Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
- url
- Link to the original release on the member's official site
- text
- Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
- has_text
- 1 if body text was successfully extracted
- date_source
- How the publication date was determined
- bioguide_id
- Bioguide ID of the member
123 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "CO" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/29/bennet-statement-on-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter/ | Bennet Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter | 2024-12-29 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the below statement following the death of President Jimmy Carter: “President Jimmy Carter campaigned on telling the truth to the American people, and he kept his promise. He was a devoted family man, principled statesman, and champion for rural communities. His post-presidency set a global standard for dignity and selflessness. Susan and I join Colorado in mourning his loss and recommitting ourselves to the common good he espoused.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/24/bennet-sends-nine-bills-to-the-presidents-desk/ | Bennet Sends Nine Bills to the President’s Desk | 2024-12-24 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Bennet-Led Legislation to Protect Kids in Foster Care, Build Affordable Housing, Invest in Rural Communities Included in End-of-Year Packages Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet passed nine pieces of legislation through the House and Senate over the past month and sent them to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. This legislation includes provisions from: Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act Summit of the Americas Act Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act Rural Outdoor Investment Act Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act Coordinating AUKUS Engagement with Japan Act of 2024 Women’s Suffrage National Monument Location Act In case you missed it, here’s what they’re saying: Colorado Newsline: Colorado Democrats, outdoor recreation groups cheer Senate passage of public lands bill “While chaos in the U.S. House of Representatives threatened to trigger a government shutdown just before the holidays, Colorado Democrats and outdoor recreation advocates cheered the passage of a wide-ranging public lands bill in the Senate on Thursday. “The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences or EXPLORE Act was unanimously approved by the Senate after being passed by the House earlier this year. It now heads to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. “The EXPLORE Act includes a variety of measures aimed at protecting certain recreational uses of federally owned public lands, simplifying permitting procedures for federal land management and ensuring equal access for people with disabilities, military veterans and young people.” … “The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, also sponsored by Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, aims to strengthen coordination between federal and state agencies responding to the spread of invasive species, including by giving the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation the authority to fund response programs, improving dat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-cheers-senate-passage-of-bill-to-support-colorado-children-in-foster-care/ | Bennet Cheers Senate Passage of Bill to Support Colorado Children in Foster Care | 2024-12-23 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | After Passing House, Unanimous Senate Approval Sends Legislation to the President’s Desk Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet celebrated Senate passage of the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act. The bipartisan legislation, which had already passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote, reauthorizes and improves child welfare programs that promote family unity and the safety and well-being of children. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “We have a responsibility to ensure that every kid in America grows up in a loving and supportive home. This legislation cuts through bureaucracy and provides a critical, flexible investment for the welfare of our nation’s children,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for my colleagues’ strong bipartisan support to pass this legislation so communities in Colorado and throughout the country continue to have the flexibility they need to keep kids safe and families together.” “Creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment at home is the first step to helping Texas children thrive,” said Cornyn. “This legislation would make strategic and evidence-backed improvements to ensure a 360-degree support system is in place for children in foster care nationwide.” This legislation would reauthorize Title IV-B of the Social Security Act for five years and improve its child welfare programs by: Increasing funding by $75 million a year; Expanding evidence-based services to prevent child abuse and neglect; Increasing access to training for caseworkers and improving recruitment and retention efforts to address caseworker shortage and bolster the workforce; Reducing administrative burden; Providing grant funding for the Court Improvement Program to support child legal proceedings; Streamlining access to funding, including for Indian tribes; and Strengthening support systems for relatives and family transitions, including children entering into kinship diversion, exiting foster care, or transiti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-final-passage-of-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Final Passage of Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill | 2024-12-23 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Legislation Includes Colorado Priorities to Manage Flood Risk, Promote Healthy Waterways Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated the final passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which includes Colorado priorities to manage flood risk and promote healthy waterways. WRDA is passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities. The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “Colorado and the West are on the front lines of climate change. That’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in water infrastructure that can meet our state’s changing needs,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for the passage of this important package to protect Colorado’s vital waterways and resources.” “These investments equip our communities with more resilient infrastructure,” said Hickenlooper. “We need to harden our infrastructure to be sure we can handle more erratic weather.” The final legislation includes the following Colorado projects: $20 million authorized for El Paso County to address water supply and stormwater management; $50 million authorized for Fremont County for water supply infrastructure needs; A feasibility study of a project to restore ecosystems along Monument and Fountain Creeks and to rehabilitate the Templeton Gap Levee in Colorado Springs; A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Government Accountability Office study to help speed the completion of two projects to promote healthy waterways along the South Platte River and neighboring water systems in the Denver area; and A boost in the federal share for assistance from USACE for Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs) to allow USACE to participate in smaller-scale projects to reduce flood damages and restore aquatic ecosystems. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-341-million-to-cut-methane-emissions-in-colorado/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $341 Million to Cut Methane Emissions in Colorado | 2024-12-23 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $850 million from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Methane Emissions Reduction Program to fund methane emissions reduction projects and combat climate change, including $341 million for six Colorado-based projects led by Colorado State University and Pioneer Energy, Inc. This funding is part of $1.36 billion from EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) to reduce methane emissions provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Bennet and Hickenlooper helped pass into law. “Colorado has been a national leader in addressing methane pollution from the oil and gas industry,” said Bennet. “This funding helps ensure Colorado will continue leading the way towards cutting dangerous air pollution, slowing the rate of climate change, and growing our clean energy economy.” “Methane emissions are driving our climate crisis and putting Coloradans’ health at risk,” said Hickenlooper. “As governor, we set the global standard on methane regulations. Now Colorado will lead the fight to stop these emissions at the source – all thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act.” In total, the EPA announced over $850 million for 43 projects, with over $341 million allocated to multiple projects led by two Colorado organizations: Over $324 million to Colorado State University to reduce methane emissions from existing wells, improve data monitoring of methane emissions; and $17 million to Pioneer Energy, Inc. to deploy technologies that reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production. Bennet and Hickenlooper have consistently worked to cut methane emissions and strengthen federal oil and gas methane rules modeled on Colorado’s. In 2021, Bennet and Hickenlooper led members of the Colorado congressional delegation to push the EPA for stronger methane regulations for the oil and gas sector. In 2023, both senators sent multiple letters to the EPA urging them to track methane emissions more accurately. Bennet and Hickenlooper joined members of t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/20/bennet-cortez-masto-cassidy-cornyn-announce-bipartisan-effort-to-help-train-more-doctors-and-address-health-care-workforce-shortages/ | Bennet, Cortez Masto, Cassidy, Cornyn Announce Bipartisan Effort to Help Train More Doctors and Address Health Care Workforce Shortages | 2024-12-20 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet alongside U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) — members of the Senate Finance Committee and the bipartisan Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Working Group — released draft legislation to improve the Medicare GME program, which makes payments to teaching hospitals for training residents and fellows in approved training programs. Their bipartisan proposal aims to help increase the supply of physicians and meet the growing needs of communities across the country. “Rural Coloradans shouldn’t have to travel long distances to see a doctor,” said Bennet. “This bipartisan effort will help teaching hospitals train and retain providers in rural and underserved communities. All Americans deserve access to quality health care – no matter where they live.” “Workforce shortages are straining our health care system, especially in rural areas, and we must do more to recruit, train and retain doctors in communities across Nevada,” said Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’ve been working across the aisle on this bipartisan proposal to address critical gaps in our physician workforce. I’ll continue working to ensure Nevada families in every corner of our state can access the care they need.” “Doctors often practice where they do a residency. If it helps to get doctors to practice in rural and low-income areas, let’s put training programs in these areas!” said Cassidy. “By creating new graduate medical education slots, our bill would expand access to and improve the quality of behavioral health and primary care in rural communities across the Lone Star State,” said Cornyn. “The physician workforce shortage is threatening the health of Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities with fewer primary care doctors, psychiatrists, and other health care providers,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. “I’m pleased that members of the Finance Committee are taking this challenge head-on in a bipartisan way. I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/20/bennet-neguse-daines-celebrate-final-passage-of-bills-to-help-colorado-communities-address-housing-shortages-stop-invasive-species/ | Bennet, Neguse, Daines Celebrate Final Passage of Bills to Help Colorado Communities Address Housing Shortages, Stop Invasive Species | 2024-12-20 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | After Unanimous Passage in Congress, Legislation Heads to President’s Desk Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), celebrated unanimous House and Senate passage of their Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act and Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act. Their bipartisan legislation will strengthen the authority of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to lease underutilized administrative sites to address local needs, including for building affordable housing, and slow the movement of aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels, into Colorado, Montana, and other Western States. Both pieces of legislation now head to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “Colorado and the American West face multiple challenges – from invasive species in our rivers, lakes and waterways, to a housing crisis that makes it impossible for working families to make ends meet,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for the strong bipartisan support to pass these bills that will invest in our mountain communities and protect Colorado’s precious natural resources. The Flexible Housing Partnerships bill especially will help open up more opportunities for housing projects in our mountain communities who face a dire housing crisis.” “It’s as simple as this — in Colorado, the preservation of our public lands and the strength of our outdoor recreation economy is not only integral to the spirit of our state but to the success of our people,” said Neguse. “I am proud to see these bills through to the finish line—and even more excited for the ways in which they will deliver for our communities.” “I’m glad to see these commonsense, bipartisan bills to help address the housing shortage in rural Montana and across the west and to protect our Montana wildlife from invasive species heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law! Protecting our Montana way of life will always be my top priority,” said Daines. In the 2018 Farm Bill, Bennet a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/19/bennet-priorities-to-invest-in-outdoor-recreation-boost-rural-economies-head-to-presidents-desk/ | Bennet Priorities to Invest in Outdoor Recreation, Boost Rural Economies Head to President’s Desk | 2024-12-19 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Based on the Rural Outdoor Investment Act, Provisions in Economic Development Legislation Will Recognize Importance of Outdoor Recreation for Public Funding Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet cheered Senate passage of legislation to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which included provisions from a bill he introduced in 2023 that recognizes outdoor recreation as a key driver of rural economies and prioritizes it for future federal funding opportunities. “In Colorado, outdoor recreation is an economic engine and a cornerstone of our Western way of life. Investments in trails, boat ramps, and campgrounds help attract tourism, boost local economies, and create good-paying jobs,” said Bennet. “By passing this legislation, Congress is finally recognizing its importance to rural economies and ensuring that as demand for outdoor recreation in Colorado grows, rural economies grow too.” The EDA’s Public Works grant program helps communities invest in local infrastructure to attract new industry, encourage business expansion, diversify local economies, generate local investment, and create or retain jobs. This reauthorization bolsters funding for the Public Works program to a historic $270 million annually and, for the first time, gives outdoor recreation special importance when awarding these grants. The new focus will mean that recreation assets will be recognized as vital elements for growing economies across Colorado to build a sustainable economic future and improve quality of life for people living in rural communities. “OIA and its members are thrilled to see Congress elevate recreation as an infrastructure priority through the EDA for the first time. This funding will not only help Main Streets across the country better connect with recreation assets but also enable communities to build infrastructure that enhances residents’ quality of life,” said Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association. “We want to thank Senators Bennet and Schumer for championing… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/18/bennet-hickenlooper-cassidy-pass-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-u-s-diplomacy-in-the-western-hemisphere/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Cassidy Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Support U.S. Diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere | 2024-12-18 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) celebrated the final passage of their Summit of the Americas Act to strengthen U.S. diplomatic leadership in the Western Hemisphere. The Summit of the Americas convenes heads of state to bolster ties and promote regional partnerships, mostly recently in Los Angeles in 2022. “Coloradans understand that the Americas share more than a hemisphere; we share a braided culture, an economy, and a common destiny that we must write together,” said Bennet. “By passing this legislation, Congress has committed the United States to continue deepening these relationships by institutionalizing such summits at least every four years.” “The Summit of the Americas provides us and our democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere a unique forum to tackle the world’s largest issues and deepen our economic ties,” said Hickenlooper. “The Summit of the Americas is key to building a stronger, more prosperous hemisphere,” said Cassidy. “The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties and promoting economic growth across the Western Hemisphere.” The Summit of the Americas Act directs the Secretary of State to support the Summit of the Americas and codify the existing State Department unit to ensure implementation of Summit commitments and work with other U.S. agencies to ensure continued U.S. participation. The bill also expresses support for the Cities Summit of the Americas – of which Denver hosted the inaugural summit in 2023 – to continue as a key element of the larger Summit. In 1994, President Bill Clinton convened the first Summit of the Americas in Miami to promote prosperity and enhance democracy throughout the Americas. Succeeding summits have elevated these and other issues like climate change and immigration. In 2021 Bennet supported Colorado’s bid to host the 2022 Summit of the Americas, which took place in Los Angeles. Bennet and Hickenlooper led the effort to support Colorado’s bid to ho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/18/bennet-secures-bipartisan-wins-for-colorado-military-bases-military-family-health-care-and-personnel-pay/ | Bennet Secures Bipartisan Wins for Colorado Military Bases, Military Family Health Care, and Personnel Pay | 2024-12-18 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Bennet Priorities Passed in the National Defense Authorization Act Authorizes $270 Million for Colorado Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet celebrated the passage of major investments in Colorado military bases, protections for children’s hospitals serving military families, and pay increases for military personnel in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Bennet helped secure over $270 million for Colorado including funding for Colorado Space Force installations and investments in U.S. space and defense capabilities. This year’s NDAA also includes language requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to brief Congress on the effects of a recent Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule change decreasing TRICARE reimbursement rates for children’s hospitals by 40 percent. This requirement follows Bennet’s push for the DoD to reverse the rule and advocate for hospitals serving military family communities such as Children’s Hospital Colorado. Bennet priorities passed in the FY25 NDAA include: Buckley Power Independence Project – $68 million in military construction for Buckley Space Force Base’s power resiliency project which will support all of Colorado’s Space Force installations. TRICARE Children’s Hospitals Reimbursements Briefing – The DoD is now required to brief the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on the effects of a recent DHA rule change decreasing TRICARE reimbursements to children’s hospitals by 40%. The DoD must also provide a military contingency payment adjustments plan for assisting affected children’s hospitals. Military Personnel Pay Increase – Junior enlisted service members (E-1 to E-4) will receive a 14.5% pay raise. All other service members will receive a 4.5% basic pay increase. Colorado Defense and Aerospace Industry Investments – $216.1 million for research, development, and deployment of national defense and aerospace technology. This funding will improve U.S. military readiness and capabilities in the space domain. Rip a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/17/bennet-and-crow-reintroduce-bill-to-support-law-enforcement-and-improve-mental-health-crisis-response/ | Bennet and Crow Reintroduce Bill to Support Law Enforcement and Improve Mental Health Crisis Response | 2024-12-17 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Jason Crow reintroduced the Supporting Mental Assistance Responder Teams Community Policing Act or SMART Community Policing Act to dedicate funding for collaborative partnerships between law enforcement and local responders. The legislation would allow health professionals, case managers, and outreach teams to engage people experiencing crises related to mental health, poverty, homelessness, or substance use disorders and to de-escalate challenging situations. Studies confirm that community policing produces better outcomes for public safety while saving limited resources. “Colorado has proven that community policing improves public safety and saves tax dollars by meeting mental health and drug-related emergencies with resource-based responses,” said Bennet. “Law enforcement should focus on violent crime while trained health and social service professionals de-escalate emergencies and connect individuals with services they need. This legislation draws on Colorado’s leadership and expands the successes of community policing nationwide.” “We’ve seen community policing work in Colorado, and I’m glad to partner with Senator Bennet to bring this public safety model to the rest of the nation,” said Crow. “Our bill will help ensure law enforcement has the resources to protect our communities and connect people in need with local mental health and other life-saving services.” The SMART Community Policing Act would create or expand programs that: Pair a mental health clinician with a paramedic or emergency medical technician (EMT) to respond to certain low-risk calls to the 911 system; Train crisis workers to respond to calls for service and help stabilize encounters; Provide mental health services for persons, including those in crisis who may need further evaluation and treatment; Stabilize encounters between law enforcement officers and people experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis and connect them with appropriate support… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/17/bennet-hickenlooper-urge-tricare-and-childrens-hospital-colorado-to-fulfill-their-duty-to-military-families/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Crow, Lamborn Urge TRICARE and Children’s Hospital Colorado to Fulfill their Duty to Military Families | 2024-12-17 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside U.S. Representatives Jason Crow and Doug Lamborn released the following statement regarding the decision by Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) to go out-of-network for patients on TRICARE, the health care program for military service members and their families: “Military families across the West rely on Children’s Hospital Colorado – especially those with very ill or medically fragile children. Service members’ children deserve the best medical care available, and the possibility that Children’s Hospital Colorado would be out-of-network for TRICARE users on January 1st is unacceptable. We call on TRICARE and CHCO to come to the table, ensure fair reimbursement rates, and fulfill their duty to military families to provide access to the health care they need.