Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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447 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "CO" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/28/bennet-cortez-masto-scott-celebrate-passage-of-hispanic-heritage-month-resolution/ | Bennet, Cortez Masto, Scott Celebrate Passage of Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to pass a resolution recognizing and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place every year from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month honors the contributions that the Hispanic and Latino communities have made to American achievements, culture, and history. “The deep roots of the Hispanic community in Colorado are part of what makes Colorado great,” said Bennet. “This month, I’m reflecting on and celebrating the incredible contributions of the 1.3 million Hispanic Coloradans. Our work must continue to uplift Hispanic communities in Colorado and across the country.” “The Hispanic community in the United States is an integral part of the American story,” said Cortez Masto. “This month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by Latinos, celebrate our accomplishments, and continue building a better future. This month and every month, I’m proud of my Latina heritage.” “Florida’s Hispanic communities are a vital part of what makes the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Scott. “Hispanic Americans have shaped Florida’s history, boosted our economy, and strengthened our communities – helping fuel the promise of the American Dream for countless Floridians. I’m proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in leading this resolution to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the incredible history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida and across our nation.” Bennet has cosponsored a Hispanic Heritage Month resolution every year since he began his Senate tenure. In addition to Bennet, Cortez Masto, and Scott, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy K… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/28/bennet-duckworth-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-extend-and-redesignate-temporary-protected-status-for-ukrainians/ | Bennet, Duckworth, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Extend and Redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | The senators call for an 18-month extension and redesignation as TPS for Ukrainians is set to expire next month Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and a bipartisan group of 29 Senate colleagues to demand that the Trump administration issue an 18-month extension and a redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. The senators, in their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone as Putin continues targeting civilian infrastructure ahead of winter. “Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure that has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,” wrote the senators. Ukrainian TPS holders have long enriched communities in Colorado and across the nation, both culturally and economically. The senators emphasized that extending TPS for 18-months would protect these vulnerable members of our community from being forcibly returned to dangerous conditions, while ensuring our nation continues to benefit from their ongoing contributions. Bennet has long supported the Ukrainian people’s fight against Putin aggression. He leads legislation in the Senate intelligence and defense bills, both of which have passed their respective committees, to bolster intelligence and drone cooperation with Ukraine. Bennet joined bipartisan colleagues to introduce and pass the Sanctioning Russia Act, sev… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/25/bennet-murray-schumer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-end-trumps-trade-war-with-canada-lower-costs/ | Bennet, Murray, Schumer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to End Trump’s Trade War with Canada & Lower Costs | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee with jurisdiction over trade and tariffs, joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to introduce legislation that would revoke President Trump’s newest global tariffs and 50 percent tariffs on Canada, and curtail Trump’s ability to continue waging his unilateral trade war. Trump has continued to ignore skyrocketing costs and, now, has hit American families with a new round of tariff taxes. “Americans are tired of paying for Trump’s tariff war,” said Bennet. “As costs continue to rise, the Trump administration has doubled down on making everyday goods more expensive while insisting that the economy has never been better. Democrats refuse to play along with this alternate reality; that’s why I’m joining my Senate colleagues to introduce legislation that blocks Trump’s tariffs and refunds the money back to Coloradans.” “Trump’s erratic and senseless trade war is nothing short of economic arson — no business can plan around Trump’s unpredictable tariffs, American credibility is shot, and costs are up,” said Murray. “While Republicans are enabling Trump’s economic sabotage, Democrats are fighting to put an end to these reckless tariffs. That’s why we’re introducing this legislation to block and refund Trump’s tariffs so we can focus on growing the economy for everyone and making life affordable again.” “While inflation rages, families struggle to pay their bills, and small businesses close, Trump – detached from reality – continues his bluster on the global stage, doubling down on a chaotic trade war that has meant only pain for American families, farmers, and manufacturers,” said Leader Schumer. “Republicans won’t stand up to Trump’s nonsense and Americans are crying out for relief. That’s why I am introducing legislation that would end Trump’s costly tariff taxes.” Since Trump started his latest trade war, American families have paid the price. In just one year, Trum… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/25/bennet-slotkin-colleagues-demand-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war/ | Bennet, Slotkin, Colleagues Demand Answers from Hegseth on Cost of Iran War | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | President Trump’s Pentagon Has Greatly Underestimated the Iran War’s Costs Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and 43 Senate colleagues, including fellow Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper, to demand a full accounting of the costs of President Trump’s reckless war of choice with Iran. The senators criticized the President’s hand-picked Department of Defense leadership for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public, even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. The United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. NineteenAmerican servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, the senators note that deployments have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering o… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/25/bennet-young-reintroduce-legislation-to-combat-national-eviction-crisis/ | Bennet, Young Reintroduce Legislation to Combat National Eviction Crisis | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), members of the Senate Finance Committee, reintroduced the updated Eviction Crisis Act of 2026. This legislation would address our urgent national eviction crisis, creating an emergency rental assistance program to reduce preventable evictions and making it easier for American families to stay securely housed. “Today, an illness, a car accident, or a family emergency can lead to a family being evicted from their home and falling into a cycle of poverty,” said Bennet. “The hardship caused by eviction is agonizing for the millions of American families facing it every year, and that harm reverberates across our communities. As a former school superintendent, I saw kids unable to stay awake in class because they didn’t have a stable place to sleep the night before. I’ve heard from many Coloradans about how one misstep led to their lives falling apart. Our Eviction Crisis Act will both prevent eviction and limit the harm when it is unavoidable.” “Many families are one unexpected expense away from losing the stability that comes with having a place to call home,” said Young. “The Eviction Crisis Act would help prevent avoidable evictions by better coordinating tenants, landlords, and municipalities to address housing instability before it becomes a crisis. Passing this bill will help more Hoosiers families stay in their homes.” Our country’s eviction crisis is driven by a national affordable housing shortage that is particularly acute for low-income renters. In 2024, the Congressional Research Service calculated that 49.4 percent of renter households spent more than 30 percent of household income on housing costs and 26.2 percent of renter households spent more than half. Denver recorded 15,953 eviction filings in 2025, just seven fewer than the city’s record set in 2024 and 72 percent above pre-pandemic levels. The Colorado Judicial Branch also reported 41,482 sheriff-involved evictions in county courts in fiscal year 2024. Additionally,… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/25/icymi-bennet-calls-for-new-federal-agency-to-prevent-catastrophic-ai-risk/ | ICYMI: Bennet Calls for New Federal Agency to Prevent Catastrophic AI Risk | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Video of Bennet’s interview on The Source with Kaitlan Collins can be found HERE. Washington, D.C. — This week, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced a new proposal to create an independent federal agency to regulate frontier artificial intelligence (AI) models and social media platforms. In an interview with Kaitlan Collins on CNN’s The Source last night, Bennet contrasted his call for an independent federal AI regulator with what he described as President Donald Trump’s failure to establish meaningful safeguards. He emphasized that Trump was more focused on his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the tech executives gathered at the White House than on addressing the concerns Americans are facing, including the need for AI regulation, high diesel prices, and high mortgage rates. CNN — The Source Collins: You want to establish an independent agency, basically, to regulate AI. How would that work? Bennet: It would have a five-member commission, like some other independent commissions, and we would have clear pre-clearance for these frontier models before they escape from these companies and wreak havoc throughout our world potentially. And there is a very serious set of fines. I mean, what I say in this proposal is that we should fine these guys as much as a third of their trailing revenue if they’re unwilling to submit themselves to a system of transparency, to a system of accountability, Kaitlin. When there are people in these companies saying that there might be a 10 percent chance, or a 15 or 20 percent chance that humanity could be destroyed by AI, we need to listen to that. We need to pay attention to that, and we need to deal with it in an orderly way – not so we don’t innovate – we should innovate. I want us to lead the Chinese, but we should do it in a thoughtful, common sense way. That’s not the way Donald Trump approaches any of these questions. But I think the American people are demanding it. Bloomberg – Balance of Power Mathieu: Well, he’s trying deliberately to play th… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-mccormick-celebrate-formation-of-senate-bipartisan-science-and-innovation-caucus/ | ICYMI: Hickenlooper, McCormick Celebrate Formation of Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | In case you missed it, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Dave McCormick joined scientists, researchers, and legislative staff at a kickoff event last week at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the formation of their U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus. Watch the highlights of the kickoff event HERE. “If you were to look at the things that distinguish America, most notable would be our investments in science and the parallel expansion in growth and entrepreneurship at the highest level,” said Hickenlooper at the kickoff event last week. “We’ve led the world in scientific knowledge and expansion in growth, and we’ve had the economy that comes with that… That’s why we’re here to make sure we maintain our lead.” “Pennsylvania has some of the best universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the world, and the breakthroughs happening across our Commonwealth are creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and advancing our national security,” said McCormick. “This caucus is about making sure we build on that incredible momentum, turn great American research into real-world innovation, and ensure Pennsylvania and the United States continue to lead the world in science and technology.” The Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus will highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. Caucus members will work together with industry leaders and the research community to develop policies that promote U.S. leadership in science. Hickenlooper and McCormick plan to host briefings, engage in roundtables and other conversations about existing and new policies, and provide a venue for discourse about new legislation to boost American scientific research and our STEM workforce. Watch the launch video for the caucus on Hickenlooper’s X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts The United States has been a global economic leader for the past 50 years because of our dedication to science, technology, and innovation. Federally-funded res… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/24/bennet-cassidy-cortez-masto-collins-coons-wicker-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-provide-tax-relief-for-americorps-volunteers/ | Bennet, Cassidy, Cortez Masto, Collins, Coons, Wicker Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Tax Relief for AmeriCorps Volunteers | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) led Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to reintroduce the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act. This legislation would provide tax relief for AmeriCorps members who earn Segal Education Awards to help pay for higher education costs that they earn through their service. “In Colorado and across the country, AmeriCorps volunteers contribute to our communities and help improve the lives of our kids and neighbors through countless hours of service,” said Bennet. “Congress should recognize their commitment and help them further their education without this unnecessary burden. I’m grateful to work with my colleagues to ensure the education assistance they earn is not unfairly taxed.” “Life in every parish has been improved by AmeriCorps members,” said Cassidy. “From stopping crime to helping communities after a hurricane, their service ought to be rewarded, not unfairly taxed.” “AmeriCorps members provide a lifeline to communities and students across the country, and they shouldn’t be taxed for their education awards,” said Cortez Masto. “Our bipartisan bill will eliminate this unfair tax on their service and help them keep their education costs down.” “AmeriCorps members make significant contributions to communities in Maine and across the country,” said Collins. “The Education Award they earn helps them pursue higher education or pay down student loan debt and should not be subject to federal income tax. This bipartisan legislation would ensure they receive the full benefit of the assistance they earned through their service.” “Young people who join AmeriCorps sacrifice higher salaries in order to dedicate an enormous amount of time and energy to helping communities in need,” said Coons. “We should celebrate that service and make sure it sets members on a path to affordable education and good jobs. This bill will ensure that those who choose… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/24/icymi-on-senate-floor-bennet-calls-on-trump-to-rescind-unscientific-vaccine-order-and-fire-hhs-secretary-kennedy/ | ICYMI: On Senate Floor, Bennet Calls on Trump to Rescind Unscientific Vaccine Order and Fire HHS Secretary Kennedy | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Video of Bennet’s Full Remarks Available HERE Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet reiterated his call for President Donald Trump to rescind the unscientific childhood vaccine executive order and fire the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. last night on the Senate floor. Bennet’s speech comes when measles cases are at 30-year highs across the country and Colorado is seeing the sixth-lowest measles vaccination rate in the nation for kindergarteners. President Trump and Secretary Kennedy are amplifying anti-vaccine rhetoric instead of making communities safer. Immunization rates are dropping, schools are vulnerable, and Colorado’s children are paying the price. “Right now our nation is living through the most severe measles outbreak in over 35 years. Measles is not a mild childhood inconvenience; it is one of the most contagious viruses on earth, capable of causing high fevers, brain swelling, long-term disability, and death. In Colorado, we have already confirmed 25 cases this year, including seven hospitalizations,” said Bennet on the Senate floor. “Of these cases, 22 people were unvaccinated. Of the 25 that have measles in Colorado today, 22 were unvaccinated. That’s the most we’ve had in over 30 years. You have to go back to 1995 to find an outbreak in my state that’s even close to what we’re seeing today. We’re going backwards when it comes to public health in the richest country in the world, and families in Colorado and all across this country are suffering the consequences.” Bennet emphasized that Colorado’s measles cases are particularly disappointing given the state’s history: it was a 1988 outbreak at Fort Lewis College in Durango that directly prompted the CDC to change its vaccine recommendation from one dose to two. This followed a rigorous investigation by CDC investigators. Bennet highlighted the sharp contrast of following the facts with the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Kennedy who are playing political games with pe… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-details-expansive-costs-of-iran-war-in-senate-floor-speech-ahead-of-vote-to-end-war/ | Hickenlooper Details Expansive Costs of Iran War in Senate Floor Speech Ahead of Vote to End War | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper: “You’re paying for this war every day: when you fill up your tank, buy your groceries, and pay your rent.” This afternoon, Hickenlooper voted to end the war in Iran WASHINGTON – Ahead of a Senate vote to end the Iran war, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor yesterday and highlighted the true costs of the war that go beyond the Pentagon’s estimate of $43.6 billion. He urged his Republican colleagues to break with the president to end the illegal, costly war. “I don’t want to talk about what that 43 billion dollars includes. Today, I want to talk about what that number doesn’t include,” said Hickenlooper on the Senate floor. “Wars aren’t measured just in dollars and cents. It is measured in lives lost, whether Americans feel safer and better off.” Watch his full speech HERE. “Take the 19 brave servicemembers whose deaths have been disclosed by the Pentagon. That is 19 families who have lost someone irreplaceable. In just a few weeks, children will trick-or-treat without a parent. A few weeks later, families will gather for Thanksgiving with an empty seat at the table,” he continued. Hickenlooper raised the deeply concerning reports that suggest the Pentagon has not properly disclosed the real casualty numbers of the war. “Reports say that the Pentagon is not being transparent with Congress or the American people. What we know is every one of those lives deserves our gratitude. And every one of those families deserves an accurate accounting of this war’s human cost.” He continued to emphasize the toll on all of our servicemembers deployed in the region, “Since February, more than 800 servicemembers have been wounded in the Middle East. Some went days without receiving adequate hospital care. Many face life-altering injuries… Back at home, their loved ones are left worrying and wondering whether they will be home for the holidays.” He also noted how the Iran war has weakened our national security and undermined our position in the global economy. “Since June, the war has co… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/watch-hickenlooper-video-statement-on-increasing-energy-prices/ | WATCH: Hickenlooper Video Statement on Increasing Energy Prices | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | In just the first six months of 2026, Colorado families spent an additional $71 on electricity than they did in the first half of 2024 WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper called out President Trump and MAGA Republicans for how their broken agenda has increased energy prices and fueled a cost-of-living emergency. “President Trump’s costly war has sent gas prices climbing and diesel prices to record highs. But so far, Trump refuses to address this crisis. In fact, he’s making it worse,” said Hickenlooper. “Last summer, Trump and MAGA Republicans passed their disastrous budget bill and zeroed out a program that helped lower-income families and communities harness solar energy to lower their energy bills.” “The administration fired all of the federal workers who ran a different program that helps 6 million low-income households heat and cool their homes, including about 85,800 households in Colorado. And they’ve canceled millions in federal contracts for clean energy projects – many of them already underway – and wasted taxpayer money in the process. “Americans deserve relief, not higher costs. Our fight isn’t over. We won’t stop working to actually bring down costs and help Colorado families.” Watch his full video HERE. Before the war, the national average for diesel was $3.72 per gallon. This week, it’s over $6.50 per gallon, marking a nearly 75% increase. A farmer using 1,000 gallons of diesel during a harvest is paying roughly $2,800 more just to do the same work. In total, Coloradans have spent an additional $2 billion on gas since the beginning of the war. Colorado families have spent an additional $80 on electricity in 2025 under President Trump than they did in 2024. And, in just the first six months of 2026, they spent $71 more on electricity than they did in the first half of 2024. Hickenlooper has been vocal in his opposition to President Trump’s cost-of-living emergency fueled by the president’s war with Iran. Hickenlooper has introduced a War Powers Resolution to direct Preside… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/23/bennet-markey-merkley-demand-trump-administration-release-all-documents-from-u-s-saudi-nuclear-deal/ | Bennet, Markey, Merkley, Demand Trump Administration Release All Documents from U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and a bipartisan group of colleagues on a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, pressing the Trump administration to declassify and publicly release the two side letters accompanying the proposed U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear cooperation agreement, referred to as a “123 agreement.” The Trump administration recently submitted the 123 agreement to Congress, as is required by law, but classified key side letters the agreement repeatedly references at the lowest possible level. This classification prevents the public and a large swath of Congress from fully assessing the agreement, given that the side letters affect the obligations and operation of the underlying agreement. “Congress has a statutory responsibility under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act to review the proposed nuclear deal, which seeks to facilitate nuclear cooperation with significant implications for U.S. national security interests. Access to the full text is required for the Senate and the public to have a clear understanding of the commitments being made on the nation’s behalf and those being made by Saudi Arabia to the United States,” wrote the senators. “The side letters affect the obligations and operations of the underlying agreement and cannot be viewed in isolation from it; the President’s own transmission letter to Congress states that the agreement ‘…was concluded with two accompanying side letters.’ Their public release would also allow civil society, independent experts, and other affected stakeholders to scrutinize the deal.” “Transparency and open debate are cornerstones of our democracy. Congress and the American public must have a meaningful opportunity to review and debate the key components of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal before it potentially enters into force. To that end, we call on you to declassify… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/23/bennet-welch-release-proposal-to-establish-new-federal-agency-to-prevent-catastrophic-ai-risk-regulate-big-tech/ | Bennet, Welch Release Proposal to Establish New Federal Agency to Prevent Catastrophic AI Risk, Regulate Big Tech | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Federal Digital Commission Would Have Pre-Clearance Review of Frontier AI Models, Ability to Pause Release Without Necessary Safeguards, and Assess Civil Penalties of Up to 15 Percent of a Firm’s Prior-Year Global Revenue Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced a new proposal building off of their landmark legislation to create a new independent federal agency to regulate frontier artificial intelligence (AI) models and social media. The AI Regulator Act would require pre-certification for frontier AI models, delay the public release of any AI model that could pose catastrophic risks without necessary safeguards, and issue formal rulemakings able to keep pace with the speed of innovation. It could also conduct investigations, engage in research, and impose penalties of up to 15 percent of a firm’s prior-year global revenue. These new authorities add to the proposed Federal Digital Commission longstanding remit to regulate the largest digital platforms, and ensure that a dedicated agency is empowered to protect Americans from catastrophic AI risk, safeguard our kids online, reduce harmful market concentration, and prevent national and economic security risks. “The challenge posed by a new technology and a new industry able to profoundly transform our economy and society is one we have faced before,” said Bennet. “In the past, we created new expert agencies to regulate aviation, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. But today, no such agency exists for AI or social media platforms. Oversight is fragmented between states and federal agencies, while Congress tries to address each new problem one bill at a time. The Federal Digital Commission would keep pace with innovation, act before serious harm occurs, and have the authority to hold companies accountable when they break the rules.” “Americans in Vermont and across the country are freaked out by the warnings of AI researchers, and I’m right there with them. It’s clear we can’t leave it to A… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/22/bennet-hickenlooper-colleagues-challenge-trump-efforts-to-restrict-mail-in-voting/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Challenge Trump Efforts to Restrict Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | 261 current and former lawmakers joined together to file amicus brief in SCOTUS Mail-In Voting Case Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside the entire Senate Democratic Caucus and members of the U.S. House of Representatives, filed an amicus brief challenging the legality of President Donald Trump’s executive order and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule that imposes unconstitutional, unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. “Since the beginning of his administration, President Trump and congressional Republicans have done everything they can to make our voting system less safe and secure,” said Bennet. “The Supreme Court must stand firm against this latest unconstitutional attempt to supersede the authority of states and Congress when it comes to our elections, all in an effort to make it harder for Coloradans to cast a vote by mail.” “Mail-in voting is safe, secure, and makes our elections more accessible,” said Hickenlooper. “The Trump administration continues throwing everything at the wall to restrict the fundamental right of every American to choose their leaders. It’s an unconstitutional, authoritarian attack that we won’t let them get away with.” Colorado’s vote-by-mail system helped produce a voter turnout rate of 71 percent in the 2024 general election, nearly 6 percent higher than the national average. Of these voters, 92.2 percent chose to return a mail ballot. Nationally, nearly one-third of Americans have voted by mail in recent elections — a voting practice Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when he voted in Florida’s Republican primary. In the court filing, the group argued that Trump’s executive order and USPS’s final rule violate the separation of powers and steal congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the States and Congress exclusive authority over a… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-detainee-accounts-of-tuberculosis-exposure-at-aurora-ice-detention-center/ | Hickenlooper Statement on Detainee Accounts of Tuberculosis Exposure at Aurora ICE Detention Center | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | DENVER – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement in response to a report by the Denver Post that an entire pod was placed on quarantine after being exposed to tuberculosis (TB) at the Aurora ICE Detention Facility. Neither ICE nor local health officials confirmed the report. “Public health officials can’t stop a TB outbreak they’re not allowed to track,” said Hickenlooper. “ICE’s refusal to follow Colorado law or give members of Congress answers puts lives at risk. They’re trying to slow us down, but we won’t stop pushing until we get to the bottom of this.” Representatives from Hickenlooper’s office visited the detention facility last Friday. ICE officials and medical staff at the facility refused to tell Hickenlooper’s staff whether anyone had recently tested positive for TB or been exposed to it. This is the second reported case of tuberculosis at the Aurora ICE Detention Facility in recent months. In June, Adams County Health Department was notified of a case of suspected TB at the facility, triggering a routine investigation, which was blocked by GEO. ICE later confirmed they had a positive TB case, but refused to allow state health officials to investigate. As a result, last month the state of Colorado sued GEO Group, which operates the Aurora ICE Detention Facility, to force GEO to comply with state law and allow public health officials to perform a full investigation. The CDC’s guidelines for “Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Correctional and Detention Facilities” state that it’s “mandatory” for every correctional facility – private, federal, state or local – to report suspected and confirmed cases of TB to its local or state health department. Hickenlooper visited the Aurora ICE Detention Facility at the end of August to demand answers on the TB outbreak and push ICE to comply with state law. Hickenlooper held meetings with Adams County and state public health officials before and after his oversight visit. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/new-report-co-families-have-spent-4500-more-on-goods-services-under-president-trump/ | New Report: CO Families Have Spent $4,500 More On Goods & Services Under President Trump | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper: “This isn’t the ‘Golden Age’ President Trump pretends it is” WASHINGTON – As President Trump’s tariffs and war with Iran continue to hurt Colorado families, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper highlighted the cost-of-living emergency that’s plaguing the state. According to a report from the Joint Economic Committee Minority, Colorado families have spent $4,500 more in goods and services under President Trump. Some of the key findings from the report include: Energy Costs: People across Colorado have spent over $2 billion more on gas since the beginning of the war. That means the average family in Colorado has spent $697 more on gas. Families in Colorado paid at least $80 more for electricity in 2025 under President Trump than they did in 2024. In the first half of 2026, Colorado families paid an estimated $71 more for electricity than they did in the first half of 2024. Housing Costs: Colorado families have had to spend $554 more on housing costs such as rent and mortgage payments since President Trump took office. Grocery Costs: Americans paid $310 more for groceries in President Trump’s first year than in 2024, and grocery prices are now more than 4 percent higher than when Trump took office. Healthcare: Monthly Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums have risen over 50% on average in 2026 compared to last year while deductibles surged to record highs increasing by more than $1,000 on average. “With each passing month, President Trump’s illegal war, tariffs, and healthcare cuts are costing Coloradans more and more,” said Hickenlooper. “This isn’t the ‘Golden Age’ President Trump pretends it is, and it’s certainly not the bargain working families signed up for. We’re fighting to end the war, reimburse consumers and small businesses for Trump’s tariffs, and reverse his healthcare cuts. We’ll keep pushing Congress to act and make your life better.” Watch Hickenlooper’s Full Video Here Last week, Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor about the cost-of-living emergency that President Trump and MAGA Rep… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-calls-on-trump-administration-to-reverse-colorado-disaster-aid-denials/ | Hickenlooper Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Colorado Disaster Aid Denials | 2026-09-19 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement calling on the Trump administration to reverse its decision denying Individual Assistance (IA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding which were part of the State’s request following the extensive damage caused by the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires. The IA grants would have provided direct assistance to people in Pueblo and Custer Counties, including temporary housing and home repairs. The HMGP grants would have helped rebuilding communities prevent future disasters. “The Trump administration should reverse this decision,” said Hickenlooper. “Requests for individual assistance and hazard mitigation grants are not made frivolously. These resources are what’s needed to help Colorado families and communities recover and prevent future tragedies. We will continue standing with those impacted by these horrific fires and do everything we can to support them in their hour of need.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) previously approved Colorado’s request for Public Assistance following the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires. Earlier this month, FEMA also released $97 million to help Colorado communities recover from past disasters and mitigate future ones. ### | 1 | 2026-09-20T09:37:28Z | 2026-09-20T09:38:59Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-colleagues-demand-answers-from-trump-admin-on-cost-of-iran-war/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Demand Answers from Trump Admin on Cost of Iran War | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin and 43 of their Senate colleagues to demand a full accounting of the costs of President Trump’s reckless war of choice with Iran. The senators also criticized the President’s Department of Defense leadership for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. “Despite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent,” continued the senators. “Congress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget.” Hickenlooper and Bennet are cosponsors of the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act to stop Presiden… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-push-back-on-blms-oil-gas-lease-sales-within-the-southern-ute-reservation/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet Push Back on BLM’s Oil, Gas Lease Sales within the Southern Ute Reservation | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet called on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to work directly with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to respond to their opposition to the roughly 2,500 acres of land the BLM opened for oil and natural gas extraction within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. “The Tribe has formally expressed its opposition to leasing these parcels, explaining that they are located within an environmentally and culturally significant portion of the Reservation where it has long sought to minimize surface disturbance,” wrote the senators. “We urge BLM to give careful consideration to the Tribe’s concerns and to continue robust consultation throughout this process. As a sovereign Tribal Nation with deep cultural, environmental, and economic interests in these lands, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s perspective should play a central role in BLM’s decision-making.” The Tribe had previously submitted public comments formally opposing the sale of the nine parcels – totaling roughly 2,500 acres of land – within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in BLM’s upcoming December 2026 Oil and Gas lease sale. The senators also urged BLM to consult with the Tribe ahead of any leasing decisions being made. Full text of the letter available HERE and below. Dear Acting State Director Heinlein and Acting Deputy State Director Anderson: We write regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) proposed December 2026 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s concerns about the nine proposed lease parcels located within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The Tribe has formally expressed its opposition to leasing these parcels, explaining that they are located within an environmentally and culturally significant portion of the Reservation where it has long sought to minimize surface disturbance. The Tribe has also requested meaningful government-to-government consultation before any leasing decisions affecting these lands move forward. We urge BLM … | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/17/bennet-collins-celebrate-house-passage-of-their-bill-to-expand-tax-deduction-to-include-early-childhood-educators/ | Bennet, Collins Celebrate House Passage of their Bill to Expand Tax Deduction to Include Early Childhood Educators | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Bill Now Heads to President’s Desk to be Signed Into Law Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, celebrated the House passage of their Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act. This legislation would help early childhood educators cover the cost of supplies, books, and other classroom materials by allowing them to claim the above-the-line $350 tax deduction currently available only to K-12 teachers. The SEED Act served as the legislative vehicle for passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which has now passed the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. “Early childhood educators should be able to claim the same tax deduction available to elementary and secondary school teachers, and I hope the President will sign this legislation immediately,” said Bennet. “As the former Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, I know firsthand how often educators dip into their own pockets to provide school supplies for their students – this bill ends an unfair double standard and ensures that those who teach our youngest kids are supported.” “In Maine and across the country, we are fortunate to have so many dedicated educators who work hard to ensure that every child has a learning environment that is safe, welcoming, and enriching. Despite tight personal budgets, it is truly remarkable how often teachers use money out of their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies for their students,” said Collins. “As the author of the original tax credit for K-12 teachers, I am delighted to help expand this benefit to pre-K educators. I thank Senator Bennet for his partnership in this effort to provide early childhood educators with well-deserved tax relief, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.” “We are deeply grateful to Senators Collins and Bennet, and Representatives Fit… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/17/bennet-travels-to-mexico-city-to-advance-u-s-mexico-security-cooperation-and-trade-relationship/ | Bennet Travels to Mexico City to Advance U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation and Trade Relationship | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | U.S. Senator Michael Bennet with Mexican officials at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Finance Committee, visited Mexico City, Mexico last week to advance U.S.-Mexico intelligence, security, and trade cooperation. Bennet met with senior U.S. Embassy and Mexican leaders, including Ambassador Ronald D. Johnson, Secretary of the Navy Admiral Raymundo Morales Ángeles, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for North America Cristina Planter Riebeling, as well as key officials from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, Secretariat of National Defense, National Guard, and National Institute of Migration. He also met representatives of leading American businesses and international migration organizations in Mexico. During the visit, Bennet discussed shared security challenges including cartel drug trafficking and violence; U.S.-Mexico intelligence and security cooperation to address those challenges, as well as unauthorized migration; and opportunities to strengthen U.S.-Mexico trade, including by renewing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), advancing his Americas Act, and removing President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs. “My time in Mexico City reaffirmed my commitment to a mutually beneficial U.S.-Mexico relationship, which is crucial to ensuring security and prosperity on both sides of the border,” said Bennet. “Our two countries face shared challenges that require continued intelligence and security cooperation. We must continue working together to address them while respecting each other’s sovereignty. While we have made progress reducing unauthorized crossings at the border, a sustainable solution requires comprehensive immigration reform that I have fought for in Congress. We must also build upon our economic ties, which are crucial for Colorado farmers, ranchers, businesses and workers.” Bennet, who most recently visited Mexico in… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/17/bennet-van-hollen-tillis-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-innovation-in-education/ | Bennet, Van Hollen, Tillis Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Innovation in Education | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to reintroduce the New Essential Education Discoveries (NEED) Act, which would drive evidence-based improvements and innovations for our schools, by making strategic investments in education research and development (R&D). 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 help students succeed,” said Bennet. “As social media and a nationwide mental health crisis reshape how students learn and engage in school, educators need better information about what works. Congress can help by investing in cutting-edge education research. This bipartisan bill will help schools, educators, and policymakers make data driven decisions that strengthen education today and in the years ahead.” “To meet the evolving challenges our students face, our educators need access to quality data and evidence-based advancements in teaching and learning,” said Van Hollen. “This legislation would help accomplish that by investing in our students’ success to better prepare them for the future.” “We owe it to students, parents, and teachers to pass bipartisan legislation that identifies gaps in education and better prepares students to become the next generation of the American workforce,” said Tillis. “That’s why I am proud to sponsor legislation that invests in education research and development, STEM, and innovative technologies to develop the tools needed to identify these gaps and help teachers better equip students for the future.” The NEED Act would create a National Center for Advanced Development in Education (NCADE) at the Department of Education dedicated to developing and disseminating cutting-edge practices and tools, such as voice recognition software to assess dyslexia and o… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-calls-for-congressional-action-hearings-on-ai-regulation/ | Hickenlooper Calls for Congressional Action, Hearings on AI Regulation | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | “We’re entering a new and dangerous era of artificial intelligence, and we need stronger guardrails to protect against the risks” WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper called on the Senate Commerce Committee to act on responsible AI regulation and begin holding hearings with leaders from across the AI industry on responsible regulation. In a new video today, Hickenlooper outlined his thoughts on the need for more AI regulation, including independent audits of AI systems, stronger safeguards for high-risk AI, and real accountability when these tools cause harm. As data centers continue popping up across the state, Hickenlooper stressed the importance of community involvement, protecting our precious water resources, and ensuring ratepayers aren’t subsidizing these facilities, especially as energy prices soar. “We’re entering a new and dangerous era of artificial intelligence, and we need stronger guardrails to protect against the risks,” Hickenlooper said in a video published on social media. “The Senate Commerce Committee needs to hold hearings with leaders from across the AI industry on responsible regulation. But we can’t stop there. Smart guardrails on AI will be the difference between this technology benefitting all Americans or just the companies developing it. To do that, we can’t allow the fox to guard the henhouse! Congress needs to act now.” Watch his full video HERE Hickenlooper has introduced legislation to responsibly regulate AI, including the VET AI Act, that would create a pathway for independent evaluators, with a function similar to those in the financial industry and other sectors, to work with companies as a neutral third-party to verify their development, testing, and use of AI is in compliance with established guardrails. This week, OpenAI publicly backed third-party verification following the news that Anthropic would give independent third-party evaluators “employee-like access” to their models. Yesterday, Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor about the anxiety Colorada… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-video-statement-on-increasing-mortgage-rates/ | Hickenlooper Video Statement on Increasing Mortgage Rates | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper called out President Trump’s broken agenda for fueling inflation and leading to higher mortgage rates. Mortgage rates – which just hit over 7% – are the highest since President Trump took office, after increasing four weeks in a row. “President Trump’s war is making it harder to buy a home in Colorado,” Hickenlooper said in a new video. “Before the Iran war, the average 30-year mortgage rate was just above 6%. Today? It’s above 7%. For a Colorado homebuyer, that difference adds up fast: Over $280 more every month. Almost $4,000 every year. And over $100,000 over a 30-year mortgage.” He continued, “that’s real money that could be going toward groceries, child care, or college. We’ve voted more than a dozen times to end this war. MAGA Republicans have blocked us every time. We need to end this war. Bring costs down. Get back to helping working families.” Watch his full video HERE. Yesterday, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, citing concerns about inflation being driven largely by President Trump’s costly war with Iran that has skyrocketed gas and diesel prices. Hickenlooper has been vocal in his opposition to President Trump’s cost-of-living emergency fueled by the president’s war with Iran, illegal tariffs, and cruel healthcare cuts. Hickenlooper has introduced a War Powers Resolution to direct President Trump to terminate U.S. military hostilities against Iran and has voted repeatedly to end the president’s war. He has fought against the president’s disastrous budget bill that gutted health care to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. He’s doing a state-wide tour of local hospitals and clinics to meet with Coloradans and hear how they are grappling with the increasing costs of healthcare. Hickenlooper also helped pass the most consequential housing bill in decades, opening the door to homeownership for millions of Americans and stopping Wall Street from buying up homes that belong to working families. ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/16/bennet-hickenlooper-pettersen-recognize-victims-of-evergreen-high-school-shooting-following-first-anniversary/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Pettersen Recognize Victims of Evergreen High School Shooting Following First Anniversary | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led Senator John Hickenlooper to introduce a congressional resolution recognizing the first anniversary of the tragic Evergreen High School shooting. This resolution honors the two wounded victims; expresses gratitude to law enforcement, faculty, educators, first responders, and neighbors who worked to keep students safe during this shooting; and recognizes the trauma this community now carries. Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) led a companion resolution in the House. “One year ago, the Evergreen community experienced an unthinkable act of gun violence,” said Bennet. “The fear and trauma that Evergreen High School students, families, educators, and first responders experienced that day have not disappeared. We owe it to them – and all of Colorado – to act and to build a future where no child has to experience this kind of violence at school. I am glad to lead the Colorado Congressional Delegation in this resolution, and will continue to fight against senseless acts of gun violence.” “Students, teachers, and families should never have to go through what Evergreen High School and the entire community went through one year ago,” said Hickenlooper. “We need to come together and work to end gun violence in our communities.” “Today, we honor the students, staff, first responders, families, and entire Evergreen community for their extraordinary resilience in the face of the tragedy after the Evergreen High School shooting one year ago. Their strength, courage, and resilience continue to inspire all of us but also reminds us of the urgent need for change,” said Pettersen. “Our country’s gun violence epidemic has shattered countless lives and is now the leading cause of death for our kids – a reality none of us should accept. As a mom, I understand the fear so many parents live with when they drop their kids off at school. Today, we stand with the Evergreen community and promise to keep fighting in Congress to ensure our kids are safe at school and in ou… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/16/bennet-statement-on-committee-passage-of-the-farm-bill/ | Bennet Statement on Committee Passage of the Farm Bill | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after he voted against the 2026 Farm Bill in Committee: “I am disappointed that we are back in the same position voting on the same Farm Bill this Committee considered in August. My hope was to return to a bipartisan process, rather than continue down this partisan path. Unfortunately, that did not happen. “Farmers and ranchers want certainty, strong markets, and a safety net they can rely on. The question we need to ask is whether this bill makes it more likely they can stay in business five years from now. At a time when Colorado producers face rising costs, shrinking export opportunities, extreme drought, worsening wildfires, and growing pressure just to make a living, I do not believe this bill does enough. “It falls short on key Colorado priorities and does not meaningfully confront the broader economic pressures confronting farmers, ranchers, and the rural communities in which they live. On top of that, this bill does little for families struggling to afford groceries and leaves Colorado paying the price. “For these reasons, I voted against advancing this Farm Bill. I remain ready to work with Chairman Boozman on a truly bipartisan bill that meets the moment and serves farmers, ranchers, and families in Colorado and across the country.