Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,682 rows where chamber = "Senate" and state = "AR" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-hegseth-review-military-supply-chain-security/ | Cotton to Hegseth: Review Military Supply Chain Security | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 29, 2026 Cotton to Hegseth: Review Military Supply Chain Security WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth encouraging a review of military supply chains, which provide troops with the weapons, food, medical supplies, and other resources needed to defend our country. This follows recent reports that F-35 components shipped from Australia to the United States were diverted to Hong Kong and are in the Chinese government’s possession. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Securing these supply chains is critical to ensuring that our warfighters around the world have access to the most advanced equipment and technology and to ensuring that our adversaries do not gain access to U.S. technology.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. September 29, 2026 Secretary Pete Hegseth Secretary of War U.S. Department of War 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20301 Dear Secretary Hegseth, I write requesting the Department of War review the security of military equipment and supplies transported through commercial and contractor-managed supply chains. Recent reports revealed that F-35 components being shipped from Australia to the United States were diverted to Hong Kong. Lockheed Martin, which manages the F-35 supply chain, transported the parts via commercial carrier. Alarmingly, it was also reported that the Chinese government has taken possession of the components and has yet to return them. We can’t afford for U.S. military equipment to fall into the hands of a foreign adversary because of vulnerabilities in commercial transportation. DOW relies extensively on contractors and commercial carriers to move military equipment, replacement parts, and vital supplies around the world. And while I recognize that such arrangements allow for ease and speed of movement, those advantages must not come at the expense of maintaining our military edge. Classified and designated sensitive co… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-announces-support-for-bill-to-protect-arkansans-from-paying-for-data-centers/ | Cotton Announces Support for Bill to Protect Arkansans from Paying for Data Centers | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 23, 2026 Cotton Announces Support for Bill to Protect Arkansans from Paying for Data Centers WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today announced support for Senator Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, which would lower energy prices for Arkansans by proposing standards for state regulators to enforce when connecting data centers to the grid. The bill would codify key elements of President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge by ensuring that data centers, not families or small businesses, pay for power generation and other infrastructure needed to serve their facilities. “Whether it’s the cure to cancer or help for their small business, Arkansans understand the great potential of data centers and American AI innovation but are also rightfully concerned about higher electricity costs. I’m proud to support Senator Husted’s bill that would prevent electricity prices from rising by requiring data centers to pay the full cost of grid upgrades needed to service them,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Ratepayer Protection Act would: Propose standards that state regulators may enforce when considering integrating new large-load customers with a demand of 100 megawatts or more onto the grid, including: Recovery of full, incremental cost of upgrades by the large-load customer over a long period of time through a special rate charge or other agreements. This would protect utilities and their ratepayers from being left responsible for upgrade costs associated with a large-load customer, even if that customer later reduces operations or leaves the system entirely. Financial assurances requiring the large-load customer to pay for any generation, transmission, or other infrastructure necessary to serve their load. This would ensure large-load customers are responsible for the fixed costs associated with serving their demand rather than passing those costs on to families and businesses through highe… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-help-arkansas-seniors-obtain-timely-medicare-coverage/ | Cotton Introduces Bill to Help Arkansas Seniors Obtain Timely Medicare Coverage | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 23, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Help Arkansas Seniors Obtain Timely Medicare Coverage WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) today introduced legislation to eliminate bureaucratic red tape that impedes Arkansas seniors’ access to new medical devices and services. The Ensuring Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would increase transparency by establishing deadlines for Medicare administrators to determine if a certain item or service is covered. “Arkansas seniors deserve access to high-quality medical treatments, and they shouldn’t have to wait on the slow clock of government to obtain coverage for them. Our bill would require Medicare administrators to give seniors prompt, transparent decisions about their coverage, ensuring they can address their health concerns in a timely manner,” said Senator Cotton. “Medicare beneficiaries should not have to wait years for cutting edge treatments while medical science and technology advance rapidly. Patients deserve a coverage process that is timely, transparent, and informed by qualified health experts. My Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act will bring greater accountability and certainty to Medicare coverage decisions so patients can access the care they need without unnecessary delays,”said Senator Luján. Text of the bill can be found here. The Ensuring Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would: Require Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to report whether a Local Coverage Determinations (LCD) request is completed within 60 days. Require MACs to issue a final decision on LCD requests within 365 days. Apply the 60-day completeness determination and 365-day decision deadline to LCD reconsideration requests. Require MACs to publicly post proposed LCD requests, supporting evidence for LCDs, coding and billing information, and written rationales before LCDs can take effect. Require MACs to hold public meetings, accept public … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-hill-introduce-bill-to-defend-arkansas-small-investment-firms-against-costly-regulations/ | Cotton, Hill Introduce Bill to Defend Arkansas Small Investment Firms Against Costly Regulations | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 22, 2026 Cotton, Hill Introduce Bill to Defend Arkansas Small Investment Firms Against Costly Regulations WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Representative French Hill (Arkansas-02) introduced the Small Business Audit Corrections Act, which would exempt small investment firms from hiring the same expensive Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)-registered audit firms that large Wall Street banks use. Under current law, every investment firm, no matter its size, must pay for a Wall Street-grade audit, an expense that has driven small firms in states like Arkansas out of business. “Washington wrote this rule for Wall Street and then applied it to small firms on Main Street. Our bill would eliminate this one-size-fits-all requirement to ensure investment firms in Arkansas are no longer punished for their size and are instead given the chance to grow and succeed in a friendlier business environment,” said Senator Cotton. “When we discuss regulatory relief in the financial services industry, the focus often falls on community banks. But small, privately held broker-dealers deserve that same attention. These firms serve as a gateway to the capital markets for Main Street businesses, yet they remain burdened by costly, one-size-fits-all audit requirements. That’s why I’m pleased to lead the House effort behind the Small Business Audit Correction Act, which will provide targeted relief for small broker-dealers in good standing, allowing them to devote more resources to growing their businesses and serving their customers,” said Representative Hill. Text of the bill can be found here. The Small Business Audit Corrections Act would: Exempt privately held, small non-custodial brokers and dealers in good standing from the requirement to hire a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)-registered audit firm to meet their annual SEA Rule 17a-5 reporting obligation and would instead reinstate the previous regulatory… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-lower-gas-prices-for-arkansans/ | Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Gas Prices for Arkansans | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 22, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Gas Prices for Arkansans WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to lower gas prices for Arkansans by cutting costs and increasing domestic production. The Supply Relief and Domestic Production Cost Reduction Act would cap onshore royalties, cut lease and permitting-related costs, and increase domestic production for 180 days when fuel prices, inventories, production constraints, or other emergencies indicate supply stress. “Arkansans are rightfully feeling pressure at the pump. My bill would lower prices by cutting red tape and boosting American energy production,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Supply Relief and Domestic Production Cost Reduction Act would: Create a 180-day “supply shortage period” when fuel prices, inventories, production constraints, or an energy emergency indicate supply stress, with extensions available if the conditions persist. Lower federal oil and gas production costs by capping onshore royalties at 8%, eliminating royalties for marginal wells for 24 months, and cutting royalties on incremental new production from existing leases by 50% for 36 months. Cut lease and permitting-related costs during shortage periods by reducing rental payments, lowering minimum bids, and waiving or reducing certain administrative fees tied to drilling and production approvals. Provide tax incentives to boost domestic production, including immediate expensing for upstream equipment, suspension of certain federal excise taxes on domestic crude oil, and a new credit for incremental production by small producers. Expand access to federal energy resources and protect production by requiring quarterly lease sales during shortage periods, extending leases delayed by permitting or litigation, and limiting federal shut-in orders. ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-designate-arkansas-delta-a-national-heritage-area/ | Cotton Introduces Bill to Designate Arkansas Delta a National Heritage Area | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 17, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Designate Arkansas Delta a National Heritage Area WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to designate the Arkansas Delta a National Heritage Area, which would recognize and preserve the economic, historic, and cultural importance of the Arkansas Delta and also increase federal investment and economic development in the region. “From Jonesboro to McGehee, the Arkansas Delta is a vital part of our state’s identity. By designating the Delta a National Heritage Area, my bill would recognize the region’s rich history and important agricultural contributions while also delivering additional federal resources to grow the local economy and create more jobs for Arkansans,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Arkansas Delta National Heritage Area Act would: Designate 17 Arkansas counties as a National Heritage Area (NHA), a place designated by Congress where natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources combine into a nationally significant landscape. NHA designation includes eligibility for National Park Service technical and financial assistance, which local coordinating entities use for projects like tourism infrastructure. ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-burgum-accelerate-domestic-energy-production-to-protect-arkansans-from-foreign-market-volatility/ | Cotton to Burgum: Accelerate Domestic Energy Production to Protect Arkansans from Foreign Market Volatility | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallce or Hannah McCarthy September 2, 2026 Cotton to Burgum: Accelerate Domestic Energy Production to Protect Arkansans from Foreign Market Volatility LITTLE ROCK—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum encouraging an administration-wide effort to accelerate domestic oil and natural gas development to protect consumers from foreign energy market volatility and ensure stable, low energy prices for Arkansans. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Ongoing disruptions to global energy markets and transportation routes due to the Iranian terrorist regime’s aggression have demonstrated the danger of allowing American consumers to remain exposed to geopolitical supply shocks. Luckily, the United States possesses abundant oil and natural gas resources. At a time of heightened international instability, federal policy should be focused on bringing additional domestic supply to market as quickly as reasonably possible.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. September 1, 2026 The Honorable Doug Burgum Secretary of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Burgum: I write regarding the continued pressure on American energy prices and the need to use every lawful authority available to increase domestic energy production. I commend your August 20 Secretarial Order directing the Department of the Interior to ensure timely completion of reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, identify categories of activities that may be exempted from unnecessary review, and make greater use of alternative approaches to expedite federal decision-making. Ongoing disruptions to global energy markets and transportation routes due to the Iranian terrorist regime’s aggression have demonstrated the danger of allowing American consumers to remain exposed to geopolitical supply shocks. Luckily, the United States possesses abundant oil and natural gas resou… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-praises-nearly-150-million-investment-for-arkansas-from-rural-health-transformation-program | Cotton Praises Nearly $150 Million Investment for Arkansas from Rural Health Transformation Program | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy August 31, 2026 Cotton Praises Nearly $150 Million Investment for Arkansas from Rural Health Transformation Program LITTLE ROCK — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement praising the $149.3 million investment for Arkansas from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP): “The Republican-led Rural Health Transformation Program will expand access to high-quality healthcare for rural communities across Arkansas. I was proud to vote to create this program and look forward to seeing how this historic investment will benefit Arkansas families for years to come.” Background: The Working Families Tax Cut established the RHTP to strengthen access to healthcare in rural areas by allocating $50 billion for the program over five years. This announcement is the first round of funding for Arkansas. More information on the RHTP can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-praises-nearly-150-million-investment-for-arkansas-from-rural-health-transformation-program/ | Cotton Praises Nearly $150 Million Investment for Arkansas from Rural Health Transformation Program | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy August 31, 2026 Cotton Praises Nearly $150 Million Investment for Arkansas from Rural Health Transformation Program LITTLE ROCK — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement praising the $149.3 million investment for Arkansas from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP): “The Republican-led Rural Health Transformation Program will expand access to high-quality healthcare for rural communities across Arkansas. I was proud to vote to create this program and look forward to seeing how this historic investment will benefit Arkansas families for years to come.” Background: The Working Families Tax Cut established the RHTP to strengthen access to healthcare in rural areas by allocating $50 billion for the program over five years. This announcement is the first round of funding for Arkansas. More information on the RHTP can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-passage-of-lindsey-grahams-russia-sanctions-bill | Cotton Statement Following Passage of Lindsey Graham’s Russia Sanctions Bill | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy August 7, 2026 Cotton Statement Following Passage of Lindsey Graham’s Russia Sanctions Bill WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026: “Lindsey knew that strength produces peace and prosperity, and he believed the United States is the greatest force for freedom that mankind has ever known. Through every bill he introduced, every speech he gave, every statement he made, Lindsey ensured our allies knew our word was good and our enemies feared our resolve. Today, with the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, we honor his legacy and send a clear message to our allies and enemies alike: the United States will defend freedom around the world.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-passage-of-lindsey-grahams-russia-sanctions-bill/ | Cotton Statement Following Passage of Lindsey Graham’s Russia Sanctions Bill | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy August 7, 2026 Cotton Statement Following Passage of Lindsey Graham’s Russia Sanctions Bill WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026: “Lindsey knew that strength produces peace and prosperity, and he believed the United States is the greatest force for freedom that mankind has ever known. Through every bill he introduced, every speech he gave, every statement he made, Lindsey ensured our allies knew our word was good and our enemies feared our resolve. Today, with the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, we honor his legacy and send a clear message to our allies and enemies alike: the United States will defend freedom around the world.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-protect-critical-infrastructure-from-cyberattacks | Cotton to Bessent: Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy August 5, 2026 Cotton to Bessent: Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks WASHINGTON — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking him to ensure federal tax guidance encourages investment in and modernization of American operational technology, which is the hardware and software that controls critical infrastructure. This technology is underfunded and outdated, leaving vital infrastructure like water systems, power facilities, and industrial plants, particularly in rural states like Arkansas, vulnerable to cyberattacks by our adversaries. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Attacks on civilian infrastructure have become a routine instrument of modern warfare, and American operational technology is a target. I write concerning federal tax guidance that discourages the investment needed to defend it. Operational technology is the hardware and software that directly controls physical systems, including the sensors that regulate the chemical mix safeguarding our drinking water and the controllers running a turbine or a processing line. These controllers were invented in the 1960s and still rely on protocols designed for isolated plants, not for today’s interconnected environment.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. August 05, 2026 The Honorable Scott Bessent Secretary U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Bessent: Attacks on civilian infrastructure have become a routine instrument of modern warfare, and American operational technology is a target. I write concerning federal tax guidance that discourages the investment needed to defend it. Operational technology is the hardware and software that directly controls physical systems, including the sensors that regulate the chemical mix safeguarding our drinking water and the controllers running a turbine or a processing line. These controllers were invented in the… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-protect-critical-infrastructure-from-cyberattacks/ | Cotton to Bessent: Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy August 5, 2026 Cotton to Bessent: Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks WASHINGTON — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking him to ensure federal tax guidance encourages investment in and modernization of American operational technology, which is the hardware and software that controls critical infrastructure. This technology is underfunded and outdated, leaving vital infrastructure like water systems, power facilities, and industrial plants, particularly in rural states like Arkansas, vulnerable to cyberattacks by our adversaries. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Attacks on civilian infrastructure have become a routine instrument of modern warfare, and American operational technology is a target. I write concerning federal tax guidance that discourages the investment needed to defend it. Operational technology is the hardware and software that directly controls physical systems, including the sensors that regulate the chemical mix safeguarding our drinking water and the controllers running a turbine or a processing line. These controllers were invented in the 1960s and still rely on protocols designed for isolated plants, not for today’s interconnected environment.