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/17/bennet-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-hold-insurance-companies-accountable-for-surprise-medical-billing/ | Bennet Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Hold Insurance Companies Accountable for Surprise Medical Billing | 2024-12-17 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. This bill reinforces the No Surprises Act, which protects patients against surprise medical bills when they receive unanticipated out-of-network health care and helps ensure that the law is working as intended. “For too long, surprise medical billing left Coloradans on the hook for outrageous and unexpected costs after a hospital visit. That’s why I introduced bipartisan legislation in 2019 to ban this harmful practice, and I was glad to see the No Surprises Act signed into law,” said Bennet. “This legislation is a necessary next step to make sure health care providers and insurance companies are both upholding their responsibilities to patients under that law.” “Surprise medical bills can have devastating economic impacts on families’ bottom lines. The idea that health insurers are breaking the law and unfairly punishing patients and providers is beyond the pale. Our legislation ensures that out-of-network medical bills are resolved promptly and fairly, with enhanced penalties for any failure by the health insurers to do so. We are fighting for patients, who often feel helpless battling the insurers and the health care industry. Let’s level the playing field and put patients’ care and positive outcomes above unfair payment practices,” said Marshall. The No Surprises Act was signed into law in 2020 to instill key patient protections while ensuring a balanced resolution process for disputes between insurers and providers when a patient received unanticipated out-of-network care. Under the law, patients cannot receive “surprise” medical bills when there is a dispute between the doctor and the insurer on the price of that care. However, the intent of the law is not being carried out and this bill creates additional guarantees that all parties are treated fairly. This legislation reinforces the No Surprises Act by: Closing enforcement gaps through increased penalties f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/16/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-11-7-million-from-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-for-fort-collins-city-vehicles-electrification/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $11.7 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Fort Collins City Vehicles’ Electrification | 2024-12-16 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed more than $11.7 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to accelerate the electrification of Fort Collins city vehicles. This funding was awarded through DOT’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The senators sent a letter to DOT supporting Fort Collins’ application for this funding in August. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the largest investment in America’s roads, bridges, and local infrastructure since President Eisenhower,” said Bennet. “This funding will help Fort Collins achieve its emissions reduction goals by the end of the decade, fuel our state’s transition to a clean energy economy, and reduce pollution for Northern Colorado.” “This Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment will supercharge Fort Collins’ EV charging infrastructure,” said Hickenlooper. “More reliable charging. Lower costs. Less emissions. That’s our BIL at work!” “Colorado and our local communities are leading the nation when it comes to putting electric vehicles on the road. And today’s investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is propelling this progress forward,” said U.S. Representative Joe Neguse. “The City of Fort Collins is very appreciative of our congressional delegation for securing money to help us transition to our clean energy future,” said Jeni Arndt, Mayor, City of Fort Collins. The SMART grant program was created to help state and local governments develop and implement advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of transportation infrastructure across the country. Fort Collins will use this investment to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the City, which will help create a more reliable and affordable electrical grid, and reduce emissions and operating costs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/11/bennet-lummis-bill-to-reduce-salinity-of-the-colorado-river-heads-to-the-presidents-desk/ | Bennet, Lummis Bill to Reduce Salinity of the Colorado River Heads to the President’s Desk | 2024-12-11 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Senate and House Unanimously Pass Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) celebrated Senate and House passage of the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act. Their bipartisan legislation, introduced in the House by U.S. Representative John Curtis (R-Utah) and passed by voice vote last week, will provide greater support for Colorado River Basin water users and local governments working to reduce the salt load in the Colorado River. The bill now heads to the President’s desk. “The Colorado River is a precious resource for communities in Colorado and the industries that drive our economy. As our population grows and as we face a hotter and drier future, the federal government needs to step up and support state and local leaders to better protect our water supply,” said Bennet. “I’m glad we were able to pass this bill that will support ongoing efforts to keep water from the Colorado River safe for communities, farmers and ranchers, and water users throughout the entire Basin.” “The Colorado River is a major source of water for Wyoming residents and businesses, and reducing its salinity is key to ensuring Wyoming continues to have access to clean and usable water,” said Lummis. “I am thrilled the Senate and House passed the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Fix Act to help implement important infrastructure projects on the river to reduce salt levels.” “The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the West, and its health is crucial for our communities, our economy, and our environment,” said Curtis. “The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act builds on decades of collaborative efforts to reduce salinity levels, which have greatly improved water quality across the Basin. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support for this legislation and for the dedicated work of my colleagues, including Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), the seven Basin states, and all the partners who have contributed to this important step forw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/10/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-passage-of-legislation-to-help-clean-up-abandoned-mines-in-colorado/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Passage of Legislation to Help Clean Up Abandoned Mines in Colorado | 2024-12-10 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | After Passing Senate and House, Bipartisan Legislation Heads to President’s Desk Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper applauded House passage of their Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. This legislation, which would make it easier for ‘Good Samaritans’ such as state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits, and other groups, to clean up abandoned hardrock mines, passed the Senate unanimously in July and it now heads to the President’s desk. “Thousands of abandoned mines pollute our ecosystems and threaten our watersheds in Colorado and across the West,” said Bennet. “This bill will make it easier for our state, local governments, and nonprofits to clean up these mines, reduce pollution, and improve water quality. It’s common sense for Coloradans, and I look forward to President Biden signing it into law.” “Tens of thousands of abandoned mines across Colorado and the West are releasing acid and heavy metals into our water,” said Hickenlooper. “Good faith actors are ready to help clean up these mines. All we have to do is cut the red tape and let them.” Across the United States, thousands of abandoned hardrock mines pose environmental hazards to surrounding communities, environments, and watersheds. Organizations that have no legal or financial responsibility to an abandoned mine want to volunteer to remediate some of these sites. Unfortunately, liability rules would leave these ‘Good Samaritans’ legally responsible for all the pre-existing pollution from a mine, even though they had no involvement with the mine prior to cleaning it up. The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act creates a pilot permitting program to enable not-for-profit cleanup efforts to move forward, while ensuring Good Samaritans have the skills and resources to comply with federal oversight. This pilot program is designed for lower risk projects that will improve water and soil quality or otherwise protect human health. “Colorado voices have long ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/05/bennet-hickenlooper-applaud-lake-nighthorse-agreement-between-bureau-of-reclamation-and-ute-mountain-ute-tribe/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Applaud Lake Nighthorse Agreement Between Bureau of Reclamation and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe | 2024-12-05 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper applauded the announcement that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) signed a contract with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe that will help them benefit from the water they have long held rights to in the Animas-La Plata project’s Lake Nighthorse. “For over a decade, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Bureau of Reclamation worked hard to come to an agreement for the Animas-La Plata Project that would protect the Tribe’s long term interests and ensure it could benefit from federal drought funding,” said Bennet. “I was grateful to have visited Towoac in October and to have successfully encouraged Commissioner Touton to travel there, as well, so she could hear from Chairman Heart directly. Today’s contract signing represents important progress for the effective management of the Colorado River that the Tribe and Coloradans across our state rely on.” “No one has been denied use of their own water more than Tribes have. Today’s agreement is an important step towards the Ute Mountain Ute finally benefitting from their water rights,” said Hickenlooper. “We’re grateful Reclamation heard us out and worked with the Ute Mountain Ute to reach an agreement.” “Signing this agreement is an historic moment for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. This agreement is like no other and is the culmination of over a decade of hard work on the part of both the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Bureau of Reclamation. With the signing of this agreement, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is one step closer to finally unlocking its A-LP water,” said Manual Heart, Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. In October, Bennet visited the Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch Operation in Towoac with USBR Commissioner Camille Touton. During this visit, Bennet heard about the challenges the Tribe faces due to long-term drought in the Colorado River Basin. The Ute Mountain Ute are currently unable to access or use water from Lake Nighthorse due to a lack of infrastructure, and would face high operatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/05/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-61-million-for-aging-water-infrastructure-increase-drought-resilience-in-colorado/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate $61 Million for Aging Water Infrastructure, Increase Drought Resilience in Colorado | 2024-12-05 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated the U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) announcement of over $61 million for six Colorado projects to update aging water infrastructure, increase drought resilience, and improve hydropower generation. This investment is provided through the DOI’s Aging Infrastructure Account, which received over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “As Colorado and the West face historic drought, we must safeguard clean water for future generations,” said Bennet. “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments will revitalize aging water delivery systems across the West and help ensure Colorado’s families, farmers, and Tribes have access to a safe, reliable water supply.” “Our water is too precious to waste even a drop on outdated infrastructure meant to deliver and conserve our water supplies,” said Hickenlooper. “Our BIL is fixing that. These updates will help save water and make us more resilient to drought.” Bennet and Hickenlooper fought to include $8 billion for western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $19 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A full list of projects in Colorado is below. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/05/bennet-hickenlooper-cheer-77-million-from-chips-science-act-to-make-colorado-a-microchip-manufacturing-hub/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Cheer $77 Million from CHIPS & Science Act to Make Colorado a Microchip Manufacturing Hub | 2024-12-05 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Significant Federal Investment Will Help Colorado Springs-based Entegris Create Hundreds of Jobs & Strengthen Colorado’s High-Tech Manufacturing Economy Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement of a final agreement on a $77 million investment from the CHIPS and Science Act. This investment will help Entegris expand its advanced technology manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs and create approximately 900 jobs. “Thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, we’re bringing the semiconductor industry back to America – and more economic opportunity to Colorado,” said Bennet. “This historic funding for Entegris will create good-paying jobs and help our state continue to lead the way in advanced manufacturing.” “We need to win the race with China to shape the future of technology and who benefits,” said Hickenlooper. “Our CHIPS and Science Act is helping us catch up with semiconductor manufacturing right here in Colorado with companies like Entegris.” Entegris is a leading supplier for the semiconductor industry. This investment will help onshore critical semiconductor supply chain and manufacturing equipment materials for leading-edge chip production and support Entegris’ construction of its state-of-the-art manufacturing center in Colorado Springs. The manufacturing center, which is targeted to begin initial commercial operations in 2025, will initially support production of highly specialized containers that secure semiconductor wafers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/04/bennet-cramer-crow-rogers-bipartisan-and-bicameral-colleagues-introduce-resolution-to-commemorate-5th-anniversary-of-space-force/ | Bennet, Cramer, Crow, Rogers, Bipartisan and Bicameral Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Commemorate 5th Anniversary of Space Force | 2024-12-04 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and U.S. Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) joined 17 bipartisan colleagues in the House and Senate to introduce a resolution honoring the 5th anniversary of the United States Space Force. The resolution recognizes space as a critical military domain, celebrates the essential role the U.S. Space Force and its service members play in our national security, and urges continued development and modernization of its capabilities. “The United States Space Force plays a critical role in maintaining and advancing the United States’ military readiness, superiority, and technological dominance in space,” wrote the lawmakers. “The 5th anniversary of the United States Space Force is an occasion to honor the contributions of its personnel and recognize the installations that support its vital mission. ” The U.S. Space Force was established on December 20, 2019, and created the first new branch of the U.S. armed services in 73 years. Superiority in the space domain is critical to protecting U.S. satellite operations and national security amidst growing threats from near-peer competitors such as China and Russia. Space Force’s establishment centralized, expanded, and advanced space operations previously operated by the U.S. Air Force. Space Force operations include 36 bases and installations across 18 states and territories with approximately 14,000 active military and civilian personnel. The text of the resolution is available HERE and below. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/04/bennet-relaunches-senate-website-with-interactive-federal-investments-map/ | Bennet Relaunches Senate Website with Interactive Federal Investments Map | 2024-12-04 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Website Redesign Includes Updated Legislation, Newsletter, Constituent Services, and Spanish Pages Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet launched a redesigned Senate website for Coloradans to more easily contact his office, share their opinions, and stay informed on federal investments in the state. Constituents visiting the site can receive assistance from federal agencies, request federal grant funding, and find the latest news from the Senator’s office. Bennet’s new website includes an interactive map, the first for Colorado. It shows that he secured over $10.5 billion in federal investments for Colorado from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, American Rescue Plan, and Congressional Directed Spending. “Coloradans should be able to reach my office and see the work we’re doing for their communities in just a few clicks,” said Bennet. “My updated website makes it easy to see how Colorado is represented in Washington and celebrates the generational investments we have made in our infrastructure, economy, and clean energy future.” Bennet’s Senate website also offers student resources and detailed pages on major legislation such as the CORE Act and Child Tax Credit expansion. The interactive map of Colorado investments can be found HERE. Visit bennet.senate.gov to see more. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/04/bennet-warren-khanna-jayapal-introduce-bill-to-provide-data-on-socioeconomic-effects-of-legislation/ | Bennet, Warren, Khanna, Jayapal Introduce Bill to Provide Data on Socioeconomic Effects of Legislation | 2024-12-04 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Bill Would Allow Legislators to More Effectively Address Racial and Economic Inequality Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), alongside U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), reintroduced the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Fiscal Analysis by Income and Race (FAIR) Scoring Act. This legislation seeks to provide policymakers with standardized data about the effects of their policies across race and income groups. “Our country suffers from enormous income and wealth inequality, and too often legislation fails to account for how policy changes affect all Americans. Our FAIR Scoring Act will ensure there is objective, non-partisan information on how the effects of legislation will be distributed by income and race to better inform lawmakers and the American people,” said Bennet. “We must do more to close the wealth gap in America that continues to widen across race and income,” said Warren. “This bill is a first step towards that end by providing lawmakers with the data they need to make informed decisions to advance racial and economic justice in future legislation.” “As wealth inequality becomes one of the greatest challenges facing the US today, I am proud to partner with Sen. Warren (D-MA) on the FAIR Scoring Act. Our bill standardizes the legislative scoring system and ensures that legislators consider a bill’s impact on various socioeconomic groups. It is an important step to promoting strong, equitable, growth in the 21st century economy,” said Khanna. “When legislation is proposed, it is critical that we know all of the impacts of it, including on people who have been disadvantaged as a result of years of damaging policies,” said Jayapal. “While the CBO currently scores the financial impacts, that leaves major question marks around what communities are affected. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation that will help to ensure racial, gender, and economic justice is considered in introduced bills before they become law.”… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/11/08/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-7-5-million-from-inflation-reduction-act-for-ute-mountain-ute-tribe-clean-water-infrastructure/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $7.5 Million from Inflation Reduction Act for Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Clean Water Infrastructure | 2024-11-08 | 2024 | 2024-11 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $7.5 million from the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) to expand clean drinking water access for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The funding, made possible in part through the Inflation Reduction Act, will help the Tribe plan and complete 18 miles of a 22-mile waterline to connect Cortez and Towaoc and deliver clean water to the community. Two weeks ago, the senators urged USBR to explore new opportunities for Colorado’s Tribes to access federal funding for drought and water supply management. “When the federal government established reservations for Native American Tribes, it promised a permanent and livable homeland for those it had displaced from their ancestral lands. At a time when our country’s Tribes still lack reliable access to clean and safe water in the 21st century, that promise clearly has been denied and critical tribal water infrastructure like this pipeline should be a priority for the federal government,” said Bennet. “This funding is an important step forward to ensure more members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe can continue to access clean water, and I’m grateful to the Biden/Harris administration for working to fulfill our nation’s promises.” “Our tribal communities have long lacked adequate resources to reliably access clean drinking water,” said Hickenlooper. “Thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act, we’re changing that. This $7.5 million will connect Cortez and Towaoc to deliver clean drinking water and create good-paying jobs for the Ute Mountain Ute.” “The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe considers water and its watersheds as a sacred and vital element to life. Stewardship of the environment allows life to flourish and is an obligation of our tribe and people. This grant is a crucial step in finishing the project that we’ve been working on for over 14 years to make sure everyone in our community has access to drinking water,” said Manuel Heart, Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:02:12Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/29/bennet-hickenlooper-bipartisan-colleagues-push-for-more-temporary-work-visas-to-help-small-businesses-in-colorado/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Bipartisan Colleagues Push for More Temporary Work Visas to Help Small Businesses in Colorado | 2024-10-29 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), alongside 37 of their bipartisan colleagues, to urge the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional temporary, non-agricultural (H-2B) visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to support local economies and fill needed roles for American small businesses. “Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators. “The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.” In Colorado, more than 8,400 temporary H-2B visas were requested by over 250 employers in Fiscal Year 2021 – reflecting a strong demand for H-2B workers in the state. In the letter, the senators highlight recent data from DOL’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys illustrating the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The rate of job openings have increased annually for top five H-2B occupations. Landscaping, hospitality, and the ski industry – all key to Colorado’s economy – are among the industries with the highest share of certified H-2B workers. “As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/29/bennet-hickenlooper-colleagues-urge-federal-court-to-protect-access-to-emergency-abortions/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge Federal Court to Protect Access to Emergency Abortions | 2024-10-29 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside 258 members of Congress, submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit calling on the court to require Medicare-funded hospitals to provide life-saving care that may include abortion care. The court is considering Moyle v. United States and Idaho v. United States which concern the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law that requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding to provide necessary “stabilizing treatment” to patients experiencing medical emergencies, which can include abortion care. ““[T]he 99th Congress passed EMTALA to ensure that every person who visits a Medicare-funded hospital with an ‘emergency medical condition’ is offered stabilizing treatment,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the lawmakers. After the Dobbs v. Jackson decision in 2022, Idaho passed a law making it a felony for a doctor to terminate a patient’s pregnancy unless it is “necessary” to prevent the patient’s death. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Idaho, arguing that the state’s law is preempted by EMTALA in those circumstances in which abortion may not be necessary to prevent imminent death, but still constitutes the necessary stabilizing treatment for a patient’s emergency medical condition. The district court agreed; however, Idaho appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court. In their brief, the lawmakers ask the Ninth Circuit to uphold the district court’s ruling. They argue that the congressional intent, text, and history of EMTALA make clear that covered hospitals must provide abortion care when it’s necessary to stabilize a patient’s emergency medical condition, and that EMTALA preempts Idaho’s abortion ban in emergency situations that present a serious threat to a patient’s health. “Congress chose broad language for that mandate, requiring hospitals that participate in the Medicare program to provide ‘such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition.’… That text—unto… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/29/bennet-hickenlooper-neguse-pettersen-polis-welcome-129-million-for-rail-projects-in-colorado/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse, Pettersen, Polis Welcome $129 Million for Rail Projects in Colorado | 2024-10-29 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Photos from Press Conference HERE Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen, and Governor Jared Polis welcomed over $129.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for four Colorado rail projects. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo, San Luis Central Railroad, and OmniTRAX will all receive funding as part of DOT’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements Grant Program, funded in part through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The leaders held a press conference on Tuesday in Westminster, Colorado, to celebrate this announcement. “Colorado’s railways are vital to connect our communities and get resources to markets across the country. That’s why I ensured the U.S. Department of Transportation understood how critical this funding is for our state’s transportation infrastructure,” said Bennet. “I’m glad to have helped secure these investments in our railways’ safety, efficiency, and reliability across the state. ” “From freight in the San Luis Valley to passengers on the Front Range and beyond with CSU Pueblo’s research, rail isn’t just a part of our past, it’s a big part of our future, too,” said Hickenlooper. “That’s the case we made to Secretary Buttigieg for this funding and this is just the start.” “After years of working to secure federal support for the Front Range Passenger Rail Project, I am excited to see the Department of Transportation heed our calls and commit to modernizing Colorado’s passenger rail system—not just for communities along the Front Range but for residents throughout the entire state. This is a once-in-a-generation investment in our passenger rail infrastructure, creating countless new opportunities for communities to connect, grow, and thrive—and we will continue to work together to ensure this momentum leads to lasting benefits for all Coloradans,” said Neguse. “Today, I am incredibly grateful to see this federal fundi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/28/bennet-celebrates-billions-of-dollars-from-inflation-reduction-act-for-rural-clean-energy-in-colorado/ | Bennet Celebrates Billions of Dollars from Inflation Reduction Act for Rural Clean Energy in Colorado | 2024-10-28 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — On Friday, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Brittany Pettersen, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, and leaders from Colorado rural electricity cooperatives to welcome more than $2.5 billion in low-cost financing and grants from USDA’s New ERA (Empowering Rural America) program to support Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s clean energy transition. Bennet also welcomed the news that two additional Colorado co-ops: Yampa Valley Electric Association and Poudre Valley REA (PVREA) would move forward in the New ERA awards process. Bennet helped secure roughly $13 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to support rural clean energy initiatives through USDA, including the New ERA program. “With [the Inflation Reduction Act], we are rapidly deploying clean energy and boosting American manufacturing for wind, solar, and batteries,” said Bennet in his remarks. “Most important, we put rural America at the center of this transition. Actually, rural America put rural America at the center of this transition because of these co-ops in Colorado.” “Co-ops deliver power to over 70 percent of our state. They reach all four corners and they serve nearly 1.5 million people. And I think Colorado co-ops are uniquely positioned to drive economic opportunity for rural America, to set a standard for the rest of the country and the rest of the world, and are critical to our affordable transition to clean energy. The funding announced today is going to help our co-ops modernize their energy infrastructure, cut pollution, create high-paying jobs where we need them most, and lower energy costs for farms, for families, and for small businesses all over our state,” concluded Bennet. “I’m so grateful that, as usual, Colorado is leading the way.” This funding will help rural electricity cooperatives bring affordable, reliable clean energy to communities across Colorado. Bennet and the leaders made the announcement during … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/25/bennet-neguse-colorado-leaders-come-together-to-oppose-hazardous-oil-trains-along-the-colorado-river/ | Bennet, Neguse, Colorado Leaders Come Together to Oppose Hazardous Oil Trains Along the Colorado River | 2024-10-25 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse joined Colorado leaders to support Eagle County’s position before the U.S. Supreme Court in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado. Eagle County is urging the Court to uphold the August 2023 D.C. Circuit Court decision to overturn the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) approval of the Uinta Basin Railway project based on flawed environmental review and violations of federal laws. Eagle County’s arguments are supported by amicus briefs filed by the Colorado Attorney General and a broad coalition of Colorado communities that would be affected by the proposed railway. “Anyone who has spent time along the Colorado River understands what the risks really are for our environment, our local economies, and our state. That’s why I’ve worked for years to urge federal agencies to adequately account for the full threat that the proposed Uinta Basin Railway poses to Colorado. This train has no business increasing the transport of hazardous oil from Utah through our state, and I’ll continue to stand with a broad coalition of local leaders and community members to oppose this dangerous project,” said Bennet. “I hope the Supreme Court seriously considers Eagle County’s arguments, the concerns raised by Colorado’s Attorney General and numerous local governments in their amicus briefs, and the implications for those most deeply affected by a potential derailment in the headwaters of the Colorado River.” “The Uinta Basin Railway Project poses a significant threat to our state’s water resources, wildlife habitats, outdoor recreation, and the broader interests of the Colorado River Basin. With these concerns and the well-being of our communities at the forefront, Senator Bennet and I have led an effort for years opposing this project,” said Neguse. “As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, we stand united with the community and local leaders in opp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/24/bennet-hickenlooper-polis-call-on-reclamation-to-ensure-colorado-tribe-access-to-drought-water-management-funding/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Polis Call on Reclamation to Ensure Colorado Tribe Access to Drought, Water Management Funding | 2024-10-24 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Governor Jared Polis called on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) to explore new opportunities for the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes to access federal funding for drought and water supply management. The lawmakers’ call comes after USBR announced that forbearance proposals – paying water users to forgo water use, like the projects the Tribal Nations had planned to submit – will not be considered for upcoming Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding aimed at increasing water conservation and efficiency in the Upper Colorado River Basin. “We write to urge you to ensure that the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (“the Colorado Tribal Nations”) have the opportunity to apply for funding programs that address drought and water supply management in the Colorado River Basin, including through upcoming drought mitigation funding under the Inflation Reduction Act,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper and Polis. “We strongly encourage you to explore other avenues for Colorado’s Tribal Nations to pursue funding related to drought response, recognizing that they are currently forgoing their water use not by choice, but resulting from a history of inequity reflected in their long-term lack of infrastructure.” The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe hold combined water rights to over 33,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Nighthorse southwest of Durango but lack adequate infrastructure to deliver that water to their reservations. As a result, the Tribal Nations currently cannot use or benefit from their water, and it flows downstream to other users. The Tribal Nations planned to apply for IRA funding to receive compensation for forgoing development of their water rights, but recently learned that their planned project would not qualify under the upcoming IRA drought funding announcement. In the letter, the leaders urge USBR to explore alternative funding opportunities that could better suit the needs of the Colora… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/23/press-releases-id-1f93d918-9a33-4776-8aad-ecfb340785c8/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $23 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Denver, Colorado Springs Airports | 2024-10-23 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $23 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve airport infrastructure in Denver and Colorado Springs. This funding comes through the Airport Terminals Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “I’m grateful the FAA is supporting Colorado’s airports as they improve and modernize to meet our state’s changing needs,” said Bennet. “These dollars will help ensure our airports can continue to fuel our economy and better connect communities across our state.” “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps investing in Colorado and creating good-paying jobs. This time by improving travelers’ experiences at both Denver International Airport and the Colorado Springs Airport,” said Hickenlooper. “Giddy up!” Specifically, this funding includes: $15 million for Denver International Airport to increase the efficiency and capacity of its baggage handling system; and $8 million for Colorado Springs Airport to improve energy efficiency and accessibility, and modernize gate areas. Just this year, Bennet and Hickenlooper have welcomed nearly $140 million from the FAA for Colorado’s airports. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/21/press-releases-id-b351178a-dd93-4883-aa3b-4252d370da61/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Welcome Over $47 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for U.S. 287 Safety Improvements in Larimer, Boulder Counties | 2024-10-21 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse welcomed more than $47 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for safety improvements along U.S. Highway 287 in Larimer and Boulder counties. “U.S. 287 helps connect communities across Northern Colorado, and historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will improve roadway safety while meeting the needs of Colorado’s growing population. I’m pleased to see Colorado continue to benefit from the most significant investment in America’s roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure since President Eisenhower built the interstate highway system,” said Bennet. “Wildlife crossings save lives by dramatically reducing traffic collisions with animals,” said Hickenlooper. “Infrastructure updates like these are exactly why we passed the infrastructure bill.” “The US 287 corridor is one of Colorado’s main north-south routes, serving as a gateway to Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins. I’m proud to have helped secure $47 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the improvement and redevelopment of this major roadway, which will help connect countless communities and improve roadway safety,” said Neguse. This funding will help the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) construct wildlife crossings and intersection improvements, add passing lanes and centerline rumble strips, widen shoulders, and install median barriers along U.S. 287. “In Colorado, we are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of Coloradans on the road and avoiding costly wildlife-vehicle collisions. Thanks to the Colorado Department of Transportation for their efforts to secure this funding, Senator Bennet, Senator Hickenlooper, House Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse for their leadership, and the Biden-Harris administration for providing our state with $47 million in funding to continue reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and help create a safer C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/17/press-releases-id-a84bd683-ce9f-426f-87e2-170738465508/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge Defense Secretary to Fix Rule Hurting Colorado Springs Children’s Hospitals | 2024-10-17 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Doug Lamborn and Jason Crow, along with 16 of their Senate and House colleagues, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The letter urges the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to address the financial burden caused by a change in the way children’s hospitals are reimbursed for the care provided to military families covered by TRICARE, the government health care program for active duty service members and their families. “We write to express our deep concerns about a 2023 Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule that catalyzed a major shift in the TRICARE reimbursement methodology for children’s hospitals,” wrote Bennet and the lawmakers. “Children’s hospitals situated in defense communities in our home states are now grappling with the impacts of this change.” Each year over 2.4 million children obtain care from children’s hospitals through TRICARE, and the change has placed an outsized burden on children’s hospitals in major defense communities, like Colorado Springs. Specifically, Children’s Hospital Colorado said one in five patients in their Colorado Springs facility pay with TRICARE. The DHA previously exempted children’s hospitals from the adult Medicare reimbursement process because the program’s policies weren’t applicable to the care children typically need. The rule change is expected to cost the hospital over $25 million annually. The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) sent letters to DoD in 2020 and 2023 expressing their concerns about the proposed rule. However, they did not receive a response before the DHA implemented the change in October 2023. The lawmakers specifically asked the following questions: What dialogue has DHA had with the affected children’s hospitals to understand how this new reimbursement methodology impacts operations and access to care? What data and sources informed the agency’s analysis of the impact on children’s hospitals that care for TRICARE… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/08/press-releases-id-1ac60e4f-0230-439e-b5f7-51ca9d5360c5/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Funding for Colorado Organizations Supporting Veterans | 2024-10-08 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed over $1.6 million from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for eight Colorado organizations that offer adaptive sports, recreational activities, and equine therapy for veterans and service members living with disabilities. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe, and we owe them our support after they have served,” said Bennet. “Colorado veterans deserve to live a full and independent life, and this funding will help wounded heroes access athletics and other recreational activities.” “Adaptive sports give our wounded veterans a community and outlet for mental health,” said Hickenlooper. “This funding makes it easier for our disabled vets to hit the slopes and enjoy all the outdoor activities that make Colorado special.” The funding comes from the VA’s’ Adaptive Sports Grant Program, which supports more opportunities for disabled veterans to play recreational sports and activities customized to better fit their needs. The VA has awarded over $119 million in grants through the Adaptive Sports Grant Program during the last nine years. A full list of selected organizations is below: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/08/press-releases-id-df178b95-05bb-4a77-93c2-0956dd2bbd89/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Recognize Latina Equal Pay Day | 2024-10-08 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, along with 23 fellow senators, introduced a resolution to honor Latina Equal Pay Day. The resolution recognizes the disparity in wages paid to Latinas, the significance of equal pay, and its larger impact on women, families, and the economy. “Lost wages mean Latina women have less money to support themselves and their families, save and invest for the future, and spend on goods and services,” wrote the lawmakers. Latina Equal Pay Day, which was observed on October 3, 2024, is a day to reflect on the continued impact of wage gaps on Latina women. In 2023, more than 60 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Latinas were paid just 51 cents for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male colleagues. Latina women also continue to lack access to paid leave and experience increased levels of workplace harassment. Bennet cosponsored a Latina Equal Pay Day resolution in 2022. He also cheered the passage of the Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in September. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/07/press-releases-id-090c9b4b-d040-4120-b30c-f1e109037e8b/ | Bennet Statement Recognizing One Year Since the October 7th Hamas Attack on Israel | 2024-10-07 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement marking one year since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel: “On October 7th, 2023, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, brutally killing 1,200 innocent people and kidnapping 250 more. A year later, Hamas still holds almost 100 hostages, among them at least seven Americans: Edan Alexander, Itay Chen z”l, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Gadi Haggai z”l, Omer Neutra, Keith Siegel, and Judith Weinstein z”l. At the same time, Iran and its proxies continue to sow chaos throughout the Middle East – including by attacking U.S. troops and targeting American interests. The U.S. must defend our people and our allies, including Israel. “This terrible war has inflicted enormous human suffering and trauma on Israelis, Palestinians, and people far beyond the Middle East, itself. As the families of Hamas’ hostages continue to call for an agreement to free their loved ones and secure a mutual ceasefire in Gaza, the U.S. must continue leading efforts to achieve such a deal. The U.S. must also lead efforts to secure an enforceable agreement that allows tens of thousands of displaced civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to return to their homes. “These diplomatic efforts are essential; indeed, they are the only way to bring lasting peace and prosperity to the region. These negotiations are a predicate to building a just two-state solution out of the tragedy of the last year.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/07/press-releases-id-5737be4f-27f2-48ac-89da-df5923371375/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen, DeGette Announce Support for Colorado River District’s Application for Funding to Complete Shoshone Water Rights Purchase | 2024-10-07 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Brittany Pettersen, and Diana DeGette, wrote to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) in support of the Colorado River Water Conservation District’s (CRWCD) application for federal funding to purchase two of the oldest water rights on the Colorado River mainstem in Colorado, known as the Shoshone Permanency Project. The lawmakers offered their support as part of an ongoing BOR funding opportunity to provide environmental benefits in response to drought, which remains open for additional projects in Colorado and the rest of the Upper Colorado River Basin. “The Colorado River District’s mission is to promote the protection, conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Colorado River water basin for the welfare of the state of Colorado,” wrote the lawmakers. “Preserving the Colorado River’s historical flow regime as intended by the Shoshone Permanency Project will benefit the Colorado River ecosystem every year, and especially in dry years.” The 1902 Senior and the 1929 Junior Shoshone Water Rights currently held by Xcel Energy are used to generate power at the Shoshone Power Plant and then return it to the river. Communities across Western Colorado have already committed over $55 million, and are applying to BOR for funding from the Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program to help complete the purchase and create stability for communities, water and recreational users, and the environment. The Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program funding opportunity is open for application through November 22, 2024, and the lawmakers welcome other applicants to contact their offices on the opportunity to provide support. “This strong show of funding reflects the local recognition of the Shoshone Water Rights’ importance to the health of western Colorado’s environment and local economies,”continue the lawmakers. “We recognize the Shoshone Per… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/04/press-releases-id-5d497567-0bb1-42eb-93ad-dec80719e992/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $170 Million for Clean Water, Reliable Energy Infrastructure in Colorado | 2024-10-04 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed over $170 million in loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 12 Colorado projects in rural and Tribal communities to expand access to safe drinking water and reliable energy. “Everyone deserves access to clean and safe water, no matter where they live. However, far too many rural communities in Colorado face the challenges of aging or unsafe water infrastructure,” said Bennet. “I’m glad towns from Holly to Del Norte will receive this federal support to help them continue delivering reliable, clean water to Coloradans across the state.”’ “Where you live shouldn’t determine if you have clean water to drink or reliable electricity to keep the lights on,” said Hickenlooper. “From Rocky Ford to Silverton, these investments will create thousands of good-paying jobs while expanding access to safe drinking water and reliable energy.” The funding announcement is part of a $1.3 billion nationwide investment to make water infrastructure and the electrical grid more resilient to extreme weather, while creating thousands of well-paying jobs in the process. This funding comes from USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants and the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee programs. It is divided between over $127 million in grant funding and over $42 million in federal loans to the 12 Colorado projects. A full list of selected projects is below: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/10/04/press-releases-id-d4fd6579-dd97-4a75-a907-b4d27010c0fc/ | Bennet, Colleagues Push to Help More Families, Businesses Benefit from Clean Energy Tax Credits for Geothermal Heat Pumps | 2024-10-04 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet alongside 13 of his Senate colleagues called on U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to ensure its final rule for the Section 48 investment tax credit (ITC) allows multiple owners of geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems to claim the tax credit. Because GHPs frequently involve multiple ownership structures, the proposed rule could severely limit home-based and community-scale adoption of this clean energy technology. “GHPs are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available for buildings. Increasing their deployment holds enormous potential to lower energy bills for American families and businesses and to reduce emissions,” wrote Bennet and the senators. GHPs can play a critical role to help decarbonize buildings, reduce the need for new electricity generation and transmission infrastructure, and enable energy savings for Americans. In their letter, the senators urge the Treasury to allow different taxpayers who own separate, functionally interdependent or integral components of a GHP system to be eligible to claim the tax incentive. “We are concerned that Treasury’s proposed guidance…would severely inhibit the adoption of home-based and community-scale GHP systems, which typically involve multiple owners,” continued the senators. “We urge Treasury to modify the proposed guidance and issue a final rule that acknowledges the unique ownership structure of GHP systems and allows taxpayers who separately own the components of a geothermal heat pump system to fully leverage the [investment tax credit].” In addition to Bennet, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) also signed the letter. In December 2023, Bennet and 14 Senate colleagues wro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/26/press-releases-id-32137eb9-b6bd-4dcd-af5e-34e81ae7dc62/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Introduce Public Lands Legislation to Protect Gunnison Basin and Surrounding Regions | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act to permanently protect key portions of the Gunnison Basin and the surrounding regions through a variety of public land management tools, including special designations focused on recreation, wildlife, scientific research, and conservation. The bill is based on over a decade of collaboration with local governments, Tribes, and public lands user groups. It has the bipartisan support of six counties in Western Colorado, as well as the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and local municipalities. A wide variety of local businesses and public lands user groups, including summer and winter motorized recreation, conservation, mountain biking, whitewater recreation, rock climbers, ranchers, water users, and hunters and anglers, also support the bill. “For over a decade, Coloradans have come together at trailheads and kitchen tables to share their love for the spectacular landscape in and around Gunnison County,” said Bennet. “This bill proves that people with wide-ranging interests can forge compromise and develop a common vision to protect our public lands for future generations.” “Adventurers across Colorado and the country come to the Gunnison Basin for its rugged canyons and untamed wilderness,” said Hickenlooper. “Protecting these additional 730,000 acres will help keep it that way for generations.” “Land is very important to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and throughout history we have lost a lot of land that has been taken from the tribe unjustly,” said Manuel Heart, Chairman Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. “To get land back for the tribe by putting it into Trust status as this legislation does, is important to the tribe’s children and grandchildren. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe appreciates Senator Bennet’s work on the GORP Act, supports the legislation and hopes it will move forward quickly in the US Senate.” “Colorado’s great outdoors are known around the world and this bill marks a valuable s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/26/press-releases-id-4db54d97-d730-4c45-89b6-3f82190d7031/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support U.S. Diplomacy With the Western Hemisphere | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to introduce the bipartisan Summit of the Americas Act to strengthen U.S. diplomatic leadership in the Western Hemisphere. The Summit of the Americas convenes heads of state to bolster ties and promote regional partnership, mostly recently in Los Angeles in 2022. U.S. Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Ill.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), and María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the House. “Coloradans understand that the Americas share more than a hemisphere; we share a braided culture, an economy, and a common destiny that we must write together,” said Bennet. “We demonstrated this at the successful Cities Summit of the Americas in 2023 and must continue working to deepen these relationships by institutionalizing such summits at least every four years.” “Our country is strongest when we trust and work with our neighbors,” said Hickenlooper. “The Summit of the Americas helps us tackle the world’s largest issues and strengthens our relationships with our democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere.” The Summit of the Americas Act directs the Secretary of State to support the Summit of the Americas and codify the existing State Department unit to ensure implementation of Summit commitments and work with other U.S. agencies to ensure continued U.S. participation. The bill also expresses support for the Cities Summit of the Americas – of which Denver hosted the inaugural summit in 2023 – to continue as a key element of the larger Summit. In 1994, President Bill Clinton convened the first Summit of the Americas in Miami to promote prosperity and enhance democracy throughout the Americas. Succeeding summits have elevated these and other issues like climate change and immigration. “As Executive Director of the Biennial of the Americas, which proudly hosted the inaugural Cities Summit of the Americas, I wholeheartedly support the Summit of the Americas Act… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/26/press-releases-id-db61550c-60ae-41e2-ba19-09862659dd20/ | Bennet, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Employer Child Care Tax Credit | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), members of the Senate Committee on Finance, introduced the bipartisan Child Care for American Families Act to strengthen the employer-provided child care credit and expand support for small and rural businesses. “Child care costs are rising nationwide, and countless families lack access to affordable, high-quality child care. This makes things that much harder for working parents, strains families’ budgets, and adds undue stress for families with young children,” said Bennet. “The Child Care for American Families Act will help increase our country’s child care supply and reduce the number of Americans in child care deserts.” “Many families across Tennessee and America are struggling to find reliable and affordable child care, and we need to incentivize businesses to invest in child-care services for their employees,” said Blackburn. “Our Child Care for American Families Act would help alleviate the financial burden of child-care costs by expanding and modernizing the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit.” This legislation expands the employer-provided child care credit and increases the existing credit to: 60 percent for businesses in eligible rural areas, for a maximum total credit of $1.2 million annually; 50 percent for small businesses, for a maximum total credit of $1 million annually; and 40 percent of the first $2 million in qualified child care expenses for a maximum total credit of $800,000 annually. The legislation also directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue guidance on multi-employer facilities. In 2018, the Center for American Progress found that more than half—an estimated 51 percent—of the U.S. population lived in a childcare desert, with disproportionate impacts felt by low-income communities, Hispanic communities, and other communities of color. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, 31.7 percent of children below the age of six with working parents do not have access to child car… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/25/press-releases-id-1f213b78-27ae-4fe8-87bc-3c115bb531b2/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Introduce Legislation to Compensate Communities Affected by Gold King Mine Disaster | 2024-09-25 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced the Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act to help communities in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona that were affected by the Gold King Mine disaster of 2015. “The effects of the Gold King Mine disaster were felt far beyond the banks of the Animas River. The blowout hurt families, farmers, and outdoor recreation companies in Durango and throughout southwest Colorado who depend on the river for their livelihoods,” said Bennet. “Almost a decade later, too many Coloradans still feel its effects. Our legislation is a necessary step to help Coloradans finally recover certain remaining costs and damages incurred from the spill and make Southwest Colorado communities whole again.” “Local farmers, homeowners, and outdoor rec outfitters were left high and dry after the Gold King Mine spill in 2015,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bill will make sure they get the compensation they need to finally recover and move forward.” On August 5, 2015, the Gold King Mine spill released 3 million gallons of polluted mining wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers, affecting waterways in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, the Southern Ute reservation, and the Navajo Nation. Though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was able to partially compensate some claims, its ability to meet the needs of affected businesses, farmers, and homeowners is constrained by existing laws. This legislation would provide EPA with the necessary authority and funding to compensate certain outstanding claims from the spill. “The Gold King Mine Compensation Act clears the procedural hurdles that kept businesses that suffered economic losses due to the spill nearly 10 years ago from being made whole,” said Matt Salka, Chair, La Plata County Board of County Commissioners. “We are grateful that the impact felt by those businesses has not been forgotten and that a remedy is possible through this much-appreciated legislation.” “The work that Senators Bennet and Hi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/24/press-releases-id-6fe903c8-4a64-474d-b274-9a6a04d2a2de/ | Bennet, Caraveo, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Recognize Hispanic Restaurant Owners | 2024-09-24 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo joined bipartisan Senate and House colleagues to introduce a resolution celebrating Hispanic Restaurant Week. From September 22nd through October 3rd, the designation recognizes the hard work and contributions of Hispanic restaurant owners and employees in Colorado and across the country. “Through their rich culinary traditions and hard work, Hispanic restaurant workers and owners contribute significantly to our communities and economy,” said Bennet. “Hispanic Restaurant Week celebrates the profound influence of Colorado and the nation’s Hispanic community on our national palette, and I’m grateful to stand with Rep. Yadira Caraveo to honor them with this resolution.” “The Hispanic community enriches the culture, heritage and history of Colorado. The many Hispanic-owned restaurants in our community are a result of their hard work and conviction to build a better future for themselves and their families. Today, we are presenting a Hispanic Restaurant Week Resolution with the support of both parties and both chambers. This is a special occasion to celebrate the many contributions these restaurants — and the hardworking families who run them — bring to our communities.” said Caraveo. In addition to Bennet and Caraveo, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.), Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) also cosponsored the resolution. This resolution is endorsed by the Hispanic Restaurant Association. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/23/press-releases-id-33160d00-894b-4c2b-9e56-57bdd3e22fa5/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Cheer Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month | 2024-09-23 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced and voted to pass the bipartisan resolution formally recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th through October 15th. The resolution passed unanimously. “There is so much to celebrate about the Hispanic community’s deep roots in Colorado,” said Bennet. “This month, I’m grateful for the contributions of the more than 1.2 million Hispanic Americans who call our state home.” “¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Colorado’s rich Latino community defines our state and has helped make it the best place to live,” said Hickenlooper. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson first commemorated Hispanic Heritage by designating “Hispanic Heritage Week.” President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration in 1988 for a full month. Hispanic Americans are the country’s largest racial or ethnic minority group, representing more than 65 million people and comprising nearly a fifth of the U.S. and Colorado’s population. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/19/press-releases-id-3f5c15d9-f866-45b0-b900-5f2d18fdeb86/ | Bennet, Colleagues Push to Combat Disinformation and Misinformation in Latin America and the Caribbean | 2024-09-19 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet alongside U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), introduced a bicameral resolution expressing concern about and calling for action to counter Spanish-language disinformation and misinformation across Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as communities in the United States. While social media companies fail to address these threats, malicious actors affiliated with governments of countries including People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and the Islamic Republic of Iran use misinformation to undermine democracy. “Online misinformation and disinformation are not new, but the sophistication and scale of new generative AI tools has rapidly exceeded existing safeguards and made it easier for foreign influence campaigns to disrupt free and fair elections, sow mistrust, and undermine democracy – especially in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Bennet. “That’s why I’m speaking up with my colleagues to call on social media companies, Latin American and Caribbean governments, and the Biden administration to work together to counter disinformation campaigns and protect democracy in the Western Hemisphere.” “Disinformation poses a significant threat to free and fair elections, and social media platforms must do more to address this growing threat in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Luján. “This resolution urges social media companies to strengthen safety measures, collaborate with civil society and independent media, and boost transparency. It also urges governments across the Americas to invest in combatting misinformation and disinformation. I am committed to preserving the integrity of our elections and ensuring that communities have access to accurate information.” “For years, Russia, China, and other authoritarian regimes have weaponized disinformation to undermine democracy – both in the United States and across the globe,” said Cardin. “In Latin America, this threat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/18/press-releases-id-43cc166c-3d10-49c2-8f1e-0ad62884e56c/ | Bennet, Colleagues Urge FCC to Require AI-Generated Content Disclosure in Political Ads on Radio and TV | 2024-09-18 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over federal elections, alongside U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and six of their Senate colleagues urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt a proposed rule requiring the disclosure of AI-generated content in political ads on radio and TV. “We recognize that the use of AI-generated content has many benefits. But like any new technology, AI poses risks to society, risks that are even more pronounced in the context of elections. The use of AI-generated content has the potential to amplify mis and disinformation, incite political violence, and suppress voter participation,” wrote the senators. “[F]oreign actors may use deceptive AI to sow discord and undermine our democracy and faith in elections,” continue the senators. “[A]s AI-generated content becomes more and more advanced, voters may find it difficult to recognize video, images, audio and text as fake. For this reason, we believe it is imperative that robust transparency and disclosure requirements are in place as soon as possible.” In 2022, Bennet was the first senator to propose creating an expert federal body to regulate digital platforms with his Digital Platform Commission Act. In June 2023, Bennet called on major technology companies to identify and label AI-generated content, and introduced the Global Technology Leadership Act to bolster the government’s ability to assess U.S. capacity in emerging technologies relative to other countries. Bennet also introduced the Oversee Emerging Technology Act and the ASSESS AI Act to ensure government use of AI complies with fundamental rights, and joined his colleagues to introduce the REAL Political Ads Act to require a disclaimer on political ads for federal campaigns that use content generated by AI. In addition to Bennet and Luján, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/17/press-releases-id-04e11383-19c3-40d8-a01e-0dabe04ff206/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Over $600,000 to Prevent Veteran Suicides in Colorado | 2024-09-17 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $642,629 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Colorado suicide prevention services for veterans. The VA awarded two organizations – the Healing Warriors Program in the Eastern Plains and the Front Range and the Valley-Wide Health Systems in Southern Colorado – as part of VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide. “Our country’s veterans have sacrificed so much to keep us safe, and we must do more to ensure they have access to the mental health care they’ve earned,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful Colorado will benefit from this investment, which will save lives and expand urgently needed support to veterans nationwide.” “Over six thousand veterans die by suicide each year. We won’t stand by as our veterans suffer in silence after serving their country,” said Hickenlooper. “These grants will save lives.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/13/press-releases-id-9db7e940-8b36-46a3-8ab5-11b2b209252a/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $28.6 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Improve Road Safety in Colorado | 2024-09-13 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | The County of Gunnison is awarded funds to implement safety improvements along State Highway (SH) 135 to address pressing safety issues. SH 135 is a rural 2-lane highway that serves as the main travel corridor for public bus services throughout Gunnison Valley. Gunnison County’s traffic fatality rate is nearly three times higher than the State of Colorado and US rates. The safety problems include high vehicle speeds, turning vehicle conflicts, a lack of roadway departure countermeasures, poor driver lines of sight, and lack of safe crossing infrastructure. The project will boost safety for all roadway users, mitigate traffic congestion, improve the accessibility of bus transit, foster connections to affordable housing and job opportunities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Improvements include adding center- and edge-line rumble strips, extending guardrails, speed-limit modifications, sidewalk enhancements, installation of roundabouts, a pedestrian underpass, transit bus pullouts, and upgrades to Gunnison Valley’s emergency service provider capabilities. This award will be used by City and County of Denver to conduct temporary activities in the downtown area where 20% of fatal and serious injury crashes occur. Improvements include hardened centerlines, painted/pre-cast concrete pedestrian refuges, bike corral bumpouts for daylighting, re-timing of pedestrian countdown signals to increase walk times at key intersections to/from high ridership transit stops, increased signal visibility, and protected left turns. This award will be used by the City of Fort Collins to conduct two supplemental planning and one demonstration activity. They will conduct an audit of align standards and policies to identify those that do not with City’s Action Plan. A study will look at a four- to six-lane, 45 to 55 mph arterial with bike lanes that is a high priority project under the City’s Action Plan and develop concepts to mitigate speed related risks and reduce severe crashes involving vulnerable road users. A demonstration pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/12/press-releases-id-7f72cc19-6774-420d-afe1-b845edfd6097/ | Bennet, Brown, Bicameral Colleagues Introduce Bill to Support Fossil Fuel Workers Amid Clean Energy Transition | 2024-09-12 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) alongside 20 of their Senate and House colleagues to reintroduce the American Energy Worker Opportunity Act. This bicameral legislation provides critical resources and training opportunities to assist and empower workers whose jobs are affected by the energy industry’s move toward cleaner sources. U.S. Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas) introduced companion legislation in the House. “Workers in Colorado and across our nation’s energy communities have powered our economy for decades. As our country transitions to a 21st century, clean energy economy, we must ensure these workers are at the forefront of our approach” said Bennet. “This legislation would provide critical wage replacement and health benefits to energy workers and invest in training and education programs to help them find new, good-paying jobs.” “We have a responsibility to protect our planet from the climate crisis — while also protecting America’s fossil fuel workers from being left behind in the transition to a clean energy economy,” said Casar. “We don’t have to choose between the planet and workers. We can do right by fossil fuel workers and their families, while also accelerating our fight against the climate crisis.” The American Energy Worker Opportunity Act would create a worker transition program with wage replacement or supplements, health care benefits, education and training funds, and an additional education benefit for children of laid-off workers. Specifically, the legislation would: Provide fossil fuel workers with a wage replacement or supplement in addition to assistance to maintain health benefits and contribute to retirement; Provide worker education and training, up to and including a four-year degree; Create educational grants for the children of dislocated fossil fuel workers; and Require agencies to prioritize the hiring of fossil fuel workers into clean energy jobs when disbursing new energy grants. “Union workers hav… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/10/press-releases-id-e31e1a55-5593-44c5-9c2d-bc463675e343/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Boebert Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Complete the Arkansas Valley Conduit | 2024-09-10 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced the Finish the AVC Act to ensure the affordability and completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC). Bipartisan companion legislation in the House of Representatives was introduced by Colorado U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert. The legislation would remove interest payments on all non-federal cost share funds and extend the repayment period from 50 to 100 years. This bill helps make sure that underserved communities of Southeastern Colorado can access clean drinking water and repay the federal government. The project cost estimate more than doubled from the 2019 estimate of $640 million to $1.3 billion due to increased inflation and labor costs. “This bill will ensure the federal government makes good on its promise to Southeastern Coloradans to deliver a safe and reliable water supply,” said Bennet. “We have invested over $300 million to build the Arkansas Valley Conduit over the past decade and now we must ensure increased costs don’t stop this project in its tracks.” “Water has been the lifeblood of Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley since long before JFK promised to deliver them clean drinking water,” said Hickenlooper. “Sixty years later, our bill will help Southeastern Colorado communities harness their resources to get the job done.” “Southeastern Coloradans need access to a clean, sustainable water supply that every family can depend on, which is what the Finish The AVC Act will deliver,” said Boebert. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with our Senators to help our rural communities in Colorado see this critical project through to completion.” The Arkansas Valley Conduit is the final component of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, a water diversion and storage project in the lower Arkansas Valley, which Congress approved in 1962. Once constructed, the Conduit will deliver clean drinking water from the Pueblo Reservoir to more than 50,000 families, producers and municipalities throughout 39 communities in th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/05/press-releases-id-04133e9c-37b0-4610-bb53-79897f255e88/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome up to $1.1 Billion from Inflation Reduction Act for Rural Electric Cooperatives in Colorado | 2024-09-05 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $7.3 billion from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program to help rural energy and utility providers bring affordable, reliable clean energy to their communities across the country. The announcement includes up to $1.16 billion for three providers in Colorado. Bennet helped secure nearly $13 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to support rural clean energy initiatives through USDA, including the New ERA program. “Our rural electric cooperatives are central to our nation’s ability to transition to a clean energy economy,” said Bennet. “This funding will enable the critical work of helping modernize co-op energy infrastructure across rural Colorado to lower energy costs for families, farms, ranches and small businesses, and to drive opportunity in rural communities.” “The Inflation Reduction Act isn’t just about clean energy, it’s also about reducing electric costs for Coloradans and helping rural communities take power generation into their own hands. Cheaper, cleaner, more reliable electricity for rural Coloradans is a win-win-win,” said Hickenlooper. The New ERA program is a $9.7 billion program created in the IRA that helps rural electric cooperatives transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. It is part of the largest investment in rural electrification since the New Deal. This funding includes investments for three of Colorado’s rural electric cooperatives: Up to $679 million to Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association to procure renewable energy including solar, wind, and battery storage and to support the retirement of coal-fired power generation while maintaining energy reliability; $261 million to United Power to offset the cost of its transition to a strategic, clean energy portfolio; and $225 million to CORE Electric Cooperative to procure renewable energy sources including wind, solar, and batteries through several power purchase agreements. “T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/09/05/press-releases-id-156c3e46-c374-48b6-9e55-ee0c4b1e2aa4/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Nearly $100 Million for Colorado Airports | 2024-09-05 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | This project reconstructs 3,700 feet of the existing paved Taxiway A pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. This project expands the existing terminal by 19,728 square feet. This grant funds new gates, passenger hold rooms, and TSA passenger screening and baggage claim areas. This expansion will facilitate the movement of passengers and baggage to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This project rehabilitates 10,000 feet of the existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life and reconstructs the existing lighting on Taxiway A that has reached the end of its useful life. This project constructs a new 1,300 foot paved Taxiway O to bring the airport into conformity with current standards and reconstructs 970 feet of the existing paved Taxiway D pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. This project rehabilitates 5,250 feet of the existing paved Taxiway C to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement to extend its useful life and rehabilitates 4,000 feet of the existing paved Taxiway D to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement to extend its useful life. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/08/22/press-releases-id-cd7124c8-7080-401a-b754-13d7eb2bf2ab/ | Bennet, Risch, Wasserman Schultz, Salazar to Introduce Legislation to Promote Democracy in Venezuela | 2024-08-22 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), alongside U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), announced their intent to introduce the Venezuela Advancing Liberty, Opportunity, and Rights Act (VALOR Act) when Congress reconvenes in September. This legislation establishes U.S. policy in support of a transition to democratic order in Venezuela. “Maduro and his corrupt, illegitimate regime have wreaked havoc on Venezuela and its people. This bipartisan legislation affirms the United States’ support for the Venezuelan people’s fight to restore the rule of law and democracy in their country when they elected President-elect Edmundo González on July 28. I’ll keep working with Senator Risch and my colleagues to demonstrate that the United States of America stands with them,” said Bennet. “The Maduro regime continues to violate internationally recognized human rights and threaten regional and international peace with impunity. It is past time the United States take the lead in establishing clear and resolute policies to support a credible transition to democratic order in Venezuela,” said Risch. “The VALOR Act will do just that by seeking international cooperation for a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela and maintaining sanctions until there has been substantive and measurable progress. I’m grateful to Senator Bennet for working with me on this effort.” “Venezuelans courageously took to the ballot box to seek true, legitimate representation after a lost decade under Maduro,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Despite violent repression, overwhelming majorities repudiated Maduro and chose President-elect Edmundo González. But this brutal regime refuses to face reality, despite clear evidence proving Maduro’s loss. The Biden-Harris Administration successfully forced Maduro to hold this election. Now, the United States must ensure consequences for Maduro’s attempt to overturn the will of the voters and support a democratic future for all Ve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/08/14/press-releases-id-7b9d8ee1-9d75-4819-a508-f65a55190f5c/ | Bennet, Neguse Lead Letter Urging IRS to Exempt TABOR Refunds from Taxes | 2024-08-14 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse led the entirety of Colorado’s federal delegation in a letter to Internal Revenue System (IRS) Commissioner Danny Werfel urging the agency to refrain from taxing Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) refunds. In 2023, the Colorado General Assembly enacted a bill making TABOR payments flat-rate refunds for one additional year. The IRS is currently considering this refund method for potential taxability. State lawmakers adjusted the refund mechanisms in the most recent 2024 legislative session to comport with IRS guidance on taxability. The letter was joined by Senator John Hickenlooper and Representatives Boebert, Caraveo, Crow, DeGette, Lamborn, Lopez, and Pettersen. “We understand that the IRS is considering treating the flat $800 and $1,600 TABOR payments issued by the state for fiscal year 2022-2023 as federal taxable income,” wrote the Colorado lawmakers. “As you know, our offices strongly disagree with such an interpretation. Moreover, we are particularly concerned that if such guidance were to apply to the tax year in question, Colorado Department of Revenue officials may be unable to successfully and appropriately prepare for this change, and that taxpayers would thereby be left scrambling to determine whether they had unanticipated tax liabilities.” “I appreciate Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse, Senator Bennet and the Colorado delegation for their support in ensuring that Coloradans’ TABOR refunds are not taxed and keeping more money in the pocket of hardworking Coloradans,” added Governor Jared Polis. “I urge the federal government to maintain the decades of precedence that tax refunds are not taxed.” The TABOR Amendment was approved by voters in 1992, and since that time, the State of Colorado has refunded excess revenue generated by the state to the taxpayers. Read the full letter HERE and below. Dear Commissioner Werfel: We write to once again urge the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) not to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/08/08/press-releases-id-71b9900d-c04a-4548-9ec8-c9281bb5655a/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Unanimous Senate Passage of Biannual Water Bill | 2024-08-08 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated the unanimous Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024), which includes Colorado projects to manage flood risk and promote healthy waterways. “As Colorado faces a hotter and drier future, we must ensure our water infrastructure can meet our state’s changing needs,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for the Senate passage of this important package, which will help protect Colorado’s vital waterways and resources for the next generation.” “Water is always on our mind in Colorado. More erratic weather that brings both longer droughts and stronger floods is taxing our infrastructure,” said Hickenlooper. “These new investments will help communities future-proof.” WRDA is passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities. The bill includes the following Colorado projects: $20 million authorized for El Paso County to address water supply and stormwater management. A feasibility study of a project to restore ecosystems along Monument and Fountain Creeks and to rehabilitate the Templeton Gap Levee in Colorado Springs. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Government Accountability Office study to help speed the completion of two projects to promote healthy waterways along the South Platte River and neighboring water systems in the Denver area. A boost in the federal share for assistance from USACE for Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs) to allow USACE to participate in smaller-scale projects to reduce flood damages and restore aquatic ecosystems. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/08/07/press-releases-id-03d5e070-71a5-4b3e-a5e9-f38708bc8f1a/ | Bennet, Marshall Urge Secretary Vilsack to Improve Drought Response for Western Producers | 2024-08-07 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall sent a letter urging Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to adapt the USDA’s drought mitigation programs to provide sufficient resources to western farmers and ranchers. The letter details testimony and recommendations given by Colorado and Kansas producers, water experts, and state officials from the June field hearing in Burlington, Colorado. The field hearing, titled Hearing on the High Plains: Combating Drought with Innovation, focused on solving the unique challenges historic drought is creating for western producers. “Colorado and Kansas producers told us they cannot survive the current levels of drought unless we make serious changes to how we address it,” said Bennet. “Their field hearing testimonies were invaluable, and now we need the assistance from our USDA programs and upcoming Farm Bill to reflect the unique challenges they are facing.” “Through our field hearings and testimonies, we heard the problems and complications loud and clear- it’s now time to focus on solutions,” said Marshall. “We hope the USDA will take the next steps and make improvements and investments to help our Kansas and Colorado producers. We recognize that these won’t solve all our water issues in the West, but it’s a good start.” The letter specifically addresses multiple USDA programs that could be improved including The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), The Watershed and Flood Prevention Program (PL-566). In addition, the letter recommends increased investment in water conservation research and the scaling of innovative and voluntary water conservation approaches, like the creation of a voluntary groundwater conservation pilot program mirrored after Senator Bennet’s Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act. Senators Bennet and Marshall, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Conservation, Climate, Forestry … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/08/05/press-releases-id-6f248839-8b10-423b-9bb4-9c9ea9d165cc/ | Bennet, Tillis, Sinema, Paul, 15 Colleagues Call on FDA to Rely on Scientific Evidence for MDMA-Assisted Therapy to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | 2024-08-05 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), alongside 15 of their Senate colleagues, urged U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf to remain firmly anchored in scientific evidence and data as the FDA considers approval of MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). MDMA-AT could help address the mental and behavioral crisis, especially among American veterans. “Existing treatments and medicines for PTSD, the last of which FDA approved nearly 25 years ago, have not decreased the frequency of suicide within the veteran community. As a nation, we cannot allow our veterans to continue to suffer in silence and must identify treatments proven to drastically decrease the adverse effects of PTSD,” wrote Bennet, Tillis, Sinema and Paul. Every year, 6,000 U.S. veterans die by suicide – and untreated mental health challenges, including PTSD, put veterans at heightened risk of homelessness, addiction, and depression. Breakthrough therapies and scientific advancements such as MDMA-AT offer new hope for those suffering from PTSD, but more research is needed to ensure these treatments are safe and effective. “The potential for groundbreaking advancements in PTSD treatment is within reach, and we owe it to our veterans and other affected populations to review these potentially transformative therapies based on robust clinical and scientific evidence,” continue the senators. “The rigorous, evidence-based review process by the FDA will be critical in making informed decisions that could offer a new lease on life for many individuals, including veterans, affected by this condition.” In addition to Bennet, Tillis, Sinema and Paul, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), G… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/08/02/press-releases-id-0b2f0f5b-bda7-4290-a812-178911362113/ | Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Recognizing Edmundo González Urrutia as Venezuela’s President-Elect | 2024-08-02 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to introduce a resolution recognizing Edmundo González Urrutia as the President-elect of Venezuela. Yesterday, after the Senators introduced their resolution, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also recognized González Urrutia as the winner of Venezuela’s election and called for negotiations to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. “Edmundo González is the duly-democratically elected president of Venezuela. The Venezuelan people have long sought to restore the rule of law and democracy in their country, and the United States of America stands with them,” said Bennet. “The Venezuelan people’s desire for freedom and democracy is admirable. The recent electoral process, which narco-dictator Maduro fraudulently claims he won, has been a testament to the tenacity of the Venezuelan spirit. The United States, along with democracies worldwide, can’t legitimize Maduro nor be complicit by remaining on the sidelines with an illegitimate narco-regime. The time has come for us to recognize the duly-democratically elected president of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia,” said Rubio. “This resolution demonstrates across the political spectrum in the U.S. Senate what we and most of the democratic world recognize as obvious—that Edmundo González won Sunday’s election by a fair and commanding margin. The meticulously compiled and transparent release of more than 80 percent of all Venezuelan election results by credible election monitors confirms this as well. The Venezuelan people have suffered greatly in recent years and voted accordingly for change. I urge respect for the Venezuelan voters’ choice and ensuring peaceful democratic transfer of power,” said Durbin. “Evil dictator, Nicolas Maduro, emboldened by the appeasement of the Biden-Harris administration, is attempting to steal yet another election from the people of Venezuela, meeting their cal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/08/01/press-releases-id-121d154a-d878-46ad-a792-a0fa7f42e54d/ | Bennet, Heinrich, Merkley, Caraveo, Vasquez Welcome $400 Million to Combat Historic Western Drought | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and U.S. Representatives Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of $400 million to address drought through investments at the irrigation district scale in 12 states across the American West. “Family farmers, water users, and communities across the American West are facing the effects of a 1200-year drought and a changing climate. This is a five-alarm fire, and Washington ought to treat it that way,” said Bennet. “With this investment, the Biden administration answered our call to bring resources to bear that will help producers innovate and become more resilient to drought. I’m grateful for Secretary Vilsack’s leadership in delivering this relief for Colorado and the West.” “New Mexicans are on the front lines of increasingly extreme weather events driven by climate change, including prolonged drought and long-term aridification. We need better tools to stay prepared,” said Heinrich, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees USDA. “I applaud the USDA for heeding our calls to invest in new, innovative resources for our agricultural producers and communities to strengthen water security and climate resilience.” “As climate chaos fuels long-term drought in Oregon and across the American West, the federal government must use all the resources at its disposal to address this ongoing crisis,” said Merkley. “My colleagues and I urged the administration to take action earlier this year, and I applaud the USDA for creating this new program to fund innovative water solutions. This is a much-needed step forward to build a stronger, more resilient future for the West’s economy and environment.” “I’m very excited the bicameral effort I helped lead in April urging USDA for Western drought investments paid off. This new Water Savings Commodity Program and federal investments will be life changing for Colorado — givin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/08/01/press-releases-id-3fd9f35e-5b25-49e7-a2bf-4af12edde895/ | Bennet, Colleagues Celebrate Unanimous, Bipartisan Senate Passage of Legislation to Clean Up Abandoned Mines | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, alongside U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), applauded the Senate’s unanimous and bipartisan passage of the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. “Thousands of abandoned mines in Colorado and across the American West threaten our watersheds and pollute our ecosystems,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for the strong bipartisan support to pass this legislation to make it easier for our state, local governments, and nonprofits to clean up these mines, help reduce pollution, and improve water quality.” “Good Samaritan organizations are ready to help clean up abandoned mines that are threatening our communities and polluting the land, water, fish, and wildlife we rely on. I’m proud of the work we have done to advance our commonsense, bipartisan legislation to create a path for these groups to clean up sites in New Mexico and across our country,” said Heinrich. “Efforts to get this done started well before I came to Congress. It’s been an honor to get it across the finish line in the Senate, and I won’t stop working on this until it’s law.” “Today’s Senate passage of our Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act puts us one step closer to cutting the red tape that has prevented good faith actors from cleaning up long-abandoned hardrock mines,” said Risch. “I urge the House of Representatives to take up and pass this commonsense legislation to allow Good Samaritans to conduct this important remediation work.” There are thousands of abandoned hardrock mines across the country that pose environmental hazards. Organizations that have no legal or financial responsibility to an abandoned mine want to volunteer to remediate some of these sites. Unfortunately, liability rules would leave these ‘Good Samaritans’ legally responsible for all the pre-existing pollution from a mine, even though they had no involvement with the mine prior to cleaning it up. The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/31/press-releases-id-41cf09ec-b185-4963-91a1-350430a98dfb/ | ICYMI: On Senate Floor, Bennet Delivers Impassioned Speech Ahead of Senate Child Tax Credit Vote | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet delivered a speech on the Senate floor emphasizing the importance of the Child Tax Credit to cut child poverty ahead of Thursday’s vote on the Wyden-Smith Tax Relief for American Workers and Families Act. “We’re the first generation of Americans, the people in this Senate, that are actually leaving less opportunity, not more, to our kids and our grandkids. That has never happened before in American history… finally, we have a bill in front of us that doesn’t just cut taxes for the biggest corporations and the wealthiest people in the country, but actually cuts taxes for working people,” said Bennet. The Wyden-Smith Tax Relief for American Workers and Families Act would raise the cap on the child tax credit for low-income families and make them eligible for a full $2,000 credit, help reduce housing costs by increasing the supply of affordable housing, and raise the tax deduction small businesses can take on research and development. The House passed the bill on a bipartisan basis on January 31st with 357 votes in favor, 70 votes opposed. Video of Bennet’s remarks is available HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/30/press-releases-id-5d99a9ae-21cc-4e5a-a61a-b461dd217870/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Coloradans Competing in 2024 Summer Olympic Games | 2024-07-30 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, and John Hickenlooper, alongside five of their Senate colleagues, introduced a bipartisan resolution in support of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams competing in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. “Team USA exemplifies rigorous competition, fair play, and the pursuit of dreams,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators. “The people of the United States stand united in respect, admiration, and pride for the athletes of Team USA and their athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, grace under pressure, goodwill toward other competitors, and commitment to excellence.” Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as well as the Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. Of the more than 590 athletes who will represent the United States in this year’s Olympics, 28 are from Colorado. “On behalf of Team USA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, we sincerely thank Senators Blackburn, Hickenlooper, Klobuchar, and Lankford for introducing this resolution. The support of the U.S. Senate as our team heads to Paris means the world to our dedicated athletes and coaches. We also appreciate the Senate’s commitment to partnering with us as we prepare for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. We wholeheartedly support this resolution and eagerly anticipate its swift passage,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO, USOPC. The resolution is supported by the USOPC. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/30/press-releases-id-5f45e559-5eea-41d0-b73f-83d01fe24b1e/ | Bennet Statement on Senate Passage of Kids Online Safety Act | 2024-07-30 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement on his support and Senate passage of the Kids Online Safety Act: “Our children and teenagers’ mental health is at an all-time low, and addictive social media platforms are driving it even lower. That’s why I voted for The Kids Online Safety Act – the first significant bill protecting children online since the advent of the internet. “This bill takes significant steps in safeguarding our children’s mental health and privacy, but we must do more to hold tech companies accountable for their platforms’ harmful effects. “Congress must also pass the Digital Platform Commission Act to establish a commission to regulate social media platforms. Without a permanent regulatory body, misinformation, data harvesting, and business practices that harm American children will undoubtedly continue.