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/new-data-12598-colorado-kids-have-already-lost-snap-benefits/ | New Data: 12,598 Colorado Kids Have Already Lost SNAP Benefits | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Report shows 33,681 Coloradans, including 12,598 kids, have already lost SNAP benefits due to HR1 WASHINGTON – New analysis from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities shows that 33,681 total Coloradans, including 12,598 kids, have already lost SNAP benefits under President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Act. The data, which covers the period between the law’s enactment in July 2025 and June 2026, shows that a total 1.5 million U.S. children have lost access to affordable food through SNAP. “There’s nothing more cruel than a wealthy nation that lets its children go hungry, especially as grocery prices keep climbing,” said Hickenlooper. “President Trump took away food assistance from over 12,000 Colorado kids. And for what? So he could hand billionaires another tax break.” The Trump administration and congressional Republicans enacted the deepest cuts to federal nutrition programs in history by slashing federal funding for SNAP and imposing those costs onto states. In the last year, they slashed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $186 billion, imposed harsh new bureaucratic requirements that stripped food assistance from millions of Americans, and refused to fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown in fall 2025. An estimated 40% of SNAP recipients are children. Hickenlooper has led the charge against new provisions that require states to spend more of their state budgets to cover SNAP benefits and administrative costs associated with them. On average, states will be forced to spend two to three times of their previous SNAP budget on the program. In Colorado, SNAP cost-share will rise from $94 million to $272 million, a 188% increase. In response to these cuts, Hickenlooper introduced the Universal Meals Program Act, which would provide free school breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack to all school children, regardless of where they live or their family’s ability to pay. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/watch-hickenlooper-takes-aim-at-trumps-golden-age-of-corruption-in-senate-floor-speech/ | WATCH: Hickenlooper Takes Aim at Trump’s “Golden Age of Corruption” in Senate Floor Speech | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper: “It’s an era of spoils and bribery for the powerful and well-connected, while you are left behind.” WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor to call out President Trump for his corruption and the cost-of-living emergency he’s created. “Nearly 20 months into his second term, President Trump calls this period in American history a ‘Golden Age,’” said Hickenlooper on the Senate floor. “Golden – for who? For billionaires. For Mar-a-Lago members. For the president’s cronies. Not for farmers on the Western Slope, small business owners in Colorado Springs, or working families in Denver.” Watch his full speech HERE. “Housing. Gas. Groceries. When everything costs more, it’s hard for Americans to plan for today, let alone tomorrow. Nearly two-thirds of Americans are abandoning long-term financial milestones and cutting back just to get by,” Hickenlooper continued. “But President Trump’s Wall Street friends aren’t cutting back. Not at all. His company is charging them up to $100,000 a month for faster access to his Truth Social posts that routinely influence stock prices. That’s more than the median American household makes in an entire year. All to give greedy investment bankers another leg up. “This isn’t normal. This isn’t simply corruption. This is a sellout – of you, of America, of the office we used to respect in this country.” Hickenlooper blasted the president for personally profiting off his war in Iran that has claimed the lives of 18 servicemembers and cost Americans billions. Hickenlooper has introduced a War Powers Resolution to direct President Trump to terminate U.S. military hostilities against Iran and has voted repeatedly to end the president’s war. “While Americans are shelling out over $100 billion more in energy costs since President Trump started his illegal war with Iran. He has raked in millions of dollars off oil and gas stocks. He’s not only enriching himself, but his billionaire buddies, too.” He highlighted how the president and his family… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-epas-decision-to-erase-climate-pollution-limits-from-power-plants/ | Hickenlooper Statement on EPA’s Decision to Erase Climate Pollution Limits from Power Plants | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement blasting the Trump administration’s decision to roll back the EPA limits on pollution from power plants. “Climate change is real and worsening Colorado’s drought and wildfires. The EPA had a rule in place to limit pollution from the largest polluters to address climate change. “Yesterday’s decision by the EPA ignores science and will seriously threaten our environment. We can’t let their decision stand, and we will keep fighting to reduce pollution and stop climate change.” Hickenlooper has long pushed for real, science-based climate policy. He played a key role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which was the largest climate investment ever, and is fighting against Washington Republicans’ attempts to undermine the law. Hickenlooper has called out the Trump admin’s reckless decision to undermine the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “endangerment finding,” which determined that greenhouse gas pollution harms Americans and is a serious threat to public health. The rollback would defy decades of science, EPA precedent, and Supreme Court rulings and lead to more pollution across the U.S. Hickenlooper has also fought against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rejection of Colorado’s updated Regional Haze Plan. As Colorado governor, Hickenlooper worked with environmentalists and oil and gas companies to create the world’s first methane rules, which were later used as a national model by the Obama administration. ### | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-welcomes-97m-in-federal-disaster-aid-for-colorado-communities/ | Hickenlooper Welcomes $97M in Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado Communities | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement welcoming the release of $97 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for Colorado communities to recover from past disasters and mitigate future disasters. “We’re happy to see that more federal funding is on the way for Colorado communities who need it to protect themselves and recover from destructive storms, wildfires, and flooding,” said Hickenlooper. “We’ll continue fighting for disaster aid because you never know when the weather or winds could turn and communities will need this help.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-visits-kids-first-health-care-to-discuss-medicaid-cuts-falling-vaccination-rates/ | ICYMI: Hickenlooper Visits Kids First Health Care to Discuss Medicaid Cuts, Falling Vaccination Rates | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | New CDC data shows Colorado has the sixth-lowest reported kindergarten MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rate among states and D.C. COLORADO – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper recently visited Kids First Health Care in Commerce City to meet with pediatric providers, public health experts, and local health care leaders about how the Trump administration’s health policies are hitting Colorado kids – including cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in HR1, and changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. The visit came on the heels of new CDC data which ranked Colorado among the states with the lowest reported MMR vaccination rates in the country. Pediatric care specialists said access to nutrition assistance and affordable food is the number one ask among families they see. The numbers back that up:12,500 Colorado children have already lost food assistance because of the cuts to SNAP in the president’s signature legislation, according to new data from the Center on Budget and Policy priorities. Another 193,000 Coloradans are projected to lose their health coverage as a result of the bill’s cuts to Medicaid, and more than one-third of Colorado’s Medicaid enrollees are children. In a subsequent Substack, Hickenlooper shared how his personal experience as a parent and scientist informs his work on these issues. “As a former scientist and the father of a three-and-a-half-year-old, the issue of healthcare is deeply personal. I know the anxiety parents feel when they drop their kids off at day care or school,” Hickenlooper wrote. “We all want the same thing: to keep our children healthy and safe. That means following the evidence and giving parents clear, reliable information they can trust.” At the event, Hickenlooper raised concerns about the Trump administration’s proposed changes to longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations, which are currently being challenged in court, and efforts to encourage states to reconsider school immunization requirements. WATCH: Fox 31 Denver: Hi… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/14/bennet-pettersen-push-to-advance-lincoln-park-superfund-site-clean-up/ | Bennet, Pettersen Push to Advance Lincoln Park Superfund Site Clean-up | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, DC — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Brittney Pettersen (D-Colo.) pushed to advance the clean-up of the Cotter / Lincoln Park Superfund Site near Cañon City, which has awaited cleanup for more than 40 years. In the letter, the lawmakers urge EPA to move forward with the next step of the Superfund remediation process, which includes developing a detailed planning document for collecting, testing, and validating environmental data from the main portion of the site to Superfund standards. The lawmakers also ask EPA to provide clear timelines to the community for progression through the overall Superfund process. “[…] It is critical that EPA continue to move forward with site mitigation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), collaborating with Cotter Corporation, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and the local communities to facilitate the responsible cleanup of the Lincoln Park Superfund Site,” wrote the lawmakers. The Lincoln Park Superfund site is a 2,600-acre decommissioned uranium, vanadium, and molybdenum processing mill that consistently discharged liquid waste containing radionuclides and heavy metals into 11 largely unlined waste ponds for about 20 years. In 1984, the mill was designated a Superfund site because high contamination levels posed a risk to human health and the surrounding environment. Yet, four decades later, this site has barely advanced through the Superfund process, with progress impeded by multiple ownership changes, as remediation plans need to be restructured after each liability switch. This uncertainty has left many residents frustrated and concerned about the future of the site. “Many community members have spent decades advocating for the remediation of this site, and they deserve clear information about when they can expect meaningful progress” continued the lawmakers. “Members of the Lincoln Park / Cotter Community Advisory Group appreciate the assistance of Se… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-colleagues-challenge-trump-efforts-to-restrict-mail-in-voting/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Challenge Trump Efforts to Restrict Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | 261 current and former lawmakers joined together to file amicus brief in SCOTUS Mail-In Voting Case WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, and members of the U.S. House of Representatives filed an amicus brief challenging the legality of President Trump’s executive order and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule that imposes unconstitutional, unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. “Mail-in voting is safe, secure, and makes our elections more accessible,” said Hickenlooper. “The Trump administration continues throwing everything at the wall to restrict the fundamental right of every American to choose their leaders. It’s an unconstitutional, authoritarian attack that we won’t let them get away with.” “Since the beginning of his administration, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have done everything they can to make our voting system less safe and secure,” said Bennet. “The Supreme Court must stand firm against this latest unconstitutional attempt to supersede the authority of states and Congress when it comes to our elections, all in an effort to make it harder for Coloradans to cast a vote by mail.” Colorado’s vote-by-mail system produced a turnout rate of 73.4% in the 2024 general election, nearly 10% higher than the national average. Of these voters, 92.2% chose to return a mail ballot. In Colorado, 90% of Colorado Republicans voted by mail during the 2024 Presidential election and 98% of Colorado Republicans voted by mail in 2025. Nearly one-third of Americans have voted by mail in recent elections — a voting practice Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when he voted in Florida’s Republican primary. In the court filing, the group argued that Trump’s Executive Order and USPS’s final rule violate the separation of powers and steal congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Const… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-scotus-mail-in-voting-ruling/ | Hickenlooper Statement on SCOTUS Mail-In Voting Ruling | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper filed amicus brief with court regarding case WASHINGTON – This evening, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the legality of President Trump’s executive order and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule that imposes unconstitutional, unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. “Today, the Supreme Court rightfully rejected President Trump’s latest attempt to infringe on Americans’ right to vote and avoid accountability for his disastrous record,” said Hickenlooper. “Colorado has proven that mail-in voting is safe, secure, and cost-effective. We’ll keep standing up to President Trump’s attacks on democracy and protecting every American’s fundamental right to choose their representatives.” Senator Hickenlooper recently filed an amicus brief in the case alongside a bipartisan group of 260 other lawmakers arguing against Trump’s executive order and the USPS rule. He also previously demanded that the USPS abandon the rule and has been staunch opposition to the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict voting rights. Hickenlooper introduced the Mail and Absentee Voter Protection Act to nullify Trump’s executive order. Hickenlooper has consistently fought efforts by MAGA and Trump to restrict voting, including the SAVE Act, which he took to the senate floor to oppose. He also cosponsors several pieces of voting rights legislation, including the For the People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Freedom to Vote Act. ### | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/11/bennet-schiff-schumer-booker-colleagues-demand-netanyahu-immediately-crack-down-on-settler-violence-in-west-bank-and-protect-u-s-citizens/ | Bennet, Schiff, Schumer, Booker, Colleagues Demand Netanyahu Immediately Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank and Protect U.S. Citizens | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and 44 Senate Democratic colleagues to demand that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu take immediate actions to address surging Israeli settler violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, in the West Bank. The senators also called on the Israeli government to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who Israeli settlers or security forces have killed in the West Bank in recent years. “We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,” wrote the senators. “[…] continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel’s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” continued the senators. President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously expressed their opposition to annexation of and violence in the West Bank, which the Israeli government has failed to address. “Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence,” concluded the senators. Furthermore, the senators called for those responsible for such violent acts to be investigated and held accountable. Bennet has consistently opposed Israeli settlement expansion in th… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/10/bennet-hickenlooper-wyden-padilla-schiff-sound-the-alarm-on-lack-of-firefighting-resources-during-the-2026-wildfire-season/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Wyden, Padilla, Schiff Sound the Alarm on Lack of Firefighting Resources During the 2026 Wildfire Season | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, led Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) to express serious concerns about the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) preparedness and ability to adequately respond to the 2026 fire season. Colorado has faced one of the most severe wildfire seasons to date, with over 240,000 acres burned and loss of wildland firefighting personnel. “[…] Record-breaking high temperatures and historic drought have led to catastrophic fires across the West, destroying thousands of homes, wreaking havoc on the economies of rural communities, stressing the budgets of local governments, and leading to the loss of four wildland firefighters and two pilots,”began the senators. Between July 18 and September 4, 2026, the national firefighting force was at preparedness level 5 with federal resources fully committed to combating wildland fires across the country. So far this year, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Wildland Fire Service has dedicated over $6 billion to fire suppression budget authority, spending nearly the entire fire suppression budget as of September 2, 2026. The West is expected to remain in peak fire season with hot, dry, and windy conditions for at least the next two months, raising concerns that federal wildfire resources and suppression funds could run out entirely. “In light of these concerns, the capacity of the federal government to sustain operations is critical. We are concerned that the agencies simply do not have enough highly qualified personnel, Incident Management Teams, and supervisory staff to sustain operations. Our offices have received reports that teams have worked more fires than is safe, using temporary supervisory structures because fully qualified personnel are not available. We have also heard that locally-led initial attack was affected by national… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-applauds-denver-lawsuit-to-block-armed-ice-agents-at-voting-sites/ | Hickenlooper Applauds Denver Lawsuit to Block Armed ICE Agents at Voting Sites | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper has previously introduced legislation to stop Trump from using federal law enforcement to interfere with elections WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the below statement applauding the lawsuit filed by the City of Denver and civil right groups to block armed ICE agents at voting sites. “The only conceivable reason for ICE to be at polling places is to spread the same fear and intimidation we’ve already seen in our communities,”said Hickenlooper. “Every eligible American should be able to cast their ballot freely and safely. We’ll keep fighting tooth and nail to protect that sacred right.” Earlier this year, Hickenlooper introduced the Protect our Polls Act that would restrict the deployment of armed federal law enforcement or military forces to polling places. He has pushed for efforts that would prevent immigration enforcement from targeting polling locations, as well as schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Hickenlooper has been outspoken in the face of ICE’s lawlessness and demanded a top-to-bottom overhaul of the agency to stop ICE from terrorizing our communities. Hickenlooper also voted against the DHS funding bill because it failed to overhaul ICE. He has consistently pushed for more oversight andtransparency for federal immigration enforcement efforts, and has worked to help families desperately searching for loved ones arrested by ICE. In January, Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor to denounce the horrifying killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, condemn the reports that families in Eagle County found “death cards” left in the cars of family members taken by ICE agents, and to demand the overhaul of ICE. He’s shown up at ICE facilities previously to conduct congressional oversight visits and raise concerns about ICE disregarding due process. He helped launch an investigation into ICE’s unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight, introduced legislation to ban ICE from wearing masks, and pushed to cut back the excessive funding that MAGA Republicans … | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-mccormick-announce-formation-of-senate-bipartisan-science-and-innovation-caucus/ | Hickenlooper, McCormick Announce Formation of Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Kickoff event for caucus will take place at U.S. Capitol on Sept 14 WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Dave McCormick announced the formation of the U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus to highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. Caucus members will work together with industry leaders and the research community to develop policies that promote U.S. leadership in science. “Science propels our economy, saves lives, and solves the problems that once seemed unsolvable,” said Hickenlooper. “This caucus exists for one reason: to make sure Congress is fighting as hard for American innovation as our scientists and researchers are. The stakes are too high for anything less.” “America’s economic strength and national security have always been powered by our ability to innovate, and that begins with world-class scientific research,” said McCormick. “As we compete to maintain America’s position as the world’s leading superpower, this bipartisan caucus will help unleash the ingenuity of our scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to drive economic growth, create opportunity, and strengthen our nation.” The United States has been a global economic leader for the past 50 years because of our dedication to science, technology, and innovation. Federally-funded research led to the invention of optical fibers, microchips, personal computers, mobile phones, robotics, cutting-edge medicine, and more. Jobs in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine make up34% of the U.S. workforce. Economic activity from these fields generates 39% of U.S. GDP – over $10 trillion dollars. The United States spends only 3% of its GDP on research and development (R&D) and innovation. Federally funded R&D dollars are doubled in returns: every $1 invested generates nearly $2 in economic output. This is substantially higher than the returns on other forms of federal investment. China is overtaking the United States in R&D fun… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-visits-southeast-colorado-highlights-water-housing-veterans-care-healthcare/ | ICYMI: Hickenlooper Visits Southeast Colorado, Highlights Water, Housing, Veterans’ Care, Healthcare | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | COLORADO – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper visited Hasty, La Junta, Pueblo, Limon, and Lamar to meet with Coloradans and discuss top-of-mind issues. Hickenlooper stopped by the John Martin Reservoir to receive an update on the progress of the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC), which he has helped secure hundreds of millions in federal funds to complete. They highlighted how President Trump has risked 50,000 Coloradans’ access to clean drinking water by vetoing Hickenlooper’s bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act. Watch our video at the reservoir to hear more HERE. In La Junta, Hickenlooper toured the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and met with county officials. They discussed the community’s concerns about the Pueblo sewage spill impacting farmers and ranchers downstream, as well as the strains on rural healthcare and the importance of completing the AVC. Earlier, Hickenlooper toured the Vail Hotel in Pueblo – one of Colorado’s historic hotels turned into a public housing project – and met with local leaders to discuss the increasing cost of housing in Pueblo. From 2014 to 2024, Pueblo’s average rent rose from $593 in 2014 to $1,161 in 2024 – a 