Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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9,222 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Democrat" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-statement-on-sham-stock-trading-bill | Baldwin Statement on Sham Stock Trading Bill | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after voting against the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation that fails to adequately prevent current members of Congress from holding stocks and enriching themselves while in office. The legislation also allows the President, Vice President, and White House staff to continue to use inside information and freely trade stocks for personal profit. The bill comes as President Trump made 21,000 stock trades and $2.2 billion in personal wealth in just his first year in office. On the contrary, Senator Baldwin does not trade stocks and has had the management of her financial assets in a blind trust while serving in the U.S. Senate since 2013. “We are sent to Washington to do the people’s work and make their lives better, not to use our position of power to turn a profit. That’s why I have led by example – never trading a single stock since I have been in the Senate. I’ll continue fighting to root out corruption and stop politicians from enriching themselves while in office,” said Senator Baldwin. “The bill that the House passed simply falls short of ending this corrupt practice, letting members keep the stocks they have and allowing the President and Vice President to continue trading stocks and enrich themselves while in office. Wisconsinites deserve a real ban on this kind of corruption, and this is just what I support and what we need to become law.” Senator Baldwin co-sponsors the following bills to ban members of Congress from trading stocks. These bills stand in contrast to the Stop Insider Trading Act, which would not require Members of Congress to divest their current holdings. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-votes-against-voluntary-approach-to-data-centers-vows-to-push-real-reform-to-protect-wisconsin-ratepayers | Baldwin Votes Against Voluntary Approach to Data Centers; Vows to Push Real Reform to Protect Wisconsin Ratepayers | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) voted against legislation that fails to protect Wisconsin ratepayers and does nothing to ensure that data centers pay for their own energy costs. The legislation only asks that states and regulators “consider” making Big Tech pay for the energy that the data centers use, failing to put real protections for families from increased energy costs into law. “This bill tries to sell the American people a bad bill of goods and take them for fools. This toothless legislation does not protect American families from increased energy costs and allows these huge AI data centers to pass on their energy bills to families and small businesses. Even worse, my colleagues are trying to use this window dressing to dupe the American people into thinking we are acting on an issue that they care deeply about, while not actually protecting them,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m committed to making AI data centers pay their own way and protecting hardworking Wisconsinites from paying a penny of Big Tech’s data center energy bills. The solution must be a mandate, under law, that these costs can’t be kicked to families because we cannot trust these tech giants to just do the right thing. I’ll work with anyone to protect families from yet another bill of theirs from increasing and ensure our communities are the ones in control, not big tech.” The legislation, The Ratepayer Protection Act, requires states to “consider” a standard that would make certain large data centers pay for the costs of grid upgrades necessary to serve them. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, this legislation pushes a voluntary standard, saying that state commissions “may adopt or reject” the federal standard. Therefore, there is no federal requirement preventing energy costs from data centers from being passed along to ordinary ratepayers. Additionally, the legislation does not cover all data centers. The bill only covers data centers with peak demand of 100 megawatts or more, leaving out… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-baldwin-secures-return-of-mental-health-help-on-988-for-lgbtq-kids | NEWS: Baldwin Secures Return of Mental Health Help on 988 for LGBTQ Kids | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – After more than a year of pressure from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), 988’s specialized “Press 3” services for LGBTQ youth resumed today. This news comes after the Trump Administration abruptly canceled “Press 3” over a year ago and has since dragged their feet on following Senator Baldwin's bipartisan law that mandated a return of these services. For more than 14 months, the Trump Administration withheld specialized services for a population that is more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. “Suicide and mental health struggles touch every community across our state, and that’s why creating the 988 crisis lifeline to make sure help is there for everyone is one of my proudest accomplishments,” said Senator Baldwin. “But, last year, the Trump Administration decided to make these real struggles a political football and ripped away the specialized line that helped LGBTQ children. This was a deliberate choice. The Trump Administration chose to put children’s lives on the line to score some political points. I’ve fought tooth and nail to restore this lifesaving resource. When I realized the Trump Administration was not going to do it on their own, I wrote it into federal law to require them to restore the Press 3 option. This lifesaving resource never should have gone away in the first place, but I am glad the lifesaving support Press 3 provides is once again there for people who need it.” Since the first reports of the Trump Administration’s planned shuttering of 988’s specialized services for LGBTQ youth, Senator Baldwin pushed for the reinstatement, including: May 2025: Senator Baldwin led her colleagues in slamming the Trump Administration’s plan to take away lifesaving mental health services at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline from LGBTQ youth. June 2025: Baldwin condemned the Trump Administration’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announcement of their plans to shut down the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s specialized ser… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/30/bennet-coons-warren-wyden-gallego-introduce-bill-to-impose-sanctions-on-israeli-settlement-construction-in-the-e1-area-of-the-west-bank/ | Bennet, Coons, Warren, Wyden, Gallego Introduce Bill to Impose Sanctions on Israeli Settlement Construction in the E1 Area of the West Bank | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to introduce legislation that would impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of illegal Israeli settlements or related structures in the E1 area of the West Bank, including by submitting a bid for E1 tenders. It would also impose sanctions on those who attempt to organize, direct, finance, or facilitate the transfer of Israeli civilians into E1 settlements. “Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for construction in E1 are aimed to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, and would gravely threaten prospects for a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” said Bennet. “Various American presidents, both Democrats and Republicans, have long recognized this and pressed Israeli governments not to move forward with this reckless project. Netanyahu and his ultra-right wing ministers, however, continue to prioritize their personal political interests ahead of Israeli and American security interests. The United States must use our considerable financial and diplomatic tools to reinforce its longstanding policy against Israeli annexation of the West Bank. That is why I am proud to sponsor this bill, which sends a clear message that those who facilitate Netanyahu’s latest dangerous settlement expansion in E1 risk losing access to the U.S. financial system.” “For decades, American presidents from both parties have warned successive Israeli governments that construction in E1 threatened the viability of a Palestinian state and was unacceptable to the United States,” said Coons. “As Palestinian civilians face a campaign of devastation and fear from violent extremist settlers, the United States must send a strong message that this behavior is unacceptable and that it … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/30/bennet-wyden-veasey-colleagues-recognize-september-as-national-voting-rights-month-ahead-of-midterm-elections/ | Bennet, Wyden, Veasey, Colleagues Recognize September as National Voting Rights Month Ahead of Midterm Elections | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Resolution comes amid efforts by Donald Trump and Republicans to upend vote-by-mail and make voting harder for Americans Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (D-Texas), and 60 congressional colleagues to announce the introduction of a bicameral resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” “This month, we celebrate the fundamental right to vote, and the importance of free, fair, and secure elections,” said Bennet. “This right lies at the core of our democracy, but President Trump and his administration continue to attempt to undermine it for millions of Americans. We must continue our fight to defend Colorado’s gold standard election system against Trump’s baseless attacks and conspiracy theories.” “Trump is doing everything he can to disenfranchise American voters in this year’s midterms because he’s afraid his platform of jacking up costs is about to lose Republicans the midterms,” said Wyden. “Access to the ballot and the right to vote are the bedrock of our democracy, and Congressman Veasey and I will continue fighting to protect this fundamental right for all Americans.” “Over the past year, we’ve seen our fundamental right to vote eroded and access to critical information about the voting process worsen. In my home state alone, we’ve seen efforts to redistrict mid-decade, introduce restrictive voter ID laws, and reduce the number of polling locations available to voters,” said Veasey. “Now more than ever, it is essential for Americans to understand their voting rights, stay informed about what is happening around them, and help to keep their communities informed. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a resolution alongside Sen. Wyden to designate September 2026 as National Voting Rights Month – a step towards raising awareness, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring that Americans have the inf… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-blunt-rochester-coons-colleagues-demand-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Senators Blunt Rochester, Coons, colleagues demand Secretary Mullin halt 2026 election interference efforts | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester, Chris Coons (Both D-Del.), Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and their Senate Democratic colleagues called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately halt the department’s efforts to assert federal control over the 2026 midterm elections and undermine public trust in them. The senators demanded information substantiating Secretary Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Secretary Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The senators also objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA’s Homeland … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-court-approval-of-paramount-warner-bros-discovery-merger-settlement | Booker Statement on Court-Approval of Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Settlement | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released the following statement after a federal judge approved the settlement between Paramount Skydance and the states that sued to block its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery: “The Trump administration picked a winner from the outset and cleared its path. The states stepped in because this merger combines two of the largest film studios and drives concentration to levels the law presumes unlawful. They warned of higher prices, fewer films, and less choice. The settlement does not resolve those concerns. “Americans deserve an economy where companies compete for their business, reward talent, and serve the public, not markets controlled by those with the deepest pockets. “Above all, I worry about the workers, artists, and moviegoers who always pay the price when studios consolidate, and about the creative expression that disappears when fewer companies decide what gets made. Past entertainment mergers brought layoffs, shelved projects, and higher prices. “Our country’s origin story begins with a revolt against monopoly: colonists dumped the East India Company’s tea into the Boston Harbor rather than accept a Crown-granted monopoly. Two hundred and fifty years later, that fight continues. I have called, and will continue to call, for the vigorous and fair application of our antitrust laws. I will watch this merger, and others, closely to make sure it does not threaten competition, raise prices, or invite corruption.” | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-celebrates-pinehurst-light-rail-opening | Cantwell Celebrates Pinehurst Light Rail Opening | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Celebrates Pinehurst Light Rail Opening New station brings fast, affordable transit to more north Seattle residents WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, issued a statement celebrating the opening of the newest light rail station in north Seattle. “This new station gives more north Seattle riders access to fast and affordable public transportation, with service every few minutes to UW, SeaTac Airport, and beyond,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Federal investment in our light rail system pays dividends in driving local economies and helping residents reach jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services across the region.” Pinehurst Station is an infill station along the Lynnwood Link Extension light rail corridor. From Pinehurst Station, riders can reach the University of Washington and Downtown Seattle in under 15 minutes, with trips to SeaTac Airport taking less than an hour. The station is expected to serve up to 4,200 daily riders with service every 4-6 minutes during peak hours. It is opening to riders years ahead of the originally scheduled target of 2031. Sen. Cantwell is a longtime champion of ongoing investments in Washington state’s light rail system. In March 2023, Sen. Cantwell announced a $79.3 million federal loan for Pinehurst station, also called the NE 130th Street Infill Station. The project included bus and paratransit transfer facilities, as well as sidewalks and bike infrastructure. After finalization of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, Sen. Cantwell celebrated the inclusion of $254 million for the Lynnwood Light Rail Extension – which fully funded the project three years ahead of schedule – and $329.14 million for the Federal Way Link Light Rail Extension. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/remarks-senator-coons-celebrates-unanimous-passage-of-his-end-tax-penalties-on-american-hostages-act/ | REMARKS: Senator Coons celebrates unanimous passage of his End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor tonight ahead of the Senate’s passage by unanimous consent of his bipartisan legislation to protect Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad from facing fines and penalties for failing to pay taxes while in captivity. “It’s ridiculous that one of the first things an American hostage or wrongful detainee receives from the government when they return home from captivity is a tax bill,” said Senator Coons. “I’ve been working for years to fix this flaw in our tax code to ensure that Americans currently held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad don’t owe thousands of dollars to the IRS when we finally bring them home. I’m so glad that my colleagues have finally supported this commonsense, bipartisan bill, and I hope the president signs it immediately to bring this cruel practice to an end.” The End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, led by Senator Coons and Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), was inspired by Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, who was wrongfully detained by the Iranian government for 544 days in 2014. After returning home, Rezaian received a bill for over $20,000 in interest, fines, and other penalties related to tax payments that were due while he was imprisoned in Iran. The bill will prevent the IRS from imposing penalties and charging interest on tax payments that eligible Americans were unable to make while held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. The bill will also provide relief for penalties already paid by certain former hostages and wrongful detainees who returned home in recent years. The IRS has previously made clear this tax issue could only be fixed through legislation. Senator Coons initially introduced this bill in December 2022. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed companion legislation introduced by Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) and Dina Titus (D-Nev.). A transcript and video of Senator Coons’ remarks on the Senate floor this evening as he sought unanimous consent… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-blunt-rochester-colleagues-demand-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interfernece-efforts/ | Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, colleagues demand Secretary Mullin halt 2026 election interfernece efforts | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and their Senate Democratic colleagues called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately halt the department’s efforts to assert federal control over the 2026 midterm elections and undermine public trust in them. The senators demanded information substantiating Secretary Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Secretary Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The senators also obje… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-bills-to-bolster-american-geothermal-production-protect-the-energy-grid-clear-key-senate-hurdle/ | Cortez Masto Bills to Bolster American Geothermal Production, Protect the Energy Grid Clear Key Senate Hurdle | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ***VIDEO AVAILABLE*** FTPs for TV stations is available here. Washington, D.C. – Today, two of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.) bipartisan bills, the Next Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act and the Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act(SECURE Grid Act), passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Next-generation geothermal technology uses the heat (100-400º+ C) from rocks several kilometers below the surface of the earth to produce electricity. The Next Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, cosponsored by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), would establish next-generation geothermal Research and Development Programs at the Department of Energy. The legislation now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. States must submit a State Energy Security Plan (SESP) to receive funds from the State Energy Program. The SECURE Grid Act, cosponsored by U.S. Senators Murkowski and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), would require these state plans to account for additional grid threats – such as supply chain dynamics, weather-related threats and vulnerabilities, and the potential for physical grid attacks. The legislation has already passed the House of Representatives and now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. “American energy security isn’t a partisan issue – it touches the lives of every American from Anchorage to Elko,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources took an important step toward unleashing geothermal energy and protecting our electric grids. I look forward to the Senate immediately passing these critical bills.” During today’s hearing, Senator Cortez Masto pushed Committee Chairman Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Ranking Member Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) to move forward with her Southern Nevada lands bill, Senator Jacky Rosen’s (D-Nev.) Washoe County lands bill, and Congressman Mark Amodei’s (R-Nev.-02) Northern Nevada lands bill in November. Senator Cortez Masto has … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-statement-on-vote-against-h-r-9340/ | Cortez Masto Statement on Vote Against H.R. 9340 | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after her vote against H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, led in the Senate by Jon Husted (R-Ohio). “I have the same concerns many Nevadans do about the influx of data centers in our communities. I believe that before any data center moves forward, it should have the support of the local community, should be built with union labor, should pay for necessary grid upgrades while prioritizing clean power, and it shouldn’t waste water or raise energy costs for residents. “In the Senate, there are a number of bills to protect American families from data center-related energy cost spikes, including Senator Heinrich’s GRID Savings Act, which I support. Senator Husted could have joined Democrats on legislation with real teeth that would force data centers to pay for grid upgrades and ensure costs aren’t passed along to the consumer. Instead, Republican leadership, in an election year stunt, chose to push forward on a bill with only voluntary, ineffective language that won’t hold anyone accountable.” Senator Cortez Masto is a cosponsor of Senator Martin Heinrich’s (D-N.M.) GRID Savings Act. Instead of the Ratepayer Protection Act’s voluntary framework, the GRID Savings Act would require large load customers—like data centers—to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid. Cortez Masto is also the cosponsor of legislation led by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to demand more transparency from data centers by requiring them to clearly disclose their energy and water usage. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/passed-cortez-masto-rounds-legislation-to-provide-tribal-courts-access-to-electronic-evidence/ | PASSED: Cortez Masto, Rounds Legislation to Provide Tribal Courts Access to Electronic Evidence | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – The United States Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) to provide Tribal courts the same ability to issue warrants for electronic evidence like emails and social media messages as their non-Tribal counterparts. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. “Despite facing high rates of violence, Tribal communities are denied access to essential tools needed to solve crimes,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s past time for Congress to eliminate this hurdle for Tribal law enforcement. I applaud the Senate passage of this legislation, and I urge my House colleagues to immediately send it to the President’s desk.” “It’s important that Tribal law enforcement is able to do their job as efficiently as possible,” said Senator Rounds. “Our legislation would give Tribal law enforcement another tool to crack down on illegal activity on their lands. Cutting out the red tape and allowing Tribal courts to access evidence on their own is a step in the right direction to making every community safer. I’m pleased that the Tribal Access to Electronic Evidence Act has passed the Senate and I look forward to continuing our work to get it signed into law.” The bipartisan Tribal Access to Electronic Evidence Act would amend current law to: include courts of federally recognized Tribes as “courts of competent jurisdiction” under the Stored Communications Act; require Tribal courts to adhere to warrant procedures described in the Indian Civil Rights Act to access electronic information; and recognize Tribes as a government entity under the federal statute. This bipartisan bill has been endorsed by the National Native American Bar Association, the National American Indian Court Judges Association, and the National Native American Law Enforcement Association. The full text of the legislation can be found here. The Tribal Access to Electronic Evidence Act is part of Senator Cortez Masto’s response to the 2023 Not Invisible … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-us-forces-withdraw-from-iraq-duckworth-calls-on-trump-to-end-his-illegal-war-in-iran | As U.S. Forces Withdraw from Iraq, Duckworth Calls on Trump to End His Illegal War in Iran | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) who served in the Iraq War—issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that the United States has officially withdrawn our military forces from Iraq: “For an entire generation of combat Veterans, the weight of this moment as our nation withdraws U.S. forces from Iraq is hard to express. As a former Soldier who volunteered to serve in Iraq, I’m remembering the thousands of warfighters who never made it home and thinking of the heroes whose lives were forever changed because of the last time a President rashly sent our men and women into an unjustified war in the Middle East. “In 2004, I deployed to Iraq to fight in a war I did not support on the orders of a President I did not vote for. I didn’t believe our country should be there to begin with. I wanted to take the fight to our enemy harbored in Afghanistan who attacked us on 9/11. I was proud to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom anyway—because that’s what Soldiers do. When our nation calls, our servicemembers always answer. They do what’s asked of them, no matter the cost to their own lives. That kind of selflessness and commitment to the mission demands the highest level of consideration by our nation. We owe it to those brave enough to serve to ensure each mission is worth it before we ever even ask them to sacrifice. And as we withdraw our forces from Iraq, it is baffling that Donald Trump has learned nothing as he plunges our servicemembers further into another forever war in Iran. “I urge the President and Pete Hegseth to listen to myself and my fellow Iraq War Veterans who have seen firsthand the devastation of a needless forever war. We cannot repeat the same mistakes we made in Iraq. The stakes are too high to not make any attempt to evaluate the lessons learned before reaching for more conflict and destruction. With at least 22 lives… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-padilla-schiff-introduce-legislation-to-protect-regional-national-archives-facilities-from-closure | Duckworth, Durbin, Padilla, Schiff Introduce Legislation To Protect Regional National Archives Facilities From Closure | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | The lawmakers introduced the legislation following the announced closure of Regional National Archives and Federal Records Centers in Chicago and San Bruno, California [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) along with U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), today introduced the National Archives Protection Act, legislation that would require congressional approval before the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can close or significantly restrict access to existing regional facilities. In June 2026, NARA announced plans to close its regional archive facilities and co-located Federal Records Centers (FRC) in Chicago and San Bruno, California, as well as relocate all temporary records from its Seattle facility. The decision has raised concerns from archivists, researchers and constituents about access to public records, many of which are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Chicago’s FRC houses more than 140,000 cubic feet of historical federal records from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, including federal court and naturalization records, immigration records, Native American and Bureau of Indian Affairs records, maritime records and other materials documenting the history of the Great Lakes region. The closure of Chicago’s FRC eliminates a regional access point serving six states, making it more difficult for Midwesterners and federal agencies to access the records that have yet to be digitized. “Our National Archives make it possible for families, researchers and communities across the Midwest to access records that tell the story of who we are and where we come from,” Duckworth said. “This Administration has already shown how willing it is to erase American stories, and closing regional facilities like Chicago’s Federal Records Center would put even more of our history out of reach. Congress must have a say to protect the public’s access to these critical records and ens… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/09/30/2026/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-during-senate-judiciary-committee-nominations-hearing | Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | During his opening remarks, Durbin also reflected on yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring testimony from former Special Counsel Jack Smith WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in which he outlined the extreme judicial nominees the Trump Administration has nominated, including the nominees before the Committee today. Today’s Committee hearing considered the nominations of: Lee Rudofsky, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit; Robert Long, to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida; Peter Mansfield, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Jesus Osete, to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. After commenting on today’s judicial nominees, Durbin reflected on yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring testimony from former Special Counsel Jack Smith. Key Quotes: “President Trump has made it clear he believes judges appointed by him should be reliable votes for the MAGA agenda. He said, ‘it’s really OK for them to be loyal to the person that appointed them’… When judges don’t rule his way, President Trump attacks them, calling them ‘rogue judges that are criminals,’ and demanding that Republicans pass a ‘tough crime bill that…cracks down on rogue judges.’ He has repeatedly attacked his own Supreme Court appointees, most recently saying, ‘they are merely a shell of their original selves.’” “For President Trump, it’s not enough that a judicial nominee be a principled conservative. Nominees must now demonstrate fealty to him and his MAGA agenda. So, President Trump has resorted to nominating ideologically extreme nominees in some cases—regardless of whether they have the qualifications to serve as a lifetime appointee.” “Look no further than today’s panel. One of the nominees has only been out of law school for a decade and has bee… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-judicial-nominees-about-protecting-americans-right-to-vote-during-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing | Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees About Protecting Americans’ Right To Vote During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Durbin questioned Judge Lee Philip Rudofsky and Jesus Osete about their views on the Voting Rights Act WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned judicial nominees during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Durbin began by questioning Lee Philip Rudofsky, nominated to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, about his view on the Voting Rights Act. “For 60 years, under the Voting Rights Act, individuals could bring [private] causes of action under that Act. I imagine the theory behind it, and I think I am right, is that that’s the only way for an individual to have a voice questioning government action which denies or limits a person’s right to vote. Is that your understanding?” Durbin asked. Judge Rudofsky replied that he believes that the Voting Rights Act did not write an express right of action. Despite precedent, Judge Rudofsky previously ruled in a 2022 case that the Voting Rights Act does not have an implied right of action, and as a result, he diluted the voting power of the Black Arkansans who brought the case. “In 2022, and you referred to the case, you presided over a case that challenged Arkansas’ House of Representatives redistricting map for diluting the voting power of Black Americans. In your own words, there was a ‘strong merits case that at least some of the districts…are unlawful under [Section] 2 of the Voting Rights Act.’ Yet, you claimed you could not reach the merits of the case and instead ruled that private citizens have no private right of action to enforce Section 2,” Durbin said. “For 60 years before your decision, courts recognized private plaintiffs, individuals for example, who may have lived in those districts that were being contested, were able to bring cases under Section 2 challenging the policies and practices that made it more difficult for people to vote. To the detriment of voters of color in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, a div… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-senate-rejecting-republican-messaging-bills | Durbin Statement On Senate Rejecting Republican Messaging Bills | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) today released the following statement regarding the Senate rejecting Republicans’ Ratepayer Protection Act and Stop Insider Trading Act: “In a last-minute gasp before the midterm election, Senate Republicans were hoping to pass a meaningless bill that does nothing to rein in data centers and a voter suppression bill masquerading as an inadequate congressional stock trading ban. Americans need real action, not Republican messaging.” -30- | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-leads-colleagues-in-letter-to-hud-urging-implementation-of-whole-home-repairs-law/ | Fetterman Leads Colleagues in Letter to HUD Urging Implementation of Whole Home Repairs Law | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | PA | John Fetterman | F000479 | www.fetterman.senate.gov | fetterman | https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led his colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner urging an establishment of a Whole Home Repairs program through the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-5). “Almost 7 million Americans live in homes that are in need of significant repair, with deficiencies including leaky roofs, faulty wiring, and mold. This is an issue that disproportionately affects America’s seniors, many of whom would like to downsize but do not want to sell the home at a steep discount due to the updates required. As we saw in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s successful Whole Home Repairs program, providing grants for repairs allowed seniors to sell larger homes to growing families,” wrote the members of Congress. Pennsylvania’s program provided grants and forgivable loans to help homeowners and small landlords repair and weatherize their properties. The Pennsylvania program also supported training and pre-apprenticeship programs to create jobs and build a skilled workforce for the future. As the result of a bipartisan and bicameral effort, the Whole-Home Repairs Act was signed into law with the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The Whole Home Repairs pilot program will provide renovation and repair grants to homeowners and small landlords. This will help ensure America’s aging homes do not fall out of the housing supply. “The language in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act authorizes you to operate a Whole Home Repairs program through 2031. We want to show the nation that repairing America’s crumbling homes is not a red or blue issue. Creating greater access to housing is an American issue. Any delays will mean millions of American families may never realize the benefit of this program. We were proud to help the Whole Home Repairs bill become law, and we stand ready to support you in making it a real… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-question-president-trump-on-invitation-of-vladimir-putin-to-g20-on-american-soil/ | Gallego, Colleagues Question President Trump on Invitation of Vladimir Putin to G20 on American Soil | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined a bipartisan group of 13 senators in sending a letter to President Trump inquiring about the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leader’s Summit in Miami, Florida this coming December. In the letter, the senators question why Vladimir Putin, who has committed atrocities against the people of Ukraine and silenced his own people, has been welcomed with open arms to participate in a G20 meeting on American soil. This comes at a time when the Russian government is ramping up its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and continues to target Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The senators make clear that President Putin should not be permitted to take part in G20 events or other similar international forums in the United States and request for Putin nor any sanctioned Russian officials be permitted at upcoming G20 events. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day,” wrote the senators. “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure,” continued the senators. “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which gives you additional tools to hold the Putin regime accountable. However, if President Putin and… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-bill-to-protect-americans-data-from-big-tech-and-ai-companies/ | Gillibrand Introduces Bill To Protect Americans’ Data From Big Tech And AI Companies | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) reintroduced the Data Protection Act. This legislation would create a new independent federal agency to protect Americans’ data, ensure fair data practices, and help the government adapt to rapidly evolving digital technologies. “As AI continues to evolve, it is more important than ever that we take action to crack down on tech companies that misuse Americans’ data,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Currently, Big Tech companies are free to sell individuals’ data to the highest bidder without fear of real consequences, posing a severe threat to privacy and civil rights. My bill would create an independent federal agency to protect data and privacy, equipped with the resources to give Americans the meaningful protection they deserve.” Data privacy is a growing concern in the United States. In 2025 alone, more than 3,300 data breaches exposed over 278 million individuals’ personal information. About 89 percent of Americans are concerned that their data is being accessed and used inappropriately. Additionally, the U.S. is one of few democracies in the world that lacks a data protection agency. Senator Gillibrand’s Data Protection Act would create such an agency, strengthening the federal government’s ability to protect Americans’ data and bringing the U.S. in line with peer nations. Specifically, the Data Protection Act would: Limit the collection, use, and sharing of personal data; Oversee high-risk data practices, ensure that data processing and algorithms are fair, and minimize the collection of data for commercial purposes; Examine the social, ethical, economic, and civil rights impacts of data collection practices; Maintain a publicly accessible list of data aggregators that collect, process, or share data; Enforce privacy statutes and rules as authorized by Congress, with a broad range of tools including civil penalties, injunctive relief, and equitable remedies; Develop model privacy and data protection standards, guidelines, and policies for use by the private… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/watch-gillibrand-demands-enabler-hegseth-resign-after-dismissing-uss-lincoln-suicide-attempts-politically-motivated-firings/ | Watch: Gillibrand Demands “Enabler” Hegseth Resign After Dismissing USS Lincoln Suicide Attempts, Politically Motivated Firings | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Gillibrand: “This Is A Secretary Of Defense Who Does Not Know How To Lead Our Country Productively To Keep Americans Safer.” ***Watch Senator Gillibrand’s Full Interview Here*** Today, in an interview on CNN’s The Situation Room, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, called for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s immediate resignation following recent revelations that 8 sailors in the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had attempted suicide and that Hegseth plans to cut the number of generals and admirals in the military by 20%. Gillibrand also continued to demand immediate passage of her bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA) in light of the allegations in the Cornell University fraternity rape case. The legislation would hold campuses accountable, create a fair process for students, and ensure victims have access to a dedicated advocate to assist in navigating the adjudication process. Footage of Senator Gillibrand’s interview with Pamela Brown can be found here. Transcripts of key moments can be found below: ON HEGSETH’S INABILITY TO STAND UP TO PRESIDENT TRUMP AND ENSURE OUR MILITARY KEEPS AMERICANS SAFE: GILLIBRAND: This administration and Pete Hegseth want $1.5 trillion for the military, showing that they want unlimited money for bombs. They have plenty of money for billionaires and ballrooms, but yet not sufficient money for regular people who are working hard for food, for housing, and for healthcare. It’s just deeply demoralizing, the direction the secretary is taking. BROWN: And you believe he should resign. Is that right? GILLIBRAND: I’ve called on him to resign many times over almost all of these issues. Most recently, over the hitting of a girls’ school in Iran, the fact that he continues to prosecute a war that the American people have not had a chance to even support. There’s been no congressional approval. And again, asking for unlimited money for his bombs, waging this war when this administration ref… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/fact-sheet-heinrich-outlines-how-bipartisan-american-affordability-and-jobs-act-will-deliver-cheaper-energy-more-jobs-and-responsible-growth | FACT SHEET: Heinrich Outlines How Bipartisan American Affordability & Jobs Act Will Deliver Cheaper Energy, More Jobs, and Responsible Growth | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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, released a new fact sheet outlining key provisions of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, legislation that he unveiled with U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The landmark legislation will deliver cheaper energy, more jobs, and responsible growth across the United States. Text of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act can be found here. Heinrich’s press release announcing the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act can be found here. Heinrich’s fact sheet can be found here and below. Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act will deliver cheaper energy, good-paying jobs, and responsible growth, while protecting important environmental review and historic preservation processes. Cheaper Energy As demand increases, America needs more electricity, and we need it cheaper and faster. This deal will increase supply, expand the grid, and drive costs down for families and businesses. Builds more transmission, faster by strengthening the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) “backstop” siting authority — giving the federal government more authority to approve major interstate power lines – and allowing transmission applications to be processed simultaneously with state reviews, helping needed projects move through permitting faster. Gets more energy onto the grid by: Requiring regional and interregional transmission planning that accounts for where new transmission is needed and plans ahead for future electricity demand, helping to get more electricity to the places that need it and putting… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lee-capito-and-whitehouse-introduce-bipartisan-american-affordability-and-jobs-act-of-2026 | Heinrich, Lee, Capito, and Whitehouse Introduce Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 to reform the federal environmental review and permitting process. This groundbreaking agreement will deliver cheaper energy, more jobs, and responsible growth across the United States. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act provides certainty that permitted energy and infrastructure projects will retain their permits absent extraordinary circumstances, violations of law, or court order, as well as targeted reforms for various energy projects. This legislation reflects input from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and from a diverse group of stakeholders. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act also forces data centers to pay their fair share by requiring them to pay for all of their associated transmission costs. “America is entering a new era of energy demand. We have an enormous opportunity to build big things again to meet this moment – to build more generation, expand our grid, create more jobs, lower energy costs, and make sure we have the energy we need to compete. It should not take decades to build the infrastructure our country needs,” said Heinrich. “Our Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act will help us get to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on energy projects faster, while protecting important environmental safeguards and protecting the ability of Tribes to formally consult during these processes. It will mean more energy on the grid, more good-paying jobs, and lower electricity costs for families and businesses. And as data centers drive demand for more power, it will ensure they pay… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-vote-against-husted-backed-bill-that-fails-to-make-data-centers-pay-for-grid-upgrades | Heinrich Statement on Vote Against Husted-Backed Bill that Fails to Make Data Centers Pay for Grid Upgrades | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after voting against advancing U.S. Senator Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation that fails to make AI data centers to pay their fair share of the grid upgrades they require – burdening American families with higher electricity costs. “The Ratepayer Protection Act is exactly what Congress is known for: all message and no substance. If voluntary pledges and suggestions worked, families and small businesses wouldn’t be staring down rate hikes right now. “I want Congress to pass legislation with real teeth that will require data centers to pay their fair share of the grid upgrades they require and doesn’t shift costs onto American families. Husted’s bill fails to do both. “I’m pushing for legislation that will actually hold AI data centers accountable for their energy usage and lower electricity bills for Americans.” Last week, Heinrich blocked Husted’s attempt to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act via a Unanimous Consent (UC) agreement and urged his Senate colleagues to instead pass his GRID Savings Act, which forces large load customers — like data centers — to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-celebrates-committee-passage-of-his-bipartisan-energy-bills/ | Hickenlooper Celebrates Committee Passage of His Bipartisan Energy Bills | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper led the Geo POWER Act and co-led the Earth MRI Act WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper celebrated the Senate Energy and Natural Resource (ENR) Committee’s passage of two Hickenlooper-led bipartisan bills. The committee passed Hickenlooper’s Geo POWER Act, as amended, which would help accelerate geothermal technologies and deliver clean, reliable electricity across the country, and the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Reauthorization Act, which he co-leads with Senator Murkowski, to fund the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth MRI program. A program that improves our understanding of critical mineral, geothermal, and other subsurface resources across the country. “America is an energy powerhouse, but our energy needs are growing rapidly,” said Hickenlooper. “To meet our energy demand, we need to invest in activities that make it possible to further unlock our full potential. If we do, we can secure lower energy costs for Americans, shore up our national security, and build tomorrow’s energy infrastructure today.” The Geo POWER Act’s committee passage comes on the heels of Colorado’s National Laboratory of the Rockies being chosen as the launch point for the Geothermal Center of Excellence earlier this month. The Act provides a significant $800 million investment in unlocking geothermal energy here in the U.S. Specifically, the Geo POWER Act would: Require the Department of Energy to provide innovative financing to projects that are planning or enabling new aggregate electricity generation of at least 30 megawatts in multiple states with limited to no existing geothermal electricity generation; Generate public data to de-risk future geothermal projects in new geologies and regions; Ensure fiscal accountability by requiring projects to achieve milestones to access additional financial support; and Accelerate the commercialization of next-generation geothermal technologies in new regions across the United States. The Earth MRI Act would: Reauthorize Earth MRI for a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-republicans-sham-effort-to-shield-americans-from-data-centers-driving-up-energy-costs/ | Hickenlooper Statement on Republicans Sham Effort to Shield Americans from Data Centers Driving Up Energy Costs | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Democrats pushed to strengthen the so-called Ratepayer Protection Act and require data centers to pay for grid updates WASHINGTON – As the Senate considers the Ratepayer Protection Act, today U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper criticized the measure as lacking teeth after Republicans refused to work with Senate Democrats to amend the legislation to actually protect Americans from paying increased energy prices for the energy needs of data centers. Democrats remain ready to stop data centers from raising costs. “Data centers use large amounts of electricity. And families shouldn’t be forced to pay for their new infrastructure needs. Republicans say their bill fixes that. It doesn’t,” said Hickenlooper in a video statement today. “It asks states to consider protections for ratepayers. It doesn’t require them. This isn’t complicated. If Big Tech wants a data center. Big Tech should pay for it. Congress needs to get serious and actually protect ratepayers.” Watch Senator Hickenlooper’s full video here. Americans have already paid $100 billion in additional energy costs because of the war in Iran. The so-called Rate Payer Protection Act only asks states to study the idea of requiring data centers to pay for necessary grid updates for their large energy demands. However, Senate Democrats pushed to include their provision that would have actually required the largest new power users to pay their fair share to connect. It would mandate data centers follow the same rules that power plants have followed for 20 years. Currently, power plants must go through a detailed review process, pay for the upgrades needed to connect safely and reliably, and put up financial commitments to show it’s serious about moving forward. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-republicans-trojan-horse-voter-suppression-tactic/ | Hickenlooper Statement on Republicans’ “Trojan Horse” Voter Suppression Tactic | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after blocking a Republican bill that would restrict voting and allow insider trading to continue. “We blocked Republicans’ thinly veiled voter suppression bill outright earlier this year. Today, they ripped a page out of Homer and tried to sneak it through like a Trojan Horse,” said Hickenlooper. “We will continue to block their efforts to insulate the president from voters who are furious with MAGA’s corrupt agenda and cost-of-living emergency.” Hickenlooper has consistently fought back against Trump and MAGA Republicans’ voter suppression bill and stood up to their attacks on mail-in-voting, a safe and secure voting method. As governor, Hickenlooper created the gold-standard mail-in-voting system in the country, providing millions of Coloradans with easier access to the ballot box. The vehicle for the Republicans’ voter suppression provision, the Stop Insider Trading Act, fails to adequately stop members of Congress profiting off insider information. The bill also ignores any restrictions for the president and cabinet officials. Hickenlooper, who has had his assets in a blind trust since he was Mayor of Denver, co-sponsors the more comprehensive Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act that would force all members of Congress to place their stocks into a qualified blind trust so that they can’t use insider information to inform their portfolio decisions and turn a profit. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-his-legislation-to-improve-financial-security-for-americans | Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of His Legislation to Improve Financial Security for Americans | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) celebrated Senate passage of the Claiming Age Clarity Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Susan Collins (R-ME), to help Americans make better-informed decisions that help them live a more financially-secure retirement. Specifically, it would change language to make it clearer to Americans about the impact that claiming Social Security benefits at different ages would have on their benefit amounts. “Americans pay into Social Security their entire working lives, and it’s important that they understand what benefits they’re entitled to so they can make informed decisions about their retirement,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation will make that vital information clearer. I’m glad that both chambers have now passed this bill, and I urge the President to sign it.” Social Security benefits are available to Americans starting at age 62, but those who choose to receive their benefits later receive greater monthly payments, with the highest payments available to those who wait until age 70 to begin claiming benefits. Many Americans do not begin claiming benefits at the age that will maximize their total income in retirement, and research has shown that the terminology the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses often leads to confusion. To take steps toward alleviating this problem, this legislation would clarify the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) terminology, ending the use of the confusing terms “early eligibility age,” “full retirement age,” and “delayed retirement credits,” and replacing them with “minimum monthly benefit age,” “standard monthly benefit age,” and “maximum monthly benefit age,” respectively. Full text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-holds-hearing-on-nicaraguas-political-crisis | Kaine Holds Hearing On Nicaragua’s Political Crisis | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | VIDEO FROM THE HEARING IS AVAILABLE HERE. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)—a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues—held a subcommittee hearing titled “Nicaragua’s Political Crisis: Ortega’s Assault on Democracy.” In July, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega declared that Nicaragua would no longer hold competitive elections. “This is timely and urgent because the human rights challenges perpetrated by the current regime in Nicaragua have to be taken seriously, both for the sake of Nicaraguans but also for the entire region,” said Kaine. “I know very well the signs of autocratic government, the actions that they take, the human toll they inflict on everyday citizens.” “What is happening in Nicaragua is a reminder that democracy doesn't always die from a coup or a military takeover, as was the case in Honduras. The erosion starts when an authoritarian leader systematically undermines the foundations of free society, press, independent judiciary—weaponizing government against dissidents and weakening other independent institutions,” Kaine continued. “As a longtime member of the subcommittee and more recently the Chair and Ranking of the Subcommittee, I think Congress has a responsibility to authorize the necessary tools to put pressure on regimes,” Kaine said. “But we do have tools that we ought to be using to pressure those who are violating the human rights of others.” During the hearing, Kaine asked the witnesses about the status of the 222 Nicaraguan political prisoners who are living in the United States, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) detention of six of them. He also asked about impact of illicit gold mining in Nicaragua and the region and raised concerns about religious persecution. The panel witnesses included: Mr. Eddy Acevedo, Vice President for Policy & Government Relation… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-slams-congressional-republicans-for-ignoring-need-to-fund-landmark-infrastructure-law | Kaine Slams Congressional Republicans For Ignoring Need To Fund Landmark Infrastructure Law | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement regarding the expiration of funding for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation Kaine helped pass that brought over 12.6 billion in federal funding to Virginia for over 900 specific infrastructure upgrades: “Virginians and Americans across the country deserve top-notch infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drinking and wastewater systems, and more. That’s why Democrats, Republicans, and the Biden Administration worked together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—legislation that brought $12.6 billion in infrastructure investments to the Commonwealth. But starting today, funding for this landmark law officially expires—all because congressional Republicans wasted valuable time in the Senate schedule on everything from crypto to college sports legislation, instead of things that would actually make a meaningful difference for a majority of Americans.” Some examples of projects in Virginia funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law include: A nearly $400 million investment for Virginia’s airports A $150 million investment for the City of Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project A $72 million investment for the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project A $729 million investment to support the Long Bridge Project, which will alleviate bottlenecks and expand rail capacity in Northern Virginia A $100 million investment to improve congestion through a Northern Virginia rail corridor A $25 million investment for high-speed internet in Wise, Lee, and Norton counties A $18.4 million investment to replace a 79-year-old bridge that carries Ashe Boulevard over CSX railroad tracks A nearly $3 million investment to reconnect communities by improving transportation infrastructure in Norfolk and Richmond A $100 million investment to support the construction of Microporous’ new manufacturing facility at the Southern Virginia Megasite A $1.5 million investment for the Virginia Beach and Vicinity Coastal Sto… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-4-million-to-support-veteran-suicide-prevention-efforts-across-virginia | Warner, Kaine Announce $4 Million To Support Veteran Suicide Prevention Efforts Across Virginia | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 $4,144,835 in federal funding to strengthen veteran suicide prevention efforts across Virginia. The funding will support eight community organizations that connect veterans and their families to mental health resources, outreach programs, suicide prevention services, and other critical support. The grants are being awarded through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which was created by bipartisan legislation that Sen. Warner wrote and Sen. Kaine supported to expand prevention efforts and better connect veterans with resources available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local communities. “Veterans deserve to know that help is there when they need it. It is our responsibility as lawmakers to make sure that those who have sacrificed for our country are not left to suffer silently and have the support and resources that they’ve earned and are owed,” said the senators. “We’re proud to have helped create this program, which is delivering critical resources to organizations on the ground working with veterans. These federal dollars will help expand lifesaving suicide prevention efforts and ensure more Virginia veterans and their families can get the support they’ve earned.” The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program was created through the IMPROVE Wellbeing for Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation led by Sen. Warner in 2019 to improve the coordination of veteran mental health and suicide prevention services and to better measure the effectiveness of these programs. The legislation was signed into law as part of the broader Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which passed the Senate unanimously in August 2020. In February 2025, Sen. Warner introduced bipartisan legislation to renew and expand the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. In June 2025, Sen. Warner testified before the Senate… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-tillis-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-reaffirming-u-s-nuclear-deterrence-commitments-to-allies/ | Kelly, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Reaffirming U.S. Nuclear Deterrence Commitments to Allies | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan Reaffirming Extended Nuclear Deterrence Act, legislation reaffirming U.S. extended nuclear deterrence commitments to allies and the military exercises, planning, and consultations that make those commitments credible. The legislation comes soon after Kelly and Tillis pressed the Trump administration to reverse its decision to substantially reduce joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea and urged the Administration to maintain the training necessary to preserve the readiness of the alliance. “Deterrence only works if adversaries believe you mean it. China and Russia are expanding their nuclear arsenals. North Korea keeps pushing. This is the wrong moment to leave allies confused about where we stand. We need to make clear that Congress is committed to maintaining the capability and credibility our allies are counting on,” saidKelly. “Our adversaries are increasingly testing the strength of our alliances and seeking opportunities to undermine the stability and security we have preserved for decades,” said Tillis. “It’s critical that we work with our allies to maintain a credible deterrent, strengthen our collective defense, and ensure the continued peace of the Western world and the values we share.” Background: One of the stated goals of U.S. nuclear weapons policy for the past 75 years has been to extend its nuclear deterrent to key allies in Europe and Asia. Extended deterrence has been foundational to U.S. alliances, and today, this commitment remains steadfast. However, credibly reassuring allies that the U.S. will come to their aid is a challenge. Today, that credibility is under greater strain as U.S. actions have raised questions about the durability of American commitments. At the same time, NATO countries have shown interest in nuclear-sharing or alternative nuclear arrangements. The Reaffirming Extended Nuclear Deterrence Act is a clear congressional reaffirmation that strengthens assuranc… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-sasc-strategic-forces-kelly-questions-if-golden-dome-will-trigger-another-arms-race/ | WATCH: In SASC Strategic Forces, Kelly Questions if Golden Dome Will Trigger Another Arms Race | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | During a Senate Armed Services Committee Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on Golden Dome for America, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly questioned experts on whether the administration’s proposed missile defense system could actually make the United States less safe by pushing Russia and China to build more nuclear weapons and develop new ways to defeat U.S. defenses, potentially fueling an arms race. Kelly also expressed concerns over whether the program’s extraordinary cost is worth it if Russia and China simply build more weapons to defeat it in the near future. Sen. Kelly questions David J. Trachtenberg. Kelly opened by questioning whether Golden Dome would push Russia and China to build up their arsenals rather than deter them: “Deterrence is about perception. And this administration might see Golden Dome as a defensive system. But what also matters here for strategic stability is how does China and Russia see this? For decades, U.S. nuclear strategy has recognized the relationship between strategic offensive and defensive forces. They’re connected. The basic concern is pretty straightforward. If one side builds defenses that could substantially reduce the effectiveness of the other side’s nuclear deterrent, the other side has an incentive to build more or better offensive weapons with more countermeasures. And that dynamic was part of the rationale behind negotiating limits on offensive and defensive systems during the Cold War.” Kelly expressed that his biggest concern with Golden Dome is that America would be spending an outsized amount of money for a system that would become irrelevant as Russia and China build up their arsenals to defeat it: “Suddenly, they’re building thousands of more ICBMs. The Chinese are building thousands of more ICBMs. This system isn’t sized to handle it. We spent $1.2 trillion on a system that then becomes irrelevant…People don’t have health care coverage. They can’t afford their lives anymore. We’re investing trillions of dollars into the defense indus… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=844818B8-AAE5-46D1-86B2-E81EF7047535 | Klobuchar, Cassidy Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Taxpayer Advocate Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | klobuchar | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases | scraper | Bipartisan bill will help taxpayers resolve IRS problems WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) released the statements below after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act. The legislation strengthens the independence of the National Taxpayer Advocate by allowing the Advocate to hire and consult its own legal counsel rather than relying on attorneys who report to the IRS Office of Chief Counsel. The bipartisan legislation, which passed the House in 2025, now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “The National Taxpayer Advocate plays a critical role in helping taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, but currently the attorneys supporting that office are selected by the IRS Chief Counsel, undermining the Advocate’s ability to provide fully independent advice and representation,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure that the Advocate has the independence needed to effectively do its job by allowing its attorneys to report directly to the Advocate and owe their loyalty to taxpayers, not the IRS. This will help the Advocate stand up for taxpayers, assist our constituents, and improve our tax system, and I urge the President to swiftly sign this bill into law.” “If you’re having to deal with the IRS, odds are, you’re having difficulty doing so. This bill helps improve that experience for the honest taxpayer,” said Dr. Cassidy. The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems with the agency, identifies systemic problems taxpayers encounter in dealing with the IRS, and recommends administrative and legislative changes to address those problems. Currently, TAS attorneys report to the IRS Office of Chief Counsel rather than directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate. The National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act would allow the National Taxpayer Advocate to hire and consult its own attorneys, strengthening TAS’s independence and its … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-heinrich-kelly-cantwell-call-on-states-to-stop-data-centers-from-passing-rising-costs-on-to-ratepayers/ | Luján, Heinrich, Kelly, Cantwell Call on States to Stop Data Centers from Passing Rising Costs on to Ratepayers | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Luján is one of only two U.S. Senators, and the only Democratic Senator, to have served as a state utility commissioner Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, called on Ann Rendahl and Jehmal Hudson, President and First Vice President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, to protect residential and small-business ratepayers from the cost of serving large data centers. Specifically, the senators urged state utility commissions to adopt a dedicated mechanism that applies to large data centers in its jurisdiction, so that data centers pay the full cost of the generation, transmission, and distribution built to serve them. “We write to ask NARUC and its member commissions to act now to protect residential and small business ratepayers from the cost of serving large data centers. Specifically, we ask that every state utility commission adopt a dedicated rate rider — a separate tariff mechanism — that applies to every large data center in its jurisdiction, so that data centers pay the full cost of the generation, transmission, and distribution built to serve them, as well as the cost of their use of existing generation, transmission and distribution,” wrote the senators. “The authority to set retail rates was delegated by Congress to the states. That is why we are writing to you. It is clear that unless states implement data center rate riders, consumers and small businesses will experience rate increases,” concluded the senators. The full letter can be found here and below: Dear President Rendahl & First Vice President Hudson: We write to ask NARUC and its member commissions to act now to protect residential and small business ratepayers from the cost of serving large data centers. Specifically, we a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-shares-doj-documents-regarding-dea-fentanyl-practices-whistleblower-reports/ | Luján Shares DOJ Documents Regarding DEA Fentanyl Practices, Whistleblower Reports | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | June AP Report Found that DEA Allowed Mass Amounts of Fentanyl Pills onto New Mexico Streets Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, shared the following documents for New Mexicans to read for themselves regarding the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) fentanyl practices. Senator Luján led the N.M. Delegation calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico. Following the Associated Press report that the DEA allowed fentanyl pills onto New Mexico streets, Senator Luján has been briefed by DEA and DOJ officials and continues to press the federal government for more information to be released to the public. The following documents are available through the U.S. Department of Justice website: November 2023: New Mexico DEA agent files complaint A New Mexico DEA agent filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that federal prosecutors had discouraged or prevented agents from stopping suspected fentanyl shipments during investigations, allowing large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities. December 22, 2023: Office of Special Counsel (OSC) refers allegations to DOJ The OSC found the allegations serious enough to require a DOJ investigation. OSC said there was a “substantial likelihood” that the alleged conduct could involve violations of rules, abuse of authority, or a danger to the public. Link: https://www.osc.gov/~assets/cases/osc-file-no-di-24-000207-referral_redacted.pdf September 3, 2024: DOJ investigation rejects allegations DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility found no misconduct, finding that prosecutors and agents have discretion to let suspected drugs move rather than immediately seize them. It found the specific decisions it reviewed were reasonable under DOJ po… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-taxpayer-assistance-and-service-act/ | Luján Statement on Senate Passage of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Several Luján Authored Provisions Included in Bipartisan Tax Package Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, which included several provisions authored by Senator Luján: “The Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act is a commonsense bipartisan legislative package that will strengthen taxpayer rights, reduce unnecessary burdens, and make our tax system fairer. I’m proud to have authored several provisions in this package to improve transparency, strengthen taxpayer protections, and help ensure the IRS works more efficiently for the American people. “Now, with Senate passage, we are one step closer to delivering a tax system that better serves taxpayers with fairness, transparency, and accountability.” In July, Senator Luján introduced the Strengthening Taxpayer Advocacy Act, bipartisan legislation to empower the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to better serve Americans navigating challenges with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Senator Luján also introduced a bipartisan package of three bills to improve transparency, fairness, and simplicity in the federal tax system. These pieces of legislation, led by Senator Luján, were included as provisions in the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-releases-new-report-detailing-epa-capitulation-to-big-tech-dangerous-easing-of-regulations-to-build-data-centers-at-the-expense-of-transparency-and-communities-health | Senator Markey Releases New Report Detailing EPA Capitulation to Big Tech, Dangerous Easing of Regulations to Build Data Centers at the Expense of Transparency and Communities’ Health | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | “The EPA's Data Center Disaster” Report (PDF) Washington (September 30, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, today released a report titled, The EPA’s Data Center Disaster: How the Trump Administration is Destroying Environmental Protections and Selling Out Communities for Big Tech, detailing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s campaign of reckless deregulation to dilute environmental and public health guardrails in direct service of Big Tech’s race to build data centers. “75% of Americans do not want a data center in their backyard, yet Trump’s EPA has chosen to facilitate data center construction at the expense of our health, our pocketbooks, and our bedrock environmental laws. In what they have coined as ‘the largest deregulatory agenda in American history,’ President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin have issued rollbacks of air, water, and toxic chemical regulations that make it easier to build data centers and fossil fuel infrastructure to power them,” said Senator Markey. “Instead of subverting the EPA to Big Tech’s control, Trump and Zeldin should act in the interest of the American people and hold accountable the industries they are obligated to regulate. The public deserves an EPA that lives up to its name.” Senator Markey’s report pulls back the curtain on the EPA’s abuse of power and failure to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment. Since January 2025, Trump’s EPA has proposed and finalized rollbacks to undermine longstanding public health guardrails, explicitly and repeatedly naming data centers as a key beneficiary. And beyond these individual regulatory rollbacks, Zeldin has refused to contemplate any nationwide standards for data centers, despite increasing evidence of the harm that data centers and their related power infrastructure inflict on U.S. communities. The cost of unfettered data center buildout is a real, present danger to the… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senate-unanimously-passes-merkley-curtis-bipartisan-wildfire-emissions-prevention-act/ | Senate Unanimously Passes Merkley-Curtis Bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Bipartisan legislation would remove regulatory burden on proactive forest management, lower net emissions Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT), members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA). Merkley and Curtis’ bipartisan legislation would streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. “As climate chaos fuels longer, hotter, and more dangerous wildfire seasons, our communities need to have all the necessary resources to mitigate wildfire threats. Prescribed fire and cultural burning on the landscape are one such tool by reducing hazardous fuels,” said Merkley. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the use of prescribed burns and includes my provisions to establish the Smoke Ready Communities Program. With our Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act passing the Senate, we are on the way to supporting more prescribed fire on the landscape—an essential forest management activity—while giving our communities the resources to plan and prepare for smoke events, protecting public health and saving lives.” “Utah has faced a devastating fire season, and we know that preventing catastrophic wildfires starts with giving land managers the tools to reduce hazardous fuels before they burn,” said Curtis. “Prescribed fire works, and states should not be penalized for responsibly using it to protect communities, forests, and air quality. I’m grateful the Senate unanimously passed this commonsense, bipartisan bill, and I urge the House to act quickly so we can get it to the President’s desk.” The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act would: Make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fire to prevent wildfire emissions; Protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats; Provide certainty that states won’t be penalized for taking acti… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-bonamici-salinas-hoyle-dexter-bynum-oppose-trumps-undermining-of-due-process-and-politicizing-immigration-courts/ | Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Salinas, Hoyle, Dexter, Bynum Oppose Trump’s Undermining of Due Process and Politicizing Immigration Courts | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Oregon lawmakers demand an end to expedited “mega master” hearings in Portland, Tacoma, and other immigration centers. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum, today demanded the Trump administration end the practice of “mega master” immigration hearings that expedite the review of hundreds of immigrants’ cases in a day, resulting in a fast-track to removing immigrants without due process. “This unwarranted blitzkrieg of assaults on justice and fair treatment raises serious constitutional concerns and is unworthy of the oaths you swore to uphold,” the Oregon lawmakers wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Sirce E. Owen, Acting Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review and David Venturella, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Over the past year, your agencies have increased the number of immigrants who must appear on little-to-no notice for so-called ‘mega master’ hearings on overcrowded dockets in front of Trump’s handpicked judges at courts across the country, all while stripping immigrants of their legal status, ramping up arrests and detention, and limiting their access to legal counsel for representation in court and fast-tracked asylum interviews,” they wrote. “These policy changes confuse and terrify law-abiding immigrants in our communities and prevent them from having a fair day in court.” The lawmakers wrote that the Portland Immigration Court in Oregon is now holding about two “mega master” hearings every week, in addition to maintaining its previously scheduled docket hearings and individual merit hearings. That has forced immigrants anticipating court dates in 2027 or 2028 to suddenly show up on extremely short notice and scrambling both to figure out how to get to the court on time, and to find an attorney to represent them. “As if the changes at the Portland Immigration Court weren’t bad enough, the neighboring Tacoma Immigr… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-bynum-announce-100000-for-central-oregon-wildfire-recovery/ | Wyden, Merkley, Bynum Announce $100,000 for Central Oregon Wildfire Recovery | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum, today announced $100,000 in federal awards to support displaced Oregonians and wildfire recovery efforts for Central Oregon communities that lost homes in the 2026 wildfires. “As wildfires in central Oregon and statewide set new records every year in size and intensity, the rural communities on the front lines of these fights are the most in need of resources for recovery efforts,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal award that will support Central Oregon communities including Warm Springs residents who were forced to flee from their homes, and I will continue to fight for more resources to support wildfire prevention and recovery across Oregon.” “When disaster strikes, Oregon’s communities show up to help each other. These federal funds will help NeighborImpact provide critical support to Warm Springs families recovering from the devastating July wildfires, including emergency shelter, relocation assistance, and essential household supplies,” said Merkley. “I’ll keep fighting to bring federal resources home to Oregon so our communities have the support they need to recover and rebuild.” “No where to sleep. Only the clothes on your back. Food to go is the only option. All in the matter of one day,” said Rep. Bynum. “I’ve heard that story too many times from my constituents. People need help after an emergency, and the faster that help comes, the better shot they have of rebuilding what was lost. And by help I mean money to get the basics. That’s the difference this funding can and will make.” The $100,000 in federal awards from the NeighborWorks Disaster Grants program will be distributed to NeighborImpact, a central Oregon nonprofit that serves economically disadvantaged residents of Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Thousands of Warm Springs residents were forced to evacuate and several homes were lost in the July 2026 fires. The grant will support the… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-pushes-for-senate-passage-of-bill-protecting-children-from-ice | Murphy Pushes for Senate Passage of Bill Protecting Children from ICE | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday went to the floor of the U.S. Senate to ask for unanimous consent to pass his bill to prevent ICE, Border Patrol, and all DHS agents from carrying out enforcement actions at school bus stops. A Senate Republican blocked the bill, allowing the Trump Administration to continue conducting aggressive enforcement operations in full view of children. ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene. “I am […] just asking my colleagues: can we come to an agreement that school bus stops should be off limits? Can we decide to have compassion for that six-year-old child who got on the bus for his second day of school, and when he got back off the bus, was abandoned?” said Murphy. Murphy chronicled the horrors witnessed by children in Danbury during their first week of school: “On the morning of August 26, the second day of school for most school districts in Connecticut, in Danbury, Connecticut, bus drivers began reporting to the school district that they had noticed the presence of ICE agents in and around school bus stops. At one of them, a constituent of mine, a father, was waiting at the school bus stop with his six-year-old son, and just moments after saying goodbye to his son for the second day of school, and even before the school bus had fully driven away, ICE arrested and detained him.” Murphy pleaded with his Republican colleagues to consider the trauma ICE is inflicting on innocent children: “For parents in this body, you know how anxious that first day of school is, how kids are just brimming with nervous anxiety about tha… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-slam-trump-administrations-oil-reserve-release-as-months-too-late-for-families-paying-high-energy-costs/ | Murray, Kaptur Slam Trump Administration’s Oil Reserve Release as Months Too Late for Families Paying High Energy Costs | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, released the following statement in response to the Department of Energy’s announcement of another release of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. “Families in Washington State, Northwest Ohio, and all across the country are still paying too much at the pump and on their home energy bills — and this latest release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve woefully comes months too late to bring those high costs down. The Trump Administration says the deal costs taxpayers nothing, yet it has not set aside the money needed to refill the Reserve for the majority of the barrels owed back, which leaves our country less ready for the next emergency. This is a show put on to distract from the fact that this Administration is responsible for sending gas prices skyrocketing, and working families will keep paying for it in the days, weeks, months, and years to come,” said Murray and Kaptur. On September 29, the Department of Energy issued a request for proposals to exchange up to 40 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The exchange is part of a 172-million-barrel release the Trump Administration announced in March. Under an exchange, companies borrow oil from the Reserve and must later return it with extra barrels. Because none of the oil is sold, the exchanges bring in no money to pay for transport and other costs associated with moving it back into the Reserve. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/new-trump-sets-over-230-million-for-rural-housing-on-fire/ | NEW: Trump Sets Over $230 Million for Rural Housing on Fire | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | As fiscal year ends at midnight, Trump admin is on track to let $230M+ in federal funding to help low-income Americans in rural areas afford to buy a home POLITICO: $230 million in federal rural housing funds set to expire this week ***STATE-BY-STATE DATA HERE*** Washington, D.C. — As the fiscal year ends at midnight tonight, the Trump administration is on track to not spend nearly half of the $1 billion Congress has allocated for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans program, which helps low- and very-low-income Americans in rural areas get the financing they need to afford a home to call their own. Each year, the program finances roughly 5,500 mortgages. Over $230 million in funding that could have helped families hit by the housing crisis will expire tonight. That funding could have helped approximately 850 more rural households realize their dream of homeownership. “This theft is an attack on rural America. President Trump and Secretary Rollins are lighting funding on fire that should have helped families in rural areas fulfill their dreams of owning a home to call their own,” said Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There’s no excusing the fact that as the housing crisis hits rural America, this administration’s incompetence and intentional sabotage are denying help to families who need it most.” “At a time when Americans are struggling to find housing they can afford, we should be doing everything possible to help families put a roof over their heads—especially in the most rural parts of our country where affordable housing options can be few and far between,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. “By letting this funding expire, the administration is sending a clear message: addressing sky-high housing prices isn’t one of their priorities.” As of today, USDA has only spent $518 millio… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/republicans-block-democrats-bill-to-stop-trump-from-robbing-the-american-people-with-pocket-rescissions/ | Republicans Block Democrats’ Bill to Stop Trump from Robbing the American People with “Pocket Rescissions” | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, in seeking unanimous consent to pass a commonsense bill to stop President Trump from robbing the American people through illegal “pocket rescissions.” But Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) blocked the bill, which would (1) nullify the illegal “pocket rescission” that President Trump announced on Friday and (2) prevent the president from attempting to use a “pocket rescission” again by forbidding any president from submitting rescissions requests under the Impoundment Control Act with fewer than 90 days before the funds expire. This ensures Congress can act on the request and presidents cannot try to simply run out the clock. Democrats have repeatedly sought to bar the Trump administration from so much as attempting this illegal maneuver—when marking up draft Senate spending bills, in votes on the floor, and in negotiations over spending packages, including negotiations over the continuing resolution that was recently signed into law. But Republicans have rejected every Democratic attempt over the last 18 months to enact new protections against pocket rescissions. Senator Murray’s remarks ahead of the attempt to pass the bill, as delivered, are below: “Thank you to my colleague from Oregon for setting out what is going on here because, as he said, on Friday night, President Trump announced that he was stealing more money from the American people. Trump and his budget director Russ Vought call it a ‘pocket rescission.’ Well, whatever you call it, it’s illegal. “Trump is taking the bipartisan funding that we passed—funding that Democrats and Republicans agreed on, that he signed into law—and he is now ripping out the pages he doesn’t like. Forget about ideas like Congress and the law. “Look, this is theft from the American people—plain and simple. In this case, Trump is tearing away funding to h… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-leads-final-pre-midterm-effort-to-defeat-anti-voter-save-act-condemns-trump-corruption/ | Padilla Leads Final Pre-Midterm Effort to Defeat Anti-Voter SAVE Act, Condemns Trump Corruption | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, took to the Senate floor in opposition to Republicans’ so-called Stop Insider Trading Act, which would allow members of Congress who already own stocks to keep trading and does nothing to prevent the President and Vice President from trading stocks, and includes a voter identification provision from the SAVE Act that would require eligible voters to include photo identification in their mail and absentee ballots, among other provisions. If enacted, this requirement would have been stricter than all 50 states. Once again, Padilla led his Senate colleagues in defeating this anti-voter provision and underscored the importance of holding President Trump accountable for his ongoing corruption, this time, just over a month before Election Day. The Senate failed to advance the bill by a party-line vote of 53-47, with 60 votes required to pass the bill. “Here we are, 34 days before Election Day, or, as I like to suggest, 34 days before the final day to vote because we’re encouraging people to cast their ballot early if they can, or vote by mail if and where they can,” said Senator Padilla. “But instead of talking about the issues that are most on the minds of American families, Republicans are here again trying to distract from those issues and to, frankly, create confusion amongst voters in order to protect the President and the party from your failed policies.” While Republicans claim to express concern over insider stock trading, Padilla exposed Trump’s own corruption and highlighted his previous efforts to prevent it, including the fact that President Trump traded more than 21,000 times in his first year in office, more than every member of Congress combined, increasing his net worth by $4-5 billion. Padilla also called out Trump’s Truth Social service, which sells early inside access to presidential announcements to hedge funds and Wall Street firms. He further detailed the impacts of a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-durbin-duckworth-introduce-legislation-to-protect-regional-national-archives-facilities-from-closure/ | Padilla, Schiff, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Protect Regional National Archives Facilities from Closure | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | The Senators introduced the legislation following the announced closure of Regional National Archives and Federal Records Centers in San Bruno, California and Chicago, Illinois WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), introduced the National Archives Protection Act, legislation that would require congressional approval before the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can close or significantly restrict access to existing regional facilities. In June 2026, NARA announced plans to close its regional archive facilities and co-located Federal Records Centers (FRC) in San Bruno, California and Chicago, Illinois, as well as relocate all temporary records from its Seattle facility. The decision raised concerns from archivists, researchers, and constituents about access to public records, many of which are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. “Our National Archives are home to the immigration journeys, military service, and family histories of people across the West and the Pacific,” said Senator Padilla. “Closing Federal Records Centers would cut researchers and communities off from our own past. I’m proud to work with Senator Durbin to maintain the public’s access to our nation’s historic documents.” “The administration is threatening access to historical and irreplaceable records, including closing down one facility in California that is home to countless photos and family heirlooms. Congress must exercise its oversight power to save decades of regional and national history,” said Senator Schiff. “Regional National Archives facilities, including Chicago’s Federal Record Center, ensure that Americans can access public and personal records without having to travel across the country. Closing these facilities without the oversight of Congress risks putting those records further out of reach for our communities,” said Senator Durbin. “The National Archives Protecti… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-advances-bipartisan-padilla-bill-to-support-desalination-and-safe-drinking-water/ | Senate Committee Advances Bipartisan Padilla Bill to Support Desalination and Safe Drinking Water | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources advanced U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan bill to reauthorize desalination projects and research. Padilla’s Desalination Reauthorization Act cleared committee by voice vote, along with a bipartisan amendment that was also adopted by voice vote. “Access to safe and clean drinking water is a human right, and investments in desalination projects provide promising pathways to meet our water needs,” said Senator Padilla. “The bill will help strengthen investments into desalination research and development so that every American can access safe, clean water. This is a critical step in addressing California’s water crisis and building new pathways for water security across the country.” The legislation would extend the programmatic approval of the Bureau of Reclamation to fund desalination projects, which would otherwise expire this year. If the programmatic approval expired, Congress would need to pass a separate bill in order to authorize each new desalination project, which could substantially delay desalination projects and increase their costs. These projects, including the Doheny desalination plant in Orange County, help the Southwest counter drought by providing a drought-proof contribution to our water supply. In addition, the legislation would authorize Reclamation to support advanced pilots to test new desalination technologies like OceanWell, which uses the ocean pressure at depths of approximately 1,400 feet to reduce the energy costs of desalination, and can also minimize desalination’s effects on marine life. OceanWell is working with Las Virgenes Water District in Ventura County to test its technology off the Southern California coast. Specifically, this bill would: Reauthorize the Bureau of Reclamation’s authority to provide grants for desalination projects, which is on track expire this year; Amend the programmatic approval to extend to public/private partnerships to build desalination projects; Direct… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-senator-peters-reflects-on-proudest-accomplishments-for-michigan-takeaways-from-congress-during-detroit-economic-club-exit-interview | ICYMI: Senator Peters Reflects on Proudest Accomplishments for Michigan, Takeaways from Congress During Detroit Economic Club Exit Interview | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reflected on his proudest accomplishments and takeaways from his 18 years in Congress during an “Exit Interview” with the Detroit Economic Club. In a conversation moderated by Local 4 Detroit’s Jason Colthrup, Peters highlighted his long-term efforts to support Michigan’s auto industry, protect the Great Lakes, and secure long-term missions at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Below are highlights from Peters’ remarks: Advocating for the 2009 Auto Rescue, Making the Case to Congress: “We had a lot of members of Congress that were around the country that were saying, ‘Yeah, let them go bankrupt. You know, that’s okay. That’s capitalism, if they go under, that’s it.’ And I’m like, ‘No, you can’t have a manufacturing sector in America if you don’t have an auto sector that’s healthy and vibrant. This impacts everybody,’ and we made the case aggressively.” Securing a Strong Future for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, including: Delivering a New Squadron of KC-46A Refueling Tankers: “I blocked the Air Force Secretary from getting confirmed under the Biden Administration. He wasn’t going to get confirmed until I got some sort of commitment. And we worked together, and our delegation worked together, and then they said, ‘Well, we’ll get you these tankers.’” Establishing the Northern Border Mission Center: “Now, we have this mission center which coordinates all of the border security from Maine to Washington state, all of the northern border, and it’s going to happen at Selfridge, which gives it a major Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission.” To watch Peters’ full interview at the Detroit Economic Club, click here. Securing Investments for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Protecting Our Waterways: “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which was passed in [20]10, has been a major game changer. Billions of dollars have been going in, if you just think of the Detroit River area and up into Port Huron, I think $250 million to make sure we’re cleaning up… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-cassidy-lead-bipartisan-colleagues-in-designating-september-2026-as-national-literacy-month | Reed, Cassidy Lead Bipartisan Colleagues in Designating September 2026 as “National Literacy Month” | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of literacy, boost literacy support programs, and encourage more Americans of all ages to read, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) are teaming up on a bipartisan resolution to designate September 2026 as “National Literacy Month.” The measure is being cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Susan Collins (R-ME). “Reading unlocks opportunity, and education is a lifelong pursuit. By strengthening literacy for Americans and doing a better job of reaching learners of all ages where they are, we can help people reach their full potential and build a stronger society,” said Senator Reed. “I’m proud to work with Senator Cassidy and our colleagues to introduce this important resolution that amplifies the need for more effective literacy instruction for all students, regardless of their age or background.” “Literacy opens the door for children to achieve the American Dream,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Congress must prioritize fixing our broken K-12 education system, so all children learn how to read proficiently.” Reading is a cornerstone for personal growth, economic opportunity, and a strong society. Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the most important predictors of whether a student will graduate high school and succeed in a career, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies estimates that 28% of American adults perform at the lowest literacy proficiency level. Low levels of adult literacy in the U.S. are estimated to cost the nation as much as $2.2 trillion annually, According to a 2020 study by Gallup in partnership … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/09/30/video-amid-trump-trade-war-and-rising-prices-rosen-pushes-back-on-trumps-hostile-actions-against-canada/ | VIDEO: Amid Trump Trade War and Rising Prices, Rosen Pushes Back on Trump’s Hostile Actions Against Canada | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Jacky Rosen | R000608 | www.rosen.senate.gov | rosen | https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | Senate Republicans Blocked Rosen Resolution Condemning Trump’s Actions Against Canada Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE. WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senate Republicans blocked Senator Jacky Rosen’s (D-NV) attempt to pass her resolution denouncing Donald Trump’s hostile actions against Canada that are increasing prices for consumers and harming Nevada’s economy. The resolution calls for the removal of Trump’s new 50 percent cost-raising tariffs on Canadian products and demands that the President stop taking inflammatory actions that needlessly harm the U.S. relationship with Canada. Nevada has already felt the impact of President Trump’s reckless actions, with tourism from Canada to Las Vegas down 17 percent in the last year and tariffs causing prices to skyrocket across the board. Canada is Nevada’s second-largest export market, accounting for $1.6 billion in goods every year. Senator Rosen has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s attacks on Canada and their impact on Nevada. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen released a statement denouncing Trump’s trade war with Canada. She also helped introduce a bill that would repeal Trump’s new 50 percent cost-raising tariffs on Canada. Senator Rosen also met with the Consul General of Canada to discuss the relationship between Nevada and Canada, as well as the importance of Canadian visitors and products to Nevada’s economy. Below are Senator Rosen’s full remarks: Today, I rise to speak up against Donald Trump’s reckless trade war against Canada and the impact it is having on my state of Nevada. Because of Trump’s childish fight with our neighbor, tourism is down, prices are up, and Canada is rethinking its relationship with our country. Let me tell you why this matters for my state. Canada is the number one source of international visitors to Las Vegas. In 2024, nearly 1.5 million Canadians visited Nevada to help boost our tourism economy and the small businesses that depend on it. And Canada is also one of Nevada’s top trading partners. In fact, Nevada ex… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hirono-lead-senate-resolution-honoring-hawaiian-history | Schatz, Hirono Lead Senate Resolution Honoring Hawaiian History | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) introduced a Senate resolution designating September 2026 as “Hawaiian History Month.” The resolution recognizes the rich history and culture of Native Hawaiians and Hawai‘i. “Hawaiian cultural traditions and values are an essential part of what makes Hawai‘i special. Hawaiian History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of the Native Hawaiian community and recommit to protecting Native Hawaiian rights,” said Senator Schatz. “Hawai‘i’s story is rooted in the wisdom, leadership, and enduring heritage of Native Hawaiians. As we celebrate our state’s rich culture, I am proud to honor the immeasurable contributions Native Hawaiians have made—and continue to make—across our islands and nationwide,” said Senator Hirono. The full text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-colleagues-fight-department-of-educations-new-rule-weaponizing-higher-education-accreditation-process/ | NEWS: Schiff, Colleagues Fight Department of Education’s New Rule Weaponizing Higher Education Accreditation Process | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “These changes set a dangerous precedent by forcing accreditors and, in turn, institutions, to answer to the political whims of the executive branch.” Washington, D.C. — After the Department of Education’s new regulations enabling new accreditors to enter the market more quickly, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led his colleagues in a comment letter to urge the Department to rescind the rule – warning of the implications to academic freedom and upholding the quality of higher education. “We urge you to ensure any reforms to the accreditation system prioritize what is best for students and taxpayers not partisan, political actors… The provisions outlined in the Department’s proposed rule threaten this system by inserting undue influence from the executive branch into the higher education accreditation process. Such changes place the academic freedom and intellectual diversity of our nation’s higher-education institutions in jeopardy,” the Senators wrote in a new comment letter to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Department of Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent. The Senators warn that the provisions go against Congressional intent and will threaten academic freedom, invite inexperienced accreditors to enter the market quickly potentially leaving students vulnerable to fraud, impose ideological requirements on accreditors, and reduce guardrails around educational institution’s ability to switch accreditors – enabling those who have defrauded students. “Such a politicization of faculty hiring and tenure gives the executive branch undue political influence over who institutions hire and what research their faculties produce. These provisions will narrow the scope of future research and dissuade faculty from producing findings that might be unpopular with the corporate or political forces which can influence hiring and firing decisions at institutions. This rule will have a negative downstream effect on the pipeline of future innovation that drives economic growth and improves the lives … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-ricketts-unveil-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-endangered-species-recover-faster/ | NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Ricketts Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Help Endangered Species Recover Faster | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chairman of the Senate EPW Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, are unveiling bipartisan legislation to improve and modernize the implementation of the Endangered Species Act’s (ESA) species recovery efforts – aiming to make conservation efforts more efficient and standardized, encourage conservation efforts by private landowners, and help endangered species reach recovery. “Protecting the thousands of endangered species and strengthening recovery efforts must be a bipartisan cause – it is a shared responsibility that takes all of us. My new legislation with Senator Ricketts updates the Endangered Species Act to ensure policies that will help species on the verge of extinction survive and recover are implemented efficiently, based on science, and in partnership with private landowners and states. We must all do our part to leave the world a better place than we found it,” said Senator Schiff. “Fifty-three years ago, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act to recover threatened and endangered species. Instead, it has created regulatory barriers that make recovery efforts more difficult. The Improving Species Recovery Act would cut burdensome red tape and modernize the recovery process. It would empower local experts with the resources and certainty they need to de-list species. As Governor, I led boots-on-the-ground efforts to protect our wildlife in Nebraska. This bill would ensure states and private landowners can continue that work more efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Ricketts. The Improving Species Recovery Act modernizes and enhances the recovery framework under the ESA through voluntary partnerships and relationships with private landowners, conservation milestones, clear and standardized demographic metrics, automating its processes with digital technology, and promoting greater collab… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/on-senate-floor-shaheen-slams-trump-administration-for-illegally-cancelling-funding-for-programs-benefiting-granite-staters | On Senate Floor, Shaheen Slams Trump Administration for Illegally Cancelling Funding for Programs Benefiting Granite Staters | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Jeanne Shaheen | S001181 | www.shaheen.senate.gov | shaheen | https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | (Washington, DC) –U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, today took to the Senate floor to deliver remarks voicing her fierce opposition to the Trump Administration’s illegal cancellation of over $800 million in appropriated federal funding. The Trump Administration’s decision will cut funding for critical programs including housing counseling, health care research and university fellowships that support Granite State families, health care providers and students. In her remarks, Shaheen slammed the Administration for hurting her constituents and highlighted stories she’s heard from constituents across the state about the detrimental impacts the Trump Administration’s illegal “pocket recission” will have. Click HERE to watch Senator Shaheen’s remarks in full. Key Quotes from Senator Shaheen: “The President promised the American people when he was campaigning that he would lower costs, and instead he’s putting services that millions of people count on at risk, including in my home state of New Hampshire.” “These abrupt cuts to programs Americans rely on have only created uncertainty and frustration at a time when people are already feeling immense financial burdens. They’re feeling uncertainty and anxiety about what’s happening in this country. These programs matter to people in New Hampshire. They make a difference in their lives. But the President and his cronies in this Administration don’t seem to care less.” “The President's also spending federal resources, as we've heard, for ads to promote himself and his Administration [...] Americans don't see those as priorities. They're concerned about how they're going to pay for their groceries, how they're going to pay for their gasoline, how they're going to pay child care. And this Administration is doing nothing. Zero. Nada. Nothing to help the American people.” Full remarks as delivered… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-leads-new-hampshire-delegation-bicameral-group-of-lawmakers-in-urging-hud-to-expedite-release-of-critical-housing-grant-funding-to-prevent-homelessness-service-cuts | Shaheen Leads New Hampshire Delegation, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers in Urging HUD To Expedite Release of Critical Housing Grant Funding to Prevent Homelessness, Service Cuts | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Jeanne Shaheen | S001181 | www.shaheen.senate.gov | shaheen | https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Congressional lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner demanding HUD release the delayed Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grants and urging the Department to immediately expedite the process of awarding grant funding for the HOPWA program. Shaheen’s letter comes as organizations across the nation, including in New Hampshire, are at risk of losing critical HOPWA funding that they rely on to serve those with HIV/AIDS. Many previously awarded HUD grants are expiring today, September 30, yet HUD has not released a NOFO nor communicated with grantee organizations who are relying on the renewal of their awards to continue providing critical housing and health care services to communities across the nation. The lawmakers wrote, in part: “We write to express our grave concerns regarding the delayed Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. For many organizations in our communities, this program is vital to ensuring individuals with HIV/AIDS have access to safe and stable housing. We urge you to release the NOFO immediately and expedite the awards so communities can continue to provide support and housing to those who need it.” They continued: “Unfortunately, many competitive HOPWA awards will expire tomorrow on September 30, 2026. Your department still has not released a NOFO, and grantees have received no information regarding the renewal of their awards. HOPWA is the only Federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, making any gap in funding detrimental for the organizations providing support and the individuals and communities that depend on this program.” The lawmakers concluded: “We understand that the awarding process takes careful review, but because these… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/09/30/icymi-slotkin-delivers-speech-at-carnegie-institution-on-defending-democracy/ | ICYMI: Slotkin Delivers Speech at Carnegie Institution on Defending Democracy | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Elissa Slotkin | S001208 | www.slotkin.senate.gov | slotkin | https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Wednesday, September 30, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) delivered remarks at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on her takeaways from a recent trip to Hungary and Poland, and how we can use lessons from those countries to protect democracy here in the United States. This follows a speech last year to the Brookings Institution, where Slotkin warned of President Trump’s authoritarian playbook. Following her remarks, she joined Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and staff writer for The Atlantic, for a Q&A discussion on lessons learned from global pro-democracy efforts and the future of American democracy. Slotkin’s remarks as prepared Watch full speech READ SOME KEY EXCERPTS BELOW. Two visions for America: But what this last year has clarified for me is that, as leaders, we have a responsibility not to just ‘admire the problem’, as we say at the Pentagon. The American people are looking for a path through the dark tunnel and into the light. President Trump thinks America is unremarkable, mediocre, and in decline. He believes we are not exceptional in our role in the world, and we never were – same as China or Russia. The America I know is filled with big-hearted people, who care about their neighbors and their community, and certainly the future for their kids. A society, stitched together by shared values of fairness and boundless optimism. America is a place where we do big things, and a shared set of laws allows anyone from anywhere to succeed. Toplines from Hungary: Just five months ago, a pro-democracy movement in Hungary achieved what many thought was impossible: they beat their authoritarian leader, Viktor Orban, ending his 16-year regime. Orban was elected in 2010 on the promise that he would put more money in the pockets of average Hungarians.7 While Hungary is not an apples-to-apples comparison to America, the trip helped crystallize some of the very trends we’re seeing here in our country… Authoritarians talk a big game about bringing down… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-legislation-to-combat-lyme-disease-other-tick-borne-diseases-becomes-law/ | U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Legislation to Combat Lyme Disease & Other Tick-Borne Diseases Becomes Law | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | tinasmith | https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | Most recent data shows Minnesota recorded 3,551 cases in 2024 alone, a rate that has likely increased in recent years WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s (D-MN) bipartisan bill to expand research, testing and treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases has been signed into law by the President. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act passed the U.S. Senate in August, passed the U.S. House of Representatives in mid-September. “The number of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses has been rising at an alarming rate. This law will step up regional efforts at researching, testing and treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. We must cut down on tick-borne illnesses for the sake of Americans’ health and well-being,” said Sen. Smith. “This law will save lives, especially in states like Minnesota, where tick populations have been rising.” Over the past two decades, Minnesota has experienced a significant rise in tick-borne diseases. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Lyme disease remains the state’s most reported tick-borne illness, with 3,551 probable cases reported in 2024. In the same year, Minnesota also reported hundreds of cases of other tickborne diseases: 627 cases of anaplasmosis, 89 cases of babesiosis and 14 cases of Powassan virus disease. The bill, co-led by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), was named in honor of former Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC), who passed away on October 28, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne Powassan virus. Using a three-pronged approach, The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act will: Continue implementation and updates of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People. This will support ongoing federal efforts to advance research, improve diagnostics and strengthen coordination on vector-borne diseases. Reauthorize the Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years. These centers support critical research, surveillance and public health e… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/09/30/2026/as-ai-threatens-american-workforce-van-hollen-introduces-legislation-to-create-jobs-and-tackle-long-term-unemployment | As AI Threatens American Workforce, Van Hollen Introduces Legislation to Create Jobs and Tackle Long-term Unemployment | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | www.vanhollen.senate.gov | vanhollen | https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | As concerns grow about the threats posed to the American workforce by AI – and as U.S. long-term unemployment hits nearly two million – U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is introducing the Ready to Work Act, legislation that creates an innovative federal program to generate job opportunities for people who have been unemployed for six months or more, connecting them to work that rebuilds skills and financial stability. This bill would provide support to help people overcome the barriers keeping them out of the workforce – such as transportation, childcare, job readiness training, and substance abuse treatment – and training programs that build skills to sustain permanent employment. Senator Van Hollen was joined in introducing this legislation by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). “Every American who wants to work should be able to find a job. But with AI as a looming threat to our workforce – and nearly two million Americans already unemployed for six months or longer – it’s clear that we need to do more. Instead of accepting prolonged joblessness as inevitable, we must provide real opportunities for workers to get into or rejoin the workforce and help remove barriers like childcare, transportation, and job training. This critical legislation will support American workers and strengthen economic stability for American families,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Between student loan debt and high unemployment, young people have been hit with an economic wrecking ball,” Wyden said. “This bill would take an innovative approach to creating job opportunities for young Americans that want a bite at the American dream that has become out of reach for too many students and graduates,” said Senator Wyden. “Long-term unemployment is devastating for someone’s financial security, future job opportunities, and overall wellbeing—and it can take a toll on our economy as well. The Ready to Work Act creates real, meaningful job opportunities for peop… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-ai-threatens-american-workforce-van-hollen-introduces-legislation-to-create-jobs-and-tackle-long-term-unemployment | As AI Threatens American Workforce, Van Hollen Introduces Legislation to Create Jobs and Tackle Long-term Unemployment | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | www.vanhollen.senate.gov | vanhollen | https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | As concerns grow about the threats posed to the American workforce by AI – and as U.S. long-term unemployment hits nearly two million – U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is introducing the Ready to Work Act, legislation that creates an innovative federal program to generate job opportunities for people who have been unemployed for six months or more, connecting them to work that rebuilds skills and financial stability. This bill would provide support to help people overcome the barriers keeping them out of the workforce – such as transportation, childcare, job readiness training, and substance abuse treatment – and training programs that build skills to sustain permanent employment. Senator Van Hollen was joined in introducing this legislation by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). “Every American who wants to work should be able to find a job. But with AI as a looming threat to our workforce – and nearly two million Americans already unemployed for six months or longer – it’s clear that we need to do more. Instead of accepting prolonged joblessness as inevitable, we must provide real opportunities for workers to get into or rejoin the workforce and help remove barriers like childcare, transportation, and job training. This critical legislation will support American workers and strengthen economic stability for American families,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Between student loan debt and high unemployment, young people have been hit with an economic wrecking ball,” Wyden said. “This bill would take an innovative approach to creating job opportunities for young Americans that want a bite at the American dream that has become out of reach for too many students and graduates,” said Senator Wyden. “Long-term unemployment is devastating for someone’s financial security, future job opportunities, and overall wellbeing—and it can take a toll on our economy as well. The Ready to Work Act creates real, meaningful job opportunities for peop… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-cassidy-bill-to-improve-irs-customer-service-passes-senate/ | Warner, Cassidy Bill to Improve IRS Customer Service Passes Senate | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON— Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) applauded Senate passage of the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act, which includes several provisions from the senators’ Improving IRS Customer Service Act. The legislation will take important steps to improve communication between the IRS and taxpayers, streamline tax compliance processes, and ensure taxpayers have timely access to expert assistance, among other much-needed tax administration reforms. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. “Provisions from my Improving IRS Customer Service Act will bring clarity and relief to taxpayers in Virginia and across the country,” said Sen. Warner. “I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for passing this crucial bill to make tax season a little bit easier for the millions of Americans who file taxes. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill and send it to the president’s desk to become law.” “Taxpayers should get the help they need without a fight. This package gives the American people a stronger voice and makes help easier to access,” said Dr. Cassidy. The provisions of Improving IRS Customer Service Act included: Establish a dashboard to inform taxpayers of backlogs and wait times. Specifically, this provision reduces unnecessary calls and letters to the IRS by requiring the IRS to establish a user-friendly, real-time dashboard on IRS.gov, providing taxpayers with information on call volume, backlogs, wait times, and the availability of callbacks. Expand electronic access to information about returns and refunds. Specifically, this provision reduces unnecessary calls and letters by requiring upgrades to the IRS’s “Where’s my Refund?” tool, “Where’s my Amended Return?” tool, and Online Account or any successor systems. These upgrades will provide more individualized information to taxpayers about the status of their refunds, including whether their return has been suspended, and if so, what the IR… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-4-million-to-support-veteran-suicide-prevention-efforts-across-virginia/ | Warner, Kaine Announce $4 Million to Support Veteran Suicide Prevention Efforts Across Virginia | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $4,144,835 in federal funding to strengthen veteran suicide prevention efforts across Virginia. The funding will support eight community organizations that connect veterans and their families to mental health resources, outreach programs, suicide prevention services, and other critical support. The grants are being awarded through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which was created by bipartisan legislation that Sen. Warner wrote and Sen. Kaine supported to expand prevention efforts and better connect veterans with resources available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local communities. “Veterans deserve to know that help is there when they need it. It is our responsibility as lawmakers to make sure that those who have sacrificed for our country are not left to suffer silently and have the support and resources that they’ve earned and are owed,” said the senators. “We’re proud to have helped create this program, which is delivering critical resources to organizations on the ground working with veterans. These federal dollars will help expand lifesaving suicide prevention efforts and ensure more Virginia veterans and their families can get the support they’ve earned.” The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program was created through the IMPROVE Wellbeing for Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation led by Sen. Warner in 2019 to improve the coordination of veteran mental health and suicide prevention services and to better measure the effectiveness of these programs. The legislation was signed into law as part of the broader Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which passed the Senate unanimously in August 2020. In February 2025, Sen. Warner introduced bipartisan legislation to renew and expand the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. In June 2025, Sen. Warner testified before the Senate Committ… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-statement-on-banning-members-of-congress-from-purchasing-individual-stocks/ | Warner Statement on Banning Members of Congress From Purchasing Individual Stocks | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on the Stop Insider Trading Act: “I strongly support cracking down on stock trading by members of Congress and making sure no public official can use their position to enrich themselves. “Preventing members of Congress from profiting off their public service should be something both parties can agree on. Unfortunately, Republicans made the cynical decision to hijack a bill focused on cleaning up congressional ethics and restoring public trust and load it up with unrelated restrictions on Americans’ ability to vote. Those provisions have nothing to do with preventing insider trading and no business being attached to this legislation. “I voted no because I will not support making it harder for eligible Americans to vote in order to pass an ethics reform that should stand on its own. I remain ready to work across the aisle to strengthen our ethics laws and crack down on congressional stock trading, without using that effort as a vehicle to rewrite our nation’s voting laws.” ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-statement-on-ratepayer-protection-act/ | Warner Statement on Ratepayer Protection Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement after the Senate did not advance the Ratepayer Protection Act: “Across Virginia and across the country, communities near a data center are being saddled with high utility costs and serious concerns regarding the strain on local natural resources. Unfortunately, the Ratepayer Protection Act falls short because it lacks the enforceable requirements needed to actually protect families from bearing the costs of data center development. “To actually get costs down, increase transparency, and get these data centers to use clean energy we need legislation with real teeth, real requirements, and real consequences. “My Data Center Tax and Accountability Act would require data center builders to provide accurate information about power and water usage, have setbacks from our communities, bring their own power, and get rid of secret, non-disclosure agreements. Communities deserve to know what a data center will bring to their neighborhood and not be swindled by backroom deals. My bill would also condition valuable tax benefits on meeting clean energy standards. “We have a chance to make a difference in the lives of American families and provide them some real relief. We cannot miss the mark on this one. Let’s work on putting some real requirements in place.” ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/two-years-after-hurricane-helene-warnock-marks-2-2-billion-secured-for-georgias-recovery/ | Two Years After Hurricane Helene, Warnock Marks $2.2 Billion Secured for Georgia’s Recovery | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | GA | Raphael G. Warnock | W000790 | www.warnock.senate.gov | warnock | https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock has secured over $2.2 billion in federal disaster relief for Georgia communities still dealing with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene Last year, Senator Warnock released a report that found the Trump administration was shortchanging Georgia communities by more than half a billion dollars in disaster relief Two years ago, in September 2024, Hurricane Helene killed 37 Georgians and caused billions of dollars in damages across South and East Georgia Today, Senator Reverend Warnock held a press call highlighting his efforts to secure federal recovery funds Senator Reverend Warnock: “I will continue to push FEMA and this administration to make sure Georgians receive every cent that they are owed and so desperately need, and I will continue to call out the Trump administration for shortchanging Georgians.” Washington, D.C. – In the two years since Hurricane Helene made landfall, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) has secured more than $2.2 billion in federal disaster relief for Georgia communities still recovering from the storm. The funding is helping communities rebuild after the hurricane that killed 37 Georgians and caused billions of dollars in damages across South and East Georgia. “I have continued to push this administration to deliver the relief Georgians need and deserve,” Senator Reverend Warnock said. “I remain concerned about how long it takes for communities to receive federal relief after natural disasters strike. It took way too long—and far too much pressure from my office—to get this administration to act and begin releasing funds.” One year after Hurricane Helene made landfall, Senator Warnock released a report finding that the Trump administration owed Georgians $600 million in promised recovery aid, along with a statement calling attention to the delayed funding. Following Senator Warnock’s pressure, federal funding has again begun flowing to Georgia counties and entities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Working closely with state and local leade… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-criticizes-trump-admin-for-failing-basic-responsibility-to-protect-citizens-abroad-and-demand-accountability/ | Welch Pushes Bipartisan Vote on Resolution Demanding Answers for Deaths and Mistreatment of U.S. Citizens at the Hands of Israeli Security Forces | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Welch: “The real question here is not what Israel is doing but what the United States government is not doing on behalf of its own citizens.” Welch joins nearly all Democratic Senators in bipartisan rebuke of Netanyahu government’s failure to hold Israeli officers responsible for unjustified killings of American citizens WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in urging Senate passage of their resolution requiring a Department of State report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years, and many more have been detained without charge or trial. None of their cases have been credibly investigated or resulted in punishment of the perpetrators. The Senators’ resolution would require the State Department to provide information regarding investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers and Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children. “The real question here is not what Israel is doing, but what the United States government is not doing on behalf of its own citizens. Some of whom have been killed, others of whom have been detained. So, this resolution is asserting the will of Congress that our government do its job to protect American citizens when they’ve been injured or they’ve been killed; to demand accountability and an investigation. It’s certainly within the power of this government to use its influence so that Israel does comply with our laws,” said Senator Welch ahead of the vote. “I urge all of our colleagues to stand up for the right of all of our citizens to have the full protection of the United States government.” In his remarks before the vote, Senator Welch highlighted the story of Dylan Collins, a Vermonter and A… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-delivers-over-2-million-in-federal-investments-to-improve-rural-health-care-in-vermont/ | Welch Delivers Over $2 Million in Federal Investments to Improve Rural Health Care in Vermont | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Welch secured funding for the projects through congressional appropriations BURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, today announced the delivery of more than $2 million in federal funding to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and the University of Vermont (UVM) Health Network to support and improve access to rural health care in Vermont. Senator Welch nominated project recipients through the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process. This federal funding secured by Senator Welch includes $1.4 million to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital to construct new pharmacies in Caledonia County to address the recent loss of pharmacies in Caledonia towns, and $694,000 million to the UVM Health Network for hospital safety improvements. “Rural communities are facing more barriers to affordable health care than ever before, making it harder for Vermonters to easily reach a pharmacy and get the care they need. I’m proud to deliver this federal funding to increase health care access in the NEK by building more local pharmacies in rural communities and investing in safety improvements at medical facilities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m committed to doing everything I can to expand access to health care and affordable prescription drugs in every corner of our state.” “A local pharmacy is an essential part of a healthy, thriving community. We’re excited to move forward with restoring this critical service in Hardwick and thankful to Senator Welch and NVRH for their partnership and investment in the community’s health and well-being,” said Chris Towne, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Counties Health Care. “We are grateful for Senator Welch’s support in helping to stabilize our regional pharmacy landscape. Rural communities deserve local access and choice, especially given the fragility of our healthcare systems,” said Shawn Tester, Chief Executive Officer, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. “Health care organizations … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-to-host-common-grounds-listening-session-in-windham-county/ | Welch to Host Common Grounds Listening Session in Windham County | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | BRATTLEBORO — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will travel to Windham County on Monday, October 5th as part of his Common Grounds Listening Session series. This event will be held at the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Vermonters are invited to join Senator Welch for a discussion about how Washington can work better for the Green Mountain State. The Senator will host Common Grounds events in every county of Vermont in 2026. So far, Senator Welch has hosted Common Grounds events in Essex, Bennington, Franklin, Addison, Windsor, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Caledonia counties. LOGISTICS: WHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) WHEN: Monday, October 5, 2026; 2:00-3:00 p.m. WHERE: Brooks Memorial Library: 224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 RSVP: Vermonters canRSVP HERE for Senator Welch’s Common Grounds Listening Session in Windham County. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-delegation-delivers-nearly-4-5-million-for-local-firefighters/ | RI Delegation Delivers Nearly $4.5 Million for Local Firefighters | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | whitehouse | https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to advance fire safety, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today welcomed $4,538,706 in federal grants for local firefighters to strengthen safety and training, upgrade equipment, and purchase new emergency response vehicles for the Rhode Island Fire Training Academy and fire departments in Coventry, Lincoln, West Warwick, Newport, Woonsocket, and on Prudence Island. Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) grants are designed to help local fire departments upgrade and modernize their equipment, improve training, and enhance their abilities to comply with response, equipment, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This program has injected tens of millions of dollars in federal assistance into local fire department across Rhode Island over the last decade, enhancing their response and staffing capabilities to provide fire protection, emergency medical services, search and rescue, hazardous materials incident response, and wildfire response. Local departments in the following communities will receive federal AFG funds to enhance the safety of firefighters and improve emergency response: PROVIDENCE: $1,849,284 to purchase firefighter breathing apparatus and firefighter training WOONSOCKET: $1,000,000 to purchase a state-of-the-art aerial ladder truck that will replace the department’s obsolete apparatus that has become difficult and costly to repair COVENTRY: $499,177 to acquire a new ambulance that will replace the Central Coventry Fire District’s current vehicle with over 250,000 miles on record WEST WARWICK: $339,932 to upgrade the department’s current, outdated hose and nozzle on its frontline engine and to purchase two new cardiac monitors PRUDENCE ISLAND: $255,015 to modernize the Volunteer Fire Department’s portable radio fleet with 34 new devices LINCOLN: $99,840 for Lime Rock Fire Department to acquire new cardiac monitor/defibrillators and $57,191 for Quinn… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-republicans-block-wyden-bill-to-ban-data-centers-on-public-lands | Senate Republicans Block Wyden Bill to Ban Data Centers on Public Lands | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today introduced and sought to pass legislation that would ban the sale or transfer of federally-owned public lands for the purpose of developing new data centers and associated infrastructure in Oregon and nationwide. Introduction of the bill follows recent reports that the Trump administration is considering the transfer of more than 17,000 acres of public land across Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah to build 12 new data centers. Further reporting confirms that the administration is eyeing a parcel of federal land in Eastern Oregon near Hermiston, Ore., for development. Wyden worked to pass his legislation on the floor earlier today through a fast-track legislative process, citing the urgent need for Congress to act before the administration sets this dangerous precedent. “Donald Trump and his allies have taken every opportunity to chip away at what belongs to the American people. All in an effort to boost profits for corporations and secure bigger campaign support for themselves,” Wyden said on the Senate floor. “Congress must not let the Trump administration establish a dangerous precedent that our public lands are a fire-sale inventory for development by the highest bidder.” Text of the legislation is here. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-introduces-bill-to-ban-data-centers-on-public-lands | Wyden Introduces Bill to Ban Data Centers on Public Lands | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Wyden bill follows public reporting that Trump administration is trying to transfer over 17,000 acres of public land in the West for data center development Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today introduced legislation that would ban the development, sale or transfer of federally-owned public lands for the purpose of constructing new data centers and associated infrastructure in Oregon and nationwide. Introduction of the bill follows recent reports that the Trump administration is considering the transfer of more than 17,000 acres of public land across Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah to build 12 new data centers. Further reporting confirms that the administration is eyeing a parcel of federal land in Eastern Oregon near Hermiston, Ore., for development. “Public lands belong to the taxpayers, not corporations, and especially not Donald Trump,” Wyden said. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time in public service, it’s that when you come for Oregonians’ public lands, you’ll have hell to pay. My legislation is the ironclad path to ensuring that Trump – or any future administration – cannot hijack our treasured public lands to build data centers that use up water resources and jack up energy costs.” Earlier this year, Wyden unveiled a comprehensive proposal to ensure data centers start paying for the disruptions caused to communities like higher energy costs and water usage. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-bonamici-salinas-hoyle-dexter-bynum-oppose-trumps-undermining-of-due-process-and-politicizing-immigration-courts | Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Salinas, Hoyle, Dexter, Bynum Oppose Trump’s Undermining of Due Process and Politicizing Immigration Courts | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Oregon lawmakers demand an end to expedited “mega master” hearings in Portland, Tacoma, and other immigration centers. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum, today demanded the Trump administration end the practice of “mega master” immigration hearings that expedite the review of hundreds of immigrants’ cases in a day, resulting in a fast-track to removing immigrants without due process. “This unwarranted blitzkrieg of assaults on justice and fair treatment raises serious constitutional concerns and is unworthy of the oaths you swore to uphold,” the Oregon lawmakers wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Sirce E. Owen, Acting Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review and David Venturella, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Over the past year, your agencies have increased the number of immigrants who must appear on little-to-no notice for so-called ‘mega master’ hearings on overcrowded dockets in front of Trump’s handpicked judges at courts across the country, all while stripping immigrants of their legal status, ramping up arrests and detention, and limiting their access to legal counsel for representation in court and fast-tracked asylum interviews,” they wrote. “These policy changes confuse and terrify law-abiding immigrants in our communities and prevent them from having a fair day in court.” The lawmakers wrote that the Portland Immigration Court in Oregon is now holding about two “mega master” hearings every week, in addition to maintaining its previously-scheduled docket hearings and individual merit hearings. That has forced immigrants anticipating court dates in 2027 or 2028 to suddenly show up on extremely short notice and scrambling both to figure out how to get to the court on time, and to find an attorney to represent them. “As if the changes at the Portland Immigration Court weren’t bad enough, the neighboring Tacoma Immigr… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-bynum-announce-100000-for-central-oregon-wildfire-recovery | Wyden, Merkley, Bynum Announce $100,000 for Central Oregon Wildfire Recovery | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum, today announced $100,000 in federal awards to support displaced Oregonians and wildfire recovery efforts for Central Oregon communities that lost homes in the 2026 wildfires. “As wildfires in central Oregon and statewide set new records every year in size and intensity, the rural communities on the front lines of these fights are the most in need of resources for recovery efforts,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal award that will support Central Oregon communities including Warm Springs residents who were forced to flee from their homes, and I will continue to fight for more resources to support wildfire prevention and recovery across Oregon.” “When disaster strikes, Oregon’s communities show up to help each other. These federal funds will help NeighborImpact provide critical support to Warm Springs families recovering from the devastating July wildfires, including emergency shelter, relocation assistance, and essential household supplies,” said Merkley. “I’ll keep fighting to bring federal resources home to Oregon so our communities have the support they need to recover and rebuild.” “No where to sleep. Only the clothes on your back. Food to go is the only option. All in the matter of one day,” said Rep. Bynum. “I’ve heard that story too many times from my constituents. People need help after an emergency, and the faster that help comes, the better shot they have of rebuilding what was lost. And by help I mean money to get the basics. That’s the difference this funding can and will make.” The $100,000 in federal awards from the NeighborWorks Disaster Grants program will be distributed to NeighborImpact, a central Oregon nonprofit that serves economically disadvantaged residents of Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Thousands of Warm Springs residents were forced to evacuate and several homes were lost in the July 2026 fires. The grant will support the… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/09/29/in-senate-rosen-helps-pass-legislation-to-protect-college-sports/ | In Senate, Rosen Helps Pass Legislation to Protect College Sports | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Jacky Rosen | R000608 | www.rosen.senate.gov | rosen | https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped pass a bipartisan bill in the Senate to establish much-needed regulation in college sports and provide important protections for student-athletes regarding health, safety, academics, and compensation. The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act would establish clear requirements for name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements for college student-athletes and set regulations for sports agents – protecting young athletes from predatory practices and guarding the integrity of college sports. “The current rules around athlete compensation and eligibility in college sports have created a murky landscape that’s hurting our student-athletes and the sports we love most,” said Senator Rosen. “I was proud to help pass this bipartisan bill in the Senate to return some much-needed stability to college sports, and provide clear protections for our athletes and universities in Nevada.” “With the passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, we have taken an important step forward in providing intercollegiate athletics with comprehensive guidelines to address many of the most pressing issues in college sports today,” said Brian Sandoval, President of the University of Nevada, Reno. “The Protect College Sports Act establishes clear frameworks for eligibility, revenue sharing and medical benefits for student-athletes, among many other key provisions, and clearly affirms the need for student-athlete protections through sensible oversight. We are grateful to Senator Rosen for her leadership, vision, and dedication to ensuring that student-athletes remain at the center of these important reforms.” “There is no question that the landscape of intercollegiate athletics is at an inflection point, and the Protect College Sports Act offers a common-sense approach that will create stability and clarity for institutions and support student-athletes as they grow and prepare for life after sport,” said Chris Heavey, Interim President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-alsobrooks-statement-on-s-res-852/ | SENATOR ALSOBROOKS’ STATEMENT ON S.RES.852 | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MD | Angela D. Alsobrooks | A000382 | www.alsobrooks.senate.gov | alsobrooks | https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | September 29, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) voted for S.Res.852, a resolution requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. After the vote, she released the following statement: “Whenever an American citizen is killed overseas, Congress has a responsibility to learn exactly what happened and what we can do to ensure it never happens again. I joined my colleagues in demanding the answers Americans deserve. For the sake of Palestinians and Israelis, for the sake of peace and compassion, the violence we have witnessed in the West Bank must stop, and there must be accountability for the perpetrators and justice for the victims. It is time to change course. My commitment to Israel’s right to exist and defend itself is unwavering, but I will always stand up to injustice and violence.