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/30/press-releases-id-a069f670-5dcb-4cb1-b6c6-0389a5c75a38/ | Bennet, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Innovation in Education | 2024-07-30 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the New Essential Education Discoveries (NEED) Act to help schools and colleges make advancements in teaching and learning. The legislation would create a national center that advances high-risk, high-reward education research projects, similar to the model employed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). “As a former school superintendent, I know our teachers are doing everything they can to overcome today’s educational challenges – especially as COVID, social media, and nationwide mental health crisis have made their jobs more difficult than ever. They need new tools to overcome these obstacles and educate the next generation of Americans, and Congress can help by investing in cutting-edge education research,” said Bennet. “This bipartisan bill will help schools, educators, and policy makers meet today’s education challenges and make necessary, data-based adjustments in the future.” “With the opportunities and challenges of technology like artificial intelligence, we have a responsibility to develop and disseminate cutting-edge practices to bridge gaps in students’ academic readiness,” said Cornyn. “This legislation invests in education, STEM instruction, and innovative learning methods to help equip our future workforce with the resources and skills necessary to maintain America’s preeminence in the world.” The NEED Act would create a National Center for Advanced Development in Education (NCADE) dedicated to developing and disseminating cutting-edge practices and tools – such as voice recognition software to assess emerging readiness gaps and dyslexia, and digital learning platforms – to help students recover lost learning time from the pandemic. Specifically, the legislation would: Make robust investments to establish, staff, and operate NCADE; Require the Advanced Development Commissioner to appoint an advisory panel to guide the development and implementation of NCADE projects; and Conduct… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/30/press-releases-id-f4aaf63b-06f1-42c8-be12-993dabbe40b4/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $9.7 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Colorado Airports | 2024-07-30 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated $9.7 million in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for seven airports in Colorado. These investments are made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has provided over $400 million to airports across the state. “I’m grateful DOT is supporting Colorado’s airports as they work to meet our state’s changing needs,” said Bennet. “These dollars will help improve safety and capacity so our airports can better connect our communities and fuel our economy.” “Colorado’s airports are a lifeline to rural communities,” said Hickenlooper. “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is repairing roads and runways at airports across the state to keep those communities connected.” This funding includes: $6,366,686 for Denver International Airport to repair existing paved taxiway; $1,200,000 for the Yampa Valley Airport for a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle and equipment to enhance passenger safety; $615,834 for the Wray Municipal Airport to construct a new taxiway in line with current safety standards; $583,377 for the Telluride Regional Airport to construct apron pavement, where airplanes park and unload passengers; $513,559 for the Greeley-Weld County Airport Authority to repair apron pavement; $365,574 for the Cortez Municipal Airport to reconstruct a terminal access road; and $134,347 for the Monte Vista Municipal Airport to extend paved taxiway in line with current safety standards | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/29/press-releases-id-91165a10-d5cf-468c-979b-c6854a53c1c6/ | Bennet, Bipartisan, Bicameral Colleagues Condemn the Maduro Regime’s Sham Presidential Election | 2024-07-29 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, alongside 15 members of Congress, released the following statement regarding Venezuela’s announced election results: “To no one’s surprise, dictator Nicolás Maduro has once again stolen a presidential election. However, what the narco-regime will never steal is the Venezuelan people’s desire to return to democracy and live in freedom after decades of tyranny. We must prioritize uniting the free world in rejecting these sham election results and securing the release of the more than 300 Venezuelans that remain arbitrarily detained in torture centers as political prisoners,” said Bennet and the lawmakers. “The Maduro dictatorship is experiencing an internal fracture, and members of the dictatorship know their status quo, which is filled with incompetence, is no longer sustainable. There is massive discontent in the streets of Venezuela, and everyday citizens have stood in support of opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez. Let there be no doubt: the countries and international organizations backing this fraud of unimaginable proportions must be held accountable, as should members of the narco-regime and its ‘National Electoral Council’.” In 2019, Bennet urged the Trump administration to designate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to ensure that Venezuelan nationals present in the United States were not forced to return to their home country at this time given the deteriorating situation caused by the illegitimate regime of Nicolás Maduro. Last year, Bennet called on the Biden administration to extend the eligibility date for TPS for Venezuelan nationals, given widespread violence, political persecution, food and medicine shortages, and other systemic collapses in Venezuela. In addition to Bennet, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and eight members of the U.S. House of Rep… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/26/press-releases-id-1c83366c-69cb-48a6-97ed-7b4e4f2f395c/ | Bennet, Colleagues Call for Expedited Medical Evacuations of Children from Gaza | 2024-07-26 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, alongside 13 of his Senate colleagues, urged Ambassador of Israel to the United States Michael Herzog and Ambassador of Egypt to the United States Motaz Zahran to ensure Palestinian children who are critically ill or injured can leave Gaza safely to seek medical treatment, and increase access to life-saving medical treatments in Gaza. “While people disagree about the war in Gaza, everyone should agree that no government should prevent injured children access to potentially life-saving medical care. Rather, governments should be doing everything possible to assist in this situation,” said Bennet and the senators. “We have called on our own government to do its part in facilitating safe passage for these children. Our goal is to cooperate with your governments, consistent with your security concerns, to maximize safe passage and increase access to life-saving medical treatment for children in need. We understand some progress has been made, with a number of children in need of cancer treatment being moved out of Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, in cooperation with the World Health Organization,” continued the senators. “We are encouraged by this development as a very positive first step. We must all treat the welfare of children in Gaza as an urgent humanitarian priority and work together to prevent further suffering.” The senators also requested meetings with the Ambassadors to discuss the facilitation of safe passage for more children and their accompanying parent or caregiver to ensure their access to necessary medical treatment. Bennet previously urged the Biden administration to continue working with allies and partners to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza by increasing access points for aid into Gaza, distributing adequate fuel to hospitals, and ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. Bennet also traveled to the West Bank, Israel, and Jordan earlier this year. In meetings with Israeli, Palestinian, and Jo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/22/press-releases-id-e76b3c67-99ed-432a-a012-b779e8e8d06f/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Nearly $330 Million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants for Colorado | 2024-07-22 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that Colorado will receive nearly $330 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. “The Inflation Reduction Act made the largest investment to confront climate change in history, and Colorado is uniquely positioned to benefit from it and lead the transition to a clean energy economy,” said Bennet. “With nearly $330 million for Colorado, these Climate Pollution Reduction Grants will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by helping decarbonize homes and businesses, and addressing methane pollution from landfills, mines and other sources. I’m pleased the EPA is working with local leaders to ensure these investments reach every corner of our state.” “Colorado is already tackling climate change head-on, but to reach our climate goals, we’ll need to continue investing in cleaner technologies and decarbonization efforts,” said Hickenlooper. “We passed the historic Inflation Reduction Act to do just that. And now it’s delivering millions to Colorado to help businesses and local governments measure — and cut — their carbon emissions!” EPA’s CPRG program provides funding for states, local governments, Tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. The funding announced includes nearly $200 million for the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) to reduce emissions from residential and commercial building sectors and increase energy and resource efficiency within the Denver Metropolitan Area, and over $129 million for the Colorado Energy Office to invest in methane emissions monitoring and reporting, support the decarbonization of large commercial buildings, and collaborate with local governments to increase their capacity to engage with climate-focused work. “Our guiding mission is ensuring all peopl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/21/press-releases-id-889d802b-e607-4619-aa63-62bf95410553/ | Bennet Statement on Biden Announcement | 2024-07-21 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement: “America is a better, stronger country because of President Biden’s decades of public service and dedication to the American Dream. “Four years ago, President Biden was the only person in the country who could beat Donald Trump. He overcame Trump’s chaos and contempt for our nation’s long-held commitment to pluralism, civil rights, and the rule of law. He rejected Ronald Reagan’s failed trickle-down economics, and championed working American families. “President Biden deserves all honor for his record in office. In one of his first acts, he expanded the Child Tax Credit – the largest investment in children and working families in generations. He passed the most significant infrastructure bill since President Eisenhower to rebuild our roads, bridges, and airports, and brought home America’s semiconductor industry – creating thousands of high-paying jobs. He took on Big Pharma to curb drug prices and won, and passed the most significant climate bill in world history. President Biden not only restored our fractured alliances but made them stronger. He reinvigorated democracy around the world, and made America safer in the process. “President Biden embodies the decency, integrity, and leadership to which all of us in public service should aspire. “Today, we owe President Biden a debt of gratitude that we may never be able to repay. We may not know what comes next, but by passing the torch to a new standard bearer, President Biden has again given us the chance to beat Donald Trump and give our children the future they deserve. Thank you, President Biden.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/17/press-releases-id-80036ce3-b81d-4003-bdaf-890ceb00446c/ | Bennet, Colleagues Urge Department of Transportation to Act Swiftly to Reduce Methane Emissions | 2024-07-17 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), U.S. Representative Scott Peters (D-Calif.), and bicameral colleagues to call on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to finalize a strong Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Rule. “The rule is urgently needed to improve community safety and reduce methane emissions from millions of miles of pipelines across the United States, and we are concerned to see further delays in the projected finalization schedule,” wrote Bennet and the lawmakers. “We urge the Department of Transportation and PHMSA to finalize, as soon as possible, the proposed protective standards to improve public safety and cut methane pollution from gas pipelines.” Bennet voted for the bipartisan Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020, which requires PHMSA to establish this rule that would reduce methane pollution and protect public safety. The rule strengthens protective standards for the use of advanced leak detection technologies and faster leak repairs on U.S. natural gas pipelines. Bennet has consistently worked to limit methane emissions at the federal level, following Colorado’s lead. In June 2023, Bennet joined 14 Senators to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen a proposed rule to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production and to swiftly implement key provisions of the Methane Emission Reduction Program. In February 2023, Bennet joined bicameral colleagues in urging the EPA to support more robust standards for methane emissions and pollution from oil and natural gas operations. Bennet also led a group of Western Senators in a letter urging the Bureau of Land Management to eliminate routine venting and flaring from oil and gas operations on public and Tribal lands, which Colorado has already banned on state lands. “Strong safeguards are needed to protect public safety and the environment from pipel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/17/press-releases-id-b6cd45c2-fc46-40d2-933a-f37bb6398272/ | Bennet, Pettersen, Bipartisan, Bicameral Colleagues Urge Appropriations Committees to Fund Water Infrastructure Projects | 2024-07-17 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen, alongside U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees over concerns with the federal financing of our nation’s water infrastructure. “The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds have been critical to expand access to clean water, modernize aging water infrastructure, and safeguard our public health,” wrote Bennet, Pettersen, and the lawmakers. “If funding shortfalls and diversions continue, a major lifeline of our federal water infrastructure funding will run dry at a time when costs for infrastructure, design, and planning are skyrocketing.” The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) have been the principal financing programs for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects for nearly three decades. However, more than $3.7 billion dollars has been redirected from these projects since 2021. States are now experiencing significant shortfalls in funding for important water infrastructure projects. In the letter, the lawmakers urge the committees to provide a more sustainable funding source for critical water projects. “Robust funding through the annual appropriations bills are essential for SRF borrowers to maintain their access to financing for critical infrastructure and ensure clean water for years to come.” said Keith McLaughlin, Executive Director, Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority. “The Colorado Water Congress has long supported legislation and appropriations processes to fund our nation’s clean water and drinking water infrastructure,” said Chane Polo, Deputy Director, Colorado Water Congress. “It is our policy to support efforts that maximize the ability of water funding entities, including the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority, to finance water pro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/16/press-releases-id-bc0ddf57-b347-4536-8357-8bc11412371b/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Over $16 Million to Expand Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado | 2024-07-16 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed over $16 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for Colorado organizations working to train skilled workers and close critical workforce gaps. “I hear all the time from veterans and single parents in Colorado who want to provide for themselves and their families, but who haven’t been given the tools to earn a living wage. Thankfully, Colorado has companies that want to hire them and excellent programs like these to train them,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for these investments which will help connect Coloradans with sustainable careers and create economic mobility for workers of every background.” “Our outdated education model leaves talented students in the lurch while critical industries struggle to hire enough skilled workers,” said Hickenlooper. “In Colorado, we know apprenticeships are the onramp students desperately need; now the rest of the country can follow our lead.” This funding was announced as part of over $244 million in federal grants for apprenticeship programs across the country – the largest combined federal investment in apprenticeships in U.S. history. The funding will be allocated through two federal grant programs – the Apprenticeship Building America initiative and the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula. This funding includes: $6,000,000 for the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board in Centennial; $4,000,000 for Careerwise Colorado in Denver; $3,843,966 for Activate Work Inc. in Denver; $1,662,779 for Vail Valley Works Inc. in Edwards; and $839,094 for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “The Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! are honored to receive this grant, which enables the Colorado Apprenticeship HUB to expand its work of bringing high-quality registered apprenticeship opportunities to more residents across the state. This funding allows us to develop innovative opportunities responsive to industry needs and supportive … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/11/press-releases-id-c684c52f-4f45-4231-9bab-44a9ccc3516a/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Crow Urge VA Rocky Mountain Network to Address Patient Care Concerns | 2024-07-11 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined Colorado U.S. Representative Jason Crow to urge the Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Network (VISN 19) to urgently address issues affecting veteran patient care within the Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System (VA ECHCS) network and Rocky Mountain Regional VA (RMR VA) Medical Center. The lawmakers’ letter follows reports from the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) that revealed multiple leadership issues at the RMR VA Medical Center, an extended pause in surgeries resulting in the loss of staff, a culture of fear created by key leaders at the facility, and oversight failures. “As problems persist within the ECHCS, we are increasingly concerned about the quality of care Colorado veterans receive, a lack of adherence to the required medical and employee procedures, and how recent leadership changes have impeded the system’s effectiveness,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Crow. In their letter, the lawmakers express concern about issues related to veteran patient care, including quality issues with VA ECHCS, budget cuts, and hiring freezes. Additionally, they point to over 500 surgery cancellations at RMR VA beginning in March, after unidentified residues were found on reusable surgical equipment. The lawmakers call for immediate action, timely responses to their questions, and active oversight of RMR VA by the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure the health and safety of Colorado veterans. “We share the goal of providing veterans across the country with timely, quality, and consistent health care. The continuous appointment delays and ongoing quality issues at ECHCS undermine this objective,” the lawmakers concluded. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Mrs. Kumar-Giebel and Dr. Bray-Hall: We write to express our concern regarding veteran patient care within the Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) and at the Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center. In a report … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/10/press-releases-id-28b79749-17d1-49ef-ba79-97c73ef4baf5/ | Bennet, Wyden, Crapo Introduce Bill to Improve Unemployment Insurance Programs | 2024-07-10 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet alongside U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and nine of their Senate colleagues introduced the Unemployment Insurance Integrity and Accessibility Act to improve the nation’s unemployment insurance system. “Too many Americans struggle to access essential unemployment benefits as they navigate a patchwork of outdated state systems,” said Bennet. “Our bipartisan bill strengthens unemployment systems across the country to help American workers stay afloat during difficult times.” “The Covid-19 pandemic showed that unemployment insurance systems were too often unable to keep up with the needs of American workers and too vulnerable to fraud,” said Wyden and Crapo. “This bipartisan bill will go a long way to making the UI system more accessible to workers who need it and protecting taxpayer dollars by recouping and preventing fraud.” The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that states’ Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs were both difficult for workers to access and vulnerable to fraud. The Unemployment Insurance Integrity and Accessibility Act would prevent future UI fraud and help ensure those who defrauded the system during the pandemic are brought to justice. It would also provide relief for claimants who were overpaid and cannot afford repayment or face other hardships, and take steps to make UI systems more accessible to eligible workers. Specifically, the legislation addressing fraud and overpayment, strengthening program integrity, and investing in up-to-date technology, including by: Extending the federal statute of limitations for pandemic unemployment insurance fraud to 10 years (from 5 years under current law); Requiring states to crossmatch unemployment compensation claims against the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) to prevent claimants from collecting UI if they are working; Requiring states to utilize systems such as the State Information Data Exchange (SIDES) to allow electronic transm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/09/press-releases-id-c8da1d5b-f4e6-41a1-b95a-68e6f1beaf1b/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Nearly $52 Million to Modernize Colorado Public Bus Systems | 2024-07-09 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed nearly $52 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve and modernize bus systems across the state. The funding includes nine grants from DOT’s Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program and the Low or No Emission Grant Program, with funding made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The senators sent letters in support of three of the projects awarded. “With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these investments will help Colorado communities make necessary improvements to their bus systems to cut emissions and better meet the needs of Coloradans who rely on public transit,” said Bennet. “Reliable rides and cleaner air – that’s what the historic investments from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are delivering for Coloradans!” said Hickenlooper. “Today, 117 communities, including Colorado, are receiving the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris Administration is helping agencies across 47 states replace old buses running on dirty, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses, manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go.” DOT’s Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program helps states replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment to construct bus-related facilities and modify low or no-emission vehicles and facilities. The Low or No Emission Grant Program provides funding to state and local governments for the purchase of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including the acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. A full list of projects awarded is below. Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/03/press-releases-id-44b9606f-b2b1-4af6-a2d2-71b7733ec967/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Statement on Dolores Canyons National Monument Proposal | 2024-07-03 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper released the following statement on the proposal to designate the Northern Dolores Canyons region as a national monument: “For decades, Coloradans have worked to find a sensible way to protect the Dolores River. Over the last several months, we have spent time in the Northern Dolores Basin and had many conversations about its future. “Based on these conversations, it is clear that Coloradans care deeply about this landscape and many want it permanently protected. We also recognize there are legitimate questions and the need for further discussion. “We are committed to continuing to work with local leaders, public land users, affected counties, and Tribes to determine the best path. No matter the tool we use to permanently protect the Dolores, we will follow these principles: Management: The Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service should continue to manage the federal lands in the northern Dolores landscape as they do now. Fees: No one should be charged an entrance fee to access designated lands. Grazing: Grazing should continue and be managed pursuant to existing laws and regulations. Motorized Travel/ATVs: The Rimrocker Trail should remain open to motorized and other recreational uses. Mountain Biking: Mountain biking should continue with opportunities to pursue new trail development. Mining: Any designation should protect all valid existing rights. Hunting/Fishing: Any designation should allow hunting and fishing to continue. Water: Any designation should protect existing water rights and should not create a federal reserved water right.