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. August 05, 2026 The Honorable Scott Bessent Secretary U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Bessent: Attacks on civilian infrastructure have become a routine instrument of modern warfare, and American operational technology is a target. I write concerning federal tax guidance that discourages the investment needed to defend it. Operational technology is the hardware and software that directly controls physical systems, including the sensors that regulate the chemical mix safeguarding our drinking water and the controllers running a turbine or a processing line. These controllers were invented in the… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-recognizing-the-arkansas-national-guard/ | Floor Speech Recognizing the Arkansas National Guard | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | I speak today in recognition of the bravery, courage, and valor of nearly 9,000 men and women in the Arkansas National Guard. Day in and day out, the heroes of our National Guard protect our communities and our homeland, stand at the ready to respond to natural disasters, and defend our freedom around the world. Their work is having a huge impact on many fronts. In Little Rock, our National Guardsmen recently participated in the Pentagon’s largest unclassified cyber defense exercise, known as Cyber Shield, alongside more than 1,000 participants from 44 states and nearly two dozen countries. Down at the southern border, Arkansas National Guard troops are working to keep illegal aliens out of our country and stop the flow of deadly, illicit drugs into our communities. Additionally, Arkansas National Guardsmen on the home front have provided 15% of the targeting information for Operation Epic Fury, while guardsmen deployed overseas work on the ground in support of this critical mission. And last, but certainly not least, and most recently, the National Guardsmen stationed in Washington, D.C. as part of the President’s Safe and Beautiful Mission are cleaning up our nation’s capital for all Americans to enjoy. Earlier this summer, just a couple of miles from the Capitol building, Arkansas National Guardsmen intervened in a violent assault and stopped a potential shooting. While out on patrol earlier, Sergeant Memphis Perez, Specialist Edwin Martinez, Specialist Christian Diaz, and Private First Class Gabriel Oliva encountered a woman with a bloodied face, multiple groups of people yelling and arguing, and a suspect threatening to shoot a group of women. The brave guardsmen of Team Razorback stepped into action, detained the suspect with flex cuffs after he attempted to retrieve a Glock pistol from his car, provided medical assistance to the victim, and secured the scene while waiting for the Metropolitan Police Department officers to arrive. The heroism of these men saved lives, and because of their courage, they … | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-lutnick-combat-communist-chinas-ai-diffusion-strategy | Cotton to Lutnick: Combat Communist China’s AI Diffusion Strategy | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 30, 2026 Cotton to Lutnick: Combat Communist China’s AI Diffusion Strategy WASHINGTON — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraging a proactive, coordinated, multipronged approach to combat Communist China’s AI diffusion strategy and ensure lasting U.S. AI dominance, both domestically and globally. The letter follows recent concerns about increased American reliance on Chinese AI models. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I write to you concerned about American companies increasingly relying on Chinese AI models. While the U.S. is the leader in the most cutting edge, closed models, recent progress in Chinese AI models highlights alarming gaps. To stay ahead in the AI race, the U.S. must fully capture AI’s economic and geopolitical returns, while continuing to create the most advanced frontier models. This means ensuring that as many U.S. firms, researchers, and institutions as possible are able to leverage AI for productivity and scientific gains. It also means ensuring that global customers adopt and build on our models, where we can set standards, norms, and dependencies.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. July 29, 2026 The Honorable Howard Lutnick Secretary of Commerce Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear Secretary Lutnick, I write to you concerned about American companies increasingly relying on Chinese AI models. While the U.S. is the leader in the most cutting edge, closed models, recent progress in Chinese AI models highlights alarming gaps. To stay ahead in the AI race, the U.S. must fully capture AI’s economic and geopolitical returns, while continuing to create the most advanced frontier models. This means ensuring that as many U.S. firms, researchers, and institutions as possible are able to leverage AI for productivity and scientific gains. It also means ensuring that global customers adopt and build on our mod… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-lutnick-combat-communist-chinas-ai-diffusion-strategy/ | Cotton to Lutnick: Combat Communist China’s AI Diffusion Strategy | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 30, 2026 Cotton to Lutnick: Combat Communist China’s AI Diffusion Strategy WASHINGTON — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraging a proactive, coordinated, multipronged approach to combat Communist China’s AI diffusion strategy and ensure lasting U.S. AI dominance, both domestically and globally. The letter follows recent concerns about increased American reliance on Chinese AI models. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I write to you concerned about American companies increasingly relying on Chinese AI models. While the U.S. is the leader in the most cutting edge, closed models, recent progress in Chinese AI models highlights alarming gaps. To stay ahead in the AI race, the U.S. must fully capture AI’s economic and geopolitical returns, while continuing to create the most advanced frontier models. This means ensuring that as many U.S. firms, researchers, and institutions as possible are able to leverage AI for productivity and scientific gains. It also means ensuring that global customers adopt and build on our models, where we can set standards, norms, and dependencies.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. July 29, 2026 The Honorable Howard Lutnick Secretary of Commerce Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear Secretary Lutnick, I write to you concerned about American companies increasingly relying on Chinese AI models. While the U.S. is the leader in the most cutting edge, closed models, recent progress in Chinese AI models highlights alarming gaps. To stay ahead in the AI race, the U.S. must fully capture AI’s economic and geopolitical returns, while continuing to create the most advanced frontier models. This means ensuring that as many U.S. firms, researchers, and institutions as possible are able to leverage AI for productivity and scientific gains. It also means ensuring that global customers adopt and build on our mod… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-jay-claytons-confirmation-as-director-of-national-intelligence | Cotton Statement on Jay Clayton’s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 28, 2026 Cotton Statement on Jay Clayton’s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence WASHINGTON — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement after Walter “Jay” Clayton III was confirmed by the Senate as Director of National Intelligence: “Jay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. As U.S. attorney, Mr. Clayton has worked hand in glove with our intelligence agencies and counterterrorism personnel to lock up criminals who threaten our national security. I’m pleased that my colleagues voted to confirm Mr. Clayton as Director of National Intelligence and look forward to working with him to keep Americans safe.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-jay-claytons-confirmation-as-director-of-national-intelligence/ | Cotton Statement on Jay Clayton’s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 28, 2026 Cotton Statement on Jay Clayton’s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence WASHINGTON — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement after Walter “Jay” Clayton III was confirmed by the Senate as Director of National Intelligence: “Jay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. As U.S. attorney, Mr. Clayton has worked hand in glove with our intelligence agencies and counterterrorism personnel to lock up criminals who threaten our national security. I’m pleased that my colleagues voted to confirm Mr. Clayton as Director of National Intelligence and look forward to working with him to keep Americans safe.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-on-jay-claytons-nomination-to-be-director-of-national-intelligence/ | Floor Speech on Jay Clayton’s Nomination to be Director of National Intelligence | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | Mr. President, I speak today in support of Mr. Jay Clayton’s nomination to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Earlier this month, Mr. Clayton appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he answered hundreds of written questions for the record and provided detailed testimony on his approach to serving in this new role. As part of these discussions, Mr. Clayton assured the committee he would assist our efforts to return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to its original size, scope, and mission. He also pledged to work with the committee to secure the essential funding the Intelligence Community needs. Based on the shortcomings my committee staff has identified, I project that any supplemental appropriations or reconciliation bill must include around forty billion dollars for our intelligence agencies. I look forward to working with Mr. Clayton to meet this vital need. Given his past professional experience, Mr. Clayton is well qualified to serve as the Director of National Intelligence. As the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Mr. Clayton went after some of the worst of the worst national security threats. He’s overseen numerous high-profile cases, including the indictment of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and the prosecution of an Iran-backed terrorist connected to multiple attempted terror attacks in the United States. Time and again, Mr. Clayton has worked hand in glove with our intelligence agencies and counterterrorism personnel to put these savages behind bars and keep America safe. Based on Mr. Clayton’s testimony and the many conversations I’ve had with him over the last few months, I can say with confidence that his reputation for leading with integrity precedes him. I’m pleased to support his nomination, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of his confirmation. Mr. President, I yield the floor. | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-mcmahon-investigate-chinese-investments-in-american-universities | Cotton to McMahon: Investigate Chinese Investments in American Universities | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 27, 2026 Cotton to McMahon: Investigate Chinese Investments in American Universities WASHINGTON — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon encouraging additional scrutiny of Chinese investments in American universities which allow Communist China to advance their interests while undermining American innovation and national security. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I commend the Department of Education’s work to improve transparency, which includes actions against universities that have failed to comply with statutory financial reporting requirements. Federally funded universities are not required to disclose transactions from a single foreign source that are less than $250,000 in a single year. I remain concerned that millions in additional transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported. Therefore, I encourage additional scrutiny of financial ties between American universities and Communist China.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. July 27, 2026 The Honorable Linda McMahon Secretary U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave, SW Washington, DC 20202 Dear Secretary McMahon: I write to express concern about sanctioned Chinese entities investments in American universities. These investments allow China to advance their interests, while undermining American innovation and our national security. On January 2, 2026, the Department of Education launched an online portal which provides aggregate, institution-level data about donations American universities have received from foreign sources. As of January 31, 2026, federally funded universities accepted more than $6.8 billion from Communist China – including more than $300 million from sanctioned entities. Harvard, for instance, has received more than $630 million from Chinese entities. This includes roughly $418,000 from organizations participating in foreign talent programs and near… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-mcmahon-investigate-chinese-investments-in-american-universities/ | Cotton to McMahon: Investigate Chinese Investments in American Universities | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 27, 2026 Cotton to McMahon: Investigate Chinese Investments in American Universities WASHINGTON — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon encouraging additional scrutiny of Chinese investments in American universities which allow Communist China to advance their interests while undermining American innovation and national security. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I commend the Department of Education’s work to improve transparency, which includes actions against universities that have failed to comply with statutory financial reporting requirements. Federally funded universities are not required to disclose transactions from a single foreign source that are less than $250,000 in a single year. I remain concerned that millions in additional transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported. Therefore, I encourage additional scrutiny of financial ties between American universities and Communist China.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. July 27, 2026 The Honorable Linda McMahon Secretary U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave, SW Washington, DC 20202 Dear Secretary McMahon: I write to express concern about sanctioned Chinese entities investments in American universities. These investments allow China to advance their interests, while undermining American innovation and our national security. On January 2, 2026, the Department of Education launched an online portal which provides aggregate, institution-level data about donations American universities have received from foreign sources. As of January 31, 2026, federally funded universities accepted more than $6.8 billion from Communist China – including more than $300 million from sanctioned entities. Harvard, for instance, has received more than $630 million from Chinese entities. This includes roughly $418,000 from organizations participating in foreign talent programs and near… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-close-tax-loopholes-exploited-by-far-left-terrorist-organizations | Cotton Introduces Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Exploited by Far-Left Terrorist Organizations | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 23, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Exploited by Far-Left Terrorist Organizations Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced legislation to eliminate tax loopholes exploited by far-left terrorist organizations. Under current law, a charity can collect tax-deductible donations and hand the money to a group that isn’t a charity at all, which allows far-left radical groups—like the Palestinian Youth Movement—to manipulate the U.S. tax code. The Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would force charities to report these arrangements and impose a steep tax when they blindly pass money along without any oversight to how it’s spent. Representative Lloyd Smucker (Pennsylvania-11) introduced companion legislation in the House. “Far-left terrorist organizations shouldn’t be able to manipulate our tax code for their advantage. My bill would require public disclosure of these activities, tax the charities that don’t control where their money is spent, and end tax write-offs for donors who bankroll these unchecked arrangements,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would: Mandate Form 990 disclosure of fiscal sponsorship arrangements. Impose an excise tax on improper conduit arrangements. Deny the charitable deduction for conduit contributions. ### | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-close-tax-loopholes-exploited-by-far-left-terrorist-organizations/ | Cotton Introduces Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Exploited by Far-Left Terrorist Organizations | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 23, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Exploited by Far-Left Terrorist Organizations Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced legislation to eliminate tax loopholes exploited by far-left terrorist organizations. Under current law, a charity can collect tax-deductible donations and hand the money to a group that isn’t a charity at all, which allows far-left radical groups—like the Palestinian Youth Movement—to manipulate the U.S. tax code. The Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would force charities to report these arrangements and impose a steep tax when they blindly pass money along without any oversight to how it’s spent. Representative Lloyd Smucker (Pennsylvania-11) introduced companion legislation in the House. “Far-left terrorist organizations shouldn’t be able to manipulate our tax code for their advantage. My bill would require public disclosure of these activities, tax the charities that don’t control where their money is spent, and end tax write-offs for donors who bankroll these unchecked arrangements,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would: Mandate Form 990 disclosure of fiscal sponsorship arrangements. Impose an excise tax on improper conduit arrangements. Deny the charitable deduction for conduit contributions. ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-pulte-chinese-investment-in-brazil-agriculture-threatens-arkansas-farmers | Cotton to Pulte: Chinese Investment in Brazil Agriculture Threatens Arkansas Farmers | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 21, 2026 Cotton to Pulte: Chinese Investment in Brazil Agriculture Threatens Arkansas Farmers Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte requesting an update on Chinese investments in Brazil’s agriculture sector. Communist China’s investment in global agriculture attempts to bypass the American supply chain, threatening Arkansas farmers and food security. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “China’s growing footprint in global agriculture is a deliberate, strategic effort to dominate food production and supply chains in ways that threatens American farmers and food security. Chinese state-backed money is remaking the hemisphere’s ports and reshaping grain routes to Asia. For states like Arkansas, where agriculture is the number one industry, the consequences are real. Chinese state owned companies now have direct access to Brazilian farmers, purchasing their soybeans and overseeing the entire commercialization chain, including storage and transport to China, effectively locking in a supply chain that bypasses American producers entirely.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. July 20, 2026 The Honorable William Pulte Acting Director of National Intelligence Office of the Director of National Intelligence 1500 Tysons McLean Dr. McLean, VA 22102 Dear Acting Director Pulte: I write regarding the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) assessment and report on Chinese investments in Brazil’s agriculture sector. President Trump signed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 into law on December 18, 2025. This legislation required the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Agriculture, to assess the extent of Chinese investment in Brazil's agricultural sector no later than 60 days after enactment. It also required ODNI to submit a report to the appropriate cong… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-intelligence-committee-advances-clayton-nomination | Senate Intelligence Committee Advances Clayton Nomination | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 21, 2026 Senate Intelligence Committee Advances Clayton Nomination Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement after the committee voted 9-8 to report with a favorable recommendation Walter “Jay” Clayton III’s nomination to be Director of National Intelligence: “Jay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. I’m pleased that the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to advance his nomination to be Director of National Intelligence. Once confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Clayton to keep Americans safe and continue reforming the Office of Director of National Intelligence.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-pulte-chinese-investment-in-brazil-agriculture-threatens-arkansas-farmers/ | Cotton to Pulte: Chinese Investment in Brazil Agriculture Threatens Arkansas Farmers | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 21, 2026 Cotton to Pulte: Chinese Investment in Brazil Agriculture Threatens Arkansas Farmers Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte requesting an update on Chinese investments in Brazil’s agriculture sector. Communist China’s investment in global agriculture attempts to bypass the American supply chain, threatening Arkansas farmers and food security. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “China’s growing footprint in global agriculture is a deliberate, strategic effort to dominate food production and supply chains in ways that threatens American farmers and food security. Chinese state-backed money is remaking the hemisphere’s ports and reshaping grain routes to Asia. For states like Arkansas, where agriculture is the number one industry, the consequences are real. Chinese state owned companies now have direct access to Brazilian farmers, purchasing their soybeans and overseeing the entire commercialization chain, including storage and transport to China, effectively locking in a supply chain that bypasses American producers entirely.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. July 20, 2026 The Honorable William Pulte Acting Director of National Intelligence Office of the Director of National Intelligence 1500 Tysons McLean Dr. McLean, VA 22102 Dear Acting Director Pulte: I write regarding the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) assessment and report on Chinese investments in Brazil’s agriculture sector. President Trump signed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 into law on December 18, 2025. This legislation required the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Agriculture, to assess the extent of Chinese investment in Brazil’s agricultural sector no later than 60 days after enactment. It also required ODNI to submit a report to the appropriate cong… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-intelligence-committee-advances-clayton-nomination/ | Senate Intelligence Committee Advances Clayton Nomination | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy July 21, 2026 Senate Intelligence Committee Advances Clayton Nomination Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement after the committee voted 9-8 to report with a favorable recommendation Walter “Jay” Clayton III’s nomination to be Director of National Intelligence: “Jay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. I’m pleased that the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to advance his nomination to be Director of National Intelligence. Once confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Clayton to keep Americans safe and continue reforming the Office of Director of National Intelligence.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-expand-employment-opportunities-for-disabled-arkansans | Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 July 16, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities aged 18 years or older. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would enable anyone over the age of 18 to participate in a 14(c) program. 14(c) programs are meant to enable employment opportunities for disabled individuals who may not otherwise be hired at full wage. The current law, passed in 2014, creates a complicated, multi-step process that is often a significant barrier to entry. “Hard-working Arkansans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get a job. My bill would remove obstacles for any disabled adult to participate in the 14(c) program,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would: Permit individuals 18 years or older to participate in 14(c) programs. Establish that 14(c) employers can employ individuals aged 18 years and older if they document that a state agency failed to provide counseling and referrals to potential workers. ### | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-expand-employment-opportunities-for-disabled-arkansans/ | Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 July 16, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities aged 18 years or older. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would enable anyone over the age of 18 to participate in a 14(c) program. 14(c) programs are meant to enable employment opportunities for disabled individuals who may not otherwise be hired at full wage. The current law, passed in 2014, creates a complicated, multi-step process that is often a significant barrier to entry. “Hard-working Arkansans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get a job. My bill would remove obstacles for any disabled adult to participate in the 14(c) program,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would: Permit individuals 18 years or older to participate in 14(c) programs. Establish that 14(c) employers can employ individuals aged 18 years and older if they document that a state agency failed to provide counseling and referrals to potential workers. ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-opening-statement-at-clayton-confirmation-hearing/ | Cotton Opening Statement at Clayton Confirmation Hearing | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | Good morning. This hearing will come to order. I want to welcome all of you to today’s hearing on the nomination of Mr. Jay Clayton to be the Director of National Intelligence. Before we begin, I would also like to recognize the devastating loss we suffered over the weekend, and, on behalf of this committee, pay tribute to our former colleague, Lindsey Graham. Though Lindsey didn’t serve on the Intelligence Committee, as a former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he was part of our extended family, and he was obviously a champion for intelligence officers just as he was for our troops. He was a true partner on issues such as FISA, FBI, and DOJ oversight. Lindsey ensured that the intelligence community had the resources to confront our adversaries. Lindsey was a true patriot who led with courage, loyalty, and relentless optimism during his time both as an airman in the Air Force and in the United States Congress. In remembrance of Senator Lindsey Graham’s lifetime of service, I invite the members of this committee to honor our colleague and friend by living up to the example he set and carrying forward his love for God and for country. We also welcome his sister and new senator, Darline, whom we all had the occasion to meet yesterday and who I know will carry forward his legacy in a way that would make him immensely proud, as he always was proud of his younger sister. Today’s hearing is an opportunity to consider Mr. Clayton’s qualifications. So, I’d like to welcome him and his wife, Gretchen, to the Senate Intelligence Committee. Mr. Clayton, thank you for once again answering the call to public service. To your family and loved ones, including those watching from home, thank you for your support during this process. I want to state for the record that Mr. Clayton has provided answers to our standard, 40-page committee questionnaire; he has answered in writing more than 200 advance questions for the record as well; he has completed his FBI background investigation; he has met with most members of this… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-moreno-to-trump-rubio-support-de-la-espriella-in-his-transition-to-power | Cotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 July 14, 2026 Cotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) today sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanking them for their recognition of President-elect of Colombia Abelardo de la Espriella and encouraging the administration to name a U.S. delegation to attend his inauguration. On June 21st, 2026, de la Espriella was elected President of Colombia through a free and fair election. In the following weeks, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize de la Espriella’s victory, alleging fraud without providing any evidence. In part, the Senators wrote: “We write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America’s support to the new Colombian government, we also request you officially name a U.S. delegation to the August 7 inauguration and offer any needed transition support.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. July 14, 2026 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States of America 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 The Honorable Marco Rubio Secretary U.S. Department of State 2201 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20451 Dear President Trump and Secretary Rubio, We write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America’s support to the new Colombian go… | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-remembering-senator-lindsey-graham | Floor Speech Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Lindsey Graham was a self-made American original. Born in central South Carolina, Lindsey grew up in a room behind his parent’s bar and pool hall where he worked to help the family make ends meet and earned the nickname “Stinkball” from his patrons because of his sense of humor and his irrepressible nature and his rascal streak as he called it. I saw that in my first experience with Lindsey Graham. I traveled with him and Senator McCain to the Munich Security Conference in 2013 as a brand-new congressman. That evening as I was meeting some of the other Senators on the delegation, Senator Ayotte, Senator Corker, Lindsey came up to me and slapped me on the back and asked me who the hell I was, and I introduced myself and I told him a little bit about my story and my service in the Army before I was elected to the House and he told me I was great, I needed to run for Senate; we had to win the Senate seat in Arkansas. The next morning, we had a 08 briefing with General Breedlove, then the commander of our forces in Europe, and Lindsey stumbled in about 8:55. Senator McCain held the arrival of his illegitimate son, and then we had a coffee break five minutes later when Lindsey came over, slapped me on the back and said “You are great. We got to have you run for Senate, now, what was your name again?” That was Lindsey. Self-described rascal that he was. As often joked about him, and with him, you never knew quite what Lindsey was up to, but it probably wasn’t nothing. He became the first member of his family to attend college. After suddenly and unexpectedly losing both parents while attending University of South Carolina, he stepped in the raise his beloved younger sister Darline. But even in the face of tragedy, Lindsey’s grit, determination, and faith enabled him to finish college, earn a law degree, serve in the Air Force, and eventually make his way here to the United States Congress. When Lindsey arrived in the House in 1995 as the first Republican congressman from South Carolina’s Third Congressional District… | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-moreno-to-trump-rubio-support-de-la-espriella-in-his-transition-to-power/ | Cotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 July 14, 2026 Cotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) today sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanking them for their recognition of President-elect of Colombia Abelardo de la Espriella and encouraging the administration to name a U.S. delegation to attend his inauguration. On June 21st, 2026, de la Espriella was elected President of Colombia through a free and fair election. In the following weeks, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize de la Espriella’s victory, alleging fraud without providing any evidence. In part, the Senators wrote: “We write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America’s support to the new Colombian government, we also request you officially name a U.S. delegation to the August 7 inauguration and offer any needed transition support.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. July 14, 2026 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States of America 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 The Honorable Marco Rubio Secretary U.S. Department of State 2201 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20451 Dear President Trump and Secretary Rubio, We write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America’s support to the new Colombian go… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-remembering-senator-lindsey-graham/ | Floor Speech Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | Lindsey Graham was a self-made American original. Born in central South Carolina, Lindsey grew up in a room behind his parent’s bar and pool hall where he worked to help the family make ends meet and earned the nickname “Stinkball” from his patrons because of his sense of humor and his irrepressible nature and his rascal streak as he called it. I saw that in my first experience with Lindsey Graham. I traveled with him and Senator McCain to the Munich Security Conference in 2013 as a brand-new congressman. That evening as I was meeting some of the other Senators on the delegation, Senator Ayotte, Senator Corker, Lindsey came up to me and slapped me on the back and asked me who the hell I was, and I introduced myself and I told him a little bit about my story and my service in the Army before I was elected to the House and he told me I was great, I needed to run for Senate; we had to win the Senate seat in Arkansas. The next morning, we had a 08 briefing with General Breedlove, then the commander of our forces in Europe, and Lindsey stumbled in about 8:55. Senator McCain held the arrival of his illegitimate son, and then we had a coffee break five minutes later when Lindsey came over, slapped me on the back and said “You are great. We got to have you run for Senate, now, what was your name again?” That was Lindsey. Self-described rascal that he was. As often joked about him, and with him, you never knew quite what Lindsey was up to, but it probably wasn’t nothing. He became the first member of his family to attend college. After suddenly and unexpectedly losing both parents while attending University of South Carolina, he stepped in the raise his beloved younger sister Darline. But even in the face of tragedy, Lindsey’s grit, determination, and faith enabled him to finish college, earn a law degree, serve in the Air Force, and eventually make his way here to the United States Congress. When Lindsey arrived in the House in 1995 as the first Republican congressman from South Carolina’s Third Congressional District… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-supreme-court-ruling-on-banning-men-from-womens-sports | Cotton Statement Following Supreme Court Ruling on Banning Men from Women’s Sports | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 30, 2026 Cotton Statement Following Supreme Court Ruling on Banning Men from Women’s Sports Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released a statement following the Supreme Court ruling banning men from women’s sports: “Today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of common sense—women’s sports are for women, not for men. Arkansas was one of the first states to push back on this madness and I’m glad the Supreme Court agrees. This decision benefits women across the country.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z | 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-supreme-court-ruling-on-banning-men-from-womens-sports/ | Cotton Statement Following Supreme Court Ruling on Banning Men from Women’s Sports | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 30, 2026 Cotton Statement Following Supreme Court Ruling on Banning Men from Women’s Sports Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released a statement following the Supreme Court ruling banning men from women’s sports: “Today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of common sense—women’s sports are for women, not for men. Arkansas was one of the first states to push back on this madness and I’m glad the Supreme Court agrees. This decision benefits women across the country.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-americans-from-chinese-made-medical-devices | Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Chinese-Made Medical Devices | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 25, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Chinese-Made Medical Devices Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to combat the cybersecurity risk posed by Communist Chinese-made medical devices. The Countering Chinese Cyberthreats for Patients (Countering CCP) Act would direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review and recall these devices to protect American’s health data and privacy. In May, Senator Cotton sent a letter to the FDA requesting an enhanced review of Chinese-manufactured medical devices following the FDA recall of Contec CMS8000. “Communist Chinese-made medical devices threaten the privacy and safety of every American patient. My bill would crack-down on these dangerous devices,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Countering Chinese Cyberthreats for Patients (Countering CCP) Act would: Direct the FDA and CISA to conduct a retroactive review of legacy Chinese-made networked medical devices to identify potential cybersecurity risks. Direct the FDA to recall Chinese-made networked medical devices that pose cybersecurity risks to American patients. Direct HHS and CISA to submit a report to Congress describing cyber preparedness of the U.S. medical device industry, Chinese market share of medical devices made in the U.S., and methods to bolster cyber preparedness of the U.S. medical device industry. | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-americans-from-chinese-made-medical-devices/ | Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Chinese-Made Medical Devices | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 25, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Chinese-Made Medical Devices Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to combat the cybersecurity risk posed by Communist Chinese-made medical devices. The Countering Chinese Cyberthreats for Patients (Countering CCP) Act would direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review and recall these devices to protect American’s health data and privacy. In May, Senator Cotton sent a letter to the FDA requesting an enhanced review of Chinese-manufactured medical devices following the FDA recall of Contec Medical Systems Co., Ltd. CMS8000. “Communist Chinese-made medical devices threaten the privacy and safety of every American patient. My bill would crack-down on these dangerous devices,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Countering Chinese Cyberthreats for Patients (Countering CCP) Act would: Direct the FDA and CISA to conduct a retroactive review of legacy Chinese-made networked medical devices to identify potential cybersecurity risks. Direct the FDA to recall Chinese-made networked medical devices that pose cybersecurity risks to American patients. Direct HHS and CISA to submit a report to Congress describing cyber preparedness of the U.S. medical device industry, Chinese market share of medical devices made in the U.S., and methods to bolster cyber preparedness of the U.S. medical device industry. ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-lee-to-wright-chinese-nationals-steal-innovation-from-american-labs | Cotton, Lee to Wright: Chinese Nationals Steal Innovation from American Labs | 2026-06-23 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 23, 2026 Cotton, Lee to Wright: Chinese Nationals Steal Innovation from American Labs Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) today sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright raising concern over Chinese nationals’ access to American National Labs. Chinese nationals infiltrate sensitive research facilities to steal American intellectual property and technology which is then used to benefit Communist China. In January 2026, the Senators, along with nine of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary Wright urging him to address this issue. In March 2025, they introduced the Guarding American Technology from Exploitation (GATE) Act as a legislative solution. The bill is currently being blocked by Energy and Natural Resources Committee Democrats. In part, the Senators wrote: “We write expressing serious concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) continued practice of permitting foreign nationals from China to access facilities across the National Laboratory complex and work alongside American scientists. Recent DOE data underscores that this practice puts the nation’s research enterprise at risk of foreign intelligence collection and technology transfers that will benefit our adversaries.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. June 23, 2026 The Honorable Chris Wright Secretary, Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue SW Washington, D.C. 20024 Dear Secretary Wright: We write expressing serious concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) continued practice of permitting foreign nationals from China to access facilities across the National Laboratory complex and work alongside American scientists. Recent DOE data underscores that this practice puts the nation’s research enterprise at risk of foreign intelligence collection and technology transfers that will benefit our adversaries. According to DOE’s own data, Chinese nationals continue … | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-lee-to-wright-chinese-nationals-steal-innovation-from-american-labs/ | Cotton, Lee to Wright: Chinese Nationals Steal Innovation from American Labs | 2026-06-23 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 23, 2026 Cotton, Lee to Wright: Chinese Nationals Steal Innovation from American Labs Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) today sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright raising concern over Chinese nationals’ access to American National Labs. Chinese nationals infiltrate sensitive research facilities to steal American intellectual property and technology which is then used to benefit Communist China. In January 2026, the Senators, along with nine of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary Wright urging him to address this issue. In March 2025, they introduced the Guarding American Technology from Exploitation (GATE) Act as a legislative solution. The bill is currently being blocked by Energy and Natural Resources Committee Democrats. In part, the Senators wrote: “We write expressing serious concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) continued practice of permitting foreign nationals from China to access facilities across the National Laboratory complex and work alongside American scientists. Recent DOE data underscores that this practice puts the nation’s research enterprise at risk of foreign intelligence collection and technology transfers that will benefit our adversaries.