Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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10,022 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Democrat" and year = 2025 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.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/31/bennet-hickenlooper-slam-trumps-veto-of-their-finish-the-avc-act/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Slam Trump’s Veto of Their Finish the AVC Act | 2025-12-31 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed their bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act: “Nothing says ‘Make America Great Again’ like denying 50,000 rural Coloradans access to clean, affordable drinking water. President Trump’s first veto of his second term blocks a bipartisan bill that both the House and Senate passed unanimously, costs taxpayers nothing, and delivers safe, reliable water to rural communities that overwhelmingly supported him. Trump’s attacks on Southern Colorado are politics at its worst—putting personal and political grievances ahead of Americans. Southeastern Coloradans were promised the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit more than 60 years ago. With this veto, President Trump broke that promise and demonstrated exactly why so many Americans are fed up with Washington. We will keep fighting to make sure rural Coloradans get the clean drinking water they were promised.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/31/bennet-statement-on-federal-intervention-at-northwest-colorado-power-plant/ | Bennet Statement on Federal Intervention at Northwest Colorado Power Plant | 2025-12-31 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement following the Department of Energy’s 202(c) 90-day order to require Craig Station’s Unit 1, a 427 MW coal-fired power plant in Northwest Colorado, to remain operational past its planned 2025 retirement: “President Trump’s so-called “energy emergency” is being used to justify tying the hands of utilities, forcing them to keep aging, outdated power plants open, often at high cost to the consumers they serve, whether or not it makes sense for energy reliability. It is unacceptable to burden ratepayers with these unnecessary costs. The Department of Energy (DOE) should be focused on doing everything it can to partner with transitioning communities and make energy more affordable. Instead, this administration is overriding business decisions and ignoring the costly consequences for Coloradans. “The DOE order is the latest in a string of attacks against Colorado, because we refuse to bend to the President. President Trump continues to take out his personal and political grievances on Coloradans who are already struggling to make ends meet. Federal intervention like this makes long-term planning impossible – this is not how you operate a business, plan an electric grid, or help a community stay prosperous. I am disappointed but not surprised by this continued revenge tour.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-slam-trumps-veto-of-their-finish-the-avc-act/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet Slam Trump’s Veto of Their Finish the AVC Act | 2025-12-31 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | DENVER — U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed their bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act: “Nothing says ‘Make America Great Again’ like denying 50,000 rural Coloradans access to clean, affordable drinking water. President Trump’s first veto of his second term blocks a bipartisan bill that both the House and Senate passed unanimously, costs taxpayers nothing, and delivers safe, reliable water to rural communities that overwhelmingly supported him. Trump’s attacks on Southern Colorado are politics at its worst—putting personal and political grievances ahead of Americans. Southeastern Coloradans were promised the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit more than 60 years ago. With this veto, President Trump broke that promise and demonstrated exactly why so many Americans are fed up with Washington. We will keep fighting to make sure rural Coloradans get the clean drinking water they were promised.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-ninth-circuit-court-order-returning-control-of-national-guard-to-california/ | Padilla Statement on Ninth Circuit Court Order Returning Control of National Guard to California | 2025-12-31 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted its stay on a federal judge’s order barring the Trump Administration from deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles, ending the federalization of California’s National Guard and returning authority over them to the state: “Today’s order affirms what we’ve said from the beginning: the Trump Administration’s choice to federalize and deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles was unlawful. This deployment is reckless, harmful, and an abuse of executive power that has put service members in an impossible position. “The fight is not over but I look forward to the remaining service members returning to their families, their jobs, and their primary critical missions as soon as possible.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=B6BF6C33-92F6-4587-8F5C-F59D674DF378 | Klobuchar and Local Duluth Business Owners Advocate to Change Federal Hemp Ban | 2025-12-30 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | klobuchar | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases | scraper | DULUTH, MN — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Ryan Kopperud, Vice President of Growth for Birdie at Wild State Cider, and Adam Ruhland, CEO of Wild State Cider, to advocate to change the recently enacted federal ban on hemp. Klobuchar is working across the aisle to change it. “A one-size fits all approach to hemp regulation doesn't work for states like Minnesota that already have strong safety standards in place,” said Klobuchar. “We can protect our kids and support our small businesses — Minnesota’s model proves that’s possible. Under current state rules, small businesses like Wild State Cider are licensed, meet labeling and packaging standards, and ensure their products are available only to adults. I want our state’s small businesses and farmers to know: I’ve got your back.” “What’s at stake here is not just one business. Not just one taproom. It’s manufacturers, distributors, retailers, farmers, labs—the entire system behind these hemp products people already trust. Responsible, compliant, transparent businesses, and the jobs, revenue, and tax base that come with them. This is what happens when policy meets reality. And that reality—for us and for thousands of Minnesota businesses—is frankly terrifying,” said Ryan Kopperud, Vice President of Growth for Birdie at Wild State Cider. Wild State Cider is a well-known cidery based in Duluth that was founded in 2019. The cidery specializes in producing ciders made with natural ingredients. In 2023, Wild State Cider launched a successful line of THC-infused products called “Birdie.” However, a recent bill signed into law includes provisions that could severely impact Minnesota’s hemp industry by banning many products currently manufactured in the state. Senator Klobuchar voted against the bill and voted for an amendment by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to remove the provision impacting Minnesota’s hemp businesses. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-and-expand-mental-health-services-in-michigans-rural-communities | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen and Expand Mental Health Services in Michigan’s Rural Communities | 2025-12-30 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand mental health services in Michigan’s rural communities. The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act – which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) – aims to help states grow their behavioral health workforce, particularly in rural areas, to ensure mental health resources are accessible across the state. Specifically, the bill would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to issue guidance for states on ways to increase education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance-use disorder providers under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. “I’m proud to join my colleague in leading this bipartisan bill to help ensure all Michiganders can access quality mental health care from trained professionals. With the demand for mental health support higher than ever before, this commonsense legislation would help states strengthen this critical workforce to expand the mental health services available in rural and underserved communities,” said Senator Peters. The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Peters has been a consistent advocate for mental health care, supporting policies that expand access to quality, affordable treatment. Earlier this year, Peters introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase access to care in areas experiencing shortages of mental health care professionals. In 2024, Peters also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand access to telemental health care. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/over-the-past-year-schatz-worked-to-protect-federal-funding-for-hawaii-amid-national-cuts-secured-more-than-1-billion-to-support-mauis-recovery-improve-infrastructure-expand-high-speed-internet-across-the-state | Over The Past Year, Schatz Worked To Protect Federal Funding For Hawai‘i Amid National Cuts; Secured More Than $1 Billion To Support Maui’s Recovery, Improve Infrastructure, Expand High-Speed Internet Across The State | 2025-12-30 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – In 2025, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) worked to protect Hawai‘i from significant cuts to federal funding by the Administration across the country and helped secure more than $1 billion for Hawai‘i to support Maui’s ongoing recovery, expand high-speed internet, and improve airports and infrastructure, among other things. “This year, we delivered more than $1 billion to Hawai‘i, including funding to support Maui’s ongoing recovery, help upgrade airports and health centers, and expand high-speed internet. My top priority always is making sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars, and together with the delegation and state and local leaders, we’re going to continue working to lower costs and support families and communities across the state,” said Senator Schatz. Funding highlights include: Nearly $31 million to expand high-speed internet statewide. The federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 will be used to build out and improve broadband infrastructure statewide. Nearly $9.8 million to support the ongoing recovery effort on Maui following the devastating fires. The funding, which Schatz helped secure, will help the community of Lahaina rebuild the Waiola Church, Hale Aloha Museum, the Old Lahaina Courthouse Building, and the Master’s Reading Room. More than $70 million for Kona International Airport. The federal funding for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, the largest airport on Hawai‘i Island and the state’s second international entry point, will be used to help complete KOA’s ongoing runway rehabilitation project. $1 million for the Lana?i Community Health Center. The funding will support the Lana?i Community Health Center, a nonprofit and federally qualified health center serving the island of Lana?i, to purchase equipment. More than $140 million for the Red Hill Water Treatment Plant. The funding will help build a water treatment facility provides a drinking water treatment facility at the Red Hill water supply shaft and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-key-2025-efforts-as-2025-draws-to-a-close | Duckworth Highlights Key 2025 Efforts as 2025 Draws to a Close | 2025-12-29 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As 2025 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “Whether helping nearly 2,900 Illinoisans recover more than $13 million the federal government owed them, passing a law making it easier for new parents to travel with critical breast milk supplies, pushing back against Trump and Republicans as they work to jack up costs for everything from groceries to health care, fighting Donald Trump’s illegal and reckless invasion of our state or getting Veterans’ jobs back after this Administration cruelly fired Veterans Crisis Line workers—I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to do this past year,” Duckworth said. “While this year was far too difficult for far too many in our community, I am as committed as ever to showing up and getting things done for my fellow Illinoisans—and all those who feel targeted by the Trump Administration. I look forward to continuing my work for our state in 2026.” Over the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to over 1,047,000 emails as well as other messages and assisted more than 2,800 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $13.2 million in Social Security payments, Veterans’ benefits, tax refunds and more for her constituents. A select list of Duckworth’s accomplishments from the past year is below. Duckworth hosted a series of town halls and telephone town halls this year to hear directly from her constituents on how the Trump Administration is negatively impacting their lives and the lives of their families and communities, hearing from Illinoisans in McHenry County, Rockford, Carbondale and throughout Chicagoland. Key Efforts: Duckworth’s Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act Became Law: After passing the House and unanimously passing the Senate, bipartisan legislation authored and championed by Senator Duckworth to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeed… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2025-end-of-year-report | Murphy Releases 2025 End Of Year Report | 2025-12-29 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday released his 2025 End of Year Report. In a year marked by turmoil, Senator Murphy joined with elected leaders, civic organizers, and Connecticut residents to defend Americans’ rights and fight for a better future. This report highlights the measures Sen. Murphy and his office took to stand up to Trump’s corruption and deliver for Connecticut families. As Donald Trump systematically dismantled programs working people rely on, while transforming the government into a tool of personal enrichment, Murphy helped deliver federal dollars to Connecticut while taking action to unrig our economy and democracy from billionaire interests. This year, Murphy and his office: Introduced or co-sponsored 270 pieces of legislation and amendments, including 91 bills, resolutions, or amendments as the lead sponsor; Completed his ninth Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 67 miles, 11 towns, and hundreds of conversations with Connecticut residents along the way; Engaged with over 436,800 calls, emails, and letters; Returned more than $7 million to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies; Helped over 3,233 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=082A36F7-1B14-44EB-81D7-6852ADCB2B2F | Klobuchar, Sullivan and Colleagues Introduce VISIT USA Act to Promote U.S. Tourism | 2025-12-26 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | klobuchar | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) —all members of the Senate Commerce Committee – introduced the bipartisan Vital Investment in Sustaining International Tourism to the USA (VISIT USA) Act to fully restore Brand USA’s funding in Fiscal Years (FY) 2026 and 2027. Brand USA is a public-private partnership charged with promoting America as a premier international travel destination and clearly communicating U.S. visa and entry policies abroad. This legislation will fully fund Brand USA to promote the United States as an international travel destination ahead of several significant events hosted in the U.S., including the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic games. President Trump’s FY 2026 budget request also calls for fully funding Brand USA. “Travel and tourism powers economic growth in communities in Minnesota and across our country,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will restore funding for Brand USA, providing the resources it needs to continue to support an additional 1.6 million visitors, $6 billion in spending, and nearly 80,000 jobs every year—all at no cost to taxpayers.” “The United States is the third most visited country in the world. As we prepare to host several once-in-a-generation global events—from America250, to the FIFA World Cup, to the 2028 Olympic Games—there has never been a better moment to showcase all that our country has to offer,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Restoring Brand USA’s full funding will help us welcome more international visitors, strengthen our tourism economy, and support the thousands of small businesses that make America and Alaska such remarkable places to experience.” This legislation is endorsed by the U.S. Travel Association. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) have introduced companion legislation in the House. “This legislation is an important step forward, and we are grateful for Senators Sulli… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/ranking-member-shaheen-senators-tillis-rosen-barrasso-coons-king-moran-merkley-van-hollen-statement-on-russias-christmas-bombing-of-ukraine/ | Ranking Member Shaheen, Senators Tillis, Rosen, Barrasso, Coons, King, Moran, Merkley, Van Hollen Statement on Russia’s Christmas Bombing of Ukraine | 2025-12-25 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “We condemn Russia’s brutal attacks on Kherson, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk and Kryvyi Rih waged on innocent Ukrainians as they convened to mark the birth of the Prince of Peace with their loved ones and in prayer. “It bears repeating that President Zelenskyy agreed to a Christmas truce, but Putin declined, yet he directs soldiers to continue to commit brutal crimes of aggression on one of Christianity’s holiest days. “Even for countries at war, there is a long history of Christmas ceasefires, including notably during World War I. Today’s decision by Putin to launch attacks rather than hold fire is a sobering reminder for us all: Putin is a ruthless murderer who has no interest in peace and cannot be trusted. “We stand with the people of Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Kherson and Donetsk marking the birth of Christ under the most challenging of circumstances. Ukrainians’ faith is a stronger force than the evil unleashed today by the Kremlin.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murkowski-and-merkley-lead-call-for-inspector-general-audit-following-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files-as-demanded-by-survivors-required-by-law | Blumenthal, Murkowski & Merkley Lead Call for Inspector General Audit Following DOJ’s Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files as Demanded by Survivors, Required by Law | 2025-12-24 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume requesting the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) perform an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential,” the senators wrote. “As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.” In addition to Blumenthal, Murkowski, and Merkley, today’s letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Gary Peters (D-MI). “Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes,” the senators concluded. “Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.” The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume: We write to you following the December 19 deadline imposed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or “the Department”) to release all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. By the Department’s own admission, it is in violation of the law—before DOJ had even begun to release the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trumps-va-abortion-ban-that-denies-millions-of-veterans-the-care-theyve-earned | Duckworth Statement on Trump’s VA Abortion Ban That Denies Millions of Veterans the Care They’ve Earned | 2025-12-24 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration quietly implemented a policy banning the VA from providing abortion care to Veterans and their families—including in cases of rape, incest or to protect the health of the mother—despite widespread opposition from advocates and the Veteran community: “Our Veterans risked their lives to safeguard our freedoms. And yet a man who has never served a day in his life is taking away their own freedom to choose what's best for their health. “In cases of rape, incest or when the health of the mother is at risk, Trump is denying our heroes the care they’ve earned through their service—and it’ll be those living in states with extreme abortion bans who will suffer the most. “Trump implemented this extreme policy during the holiday season, quietly and over the objections of Veterans, thinking we wouldn’t notice. Well, we did. And I will keep fighting to give Veterans and all Americans the health care and reproductive freedom they deserve.