96% increase. Meanwhile, the average renter in Pueblo makes just over $39,000 a year. Hickenlooper highlighted how the bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act, will help bring down the cost of housing and address the housing shortage Colorado faces. Watch Hickenlooper speak at visit to the Vail Hotel HERE. On Wednesday, Hickenlooper convened local leaders to discuss the impacts and clean-up plans for the recent sewage spill in Pueblo, which released more than four million gallons of raw sewage into the Arkansas River Thursday, August 27th. Local health officials say that E. Coli levels down-stream of the spill are “extremely high,” which poses a severe health risk to recreationists and down-stream ranchers and farmers. Officials have expanded advisories, urging residents to stay out of the water until testing shows it’s saf… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/08/bennet-booker-warnock-van-hollen-colleagues-demand-hud-reverse-changes-gutting-fair-housing-program/ | Bennet, Booker, Warnock, Van Hollen, Colleagues Demand HUD Reverse Changes Gutting Fair Housing Program | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and 28 Senate colleagues to demand the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rescind a series of proposed changes that would fundamentally undermine implementation of the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), which funds nonprofit organizations on the front lines of combating housing discrimination and enforcing fair housing protections nationwide. In their letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, the senators warned that HUD’s Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026 funding notices threaten to strip funding from organizations that handle more than 74 percent of housing discrimination complaints in the country. The senators blasted the new funding notices for bypassing the intent of Congress and fundamentally reshaping the program. The changes lock out experienced fair housing organizations, prioritize first-time applicants over groups with proven track records, and abandon organizations that have protected Americans from discrimination for decades. “Dedicated local fair housing organizations, functioning on small budgets, provide an indispensable service for so many Americans: disabled veterans who require reasonable accommodations in housing, seniors and people with disabilities who need accessible housing, families with children turned away illegally from renting a home, women who are experiencing sexual harassment from landlords, survivors of domestic violence who have been improperly evicted, and victims of racial and other forms of unlawful discrimination,” wrote the senators. The senators noted that this latest move is part of a pattern: the Trump administration has repeatedly tried to dismantle fair housing protections, including failed attempts to terminate FHIP grants and proposing to eliminate the program’s funding altogether, despite strong bipartisan support in Congress. The senators called on Secretary Turner to immediately rescind and reissue the … | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/04/bennet-hosts-conversations-with-colorados-next-generation-about-building-a-future-they-can-thrive-in/ | Bennet Hosts Conversations With Colorado’s Next Generation About Building a Future They Can Thrive In | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — This week, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet hosted two conversations with Colorado’s next generation, one with young professionals through CiviCO’s Civic Pop-Up Series and another with students in an AP Government class at Vista PEAK Preparatory School in Aurora. The conversations focused on a simple question: What should the government do for the next generation, and how do we make sure it delivers? What does the American Dream look like for their generations? For younger generations, the path to a good life is getting harder. Housing costs have risen sharply and many young people are finding that buying a home, building a career, and starting a family is more difficult than it was for previous generations. The people at these events shared the perspective that the institutions and systems shaping their lives were built for a different time and do not reflect the challenges they face today. They want to know what their government can do to address those challenges and whether it can deliver meaningful results. “Colorado is the best state in the country. But everywhere I go, I hear people who are working hard and still finding it harder to get ahead,” said Bennet. “For younger generations, some of the milestones that previous generations were able to take for granted, like buying a home, building a career, or starting a family, can feel much further out of reach. I am optimistic about our ability to change that and build an American Dream for the next generation.” Bennet said the government has a role to play, but it cannot do this alone. Building a stronger future will require people who are willing to get involved, try new things, build their communities, and speak up when they see something that needs to change. “Young people are going to live with the decisions we make today,” said Bennet. “We owe it to them to pay attention and learn what it is like to be a young person growing up in Colorado, what you are excited about, what concerns you, and what you think we could do differently.” At CiviCO, Benn… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/04/bennet-statement-welcoming-federal-disaster-aid-for-colorados-aspen-acres-and-gold-mountain-fires/ | Bennet Statement Welcoming Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado’s Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued a statement following the announcement of federal disaster aid to support communities recovering from wildfires in Pueblo, Custer, Ouray, and Dolores Counties. “Following an outpouring of local support for disaster relief, I am glad to see the approval of the State’s request for a major disaster declaration and public assistance. This funding will help Ouray, Dolores, Pueblo, and Custer Counties rebuild after wildfires burned more than 200,000 acres in their counties this summer, destroying critical infrastructure, water supplies, and hundreds of homes and structures. The President must now approve the Governor’s request for individual assistance and hazard mitigation funding as well as the overdue federal assistance for the Lee and Elk Fires and extreme flooding in Southwest Colorado that occurred last year.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-welcomes-federal-disaster-aid-for-colorados-aspen-acres-and-gold-mountain-fires/ | Hickenlooper Welcomes Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado’s Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | DENVER — Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper welcomed the announcement of federal disaster aid for communities recovering from the Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo, Custer, and Dolores counties and the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. Hickenlooper also urged the Trump administration to swiftly approve Colorado’s remaining requests for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant funding. “We’re glad to see the communities impacted by the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires will begin receiving some of the critical federal resources they need and deserve to help get back on their feet,” said Hickenlooper. “We’ll continue standing shoulder to shoulder with those impacted by these tragedies and urge the administration to swiftly approve Colorado’s remaining requests for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant funding.” | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/new-report-co-families-have-spent-4000-more-on-goods-services-under-president-trump/ | New Report: CO Families Have Spent $4,000 More On Goods & Services Under President Trump | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper: Colorado is facing a cost-of-living emergency WASHINGTON – As President Trump’s tariffs and unpopular war with Iran continue to crush Colorado families, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper highlighted the cost-of-living emergency that’s hurting the state. According to an August report by the Joint Economic Committee Minority, Colorado families have spent $4,000 more in goods and services under President Trump. Some of the key findings from the report include: Energy Costs: People across Colorado have spent over $1 billion more on gas since the beginning of the war. That means the average family in Colorado has spent $584 more on gas. Families in Colorado paid at least $80 more for electricity in 2025 under President Trump than they did in 2024. In the first half of 2026, Colorado families paid an estimated $66 more for electricity than they did in the first half of 2024. Housing Costs: Colorado families have had to spend $496 more on housing costs such as rent and mortgage payments since President Trump took office. Grocery Costs: Americans paid $310 more for groceries in President Trump’s first year than in 2024, and grocery prices are now more than 4 percent higher than when Trump took office. Healthcare: Monthly Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums have risen over 50% on average in 2026 compared to last year while deductibles surged to record highs increasing by more than $1,000 on average. “As I travel across Colorado this month, we keep hearing the same thing: everyday essentials cost too much,” said Hickenlooper. “Colorado is facing a cost-of-living emergency made worse by President Trump’s illegal war, tariffs, and massive healthcare cuts. We’ve got to reverse these harmful policies and make life more affordable for working families.” Watch Hickenlooper discuss the cost-of-living emergency on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube While President Trump continues his war with Iran, Hickenlooper has been fighting to lower costs for Americans. Last month, he celebrated the committee passage of his … | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-visits-southwest-colorado-talks-tribal-issues-innovation-drought-wildfires-childcare-more/ | ICYMI: Hickenlooper Visits Southwest Colorado, Talks Tribal Issues, Innovation, Drought, Wildfires, Childcare, More | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | COLORADO – In case you missed it, Senator John Hickenlooper took to the road this week to meet with Coloradans in Durango, Towaoc, Dolores, Ouray, and Ridgway. Hickenlooper arrived in Durango on Wednesday for a full day of events. He started the day at Agile Space Industries for a tour and ribbon-cutting event at their new expanded facility. The senator received a first-hand look at how Colorado is leading the country in aerospace innovation. Senator Hickenlooper then made his way to the site of the largest gasoline spill in Colorado history, which occurred two years ago when a pipeline ruptured near Durango. There, he met with Tribal, local, state, and federal officials to receive an update on cleanup efforts led by the company responsible for the spill, Enterprise Products. In discussion with residents and officials, Hickenlooper heard about damage already done to local water resources. Watch Hickenlooper provide an update from the ground here The senator, a father of two himself, made his way to the opening ceremony of the Durango Powerhouse’s brand new WonderLab Early Learning Childcare Center. There, he spoke on the importance of funding childcare in Colorado at a time when slots are at a premium. Watch Hickenlooper’s remarks outside the Durango Powerhouse here Thursday, Senator Hickenlooper met with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council (UMUT) to hear about the Tribe’s priorities, including water projects, law enforcement funding, and the recently terminated Bears Ear Commission. The group celebrated Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Hickenlooper helped secure for various UMUT projects. Hickenlooper expressed his continued support for Tribal sovereignty and pledged to continue fighting for federal funding that helps address Tribal needs. Hickenlooper continued his day at the McPhee Reservoir outside Dolores and Cortez, where he met with water managers, county commissioners, farmers, and other experts to discuss how the 1,200-year record drought across the West is impacting Colorado. McPhee has dr… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/video-analysis-hickenlooper-calls-out-high-gas-prices-trump-corruption/ | Video & Analysis: Hickenlooper Calls Out High Gas Prices, Trump Corruption | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | While the average Colorado family has paid $583 more in gas since the Iran War began, Trump has made up to $15.5 million from oil & gas stocks WASHINGTON – As President Trump’s war with Iran continues, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper highlighted how Coloradans are paying the price at the pump while President Trump continues profiting off the war. According to a new report by the Joint Economic Committee Minority, Coloradans have collectively spent $1.3 billion more on gas since the Iran war began, amounting to $583 more per family. Meanwhile, at the end of 2025, President Donald Trump held as much as $45.6 million in oil and gas stocks, a portfolio that is now worth up to $61.1 million. “It’s no wonder President Trump refuses to end the war in Iran. He has a vested interest in prolonging it. While the Colorado families are struggling to put gas in their tanks, the President is making money hand over fist over this prolonged, illegal war,” Hickenlooper said in a video statement. “We have to end this forever war, and start fighting the high prices that are crushing working families.” Watch Hickenlooper’s Full Video Here While Trump continues his war with Iran, Hickenlooper has been fighting to lower costs for Americans. Last month, he celebrated the committee passage of his bipartisan Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, which would create true transparency in healthcare pricing and is a first step towards universal healthcare. The bill will help lower healthcare prices through creating opportunities for consumers to compare prices, leading to competition among providers to lower costs. Hickenlooper helped champion the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to address the national affordable housing shortage by cutting red tape to build more homes, investing in programs to lower the cost of buying a house, and preventing corporations from dominating the housing market. In 2021, he worked with the Colorado delegation to deliver more than $3.8 billion in American Rescue Plan funding for the state, which included more than … | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-questions-trumps-space-academy-announcement/ | Hickenlooper Questions Trump’s Space Academy Announcement | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper: “Trump’s proposed plan is duplicative, costly, and unserious.” OURAY – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper raised questions about President Trump’s new plan to create a U.S. Space Academy. President Trump announced plans to establish the academy earlier today at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. “President Trump’s proposed plan is duplicative, costly, and unserious. Establishing a dedicated service academy for space may sound good on paper, but our nation already has an exceptional institution that trains tomorrow’s Space Force leaders: it’s called the U.S. Air Force Academy. To duplicate that effort at a time when our national deficit is soaring, is reckless and makes a dire situation even worse. Colorado Springs is already the epicenter of our national security and space efforts. This unnecessary proposal is yet another example of the president seeking to distract from his illegal war in Iran and the economic pain it has caused everyday Americans.” Hickenlooper has consistently fought to protect Colorado’s role as the backbone of the nation’s space defense architecture. He denounced the Trump administration’s irresponsible and wasteful decision to move U.S. Space Command from Colorado to Alabama and joined a statement with the entire Colorado congressional delegation rebuking the relocation. ### | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/27/bennet-hickenlooper-lujan-demand-trump-administration-comply-with-injunction-to-ensure-prompt-approvals-of-wind-and-solar-energy-projects/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Luján Demand Trump Administration Comply with Injunction to Ensure Prompt Approvals of Wind and Solar Energy Projects | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee’s Rural Development and Energy Subcommittee, led Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to demand that the Department of Interior (DOI) comply with a preliminary injunction to ensure covered wind and solar permitting reviews are conducted promptly without illegal bureaucratic roadblocks. In July 2025, the DOI released an order requiring Secretary Burgum’s personal approval for routine wind and solar energy project permitting decisions, which led to massive delays in power projects across the West. In November 2025, Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Luján sent a letter demanding answers to the DOI’s order and highlighting its harmful effects to energy prices and reliability, but never received a response. In April 2026, the U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction to prohibit the DOI and its officials from applying the July 2025 order and other internal DOI orders that make wind and solar permitting processes needlessly delayed and difficult while the court case proceeds. Since then, numerous wind and solar developers report that DOI personnel have illegally continued to force project applicants to repeatedly document and prove their eligibility for these court protections. “[…] Applicants also report that DOI staff have received little or no internal guidance regarding implementation of the Court’s injunction. These reports are not isolated or short-lived: developers continue to describe these delays more than three months after the injunction took effect, indicating an ongoing pattern of noncompliance rather than a transitional implementation issue. DOI’s actions are creating severe regulatory uncertainty, threatening to permanently sideline projects at a time when Western families, farmers, and businesses are facing rising energy demand and higher costs,” wrote the senators. “Western states depend on reliable and afford… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-lujan-demand-trump-admin-follow-court-order-promptly-approve-renewable-energy-projects/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet, Lujàn Demand Trump Admin Follow Court Order, Promptly Approve Renewable Energy Projects | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, and Ben Ray Lujàn demanded that the Department of Interior (DOI) comply with a preliminary injunction to ensure covered wind and solar permitting reviews are conducted promptly without illegal bureaucratic roadblocks. In July 2025, the DOI released an order requiring Secretary Burgum’s personal approval for routine wind and solar energy project permitting decisions, which led to massive delays in power projects across the West. In November 2025, Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Luján sent a letter demanding answers to the DOI’s order and highlighting its harmful effects to energy prices and reliability. They never received a response. The U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction to prohibit the DOI and its officials from applying the July 2025 order and other internal DOI orders that make wind and solar permitting processes needlessly delayed and difficult while the court case proceeds. Since then, numerous wind and solar developers report that DOI personnel have illegally continued to force project applicants to repeatedly document and prove their eligibility for these court protections. “[…] Applicants also report that DOI staff have received little or no internal guidance regarding implementation of the Court’s injunction. These reports are not isolated or short-lived: developers continue to describe these delays more than three months after the injunction took effect, indicating an ongoing pattern of noncompliance rather than a transitional implementation issue. DOI’s actions are creating severe regulatory uncertainty, threatening to permanently sideline projects at a time when Western families, farmers, and businesses are facing rising energy demand and higher costs,” wrote the senators. “Western states depend on reliable and affordable energy to keep our grid secure and our economies competitive. Wind and solar are the least expensive and fastest-to-deploy sources of new electricity generation available. Dragging out permitting tim… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/26/bennet-hickenlooper-colleagues-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-about-ice-conduct-tsa-cooperation-at-dia-other-airports/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Colleagues Demand Answers from Trump Administration About ICE Conduct, TSA Cooperation at DIA & Other Airports | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 joined U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen and six of their Senate colleagues to demand answers from the Trump administration about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in airports. This inquiry comes after a string of incidents nationwide, in which ICE agents – with apparent cooperation from TSA – have targeted people at airports, including at Denver International Airport. “We write to express our serious concerns regarding recent immigration enforcement actions at airports across the nation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the apparent assistance and support of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Such actions create fear in our communities and cause disruption and distress to the traveling public,” wrote the senators. “Unfortunately, recent reporting by the New York Times indicates that troubling events like these are occurring frequently across the nation at America’s airports. Such actions have only served to disrupt local communities, create fear among immigrant families, and undermine the travel and tourism sector by actively discouraging travelers from visiting the United States. They hurt our nation’s travel and tourism industry at a time when it is trying to rebound from a 5.5% decline in international tourism in 2025 that occurred due to President Trump’s misguided tariff, immigration, and foreign policies,” continued the senators. Bennet has consistently fought against the Trump administration’s inhumane immigration policies. This month, Bennet and Congressman Jason Crow (D-Colo.) led all Democrats in the Colorado Congressional delegation to call on the GEO Group to comply with public health orders issued by the Adams County Health Department and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment related to an active tuberculosis case at the ICE detention facility in Aurora. Bennet and his staff have joined Crow and his congressional office in conducting consistent oversi… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-grindr-ceo-george-arison-pen-op-ed-in-the-hill-on-expanding-access-to-ivf-fertility-care-for-american-families/ | ICYMI: Hickenlooper, Grindr CEO George Arison Pen Op-Ed in The Hill on Expanding Access to IVF, Fertility Care for American Families | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper, Arison: “Every parent who dreams of raising a child should have a fair opportunity to pursue that dream.” In case you missed it: U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Grindr CEO George Arison penned an op-ed in The Hill urging federal action to modernize and protect access to family planning services and fertility care like in vitro fertilization (IVF). “Today’s system is too often defined by staggering costs, outdated policies, and unnecessary legal uncertainty. Families and same-sex couples spend years navigating barriers that have little to do with medicine and everything to do with bureaucracy or politics. That should change,” wrote Hickenlooper and Arison. Hickenlooper and Arison continued: “Our paths were different, but they led to the same realization: You are not free if you don’t have the freedom to decide when and how to have a family.” Hickenlooper and his wife Robin welcomed their son Jack, born through IVF, in December 2022. Hickenlooper is a cosponsor of the Protect IVF Act to establish nationwide access to IVF and prevent state-level efforts to block access to IVF treatment. Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor in 2024 about his family’s experience with IVF and in support of the Right to IVF Act, a legislative package which would establish a right to IVF services nationwide and help make IVF treatment more affordable for Americans hoping to start a family. “If we are serious about strengthening families, growing our economy, and investing in the next generation, we should be making it easier for Americans to become parents. This is not a Democratic issue or Republican issue. It’s an American one,” wrote Hickenlooper and Arison. “Fortunately, the solutions don’t require reinventing the system. They require modernizing it.” Read the full op-ed in The Hill HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-democratic-colleagues-call-on-netanyahu-to-crack-down-on-settler-violence-in-west-bank/ | Hickenlooper, Democratic Colleagues Call on Netanyahu to Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Settler violence has already surpassed 2025 levels WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, along with 45 of his Democratic colleagues, called on Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. The senators also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years. “We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,” wrote the senators. Hickenlooper has consistently raised his concerns about the uptick in settler violence and the dire economic situation for Palestinians in the West Bank. Hickenlooper has repeatedly advocated for sustained access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, including food, water, and life-saving medical supplies, the delivery of lifesaving fuel to hospitals and water treatment facilities, and funding to meet the United Nations’ $294 million emergency appeal. Hickenlooper has repeatedly called for a humanitarian pause in Gaza as well as a mutual ceasefire and the release of all Hamas-held hostages. Full text of the letter available HERE and below. Dear Mr. Prime Minister, We write in shared concern and opposition to the growing levels of violence in the West Bank. Many of us have previously expressed to President Trump that continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel’s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Incidents of fatal violence by settlers have reportedly already surpassed 2025 levels and continue to increase. The last few weeks alone saw a significa… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-op-ed-trumps-agenda-is-punishing-colorado/ | ICYMI: Hickenlooper Op-Ed: Trump’s Agenda Is Punishing Colorado | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper has called for an investigation into the Administration’s targeting of CO WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper penned an op-ed in The Denver Post highlighting how President Trump’s agenda is punishing Colorado. The piece comes after an email revealed that officials at the highest levels of the White House were directed to orchestrate a political retribution campaign against Colorado. Hickenlooper has called for an investigation into the administration’s targeting of Colorado, arguing that we need a complete understanding of how federal resources were manipulated to punish innocent Coloradans. “Government resources belong to the American people. They are not weapons to wield against the president’s enemies,” Hickenlooper wrote. “Coloradans shouldn’t pay the price for the petty grievances and failed policies that make their lives harder. We need to continue holding this administration accountable, fighting back against the president’s attacks on Colorado, and lowering costs for working families.” Read the op-ed in full here or below: Since my first day in office, Trump’s agenda has been to punish Colorado (Opinion) Hickenlooper called for an investigation into the administration’s targeting of our state In January 2021, President Donald Trump was fuming. Staggered by his election defeat, he spent the dwindling days of his first term hellbent on rewriting the results and settling scores with his political adversaries. My first full day at work as a United States Senator was January 6th. A few days later, we unexpectedly learned that after a secretive Oval Office meeting, Trump had decided to move U.S. Space Command from its historical headquarters in Republican-leaning Colorado Springs to Alabama. That was just the beginning. In the years that followed, President Trump’s anger toward Colorado only grew. After the Colorado Supreme Court determined in 2023 that he had engaged in insurrection and was therefore disqualified from the ballot under the 14th Amendment, he lashed out a… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/24/bennet-leads-entire-colorado-congressional-delegation-in-support-of-presidential-major-disaster-declaration-request-for-colorado-wildfires/ | Bennet Leads Entire Colorado Congressional Delegation in Support of Presidential Major Disaster Declaration Request for Colorado Wildfires | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Representative Jeff Hurd, led the entire Colorado Congressional delegation – Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen, Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, and Gabe Evans – in a letter to President Trump expressing strong support for Governor Jared Polis’ request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray Counties in Colorado. This request comes in response to more than $18 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency validated damages from Colorado’s Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires. In June, Colorado experienced two large, destructive fires within 48 hours, the Aspen Acres Fire and Gold Mountain Fire, due to prime wildfire conditions including high winds, extreme heat, and prolonged drought. These fires burned over 140,000 acres collectively across Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray Counties and destroyed hundreds of homes and structures and energy and water infrastructure. The burn scars left by these fires also contributed to significant post-fire flooding and debris flows that led to one fatality in Beulah, Colorado. Summer is peak tourism season for Colorado, and the fires and subsequent flooding caused major disruptions to transportation, lodging, recreation, hospitality, outfitter, and guide businesses. They also damaged the operations of agricultural producers who lost livestock, fencing, and grazing lands. Several rural communities were also affected by road closures, which made accessing work, school, healthcare, or essential services extremely difficult. State and federal emergency response officials state that they expect disruptions to continue through the remainder of the summer season. “Successful recovery is essential to restoring the counties’ economies, which depend on clean drinking water, tourism, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and hunting and fishing. Without additi… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-colleagues-demand-answers-from-trump-admin-about-ice-conduct-tsa-cooperation-at-dia-other-airports/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Demand Answers from Trump Admin About ICE Conduct, TSA Cooperation at DIA & Other Airports | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen and six of their Senate colleagues to demand answers from the Trump administration about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in airports. This inquiry comes after a string of incidents nationwide, in which ICE agents – with apparent cooperation from TSA – have targeted people at airports, including at Denver International Airport. “We write to express our serious concerns regarding recent immigration enforcement actions at airports across the nation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the apparent assistance and support of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Such actions create fear in our communities and cause disruption and distress to the traveling public,” wrote the senators. The senators continued: “Unfortunately, recent reporting by the New York Times indicates that troubling events like these are occurring frequently across the nation at America’s airports. Such actions have only served to disrupt local communities, create fear among immigrant families, and undermine the travel and tourism sector by actively discouraging travelers from visiting the United States. They hurt our nation’s travel and tourism industry at a time when it is trying to rebound from a 5.5% decline in international tourism in 2025 that occurred due to President Trump’s misguided tariff, immigration, and foreign policies.” For the full text of the letter, click HERE. Earlier this week, Hickenlooper visited the ICE detention center in Aurora where he criticized the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and lack of transparency surrounding reported tuberculosis cases at the facility. Hickenlooper has been outspoken in the face of ICE’s lawlessness and demanded a top-to-bottom overhaul of the agency to stop ICE from terrorizing our communities. Hickenlooper also voted against the DHS funding bill because it failed to overhaul ICE. He has consistently pushed for mo… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-doi-plan-for-colorado-river-operations/ | Hickenlooper Statement on DOI Plan for Colorado River Operations | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s new 2027-2028 plan for Colorado River operations: “Coloradans know how important it is to responsibly manage the Colorado River, especially in a year as painfully dry as this one. While today’s announcement provides a short-term framework, long-term action to protect this increasingly strained resource from prolonged drought and the effects of climate change is critical both for Colorado and the entire Basin.” Hickenlooper has consistently advocated for a seven-state agreement for the post-2026 negotiations. In the Senate, Hickenlooper convened the bipartisan Colorado River Caucus to help address the Colorado River crisis. He has also introduced legislation to improve ways that we measure snowmelt, support water conservation projects, and hire more water project navigators to help states, Tribes, and rural communities secure resources for projects that improve water efficiency. Hickenlooper also helped secure millions in funding for water conservation projects in the West from both the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As governor, Hickenlooper helped negotiate the 2019 Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan, which helped protect critical levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead and ensured continued compliance with the 1922 Colorado River Compact. ### | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-visits-mountain-communities-talks-immigration-drought-wildfire-economy-healthcare-and-more/ | ICYMI: Hickenlooper Visits Mountain Communities, Talks Immigration, Drought, Wildfire, Economy, Healthcare, and More | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Senator John Hickenlooper hit the road this week, conducting an oversight visit at the Aurora ICE Detention Facility before heading into the mountains to visit Golden, Blackhawk, Georgetown, Frisco, Beaver Creek, Edwards, and Eagle. On Monday, Hickenlooper conducted another oversight visit to ICE and GEO’s Aurora Detention Facility, where there are reports of a dozen cases of the highly-contagious disease, Tuberculosis. During the visit, he demanded more cooperation from GEO with local and state public health officials. Watch Senator Hickenlooper discuss his visit and the cost of Trump’s immigration agenda On Tuesday morning, he visited the Jefferson County Emergency Operations Headquarters in Golden. He toured the command center, which he secured millions in federal funding to help build, and hosted a discussion with emergency, wildfire, and U.S. Forest Service officials about wildfire mitigation. The group also discussed how innovative Colorado emergency service officials are in the face of a historic drought and devastating wildfire season as well as what resources they need moving forward. The Senator then travelled to Blackhawk’s Timberline Fire Station #3 to tour the newly expanded and renovated station, which Hickenlooper helped secure $900,000 for through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). In a roundtable discussion with firefighters, local elected officials, and residents, he received an update on economic development challenges and successes in Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. Hickenlooper then attended a Clear Creek and Gilpin Joint Board of County Commissioners meeting in Georgetown. The group discussed cuts to human services and other funding priorities for the two mountain counties. Tuesday afternoon, Hickenlooper visited with Mountain Dreamers in Frisco to talk about the impacts of Trump’s cruel immigration agenda on our communities. He heard stories about the terror families and businesses felt during ICE raids and about the death of a Summit County … | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/20/bennet-crow-lead-colorado-democrats-calling-on-geo-to-comply-with-public-health-orders/ | Bennet, Crow Lead Colorado Democrats Calling on GEO to Comply with Public Health Orders | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 Congressman Jason Crow (D-Colo.) led all Democrats in the Colorado Congressional delegation to call on the GEO Group to comply with public health orders issued by the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) related to an active tuberculosis case at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Aurora. GEO failed to comply with CDPHE’s August 17 deadline, asking them to hand over information related to a tuberculosis case confirmed at the facility in June. GEO has also failed to comply with the Adams County order that was issued on June 25, raising concerns that state and local public health officials have been unable to investigate potential exposures and ensure the health and well-being of Coloradans. In their letter, the lawmakers express concern that the GEO Group is “refusing to cooperate” with ACHD and CDPHE, preventing officials from independently verifying “that everyone potentially exposed [to tuberculosis] was appropriately identified, tested, evaluated, and connected with necessary treatment or follow-up.” “Public health officials need full transparency–not summary statements–to investigate because this threatens the safety of detained individuals, facility staff, and our surrounding community. We demand the GEO Group comply with the PHOs issued by ACHD and CDPHE and encourage the resumption of cooperation with state and local officials so experts can address any public health risk at the facility in a timely manner. It is only by acting in concert, through rigorous and continuous oversight at the federal, state, and local level, that we can protect the health and well-being of detainees, facility personnel, and the broader community,” wrote the lawmakers. Bennet and his staff have joined Crow and his congressional office in conducting consistent oversight visits to the Aurora detention facility throughout the current administration. In their most recent vis… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/20/bennet-demands-senate-investigation-into-trumps-weaponization-of-the-federal-government-against-colorado/ | Bennet Demands Senate Investigation Into Trump’s Weaponization of the Federal Government Against Colorado | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to launch immediate investigations into the Trump administration’s use of federal agencies, grants, and personnel to carry out the President’s political vendetta against Colorado. The call for the Senate to investigate the role the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Interior and Transportation as well as the Office of Management and Budget played follows new evidence that the White House coordinated efforts to punish Colorado and its residents in an effort to secure Tina Peters’ release. “The Trump Administration’s coordinated weaponization of the federal bureaucracy – intended to compel Colorado to pardon an individual convicted of state crimes in state court – is unprecedented, and strikes at the core of our democracy and our Constitution’s federal architecture,” wrote Bennet. As part of an ongoing lawsuit, new evidence revealed an email sent by a White House special assistant inviting federal employees from five federal agencies and offices to a “brainstorm call” to “discuss immediate actions that [their agency] can take with respect to Colorado.” The email was sent just hours before Trump attacked Colorado leadership for not releasing former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters from state prison. Peters was found guilty by a jury of her peers of four state felonies and three misdemeanors related to election interference. “Allowing this unconstitutional overreach to go unchallenged sets a dangerous precedent, and unsettles the relationship between states and the federal government. No state should be subject to punitive measures for decisions that simply happen to go against a sitting president’s desires – and no American should be denied relief from floods and wildfires, or see their opportunity for clean water ripped away, simply because they happen to live in a state at odds with a given administration,” wrote Bennet. In the days following the Dec… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/new-analysis-33681-coloradans-could-go-hungry-following-gop-cuts-to-snap/ | New Analysis: 33,681 Coloradans Could Go Hungry Following GOP Cuts to SNAP | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | For the cost of the White House ballroom, those Coloradans could receive nearly four years of SNAP benefits WASHINGTON – New analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows the impact of President Trump and MAGA Republicans’ ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on Colorado’s most vulnerable. The analysis shows that since the GOP law was passed last July, 33,681 fewer Coloradans are accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that provide food assistance to low-income families and individuals to help them afford groceries. Senator Hickenlooper opposed the bill, which cut $186 billion from SNAP, a program serving 42 million Americans, including 600,000 Coloradans. The $300 million in taxpayer dollars going toward the new White House ballroom could provide nearly four years of SNAP benefits to every Coloradan who has left the food assistance program since the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed. “Last summer, Republicans ripped the safety net out from under our most vulnerable Coloradans to bankroll tax cuts for billionaires,” said Hickenlooper. “Republicans added insult to injury by sticking states with a massive unfunded mandate that could force even more families to lose food assistance. SNAP participation is falling at an alarming rate. We will continue to fight these cuts and protect the families who depend on this assistance.” Hickenlooper has led the charge against new provisions that require states to spend more of their state budgets to cover SNAP benefits and administrative costs associated with them. On average, states will be forced to spend two to three times of their previous SNAP budget on the program. In Colorado, SNAP cost-share will rise from $94 million to $272 million, a 188% increase. At least 23 states have expressed concern that they may be forced to dramatically reduce or end their SNAP programs. ### | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/19/bennet-huffman-colleagues-fight-against-rescission-of-key-energy-leasing-and-public-lands-protections/ | Bennet, Huffman, Colleagues Fight Against Rescission of Key Energy Leasing and Public Lands Protections | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) led their Democratic colleagues to oppose the recent rescission of two key Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas rules on leasing and waste prevention. Their rollback will harm public lands, reduce community input, increase pollution, and raise taxpayer costs. In the first letter, the lawmakers denounce the BLM’s proposal to rescind the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (the 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule). The 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule ensured that the concerns of states, Tribes, and local communities were included in decision-making and was a long-overdue correction to decades of BLM policies that favored oil and gas development over other uses and led to tens of thousands of dangerous abandoned wells that became the financial responsibility of taxpayers instead of the oil and gas companies. This rule had immense public support and established a balanced framework that saved taxpayer money, ensured multi-use management of public lands, and protected cultural resources and rural communities that depend on public lands. In this letter, the lawmakers ask that the administration specifically reconsider oil and gas bonding requirements; public participation, Tribal consultation, and landowner involvement; and leasing preference criteria. “[…] BLM’s newly proposed rule threatens to dismantle this common-sense progress. We are deeply concerned that the proposed changes shift cleanup liabilities back to the public, restrict community and private landowner participation, and distort the balance required to manage America’s public lands responsibly,” wrote the lawmakers. In addition to Bennet and Huffman, Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), as well as … | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/19/bennet-joins-legislation-to-codify-womens-right-to-serve-in-combat/ | Bennet Joins Legislation to Codify Women’s Right to Serve in Combat | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined the Women Add Resourcefulness and Resilience to Improve Operational Readiness (WARRIOR) Act, legislation led by Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IlI.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. This legislation reinforces the principle upon which the U.S. military relies: standards must be based on the demands of the job, not gender. Maintaining rigorous, gender-neutral standards is particularly critical in light of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s decision to order a study examining “the effectiveness of women in combat jobs,” despite there being no evidence that the presence of women in combat units lowers standards. “Our military’s strength is rooted in the selfless sacrifice and bravery of all troops in all roles,” said Bennet. “To ensure that our Armed Forces maintain readiness, it is critical that decisions on qualification be based on gender-neutral and scientifically-based standards, not sexist partisanship. This legislation will ensure those who answer the call to service, regardless of their gender, are judged on performance and ability, not Hegseth’s regressive biases.” “From blocking the promotions of qualified servicewomen to ordering an unnecessary study re-examining what a decade of service has already proven, it’s clear that Secretary Hegseth is more interested in attacking women service members than he is in protecting the security of our nation. Building and maintaining the strongest military in the world depends on giving every qualified servicemember a fair chance to meet the required standards to serve our country,” said Hirono. “This commonsense legislation honors the service of thousands of women who have served in combat roles with distinction, while strengthening our military by ensuring that every qualified service member is judged by their ability, not their gender.” “Our nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uni… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/19/bennet-neguse-bacon-urge-defense-department-to-reverse-nato-force-cuts/ | Bennet, Neguse, Bacon Urge Defense Department to Reverse NATO Force Cuts | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Representatives Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) led a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding reports that the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to reduce contributions to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations in Europe, undermining allied security and emboldening Russia at a particularly dangerous moment for trans-Atlantic security. “Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the United States has maintained an increased presence in Central and Eastern Europe to deter Russia’s potential aggression against NATO allies. Earlier this summer, however, the United States European Command announced plans to scale back the number of forces committed to NATO, including a 30 percent cut to fighter jets, a decrease in reconnaissance planes, and the withdrawal of aerial refueling tankers,” began the lawmakers. “This decision will severely undermine allied surveillance and intelligence coordination, leaving NATO allies vulnerable as President Vladimir Putin weighs aggression against our NATO allies — whom the United States is legally obligated to defend, if called upon under Article 5. Deterring Russia through strong support for NATO is far less costly than potentially fighting a war with Russia in the future,” wrote the lawmakers. The bipartisan trio urged Secretary Hegseth to reconsider the proposed cuts to NATO resources and requested that the DoD outline its plans for how the United States will uphold long-standing commitments to allied security. Bennet, Neguse, and Bacon also stressed that the United States must reaffirm America’s leadership within NATO, not introduce uncertainty or risk the alliance’s collective strength. “We understand your Department’s efforts to ensure Europe pays more for its own defense so the United States can spend more of our own resources deterring China across the Indo-Pacific. This is a long-running and bipartisan priority. But your planned redu… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/as-geo-group-ignores-state-health-order-analysis-shows-trumps-immigration-enforcement-agenda-is-costing-colorado-taxpayers-roughly-2400-per-person/ | As GEO Group Ignores State Health Order, Analysis Shows Trump’s Immigration Enforcement Agenda Is Costing Colorado Taxpayers Roughly $2,400 Per Person | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | New Video: Hickenlooper Calls Out The GEO Group For Ignoring State Health Order Hickenlooper: “The GEO Group ignored the state’s deadline to provide critical information about potential TB exposure… That’s unacceptable.” WASHINGTON – As the GEO Group ignored the deadline to comply with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s public health order, a recent analysis from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) detailed how President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda is costing Colorado taxpayers to the tune of roughly $5.4 billion. According to the analysis, the average Colorado taxpayer is contributing roughly $2,400 to the administration’s mass deportation efforts. The study did not include what the State is spending responding to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including countless hours public health officials have spent seeking answers about the confirmed tuberculosis case at the Aurora Detention Facility. “The GEO Group ignored the state’s deadline to provide critical information about potential TB exposure and other things. That’s unacceptable,” said Hickenlooper in a new video statement today. “Estimates show Colorado taxpayers are paying…$5.4 