Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,467 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Democrat" and state = "RI" 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.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-cortez-masto-reintroduce-congressional-check-on-rogue-supreme-court-decisions/ | Whitehouse, Cortez Masto Reintroduce Congressional Check on Rogue Supreme Court Decisions | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Supreme Court Review Act would allow Congress to respond quickly to Court decisions and restore policymaking power of the legislative branch Americans’ approval of the Supreme Court is nearing a historic low Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) today reintroduced the Supreme Court Review Act, legislation that would bolster Congress’s ability to check Supreme Court decisions that erroneously interpret federal law or roll back constitutional rights. Congress has already created a process for responding to agency rules under the Congressional Review Act, and the Supreme Court Review Act would do the same for Supreme Court decisions. “The captured right-wing majority of the Supreme Court is openly delivering goods to deep-pocketed special interests. When the Court abuses its power in this way—especially by paving over factual records—it’s up to Congress to protect the interests of the American people,” said Senator Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee. “The Supreme Court Review Act would put guardrails on these rogue decisions and return policymaking power back to where the Constitution delegated it: in the hands of the people and their elected representatives.” “Our country was founded on a system of checks and balances, and there is no reason we should let an extreme Supreme Court take away Nevadans’ fundamental rights,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s time to put some power back in the hands of the people’s elected representatives and make it clear that Congress has the power to check the Court when it guts critical constitutional protections.” The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). The Supreme Court continues to erode longstanding constitutional protections and interpret the law in ways that are out of step with congressional intent and will of the American people. Congress can respond to these cases… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-doggett-propose-new-environmental-accountability-measure-related-to-u-s-africa-trade-law/ | Whitehouse, Doggett Propose New Environmental Accountability Measure Related to U.S.-Africa Trade Law | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Bill would incentivize better environmental stewardship while protecting American manufacturers from unfair competition with polluters Countries would be held accountable to their existing environmental commitments Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) this week introduced the Environmental Commitment Objectives for African Growth and Opportunity Act (ECO AGOA). The legislation would add enforcement of a nation’s own environmental commitments as criteria for countries in sub-Saharan Africa to qualify for duty-free access to the U.S. market under AGOA. Since its enactment in 2000, AGOA has been a key pillar of U.S. economic policy and trade relations with sub-Saharan Africa. “Without environmental accountability criteria, the fossil fuel industry and other big polluters rake in more profits while harming the health of local communities and putting U.S. manufacturers that use clean production methods at a disadvantage,” said Whitehouse. “Our bill would promote AGOA’s development goals and strip big polluters of the economic reward and competitive advantage they get from polluting.” “The race for Africa’s critical minerals appears to have become a race to the bottom. The Trump regime’s critical minerals deals ignore the poisoning of water, soil, and lungs when environmental laws go unenforced,” said Doggett. “ECO AGOA sets a simple standard: if you want America’s trade preferences, enforce your own environmental laws. It is a modest step that helps our partners protect their own people and resources.” AGOA currently provides 32 sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 1,800 products. To qualify for AGOA, countries must meet criteria on market-based reforms, political pluralism, worker and human rights, rule of law, poverty reduction, and anti-corruption efforts. AGOA’s lack of environmental accountability criterion undermines global climate commitments, jeopardizes public health, and gives foreign polluters a compet… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-top-appropriators-demand-white-house-immediately-remove-taxpayer-funded-ad-promoting-trump-off-the-air | Reed, Top Appropriators Demand White House Immediately Remove Taxpayer-Funded Ad Promoting Trump Off the Air | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee an U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) along with U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member, and U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on FSGG, sent a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles demanding the Trump Administration immediately remove off the air a taxpayer-funded political ad self-promoting President Trump—and report to the Committees exactly how many taxpayer dollars were spent creating and airing the illegal political propaganda. “This is the sort of government propaganda one might expect in North Korea, not the United States of America, and it is an egregious and utterly illegal misuse of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars,” write the lawmakers, who note the ad constitutes a blatant violation of Section 718 of Division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which forbids any federal funding from supporting propaganda, in addition to other federal laws. “We write to demand that you immediately take this ad off the air and appropriately reprimand and discipline the Federal employees who knowingly violated Federal law in working on and paying for this advertisement. In addition, we demand a full account and breakdown of all Federal funds used to create and air this ad,” they continue. “The law is not complicated. You cannot use taxpayer dollars for political advertisements.” The full text of the letter follows: The Honorable Susan Wiles Chief of Staff The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Cc: The Honorable Russell T. Vought, Director, Office of Management and Budget Ms. Wiles: Last night, Fox News aired a government-sponsored political ad that was “Paid for by the U.S. Government”—otherwise known as the American taxpayers. The a… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/with-americans-paying-record-high-gas-prices-at-home-reed-opposes-trumps-plan-for-a-5b-us-funded-bailout-for-gulf-states-in-the-middle-east | With Americans Paying Record High Gas Prices at Home, Reed Opposes Trump’s Plan for a $5B U.S.-Funded Bailout for Gulf States in the Middle East | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – President Trump’s chaotic policies and reckless war with Iran continue squeezing Americans’ budgets and causing economic hardship for families and businesses. Gas prices are surging to roughly $4.48 per gallon for regular unleaded gas and $6.51 per gallon for diesel. But instead of offering American drivers real relief at the pump, the Trump Administration wants to offer wealthy Middle East countries a $5 billion U.S. taxpayer funded investment fund to rebuild Persian Gulf energy infrastructure. This week, the Wall Street Journal published a story -- U.S. Proposes $5 Billion to Kickstart Fund to Rebuild Gulf Energy Sites -- that the Trump Administration is proposing to provide $5 billion in U.S. taxpayer funding to prop up the oil and gas industry in the Middle East. The Trump Administration wants Americans to kickstart a fund that wealthy Middle Eastern autocratic states could tap to repair their oil and gas infrastructure that has been damaged and is experiencing a downturn due to President Trump’s war with Iran. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) slammed Trump’s plan to subsidize rich Middle Eastern monarchies with U.S. tax dollars as costly, wasteful, and unproductive. “Once again, President Trump is trying to short-change Americans. He wants U.S. taxpayers to pay for his Iran war mistakes and provide some of his wealthy, royal friends with a gold-plated Big Oil bail out,” said Reed. Senator Reed says that instead of forcing Americans to rescue wealthy foreign rulers and rebuild their oil and gas infrastructure overseas, the Trump Administration should focus on helping Americans here at home; invest in cost-effective clean energy solutions that enhance America’s energy independence; and provide real relief to Americans who are struggling under Trump’s oil price hike and tariff taxes. Senator Reed sent a letter to President Trump, stating: “While you are proposing to send $5 billion overseas, here at home, your administration is proposing to eliminate the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Pro… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senators-coons-murray-reed-shaheen-warner-warren-kim-issue-joint-statement-ahead-of-president-xi-jinpings-state-visit | U.S. Senators Coons, Murray, Reed, Shaheen, Warner, Warren, Kim Issue Joint Statement Ahead of President Xi Jinping’s State Visit | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member for Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, released the following joint 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 threaten American jobs and nati… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/with-271-million-investment-in-pier-1-at-navsta-newport-reed-bolsters-us-coast-guards-expansion-in-ri-and-advances-navsta-newport-shoreside-modernization | With $271 Million Investment in Pier 1 at NAVSTA Newport, Reed Bolsters U.S. Coast Guard’s Expansion in RI & Advances NAVSTA Newport Shoreside Modernization | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – After years of federal investment to position Rhode Island as a key hub for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that the Coast Guard is solidifying its Ocean State footprint with the awarding of a new $271,226,000 contract for phase 2 construction of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport Pier 1. Located in the waterfront area of Coddington Cove, Pier 1 was originally constructed in the mid-1950s. Over the decades, the 1,585-feet long concrete structure took a pounding from storms, waves, and ongoing degradation that rendered the pier condemned. It has already been demolished as part of phase 1 of the project. Plans for the new pier call for a more compact, approximately 1,000-feet long and 80-feet wide, structure with a higher deck elevation to minimize the potential for wave damage and account for future sea-level rise. Additional work associated with the project includes building a new bulkhead; creating a laydown area and parking facilities; implementing stormwater management systems; installing utilities including fire/potable water, electrical, telecommunications, and compressed air systems. The new pier is needed to support the operations of four state-of-the-art Coast Guard vessels that will make Newport their homeport as the USCG enhances its regional maritime commitment, capabilities, and operations in Rhode Island. “This is great news for the state that builds on multi-year investments we’ve made to bring more jobs and resources to Rhode Island. NAVSTA Newport offers the Coast Guard some strategic advantages and cost efficiencies. Constructing this pier is a needed step to ensure the Coast Guard deepens its roots in Rhode Island. It will transform the pier from an aging, high-maintenance structure into a resilient, efficient, multi-functional waterfront hub that can serve for generations to come. This new pier will ensure the Coast Guard has the i… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-warner-and-coons-seek-investigation-into-faulty-ai-assisted-intelligence_operations | Reed, Warner & Coons Seek Investigation into Faulty AI-Assisted Intelligence & Operations | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, are calling on U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Jay Clayton to investigate reported failures involving the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in U.S. military and intelligence operations and provide relevant Inspectors General with unrestricted access to examine the incidents. The senators sent a letter following public reports of an AI-targeting platform relying on outdated geospatial data in a kinetic strike in Minab, Iran, and an aborted military interdiction operation after AI-generated false information was included in disseminated U.S. intelligence. “Recent events – including public reports of an AI-targeting platform relying on outdated geospatial data in a kinetic strike in Minab, Iran and a public report on an aborted military interdiction operation driven by potential AI-hallucination in disseminated intelligence by U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific – have given us growing concern about the extent to which agencies under your oversight have prioritized acceleration of AI capability adoption and ‘experimentation’ over effective governance,” the three U.S. Senators wrote. Warner, Reed, and Coons warned that reported AI failures in targeting and intelligence systems could lead to serious operational errors and erode confidence in U.S. intelligence and military actions. “Public reports that AI targeting platforms have repeatedly generated spurious outputs (based on outdated input data or outright hallucination) risk serious operational error, in addition to undermining the confidence of both the American public and international partners in the accuracy and reliability of U.S. intelligence and intelligence-informed kinetic actions,” they continued. The senator… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-trump-administration-for-concealing-costs-of-iran-war | Reed Condemns Trump Administration for Concealing Costs of Iran War | 2026-09-19 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- This week, press reports indicated that at least four more American servicemembers have died in the Iran war than are acknowledged in the Pentagon’s public casualty database. The disclosure comes as the Pentagon informed Congress this week that the war has now cost at least $44 billion, an estimate that still excludes the cost of repairing damaged U.S. bases. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response: “The Trump Administration has hidden the true cost of this war from day one. Under Secretary Hegseth, the Department of Defense has obfuscated the numbers of wounded servicemembers in Iran and reclassified American deaths under a new operation name to avoid contradicting the President. That is profoundly disrespectful to our troops and their families. “The financial costs have continued to climb by billions each month, even as the administration refuses to acknowledge the munitions crisis we face or admit the costs to rebuild bases heavily damaged by Iran. Further, the Administration still refuses to turn over the findings of the Minab school strike investigation, and congressional Republicans have not held a single public hearing on the Iran war. “Americans deserve to know why their loved ones are risking their lives overseas. Taxpayers deserve to know what this war costs. Congress cannot do its job when the Pentagon will not tell us the truth.” Earlier this week, Senator Reed joined with 45 Senate Democrats in writing a letter demanding a full accounting of Iran war costs from the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition to the true costs of the war, the 46 U.S. Senators are seeking a breakdown of the Pentagon’s $67 billion supplemental budget request, as well as an accounting of tax dollars spent so far from the roughly $34 billion tax and spending bill that President Donald Trump signed last year. | 1 | 2026-09-20T09:37:28Z | 2026-09-20T09:38:59Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-home-heating-season-approaches-reed-collins-murkowski-and-colleagues | As Home-Heating Season Approaches, Reed, Collins, Murkowski & Colleagues Urge Trump Admin. to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Funding | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – With energy costs rising and winter approaching, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) are leading a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Appropriators worked on a bipartisan basis to make roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds available for the coming year. Twenty-eight U.S. Senators joined Reed, Collins, and Murkowski in calling on HHS to swiftly distribute LIHEAP aid before winter home-heating bills arrive in order to help states and eligible households manage their energy costs. LIHEAP provides financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. The program is targeted to assist vulnerable households facing high energy burdens—the share of a household’s income that goes toward their energy bills. Low-income homes generally spend the biggest percentage of their income on utility bills. However, factors such as income, weather, housing stock, fuel type, and energy-efficiency can all impact a household’s energy burden. “As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline,” the 31 U.S. Senators wrote. In addition to Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-gets-1-million-federal-grant-to-strengthen-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline | RI Gets $1 Million Federal Grant to Strengthen 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI -- September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, share resources, and strengthen connections that can help save lives. To mark the occasion and highlight the importance of mental health services, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that Rhode Island is receiving $1,057,919 in federal funds to help support the state’s suicide prevention efforts, administer the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and ensure they have the tools, training, and staffing levels needed to effectively respond to suicide risks and help save people in crisis. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support and crisis care referrals from trained counselors to anyone experiencing severe distress and/or suicidal thoughts. People can access the Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Senator Reed co-authored the law creating the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline -- the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (Public Law No: 116-172) -- which directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 988 as the universal telephone number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, similar to the way 911 is set up as a free, three-digit number available 24/7 for urgent help. Prior to that, the hotline used a 10-digit number that was harder for people to remember. Struggling Rhode Islanders in need or those seeking help for a loved one in crisis have called or texted Rhode Island’s 988 Call Center more than 40,000 times over the last several years. Thanks to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, those seeking help are connected to trained, compassionate, local professionals who understand their community and may direct them to a safe place to receive immediate care, or assistance with continued treatment. Each year, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is there to answer millions of calls nationwide and connect people to life-saving assistance and mental health res… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-prices-surge-reed-seeks-to-free-americans-from-trumps-costly-tariff-taxes-and-refund-their-money | As Prices Surge, Reed Seeks to Free Americans from Trump’s Costly Tariff Taxes & Refund Their Money | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Instead of addressing the affordability crisis, President Trump is making it worse and driving up prices at the gas pump, grocery store, and on all manner of day to day products and services. The Trump Administration’s tariff regime and trade wars – including the latest trade spat with Canada that includes regressive 50 percent tariffs on many products traded between the countries -- is needlessly driving up costs for American consumers and businesses and sewing uncertainty. According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, tariffs on imports are already costing households in Rhode Island an average of $3,288 in extra spending and have cumulatively cost the state nearly $1.5 billion. U.S. Senator Jack Reed says it is time to put a stop to President Trump unilaterally imposing a de facto national sales tax on the American people. Senator Reed is teaming up with over two dozen U.S. Senate colleagues in introducing legislation that would repeal and refund President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs and limit presidential authority to impose tariffs. The End Trump’s Tariff Tax Act (S.5390) would revoke and refund Trump’s latest barrage of tariffs and repeal archaic authorities he has used to try and widen his chaotic trade war. This legislation would take back taxing power that belongs to Congress under the Constitution by rescinding trade authority President Trump has misused to place tariff taxes on U.S. imports. The End Trump’s Tariff Tax Act would also undo President Trump’s recent Section 301 tariffs on 60 countries, previously imposed Section 122 temporary global tariffs, and the 50 percent Canadian tariffs, and requires the President to refund businesses for the higher costs these tariffs created. In an effort to simplify and expedite the refund process, the bill mandates refunds of the invalidated tariffs by directing Customs and Border Protection to issue them automatically within 30 days and prioritize relief for small businesses most impacted. “President Trump’s failed economic polici… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/new-gao-report-underscores-need-for-reeds-rebuild-americas-schools-act | New GAO Report Underscores Need for Reed’s Rebuild America’s Schools Act | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – School infrastructure has an outsized impact on learning. But a new report from the nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) shows that more needs to be done to help school districts shore up school facilities and ensure students have access to safe, modern, and inviting learning environments. The GAO report released today reveals that infrastructure issues forced 1 in 5 school districts to cancel school during the 2024-25 school year, resulting in 2 million students losing an estimated 3.5 million days of learning. Nearly half of the nation’s school districts reported chronic facility issues that negatively impacted learning, while more than half lacked the resources needed to address their most pressing infrastructure needs. In an effort to correct this widespread issue and prevent students from losing critical learning time, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging Congress to pass his bicameral Rebuild America’s Schools Act (S.3777) which would surge federal investments to fix-up facilities and replace crumbling school infrastructure while creating better learning environments for the nation’s students. “We know that improving school infrastructure is essential to the health, safety, and well-being of American students. Today’s GAO report underscores the urgency for action to help improve learning environments for our kids and make long-term investments in the success of our students,” said Senator Reed, who requested the GAO report alongside U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). “This is not a new issue. Previous research from GAO back in 2020 told us that over half of America’s school districts needed to update or overhaul multiple systems within their schools. Congress cannot simply look over these glairing needs and hope they go away. Instead, we have a duty to give our students and their teachers the best chance possible to succeed. And that must start with passing our Rebuild America’s Schools Act to advance a commonsense solution to infrastructure needs in public schools … | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-trump-dismisses-need-for-ai-guardrails-reed-calls-them-essential-for-safety-economy-and-humanity | As Trump Dismisses Need for AI Guardrails, Reed Calls Them Essential for Safety, Economy & Humanity | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- After President Donald Trump rejected the idea of guardrails on artificial intelligence (AI), stating in a Truth Social post Monday that he alone is a sufficient guardrail against rogue artificial intelligence and claiming that any efforts to responsibly regulate the technology were part of a “SICK conspiracy,” U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pushed back and says strong, comprehensive guardrails are essential and it would be an abdication of government if Congress fails to provide rules and incentives for AI safety, security, and external oversight. Senator Reed stated: “President Trump is dead wrong. His shortsighted view increases the likelihood that AI will be misused by bad actors or unsafely sped up by corporate interests at the expense of the public. “Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool that offers opportunities and risks. As with any new technology, especially something as cutting-edge and revolutionary as AI, laws and regulations must keep pace with the tech’s capabilities. Congress must do its job and provide balanced oversight, standards, and rules of the road. “The AI industry itself is warning that the technology may be evolving at an unsafe pace. Elected officials should heed that warning and responsibly develop solutions to ensure the interests of the American people are protected. “Adding some brakes and speed limits to AI development does not have to mean losing pace with the Chinese. That excuse is both a failure of imagination and a failure of leadership and misunderstands the nature of the AI race itself. “We have a responsibility to ensure AI is used for the public good. That means smart, balanced guardrails and laws that are essential to protecting people, our economy, and humanity itself. And we need to ensure this technology is not misused by corporations, the government, or others. “Instead of dismissing the need for AI guardrails, it is essential that lawmakers come together and develop the right one… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/grim-milestone-diesel-tops-6-per-gallon-in-ri | Grim Milestone: Diesel Tops $6 per Gallon in RI | 2026-09-13 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | CRANSTON, RI -- President Trump’s war of choice with Iran is in its sixth month and now diesel prices in Rhode Island have surged past $6 per gallon for the first