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/07/02/press-releases-id-b4baf34d-4a80-4835-a53a-c733c6e4f8fd/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Over $40 Million in Federal Funding for Colorado’s Tech Hub Elevate Quantum | 2024-07-02 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed the Department of Commerce’s announcement that Colorado’s Elevate Quantum has been awarded $40.5 million in federal funding to support the nation’s leading quantum ecosystem. This historic investment from the CHIPS and Science Act’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) grant program will also unlock $74 million in state funding and an estimated $1 billion in private capital to solidify the Mountain West as a global leader in quantum technologies. “Colorado is at the forefront of our country’s quantum revolution,” said Bennet. “We passed the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act to revive our advanced manufacturing capacity and renew our commitment to cutting-edge research and development in areas like quantum technologies. Today’s announcement underscores the global leadership of Colorado’s quantum industry and the Rocky Mountain region’s role in strengthening our country’s advantage in next-generation technologies. This funding makes it clear that Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West are at the core of America’s quantum future.” “Colorado is the Silicon Valley of the quantum era, and Elevate Quantum is going to lead us there,” said Hickenlooper. “Quantum is going to revolutionize medical drug discovery, supercharge artificial intelligence, strengthen U.S. cybersecurity, and support our transition to clean energy. This is Colorado’s next great success story.” In October 2023, the Department of Commerce designated Elevate Quantum as one of only two Tech Hubs focused on advancing quantum technologies. Elevate Quantum is a coalition of over 120 organizations across the Rocky Mountain West, including private companies, startups, workforce development organizations, and universities such as the University of Colorado and Colorado School of Mines. The Elevate Quantum Tech Hub is based in Boulder, and includes partnerships with organizations across Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. With a $40.5 million dollar award from the Biden… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/28/press-releases-id-0110f203-9a69-4996-b648-de28c0f79514/ | Bennet Welcomes Landmark Agreement to Provide Community and Financial Assistance for Craig and Moffat County Through Energy Transition | 2024-06-28 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet welcomed the agreement between Tri-State Generation and Transmission, the City of Craig, and Moffat County to provide up to $70 million in financial and other support between 2026 and 2038 for the economic transition resulting from the closure of Craig Station, a coal-fired power plant. “For years, when I’ve visited Craig and other communities in Northwest Colorado, I’ve heard concerns about what coal mine and power plant closures will mean for their main streets and way of life. Communities like Craig need support to smooth the transition, long-term economic certainty, and resources to help them thrive. This agreement is a major step in the right direction. I’m grateful to have worked alongside leaders from Moffat County and Craig as they carve out a new path forward, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure energy communities that have powered our state for decades are able to prosper in the future,” said Bennet. The settlement includes: $22 million in direct assistance to Craig and Moffat County between 2026 and 2029 to create a community economic development trust fund; Up to $48 million in other anticipated investments between 2028 and 2038 to fill the gap in lost property tax revenue following the closure of Craig Station; and Water rights secured for Moffat County for its Lower Yampa River Augmentation Plan. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/28/press-releases-id-2a14f57a-f23f-42d1-9ffb-2f4ebc915b35/ | Bennet Welcomes Nearly $209 Million in Federal Funding for Colorado | 2024-06-28 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — In case you missed it, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet welcomed nearly $209 million in federal funding for Colorado over the past ten days. This funding includes the following investments: $75 million to Entegris CHIPS and Science Act Entegris, a company that creates critical tools used in semiconductor manufacturing, will receive up to $75 million from the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. This funding will support their expansion in Colorado Springs and create hundreds of high-paying jobs. $63 million to Colorado infrastructure projects U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program As part of $1.5 billion in RAISE grants awarded nationwide through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $63 million will support six infrastructure projects across Colorado. See the full list of projects HERE. $48 million for Colorado counties U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) 56 Colorado counties will receive nearly $48 million from DOI’s PILT, which provides payments for tax-exempt federal lands administered through DOI bureaus. This funding will help provide essential services for Colorado counties, including law enforcement, education, search and rescue, and more. $20 million for new quantum lab at the University of Colorado Boulder U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) A $20 million award from NSF will support the construction of a new research facility at the University of Colorado Boulder to accelerate the development of critical quantum technology. $3 million to rural Colorado small businesses and agricultural producers U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Nearly $3 million in funding from USDA’s REAP program will benefit 11 small businesses, family farms, and ranches to help Coloradans deploy clean energy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/28/press-releases-id-9e09aa88-208c-4510-b1ff-b45171dd31f4/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge USPS to Ensure On-Time Delivery of Mail-In Ballots | 2024-06-28 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside 17 of their Senate colleagues, called on U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster Louis DeJoy to ensure the timely delivery of mail-in ballots throughout the 2024 election cycle and beyond. “USPS serves an essential function in American elections. On a nonpartisan basis, it securely processes, transports, and delivers election mail, including ballots,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators. “We believe that the Postal Service remains well-equipped to securely deliver mail-in ballots. However, given the service disruptions already resulting from the DFA plan, we fear the same approach adopted by USPS in 2020 and 2022 may not be sufficient to guarantee on-time delivery results.” Following recent USPS facility consolidations, many communities across the country have faced unreliable and untimely delivery, particularly in rural areas. Bennet and Hickenlooper have repeatedly called on USPS to improve mail service for Coloradans. Last month, alongside Colorado lawmakers, the senators reiterated their calls to the USPS to improve mail delivery service for Colorado’s mountain communities. In May, the senators urged USPS to eliminate fees to access their mail for Coloradans whose physical addresses were not eligible for home delivery. In April, USPS delayed proposed changes to the Grand Junction Processing and Distribution Center following a letter from the senators. Last year, Bennet and Hickenlooper invited DeJoy to tour a mail facility in Colorado to see the ongoing service and delivery challenges that Coloradans face. In addition to Bennet and Hickenlooper, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Angus King (Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Je… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/26/press-releases-id-3be34849-83dd-4ec5-b623-afe603b49896/ | Bennet, Marshall Hear from Colorado, Kansas Farmers Combating Drought During Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing in Burlington | 2024-06-26 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources, and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Ranking Member, held a subcommittee field hearing in Burlington, Colorado. “Today’s farmers and ranchers face a 1,200-year drought, a changing climate, and a future that keeps getting hotter and drier. Yet America’s agriculture conservation programs haven’t kept pace with a West that looks very different from the Dust Bowl era,” said Bennet. “I was grateful to hear today from experts, producers, and partners concerned for rural America’s future. America’s farmers need our agriculture conservation programs to be much more flexible and allow for innovation because the future of rural America depends on whether the next generation decides to continue operating their family farms and ranches.” “Colorado and Kansas share much more than a border. For about ten of the last fifteen years, we’ve shared this drought – and I believe that water will be the defining issue of our states for not just the near future, but for generations ahead,” said Marshall. “Farmers and ranchers need federal assistance to maintain their livelihoods and to produce our nation’s food supply, but they need more flexibility. Unfortunately, bureaucracy in DC sometimes delays the process. I’m confident that we’ll come out of today’s field hearings with innovative solutions for farmers and ranchers in our corner of the country and beyond.” During the hearing, the senators heard from Western producers and agricultural leaders – including Colorado Department of Agriculture Water Advisor Robert Sakata, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg, Colorado State Senator Cleave Simpson, Colorado Farm Bureau President Carlyle Currier, Republican River Water Conservation District Director Don Brown, and Kansas Water Office Director Constance C. Owen – who highlighted the successes and limitations of existing federal drought tools and help inform new mechanisms to deal with persistent dr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/25/press-releases-id-28a67b01-dfcf-4ec8-9c41-decdc5a781c4/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Promote Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling | 2024-06-25 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside twelve of their Senate colleagues, urged the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to bolster and diversify the nation’s domestic supply of electric vehicle batteries and promote the emerging electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling industry. “EV battery recycling can help bridge the gap in our domestic supply chain and reduce our dependence on foreign imports…” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators. “Used batteries contain valuable mineral resources and reclaiming them will help increase our manufacturing capacity.” As the use of EVs accelerates, the demand for critical minerals needed to manufacture new batteries also grows. While China currently dominates the global supply of these minerals, battery recycling is an important tool for the United States to build a more resilient battery supply chain. In their letter, the senators urge DOE to promote battery recycling in the federal government by partnering with other agencies, improve battery use collection, and prioritize technologies to facilitate efficient recycling. Bennet helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated more than $6 billion for advanced battery manufacturing, research, and development as well as the Inflation Reduction Act, which included long-term incentives for domestic battery and critical mineral production that he championed. In addition to Bennet and Hickenlooper, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) also signed the letter. The letter is supported by: Ford, Stellantis, General Motors, Plug In America, Sierra Club, Battery Minerals and Technology Coalition, Umicore, the Rocky Mountain Institute, MEMA: The Vehicle Suppliers Association, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Electri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/24/press-releases-id-a4b9cb9d-3b2d-457e-a528-a0e6ddec1840/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Nearly $63 Million for Colorado Infrastructure Projects | 2024-06-24 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed nearly $63 million for six Colorado projects from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. The investments are part of $1.5 billion in RAISE grants awarded nationwide through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The senators sent letters in support of all six projects awarded. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this funding will support Colorado as we work to meet our state’s changing needs – from improving our roadways to strengthening local economies,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful that the Department of Transportation heard our calls to support these projects.” “From Akron to Towaoc to Greeley, our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering the funding our communities need to update infrastructure that’s key to economic growth,” said Hickenlooper. “Improved roads, better trails, and expanded mobility hubs will help us build a safer, more connected Colorado.” The RAISE grant program is a direct federal investment in road, rail, and transit projects. These grants support projects that are often more difficult to fund through traditional federal grant programs. A full list of projects in Colorado is below. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:11:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/20/press-releases-id-a66032d2-91d7-4c52-bda6-1c42fd417632/ | Bennet, Kaine Reintroduce Medicare-X Choice Act to Achieve Universal Health Care | 2024-06-20 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. –– Today, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) announced the reintroduction of their legislation, the Medicare-X Choice Act, which would create a public option by expanding on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare. The Medicare Exchange (Medicare-X) plan would offer families, individuals, and small businesses affordable health insurance, decrease the number of uninsured Americans, control the cost of health care, and increase competition in the health insurance market. Bennet and Kaine’s bill would help achieve universal health care by making coverage more affordable and accessible. “Our health care system repeatedly falls short of giving working Americans the care they need, especially in rural communities,” said Bennet. “Medicare-X is the best way to cover everyone regardless of where they live, reduce health costs, and improve the quality of available health insurance. We have a responsibility to create the best health care system possible and achieve universal coverage in our country. We can do that through Medicare-X.” “Everywhere I go in Virginia, I hear about how essential access to quality and affordable care is to the health and well-being of our communities. While landmark legislation like the Affordable Care Act helped us make major strides in helping Virginians get covered, there’s still work to do,” said Kaine. “This legislation will help more Virginians, including those living in rural communities, get the care they need at a price they can afford.” The ACA expanded health insurance coverage to an additional 20 million Americans, established critical protections for patients with pre-existing conditions, and standardized essential health benefits for all qualified health plans. However, many Americans still face high health care costs and limited options for affordable health insurance. The bill would work within the Medicare framework to establish a Medicare Exchange public option plan in every county in America for individuals and small businesses… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/18/press-releases-id-710333e0-17cc-4f9b-be3f-9d7ac4abf2f0/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Extend Colorado River Conservation Program | 2024-06-18 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), introduced the Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act. The bipartisan legislation extends the System Conservation Pilot Program, a 4-year pilot program to test voluntary water conservation measures to manage severe drought in the Colorado River Basin. “As drought wreaks havoc on the Colorado River system, Colorado and Upper Basin states are doing their part and stepping up to conserve real water,” said Bennet. “We need to work together to address the Colorado River crisis, and conservation is one part of the puzzle,” said Hickenlooper. “Let’s finish the pilot program and figure out what works best for Colorado’s communities and our farmers.” “Over the last several years, the Upper Basin System Conservation Pilot Program has proven successful in increasing water efficiency and mitigating the impacts of historic drought,” said Romney. “Reauthorizing this important program will encourage water conservation in Lake Powell and other bodies of water in the Upper Colorado River Basin.” “Wyoming, along with other Colorado River Basin states, have worked together to conserve water in the Colorado River system. Programs like the System Conservation Pilot Project are critical to helping address drought issues across these states,” said Barrasso. “Our bipartisan legislation extends this program and provides our farmers and ranchers with resources to conserve water in the Colorado River and the lakes they depend on.” “The west continues to lead the nation in our cutting-edge water conservation and management practices,” said Lummis. “Our ability to maintain that reputation hinges on preserving proven policies that mitigate drought threats, and I am excited to partner with my colleagues to protect Wyoming communities and ranchers from droughts by continuing this successful program.” The legislation extends the current pilot progr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/18/press-releases-id-80a5f9fc-40e3-419f-84d0-35a93c3f0785/ | Bennet, Fischer Celebrate Senate Passage of Resolution Promoting Mental Health Awareness for Farmers and Agriculture Producers | 2024-06-18 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) celebrated Senate passage of their resolution designating May 29th as “Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.” According to the National Rural Health Association, the suicide rate among farmers is 3.5 times higher than that of the general population. “Unprecedented challenges are taking a toll on the mental health of Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and farm workers — including severe drought and increased costs. I’m grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to raise awareness about mental health and to work to expand access to care for Americans in every community,” said Bennet. “From unpredictable weather to volatile markets and trade agreements, the livelihood of Nebraska’s agricultural producers and workforce depend on several factors beyond their control. This uncertainty, paired with extreme stress, leads to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Our resolution recognizes those unique challenges and supports the farmers, ranchers, and workers who perform the essential work of producing high quality food, fuel, and fiber,” said Fischer. Bennet has advocated in Congress to increase awareness and support for mental health care among farming communities, including by introducing the Farmer’s First Act of 2023. This bipartisan bill would help connect farmers with valuable mental health resources and increase funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) appreciates Senator Fischer’s and Senator Bennet’s strong commitment to uplifting the mental health of agricultural workers. NRHA is proud to support the Senators’ resolution to designate May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. We join the Senators in recognizing the importance of those working in the agriculture industry, improving their mental health, and reducing stigma around mental health,” said Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Health Association.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/14/press-releases-id-36b4a4d3-cb60-48d8-aa26-d70d3a97b610/ | Bennet, Padilla, Salinas, Lofgren Introduce Bill to Provide Disaster Relief for Farm Workers | 2024-06-14 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) alongside U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) introduced the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. This bicameral legislation would provide emergency assistance grants to America’s farm workers following natural or climate disasters that affect their ability to earn a living. “Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s economy and central to our Western way of life, but as climate-fueled disasters become increasingly common, our state’s farm workers are paying the price,” said Bennet. “The people that grow America’s fruits, vegetables, and other crops deserve assistance – especially after emergencies like drought, wildfires, or other natural disasters. This legislation recognizes their crucial role in our economy.” “California’s farm workers labor under extreme conditions to help put food on the table for hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Padilla. “But as farm workers in Pajaro learned last year after extreme flooding, and those across the country know too well, natural disasters can devastate agricultural communities. We must protect the beating heart of our nation’s food supply by providing critical emergency assistance to these essential workers.” “As the daughter of a former farmworker, I am proud to introduce this bill to deliver much-needed disaster relief for the hardworking men and women who grow and harvest our food,” said Salinas. “Climate change is only getting worse, and unexpected disasters can strike at any time. Yet despite their critical importance to our food system and economy, America’s farmworkers currently do not receive direct federal support when they are forced to miss out on work and lose wages as a result. This legislation would finally right that wrong and ensure that, rain or shine, our farmworkers and their families can continue to pay the bills and put food on the table.” “When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across the United States continue to help feed the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:11:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/12/press-releases-id-74c5b33f-ca04-44ac-ae10-f7d95fd4f558/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Polis Celebrate Biden Administration Approval of Colorado’s $826 Million Plan to Extend High-Speed Internet Across the State | 2024-06-12 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) approval of Colorado’s proposal to extend high-speed internet across the state. Colorado plans to achieve this goal using $826 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. “Affordable, high-speed broadband is essential for modern American life. Colorado helps lead the way on successful implementation of the BEAD Program, which will bridge the digital divide for communities across Colorado — especially our rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, and communities of color,” said Bennet. “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in high-speed and affordable broadband ever, is closing the digital divide for Tribes and small business owners in rural communities across Colorado,” said Hickenlooper. “We’re ready to finish what we’ve started.” “Colorado is excited to expand reliable, high-speed broadband across our state and this approval of our plans for BEAD funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will accelerate those efforts,” said Polis. “I was pleased to be the first governor in the nation to support this law and I thank the Biden administration for their partnership. We look forward to seeing even more Colorado households get access to the internet they need to thrive.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/04/press-releases-id-6456efbb-b8ee-42ed-84e5-c47129574382/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Pettersen, Neguse Keep Up Push to Hire More Postal Workers, Improve Mail Service for Mountain Communities | 2024-06-04 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen and Joe Neguse reiterated their calls to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to improve mail delivery service for Colorado’s mountain communities. Following a USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audit of mail service in Colorado’s mountain towns that revealed staffing problems, disorganized and inefficient mail processing, and delivery delays, the lawmakers raised their concerns to USPS in December 2023. “[T]he USPS workforce in Colorado is under-staffed and often under-resourced. The report concluded that the lack of sufficient staffing at Colorado mail facilities is the biggest barrier to consistent and reliable mail service in Colorado. As a result, Colorado constituents have lost trust in the USPS to deliver timely prescription medications, financial documents, and mail-in ballots, among other deliveries,” wrote the lawmakers. “[W]e urge you to address the personnel recruitment and retention challenges identified in the audit and enable pay increases to hire and retain postal workers,” continued the lawmakers. “Pay increases for postal workers in Colorado would immediately strengthen USPS recruitment and retention and lead to more consistent, on-time delivery and improved mail operations across our state.” Bennet, Hickenlooper, Pettersen, and Neguse have repeatedly called on USPS to improve mail service for Coloradans. In May, Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Neguse urged USPS to eliminate fees to access their mail for Coloradans whose physical addresses were not eligible for home delivery. In April, Bennet and Hickenlooper successfully pushed USPS to delay proposed changes to USPS’ Grand Junction Processing and Distribution Center. Last year, Bennet and Hickenlooper invited DeJoy to tour a mail facility in Colorado to see the ongoing service and delivery challenges that Coloradans face. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Postmaster General DeJoy and Deputy Pos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/06/04/press-releases-id-bbea8d92-d464-4f4a-a953-472603a792ce/ | Bennet, Colleagues Push to Cut Red Tape for Colorado Cannabis Small Businesses | 2024-06-04 | 2024 | 2024-06 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, alongside nine of his Senate colleagues, sent a letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations leaders urging them to allow legal cannabis small businesses to access programs and resources from the Small Business Administration (SBA). “SBA loan programs would be especially helpful to cannabis small businesses because they would fill gaps left by the private sector and could expand the availability of capital for many entrepreneurs– including for our minority, women, and veteran business owners,” wrote Bennet and the senators. “Access to SBA loan and entrepreneurship programs would support a rapidly growing industry that creates jobs, supports small businesses, and raise revenues in states that have chosen to legalize cannabis.” Last year, Colorado collected over $274 million in tax revenue from legal cannabis businesses. However, current federal policy prohibits these businesses from being able to access small business loans and entrepreneurial development programs available to all other legal businesses. Bennet has repeatedly advocated for the support of cannabis small businesses, including by introducing the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act and the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act to provide legally-operating cannabis businesses access to critical banking services In addition to Bennet, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) also signed the letter. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Chairman Van Hollen and Ranking Member Haggerty: As you begin drafting the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Financial Services and General Government Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, we respectfully request that you include bill language prohibiting the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying loan applicatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:24:47Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/30/press-releases-id-228e153a-2605-45f4-8b5a-b69728b69c9d/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Additional $90 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Ark Valley Conduit | 2024-05-30 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed the announcement from the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) that $90 million in new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law would be made available to expedite construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC). “Since joining the Senate, I’ve pushed for greater investments and passed legislation to ensure the federal government keeps its word and finishes the Arkansas Valley Conduit,” said Bennet. “This announcement brings us one step closer, but I’ll keep working with the Bureau of Reclamation and the 39 communities across Southeast Colorado to finish this project and deliver a safe and reliable water supply for every Coloradan.” “We broke ground on the Arkansas Valley Conduit to finally deliver clean drinking water to Southeast Colorado. Now, more Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments like this one will speed up the timeline,” said Hickenlooper. The AVC is a planned 130-mile water-delivery system from the Pueblo Reservoir to communities throughout the Arkansas River Valley in Southeast Colorado. This funding will help expedite the construction timeline. The AVC is the final phase of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, which Congress authorized in 1962. Bennet and Hickenlooper have consistently and successfully advocated for increased funding for the AVC. In January, Bennet and Hickenlooper wrote to President Biden to urge him to prioritize funding for the AVC in his Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget. The senators also called on Senate Appropriations leaders to provide more funding for the project in the FY25 appropriations bill. In January 2023, Bennet and Hickenlooper urged BOR to allocate additional resources through annual appropriations and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/24/press-releases-id-82aa5514-0d5a-4ea4-a4db-3be393189f90/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Push to Increase Funding for Federal Pell Grant Program | 2024-05-24 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside 42 of their Senate colleagues, sent a letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations leaders encouraging them to increase funding for the Pell Grant program in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) government funding bills. “[W]e remain concerned that the value of the Pell Grant has steadily declined since it was first created – now covering the lowest share of the cost of attendance in its 50-year history. Increasing the maximum award would provide a substantial investment toward reversing this decades-long decline,” continued the senators. As more students face food and housing insecurity, the senators call on Senate leaders to include sufficient funding in the upcoming government funding bills to increase maximum awards, expand eligibility, and extend more awards to historically underrepresented students. “The Pell Grant is the cornerstone of federal student aid, and currently helps over 6 million students pursue higher education in the United States,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators. “With a continued investment in the Pell Grant, we can better extend educational opportunity to more students from low- and moderate- income families, who will be critical to meeting the demand for a highly educated-workforce.” A former school superintendent, Bennet has repeatedly worked to make college more affordable – including earlier this year by pushing the U.S. Department of Education to address issues in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and ensure that every student receives the Pell Grants for which they are eligible. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Chair Baldwin and Ranking Member Capito: As you begin your work on Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) appropriations, we urge the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) Subcommittee to make sure the discretionary allocation for the Pell Grant effectively meets the needs of students, protects all Pell Gran… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/23/press-releases-id-1bad3b6e-b289-4c8d-a6c6-0319c3e1d321/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Laud Committee Passage of Colorado Priorities in Biennial Water Bill | 2024-05-23 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated bipartisan committee passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The senators worked to include Colorado priorities and water infrastructure investments as part of the biennial legislation that addresses nationwide water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water projects. “As Colorado communities face a hotter and drier future, we need to continue to invest in our water infrastructure. I’m grateful that these projects received bipartisan support in today’s Senate Committee vote. I’ll keep working to move these projects and funding through Congress so we can protect Colorado’s vital waterways and resources for the next generation,” said Bennet. “Floods and droughts alike strain Colorado’s water infrastructure,” said Hickenlooper. “These investments will equip our communities to build stronger, more reliable waterways and healthier ecosystems.” This legislation includes important funding and new authorities for Colorado, including: $20 million for El Paso County to help address a variety of water supply and stormwater management needs; Authorization for the Templeton Gap Levee, Mountain and Fountain Creeks Study on the ecosystem restoration of a 7-mile stretch of Monument and Fountain Creeks and the rehabilitation of the 2-mile-long Templeton Gap levee in Colorado Springs, which will promote water quality and mitigate flood risk; South Platte River Projects Study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Government Accountability Office to speed up the completion of two projects to promote healthy waterways along the South Platte River and neighboring Denver water systems; Increasing federal support from $10 million to $15 million for the majority of USACE’s Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs) – smaller-scale projects to reduce flood damages and restore aquatic ecosystems; and Reauthorizing the National Dam Safety Program to continue the repair and removal of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/22/press-releases-id-e9ad34cd-5862-4f62-b2be-9b6860920b23/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Call on USPS to Eliminate Fees for Eligible Steamboat Springs Residents to Access Their Mail | 2024-05-22 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside U.S. Representative Joe Neguse urged U.S. Postal Service (USPS) leaders to eliminate P.O. box fees for eligible Coloradans. A substantial number of Steamboat Springs residents currently pay rental fees for P.O. boxes despite qualifying for fee waivers since their physical addresses are not eligible for home delivery. “Many Steamboat Springs residents pay over one hundred dollars annually to receive mail in their P.O. boxes, even though USPS does not deliver mail or parcels to the residents’ homes. Meanwhile, other Steamboat Springs residents and those living outside of town receive home delivery at no charge,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Neguse. “In November 2023, after nearly a year of internal study and deliberation, USPS announced that eligible residents who previously paid for P.O. Boxes would no longer be charged a fee, and USPS would provide refunds for up to 24 months of previously paid fees to those residents,” continued the lawmakers. “Unfortunately, nearly six months later, eligible residents still report paying P.O. Box fees, and have not been provided with an estimated date by which they can expect an update or a refund.” Bennet and Hickenlooper have consistently pushed USPS to improve mail service for Colorado’s mountain communities. In March, Bennet joined 20 Senate colleagues urging USPS to stop any changes that could result in job losses and further degrade mail delivery performance for Colorado and 34 other states. In April, Bennet and Hickenlooper again pushed back on USPS’ proposal. Earlier this month, USPS announced it would temporarily pause these network changes and therefore, USPS will not be moving mail processing operations from the Grand Junction Mail Processing Facility this year following the senators’ calls. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Dr. Colin and Mr. Smith, We write to urge the United States Postal Service (USPS), Colorado-Wyoming District Office to expedi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/21/press-releases-id-876390fe-9468-4925-9eb8-8672d6b586f2/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Careveo Welcome Over $8 Million to Address Pollution, Revitalize Colorado Communities | 2024-05-21 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside Colorado U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo welcomed over $8 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help clean polluted and abandoned properties in Colorado. The investments were awarded through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs which received funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “In the wealthiest nation in the world, every family should be able to live in a clean environment,” said Bennet. “This funding will rightfully support Colorado communities disproportionately affected by contamination. These grants will help Colorado communities safely clean up polluted sites, protect their health, and rebuild in a way that creates jobs and economic opportunity.” “Contaminated properties – like abandoned buildings with polluted soil – stifle development because of the environmental and health risks to surrounding communities,” said Hickenlooper. “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants will help safely revitalize these sites and open the door for more community investments.” “As the first Representative for the 8th district, I’m fighting for every corner of the Front Range and Northern Colorado to get their fair share of federal funding,” said Caraveo. “Today, we took a significant step in the right direction with major federal investments in Greeley, Northglenn, and Kersey. The more than $4.3 million federal grant announced by the EPA this morning will go toward cleaning up toxic sites and laying the groundwork for economic renewal at sites that have been abandoned or left in disrepair, positioning our communities for future economic success.” “EPA’s Brownfields grants are helping community leaders revitalize downtown areas through the transformation of blighted properties,” said KC Becker, Regional Administrator, EPA. “Today’s funding will help reclaim contaminated buildings, soil, water and outdoor space… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/20/press-releases-id-85d1a267-802d-42e9-8b7c-543a185838db/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Introduce Bill to Honor Edward J. Dwight, Jr. with Congressional Gold Medal | 2024-05-20 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse introduced the Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023 to honor the life and legacy of Ed Dwight Jr. days before he made history at 90-years-old as the oldest person on Earth to travel to space upon Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft. Dwight first made history in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy invited him to join the U.S. Air Force’s astronaut training program as the country’s first African American astronaut candidate. However, he was never granted the opportunity to fly to space due to racism within the program. After completing his military service, Dwight moved to Denver, where he became an IBM engineer. He later opened a restaurant and worked as a real estate developer before pursuing his passion for sculpting full-time. Today, Dwight’s sculptures are collected by museums, institutions, and art enthusiasts around the world, including the Smithsonian. The Congressional Gold Medal would recognize Dwight’s historic service, example of excellence despite adversity, and contributions to art and Black history. “Ed Dwight is one of our country’s greatest living legends,” said Bennet. “Despite racism and prejudice, Ed never stopped reaching higher and became a trailblazer in the worlds of art, science, aviation, and now, space travel. His successes are Colorado’s successes. It is a privilege to one day recognize Ed’s place in American history with the highest honor bestowed by the United States Congress.” “Colorado’s Ed Dwight made history in 1961 when he was the first African American considered to be an astronaut,” said Hickenlooper. “Yesterday he made history again as the oldest person to go to space!” “While serving our country in the United States Air Force, Ed Dwight Jr. broke barriers by becoming the first African American to enter a training program from which NASA selected potential astronauts. In the years since his time in service, he’s continued to make his mark on our nation—prod… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/17/press-releases-id-ac5d2e00-25f3-4c5f-8249-566b29dfe120/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Push for Critical Funding for Student Aid | 2024-05-17 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined 23 of their Senate colleagues to urge the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to include critical funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) government funding bill. Full funding for FSA would help address longstanding concerns with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “FSA’s responsibilities have increased to protect students and borrowers, but its federal funding has remained stagnant. The lack of adequate resources creates more barriers for students to start and continue their education,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the senators. “We believe this funding request is needed to provide FSA with the resources it needs to fulfill its goal of ensuring that all eligible students and families can access federal student grants, loans, and work-study funds to pursue education and training beyond high school.” FSA is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation, serving over 46 million people and overseeing a $1.6 trillion student loan program. It is tasked with making major improvements to student financial aid services, including an overhaul of FAFSA. However, implementation of the FAFSA overhaul has been plagued by delays and glitches in processing, exacerbated by insufficient funding for FSA. A former superintendent of Denver Public Schools, Bennet has consistently pushed the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to simplify the FAFSA form to make it easier for students to apply for federal financial aid. In 2014, Bennet introduced the Financial Aid Simplification and Transparency (FAST) Act to reduce the number of FAFSA questions and simplify the process. Several of the bill’s measures passed in the 2020 FAFSA Simplification Act. Last year, Bennet led a letter to DOE urging officials to provide specific guidance to farm families ahead of implementation of the new FAFSA form. He also joined several bipartisan colleagues to urge DOE to provide clear guidance and c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/17/press-releases-id-de0686f1-b6e4-4cde-ba0e-330c1b86f544/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, 136 Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Expand Access to IRS Free Tax Filing Option | 2024-05-17 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, chair of the Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, and John Hickenlooper joined 136 of their Senate and House colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel applauding the successful pilot of the Direct File program and urging them to expand access to more Americans. “The Direct File pilot has been a clear and resounding success,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper and the lawmakers. “We now call on you to make Direct File a permanent program and to expand its functionality and scope, eventually making it available to most taxpayers, further increasing its impact.” In 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act and invested approximately $80 billion to modernize the IRS, improve customer service, cut the tax return backlog, and improve the agency’s tax evasion enforcement. In May 2023, the Biden administration announced they would launch a Direct File pilot in 2024. Over 140,000 Americans across 12 states used the IRS Direct File pilot this tax filing season, saving taxpayers more than $90 million in refunds and an estimated $5.6 million in preparation fees. In a survey, 90 percent of users rated their experience as “Excellent” or “Above Average,” and 90 percent of survey respondents who used customer service similarly found the experience “Excellent” or “Above Average.” The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Werfel, With the 2024 tax filing season at its end, we write to commend you on the historic and resoundingly successful launch of Direct File, the first free, public, electronic federal tax filing tool in U.S. history. Taxpayers want and deserve a free and easy filing option, and thanks to this year’s pilot, taxpayers used Direct File to claim over $90 million in tax refunds and save $5.6 million in estimated filing fees, with 90 percent of surveyed users rating their e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/16/press-releases-id-c2816f44-af3a-43fb-b4eb-c7adac8b0ff7/ | Bennet, 16 Colleagues Push Senate Leaders to Increase Funding to Secure the Border, Combat Drug-Trafficking | 2024-05-16 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), alongside 14 of their colleagues, to urge U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations leaders to combat illicit drug and weapons trafficking and increase border security funding in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) government funding bill. “We ask you to build upon past bipartisan investments to ensure that law enforcement officers at our Nation’s borders are equipped to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. We also ask you to provide robust funding to support the law enforcement agencies that are investigating smuggling and trafficking crimes and working to disrupt the transnational criminal networks that threaten our country and our communities,” wrote the senators. Data indicates that most of the fentanyl entering the U.S. is trafficked through official ports of entry. Between February 2023 and February 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 1.3 billion doses of fentanyl at official ports of entry. In their letter, the senators push for increased funding for CBP to hire additional agents and purchase more surveillance technology for official ports of entry along the southern border. The senators also request additional funding for U.S. law enforcement to investigate trafficking crimes and transnational organizations, including Mexican cartels. “We have long supported increased funding and new policies to address the complex challenges at our borders. To respond to the deadly and growing plague of fentanyl entering the United States, we urge you to support strong investments in border security measures and investigations of transnational criminal organizations,” concluded the senators. “These efforts will enhance operations along our borders and enable law enforcement officers to keep our Nation safe.” In addition to Bennet, Casey, and Heinrich, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Catherine C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:12:30Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/05/15/press-releases-id-4448dbf6-02e8-4515-8f6a-4043df30c264/ | Bennet, Casten Introduce Bill to Ensure Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Investments Factor Into Home Appraisal Process | 2024-05-15 | 2024 | 2024-05 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-Ill.) introduced the Getting Renewable and Energy Efficient Neighborhoods (GREEN) Appraisals Act, legislation to encourage energy-efficient and clean energy features to be considered as part of the residential home buying and appraisal process. “By cutting energy costs and reducing emissions, energy-efficient and clean energy home upgrades play an important role in our country’s transition to a clean energy economy,” said Bennet. “This bill will help ensure property appraisals reflect the complete value of homes in Colorado and across the nation by accounting for energy-efficient and clean energy investments.” “When you put a solar panel on your roof or install a heat pump, you add value to your home that must be properly reflected in appraisals,” said Casten. “This legislation both incentivizes homeowners to reduce their energy costs and helps in the fight against the climate crisis.” The GREEN Appraisals Act helps home appraisals accurately reflect the value of clean energy and energy-efficient features of a property, standardizes the value of energy-efficient features across the housing market, encourages sustainable building practices, and supports green jobs in the housing industry. Specifically, energy appraisals will need to consider the energy efficiency characteristics of the property, any renewable energy-related features, estimated energy savings, the energy consumption for the property compared to similar properties, and whether such characteristics are relevant to the market value of the property. It also requires additional educational requirements and training for appraisers in order for them to qualify to provide accurate green appraisal reports. The bill also directs the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to require lenders, when making the disclosures under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), to notify h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:01:11Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
CREATE TABLE [releases] (
[url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
[title] TEXT,
[date] TEXT,
[year] TEXT,
[month] TEXT,
[party] TEXT,
[chamber] TEXT,
[state] TEXT,
[member_name] TEXT,
[bioguide_id] TEXT,
[domain] TEXT,
[scraper] TEXT,
[source] TEXT,
[date_source] TEXT,
[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);