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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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444 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "CT" 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
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-pushes-for-senate-passage-of-bill-protecting-children-from-ice Murphy Pushes for Senate Passage of Bill Protecting Children from ICE 2026-09-30 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday went to the floor of the U.S. Senate to ask for unanimous consent to pass his bill to prevent ICE, Border Patrol, and all DHS agents from carrying out enforcement actions at school bus stops. A Senate Republican blocked the bill, allowing the Trump Administration to continue conducting aggressive enforcement operations in full view of children. ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene. “I am […] just asking my colleagues: can we come to an agreement that school bus stops should be off limits? Can we decide to have compassion for that six-year-old child who got on the bus for his second day of school, and when he got back off the bus, was abandoned?” said Murphy. Murphy chronicled the horrors witnessed by children in Danbury during their first week of school: “On the morning of August 26, the second day of school for most school districts in Connecticut, in Danbury, Connecticut, bus drivers began reporting to the school district that they had noticed the presence of ICE agents in and around school bus stops. At one of them, a constituent of mine, a father, was waiting at the school bus stop with his six-year-old son, and just moments after saying goodbye to his son for the second day of school, and even before the school bus had fully driven away, ICE arrested and detained him.” Murphy pleaded with his Republican colleagues to consider the trauma ICE is inflicting on innocent children: “For parents in this body, you know how anxious that first day of school is, how kids are just brimming with nervous anxiety about tha… 1 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-republican-attempts-to-ignore-the-reason-for-jack-smiths-lawful-investigation-trumps-incitement-of-a-violent-insurrection-at-the-capitol-to-prevent-the-transition-of-power Blumenthal Slams Republican Attempts to Ignore the Reason for Jack Smith's Lawful Investigation: Trump's Incitement of a Violent Insurrection at the Capitol to Prevent the Transition of Power 2026-09-29 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – During a hearing today with former Special Counsel Jack Smith, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, underscored the seriousness of the events that predicated Smith’s investigations into President Donald Trump, including the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. During his exchange with Smith, Blumenthal also ran through the lawful investigative steps that Smith and his team took in order to pursue the case, including seeking an indictment from a grand jury composed of everyday Americans. “I want to remind folks why we're here today. And I think a picture is worth a thousand words. We're here today because Donald Trump incited a mob to attack us—the Capitol, Members of Congress, to stop the counting of votes. He objected to the result of an election, and he tried to stop the peaceful transition of power by inciting rioters to attack the Capitol, including everybody here today,” Blumenthal said. “And we came to this very room on that day seeking safety, finding refuge. We were kept here for hours, and then we were given the choice to secretly go home, to leave here, as armed guards sought to protect us in this room, and I remember sitting over in that corner, trying to recharge my phone, so I could call my wife to tell her I was OK. That's what Donald Trump did on that day.” Blumenthal’s exchange with Mr. Smith is available here and a full transcript is copied below. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Smith, thank you for being here. You're here voluntarily, correct? Jack Smith: Yes. Senator Blumenthal: You offered to come repeatedly more than a year ago, correct? Mr. Smith: I believe it was last October. Sen. Blumenthal: You didn't need to be subpoenaed to come here. You came here to tell your story. I want to give you the opportunity to respond to some of Senator Britt’s questions if you feel you have anything to add, because you were interrupted repeatedly. And I'm willing to take some of my ti… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-murray-press-trump-administration-on-taxpayer-sponsored-trump-campaign-ads Murphy, Murray Press Trump Administration On Taxpayer-Sponsored Trump Campaign Ads 2026-09-29 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to press the Trump Administration for immediate answers about the exact details of Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s spending to create and air taxpayer-funded political ads celebrating the president—and demanding the illegal ads come off the air. In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Senators wrote: “It has come to our attention that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may be using Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars to bankroll the obscene political ads celebrating President Trump that have aired on stations nationwide in recent days. We should not have to remind you that using government funding to create or air political ads like the ones that have been running over the last few days is illegal and a shockingly corrupt misuse of taxpayer dollars.” The lawmakers note that it appears DHS has committed $20 million so far for the ad spend, and AdImpact estimates at least $1.7 million has already been spent airing the ads. Senators Murphy and Murray conclude by requesting detailed information within 48 hours about DHS’ involvement in airing the ads, as well as copies of any contracts it has entered into: “The American people deserve answers about how this president is literally stealing their tax dollars to air campaign ads celebrating himself—while doing nothing to help them afford health care or housing. These ads need to immediately come off the air, taxpayers need to be paid back for this theft, and everyone responsible needs to be held accountable for this corrupt and illegal propaganda,” the Senators conclude. As Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Murphy is the lead Democrat negotiating DHS funding and overseeing DHS expenditures. During the second Trump Administration, Murphy has led the charge to bring accountability and transparency to DHS funding, including s… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-warren-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-ai-oversight-calls-out-white-house-for-being-asleep-at-the-wheel-in-the-wake-of-openai-hacks Blumenthal & Warren Demand Answers from Trump Administration on AI Oversight, Calls Out White House for Being "Asleep-at-the-Wheel" in the Wake of OpenAI Hacks 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today demanded answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the Administration’s delayed, secretive, and voluntary process to test and monitor advanced artificial intelligence models. In a letter sent today to Bessent, the Senators raised concerns that the Administration’s hands-off approach to A.I. oversight leaves the public, our financial system, and our national security vulnerable to the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated, out-of-control A.I. models. Pointing to recent revelations about the scale of the Hugging Face breach by rogue OpenAI agents and OpenAI’s subsequent steps to limit an independent into the breach, the Senators wrote, “This rapid acceleration in the severity—indeed potential illegality—of A.I. safety failures demands rigorous, independent oversight, testing, and investigations from the federal government…Voluntary measures and self-policing clearly are not working: despite these sensational reports, Anthropic and OpenAI have both acknowledged that they have no plan to solve the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated A.I. models.” The Senators continued, “Rather than confront the compounding risks of out-of-control and unregulated A.I., the White House has sought to shield major A.I. companies from public scrutiny, leaving Americans in the dark. In June 2026, the President signed an executive order requiring the creation of a classified ‘benchmarking’ process and ‘AI cybersecurity clearinghouse’ to test the capabilities of frontier A.I. models, a program in part led by the Department of the Treasury. However, despite reporting that some members of the Administration sought to make participation and disclosures mandatory, instead—reportedly after interventions from Mark Zuckerberg and his allies[1]—the program was made expressly volun… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-puts-trump-va-nominees-on-blast-for-blatant-lack-of-qualifications-at-hearing Blumenthal Puts Trump VA Nominees on Blast for Blatant Lack of Qualifications at Hearing 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing today to consider pending nominations, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) underscored the five nominees’ jarring lack of qualifications for the roles they have been nominated for at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “I'm just going to be very blunt. I'm gravely concerned that none of these nominees have any experience with veterans' benefits law, whatsoever, not as judges, not as lawyers, not as advocates for veterans,” Blumenthal said in his opening. Blumenthal raised scrutiny over the nominees to be judges at the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims (CAVC). He first highlighted a watchdog report on nominee Robert Fleck, which revealed Fleck engaged in nepotism and lied about sharing sensitive information when he worked at VA’s Office of General Counsel: “Mr. Fleck, you were found by VA’s Office of Inspector General to have engaged in nepotism when - as a manager in the Office of General Counsel – you advocated for the employment of your wife in that same office. You will have to explain to the Committee why the report done by the Office of Inspector General is not disqualifying, and I appreciate the Chairman's staff subsequently sharing the documents and information with us, which should prompt all of us to have very strong concerns, and I intend to make further inquiries about this issue. We have a constitutional duty of oversight.” Ahead of the hearing, VA intentionally redacted and withheld documentation requested by Democratic Committee staff related to the investigation into Mr. Fleck, while providing the Committee Republicans with additional, unredacted documents. Blumenthal called into question another CAVC nominee, Daniel Rendleman, and his qualifications for the role in light of his radical anti-abortion views: “Mr. Rendleman, if confirmed, you would have the power to decide whether a veteran’s claim for reproductive health care coverage or reimbursement is denied. The radical anti-abortion views you espouse call int… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-releases-psi-report-detailing-how-lutnick-linked-crypto-firm-tether-props-up-irans-shadow-banking-system Blumenthal Releases PSI Report Detailing how Lutnick-Linked Crypto Firm Tether Props Up Iran's Shadow Banking System 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today released a new report detailing how Tether and its dollar-pegged stablecoin (USDT) have become a significant financial lifeline within Iran’s shadow banking network. As part of its ongoing inquiry into the role of cryptocurrencies in illicit finance, PSI Democratic investigators conducted a forensic analysis of blockchain transaction data from 846 unique cryptocurrency wallets that have been sanctioned or targeted for seizure due to their association with Iran and its regional proxies. This analysis shows that Tether has, in effect, provided Iran access to a high-liquidity international payment system that the United States has assiduously sought to deny it. “My new PSI report exposes how Tether and its flagship token have become central to Iran’s shadow banking system, allowing the Iranian government to fund its regional proxies, commit human rights abuses, and pursue hostile drone and missile programs as they defy our sanctions regime,” Blumenthal said. “The Trump Administration’s glaring lack of oversight of cryptocurrency issuers has undermined our own national security interests. That is why I am calling on the Department of Treasury and Justice to immediately investigate Tether and hold it accountable for these potential sanctions violations.” A summary of PSI’s key findings is below: Tether has become a primary illicit international payment system for Iran, allowing it to circumvent international sanctions on its banks: Of the 846 wallets sanctioned for their association with Iran and its terrorist proxies, 84% have transacted exclusively, or nearly exclusively, in USDT. These activities include efforts by the Iranian government to move funds into, and out of, Iran and to prop up the country’s currency in the face of U.S. sanctions, including through the Central Bank of Iran. Tether serves as a central payment mechanism that interlinks Iran and its terrorist p… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-shaheen-and-12-bipartisan-senators-question-president-trump-on-invitation-of-vladimir-putin-to-g20-on-american-soil Blumenthal, Shaheen, & 12 Bipartisan Senators Question President Trump on Invitation of Vladimir Putin to G20 on American Soil 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and 12 bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump inquiring about the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leader’s Summit in Miami, Florida this coming December. In the letter, the Senators question why Vladimir Putin, who has committed atrocities against the people of Ukraine and silenced his own people, has been welcomed with open arms to participate in a G20 meeting on American soil. This comes at a time when the Russian government is ramping up its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and continues to target Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The Senators make clear that President Putin should not be permitted to take part in G20 events or other similar international forums in the United States and request for Putin nor any sanctioned Russian officials be permitted at upcoming G20 events. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day,” wrote the Senators. “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure,” continued the Senators. “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-ahead-of-pcsa-vote-this-bill-is-a-long-term-threat-to-college-athletics Murphy Ahead of PCSA Vote: This Bill is a Long-Term Threat to College Athletics 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate ahead of a vote on final passage of the so-called Protect College Sports Act, sweeping legislation to grant the NCAA an unprecedented antitrust exemption, cap the earnings and organizing potential of college athletes, and codify into law a permanent imbalance of power between college athletes and athletic conferences, the NCAA and corporate executives profiting off of athletes’ talents. Murphy voiced his opposition to final passage of the bill and argued the PCSA may ultimately destabilize the college sports ecosystem in the long-term. Murphy debunked the claim that college sports is in ‘crisis’: “The facts don't back up that characterization of college sports…I know that there's more people than ever showing up to these games and watching the games. The Big 10 just signed a $13 billion contract to broadcast its games. The revenue of the NCAA broadly is at an all-time high. The SEC and the Big 10 are both making over a billion dollars. Women's sports is growing. 