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/blumenthal-murkowski-merkley-lead-call-for-inspector-general-audit-following-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files-as-demanded-by-survivors-required-by-law/ | BLUMENTHAL, MURKOWSKI & MERKLEY LEAD CALL FOR INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT FOLLOWING DOJ’S FAILURE TO RELEASE THE FULL EPSTEIN FILES AS DEMANDED BY SURVIVORS, REQUIRED BY LAW | 2025-12-24 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume requesting the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) perform an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential,” the senators wrote. “As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.” In addition to Blumenthal, Murkowski, and Merkley, today’s letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Gary Peters (D-MI). “Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes,” the senators concluded. “Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.” The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume: We write to you following the December 19 deadline imposed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or “the Department”) to release all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. By the Department’s own admission, it is in violation of the law—before DOJ had even begun to release the f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-raise-alarm-over-loss-of-mental-health-access-in-eastern-oregon/ | Wyden, Merkley Raise Alarm Over Loss of Mental Health Access in Eastern Oregon | 2025-12-24 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators: Trump and congressional Republicans’ budget bill threatens essential mental care for nearly 800 Malheur County residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today wrote health care providers serving Malheur County to ask how they’ll ensure nearly 800 residents keep access to the mental health services they need in the wake of new coordinated care organization (CCO) coverage changes brought on by the devastating cuts by Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to Medicaid. “We understand your organization faces unprecedented financial strain as Oregon braces for nearly $4 billion in Medicaid cuts to rural communities alone signed into law by Donald Trump as part of Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill,” the lawmakers wrote to Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. CEO Ann Ford and Eastern Oregon CCO CEO Sean Jessup. “As you manage through this calamity, We ask that you do everything in your power to maximize access to a wide range of providers, ease patient transitions, and ensure continuity of care.” “In Oregon, Malheur County stands to lose most of all. With more than half of its residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, it has the highest share among Oregon’s 36 counties,” the lawmakers continued. “Among those enrolled, the vast majority (almost 80%) are children, nearly 25% have a disability, nearly 50% are Hispanic or Latino, and more than 25% speak Spanish as their primary language. We voted against these devastating cuts to protect these very residents and providers like yourselves.” The senators asked Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI), which distributes Medicaid dollars for mental health in eastern Oregon, to answer the following questions no later than January 9, 2026: How will GOHBI manage this process to limit disruption for patients and their health care providers? What determination did GOHBI make to ensure network adequacy and sufficient access for patients? What circumstances led GOHBI to make these changes to its p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-pause-discriminatory-national-park-entry-fees | Wyden, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Pause Discriminatory National Park Entry Fees | 2025-12-24 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senators express concerns over January 1 implementation — without proper notice — of $250 America the Beautiful non-resident annual passes and $100 non-resident fee for highly visited national parks Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said today he has joined colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to pause its expensive new national park entry fees and annual passes for non-residents scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Wyden and the other senators emphasized these new passes and fees were not properly noticed in accordance with the law, will slow park entry, and will further limit international visitation. In late November, the federal Department of Interior announced a new fee structure for access to public lands. Beginning next year, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. citizens and residents and $250 for non-residents, the first time the United States has required proof of residency to have access to public lands. Non-residents age 16 and up who don’t have an annual pass will be forced to pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the country’s most visited national parks. “America’s national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history,” the senators wrote Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike.” “We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitation are studied, and clarity on implementation is provided to Congress, NPS employees, and impacted stakeholders,” the senators wrote. The National… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-raise-alarm-over-loss-of-mental-health-access-in-eastern-oregon | Wyden, Merkley Raise Alarm Over Loss of Mental Health Access in Eastern Oregon | 2025-12-24 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senators: Trump and congressional Republicans’ budget bill threatens essential mental care for nearly 800 Malheur County residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today wrote health care providers serving Malheur County to ask how they’ll ensure nearly 800 residents keep access to the mental health services they need in the wake of new coordinated care organization (CCO) coverage changes brought on by the devastating cuts by Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to Medicaid. “We understand your organization faces unprecedented financial strain as Oregon braces for nearly $4 billion in Medicaid cuts to rural communities alone signed into law by Donald Trump as part of Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill,” the lawmakers wrote to Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. CEO Ann Ford and Eastern Oregon CCO CEO Sean Jessup. “As you manage through this calamity, We ask that you do everything in your power to maximize access to a wide range of providers, ease patient transitions, and ensure continuity of care.” “In Oregon, Malheur County stands to lose most of all. With more than half of its residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, it has the highest share among Oregon’s 36 counties,” the lawmakers continued. “Among those enrolled, the vast majority (almost 80%) are children, nearly 25% have a disability, nearly 50% are Hispanic or Latino, and more than 25% speak Spanish as their primary language. We voted against these devastating cuts to protect these very residents and providers like yourselves.” The senators asked Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI), which distributes Medicaid dollars for mental health in eastern Oregon, to answer the following questions no later than January 9, 2026: How will GOHBI manage this process to limit disruption for patients and their health care providers? What determination did GOHBI make to ensure network adequacy and sufficient access for patients? What circumstances led GOHBI to make these changes to its p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/23/icymi-bennet-fights-back-against-trumps-targeted-attacks-on-colorado/ | ICYMI: Bennet Fights Back Against Trump’s Targeted Attacks on Colorado | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet slammed President Trump for canceling hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants from the Departments of Transportation and Energy, dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and denying Colorado’s request for two emergency declarations following extreme flooding and wildfires. Before the Senate adjourned for the year, Bennet blocked the appropriations package from advancing before the holidays to demand funding to protect NCAR. “After more than a week of targeted actions against Colorado, it’s clear President Trump has turned his sights on our state because we refuse to go along with his corrupt demands,” said Senator Bennet. “This holiday season, hundreds of NCAR employees face uncertainty about their jobs and communities across the state are worried they won’t get the support they need to rebuild their lives after historic flooding and wildfires. Colorado deserves better, and I am doing everything in my power to fight back and protect our state from the President’s vindictive chaos.” Here’s how Senator Bennet is fighting for Colorado: KKCO 11: Colorado Senator Bennet accuses Trump of retaliating against Colorado over Tina Peters Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., is accusing President Donald Trump of taking punitive actions against Colorado that Bennet describes as political retaliation. During a press call, Bennet criticized several recent decisions tied to the federal government’s relationship with the state — including the administration’s reported call to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Bennet also warned of broader consequences beyond Colorado if NCAR were dismantled. “I think that Colorado deserves much better from our federal government. Our entire country deserves better from our federal government. We will not stand by while President Trump attacks Colorado and puts our communities in danger. We’ll use every tool at our disposal to fight back against this reckless political attack,” he said. Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-stb-doj-to-oppose-railway-merger-threatening-jobs-and-driving-up-costs | Blumenthal Calls on STB, DOJ to Oppose Railway Merger Threatening Jobs & Driving Up Costs | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs and Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division Gail Slater urging them to oppose the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway—two of the four largest railroads in the country. In today’s letter, Blumenthal raised concerns that the merger would significantly reduce competition in the rail industry, driving up costs for shippers and threatening railroad workers’ job security. “Railroads are a critical link in the supply chain for everyday consumer goods, including food, fuel, building materials, and household products. When competition in rail transportation is reduced, higher shipping costs are often passed directly on to consumers in the form of higher prices at the checkout counter. With inflation and affordability already top concerns for American families, approving a merger that could further raise the cost of moving goods across the country would worsen financial strain on households nationwide,” wrote Blumenthal. “The proposed merger also threatens job stability for countless employees at Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern,” continued Blumenthal. “Together, the two companies have more than 50,000 employees. While the companies have said they will protect all union jobs during a merger, precedent shows us such promises are little more than hollow words. Instead of trusting these empty promises, you should protect thousands of jobs for hardworking Americans.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Chairman Fuchs and Assistant Attorney General Slater, I write with serious concerns about the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway. A merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern – two of the four largest railroads in the United States – would further consolidate the nation’s rail network, resulting in potential job insecurity for workers, highe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-markey-and-warren-demand-amazon-remove-listings-for-used-cars-with-unrepaired-safety-recalls-clearly-display-vehicles-recall-status | Blumenthal, Markey, & Warren Demand Amazon Remove Listings for Used Cars with Unrepaired Safety Recalls, Clearly Display Vehicle's Recall Status | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called on Amazon to remove listings for pre-owned vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls. In a letter to Andrew R. Jassy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amazon, the Senators raised safety concerns about the company’s new Amazon Autos partnership with Hyundai and Ford dealers, which lists pre-owned vehicles that may have unrepaired safety recalls for sale without adequately warning consumers about a vehicle’s recall status. “We are extremely troubled by the fact that Amazon is listing vehicles for sale with unrepaired safety recalls. Selling cars with unrepaired safety recalls is extremely dangerous and poses a potentially fatal threat to vehicle drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Amazon’s suggestion to consumers to check a vehicle’s recall status themselves on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website is simply insufficient. We call on Amazon to remove all vehicle listings with unrepaired safety recalls and to directly display to prospective vehicle buyers a vehicle’s recall status,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Amazon does not need to wait for the law to change to prioritize vehicle safety. We call on Amazon to immediately stop listing for sale on Amazon Autos any vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall. In addition, Amazon should make it as easy as possible for people to confirm that the vehicle they are looking at does not have unrepaired recalls. Instead of linking to NHTSA’s website and encouraging people to check the recall status themselves, we urge Amazon to prominently display the status of recalls under the key features it lists for vehicles it is selling.” The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and copied below. Dear Mr. Jassy, We are extremely troubled by the fact that Amazon is listing vehicles for sale with unrepaired safety recalls. Selling cars with unrepaired safety recalls is extremely danger… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-seeks-data-on-security-grant-program | Blumenthal Seeks Data on Security Grant Program | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem seeking data about previous applications to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to help inform Congress about how the program should be funded for the upcoming fiscal year. “As I travel around Connecticut and hear from community leaders here and around the country, I am struck by the severely heightened anxiety and apprehension about physical threats to places of worship and community centers involving hate-based violence,” Blumenthal wrote. “Recently, I have called for dramatically increasing funding for NSGP to $1 billion and for increasing funding and resources for other programs to keep pace with the violence we are seeing in our communities. I am disappointed that the proposal released Friday night by Senate Republicans for Fiscal Year 2026 includes only $330 million for NSGP, far short of my request and the program’s clear need, with reports indicating recipients requested approximately $1 billion from FEMA in 2024 alone.” Last week, Blumenthal wrote the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Chairs and Ranking Members of its Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies calling for a dramatic increase in resources for programs that combat hate-based violence through security and prevention, including by appropriating no less than $1 billion to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), making significant investments to the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act (NO HATE Act), and reestablishing and fully funding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Relations Service (CRS). On Friday, he joined leaders from the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticut at an event in West Hartford, Connecticut, calling on Congress to robustly fund NSGP and the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act grant program. The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Secretary Noem, In r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-secret-trump-administration-memo-ending-life-saving-abortion-care-for-veterans | Blumenthal Slams Secret Trump Administration Memo Ending Life-Saving Abortion Care for Veterans | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released a statement slamming the Trump Administration’s Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) secret implementation of a new policy to stop providing abortion care and counseling to veterans who have been raped or whose pregnancy is threatening their health. “Secretively and sickeningly, Trump’s VA is depriving women veterans of essential health care. A policy just issued by Secretary Collins stops this reproductive care even for women who are victims of rape or incest, or whose health is at risk. He’s done it by internal memo, not by open rule making, avoiding public attention and scrutiny. My Republican colleagues should be as outraged as I am. The result will be chaos and confusion among health care providers, and anxiety and pain for women veterans. This cruel, misguided action is reckless and reprehensible.” In September 2022, VA began to offer abortion counseling to all pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries, and abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life or health endangerment of the veteran or CHAMPVA beneficiary. This was in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which created urgent risks to the lives and health of pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries in states that banned or otherwise severely restricted access to abortion. The Trump Department of Justice issued a memo banning this abortion care and counseling at VA a few days ago, and the Trump VA just issued its own internal memo yesterday implementing this new policy immediately. This follows the Trump VA’s announcement in August of its intent to issue this change in a proposed rule. However, rather than complete the regular rulemaking process, VA Secretary Doug Collins is implementing this policy without issuing a final rule without notifying veterans or the public. More than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care. More than half of these women live in states that hav… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago | Duckworth, Durbin Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment of National Guard Troops to Chicago | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge’s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago: “It’s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they’ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities—not go to war with them. “Immigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago | Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment Of National Guard Troops To Chicago | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge’s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago: “It’s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they’ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities—not go to war with them. “Immigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/23/2025/senator-hassan-nominates-new-hampshire-students-for-united-states-service-academies | Senator Hassan Nominates New Hampshire Students for United States Service Academies | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Margaret Wood Hassan | H001076 | www.hassan.senate.gov | hassan | https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan announced that she has nominated students from New Hampshire to attend United States Service Academies – the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “It is a privilege to nominate these outstanding New Hampshire students to our United States Service Academies,” said Senator Hassan. “The choice to serve our country in uniform reflects the highest form of public service, and I am grateful for these young Granite Staters who are answering that call. I have no doubt that they will make New Hampshire and our country proud.” For more information on the nomination process for interested applicants, click here. See below for a list of Senator Hassan’s nominees: United States Military Academy Justin Baldridge – Salem Ryleigh Bannister – Derry William Bellerose – Chichester Caidyn Carter – Northfield Liam Conway – Alton Ryan Cowher – Keene Troy Hayes – Windham Jacob Levesque – Jaffrey Charlotte Lund – New London Leah Lynskey – Durham Liam Mahoney – Hampton Kyle Paolino – Rindge Wade Plaskiewicz – Surry James Sisco – Goffstown Jack Williams – Stratham United States Naval Academy Talia Batherwich – Londonderry Anna Boyer – Ashland Hayden Brunell – Meredith Liam Canty – Exeter Eamon Griffin – Amherst Samuel Kellner – Hollis Ciara Kerley – Wilmot Addison Knoetig – Goffstown Colin Magnuszewski – Brookline Sophia Malloy – Portsmouth Kelly Moriarty – Rye Ruby Neutra – Marlborough Reilly O'Brien – Salem Anita Parmelee – Exeter Christian Salaun – Greenland United States Air Force Academy Brandon Adamson – Londonderry Andrew Allen – East Kingston Kevin Benard – Pembroke Jack Calderwood – Intervale Jacob Daley – Nashua Dominic Fazzio – East Hampstead Nathan Ferreira – Pembroke Kipling Hedquist – Hopkinton Ashlie Klawes – Allenstown Giana Leonardi – Dover Cooper Mack – Holderness Gavin Niemela – Dublin Victor Pham – Tilton Samuel Sanders – Hillsborough Maximilian Williams – Concord… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/2025-in-review-hickenlooper-defends-colorado-against-trump-chaos/ | 2025 in Review: Hickenlooper Defends Colorado Against Trump Chaos | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – It’s been a hell of a year, Colorado. Here are just a few of the ways Senator Hickenlooper fought this administration’s chaos and stood up for Coloradans in 2025. DEFENDING SCIENCE Last week, Senator Hickenlooper blocked a federal appropriations package in the Senate after President Trump announced his plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder and cancel millions intransportation grants designated for Colorado. Hickenlooper demanded Republicans add an amendment to the package guaranteeing that all funding for NCAR be fully spent. After blocking the bill on the Senate floor, Hickenlooper joined protesters outside of NCAR in Boulder on Saturday to raise public pressure against cuts to critical environmental research. PROTECTING PUBLIC LANDS Hickenlooper also led the fight against Senator Mike Lee’s proposal to force the BLM to sell up to 1.2 million acres of public lands in Colorado and 10 other Western states. Hickenlooper first sounded the alarm in April, when he voted against the Republican budget resolution and introduced an amendment to protect public lands from being sold to pay for Republicans’ tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. In May, Hickenlooper held a press conference in Estes Park with Congressman Neguse, public lands advocates, and local elected officials to call out the Trump administration’s threats to Colorado’s national parks and public lands, including Rocky Mountain National Park. The public pressure campaign worked. Following mounting opposition from Western senators and their constituents, Senator Lee stripped the public lands sale provision from the bill in June. PROTECTING HEALTH CARE Since the beginning of the year, Hickenlooper has railed against Republicans’ manufactured health care crisis and worked closely with state leaders to protect Coloradans’ care. In July, congressional Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, cutting more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to pay for huge tax cuts for the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-markey-press-sba-administrator-on-audit-targeting-underserved-businesses | Hirono, Markey Press SBA Administrator on Audit Targeting Underserved Businesses | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers: “Rather than using this audit as a pretense to unfairly attack a program with which you have an ideological disagreement, it is our hope that you will refocus on the goals of the 8(a) Program to make sure it continues to support socially and economically disadvantaged businesses—as intended.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, sent a letter to U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, expressing their deep concerns regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) December 5th announcement of a sweeping, program-wide audit of the 8(a) Business Development Program. SBA’s announcement has left many businesses scrambling to meet the agency’s extensive document request under a short deadline with unclear guidance, while raising concerns about how businesses’ information will be used and secured. The 8(a) Business Development Program was created by Congress to provide training, assistance, and federal contracting opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in the U.S. and plays an important role in helping to ensure these businesses have the opportunity to work with federal agencies. Recently, however, the 8(a) program has come under attack as Republicans have unfairly targeted many of these small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, which often rely on government contracts to stay in business and keep their staff employed. “While we wholeheartedly support meaningful oversight of all programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, we disagree with your characterization of the program,” the senators wrote. “We also emphasize that formal audits should be conducted by the appropriate authorities, such as Inspectors General, who are a part of a comprehensive system that has decades of proven success in preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.” The ambigu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-cornyn-bill-to-enhance-u-s-mexico-counternarcotics-efforts-signed-into-law/ | Kelly, Cornyn Bill to Enhance U.S.