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. June 23, 2026 The Honorable Chris Wright Secretary, Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue SW Washington, D.C. 20024 Dear Secretary Wright: We write expressing serious concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) continued practice of permitting foreign nationals from China to access facilities across the National Laboratory complex and work alongside American scientists. Recent DOE data underscores that this practice puts the nation’s research enterprise at risk of foreign intelligence collection and technology transfers that will benefit our adversaries. According to DOE’s own data, Chinese nationals continue … | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-investigate-airwallex-for-ties-to-communist-china | Cotton to Bessent: Investigate Airwallex for Ties to Communist China | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 17, 2026 Cotton to Bessent: Investigate Airwallex for Ties to Communist China Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to investigate Communist Chinese investment in Airwallex. Airwallex is a cross-border payment platform that processes highly sensitive data for major American companies. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Left unchecked, Airwallex has been doubling down. It intends to acquire a US banking license. It holds about 90 financial licenses across 50 markets and has bought three businesses since September 2025, including a financial data platform this month. Each acquisition pulls more American data within reach of the Chinese communists. CFIUS has jurisdiction over foreign investment in U.S. businesses that hold sensitive personal data of Americans. I urge it to examine the Chinese investments in Airwallex through its non-notified transaction process and conduct a full review of any transaction, bank acquisition, company purchase, or data-rich investment that deepen Airwallex’s footprint. If the review confirms the risk, CFIUS should seek the company’s divestment of the Chinese stakes, as it did with StayNTouch and PatientsLikeMe. At a minimum, CFIUS should impose binding conditions that end China-based access to American data and require independent audits.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. June 17, 2026 The Honorable Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Bessent, I write to request the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) open a national security review of Chinese investment in Airwallex, a payments platform that maintains sensitive data on US citizens. In December, I asked the Department of Justice to conduct their own investigation. Airwal… | 1 | 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z | 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-investigate-airwallex-for-ties-to-communist-china/ | Cotton to Bessent: Investigate Airwallex for Ties to Communist China | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 17, 2026 Cotton to Bessent: Investigate Airwallex for Ties to Communist China Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to investigate Communist Chinese investment in Airwallex. Airwallex is a cross-border payment platform that processes highly sensitive data for major American companies. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Left unchecked, Airwallex has been doubling down. It intends to acquire a US banking license. It holds about 90 financial licenses across 50 markets and has bought three businesses since September 2025, including a financial data platform this month. Each acquisition pulls more American data within reach of the Chinese communists. CFIUS has jurisdiction over foreign investment in U.S. businesses that hold sensitive personal data of Americans. I urge it to examine the Chinese investments in Airwallex through its non-notified transaction process and conduct a full review of any transaction, bank acquisition, company purchase, or data-rich investment that deepen Airwallex’s footprint. If the review confirms the risk, CFIUS should seek the company’s divestment of the Chinese stakes, as it did with StayNTouch and PatientsLikeMe. At a minimum, CFIUS should impose binding conditions that end China-based access to American data and require independent audits.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. June 17, 2026 The Honorable Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Bessent, I write to request the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) open a national security review of Chinese investment in Airwallex, a payments platform that maintains sensitive data on US citizens. In December, I asked the Department of Justice to conduct their own investigation. Airwal… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-cortez-masto-introduce-bill-to-accelerate-energy-projects-stalled-by-red-tape | Cotton, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects Stalled By Red Tape | 2026-06-16 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 16, 2026 Cotton, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects Stalled By Red Tape Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to cut bureaucratic red tape that is often used to unnecessarily delay energy projects. The Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would eliminate excessive litigation against fully permitted energy projects. “Endless lawsuits delay vital energy projects, resulting in higher energy prices for Arkansans. My bill will eliminate bureaucratic red tape to streamline energy projects,” said Senator Cotton. “For far too long, energy projects across the country have been slowed by bureaucracy. The bipartisan FREEDOM Act is a critical first step in slashing this unnecessary red tape so we can meet the energy needs of the future and unlock America’s full potential,” said Senator Cortez Masto. Text of the bill can be found here. The Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would: Empower project sponsors to file court petitions with expedited review. Ban federal agencies from revoking permits, issuing stop-work orders, or halting construction on fully permitted projects that do not meet a narrow set of extreme circumstances. Empower project sponsors to hire qualified contractors to complete administrative work at no cost to the project when non-negotiable timelines are missed by agencies. ### | 1 | 2026-06-17T06:49:24Z | 2026-06-17T06:50:53Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-cortez-masto-introduce-bill-to-accelerate-energy-projects-stalled-by-red-tape/ | Cotton, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects Stalled By Red Tape | 2026-06-16 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 16, 2026 Cotton, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects Stalled By Red Tape Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to cut bureaucratic red tape that is often used to unnecessarily delay energy projects. The Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would eliminate excessive litigation against fully permitted energy projects. “Endless lawsuits delay vital energy projects, resulting in higher energy prices for Arkansans. My bill will eliminate bureaucratic red tape to streamline energy projects,” said Senator Cotton. “For far too long, energy projects across the country have been slowed by bureaucracy. The bipartisan FREEDOM Act is a critical first step in slashing this unnecessary red tape so we can meet the energy needs of the future and unlock America’s full potential,” said Senator Cortez Masto. Text of the bill can be found here. The Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would: Empower project sponsors to file court petitions with expedited review. Ban federal agencies from revoking permits, issuing stop-work orders, or halting construction on fully permitted projects that do not meet a narrow set of extreme circumstances. Empower project sponsors to hire qualified contractors to complete administrative work at no cost to the project when non-negotiable timelines are missed by agencies. ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-biological-smuggling | Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Biological Smuggling | 2026-06-10 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 10, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Biological Smuggling Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to crack down on biological smuggling. The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would impose tough, unavoidable mandatory minimum sentences on individuals who illegally import biological agents. This follows the Department of Justice’s charging two foreign-national researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH) with conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox virus into the United States. “Illegally smuggling dangerous viruses into our country threatens the health and safety of all Americans. My bill would increase the punishment for anyone who commits this heinous crime,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would: Impose a 20-year mandatory minimum for the smuggling (or attempted smuggling) of any biological agent or toxin (as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 178, which includes monkeypox virus and other select agents) — whether committed by a lone actor or as part of a conspiracy. Impose a 20-year mandatory minimum for conspiracy to smuggle such agents. Impose a 5-year mandatory minimum for making false statements to federal agents in connection with the smuggling, importation, declaration, or permitting of biological agents. ### | 1 | 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z | 2026-06-11T06:41:07Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-doj-investigate-communist-china-influence-on-data-center-development | Cotton to DOJ: Investigate Communist China Influence on Data Center Development | 2026-06-10 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 10, 2026 Cotton to DOJ: Investigate Communist China Influence on Data Center Development Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting an investigation into the efforts of foreign adversaries, including Communist China, to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. AI infrastructure is vital to maintaining America’s AI advantage, an economic and national security priority. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I write requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate foreign influence efforts targeting the buildout of American AI infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that a network of foreign actors, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is attempting to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. Maintaining America’s AI advantage is vital to American economic strength, diplomacy, national security, and military power. Americans certainly have valid concerns about potential rising energy costs and strains on natural resources related to data centers, and we should implement common sense regulations and legislation to protect communities from adverse effects. But we can’t allow any effort by foreign adversaries to extort these fears and undermine our technological development.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. June 10, 2026 The Honorable Todd Blanche Acting Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Mr. Blanche, I write requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate foreign influence efforts targeting the buildout of American AI infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that a network of foreign actors, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is attempting to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. Maintaining America’s AI advantage is vital to American economic strength, diplomacy, national security, and military power.… | 1 | 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z | 2026-06-11T06:41:07Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-biological-smuggling/ | Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Biological Smuggling | 2026-06-10 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 10, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Biological Smuggling Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to crack down on biological smuggling. The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would impose tough, unavoidable mandatory minimum sentences on individuals who illegally import biological agents. This follows the Department of Justice’s charging two foreign-national researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH) with conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox virus into the United States. “Illegally smuggling dangerous viruses into our country threatens the health and safety of all Americans. My bill would increase the punishment for anyone who commits this heinous crime,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act would: Impose a 20-year mandatory minimum for the smuggling (or attempted smuggling) of any biological agent or toxin (as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 178, which includes monkeypox virus and other select agents) — whether committed by a lone actor or as part of a conspiracy. Impose a 20-year mandatory minimum for conspiracy to smuggle such agents. Impose a 5-year mandatory minimum for making false statements to federal agents in connection with the smuggling, importation, declaration, or permitting of biological agents. ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-doj-investigate-communist-china-influence-on-data-center-development/ | Cotton to DOJ: Investigate Communist China Influence on Data Center Development | 2026-06-10 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 June 10, 2026 Cotton to DOJ: Investigate Communist China Influence on Data Center Development Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting an investigation into the efforts of foreign adversaries, including Communist China, to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. AI infrastructure is vital to maintaining America’s AI advantage, an economic and national security priority. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I write requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate foreign influence efforts targeting the buildout of American AI infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that a network of foreign actors, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is attempting to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. Maintaining America’s AI advantage is vital to American economic strength, diplomacy, national security, and military power. Americans certainly have valid concerns about potential rising energy costs and strains on natural resources related to data centers, and we should implement common sense regulations and legislation to protect communities from adverse effects. But we can’t allow any effort by foreign adversaries to extort these fears and undermine our technological development.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. June 10, 2026 The Honorable Todd Blanche Acting Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Mr. Blanche, I write requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate foreign influence efforts targeting the buildout of American AI infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that a network of foreign actors, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is attempting to manipulate U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers. Maintaining America’s AI advantage is vital to American economic strength, diplomacy, national security, and military power.… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-leads-colleagues-in-court-challenge-to-fight-investor-surveillance-scheme | Cotton Leads Colleagues in Court Challenge to Fight Investor Surveillance Scheme | 2026-05-29 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 29, 2026 Cotton Leads Colleagues in Court Challenge to Fight Investor Surveillance Scheme Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), joined by 11 colleagues, filed an amicus brief in American Securities Association and Citadel Securities vs. SEC in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) authority to create and fund the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). The CAT is a vast new surveillance system that tracks the entire American securities market and every investor in it – including anyone with a retirement account – without any suggestion of wrongdoing. "The SEC gave itself a surveillance database on the backs of American investors and never bothered to ask Congress. That’s not how the Constitution works. It is time to end it," said Senator Cotton. The amicus brief may be found here. The brief is also signed by: Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) Rep. French Hill (Arkansas-02) Rep. Don Bacon (Nebraska-02) Rep. Troy Downing (Montana-02) Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (Wisconsin-05) Rep. Barry Loudermilk (Georgia-11) Rep. Marlin Stutzman (Indiana-03) Rep. Randy Weber (Texas-14) Rep. Steve Womack (Arkansas-03) ### | 1 | 2026-05-30T06:11:53Z | 2026-05-30T06:13:24Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-leads-colleagues-in-court-challenge-to-fight-investor-surveillance-scheme/ | Cotton Leads Colleagues in Court Challenge to Fight Investor Surveillance Scheme | 2026-05-29 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 29, 2026 Cotton Leads Colleagues in Court Challenge to Fight Investor Surveillance Scheme Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), joined by 11 colleagues, filed an amicus brief in American Securities Association and Citadel Securities vs. SEC in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) authority to create and fund the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). The CAT is a vast new surveillance system that tracks the entire American securities market and every investor in it – including anyone with a retirement account – without any suggestion of wrongdoing. “The SEC gave itself a surveillance database on the backs of American investors and never bothered to ask Congress. That’s not how the Constitution works. It is time to end it,” said Senator Cotton. The amicus brief may be found here. The brief is also signed by: Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) Rep. French Hill (Arkansas-02) Rep. Don Bacon (Nebraska-02) Rep. Troy Downing (Montana-02) Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (Wisconsin-05) Rep. Barry Loudermilk (Georgia-11) Rep. Marlin Stutzman (Indiana-03) Rep. Randy Weber (Texas-14) Rep. Steve Womack (Arkansas-03) ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-fda-investigate-dangerous-chinese-manufactured-medical-devices | Cotton to FDA: Investigate Dangerous Chinese-Manufactured Medical Devices | 2026-05-26 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 26, 2026 Cotton to FDA: Investigate Dangerous Chinese-Manufactured Medical Devices Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Kyle Diamantas requesting enhanced review of medical devices manufactured in Communist China to address potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Compromised Chinese-made medical devices give malign foreign actors access to sensitive personal health data, potentially exposing American patients to identity theft, fraud, extortion, and dangerous medical misdiagnoses. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Protecting Americans’ privacy and ensuring their health data isn’t accessible to cybercriminals in adversarial nations is of utmost importance. I look forward to working with you on this matter.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. May 26, 2026 Kyle Diamantas Acting Commissioner U.S. Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20993 Dear Acting Commissioner Diamantas: I write to express concerns regarding cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with networked medical devices manufactured in China. American patients’ exposure to compromised Chinese-made medical devices poses a risk to both national security and public health. On January 30, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) notified parties of cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with the Contec CMS8000, a networked patient monitoring device manufactured in Communist China. The FDA found the device would automatically extract personally identifiable patient health information when connected to the internet. Data exfiltration of sensitive medical information can lead to widespread identity theft, insurance fraud, extortion, and more sophisticated scams against American patients. CISA also warned the device was programmed to allow unverified users to remotely… | 1 | 2026-05-27T06:38:34Z | 2026-05-27T06:40:17Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-fda-investigate-dangerous-chinese-manufactured-medical-devices/ | Cotton to FDA: Investigate Dangerous Chinese-Manufactured Medical Devices | 2026-05-26 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 26, 2026 Cotton to FDA: Investigate Dangerous Chinese-Manufactured Medical Devices Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Kyle Diamantas requesting enhanced review of medical devices manufactured in Communist China to address potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Compromised Chinese-made medical devices give malign foreign actors access to sensitive personal health data, potentially exposing American patients to identity theft, fraud, extortion, and dangerous medical misdiagnoses. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Protecting Americans’ privacy and ensuring their health data isn’t accessible to cybercriminals in adversarial nations is of utmost importance. I look forward to working with you on this matter.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. May 26, 2026 Kyle Diamantas Acting Commissioner U.S. Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20993 Dear Acting Commissioner Diamantas: I write to express concerns regarding cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with networked medical devices manufactured in China. American patients’ exposure to compromised Chinese-made medical devices poses a risk to both national security and public health. On January 30, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) notified parties of cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with the Contec CMS8000, a networked patient monitoring device manufactured in Communist China. The FDA found the device would automatically extract personally identifiable patient health information when connected to the internet. Data exfiltration of sensitive medical information can lead to widespread identity theft, insurance fraud, extortion, and more sophisticated scams against American patients. CISA also warned the device was programmed to allow unverified users to remotely… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-sanction-entities-illegally-paying-iran-for-strait-of-hormuz-passage | Cotton to Bessent: Sanction Entities Illegally Paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage | 2026-05-22 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 22, 2026 Cotton to Bessent: Sanction Entities Illegally Paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraging the administration to use existing authorities to sanction any entity assisting Iran with illegally blocking the Strait of Hormuz, including the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA). The PGSA operates directly under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and illegally attempts to regulate transit and collect fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Senator Cotton further offered to work on legislation to provide the administration with additional authorities as needed. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “The PGSA cannot operate without the consent of other nations, and the United States must ensure every actor enabling the terrorist Iranian regime is held accountable. I stand ready to work with you and am preparing legislation to further codify your efforts. In the meantime, I support the use of existing authorities to impose sanctions on the PGSA, its officers, and any foreign entity that pays, processes, or facilitates tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. May 21, 2026 The Honorable Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Bessent, I applaud your warning that participants in the “Tehran Toll Booth” may face punitive sanctions. Iran’s efforts to illegally control the Strait of Hormuz are yet another example of the ongoing threats posed by the terrorist Iranian regime that Operation Economic Fury rightly targets. And reports that Iran is coordinating with other governments to jointly regulate traffic through the Strait are particularly alarming. Congress stands ready to support any actions that further this mission and hold these entities to account. Just … | 1 | 2026-05-23T06:08:46Z | 2026-05-23T06:10:20Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-sanction-entities-illegally-paying-iran-for-strait-of-hormuz-passage/ | Cotton to Bessent: Sanction Entities Illegally Paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage | 2026-05-22 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 22, 2026 Cotton to Bessent: Sanction Entities Illegally Paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraging the administration to use existing authorities to sanction any entity assisting Iran with illegally blocking the Strait of Hormuz, including the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA). The PGSA operates directly under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and illegally attempts to regulate transit and collect fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Senator Cotton further offered to work on legislation to provide the administration with additional authorities as needed. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “The PGSA cannot operate without the consent of other nations, and the United States must ensure every actor enabling the terrorist Iranian regime is held accountable. I stand ready to work with you and am preparing legislation to further codify your efforts. In the meantime, I support the use of existing authorities to impose sanctions on the PGSA, its officers, and any foreign entity that pays, processes, or facilitates tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. May 21, 2026 The Honorable Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Bessent, I applaud your warning that participants in the “Tehran Toll Booth” may face punitive sanctions. Iran’s efforts to illegally control the Strait of Hormuz are yet another example of the ongoing threats posed by the terrorist Iranian regime that Operation Economic Fury rightly targets. And reports that Iran is coordinating with other governments to jointly regulate traffic through the Strait are particularly alarming. Congress stands ready to support any actions that further this mission and hold these entities to account. Just … | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-blanche-investigate-chinese-controlled-delivery-networks | Cotton to Blanche: Investigate Chinese-Controlled Delivery Networks | 2026-05-21 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 21, 2026 Cotton to Blanche: Investigate Chinese-Controlled Delivery Networks Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche urging an investigation into Chinese-controlled third-party logistics networks. Chinese-controlled delivery networks undercut American operators while collecting sensitive data on addresses, businesses, and critical infrastructure. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I write asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review Chinese-controlled last-mile delivery and third-party logistics (3PL) networks. These companies move through American neighborhoods, commercial districts, and roads near critical infrastructure. They collect detailed data on routes, businesses, and homes while undercutting American competitors on price. This is a familiar playbook: Chinese firms enter the United States at subsidized prices, capture market share, and embed themselves into daily American commerce. Last-mile logistics is just the most recent example.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. May 19, 2026 The Honorable Todd Blanche Acting Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Acting Attorney General Blanche: I write asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review Chinese-controlled last-mile delivery and third-party logistics (3PL) networks. These companies move through American neighborhoods, commercial districts, and roads near critical infrastructure. They collect detailed data on routes, businesses, and homes while undercutting American competitors on price. This is a familiar playbook: Chinese firms enter the United States at subsidized prices, capture market share, and embed themselves into daily American commerce. Last-mile logistics is just the most recent example. Firms tied to the Chinese communists are expanding inside our borders and collecting granular data on Americans. They fall into three… | 1 | 2026-05-22T06:27:39Z | 2026-05-22T06:29:18Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-intelligence-committee-passes-the-intelligence-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2027 | Senate Intelligence Committee Passes the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 | 2026-05-21 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 21, 2026 CONTACT: Hannah McCarthy (Cotton) 202 465-5601 Rachel Cohen (Warner) 202 228-6884 Senate Intelligence Committee Passes the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 Washington, D.C. — The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence passed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (IAA) today on a bipartisan 14-3 vote. The bill authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight for the United States Intelligence Community (IC). “I’d like to thank my colleagues for their work on this bill, which will keep America safe and make our intelligence agencies more transparent and efficient. Our bipartisan legislation introduces several key changes, including barring purchases from adversaries like China and a review of real-estate transactions near IC facilities. Most importantly, the bill will continue to return our intelligence agencies back to their core mission: the collection of clandestine foreign intelligence to protect our homeland,” said Chairman Cotton. “I am proud of the Senate Intelligence Committee’s bipartisan legislation to conduct meaningful oversight of the nation’s intelligence agencies, as well as provide them with the tools and authorities they need to do their job to keep America safe. This year’s IAA enhances support to and oversight of the Intelligence Community’s use of artificial intelligence to ensure that this powerful technology keeps America safe without creating unexpected vulnerabilities. The bill also ensures continued support to America’s allies and partners, including Ukraine. At the same time, the bill combats corruption by ensuring that clearance holders cannot personally profit by using insider information on prediction markets and by banning ‘pay-to-play’ national security transactions,” said Vice Chairman Warner. Background: The IAA for Fiscal Year 2027 authorizes funding and ensures that the IC has the resources, personnel, and aut… | 1 | 2026-05-22T06:27:39Z | 2026-05-22T06:29:18Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-senators-to-trump-eliminate-un-agency-that-employs-hamas-terrorists | Cotton, Senators to Trump: Eliminate UN Agency that Employs Hamas-Terrorists | 2026-05-19 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 19, 2026 Cotton, Senators to Trump: Eliminate UN Agency that Employs Hamas-Terrorists Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), joined by 24 colleagues, sent a letter to President Trump requesting that his administration work with the United Nations (UN) to fully dismantle and eliminate the budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Numerous UNRWA employees have ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups, yet they continue to receive millions of dollars annually from the UN. The letter is cosigned by Senators Jim Banks (R-Indiana), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi). In part, the Senators wrote: “We strongly urge your administration to take decisive action to fully dismantle UNRWA and eliminate it from the UN budget. Any aid organization in Gaza or otherwise must be demonstrably free of ties to terrorism and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace. We must ensure this failed system doesn’t continue reinforcing the conditions that have fueled terrorism for generations. The time to act is now.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. May 18, 2026 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States of America 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump, We strongly support your administration’s efforts to preserve Israel’s long-term secu… | 1 | 2026-05-20T06:27:31Z | 2026-05-20T06:28:54Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-revoke-visas-of-terrorists-family-members | Cotton Introduces Bill to Revoke Visas of Terrorists’ Family Members | 2026-05-15 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601 May 15, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Revoke Visas of Terrorists’ Family Members Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to close a national-security loophole that allows close family members of designated terrorists to legally live in the United States. The No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would revoke existing visas from terrorists’ close family members and prohibit them from obtaining any future visas. This follows the recent report that Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani’s niece and grandniece, known for spreading anti-American, pro-terror propaganda, were allowed to legally live in the United States on visas for years. “Relatives of terrorists have no business being in our country. My bill would revoke visas from family members of terrorists to keep Arkansans safer,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would: Create a new, permanent ground of inadmissibility that prevents spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of America’s most dangerous adversaries from receiving any U.S. visa or immigrating here. Require the Secretary of State to revoke any existing visa held by a covered family member within 30 days of determining they are inadmissible. | 1 | 2026-05-16T06:05:00Z | 2026-05-16T06:06:37Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-senators-to-dow-invest-in-high-grade-arkansas-lithium | Cotton, Senators to DoW: Invest in High-Grade Arkansas Lithium | 2026-05-12 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 May 12, 2026 Cotton, Senators to DoW: Invest in High-Grade Arkansas Lithium Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Department of War Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) Director David Lorch. The letter requests that domestic lithium production, particularly in the Smackover Formation, be treated as a priority investment. Domestic production from the Smackover Formation in south Arkansas would reduce dependence on foreign-controlled lithium, a change vital to American national security. Classifying domestic lithium production as a priority investment would allow for streamlined, non-standard deal structures to help ensure Department investment strategies adequately fund this crucial need. In part, the Senators wrote: “We write seeking clarity about the Department’s prioritization and support of domestic critical mineral supply chains, particularly lithium resources. Lithium is foundational to the precision munitions and advanced weapons systems that underpin American military superiority. Critical systems and platforms such as Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, Patriot Batteries/PAC-3 missiles, Hellfire missiles, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, among many others, rely on lithium-based battery technologies for guidance, power, and reliability. The Smackover Formation is a brine-rich geological stratum stretching across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Recent assessments indicate the Formation may represent one of the most significant lithium brine deposits in the Western Hemisphere. Domestic production from this region could materially reduce American dependence on foreign-controlled lithium sources and provide a reliable upstream supply for domestic defense manufacturers.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. May 12, 2026 Mr. David Lorch Director, Office of Strategic Capital United States Department of War 3030 Defe… | 1 | 2026-05-13T06:12:22Z | 2026-05-13T06:13:52Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-safeguard-american-military-assets-from-foreign-adversaries | Cotton Introduces Bill to Safeguard American Military Assets from Foreign Adversaries | 2026-04-30 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 30, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Safeguard American Military Assets from Foreign Adversaries Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to safeguard America’s most sensitive military assets from foreign adversaries. The Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act presumes any foreigner from a country of concern caught photographing or tracking American military material acts with intent to harm the United States. This follows multiple recent arrests of foreign nationals accused of photographing highly sensitive American military bases. “Foreign nationals photographing sensitive military assets are only doing so for one reason, to spy on the United States. My bill would hold these criminals accountable,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act would: Create a rebuttable presumption that a national of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea who photographs, videos, or tracks a high-value strategic asset did so with intent to injure the United States or advantage a foreign nation. Strengthen penalties for photographing high-value strategic assets at Tier-1 installations, imposing up to 10 years in prison with a 5-year mandatory minimum for citizens or nationals of countries of concern. Require the Department of War to maintain a public list of high-value assets and Tier-1 installations and install clear signage warning that photography and surveillance of these assets are strictly prohibited. Ensure that any covered foreign adversary convicted under the new rules faces immediate visa revocation and removal proceedings. ### | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-following-house-vote-on-department-of-homeland-security-funding | Cotton Statement Following House Vote on Department of Homeland Security Funding | 2026-04-30 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 30, 2026 Cotton Statement Following House Vote on Department of Homeland Security Funding Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released a statement following the vote in the House of Representatives to fund the Department of Homeland Security, ending a 76-day Democrat shutdown of the agency: “Democrats closed the Department of Homeland Security for 76 days and achieved nothing. They wanted to defund ICE and border patrol, but their plan backfired. Republicans will now supercharge ICE and border patrol funding without a single Democrat vote.” ### | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-covid-19-origin-coverup-indictment | Cotton Statement on COVID-19 Origin Coverup Indictment | 2026-04-28 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 28, 2026 Cotton Statement on COVID-19 Origin Coverup Indictment Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the federal indictment of a former senior National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) official for concealing records related to the origin of COVID-19: “Pointing out that COVID leaked from a lab in Communist China was never a conspiracy, it was common sense. The conspiracy was Tony Fauci and his assistants doing Xi Jinping’s dirty work and lying about COVID’s origins. I’m thankful that the Department of Justice and FBI are holding these fraudsters accountable.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-29T06:03:53Z | 2026-04-29T06:05:09Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-mullin-investigate-de-facto-amnesty-fraud-scheme | Cotton to Mullin: Investigate “De Facto Amnesty” Fraud Scheme | 2026-04-28 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 28, 2026 Cotton to Mullin: Investigate “De Facto Amnesty” Fraud Scheme Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mullin urging an investigation into illegal migrant exploitation of the U visa program. Originally intended to assist law enforcement investigations, fraudsters now target the U visa program due to the benefits illegal migrants gain simply by applying. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I write concerning the U visa program that appears to operate as a de facto amnesty program for hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens. Congress originally created this program to assist law enforcement with investigating and prosecuting serious crimes. Instead, criminal illegal aliens are reportedly exploiting loopholes to gain permanent legal status.