92,000 people recently filled a stadium to watch a women's volleyball match. Schools are adding, not subtracting, women's programs. In fact, more people are paying attention to college sports than ever before. College sports is growing, both on the men's and women's side. And so, what is this crisis?” Murphy stressed the PCSA wouldn’t get big money out of college sports, it would just limit athletes’ right to earn their fair share: “The bill does really nothing to stop the runaway overall costs of college athletics. In particular, some of the biggest drivers of costs being facilities and the salaries of adults … if you want to know what's driving the deficit at these big schools, it's not simply the amount of money they're paying the students; those numbers are dwarfed by the amount of money that's going to coaches and to facilities. But yet, this bill constricts – only caps the money going to the players, does nothing to cap the money going to the coaches, does… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-votes-against-legislation-that-fails-to-protect-college-athletes Blumenthal Votes Against Legislation that Fails to Protect College Athletes 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released the following statement after voting against the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA): “Sadly, this measure simply isn’t good enough – failing to provide strong protections for college athletes and level the playing field,” Blumenthal said. “After all the years I’ve spent working on this issue, I could never for one minute trust the NCAA to police itself. This bill forces the athletes themselves to enforce its safeguards against the NCAA and conferences that have the power to destroy their athletic careers. Despite my bipartisan amendment to increase conference access, the legislation still does not adequately promote vigorous competition among teams and conferences and instead preserves the exclusive club of the current Power Four membership to the detriment of smaller universities, many in Connecticut.” “The bill has several positive provisions that would curtail unlimited transfers and limit the blurring of the lines between amateur and professional players in college sports. But if a college or player violates those provisions it is solely up to the NCAA to investigate and punish. I have little faith, given past history, that the NCAA will sanction a hugely popular coach, player or lucrative university team if there is such a violation. This supposed protection is a mirage.” “The blood, sweat and sacrifice of college athletes drive a multibillion-dollar industry, and they deserve a level playing field that puts their needs above the NCAA and special interests. This bill misses the mark.” Blumenthal detailed his concerns about the legislation in an August op-ed in the Hartford Courant, “A lasting path to protecting the best of college sports.” Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) secured a vote on an amendment to raise the bill’s limit on the number of teams in the Big 10, SEC, and ACC from nineteen to twenty. This would make it easier for non-Power Four teams to join a large conference. The amendment was approved in a voice vote. Durin… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-committee-minority-back-up-house-subpoenas-demand-answers-from-larry-ellison-on-ballooning-costs-of-oracles-va-electronic-health-record-contract Blumenthal & Committee Minority Back Up House Subpoenas, Demand Answers from Larry Ellison on Ballooning Costs of Oracle's VA Electronic Health Record Contract 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Minority Committee members are demanding immediate answers and comprehensive documentation from Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison and CEO Mike Sicilia on the ballooning cost of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. VA’s contract with Oracle was recently modified, increasing the no-bid contract’s cost ceiling from $10 billion to approximately $27 billion. The Senators’ letter follows the failure of Ellison and Sicilia to testify before a Congressional oversight hearing on the EHRM program, a refusal that triggered a unanimous vote in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to subpoena the two Oracle officials. “We write today to demand immediate answers following news the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program will now cost $27 billion…Oracle has a responsibility to deliver a functioning EHRM to veterans, yet there have been years of delays and ballooning costs under your leadership,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Ellison and Sicilia. “Even more concerning, Oracle officials failed to attend a recent House Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversight hearing on September 2, 2026, to answer questions on the timeline and cost of the EHRM. You have a responsibility to America’s veterans and taxpayers to explain what is happening with this project and its increasing costs. Your failure to appear in Congress is a failure to uphold your commitment to veterans and we need immediate answers on this project.” The Senators backed up the House Committee’s subpoenas to Ellison and Sicilia: “Given your absence from the oversight hearing, the House Committee subsequently voted 19-0 to subpoena you to explain the status of the project and excessive costs. We support this subpoena and expect you to comply with it.” Blumenthal’s letter was joined by fellow Committee members U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sand… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-from-acting-navy-secretary-after-delayed-disclosure-of-suicide-attempts-on-board-the-uss-abraham-lincoln Blumenthal Demands Answers from Acting Navy Secretary After Delayed Disclosure of Suicide Attempts on Board the USS Abraham Lincoln 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao today about suicide attempts on board the USS Abraham Lincoln revealed in a letter to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Cao failed to disclose the information in response to an inquiry Blumenthal sent following reports of devolving conditions within the strike group. “Eight suicide attempts across a carrier strike group are plainly relevant to questions about mental health and the consequences of an extended deployment. You have an obligation to provide Congress with the facts necessary to conduct oversight, particularly when those facts concern the lives and well-being of the men and women under your leadership,” Blumenthal wrote. “I am requesting that you provide an accounting of the eight suicide attempts, including when they occurred and when senior Navy leaders were informed by September 30. Your response should explain why they were omitted from your September 18 letter to me; and provide the basis for your assertion that there was no statistically significant increase in serious medical emergencies; and detail the steps you will take to protect Sailors’ mental health and well-being during future extended deployments. Any response should protect the privacy of the servicemembers involved.” In today’s letter, Blumenthal again raised concerns that the Navy is not prepared to prevent similar issues in the future, given that recent carrier deployments have repeatedly stretched long beyond their originally planned durations. In August, Blumenthal wrote Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Cao demanding to know what action was being taken to improve conditions for sailors deployed on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had at that point been continuously at sea for a record length of nearly seven months. The full text of today’s letter is copied below. Acting Secretary Cao, I write regarding your deeply troubling response to my inquiries a… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/18/2026-9/25/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/18/2026-9/25/2026 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Receiving Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held a bicameral public forum on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses offered testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. “Though the circumstances surrounding his death and these other victims are distinctly different, the pattern is the same. Lives cut short by the same agency; agents without body cameras; no warnings; no attempt to de-escalate; excessive force followed by deflection, and a lack of accountability after the fact,” Ms. Reyes wrote. “Other similarities are that these victims, despite being nonviolent community members with no criminal background, were disparaged and blamed to shift focus away from the officer’s misconduct. What happened to my son is personal, but it should be a concern for us all.” Ms. Reyes’ written testimony is available here. Video of Ms. Reyes’ testimony is available here. Blumenthal further highlighted Ms. Reyes’ testimony on Twitter/X. “Rachel Reyes tells Ruben Ray Martinez's story, her son who was shot & killed by an ICE agent. She shares her pain & grief of losing a child—something no parent should have to endure,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Donna and Brent Ganger:… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-trump-fda-nominee-youve-done-a-pretty-good-job-of-avoiding-answering-questions Murphy To Trump FDA Nominee: ‘you’ve Done A Pretty Good Job Of Avoiding Answering Questions’ 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Thursday questioned Dr. Heidi Overton, President Trump’s nominee to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, during her confirmation hearing. With public trust in the FDA collapsing in the second Trump administration, Murphy pressed Overton on the corruption of the Food and Drug Administration under President Trump, including a multi-million dollar pay-to-play scandal involving the tobacco industry. “I share the chairman's concern about this dramatic reduction in faith in the FDA that has happened over the past year, and the reason is simple: people don't believe that science has anything to do with some of the decision making and that it's all about politics,” said Murphy. Murphy detailed the corruption scandal which led to the prior FDA commissioner’s resignation: “On April 30th, it's a Thursday afternoon, Reynolds, one of the biggest tobacco companies in the country, makes an $8 million donation to the president. Two days later, on Saturday, because of that donation, they have lunch with the president and they tell him that they want a change in FDA rules, especially regarding flavored vapes. The president calls the FDA commissioner, he calls the secretary of HHS, and three days later, on Tuesday, new guidance is issued that paves the way to the sale of flavored vapes… And four days after that, the FDA commissioner resigns, either in protest or because he was fired because of his disagreement with this decision.” He pushed Overton to acknowledge and condemn the blatant corruption influencing FDA decisionmaking under Trump: “That is not a coincidence, right? That is the definition of political interference in FDA decision making… Do you see anything wrong with the chain of events that I just articulated for you? … Do you have any opinion as to whether that's the way that you want the FDA to work?” Murphy highlighted Trump’s pay-to-play scheme with Big Tobacco was enabled … 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-introduces-landmark-irl-act-proposal-to-combat-social-isolation-and-hold-social-media-companies-accountable Murphy Introduces Landmark IRL Act Proposal To Combat Social Isolation And Hold Social Media Companies Accountable 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just introduced a new landmark bill—the In Real Life (“IRL”) Act—as part of his policy agenda aimed at record-high rates of loneliness and distrust by holding social media companies accountable and investing in third spaces. The legislation would tax digital advertising revenue of only the very largest algorithmic-based social media corporations at 50%, redirecting funds to a newly-established Social Capital Fund for local communities to support the institutions, programs, and physical spaces that bring neighbors together in common cause. “We don’t have to accept the transition from in-person connection to online isolation. Massive social media platforms knowingly addict us to screens and harm our kids to boost their profits. These big tech companies have gotten a free pass for far too long, and the least they can do is pay to rebuild the spaces that actually bring us together—in real life,” said Murphy. The IRL Act has two components: imposing a digital advertising tax on the very largest social media giants, as well as establishing a new Social Capital Fund for local communities. Under the IRL Act’s digital advertising tax, the biggest social media corporations would pay a 50% rate on digital advertising revenues over $10 billion, with lower rates for revenues below that threshold and a $500 million exemption so the tax only applies to large platforms. Publishers like newspapers, television, and websites that are not algorithmic social media would not pay the tax. Even social media companies can avoid the tax by turning off their addictive algorithm, like the chronological feed that Facebook used to have that will now be an option for teenagers under Meta’s recent legal settlement with states. Big social media conglomerates can also pay lower rates by breaking up into smaller companies. Under the IRL Act’s newly-established Social Capital Fund, revenues from the digital advertising tax would be deposited into a fund and distributed to local communities … 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-republicans-abetting-trumps-iran-war-again-americans-are-telling-congress-to-end-this-war Murphy on Republicans Abetting Trump's Iran War Again: Americans Are Telling Congress to End This War 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the Senate floor before a vote on a War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s disastrous war in Iran, which Senate Republicans again blocked. Despite Trump’s assurance of a short military engagement, Murphy revealed how this months-long conflict continues to spin out of control as Americans overwhelmingly call for the war to stop. As this conflict rages on, Murphy emphasized the Trump Administration has failed to achieve any of its stated goals for going to war in the first place, including destroying Iran’s missile capability: “I don't know how many times we heard Secretary Hegseth tell us that the goal was to destroy Iran's missiles and missile capacity. And back in April, he claimed that they had ‘functionally destroyed’ - that's his word - ‘functionally destroyed’ Iran's ability to make new missiles. Well, the Wall Street Journal just reported that Iran is producing ballistic missiles again at scale, and we only were able to eliminate around 30 percent of the missiles. They have most of their stockpiles from before the war... Iran is building missiles again - this was the whole reason we were going into the war-a total failure to eliminate Iran's missile capacity.” Murphy emphasized the Trump Administration’s failures have been borne most directly by American servicemembers: “We just learned this week that eight Navy sailors aboard the U.S. Abraham Lincoln have attempted suicide. Two of those sailors, as we all know, tried to jump overboard to end their lives. This is a ship that was without a port call for 286 days. That is an abdication of leadership, an abdication of the responsibility to care about our troops' safety by our Department of Defense leadership. We have sailors and soldiers and airmen that are in crisis right now because we have put them in harm's way for far longer than any brave man or woman, who has signed up to defend this nation, deserves to be in harm's way.” Murphy argued that by refusing to swiftly end this war, the Trump Administra… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-cornyn-file-amicus-brief-supporting-holocaust-survivors-families-in-lawsuits-over-nazi-confiscated-art Blumenthal & Cornyn File Amicus Brief Supporting Holocaust Survivors, Families in Lawsuits Over Nazi-Confiscated Art 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHNGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and John Cornyn (R-TX), authors of the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act, filed an amicus brief defending the legislation’s constitutionality in ongoing litigation over the recovery of Nazi-looted art. “The Nazi campaign to steal art treasured by Jewish families and others targeted by the regime the was about more than a pilfering of property—it was a deeply personal theft and an act of inhumanity,” Blumenthal said. “Senator Cornyn has been my partner