-Mexico Counternarcotics Efforts Signed into Law | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements after their Counternarcotics Enhancement Act, which will require elements of the Intelligence Community to review any direct relationships with elements of the Government of Mexico, develop a strategy to enhance counternarcotics efforts, and make recommendations or request resources required to implement the strategy in furtherance of the national interest of the United States, was signed into law as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026: “To win the fight against drug trafficking, the U.S. and Mexico have to work together against the cartels,” said Sen. Kelly. “This effort will make our country safer by keeping drugs off our streets through Intelligence Community engagement with the government of Mexico.” “One innocent life lost because of illicit narcotics smuggled into the U.S. by way of Mexico is one too many,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will ensure our Intelligence Community leverages the U.S.-Mexico relationship to most effectively root out these silent killers and keep Americans safe.” Background: The Counternarcotics Enhancement Act will require elements of the Intelligence Community to submit to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) the following information: A description and assessment of their relationship, if any, with any element of the government of Mexico; A strategy to enhance counternarcotics cooperation and appropriate coordination with each element of the government of Mexico they have a direct relationship with; And recommendations and a description of the resources required to efficiently and effectively implement this strategy to further the national interest of the U.S. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=2CE5D131-E44C-43C6-9E0D-612C6495AFBC | Klobuchar Announces Federal Funding for Minnesota Broadband Infrastructure | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | klobuchar | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee and co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Minnesota’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal. Minnesota received $652 million in funding to implement its BEAD proposal. “I’m thrilled to announce that Minnesota’s broadband funding proposal has been approved, which will bring fast, affordable, reliable internet to families in every corner of our state,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This funding is available thanks to my bipartisan legislation that I fought to pass so that Minnesota families—regardless of their ZIP code—have access to high-speed internet.” “This BEAD milestone represents a major step forward in our commitment to ensuring every Minnesotan — regardless of geography — has access to reliable, high quality broadband,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Minnesota extends its sincere appreciation to the many Internet service providers and partners across the state who worked alongside us to shape this proposal. Their dedication, expertise and willingness to engage deeply in this effort have been essential to reaching this point. With this BEAD approval, Minnesota is one step closer to closing the digital divide and building a more connected future for all.” This development advances Minnesota’s affordable broadband rollout to unserved and underserved areas of the state. Klobuchar has long led efforts to expand broadband access, support rural broadband, and bridge the digital divide. Klobuchar’s Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and has delivered significant federal funding to Minnesota for expanding high-speed internet access statewide. In June 2023, Klobuchar announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce had awarded major federal funding through the Bipart… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trump-administration-quietly-banning-abortion-care-for-veterans-families/ | Senator Murray Statement on Trump Administration Quietly Banning Abortion Care for Veterans & Families | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Approximately 300,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, 155,000 live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions Senator Murray, longtime leader on reproductive rights and veterans issues, grilled Secretary Collins on preserving access to abortion care at VA during his nomination hearing in January ICYMI FROM AUGUST: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Ripping Away Access to Abortion Care for Women Veterans Who Were Raped or Whose Health is in Danger Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement on the news that the Trump administration has quietly implemented a near-total abortion ban at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), banning abortion care for veterans and their dependents—even when a woman’s health is in danger, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. A Department of Justice (DOJ) memo issued last week, which regional VA leaders were told to comply with in an internal directive Monday, (screenshots here and here) shows the Trump administration is making this shift before VA even finished finalizing a proposed rule regarding this policy change and without allowing any public comment or consultation. Senator Murray forcefully condemned the Trump administration’s initial move to ban abortion at VA facilities in August—the new DOJ memo is a workaround by the Trump administration to implement their VA abortion ban even sooner, and as of this week, the policy is now fully in effect at VA facilities across the country. The policy is a near-total ban on abortion care at VA, with only an exception for care when “a physician certifies that the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term”—and no exceptions for the health of the veteran or for rape or incest. The policy also bans VA providers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-126-lawmakers-urge-dhs-to-withdraw-public-charge-proposal-that-would-harm-immigrants-citizen-children-and-public-health/ | Padilla, 126 Lawmakers Urge DHS to Withdraw Public Charge Proposal That Would Harm Immigrants, Citizen Children, and Public Health | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, co-led 126 lawmakers, including 16 other Senators and 110 Representatives, in urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw its proposed public charge rule, warning it would harm U.S. citizen children, immigrant communities, and public health systems nationwide. The letter was co-led by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), as well as Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.-03), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), and CHC Vice Chair of Policy Robert Menendez (D-N.J.-08) in the House. “Public charge” is a ground of inadmissibility to the United States, under which an immigration officer determines whether an immigrant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for future assistance. The Trump Administration’s proposal would rescind the clear 2022 public charge regulations and replace them with vague, undefined standards, leading to arbitrary decision-making, fear, and widespread confusion. Past public charge expansions have driven families, including those with U.S. citizen children, away from lawful access to health care, nutrition, and early childhood programs. “The proposed public charge rule will lead to mass uncertainty, disparate and arbitrary outcomes for individuals applying for permanent status or admission into our country, and undue harm to U.S. citizens,” wrote the lawmakers. “The chilling effects triggered by expansions of public charge interpretation are well-documented and severe. Research following [past public charge restrictions] showed that confusion about eligibility led large numbers of eligible immigrant families — including U.S. citizen children — to forego health insurance, nutrition supports, and early childhood programs vital… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-pause-discriminatory-national-park-entry-fees/ | Padilla, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Pause Discriminatory National Park Entry Fees | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators express concerns over January 1 implementation — without proper notice — of $250 America the Beautiful non-resident annual passes and $100 non-resident fee for highly visited national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led four Senators in calling on Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to pause the implementation of the Administration’s expensive new national park entry fees and annual passes for non-residents, which are slated to take effect on January 1, 2026. The Senators emphasized that these new passes and fees were not properly noticed in accordance with the law, will slow park entry, and will further limit international visitation. In late November, Interior announced a new fee structure for access to public lands. Beginning next year, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. citizens and residents and $250 for non-residents, the first time the United States has required proof of residency to access public lands. Non-residents age 16 and up who don’t have an annual pass will be forced to pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the country’s most visited national parks — including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks — in addition to the standard entrance fee. “America’s national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history,” wrote the Senators. “While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike.” “We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-year-in-review-senator-peters-continues-working-across-the-aisle-to-deliver-for-michigan | 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW: Senator Peters Continues Working Across the Aisle to Deliver for Michigan | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In 2025, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) continued fighting to deliver bipartisan, commonsense solutions to strengthen communities across Michigan. Despite being in the minority party, Peters successfully advanced and passed numerous bipartisan bills, and secured wins that will have a positive impact for Michiganders for years to come. This includes the major announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive an F-15EX fighter jet mission, as well as the enactment of numerous Peters-led bills to expand opioid addiction treatment for young adults, protect burial benefits for military families, and continue to invest in safeguarding the Great Lakes ecosystem. In addition to these legislative accomplishments, Peters remained committed to holding the Administration accountable and fighting back against Republican efforts to cut health care benefits that Michigan families depend on. “Fighting for Michiganders will always be my top priority in Congress, and I’m proud of the progress we made on issues important to our state,” said Senator Peters. “Throughout my entire career, I’ve always found the best way to get things done is by reaching across the aisle and finding common ground. As we look to next year, I’m going to continue honoring that commitment by partnering with anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and help improve the lives of Michiganders, whether that’s protecting health care benefits, supporting American manufacturing, or lowering prices for working families.” Peters has been repeatedly named one of the most effective and bipartisan senators. In the 118th Congress, Peters earned the highest effectiveness score for a U.S. Senator ever recorded in the fifty years the Center for Effective Lawmaking has tracked this data. He also becomes the first Senator in more than four decades to be named most effective three times in a row. Peters also authored more bills signed into law during the 117th Congress (2021-2022) than any Senator in more than 40 years, according to the Congres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/signed-into-law-national-defense-bill-with-provisions-secured-by-peters-to-strengthen-michigans-defense-footprint | SIGNED INTO LAW: National Defense Bill with Provisions Secured by Peters to Strengthen Michigan’s Defense Footprint | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The annual national defense bill was signed into law with numerous provisions authored and secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Armed Services Committee, to strengthen U.S. national security, invest in Michigan’s military facilities and defense sector, clean up PFAS contamination, and give servicemembers a pay raise. “This bill makes investments that will ensure Michigan is positioned to continue leading the way in keeping our nation safe and secure,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to have secured provisions in this bill that will support transformational upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base to prepare for its new missions, make progress to clean up PFAS contamination at our military bases, and support Michigan’s defense sector, which is working to develop innovative technologies that protect American servicemembers around the globe.” The national defense bill sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has become law for more than 60 consecutive years. Below are provisions in the bill successfully led or supported by Peters: Investing in Michigan’s Military Facilities $9 million for Runway Improvement at Selfridge Air National Guard Base: The bill authorizes funding to allow for runway improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to prepare for basing of future missions, including the KC-46 Tankers and F-15EX fighter jets that were announced for Selfridge following years of persistent work and advocacy by Peters. $5.2 million to Construct Two New Taxiways at Selfridge: The bill authorizes funding to support the construction of two new taxiways at Selfridge to prepare for basing of future missions including Selfridge’s two new missions. This includes $2.8 million for the construction of Taxiway Alpha and $2.4 million for the construction of Taxiway Bravo. $4.4 million for Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex: The bill authorizes funding to kickstart the Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-advocacy-schumer-announces-112-million-in-americorps-funding-for-senior-volunteers-across-new-york | FOLLOWING HIS ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $11.2+ MILLION IN AMERICORPS FUNDING FOR SENIOR VOLUNTEERS ACROSS NEW YORK | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Charles E. Schumer | S000148 | www.schumer.senate.gov | schumer | https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Earlier This Year, Trump Fired Thousands Of AmeriCorps Staff And Ripped Away Community Grants For Seniors Schumer Revealed Impact Of The Cuts And Cancelled Grants And Demanded Trump Restore Funding For AmeriCorps Programs; Senator Now Announces Trump Backed Down And Fed Funding Is Flowing To Support 1,000+ Older NY AmeriCorps Members Schumer: Despite Trump’s Threats To Dismantle AmeriCorps, Older AmeriCorps Volunteers Continued Their Excellent Work & Now Get The Support They Deserve U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced $11,274,471 in federal funding has flowed this year to programs across New York through AmeriCorps’ Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program, supporting more than 1,000 volunteers. Earlier this year, President Trump took steps to dismantle AmeriCorps, firing staff and freezing federal grants. Schumer demanded that Trump and Republicans protect this vital public service agency, and now, thanks to his advocacy, organizations across New York have continued to receive the funding they needed for volunteers to serve their communities, especially through the popular Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program. “AmeriCorps is one of the world’s greatest service programs, and more than one thousand New York seniors rely on AmeriCorps funding to volunteer in their communities every year. That’s why when I heard the Trump administration was threatening to dismantle AmeriCorps, including the popular and effective the popular Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program, I demanded answers and called on him to reverse these counterproductive and cruel cuts,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce that, despite Trump’s threats, New York has received $11.2+ million this year for older AmeriCorps members to continue the excellent work they do to support kids and other seniors in their communities through the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs. I will continue to fight any cuts to the excellent AmeriCorps program and support or… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-delauro-renew-bill-to-ban-unpredictable-scheduling-practices | Warren, DeLauro Renew Bill to Ban Unpredictable Scheduling Practices | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Elizabeth Warren | W000817 | www.warren.senate.gov | warren | https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Warren, DeLauro Renew Bill to Ban Unpredictable Scheduling Practices Legislation would require many employers to provide work schedules two weeks in advance and compensate workers when their schedules change last minute Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF) Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) reintroduced the Schedules That Work Act to address unpredictable scheduling practices that may deprive workers of income and require them to work unreasonable hours, like “clopening” shifts that leave little time to commute and rest between shifts. “Unpredictable scheduling makes it impossible for workers to arrange child care, juggle an education, or even pay the bills. We’re fighting to empower workers and help them regain control over their work schedules and build economic security for themselves and their families,” Senator Warren said. “We are in a cost of living crisis that forces too many Americans to live paycheck to paycheck,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “Hardworking Americans deserve economic security and the peace of mind that the hours they work will provide enough to make ends meet so they can provide for themselves or their family. That is why I am proud to join Senator Warren in reintroducing the Schedules that Work Act, so workers are not subject to abusive scheduling practices that can lead to financial insecurity and instability. American workers deserve certainty about their schedules and incomes.” Workers experience many unreasonable scheduling practices, like last-minute shift cancellations, being placed “on-call” with no guarantee of work hours, scheduled for “split shifts” of non-consecutive hours, and even being sent home early without pay when demand is low. If they push back or request schedule changes, employers may retaliate. This month, Starbucks agreed to pay $38.9 million to settle claims it violated New York law by failing to provide regular schedules to employees, cutting workers' scheduled hours without their consent, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-schakowsky-renew-fight-to-pass-part-time-worker-bill-of-rights-act | Warren, Schakowsky, Renew Fight to Pass Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Elizabeth Warren | W000817 | www.warren.senate.gov | warren | https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Warren, Schakowsky, Renew Fight to Pass Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF) Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), have reintroduced the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act to strengthen protections for part-time workers and allow them to better balance their work schedules with personal and family needs. The legislation will address one of the primary issues that hourly workers face - work schedules that do not provide as many hours as they need to support their families - and provide additional protections and benefits for part-time workers. “Every worker deserves a chance at providing for themselves and their families, but greedy giant corporations are using loopholes to exploit part-time workers instead,” said Senator Warren. “I’m fighting hard to pass the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights and ensure companies put their workers over profits.” “Part-time workers across the country deserve better. More than one in five American workers are part-time and they face volatile work hours, unstable incomes, and low wages. Earlier this week, I reintroduced the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act with my colleagues Representative DeLauro and Senator Warren to ensure equitable workplace treatment and conditions for part-time workers. This legislation requires employers to treat part-time and full-time employees impartially and gives part-time workers access to stable hours and medical leave. We must improve the quality of part-time work for millions of families across the country,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. Corporations often attempt to avoid providing workers benefits and higher wages by giving part-time workers fewer hours than they want and spreading work among many part-time employees rather than hiring full-time employees. This month, Starbucks agreed to pay $38.9 million to settle claims it violated New York law by failing to provide regular schedules to employees, cutting workers' scheduled hours without thei… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-960881-coming-to-wasco-county-for-distance-learning | Merkley, Wyden Announce $960,881 Coming to Wasco County for Distance Learning | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a federal investment of $960,881 for the Dufur School District 29 to support distance learning in Wasco County. With this funding, instructors at Portland Community College in Multnomah County, Baker Technical Institute in Baker County, Columbia Gorge Community College in Wasco County, and the Oregon Veterans Home in Wasco County will deliver technical training, STEM coursework, and certified nurse assistant training courses to three locations benefiting 655 Dufur School District 29 students. “As I hold a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, I frequently hear from folks about the challenges they are facing, especially in rural communities that have unique hurdles in accessing education and health care services,” said Merkley. “This critical investment will ensure that working families living in more remote communities will have better access to the tools and services they need to thrive.” “Distance to a city should not determine whether or not hard-working students are able to access a quality education,” said Wyden. “This grant closes that gap and ensures students in Wasco County can gain the technical skills required to expand the healthcare workforce. I applaud this federal award to Dufur School District, and I will fight for more programs like this that provide opportunities for students living in Oregon’s rural communities.” This federal funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants, which help rural communities access advanced telecommunications technology. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-demands-answers-from-trump-admin-on-unauthorized-dismantling-of-manufacturing-program | Senator Baldwin Demands Answers from Trump Admin on Unauthorized Dismantling of Manufacturing Program | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a group of her colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration on its decision to withhold and delay congressionally-approved funds to the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program’s Centers and why the Administration has repeatedly insisted MEP is inconsistent with their priorities. The MEP program is a public-private partnership that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and create jobs. Prior to the Trump Administration’s moves to dismantle the program, the MEP in Wisconsin helped create more than $2.5 billion in economic impact and created or retained nearly 4,000 jobs in just two years. “On April 1, 2025, the Administration began withholding and delaying funds Congress already enacted and appropriated for MEP Centers,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators in a letter to Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology Craig Burkhardt. “Since then, NIST and the Administration have put the future of the MEP Program in deep uncertainty with its ever-shifting chronology of statements and actions. This uncertainty has already caused roughly 90% of MEP Centers to conduct layoffs or freeze hiring, with some at risk of entirely shutting down. Our offices are also deeply troubled by reports that the Administration has issued Reduction in Force (RIF) and possible separation notices to every MEP employee. These actions disregard Congress’s explicit statutory direction to fully fund the MEP Program and its Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.” These actions come despite longstanding broad, bipartisan support from Congress, and the fact that both the House and Senate Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bills provide $175 million for MEP. The Administration has also claimed that the goal of the MEP – to support American manufacturers – was not aligned with the Administration’s priorities. President Trump has promised an “American manufacturing boom,” b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-about-donations-to-trumps-ballroom-presses-new-architect-leading-white-house-project-for-details | Blumenthal Demands Answers About Donations to Trump's Ballroom, Presses New Architect Leading White House Project for Details | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from Roblox CEO David Baszucki about his reported contribution to President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom as well as ten other individuals who attended the October 15, 2025 fundraising dinner for the project. As Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the use of private donations to fund President Trump’s increasingly expensive ballroom, most recently estimated to cost $400 million, and has repeatedly raised concerns about donors that have deep financial, business, or other personal interests before the Trump Administration. In a letter sent today to Baszucki, Blumenthal requested additional information from the Roblox CEO about his donation, following a recent meeting during which Baszucki confirmed that he had contributed to President Trump’s ballroom, “I appreciated your candor and transparency at our recent meeting, in acknowledging that you were among the guests in attendance at that dinner and that you made a $5 million contribution to the ballroom project in your personal capacity.” Blumenthal continued, “As an attendee at the October 15 dinner and donor to the project, you possess critical information about the Administration’s solicitation of donations, its management of this project, why your donation was not publicly disclosed, and what President Trump or his representatives may have agreed to provide in exchange.” In letters to ten other individuals who attended the October 15 fundraiser, including Frank J. Fertitta II, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Red Rock Resorts, Blumenthal wrote, “A representative of your company was reportedly among the guests in attendance at the October 15 dinner; however, neither you nor your company were on the donor list which the White House released to the public several days later. My office has recently received information that at least one other attendee at the October 1… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-democratic-colleagues-introduce-sweeping-veterans-bill-to-reform-and-improve-va-health-care | Blumenthal, Democratic Colleagues Introduce Sweeping Veterans Bill to Reform & Improve VA Health Care | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is leading a group of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Honor Our Promise to Veterans Act (the Honor Act)—sweeping legislation to invest in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) aging infrastructure, improve VA’s ability to recruit high quality health care employees, and improve the standards of care veterans receive. He was joined by fellow Committee members U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). “Democrats are pushing sweeping reforms to fix a VA system stretched to its limits. The VA system is underfunded, understaffed, and overdue for reform. We are demanding major capital investments in VA facilities, more money for the staff who deliver health care, and increased standards for community care,” said Ranking Member Blumenthal. Blumenthal continued, “Built on years of feedback from veterans and recommendations from watchdogs, our legislation enacts sweeping historic reforms to ensure veterans receive high-quality, timely care—both at VA facilities and in the community. The Honor Act mandates broad, landmark investments to replace VA’s aging infrastructure and make VA clinicians’ compensation more competitive. It aims to guarantee veterans’ access to well-trained, veteran-informed care no matter where they live.” “We have an obligation to do more than just thank our veterans for their service. We owe veterans the full, critical benefits they earned through their service,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “The Honor Act is an important step in fulfilling our obligation by ensuring the VA can easily improve its infrastructure, recruit high quality candidates, and always ensure our veterans are receiving the highest quality health care.” “We owe it to veterans in Maine and acro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-trump-administrations-latest-attack-on-revolution-wind | Blumenthal Statement on Trump Administration's Latest Attack on Revolution Wind | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard released the following statement today on the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to stop work on the nearly complete Revolution Wind offshore wind project. “While the Trump Administration plays political games with Revolution Wind, here’s what’s at stake for Connecticut: the loss of good paying union jobs, billions of public and private dollars wasted, and higher electricity prices. This latest attack on Revolution Wind is even more absurd than the first one. The President cites national security risks, but has not been able to prove or demonstrate that such risks even exist. I am standing with our state’s delegation to keep fighting for this project, the workers who deserve to keep their jobs, and the Connecticut consumers who can’t afford to pay more for electricity,” Blumenthal said. After the Trump Administration’s first attempt to stop work at Revolution Wind in late August, Blumenthal wrote to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers regarding Trump’s interference in the project. A copy of that letter is available here. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-continues-to-push-for-answers-on-trumps-pharmaceutical-deals/ | Gallego Continues to Push for Answers on Trump’s Pharmaceutical Deals | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | In letters to the drug companies who recently inked deals with President Trump, Senator Gallego calls for more details and greater transparency WASHINGTON – In response to President Trump’s recent announcement that nine drugmakers agreed to direct-to-consumer pricing through the TrumpRx drug purchasing platform, and the implementation of “Most Favored Nation” (MFN) pricing in Medicaid, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) called on the drug manufacturers to clarify the agreement and provide the public with details on the arrangement. “It raises concern that to date, the public has been provided with only limited details, despite the significance of this arrangement for millions of patients, and that in return for this arrangement [these companies] will get a three-year exemption from Section 232 tariffs,” Senator Gallego wrote in the letters to the drug manufacturers. In the letters, Senator Gallego asks the drug manufacturers the following questions: Under the proposed model, which countries and pricing metrics will be used in the MFN formula? Will [the company] commit to transparency in how MFN prices are calculated, and disclose how the final MFN price is calculated, whether discounts, rebates, or pricing agreements are incorporated? How frequently will MFN comparator pricing be updated? Will changes be made automatically as international pricing data changes? What is the full scope of [your company’s] drugs subject to MFN pricing in Medicaid? How will MFN pricing in Medicaid affect Medicaid Best Price and the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program? Will [your company] commit to not shifting costs to other markets? Do you commit to not recoup any revenue reductions by raising prices in private insurance markets, employee-sponsored plans, or Medicare? Are there plans for [the company] to expand MFN or TrumpRx-style pricing to the commercial insurance or Medicare Part D markets? Given that Medicaid beneficiary cost-sharing on prescription drugs is generally limited, please explain how beneficiaries will see savings und… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-gallego-gives-back-ahead-of-the-holidays-with-toy-donations/ | Senator Gallego Gives Back Ahead of the Holidays with Toy Donations | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | PHOENIX – Ahead of the holidays, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) visited Phoenix Children’s Hospital to donate toys as part of the hospital’s annual Toyland Toy Drive, helping ensure every child admitted to the hospital over the holidays receives a gift. The hospital plans to provide gifts to over 400 families this year. During the visit, Senator Gallego delivered toys and spent time with hospital staff, thanking them for their dedication to caring for Arizona’s children, especially during a season that can be particularly challenging for families spending the holidays in the hospital. “During the holidays, it’s especially important that we look out for one another, and as a father of three, I know how much joy this time of year can bring,” said Senator Gallego. “For kids who have to spend this time in the hospital, even a small moment of joy can make a big difference. I’m grateful for the incredible staff at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for the care and compassion they provide to Arizona families every single day.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-job-and-energy-killing-empire-wind-1-and-sunrise-wind-pause/ | Gillibrand Statement On Job And Energy Killing Empire Wind 1 And Sunrise Wind Pause | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the brazen attack on New York’s energy economy by Trump’s Department of the Interior: “This announcement has nothing to do with national security and everything to do with a political agenda against energy and job creation in New York. There is no justification for a decision that destroys good-paying union jobs and drives up energy costs for hardworking New York families. I urge the Interior Secretary to reverse this reckless pause and allow these projects to power homes, job creation, and New York’s economy.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-recognizes-kevin-semprini-of-portsmouth-as-decembers-granite-stater-of-the-month | Senator Hassan Recognizes Kevin Semprini of Portsmouth as December’s Granite Stater of the Month | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Margaret Wood Hassan | H001076 | www.hassan.senate.gov | hassan | https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Kevin Semprini of Portsmouth as December’s Granite Stater of the Month. Throughout his decades-long law enforcement service, Kevin has helped protect children across New Hampshire and keep our communities safe. A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Kevin grew up admiring the police officers in his neighborhood who worked to build a strong community. Kevin knew from an early age that he wanted to be a part of that mission. Inspired by their example, he joined the police force and dedicated himself to serving his community. Early in his career, Officer Semprini identified a need to strengthen child safety across New Hampshire. Working closely with the Portsmouth police chief, he helped to create a new school safety program. His work took him to local schools where he helped elementary school students learn about tips on how to stay safe. He quickly earned a nickname from students who struggled to pronounce his last name which reflected his warm and reassuring presence: “Officer Friendly,” a name that would stay with him throughout his career. As the department evolved, Officer Semprini played a key role in expanding youth-focused safety initiatives. He was introduced to the DARE program by a new Chief of Police and worked with state officials to pilot New Hampshire’s first DARE program, which was later expanded statewide. After 46 years of service, Officer Semprini retires with the gratitude of the Portsmouth community and all Granite Staters. His lifelong dedication to protecting children and strengthening public safety exemplifies the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile for one’s community. His lifelong work to support Portsmouth students is why Senator Hassan is proud to name him December’s Granite Stater of the Month. Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hassan-and-young-secure-lab-test-report-improvement-that-helps-parents-reduce-childrens-exposure-to-toxic-lead | Senators Hassan and Young Secure Lab Test Report Improvement That Helps Parents Reduce Children’s Exposure to Toxic Lead | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Margaret Wood Hassan | H001076 | www.hassan.senate.gov | hassan | https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Following a bipartisan push from U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN), major lab testing companies are taking steps to help parents reduce their children’s exposure to toxic lead. Young children who are exposed to lead can develop long-lasting cognitive impairments. In November, Senators Hassan and Young wrote to Quest and Labcorp, the nation's two largest lab testing companies, urging the companies to clearly state when providing children’s lead blood test results that there is no safe level of lead in a child’s blood. Both companies are now implementing this change, helping parents act to reduce their children’s toxic lead exposure when blood tests show elevated lead blood levels. Prior to this change, elevated lead blood levels below a particular “reference value” were frequently categorized as “normal” when patients received their results. As a result, parents looking at these test results may not have understood that their children’s even slightly elevated lead blood levels could cause long-lasting health problems. “I commend Quest and Labcorp for working quickly to help parents better protect their children from toxic lead exposure,”said Senator Hassan. “Clearly stating on blood test results that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children will help ensure that parents can take action when lead exposure is putting their children at risk of life-long impairment.” “It’s important that patients receive accurate and clear information from health care providers – especially when it comes to kids. I’m pleased that these providers quickly made adjustments to ensure that parents are more aware that any level of lead in their children’s blood can have serious health consequences,” said Senator Young. “We welcome the efforts of Senators Hassan and Young to educate the public on the dangers of lead exposure, even at the lowest levels, and the critical role blood lab tests play in illuminating a path to good health,” said Yuri Fesko, MD, senior vice president and chief med… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trumps-assault-on-wind-energy-leaves-permitting-reform-dead-in-the-water | Trump’s Assault on Wind Energy Leaves Permitting Reform Dead in the Water | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), issued the following statement after the Trump Administration stopped five offshore wind farms that were under construction—adding to the growing number of onshore solar and wind energy projects that are still waiting for approval from the Department of Interior—preventing the delivery of affordable, reliable energy to tens of millions of Americans: “We want to thank Chairs Capito and Lee for their good-faith efforts to negotiate a permitting reform bill that would have lowered electricity prices for all Americans. There was a deal to be had that would have taken politics out of permitting, made the process faster and more efficient, and streamlined grid infrastructure improvements nationwide.” “But any deal would have to be administered by the Trump Administration. Its reckless and vindictive assault on wind energy doesn’t just undermine one of our cheapest, cleanest power sources, it wrecks the trust needed with the executive branch for bipartisan permitting reform. By sabotaging U.S. energy innovation and killing American jobs, the Trump Administration has made clear that it is not interested in permitting reform. It will own the higher electricity prices, increasingly decrepit infrastructure, and loss of competitiveness that result from its reckless policies.” “The illegal attacks on fully permitted renewable energy projects must be reversed if there is to be any chance that permitting talks resume. There is no path to permitting reform if this administration refuses to follow the law.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-neguse-hurd-mobilize-bipartisan-coalition-to-protect-ncar/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse, Hurd Mobilize Bipartisan Coalition to Protect NCAR | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd led a bipartisan, bicameral coalition to protect funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder. They mobilized 76 lawmakers to demand top congressional appropriators include language in the government funding package to prevent the dismantling of NCAR and ensure NCAR can maintain its core capabilities and continue delivering vital Earth system science that promotes public safety and improves national security. “Donald Trump’s vengeful plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research is not only illegal, it’s indefensible,” said Hickenlooper. “It will have devastating consequences not only for Colorado, but across the country. Colorado won’t be intimidated by the bully in the White House. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to fight back.” “Last week, I blocked the Senate appropriations process to demand full funding for NCAR in response to President Trump’s threat to dismantle it,” said Bennet. “NCAR’s work is indispensable for communities, decision-makers, and emergency responders. From predicting extreme weather conditions to supporting disaster preparedness to understanding how wildfires spread, the elimination of NCAR would be catastrophic for public safety and national security. I am grateful to Representatives Neguse and Hurd for their partnership on the effort to protect NCAR. We will explore every avenue to ensure we don’t lose this vital institution.” “The work being done at NCAR is vital to our state, our country, and our planet. The breathtaking advancements these scientists and researchers are making every day play a critical role in alerting communities to extreme weather conditions and the advanced modeling systems they are creating are vital to our national security. Any attempt to dismantle this institution is dangerous, reckless, and would, ultimately, put the United States at a very deep competitive disadvantage,” said Ne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-crack-down-on-pharmacy-benefit-managers-price-gouging | Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ Price Gouging | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and colleagues introduced the bipartisan, bicameral PBM Fiduciary Accountability, Integrity, and Reform (FAIR) Act, legislation that would establish fiduciary responsibilities for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—the middlemen of drug pricing—and require PBMs to act in the best interests of employees relying on employer-sponsored health plans, while keeping plan costs low. “Pharmacy benefit managers should be held accountable for their role in raising costs of prescription drugs,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring that PBMs are doing what’s best for Americans who rely on lifesaving medication.” Currently, PBMs that provide drug benefits for employer health plans often get away with price-gouging because they are not legally required to put employees’ interests first. The PBM Fair Act would ensure PBMs are classified as fiduciaries under law—thereby helping to curb hidden fees and end practices that drive up what employees pay for their medications. To ensure employer-sponsored health care plans are affordable and accessible to all families, this bill would specifically rein in bad PBM practices, such as: Marking up generic drugs at prices hundreds of times higher than actual cost; Limiting patient choice; and Denying claims with no or misleading explanations. In addition to Kaine, this bill is introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Companion legislation is led in the House by U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07). Full text of the bill is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-slam-trump-administrations-sudden-halt-of-virginia-offshore-wind-project | Warner, Kaine, Scott Slam Trump Administration’s Sudden Halt of Virginia Offshore Wind Project | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine along with U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (all D-VA) issued the following statement: “Despite our senior roles on the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, the administration has failed to share any new information that supports this sudden and sweeping move to halt all offshore wind development, including a project off the coast of Virginia that is already almost complete and operational. That silence speaks volumes, especially given the president’s longstanding, well-documented opposition to offshore wind – and the promises he’s made to his donors to put his thumb on the scale against certain energy projects. This reckless, haphazard approach puts billions of dollars in private investment at risk, threatens thousands of good-paying American jobs coming to a veteran-heavy area, undermines energy security, and damages the credibility of the United States government. Virginia’s offshore wind project has undergone years of rigorous review and represents a critical step toward strengthening our energy independence, lowering energy costs for American families, growing our clean energy economy, and positioning the Commonwealth as a global leader in this industry. When a project that has met every requirement is suddenly stopped without explanation, it is fair to ask whether this decision is being driven by evidence, or by personal and political grievance.