time, to $6.03, below the national average of $6.20, according to AAA. Considered one of the essential fuels for the U.S. economy, diesel is used to power everything from trucks to tractors to boats and construction and industrial machinery, as well as for electricity generation and home heating. Meanwhile, the average price of a regular gallon of gas in Rhode Island shot up to $4.36, driven by a roughly 20 percent increase in crude oil prices this month, topping $100 per barrel. U.S. Senator Jack Reed says that while the cost of oil can be complex, the current price hikes are driven almost exclusively by President Trump’s ill-conceived war of choice; the flawed assumptions of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other cabinet officials; and President Trump’s refusal to listen to experts, which left the Trump Administration flat-footed for Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz that predictably destabilized the global energy market. Reed also notes that Trump’s escalating trade wars with Canada and other countries are imposing needlessly high tariff taxes on Americans, making it harder for working families to afford gas, groceries, housing, healthcare, and more. “President Trump continues to impose high prices on Americans and is escalating the financial burden on consumers and businesses. Rhode Islanders are paying a de facto ‘Trump tax’ every time they fill up their cars and the Trump price hikes extend well beyond the pump. The high cost of diesel adds higher costs to groceries, utilities, and nearly everything that gets shipped. Coupled with Trump’s tariff regime and trade wars, Americans are getting hit with a one-two punch by the Trump Administration. Every time they get a bill in the mail these days, they can see that it is higher because of President Trump’s recklessness,” said Reed. Regular unleaded gasoline in Rhode Island averaged $2.94 t… | 1 | 2026-09-14T10:19:32Z | 2026-09-14T10:21:05Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ahead-of-25th-anniversary-reed-speaks-out-on-lessons-of-9/11 | Ahead of 25th Anniversary, Reed Speaks Out on Lessons of 9/11 | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Tomorrow, the United States will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Twenty-five years after terrorists launched a series of attacks on 9/11 that killed nearly 3,000 people at the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon in Virginia, and aboard a plane that crashed in a Pennsylvania field after being diverted from its target and taken down by heroic passengers who fought their hijackers to death, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement: “September 11 is a day of solemn reflection and remembrance for the nearly 3,000 innocent people who were attacked and killed while going about their daily lives. “Time has passed but the memories of those we lost on 9/11 have not faded. Families were devastated, people felt vulnerable, lives were upended. The attacks stunned the nation, but the American people didn’t give in to fear and hate. “We remember not just the tragedy, but the heroism: first responders and everyday heroes who risked their lives and braved immense danger to save others. And also the sense of unity and resilience: People rallied together. Lives and neighborhoods were rebuilt. “A quarter-century has passed, and we continue to remember, educate, and strive to learn the right lessons from 9/11. “That includes acknowledging and addressing missteps that allowed the attacks to occur and the failures of our response over the ensuing years, including the failure to properly care for those who today still bear physical and emotional scars. And we must never allow the fight against terrorism to be misused as a cover by politicians to pursue ulterior motives. “We must also acknowledge the support and solidarity America received from our allies who rallied to our side – it was the first and only time NATO’s security commitment was ever invoked. “While Al Qaeda was driven from Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden was pursued and taken out years after the attack, those who financed the attacks have not been held accountable. After twenty-… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-opens-probe-into-trump-politicizing-disaster-relief | RI Delegation Opens Probe into Trump Politicizing Disaster Relief | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to investigate and expose the Trump Administration’s blatant and unwarranted politicization of federal disaster aid, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) demanding answers and the preservation of records and documentation related to Rhode Island’s request for a major disaster declaration for the historic February 2026 blizzard. Despite the fact that damage from the blizzard far surpassed FEMA’s threshold for federal assistance, the Trump Administration unfairly denied the state’s request and brazenly rejected appeals from Rhode Island and other ‘Blue states’ that requested a Major Disaster Declaration. Between February 22-23, 2026, Rhode Island was struck by a record-breaking blizzard that dumped 37.9 inches of snow in a 24-hour period and the state experienced wind gusts of 74 miles per hour. The winter storm hit Rhode Island with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, caused severe power outages for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders, and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. The storm created immense challenges for local businesses, which faced prolonged closures due to storm-related damage and disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services. In the aftermath of the blizzard, Rhode Island officials worked directly with FEMA to document over $19 million in direct storm damages eligible for federal reimbursement. Pointing out that the Trump Administration still has yet to provide Rhode Island with a written, detailed explanation for why the state’s request was denied despite exceeding FEMA’s thresholds for assistance, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo wrote to the executive branch: “The facts could not be clearer. This storm was not typical winter weather; indeed, the National Weather Service confirmed snowfall totals that exceeded the histor… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-urges-federal-judicial-center-not-to-surrender-to-climate-denial-campaign-by-fossil-fuel-industry-against-climate-science-manual/ | Whitehouse Urges Federal Judicial Center Not to Surrender to Climate Denial Campaign by Fossil Fuel Industry against Climate Science Manual | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee, sent a letter last week to the Federal Judicial Center (FJC), the research and education agency of the federal judiciary, on its decision to abandon evidence-based climate science under pressure from the fossil fuel industry. In May, Whitehouse wrote to the judiciary about its removal of the climate science section in the FJC Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence and explained that the section was needed to counter the judiciary’s decision to allow judges to attend industry-funded educational “seminars.” In the new letter, Whitehouse again urges the FJC to reinstate the climate science section and to resist attacks from the fossil fuel industry. “The Reference Guide on Climate Science would have given judges trustworthy information from an impartial source on a complex body of science. As with the Reference Manual’s chapters on neuroscience, toxicology, and epidemiology, nothing in the Reference Guide on Climate Science compels a particular legal outcome. But when litigants raise questions of climate change attribution, forecasting, and harm—which they do in challenges to federal agency action, insurance disputes, and damage cases—judges need accurate and credible guidance to navigate the science at the heart of those disputes,” wrote Whitehouse. “That guidance is especially important in the context of climate change, where the fossil fuel industry has spent decades hiding and disparaging legitimate, evidence-backed climate science, while promoting climate denial ‘science’ as simply a competing view that merits equal time,” wrote Whitehouse. “I am aware of no court decision suggesting that this field of industry-promoted ‘science’ is equivalent to the consensus views of virtually the entire scientific community.” The FJC’s climate science guidance was based on internationally recognized and trusted sources like the Inte… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-cassidy-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-invest-10-billion-in-primary-care-and-modernize-medicare-payments/ | Whitehouse & Cassidy Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Invest $10 Billion in Primary Care and Modernize Medicare Payments | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Pay PCPs Act gives providers greater flexibility to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) reintroduced their legislation to better support and improve pay for high-quality primary care providers (PCPs). The Pay PCPs Act would move primary care away from a system that pays providers based largely on the number of visits and services they deliver, and toward a more flexible payment model that rewards high-quality, patient-centered care. “Primary care providers know their patients and what they need to stay healthy. The Pay PCPs Act would allow providers to finally step off the fee-for-service treadmill and get paid fairly for their work,” said Whitehouse. “I’m grateful to Senator Cassidy for joining me to reintroduce this bill that takes a major step toward ending the primary care shortage and health cost crisis we’re seeing across the country.” “Those who deliver high-quality primary care make patients healthier and the health care system run more efficiently. They should be supported by a payment system that recognizes that value,” said Cassidy. Whitehouse and Cassidy’s Pay PCPs Act would invest $10 billion in primary care, giving practices greater flexibility to spend their time and resources where patients need them most while strengthening the primary care workforce and improving patients’ access to care. The bill would also lay the groundwork for broader, long-term Medicare physician payment reform by establishing a Technical Advisory Committee to recommend improvements to how physician services are valued and paid. Together, these reforms would make an immediate investment in primary care while building a path toward a more sustainable Medicare payment system that better serves patients and providers. The Pay PCPs Act is endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, Families USA, The American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the Primary Care Collaborative, and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-announces-extra-442-million-boost-for-ri-road-bridge-and-infrastructure-improvements | Reed Announces Extra $44.2 Million Boost for RI Road, Bridge & Infrastructure Improvements | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a leading member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), announced a $44.2 million boost for Rhode Island road and bridge work in the coming weeks to help advance the state’s transportation projects. Reed says the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is getting an extra $44,272,826 to advance shovel-ready projects in the coming weeks while providing the state with enhanced flexibility to allocate state transportation funds to other road and bridge improvements and pedestrian projects. The new money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) annual August redistribution. Each year, FHWA shifts transportation funding authority from states unable to utilize the full amount of funding originally authorized to them, as well as from federal transportation grant and loan programs that were underutilized in the current fiscal year, to states that have shovel-ready projects and are able to utilize the funding before the close of the fiscal year at the end of September. To qualify for this extra funding, RIDOT demonstrated that it will fully utilize the $44.2 million in the coming weeks on projects which fit all requirements for receiving additional federal funding. The additional funds will benefit several ongoing RIDOT projects, such as bridge work, pavement improvements and striping, safety enhancements, and curbing and sidewalk work along pedestrian pathways. “This extra $44.2 million in federal spending authority for Rhode Island road improvements and infrastructure upgrades is excellent news. RIDOT is hard at work making infrastructure upgrades across the state. These extra funds should accelerate progress in the coming weeks of construction season. It will allow the state to prioritize key projects and help them move faster. We’ve got to continue investing in our transportation network and ensure it is safe, efficient, and better c… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-trump-makes-health-care-less-affordable-and-accessible-reed-works-to-bring-down-health-costs_put-people-first | As Trump Makes Health Care Less Affordable & Accessible, Reed Works to Bring Down Health Costs & Put People First | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WARWICK, RI – As the negative impacts of President Trump’s damaging economic policies ripple across the U.S. health care system, more Americans are losing their health insurance, health prices are going up, and more health systems are weakening -- leading to longer wait times and higher costs for patients. U.S. Senator Jack Reed says it is time to break that cycle and offered a prescription for reinvesting in America’s health care system and lowering costs. As Congress battles over the future of Medicaid and affordable health insurance, Senator Reed today joined officials from Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), HealthSource RI, Protect Our Care, and community partners for a tour of CCAP’s Everett C. Wilcox Health Center located on Buttonwoods Avenue. The 24,695-square foot facility offers health and wellness services to thousands of patients and includes medical and dental providers on site. In 2024, Senator Reed delivered a $1 million federal earmark to help expand the facility to its current size and provide integrated health services to more Rhode Islanders, including primary care, dental care, social work, mental and behavioral health and substance treatment, all within the same location. During the visit, Senator Reed met with health professionals, patients, and staff and held a media availability to discuss his efforts to make health care more affordable and the challenges caused by President Trump’s unwelcome health care spending cuts, which have led to surging insurance costs and coverage losses due to Trump’s Medicaid rollbacks. Research from Protect Our Care shows over 25,000 Rhode Islanders have lost Medicaid or CHIP coverage since the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed by Republicans on a party-line vote and signed into law by President Trump last summer. Another 2,000 dropped marketplace coverage after President Trump and Congressional Republicans killed ACA tax credits and caused premiums to surge. Nationwide, deductibles for health insurance plans on the Affordable Car… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/denouncing-trumps-politicization-of-disaster-aid-ri-delegation-vows-to-continue-pressing-for-merit-based-reimbursement-from-historic-feb-blizzard/ | Denouncing Trump’s Politicization of Disaster Aid, RI Delegation Vows to Continue Pressing for Merit-based Reimbursement from Historic Feb. Blizzard | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Despite the fact that a historic February 2026 blizzard met and surpassed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) threshold for federal assistance, the Trump Administration on Wednesday rejected appeals from Rhode Island and other ‘Blue states’ that requested a Major Disaster Declaration. Between February 22-23, 2026, Rhode Island was struck by a record-breaking blizzard that dumped 37.9 inches of snow in a 24-hour period and the state experienced wind gusts of 74 miles per hour. The winter storm hit Rhode Island with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, caused severe power outages for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders, and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. The storm created immense challenges for local businesses, which faced prolonged closures due to storm-related damage and disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services. In the aftermath of the blizzard, Rhode Island officials worked directly with FEMA to document over $19 million in direct storm damages eligible for federal reimbursement. On July 2, President Trump denied Rhode Island’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration the same week he announced more than $846 million in disaster relief funds for nine Republican-leaning states. Rhode Island appealed. On September 2, FEMA officially informed Rhode Island that the state’s appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration for the February blizzard had been rejected. Today, the state’s Congressional delegation denounced President Trump’s politicization of disaster aid and vowed to continue pressing the Trump Administration to follow the law and grant the state’s request based on the merits. U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo issued a joint statement: “The damage to Rhode Island from this historic storm is clear and it far surpassed the threshold for federal aid. “The denial of disaster aid is unfair and unjust, but this isn’t over. We will continue to pur… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/to-strengthen-ri-storm-defenses-reed-helps-deliver-56m-for-upgrades-to-fox-point-hurricane-barrier | To Strengthen RI Storm Defenses, Reed Helps Deliver $5.6M for Upgrades to Fox Point Hurricane Barrier | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – With peak Atlantic hurricane season approaching, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley and members of the Rhode Island Congressional delegation to discuss hurricane preparedness and proactive investments to strengthen the City of Providence’s defense against storm surges. During the event, Senator Reed highlighted $6.3 million in new federal funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to upgrade the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is a joint flood protection project managed by both the federal government along with the City of Providence, which maintains over 2,100 feet of floodwalls and gates on either side of river. The hurricane barrier provides protection against tidal flooding from hurricanes and other major storms to approximately 280 acres of downtown Providence. The protected area includes the City’s commercial and industrial center, transportation facilities, public utilities, and many homes and businesses. “The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is a critical shield that is designed to prevent the worst storm surges from inundating the city. The facility is critically important to protecting thousands of lives and hundreds of acres of real estate. For decades, this system has helped protect the city and we must continue to proactively invest in keeping it in a state of good repair,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “The federal funding announced today includes $5.65 million from an earmark that U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and I delivered for the replacement of electrical switchgear, repairs to river pump mechanical systems, and other operations and maintenance.” Built in 1966, the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier consists of a 25-foot-high central dam stretching 700 feet across the Providence River with hydraulic gates that can be lowered to prevent floodwaters and storm surges from entering the city. After Hurricane Katrina hit the southern U.S. in August of 2005, the federal government undertook a ca… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/trump-administration-refuses-to-close-tax-loophole-exploited-by-private-jet-owners/ | Trump Administration Refuses to Close Tax Loophole Exploited by Private Jet Owners | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Trump’s Beautiful-for-Billionaires Bill extended a major tax break for ultrarich private jet owners New letter denies Senators’ request to close loophole because doing so would be “burdensome” Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) today blasted the Treasury Department’s refusal to close the Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) loophole, which has long been abused by private jet owners to substantially undervalue the taxable cost of personal travel on a corporate private jet. The Trump Treasury Department’s pro-billionaire pronouncement came in a response to a July 24 request from the senators. The Treasury Department argued in its new letter that calculating the true market value for employer-provided flights taken by employees for personal purposes, rather than using the existing SIFL method, would be “administratively burdensome” for taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service. The Department also claims that the SIFL method is intended to produce consistent results – regardless of the staggering gap between the SIFL rate and the actual charter market rates. “President Trump’s 2017 tax law and Big, Beautiful-for-Billionaires bill handed billionaires and big corporations massive tax breaks on private jets. The Trump administration now says it would be ‘burdensome’ to close the private jet tax loophole because this is an administration hell-bent on using the powers of government to make the ultra-rich even richer, and they don’t care if middle-class taxpayers get stuck with the tab,” said Whitehouse. “Donald Trump’s priorities revolve around enriching himself and his billionaire friends. While working families struggle to afford groceries, housing, and gas, this Administration focuses on tax breaks for billionaires – including tax breaks for private jets. What a disgrace,” said Van Hollen. Passage of President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ Big, Beautiful-for-Billionaires Bill made permane… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-new-trump-coin-commemorates-his-vanity-and-lack-of-respect-for-the-rule-of-law | Reed: New Trump Coin Commemorates His Vanity & Lack of Respect for the Rule of Law | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI -- Rather than addressing the affordability crisis and lowering prices, the Trump Administration today rolled out a new $1 gold-colored coin with President Donald Trump’s face on it. In keeping with the logic of ‘Trumponomics,’ a 25-coin roll of the new $1 coins is on sale for $61. Or a 100-coin bag can be purchased for $154.50. Or, for those visiting the U.S. Mint itself, vending machines now offer the $1 coins for $5 each. According to the U.S. Treasury, the 0.286 oz. Trump $1 coin does not contain any precious metal and the golden coloring is derived from manganese brass. The composition of the metal coins consists of approximately 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel, and an unknown amount of copper. Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed stated: “This is another wasteful, distasteful Trump vanity project funded at taxpayer expense that does nothing to help Americans and only serves to stroke President Trump’s fragile ego. The Trump Administration’s reckless policies continue driving up prices and making everyday goods less affordable. He’s driven up gas prices, taken away access to health care, added a tariff tax on groceries, and destabilized the U.S. economy. He’s imposing economic hardship across all fifty states but now he wants people to buy his metallic $1 coin for a few extra bucks in order to feed his toxic narcissism. These coins featuring a sitting president never should have been minted. It’s just another example of how this Republican majority refuses to stand up to President Trump and how he uses the courts to run out the clock instead of adhering to the law. The vast majority of people who bought Trump’s crypto meme coin lost significant money. I guess now we’ll have to wait and see how this one fairs. But the process was shameful. What this coin really commemorates is Donald Trump’s vanity and lack of respect for the Constitution and the rule of law.” In December of 2025, Senator Reed joined U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and several Senate Democrat… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/trump-has-irresponsibly-driven-up-gas-prices-by-40-and-americans-just-experienced-the-priciest-august-at-the-pump-ever | Trump Has Irresponsibly Driven Up Gas Prices by 40% & Americans Just Experienced the Priciest August at the Pump Ever | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – As President Trump’s irresponsible war with Iran crosses the half-year mark with escalating conflict and no end in sight, and still with no coherent strategy or endgame from the Trump Administration, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) says President Trump’s refusal to listen to U.S. Intelligence and uniformed military personnel led to avoidable blunders that have driven up gas prices nearly 40 percent nationwide compared with before the war. As a result, for the first time ever, U.S. gas prices averaged above $4 per gallon for the entire month of August, according to AAA. Senator Reed says Trump’s ill-conceived war of choice; the flawed assumptions of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other cabinet officials; and a refusal to listen to experts left the Trump Administration flat-footed for Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz that predictably destabilized the global energy market. And Trump’s escalating trade wars with Canada and other countries are imposing needlessly high tariff taxes on Americans, making it harder for working families to afford gas, groceries, housing, healthcare, and more. As of today, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas was $4.12 and the average price in Rhode Island is $4.16, according to AAA. Regular unleaded gasoline in Rhode Island averaged $2.94 the week before the war -- $1.22 less per gallon than it is today. The price of diesel in Rhode Island -- which powers trucks, tractors, and fishing boats -- is now $5.63 per gallon. The price of Brent crude oil was trading above $95 per barrel earlier today and West Texas Intermediate traded at $90 per barrel. Senator Reed says every American is paying higher prices today due to President Trump’s hubris, ego, lack of foresight, and repeated blunders – which includes making Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and Steve Witkoff, who is President Trump’s friend, donor, and golfing buddy -- the chief diplomatic negotiators with Iran. Reed also points out the Trump family is financially pr… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-its-time-to-pull-the-plug-on-crypto-atm-scams | Reed: It’s Time to Pull the Plug on Crypto ATM Scams | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI -- Last week, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued a warning that crypto ATM fraud is on the rise. Crypto scammers use sophisticated methods to target older Americans, contact them and use threats, intimidation, and fabricated backstories to coerce them into depositing large sums of money into the criminals’ crypto wallets via cryptocurrency ATMs (also known as “Bitcoin ATMs” or “digital asset kiosks”). In 2025, cyber criminals used crypto ATMs to defraud Americans of roughly $389 million, according to the FBI’s most recent annual Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). There were 13,400 crypto ATM scam complaints nationwide, including 55 in Rhode Island that drained over $1,513,740 from victims in the Ocean State alone. The IC3 report shows a 23 percent increase in crypto ATM scam complaints and a 58 percent increase in monetary losses from 2024. More than half of the complaints involved victims over the age 50, with those losses costing over $302 million. And given the fact that many people fail to report fraud, the actual monetary losses from crimes involving America’s network of about 30,000 crypto ATMs is likely even higher. Rhode Island has over 100 crypto ATMs currently in operation at places like local gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops. These terminals look just like cash machines and allow users to deposit large denominations of dollar bills and quickly convert it into crypto currency which can then be instantly and irreversibly transferred to digital wallets using overseas exchanges that don’t have to comply with U.S. laws. Unlike with a bank or credit card transaction, once the money is sent, it can almost never be recovered. That is why crypto ATMs are used by scammers targeting older Americans. While U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) lauds states like Rhode Island for taking steps to try to regulate crypto ATMs to prevent fraud, Reed, who serves on the Senate Banking Committee, says the Trump Administration has presided over an explosion in fraud and mon… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-joins-amo-and-smiley-to-help-davinci-center-expand-community-services_food-pantry | Reed Joins Amo & Smiley to Help DaVinci Center Expand Community Services & Food Pantry | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Congressman Gabe Amo, and Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley gathered with community members at the DaVinci Center to prepare lunch and celebrate a new federal investment to help the DaVinci Center expand its community services and food pantry offerings. For over fifty-four years, the DaVinci Center for Community Progress -- a neighborhood, multi-purpose social service agency -- has served up food, health care, job-skills, connection, and more to Rhode Islanders of all ages in the North End. In an effort to bolster the DaVinci Center’s services and programming, Senator Reed teamed up with Congressman Gabe Amo and Mayor Brett Smiley to deliver a $440,000 federal earmark that will strengthen assistance for residents in need. Reed, Amo, and Smiley say this funding is essential after President Donald Trump slashed federal health care and food assistance in order to give lavish tax cuts to the wealthy, as part of the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ (P.L. 119-21). Trump’s law is having an ugly impact on local neighborhoods – slashing Medicaid by $1 trillion, gutting food assistance aid like SNAP benefits, and making it harder for residents to afford necessities. On top of this, President Trump’s tariff taxes and economic chaos are causing higher prices, elevated levels of economic uncertainty, and financial stress for millions of Americans. As a result, non-profits like the DaVinci Center are also being financially squeezed due to rising costs and a growing demand for their services. “President Trump’s drastic aid cuts and price-raising policies are hitting families and communities and straining their budgets. Groceries, gas, health care and household essentials are all more expensive because of Trump’s policies. While the Trump Administration is raising prices and shrinking federal aid, it is increasing demand for help from places like the DaVinci Center and local food pantries nationwide. This infusion of $440,00 provides some much needed reinforcement for the … | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-army-secretary-dan-driscoll-resignation | Reed Statement on Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resignation | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—Today, after Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll announced his resignation, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: “I thank Secretary Driscoll for his service to our nation, first in uniform as an Army officer and then as Secretary of the Army. He worked to transform the Army for the battlefield of the future, and he engaged with Congress candidly and consistently. “I do not welcome Secretary Driscoll’s resignation. His departure leaves the Army without its top civilian and uniformed leaders, and a military service whose leadership ranks have been gutted by Secretary Hegseth. I am alarmed that Secretary Driscoll’s leadership of the Army stands in stark contrast to Secretary Hegseth’s disastrous tenure atop the Defense Department. “It is far past time for President Trump to recognize the lasting harm that Pete Hegseth is inflicting on the Department of Defense. In the Army alone, he has fired and blocked the promotions of dozens of senior officers without explanation, including Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and half of all four-star generals. Secretary Hegseth is cultivating a culture where dissent is punished and competence is secondary to personal allegiance. “The Army is the backbone of the joint force. At this moment, hundreds of thousands of soldiers are deployed around the world, many in combat zones. The soldiers carrying out these missions deserve leadership that is reliable, forthright, and focused on the fight ahead. The Army cannot stay ahead of our adversaries while its senior ranks are hollowed out and its chain of command is left in limbo. “We are watching the consequences of Secretary Hegseth’s actions ripple across the force in morale, in readiness, and in the erosion of public trust in the military. Secretary Hegseth must be held accountable. “The next Secretary of Army must be an individual with wisdom, experience, and exper… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-pentagon-investment-in-venezuela-oil-venture | Reed Statement on Pentagon Investment in Venezuela Oil Venture | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—Today, following reports that President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have directed the Department of Defense to take a 35 percent stake in a private equity firm engaging in preferential purchase rights of Venezuelan oil production, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: “President Trump’s effort to turn the U.S. military into an investor in Venezuelan oil is a blatant abuse of power and taxpayer dollars. Our military exists to protect the American people and defend our national security, but it appears the Trump administration has decided that mission no longer applies when there is oil to be seized and money to be made. “Let’s be clear about what is happening. President Trump has been explicit about his desire to extract Venezuela’s oil. His administration removed Nicolás Maduro from power, threw its weight behind the unelected leadership that replaced Maduro, and is now attempting to use U.S. military assets and taxpayer-backed financing to boost a private oil venture. Using the Pentagon as an instrument to finance foreign oil projects invokes the exact corruption and conflicts of interest our laws are designed to prevent. “I am demanding a full accounting of the legal authority for this transaction, the complete financial terms, the disposition of any profits, the role of the Department of Defense in managing or overseeing the investment, and—most importantly—whether the administration is planning to use American military forces to secure the oil assets which the Department itself now has a financial interest. “President Trump is abusing his powers as commander-in-chief and eroding the military’s proper role in American democracy. This misguided experiment in using America’s armed forces for commercial profit must be rejected.” | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-marking-sixth-month-of-trumps-war-with-iran | Reed Statement Marking Sixth Month of Trump’s War with Iran | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement marking the sixth month of President Trump’s war with Iran. “President Trump has entangled the United States in a foreign policy failure of historic consequence. When he unilaterally launched this war, Trump promised he would destroy Iran’s nuclear program, eliminate its missile and drone arsenal, dismantle its defense industrial base, wipe out its proxy networks, and topple the regime in a matter of weeks. Six months later, not a single objective has been achieved. Indeed, he has weakened our position in the Middle East and the world significantly. “Eighteen servicemembers have lost their lives and more than 700 have been wounded. Gas prices and everyday costs remain dramatically higher than before the war. We have burned through a dangerous share of our munitions inventory and redeployed weapons, aircraft, and personnel to the Middle East, leaving the Pacific without an aircraft carrier for the first time in decades. The President has found many ways to insult our servicemembers and their families along the way. “Six months into this disaster, Congress has seen no framework for ending the war, and Trump has failed to provide a definition of victory. The President has waged this war without public support or congressional consent, and it is far past time for accountability.” | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trumps-childish-order-to-rename-lake-ontario | Reed Statement on Trump’s Childish Order to Rename Lake Ontario | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, after President Donald Trump exacerbated his trade war with Canada, called Canadian officials “nasty people,” and signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Interior to rename Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ in U.S. information systems, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement: “President Trump isn’t solving problems, he’s creating them. “Canada is a strong ally, a good neighbor, and a key trading partner. This kind of juvenile, erratic, mean-spirited behavior by President Trump is unproductive. “This isn’t going to lower costs, it is going to waste tax dollars. President Trump’s tariff tax regime is doing real economic damage to American families and businesses and forcing them to pay higher prices. “Instead of renaming bodies of water, President Trump needs to start focusing on lowering costs, strengthening the economy, expanding opportunity, and ending his war of choice with Iran. “President Trump is alienating key allies and stoking animosity. He is needlessly raising prices and imposing avoidable economic hardship on Americans because he can’t focus on anything other than himself.” | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-wants-ice-to-cancel-20m-shock-glove-order-that-is-shockingly-wasteful-and-ripe-for-abuse | Reed Wants ICE to Cancel $20M ‘Shock Glove’ Order That is ‘Shockingly Wasteful & Ripe for Abuse’ | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Noting that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have deployed violence and deadly force against innocent Americans with no accountability, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) strongly opposes the agency’s decision to reportedly spend $20 million dollars on “shock gloves” to outfit agents with gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks. Reed is teaming up with 15 Senate colleagues to urge ICE to cancel the contract, and questioning the agency’s ability to use them appropriately. Before ICE proceeds with this purchase, the 16 Senators want answers and documentation for over 30 specific questions about how these devices will be used, the protocol for using them, safety guardrails, and accountability measures. Senator Reed says Americans want real changes at ICE, but Congressional Republicans are instead insulating ICE from accountability and wasting billions of tax dollars that could be better spent lowering prices, strengthening the economy, and improving public safety. “Here we go again with another no-bid contract on equipment that ICE doesn’t need and is ill-suited to handle responsibly. What ICE needs is better vetting and training of its agents. Every ICE agent needs to be equipped with a body camera, and they need to be appropriately held accountable for their actions, just like every other law enforcement officer. These so-called shock gloves would not have prevented a single one of the unjust shootings by ICE officers that Americans witnessed due to video taken by bystanders. Congressional Republicans have gifted ICE a $120-plus billion slush fund with little to no accountability. There are better ways to improve public safety than equipping poorly-trained, masked agents with no ID and no accountability with electro-shock gloves and sending them into communities with a greenlight to grab people without a warrant,” said Reed. Instead of working to lower costs, Congressional Republicans have allocated a roughly $120 billion windfall to ICE via party-line reconciliation … | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/rhode-island-congressional-delegation-announces-4-6-million-for-uri-ccri-engineering-workforce-development-program/ | Rhode Island Congressional Delegation Announces $4.6 Million for URI, CCRI Engineering Workforce Development Program | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI — As demand grows for skilled engineers and technicians to power Rhode Island’s advanced manufacturing, marine, and clean energy sectors, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced $4,619,389 of federal funding awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the University of Rhode Island, in partnership with the Community College of Rhode Island, to support scholarships for high-achieving, low-income students pursuing degrees in engineering and engineering technology. The program stands to benefit workforce development across multiple sectors, including Rhode Island’s blue economy and advanced manufacturing industry. It is set to begin in January. “This is a wise investment in individuals, Rhode Island’s workforce, and American science and engineering expertise, which is increasingly critical for our economy and national defense. Helping smart kids afford an engineering degree is a win-win. They get the skills that put them on promising career pathways for critical, in-demand jobs and America stays competitive,” said Senator Reed. “Rhode Island’s institutions of higher education are on the leading edge of STEM innovation and help power the Ocean State’s economic competitiveness,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This federal funding will create opportunities for deserving Rhode Island students to follow their dreams at URI and CCRI.” “Rhode Island needs more engineers, and this funding will help make sure that talented students across our state have a real shot at that career, no matter their financial background,” said Rep. Magaziner. “I am proud to work alongside the Rhode Island Congressional delegation to deliver the funding needed to support workforce training here in the Ocean State.” “I’m proud to work alongside our Rhode Island Delegation to expand opportunity for talented students at the University of Rhode Island and the Community College of Rhode Island,” said Rep. Amo. “This federal funding will remove fina… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-announces-46-million-for-uri-ccri-engineering-workforce-development-program | RI Delegation Announces $4.6 Million for URI, CCRI Engineering Workforce Development Program | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI — As demand grows for skilled engineers and technicians to power Rhode Island's advanced manufacturing, marine, and clean energy sectors, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced $4,619,389 of federal funding awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the University of Rhode Island, in partnership with the Community College of Rhode Island, to support scholarships for high-achieving, low-income students pursuing degrees in engineering and engineering technology. The program stands to benefit workforce development across multiple sectors, including Rhode Island's blue economy and advanced manufacturing industry. It is set to begin in January. “This is a wise investment in individuals, Rhode Island’s workforce, and American science and engineering expertise, which is increasingly critical for our economy and national defense. Helping smart kids afford an engineering degree is a win-win. They get the skills that put them on promising career pathways for critical, in-demand jobs and America stays competitive,” said Senator Reed. “Rhode Island’s institutions of higher education are on the leading edge of STEM innovation and help power the Ocean State’s economic competitiveness,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This federal funding will create opportunities for deserving Rhode Island students to follow their dreams at URI and CCRI.” "Rhode Island needs more engineers, and this funding will help make sure that talented students across our state have a real shot at that career, no matter their financial background," said Rep. Magaziner. "I am proud to work alongside the Rhode Island Congressional delegation to deliver the funding needed to support workforce training here in the Ocean State.” "I'm proud to work alongside our Rhode Island Delegation to expand opportunity for talented students at the University of Rhode Island and the Community College of Rhode Island,” said Rep. Amo. "This federal funding will remove fina… | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-magaziner-help-peace-dale-library-write-its-next-chapter-with-opening-of-sk-community-learning-center | Reed & Magaziner Help Peace Dale Library Write Its Next Chapter with Opening of SK Community Learning Center | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WAKEFIELD, RI – After delivering over $3.5 million in federal funding for major upgrades to the Peace Dale Library, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today joined Governor Dan McKee along with South Kingstown Town officials, project partners, and community members for a special ribbon cutting ceremony for a new community learning center housed within the library. Located on the upper floor of one of the oldest libraries in Rhode Island, the new learning center utilized $2,893,891 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as a $700,000 federal earmark that Senator Reed and Congressman Seth Magaziner secured through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Economic Development Initiative. The initial federal ARPA funds were allocated to the Peace Dale Library by Governor McKee. As the cost of the project escalated, Reed and Magaziner were able to secure additional federal funds to help take the community project to the ‘next level’ and ensure the underutilized top floor of the library could be renovated to offer brand new community space and resources. The historic building now known as the Peace Dale Library first opened in 1891 and today serves as the largest and most utilized public library within the South Kingstown library system, which also includes the Kingston Free Library and the Robert Beverly Hale Library. Blending history with modern amenities, the renovated space preserves the building’s architectural character and original construction while offering tech-equipped workspaces and services. The following new spaces are now open: two new conference rooms; two new study/privacy rooms; a multipurpose use classroom/open space; two counters for individual use; a new second floor Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant bathroom; the Community Paramedic Office; and a new Director’s Office, along with storage. There is also a new stairwell connecting the community learning center area to the parking lot lobby entrance and it is also serviced by … | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-pays-tribute-to-dolly-parton | Reed Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) paid tribute to the life and legacy of American music legend Dolly Parton, who, in addition to her career as an entertainer and entrepreneur, was a noted philanthropist, humanitarian, and a champion of literacy and public libraries: “Dolly Parton will forever be the big-hearted Queen of country music. She truly made the world a better place, sharing her talent and warmth with countless people. “On stage and screen, Dolly Parton entertained and inspired generations of Americans. She uplifted people and communities through her philanthropic efforts and by serving as a model for kindness, hard work, and bringing people together. She helped kids in Rhode Island and other states through her Imagination Library, which gives free books to families in need. “Her legacy as an artist is matched only by her legacy for good deeds, caring for others, and bringing out the best in people. She was proud of her humble beginnings and always remained grounded while stressing the importance of education and opportunity for all. She was a great American and her legacy lives on." According to Dolly Parton’s web site: “When I started the Imagination Library, it was to honor my Daddy. My Daddy was so smart but he felt crippled with the fact that he couldn’t read and write.” While Parton’s father, Robert Lee Parton, never had a chance to go to school because he had to help his parents make a living for the family, he joined his daughter in launching the program to help others develop a love of reading. | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/jec-report-trump-price-hikes-costing-ri-households-extra-3800-for-everyday-essentials | JEC Report: Trump Price Hikes Costing RI Households Extra $3,800+ for Everyday Essentials | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Due to President Trump’s irresponsible policies and destabilizing, chaotic, volatile approach to governing, the cost of gasoline, housing, healthcare, childcare, groceries, utility bills, and other prices are up in Rhode Island and nationwide, and Americans are feeling the pinch. Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed once again called on President Trump to end his reckless war with Iran and halt his chaotic tariff tax regime that is fueling higher prices. A recent report from the minority staff of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) analyzed changes in the prices Rhode Islanders are paying under the Trump Administration and concludes that Rhode Islanders are having to spend over $3,800 more under President Trump. Reed also notes that two-thirds of the federal tax cuts in Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ law went to the top 20 percent of households by income, while also slashing $1 trillion from Medicaid and reducing nutrition assistance and federal aid to less fortunate families. Today, Senator Reed issued the following statement noting that Trump’s latest trade war with Canada, including new tariff taxes on Canadian goods, as well as the across-the-board tariffs and ongoing war with Iran, will stretch the budgets of working families even more in the coming weeks: “With gas, groceries, and other prices surging, Rhode Islanders are continuing to feel the economic pressure of Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice with Iran and his costly tariff taxes, which are driving up the price of everyday essentials. On top of that, Congressional Republicans backed a federal law reducing access to affordable health care and eroding the social safety net. “It’s unfair that Rhode Islanders are being forced to spend an extra $3,800 per household just to buy the basics under Trump. Americans can’t afford Trump’s price hikes. It’s time for change and it’s time for Congress to take action and give working people a real rebate for the unnecessarily elevated prices they have been forced to pay by the Trump … | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-dishes-up-700000-earmark-to-help-farm-fresh-ri-sprout-new-partnerships-and-grow-small-food-businesses | Reed Dishes Up $700,000 Earmark to Help Farm Fresh RI Sprout New Partnerships & Grow Small Food Businesses | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to help more of Rhode Island’s small and emerging farms, fishers, and food businesses reach new customers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), teamed up with Farm Fresh RI to deliver a $700,000 earmark he secured in the FSGG appropriations law to support the continued development of the organization’s food hub technology system. Senator Reed today joined Farm Fresh RI’s Executive Director Janet Coit and local growers, producers, and food entrepreneurs, including Mark Federico, Jr. of Narragansett Creamery and Camille Abdel-Nabi of Long Lane Farms, to discuss efforts to strengthen Rhode Island’s local food network, feed the community, and support small businesses through the Farm Viability & Business Support Project. “Farm Fresh RI has a proven track record of sustainably growing our state’s local food system. Strengthening that work is critical for helping our new and emerging farmers, fishers, and food producers expand their markets, unlock growth opportunities, and connect more Rhode Islanders with fresh, local, nutritious and delicious food,” said Senator Reed. “I am proud to team up with Farm Fresh to deliver this $700,000 federal earmark to boost their capabilities and expand their reach so that they can continue to serve up assistance and guidance for our state’s food network.” “For small food businesses to grow and succeed, they need to reach new markets and consistent customers. This important federal investment from Senator Reed will help Farm Fresh RI expand our Market Mobile program, which connects more than 100 local farms and food producers with customers across New England, like schools, restaurants, hospitals, hunger relief agencies, and households,” said Janet Coit, Executive Director of Farm Fresh RI. “Thank you to Senator Reed for always recognizing the importance of our local food producers and investing in their future. We’re grateful to have you as a partner in buildin… | 1 | 2026-08-23T05:27:15Z | 2026-08-23T05:29:02Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-gas-prices-surge-above-4-and-national-gas-price-climbs-to-411-as-august-average-hits-record-high-aaa-says | RI Gas Prices Surge Above $4 & National Gas Price Climbs to $4.11 as August Average Hits Record High, AAA Says | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | CRANSTON, RI – Due to President Trump’s ill-conceived war with Iran and strategic incoherence, gasoline, heating oil, jet fuel, and diesel costs have all surged, putting more upward pressure on prices for everyday products that American consumers and companies depend on. Today, the average price for a gallon of gasoline in Rhode Island topped $4.00 in the Ocean State, according to AAA. And the national gas price climbed to $4.11 which marks the highest it’s ever been on this date. This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. Oil prices can fluctuate for a variety of complex reasons. But U.S. Senator Jack Reed says it is clear the reason gas prices continue to remain elevated at record-breaking levels this late in the year is squarely due to President Trump’s reckless decision to attack Iran and his continued mismanagement of the war and diplomatic failures to end it. Since the President launched his war with Iran, a significant portion of the world’s oil has been blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to higher global prices even with higher US output. “Donald Trump is driving gas prices to record highs this summer. Americans continue to pay more at the pump because President Trump recklessly launched a war with no clear strategy, and, six months later, he has failed to accomplish any of the key goals he used as a pretext for his war. He has no coherent strategy or end game. In fact, he has made the U.S. less safe and emboldened the Iranian regime to seize unprecedented control over the Strait of Hormuz, where twenty percent of the world’s oil passes through,” said Reed. “Trump is fueling higher costs for oil, food, and other goods and drivers are being forced to pay more due to his chaotic mismanagement.” Before Trump started his war with Iran, regular unleaded gasoline in Rhode Island averaged $2.94 the week before the war -- $1.06 less per gallon than it is today. The price of diesel in Rhode Island – which powers trucks, tractors, and fishing boats -- is now $5.52 per gallon. As of this mornin… | 1 | 2026-08-23T05:27:15Z | 2026-08-23T05:29:02Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/top-sasc-dem-aircraft-carrier-should-be-named-after-fallen-black-wwii-hero-not-retitled-for-a-sitting-president | Top SASC Dem: Aircraft Carrier Should be Named After Fallen Black WWII Hero, Not Retitled for a Sitting President | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – In January of 2020, during President Trump’s first term, the U.S. Navy officially announced that the USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) would be the first aircraft carrier named after a Black person and an enlisted sailor. Miller was a heroic sailor whose courageous actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor earned him the Navy Cross and he later died at sea when the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) that he was serving on was torpedoed and sunk during operations in the Pacific. Now, recent news reports suggest that the Trump Administration is internally considering whether to try to strip Miller’s name from the future aircraft carrier CVN-81 and instead replace it with President Donald J. Trump’s moniker. An August 13, 2026 executive order signed by President Trump referred to the vessel by its official identification number, CVN-81, and made no mention of Miller. No decision has been formally announced. Today, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), weighed in to defend keeping Miller’s name on the future aircraft carrier and vowed to work with Congressional colleagues on a bipartisan basis to ensure the future ship is named after Miller. Senator Reed stated: “Doris “Dorie” Miller is a true American hero whose extraordinary courage and sacrifice deserves to be honored with the naming of this future aircraft carrier. “Whoever is talking about trying to rename this ship for President Trump is doing him a real disservice and making him look like he’d be willing to seize a World War II hero’s honor. “The simple fact is: No U.S. aircraft carrier has ever been named after a sitting president. Breaking that precedent here would be an insult to our sailors and America’s proud Naval traditions. “Keep in mind: this vessel won’t be commissioned until 2034 and the name of a ship can still be changed while it is under construction. So there is a long way to go. “I encourage the Secretary of the Navy to publicly pledge that the Trump Administration plans to… | 1 | 2026-08-23T05:27:15Z | 2026-08-23T05:29:02Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-cut-ribbon-at-new-lincoln-centralized-rescue-and-learning-center | Reed Helps Cut Ribbon at New Lincoln Centralized Rescue and Learning Center | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | LINCOLN, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed visited the new centralized rescue station and adjoining Lincoln Learning Center for a special ribbon cutting ceremony. The $16.5 million project utilized $2 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that Senator Reed helped secure. Located next door to Lincoln Town Hall, the two-story, 13,500-square-foot building will serve as a community hub and houses a centralized rescue station and community learning center. The learning center includes a telemedicine room, four multipurpose rooms, and four open spaces that offer flexibility for accommodating overflow from the library and senior center. The space can be used for things like classes, after-school activities, health programming, and other community events. “This is a terrific community asset for the Town of Lincoln. It’s a safe, modern, welcoming space that will hopefully bring people together and offer new opportunities for learning, community programming, and neighborhood events,” said Senator Reed. “This new facility is desigbed to bring public safety, education, health, and community services all under one roof. I hope it will foster connection and community for many years to come.” The centralized rescue station will consolidate operations currently based on Albion Road and Lonsdale Avenue. From this new location, more than 90 percent of Lincoln residents can be reached by rescue in less than eight minutes, cutting the current response time in half. The new facility also includes over 45 parking spots and connection to the Town Hall parking area and a two-way entrance on Old River Road. Rhode Island received $112.3 million in federal ARPA funding for its Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund in 2021. The state chose to allocate $82.2 million of that federal funding to the construction, renovation, and preservation of community learning centers across the Ocean State. To ensure transparent use of the federal ARPA funds, the state created an online tracker showing how federal money was … | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-key-banking-committee-democrats-press-fed-chairman-kevin-warsh-over-lack-of-disclose-about-calls-with-president-trump | Reed, Key Banking Committee Democrats Press Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh Over Lack of Disclosure About Calls with President Trump | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Alarmed by the fact that President Donald Trump continues to pressure the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates for political reasons, and given the confusion caused by President Trump and White House and Fed officials offering differing descriptions about the same contacts between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and three colleagues are pressing the Federal Reserve to disclose all of Chairman Warsh’s conversations with President Trump since Warsh’s confirmation in May. The Federal Reserve routinely releases a schedule that includes the Chair’s key events and meetings in monthly appointment calendars that are publicly provided on a one-month delay. But Chairman Warsh did not publicly disclose any recent contacts with President Trump on his official Fed schedule, despite the fact that the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has called Warsh “repeatedly” in the months since his Senate confirmation and the White House’s Kevin Hassett telling the press that President Trump and Chairman Warsh talk “all the time.” To ensure transparency and Fed independence, Senator Reed, along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent Warsh a letter urging him to release details of every conversation he has had with Trump since he became Fed Chair. The four Senators on the Banking Committee, which has oversight of the central bank, say undisclosed contacts between the President and Chairman of the Federal Reserve risks creating “a perception that the White House is shaping monetary policy,” which would be bad for the health of the economy. The four Senators wrote: “We write to ask for public disclosure of your conversations with President Trump. Recent press reports indicate that you have spoken with the President “repeatedly” since your confirmation in May. It is critical that the Fed be transparent about these discussions to demonstrate its independence from the White House, a norm that you ha… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-welcomes-237m-for-ri-energy-savings-programs | Reed Welcomes $2.37M for RI Energy Savings Programs | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – President Trump’s misguided policies have caused a surge in electricity and utility prices. The most recent data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) illustrates how Trump’s policies, including his war in Iran and partisan decision to cancel or stall 378 energy projects nationwide representing $65 billion in investments, have contributed to increased household electricity prices, which have spiked 18 percent since January 2025. After bipartisan prodding led by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Susan Collins, the Trump Administration has finally released $2,374,162 for Rhode Island to help local families and businesses lower energy bills through key federal programs: the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP); the Weatherization Readiness Fund (WRF); and the State Energy Program (SEP). The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is sending Rhode Island $1,690,353 in WAP funding to assist low-income families with free home energy efficiency upgrades that lower their monthly utility bills; $187,499 in WRF payments designed to help vulnerable families with basic structural safety repairs that are needed before standard energy-efficiency retrofits can be implemented; and $496,310 in SEP funds to support energy reliability, availability, and security while helping businesses and residents save on energy costs. This action follows a letter sent earlier this year that was led by Reed and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) along with 17 of their Senate colleagues, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, urging the Trump Administration to release the delayed funding for these programs. At the time, the Trump Administration had not issued the annual guidance states needed to apply for the funds, threatening disruptions to these programs. “Too many Americans are struggling under the Trump affordability crisis, especially when it comes to high energy costs. While the Trump Administration’s misguided policies are driving up energy costs, this federal funding offers some much needed assistance to help families … | 1 | 2026-08-23T05:27:15Z | 2026-08-23T05:29:02Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-rallies-to-stop-trump-from-cutting-services-for-kids-and-dismantling-head-start | Reed Rallies to Stop Trump from Cutting Services for Kids & Dismantling Head Start | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WOONSOCKET, RI – First, President Trump tried to eliminate federal funding for Head Start, a federal program that provides early education and other services to 700,000 children of impoverished families nationwide. Now, the Trump Administration is pushing a proposal that would diminish services for children and families in need, and sadly sending another signal of its disinterest in addressing the nation’s access and affordability of childcare for all American families. U.S. Senator Jack Reed opposes Trump’s ‘Head Start Trojan Horse’ rollbacks and says they would mean unwanted changes to Rhode Island’s 39 Head Start preschool centers and the 1,600 Head Start providers that operate nationally on staggered, five-year federal grants, providing care, education, and support for infants, toddlers, and families nationwide. Today, Reed visited a Head Start center in Woonsocket and joined leading Head Start providers and advocates to rally against backdoor efforts to dismantle Head Start, with the Trump Administration once again attacking a program that has a tradition of broad, bipartisan support. Head Start is more than just a preschool program: It offers early intervention services for children, including those with special needs, while also providing health screenings and wraparound support for families, such as assisting parents with job applications and connecting them to GED or other education and job-training programs. Under the phony guise of ‘empowering parents,’ the Trump Administration recently proposed several substantial changes to Head Start that would eliminate federal requirements regarding “curriculum implementation, parent committees, family engagement procedures, and service delivery structures,” according to the language of the draft rule issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Trump Administration dubiously claims that its proposed moves would enable Head Start to serve over 200,000 more children with no additional cost to taxpayers. “Head Start early childhood educ… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/with-500000-federal-investment-in-public-and-marine-safety-reed-helps-launch-south-kingstowns-new-ema-harbor-patrol-vessel | With $500,000 Federal Investment in Public & Marine Safety, Reed Helps Launch South Kingstown’s New EMA Harbor Patrol Vessel | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI – There is a new 600-horsepower state-of-the-art public safety vessel patrolling South Kingstown’s pristine waterways and it is fully equipped with the latest emergency response and search and rescue tools and capabilities. Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined state and local officials and first responders dockside in South Kingstown to officially unveil and launch South Kingstown’s newest customized Harbor Patrol vessel. The new, 27-foot SAFE-manufactured 27 T-Top boat is bigger and better than previous versions and will be used by the Town’s emergency management agency (EMA). The new boat is used to help enforce navigation and waterfront laws, promote boater safety, and respond to incidents on the water. The Harbor Patrol is available 24/7 to patrol and respond to emergency calls around Point Judith Pond, a 4-mile-long coastal salt pond/estuary located just outside the southwestern tip of the Bay, and connecting Point Judith Harbor with the waters of Block Island Sound. The new emergency response boat will also help the town boost collaboration between Harbor Patrol, Police, Fire, EMS, and the U.S. Coast Guard to strengthen public safety and marine safety for residents and visitors alike. Senator Reed helped deliver $500,000 in federal funds for the new emergency response vessel through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). South Kingstown also contributed around $2,000 to acquire the vessel. The boat is specially designed for emergency response and search and rescue missions with maximized deck space, a durable aluminum hull, and easy maneuverability. “This new boat is a terrific community asset. It’s a federal investment in public safety and boater safety, in particular. The folks here in South Kingstown do an incredible job keeping people safe on land and in the water. This new boat is a critical tool that will help them respond to all sorts of emergencies, from accidents and distress calls to medical emergencies to chemical spills or other incidents. It can get first responders quic… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/16937/ | RI Delegation Announces Over $1.7 Million in Federal Funding to Protect Nonprofits and Places of Worship from Violence | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Providence, RI – Today, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed and and Congressmen Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner announced $1,710,000 in federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding to protect Rhode Island nonprofits and religious institutions against public safety threats. The federal funds, awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and administered by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), are intended to help at-risk nonprofit institutions, synagogues, churches, mosques, and other houses of worship enhance their security infrastructure, training, and systems. Federal NSGP funds can be used to purchase and install appropriate locks, video cameras, bulletproof glass, and other security technology needed to keep them safe. In 2025, more than 8,000 nonprofits applied for more than $1.3 billion in NSGP funding. Of those applicants, approximately 1,600 organizations were approved and allocated $266 million in funding. Only 20% of applicants received this critical security funding because Congress failed to provide sufficient funding levels. “No Rhode Islander should have to fear for their safety because of who they are or how they worship,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former Rhode Island Attorney General and U.S. Attorney. “This delegation remains committed to securing federal funding to protect the rights of our constituents to practice their faith in peace.” “Sadly there’s been a rise in recent years of threats against parts of America’s diverse tapestry of religions and races. Racism, antisemitism, and the like are just plain un-American, and these federal dollars will help protect people. This is an investment in helping vulnerable communities effectively protect themselves from targeted attacks,” said Senator Jack Reed. “Everyone should be able to gather, worship, and learn in safety,”said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “This fundamental truth is increasingly under assault as antisemitic attacks and other viole… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/after-landing-46-million-in-federal-funding-reed-breaks-ground-on-new-army-aviation-readiness-center-at-quonset-point | After Landing $46 Million in Federal Funding, Reed Breaks Ground on New Army Aviation Readiness Center at Quonset Point | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | QUONSET, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined federal, state, local, and military officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Army Aviation Readiness Center at Quonset Point. The new facility will house an Army aviation battalion, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, and five supporting companies, HHC, A, C, D, and E. It features training classrooms, administrative offices, equipment and supply storage, vehicle maintenance bays, and a fueling station. The Rhode Island Army National Guard’s 1-126th Aviation Regiment operates UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters (including variant roles like MEDEVAC/HH-60 configurations). These medium-lift aircraft are used for multi-role missions such as troop transport, search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, and aerial firefighting. Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a leading member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, was instrumental in securing the authorization and funding for this project over two years. “I’m pleased to deliver federal funding for this new Army Aviation Readiness Center, which represents a major enhancement and recognizes the dedication and professionalism of the Rhode Island Army National Guard. This is an investment in our citizen soldiers -- courageous men and women who serve our nation and carry out difficult and dangerous missions on our behalf. Our servicemembers deserve the best facilities, equipment, and training possible so they can do their jobs effectively and come home safely to their families. Whether it’s search and rescue here at home, or serving in combat zones overseas, I am grateful to the Rhode Island Air National Guard for their outstanding service. The success of their missions starts right here and I am proud to upgrade their training and readiness facilities to ensure they continue to be the very best of the best,” said Senator Reed, who has spearheaded federal funding for several major upgrades at Quonset, including the reconstruction of the main runway, the n… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-deliver-3-million-to-upgrade-pawtucket-housing-authority-high-rise-elevators | Reed & Whitehouse Deliver $3 Million to Upgrade Pawtucket Housing Authority High-Rise Elevators | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PAWTUCKET, RI – When high-rise elevators go down or are chronically inoperable in public housing, it makes life difficult for upper floor apartment residents with mobility issues, as well as those carrying small children or heavy groceries up multiple flights of stairs. Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and residents and leadership of the Pawtucket Housing Authority (PHA) at Fogarty Manor to celebrate over $3 million in federal investments that are helping to repair and upgrade elevator infrastructure at PHA’s Kennedy Manor, a 9-story housing complex on Broad Street, and Fogarty Manor, a 15-story high rise on Roosevelt Avenue. In an effort to support housing affordability and ensure the Pawtucket Housing Authority’s residents living in rent-restricted high-rise housing complexes have safe, reliable elevator access, Senators Reed and Whitehouse helped to secure federal funding to upgrade and modernize elevator infrastructure at PHA’s Kennedy Manor and Fogarty Manor. “This federal funding will provide a much needed lift to hundreds of residents and ensure reliable elevator service. The safety and security of residents is paramount. They have endured and persevered when elevators were down and we want to ensure a lasting fix. I commend Mayor Grebien and the dedicated team at the Pawtucket Housing Authority for their tireless efforts to restore service and modernize the building. Elevator breakdowns in a high-rise can be beyond frustrating – especially to those on upper floors and those with limited mobility. The much-needed repairs and upgrades funded by these significant federal investments are overdue. I’m pleased to help deliver over $3 million to help the Pawtucket Housing Authority prioritize safety, modernize essential infrastructure, and prevent elevator outages,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Senate Banking Committee, which oversees the federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “We come w… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-democrats-urge-trump-to-rescind-dangerous-childhood-vaccine-executive-order | Reed, Democrats Urge Trump to Rescind Dangerous Childhood Vaccine Executive Order | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Pointing to rising measles outbreaks, which have already surged to a 35-year high, and a spike in non-medical vaccine exemption requests in K-12 schools, U.S. Senator Jack Reed teamed up with 90 Congressional colleagues in urging President Donald Trump to rescind his August 10 executive order targeting childhood vaccines. Senator Reed joined a letter led by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), and U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA) taking the Trump Administration to task for substituting “anti-vaccine ideology for decades of scientific evidence” and demanding President Donald Trump rescind his executive order directing federal health agencies to overhaul longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations. Trump’s anti-science executive order creates chaos and confusion for parents just as millions of families across the country are preparing for the school year and are relying on science-based vaccine recommendations to protect their children and communities from preventable diseases. “At a moment when the United States is experiencing the highest surge in measles cases in thirty-five years and an increasing number of states forced to declare public health emergencies – your administration is placing more children in harm’s way rather than protecting them. This Executive Order overrides decades of scientific evidence and sows fear, chaos, and confusion. The result will not be safer or healthier children; it will be a continued decline in vaccination rates, recurring disease outbreaks, higher healthcare costs, and school disruptions that cause learning loss. Vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored for safety, and save millions of lives each year – especially the lives of children,” wrote the 91 lawmakers. Since being confirmed, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unleashed a methodical campaign to substitute decades of science with an anti-vaccine ideology. Specifically, Trump’s latest directiv… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/as-visa-delays-threaten-fall-arrival-for-international-students-reed-whitehouse-demand-answers-action-from-u-s-state-department/ | As Visa Delays Threaten Fall Arrival for International Students, Reed & Whitehouse Demand Answers & Action from U.S. State Department | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Providence, RI – With college students heading back to campus in the coming weeks for the start of a new academic year, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) are pressing the Trump Administration to process international student and scholar visas without unjust delay. Whitehouse and Reed are teaming up with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and 27 colleagues in demanding answers from the U.S. State Department about why international student visa appointments have dried up at some embassies — a bottleneck that seems to mostly impact students from Latin American countries. The lawmakers want to know why there are delays in processing F, M and J visas for academic studies, vocational courses and exchange programs, respectively. Noting that international students pumped about $43 billion into local economies across the U.S. during the 2024–2025 academic year, Padilla, Reed, Whitehouse and their colleagues are demanding answers about delays processing these applications at U.S. embassies and consulates and are seeking to fix the problem in time for students to make travel arrangements and be in college classrooms when the semester begins. “We