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. April 27, 2026 The Honorable Markwayne Mullin Secretary Department of Homeland Security 2702 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE Washington, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Mullin: I write concerning the U visa program that appears to operate as a de facto amnesty program for hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens. Congress originally created this program to assist law enforcement with investigating and prosecuting serious crimes. Instead, criminal illegal aliens are reportedly exploiting loopholes to gain permanent legal status. Criminal organizations have reportedly staged fake crimes so fraudsters can qualify for U visas. In one example, eleven Indian nationals staged armed robberies at convenience stores so store clerks could falsely claim they were victims of a crime on their immigration applications. Additionally, Illinois and California passed state laws which require their law enforcement agencies to presume all U visa claims are valid and sharply limit officer discretion. As of June 2025, more than 400,000 U visa petitions remain pending at United States Citize… | 1 | 2026-04-29T06:03:53Z | 2026-04-29T06:05:09Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-critical-infrastructure-from-drones | Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Critical Infrastructure from Drones | 2026-04-23 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 23, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Critical Infrastructure from Drones Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to protect critical infrastructure sites from unauthorized drones. The Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act enhances security at critical infrastructure sites by ensuring federally trained individuals have the authority and tools to protect the sites from unmanned aerial threats in real-time. This legislation expands on bipartisan counter-drone measures introduced by Senator Cotton and passed in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “Our hospitals, power plants, water treatment facilities, and other critical infrastructure sites can’t remain sitting ducks for potential drone attacks. My bill will ensure these important sites are protected from all unauthorized drones,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act would: Give critical infrastructure sites the legal authority to take down unauthorized drones. Establish a grant program for critical infrastructure sites to purchase, install, and operate approved technology. Critical infrastructure refers to the assets, systems, and networks—whether physical or virtual—that are so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on national security, economic security, public health or safety, or any combination of these. These include: Power plants Nuclear sites Airports Pipelines Dams ### | 1 | 2026-04-24T05:51:25Z | 2026-04-24T05:53:00Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-illegal-chinese-vapes | Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Chinese Vapes | 2026-04-16 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 16, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Chinese Vapes Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to protect Arkansas youth by cracking down on dangerous, illicit Chinese vapes. The Eliminating Nefarious Distribution of Smuggled Chinese Vapes Act (ENDS Chinese Vapes Act) increases penalties for importers of illegal vapes. In 2025, Senator Cotton wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary expressing concern about the distribution of illicit Chinese nicotine products. “Dangerous, illegal Chinese vapes threaten the health of our children. My bill would increase the penalty on companies that enable Communist China to sell these dangerous devices in American markets,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Eliminating Nefarious Distribution of Smuggled Chinese Vapes (ENDS Chinese Vapes) Act would: Establish escalated civil penalties specifically for any person who imports or attempts to import illegal vapes into the United States. Penalty Structure: $500 per vape unit for violations involving ordinary negligence. $1,000 per vape unit for violations involving gross negligence. $5,000 per vape unit for violations involving fraud or knowing mislabeling. Penalties double if the shipment involved transshipment, false country-of-origin declarations, or other evasion tactics, and triple for repeat offenders within a three-year period. The combined penalty is capped at 1,000 percent of the shipment's estimated retail value in the United States. ### | 1 | 2026-04-17T05:47:03Z | 2026-04-17T05:48:33Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-eliminate-national-security-risk-posed-by-ccp-affiliated-drugs | Cotton Introduces Bill to Eliminate National Security Risk Posed by CCP-Affiliated Drugs | 2026-04-16 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 16, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Eliminate National Security Risk Posed by CCP-Affiliated Drugs Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to eliminate the national security risk posed by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over entities that sell pharmaceuticals products to the American public. The Securing America’s Drug Supply from Communist China Act directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that drugs in the U.S. supply chain are not made by companies affiliated with the CCP. “Relying on our chief adversary for life-saving medicine endangers Arkansans and threatens our national security. My bill would ensure our drugs aren’t produced by companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Securing America’s Drug Supply from Communist China Act would: Direct FDA, in coordination with the HHS Office of National Security (HHS ONS), to review future drug applications and previously approved drugs made by Chinese entities, or entities licensing a product owned by a Chinese entity, to ensure that the company does not have ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Enable the destruction of drug products if they are determined to have been produced by a company with ties to the CCP. Appropriate $5,000,000 to carry out this work. ### | 1 | 2026-04-17T05:47:03Z | 2026-04-17T05:48:33Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/04/15/2026/cotton-introduces-bill-to-lower-energy-costs-for-arkansans | Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Energy Costs for Arkansans | 2026-04-15 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 15, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Energy Costs for Arkansans Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to streamline natural gas pipeline projects. The Jurisdiction Oversight and Adjudication for Natural Gas Act affirms the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the sole lead agency and eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, which will lower energy costs for Arkansans. “Unnecessary, complex natural gas permitting laws often result in energy shortages and higher prices for Arkansans. My bill would streamline this process to lower prices,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Jurisdiction Oversight and Adjudication for Natural Gas Act would: Affirm FERC as the sole lead agency for coordinating National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews and related federal authorizations for interstate natural gas pipelines under the Natural Gas Act. Require participating federal and state agencies to follow schedules set by FERC and conduct their reviews concurrently with FERC’s NEPA process, including acceptance of appropriate remote environmental data. Incorporate Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification into FERC’s NEPA review, including any terms or conditions required to comply with the Clean Water Act, preventing separate, indefinite processes that can delay projects for reasons unrelated to water quality. Require FERC to act on certification requests within 90 days after completing NEPA review. Require FERC to consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure and security measures. Ensure continued compliance with the Clean Water Act and all other environmental protections. Establish a fast, exclusive, and consolidated judicial review process for challenges to federal authorizations for certain energy infrastructure projects (“covered projects”). Apply to projects requiring a core authorization under the… | 1 | 2026-04-16T05:48:36Z | 2026-04-16T05:50:08Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-confirmation-of-judge-shepherd-to-us-district-court-for-the-western-district-of-arkansas | Cotton Statement on Confirmation of Judge Shepherd to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas | 2026-04-14 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 April 14, 2026 Cotton Statement on Confirmation of Judge Shepherd to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released a statement following the confirmation of Judge John Thomas Shepherd to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Senator Cotton spoke about Judge Shepherd’s nomination on the Senate Floor. Video and transcript available. “Judge John Thomas Shepherd has worked throughout his career to uphold the rule of law, preserve public safety, and keep crime out of Arkansas. I’m pleased that Judge Shepherd has been confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-15T05:46:42Z | 2026-04-15T05:48:27Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-illegal-alien-drunk-driving-crash | Cotton Statement on Illegal Alien Drunk Driving Crash | 2026-03-30 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 30, 2026 Cotton Statement on Illegal Alien Drunk Driving Crash Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the fatal accident in Avoca, Arkansas, allegedly caused by an illegal alien: “The tragic deaths of Freda and Michael Cordes should have never happened, and my prayers are with their family and friends. I’m grateful for the quick work of Arkansas State Police in bringing this illegal alien criminal to face justice. The Department of Homeland Security deports violent illegal aliens just like this man to protect innocent Americans—Democrats in Washington must stop their political crusade, fund the department, and put the safety of Americans first.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-schumer-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-americans-data-from-foreign-adversaries | Cotton, Schumer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries | 2026-03-26 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 26, 2026 Cotton, Schumer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Washington, DC — Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect Americans from national security threats that are introduced by foreign-controlled robots. The American Security Robotics Act will prohibit the federal government from procuring and operating unmanned ground vehicles made by foreign adversaries, specifically Communist China. Robotics companies tied to the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese military are increasingly selling their products to American research labs, universities, law enforcement, and even targeting consumers who are purchasing robots for personal use. Advanced Chinese robotics contain backdoors that enable data exfiltration and risk remote-hijacking, threatening American’s privacy and national security. America can’t allow our adversaries to establish a foothold in our homes, law enforcement agencies, and broader robotics industry, particularly as these platforms provide a connection to the physical world as the AI algorithms that power them are rapidly advancing. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (New York-21) introduced companion legislation in the House. “Robots made by Communist China threaten Arkansans’ privacy and our national security. Our bill will ban the federal government from buying and operating these devices made in countries that wish us harm,” said Senator Cotton. “The Chinese Communist Party has shown that they are willing to lie and cheat to get ahead at the expense of the American people and our national security. They are running their standard playbook – this time in robotics – trying to flood the U.S. market with their technology, which presents real security risks and threats to Americans’ privacy and American research and industry. We must protect our country from th… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-bessent-temporarily-allow-on-road-use-of-red-diesel-to-help-arkansas-farmers | Cotton to Bessent: Temporarily Allow On-Road Use of Red Diesel to Help Arkansas Farmers | 2026-03-26 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 26, 2026 Cotton to Bessent: Temporarily Allow On-Road Use of Red Diesel to Help Arkansas Farmers Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging a temporary suspension on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. Arkansas farmers are required to buy taxed highway diesel when using public roads, costing an extra 24 cents per gallon on every highway mile. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I write to urge the administration to implement a temporary moratorium on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. American farmers continue to face a cost crisis that threatens the survival of family farms across the country. A penalty waiver for the duration of the current disruption to global energy markets would provide immediate relief at minimal cost to the federal government.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. March 26, 2026 The Honorable Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Bessent, I write to urge the administration to implement a temporary moratorium on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. American farmers continue to face a cost crisis that threatens the survival of family farms across the country. A penalty waiver for the duration of the current disruption to global energy markets would provide immediate relief at minimal cost to the federal government. Thankfully the Trump administration made $12 billion available through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, but we must examine all options that may be available to assist farmers. Unfortunately, Arkansas led the country with 33 Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in 2025, more than double the prior year. The gap between farm input costs and prices received hit a 10-year high in early 2026. Row crop producers in Arkansas expect to lose hundreds of dollars per acre on cott… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-ban-illegal-migrants-from-american-banking-system | Cotton Introduces Bill to Ban Illegal Migrants from American Banking System | 2026-03-25 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 25, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Ban Illegal Migrants from American Banking System Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to ban illegal migrants from the American banking system. The Know Your American Customer Act requires U.S. financial institutions to verify the legal status of new customers to ensure American banks are not helping illegal migrants break our nation’s laws. In 2025, Senator Cotton wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking that he review current rules for illegal immigrant access to the U.S. banking system. “Access to the American banking system is a privilege that should only be reserved for those who respect our laws and sovereignty. My bill will prevent illegal aliens from using our financial institutions to help them stay in our country,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Know Your American Customer Act would: Require FDIC or NCUA-insured banks and credit unions to verify that anyone opening a new account is a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or is here legally on a valid visa. Customers show a driver's license, passport, or other approved ID at account opening, the same way they already do today, with one added check for legal status. Grandfather all existing clients into the system and allow them to maintain their existing accounts or create new accounts at banks or credit unions, provided they already have a relationship with the institution in question. Make it a federal crime for anyone in the country illegally to open or maintain an account at a covered institution. That legal liability falls entirely on the individual, provided that covered institutions make a good faith effort to verify documentation and comply with the new requirements. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-protect-sensitive-academic-research-from-foreign-nationals | Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Sensitive Academic Research from Foreign Nationals | 2026-03-24 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 24, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Sensitive Academic Research from Foreign Nationals Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to track foreign student and faculty visa holders in an effort to safeguard the sensitive research being done at American universities. The Educational Visa Transparency Act expands the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to include all student, faculty, and staff visa holders in U.S. higher education. It would also allow other federal agencies to access this information. The introduction of this bill follows several concerning cases in which foreign nationals, including from Communist China, attempted to smuggle dangerous biological materials into the United States, under the guise of academic research. “Unmonitored foreign nationals in the labs and research centers of our colleges and universities pose a grave national security threat. My bill will require tracking all student and faculty visas to ensure foreign nationals aren’t stealing valuable research,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Educational Visa Transparency Act would: Require the inclusion of all visa holders serving as students, faculty, or staff in U.S. higher education within the SEVIS database, and authorize Department of Justice to have access to the list as well, enabling more effective real-time monitoring, fraud detection, and rapid response to national security threats posed by foreign nationals in sensitive academic environments. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-huizenga-to-lutnick-stronger-export-controls-of-ai-chips-is-needed | Cotton, Huizenga to Lutnick: Stronger Export Controls of AI Chips is Needed | 2026-03-20 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 20, 2026 Cotton, Huizenga to Lutnick: Stronger Export Controls of AI Chips is Needed Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Representative Bill Huizenga (Michigan-04), today sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick raising concerns about large-scale advanced AI chip smuggling, in light of the recent indictments of Super Micro Computer employees. The lawmakers, both lead sponsors of the Chip Security Act, asked Secretary Lutnick to begin implementing some of their bill’s anti-diversion provisions to prevent Communist China from stealing our most advanced technology and undermining the Trump administration’s current export control policy. In part, the lawmakers wrote: “Export enforcement is a notoriously challenging problem, and the various concealment methods demonstrated in past cases show the need for more modern, creative solutions. Our Chip Security Act would require location verification to be implemented for export-controlled advanced chips. While no tool is foolproof, new anti-diversion methods would enable American companies to sell their products with greater peace of mind and open new markets.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. March 20, 2026 The Honorable Howard Lutnick Secretary of Commerce U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20230 Dear Secretary Lutnick: We write to you alarmed about yet another case of large-scale chip smuggling. This underscores the need for stronger and more creative approaches to export enforcement. Multiple investigations, reporting, and testimonies show that there is diversion of advanced chips. In one U.S. investigation dubbed “Operation Gatekeeper”, authorities disrupted a smuggling ring that was buying Nvidia chips through straw purchasers and stripping the manufacturer's labels before attempting to illegally ship them to China. In another case, four men built a blac… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-replenish-strategic-petroleum-reserve | Cotton Introduces Bill to Replenish Strategic Petroleum Reserve | 2026-03-20 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 20, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Replenish Strategic Petroleum Reserve Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) after years of misuse and neglect under the Biden administration. The Strategic Petroleum Accumulation and Reserve Tax Alignment Act (SPARTA) Act will use revenue collected from clean electricity tax credits to support the SPR. “America’s strategic petroleum reserve is crucial to protecting our national security and responding to energy emergencies. Unfortunately, it has been depleted after years of misuse under Joe Biden. My bill will replenish this crucial energy stockpile and shield Arkansans from paying high prices at the pump for years to come,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Strategic Petroleum Accumulation and Reserve Tax Alignment Act would: Take revenue from clean electricity tax credits and put it towards Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-denaturalize-convicted-felons | Cotton Introduces Bill to Denaturalize Convicted Felons | 2026-03-17 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 17, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Denaturalize Convicted Felons Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to keep Arkansas communities safer by providing grounds to revoke citizenship from any naturalized citizen who commits a felony or supports a terrorist group. The Naturalization Accountability Act will ensure that naturalized citizens who break our nation’s laws are subject to denaturalization criminal proceedings. “American citizenship is sacred and should not be given to criminals and terrorists under false pretenses. My bill will keep Arkansans safer by subjecting felons and terrorists to denaturalization proceedings when appropriate,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Naturalization Accountability Act would: Add any felony conviction that occurred before, during, or after naturalization as grounds for revoking citizenship. Ensure any naturalized citizen who is a member or affiliated with a terrorist organization, at any point after receiving citizenship, is subject to having his or her citizenship revoked. Allow denaturalization criminal proceedings against an individual at any point after receiving citizenship. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-strengthen-access-to-care-for-active-duty-military-families | Cotton Introduces Bill to Strengthen Access to Care for Active-Duty Military Families | 2026-03-17 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 17, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Strengthen Access to Care for Active-Duty Military Families Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) today introduced legislation to strengthen pharmacy access for active-duty military members and their families. The Rx ACCESS Act protects independent pharmacies from unfair reimbursement practices in the TRICARE program and ensures that military members and their families have easy access to the prescriptions they need. “Our active-duty troops and their families make extraordinary sacrifices for our nation, yet they often face difficulties accessing essential prescription medications. Our bill will ensure that active-duty military families can access their prescriptions at pharmacies of their choice,” said Senator Cotton. “We have an obligation to our servicemembers and their families to ensure they have access to high-quality health care. This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring active-duty military members and families can get the prescription medication they need, and I’ll be working with my colleagues to get it passed,” said Senator Kaine. Text of the bill can be found here. The Rx ACCESS Act would: Require pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies participating in TRICARE: The actual cost of the drug; or The national average drug acquisition cost. Ensure pharmacies are paid a dispensing fee equal to the Medicaid dispensing fee. Direct the Comptroller General to conduct an annual audit of TRICARE PBM data related to: Prescription drug reimbursement rates, and; Adequacy of TRICARE retail pharmacy network access with respect to continuity of care and geographic accessibility. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-ban-chinese-nationals-from-handling-us-military-equipment | Cotton Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese Nationals from Handling U.S. Military Equipment | 2026-03-12 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 12, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese Nationals from Handling U.S. Military Equipment Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to ban Communist Chinese nationals from operating trucks carrying Department of War (DoW) cargo. The Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to establish and maintain a registry for handlers cleared to transport DoW freight. Representative Elise Stefanik (New York-21) introduced companion legislation in the House. “Communist China continues spying on American military technology by exploiting truck drivers handling Department of War cargo. My bill will require anyone handling military freight to be properly vetted to ensure our adversaries cannot gain access to valuable information,” said Senator Cotton. “Most Americans would be shocked to learn that U.S. law does not already prohibit Communist China's military from receiving transportation contracts tied to American defense projects. This bicameral legislation closes that loophole by establishing a clear firewall between the Chinese Communist Party and Department of War contracts. American tax dollars should never benefit our greatest adversary at the expense of U.S. national security,” said Representative Stefanik. Text of the bill can be found here. The Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act would: Require trucking companies carrying Department of War (DoW) cargo to certify that they have no ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or Chinese companies that pose a threat to national security. Require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish and maintain a registry for carriers that pass extensive national security checks and are cleared to handle DoWfreight. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-wright-democrats-undermining-of-strategic-petroleum-reserve-threatens-higher-gas-prices | Cotton to Wright: Democrat’s Undermining of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Threatens Higher Gas Prices | 2026-03-11 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 11, 2026 Cotton to Wright: Democrat’s Undermining of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Threatens Higher Gas Prices Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Chris Wright raising concerns over the Biden administration’s misuse of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). America’s emergency energy stockpile is an instrument designed to protect our national security and respond to supply emergencies, not a political tool. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “I write to express my concerns about the Biden administration’s actions related to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and its consequences for the U.S. government’s ability to respond to the illegal attacks by the Iranian regime in the Middle East. The Biden administration released 180 million barrels from the SPR between April and October 2022 to suppress gas prices ahead of the midterm elections. That decision drained the reserve to a 40-year low. The decision to drain the SPR was not a response to a supply emergency; it was a deliberate political act designed to protect Democrats from the consequences of their own failed energy policies.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. March 11, 2026 Secretary Chris Wright Secretary of Energy U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue Southwest Washington, D.C. 20024 Dear Secretary Wright, I write to express my concerns about the Biden administration’s actions related to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and its consequences for the U.S. government’s ability to respond to the illegal attacks by the Iranian regime in the Middle East. The Biden administration released 180 million barrels from the SPR between April and October 2022 to suppress gas prices ahead of the midterm elections. That decision drained the reserve to a 40-year low. The decision to drain the SPR was not a response to a supply emergency; it was a deliberate political act designed to protect Democrats f… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-confirmation-of-general-rudd | Cotton Statement on Confirmation of General Rudd | 2026-03-10 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 March 10, 2026 Cotton Statement on Confirmation of General Rudd Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after the confirmation of General Joshua M. Rudd to lead the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command: “General Rudd is a war hero with a lifetime of service to our nation. He is the right choice to lead the protection of our nation from cyberattacks by Iran, Russia, and China. Instead of gambling with the lives of our troops and the safety of the homeland, Senate Democrats should have confirmed his nomination weeks ago.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/speech-at-the-republican-jewish-coalition-symposium-on-antisemitism | Speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition Symposium on Antisemitism | 2026-03-10 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Norm thank you very much for the kind introduction and thank you all for the warm welcome. Norm, we’ve got to get you my revised biography, we’re not supposed to mention where I went to school anymore these days, it’s too harmful to my reputation. People say, “didn’t you go to Harvard”, and I say “no, no not at all” it’s like well what did you do all those years in Massachusetts, tell them I “served hard time in the state penitentiary” and it’s definitely less injurious to my reputation. It’s correct as Norm said that my in-laws live in Minnesota, although got to say after the recent display of Tim Walz up there they are looking to maybe escape to some warmer climate somewhere that’s better governed. Maybe they will go to Florida like everyone else does. It’s an honor to join you all today. Norm, it’s always great to be with you. I want to thank the RJC Chief Operating Officer Alex Siegel, it’s always great to be here with you, I’m sorry Matt Brooks couldn’t be here with us today. Chuck DeFeo, the National Review CEO and my old friend the editor-in-chief of the National Review, Rich Lowry. Thank you all for convening this conference. Thank you all for leading the fight against antisemitism. This is unfortunately a timely and important symposium given the state of affairs in the world. I know many of you are deeply concerned about what seems to be a rising tide of antisemitism. I am as well, but as King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes: “There is nothing new under the sun.” There’s a reason antisemitism is called the ancient hatred. It’s been with us always, sadly it will probably always be with us whether it’s spouted by the likes of Father Coughlin, Adolf Hitler, Louis Farrakhan, Ilhan Omar. I know many of you are also concerned though about a seeming rise of antisemitism among “influencers” on the erstwhile right. Now I use sarcastic air quotes for a reason, first off, these “influencers” are perceived to be on the “right.” And maybe they once were, maybe they once wrote for center right magazines, maybe they on… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-help-committee-passage-of-living-donor-protection-act | Cotton Statement on HELP Committee Passage of Living Donor Protection Act | 2026-02-27 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 February 27, 2026 Cotton Statement on HELP Committee Passage of Living Donor Protection Act Washington, D.C. —Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Senate HELP Committee’s passage of the Living Donor Protection Act: “I’m grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for my Living Donor Protection Act in yesterday’s HELP Committee markup. Organ donation is an extraordinary sacrifice that gives someone else a new life and donors should be protected from adverse consequences. My bill encourages donation by prohibiting insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage solely based on their status as a living organ donor. I’m thankful for Senator Gillibrand, HELP Committee Chairman Cassidy, and the entire Senate HELP Committee for passing this legislation by a large margin. I look forward to supporting this important legislation on the Senate floor.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-scott-to-bondi-investigate-chinese-owned-surrogacy-centers | Cotton, Scott to Bondi: Investigate Chinese owned Surrogacy Centers | 2026-02-26 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 February 26, 2026 Cotton, Scott to Bondi: Investigate Chinese owned Surrogacy Centers Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) today sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging an investigation into surrogacy centers operated by foreign nationals. Recent reports indicate Chinese nationals systematically exploiting America’s surrogacy and birthright citizenship laws through CCP affiliated surrogacy agencies operating in the United States. In part, the Senators wrote: “Recent reports have uncovered more than 107 Chinese-owned surrogacy agencies operating in Southern California alone. These agencies cater almost exclusively to wealthy Chinese clients, and some are affiliated with Chinese state-owned entities. Chinese nationals pay women living in the United States more than $50,000 to serve as surrogates. The children are born on United States soil and granted automatic citizenship. And in most cases, the infants are promptly flown to China and raised there under the direct influence of the Chinese Communist Party.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. February 26, 2026 The Honorable Pam Bondi Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Bondi: We write requesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate surrogacy centers operated by foreign nationals. Alarming reports indicate that Chinese nationals are systematically exploiting America’s surrogacy and birthright citizenship laws. Recent reports have uncovered more than 107 Chinese-owned surrogacy agencies operating in Southern California alone. These agencies cater almost exclusively to wealthy Chinese clients, and some are affiliated with Chinese state-owned entities. Chinese nationals pay women living in the United States more than $50,000 to serve as surrogates. The children are born on United States soil and granted au… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7F0E7EA0-1638-48E0-8F70-6FF8DA99B507 | Boozman Recognized for Championing Policies to Support Arkansas Manufacturing and Growth | 2026-02-25 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Sen. Boozman is presented the AEM Champion of Industry award by Jay Allen and AEM leaders. WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) received the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Champions of the Industry Award for his leadership supporting pro-growth policies that benefit the agriculture and construction industries, advancing rural infrastructure priorities and demonstrated dedication to American manufacturing. Boozman was presented the award by Jay Allen, CEO and President of Allen Engineering Corporation in Paragould, Arkansas. “I am proud to be recognized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers for championing the businesses and workforce in Arkansas as well as nationally that create innovative tools to power American agriculture, construction and infrastructure,” said Boozman. “Passing pro-growth tax policies that help manufacturers operate efficiently and expand, in addition to supporting deployment of advanced technologies benefits our communities and economy. We look forward to advancing more shared priorities that support good jobs and long-term success.” “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is proud to recognize Senator Boozman who earned this distinction for working in a bipartisan manner to advance policies that drive growth, innovation, and opportunity for our industry,” said AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg. “These lawmakers have demonstrated an unwavering ability to work with colleagues across the aisle and have positively contributed to a public policy environment that is predictable, certain, and conducive to economic growth and job creation. We are grateful to each of them for their steadfast leadership on behalf of our industry.” AEM is a national leader in advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and the industries they serve. The Champions of Industry award, presented for the fifth time in the association’s 131-year history, recognizes Members of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C4A9F15C-A10C-4332-91B1-E1AB773967A9 | Boozman, Peters Champion Veterans in Hospice Care | 2026-02-25 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Gary Peters (D-MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, have introduced the Gerald’s Law Reauthorization Act of 2026 to ensure terminally ill veterans are not prevented from receiving a monetary burial allowance if they pass away at a facility not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Previously, VA was only able to offer funds for burial and funeral expenses for veterans hospitalized at the VA at the time of death through the “Non-Service-Connected Burial and Plot Benefit.” Gerald’s Law, which Boozman and Peters worked to include in the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, updated this policy to ensure veterans aren’t penalized for remaining in non-VA hospice when they pass away. The legislation is named after Army veteran Gerald “Jerry” Elliot, whose family was denied the benefit after he passed away in a non-VA facility. This bipartisan reauthorization measure would extend the expanded benefit, currently set to expire in October of this year, through 2030. “Veterans receiving hospice care who spend their last days in security and familiarity all deserve access to the hard-earned benefits they were promised including their final arrangements,” said Boozman. “Allowing the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform to make end-of-life decisions based on comfort – not cost – is only right, and I am pleased to work in a bipartisan fashion to ensure they are laid to rest with this dignity.” “Today, because of late Michigander Gerald Elliot’s story, our veterans can no longer be denied critical VA benefits if they choose to receive hospice care outside of a VA facility,” said Peters. “Now, it’s time to extend the commonsense law that we worked to enact so that our nation’s veterans and their families can continue to depend on the burial benefits they have earned during thei… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0334CC98-8319-49B2-BF5D-0A8273241A99 | Boozman Statement on State of the Union Address | 2026-02-24 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) issued the following statement regarding the State of the Union address: “The Republican agenda is helping Arkansans keep more of their hard-earned paychecks while bolstering national security and protecting communities from dangerous threats including crime and drugs. We are working closely with the Trump administration, delivering on these priorities through the Working Families Tax Cuts and other policies that reduce burdensome regulations, unleash domestic energy and support those defending us at home and abroad. Importantly, the president’s leadership secured a once-in-a-generation investment for the families who feed, fuel and clothe the world, and we will continue our efforts to ensure a bright and strong future for rural America. I’m grateful for our partnership and appreciate his firm dedication to Arkansas’s and our nation’s prosperity.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=02FEDEEC-AFAB-4F39-9669-F6530898B8A7 | Boozman, Lankford, Shaheen Lead Bipartisan Resolution as Iranian Protests Face Violent Regime Crackdown | 2026-02-13 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), James Lankford (R-OK) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution condemning the Iranian regime for suppressing its citizens’ right to peacefully assemble and long pattern of censorship, intimidation and violent crackdowns against its own people. The resolution outlines the regime’s sweeping crackdown since protests began in late December, including mass arrests, internet blackouts and the killing of peaceful protestors in the streets. The measure also describes authorities’ violent suppression of dissent in addition to affirming the Iranian people’s right to assemble freely and determine their own future. “The Iranian regime’s brutal attacks against its own people are disturbing and inhumane,” said Boozman. “The United States unequivocally condemns it and reaffirms our support for the Iranian people hoping for freedom from government oppression and the possibility for a better life.” “The Iranian regime has a long record of threatening Americans and our allies while denying its own people the most basic freedoms,” said Lankford. “For weeks, security forces have fired live rounds into crowds, overwhelmed hospitals and morgues, and carried out mass arrests as Iranians gathered to assemble peacefully in protest. Innocent civilians, including children and bystanders, have been killed in the streets. The United States stands with the Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom and will continue to condemn the regime for its ongoing human rights abuses against its own citizens.” Joining Boozman, Lankford and Shaheen on the resolution are Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tom Cotton (R-AR) and And… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-makary-investigate-unregulated-drug-ingredients-from-communist-china | Cotton to Makary: Investigate Unregulated Drug Ingredients from Communist China | 2026-02-13 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 February 13, 2026 Cotton to Makary: Investigate Unregulated Drug Ingredients from Communist China Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Martin Makary urging further investigation into unregulated pharmaceutical ingredients flowing into our country from Communist China. Illegal, unregulated active pharmaceutical ingredients pose significant health risks to Arkansans. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Thank you for your actions to combat unsafe ingredients in our pharmaceutical supply chain. I write to reiterate concerns about active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from unregulated Chinese entities that have made their way into our domestic supply chain. China’s access to America’s pharmaceutical supply chain presents national security risks as well as significant health risks to American patients.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. February 13, 2026 The Honorable Martin Makary, M.D., M.P.H. Commissioner U.S. Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20993 Dear Commissioner Makary: Thank you for your actions to combat unsafe ingredients in our pharmaceutical supply chain. I write to reiterate concerns about active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from unregulated Chinese entities that have made their way into our domestic supply chain. China’s access to America’s pharmaceutical supply chain presents national security risks as well as significant health risks to American patients. A recent analysis from the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol shows that between September 2023 and January 2025, 195 illegal shipments of APIs, likely used in compounded weight loss medications, entered the U.S. market. Roughly 60 of the identified shipments originated from China and Hong Kong. It is estimated that as of January 2026, up to 1.5 million American patients could be using unregulated compounded weight loss medications that… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1EEDDCF7-B376-44A0-B61E-996C53187CAB | Boozman, Cornyn Call to Investigate Obamacare Subsidy Fraud | 2026-02-12 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 13 of his Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Division Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate calling on the Department to investigate and pursue civil remedies to recover Obamacare subsidy payments made during the Biden administration to insurance companies due to fraudulent, unauthorized or improper enrollment in insurance plans at the expense of American taxpayers. “President Biden’s expansion of ACA subsidies in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan Act allowed $0 premiums in silver plans on the ACA marketplace, emboldening certain brokers and agents who sought to profit from enrolling as many consumers as possible onto ACA insurance plans, even without consumer consent,” the senators wrote. “I urge you to evaluate civil remedies to recover ACA subsidy payments made to insurance companies due to waste, fraud, and abuse. Americans deserve to know that their taxpayer dollars are not being spent in furtherance of fraudulent ACA marketplace enrollment schemes,” the lawmakers continued. Boozman and Cornyn were joined by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), John Kennedy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Roger Marshall, M.D (R-KS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jon Husted (R-OH), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John Hoeven (R-ND). You can read the full letter here and below: The Honorable Brett A. Shumate Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Assistant Attorney General Shumate: I am writing to encourage the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and pursue civil remedies to recover Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace subsidies paid to insurance companies due to fraudulent, unauthorized, or improper enrollment in insurance plans. When an improper enrollme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=50A8E319-D7DB-4499-93AE-C793D80E2D97 | Boozman, Blumenthal Lead Bipartisan Push to Secure Toxic Exposure Benefits for K2 Veterans | 2026-02-12 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Angus King (I-ME) led a formal request for the Department of Defense to review and confirm the presence of radiation and toxic substances at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Once confirmed, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can deliver K2 veterans exposed to radiation long-overdue benefits through the authorities of the PACT Act Boozman championed into law in 2022. “Without an accurate accounting of the toxic substances found at K2 by the Department, VA is unable to ensure veterans who suffer from conditions related to radiation, jet fuels, asbestos, chemical agents, and other toxins receive the benefits they deserve,” wrote the senators in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The senators pointed to early reviews identifying toxic substances at K2, and a study from the Army Medical Department Journal on a potential connection between K2 deployment and certain rare cancers associated with radiation exposure. They requested DOD conduct a review of the toxic and radiological substances present at K2 and a review of the potential health effects of combined exposure to the contaminants found at K2. K2 was a military base in Uzbekistan where some of the first servicemembers were deployed in the Global War on Terror. It was a former chemical weapons site believed to be linked to uranium contamination. The letter is available here and below: Dear Secretary Hegseth, We write to request a review of the toxic substances present at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Nearly 16,000 service members deployed to K2 from 2001 to 2005. These service members have since developed serious health conditions. Yet, the federal government has not provided a consistent explanation of the hazards they encountered, which denies them the answers, care, and benefits they deserve. Early reviews identified a range of toxic substances at K2. However, follo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1258214B-5E9C-494A-87B3-24D2F552E88C | Boozman, Barrasso Introduce the No Climate Treaties Act | 2026-02-11 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) and 22 senators in introducing the No Climate Treaties Act. The legislation, which was introduced on the same week the United States officially withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, would mandate U.S. Senate approval for the United States to join or rejoin any international climate agreement. The bill requires any such climate agreement, including the Paris Agreement, to be considered a treaty requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate according to Article II of the Constitution. It would also restrict the use of federal funds to implement or comply with any international climate agreement that has not secured Senate approval. “Arkansas families should not have to foot the bill for expansive international climate agreements that more often than not raise their costs and penalize our entire economy,” said Boozman. “Requiring consent from the Senate ensures we can protect Americans’ interests, and I am pleased to join Senator Barrasso and my colleagues on this commonsense measure that demonstrates faithfulness to our Constitution.” “Democrat administrations have a history of ignoring the will of the American people and bypassing Senate approval to unilaterally join costly international climate treaties,” said Barrasso. “Climate treaties, like the Paris climate agreement, often set unworkable targets designed to put America at a competitive disadvantage with other countries. They also cost American taxpayers billions of dollars and raise energy prices for working families. The No Climate Treaties Act makes it clear that the United States will no longer join any international climate treaty without Senate approval. This will ensure the American people have the final say on where their tax dollars go.” When the United States initially withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017, Boozman issued a statement of support for the president’s decision, emphasizing the importance of requiring Senate advice and consent. The No C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-lower-arkansas-energy-prices | Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Arkansas Energy Prices | 2026-02-11 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 February 11, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Arkansas Energy Prices Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) today introduced legislation that would reduce energy prices for Americans. The Ratepayer Affordability and Transparency in Energy (RATE) Act promotes grid reliability by preventing states from mandating renewables that drive up electricity costs. “State requirements for less reliable, renewable energy sources, shouldn’t lead to higher energy costs for Arkansans. My bill would ensure those mandates don’t impact energy prices,” said Senator Cotton. “Americans voted to make energy affordable, accessible, and reliable again. The RATE Act is a commonsense bill to strengthen our grid and lower costs for hardworking families across the country,” said Senator Sheehy. Text of the bill can be found here. The Ratepayer Affordability and Transparency in Energy Act would: Safeguard grid reliability by preempting state climate mandates, including renewable portfolio standards, that obstruct or distort infrastructure planning, and inflate electricity costs. Ensure Americans pay the least cost available for their electricity. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2DBDEA62-18C6-4851-901B-AC5628F1E00F | Boozman, Bennet PREEMIE Reauthorization Act Signed into Law | 2026-02-10 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—Legislation championed by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) extending critical federal research, education and intervention activities aimed at reducing preterm birth and infant mortality has been signed into law. The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act allows for these critical federal efforts to now continue through 2030. “There are too many families nationwide dealing with the complications of preterm birth, including thousands in Arkansas,” Boozman said. “It is vital to continue research and education initiatives that identify causes and contributing factors, as well as solutions. This vital work will help improve prenatal care, address premature birth and reduce infant mortality so more moms and babies in my state and throughout America can thrive.” “In an average week in Colorado, 117 babies are born prematurely,” said Bennet. “I am pleased to see our PREEMIE Reauthorization Act signed into law. This bill will continue lifesaving research to help prevent premature delivery and give mothers and babies a healthy start in life.” “Reauthorizing the vital research efforts through the PREEMIE Act allows us to continue addressing preterm birth at a time when the United States received a D+ on the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card,” said March of Dimes Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs Stacey Y. Brayboy. “March of Dimes is proud to have worked with Senators Bennet and Boozman and their bipartisan colleagues in the House of Representatives to secure passage of the PREEMIE Act, which has now been signed into law. March of Dimes thanks the senators for their strong leadership and commitment to advancing policies that improve maternal and infant health.” The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act enables research and data collection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in addition to the Health Resources and Services Administration on infants born prematurely as well as program… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ADBA2720-CD68-46F4-867B-B03372E7B477 | Boozman, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Team USA Ahead of 2026 Winter Games | 2026-02-06 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced their bipartisan resolution honoring Team USA Olympic and Paralympic athletes ahead of the 2026 Winter Games. The Olympic Games will begin this evening in Italy. Boozman, Klobuchar, Bennet and Lankford serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus. “Sports brings people together from all walks of life, and there is no bigger stage than the Olympics. We are proud of the U.S. athletes representing our nation at the highest level of competition and look forward to cheering them on. I am pleased to join my colleagues in expressing the Senate’s support for these remarkable Americans,” said Boozman. “Minnesota has a great tradition of excelling at winter sports – the long winters give us plenty of time to practice! – so it’s no surprise our state is well represented in this year’s games,” said Klobuchar. “This resolution recognizes our strong bipartisan support for all members of Team USA who have been preparing for this for years and will compete for our country. I look forward to cheering them on.” “The Olympics mean a lot to Colorado. Our state is not only home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, but at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, we also have the largest delegation of athletes representing America in Milan and Cortina. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, I am looking forward to cheering on Team USA as they compete for Olympic gold and applaud these athletes' commitment to excellence, team spirit, and fair competition,” said Bennet. “Oklahomans are proud to stand behind Team USA as they compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. As we look ahead to welcoming events in Oklahoma City in 2028, our state is ready to show the world the Oklahoma Standard while cheering on America’s athletes every step of the way,” said Lankford. The full text of the resolution is below. Whereas, for more than 100 years, the Olympic and Pa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CC737DCD-0AAB-4139-847A-EA5BCACC0036 | Baxter County Teen Serves as Senate Page | 2026-02-06 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—Arkansas student Hunter Coy traded in the halls of Mountain Home High School Career Academies for the corridors of Congress, where he spent the last several months serving as a U.S. Senate Page. Coy and his fellow Pages attended academic class sessions beginning at 6:00 a.m. before reporting to work one hour before the Senate convened on weekdays. They helped ready the chamber for daily business by distributing materials to senators’ desks, assisting staff in the cloakrooms and, when the lawmaking body was in session, sitting near the dais waiting to aid members delivering remarks or casting votes. “I am incredibly grateful to Senator Boozman for the opportunity to serve as a Senate Page this semester. From my time on the Senate floor, I had the chance to gain a new perspective on our legislative process and see senators from both parties working together every day to advocate for their constituents. The program was rigorous and made me a stronger student while allowing me to gain valuable skills and form lasting friendships. I was sincerely honored to be selected to represent our great state and know that the skills I gained during my time as a Page will be invaluable to my future,” Coy said. Coy earned his appointment to the position from Senator John Boozman (R-AR). “Hunter represented Arkansas incredibly well during his time as a Senate Page. He handled his responsibilities with maturity and professionalism while gaining valuable insight into the legislative process. I am confident this experience will encourage him to continue pursuing his passion for public service and leadership. Our entire state can be proud of his accomplishments,” Boozman said. Coy is involved in various clubs and organizations at Mountain Home High School Career Academies, including serving as Student Council Vice President and Key Club President. In addition, he is a member of the Quiz Bowl Team as well as the Yearbook and Journalism Clubs. He also competes on the varsity track team and is completing a service project … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-increase-state-cooperation-with-federal-immigration-laws | Cotton Introduces Bill to Increase State Cooperation with Federal Immigration Laws | 2026-02-05 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 February 5, 2026 Cotton Introduces Bill to Increase State Cooperation with Federal Immigration Laws Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to ensure states comply with federal immigration enforcement. The Enforce Immigration or Lose Transportation Act would encourage better cooperation and prioritize safety by conditioning transportation funding to states based on compliance with federal immigration laws. “States that don’t comply with federal immigration laws don’t just endanger their own citizens, they put the whole country at risk. My bill ensures that these states don’t receive another dime of federal transportation funding until they cooperate with federal immigration authorities,” said Senator Cotton. Text of the bill can be found here. The Enforce Immigration or Lose Transportation Act would: Allow the Secretary of Transportation to withhold funding from states that do not comply with federal immigration law. Empower the Department of Transportation to audit state practices and issue regulations to ensure compliance with the federal transportation and immigration law. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-expiration-of-new-start | Cotton Statement on Expiration of New START | 2026-02-05 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 February 5, 2026 Cotton Statement on Expiration of New START Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement on the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty: “The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, also known as New START, expired today, and America is better for it. For too long, this flawed agreement has handcuffed America while our adversaries have expanded their arsenals. Today marks not an end, but a beginning—the beginning of America's return to nuclear strength and the end of the era of unilateral restraint. The treaty's expiration is an overdue correction of a strategic mistake that left America vulnerable to two nuclear peer competitors, Russia and Communist China.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0D256AF3-5C8B-4B18-86C4-E0C79355AFEB | Boozman, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Cancer Treatment, Address Staffing Shortages at VA | 2026-02-04 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in introducing theDepartment of Veterans Affairs Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act, bipartisan legislation that would remove an arbitrary cap on the pay of Therapeutic Medical Physicists (TMPs) and Diagnostic Medical Physicists (DMPs) – medical care staff who assist radiation oncologists in delivering cancer care and treatment – employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation would also help address staffing shortages of TMPs and DMPs at the VA. “Ensuring those who have served can access the high-quality, timely care they need is only possible if the Department of Veterans Affairs is empowered to recruit and retain the best healthcare providers,” said Boozman. “That includes the personnel helping deliver radiation and imaging care. I’m pleased to join Senator Kaine and build on the bipartisan efforts I championed in the Dole Act to support competitive wages at the VA in order to better meet veterans’ needs.” “Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices and deserve access to world-class, timely health care,” said Kaine. “But arbitrary caps on the pay therapeutic medical physicists and diagnostic medical physicists receive contribute to clinical staffing shortages at VA clinics—delaying patients’ access to crucial cancer treatment. I’m proud to introduce commonsense, bipartisan legislation that would make it easier for the VA to hire staff providing cancer treatment and help our heroes access the care they need.” Over the past two decades, TMP and DMP salaries have increased nationwide as radiation therapy has become more sophisticated and common. However, VA TMPs and DMPs earn approximately $40,000 less than their private sector counterparts. By removing this arbitrary cap, this legislation would allow the VA to offer salaries competitive with the private sector, which would help address persistent staffing shortages that can delay cancer treatments. “Medical physicists are essential members of the clinical ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1FCF1235-F377-45E8-A325-6BCCCDBCB4A0 | Boozman Introduces John Thomas Shepherd to Judiciary Committee | 2026-02-04 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | boozman | https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Senator Encourages Support for Arkansan to Serve as U.S. District Court Judge WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) introduced John Thomas Shepherd at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to consider his nomination to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Boozman highlighted Shepherd’s impressive legal background and expressed strong confidence in his ability to craft sound, fair and impartial rulings from the federal bench. “His integrity, professionalism and thoughtful leadership have earned him the trust and respect of Arkansans throughout his career,” said Boozman. “I strongly support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same.” A native of El Dorado, Shepherd is a graduate of Rice University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. He previously served as a prosecuting attorney and later as a judge for Arkansas’s 13th Judicial Circuit. For more information on his nomination, click here. Below are Boozman’s remarks as delivered: Thank you, Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin, and good morning to my distinguished colleagues. It is an honor to be here today to introduce fellow Arkansan, John Thomas Shepherd, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. I would also like to say hi to his family and friends who are here in attendance to support him. We are more than happy to have you. A native of El Dorado, Arkansas, John Thomas is a graduate of Rice University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. After graduating, John Thomas served as an attorney and later partner at Shepherd and Shepherd with his brother, Matthew, who is also a very respected lawyer in South Arkansas. And they both take after their father, Bobby, who has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit since 2006. John Thomas went on to become the prosecuting attorney, and then judge, for Arkansas’s 13th Judicial Circuit. Throughout his career, he has earned th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-klobuchar-introduce-bill-to-establish-federal-biotech-security-framework | Cotton, Klobuchar Introduce Bill to Establish Federal Biotech Security Framework | 2026-02-04 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 February 4, 2026 Cotton, Klobuchar Introduce Bill to Establish Federal Biotech Security Framework Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) introduced legislation to establish a federal biosecurity framework. The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act will require gene synthesis providers screen their orders and customers for bad actors or dangerous pathogens, and will ensure that the U.S. government adopts a flexible and agile approach to biosecurity that will ensure American leadership in biosecurity. “American innovations in biotechnology are too important to fall into the hands of bad actors or be hamstrung by outdated federal policies. This bill is an important first step towards a comprehensive framework for biosecurity and biosafety, which will encourage American innovation to flourish, while also protecting biotechnology breakthroughs in industries like medicine and agriculture,” said Senator Cotton. “While access to genetic material allows scientists to study diseases, develop lifesaving medicine, and improve crops, without safety standards it could be misused, including to create bioweapons. Our bipartisan legislation will enhance biosecurity efforts and reduce the risk of genetic material being used to cause harm by ensuring that the companies selling these products know who their customers are and how they will use genetic material,” said Senator Klobuchar. Text of the bill can be found here. The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act is endorsed by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, the Engineering Biology Research Consortium, Twist Bioscience, Aclid, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), and Ginkgo Bioworks, along with broad support among biosecurity and biotechnology policy researchers. The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act would: Direct the Secretary of Commerce to require gene synthesis providers screen their orders and customers to ens… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
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