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-cornyn-bill-to-boost-military-service-recruiting-signed-into-law/ | Kelly, Cornyn Bill to Boost Military Service Recruiting Signed into Law | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements after their bill to promote U.S. military recruiter access to secondary schools and attract the next generation of service members was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026: “When I was young, the U.S. Navy gave me purpose, direction, and the chance to be part of something much larger than myself. Our country needs more young people willing to step up, challenge themselves, and take advantage of these opportunities that come from military service,” said Sen. Kelly. “We’re making sure recruiters have fair access to schools so students who want to serve their country can get accurate information and a real path to do it.” “As the global threat landscape evolves and grows more complex, it’s vital that we attract, develop, and retain top talent to boost military readiness,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By expanding U.S. military recruiters’ access to high schools, we can enlist the next generation of advanced warfighters to serve under the bold leadership of President Trump and defend America’s interests at home and abroad.” Background: The Senators championed these provisions in the NDAA FY26 to ensure U.S. military service recruiters have the same access to high schools as colleges and prospective employers, so students can fully understand the benefits of military service and pursue it as a viable path after graduation. A recent CRS report analyzed military recruitment and goals for bringing new personnel into the Armed Forces to ensure our nation has a trained, robust, and fully manned military workforce. The report revealed the Army and Navy failed to meet their recruitment and personnel goals in previous Fiscal Years. Notably, the Navy recently announced it had more than 20,000 gaps at sea, which can harm retention and increase the risk for accidents and collisions. Similarly, the Department of the Army confirmed a 15,000-soldier shortfall two years ago u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/year-in-review-kelly-secures-millions-in-federal-funding-for-public-safety-and-infrastructure-projects-across-arizona/ | Year in Review: Kelly Secures Millions in Federal Funding for Public Safety and Infrastructure Projects Across Arizona | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Secured $22 million for a child development center at Luke Air Force Base and $2.7 million for rural Arizona fire, police, and flood protection projects This year, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly championed federal investments for rural Arizona communities, delivering for local projects in every corner of the state. As too many of Arizona’s rural communities rely on decades-old equipment and run-down facilities that no longer meet the demands of today’s first responders, Kelly’s work focused on securing practical upgrades to keep communities safe. These investments will improve public safety, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and support military families. Arizona Priorities Requested and Secured by Kelly Luke Air Force Base This year, Senator Kelly secured more than $22 million to construct a much-needed child development center for servicemembers and their families at Luke Air Force Base. The funding builds on planning and design funds Kelly secured in the past two defense bills and will expand childcare capacity to better support military families. Read more about what this means for families at Luke here. Pinal County – Smith Wash Watershed Plan Pinal County received $1 million to develop a flood control plan for portions of Smith Wash in Pinal County to protect nearby homes and infrastructure. Watch more about this project here. City of Bisbee Following the devastating Main Street fires in Bisbee, Kelly secured $620,000 to replace a 30-year-old fire truck with a new aerial ladder fire truck, giving the city the resources needed to protect residents and businesses in the historic downtown district. Read more about what Bisbee Mayor Ken Budge said about this funding here. Town of Clarkdale Thanks to Kelly’s work, Clarkdale received $150,000 to make essential structural upgrades to the Clarkdale Police Station. The current building dates back to 1918 and needs critical repairs to ensure a safe working environment for law enforcement personnel. Read more about what Clarkdale Town Manager Susan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5FFA1D8D-0F75-4EC2-B3AF-F28835728882 | Klobuchar Statement on Instacart Ending Dynamic Pricing | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | klobuchar | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member on the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, released the following statement on Instacart announcing it will end its practice of charging some customers more than others for the same products. This follows Klobuchar leading a group of seven other Senators in calling for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Instacart’s dynamic pricing. “Grocery prices are already too high—Americans shouldn’t be forced to pay even more because companies use artificial intelligence to inflate prices. I called on the FTC to investigate Instacart’s use of dynamic pricing to charge customers more for the same product because it is wrong and deceptive. Customers deserve fair prices and real competition to lower costs.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E3DCCC10-4427-49D9-9EC2-9436FD12A89F | Klobuchar, Firefighters and Advocates Celebrate Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act Being Signed Into Law | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | klobuchar | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases | scraper | ST. LOUIS PARK, MN — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Minnesota Professional Firefighters Association President Scott Vadnais, IAFF Saint Paul Local 21 President Kyle Thornberg, IAFF Minneapolis Local 82 President Mark Lakosky, St. Louis Park Fire Chief Peter Hanline, Julie and Meghan Paidar, St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed, and St. Louis Park firefighters to celebrate the passage of Klobuchar’s bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act and honor the memory of Captain Michael Paidar, who died in 2020 from an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia while serving with the Saint Paul Fire Department. “Passing this bipartisan legislation was a critical victory for our firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and their loved ones,” said Senator Klobuchar. “With the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act now signed into law, we are ensuring that the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program covers service-related cancers—honoring the memory of Captain Paidar and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice.” “I’m grateful to Senator Klobuchar for leading the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. Every day, our nation’s first responders selflessly serve and protect their communities. Unfortunately, through exposures on the job, many are also fighting occupational cancer. As our family knows firsthand, the lives of the first responder and their family are forever changed upon the cancer diagnosis. Mike loved being a career firefighter and paramedic. Losing him to Leukemia in 2020 was devastating not only for our family, but also for his fire family and our communities. This important legislation will honor his legacy and recognize the sacrifices of our fallen, allowing first responders and their families to receive the PSOB benefits they rightly deserve,” said Julie Paidar, widow of St. Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar. “Minnesota's firefighters and their families are better protected than ever today because of the passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act,” said Scott Vad… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-led-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-30-years-of-u-s-vietnam-relationship-passes-senate/ | Merkley-led Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing 30 Years of U.S.-Vietnam Relationship Passes Senate | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—announced that his bipartisan resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the normalization of relations between the United States and Vietnam unanimously passed the Senate. Merkley led the resolution alongside U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). “Vietnam is a critical partner to the United States, and only together will we be able to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our two nations,” said Merkley.“The unanimous passage of our bipartisan resolution reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to sustaining a productive bilateral relationship, ongoing support of war legacy programs to bring closure to all who suffered in the Vietnam War, and our determination to work together to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.” As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, Merkley has long advocated for the United States’ strategic partnerships in the region, including with Vietnam. In 2023, he led a bicameral congressional delegation to Vietnam, meeting with senior Vietnamese government officials, examining the painful wartime legacy of the Vietnam conflict, and traveling to a town on the Mekong River experiencing rising sea levels due to climate chaos. Full text of the bipartisan resolution can be found by clicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-announce-960881-coming-to-wasco-county-for-distance-learning/ | Merkley, Wyden Announce $960,881 Coming to Wasco County for Distance Learning | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a federal investment of $960,881 for the Dufur School District 29 to support distance learning in Wasco County. With this funding, instructors at Portland Community College in Multnomah County, Baker Technical Institute in Baker County, Columbia Gorge Community College in Wasco County, and the Oregon Veterans Home in Wasco County will deliver technical training, STEM coursework, and certified nurse assistant training courses to three locations benefiting 655 Dufur School District 29 students. “As I hold a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, I frequently hear from folks about the challenges they are facing, especially in rural communities that have unique hurdles in accessing education and health care services,” said Merkley. “This critical investment will ensure that working families living in more remote communities will have better access to the tools and services they need to thrive.” “Distance to a city should not determine whether or not hard-working students are able to access a quality education,” said Wyden. “This grant closes that gap and ensures students in Wasco County can gain the technical skills required to expand the healthcare workforce. I applaud this federal award to Dufur School District, and I will fight for more programs like this that provide opportunities for students living in Oregon’s rural communities.” This federal funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants, which help rural communities access advanced telecommunications technology. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warn-of-devastating-impacts-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands/ | Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warn of Devastating Impacts to Ecosystems and Public Lands | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)—the top Democrat overseeing funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)—and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)—former chairman and current senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources—joined their colleagues in urging the administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the FWS, which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges, putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country—with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. According to public reports, Oregon and Washington have lost a combined 50 senior level scientists and staff. “Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the Senators wrote. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,” the Senators continued. The Senators also emphasized that operating with few… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-blumenthal-colleagues-demand-answers-on-trump-vas-plan-to-eliminate-tens-of-thousands-of-health-care-jobs/ | Murray, Blumenthal, Colleagues Demand Answers on Trump VA’s Plan to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of Health Care Jobs | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators: “At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them.” ICYMI: VIDEO FROM SENATOR MURRAY: “Exactly zero veterans think the problem with the VA health care system is that there are *too many* staff providing care. But Trump’s VA has now decided it won’t fill thousands of open positions. We need answers about what this will mean for veterans.” ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and 36 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter demanding answers about the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This follows recent reporting from The Washington Post detailing the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled mission-critical health care positions at VA, including for doctors, nurses, and support staff. “We write to express our concern following the December 13, 2025, Washington Post article ‘VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs,’ which spotlights the Department’s plan to cut as many as 35,000 vacant positions from its workforce rolls before the end of the calendar year,” the senators wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Compounded by the exodus of more than 40,000 Department employees in fiscal year (FY) 2025, any unjustified cuts to existing vacancies would further disrupt a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce that is already stretched dangerously thin and under assault.” The senators pushed back on Secretary Collins’ claims that cutting these jobs will have “no … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-urge-trump-administration-to-reverse-devastating-cuts-to-federal-weather-forecasting-and-snowpack-monitoring-services/ | Padilla, Schiff Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Devastating Cuts to Federal Weather Forecasting and Snowpack Monitoring Services | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) pushed the Trump Administration to reverse its shortsighted staff cuts and harmful reductions to critical weather forecasting services and snowpack surveys at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). With an atmospheric river bearing down on California through Christmas, which has already caused severe flooding in Redding, the Senators raised the alarm that these dangerous cuts will restrict California’s preparation for dangerous storms and floods — threatening public safety, property, and agriculture — while damaging the state’s water supply. Due to the Trump Administration’s mass staff firings and other staff reductions, River Forecasting Centers have been forced to consolidate duties and shift roles away from consistent monitoring in specific local areas to more general ones. These unprecedented staffing cuts have also led to reduced overnight operations, less frequent collection of comprehensive data, and delays in severe weather warnings, while straining California’s state-federal partnerships that are necessary for forecasting, snowpack monitoring, and snow surveys. Padilla and Schiff warned that California National Weather Service (NWS) scientists are now simultaneously monitoring multiple flood-prone regions outside their normal coverage areas due to these cuts, which could limit critical written forecasts. “We are gravely concerned that diminished services within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture pose unnecessary risks to California lives and property and harm the state’s ability to prepare for dangerous storms and floods and to provide essential water,” wrote the California Senators. “We write to ask you to reconsider these reductions for the safety and well-being of Californians, and the many Americans that depend on timely weather and water services and forecasting.” The relentless rainfall f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trump-admins-attack-on-offshore-wind-and-ri-jobs | Reed Statement on Trump Admin’s Attack on Offshore Wind & RI Jobs | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | CRANSTON, RI – After the Trump Administration today announced it is once again halting offshore wind projects across the nation – including Revolution Wind, which is 85 percent complete and located approximately 15 miles off the southern shore of Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement: “President Trump’s outdated energy policies are killing good-paying union jobs and have already increased energy bills for the average American family by thirteen percent since January. “While energy prices are soaring and our competitors across the globe are racing to innovate and find new sources of clean energy, we need to make energy more affordable and our energy grid more resilient. But Trump’s repeated attacks on offshore wind are holding our nation back, increasing energy bills, and hurting our economy. “The Ocean State knows the great potential of offshore wind for our economy and environment. I will continue fighting to ensure these projects can move forward to help lower energy bills for Rhode Islanders and create more jobs and more opportunity for all.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-schatz-colleagues-press-for-media-access-to-gaza | Van Hollen, Schatz, Colleagues Press for Media Access to Gaza | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | www.vanhollen.senate.gov | vanhollen | https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) were joined by over a dozen of their colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration to demand free and independent press access to Gaza immediately. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators urge the Administration to do more to secure the lifting of the Netanyahu government’s ban on press access to Gaza, underscoring the need for this access to ensure the international community has unbiased information to understand the conflict, current conditions, and ceasefire implementation. In addition to Senators Van Hollen and Schatz, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). The Senators began, “We write to urge the Trump administration to swiftly demand that Israel allow free and independent press access to Gaza. We welcome reports that the Trump administration has been requesting that the Netanyahu government allow foreign journalists into Gaza now that a ceasefire is in place, and we urge the administration to amplify this pressure and prioritize this request as part of the ongoing talks with the Netanyahu government on the path to peace in the region. Free and independent press access to Gaza is crucial to facilitate the public’s right to uncensored and impartial information, to monitor implementation of the current ceasefire, and to ensure that Americans, Israelis, and the rest of the world have a factual accounting of what is occurring on the ground in Gaza.” “Foreign journalists have consistently reported in high-risk, high-casualty, and volatile armed conflicts - including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine – without military or government approval or monitoring. In fact,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BFA83056-C5DC-4E10-8A48-96069B461ED1 | Warner, Kaine, Scott Slam Trump Administration's Sudden Halt of Virginia Offshore Wind Project | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine along with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (all D-VA) issued the following statement: “Despite our senior roles on the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, the administration has failed to share any new information that supports this sudden and sweeping move to halt all offshore wind development, including a project off the coast of Virginia that is already almost complete and operational. That silence speaks volumes, especially given the president’s longstanding, well-documented opposition to offshore wind – and the promises he’s made to his donors to put his thumb on the scale against certain energy projects. This reckless, haphazard approach puts billions of dollars in private investment at risk, threatens thousands of good-paying American jobs coming to a veteran-heavy area, undermines energy security, and damages the credibility of the United States government. Virginia’s offshore wind project has undergone years of rigorous review and represents a critical step toward strengthening our energy independence, lowering energy costs for American families, growing our clean energy economy, and positioning the Commonwealth as a global leader in this industry. When a project that has met every requirement is suddenly stopped without explanation, it is fair to ask whether this decision is being driven by evidence, or by personal and political grievance.” ### * High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for downloadhere* | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-blunt-rochester-merkley-introduce-bill-to-repair-infrastructure-bridge-communities/ | Warnock, Blunt Rochester, Merkley, Introduce Bill to Repair Infrastructure, Bridge Communities | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | GA | Raphael G. Warnock | W000790 | www.warnock.senate.gov | warnock | https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators Reverend Warnock, Blunt Rochester, and Merkley introduced the Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient (REPAIR) Infrastructure Program Act to help reunite communities divided by transportation infrastructure This legislation would expand on theReconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP) to allocate $15 billion over five years for projects that serve to create economic opportunity by reconnecting communities and creating new space for housing, jobs, and economic development Construction of the Downtown Connecter in Atlanta and the I-16 Flyover in Savannah displaced historically Black communities and business districts, leaving friends and neighbors on opposite ends of the tracks Senator Reverend Warnock: “Ensuring Georgians aren’t cut off from accessing jobs and economic opportunity also helps restore the cultural fabric of communities divided by legacy infrastructure” Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient (REPAIR) Infrastructure Act. The bill would reauthorize and expand the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Reconnecting Communities Program as the REPAIR Infrastructure Program. “Physical mobility and economic mobility are inextricably linked,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Ensuring Georgians aren’t cut off from accessing jobs and economic opportunity also helps restore the cultural fabric of communities divided by legacy infrastructure. I’m proud to partner with my colleagues on this important legislation and look forward to better-connected communities across our state.” The REPAIR Infrastructure Act will build on the groundwork laid by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bridge communities separated by transportation and infrastructure barriers, and create new space for economic development. This would