urge the State Department to ensure timely processing of F, M, and J student and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas, consistent with the approach taken by administrations of both parties in the past, and to implement other measures to avoid diminishing U.S. competitiveness,” the 30 U.S. Senators wrote. “Specifically, we are hearing from constituents and stakeholders that no timely visa appointments are available for students at some embassies and consulates. This only exacerbates uncertainty about whether students’ visas will be processed in time for them to travel to the United States to begin their studies.” The lawmakers highlighted the contributions international students make to universities and communities nationwide, including expanding opportunities for American students, generating economic activity, strengthening the U.S. workforce, and buildi… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/rhode-island-congressional-delegation-announces-1-9-million-for-uri-cybersecurity-scholarship-program/ | Rhode Island Congressional Delegation Announces $1.9 Million for URI Cybersecurity Scholarship Program | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Providence, RI – In a world of evolving cyber threats and escalating digital challenges – including the increased adoption of AI technologies – there is a growing need to strengthen America’s cybersecurity workforce. Today, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced $1.9 million of federal funding awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the University of Rhode Island to support scholarships for high-achieving students with limited financial means pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. “This NSF funding will help provide opportunities for URI students who are interested in tackling the pressing cybersecurity challenges of our time,” said Whitehouse. “URI does an outstanding job of preparing the workforce of the future. This federal funding builds on previous federal investments at URI and will help the university attract and educate the next generation of talented, highly-skilled cyber professionals for this critical and fast-growing profession,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who previously worked with Senator Whitehouse to deliver $3.4 million in federal funding for a similar grant program in 2022 through URI’s Computer Science and Statistics Department. “Every student who has the drive and talent to succeed in the cybersecurity field should have the chance to do it, regardless of financial circumstances,” said Magaziner, member of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Subcommittee on the House Homeland Security Committee. “This funding for URI will help train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals right here in Rhode Island.” “We need a well-trained workforce of cyber experts to protect Americans and our digital infrastructure from emerging threats,” said Amo. “This funding will provide talented students with the tools and resources necessary to study cybersecurity at the University of Rhode Island and strengthen our state’s cyber workforce.” “NSF’s investment ref… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-delegation-steers-13-5-million-to-upgrade-providence-ferry-terminal/ | RI Delegation Steers $13.5 Million to Upgrade Providence Ferry Terminal | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Providence, RI – Ferries offer a fast, fun, convenient, environmentally friendly and scenic way to hop between local waterfront ports across the Ocean State, with seasonal service between Providence, Bristol, and Newport being among the most popular routes. In an effort to connect communities, strengthen the economy, and build for the future, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner successfully steered $13,500,000 in federal funding to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to support upgrades to the Providence Ferry Terminal, located at 25 Portugal Parkway (Fox Point). The terminal site includes basic port infrastructure and complimentary on-site parking for 120 vehicles, with tickets, schedules, and temporary structures managed by Seastreak Ferries. This new federal funding will support the construction of a new, permanent ticketing pavilion that will hold an office, restrooms, and a waiting area for passengers with real-time information, as well as improvements to parking and stormwater treatment. The project will also include construction of new floating docks, ADA-compliant gangways, and sea wall repairs. “This is a win for Rhode Island and a smart investment in improving operational efficiency of the Providence Ferry Terminal and building modern, new amenities. It will make ferry service more accessible and family-friendly — attracting more passengers and providing them with a first-class experience that connects them to world-class waterfront destinations. This federal funding will better connect communities and reduce pollution and traffic congestion while boosting ridership, tourism, and economic growth,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, who supported funding for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program to assist in the financing of capital projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas. “The Providence ferry is a great option for residents and tourists to explore the East Bay,” said Whitehouse, Rank… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-reed-deliver-3-million-to-upgrade-pawtucket-housing-authority-high-rise-elevators/ | Whitehouse & Reed Deliver $3 Million to Upgrade Pawtucket Housing Authority High-Rise Elevators | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Pawtucket, RI – When high-rise elevators go down or are chronically inoperable in public housing, it makes life difficult for upper floor apartment residents with mobility issues, as well as those carrying small children or heavy groceries up multiple flights of stairs. Today, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) joined Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and residents and leadership of the Pawtucket Housing Authority (PHA) at Fogarty Manor to celebrate over $3 million in federal investments that are helping to repair and upgrade elevator infrastructure at PHA’s Kennedy Manor, a 9-story housing complex on Broad Street, and Fogarty Manor, a 15-story high rise on Roosevelt Avenue. In an effort to support housing affordability and ensure the Pawtucket Housing Authority’s residents living in rent-restricted high-rise housing complexes have safe, reliable elevator access, Senators Whitehouse and Reed helped to secure federal funding to upgrade and modernize elevator infrastructure at PHA’s Kennedy Manor and Fogarty Manor. “We come with good news for the residents of Kennedy Manor and Fogarty Manor, who have dealt with elevator breakdowns for too long,” said Whitehouse. “With upgraded elevators, hundreds of affordable apartments in Pawtucket will be able to remain in use.” “This federal funding will provide a much needed lift to hundreds of residents and ensure reliable elevator service. The safety and security of residents is paramount. They have endured and persevered when elevators were down and we want to ensure a lasting fix. I commend Mayor Grebien and the dedicated team at the Pawtucket Housing Authority for their tireless efforts to restore service and modernize the building. Elevator breakdowns in a high-rise can be beyond frustrating – especially to those on upper floors and those with limited mobility. The much-needed repairs and upgrades funded by these significant federal investments are overdue. I’m pleased to help deliver over $3 million to help the Pawtucket Housing Authority prio… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-visa-delays-threaten-fall-arrival-for-international-students-reed-and-whitehouse-demand-answers_action-from-us-state-department | As Visa Delays Threaten Fall Arrival for International Students, Reed & Whitehouse Demand Answers & Action from U.S. State Department | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – With college students heading back to campus in the coming weeks for the start of a new academic year, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are pressing the Trump Administration to process international student and scholar visas without unjust delay. Reed and Whitehouse are teaming up with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and 27 colleagues in demanding answers from the U.S. State Department about why international student visa appointments have dried up at some embassies -- a bottleneck that seems to mostly impact students from Latin American countries. The lawmakers want to know why there are delays in processing F, M and J visas for academic studies, vocational courses and exchange programs, respectively. Noting that international students pumped about $43 billion into local economies across the U.S. during the 2024–2025 academic year, Padilla, Reed, Whitehouse and their colleagues are demanding answers about delays processing these applications at U.S. embassies and consulates and are seeking to fix the problem in time for students to make travel arrangements and be in college classrooms when the semester begins. “We urge the State Department to ensure timely processing of F, M, and J student and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas, consistent with the approach taken by administrations of both parties in the past, and to implement other measures to avoid diminishing U.S. competitiveness,” the 30 U.S. Senators wrote. “Specifically, we are hearing from constituents and stakeholders that no timely visa appointments are available for students at some embassies and consulates. This only exacerbates uncertainty about whether students’ visas will be processed in time for them to travel to the United States to begin their studies.” The lawmakers highlighted the contributions international students make to universities and communities nationwide, including expanding opportunities for American students, generating economic activity, strengthening the U.S. workforce, and building internatio… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-trumps-appeasement-of-kim-jong-un | Reed Condemns Trump’s Appeasement of Kim Jong Un | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, rebuked President Donald Trump for his last minute decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. Reed criticized Trump for appearing to appease North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un by posting a social media statement directing U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to scale back joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. President Trump expressed admiration for Kim Jong Un and criticized South Korea for declining to take part in his war of choice with Iran. Senator Reed stated: “This is another inane, haphazard decision by President Trump and his chaotic administration. America’s alliances are built on trust and strength. When President Trump cuts military exercises to flatter a dictator or punishes South Korea for declining to join a war he started, all of our allies – and adversaries – think that America’s commitments are negotiable. Kim Jong Un has won a propaganda victory and South Korea, one of our strongest allies, has been punished for no reason beyond Trump’s ego. China and Russia are watching how easily this President abandons America’s allies, and they will remember it the next time they test us.” The U.S. and South Korea have been conducting joint military exercises together since the 1950s in an effort to deter future aggression by North Korea, and to send a signal of strength and deterrence to America’s adversaries. Senator Reed also noted that President Trump’s social media post contradicted a recent warning from NORTHCOM Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Joseph Jarrard, who last week noted: “North Koreans have successfully flight-tested ICBMs with enough boost to deliver a nuclear payload anywhere in North America.” | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-steers-135-million-to-upgrade-providence-ferry-terminal | RI Delegation Steers $13.5 Million to Upgrade Providence Ferry Terminal | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Ferries offer a fast, fun, convenient, environmentally friendly and scenic way to hop between local waterfront ports across the Ocean State, with seasonal service between Providence, Bristol, and Newport being among the most popular routes. In an effort to connect communities, strengthen the economy, and build for the future, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner successfully steered $13,500,000 in federal funding to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to support upgrades to the Providence Ferry Terminal, located at 25 Portugal Parkway (Fox Point). The terminal site includes basic port infrastructure and complimentary on-site parking for 120 vehicles, with tickets, schedules, and temporary structures managed by Seastreak Ferries. This new federal funding will support the construction of a new, permanent ticketing pavilion that will hold an office, restrooms, and a waiting area for passengers with real-time information, as well as improvements to parking and stormwater treatment. The project will also include construction of new floating docks, ADA-compliant gangways, and sea wall repairs. “This is a win for Rhode Island and a smart investment in improving operational efficiency of the Providence Ferry Terminal and building modern, new amenities. It will make ferry service more accessible and family-friendly -- attracting more passengers and providing them with a first-class experience that connects them to world-class waterfront destinations. This federal funding will better connect communities and reduce pollution and traffic congestion while boosting ridership, tourism, and economic growth,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, who supported funding for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program to assist in the financing of capital projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas. “The Providence ferry is a great option for residents and tourists to explore the East Bay,” said Whitehouse, Ran… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/senate-defense-democrats-demand-accountability-from-hegseth-after-reports-of-crisis-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln | Senate Defense Democrats Demand Accountability from Hegseth After Reports of Crisis Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln | 2026-08-15 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—Today, all thirteen members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) minority, as well as the Democratic leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports that the aircraft carrier’s crew has endured food and water shortages, broken plumbing, and mental health crises severe enough that multiple sailors reportedly attempted to go overboard during its record-setting deployment. The Lincoln has been at sea for more than 250 days, including over 200 consecutive days without a port call, the longest continuous deployment at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier in the modern era. The letter was signed by the following SASC members: Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senator Angus King (I-ME), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, also joined. The senators pressed Secretary Hegseth on his Department’s failure to provide a clear timeline for the crew’s return and condemned his public dismissal of the reports as “completely misrepresented,” as well as President Trump’s remarks suggesting the Lincoln had not been deployed “nearly long enough.” The Senators demanded detailed answers on mental health and medical resources aboard the ship, the state of good order and discipline, hygiene and food conditions, the full extent of the reported man-overboard incident, and support being provided to military families, along with a formal request for a bipartisan con… | 1 | 2026-08-17T05:33:43Z | 2026-08-17T05:34:34Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-reed-seek-watchdog-audit-of-trumps-glitzy-ballroom-boondoggle/ | Whitehouse & Reed Seek Watchdog Audit of Trump’s Glitzy Ballroom Boondoggle | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | As price tag for gaudy project skyrockets, Democratic Senators who lead key committees with jurisdiction over Trump’s ballroom project call for GAO audit Washington, D.C. – With cost estimates for a glitzy new White House ballroom surging and the Trump Administration putting taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars that Congress has not authorized, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) joined other leading Senate Democrats in requesting an independent audit of the controversial project from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The eight U.S. Senators, who each lead committees and subcommittees with jurisdiction over the White House East Wing and ballroom modernization project, wrote to GAO that the Trump Administration’s handling of the project raises “serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and stewardship of this national landmark.” Whitehouse, the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), joined with U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee; Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader; and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, in calling on the Acting Comptroller General of GAO to audit and assess the full scope and cost of the White House ballroom project. Without approval from Congress, President Donald Trump ordered the demolition of the East Wing of the White House – “the People’s House” and a symbol of democracy and the U.S. government — starting on October 20, 2025. After Congressional Republicans failed to … | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-hosts-special-medal-ceremony-for-local-korean-war-veteran | Reed Hosts Special Medal Ceremony for Local Korean War Veteran | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | CRANSTON, RI – The second oldest of four boys growing up in Providence in the midst of the Great Depression, Richard Mende, 94, had just completed high school when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War. In an effort to connect this local Army veteran with the military honors he earned in service to the nation, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee and a former Army officer, today hosted a special medal ceremony with Mr. Mende and his family to present him with several military awards and thank Mr. Mende for his service, sacrifice, and devotion to his community. First assigned to the infantry and trained at Field’s Point in Rhode Island and Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Mr. Mende was deployed to Japan where he received additional training as an engineer before shipping off to Korea with the 54th Engineer Field Maintenance Company. He served in Korea for sixteen months, helping to procure and deliver needed supplies to allied units throughout the country. He left Korea in 1954 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. “These military honors are but a small token of our enduring gratitude and respect for the service Mr. Mende bravely gave to our nation. When he came home, Mr. Mende maintained a steadfast commitment to serving his community and fellow veterans, guiding young Rhode Islanders as a gymnastics coach with the Providence Turners Club and as the commander of Glocester’s chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association,” said Senator Reed. “I am honored to join Rich and his loving family today to present him with these medals and to thank him for his immense sacrifice, courageous service, and uncommon devotion to charitable endeavors that have had positive impacts throughout his community and our state.” “This was a tremendous surprise to me, and I am very grateful to my daughter Lori for reaching out to the Senator’s office and to Senator Jack Reed for this honor,” said Mr. Mende. Returning home to Rhode Island in 1954, Mr. Mende got h… | 1 | 2026-08-16T05:26:31Z | 2026-08-16T05:27:49Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-seek-watchdog-audit-of-trumps-glitzy-ballroom-boondoggle | Reed & Whitehouse Seek Watchdog Audit of Trump’s Glitzy Ballroom Boondoggle | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – With cost estimates for a glitzy new White House ballroom surging and the Trump Administration putting taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars that Congress has not authorized, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined other leading Senate Democrats in requesting an independent audit of the controversial project from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The eight U.S. Senators, who each lead committees and subcommittees with jurisdiction over the White House East Wing and ballroom modernization project, wrote to GAO that the Trump Administration’s handling of the project raises “serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and stewardship of this national landmark.” Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), and Whitehouse, the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, joined with U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee; Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader; and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, in calling on the Acting Comptroller General of GAO to audit and assess the full scope and cost of the White House ballroom project. Without approval from Congress, President Donald Trump ordered the demolition of the East Wing of the White House – “the People’s House” and a symbol of democracy and the U.S. government -- starting on October 20, 2025. After Congressional Republicans failed to authorize and appropriate $1 billion in federal funding for President Trump's vanity project through their partisan reconciliation bill in June, and although President Tr… | 1 | 2026-08-17T05:33:43Z | 2026-08-17T05:34:34Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/to-fight-corruption-reed-backed-taboo-act-seeks-to-close-ethics-loopholes-for-special-envoys | To Fight Corruption, Reed-Backed TABOO Act Seeks to Close Ethics Loopholes for ‘Special Envoys’ | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | CRANSTON, RI -- In an effort to fight corruption and ensure that the people who represent the U.S. government overseas actually represent American interests -- not their own personal businesses, foreign governments, or potential future business deals – U.S. Senator Jack Reed is teaming up with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and seven other colleagues in introducing the Transparency in the Administration's Business Opportunities Overseas (TABOO) Act (S.5357). This new legislation mandates strong ethics requirements for every individual representing the United States government in negotiations with foreign governments and international multilateral organizations, including Special Envoys and other officials serving in similar roles as paid employees, volunteers, or in unpaid capacities. These individuals representing the United States -- such as Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and Steve Witkoff, who is President Trump’s friend, donor, and golfing buddy -- frequently exercise significant authority and speak for the U.S. on sensitive diplomatic and national security matters. Both Kushner and Witkoff have participated in sensitive Middle East diplomacy during Trump's second term while at the same time their families have reportedly been enriched by financial dealings with foreign backers. Congressional investigators are looking into reports that Kushner, Witkoff, and other Trump associates continued seeking billions of dollars from Middle Eastern sovereign funds while at the same time helping to conduct negotiations involving the same governments. Current gaps in federal law allow individuals serving in these roles to conduct high-stakes negotiations with foreign governments while holding undisclosed financial interests in those same countries, creating the risk-or at least impression-that personal profit, rather than the national interest, shapes American foreign policy. “There should be no question that officials representing the United States overseas are serving our national intere… | 1 | 2026-08-17T05:33:43Z | 2026-08-17T05:34:34Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-grassley-issue-statement-on-treasury-departments-final-rule-dismantling-key-element-of-corporate-transparency-act/ | Whitehouse, Grassley Issue Statement on Treasury Department’s Final Rule Dismantling Key Element of Corporate Transparency Act | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Whitehouse & Grassley helped pass groundbreaking law to prevent abuse of U.S. incorporation laws Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today released the following statement on the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN’s) decision to permanently exempt over 99 percent of entities previously required to report their beneficial ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Congress passed the CTA on a strongly bipartisan basis to clamp down on criminals and foreign enemies hiding assets from U.S. law enforcement, national security officials, and tax authorities. The CTA is widely considered the most important anti-money laundering law in decades. “The Treasury Department’s final rule exempting U.S. based companies from the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements undermines the clear intent of the law. The Act gave the federal government needed tools to address criminal activity like human trafficking, terrorist financing, drug distribution, sanctions evasion, and more without unduly burdening legitimate commercial entities. This decision is an unfortunate one that fails to use all available tools to protect Americans and crack down on illicit financial schemes.” The CTA was designed to play an important role in protecting national security and public safety by providing law enforcement and national security officials with the names of the true owners (“beneficial ownership information”) of U.S. corporations and other legal entities. This information facilitates the government’s efforts to combat various forms of illicit finance carried out through shell and front companies. In March 2025, the Treasury Department announced that it would not enforce the CTA’s beneficial ownership information reporting rule when it comes to U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies, and would issue a new proposed rulemaking that would narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. A few weeks later, the Department publ… | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-amo-visit-ri-builders-assoc-to-celebrate-housing-affordability-reform-law | Reed & Amo Visit RI Builders Assoc. to Celebrate Housing Affordability Reform Law | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | CENTRAL FALLS, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Gabe Amo visited the Rhode Island Builders Association for a tour of its Residential Construction Training Facility and to celebrate passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (P.L. 119-101). This law is the biggest housing package passed in decades, containing over 40 provisions to increase housing supply, lower housing costs, reduce barriers to construction, and unlock homeownership for more hardworking families. “President Trump’s policies are making life unaffordable for many Americans who are getting squeezed by the high costs of homeownership and rent. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a smart, overdue step toward lowering housing costs. It meets the scale of the housing crisis with urgency and takes critical steps to boost housing supply and reward communities that prioritize housing affordability best practices. This law is not a one-size-fits-all policy, nor should it be, because Rhode Island’s needs are different than Iowa’s, which are different from New York City’s needs. This law provides tools and incentives to help states and communities of all sizes tackle their respective housing challenges and enact smart housing policies while modernizing essential programs,” said Reed, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, who helped craft key portions of the landmark bipartisan housing legislation. The ‘ROAD Act’ became law on July 11, 2026 – without President Trump’s signature – following passage and repassage from both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. President Trump allowed the measure to become law without his signature in protest of Congress’ failure to adopt his voter suppression ploy known as the so-called ‘SAVE Act.’ During today’s event, Senator Reed outlined several key benefits of the new housing law for Rhode Island and discussed the next steps of implementation and how it can advance housing opportunities locally. Reed noted key benefits for Rhode Island include stream… | 1 | 2026-08-17T05:33:43Z | 2026-08-17T05:34:34Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-dod-civilian-casualty-report | Reed Statement on DOD Civilian Casualty Report | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—This week, the Department of Defense submitted to Congress its Section 1057 report, an annual accounting of civilian harm connected to U.S. military operations. In its 2025 report, the Department detailed civilian casualty incidents to include three strikes in Yemen — in Sanaa, at the Ras Isa fuel port, and near Saada — that killed 153 civilians and injured 243 more, with the April 17, 2025 strike on the Ras Isa terminal alone accounting for up to 80 deaths and 171 injuries. These strikes in Yemen represented the deadliest U.S.-caused civilian casualty incidents in decades, until the Minab school strike in Iran in February 2026, where credible reports indicate at least 175 people, most of them children, were killed. A copy of the DOD 1057 Report for 2025 is available here. In response to this report, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: “I am disturbed by this report and by the pattern it represents under Secretary Hegseth’s leadership. Under his watch, the Department of Defense killed at least 153 civilians and injured 243 more in the poorly conceived Yemen campaign in 2025. “This did not happen in a vacuum. During his tenure, Secretary Hegseth has gutted the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, pushed out senior JAG officers who advise commanders on the laws of war, and boasted about discarding what he calls ‘stupid rules of engagement.’ The same Yemen campaign that produced these casualties is the one where the DOD Inspector General found Secretary Hegseth shared classified strike details over Signal, putting the pilots flying that mission at risk. “The Department has delayed this report for months and still has not submitted a separate accounting for the Minab school strike. Congress and the American people have waited long enough. I am demanding Secretary Hegseth appear before Congress to explain these incidents, account for the dismantling of civilian harm mitigation infrastructure across the Depar… | 1 | 2026-08-17T05:33:43Z | 2026-08-17T05:34:34Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/walk-this-way-reed-delivers-800000-boost-for-pedestrian-safety-along-massasoit-avenue | WALK THIS WAY: Reed Delivers $800,000 Boost for Pedestrian Safety Along Massasoit Avenue | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | BARRINGTON, RI – Massasoit Avenue is a favorite route for Barrington students walking or riding their bikes to and from three local schools each day. But for many years, a lack of sidewalks on this major thoroughfare has posed significant safety issues for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined Barrington officials, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) interim Director Robert Rocchio, and community members to celebrate a $800,000 federal earmark he secured to add more than a quarter-mile of sidewalk to Massasoit Avenue to boost safety, accessibility, and connectivity. After years of advocacy from community members, parents, and town leaders, the project will finally create a continuous sidewalk the length of Massasoit Avenue to address significant safety concerns along the major route to and from Hampden Meadows Elementary School, Barrington High School, and Barrington Middle School. “Sidewalks help keep pedestrians safe and roads clear for all road users. Upgrading our roads with safe, continuous sidewalks helps give a significant boost to public safety. I am pleased to deliver this $800,000 federal earmark for Barrington to help make this important thoroughfare safer, more accessible, and better connected to the rest of the community,” said Senator Reed. “Adding these sidewalks will make Massasoit Avenue a safer path for local students and community members.” “The effort of Sen Reed highlights success in government whereby local, state, and federal assets can achieve cross-jurisdictional projects for ‘win-win’ results, especially for our Barrington residents,” said Barrington Director of Planning, Building, and Resilience Herbert Durfee, III. “The Town is grateful to be able to, again, partner with the Senator, his staff, and the state for this invaluable pedestrian/bicycle improvement.” “RIDOT is grateful for the efforts of Senator Reed to obtain this additional federal funding,” RIDOT Interim Director Robert Rocchio said. “On top of that, we are ab… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-and-ri-law-enforcement-leaders-push-for-new-commander-level-police-training-bill/ | Whitehouse and RI Law Enforcement Leaders Push for New Commander-Level Police Training Bill | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Promoting Police Leadership Act will provide better training for the police leaders running day-to-day operations Barrington, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today joined RI Police Chiefs Association President Michael Correia, David Lambert, Director of the Roger Williams University Justice System Training and Research Institute, and Family Service of RI CEO Margaret Holland McDuff to push for final passage of Whitehouse’s Promoting Police Leadership Act. “Rhode Island’s captains, majors, and precinct commanders know that proper training for their officers is key to making decisions that keep our communities safe. They, too, deserve training programs that keep pace with the new demands constantly placed on them,” said Whitehouse. “I’m grateful to Rhode Island’s finest for joining me today, and for their support in getting this bill passed in the Senate.” The Promoting Police Leadership Act would support the development of commander-level law enforcement leadership training and education curricula to enhance police operations, increase officer accountability and wellness, improve resource management, and strengthen community relations. The bipartisan bill would task the U.S. Attorney General and Department of Justice with developing a broad training curricula framework for commander-level personnel in consultation with state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and other relevant partners. The legislation would also establish a voluntary certification process for the Attorney General to identify high-quality training programs that align with the broader DOJ framework and provide instruction to police departments. The legislation unanimously passed the Senate in June and now awaits a vote in the House. “We are grateful for Senator Whitehouse’s leadership in advancing the Promoting Police Leadership Act through the Senate,” said Colonel Michael Correia, Chief of Police for Barrington and President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. “Strong police departments depen… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-netanyahu-rejecting-trumps-gaza-plan | Reed Statement on Netanyahu Rejecting Trump’s Gaza Plan | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | CRANSTON, RI – After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point plan to disarm Hamas and withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “This is yet more failed leadership from both Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. They are both impediments to lasting, durable peace. It is time for a drastically new approach in Gaza that significantly boosts humanitarian aid as well as a recommitment to a two-state solution by all parties.” “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s rejection of the Board of Peace plan sets back a process that took months to build and that Hamas has already conditionally accepted. This is a rejection of the framework itself, made three months before an Israeli election, with aid delivery and regional stability all hanging in the balance. “The United States has invested significant diplomatic and military capital in this process. Congress deserves a clear explanation from this administration of what happens next, what leverage the United States still has, and how this rejection affects American forces and interests in the region. I am seeking answers to these questions.” | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-strongly-opposes-todd-blanche-for-us-attorney-general | Reed Strongly Opposes Todd Blanche for U.S. Attorney General | 2026-08-08 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after 50 Senate Republicans voted to confirm Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to be the next U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, who voted against Blanche’s nomination, issued the following statement: “Mr. Blanche’s role in concealing the Epstein files and enthusiasm for a self-dealing $1.8 billion MAGA grievance slush fund for President Trump’s partisan backers should be disqualifying. He has also shielded President Trump personally from scrutiny over his taxes. I do not believe he is someone who will defend the Constitution and be guided by the rule of law alone. “His actions have undercut DOJ’s independence and compromised the Department’s ability to check abuses of power. “And he has presided over a Department of Justice that has tried to withhold funding for state and local law enforcement and victims of domestic violence. “The Attorney General is supposed to be the nation’s top law enforcement officer, not the President’s personal legal enforcer. But that is what Donald Trump wants: a hyper-partisan protector who will target the president’s critics and shield him from legal accountability. It’s clear from Mr. Blanche’s record and statements that he is prioritizing President Trump’s political conflicts over traditional DOJ law enforcement and independence. I believe he will seek to provide President Trump with political cover, even if that means covering up serious wrongdoing and preventing damaging facts in the Epstein Files from coming to light.” | 1 | 2026-08-17T05:33:43Z | 2026-08-17T05:34:34Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ahead-of-blanche-confirmation-vote-reed-reminds-us-senate-that-blanche-is-still-covering-up-epstein-files-concealing-facts-and-not-complying-with-the-law | Ahead of Blanche Confirmation Vote, Reed Reminds U.S. Senate That Blanche is Still Covering Up Epstein Files, Concealing Facts, & Not Complying with the Law | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of the final confirmation vote on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to become the next U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is reminding lawmakers that Mr. Blanche continues to cover up the Epstein Files. He continues to conceal key facts about the Trump Administration’s preferential treatment toward convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, who is Donald Trump’s former acquaintance and Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirator. Hiding this information does not comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires this information to be made public. Specifically, Senator Reed wants the release of all records relating to Ghislaine Maxwell’s special treatment while incarcerated. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ), on Blanche’s watch, refuses to comply. “In August 2025, I wrote to the Bureau of Prisons seeking all records relating to Ghislaine Maxwell’s special treatment while incarcerated. Her highly unusual privileges, including a transfer from a Federal correctional institution to a prison camp, occurred just after she provided fawning testimony about President Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in a jailhouse interview with you. These circumstances raise serious questions that you promised her favorable treatment in exchange for trying to minimize President Trump’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein,” Reed wrote directly to Blanche. Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving 20 years in a federal prison for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors over the course of a decade. Reed is seeking records related to Mr. Blanche’s July 24 and 25, 2025 trip to visit Maxwell in a Florida prison. During the jailhouse visit, Blanche met with Maxwell and her attorney. They spoke for many hours, including a recorded portion of their conversations where Ms. Maxwell claimed that powerful men like Donald Trump and Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had not engaged in any inappropriate conduct that she witnessed. Blanche didn’t even bother to ask why Epstein and Maxwell… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ahead-of-blanche-confirmation-vote-reed-reminds-us-senate-that-blanche-is-still-not-complying-with-the-epstein-files-law | Ahead of Blanche Confirmation Vote, Reed Reminds U.S. Senate That Blanche is Still Not Complying with the Epstein Files Law | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of the final confirmation vote on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to become the next U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is reminding lawmakers that Mr. Blanche appears to be out of compliance with the law requiring full release of the Epstein Files. He continues to avoid releasing key facts about the Trump Administration’s preferential treatment toward convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, who is Donald Trump’s former acquaintance and Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirator. This failure to provide these documents does not comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires this information to be made public. Specifically, Reed wants the release of all records relating to Ghislaine Maxwell’s special treatment while incarcerated. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ), on Blanche’s watch, refuses to comply. “In August 2025, I wrote to the Bureau of Prisons seeking all records relating to Ghislaine Maxwell’s special treatment while incarcerated. Her highly unusual privileges, including a transfer from a Federal correctional institution to a prison camp, occurred just after she provided fawning testimony about President Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in a jailhouse interview with you. These circumstances raise serious questions that you promised her favorable treatment in exchange for trying to minimize President Trump’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein,” Reed wrote directly to Blanche. Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving 20 years in a federal prison for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors over the course of a decade. Reed is seeking records related to Mr. Blanche’s July 24 and 25, 2025 trip to visit Maxwell in a Florida prison. During the jailhouse visit, Blanche met with Maxwell and her attorney. They spoke for many hours, including a recorded portion of their conversations where Ms. Maxwell claimed that powerful men like Donald Trump and Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had not engaged in any inappropriate conduct that she witnessed.… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/new-studies-show-trumps-chaotic-policies-have-driven-up-back-to-school-costs-by-11 | New Studies Show Trump’s Chaotic Policies Have Driven Up Back-to-School Costs by 11% | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – President Trump’s tariffs and economic policies are raising prices, dragging down economic growth, eliminating thousands of good-paying jobs, and driving up inflation. Under the Trump Administration, more American families are struggling to afford basic necessities. With a new school year around the corner, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) says Trump deserves an ‘F’ when it comes to economic stewardship. Reed points to a multitude of new studies showing that Trump’s chaotic policies are forcing families to pay more for back-to-school shopping this year, with the cost of school supplies, clothes, and food all increasing significantly over last year. “From paper and pencils, to lunch boxes and clothes, the Trump Economy is making back-to-school shopping more expensive for Americans. Due to Trump’s unilateral decision to launch tariffs and an unauthorized Iran war, just about every back-to-school item parents put in their shopping carts this summer has gone up in price. I’ve voted time and time again to halt the Trump price hikes, but Republican leaders need to stop shielding President Trump from accountability and start passing legislation to help bring down costs. As hardworking parents scrimp and save to manage household finances and tight budgets, Trump-Republicans have gifted the wealthiest one percent huge tax windfalls while shifting heavier financial burdens onto families and communities. That compounds cost-of-living pressures. Democrats want to fix it and help lower prices, but Republican leaders don’t seem interested,” said Reed. Key drivers of recent price increases include Trump’s higher tariffs on imported goods, his war in Iran, which has led to rising shipping expenses from elevated gas prices, as well as agricultural labor shortages and general inflation. In a joint report, the Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation (TCF) crunched the numbers and found the price families will pay this year to send students back to classrooms has surged 11 percent overall. The think t… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-pass-tick-research-bill-to-combat-lyme-disease-and-other-tick-borne-illnesses | Reed Helps Pass Tick Research Bill to Combat Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Illnesses | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed the Kay Hagan Tick Act (S.2398), reauthorizing through 2030 the nation’s existing framework for tick-borne disease to ensure the program to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases continues. Federal funding for that program lapsed last September and may now be renewed. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), who cosponsored the legislation, which is championed by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN), has been fighting for people impacted by tick-borne illnesses for years and has spearheaded efforts to increase federal funding to combat the spread of ticks and find a cure and effective treatments. The Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The bill is named in honor of former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), who passed away in the fall of 2019, at age 66, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus, which she contracted just three years earlier. “This bill is a tribute to our former colleague, Kay Hagan, and to families everywhere impacted by tick bites. The federal government must invest in research to combat Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses and help researchers diagnose people quickly and accurately and connect them to effective treatments that can save lives and lead to better health outcomes for people who are suffering,” said Senator Reed, who also noted he wants to see federal support for important tick research in Rhode Island. “America’s tick problem is growing and the size of the federal investment we make in combatting ticks needs to keep pace. The Kay Hagan Tick Act has already improved public health knowledge and prevention strategies, but we've got to do more." Reed noted the University of Rhode Island is doing impressive work tracking the spread of ticks and educating people about ticks, tick-borne illnesses, and tick surveillance. Congress first passed the Kay Hagan … | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-pushes-to-prohibit-insider-trading-and-crack-down-on-securities-fraud | Reed Pushes to Prohibit Insider Trading & Crack Down on Securities Fraud | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to effectively counter insider trading, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, introduced the Insider Trading Prohibition Act (S.5320) to establish a clear statutory prohibition against insider trading. This legislation seeks to clearly define the offense of insider trading under federal law and remove some of the uncertainty that has curtailed securities regulators’ and law enforcement’s ability to effectively pursue and prosecute insider trading cases. If passed, Reed’s legislation would make it even more obvious that President Trump’s scheme to sell a $100,000 monthly subscription service to provide earlier access to the President’s Truth Social posts is, by definition, ‘Insider Trading.’ And not only is it unethical for President Trump to try to further monetize the presidency to enrich his family, but this scheme is unlawful. “Insider trading puts the average investor at a disadvantage and reduces both public trust and confidence in our markets. Cracking down on unlawful insider trading should be a bipartisan priority,” said Senator Reed. “This legislation provides a clear definition of insider trading, with appropriate safety valves, that will help protect the investing public. Sharpening the definition of insider trading will clear up ambiguity in the law and help repair a broken system.” When corporate insiders and others who wrongfully obtain inside information trade on it, they essentially engage in theft. But currently – and to the shock of many Americans -- there is no federal statute on the books specifically banning insider trading. Rather, the unlawfulness of insider trading is predicated on the notion that insider trading is a type of securities fraud under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and subject to broad judicial interpretation. With courts left to define much of the law on a case-by-case basis, the result has been an unnecessarily complex, inconsistent, and uncertain legal standard. According to the Securities and Exchan… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-stumps-for-bill-to-better-protect-kids-online | Reed Stumps for Bill to Better Protect Kids Online | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to protect kids from the risks posed by the internet and social media and to hold Big Tech accountable for harming a generation of young Americans, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The bill mandates social media companies limit addictive design features and set protective default settings for minor users. This week, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation’s unanimously approved KOSA by voice vote, teeing it up for consideration by the full U.S. Senate. This legislation (S.1748), which is championed by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would provide kids and parents with better tools to protect children online, hold tech and social media accountable for harms to children, and provide transparency into black box algorithms. Essentially, the bill would require companies to default to stringent privacy and safety settings, rather than putting the onus on youth and parents to navigate through complicated platforms. Tech companies would be required to “exercise reasonable care” to prevent their products from endangering child users, including through design features that could exacerbate depression, sexual exploitation, bullying, harassment and other harms. “Americans are over Big Tech companies knowingly putting their profits ahead of children’s safety. I support this comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to increase transparency, strengthen online safeguards, and ensure that tech companies and social media companies are more accountable,” said Senator Reed. “This will provide new tools for parents to protect their kids, including options to disable addictive product features. I urge Senate Republican leaders to put the bipartisan bill on the floor and pass a clean bill so we can ensure a safer environment online for all.” This week, a judge in New Mexico ordered that Meta, the parent company of brands such as Facebook and Instagram, pay a total of $942 million to address … | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-hawley-roll-out-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-bus-driver-safety | Reed & Hawley Roll Out Bipartisan Bill to Improve Bus Driver Safety | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Everyone deserves a safe workplace. But since 2023, transit operators have experienced a 36 percent increase in assaults from passengers, according to data from the National Transit Database. Buses are a public transportation lifeline for the communities they serve. But bus drivers are highly vulnerable because they are public-facing employees operating alone behind the wheel – making them the lone enforcer of transit regulations and fare collection while also keeping their eyes on the road and staying on schedule. The national uptick in aggression toward bus drivers is a problem for transit systems across the country. It has created a hostile environment for drivers and makes it more challenging for them to efficiently do their job. In an effort to deter crime, protect bus operators, and promote safe and efficient public transportation