that — with the support of Senators Warren, Scott, and several of my House colleagues — five of my bills were included in the package. These bills take an all-encompassing approach to tackling the housing crisis by not only boosting housing supply and bringing down costs, but also reimagining outdated zoning laws, cutting red tape, and stopping private equity from buying up single-family homes. “This legislation was crafted with Delawareans in mind. It is a reminder of Congress’s capacity when the needs of our constituents rise above all else.” The five bipartisan Blunt Rochester bills included in the 21st Century Road to Housing Act are: The Housing Supply Frameworks Act, which would direct the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop zoning and land use policy frameworks for states and localities. The Accelerating Home Building Act, which would help local governments create pattern books – also known as pre-reviewed designs – to accelerate missing middle housing construction. The Community Investment and Prosperity Act, which would incr… | 1 | 2026-06-23T06:27:52Z | 2026-06-23T06:29:20Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-welcomes-first-stars-of-valor-fellow/ | NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Welcomes First Stars of Valor Fellow | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), today announced the addition of Savanna Bridgens to her staff as part of the U.S. Senate’s Stars of Valor Veterans Fellowship Program. Bridgens comes to the program from Delaware Veterans Home, where she worked with Delaware veterans to improve their quality of life. In her new role, she will work directly with Delaware veterans to help them navigate federal agencies, employment opportunities, and other community resources. The Stars of Valor program was authorized in the 117th and 118th Congresses and provides two-year, paid fellowship opportunities in the U.S. Senate for qualifying veterans, eligible wounded or disabled veterans, active-duty military spouses, and Gold Star families. “I am thrilled to have Savanna join my team as a Stars of Valor Fellow to ensure the federal government serves our states’ heroes as they’ve served us,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Her professional experience in health care and criminal justice reform will help inform our policy decisions, and as a military spouse, she will bring an important perspective to the work we do with Delaware’s military and veteran communities. She is a tremendous asset to our team, and we welcome her.” Bridgens believes that challenges facing military families should be addressed with an empathetic, person-centered approach. She is honored to join the Senator’s team and serve the people of Delaware. | 1 | 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z | 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/remarks-senator-coons-delivers-closing-remarks-at-center-for-american-progress-event-on-religious-liberty/ | REMARKS: Senator Coons delivers closing remarks at Center for American Progress event on religious liberty | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “Religious freedom, as I’ve said, is a fundamental threat to authoritarianism, and it is because of our commitment to a freedom of faith that we are also, as a nation, committed to an equality of all.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) delivered the closing remarks Tuesday at the Center for American Progress for the launch of “Religious Liberty For All: Celebrating This Founding Freedom at America 250,” a new joint report from the Center for American Progress, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Interfaith Alliance, and the American Humanist Association. The report, which includes a brief essay from Senator Coons, reflects on what religious liberty means in the lives of many Americans and makes the case for a vision of religious liberty rooted in dignity, pluralism, and the Constitution. In his remarks, Senator Coons celebrated religious liberty as one of America’s founding freedoms while warning that attacks on freedom of conscience, worship, and expression – whether around the world or here in America – are inseparable from the rise of authoritarianism. “We are a nation founded on religious liberty, a nation where so many millions came from other places, where there was an established state religion, where refusing to participate in it, or contribute to it, or support it, or name your children according to its conventions, was cause for literal physical repression, imprisonment, or marginalization. We were founded by those who were seeking to practice in good conscience and independence of government control, but not uniformly,” said Senator Coons. Senator Coons also reflected on Delaware’s long history of religious pluralism, abolition, and faith-driven movements for justice, including the role of Quakers and the Underground Railroad in helping more than 2,000 people escape slavery. “Whether in a church, a mosque, a temple, at home, in the civic space, in speaking and writing, and thinking, and praying, the ways in which Americans have engaged with conscience and ethics has a… | 1 | 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z | 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-blunt-rochester-cantwell-cruz-wicker-padilla-budd-introduce-hurricane-hunter-aircraft-recapitalization-act/ | NEWS: Blunt Rochester, Cantwell, Cruz, Wicker, Padilla, Budd Introduce Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Aging aircraft & technology threaten NOAA’s airborne weather reconnaissance mission Bill would codify NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter mission in federal law, authorize $2.5 billion for aircraft acquisition U.S.SenatorLisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.),Ranking Member of theSubcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime and Fisheries,joined SenatorMaria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to introduce the Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act. The legislation will, for the first time, codify NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter mission in federal law and authorize up to nine Hurricane Hunter aircraft. It also includes provisions to better prepare the nation’s first line of defense against stronger and more frequent hurricanes, atmospheric rivers and winter storms. The bill was introduced alongside Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Alex Padilla (D-Cal.)and Ted Budd (R-N.C.). “As extreme weather events increase in frequency, we must ensure we have the resources in place to protect our communities,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to support the Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act, to sustain the mission of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters and ensure they continue to collect the information needed to keep us safe.” “As atmospheric rivers become more frequent and severe across the Pacific Northwest, our communities increasingly depend on accurate forecasts to prepare for flooding and other extreme weather,” said Sen. Cantwell. “NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft collect critical data that improves those forecasts, but much of the fleet is more than 50 years old. This bipartisan legislation will modernize and expand the fleet, strengthening NOAA’s ability to provide the timely, accurate warnings that help keep families, businesses, and communities safe.” “Hurricane Hunter aircraft are one of NOAA’s most important tools for protecting Americans along the coast during hurricane season, particularly in my home state of Texas,” said Se… | 1 | 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z | 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-blunt-rochester-coons-representative-mcbride-statement-on-wilmington-hospital-shooting/ | Senators Blunt Rochester, Coons, Representative McBride statement on Wilmington Hospital shooting | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester and Chris Coons and U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (all D-Del.) released the following statement on yesterday’s shooting at Wilmington Hospital: “Today, our hearts break for Wilmington. A gunman turned what should be a place of healing and hope into a place of terror. “Our doctors, nurses, and support staff are the best of Delaware. They hold us together in our darkest hours. Today, it is on us to be strong for them in their time of pain and grief. Our hearts are with the families of the victims and the Wilmington Hospital community. “We’re grateful to the many police officers and first responders who rushed to the scene and captured the suspect. This is the second time in less than a year that Delawareans working to serve others have faced targeted gun violence. We have to address gun violence. We cannot become numb to this.” | 1 | 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z | 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z |
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