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-republicans-vote-down-baldwin-effort-to-prevent-higher-costs-for-millions-of-americans-on-the-affordable-care-act | Senate Republicans Vote Down Baldwin Effort to Prevent Higher Costs for Millions of Americans on the Affordable Care Act | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) forced the U.S. Senate to vote to repeal the Trump Administration’s policy that will undermine the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Senate Republicans voted against this effort, greenlighting Trump’s rule that will terminate coverage for up to two million Americans, raise out-of-pocket costs, and make it easier for insurance companies to cover fewer services. The vote on the resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) was 48 - 51. “For over a decade, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have tried and failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, without a plan to replace it for the 23 million Americans who rely on this program for insurance. So, they have turned to backdoor ways to chip away at the program and cause chaos for the Americans who rely on it for their health care. Americans understand what a lifeline this program is for cancer patients, Americans with disabilities, farmers, and entrepreneurs,” said Senator Baldwin. “This misguided policy, which Republicans and the President own, will jack up out-of-pocket costs and deductibles on millions, pile on red tape, and reduce coverage for essential things like addiction treatment, hearing aids, and more. This policy makes people pay more for worse care. As Americans struggle to afford the cost of just about everything right now, Republicans and President Trump continue to price working families out of insurance and undermine folks’ ability to access quality care.” The Trump Administration’s rule promotes the use of catastrophic health plans with extremely high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, loosens physician network requirements for plans, and will allow insurers to offer “non-network” plans that may not cover the cost of care. This would make it easier for insurers to raise out-of-pocket costs, sell new kinds of junk insurance coverage, increase working families’ deductibles, cover fewer services, and kick more providers out of network. Senate Republicans reject… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/today-baldwin-forces-vote-to-stop-trump-affordable-care-act-rule-that-will-terminate-care-for-2-million-americans | TODAY: Baldwin Forces Vote to Stop Trump Affordable Care Act Rule that Will Terminate Care for 2 Million Americans | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) will force the Senate to vote on her resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to prevent up to two million Americans from having their health care coverage terminated and to repeal the Trump Administration’s rule that will undermine the Affordable Care Act marketplace, raise out-of-pocket costs, and make it easier for insurance companies to cover fewer services. “Americans have been clear that they need lower health care costs. And what does President Trump do to respond? He pushes a policy that will cause out-of-pocket costs to skyrocket, reduce the benefits you get for the same plan, and terminate coverage for two million Americans,” said Senator Baldwin. “Today, we will put all Senators on the record – do they want to be responsible for these high costs and their constituents losing their insurance coverage, or will they stand with Americans who just want some breathing room?” A livestream of Senator Baldwin’s floor speech, which is scheduled for 1:10 CST/2:10 EST is available here. The Trump Administration’s rule promotes the use of catastrophic health plans with extremely high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, loosens physician network requirements for plans, and proposes that insurers be allowed to offer “non-network” plans that may not cover the cost of care. This would make it easier for insurers to raise out-of-pocket costs, sell new kinds of junk insurance coverage, increase working families’ deductibles, cover fewer services, and kick more providers out of network. The result would be worse coverage at higher costs, including: Terminate Insurance for Up to 2 Million: According to CMS estimates, the rule would reduce enrollment in ACA plans by up to 2 million. Jack Up Costs: Insurance would become more unaffordable. For example, bronze plans would have maximum out-of-pocket costs of $15,600 for an individual or $31,200 for a family in 2027 – almost the entire income of an individual earning at the federal pove… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-republican-attempts-to-ignore-the-reason-for-jack-smiths-lawful-investigation-trumps-incitement-of-a-violent-insurrection-at-the-capitol-to-prevent-the-transition-of-power | Blumenthal Slams Republican Attempts to Ignore the Reason for Jack Smith's Lawful Investigation: Trump's Incitement of a Violent Insurrection at the Capitol to Prevent the Transition of Power | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – During a hearing today with former Special Counsel Jack Smith, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, underscored the seriousness of the events that predicated Smith’s investigations into President Donald Trump, including the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. During his exchange with Smith, Blumenthal also ran through the lawful investigative steps that Smith and his team took in order to pursue the case, including seeking an indictment from a grand jury composed of everyday Americans. “I want to remind folks why we're here today. And I think a picture is worth a thousand words. We're here today because Donald Trump incited a mob to attack us—the Capitol, Members of Congress, to stop the counting of votes. He objected to the result of an election, and he tried to stop the peaceful transition of power by inciting rioters to attack the Capitol, including everybody here today,” Blumenthal said. “And we came to this very room on that day seeking safety, finding refuge. We were kept here for hours, and then we were given the choice to secretly go home, to leave here, as armed guards sought to protect us in this room, and I remember sitting over in that corner, trying to recharge my phone, so I could call my wife to tell her I was OK. That's what Donald Trump did on that day.” Blumenthal’s exchange with Mr. Smith is available here and a full transcript is copied below. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Smith, thank you for being here. You're here voluntarily, correct? Jack Smith: Yes. Senator Blumenthal: You offered to come repeatedly more than a year ago, correct? Mr. Smith: I believe it was last October. Sen. Blumenthal: You didn't need to be subpoenaed to come here. You came here to tell your story. I want to give you the opportunity to respond to some of Senator Britt’s questions if you feel you have anything to add, because you were interrupted repeatedly. And I'm willing to take some of my ti… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-joins-wa-delegation-in-supporting-governors-request-for-major-disaster-declaration-for-individual-assistance-for-devastating-wildfires-in-washington-state | Cantwell Joins WA Delegation in Supporting Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for Devastating Wildfires in Washington State | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Joins WA Delegation in Supporting Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for Devastating Wildfires in Washington State WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Washington state’s Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance to help families recover and repair damage due to the devastating wildfires that swept through Central and Eastern Washington from July 23 through August 31. For the first time, on August 1, the National Weather Service upgraded a Red Flag Warning for fire weather conditions to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is very rare and typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. Three massive fires broke out and tore through neighborhoods across Spokane, the Old Trails Fire burned in northwest Spokane, the Autumn Lane Fire burned near Nine-Mile Falls, and the Fairview Fire burned in Mead. The Spokane Complex Fires forced 67,000 people to evacuate, burned nearly 10,000 acres, with damages predicted to exceed $1 billion. This was one of Washington state’s worst wildfire seasons on record, with fires causing severe damage and threatening lives, property, businesses, and livestock. In Okanogan County, the Kaiser Canyon, Modrite, and Sinlahekin fires burned over 350,000 acres total. “As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s September 28th request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating wildfire damages incurred from July 23 through August 31. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible,” Sen. Cantwell and other members of the delegation wrote. “A record-setting drought and an unusually small snowpack contributed to numerous large and… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-peters-padilla-durbin-schumer-demand-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Cortez Masto, Peters, Padilla, Durbin, Schumer Demand Secretary Mullin Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in demanding Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over and undermine trust in the midterm elections. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the Senators began. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states. His claims about noncitizen voting have already been disproven in Nevada. They also criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The Senators objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, which have been retroactively applied to previously awarded Fiscal Year 2025 funding and are threatening Fiscal Year 2026 funding. By threatening to withhold funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other threats, Mullin is putting Americans’ safety at risk as political leverage. The Senators also highlighted allegations from a federal whistleblower about an effort referred to as the “Unlawful Voter Initiative.” According to the whistleblower, USCIS personnel were allegedly direc… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-statement-on-vote-to-require-the-department-of-state-to-produce-report-on-violence-in-the-west-bank/ | Cortez Masto Statement on Vote to Require the Department of State to Produce Report on Violence in the West Bank | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after voting to require the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans: “Over the past three years, settler violence in the West Bank has dramatically increased, and over a thousand civilians, including nine Americans and hundreds of children, have been killed. This violence is unacceptable and incompatible with efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “American citizens are being killed, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has not done nearly enough to stop this violence. The American people deserve answers, and today I voted for transparency and accountability.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-during-judiciary-committee-hearing-with-former-special-counsel-jack-smith | Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Judiciary Committee Hearing With Former Special Counsel Jack Smith | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Durbin: “There was nothing untoward about Special Counsel Smith and his fellow prosecutors conducting this investigation. The aspersions cast on Mr. Smith nonstop are petty, personal, and political.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with former Special Counsel Jack Smith. In November 2022, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Mr. Smith, a nonpartisan career prosecutor, as Special Counsel with authority to investigate President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as Trump’s effort to illegally retain highly classified government documents. As a result of these investigations, Special Counsel Smith indicted Trump on four counts in the election interference case and 40 counts in the classified documents case. Mr. Smith has offered to testify publicly under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee for almost a year. Instead of allowing Mr. Smith to testify, Senate Judiciary Republicans held wasteful hearings to relitigate the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous other issues worth examining within the Committee’s jurisdiction. Key Quotes: “Republicans have spent months spreading baseless conspiracy theories about Mr. Smith’s investigation instead of hearing from him directly. Nearly a year ago, Mr. Smith volunteered to testify under oath before this Committee, and we Democrats joined in that offer, saying let’s get to the bottom of it. Put him under oath and let’s ask questions.” “House Republicans called Mr. Smith to testify in January, but Senate Republicans refused his offer to testify and instead [said they would hold] eight hearings on [Mr. Smith’s] supposed wrongdoing—never calling him directly. In fact, this Committee held only three hearings to question telecom companies for following the law and hear from MAGA loyalist witnesses with no first-hand knowledge of Mr. Smith’s investigation. Finally, Senate Repub… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-announces-1-44-million-in-funding-for-williamsport-water-tank-replacement-project/ | Fetterman Announces $1.44 Million in Funding for Williamsport Water Tank Replacement Project | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | PA | John Fetterman | F000479 | www.fetterman.senate.gov | fetterman | https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $1,440,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority (WMWA) for a tank replacement. This funding was secured by Senator Fetterman, through the EPA’s Community Grants program, to have their aging water tank replaced, bolstering water service reliability for over 51,000 customers. “One of my highest priorities is securing federal investments that lower costs for Pennsylvania families and businesses. I was proud to support WMWA in its efforts to replace its 100+ year old water storage tank. This investment will improve water service reliability for generations to come and puts ratepayers first,” said Senator Fetterman. “The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority is extremely grateful to Senator John Fetterman for providing this grant opportunity and for recognizing the importance of investing in critical water infrastructure. The Authority also thanks EPA for their support and assistance throughout the grant process and construction of this project. Their efforts helped make this investment in our community possible. Maintaining and investing in critical water infrastructure is essential to the health, safety and future of our community. Reliable water service is something people often take for granted, but it requires constant investment to ensure our system remains safe, dependable, and resilient for generations to come,” said Michael D. Miller, Executive Director of the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority. Senator Fetterman was the sole supporter of this award in the FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending process. | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-teamsters-local-500s-new-contract-with-quaker-valley-foods-2/ | Fetterman Celebrates Teamsters Local 500’s New Contract with Quaker Valley Foods | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | PA | John Fetterman | F000479 | www.fetterman.senate.gov | fetterman | https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, after the announcement of a new contract agreement between Teamsters Local 500 and Quaker Valley Foods, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement: “The members of Teamsters Local 500 work year-round to move food up and down the East Coast. This deal with Quaker Valley gives them what we all deserve: a dignified retirement. Sending my congratulations to everyone who stood together in fighting for this new contract.” Teamsters Local 500 represents nearly 70 Quaker Valley Foods employees in Northeast Philadelphia, including the roughly 35 truck drivers who began striking on August 5, 2026. These workers fought for and secured stable retirement benefits, in the form of a hybrid annuity, as part of their new contract with the food distributor. | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-celebrates-senate-passage-of-his-bipartisan-bill-to-extend-terrorism-risk-insurance/ | Gallego Celebrates Senate Passage of His Bipartisan Bill to Extend Terrorism Risk Insurance | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Last night, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) celebrated the Senate passage of his Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026. The bipartisan legislation would safeguard the availability of terrorism risk insurance coverage for American businesses. “My military service gave me an understanding that terrorism doesn’t just take lives the moment it strikes — it leaves behind families, businesses, and communities that must rebuild in its aftermath. We have to be prepared for the worst, and that means making sure businesses aren’t left without coverage if a terrorist attack were to happen. Letting this program lapse would put businesses, workers, and taxpayers at unnecessary risk,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill passed. I urge Speaker Johnson to bring the House back to D.C. from their prolonged vacation to quickly send this bill to the president’s desk for signage.” Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, many insurance companies began excluding terrorism risks from commercial insurance policies, leaving businesses and industries without access to coverage. Since insurance is a precondition for commercial lending and real estate transactions, this gap in coverage threatened broad economic damage across real estate, construction, energy, transportation, and related industries. Congress responded by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA), creating a federal reinsurance backstop to stabilize the private market and ensure that commercial policyholders could continue to obtain terrorism risk coverage. The private insurance market has relied on the TRIA backstop ever since. When TRIA briefly lapsed in December 2014, terrorism exclusions that insurers had pre-filed with state regulators took effect automatically, making terrorism coverage effectively unavailable across commercial policies nationwide. As a result, terrorism risk coverage was removed from policyholders immediately and without notice. Given that … | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-introduces-resolution-to-establish-select-committee-on-ai/ | Gallego Introduces Resolution to Establish Select Committee on AI | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced a resolution to establish a Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence. The legislation follows Senator Gallego’s recent call to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), earlier this month, urging them to support the establishment of a bipartisan Select Committee on AI at the start of next Congress. The introduction of the resolution also comes as OpenAI, this week, paused the training of its latest models after the company disclosed it was reviewing several incidents in which rogue agents searched federal government websites, and as President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson hosted major tech CEOs — including from Anthropic, Google, Meta, and OpenAI and — for a meeting at the White House yesterday. “The rapid development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence is akin to Dr. Frankenstein saying, ‘the monster is loose. Help me stop the monster,’” said Senator Gallego. “Congress must keep up and act. A bipartisan select committee would provide the vehicle for a focused, informed approach to governing AI that protects America’s national security interests while maintaining a competitive edge in the AI race.” The committee would provide a bipartisan forum to examine the broad range of ways AI is changing the economy, government, national security, and everyday life. Its work would focus on understanding where existing federal oversight falls short and developing legislative safeguards and proposals to address emerging challenges. The committee would hold hearings and investigations, gather information from federal agencies, issue subpoenas, and consider and report AI legislation. Read the full resolution HERE. | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-calls-allegations-in-cornell-rape-case-serious-and-horrific-on-nprs-all-things-considered/ | Gillibrand Calls Allegations In Cornell Rape Case “Serious And Horrific” On NPR’s All Things Considered | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | ***Hear Senator Gillibrand’s Full Interview Here*** Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) called the allegations in the Cornell University fraternity rape case “serious and horrific” in an interview on NPR’s All Things Considered and issued the following statement: “The allegations made in the Cornell University complaint are extremely serious and horrific. “I am glad the district attorney is reopening this case. Regardless of what this grand jury concludes, the larger truth is clear: a system that forces survivors to these lengths is a system that is fundamentally broken. Victims deserve thorough investigations, and perpetrators must be held accountable. “Our priorities are upside down. The Senate recently spent two weeks urgently talking about college sports but has spent years looking away from sexual violence and student safety on our college campuses. “Congress must act and take up my bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA) with Senator Chuck Grassley to hold campuses accountable, create a fair process for students, and ensure victims have access to a dedicated advocate to assist in navigating the adjudication process.” Listen to Senator Gillibrand’s interview with NPR here. Full transcript of Senator Gillibrand’s interview below: SACHA PFEIFFER: It’s All Things Considered from NPR News. I’m Sacha Pfeiffer. JUANA SUMMERS: And I’m Juana Summers. When I heard a woman’s allegations that she was drugged and gang raped at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024, the story felt familiar to me. It’s not because the story was well known before this weekend. It’s because so many of the details she alleges – a campus party, a fraternity, drugs, alcohol, and sexual assault – echo so many of the stories we’ve heard from numerous college campuses for years. PFEIFFER: The alleged assault at Cornell happened in 2024. Campus police investigated, but no criminal charges were ever filed. Cornell defends its handling of the case. Now the woman, identified as Jane Doe, has brought a civil c… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-pass-legislation-to-cement-saratoga-battlefields-legacy/ | Gillibrand, Schumer Pass Legislation To Cement Saratoga Battlefield’s Legacy | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Legislation Would Rename Historic Site “Saratoga National Battlefield Park” Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced congressional passage of the bipartisan Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act. This legislation would officially redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park, more accurately reflecting its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) led the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it passed last year. The bill now heads to the president’s desk. “Saratoga Battlefield is a source of pride for the Capital Region and a symbol of the patriotism, sacrifice, and resilience that built our country,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Battles of Saratoga were the turning point of the American Revolution and monumental events in world history, marking the first time that a British army laid down their arms. This name change reflects the historic significance of the battles and honors the sacrifice of those who fought for our nation’s founding.” “The Battles of Saratoga were the turning point of the American Revolution. I’m proud to announce that legislation renaming the historical park ‘Saratoga National Battlefield Park’ has just passed the Senate and will be signed into law,” said Senator Schumer. “This new name provides important context and reflects the significance of the battlefield as a turning point for the Revolutionary War. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year, and get ready for the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga next year, honoring the heart of New York’s Revolutionary War history is key to ensuring America’s history lives on.” “This summer, as we celebrated our nation’s 250thbirthday, I was reminded once again of the pivotal role our Capital Region played in America’s fight for freedom and independence,” said Rep. Tonko. “Now, as we approach the 250thanniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, I… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-congress-passage-of-her-bill-to-end-production-of-the-penny-and-save-taxpayers-money/ | Gillibrand Statement On Congress’ Passage Of Her Bill To End Production Of The Penny And Save Taxpayers Money | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Today, following Congress’ passage of her Common Cents Act with Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), James Lankford (R-OK), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement: “Halting production of the penny just makes sense. It currently costs the U.S. Mint nearly four cents to produce a single penny – a massive waste of taxpayer dollars. By suspending the penny’s production, we can cut back on costs, streamline transactions, and move toward a more practical financial system. I am grateful to Senators Lummis, Lankford, and Wyden for their partnership in getting this bill through the Senate, and I now urge the president to sign it into law.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-new-report-that-impending-social-security-benefit-cuts-will-be-deeper-than-predicted/ | Gillibrand Statement On New Report That Impending Social Security Benefit Cuts Will Be Deeper Than Predicted | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | New Report Finds Social Security Benefits Could Be Cut 26% In 2032 Gillibrand’s Social Security Expansion Act Would Extend The Solvency Of Social Security For 75 Years By Requiring The Wealthiest Americans To Pay Their Fair Share Of Payroll Taxes Following the release of a new report finding that Social Security benefit cuts could be deeper than previously predicted – up to 26% – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) slammed the Trump administration for its role in jeopardizing seniors’ benefits and demanded passage of her legislation to extend the solvency and guarantee of Social Security. “Americans who have worked hard their entire lives deserve every dollar of Social Security they were promised. But due to Trump administration and Republican inaction, their benefits are on track to be slashed by 26% in just six years,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We must take immediate action to prevent this benefit cut. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’m demanding swift passage of my legislation to blow the Social Security cap, make wealthy Americans pay their fair share, and prevent these draconian benefit cuts.” This year’s annual Social Security Trustees Report, which was released in June, previously concluded that Social Security’s retirement trust fund will be depleted by 2032. A new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report released earlier this month concluded that at that time, seniors will see their benefits cut by about 26%–a higher percentage than previously predicted. Last year, Senator Gillibrand introduced the Social Security Expansion Act to extend the solvency of Social Security for 75 years by requiring the wealthiest American households to pay their fair share of payroll taxes. Under the current formula, a CEO making $20 million a year pays the same amount into Social Security as individuals making $184,500 a year. This legislation would lift the cap on Social Security, requiring income above $250,000 to be subject to the Social Security payroll tax and thus increasing the amount pai… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-republicans-blocking-her-bill-to-repeal-and-refund-trumps-cost-increasing-tariffs/ | Gillibrand Statement On Republicans Blocking Her Bill To Repeal And Refund Trump’s Cost-Increasing Tariffs | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | New York Families Have Spent Over $5,500 More Due To President Trump’s Tariff Chaos And Other Reckless Policies Today, after her bill to repeal and refund Trump’s Canadian tariffs and lower Americans’ costs was blocked by Senate Republicans, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement: “When Americans go to the grocery store, the gas station, or their local small business, they are paying more because of Trump’s tariffs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Hardworking families are struggling because of the policies of Donald Trump and Washington Republicans that put bombs and billionaires over working people. Today, I offered a clear way to genuinely lower everyday costs and put more money back in Americans’ pockets. Yet again, Trump and Republicans stood in the way of progress for working families.” Gillibrand’s bill, the Banning Antiquated Duties and Delivering Equitable American Levies (BAD DEAL) Act, would have repealed all tariffs levied under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and required that Americans be refunded for all duties paid under this authority. This includes the 50% tariffs on Canada and the import ban on certain Canadian alcoholic beverages, dairy products, motorcycles that took effect today. The president’s tariffs have previously been found to be unconstitutional and have already raised costs on New Yorkers. Poll after poll after poll have found that a resounding majority of Americans oppose Trump’s tariffs actions that have raised prices and hurt their families. Senator Gillibrand has opposed President Trump’s tariffs since the start of his administration. Last year, she joined 14 of her colleagues in introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act to end Trump’s Tariff Tax and refund small businesses their duties paid. In March, she and her colleagues introduced the Small Business Liberation 2.0 Act to exempt small businesses from another set of Trump-imposed tariffs and refund what they had already paid. ### | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/on-senate-floor-senator-hassan-pushes-resolution-slamming-trumps-taxpayer-funded-political-ads | On Senate Floor, Senator Hassan Pushes Resolution Slamming Trump’s Taxpayer-Funded Political Ads | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 (D-NH) today took to the Senate Floor to pass a Senate Resolution that pushes for accountability over President Trump’s new political ad campaign promoting himself paid for with taxpayer dollars. The ads appear to clearly violate federal laws that prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to promote a political party or candidate. New reporting today revealed that President Trump personally directed the creation of the ads, and that the funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security. The latest reporting suggests that the ad campaign could cost $20 million in taxpayer funding. Senator Hassan today introduced a Senate Resolution stating what members on both sides of the aisle have already publicly said — that these ads should not be paid for with taxpayer dollars. Despite that, Senate Republicans blocked consideration of the measure. Senator Hassan slammed the effort to block the resolution and urged the White House to reverse course. Click here to see video of Senator Hassan’s remarks on the floor, or see key quotes below: “On televisions across the country right now, people are being inundated with all kinds of political ads, but the ending of these ads is unlike any other. If someone's watching this ad, right at the end, at the bottom of the screen, you find out that this publicity stunt isn't paid for by President Trump or one of his PAC's or even one of his billionaire friends. No. This ad is paid for by you, the American taxpayer.” “I've introduced a resolution that's quite simple. It just tells the President that he is wrong, that these ads need to be pulled down and that they should not be paid for with taxpayer dollars.” “The American people want their tax dollars to go towards helping them and keeping them safe, not propaganda campaigns for a President. He's welcome to run whatever ads he wants with his own riches, but with taxpayer dollars, money that people have worked hard to earn, he needs to follow the law.” “One of the ads is literally one of the Pre… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-secures-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-transfer-a-portion-of-the-former-albuquerque-indian-school-campus-to-pueblos-for-the-indian-pueblo-cultural-center | Heinrich Secures Senate Passage of Legislation to Transfer a Portion of the Former Albuquerque Indian School Campus to Pueblos for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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.) announced Senate passage of his Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2026, legislation that places portions of the former Albuquerque Indian School campus, currently managed by the General Services Administration, into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. “Our legislation will help the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center expand its reach, create new economic opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and help local small businesses grow. Now that our bill has passed the Senate, I urge Speaker Mike Johnson and House Leadership to take it up and pass it without delay. This legislation will deliver an important win for the 19 Pueblos and for everyone who calls New Mexico home,” said Heinrich. In the Senate, the legislation is led by Heinrich and cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. In the House, it is led by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and cosponsored by U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) in the House. “Expanding economic development and cultural education opportunities for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is critical for the 19 New Mexico Pueblos it serves. I cosponsored the Albuquerque Indian School Act because it will help the center grow, support job creation, and generate new revenue for New Mexico’s Pueblos and our communities,” said Luján, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “Having this bill pass the Senate is a vital step toward getting this bill across the finish line and signed into law.” The Albuquerque Indian School Act now heads to the House for final passage. The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2026 builds upon a longstanding, bipartisan effort to transfer the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding buildings to the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico for the development and growth of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a nationally recognized museum and cultural instituti… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-applauds-passage-of-protect-college-sports-act/ | Hickenlooper Applauds Passage of Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Bill includes Hickenlooper provisions to protect Olympic and non-revenue generating sports WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper welcomed the Senate passage of the Protect College Sports Act, which includes a Hickenlooper negotiated compromise requiring schools that participate in the bill’s new collective media rights framework to protect Olympic and non-revenue sports. The bill also locks in roster and scholarship minimums to prevent the quiet cutting of sports that has accelerated in recent years as college athletics has become an increasingly commercial enterprise. Over the last two years, we’ve seen non-revenue sports get cut, including 415 college teams and 41 Olympic sports programs, affecting at least 1,000 student-athletes across the country. “College athletes have won new rights and a bigger voice, and they deserve both. But the rules changed fast, and the sports that don’t make money were left wondering whether they had a future,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill gives Olympic and non-revenue sports the stability to keep going, and it lets Colorado’s universities plan and invest in athletes across every sport, not just the ones on television. It’s a compromise. Nobody got everything they wanted. But it’s a real answer, and that beats the uncertainty we have now.” Colorado is home to Olympic City USA, Colorado Springs, where there is the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, and over 20 National Olympic governing bodies. Earlier this summer, Hickenlooper’s staff worked to ensure the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s interests were protected in the bill. Read the Committee’s full endorsement letter HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-calls-on-trump-ai-ceos-to-work-with-congress-on-responsible-ai-guardrails-ahead-of-white-house-meeting/ | Hickenlooper Calls on Trump, AI CEOs to Work with Congress on Responsible AI Guardrails Ahead of White House Meeting | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | “Now is the time to move beyond warnings and start writing the guardrails” WASHINGTON – Ahead of President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson’s expected meeting with leading technology executives Tuesday, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) sent a letter to the president urging him to use the meeting to commit to working with Congress on meaningful federal guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI). “Many of the attendees at this meeting have warned about the risks of unregulated AI and have called for stronger safety measures,” Hickenlooper wrote. “We are in a critical moment, where the White House and Congress must act together to pass safety and transparency measures that keep the American people safe and informed as this technology is developed. Now is the time to move beyond warnings and start writing the guardrails, including independent third-party evaluations that will help protect Americans.” Hickenlooper criticized the administration for prioritizing rapid AI development while rolling back federal safeguards and downplaying warnings from AI researchers. “To date, our country has not established transparent, meaningful safeguards to address the growing risks of AI,” Hickenlooper wrote. “You have prioritized accelerating AI development and maintaining a voluntary classified benchmarking process through the National Security Agency for advanced cyber capabilities while rolling back various federal safeguards. In addition, you have publicly called fears from AI researchers a ‘hoax,’ downplaying the potential threats of irresponsible development of this technology.” Hickenlooper called on Trump and technology leaders to work with Congress to: Commit to independent third-party evaluation of America’s most powerful AI models; Establish meaningful accountability when companies knowingly deploy dangerous AI systems; Improve reporting of serious AI incidents and vulnerabilities so government and critical infrastructure operators can respond quickly to emerging threats; Protect communities from t… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-recognize-asian-american-and-native-american-pacific-islander-serving-institutions-week | Hirono, Chu Recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | While the Trump Administration slashes funding for Minority-Serving Institutions, Members of Congress recognize the importance of AANAPISIs in expanding access to higher education for all WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 27-October 3, 2026. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. “In Hawaii and nationwide, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions help students thrive in the classroom and prepare them for success after graduation. As the Trump regime continues its ideological attacks on Minority-Serving Institutions, supporting AANAPISIs and the communities they serve is critical,” said Senator Hirono. “By establishing AANAPISI Week, this resolution celebrates diversity in education and recognizes these institutions and the services they provide.” “As a former community college professor, I’ve seen what happens when students get real support. They don’t just graduate, they can transform their families and their communities for generations. AANAPISIs make that possible for students who need it the most, including first generation, and low-income students of color, by breaking down barriers and making sure all students have an equal shot at higher education,” said Representative Chu, CAPAC Chair Emerita. “That’s why the Trump administration’s decision to terminate MSI funding, and now redirect $235 million of it to HBCUs and tribal colleges, is so disappointing. Every MSI deserves full investment, but pitting them against each other isn’t the solution, it is a step backward. This AANAPISI Week, I remain committed to fighting for these institutions and for ever… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-his-bipartisan-legislation-to-make-food-supply-chain-safer | Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of His Bipartisan Legislation to Make Food Supply Chain Safer | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded the Senate passage of the Making America’s Food Safer Act, bipartisan legislation he led alongside HELP Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) to improve the safety of the U.S. food supply chain. The HELP Committee advanced this legislation in July. “No one should be in a grocery store aisle having to wonder whether the food in their cart is going to make them ill. Protecting Americans from contaminated food, faulty products, and other dangerous items is one of the most basic regulatory responsibilities the government has,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation will make the food supply chain more efficient, improve coordination between the federal government and state and local entities about food safety—all the more important in the context of recent outbreaks of foodborne illness—and help keep dangerous products off U.S. shelves. I am grateful to my Senate colleagues for supporting this common-sense, bipartisan legislation.” Specifically, the Making America’s Food Safer Act would: Expand the third-party certificate program to allow both foreign and domestic entities involved in the food supply chain to be audited by accredited third-party auditors. Previously, only foreign entities were eligible for third-party auditing. This broadening of eligibility will relieve administrative burden on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and improve efficiency while preserving safety. Provide the FDA with the authority to share food safety information with state and local regulatory agencies. Previously, the FDA was barred from sharing certain data, including surveillance data on foodborne illness outbreaks, laboratory fundings, facility inspection records, recall information, and consumer complaints, due to proprietary restrictions. Historically, coordination between the FDA and state/local regulators have helped protect public health, inc… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-criticizes-trump-vance-administrations-rollback-of-protections-for-survivors-of-assault-on-campus-and-lgbtq-students | Kaine Criticizes Trump-Vance Administration’s Rollback Of Protections For Survivors Of Assault On Campus And LGBTQ+ Students | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and former civil rights attorney, issued the following statement regarding the Education Department’s final rule reinstating Title IX regulations from President Donald Trump’s first term: “Today’s Title IX final rule guts discrimination protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation, and will reimpose rules from the first Trump Administration that made it even harder for survivors of campus sexual assault to obtain justice,” said Kaine. “America’s future depends on the quality and safety of our schools. The Trump-Vance Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and weaken protections for students are dangerous steps in the wrong direction.” Since Trump took office for his second term, Kaine has been at the forefront of opposing the Trump-Vance Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). In July 2026, Kaine successfully secured committee passage of his legislation to prevent the Administration from scattering ED’s programs to other agencies ill-equipped to handle them. Kaine has also advocated for legislation to combat campus sexual assault. Kaine has previously led introductions of the Survivor Outreach and Support on (S.O.S.) Campus Act and the Support for Universities and Colleges to Champion the Educational Success of Survivors (SUCCESS) Act, legislation to help support student survivors of sexual assault and other violence. ### | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-lankford-introduce-jimmy-lai-internet-freedom-act-to-counter-chinas-internet-censorship-in-hong-kong | Kaine, Lankford Introduce Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom Act to Counter China’s Internet Censorship in Hong Kong | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the bipartisan Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom Act to assist the people of Hong Kong in circumventing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) censorship and maintain access to a free and open internet. The bill is named in honor of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and publisher who was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Hong Kong court after being convicted under Beijing’s National Security Law. The legislation responds to the CCP’s continued erosion of Hong Kong’s freedoms and expanding efforts to restrict access to information online. The bill notes that Beijing has used its National Security Law to suppress freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the press, while granting authorities expanded power to censor online content and obtain user information. “China’s restrictions on internet in Hong Kong are a blatant attempt to crack down on dissent, stifle freedom of expression, and censor the free flow of information to the people of Hong Kong,” said Kaine. “The United States must stand up for freedom and the rights of all people. This legislation would improve the State Department and other agencies’ ability to strengthen access to internet and keep China from censoring information. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.” The senators’ bill would establish a Hong Kong Internet Freedom Program within the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and a corresponding program at the Open Technology Fund. The programs would coordinate with an interagency working group to develop a strategy for strengthening internet resiliency and online access in Hong Kong. The Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom Act would: Establish a Hong Kong Internet Freedom Program at the Department of State and Open Technology Fund. Support technologies that allow Hongkongers to circumvent internet blocking, filtering, and censorship. Support virtual private networks and other firewall circumvention tools. Provide digi… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
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