systems, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) today introduced the Bus Operator Safety and Security Act. This bipartisan bill would require all newly purchased fixed route buses that are 30 feet or longer and paid for with federal funds to be equipped with safety barriers that fully enclose a driver’s workstation, preventing unwanted entry while maintaining clear lines of sight for drivers. The legislation specifies that barriers must reach from the floor to the ceiling of the bus, preventing accidents involving persons, fluids, or objects. Similar to how cab drivers have a protective barrier, the bill would ensure public bus drivers would be shielded from physical assault by passengers. In addition to preventing physical assaults, driver protection barriers also serve as a psychological deterrent to verbal abuse, intimidation, and threats from potential aggressors. The cost of implementing driver protection barriers is minimal when compared to the benefits it provides: enhanced safety; less stress and distracted driving; and lowered absenteeism by drivers. Investing in this technology has demonstrated long-term benefits, including reducing … | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/stumping-for-ri-blizzard-relief-reed-urges-bipartisan-lawmakers-to-help-make-federal-disaster-aid-for-states-merit-based-again | Stumping for RI Blizzard Relief, Reed Urges Bipartisan Lawmakers to Help Make Federal Disaster Aid for States Merit-based Again | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined several of his colleagues on Tuesday for a bipartisan roundtable discussion looking at extreme weather, natural disasters, and federal disaster relief efforts. Reed joined U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), John Curtis (R-UT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), for a wide-ranging conversation about the rising costs of extreme weather and federal aid and the complex challenges that different regions are facing. The lawmakers discussed insurance, disaster recovery aid, and energy costs and the role that climate change plays in exacerbating these impacts and challenges. During the roundtable, Senator Reed raised the issue of President Trump overruling his own agencies and unfairly denying federal disaster aid to Rhode Island and other states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. Reed highlighted the danger to all fifty states if disaster aid is suddenly politicized and changed from a system that provides merit-based assistance based on fact to one that financially rewards the allies of whoever is in the Oval Office and punishes the president’s perceived opponents by denying them needed, documented, merit-based aid. Reed urged bipartisan support for a bill he recently introduced, the Disaster Relief Fairness Act (S.5018), which would prevent Donald Trump from maliciously denying disaster assistance to states and communities when they have met the criteria to qualify. Reed stated: “Rhode Islanders experienced a historic natural disaster in February, when the state was struck by a record-breaking blizzard. The storm hit Rhode Island with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, with over three feet of snow in a 24-hour period -- the highest one-day snowfall on record for Rhode Island. FEMA assessed over $19 million in damages, nine times the threshold required for Rhode Island to receive a major disaster declaration… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/u-s-senators-call-for-cancelled-energy-funds-to-be-restoredthe-letter-follows-an-admission-from-the-trump-admin-that-the-decision-to-cancel-energy-project-grants-in-states-that-did-not-vote-for-trump/ | U.S. Senators Call for Cancelled Energy Funds to be Restored | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | The letter follows an admission from the Trump Admin that the decision to cancel energy project grants in states that did not vote for Trump was “based solely” on politics Washington, D.C. – Instead of effectively governing and making energy more affordable for hardworking Americans, President Trump has used federal grants to play partisan games and deny federal resources to so-called ‘Blue States.’ In response, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Jack Reed (D-RI), along with 37 fellow Democratic lawmakers, are demanding the Trump Administration restore federal funding for energy projects that were unfairly canceled last year. Whitehouse and Reed recently joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and 35 Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for the 223 energy projects canceled in October 2025. The letter was sent after Trump Administration officials cancelled federal energy grants based solely on whether recipients were in states that voted against Donald Trump in the last presidential election and were represented by two Democratic senators. All Senators who cosigned this letter are from states with canceled grants and funding signed the letter. The Trump Administration admitted to unlawfully canceling over $7.5 billion in energy grants because those projects were in states that cast a majority of their votes for Trump’s opponent in the 2024 presidential election. This included $14 million in grants for Rhode Island. “Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump administration has weaponized in an at… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-calls-out-trump-for-inflicting-pain-at-the-pump | Reed Calls Out Trump for Inflicting Pain at the Pump | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | CRANSTON, RI – Over five months into President Trump’s war of choice with Iran, elevated gas prices are putting added financial pressure on American drivers and businesses alike. Trump’s reckless war with Iran and his costly tariff taxes are causing gas prices and food prices to soar, and Americans have less money to spend as a result. Before Trump started his war with Iran, regular unleaded gasoline in Rhode Island averaged $2.94 the week before the war. Since Trump started bombing Iran, gas prices have spiked by over $1.10 per gallon to more than $4 per gallon. Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed returned to a locally owned gas station in Cranston where he held a similar event 101 days ago, on April 24, to provide an update on how Trump’s reckless tariffs and war with Iran are raising costs for all Rhode Islanders. Reed, who is fighting to end Trump’s reckless overseas conflict and tariff taxes and bring down costs so families and businesses can thrive, noted that during his last visit on April 24, the average gas price in Rhode Island was $3.98. Today it’s: $4.09. In April, the energy burden on American citizens – the extra costs for gas and diesel they are forced to pay because of Trump’s war with Iran -- was $25.7 billion. Today, that figure has risen to $78.2 billion, according to Brown University researchers. That means the average family has been forced to pay nearly $600 more for gas and diesel because of Donald Trump’s war. “With no clear plan, objective, or exit strategy, President Trump chose to initiate two costly, destabilizing international conflicts: global trade tariffs and a war against Iran. In both cases, Trump turned his back on America’s allies and forced American consumers and businesses to bear higher costs and heavier financial burdens while costing the U.S. jobs and lost opportunity. Right now, we’re seeing the turmoil play out due to President Trump’s lack of strategy. One day he’s escalating, the next day he’s backing down, but none of his actions are following a clear strategy and that… | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-stronger-cyber-defenses-and-rebukes-trumps-disturbing-and-uninformed-response-to-cyber-attacks-on-us-water-systems | Reed Urges Stronger Cyber Defenses & Rebukes Trump’s “Disturbing and Uninformed” Response to Cyber Attacks on U.S. Water Systems | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- As the scope of cyberattacks targeting U.S. water and wastewater systems widens and points to Iranian-backed hackers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging the Trump Administration to boost U.S. cyber defenses and safeguard the nation’s water supply. Reed is also calling out President Donald Trump for slashing cyber defense funds and reflexively blaming U.S. states that were attacked by malicious cyber actors, despite the fact that evidence points to Iran. Last week, on July 26, 27 and 28, Michigan and Minnesota were among several states reportedly hit with cyberattacks aimed at disrupting water systems nationwide, and the scope of the attacks may be far wider. The attacks came after the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other agencies warned in an advisory last week that Iranian hackers have been targeting water and wastewater systems and the operational controls of other critical infrastructure sectors. And since the start of Trump’s war with Iran, experts have repeatedly warned: Iran is trying to turn off America’s water. While probes into the attacks could take months, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee who also serves as an ex officio member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed gratitude to federal law enforcement and state and local officials for doing their part to combat the attacks and is urging swift action by the Trump Administration to harden America’s cyber defenses. “These coordinated cyberattacks targeting more than thirty community water systems in Minnesota alone are a serious issue and should be a wake up call. It is fortunate no major damage was done and that is thanks in part to talented federal law enforcement and cyber officials who stand ready to assist state and local officials. But those assets need to be marshalled correctly. I urge the Trump Administration to step up and help defend our nation from these attacks. The investigation is still ongoing, but federal officials have re… | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senate-judiciary-courts-subcommittee-democrats-blast-cruzs-hearing-targeting-the-muslim-community/ | Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee Democrats Blast Cruz’s Hearing Targeting the Muslim Community | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT), Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Federal Courts, today issued the following statement ahead of Chairman Ted Cruz’s hearing this week titled, “Hidden in Plain Sight: Confronting the Muslim Brotherhood Network in America.” Democrats on the subcommittee will not attend the hearing. “Scapegoating Muslims may be a Texas Republican strategist’s idea of ‘solid gold’ to whip up their voters, but Democrats have no intention of indulging this political creepshow, particularly after the recent violence targeting places of faith. Our focus is the costs families face thanks to rampant, non-stop Trump corruption.” | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senators-call-for-cancelled-energy-funds-to-be-restored | U.S. Senators Call for Cancelled Energy Funds to be Restored | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Instead of effectively governing and making energy more affordable for hardworking Americans, President Trump has used federal grants to play partisan games and deny federal resources to so-called ‘Blue States.’ In response, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, along with 37 fellow Democratic lawmakers, are demanding the Trump Administration restore federal funding for energy projects that were unfairly canceled last year. Reed and Whitehouse recently joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and 35 Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for the 223 energy projects canceled in October 2025. The letter was sent after Trump Administration officials cancelled federal energy grants based solely on whether recipients were in states that voted against Donald Trump in the last presidential election and were represented by two Democratic senators. All Senators who cosigned this letter are from states with canceled grants and funding signed the letter. The Trump Administration admitted to unlawfully canceling over $7.5 billion in energy grants because those projects were in states that cast a majority of their votes for Trump’s opponent in the 2024 presidential election. This included $14 million in grants for Rhode Island. “Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump administration has weaponized in an attempt to punish perceived political enemies,” the 39 U.S. Senators wrote. “Once an administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these project… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-delegation-joins-seniors-on-anniversary-of-medicare-and-medicaid-discuss-their-fight-to-lower-health-care-costs/ | RI Delegation Joins Seniors on Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, Discuss their Fight to Lower Health Care Costs | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Coventry, R.I. – Today, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), along with U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02), joined seniors and Neighborhood Health CEO Peter Marino at the Coventry Resource and Senior Center to mark the 61st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, provide an update on health care policy in Washington, and reaffirm their commitment to lowering health care costs for Rhode Islanders. The event comes as Rhode Islanders continue to face rising health care costs following deep cuts enacted by President Trump and Congressional Republicans, including a nearly $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that helped make coverage more affordable. View or download photos from the event here. “For 61 years, Medicare and Medicaid have helped Rhode Islanders access affordable, lifesaving health care,” said Whitehouse. “Republican chaos and corruption are driving up Americans’ costs, and the party’s bizarre obsession with ripping away health care has destabilized our already-fragile health care system. It’s a disgrace, and I remain committed to protecting Medicare and Medicaid from Republican mischief.” “Medicare and Medicaid are cost-effective and critical to the health and well-being of thousands of Rhode Islanders and millions of Americans. These programs have helped lift millions of Americans out of poverty, improved their health, and advanced health care innovations that benefit everyone. The historic success of Medicare is self-evident: Before Medicare was enacted, roughly half of all seniors had health insurance. Today, 99 percent of American seniors — adults aged 65 and older — have health insurance,” said Reed. “Working together, we can keep the promise of Medicare and Medicaid and ensure these programs are there for older Americans today, tomorrow, and for another sixty-one years. Supporting Medicare and Medicaid provides quality health care to more Americans, slows rising health care costs, and helps reduce federal … | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/after-pressure-from-sen-reed-administration-relents-and-finally-apportions-affordable-housing-trust-fund-grants-to-states | After Pressure from Sen. Reed, Administration Relents and Finally Apportions Affordable Housing Trust Fund Grants to States | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | With a new $3.3 million boost, Reed’s 2008 law has now resulted in $33.6 million in federal HTF funding to enhance supply of affordable rental housing in RI PROVIDENCE, RI – As part of his long-standing effort to help Rhode Island build more desirable, affordable rental housing units, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced another $3,311,933 is heading to the Ocean State courtesy of the national Housing Trust Fund (HTF), a program Reed created back in 2008. Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, who also serves as a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD), led the successful effort to create the HTF, which was authorized by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (P.L. 110–289), which was signed into law July 30, 2008. Reed celebrated the apportionment of the Housing Trust Fund grants after leading a campaign to successfully pressure the Trump Administration to release the funds. Last month, Reed led 22 of his colleagues in sending a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration release housing construction funds without further delay. Reed also urged Vought to apportion the funds to HUD during a Senate Banking Committee hearing. “It took them too long, but it’s good news that the Trump Administration finally agreed to release this long overdue federal funding to help states address the severe shortage of affordable rental housing. People need to be able to afford to live in the communities where they work. This is a smart investment in helping working families and strengthening communities, and it also helps generate jobs and economic development,” said Senator Reed. “Rhode Island can use this money to build, preserve, and repair high-quality rental housing. I created the Housing Trust Fund to provide communities with resources to help address the affordable housing shortage. Workers should be able to live cl… | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-and-cassidy-bill-to-protect-well-meaning-taxpayers-from-harsh-penalties-approved-by-senate-finance-committee/ | Whitehouse and Cassidy Bill to Protect Well-Meaning Taxpayers from Harsh Penalties Approved by Senate Finance Committee | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Fairness in Foreign Filing Act would benefit ordinary taxpayers while keeping pressure on wealthy tax cheats Washington, D.C. – The Fairness in Foreign Filing Act, authored by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), was approved by the Senate Finance Committee today as part of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act. The legislation would clarify the Internal Revenue Service’s authority to assess and collect penalties and spare honest taxpayers from steep penalties for unintentionally failing to file certain tax forms. “Honest American taxpayers shouldn’t have to worry about getting punished with huge fines for failing to file forms they didn’t know they had to file,” said Whitehouse. “Our bipartisan legislation would create a fairer and simpler process for those that miss filing international reporting forms while ensuring wealthy tax evaders aren’t let off the hook.” Taxpayers in the U.S. who receive money from abroad, have foreign financial interests, or engage in certain foreign transactions are required to file international reporting forms with the IRS. Penalties for failure to file or reporting inaccurate information are severe. Unfortunately, these large penalties are hitting unsuspecting taxpayers—often with lower incomes—who were unaware of their reporting obligations. The IRS has been systematically assessing these penalties and causing greater hardship for taxpayers, only to ultimately abate 74 percent of them upon further review. Another challenge for taxpayers is that certain international reporting forms are due before tax filing, causing inadvertent late filings. All the while, conflicting court decisions have called into question the IRS’s ability to assess certain penalties, letting wealthy tax cheats off the hook while causing confusion and disparate treatment for taxpayers based on where they live. Farhy v. Commissioner found that the IRS lacks the authority to assess penalties for failing to file a form reporting ownership in certain foreign corporations. Two Circ… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-senate-republicans-blocking-resolution-to-halt-trumps-reckless-iran-war | Reed Statement on Senate Republicans Blocking Resolution to Halt Trump’s Reckless Iran War | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked a resolution directing President Trump to halt hostilities with Iran unless they are approved by Congress by a narrow vote of 49-50. After casting his 13th vote against the Iran war, Senator Reed stated: “President Trump and Secretary Hegseth were wrong from the get go. Their failures and weakness are why munitions are low and prices are high. They have botched this every step of the way and have no strategy to turn things around. Instead of wisely ending this war, they are simply escalating it, prolonging it, and wasting money and munitions while putting Americans at risk and forcing taxpayers to pay a bigger bill. Meanwhile, they continue to mislead the American people about the true cost of the war – which is costing Americans tens of billions per month. They have failed to achieve any of the objectives they used as a pre-text for the war and this conflict is not making America safer. “Republicans need to start listening to the people they represent and vote with Democrats to end this disastrous war. President Trump does not have a plan. Instead of doing their jobs and providing real oversight, Senate Republican leaders are making things worse by shielding him from accountability.” | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/politico-obtains-proof-that-trump-overruled-fema-and-noaa-to-deny-disaster-aid-to-democratic-led-states | Politico Obtains Proof That Trump Overruled FEMA & NOAA to Deny Disaster Aid to Democratic-led States | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an alarming report, Politico has obtained proof that President Donald Trump overruled his own agencies when he denied disaster aid for four Democratic-led states this month. After examining the evidence, high-ranking officials from regional offices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) agreed that the states met the necessary thresholds for receiving federal relief due to the historic natural disasters that impacted their states. However, President Trump ignored their findings and rejected the federal request for a disaster declaration anyway -- a move that experts say has no modern precedent. The report states: “Emails between state and federal officials obtained by POLITICO along with more than 150 pages of documents submitted to FEMA by three states — New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island — provide new details about Trump’s low rate of approving disaster aid for his political adversaries. He also denied a request by New York after administration officials verified that it had met federal standards for approval, according to state officials. “Trump’s rejections came after regional offices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and NOAA determined that the states met government thresholds for receiving aid following a record-breaking snowstorm in February. “The Blizzard of 2026 certainly achieved a pinnacle ranking in the memories of those who experienced it and climatologically in the historical rankings of snowstorms,” said a NOAA report confirming Rhode Island met the requirement for disaster aid. Presidents retain sole authority over granting federal disaster aid to states, but it’s highly unusual to deny a governor’s request after FEMA field offices have verified that damage estimates exceeded preestablished levels, according to a former agency official who worked under Republican and Democratic administrations. “I can’t think of a time a declaration was denied” for a state that met FEMA and NOAA st… | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-celebrates-medicare-turning-61-and-seeks-to-strengthen-it-for-older-americans_future-generations | Reed Celebrates Medicare Turning 61 & Seeks to Strengthen It for Older Americans & Future Generations | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- As America approaches the 61st anniversary of Medicare being signed into law on July 30, 1965, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, who championed policies to finally give Medicare the authority to negotiate drug prices as part of the Inflation Reduction Act law, says there are reasons to celebrate, but also cause for concern due to the Trump Administration’s attacks on the U.S. health care system. Reed pointed to a new Wall Street Journal report that the Trump Administration plans to end a program that helped hold down premiums for Medicare drug plans, a move that is likely to leave millions of older Americans facing higher rates for their prescription coverage next year. Ahead of Medicare’s birthday, Reed, who continues working to lowering seniors’ out-of-pocket costs and improve health care quality for all, issued the following statement today in recognition of Medicare’s positive impact for Rhode Islanders and vowed to defend the program from being further undermined by Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration: “Medicare is a cost-effective, proven success story that is critical to the health and well-being of thousands of Rhode Islanders and millions of Americans. “Medicare has helped lift millions of Americans out of poverty, improved their health, and advanced health care innovations that benefit everyone. “The historic success of Medicare is self-evident: Before Medicare was enacted, roughly half of all seniors had health insurance. Today, 99 percent of American seniors -- adults aged 65 and older -- have health insurance. “Medicare is a promise to America’s seniors that the cost of health care will not bankrupt them and their families if they should fall seriously ill. “But now, President Trump is eroding that promise and ending Medicare Part D subsidies in a way that will increase prescription drug costs on seniors next year. President Trump is always able to find money for a ballroom or a billionaire tax cut. But when it comes to funding Medicare, he claims America can’t afford… | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-says-more-work-coming-to-ri-after-navy-inks-766-billion-contract-to-build-next-gen-submarines | Reed Says More Work Coming to RI After Navy Inks $76.6 Billion Contract to Build Next-Gen Submarines | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, hailed the U.S. Department of Defense’s decision to award two major submarine contracts, alongside significant shipyard investments, totaling $76.6 billion to ramp up submarine production. Reed says the contract will propel more work and jobs at Quonset well into the future. Under the terms of the agreement, General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) will be awarded a $29.5 billion, five-boat contract modification for Columbia-class Build II submarines (SSBN 828 through SSBN 832), with Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) serving as a major subcontractor. Additionally, GDEB will be awarded a $42.1 billion Multi-Year Procurement contract for nine Virginia-class Block VI submarines (SSN 814 through SSN 822) spanning FY 2025 through 2029. “The world’s most technologically advanced submarines get their start in Rhode Island. This new contract is a win for the Ocean State, the region, and the thousands of men and women who help build and design these high-tech, next-generation submarines. Whether it’s protecting economic zones, collecting intelligence, or projecting deterrence, the