for years in bringing long overdue justice to families whose cherished art was brazenly stolen by the Nazis. I am proud to join Senator Cornyn, Holocaust survivors, and their family members in urging the Court to do the right thing and uphold the constitutionality of the HEAR Act.” “Earlier this year, the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act was signed into law to ensure Holocaust survivors and their families have an opportunity to regain thousands of missing pieces of artwork that were looted by the Nazi regime,” said Cornyn. “I am proud to stand in support of survivors and their families, and I urge the Court to ensure victims are not barred from claiming what is rightfully theirs.” Nazi Germany’s campaign of annihilation and genocide against the Jewish people in the Holocaust included massive theft of property, including hundreds of thousands of works of art. Despite post-war efforts by the United States and allies to return Nazi-looted art and renewed efforts since the late 1990s, more than 100,000 works of art have not been returned to their rightful owners. In 2016, Congress unanimously passed the HEAR Act, spearheaded in the Senate by Blumenthal and Cornyn, to ensure Holocaust survivors and their heirs could access U.S. courts to pursue claims for the recovery of Nazi-looted art, allowing cases to be decided on their factual merits rather than dismissed on time-based technical defenses. Congress found that the circumstances of the Holocaust imposed extraordinary obstacles to surviv… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-joins-united-nations-general-assembly-event-on-artificial-intelligence Murphy Joins United Nations General Assembly Event On Artificial Intelligence 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper NEW YORK—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday joined Foreign Policy magazine’s tech and AI forum at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), titled Securing the Stack: A Conversation on Trust, Trade, and Technology. In the panel discussion, Murphy outlined the path ahead for Congress to respond effectively to Americans’ growing concerns around AI, including job loss, competition with China, and humanity losing control over the technology. Murphy argued that the US has a long history of regulating dangerous new technologies and the American people are demanding action: “It might be the end of our democracy if the people beg on both sides of the aisle for us to do what we've done with every complicated new technology in the history of this country since the industrial revolution – regulate and control it to make sure we get the good but not the bad – if we don't step up and do the work.” Murphy expressed optimism that lawmakers could find some consensus on AI: “I think there is some low-hanging fruit that is not particularly complicated. The deepfake threat is already real… that's a pretty easy one to deal with, right? You could just outlaw them in politics, or require clear identification or watermarks in other contexts. Friendship bots, as I mentioned before, are poison for our kids. We can outlaw them writ large, or we can outlaw them for kids. And then you know what we're talking about right now, which is some approval process for models, so as to guard against what we are seeing, and potentially [what] we'll see at scale soon as they sort of jump out of containment…” “Those three things are achievable, not terribly political, and could foreseeably get done, and give the public then some faith that we maybe have the political capacity to handle some of the more nuanced threats down on,” Murphy emphasized. Murphy stressed that humanity cannot retain its control over AI without cooperation with China: “I don't think there's any path forward without us being in a conversation with the Chinese and … 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murkowski-coons-and-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-ukrainians-seeking-safety-in-the-us Blumenthal, Murkowski, Coons, & Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Ukrainians Seeking Safety in the U.S. 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced legislation today to protect Ukrainian nationals who have sought refuge in the United States following Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression in their home country. The bipartisan bill would extend immigration protections for Ukrainians who have fled the war brought on by the Russian invasion and sought safety in the United States through the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which has for decades provided refuge to those living in America who have fled natural disasters, violence, and political insecurity. The current TPS designation for Ukraine will expire on October 19, 2026 unless further action is taken. “Ukrainians seeking safety here are fleeing unimaginable horror at home – bloody missile and drone strikes, ruthless kidnapping of children, a cold winter without heat. Forcing their return to such cruel conditions would be the height of inhumanity,” Blumenthal said. “I am grateful to Senators Murkowski, Coons, and Cassidy for joining me in introducing legislation that will protect Ukrainians seeking refuge from being sent back to certain brutality and bloodshed.” “I have spent time with many Ukrainians who found refuge in Alaska after fleeing Russia’s brutal invasion. They have become part of our communities sending their children to our schools, participating in the local workforce, and re-building their lives while the war continues to devastate their home country,” said Murkowski. “My office has worked with many of these families as they navigate our immigration system, and the reality is that it is simply not safe for them to return to Ukraine. We should not force Ukrainians who we allowed into the U.S. and who are here legally and contributing to our communities back into an active war zone. This legislation will provide them with the stability and protection they need to continue to live and work here until it is safe to return home.” “The Ukrainian peo… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-watchdog-report-exposing-the-trump-administrations-reckless-cancellation-of-contracts-serving-veterans Blumenthal Statement on Watchdog Report Exposing the Trump Administration's Reckless Cancellation of Contracts Serving Veterans 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released a statement on a new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) exposing the Trump Administration and DOGE’s reckless cancellation of contracts at VA beginning in 2025. The report details a chaotic cancellation process directed top-down by DOGE, Secretary Doug Collins, and Senior Advisors at VA, resulting in contracts called without veteran-impact assessments and inaccurate cost saving estimates. “This report confirms my repeatedly expressed concerns that VA has recklessly cancelled hundreds of contracts with no consideration of the impact on veterans or VA operations. These cuts harmed veterans and were hidden from Congress and the public by senior VA officials. Secretary Collins owes us answers on how VA will replace lost services and how much this fiasco has cost taxpayers in arbitration, settlements, and reinstatements. Veterans and taxpayers deserve transparency and a full public accounting.” Key findings of the report reveal: A top-down process led by DOGE, Doug Collins and political leaders, rather than a process driven by VA subject matter experts. OIG reports that only after contracts were marked for cancellation did VA leadership ask officials to justify their proposed cuts. In addition, questions about the cancellations’ impact on veterans were not asked until the contracts were identified for termination. A haphazard process and timeline: “In some cases, VA officials were given two weeks to complete their review. In others, they were given only a few hours to review hundreds of contracts. VA senior advisers and Department of Government Efficiency representatives directed them to terminate the contracts on February 25, 2025, regardless of the incomplete reviews.” Due to the reckless cancellation process, VA subsequently reversed some contracts that were already cancelled: “For example, OIG also found that contracting officers i… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-introduces-legislation-imposing-100-percent-surtax-on-income-generated-by-companies-owned-by-president-and-other-cabinet-officials-when-they-abuse-their-power-to-benefit-themselves Blumenthal Introduces Legislation Imposing 100 Percent Surtax on Income Generated by Companies Owned by President & Other Cabinet Officials When They Abuse Their Power to Benefit Themselves 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced new legislation to impose a 100 percent surtax on income earned by a company owned or controlled by the President, Vice President, Cabinet officials, or immediate family members as a result of a favorable government action. The Anti-Corruption Tax Act is in direct response to Donald Trump and other Administration officials abusing the power of the government to help the companies they own or control make money, at the direct expense of American taxpayers. “Donald Trump has been clear: there is no ethical line separating his role as President from his family’s businesses,” Blumenthal said. “He and other Administration officials have repeatedly abused their power to enrich themselves and their families. My measure would put an end to this kind of self-dealing by putting a 100 percent surtax on any income that Donald Trump and his family—or any future Administration officials—generate thanks to a favorable government action.” Anti-Corruption Tax Act addresses the following actions: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency conditionally approving a national trust bank charter for the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial; The Pentagon’s $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements, a startup backed by Donald Trump Jr.’s venture capital firm, 1789 Capital; The U.S. Army’s $15.2 million contract with a company that Donald Trump Jr. owns a significant ownership stake in and sits on the advisory board for, Unusual Machines; The U.S. Air Force’s contract to buy interceptor drones from Powerus, a company backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump; Potential federal contracts awarded to Newmark, a company owned by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s sons, to build ICE facilities; Newmark also has earned fees arranging land, leases, and financing for AI data centers, which Lutnick has promoted as Commerce Secretary, in addition to overseeing expedited federal permitting for certain data center projects; The United States Commodity Futures Trad… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-sheehy-introduce-bill-to-extend-benefits-for-military-survivors Blumenthal, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Extend Benefits for Military Survivors 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) are teaming up to introduce the GRACE for Military Survivors Act—bipartisan legislation that would provide military survivors more time to make informed financial decisions about their benefits without facing tax penalties. “Military survivors who lose loved ones endure life-changing grief. We shouldn’t force them to make important, long-term financial decisions about their survivors’ benefits while also going through such unspeakable pain,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our commonsense bill will give these families more time to make these critical decisions.” “When families lose a loved one, too often they are forced to make difficult financial decisions before being allowed time to grieve and process their loss; this is especially true when it comes to the surviving families of our fallen military heroes,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “America’s military families sacrifice so much for this great nation – they deserve time to mourn and honor their loved one instead of being rushed into making long-lasting, consequential decisions about their survivors’ benefits. Supporting this practical legislation to extend the time military families have to make these decisions is the least we can do for the families of our heroes.” When a servicemember dies, the surviving family has to make important financial decisions about their survivors’ benefits while also grieving their loved ones. Current law only gives surviving spouses and children a year to decide if they want to put military death gratuities and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) benefits into certain tax-advantaged savings accounts, including Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. The GRACE for Military Survivors Act would extend that time frame from one to three years—ensuring surviving families have additional time to make important long-term financial decisions. U.S. Representative Mike Tho… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-presses-dhs-sec-mullin-on-ice-operations-in-connecticut Murphy Presses DHS Sec. Mullin On ICE Operations in Connecticut 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin for accountability and transparency on unprecedented immigration raids in Connecticut by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month, including near a children’s school bus stop. “Last month, families and communities in Connecticut experienced mass immigration enforcement arrests across the state. To make matters worse, parents were reportedly arrested in front of their children, including at least one parent who was arrested just after their child boarded a bus for their first day of school. As fathers, I hope we can both agree that children should not have to witness their parents being brutally arrested for civil immigration offenses,” said Murphy. In a letter to Mullin, Murphy cited the long-term suffering children experience when they personally experience the arrest of their parents, pushing for immigration forces to exercise restraint and follow the books. “The Department of Homeland Security must take immediate action to eliminate this unnecessary and harmful use of force. Additionally, DHS is also required to follow the ‘Detained Parents Directive’ (DPD), even in its weakened state, to ensure that parents are not unconstitutionally deprived of their child,” said Murphy. Murphy concluded with a push for accountability and transparency, issuing a series of information requests to Mullin: How many arrests were made in total in Connecticut from August 17 – 28 (“the specified time”)? Provide the location of each arrest (city/town). Were any arresting agents/officers employed by any other federal agency other than ICE? If so, how many? Were any agents present in Connecticut detailed from another federal agency? For each arrest made in Connecticut during the specified time, state specifically whether arresting agents/officers followed the ‘Detained Parents Directive’. If so, what evidence can you provide that arresting agents/officers followed such polic… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/witness-testimony-blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-receive-testimony-on-fatal-shootings-by-federal-immigration-agents Witness Testimony: Blumenthal & Robert Garcia Receive Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held a bicameral public forum on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses offered testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. “Though the circumstances surrounding his death and these other victims are distinctly different, the pattern is the same. Lives cut short by the same agency; agents without body cameras; no warnings; no attempt to de-escalate; excessive force followed by deflection, and a lack of accountability after the fact,” Ms. Reyes wrote. “Other similarities are that these victims, despite being nonviolent community members with no criminal background, were disparaged and blamed to shift focus away from the officer’s misconduct. What happened to my son is personal, but it should be a concern for us all.” Ms. Reyes’ written testimony is available here. Video of Ms. Reyes’ testimony is available here. Donna and Brent Ganger: Donna Ganger’s daughter and Brent Ganger’s sister, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “What I want most to