billion…roughly $2,400 per taxpayer for the administration’s detention and deportation efforts. Think about what that money could do if we had to spend on Colorado families: provide health care, put food on the table, pay rent, or make child care more affordable. We need an immigration system built on decency and the rule of law, and not one that wastes taxpayer dollars and jeopardizes public safety by creating a reign of terror. We’re going to keep demanding answers and holding ICE and GEO accountable.” Watch Senator Hickenlooper’s full video on X, Facebook,YouTube, and Instagram On Monday, Hickenlooper visited the ICE detention facility in Aurora where he criticized the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and lack of transparency. EPI’s analysis estimated each state’s share of federal income taxes to calculate C… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/18/bennet-schumer-schrier-88-colleagues-demand-rescission-of-trumps-dangerous-childhood-vaccine-executive-order/ | Bennet, Schumer, Schrier, 88 Colleagues Demand Rescission of Trump’s Dangerous Childhood Vaccine Executive Order | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and U.S. Representative Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) led 88 colleagues in demanding President Donald Trump rescind his executive order that directs federal health agencies to overhaul longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations and encourages states to reconsider school immunization requirements. Trump’s anti-science executive order creates chaos and confusion just as millions of families across the country are preparing for the school year and are relying on science-based vaccine recommendations to protect their children and communities from preventable diseases. “At a moment when the United States is experiencing the highest surge in measles cases in thirty-five years and an increasing number of states forced to declare public health emergencies – your administration is placing more children in harm’s way rather than protecting them. This Executive Order overrides decades of scientific evidence and sows fear, chaos, and confusion. The result will not be safer or healthier children; it will be a continued decline in vaccination rates, recurring disease outbreaks, higher healthcare costs, and school disruptions that cause learning loss. Vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored for safety, and save millions of lives each year – especially the lives of children,” wrote the lawmakers. Since being confirmed, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unleashed a methodical campaign to substitute decades of science with an anti-vaccine ideology. Specifically, Trump’s latest directive pushes to break up combination vaccines into single-disease doses, ignoring the medical community’s long-standing, evidence-backed agreement that combination vaccines are safe, effective, and specifically timed to protect children when they need it most. The executive order forces families to schedule multiple doctors’ appointments with multiple co-pays, which adds unnecessary chaos, confusion, and fina… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/17/bennet-schumer-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-escalate-efforts-to-rescue-u-s-nationals-detained-in-russia/ | Bennet, Schumer, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Escalate Efforts to Rescue U.S. Nationals Detained in Russia | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Following the Release of Robert Gilman After 1666 Days, Senators Fight for Five Others Who Remain in Captivity Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and 14 Senate Democratic colleagues on a letter urging the Trump administration to escalate efforts to rescue U.S. nationals held in Russian custody and develop a clear and comprehensive plan to secure the release of American detainees. In their letter, the senators urged the Trump administration to employ all diplomatic, economic, and political means available to secure the release of five U.S. nationals who Russia continues to detain – some for more than four years. In the years following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has wrongfully detained multiple U.S. nationals – including Stephen Hubbard, who has ties to Colorado. Russia has sentenced them to years of detention with little to no evidence of criminality and used their detainment as leverage over the United States. Bennet has been and will continue working with the State Department to bring Mr. Hubbard home. “Families of detainees endure significant emotional and financial hardship while awaiting progress on the release of their loved ones,” the senators wrote. “Several of our offices have received troubling reports from family and community members regarding the conditions of detention of their loved ones and the perpetual nature of their detention. Many detainees have remained in Russian custody for years with no clear pathway for their release or return to the United States. As time passes, the physical, emotional, and psychological toll on both the detainees and their families continues to mount.” Accordingly, the senators urged the administration to: Continue to demand and ensure adequate consular access to all U.S. nationals held in Russian detention; Expedite the consideration and employment of the “wrongful detention” designation as intended under the Robert Lev… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/as-public-health-compliance-deadline-approaches-hickenlooper-conducts-oversight-visit-to-aurora-ice-detention-center/ | As Public Health Compliance Deadline Approaches, Hickenlooper Conducts Oversight Visit to Aurora ICE Detention Center | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper demanded transparency on recent TB case at the Aurora facility from ICE and GEO and compliance with state order DENVER – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper conducted a congressional oversight visit to the Aurora ICE Detention Center in advance of tonight’s deadline for the GEO Group, the private company that operates the detention center, to comply with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s public health order in the aftermath of at least 12 reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) at the facility. “Despite this being an extremely contagious disease, both ICE and GEO, the private-prison company contracted to run this place, have obstructed state and local health officials,” said Hickenlooper after his visit to the facility. “ICE and GEO need to stop stonewalling, tell health officials who’s been exposed, and help us stop tuberculosis from spreading. That’s how we keep Coloradans safe.” In June, Adams County Health Department was notified of a case of suspected TB at the facility, triggering a routine investigation, which was blocked by GEO. Since, it’s been reported that at least 12 people at the Aurora facility have tested positive for TB. In response to inquiries from Hickenlooper’s office, Colorado press, and public health officials, ICE continues to say that there are no active TB cases at the facility, but have provided zero proof of these claims. Last week, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ordered ICE to allow authorities to investigate the possible spread and require GEO to submit medical information and reports to the state health department and the Denver Health Tuberculosis Clinic by end of day today. Hickenlooper held meetings with Adams County and state public health officials before and after his oversight visit today. Hickenlooper has been outspoken in the face of ICE’s lawlessness and demanded a top-to-bottom overhaul of the agency to stop ICE from terrorizing our communities. Hickenlooper also voted against the DHS funding bill because i… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-calls-for-investigation-into-reports-white-house-targeted-colorado/ | Hickenlooper Calls for Investigation Into Reports White House Targeted Colorado | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper calls on Inspectors General of every federal agency involved in White House “brainstorm call” to investigate Hickenlooper: “Federal resources are for the American people, not weapons against the President’s perceived enemies.” WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the below statement calling for an investigation following reports that the Trump administration summoned five agencies to the White House back in December to discuss how the federal government could retaliate against Colorado. “This email confirms the highest levels of the White House orchestrated a campaign of political retribution against Coloradans over President Trump’s petulant grievances. “The White House must preserve and produce all records related to the December 15 ‘brainstorm call.’ We call on the Inspectors General of every federal agency involved to swiftly investigate how federal resources were used to target Colorado. Federal resources are for the American people, not weapons against the president’s perceived enemies.” The Denver Post reported today that Emily Underwood, a deputy assistant to President Trump, asked officials from five agencies to join a call later that day and to be “prepared to discuss immediate actions that your department or agency can take with respect to Colorado” back in December. President Trump has launched a retaliation campaign towards Colorado, citing the imprisonment of election criminal Tina Peters, Colorado’s gold-standard mail-in voting system, and Colorado voters’ rejection of him in the last two presidential elections. In response, the Trump administration recklessly announced plans to move U.S. Space Command’s fully operational headquarters from Colorado Springs to Alabama, vetoed a bipartisan to complete the Arkansas Valley Conduit to bring clean drinking water to Southeast Colorado, shuttered the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, and denied Colorado’s request and appeal for disaster assistance for the Lee and Elk Fires in August 2025 and the … | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/13/bennet-coons-lankford-introduce-bill-to-help-unemployed-workers-start-small-businesses/ | Bennet, Coons, Lankford Introduce Bill to Help Unemployed Workers Start Small Businesses | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Jon Husted (R-Ohio) to introduce the New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency (NO BOSS) Act, legislation that would modernize the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program so that laid off workers can more easily receive their normal unemployment insurance (UI) benefits while working full-time to start a new business. “Our unemployment insurance system shouldn’t discourage entrepreneurs trying to build their own business or pursue a new idea,” said Bennet. “This legislation gets rid of artificial barriers to self-employment without jeopardizing workers’ access to the unemployment benefits they’re owed.” “Every small business began with someone taking a chance on a new idea, and new AI tools will make it easier than ever to turn those ideas into business plans, sales, and storefronts,” said Coons. “Americans shouldn’t have to choose between the safety net of unemployment benefits that they’ve paid into and the all-American opportunity to chase their entrepreneurial dream. As artificial intelligence reshapes the nature of work, this bill will help support American entrepreneurs, keep food on families’ tables, lift up small businesses, and keep our economy strong.” “If you lose your job, the government shouldn’t tell you the only way forward is to go work for somebody else,” said Lankford. “Some folks have a business idea they’ve been dreaming about for years, and losing a job might be the push to finally chase it. Right now, an outdated federal rule forces people on unemployment to spend their time applying for jobs they don’t want instead of building the business they do want. Our bill fixes that. If you’re willing to put in the work to start a business, hire your neighbors, and build something in your community, we should cheer you on, not stand in your way.” Current law allows states to operate SEA programs, which allow eligible … | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/13/bennet-hickenlooper-duckworth-colleagues-push-to-stop-trump-from-hiding-the-true-cost-of-the-iran-war-and-dishonoring-the-sacrifices-of-our-heroes/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Duckworth, Colleagues Push to Stop Trump from Hiding the True Cost of the Iran War and Dishonoring the Sacrifices of Our Heroes | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) joined combat veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and 15 of their Senate Democratic colleagues to introduce legislation that would stop the Trump administration from obscuring the true cost of President Trump’s disastrous war from the American people. The Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act would prohibit the Secretary of Defense from manipulating casualty records and jeopardizing the benefits of our servicemembers and public servants. The bill introduction comes after the Pentagon unprecedentedly recategorized recent casualties suffered in President Trump’s war in Iran, including four killed and over 200 wounded servicemembers, under a separate category outside Operation Epic Fury in an attempt to downplay the damage done and evade accountability to the American people. “The Trump Administration’s decision to reclassify the deaths of four service members and the injuries of more than 200 is not only dishonest; it is an affront to the service and sacrifice these men and women, and their families, have made,” said Bennet. “Our legislation will stop this administration from obscuring the continuing cost of President Trump’s ongoing war with Iran and, more importantly, will provide confirmation that those who have answered the call to duty and their families will receive the rightful recognition and benefits they are owed.” “Brave Americans who sacrifice everything for this country shouldn’t have their service rewritten by an administration more interested in political convenience than accountability,” said Hickenlooper. “Altering casualty numbers doesn’t just hide the true cost of this war. It diminishes the sacrifice of every service member who was wounded or killed. They and their loved ones deserve better.” “I refuse to let Donald Trump dishonor the service of our heroes just because it benefits him politically to lie about the length… | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-duckworth-introduce-bill-to-prevent-trump-admin-from-hiding-true-cost-of-iran-war/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet, Duckworth Introduce Bill to Prevent Trump Admin From Hiding True Cost of Iran War | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Benet, and Tammy Duckworth, along with 15 of their Democratic colleagues, introduced the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act to stop President Trump’s attempts to hide how long his war against Iran has lasted, the true cost of the war, and dishonor the sacrifice of our troops injured and killed in combat. “Brave Americans who sacrifice everything for this country shouldn’t have their service rewritten by an administration more interested in political convenience than accountability,” said Hickenlooper. “Altering casualty numbers doesn’t just hide the true cost of this war. It diminishes the sacrifice of every service member who was wounded or killed. They and their loved ones deserve better.” “The Trump administration’s decision to reclassify the deaths of four service members and the injuries of more than 200 is not only dishonest; it is an affront to the service and sacrifice these men and women, and their families, have made,” said Bennet. “Our legislation will stop this administration from obscuring the continuing cost of President Trump’s ongoing war with Iran and, more importantly, will provide confirmation that those who have answered the call to duty and their families will receive the rightful recognition and benefits they are owed.” “I refuse to let Donald Trump dishonor the service of our heroes just because it benefits him politically to lie about the length of this illegal campaign and hide the true cost of his war from the American people,” said Duckworth. “Trump knows his war of choice is unpopular, which is why he’s manipulating casualty records to try and fool the public into believing it’s been less of a disaster. It’s an insult to our fallen heroes, and it could jeopardize the benefits of troops and civilians he continues to put in harm’s way. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve accountability, not a Commander in Chief who plays games with their sacrifices.” The bill comes after the Pentagon recategorized recen… | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-oppose-dois-wilderness-policy-review-as-another-ploy-by-trump-admin-to-weaken-public-lands-protections/ | Hickenlooper, Colleagues Oppose DOI’s Wilderness Policy Review as Another Ploy by Trump Admin to Weaken Public Lands Protections | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Senators: “Given this administration’s obsession with development and disposal of public lands, it seems clear that this comment period is really just a ploy to weaken protections for public lands” WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, a member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined nine of his colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of the Interior strongly opposing Interior’s wilderness management policy review, which may threaten the wilderness character of public lands and disqualify them for future designation by Congress — undermining Congress’ role in wilderness management, and placing nearly 200 million acres of public land at risk. “Lands with wilderness characteristics, wilderness study areas, and designated wilderness areas protect millions of acres of intact habitat, watersheds, ecological and cultural resources, scenic and backcountry values. The undisturbed nature of the entire wilderness system protects whole swaths of habitat and protects migration corridors that aid in the protection of endangered species from the Canada Lynx to the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker,” Hickenlooper and his colleagues wrote. “These areas are some of the best places to fish, hunt, hike, or backpack. They are unparalleled and protected for the sake of solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation and are beloved lands.” Since the passage of the Wilderness Act of 1964, Congress has had the authority to designate wilderness areas to protect and conserve some of this country’s wildest places. Congress also has the authority to decide not to designate certain areas as wilderness and release them for general use. The agencies under DOI’s jurisdiction can identify lands with wilderness characteristics, but each agency is required to manage these lands with the goal of protecting their wilderness characteristics. But regardless of how they are selected, the final decision about designation rests with Congress. “It is atypical for the Interior Department to conduct land manag… | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/12/bennet-hirono-chu-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-block-trump-administrations-so-called-public-charge-rule/ | Bennet, Hirono, Chu, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Block Trump Administration’s So-Called “Public Charge” Rule | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.) to introduce the Protect American Values Act, legislation that would prevent federal funds from being used to implement, administer, enforce, or otherwise carry out the Trump administration’s finalized “public charge” rule. Scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026, the rule would make it more difficult for immigrants who rely on certain government benefits to obtain green cards or adjust their immigration status. “President Trump has normalized cruel immigration policies and stoked fear across immigrant communities,” said Bennet. “This rule isn’t about securing our borders or more efficient spending, its purpose is to punish immigrants who only seek to make a better life for themselves and their families. The Protect American Values Act sends a clear message that, as a nation, we will continue to stand up for our communities and fight this Administration’s inhumane efforts.” “By removing any guidance for what qualifies as ‘public charge’ the Trump Regime’s rule creates fear and prevents immigrants and their families from accessing services they need—even if they are still entitled to them. In making the pathway to attaining a green card more confusing, the anti-immigrant ideology of this regime is abundantly clear,” said Hirono. “The Protecting American Values Act ensures that American tax dollars cannot be used for promoting the anti-American principles the Trump Regime is attempting to implement. “Donald Trump is once again weaponizing our immigration system against families who are simply trying to build better lives in America,” said Chu. “His revived ‘Public Charge’ rule is even more expansive and harmful than the version from his first term, when it was ultimately struck down in court. Unlike the previous rule, this finalized policy does not even identify which benefits will be considered in a public charge test, giving Trump’s immigration officers sweeping discret… | 1 | 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z | 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/12/bennet-van-hollen-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-use-leverage-to-prevent-further-atrocities-in-sudan/ | Bennet, Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Use Leverage to Prevent Further Atrocities in Sudan | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and 19 of their Senate Democratic colleagues on a letter pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take action to prevent further atrocities in Sudan and help bring the war to an end, especially given the Rapid Support Forces’s (RSF) impending siege of the city of El Obeid. “We write with alarm regarding the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) impending siege of the city of El Obeid in Sudan, which threatens a repeat of the mass atrocities and bloodshed that occurred in El Fasher this past October. While we welcome the State Department’s expression of concern about the escalating situation in El Obeid, words are not enough. The United States must use the leverage and influence at our disposal to prevent further atrocities in El Obeid and help bring this brutal war in Sudan to an end,” began the senators. “We have already witnessed what happens when the international community fails to heed warnings of RSF atrocities. The RSF’s siege and devastation of El Fasher bore the ‘hallmarks of genocide’ according to United Nations investigators. […] We remain greatly concerned by this administration’s grave failure to act despite the chorus of alarm bells. […] And now those alarm bells are ringing once again – this time in El Obeid,” wrote the senators. “Now, an estimated 500,000 civilians are at risk in El Obeid […]We urge this administration to take concrete actions to prevent such mass atrocities in El Obeid, including by ceasing certain U.S. arms sales to the UAE and other external actors that are fueling this war. We also request an update on what other actions the administration is taking, beyond just words, to prevent mass atrocities in El Obeid and to help bring this war to an end,” concluded the senators. In addition to Bennet and Van Hollen, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-V… | 1 | 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z | 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-senate-340b-bipartisan-working-group-roll-out-bill-to-strengthen-access-to-discount-prescription-drugs/ | Hickenlooper, Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group Roll Out Bill to Strengthen Access to Discount Prescription Drugs | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | 340B Drug Pricing Discount Program provides discounted prescription drugs to hospitals, community health centers serving vulnerable communities Bill strengthens 340B program WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Tammy Baldwin, John Boozman, Shelley Moore Capito, Tim Kaine, and Jerry Moran, members of the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, introduced the sweeping SUSTAIN 340B Act to reform the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which provides discounted prescription drugs to health care providers that serve vulnerable, low-income, and underserved patients. “The input we have received from stakeholders has been invaluable throughout our process, and the legislation we are introducing reflects that feedback by aiming to provide greater stability, clarity, and transparency in the 340B program,” said the senators in a joint statement. “The SUSTAIN 340B Act makes comprehensive reforms to the program while preserving the critical benefits it provides to eligible health care providers and the patients they serve throughout the country. By continuing to work together in bipartisan fashion, we are committed to strengthening the 340B program and helping make certain it remains accessible to serve patients and communities for years to come.” The 340B program requires drug manufacturers that participate in Medicaid provide certain covered entities – including non-profit health care providers, such as hospitals and community health centers – a discount on outpatient drugs. The Senate 340B working group was established to find comprehensive legislative solutions to make sure the program can continue to achieve its intended goal of supporting hospitals serving vulnerable populations like rural communities. Specifically, their bipartisan SUSTAIN 340B Act would: Contract Pharmacy – Codify covered entities’ use of contract pharmacies while placing reasonable limitations including registration, audits of covered entities with a large number of contract pharmacies, and standardization of contractual requirements between cov… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/10/bennet-padilla-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-stop-illegal-voter-roll-purges-before-election-day/ | Bennet, Padilla, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Stop Illegal Voter Roll Purges Before Election Day | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and 26 Senate colleagues to demand the Trump administration adhere to the National Voter Registration Act’s (NVRA) “quiet period” that prohibits large-scale voter purges within 90 days of an election, pushing back against the Trump Administration’s ongoing voter suppression efforts. In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, the senators reminded the Trump administration to adhere to the law and refrain from supporting, assisting, or coercing states into conducting mass voter purges prior to the November midterm elections. The Trump administration has demanded voter information from all 50 states, losing 20 lawsuits and counting in the process, and a separate court has barred it from misusing federal databases in illegal attempts to remove voters from state voter rolls. In July, President Trump and Secretary Mullin escalated these attacks as part of their ongoing efforts to force states to purge voters ahead of the November general election in a presidential speech and subsequent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference. The letter copies the chief election officers for all 50 states. “We are writing to remind you that any efforts directing states to conduct mass voter purges, including by using the deeply flawed Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to purge voter rolls, would violate the 90 day ‘quiet period’ mandated by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). Under the NVRA, election officials are supposed to complete any program for ‘systematically’ removing ineligible voters 90 days before Election Day. This statutory protection was included to protect eligible voters who may be (and in many cases have been) removed as part of state voter list mai… | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/10/bennet-statement-on-trump-undermining-childhood-vaccines-as-colorado-kids-return-to-school/ | Bennet Statement on Trump Undermining Childhood Vaccines as Colorado Kids Return to School | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 issued the following statement after President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing federal health agencies to overhaul longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations and encouraging states to reconsider school immunization requirements: “Just as Colorado kids are heading back to school, President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are doubling down on an anti-science agenda that rejects decades of proven medical consensus. “Parents deserve far better than the chaos, confusion, and scarcity this administration is actively creating. We have already seen the real-world consequences of declining vaccination rates, including the largest measles outbreaks our country has faced in decades. Overturning settled vaccine guidance and encouraging the erosion of school immunization standards puts our children directly in harm’s way. “Instead of undermining public trust and throwing back-to-school preparations into turmoil, we must focus on keeping our children safe and our schools open.