ensure more neighborhoods are vibrant and safe, contributing to healthier lives and creating more opportunities for Am… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-tax-filing-season-warren-king-15-senators-warn-of-tax-filing-chaos-after-trump-admin-attacks-on-irs | Ahead of Tax Filing Season, Warren, King, 15 Senators Warn of Tax Filing Chaos After Trump Admin Attacks on IRS | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Elizabeth Warren | W000817 | www.warren.senate.gov | warren | https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Ahead of Tax Filing Season, Warren, King, 15 Senators Warn of Tax Filing Chaos After Trump Admin Attacks on IRS Broad coalition of lawmakers call 2026 tax filing season a “huge test for the IRS” September Inspector General report warned that IRS is woefully unprepared for upcoming filing season, largely due to Trump admin gutting IRS workforce Text of Letter (PDF) Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) led 15 Senators in pressing Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent and IRS Chief of Taxpayer Services Ken Corbin, warning that the IRS may not be prepared for the upcoming tax filing season — and that failure could saddle American taxpayers with filing problems and refund delays. The following Senators also joined the letter: Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “Taxpayers deserve to have the information and assistance they need to file their taxes and receive their refunds in a timely manner. The Trump Administration’s relentless attacks on the IRS threaten its ability to serve the public and undercut its mission to provide taxpayers with top quality service and ensure that our tax laws are enforced with integrity and fairness,” wrote the lawmakers. A recent report from the independent Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) warned that the IRS is woefully unprepared for the 2026 filing season, in large part due to the Trump administration’s widespread and large-scale staffing reductions at the IRS. The report indicated that these staffing cuts will likely prevent the IRS from adequately addressing fraud, managing and proc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-slams-pentagons-failure-to-properly-implement-housing-reforms-for-service-members-and-families | Warren Slams Pentagon’s Failure to Properly Implement Housing Reforms for Service Members and Families | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Elizabeth Warren | W000817 | www.warren.senate.gov | warren | https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Warren Slams Pentagon’s Failure to Properly Implement Housing Reforms for Service Members and Families Warren finds shockingly low use of housing dispute process and complaint database, revealing that Pentagon may be failing to “properly inform service members of their housing rights” “DoD must do more to fully and effectively implement these reporting and oversight mechanisms to hold private housing companies accountable for substandard living conditions” Text of Letter (PDF) Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with concerns that the Department of Defense (DoD) is failing to properly implement a housing complaint database and the formal dispute resolution process for service members and families living in privatized housing on military bases around the country. “My review has found that few service members are using these tools, which may indicate that DoD is failing to effectuate the tools mandated by Congress to ensure military families are provided with safe and sanitary housing,” said Senator Warren. Following reporting that military families were subjected to unsafe and unsanitary living conditions, Senator Warren conducted her own investigation, finding that housing contractors systematically failed to provide acceptable housing for servicemembers while earning huge profits and facing little DoD oversight or accountability. In response to the findings of this investigation, Senator Warren secured bipartisan reforms in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to address concerns that service members and families were subjected to unsafe and unsanitary conditions with no recourse. These included the creation of a formal dispute resolution process for residents facing inadequate housing conditions and the creation of a public complaint database for residents to hold private military housing companies accountable for their failures. However, DoD did not implement the public complaint database until August 2024, nearly 4 years a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warn-of-devastating-impacts-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands | Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warn of Devastating Impacts to Ecosystems and Public Lands | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)—the top Democrat overseeing funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)—and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)—former chairman and current senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources—joined their colleagues in urging the administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the FWS, which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges, putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country—with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. According to public reports, Oregon and Washington have lost a combined 50 senior level scientists and staff. “Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the Senators wrote. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,” the Senators continued. The Senators also emphasized that operating with few… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-polis-call-on-president-to-reverse-denial-of-colorados-disaster-requests/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet, Polis Call on President to Reverse Denial of Colorado’s Disaster Requests | 2025-12-21 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | This Saturday, President Trump denied Colorado’s requests for FEMA funding to help communities rebuild from devastation fires and floods WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Governor Jared Polis called on President Trump to reverse his decision to deny Colorado’s Major Disaster Declaration requests for the Elk and Lee Fires and the flooding in Western Colorado. These federal declarations would have unlocked FEMA funding to support the recovery efforts for each of these disasters, providing critical aid to impacted Western Colorado residents and businesses. “Coloradans are trying to rebuild their lives after fires and floods destroyed homes and communities across our state. Trump’s decision to reject our disaster requests, and therefore withhold resources as our communities continue to recover, is unacceptable. This isn’t a game. These are people’s lives,” said Hickenlooper. “President Trump’s decision to deny Colorado’s request for critical federal assistance is unacceptable,” said Bennet. “Communities in Western Colorado are in serious need of help after the life-threatening flooding and historic wildfires earlier this year. Trump continues to use Coloradans for political games; it is malicious and obscene. A disaster is a disaster, regardless of what state in the country it took place. Together with Governor Polis and the Colorado delegation, I will take every available step to appeal this decision.” “Coloradans impacted by the Elk and Lee fires and the flooding in Southwestern Colorado deserve better than the political games President Trump is playing. One of the most amazing things to witness as Governor has been the resilience of Coloradans following a natural disaster. Their courage, strength, and willingness to help one another is unmatched – values that President Trump seems to have forgotten. I call on the President’s better angels, and urge him to reconsider these requests. This is about the Coloradans who need this support, and we won’t stop fighting for them t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trump-administration-failure-to-release-the-complete-epstein-files | Durbin Statement On Trump Administration Failure To Release The Complete Epstein Files | 2025-12-20 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Department of Justice failed to produce the complete Epstein files yesterday in accordance with federal law: “Yesterday could have been a win for survivors, accountability, and transparency to the public. It wasn’t. After mishandling the Epstein files all year, the Trump Administration is now violating federal law to protect the rich and powerful. “It took an act of Congress to force Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Dan Bongino to even consider providing justice. They had a choice: survivors or Donald Trump. They chose the latter. “Senate Judiciary Democrats will investigate this violation of law and make sure the American people know about it. “The survivors deserve better. It’s clear Donald Trump and his Republican enablers are working for the rich and powerful elites—and not you.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/watch-gillibrand-touts-her-law-to-protect-large-public-events-from-drone-attacks-on-cbs-saturday-morning/ | Watch: Gillibrand Touts Her Law To Protect Large Public Events From Drone Attacks On CBS Saturday Morning | 2025-12-20 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | ***Watch the segment here*** In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, appeared on CBS Saturday Morning with Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-AR) to discuss their legislation to protect large public events from drone attacks. Their bill, which passed earlier this week as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, authorizes state and local law enforcement who have been trained by federal authorities to disable drones that pose a credible threat to large gatherings of people. With major events like Buffalo Bills playoff games, the Super Bowl, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics rapidly approaching, this legislation is vital to help protect civilians from the growing threat of drone incursions. CBS News: Police can now take down drones at public gatherings, new defense law says TRANSCRIPT: Anchor: This week, ahead of a series of high-profile sporting events like the Super Bowl, FIFA Men’s World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, lawmakers passed the National Defense Authorization Act. This new defense bill enables local law enforcement to take down drones at public gatherings. That’s something pro sports teams and police have been pushing for. Our Nicole Sganga has the details of how the new law made it across the finish line. REPORTER: Drones hovering above. For years, local police could see them but not stop them. In their last two playoff seasons, the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens saw games disrupted by rogue drones flying near M&T Bank Stadium, and in 2023, a swarm of unidentified drones breached skies above Langley Air Force Base, putting the Pentagon on alert. Gillibrand: When we had multiple, day-after-day drone incursions over Langley, it created huge concern, and it’s what got me so focused on this issue, because we didn’t have the policy in place to take them down. REPORTER: Senators Tom Cotton and Kirsten Gillibrand, leading Republican and Dem… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2025/12/20/slotkin-demands-answers-from-va-ahead-of-deployment-of-electronic-health-record-modernization-in-michigan-while-serious-issues-remain-unresolved/ | Slotkin Demands Answers from VA Ahead of Deployment of Electronic Health Record Modernization in Michigan While Serious Issues Remain Unresolved | 2025-12-20 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Elissa Slotkin | S001208 | www.slotkin.senate.gov | slotkin | https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a new letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins, demanding answers from the VA ahead of the scheduled deployment of the Electronic Health Record modernization (EHR, or EHRM) program at 13 new sites next year, including 4 sites in Michigan, despite serious issues and system defects that remain unaddressed. “VA embarked on the EHRM program in October 2020 with the goal of improving the quality of care for veterans by updating the outdated VistA system to allow for better communication between the Department of Defense, VA, and community care providers,” the Senators wrote. “While we should always strive to innovate and improve the quality of care for veterans, in practice, the rollout of EHRM has been so problematic that it created life-threatening problems and ongoing upheaval for veterans’ ability to get the health care they need.” According to a VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report from 2024, VA’s new EHR system played a role in the 2022 death of a veteran in Ohio, due to errors in the scheduling function that resulted in staff not following up with patients who missed their appointments. Following a litany of serious implementation problems across hospitals in multiple states after the initial rollout in 2020, the VA announced a “reset” period in April 2023 where it paused the expansion of EHR to additional VA hospitals to focus on improving sites where EHRM is currently in use. In December 2024, VA announced that it was beginning early-stage planning to deploy the EHR system to four facilities in Michigan. In March, VA announced that it will complete nine additional medical facilities—bringing the total to 13 facilities expected to go live in 2026. According to VA, complete deployment of the system is anticipated at all VA medical facilities anticipated as early as 2031. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in March 2025 found that 58 percen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/as-union-pacific-files-application-to-acquire-norfolk-southern-senator-baldwin-calls-on-trump-administration-to-get-serious-about-bringing-down-costs-for-wisconsinites | Baldwin Calls for Rejection of Rail Megamerger That Threatens to Raise Costs on Wisconsin Farmers, Manufacturers, and Families | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to reject the merger application filed by Union Pacific to acquire Norfolk Southern. If approved, this merger would greatly reduce competition in Class I rail and worsen already poor service and high costs experienced by Wisconsin farmers and manufacturers while jacking up costs on consumers as businesses pay more to get their products to market. “As Wisconsin families watch the cost of just about everything skyrocket, the last thing they need is a rail merger that all but promises to raise prices and worsen already inadequate service for Wisconsin farmers, manufacturers, and businesses,” said Senator Baldwin. “Approving this merger would take us in the wrong direction – stifling competition, worsening service, and raising costs on consumers and businesses who are already facing growing headwinds because of the Trump Administration. While President Trump accepts payouts from Union Pacific to fund his $400 million ballroom, I’m ready to hold his feet to the fire and demand this merger be rejected on behalf of the Wisconsin farmers, manufacturers, and consumers who simply cannot afford it.” The merger, in which Union Pacific agreed to acquire Norfolk Southern, would be the most significant consolidation in freight rail in decades and would undoubtedly reshape the U.S. freight rail industry and supply chain. Baldwin has been critical of the rail merger, citing the continued consolidation in the railroad industry and impacts on manufacturers, agriculture, small businesses, and consumers. The Surface Transportation Board received a notice of intent regarding the proposed railway merger in July. Today, the railroads filed their formal application, which will initiate the merger review process. In July, Senators Baldwin and Roger Marshall (R-KS) called on the Surface Transportation Board to scrutinize the impact of this merger on the already poor service and high costs experienced by American businesses and co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-releases-statement-on-navy-announcement-of-new-frigate-class | Senator Baldwin Releases Statement on Navy Announcement of New Frigate Class | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after the U.S. Navy announced its plan to introduce a new frigate class. This announcement comes after the Trump administration announced plans to cut back the production of the U.S. Navy’s Constellation-class frigate warships that are produced in Marinette, Green Bay, and Sturgeon Bay, WI. “Wisconsin workers and businesses have decades of experience and a second-to-none track record of building world-class vessels that defend our nation,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I fought hard to build the Constellation-class frigates in Wisconsin, but the Trump administration is turning its back on this program and pulling the rug out from under thousands of skilled workers. Instead of following through with work already underway, Donald Trump has decided to throw in the towel and start from scratch – with no guarantee of better results. If the Trump administration insists on building a new frigate, then I call on the Navy to uphold its promise to Wisconsin’s shipyards, communities, and workers and ensure that some of these ships are built here in Wisconsin. Additionally, using any of the Navy’s money meant to build the Constellation-class in Wisconsin for this new frigate without the approval of Congress is illegal. It is only fair for the Trump administration to use every dollar meant to build the Constellation-class in Wisconsin for other Made in Wisconsin ships.” Baldwin was an early and strong advocate for Constellation-class frigates being built in Wisconsin. In 2020, Fincantieri Marinette Marine won the contract. In the 2021 NDAA, Baldwin helped secure more than $1 billion for an additional Constellation-class frigate, to be built in Marinette, Wisconsin, as well as $69.1 million in additional advanced procurement funding for critical systems and components for the frigate. Since 2023, Senator Baldwin has also successfully fought to include $200 million in Department of Defense funding bills to support the frigate prog… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/19/bennet-hickenlooper-hold-appropriations-package-to-demand-ncar-funding/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Hold Appropriations Package to Demand NCAR Funding | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper issued the following joint statement on their hold to the Senate Appropriations Package to demand funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR): “President Trump is attacking Colorado because we refuse to bend to his corrupt administration. His reckless decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research will have lasting, devastating impacts across the country. We are holding the Senate’s appropriations package to demand full funding for NCAR. As Trump’s rampage continues, we will pull every lever available to do what is right for Colorado.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-senators-demand-answers-on-trump-vas-plan-to-eliminate-tens-of-thousands-of-health-care-jobs | Blumenthal, Senators Demand Answers on Trump VA's Plan to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of Health Care Jobs | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today led a group of 37 of his colleagues demanding answers about the Trump Administration’s plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This follows recent reporting from The Washington Post detailing the Administration’s plans to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled mission-critical health care positions at VA, including for doctors, nurses, and support staff. “We write to express our concern following the December 13, 2025, Washington Post article ‘VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs,’ which spotlights the Department’s plan to cut as many as 35,000 vacant positions from its workforce rolls before the end of the calendar year,” the Senators wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Compounded by the exodus of more than 40,000 Department employees in fiscal year (FY) 2025, any unjustified cuts to existing vacancies would further disrupt a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce that is already stretched dangerously thin and under assault.” The Senators pushed back on Secretary Collins’ claims that cutting these jobs will have “no impact” on VA health care, pointing to data that even if cuts were focused on non-clinical and administrative vacancies, VA would still have to cut 18,000 vacancies from essential, veteran facing positions to meet their 35,000 number. They pressed Collins to provide additional information on VA’s plans to eliminate these positions, including asking for the list of positions removed; the names and titles of staff involved in making this decision; what evidence VA used to support this removal of vacancies; and what data was used to inform individual facility staffing baselines. The Senators concluded, emphasizing the gravity of this plan amid Republicans’ health care-cutting agenda across the government: “Unfilled positions are not reflective of unnecessary positions, and the length of time a position is v… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-senate-confirmation-of-trump-loyalist-john-bartrum-to-lead-vas-health-care-system | Blumenthal statement on Senate Confirmation of Trump Loyalist John Bartrum to Lead VA's Health Care System | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released a statement on the Senate’s confirmation of John Bartrum to be the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Health. Bartrum has served as a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins since January. “Trump political acolyte John Bartrum is the wrong choice to lead VA’s health care system. As a Senior Advisor to VA Secretary Collins, he has played a key role in stonewalling and slow walking Congress and veterans— continuously hiding information about VA’s budget, community care wait times, contract cancellations, and staffing plans. He has also refused to implement laws as Congress intended— playing a central role in withholding critical funding required to be distributed to homeless service providers who support nearly 25,000 of our most vulnerable veterans. His lack of transparency and responsiveness to Congress is wholly unacceptable for someone who will now be tasked with leading the largest health care system in our country at a critical inflection point, and I am disappointed in this body’s decision to confirm him.” As a senior advisor for Collins, Bartrum has played a key role in the firing of thousands of health care staff, the politicization of the VA research publication process, and the cancellation of thousands of VA contracts. He has also refused to implement laws as Congress intended, including the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act. He is continuing to withhold critical funding mandated under this law for organizations housing and providing critical resources for more than 25,000 homeless veterans. The Under Secretary for Health is tasked with overseeing the VA health care system—the largest integrated health care system in the country—which provides care to more than nine million enrolled veterans. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-the-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files-as-demanded-by-survivors-required-by-law | Blumenthal Statement on the DOJ's Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files as Demanded by Survivors, Required by Law | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in response to response to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s statement on Fox News that the Department of Justice will not release the full Epstein files today, as required by law: "The reason that we are seeing any of this material is because the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's horrific crimes have been so courageous and steadfast – and that’s also why releasing an incomplete selection of the files is so offensive and utterly unacceptable. Outrageously, the Administration has now clearly indicated that it will withhold large parts of the file today. Yes, it's a violation of the law; yes, it's an affront to Congress and the American public; but most importantly, it's an insult to the brave women who are asking for one, simple thing: justice. I don't think the Trump Administration can be trusted to follow the law, which is why I'll be calling for an audit by the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General to backstop the concealment Deputy Attorney General Blanche has already admitted to doing." -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-12/12/2025-12/19/2025 | Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 12/12/2025-12/19/2025 | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | Applauding Final Passage of National Defense Authorization Bill [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) welcomed Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Blumenthal championed a number of provisions in the NDAA that promote U.S. national security objectives and bolster Connecticut’s defense industrial base and its workforce, all while improving support for servicemembers across the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 77-20 and was signed into law on December 18. An executive summary of the bill can be found here. “This defense bill prioritizes our national defense with investments in weapons and pay increases for servicemembers—while recognizing Connecticut’s critical role and workforce. The major, historic investments include producing submarines, joint strike fighters and helicopters, and other high tech platforms. Technological advancements and modernization bolster our state’s world-class manufacturing base. I am proud to advocate for the workers dedicated to defending our nation. With this legislation, we ensure that our military has the resources, technology, and support needed to protect our country,” said Blumenthal. The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 also includes several provisions Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), championed to support sexual assault survivors within the Coast Guard. “I am proud of the significant reforms in this bill that will help protect current cadets and Coasties from the kind of harassment, abuse, and retaliation uncovered by my investigation,” Blumenthal said. “There is still significantly more work that needs to be done to combat the Coast Guard’s culture of coverup, but these provisions are an important first step.” In September 2023, as then-Chair of PSI, Blumenthal initiated an inquiry into the Coast Guard’s failure to disclose Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal Coast Guard investigati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-calls-for-shutdown-of-delaney-hall-ice-facility-and-statement-on-death-of-detainee-at-delaney-hall | Booker Calls for Shutdown of Delaney Hall ICE Facility and Statement on Death of Detainee at Delaney Hall | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | NEWARK, NJ — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement: “I’m deeply concerned about the reported death of a 41-year-old man who was being detained at Delaney Hall yesterday. “For months, I have condemned the inhumane conditions at Delaney Hall and the mismanagement of this facility by its private operator, GEO Group - and now this tragic death has compounded the long and grotesque list of atrocities the GEO Group is committing. The Department of Homeland Security’s continued refusal to comply with appropriate oversight of this facility and the GEO Group’s abuses are totally unacceptable. “Because of the inhumane conditions for immigrants at facilities like Delaney Hall, I oppose private detention centers in any form, and have introduced legislation each Congress to end the use of these private prisons for the detention of immigrants and to ensure that our immigration system is aligned with our country’s legal rights and American values. There must be a clear accounting of what happened in this tragedy, and Delaney Hall must be closed so that this stain can be removed from our community of Newark.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-trumps-cannabis-executive-order | Booker Statement on Trump’s Cannabis Executive Order | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s Executive Order on Cannabis rescheduling: “After decades of ignoring the evidence, the federal government has finally come to terms with what a majority of states have long acknowledged cannabis has medical uses and a lower potential for abuse than drugs like methamphetamine and heroin. For too long, federal law has lagged behind medical and scientific research. Based on this research, the FDA recommended last year that cannabis be rescheduled as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. I am pleased that President Trump has directed the DOJ to complete the rulemaking process and implement this change. “Rescheduling will provide tax relief for businesses operating legally in New Jersey. The change also opens the door for expanded scientific research, allowing medical professionals and institutions to study its potential benefits and risks with far fewer regulatory hurdles. “However, rescheduling cannabis alone will not eliminate the harms of federal prohibition. Millions of Americans, especially Black and Brown communities, will continue to face criminal penalties for recreational use or for using medical marijuana products that lack federal approval. Thousands will remain in prisons around the country for marijuana-related offenses. Nor will this change restore access to public housing or nutrition assistance for people who use marijuana recreationally. “While President Trump has moved to reclassify cannabis in accordance with scientific and medical evidence, his administration’s broader approach to marijuana stands in stark contrast. This administration continues to use marijuana offenses as pretext to detain and deport nonviolent immigrants. The Department of Justice rescinded enforcement guidance that had deprioritized charging low-level cannabis crimes, and President Trump just signed legislation that will recriminalize intoxicati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-blumenthal-demand-investigation-into-trumps-misuse-of-va-resources-to-help-execute-his-extreme-deportation-campaign | Duckworth, Blumenthal Demand Investigation into Trump’s Misuse of VA Resources to Help Execute His Extreme Deportation Campaign | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) member Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today demanded an independent investigation into the Trump Administration’s decision to divert personnel, equipment and financial resources away from serving our nation’s Veterans and toward developing a database to track non-U.S. citizen employees as part of Donald Trump’s inhumane mass deportation campaign. After Donald Trump fired 30,000 VA employees and jeopardized timely VA care for our Veterans earlier this year, Duckworth’s letter underscores that aiding immigration enforcement does not support or advance the VA’s sacred mission of caring for our Veterans and their families and only further demoralizes the dedicated VA workforce. “Beyond cutting 30,000 Federal employees from the workforce this year, VA leadership is hindering Veterans’ prompt access to exemplary healthcare, and their swift delivery of benefits, by pursuing policy functions and using valuable resources irrelevant to its statutory responsibilities,” wrote Duckworth. “These actions are indicative of potential fraud, waste and misuse of Congressionally appropriated funds at VA. Furthermore, they also suggest possible gross mismanagement that undermines VA’s mission.” Demanding an independent investigation into this latest attempt by the Trump Administration to undermine the mission of the VA, Duckworth wrote: “…we request VA OIG conduct an independent investigation to include findings, if warranted, on the database’s adverse impact on delivering and managing healthcare and benefits and whether such activities are consistent with congressional intent for VA’s congressionally appropriated resources.” Duckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for improving our Veterans’ and servicemembers’ access to care amid Trump’s ongoing attacks on the VA. In October, she defended disabled Veterans as Senate Republicans shamefully promoted Trump’s dangerous efforts to cut even … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-135-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-illinois-students | Durbin, Duckworth Announce $13.5 Million In Federal Funding To Support Illinois Students | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $13,467,325 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education for mental health and literacy support for students in Illinois. “There is a growing mental health and literacy crisis amongst today’s youth that must be addressed,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced federal funding for programs that build the pipeline of mental health professionals, connect professionals to students, and support literacy research will help Illinois face these concerns head-on. It also demonstrates the importance of the Department of Education as the Trump Administration continues its attempts to dismantle the agency. Senator Duckworth and I will always work to ensure our students have access to resources that help put them on a path toward success.” “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, which is why I’m proud to see this investment support critical mental health programs that help students across Illinois thrive,” said Senator Duckworth. “While this funding will reach our state this time around, it’s cruel that Donald Trump’s cuts to federal services have jeopardized programs that prepare the next generation—hurting the very middle-class families he swore to protect, all while enriching his billionaire buddies. That’s why I will continue doing everything I can at the federal level, alongside Senator Durbin, to safeguard these investments and ensure every student across our state has the chance to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.” The Department of Education’s School-Based Mental Health Grant Program and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program provide competitive grants to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and consortia of LEAs to train and increase the number of credentialed mental health services providers providing school-based mental health services to students. The Education Innovation and Research gran… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-members-of-illinois-delegation-request-25-million-in-reimbursements-for-mwrds-work-on-the-thornton-reservoir | Durbin, Duckworth, Members Of Illinois Delegation Request $25 Million In Reimbursements For MWRD’s Work On The Thornton Reservoir | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-04), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) today sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle urging the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) to include $25 million in construction funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago for the work it has completed on the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir. “We are writing to request that you include $25 million in Construction funds in the Army Corps of Engineers’ Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan to reimburse the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for design and construction work conducted on the Thornton Composite Reservoir,” the lawmakers wrote. In 2009, MWRD executed an amendment to its Project Cooperation Agreement with the Army Corps for the design and construction of the Thornton Composite Reservoir, enabling MWRD to work on the project while being eligible for federal reimbursement. Despite the reservoir being in service since 2015 and providing an estimated $660 million in flood reduction benefits to 14 communities, the Army Corps still owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements. “Currently, the Army Corps of Engineers owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements for the cost of designing and constructing the Thornton Reservoir, which is needed to support flood-prone communities struggling to build resilient infrastructure. Cook County experienced significant flooding during storm events in 2023, 2024, and 2025, leading to three disaster declarations. These reimbursement funds would be used to advance shovel-ready projects to address flood damages in the Chicagoland area,” the lawm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-blumenthal-ross-to-introduce-legislation-to-shine-light-on-supreme-court-shadow-docket-decisions | Durbin Joins Blumenthal, Ross To Introduce Legislation To Shine Light On Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decisions | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each justice voted on the decision, promoting transparency and consistency in judicial decision making. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC) to introduce bicameral legislation establishing transparency in decisions on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket, also known as the “shadow docket.” The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each Justice voted on the decision, promoting transparency and consistency in judicial decision making. The Supreme Court’s increasing reliance on the shadow docket allows it to make decisions on short notice without oral argument or any legal explanation of the Court’s reasoning. The Court has utilized the shadow docket to decide a number of wide-ranging, highly consequential cases, including the September 8, 2025 decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo. The decision allows ICE agents to stop and arrest individuals based on their appearance, the language they speak, where they live, and what they do for work. The Trump Administration has also urged the Supreme Court to decide Trump v. Illinois, a case that will determine the legality of the Trump Administration’s federalization and deployment of the National Guard in Illinois, on the shadow docket. The Trump Administration’s emergency application is still pending. “The Supreme Court’s abuse of the shadow docket has allowed justices to hand down major rulings without justification and sets a dangerous precedent under which consequential cases are decided without a clear rationale—even when those cases involve a presidential administration that has shown little regard for the Constitution. This abuse of process must stop,” … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-whistleblower-disclosure-regarding-uscis-circumventing-court-order | Durbin Statement On Whistleblower Disclosure Regarding USCIS Circumventing Court Order | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding a whistleblower disclosure alleging that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is feigning compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and a court order in a class action lawsuit in order to avoid court oversight. The Nightingale court order simply requires USCIS to comply with existing FOIA law to process immigration case files and report its progress to the court. Yet, according to this whistleblower report, USCIS is trying to avoid court reporting requirements and obligations under FOIA by prematurely closing cases, even when a USCIS FOIA officer has found the case file information and could provide it to the FOIA requester. The disclosure comes after USCIS reported to the court that it had a 99 percent timely completion rate for immigration case file FOIA requests. “Today’s disclosure alleges that the DHS FOIA office wants a district court judge to believe FOIA requests are being processed more efficiently. But in fact, they are being summarily closed to cook the numbers. “The agency’s actions directly conflict with the spirit of the Nightingale lawsuit, which was filed to ensure due process for individuals who only can access their records through FOIA. They also appear to conflict with the Freedom of Information Act, which instructs agencies not to withhold information unless the agency reasonably foresees that the disclosure would harm an interest protected by a FOIA exemption. “New policies that allow the agency to reject FOIA requests reduce transparency and are just one more way that the Trump-Noem DHS is operating with impunity. The information contained in case files is vital as immigrants increasingly are the targets of violent enforcement actions and must dispute false narratives devised by this Administration. USCIS must respond to FOIA requests fully and in a timely fashion.” Records contained in immigration case fil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-booker-whitehouse-push-administration-to-ensure-tariff-exemptions-actually-result-in-lowering-grocery-costs/ | Gallego, Booker, Whitehouse Push Administration to Ensure Tariff Exemptions Actually Result in Lowering Grocery Costs | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sent a letter to Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Andrew Ferguson questioning how the Commission is working to ensure grocery companies do not use this Administration’s reckless tariff policies as cover for price gouging and that the recently announced tariff exemptions on coffee, bananas, cocoa, and other tropical products actually result in lower grocery prices. “It was a necessary but late step to remove these tariffs. However, while eliminating these tariffs reduces costs for grocery importers, we are concerned that consumers may not see the full corresponding price decreases,” the Senators wrote. “We are concerned that the highly concentrated grocery industry – combined with the Trump Administration’s insufficient antitrust and consumer protection enforcement – creates a perfect storm that could enable giant grocery chains to engage in price gouging or other anti-competitive behavior.” To ensure President Trump’s reckless trade policies are not a “green light” for price gouging, the Senators push the FTC to: Require large grocery stores and food importers report their costs and retail and wholesale prices and the extent to which tariffs reductions have decreased their costs. Investigate and prosecute companies engaging in “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.” Additionally, the Senators requested answers to the following questions: How will you ensure President Trump’s recent tariff removals do not result in sustained elevated prices? What steps will the FTC take to enforce competition and consumer protection laws against individuals and corporations in the grocery and food industry that attempt to price gouge consumers? If consumers have paid excessive prices for these goods since the tariff removals due to price gouging, what steps will the FTC take to ensure that consumers are made whole? You can read the full letter HERE. Senator Gallego sent two other lette… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-marks-one-year-in-the-senate-fighting-for-arizonans/ | Gallego Marks One Year in the Senate Fighting for Arizonans | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | In first year, Gallego introduced the most bills of any freshman Democratic Senator Gallego hosted eleven town halls across Arizona WASHINGTON – Finishing his first year in office, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)released the following statement: “I know this year hasn’t been easy for working families or for our country. The cost of groceries and energy rose dramatically, Republicans raised health care costs for millions of Americans, Trump took a wrecking ball to the federal services that millions of Americans rely on, and this administration’s cruel immigration practices tore families apart and caused chaos in our communities. But from day one, I’ve made it my mission to show up, listen to, and fight for Arizonans. “Looking ahead to 2026, I’m focused on building on this progress and continuing to show up for Arizona families every single day. The best part of this job has been, and will always be, working for Arizonans.” By the Numbers: During his first year in the Senate, Senator Gallego introduced 29 bills and cosponsored 223 more – the most bills of any freshman Democratic Senator. Senator Gallego had one of his sponsored bills sent to the President’s desk, where it is expected to be signed before the end of the year, and three more bills he backed also became law. Two of Senator Gallego’s bills passed out of committee, and five Gallego-backed bills passed the Senate. In Arizona, Gallego held eleven town halls across the state, including ones focused on veterans’ issues and health care. His office also closed nearly 450 constituent service cases and held more than 750 meetings with community leaders and advocates. Highlights: Economic Opportunity: Played a key role in shaping the landmark ROAD to Housing Act, the first housing package to pass out of committee in over a decade. Introduced bills to expand access to affordable housing, crack downon unfair pricing practices, and support workers. Veterans: Successfully pushed the Administration to dramatically scale back their planned layoffs at the VA b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-leads-bipartisan-push-to-increase-accessibility-of-va-technology/ | Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan Push To Increase Accessibility Of VA Technology | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA-22) urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take swift action to make its technology accessible to people with disabilities. “Ensuring our veterans have the support, information, and services they need is of the utmost importance—and VA cannot do this unless its technology is accessible to veterans and VA employees with disabilities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “VA must train its employees to procure accessible technology and take steps to ensure that its technology remains accessible. I will continue to provide rigorous oversight on this issue to make sure that our veterans get the support that they deserve.” Accessible technology is critical to make sure that veterans with disabilities can get the information and services they need and to make sure that VA employees with disabilities can do their jobs. Roughly one-quarter of veterans have a service-connected disability, and post-9/11 veterans, who VA will serve for decades to come, have a higher rate of service-connected disabilities. Additionally, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal technology to be accessible for and usable by people with disabilities. Despite this, congressional and independent oversight efforts have consistently found that VA technology does not meet this requirement. A recent VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report found that, of the 30 critical information and communication technology systems analyzed, 26 were not accessible for people with disabilities. In its report, VA OIG issued four recommendations to improve VA accessibility and encourage the procurement of accessible technology. In her letter to VA, Senator Gillibrand encouraged the agency to carry out VA OIG’s recommendations as fast as possible. She also requested additional information on how VA plans to do so. The full text of the letter can… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-merkley-baldwin-booker-40-senators-no-new-anti-lgbtq-anti-abortion-provisions-in-must-pass-government-funding-bills/ | Gillibrand, Merkley, Baldwin, Booker 40 Senators: No New Anti-LGBTQ+, Anti-Abortion Provisions In Must-Pass Government Funding Bills | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and 40 other Democratic senators in urging Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to keep any new dangerous, hyper-partisan policy provisions that would curtail the freedoms of women and LGBTQ+ individuals out of must-pass government funding legislation. House Republicans have inserted more than 65 so-called “poison pill” provisions targeting abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, which would otherwise fail the scrutiny of congressional debate, into critical government funding bills that require broad, bipartisan consensus to pass. “Dangerous poison pill provisions like those included in the FY26 House appropriations bills will severely undermine Congress’ ability to push forward must-pass legislation and keep the government open and working for the American people. As such, we urge you to reject these extremist riders from the remaining final FY26 appropriations bills,” the senators wrote. In addition to Gillibrand, Merkley, Baldwin, and Booker, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The senators’ letter is endorsed by th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-reintroduces-two-bills-to-stop-pfas-chemicals-from-entering-our-waterways-and-to-help-significantly-exposed-victims/ | Gillibrand Reintroduces Two Bills To Stop PFAS Chemicals From Entering Our Waterways And To Help Significantly Exposed Victims | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Legislation Would Combat Toxic Forever Chemicals At The Source And Provide A Federal Cause of Action For Victims to Seek Relief This week, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand reintroduced two bills to combat dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination and help support communities that have been significantly exposed to these chemicals. The bipartisan, bicameral Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act would help address PFAS contamination at the source. The bicameral PFAS Accountability Act would give victims of significant PFAS exposure legal recourse to sue PFAS manufacturers and would allow courts to award medical monitoring for early detection and treatment of diseases connected to PFAS. “‘Forever chemicals’ like PFAS are a dangerous threat to the environment and public health,” said Senator Gillibrand. “For years, companies have knowingly released toxic chemicals that have devastated families and communities. Those companies must be held accountable for their actions, and New York waterways must be protected from further contamination. These two bills will help address PFAS contamination at the source and deliver real justice for the victims of PFAS pollution in New York and across the country.” PFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications, firefighting foam, and a variety of consumer products. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid problems, and more. According to the Environmental Working Group, over 1.3 million New Yorkers have concerning levels of PFAS in their drinking water. The bipartisan Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act would set deadlines and require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop water quality criteria and establish effluent limitation guidelines and standards (ELGs) for PFAS in industrial discharges from eight priority categories using its existing authority under the Clean Water Act. The legislation is le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-meng-lead-effort-to-preserve-new-yorks-ability-to-use-broadband-infrastructure-funds-to-support-broadband-adoption-and-digital-inclusion-projects/ | Gillibrand, Schumer, Meng Lead Effort To Preserve New York’s Ability To Use Broadband Infrastructure Funds To Support Broadband Adoption And Digital Inclusion Projects | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, along with Congresswoman Grace Meng, raised concerns about the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) potential reclamation of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) non-deployment funds. If the NTIA unlawfully withholds these funds, New York stands to lose at least $273.52 million in funding to support broadband adoption and digital inclusion efforts. The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program that aims to connect every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships to build broadband infrastructure. BEAD non-deployment funds refer to the funding left over after a state meets BEAD’s infrastructure deployment requirements. In May 2022, the NTIA outlined acceptable uses for these funds, clarifying that states may be able to use BEAD non-deployment funds to support digital inclusion projects, including expanding access to affordable broadband internet services, internet-enabled devices, digital literacy programming, telehealth services, and cybersecurity education initiatives. However, the NTIA’s June 2025 BEAD restructuring policy notice rescinds states’ flexibility to use these funds as Congress intended. As of today, the NTIA has yet to clarify whether states will be able to retain these funds at all, creating uncertainty that could result in the loss of federal support for increasing broadband adoption across New York State. The members emphasized that “BEAD non-deployment funds would benefit many more households than the one percent of households eligible for deployment funds and would help close the digital access divide for K-12 students, veterans, aging adults, rural communities, and families across the state. To fully ensure that all New Yorkers can participate in an increasingly digital era, they not only need access to broadband, but also access to affordable broadband, internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy programming to maximize internet connectivity.” “BEAD non-deplo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-annual-defense-bill-with-key-hassan-backed-provisions-and-new-hampshire-priorities | SIGNED INTO LAW: Annual Defense Bill with Key Hassan-Backed Provisions & New Hampshire Priorities | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Margaret Wood Hassan | H001076 | www.hassan.senate.gov | hassan | https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – President Trump signed into law the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which included key provisions that Senator Maggie Hassan helped secure and supported. Among other measures, the legislation protects Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employees from the Trump Administration’s chaotic firings. “Service members and defense workers sacrifice to keep our country safe, secure, and free, and we must always have their backs,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m glad that President Trump has signed into law this bipartisan defense bill, which will help protect Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employees from the Trump Administration’s disruptive workforce reductions and advance other key priorities for New Hampshire and our service members.” Key measures that Senator Hassan supported that are included in the Senate-passed NDAA include: A provision Senators Shaheen and Hassan helped secure to protect Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employees, and other public shipyard employees, from the Trump Administration’s chaotic firings by prohibiting the Department of Defense from carrying out reductions in force, hiring freezes, and unfounded hiring delays at our nation’s public shipyards A 3.8% pay raise for service members Authorizes funding for Virginia-class submarines, which are repaired in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Authorizes funding for construction projects for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Pease Air National Guard Base, and the New Hampshire Army National Guard Extends support for the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom against Vladimir Putin Protects American national security by constraining the ability of the President to unilaterally withdraw troops and equipment standing guard against Russia in Europe Senator Hassan is focused on keeping our country safe, secure, and free. Last year, she successfully passed into law critical measures in the annual defense bill, including a measure to help National Guard and Reserve members return to school after a mobilization or deployment. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-issues-statement-on-trump-administration-breaking-the-law-by-refusing-to-release-complete-epstein-files | Heinrich Issues Statement on Trump Administration Breaking the Law by Refusing to Release Complete Epstein Files | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that President Trump’s Department of Justice would only release a portion of the Epstein files today, in direct violation of federal law: “The law could not have been clearer: President Trump’s Department of Justice had 30 days to release ALL the files. Presumably, President Trump signed the bill into law himself, so he should know that... “But let’s not forget — President Trump has always had the power to release these files on his own. Ignoring the law now isn’t confusion or delay. It’s a deliberate attempt to bury the truth and protect the pedophiles who exploited and abused young girls. “The American people deserve transparency. Survivors deserve justice. President Trump: Release all the files. Now.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-releases-new-fact-sheet-on-rising-electric-bills-on-trumps-watch | Heinrich Releases New Fact Sheet on Rising Electric Bills on Trump’s Watch | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a new fact sheet that details how President Trump’s actions are gutting the energy sector and hiking up costs for families across the country. Since President Trump took office, household electricity bills have gone up 13%, with consumers soon to face a total of $85.8 billion in proposed or approved cost increases. Additionally, the Trump Administration has stalled the permits of more than 500 clean energy projects, rolled back tax credits that are helping families save money, taxed critical metals that are the backbone of the electric grid, and forced rate payers to bear the cost of keeping fossil fuel plants online past their retirement dates, exacerbating the nation’s energy affordability crisis. Data Source: Monthly Form EIA-861M (formerly EIA-826) detailed data - Revenue, sales, customer counts, and retail price by state and sector (https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia861m/xls/sales_revenue.xlsx) “Right now, Americans are facing an energy affordability crisis – electric bills are skyrocketing for families, and we’re not getting enough energy on our grid to meet the increasing demand from communities and data centers,” said Heinrich. “Donald Trump’s actions are single-handedly making this crisis worse. If we’re serious about lowering utility costs for working families, Donald Trump and his agencies need to stop sitting on routine approvals that are stalling projects across America and preventing them from bringing additional supply onto the grid.” Read the factsheet here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-during-committee-markup-heinrich-spotlights-need-to-pass-his-bipartisan-legislation-to-complete-continental-divide-trail | ICYMI: During Committee Markup, Heinrich Spotlights Need to Pass His Bipartisan Legislation to Complete Continental Divide Trail | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — In his opening statement at a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee business meeting to examine pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the Committee’s Ranking Member, emphasized the need to pass legislation to improve New Mexicans’ access to their public lands, including his bipartisan Continental Divide Completion Act, which would complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail to better maintain the trail’s purpose while ensuring a safer more enjoyable journey for hikers. In addition to the Continental Divide Completion Act, Heinrich also highlighted the need to pass U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján's (D-N.M.) New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act to improve coordination of New Mexico land grants and public land agencies, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s (D-Colo.) Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act, which protects the Dolores River in Colorado by establishing a National Conservation Area and Special Management Area in the public land surrounding the river, and U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis’ (R-Wyo.) Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, which allows Wyoming greater flexibility on how to manage revenue from their state land. VIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers opening remarks during a Committee business meeting, December 17th, 2025. “The CDT is not just for through-hikers; for many New Mexicans, the CDT is their local trail. The trail where they walk their dog or spend time with their families. And the problem has been that there are still many gaps in the trail, where hikers have to literally hike on roads, even highway shoulders to connect from one segment to the next,” noted Heinrich. “The Continental Divide Completion Act, which we will consider today, would direct the land management agencies to work with trail users and local communities to fill in the gaps and complete this trail,” continued Heinrich. “I want to thank Senator Daines for partne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-demand-answers-on-trump-vas-plan-to-eliminate-tens-of-thousands-of-health-care-jobs/ | Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand Answers on Trump VA’s Plan to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of Health Care Jobs | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Richard Blumenthal, along with 36 of their Senate colleagues, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins demanding answers about the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “Unfilled positions are not reflective of unnecessary positions, and the length of time a position is vacant is not a suitable data point for determining need. At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them. Veterans deserve a VA staffed according to their needs and a Secretary who works to fill needed positions, not abolish them,” the senators wrote. This follows recent reporting on the Administration’s plans to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled mission-critical health care positions at the VA, including for doctors, nurses, and support staff. The VA already lost more than 40,000 employees between January and September of this year as a result of President Trump’s hiring freeze, deferred resignations, early retirements, and many have quit as a result of this administration’s reckless policies. The VA had at least 42,000 vacancies across the Department as of March 31, 2025, and that number is estimated to have grown significantly since then. The removal of these positions would put VA at pre-PACT Act staffing levels. More than one million veterans newly enrolled in VA health care as a result of expanded eligibility under the PACT Act, and millions more have increased reliance on VA because of toxic exposure-related illnesses and injuries. These continued cuts of VA health care follow widespread health care cuts initiated by Republicans across the government. Senate Republicans have failed to join Democratic efforts to extend Affordable Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-reintroduces-bill-to-prepare-federal-government-for-cannabis-legalization-2/ | Hickenlooper Reintroduces Bill to Prepare Federal Government for Cannabis Legalization | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | PREPARE Act would develop framework federal legalization based on Colorado’s Task Force The President announced plans to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper reintroduced the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act to prepare the federal government for federal legalization of cannabis. Following the President’s announcement to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III, Hickenlooper welcomed the decision and pushed the admin to support his bill: “Another example of Colorado blazing the trail,” Hickenlooper posted on Twitter/X. “Now release and expunge records for everyone who was charged with federal marijuana crimes – and let’s pass our bill to prepare us for federal legalization while we’re at it.” Hickenlooper has consistently advocated for the federal government to change the classification of marijuana. Hickenlooper previously urged the DEA to completely deschedule marijuana. He co-sponsors the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, which would deschedule marijuana. Though cannabis is currently illegal at the federal level, many states have followed Colorado’s safe and legal model. The PREPARE Act establishes a federal commission, modeled after Colorado’s regulatory commission, to advise the government on proper safeguards for federal cannabis legalization. On December 10, 2012, a month after Colorado voted to legalize marijuana, then-Governor Hickenlooper convened the Amendment 64 Task Force to provide recommendations for the development of regulations. Those regulations led to the thriving, safe, marijuana industry in Colorado today. The PREPARE Act would replicate the Amendment 64 Task Force at the federal level. Specifically, the PREPARE Act-established federal commission would: Advise on the development of a federal regulatory framework modeled after state cannabis regulations. Consider barriers and suggestions for regulating Cannabis similar to alcohol. Identify ways to remedy the disprop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-condemns-trump-administration-attack-on-native-hawaiian_and-other-minority-serving-institutions | Hawaii Delegation Condemns Trump Administration Attack on Native Hawaiian- and other Minority-Serving Institutions | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) released the following statement on the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel’s recently-released opinion questioning the constitutionality of Native Hawaiian- and other Minority-Serving Institution programs: “Earlier today, the Trump DOJ released a legal opinion that attacked a wide range of programs of higher learning for minority communities. These programs expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and help students who have too often been left behind succeed in higher education. Targeting them does nothing to improve educational outcomes and instead threatens to undermine institutions that are vital to the people they serve. “We also note just how wrong they were with respect to programs impacting the Native Hawaiian community. Let us be clear. The United States has a long-standing trust relationship with the Native Hawaiian community, and we will continue fighting to ensure the U.S. lives up to its end.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-lease-for-new-hampton-roads-va-facility | Warner, Kaine Announce Lease for New Hampton Roads VA Facility | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced that a lease has been awarded for a new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility in Hampton Roads. The awarding of this lease for a new, state-of-the-art outpatient clinic will improve veterans’ access to care in this region and follows years of congressional action and advocacy by the senators. “We are thrilled to announce the awarding of this new clinic lease in Hampton Roads,” said the senators. “The veteran population in the region continues to grow, and this facility will fill a critical gap by expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the veterans who have served our country. Virginians need and deserve this facility, and we will do everything we can to ensure that it is properly staffed despite President Trump’s plans to eliminate 35,000 health care positions at VA facilities across America.” While this lease was originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees for this proposed facility and 17 others. In June, Warner and Kaine urged the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to swiftly take up and reapprove all pending major VA medical facility leases. They subsequently pushed for the final committee, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to put forward their approval. In late July, the senators announced that approval for the leases had cleared all committees. From there, the administration needed to award a contract for the lease. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care access and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. The senators have fought to strengthen and expand mental health care and suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Warner has been outspoken on the need to reduce the disability claim backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ensure the VA is appr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=32F88312-3D29-475D-81D7-DB21363C1FF9 | Klobuchar, Booker, Colleagues Press the FTC to Investigate Instacart’s Dynamic Pricing | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | klobuchar | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases | scraper | Letter urges for investigation to determine if the use of dynamic pricing violates the FTC Act WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, and Cory Booker, Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, led their colleagues in pressing Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson to investigate Instacart’s use of dynamic pricing. Citing a recent study, the letter urges the Commission to investigate whether Instacart’s pricing strategy violates the FTC Act’s prohibitions on unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts and practices; to reopen its market study on surveillance pricing; and to determine whether the FTC needs additional authority to protect consumers from potential harms that stem from these pricing practices. “We write to express our deep concern after a recent study found that Instacart was offering substantially different prices to different consumers for the same items, from the same stores, purchased at the same time. If true, such practices may result in higher overall prices, deter competition, and potentially run afoul of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act’s prohibitions on unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts and practices,” wrote the Senators. “In competitive markets, retailers should be incentivized to reduce prices to draw customers from their competitors. But dynamic and surveillance pricing—especially models built on sensitive personal or competitive information—upend this foundational principle of the free market, allowing firms to set prices based on a person’s willingness to pay instead of market factors.” the Senators concluded. Along with Klobuchar and Booker, the letter was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The full text of the letter is below and can be found here. Dear Chair Ferguson: We write to express our d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
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