U.S. submarine fleet provides our Armed Forces with overwhelming operational advantages. I have worked hard to deliver needed funding to support America’s industrial readiness, which is critical to our military’s readiness and capabilities. This new contract invests in growing the next generation of shipyard talent and means submarine production at Quonset will stay on course and continue full speed ahead for the next decade. This historic deal will lead to further jobs and investment in the state. I will continue advocating for strong contracts, good-paying jobs, and to ensure Rhode Island’s talented defense manufacturers contribute to national defense,” said Reed, who also serves on the Appropriations Committee. For years, Senator Reed has championed efforts to strengthen, modernize, and sustain a m… | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-passes-resolution-opposing-presidential-pardon-for-epstein-accomplice-ghislaine-maxwell | U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Opposing Presidential Pardon for Epstein Accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Even as President Donald Trump refuses to rule out a pardon for his long-time friend, Ghislaine Maxwell -- Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirator and a convicted child trafficker -- the U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a resolution offered by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) stating that Ms. Maxwell should not be allowed a presidential pardon or clemency of any kind. Maxwell is currently serving 20 years in a federal prison for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors over the course of a decade. In October 2025, President Trump was asked about a potential pardon for the convicted sex trafficker who aided Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of underage girls. President Trump responded: “Well, I'll take a look at it. I wouldn’t consider it or not consider it. I don't know anything about it. I will speak to the DOJ,” he said. In July of 2025, President Trump went further: “Well, I'm allowed to give her a pardon but nobody’s approached me with it, nobody’s asked me about it,” Trump said. “It’s in the news about that—that aspect of it, but right now it would be inappropriate to talk about it,” he stated, continuing: “I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about.” The non-binding resolution was brought to the floor and passed today ahead of a Judiciary Committee vote that is scheduled tomorrow on the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom President Trump nominated to become the next full-time Attorney General. It passed by unanimous consent, without objection from any U.S. Senator. After the Senate passed the anti-pardon for Maxwell resolution, U.S. Senator Jack Reed stated: “Today, the entire U.S. Senate passed a resolution saying Ms. Maxwell should not get a pardon, but President Trump refuses to rule one out. Sexual predators should not be afforded preferential treatment, but that is what the Trump Administration continues to provide Ms. Maxwell. Ms. Maxwell’s victims and the American people deserve to know why. The Trump Administration needs to come clean and r… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/report-shows-trumps-reckless-tariffs-and-iran-war-are-fueling-higher-diesel-costs_piling-financial-strain-on-local-farmers | Report Shows Trump’s Reckless Tariffs & Iran War Are Fueling Higher Diesel Costs & Piling Financial Strain on Local Farmers | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Local farmers are suffering a double blow from President Trump’s chaotic tariffs and high diesel prices caused by Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran. According to AAA, the average price of diesel today in Rhode Island is $5.36, up $1.80 per gallon from the average price of $3.56 per gallon just before the conflict with Iran began in late February 2026. A new study by Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Minority shows that farmers of key crops in the U.S. spent $1.4 billion more on diesel fuel during the 2025–2026 planting season than they did last season. The JEC found that the average farmer in Rhode Island and across the country “spent $1500 more to refill their farm’s onsite fuel tank – the common way that farmers buy and store diesel fuel – compared to the same high point during the 2025 planting season.” The JEC study analyzed corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice planted by U.S. farmers. The 2025–2026 increase in diesel spending to plant those crops was a 63 percent jump year-over-year, according to the analysis. In Rhode Island, the JEC report found: The average farmer in Rhode Island spent as much as $1,520 more to refill their farm’s onsite fuel tank as compared to the same high point during the 2025 planting season. On average, Ocean State farmers this spring spent $203 more to fill a single grain truck and $247 more to fill a single tractor as compared to last planting season. U.S. Senator Jack Reed says rising diesel prices caused by President Trump’s reckless war with Iran is cutting thousands of dollars from already thin profit margins, while Trump’s chaotic tariffs on agricultural products and deep cuts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have decimated export markets for U.S.-grown crops and shriveled federal support for local farmers. “Farming is a tough job and President Trump is making it harder by raising prices, sowing chaos and uncertainty, and cutting targeted federal funding to help support small and mid-size farmers. By their nature, farmers are resilient. … | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-renew-push-to-establish-a-nationwide-right-to-ivf-and-lower-ivf-costs-for-families | Reed & Whitehouse Renew Push to Establish a Nationwide Right to IVF and Lower IVF Costs for Families | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Parenthood is a key life goal for many, but due to infertility and the high cost of fertility treatments, many Americans are fiscally constrained from accessing in vitro fertilization (IVF) as an option to help start a family. Now, two years after President Donald Trump failed to follow through on his promise of free IVF for all Americans on the campaign trail, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are teaming up with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and several colleagues in reintroducing the Right to IVF Act, a sweeping legislative package that would make it easier to access IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) for the millions of hopeful parents who depend on it to build their family. This pro-family legislation would establish a nationwide right to access IVF, lower the costs of IVF treatment, expand IVF coverage for military families and require all employer-sponsored insurance programs to cover IVF. Unfortunately, many Republican lawmakers who see IVF as akin to abortion because they view all embryos as children, have undermined IVF protections and scared President Trump into retreating from his IVF campaign promises. “Almost two years after promising free IVF for all Americans if he were elected, Donald Trump has still failed to deliver,” said Duckworth. “Trump and Republicans’ ‘support’ for IVF is nothing but lip service. They want us to have more babies, yet they’ll do nothing to actually help make it easier for the millions who struggle with infertility to start and grow their families. The Right to IVF Act would immediately make IVF treatment more affordable for millions of hopeful parents across the country. From middle class families, to our brave servicemembers and Veterans, to federal employees and more—every American deserves the right to access the treatment and tools they need to build the family of their dreams without burning through their savings. If Republicans really support IVF, then let’s get this done. No more delays.” “Help… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/reed-whitehouse-renew-push-to-establish-a-nationwide-right-to-ivf-and-lower-ivf-costs-for-families/ | Reed & Whitehouse Renew Push to Establish a Nationwide Right to IVF and Lower IVF Costs for Families | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | The Right to IVF Act reintroduction comes nearly two years since Donald Trump promised free IVF for all, which he’s still failed to deliver WASHINGTON, DC – Parenthood is a key life goal for many, but due to infertility and the high cost of fertility treatments, many Americans are fiscally constrained from accessing in vitro fertilization (IVF) as an option to help start a family. Now, two years after President Donald Trump failed to follow through on his promise of free IVF for all Americans on the campaign trail, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are teaming up with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and several colleagues in reintroducing the Right to IVF Act, a sweeping legislative package that would make it easier to access IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) for the millions of hopeful parents who depend on it to build their family. This pro-family legislation would establish a nationwide right to access IVF, lower the costs of IVF treatment, expand IVF coverage for military families and require all employer-sponsored insurance programs to cover IVF. Unfortunately, many Republican lawmakers who see IVF as akin to abortion because they view all embryos as children, have undermined IVF protections and scared President Trump into retreating from his IVF campaign promises. “Almost two years after promising free IVF for all Americans if he were elected, Donald Trump has still failed to deliver,” said Duckworth. “Trump and Republicans’ ‘support’ for IVF is nothing but lip service. They want us to have more babies, yet they’ll do nothing to actually help make it easier for the millions who struggle with infertility to start and grow their families. The Right to IVF Act would immediately make IVF treatment more affordable for millions of hopeful parents across the country. From middle class families, to our brave servicemembers and Veterans, to federal employees and more—every American deserves the right to access the treatment and tools they need to build the famil… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-close-tax-loophole-abused-by-private-jet-owners/ | Whitehouse, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Close Tax Loophole Abused by Private Jet Owners | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful-for-Billionaires Bill extended a major tax break for ultrarich private jet owners Newly released JCT reports unveil a boom in private jet sales and widespread abuse of tax loophole Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and IRS CEO Frank Bisignano urging the Trump Administration to close the Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) loophole that is abused by private jet owners to substantially undervalue the taxable cost of personal travel on a corporate private jet. Passage of President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans’ One, Big, Beautiful-for-Billionaires Bill made permanent an egregious tax provision allowing 100 percent bonus depreciation for the purchase of corporate aircraft, which the senators argue exacerbates the tax giveaway created by the SIFL loophole, letting the ultrawealthy skirt the true cost of personal private jet travel on corporate aircraft. “The SIFL loophole compounds this giveaway. By allowing executives to report personal jet travel at a fraction of its true market value, the federal government is effectively subsidizing luxury travel for the wealthiest Americans while ordinary taxpayers bear the cost. The gap between the SIFL rate and actual charter market rates is not a minor technical discrepancy; it is a structural flaw that results in significant foregone tax revenue each year,” wrote the senators. “The IRS has the existing regulatory authority to either stop using or change the SIFL methodology. We urge you to exercise that authority to close the SIFL loophole and properly align what private jet users can write off with prevailing charter market rates. Such action would require no new legislation and ensure the private jet set pays a fairer share,” concluded the senators. The senators also today released an analysis by the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation detailing the boom in… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-ada-turns-36-reed-cosponsors-resolution-to-uplift-disability-community-and-honor-36-years-of-progress | As ADA Turns 36, Reed Cosponsors Resolution to Uplift Disability Community and Honor Decades of Progress | 2026-07-26 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibiting discrimination based on mental or physical disabilities. Celebrating the thirty-sixth anniversary of the ADA, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) and a group of 28 Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution to honor the disability community, uplift the impact of the historic legislation, and call for continued commitment to increasing inclusivity and accessibility. The Senate 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. Senator Reed stated: “The ADA has made a tremendous difference for individuals, families, communities, and our country. The law broke down barriers, expanded opportunities, made communities more inclusive, and improved equal access and independence for Americans with disabilities. The ADA’s broad benefits strengthen our society and make public places more welcoming for all. As the ADA turns 36, we must continue pushi… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trump-administrations-response-to-nationwide-diarrhea-outbreak-stinks | Reed: Trump Administration’s Response to Nationwide Diarrhea Outbreak Stinks | 2026-07-25 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – After the Trump Administration cut $11.4 billion from state and local health departments, slashing public health staff, and winnowing the scope of a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program known as Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), that surveilled trends in foodborne illness, America is experiencing a massive, prolonged outbreak of cyclospora, a foodborne parasite that causes severe diarrhea, and in some cases has led to hospitalizations. Currently, the ‘explosive diarrhea parasite,’ cyclosporiasis -- which can cause weeks of intestinal illness marked by "frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements" -- is running rampant across the U.S., with thousands of cases pushing the outbreak to a record high. Cyclospora spreads via contaminated food or water. Last year, Trump officials ordered the CDC to stop the mandatory monitoring of cyclospora, as well as five other foodborne illnesses. Instead, the agency just monitors Salmonella and a form of E. coli. Surveillance of cyclospora had previously been mandatory since 1997, before the Trump Administration cut it. Now the country is facing the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in years. According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in 41 different states this year, including Rhode Island. Nine midwestern states have been hit especially hard: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Noting that the FDA said illnesses started on May 17, yet the Trump Administration failed to issue a public notice until July 16, U.S. Senator Jack Reed says the Trump Administration’s short-sighted cuts of staff, resources, and scientific professionals has directly contributed to the nationwide outbreak and likely worsened and prolonged it. “The Trump Administration cut CDC funding, fired food-safety inspectors, and chose to fracture America’s food-safety system. Now thousands of people are sick, and the Trump Administration is playing catch up while more… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-wyden-demand-update-on-doge-infiltration-of-the-social-security-administration/ | Whitehouse, Wyden Demand Update on DOGE Infiltration of the Social Security Administration | 2026-07-24 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | Trump put Americans’ sensitive private data at risk Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano urging the SSA to finally detail the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) activities at the Social Security Administration amid public reporting and whistleblower declarations revealing that DOGE personnel received unauthorized access to American’s sensitive personal data. “We write seeking meaningful transparency regarding the handling of various information security risks involving staff from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency at the Social Security Administration and to follow up on inadequate responses to prior Congressional inquiries on these matters,” wrote Whitehouse and Wyden. “Over the past fourteen months, we have repeatedly sought basic information about DOGE’s activities at SSA. Your responses have either been unresponsive or later disproved by SSA’s own admissions.” Whitehouse, Wyden and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) first wrote to Commissioner Bisignano in November 2025 urging the SSA to take all appropriate steps to guarantee that DOGE’s actions did not American seniors exposed to identity theft, fraud, or other risks. In a later Department of Justice (DOJ) court filing, the federal government disclosed that DOGE staffers shared sensitive data on a third-party server – without the knowledge of SSA officials – and shared data with an outside political group. The Washington Post reported in March on a whistleblower disclosure claiming a DOGE employee copied a database of highly sensitive SSA data on a personal thumb drive to share with his new private sector employer. “These admissions and whistleblower statements damage SSA’s decades-long history of protecting Americans’ sensitive information and discredit your past assurances to protect Americans’ data. It is long over… | 1 | 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z | 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-calls-for-increased-funding-to-combat-tick-borne-illnesses | Reed Calls for Increased Funding to Combat Tick-borne Illnesses | 2026-07-24 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WARWICK, RI – The uptick of little blood suckers demands a surge in federal funding and preventive measures to combat ticks in 2026. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a leading member of the Appropriations Committee, today joined renowned researcher, Dr. Thomas Mather from the University of Rhode Island (URI), and local Lyme disease patients and advocates at Warwick City Park to call for increased federal investments in combatting and preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Speakers at the event stressed they want Rhode Islanders to continue enjoying the great outdoors while taking commonsense measures to battle uninvited ticks and the variety of dangerous diseases they bring with them. Dr. Mather notes that Rhode Island has seen tick encounters rise over the last decade, including a surge of the aggressive Lone Star tick population in the Ocean State. Rhode Island and the nation are currently experiencing a surge in tick-borne illnesses. In response, Senator Reed is urging Congress to reverse the Trump Administration’s federal research cuts and increase funding to boost research and surveillance and develop better testing and treatments as well as more effective, targeted tick-control measures to prevent the spread of these blood-sucking bugs. Senator Reed is fighting for $275 million in federal funding for research of ticks and tickborne diseases in the 2027 federal budget, a significant $90 million boost over what Congress allocated in fiscal year 2026 toward these efforts. Reed says it is a needed investment given that Lyme disease alone is estimated to cost the U.S. health system over $1 billion each year, and that figure does not fully account for other tick-borne infections, veterinary care, or livestock industry losses. In fact, a 2025 report found that: “Each year diseases caused by tick-borne pathogens result in an estimated 13-19 billion USD in losses to livestock producers in the United States alone.” Reed says getting Rhode Island’s tick population under control is also an economic… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-measles-cases-hit-35-year-record-high-reed-slams-trump-admin-for-negligence-and-urges-parents-to-check-with-their-pediatricians-about-measles-vaccine | As Measles Cases Hit 35-Year Record High, Reed Slams Trump Admin. for Negligence & Urges Parents to Check with Their Pediatricians About Measles Vaccine | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Cases of measles have already surged past last year’s total and now stand at 2,295 — the highest level of measles in the U.S. in 35 years, according to Johns Hopkins University’s U.S. measles tracker. So far this year, 93 percent of the infections involve the unvaccinated or those with unknown vaccination status. Health experts warn the disease is starting to threaten even well-protected regions, where vaccination rates are high, because of the highly contagious nature of the disease and the strain on limited resources. With children scheduled to head back to school in a few weeks, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is urging families to check with their pediatrician and make sure their children are up to date on immunizations. He is also criticizing the Trump Administration’s dismissive and unproductive response to the outbreak for making children less safe. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus that destroys immune cells and can lead to severe complications – including hearing loss, blindness, and cognitive decline -- and even death. Once quite common, in 2000, the disease was deemed to be officially ‘eliminated’ in the U.S., defined as the absence of endemic measles virus transmission for more than 12 months. But now, after the Trump Administration targeted federal public health agencies for mass-firings and short-sighted cuts, promoted anti-vaccine propaganda, and focused on unproven treatments, a rash of measles cases is spreading in states across the country. In fact, the U.S. has already seen more cases in the past 18 months than in the previous two decades combined. Senator Reed accused the Trump Administration of exacerbating the spread of measles by spreading vaccine misinformation and failing to coordinate with state health officials. The Trump Administration’s systemic failure could cause the U.S. to lose its elimination status later this year. “We had measles beat, but now the Trump Administration is eroding herd immunity and making America contagious again. Mea… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trumps-latest-round-of-price-hiking-tariffs | Reed Statement on Trump’s Latest Round of Price-Hiking Tariffs | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In a blow to consumers that is likely to fuel inflation, President Trump replaced his expiring Section 122 “global” tariffs with a new round of dubious, double-digit tariffs that were announced just as Trump’s previous tariffs were forced to expire. The latest price-raising tariffs on imported goods comes after a February Supreme Court ruling that struck down a broad swath of Trump’s trade regime. Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement: “Once again, President Trump is driving up prices on the American people and small businesses. These capricious, unwarranted levies are stoking inflation, severing critical economic partnerships, and needlessly causing uncertainty for U.S. businesses that need stability to plan for the future. “President Trump’s incoherent trade strategy is creating real financial hardships for Americans across the country. Even the Wall Street Journal acknowledged this week: “President Trump is conceding that his blunderbuss border taxes are harming U.S. business as other countries retaliate,” the paper’s editorial board wrote. “So now he’s whacking Canada harder for punching back. The trade brawl could leave both countries with more bruises than a hockey fight.” “And the New York Times notes: “Effective tariff rates are going to change on Friday for the 45th time in the last 18 months — an average of once every 12 days.” “As President Trump tries to flout the court and circumvent Congress, it’s past time for Republicans to finally join Democrats in standing up to President Trump to end his price hiking tariff regime. Enough is enough.” | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-votes-to-end-iran-war-as-senate-republicans-allow-trump-to-widen-conflict-and-continue-bombing-with-no-coherent-strategy | Reed Votes to End Iran War as Senate Republicans Allow Trump to Widen Conflict & Continue Bombing with No Coherent Strategy | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- As President Trump intensifies his bombing campaign against Iran and continues raising prices on American consumers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today voted once again for a war powers resolution to end the unauthorized war in Iran. The U.S. Senate voted 47-49 on its war powers resolution that was not agreed to. Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 214-208 to pass a different war powers resolution to restrain President Trump’s military action in Iran. Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee who has opposed the war from the start, supports an end to the war and noted that Congress, not the president, has the power to declare war, as spelled out in the Constitution. Senator Reed also pointed to public reports that U.S. Intelligence has widely held that the kind of bombing the Trump Administration is currently carrying out is unlikely to shift Iran's negotiating position. “The American people do not want a costly, reckless, endless war. Still, President Trump continues to try and bomb his way to peace. Senate Republicans are shielding him from accountability and allowing him to escalate military action without a complimentary diplomatic, economic, or political strategy. President Trump started this war on his own, without a plan, and now gas prices are over $4 once again. Trump continues to squander U.S. resources, miscalculate Iranian resilience, and double down on an ineffective strategy that our own Intelligence Community agrees is unlikely to change the tide of this conflict. Every day President Trump’s unauthorized war of choice continues, it makes everyday items more expensive for the American people, weakens the U.S. economy, and fails to make America more secure. None of the goals President Trump used as a pre-text for this war have been accomplished, but the formerly open Strait of Hormuz is now effectively closed. It seems President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are only now just learning that military supremacy without a competent strategy and robus… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
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