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-neguse-cassidy-introduce-bill-to-build-americorps-and-national-guard-partnership-bolster-community-resilience/ | Hickenlooper, Neguse, Cassidy Introduce Bill to Build AmeriCorps and National Guard Partnership, Bolster Community Resilience | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Bill would help fill wildland firefighting positions among others WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, along with Senator Bill Cassidy, introduced the National Guard for National Service Act to establish a formal partnership between AmeriCorps and the National Guard. The bill would launch a pilot program to train National Guard and Reserve service members in areas of critical national security importance. “Members of the National Guard and AmeriCorps have service ingrained in everything they do,” said Hickenlooper. “Service members who want to continue serving their country should have more opportunities to give back. We’re excited to see a pilot program like this scaled nationwide.” “Colorado’s National Guard members always answer the call to serve, and their pilot partnership with AmeriCorps has equipped Colorado servicemembers with specialized training for meaningful career advancement while also strengthening community resilience,” said Neguse. “I am proud to introduce the National Guard for National Service Act, which takes a proven Colorado success story and expands its reach nationwide. This bill will create opportunities for National Guard members to continue their commitment to service by participating in AmeriCorps and receiving specialized training that protects our communities, supports local workforce needs, and opens the door for future careers in public service.” “Whether it’s protecting families from crime or lending a helping hand after a hurricane, every Louisianian can attest to the invaluable role of the National Guard and AmeriCorps,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By empowering guardsmen to partner with AmeriCorps, we make our communities safer.” Specifically, the bill establishes a nationwide employment and training pipeline to connect part-time National Guard and Reserve service members with career development opportunities such as: Protecting essential infrastructure like transportation, energy, communications, and water management systems. Strengthen… | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-rebuke-trumps-move-to-strip-protections-from-bears-ears-grand-staircase-escalante-national-monuments-2/ | Hickenlooper, Colleagues Rebuke Trump’s Move to Strip Protections From Bears Ears, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Ben Ray Luján, Martin Heinrich and 34 of their Senate colleagues called out President Trump’s attack on the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments in southern Utah. “By attempting, yet again, to eliminate vast portions of these monuments, your Administration invites needless uncertainty to the stability that local communities, Tribes, land managers, scientists, recreation users, and businesses need. Not just in Utah, but for all local communities that rely on the stability of our national monuments,” the senators wrote. “The Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments are national treasures. The American people deserve public lands policy grounded in law, science, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and stewardship – not political decisions against the desires of the vast majority of Americans.” In the letter, the senators highlighted how the executive order puts irreplaceable cultural, historic, scientific, ecological, and recreational resources at risk of destruction and loss. Hickenlooper previously called out the decision, highlighting how the president’s decision threatens public lands across the country. “This is a blatant attack on public lands everywhere. Our public lands are part of our shared heritage. Removing protections and paving the way for mining and drilling on beloved landscapes goes against the values of the West,” said Hickenlooper on his social media. Hickenlooper has been outspoken against Trump administration cuts to public lands and led an effort against the administration’s plans to overturn the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Public Lands Rule. Hickenlooper also helped lead the fight against Senator Mike Lee’s proposal to sell off more than three million acres of public lands. The full text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Mr. President: We write to express our strong opposition to your July 13, 2026, proclamations that stripped protections for Bears Ears National Monument and Grand St… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-rebuke-trumps-move-to-strip-protections-from-bears-ears-grand-staircase-escalante-national-monuments/ | Hickenlooper, Colleagues Rebuke Trump’s Move to Strip Protections from Bears Ears, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Ben Ray Luján, Martin Heinrich and 34 of their Senate colleagues called out President Trump’s attack on the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments in southern Utah. “By attempting, yet again, to eliminate vast portions of these monuments, your Administration invites needless uncertainty to the stability that local communities, Tribes, land managers, scientists, recreation users, and businesses need. Not just in Utah, but for all local communities that rely on the stability of our national monuments,” the senators wrote. “The Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments are national treasures. The American people deserve public lands policy grounded in law, science, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and stewardship – not political decisions against the desires of the vast majority of Americans.” In the letter, the senators highlighted how the executive order puts irreplaceable cultural, historic, scientific, ecological, and recreational resources at risk of destruction and loss. Hickenlooper previously called out the decision, highlighting how the president’s decision threatens public lands across the country. “This is a blatant attack on public lands everywhere. Our public lands are part of our shared heritage. Removing protections and paving the way for mining and drilling on beloved landscapes goes against the values of the West,” said Hickenlooper on his social media. Hickenlooper has been outspoken against Trump administration cuts to public lands and led an effort against the administration’s plans to overturn the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Public Lands Rule. Hickenlooper also helped lead the fight against Senator Mike Lee’s proposal to sell off more than three million acres of public lands. The full text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Mr. President: We write to express our strong opposition to your July 13, 2026, proclamations that stripped protections for Bears Ears National Monument and Grand St… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/08/bennet-hickenlooper-crow-degette-neguse-pettersen-demand-answers-from-dhs-on-aurora-detention-facility-shooting/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper, Crow, DeGette, Neguse, Pettersen Demand Answers From DHS on Aurora Detention Facility Shooting | 2026-08-08 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 Senator John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S. Representatives Jason Crow, Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, and Brittany Pettersen in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers following last month’s shooting by a GEO Group employee near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Aurora that left one person injured. The lawmakers also called for a thorough review of the Department’s policies to help prevent similar incidents. The letter seeks answers about DHS and ICE’s coordination with local law enforcement, employee training, contractor vetting, security protocols, and the steps the agencies are taking to strengthen oversight and prevent harmful incidents. “We write to express our concern over the July 16, 2026 shooting of a 21-year-old woman near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Aurora, Colorado. While we are relieved that her injuries were not life-threatening, we must ensure that personnel operating at federal immigration detention facilities are adequately screened and trained to prevent incidents like this one,” wrote the lawmakers. “The incident in Aurora, and the broader pattern of shootings involving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel across the country, undermine public trust and threaten community safety. As members of the Colorado Congressional delegation, we are responsible for defending the constitutional rights of our constituents and protecting our communities and our law enforcement. The events in Aurora raise questions about whether current DHS policies and practices keep communities, protesters, and law enforcement safe. We believe a thorough review of the Department’s policies is necessary to ensure that similar incidents do not recur,” continued the lawmakers. Bennet has consistently fought against the Trump administration’s inhumane immigration policies. In July, Bennet joined U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and … | 1 | 2026-08-09T05:47:57Z | 2026-08-09T05:49:40Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/08/colorado-and-utah-senators-honor-casualties-from-wildfires/ | Colorado and Utah Senators Honor Casualties from Wildfires | 2026-08-08 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 led Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Utah U.S. Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis to introduce a bipartisan resolution honoring Emily Barker, Nicholas Hutcherson, Sydney Watson, Nathan Matthews, Nicholas Dale, and all those who serve on the front lines of wildland firefighting efforts in the United States. “Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and fellow firefighters grieving the loss of the five wildland firefighters who gave their lives protecting others,” said Bennet. “Today’s resolution honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who risk their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe during wildfires.” “The bravery and heroism of these firefighters deserves our deepest gratitude,” said Hickenlooper. “Our hearts are with the families and friends of these heroic men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting lives, homes, and the landscapes we all cherish.” “Last month, five courageous firefighters gave their lives to protect the people we love and the frontier we call home,” said Lee. “These brave Americans from across the country dropped into the eye of the storm via helicopter to fight the wildfires ripping through Utah’s eastern border. Their sacrifice will always be remembered in the lands they protected. Utah’s prayers are with the families grieving these heroes.” “Behind every wildfire are brave men and women who embody the very best of public service: courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our communities, often at great personal risk,” said Curtis. “My heart is with the families, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning the devastating loss of these heroes.” Bennet has consistently fought to secure protections and support for firefighters. In April 2025, Bennet and Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse reintroduced the Tim’s Act to overhaul federal wildland firefighter compensation and benefits. In July 2026, Bennet joined U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D… | 1 | 2026-08-09T05:47:57Z | 2026-08-09T05:49:40Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-votes-no-on-todd-blanches-confirmation/ | Hickenlooper Votes NO on Todd Blanche’s Confirmation | 2026-08-08 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Blanche has flip-flopped on giving taxpayer funds to election criminals like Tina Peters and J6 rioters WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper voted NO on the Senate confirmation vote of Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Attorney General of the United States. “Mr. Blanche will not be an impartial check on the President,” said Hickenlooper earlier this week in a speech on the Senate floor. “We cannot allow a fox to guard the henhouse. We need an Attorney General who is loyal to the Constitution—not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche is not that person.” In his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche has declared Trump’s unprecedented $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as “dead” and rescinded the order setting up the anti-weaponization fund this week through a letter. However, the settlement’s terms can be changed only via a written agreement from the Trump family and the government. On Saturday, Trump still supports the fund, saying: “It will immediately be back on the table, and I will get it done.” January 6th insurrectionists who beat and killed police officers during the attack on the Capitol expect compensation from the fund, as well as election criminals like Tina Peters. Hickenlooper introduced an amendment to the last Republican reconciliation bill that would permanently stop Trump from giving a taxpayer-funded payout to Tina Peters, which Republicans blocked. “For months, Mr. Blanche has insisted the Department of Justice slush fund is dead. Yet as recently as this weekend, President Trump was saying the exact opposite,” said Hickenlooper earlier this week in a speech on the Senate floor. “So when Mr. Blanche says the slush fund isn’t moving forward, don’t believe him. Not for one second. His word is worth about as much as the Trump meme coin.” Last week on a private call hosted by the White House Faith Office, Blanche showed support for restricting medication abortion and said that he wants “to get permanent solutions so the Dobbs decision becomes permane… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/07/bennet-statement-on-senate-passage-of-russia-sanctions-legislation/ | Bennet Statement on Senate Passage of Russia Sanctions Legislation | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Finance Committee, released the below statement after voting to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Bennet was an original co-sponsor of the legislation, a version of which he supported for over a year, to impose sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle and his enablers across Russian industry and financial institutions, the Russian shadow fleet, and firms supporting Russia’s defense industrial base. “Today, the Senate took a significant step to support the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression. This legislation will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war by denying him key oil and gas revenue and placing further sanctions on the architects of Russia’s war economy – which is already under strain thanks to the combined weight of existing U.S. and allied measures. “This vote could not have come soon enough. Ukraine is seizing the momentum on the battlefield and increasingly taking the fight to Moscow. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine’s pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. The House must take up this legislation as soon as possible when they return in September. And the Senate must do everything we can to support Ukraine — including by passing my legislation to bolster intelligence and drone cooperation.” Bennet’s bipartisan Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act served as the legislative vehicle for passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026: “This bill also incorporates my bipartisan SEED Act, which allows early childhood educators to claim the same tax deduction available to elementary and secondary school teachers. As the former Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, I know firsthand how often edu… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-welcomes-federal-funding-for-colorado-school-of-mines-to-boost-american-tech-mining-workforce/ | Hickenlooper Welcomes Federal Funding for Colorado School of Mines to Boost American Tech, Mining Workforce | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | The Colorado School of Mines will reportedly receive more than $32 million for a tech development hub WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement welcoming reports that the Colorado School of Mines will receive $32.7 million in federal funding to support a tech development hub. “We won’t achieve our clean energy future – nor compete with China – without shoring up our critical minerals supply and developing our workforce. “Colorado School of Mines is already the beating heart of American innovation and mining education. This investment will help advance American leadership in critical minerals.” Currently, there are only about 600 students in mining programs in the U.S. compared to China’s more than 12,000 students. Securing U.S. critical mineral supply chains and countering China’s dominance in the industry will require the U.S. to reinvest in our mining workforce. Hickenlooper has long called for a ‘Project Mercury’ for critical materials, arguing that America needs to take back the reins on critical minerals production in order to effectively address climate change and unlock secure, affordable energy. Specifically, the federal funding will help level up America’s mining, metallurgical, geological, and mineral workforce. In the 119th Congress, Hickenlooper has led and co-sponsored multiple other critical minerals related bills, including: His bipartisan Mining Schools Act of 2025 to bolster America’s declining mining workforce and help secure our clean energy future. The bipartisan STRATEGIC Minerals Act to foster critical minerals trade with our international allies. His bipartisan Unearth Innovation Act to establish a DOE program for sustainable critical minerals and recycling research innovation. His bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program for the Department of Energy to financially support domestic critical material processing projects. His bipartisan Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Reauthorization Act to fund … | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/06/bennet-hickenlooper-introduce-legislation-to-mitigate-mountain-pine-beetle-outbreaks-in-response-to-colorado-wildfires/ | Bennet, Hickenlooper Introduce Legislation to Mitigate Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreaks In Response to Colorado Wildfires | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and John Hickenlooper introduced the Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response and Coordination Act to mitigate the growing mountain pine beetle outbreak in Colorado. Colorado faces warming weather and prolonged drought, creating the perfect conditions for the spread of the mountain pine beetle in Ponderosa pine forests across the state. Recent surveys from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Colorado State Forest Service show a large and growing outbreak of mountain pine beetle on Colorado’s Front Range. While pine beetles and wildfire are part of the natural ecology of Colorado forests, climate conditions and decades of fire suppression have made this outbreak severe, increasing hazardous fire conditions and putting watersheds and recreational assets at risk. The outbreak is especially concerning given its close proximity to highly populated areas. “As we face extreme drought and historic high temperatures, Colorado must work together to keep our forests healthy,” said Bennet. “This legislation will provide new tools and resources for partners at every level to work together to address the growing outbreak and protect communities on Colorado’s Front Range.” “Record drought, devastating wildfires, and a new outbreak of mountain pine beetles are pushing Colorado forests to the brink,” said Hickenlooper. “If we want to protect forest health, we need an all-in approach that puts resources where they’re needed and brings partners together at every level. Protecting our forests means protecting our communities.” The Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response and Coordination Act will provide grant opportunities to local partners working in coordination with the Forest Service to mitigate mountain pine beetle threats on National Forest System land. This legislation will also create a Mountain Pine Beetle Emergency Response Program within the USFS. In addition, the legislation i… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/06/bennet-statement-on-farm-bill-markup/ | Bennet Statement on Farm Bill Markup | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after voting against the 2026 Farm Bill in Committee: “I am disappointed we could not get to a bipartisan Farm Bill today. Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and families across the state need support now more than ever, and this bill fails to deliver. At a time when families are already struggling to afford groceries, Republicans are working to make SNAP even more inaccessible, all while placing the financial burden on states and the backs of hardworking families. For Colorado, this bill would be a devastating blow to our already strained budget. It also does little to meet the increasing demands caused by historic drought and worsening fire seasons across the West, and fails to make any meaningful investments in nutrition, conservation, specialty crops, forestry, or Western agriculture. “Current Farm Bill policies are not working for today’s agricultural economy and are simply reinforcing a broken status quo. We need to examine why that is, rather than just polishing around the edges. The Committee must deliver a comprehensive multi-year bill ensuring certainty not just among agriculture producers, but for the people who rely on this legislation to put food on the table. “For these reasons, and for the first time in my career, I voted against advancing a Farm Bill. We have to go back to the table and engage in true bipartisan negotiations in order to serve the best interests of farmers and families in Colorado and across the country.