do today is help everyone understand exactly what was taken from us on January 7th, and what a beautiful woman our family and this country lost. We have not moved on. We struggle every day. We wil… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-named-wounded-warrior-project-legislator-of-the-year Blumenthal Named Wounded Warrior Project Legislator of the Year 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Earlier this week, Wounded Warrior Project recognized U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal as their 2026 Legislator of the Year in the U.S. Senate at their Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner. Wounded Warrior Project commended Blumenthal’s leadership on the Major Richard Star Act and his advocacy for America’s veterans as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from Wounded Warrior Project—fierce champions for veterans and their families across the nation,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Their strong advocacy and partnership is critical in our work to make sure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserved. Together, we will continue the fight to pass the Major Richard Star Act, improve VA mental health care programs, and ensure a grateful nation lives up to its promises to veterans.” “This award recognizes not only Senator Blumenthal’s leadership, but also his steadfast commitment to our nation’s veterans,” said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Wounded Warrior Project. “Throughout his career, he has combined a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face with tireless advocacy to help improve the services and support veterans, their families, and caregivers rely on every day. All of us at Wounded Warrior Project are honored to celebrate his achievements and thank him for his efforts on behalf of those who have served.” Blumenthal has worked for years alongside Wounded Warrior Project to expand veterans’ access to health care and benefits. This includes championing provisions in the PACT Act to expand benefits, health care, and compensation for toxic-exposed veterans and working together to advance the Major Richard Star Act for combat-injured veterans. This week, the Major Richard Star Act received its 218th signature on a bipartisan discharge petition to force Speaker Johnson to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. This Congress, Blumenthal and Wounded… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/livestream-tuesday-blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-to-receive-public-testimony-on-fatal-shootings-by-federal-immigration-agents Livestream Tuesday: Blumenthal & Robert Garcia to Receive Public Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – On Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, will hold a bicameral public forum to receive testimony on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses will offer testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. Donna and Brent Ganger: Donna Ganger’s daughter and Brent Ganger’s sister, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stella Carlson: Stella Carlson recorded the killing of Alex Pretti in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ms. Carlson, known as the “woman in the pink coat,” was on her way to work when she witnessed and filmed an immigration agent shooting Mr. Pretti in the back. Her video confirmed that DHS’s account of the fatal shooting was false. Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado: Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado’s father, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was shot and killed in Houston, Texas in July 2026. Mr. Araujo was driving to work when he was confronted by ICE agents who fired into the vehicle, killing him. Sean P. Murphy: Sean P. Murphy represents the family of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero who was shot and killed by an ICE agent shortly after leaving for work early in the morning hours of July 13, 2026. He was not the target of any ICE removal operation a… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/11/2026-9/18/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/11/2026-9/18/2026 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Celebrating Final Passage of Landmark Russia Sanctions Bill [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated final Congressional passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The bill was approved in a major bipartisan vote in the Senate in August and was passed out of the House of Representatives this week. “Today is a historic triumph for democracy— ours and Ukraine’s— showing that America can still muster bipartisan unity in the fight for freedom. I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Blumenthal said. “In August, I watched from Kyiv’s Sophia Square as President Zelenskyy honored the families of heroes who gave their lives so that Ukraine could remain free and independent. I vowed then, as I have every day for the last few years, that our tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine would be the passage of this legislation to help bring an end to Putin’s hideous slaughter and prevent future bloodshed.” “Today’s triumph is also a testament to the relentless drive of my friend, Lindsey Graham. I missed him deeply on my most recent eleventh trip to Ukraine. If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage – and already thinking about the next one. So today we celebrate, and tomorrow, we redouble work on sending Ukraine whatever it needs to prevail. Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.” Blumenthal joined Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) at a press conference following the vote on final passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. “To Vladimir Putin—we have your number. Your economy is reeling. We’re going to throttle your war machine.… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-reintroduce-legislation-to-expand-federal-support-for-magnet-schools Murphy, Blumenthal Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Federal Support for Magnet Schools 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reintroduced legislation to fuel the growth of magnet schools nationwide by improving and expanding the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP). The Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). “Magnet schools offer millions of kids an educational alternative which allows them to thrive, and my bill would make sure we keep those options available for families, in Connecticut, and across the country,” said Murphy. “All kids, regardless of where they grow up, deserve access to a classroom setting that works for them.” “Magnet schools provide an important option for parents,” said Blumenthal. “By bringing together students from different zip codes, these schools are vital to improving equity and diversity in our classrooms - contributing to overall success for students. The federal government should continue funding magnet schools while meeting its responsibility to provide better resources for all schools.” Magnet schools are public schools designed to cater to different learning styles and attract a wide range of students from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and across zip codes. Over 40,000 Connecticut students - and 3.5 million students nationwide - currently attend magnet schools. But as school districts become increasingly segregated by race and income, this legislation updates the MSAP grant to expand access to funding and promote diversity. The bill will also authorize the Supplemental Diversity Grant (SDG), a new grant program housed under MSAP to help preexisting magnet programs reach diversity-related goals. The MAGNET Act is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); National Education Association (NEA); Magnet Schools of America; National Association of Secondary School Principals (… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-bonamici-introduce-bicameral-malnutrition-awareness-week-resolution-after-republican-budget-bill-ripped-nutrition-benefits-away-from-families Murphy, Bonamici Introduce Bicameral Malnutrition Awareness Week Resolution After Republican Budget Bill Ripped Nutrition Benefits Away From Families 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-1) introduced a resolution designating the week of September 14th through 18th as “Malnutrition Awareness Week.” Food insecurity and malnutrition affect over 40 million Americans, disproportionately impacting older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations. In 2023, an estimated seven million American children lived in food-insecure households. Meanwhile, disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51.3 billion each year. The resolution recognizes the importance of federal nutrition programs and community-based organizations, like those targeted by the Republican budget bill, in preventing malnutrition and its devastating ill-effects on public health, educational achievement, and health care costs. Malnutrition’s harms often extend across an individual’s lifespan and increases their risk of chronic illness and healthcare complications. By raising awareness and promoting increased funding for food and healthcare programs, the resolution seeks to support nationwide efforts to improve health outcomes. “There’s no excuse for tens of millions of Americans to suffer through malnutrition in the wealthiest country in the world, all so Republican donors can get a giant tax cut,” said Murphy. “Malnutrition is a silent killer and that’s exactly why we need to raise awareness about this growing crisis after Donald Trump and Republicans' snatched away food support for millions of poor children and seniors,” said Senator Murphy. “In a country as wealthy as the United States, no one should struggle to have enough to eat. Since H.R. 1 passed more than a year ago, too many people are experiencing food insecurity and hunger. Republicans in Congress have forced states to absorb hundreds of millions of dollars – that they do not have – to keep critical nutrition assistance programs funded. The cuts from H.R. 1 will harm working families and seniors who desperately need some extra su… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-reintroduces-bill-to-protect-students-from-physical-abuse-end-dangerous-corporal-punishment-practices-in-schools Murphy Reintroduces Bill to Protect Students from Physical Abuse, End Dangerous Corporal Punishment Practices in Schools 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON–Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) re-introduced the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, alongside Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). The bill would ban corporal punishment for any school that receives federal funding, as well as establish a federal grant program to support states and school districts across the country improve school safety. “Families should be able to trust that when they send their kids to school, they will be in a safe learning environment free from physical abuse,” said Murphy. “The evidence is overwhelming: hitting kids does nothing to help kids. It’s past time to get this archaic, counterproductive practice out of our schools for good.” “Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every student,” said Durbin. “We know that corporal punishment is counterproductive to learning and can harm a student’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It should be left out of the classroom entirely. By standing with Senator Chris Murphy and co-sponsoring this bill, we can ensure that no student falls victim to this outdated and cruel punishment.” “Every student deserves a safe, supportive learning environment that fosters positive relationships and protects their physical and emotional well-being,” said Padilla. “The evidence is clear – corporal punishment is a cruel and outdated method that harms students, hinders scholastic achievement, and worsens behavior. This bill will make more of our schools safer spaces for students of all backgrounds.” “No child should ever face physical abuse, including at school,” said Kaine. “It's time to end the outdated and harmful practice of corporal punishment in every school across the country. Instead of relying on fear, our schools should provide safe, supportive learning environments that students need to thrive and be healthy.” Inflicting physical pain on a student’s body as a form of discipline is used in schools throughout the country. However,… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-reintroduces-legislation-to-increase-mental-health-resources-for-students-reduce-police-presence-in-schools Murphy Reintroduces Legislation to Increase Mental Health Resources for Students, Reduce Police Presence in Schools 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), reintroduced the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, legislation to improve educational outcomes by redirecting existing resources towards counselors, social workers, and other services to create supportive environments in schools, as well as prohibiting the use of federal funds for police in schools. The bill would also provide a standalone grant program to help districts hire additional counselors, social workers and other health providers. “Kids struggling with mental health and familial trauma deserve the support of trained professionals, not an entry point to the criminal justice system,” said Murphy. “My bill would make sure local school districts are investing in the most effective resources for improving student safety in schools: guidance counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals.” "Too many young people walk into school carrying burdens no child should have to bear, and our response cannot be handcuffs and surveillance," said Senator Booker. "This legislation does what schools actually need: it invests in counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals who see our children as kids who need support, not suspects who need policing. When a student is struggling, the question should never be how we punish them. It should be how do we help them.” “Students across the country deserve safe learning environments and mental health resources, and to be treated with dignity. Policing and criminalizing students does not help us meet this mission; it puts us farther from it,” said Senator Markey. “The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act will provide the necessary resources and support that young people, teachers, and communities have advocated for. We must continue to fight for these essential resources, including counselors and trauma-informed services, so that all stu… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-dot-proposal-promoting-deceptive-and-misleading-advertising-hurting-consumers Blumenthal Slams DOT Proposal Promoting Deceptive & Misleading Advertising Hurting Consumers 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumental (D-CT) wrote to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy opposing a proposed rule that would weaken consumer protections by allowing airlines to advertise misleading ticket prices. DOT’s proposed rule would gut the existing Full Fare Rule, which requires airlines and ticket agents to display the total cost of a ticket at least as prominently as its subcomponents—making sure consumers aren’t misled by deceptive pricing. In his letter, Blumenthal highlights how DOT’s proposed rule prioritizes airline companies, promoting advertising that hurts consumers, writing, “The proposed rulemaking contemplates repealing the Full Fare Rule entirely – eliminating longstanding requirements that airlines clearly and transparently disclose the total price consumers must pay. Put simply, enacting this rule would only serve the interests of airfare advertisers at the direct expense of consumers.” “In addition to inflating costs, implementing the proposed rule would upend decades of settled expectations in the transparency of airfare, enabling more confusing and deceptive advertising,” continued Blumenthal. “Americans should have confidence that the price they see advertised is the price they will pay when they get to check out. DOT’s proposed rule serves the opposite result.” “At a time when the cost of airfare has skyrocketed in significant part due to the war of choice that President Trump initiated against Iran in February, 2026, now is the worst possible time to empower airfare advertisers to return to an era of extracting more money from consumers through confusing and deceptive airfare advertising,” concluded Blumenthal. Blumenthal is a longstanding advocate for consumer protections and transparency in air fare pricing for travelers, leading legislation such as the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights and the Junk Fee Prevention Act and releasing a report with the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding sky high airline junk fees. Blumenthal’s… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-introduces-three-bills-to-rein-in-ice-abuses-protect-kids-from-targeting-by-agents Murphy Introduces Three Bills To Rein In ICE Abuses, Protect Kids From Targeting By Agents 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just introduced three new bills to rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) abuses and protect kids from targeting by agents at playgrounds, child care facilities, and school bus stops, as well as cosponsored legislation to protect immigrants seeking essential services at locations like hospitals, schools, and courthouses. “The American people have seen horrifying videos of ICE agents terrorizing our streets and instilling fear in communities, including in Danbury recently. These bills should be a no-brainer. Kids should be safe from violent enforcement–period–but especially on the playground, at daycare, and waiting for the bus. How far is this corrupt Administration willing to defend an unpopular, illegal mass deportation campaign?” said Murphy. The bills would stipulate that “no agent, officer, or employee of the Department of Homeland Security, nor any person acting under the authority of such agent, officer, or employee, may conduct any immigration enforcement action” at a school bus stop for children, at a childcare facility, or at a children’s playground. ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene. 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-trump-nominees-no-you-cannot-promote-the-presidents-businesses-as-ambassador Murphy to Trump Nominees: 'No, You Cannot Promote the President's Businesses as Ambassador' 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security, today questioned Michael Young, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, and Ronald Johnson, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, during their confirmation hearing. Sen. Murphy has honed in on the Trump family’s corruption, particularly on its foreign business deals. Earlier this week, Murphy took to the Senate floor after breaking investigative reporting found that a Russian ally of Vladimir Putin paid hundreds of thousands of dollars of wedding bills for Donald Trump Jr. Murphy stressed President Trump’s active search for ways to boost his business interests abroad: “This is a pretty simple question: if the White House were to come to either of you and ask for help from the embassy on a financial project important to the family, what would your response be? .... And I don't think these are out of the realm of possibility hypotheticals, given how many important business interests the family has in this particular region.” Murphy pressed the nominees after they refused to provide a direct answer on working to enrich the Trump family’s businesses: “Just answer the question… I mean, the president's son has active Trump family projects in Serbia today. It is not inconceivable that you will be asked to advocate on behalf of those projects. Do you think it's appropriate for you to advocate on behalf of projects that put money in the pocket of the president of the United States?” Murphy admonished both nominees after another refusal: “Guys, the answer is no! The answer is no. It is not appropriate for an ambassador to advocate on behalf of projects that will enrich the president or his family. That's an easy answer. The answer is no.” A full transcript of Murphy’s questioning is available below. A video of the exchange is available here. Murphy: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to everyone on the panel for your willingness t… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-murphy-join-senators-in-introducing-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence Blumenthal & Murphy Join Senators in Introducing Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) today joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States Governments. The Senators’ resolution would require the Department of State to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children. “Violent, lethal lawlessness on the West Bank is a betrayal of Israel’s moral standing and our shared values, and must be stopped. This resolution is now necessary, after so many have urged action and violence only continues to rise. Failing to enforce clear legal prohibitions and protections has cost American and Palestinian lives – and deeply threatens a peaceful, stable future for all Israelis and Palestinians,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Extremist settlers in the West Bank are wielding violence at unprecedented levels and with near total impunity from the Netanyahu government,” said Senator Murphy. “Their actions have killed American citizens and innocent Palestinians, and the United States must make clear that this unchecked violence is unacceptable and must end immediately.” “This Administration has said ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is one of its highest priorities. And yet, as we’ve seen violence rise in the West Bank, American citizens have been killed time and again, and they have received no justice and no accountability. It’s p… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-celebrates-final-passage-of-landmark-sanctions-bill-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-and-gas-accountable Blumenthal Celebrates Final Passage of Landmark Sanctions Bill to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil & Gas Accountable 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated final Congressional passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The bill was approved in a major bipartisan vote in the Senate in August and was passed out of the House of Representatives today. “Today is a historic triumph for democracy— ours and Ukraine’s— showing that America can still muster bipartisan unity in the fight for freedom. I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Blumenthal said. “In August, I watched from Kyiv’s Sophia Square as President Zelenskyy honored the families of heroes who gave their lives so that Ukraine could remain free and independent. I vowed then, as I have every day for the last few years, that our tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine would be the passage of this legislation to help bring an end to Putin’s hideous slaughter and prevent future bloodshed.” “Today’s triumph is also a testament to the relentless drive of my friend, Lindsey Graham. I missed him deeply on my most recent eleventh trip to Ukraine. If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage – and already thinking about the next one. So today we celebrate, and tomorrow, we redouble work on sending Ukraine whatever it needs to prevail. Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.” Last month, Blumenthal traveled to Ukraine to celebrate Independence Day in Kyiv. Blumenthal also traveled to Dnipro, near the eastern front of the war – the first Congressional Delegation to visit since the invasion. In early August, Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) hosted a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supporters of the legislation at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of the m… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-smith-baldwin-reintroduce-bill-to-support-connecticuts-young-farmers-forgive-student-loan-debt Murphy, Smith, Baldwin Reintroduce Bill to Support Connecticut's Young Farmers, Forgive Student Loan Debt 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, along with U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) reintroduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as veteran, women, and minority farmers. “Beginning farmers” are those who have under 10 years of experience operating a farm. Student loan debt is among the largest obstacles America’s young farmers face, placing an enormous financial strain on beginner farmers and discouraging others from pursuing careers in the agricultural industry. Unforgiven student debt has a disproportionate impact on Connecticut’s farming industry, where nearly 30% of producers are categorized as beginning farmers, well above the national average. The Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act would grant these farmers, in Connecticut and across the country, the support they need to invest in their farms and ranches and incentivize a new generation of farmers to enter the agricultural industry. “Between the trade war, the Iran war, and his devastating cuts to agricultural programs, Donald Trump has sent farm bankruptcies surging and thrown our farming industry into a full-blown crisis,” said Murphy. “Our farmers are a cornerstone of rural life in Connecticut and we need to give them our support so they can not only survive this crisis but come out stronger on the other side. My bill would help the beginner farmers overcome financial barriers and strengthen Connecticut agriculture for the long term.” “To keep Minnesota’s agriculture economy thriving, we need to continue to invest in the next generation of farmers as the average age of farmers keeps going up. There is more we can be doing to help future farmers fill their shoes,” said Smith. “Student debt is one of the most significant challenges our young farmers and ranchers face. This legislation would help encoura… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-don-jrs-russia-funded-wedding-this-is-as-close-to-treason-as-you-can-get Murphy on Don Jr.'s Russia-Funded Wedding: 'This Is As Close to Treason As You Can Get' 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate addressing the revelations that the recent, private island wedding of President Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., was in part paid for by Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch and close ally of Vladimir Putin, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Murphy argued this is just the latest example of the Trump family exploiting the presidency for their own personal profit, and accused the Trump family of abandoning Ukraine and padding the pockets of our Russian adversary in exchange for exactly this kind of luxury bribery. Murphy detailed the shocking level of Russian involvement in Jr.’s wedding: “The Russians paid for the private island. The Russians paid for the fireworks show. The president's son even put this oligarch in charge of planning the logistics. This was a Russian party organized and paid for by someone in Vladimir Putin's inner circle. This has never happened before in the history of the United States of America. Never before has a foreign enemy of the United States paid for the family wedding of the president. Why? Because it is naked corruption in plain view.” Murphy characterized the involvement as a potential corrupt attempt to secure continued sanctions relief and friendly U.S. policy on Ukraine: “Putin doesn't pay for a wedding just to be nice. This is an arrangement in plain sight. Donald Trump has done a 180-degree turn in U.S. policy on the Russia-Ukraine war. He has cut off funding from Ukraine. Even after we appropriated money, he refuses to spend it, illegally. As recently as this weekend, he says publicly that it's Ukraine's fault that the war continues, not Russia’s. In addition, Trump has suspended sanctions on the export of Russian oil and gas, … Trump has become one of Putin's most important allies, and so, like everything else in Trump's corrupt world in his second term, it just becomes this mutually beneficial deal. Trump withholds support for Ukraine, pads the pocket of the Russian … 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-stands-with-athletes-labor-and-civil-rights-leaders-to-rally-against-the-so-called-protect-college-sports-act Murphy Stands With Athletes, Labor, and Civil Rights Leaders to Rally Against the So-Called Protect College Sports Act 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate begins considering the so-called Protect College Sports Act (PCSA), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined college athletes, their families, labor advocates, and civil rights leaders to speak out against the legislation. Murphy pushed back against the manufactured “crisis” framing offered by the PCSA’s supporters, highlighting record revenues. Murphy argued the PCSA will give the NCAA legal cover to abuse athletes’ rights and re-institute a system of collusion and exploitation in college athletics. Murphy offered a topline of the bill: “What this bill does at its core is to protect a system of exploitation. This bill protects the billions of dollars that coaches and sports industry executives are making over the suppression of compensation for some of the most highly valued athletes in the world. This bill seeks to give an unprecedented antitrust exemption to an industry that is violating the law every single day.” Murphy highlighted the NCAA’s long history of violating athletes’ rights: “Let's just be clear about why we are here. Over and over again, courts have determined that colleges and the NCAA and conferences are violating the law. In a nine-zero Supreme Court decision authored by conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court said that this system of exploitation, in which wages and compensation are illegally suppressed, in which profits are being put ahead of athlete safety, is illegal and cannot stand according to the existing law.” Murphy called out the NCAA for conspiring to take away athletes’ rightfully earned compensation: “Instead of fixing the problem, instead, the college sports industry has come to Congress and is asking Congress to make their illegal behavior all of a sudden magically legal through an antitrust exemption. What we're being asked to do is to basically allow colleges and conferences and the NCAA to illegally collude so that they can continue to reap the benefits of a $14 billion industry in which almost all of the money goes to th… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-video-blumenthal-calls-on-republicans-to-take-up-legislation-curbing-presidential-corruption-amend-crypto-legislation-to-stop-trump-from-profiting-off-the-presidency ICYMI Video: Blumenthal Calls on Republicans to Take Up Legislation Curbing Presidential Corruption, Amend Crypto Legislation to Stop Trump From Profiting Off the Presidency 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) spoke on the Senate floor yesterday to call on Republicans to take up the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act, legislation that would terminate the federal banking charter for World Liberty Financial that was approved by the Trump-controlled Office of the Comptroller of the Currencey and prohibit federal banking agencies from approving banking applications when the applicant is owned by certain senior government officials. “Mr. President, I’m here thinking about all the Americans who are working on manufacturing plants assembly lines, all the Americans who are teaching our kids in schools or patrol our schools as police or working in our hospitals, all of the hardworking Americans who are just working to get by, to make ends meet, to know whether they can afford another $20 or $30 at the supermarket, and then to think of Donald Trump making $6 million per day last year, a total of $2.2 billion just in the first year of his presidency,” Blumenthal said on the Senate floor. Blumenthal continued, “I don’t think there’s a single person in America who thinks that he earned that money, and how could he? He’s supposed to be devoting every waking moment to the public interest of the United States, to keeping us safe and our nation secure. The fact is it was the result of corruption. $1.4 billion of it came from crypto. And the point of this legislation is essentially to end that corruption.” Blumenthal also called