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-introduces-war-powers-resolution-to-end-iran-war/ | Hickenlooper Introduces War Powers Resolution to End Iran War | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper has voted 13 times to end the Iran war WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper introduced a War Powers Resolution directing President Trump to terminate U.S. military hostilities against Iran. The introduction comes as Trump continues to escalate tensions, warning Iran that ongoing talks are its “last chance” to reach a deal “before decapitation.” “President Trump’s illegal war in Iran has been a complete and total disaster that has cost American lives, sent prices skyrocketing, and drained our military stockpiles,” said Hickenlooper. “We are now meaningfully worse off than we were before the war began, and it’s essential Congress to step in to end it if Trump won’t. We need to get out of Iran and get back to lowering costs for working families.” To date, Hickenlooper has voted 13 times to end the Iran War. He has consistently condemned the administration for sidestepping Congress and dragging America into a war with no clear objective – one that risks American lives, raises costs here at home, and that Americans overwhelmingly oppose. He has released video statements in response to Trump’s unhinged press conference and violent Truth Social posts where he threatened to “destroy a whole civilization.” He has taken to the Senate floor to denounce Trump’s illegal war in Iran and blast the preliminary and now defunct deal that the Trump administration touted in June. In July, Hickenlooper spoke out about President Trump’s efforts to further escalate the war. A concurrent resolution on Iran war powers has already passed both chambers. The Senate could consider Hickenlooper’s legislation next month. ### | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/jamie-foxx-celebrates-passage-of-hickenlooper-moran-booker-bill-to-boost-down-syndrome-research/ | Jamie Foxx Celebrates Passage of Hickenlooper, Moran, Booker Bill to Boost Down Syndrome Research | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Bill heads to the President desk for signature WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to permanently authorize and expand federal funding for Down syndrome research. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for his signature. The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act is named after DeOndra Dixon, the late younger sister of Academy Award-winning actor and Grammy Award-winning musician Jamie Foxx. A Global Down Syndrome Foundation ambassador and Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardee, Dixon died in 2020 at age 36. “DeOndra brought so much joy, love and light into our lives, and she was incredibly proud to be a GLOBAL Ambassador and advocate,” said Jamie Foxx. “My family and I are deeply grateful to Michelle and the GLOBAL team, and to Senators John Hickenlooper and Jerry Moran for their leadership and commitment to passing the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act. Knowing that DeOndra’s name and advocacy will help people with Down syndrome live longer, healthier lives means more to us than words can express.” “Today is a historic day for the hundreds of thousands of Americans with Down syndrome and their families,” said Hickenlooper. “DeOndra Dixon was an extraordinary person and advocate whose legacy will help improve lives for generations. We’re proud the bill that bears her name will finally give Down syndrome research the investment it deserves, and we look forward to the breakthroughs it will deliver. We’re especially grateful to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the Crnic Institute, and all of the tireless advocates who helped get this important bill across the finish line.” “This legislation will strengthen the critical research that helps improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and supports their families,” said Sen. Moran. “Research funded by the NIH has already led to meaningful advancements, but more work remains. By authorizing continued federal invest… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-introduce-bill-to-combat-pine-beetle-outbreak/ | Hickenlooper, Bennet Introduce Bill to Combat Pine Beetle Outbreak | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Michael Bennet introduced the Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response and Coordination Act to mitigate the growing mountain pine beetle outbreak in Colorado. “Record drought, devastating wildfires, and a new outbreak of mountain pine beetles are pushing Colorado forests to the brink,” said Hickenlooper. “If we want to protect forest health, we need an all-in approach that puts resources where they’re needed and brings partners together at every level. Protecting our forests means protecting our communities.” “As we face extreme drought and historic high temperatures, Colorado must work together to keep our forests healthy,” said Bennet. “This legislation will provide new tools and resources for partners at every level to work together to address the growing outbreak and protect communities on Colorado’s Front Range.” Colorado is facing record drought, creating perfect conditions for the spread of the mountain pine beetle in Ponderosa pine forests across the state. Recent surveys from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Colorado State Forest Service show a large and growing outbreak of mountain pine beetle on Colorado’s Front Range. While pine beetles and wildfire are part of the natural ecology of Colorado forests, climate conditions and decades of fire suppression have made this outbreak severe, increasing hazardous fire conditions and putting watersheds and recreation at risk. The outbreak is especially concerning given its close proximity to highly populated areas. The Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response and Coordination Act would: Provide grant opportunities to local partners working in coordination with the Forest Service to mitigate mountain pine beetle threats on National Forest System land. Create a Mountain Pine Beetle Emergency Response Program within the USFS. Help prevent, monitor, and respond to mountain pine beetle outbreaks through cooperative agreements with states dir… | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/05/bennet-husted-introduce-legislation-to-help-make-first-time-homeownership-more-affordable/ | Bennet, Husted Introduce Legislation to Help Make First-Time Homeownership More Affordable | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) introduced the First-Time Homebuyer Empowerment Act. This bill would help first-time homebuyers by allowing them to put unused education savings toward a down payment. “Across Colorado, too many young people and working families struggle to afford their first home,” said Bennet. “This bill would allow first-time homebuyers to use the savings they already have to cover a down payment and help put homeownership within reach.” “I’m focused on helping working families get ahead and making life more affordable,” said Husted. “Making homeownership more attainable is a critical part of that effort. Too many Ohioans have worked hard, saved responsibly and still struggle to afford a down payment. By freeing up existing resources, I’m proud this bipartisan bill gives first-time homebuyers another tool to use in pursuing their version of the American Dream.” The First-Time Homebuyer Empowerment Act would allow individuals to transfer up to $35,000 in leftover savings from their 529 education savings account penalty-free to purchase their first home. 529 college savings accounts are state-administered accounts used by families to save for education and other related expenses. Traditionally, unused funds in 529 accounts can only be used for trade school, graduate school, student loan payments, or transferred to a retirement account. By freeing up existing resources for first-time homebuyers, the bill would remove barriers to making a down payment and help more families afford a home. “Downpayment hurdles continue to block many families from owning a home. The First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act provides a common-sense solution that empowers first-time buyers to use their own savings—at no cost to taxpayers. MBA looks forward to supporting this and other efforts in Congress to expand sustainable homeownership,” said Bill Killmer, Senior Vice President of Legislative & Political Af… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-crow-bennet-degette-neguse-pettersen-demand-answers-from-dhs-on-aurora-detention-facility-shooting/ | Hickenlooper, Crow, Bennet, DeGette, Neguse, Pettersen Demand Answers From DHS on Aurora Detention Facility Shooting | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Representative Jason Crow led Senator Michael Bennet and Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, and Brittany Pettersen in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers following last month’s shooting by a GEO Group employee near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Aurora that left one person injured. The lawmakers also called for a thorough review of the Department’s policies to help prevent similar incidents. The letter seeks answers about DHS and ICE’s coordination with local law enforcement, employee training, contractor vetting, security protocols, and the steps the agencies are taking to strengthen oversight and prevent harmful incidents. “We write to express our concern over the July 16, 2026 shooting of a 21-year-old woman near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Aurora, Colorado,” wrote the Colorado lawmakers. “While we are relieved that her injuries were not life-threatening, we must ensure that personnel operating at federal immigration detention facilities are adequately screened and trained to prevent incidents like this one.” The lawmakers continued: “The incident in Aurora, and the broader pattern of shootings involving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel across the country, undermine public trust and threaten community safety. As members of the Colorado Congressional delegation, we are responsible for defending the constitutional rights of our constituents and protecting our communities and our law enforcement. The events in Aurora raise questions about whether current DHS policies and practices keep communities, protesters, and law enforcement safe. We believe a thorough review of the Department’s policies is necessary to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.” Read the full text of the letter HERE and below. Dear Secretary Mullin, We write to express our concern over the July 16, 2026 shooting of a 21-year-… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-requests-swift-doi-investigation-into-knowles-fire-tragedy/ | Hickenlooper Requests Swift DOI Investigation Into Knowles Fire Tragedy | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper sent a letter to the Department of the Interior requesting a swift and thorough investigation into the Knowles Fire that tragically resulted in the deaths of four firefighters and injured one other. “A comprehensive and timely investigation into the moments and decisions that led to these heartbreaking losses will not only help families find solace, it will provide us with information we need to save future lives,” Hickenlooper wrote. “This investigation will provide a critical window into the final moments of the four members of the Rifle Interagency Helitack Crew who lost their lives—Nick Hutcherson, Emily Barker, Sydney Watson, and Nathan Matthews—in responding to the Knowles fire that day, along with a fifth wildland firefighter who is still recovering from severe burns.” He continued: “We have confidence that your investigation will include a full analysis of decisions made on the day of the event, as well as higher-level direction that led to the Rifle Helitack Crew’s response that day. This should incorporate an analysis of management decisions and structures that informed on-the-ground operations that day—including the structure of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) itself, which has not been authorized by Congress… Additionally, the review should analyze the directive to presume a “full suppression strategy applied to every wildfire under DOI management,” despite scientific evidence that a maximum suppression approach makes wildfires more severe over time.” Last week, Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor to pay tribute to the fallen fighters and demand action to prevent more destructive wildfires, which have already burned more than 240,000 acres across Colorado this year. Read the full text of the letter HERE and below: Dear Secretary Burgum and Secretary Rollins: We write to urge you to work swiftly and thoroughly on your investigation into the incident on the Gore and Knowles Fires on June 27, 2026, that led to the tragic deaths of four firefighte… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/watch-hickenlooper-slams-trumps-attorney-general-nominee-on-senate-floor/ | WATCH: Hickenlooper Slams Trump’s Attorney General Nominee on Senate Floor | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Todd Blanche has flip-flopped on giving taxpayer funds to election criminals like Tina Peters and J6 rioters Blanche also wants abortion restrictions “permanent in every state” and was involved in Trump admin’s Epstein Files coverup WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor to oppose President Trump’s nominee to serve as Attorney General of the United States, Todd Blanche. “For months, Mr. Blanche has insisted the Department of Justice slush fund is dead. Yet as recently as this weekend, President Trump was saying the exact opposite,” said Hickenlooper on the Senate floor. “So when Mr. Blanche says the slush fund isn’t moving forward, don’t believe him. Not for one second. His word is worth about as much as the Trump Meme Coin.” Watch and download Hickenlooper’s speech on the Senate floor HERE In May, the Trump administration announced an unprecedented $1.8 billion fund to compensate election criminals like Tina Peters. The “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is part of a settlement that resolves President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns, and would be paid for by taxpayer money. January 6th insurrectionists who beat and killed police officers during the attack on the Capitol expect compensation from the fund, as well as election criminals like Tina Peters. In his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche has declared the fund is “dead” and rescinded the order setting up the anti-weaponization fund this week through a letter. However, the settlement’s terms can be changed only via a written agreement from the Trump family and the government. On Saturday, Trump still supports the fund, saying: “It will immediately be back on the table, and I will get it done.” Hickenlooper introduced an amendment to the last Republican reconciliation bill that would permanently stop Trump from giving a taxpayer-funded payout to Tina Peters, which Republicans blocked. “At a time when working families are struggling with rising cos… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/04/bennet-joins-legislation-to-hold-putin-accountable-for-religious-persecution-in-ukraine/ | Bennet Joins Legislation to Hold Putin Accountable for Religious Persecution in Ukraine | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined the Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to expose and punish Russia’s systematic persecution of religious communities in Ukraine, including territory Russia illegally occupies. Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) lead the Senate bill, while Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) lead the House counterpart. The legislation requires the Secretaries of State and Defense to jointly report to Congress on Russia’s efforts to persecute, suppress, and violate the religious freedoms of faith communities in Ukraine and Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine. It also directs the President to impose sanctions on individuals found to have engaged in those abuses. “Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine is not just about changing borders by force – it’s a war on the Ukrainian people and their faith,” said Bennet. “His troops have jailed and tortured clergy, bombed churches and synagogues, and forced the faithful to worship in secret. The United States must call out Putin’s abuses in Ukraine and hold perpetrators accountable.” Bennet has fought relentlessly to support the Ukrainian people and impose more pressure on Putin to end his war of aggression against Ukraine. Earlier this month, Bennet led seven colleagues in a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent urging the Trump Administration to crack down on a Russian state-backed cryptocurrency sanctions evasion network funding Russia’s war. He also voted to advance major bipartisan legislation he co-sponsors to impose sanctions on Putin’s inner circle and his enablers across Russian industry and financial institutions, the Russian shadow fleet, and firms supporting Russia’s defense industrial base. Bennet also co-sponsors bipartisan bills to impose sanctions on specific Russian oil ships and entities trading in Russian oil, respectively. Earlier this year, Bennet wrote an op… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/08/04/bennet-murray-heinrich-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-restore-funding-for-illegally-canceled-and-politically-targeted-energy-projects/ | Bennet, Murray, Heinrich, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Restore Funding for Illegally Canceled and Politically Targeted Energy Projects | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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, ranking member of the Finance subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure, joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, to lead 36 senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for the 223 energy projects canceled in October 2025. The Trump Administration has since admitted to illegally canceling energy grants because those projects were in states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. “Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump Administration has weaponized in an attempt to punish perceived political enemies,” wrote the senators. “Once an administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly. This is not only an attack on jobs, affordable energy, and America’s economic competitiveness. It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country—not merely those who support the President,” continued the senators. “At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, the administration is hell-bent on political retribution instead of working to bring down costs for millions of Americans. The American people deserve to have a government that works for them—not one that is willing to push energy prices even higher and put the country’s energy security at grave risk. For the good of our country, the rule of law, and the American people, we demand that you change course and restore the previously … | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-demand-trump-admin-restore-funding-for-energy-projects-that-were-illegally-canceled-and-politically-targeted/ | Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand Trump Admin Restore Funding for Energy Projects That Were Illegally Canceled and Politically Targeted | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | $600M in Colorado projects were illegally cancelled by the Trump admin WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined 38 of his Senator colleagues to demand that the Trump administration restore funding for the 223 energy projects cancelled in October 2025, including $600M for Colorado energy projects. The Trump administration has since admitted to illegally canceling energy grants because those projects were in states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. “Once an administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly,” the senators wrote. “This is not only an attack on jobs, affordable energy, and America’s economic competitiveness. It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country – not merely those who support the President.” The senators continued: “At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, the administration is hell-bent on political retribution instead of working to bring down costs for millions of Americans. The American people deserve to have a government that works for them – not one that is willing to push energy prices even higher and put the country’s energy security at grave risk. For the good of our country, the rule of law, and the American people, we demand that you change course and restore the previously awarded funding.” Last month, Hickenlooper launched an investigation into the Trump administration’s efforts to kill offshore wind energy projects after the Trump administration agreed to pay four companies more than $2.7 billion in taxpayer funding to abandon offshore wind projects. Hickenlooper has called out Republican attacks on clean energy and introduced the Lowering Electric Bills Act to protect clean energy projects. He introduced the Geo POWER Act to help deliver clean, affordable electricity across the country, the … | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-warren-call-on-regulators-to-strengthen-bank-supervision-rule-supporting-access-to-credit-for-small-businesses-and-consumers/ | Hickenlooper, Warren Call on Regulators to Strengthen Bank Supervision Rule Supporting Access to Credit for Small Businesses and Consumers | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Elizabeth Warren sent a letter urging federal banking regulators to strengthen proposed revisions to the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (known as “CAMELS”) to ensure that bank supervision is forward-looking, so bank management and supervisors address risks before they fester into more serious problems that threaten credit availability for small businesses and households. The letter was sent to Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, FDIC Chairman Travis Hill, NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman, and Acting CFPB Director Russell Vought. “The failure of [Silicon Valley Bank] illustrates the need for the CAMELS rating system to require rigorous evaluation of the capabilities and performance of bank management and forward-looking bank supervision,” the senators wrote. “Exclusively identifying material weaknesses in banks’ financial statements today may miss an opportunity to catch emerging risks early and prevent a bank crisis tomorrow.” The senators detailed how “when Silicon Valley Bank failed, the federal government stepped in to keep the crisis from spreading…But the hidden cost from the crisis, which lasted far longer, was the significant reduction in credit available to small and midsize businesses (SMBs) and consumers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.” In the letter the senators urged the agencies to revise the proposed amendments to the CAMELS ratings by: Restoring several references to the need for supervisors to evaluate bank management’s ability to “identify, monitor, measure, and control” risks, including emerging risks. Requiring that bank supervisors conduct a forward-looking assessment of risks that could develop into material financial risks. Read the full text of the letter HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/07/31/bennet-statement-on-release-of-final-environmental-impact-statement-outlining-future-colorado-river-operations/ | Bennet Statement on Release of Final Environmental Impact Statement Outlining Future Colorado River Operations | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | 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 a statement following the release of the Bureau of Reclamation’s final environmental impact statement outlining a plan for operating the Colorado River. “I am disappointed that the Interior Department could not develop a 7-state consensus agreement. While a 2-year operating plan is the bare minimum needed to operate the river, a long-term, consensus agreement that recognizes real hydrologic conditions is the only durable solution to bring certainty to the Colorado River.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-introduce-bills-to-protect-american-elections-amid-threats-to-voting-from-trump-admin-dark-money-influence/ | Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Bills to Protect American Elections Amid Threats to Voting from Trump Admin, Dark Money Influence | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined his Democratic colleagues to introduce two bills – the Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act and the Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act – to strengthen and protect American elections. Both bills come as the Trump administration and MAGA Republicans continue to sow distrust in American elections and push voter suppression measures like the SAVE Act. “Dark money and foreign agents are trying to disrupt our elections at the same time that President Trump is sowing distrust in our safe and secure voting systems,” said Hickenlooper. “Americans deserve free and fair elections. It’s the promise of democracy. We won’t let anyone take that away.” Specifically, the SHIELD Act would provide State Attorneys General and voters with a private right of action to enforce federal anti-election interference laws and extend the statute of limitations for bringing federal criminal prosecutions for violations of those laws from five to nine years. The Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act would close a major campaign finance loophole that has allowed U.S. companies largely owned by foreign entities to pour unlimited sums of money into our elections. Despite overwhelming evidence that U.S. elections are safe and secure, President Trump and MAGA Republicans continue to spread misinformation about the security of our elections. In addition, recent polling shows 72% of Americans agree that there is too much money in our elections. A separate poll shows 82% of Americans agreeing there should be spending limits for U.S. companies with foreign ownership. Hickenlooper has consistently fought back against Trump and MAGA Republicans’ voter suppression bill, the SAVE America Act, and stood up to their attacks on mail-in-voting, a proven safe and secure voting method. As governor, Hickenlooper created the gold-standard mail-in-voting system in the country, providing millions of Coloradans with easier access to the bal… | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
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