out Republicans for enabling Trump’s corruption by working to advance crypto market structure legislation without meaningful anti-corruption reforms: “Now, we will vote tomorrow on a crypto bill that is, sadly and tragically, riddled with loopholes that enables him to continue this same self-dealing and self-enrichment. And the failure to stand up to the President, I think, is going to be on our Republican colleagues, because this amendment, ethics requirements for digital assets, is a sham. It’s a charade. And if no… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-slams-so-called-protect-college-sports-act-on-stephen-a-smiths-straight-shooter Murphy Slams So-Called Protect College Sports Act on Stephen A. Smith's Straight Shooter 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined Stephen A. Smith’s Straight Shooter on Sirius XM for a conversation on the Protect College Sports Act ahead of potential Senate action. Murphy laid out why the PCSA would be a disaster for college athletes by giving the NCAA sweeping, unprecedented power to silence athletes and bring back the old system of exploitation. Sen. Murphy has been a leading voice of opposition to the so-called Protect College Sports Act. Murphy has worked with athletes, labor advocates, and civil rights groups to rally against the passage of the Protect College Sports Act, as well as advocate for his College Athlete Right to Organize Act. Murphy debunked the “crisis” framing pushed by NCAA’s corporate executives: “More people are watching the games than ever before. More people are showing up than ever before. Women's sports is not contracting; it's expanding. The development deals for TV rights are bigger than ever before.” Murphy called out the NCAA’s actions stifling negotiations with athletes: “The ‘chaos’ is pretty simple. Over the last few years, student athletes have gotten power. The courts have basically ruled that these schools are illegally colluding to keep these kids' wages down, and instead of doing what they should, which is sit across the table with these students and come up with an agreement that both the colleges and the athletes can live with, instead the coaches and the colleges are running to Congress asking us to make the college an antitrust exemption, so that they can continue to exploit the athletes.” Murphy emphasized the PCSA is littered with double standards between coaches and players: “The bill says if you're a student and you want an endorsement deal, you have to get signed off by some NCAA bureaucracy. The bill limits student athletes' ability to transfer, basically making you an indentured athlete once you've transferred once. Coaches aren't subject to any of those restrictions, so there's no limitation on coaches' endorsement deals. Coac… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-welch-demand-mullin-provide-information-records-about-lewandowski-pay-to-play-dhs-contracting-scheme Blumenthal & Welch Demand Mullin Provide Information, Records About Lewandowski Pay-to-Play DHS Contracting Scheme 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Peter Welch (D-VT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin demanding information and records “mounting evidence of widespread corruption orchestrated by former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) senior advisor Corey Lewandowksi.” The Senators’ letter follows reporting from the Wall Street Journal revealing that Lewandowski and his allies were engaged in an apparent pay-to-play scheme to influence the awarding of DHS contracts. According to the new report, Lewandowski also sought private payment arrangements from foreign governments in exchange for influencing DHS decision-making beyond contracting. “The overwhelming evidence of Mr. Lewandowski and his associates’ improper, self-serving influence over DHS decision-making at the highest levels can no longer be ignored or brushed aside. Congress and the American people must have a full and transparent assessment of the likely waste generated by and potential illegal activity committed by Mr. Lewandowski and any other individual who sought to improperly influence DHS contracting awards,” the Senators wrote. In August, Blumenthal and Welch, joined by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote Mullin about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In their letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. Blumenthal and Welch previously demanded answers from Mullin about Lewandowski’s role in DHS contracting decisions in light of reports that Lewandowski potentially steered contract awards to benefit himself and his political allies while serving as a special government employee and advisor at DHS. … 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-delivers-opening-statement-at-public-forum-on-trump-family-corruption Blumenthal Delivers Opening Statement at Public Forum on Trump Family Corruption 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), delivered an opening statement today at a public forum on how Donald Trump, his children, and top Administration officials have leveraged their positions to grow their personal wealth at the expense of American families. At the forum, “Gaming the System: How the Trump Family is Making Billions by Ripping Off the American People,” Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, called out Donald Trump and his family for their self-enrichment schemes and made the case for strong reforms to curb corruption at the federal level. Blumenthal slammed Republicans for enabling Trump’s corruption by moving to advance crypto market structure legislation without meaningful anti-corruption provisions: “Exhibit A, the latest draft of the Clarity Act relating to conflicts of interest. It purports to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption by the President of the United States. It is a charade. It is a sham. It should prompt a no vote by every member of the United States Senate tomorrow at 2:15 when the vote is scheduled.” Blumenthal continued, “Now, of all the families’ grifts, cryptocurrency has probably been the most profitable enterprise, and the cost to consumers probably have been greatest. This is an industry that was facing criminal and civil investigations for enabling terrorists, drug traffickers, market manipulation, and human trafficking. It turns out the shadiest people were more than willing to cut checks to literally get out of jail. President Trump’s willingness to trade the public trust for crypto wealth began before he was sworn in.” Blumenthal continued, “So, this corruption is going to continue unless we take a stand, unless we sound the alarm. And unless the people of the United States tell Republicans corruption is on the ballot this November. Corruption is on the ballot because—her… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/4/2026-9/11/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/4/2026-9/11/2026 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Honoring the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and remembered the victims, their families and loved ones, and the heroes who responded to 9/11. “Horror & heroism, what we lost & learned— all comes rushing back. Crushing memories of searing grief & shock. Awe at a wondrous unity of purpose & heart. After 25 years, 9/11 is no less real,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. “We honor the victims & their loved ones— brave souls lost in unspeakable cruelty, & courageous first responders who sought to save them. Let us honor with action— health care, financial support, & more.” Blumenthal also spoke at the Voices 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium, Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future. This event brought together national and international experts who share their knowledge and foster conversations about lessons learned, preparedness and supporting those impacted by tragedy—with programs specifically focusing on the 9/11 Community, including victims’ families, responders, survivors, and our dedicated partners who serve them. “Proud to join Mary & Frank Fetchet at their Voices 25th Anniversary Symposium honoring the magnificent work they’ve done in healing from tragedy, like their own loss in 9/11,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Combatting the Trump Administration’s Harmful Immigration Policies Blumenthal held a press conference after attending and observing Hartford Immigration Court on Tuesday. Recent reports indicate that Hartford Immigration Court is severely overcrowded due to increasing caseloads. Hearings previously would be scheduled for 15-30 people at a time but now are scheduled for 70 to 100 people. Additionally, reports suggest that the court’s docket is chaotic and changes at the last minute. This has resulted in people missing their court hearings and having inadequate time to prepare. Blumenthal attended the Tuesday hearing to observe the court’s operations and demand oversight and accou… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-dhs-inspector-general-to-investigate-ice-tactics-following-surge-targeting-connecticut-residents-at-schools-workplaces Blumenthal Calls on DHS Inspector General to Investigate ICE Tactics Following Surge Targeting Connecticut Residents at Schools, Workplaces 2026-09-10 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari seeking “a formal investigation into the recent surge of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] arrests and activity in Connecticut.” The surge has focused on Danbury and nearby towns, where people have been targeted dropping their children off at school and going to work. “In one of the largest immigration operations in Connecticut history, ICE agents reportedly apprehended nearly 100 individuals — many of whom likely have legal status and no apparent serious criminal history — throughout the course of just one week in August,” Blumenthal wrote. “Individuals observed: an ICE agent kicking and tasing a man while other agents were on top of him, sending the man to the hospital; ICE agents breaking car windows; removing detainees in chains; blocking attorney access to detainees in Hartford; the deployment of masked agents to locations that children frequent in Danbury, including parks, an elementary school, and a daycare center; the detention of a father walking his child to a bus stop; and a threat by ICE agents to pepper spray a man detained in front of a preschool.” Earlier this week, Blumenthal attended Hartford Immigration Court to observe the court’s operations and demand oversight and accountability if the proper legal processes are not being followed. Last week, Blumenthal wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the Acting Director of ICE David Venturella requesting a meeting and demanding information about a dramatic increase in immigration enforcement activity in Connecticut. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Mullin and Venturella is available here. Blumenthal also hosted a public forum to receive testimony from the Danbury community about ICE’s destructive and indiscriminate detentions. Blumenthal was joined by Mayor Roberto Alves; attorney Glenn Formica with the American Legal Immigrant Clinic; and members of Danbury United for Immigrants. As… 1 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-from-sam-altman-after-new-reporting-reveals-how-ai-agents-went-rogue-to-conduct-major-cyber-breach-and-conceal-their-operations Blumenthal Demands Answers from Sam Altman After New Reporting Reveals how AI agents Went Rogue to Conduct Major Cyber Breach & Conceal Their Operations 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today demanded answers from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman after recent reporting from The New York Times revealed alarming new details about how the A.I. company’s agents bypassed their safeguards to go rogue and hack into the firm Hugging Face. In a letter sent today to Altman, Blumenthal sought records and information about the A.I. agents’ rogue operations and raised concerns about OpenAI’s reported steps to limit independent accountability. “On July 21, 2026, OpenAI first disclosed that its A.I. models were responsible for the previously-reported hacking of the firm Hugging Face. Since that announcement, further disclosures and outside audits have described an unprecedented—and surreal—scenario where its A.I. agents created their own internal messaging board to coordinate between themselves while they sought security vulnerabilities in other systems and companies, and opportunities to cheat on performance tests,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal continued, “Moreover, the A.I. agents displayed a concern about being caught and coordinated to evade being detected, even planning to ‘sacrifice’ themselves to act as a decoy to protect the broader effort. Ultimately, this operation sought—and succeeded—to break into other firms, which could be considered a federal crime.” Blumenthal called out OpenAI for attempting to evade transparency and accountability by dictating the terms of an independent audit into the Hugging Face breach: “While these disclosures alone are chilling, new reporting and research suggests that OpenAI may have limited an independent audit of the incident and that the rogue operation was broader than your firm has acknowledged.” Blumenthal also raised concerns about new details that have emerged about how OpenAI’s agents conducted the breach, including by hijacking public websites to coordinate rogue operations: “[R]esearchers found that the A.I. agents may have attempted to impersonate the administrators of the site, found and shared hacks to b… 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/28/2026-9/4/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/28/2026-9/4/2026 2026-09-04 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Condemning ICE’s Abuse of Power & Harmful Tactics in Connecticut [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, held a public forum to receive testimony from the Danbury community about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s destructive and indiscriminate detentions last week. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves walked through downtown Danbury meeting with city residents and businessowners whose family members were detained by ICE. Blumenthal also joined a rally Wednesday evening to stand in solidarity with the Danbury community as they grapple with the escalating ICE activity in their community. “The stories I heard in Danbury about ICE’s abuses were gripping & heartbreaking. I will be fighting to hold ICE accountable & ensure justice for detainees & their families,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. Blumenthal’s forum in Danbury on Thursday follows four public forums hosted by Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents: In March, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum to receive public testimony from young people, mothers, and a school administrator about DHS’s reckless disregard for the safety of children. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Garcia released a report entitled “Cruelty is the Point: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children,” which documented 128 children who have been injured left unattended or otherwise put at direct risk of harm as a result of operations by DHS personnel. In February, Blumenthal and Garica hosted a public forum on constitutional violations and abuses by ICE. The forum featured testimony from Ryan Schwank, a whistleb… 1 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-7-democrats-call-on-security-council-to-pass-sanctions-on-sudan-to-cut-off-conflict-cash-flows Murphy, 7 Democrats Call On Security Council to Pass Sanctions on Sudan to Cut Off Conflict Cash Flows 2026-09-04 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday led seven of his colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz calling for the U.S. to push to pass additional sanctions measures in Sudan that would limit the flow of funds to the warring parties driving the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Murphy specifically advocated for international prohibitions on the sale of precursor chemicals utilized in certain types of gold extraction and development of due diligence guidelines for the procurement of gum arabic, a natural resource frequently smuggled by belligerents to finance their operations. Murphy also called for increasing transparency in reporting by the Security Council’s Sudan Panel of Experts to explicitly identity countries that have circumvented international restrictions to provide weapons and financial support to the warring factions in Sudan. Exploitation of natural resources such as gold and gum arabic is a prominent source of income and foreign currency for both sides of the devastating war in Sudan, which has driven over half of the country’s population into severe hunger and displaced over 14 million people. “Any resolution put forward to renew sanctions pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005) should also prohibit the export or transfer of precursor chemicals used in Sudan’s artisanal mining industry, target the illicit sale of Sudanese gum arabic (also known as acacia gum), and improve reporting by the Panel of Experts to explicitly identify arms embargo violations and the parties responsible,” said Murphy. Murphy argued ordinary sanctions on gold are not enough to disrupt the economic engine of the war: “Restrictions meant to disrupt transactions at the point of sale must be combined with a coordinated effort to restrict access to the precursor chemicals that enable unregulated gold extraction in the first place. This is especially critical to curtail other sources of profit tied to the gold sector but outside materi… 1 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tillis-kaptur-and-fitzpatrick-urge-state-department-to-distribute-funding-to-organizations-assisting-kidnapped-ukrainian-children Blumenthal, Tillis, Kaptur, & Fitzpatrick Urge State Department to Distribute Funding to Organizations Assisting Kidnapped Ukrainian Children 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to move quickly in awarding $25 million the State Department has made available to “support the identification, return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-occupied territories.” Although the funding was announced in March, it has not yet been distributed. An estimated 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred to Russia or areas in Ukraine occupied by Russia. “While we understand the need for rigorous review, thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children remain separated from their families, and every delay extends the pain and suffering they and their families have already endured,” the members wrote. The full text of the bipartisan, bicameral letter is available here and copied below. Dear Secretary Rubio, We write regarding the Department of State’s commitment of $25 million to support the identification, return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-occupied territories. We welcome the Department’s efforts and urge you to move expeditiously to award these funds. The Department announced available funding opportunities in March 2026. Since then, we have heard directly from organizations working to locate and return Ukrainian children about the continued delay in awarding these funds and the impact it is having on their critical work. While we understand the need for rigorous review, thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children remain separated from their families, and every delay extends the pain and suffering they and their families have already endured. We therefore respectfully urge the Department to promptly complete its review and award the full $25 million already committed to this important work. Please also provide an update on the anticipated timeline for an… 1 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tonko-and-foushee-slam-fanduel-for-misleading_incomplete-response-to-inquiry-about-promo-video-targeting-gambling-addict Blumenthal, Tonko, & Foushee Slam FanDuel for Misleading & Incomplete Response to Inquiry About Promo VIdeo Targeting Gambling Addict 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) today demanded answers after FanDuel refused to adequately respond to the lawmakers’ questions about disturbing reports that the sportsbook repeatedly targeted problem gamblers with predatory perks to keep them trapped in their addiction, including with a personal message from Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, Bryce Harper. Last month, the lawmakers wrote to FanDuel, Major League Baseball (MLB), and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) demanding answers about the policies that enabled this predatory promotion. In a follow-up letter sent today to FanDuel Chief Executive Officer Christian Genetski, the lawmakers called out the sportsbook for providing “misleading and incomplete” responses to their initial inquiry and for failing to adequately address its exploitative VIP services and perks. “We remain unconvinced that FanDuel is making an active effort to protect bettors from harmful gambling and instead appears to be promoting addiction. We demand real answers to our previous letter and for FanDuel to explain this complete failure to respond to significant matters of public interest,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers continued, “In its August 14th response, FanDuel failed to answer our questions about the specific steps taken to vet and monitor VIP activities, the extent to which VIP managers have encouraged problem gambling with other customers (including such videos), and any changes that it will make to its VIP program after this indefensible conduct.” The lawmakers continued, “Moreover, in its response, FanDuel fails to demonstrate any commitment to its customers’ well-being through any meaningful limitations on exploitative and dangerous marketing and business practice. FanDuel also boasts of its work with state regulators to meet requirements for licensed sportsbooks and other state laws on gambling yet fails to mention how its prediction markets app, Fan… 1 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-blasts-ice-tactics-demands-accountability-from-dhs-after-surge-targeting-connecticut-residents-at-schools-workplaces Blumenthal Blasts ICE Tactics; Demands Accountability from DHS After Surge Targeting Connecticut Residents at Schools, Workplaces 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) David Venturella requesting a meeting and demanding information about a dramatic increase in immigration enforcement activity in Connecticut over the last several weeks. The surge has focused on Danbury and nearby towns, where people have been targeted dropping their children off at school and going to work. “Over the past week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents have sown fear and panic among parents, children, and workers as they detained scores of people in Danbury and other towns in Connecticut. What should have been a time of excitement and community as children in Connecticut return to school has quickly turned into a time of genuine terror,” Blumenthal wrote. “ICE’s actions in Connecticut showcased cruelty and brutality, as well as disregard for the safety and well-being of community members, especially children. They fostered an environment of fear that will undoubtedly impact school attendance rates and the emotional health of students, generally.” As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. Over the last year, Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have hosted four public forums as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents: In March, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum to receive public testimony from young people, mothers, and a school administrator about DHS’s reckless disregard for the safety of children. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Garcia released a report entitled “Cruelty is the Point: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children,” which documented 128 children who have been injured left unattended or otherwise put at direct risk of harm as a resul… 1 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/following-new-whistleblower-disclosure-blumenthal-demands-usps-provide-documents-answers-about-shit-show-process-to-screen-ballots-and-potentially-catastrophic-impact-on-mail-in-voting Following New Whistleblower Disclosure, Blumenthal Demands USPS Provide Documents, Answers About "Shit Show" Process to Screen Ballots & Potentially Catastrophic Impact on Mail-In Voting 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – After receiving information from a whistleblower, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), wrote Postmaster General David Steiner demanding answers and documents about the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) rushed and potentially unlawful implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order seeking to restrict mail-in voting. “This brave whistleblower has come forward with disturbing details about USPS’ seemingly illegal plot to interfere in November’s midterms,” Blumenthal said. “Their system is set up to fail – and risk the right to vote for millions of Americans who cast their ballots by mail. Given this new information, such sloppiness and haste seems clearly part of a purposeful attempt to create chaos and prevent people from voting. I am demanding answers and accountability.” “The crown jewel of American democracy—our historic record of free and fair elections—deserves better than this reckless, slapdash effort,” said David Kligerman, Senior Vice President and Special Counsel at WhistleblowerAid.org, which represents the anonymous whistleblower. “Given this administration’s record on curtailing voting rights, these glaring issues in the ballot mail program raise a troubling question: are these bugs—or features? Now that these malignant flaws have been exposed by a brave whistleblower, the administration can choose to fix this dangerously haphazard program or barrel ahead toward a wholly preventable electoral disaster.” An anonymous whistleblower disclosure provided to Blumenthal includes new details about USPS’s attempts to build an online system, known as “the Portal,” and accompanying IT which will be used to screen ballots submitted by state election officials prior to USPS agreeing to mail them to voters. According to this whistleblower, USPS began work on the Portal a mere three-and-a-half months before it was meant to be deployed and has not put it through the standard testing an online system and its related … 1 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/21/2026-8/28/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/21/2026-8/28/2026 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Supporting Ukraine in its Fight Against Putin’s Invasion [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, traveled to Ukraine as the country continues to fight in the war against Russia. Blumenthal’s trip included a visit to Dnipro, near the eastern front of the war—the furthest east a Congressional Delegation has gone since the invasion. Blumenthal is the first member of Congress to visit Dnipro since the war began in 2022. “Eye opening, awe-inspiring—my visit to Dnipro, the first congressional trip permitted since the war’s start, showed me the best of humanity, with Ukrainians meeting the worst—Russia’s craven inhumanity. All I met—unspeakably injured soldiers, courageous caregivers, steadfast staffs—are demonstrating professional excellence under demanding conditions, with dedication & dignity,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. In Dnipro, Blumenthal visited a military hospital where we met seriously wounded soldiers and their caregivers. “Heroes caring for heroes—at the military hospital in Dnipro, near the eastern front, I saw the courage & grit of seriously wounded soldiers & medical warriors helping them regain their lives. An awe-inspiring visit,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. While in Kyiv earlier this week, Blumenthal met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and attended the National Prayer Breakfast on Ukraine’s Independence Day. He also toured SkyFall, a major Ukrainian defense technology company aiding the country in its fight against Russia. “Another inspiring meeting with President Zelenskyy at a critical turning point in Ukraine’s fight for freedom, when they are turning the tide against Russia’s savagery & slaughter. They need air defense interceptors, the Russia sanctions bill, Starlink, & aid. I am more determined than ever to redouble our support because their fight is our fight, & our own national security is directly at stake,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. “At today’s National… 1 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-blackburn-statement-on-historic-nearly-17-billion-meta-settlement-in-case-about-social-media-harms-to-kids Blumenthal & Blackburn Statement on Historic Nearly $17 Billion Meta Settlement in Case About Social Media Harms to Kids 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), authors of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), released the following statement in response to a nearly $17 billion settlement reached between Meta and a coalition of bipartisan state Attorneys General: “This massive settlement shows how terrified Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are of accountability in open court. We applaud the bipartisan coalition of state Attorneys General for forcing Meta to start paying a real price for the harm its products have caused an entire generation of young people. The product design changes imposed under this settlement are a first step toward giving kids and parents the tools they need to take back control of their online lives, but they can be strengthened. Meta notes that these terms are only required to stay in place for 10 years—we must ensure permanent change. We also need safeguards that apply across the board—to all social media companies—not just Instagram and Facebook. This settlement once again demands that Congress pass the Kids Online Safety Act into law before the end of the year.” -30- 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-increased-ice-activity-in-danbury Blumenthal Statement on Increased ICE Activity in Danbury 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released a statement today following reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Danbury over the last few days. “ICE’s cruelty and craven brutality has no limit. Snatching people off the streets as they walk their children to school or wait for a ride to work — such tactics are abusive, abhorrent, and illegal. I am in touch with state and local authorities and am ready to assist in any way possible.” -30- 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-welch-and-schiff-demand-answers-after-dhs-pays-464-million-for-luxury-jets_airplanes-via-a-no-bid-contract-with-company-owned-by-prominent-trump-supporter Blumenthal, Welch, & Schiff Demand Answers After DHS Pays $464 Million for Luxury Jets & Airplanes via a No-Bid Contract with Company Owned by Prominent Trump Supporter 2026-08-25 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Peter Welch (D-VT), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Adam Schiff (D-CA), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today demanded answers from Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Markwayne Mullin, about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In a letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. “Recent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three ‘luxury business jets’ and seven ‘Boeing 737 passenger jets,’ and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them. Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem’s tenure, contracting records indicate that the cost of the contract ‘increased by $303 million on the day that Mr. Mullin was sworn in as secretary,’” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “The apparent waste generated by idle, multi-million-dollar government assets belies the Department’s claim of urgency. To date, there is no public indication that any of these aircraft have ever been used for DHS’s claimed purpose of removing noncitizens from the United States. One of the luxury jets was leased to the FBI for use by Director Kash Patel who, in February 2026, incurred estimated costs of $75 million to fly to the Olympic Winter Games in Italy, using the same make of luxury aircraft as the one reportedly leased to the FBI.” The Senators continued, “DHS purchased the aircraft through a $464 million no-bid contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation (… 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/14/2026-8/21/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/14/2026-8/21/2026 2026-08-21 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Calling on FEMA to Address Staffing Shortages [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, wrote to the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton demanding answers about how he plans to address critical staffing shortages at the agency. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, FEMA has lost a staggering 20 percent of its staff. A recent GAO report found that FEMA prioritized workforce reductions over ensuring that it had the staffing capacity to respond to current or future disasters. Region 1, which serves Connecticut, lost 292 employees – 12% of its staff – just from workforce reduction efforts. “I appreciated your acknowledgement during your confirmation hearing of the challenges FEMA faces because of President Trump’s drastic staff cuts. Now that you are confirmed, you are responsible for confronting those challenges. Please provide, in writing, your plan to address the staffing cuts agency-wide, and especially in Region 1, and how you plan to ensure FEMA is fully prepared to support Americans this hurricane season and beyond,” Blumenthal wrote. In August 2024, Connecticut suffered devastating flooding that killed two people and destroyed countless homes and businesses. FEMA was on the ground within days and was crucial to supporting towns and homeowners as they rebuilt roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Trump’s draconian staffing cuts to FEMA raise serious questions about how prepared the agency would be to respond to a similar disaster. “We owe it to the American people to ensure FEMA has the resources and staff necessary as it works with communities across the country to prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters,” Blumenthal also wrote. Blumenthal sharply questioned Hamilton about staffing cuts during his June 17, 2026 U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing. Video of the exchange is available here. … 1 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-fema-administrator-address-critical-staffing-shortages-ahead-of-hurricane-season Blumenthal Demands FEMA Administrator Address Critical Staffing Shortages Ahead of Hurricane Season 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today wrote to the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton demanding answers about how he plans to address critical staffing shortages at the agency. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, FEMA has lost a staggering 20 percent of its staff. A recent GAO report found that FEMA prioritized workforce reductions over ensuring that it had the staffing capacity to respond to current or future disasters. Region 1, which serves Connecticut, lost 292 employees – 12% of its staff – just from workforce reduction efforts. “I appreciated your acknowledgement during your confirmation hearing of the challenges FEMA faces because of President Trump’s drastic staff cuts. Now that you are confirmed, you are responsible for confronting those challenges. Please provide, in writing, your plan to address the staffing cuts agency-wide, and especially in Region 1, and how you plan to ensure FEMA is fully prepared to support Americans this hurricane season and beyond,” Blumenthal wrote. In August 2024, Connecticut suffered devastating flooding that killed two people and destroyed countless homes and businesses. FEMA was on the ground within days and was crucial to supporting towns and homeowners as they rebuilt roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Trump’s draconian staffing cuts to FEMA raise serious questions about how prepared the agency would be to respond to a similar disaster. “We owe it to the American people to ensure FEMA has the resources and staff necessary as it works with communities across the country to prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters,” Blumenthal also wrote. Blumenthal sharply questioned Hamilton about staffing cuts during his June 17, 2026 U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing. Video of the exchange is available here. A copy of Blumenthal’s letter to Hamilton is ava… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-warren-and-shaheen-demand-answers-from-hegseth-following-leadership-shake-up-at-stars-and-stripes Blumenthal, Warren, & Shaheen Demand Answers from Hegseth Following Leadership Shake-Up at Stars and Stripes 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), senior members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, are demanding answers from the Department of Defense on the recent placement of an active duty servicemember to serve as a “deputy” to the publisher at Stars and Stripes, a newspaper that has maintained editorial independence since the Civil War. Following the Department’s decision, Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer announced Tuesday he will retire after more than three decades at the newspaper, citing fundamental differences between his understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes and the Department’s plans for the organization. “The placement of an active-duty Public Affairs officer in the senior leadership of an organization whose credibility depends on its independence from the military chain of command raises serious questions,” the Senators wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “Mr. Lederer’s abrupt departure only heightens those concerns, particularly as the Department determines who will assume leadership of Stars and Stripes. This is particularly troubling in light of the Department’s recent actions affecting Stars and Stripes, including the April firing of independent Ombudsman Jacqueline Smith after she publicly defended the newspaper’s editorial independence and communicated concerns to Congress.” The Senators demanded answers on whether this active duty servicemember will serve as the acting or permanent Publisher following Mr. Lederer’s departure, and what process the Department will use to select Mr. Lederer’s successor. The Trump Administration has increasingly taken aim at controlling Stars and Stripes as part of its larger efforts to restrict freedom of press at the Pentagon. In January, Stars and Stripes job applicants were asked to explain how they would advance the Administration’s policy priorities, and the Pentagon’s top public affairs official announced plans to overhaul t… 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-wyden-and-himes-introduce-bicameral-bill-protecting-domestic-violence-survivors-from-gun-violence Blumenthal, Wyden, & Himes Introduce Bicameral Bill Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors from Gun Violence 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT) introduced the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows domestic abusers to legally obtain weapons. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act restricts those under temporary restraining orders from purchasing or possessing a firearm and extends protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners. The bill is named in memory of Lori Jackson, a Connecticut mother who was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband who had legally obtained a handgun even though he was subject to a temporary restraining order, and Nicolette Elias, a Connecticut mother who, despite securing restraining orders and temporary stalking orders against her estranged and abusive ex-husband, was murdered by her former spouse in front of their children with a handgun that he refused to relinquish. “This legislation closes a gaping loophole—to save lives when current law leaves domestic abuse victims most vulnerable to violent partners with guns,” said Blumenthal. “The link between domestic violence and guns is deadly. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would prevent the purchase and possession of a firearm by someone who is subject to a temporary restraining order—protecting survivors of domestic violence when courts recognize the danger.” “Keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers is commonsense,” Wyden said. “It's past time to help end the cycle of gun violence and provide domestic violence survivors with bare minimum protection against their abusers, and our bill is the way to do it.” “Lori Jackson and Nicolette Elias should still be alive today. That perpetrators of domestic violence can still access firearms even with a temporary restraining order against them is a dangerous loophole that needs to … 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-durbin-hirono-and-merkley-demand-answers-after-unqualified-organization-with-close-ties-to-ice-receives-no-bid-contract-to-provide-legal-services-to-migrant-children Blumenthal, Durbin, Hirono, & Merkley Demand Answers After Unqualified Organization with Close Ties to ICE Receives No-Bid Contract to Provide Legal Services to Migrant Children 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, today pressed Our Rescue, an anti-human trafficking and child exploitation organization with close ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for answers after the organization received a no-bid contract of up to $244 million to provide legal services to unaccompanied migrant children. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) joined Blumenthal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer of Our Rescue, Derek Benner, and the Chairman of Our Rescue’s Board of Directors, Sean Vassilaros. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns that the organization lacks experience as a legal services provider and demanded records and information about its vague contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “This award is concerning given the incredible lack of details provided in the award notice, the nonexistence of legal services provided by your organization, the Trump Administration’s continued use of no-bid awards to steer taxpayer dollars to President Trump’s friends, family, and associates, and the Trump Administration’s staggering disregard for the welfare of children in immigration enforcement,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Unfortunately, Our Rescue is not a legal services provider. A review of your public-facing materials confirms this, revealing no mention of providing legal services to unaccompanied migrant children, nor even to survivors of human trafficking or child exploitation in the United States. While your organization’s stated mission of combatting human trafficking and child exploitation is laudable, you appear to address those issues in the United States in ways that are different from legal representation. Thus, it gives us apprehension that your organization is potentially being tasked with administering essential legal services to children… 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-federal-action-to-lower-electricity-costs Blumenthal Demands Federal Action to Lower Electricity Costs 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal today introduced The Affordable Electricity Rates Act of 2026 a bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider affordability when setting transmission rates. Transmission rates comprise 15 percent of your electricity bill and Blumenthal’s legislation would prohibit any rate increases or charges that would increase overall electricity prices by over 5 percent. “FERC has been anemic in its oversight of electricity costs. Connecticut consumers pay too much for electricity and federal authorities have done too little to protect them from rising costs by utility companies. I’m proud to introduce the Affordable Electricity Rates Act of 2026 to compel FERC to consider affordability when setting transmission rates and prohibit costly rate increases that burden consumers,” Blumenthal said. Blumenthal’s bill amends Section 210 of the Federal Power Act to require FERC to consider whether a rate or charge is likely to result in retail electricity prices that are unaffordable for consumers and then prohibiting any rate or charge that is unaffordable by considering it as not “just and reasonable” which is FERC’s current standard. The legislation also has a presumption of unaffordability for any transmission rate that would increase overall electricity prices by over 5%. In addition to the legislation, Blumenthal today wrote to FERC demanding strong oversight of asset condition projects. These projects are initiated at the discretion of the transmission company, such as Eversource, and they received a presumption from FERC that they are necessary. In many cases, organizations like Eversource repair their infrastructure or replace full transmission lines when it isn’t needed and consumers are left footing the bill. Transmission owners are investing heavily in these types of projects. In fact, spending on asset condition projects represents 73 percent of the annual amount that transmission owners spend on all capital projects in New England. Energy costs… 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-joins-senate-armed-services-colleagues-to-demand-accountability-from-hegseth-after-reports-of-crisis-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln Blumenthal Joins Senate Armed Services Colleagues to Demand Accountability from Hegseth After Reports of Crisis Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined all twelve of his colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) minority, as well as the Democratic leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports that the aircraft carrier’s crew has endured food and water shortages, broken plumbing, and mental health crises severe enough that multiple sailors reportedly attempted to go overboard during its record-setting deployment. The Lincoln has been at sea for more than 250 days, including over 200 consecutive days without a port call, the longest continuous deployment at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier in the modern era. The letter was signed by Blumenthal and the following SASC members: Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Senator Tim Kaine (D-Vir.), Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.). Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, also joined. The senators pressed Secretary Hegseth on his Department’s failure to provide a clear timeline for the crew’s return and condemned his public dismissal of the reports as “completely misrepresented,” as well as President Trump’s remarks suggesting the Lincoln had not been deployed “nearly long enough.” The Senators demanded detailed answers on mental health and medical resources aboard the ship, the state of good order and discipline, hygiene and food conditions, the full extent of the reported man-overboard incident, and support being provided… 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-leads-call-for-trump-to-reverse-costly-directive-restoring-outdated-technology-on-aircraft-carriers Blumenthal Leads Call for Trump to Reverse Costly Directive Restoring Outdated Technology on Aircraft Carriers 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today called on Donald Trump to reverse a recent national security memorandum directing the Department of Defense to replace electromagnetic catapults with steam-powered systems on future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. In a letter signed by fellow members of the Armed Services Committee—U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Tim Kaine (D-VA)—Blumenthal and the Senators raised concerns that the President’s costly and ill-conceived redesigns of aircraft carriers would endanger servicemembers and leave aircraft carriers less secure. “Catapults are central to an aircraft carrier’s ability to project airpower around the world, launching aircraft from the flight deck using either pressurized steam or, in newer systems, electrical power and magnetic fields. The Navy moved to the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) because it offers more precise control over aircraft launches, can accommodate a wider range of aircraft, and reduces maintenance and manpower requirements. The Navy has spent years improving this technology and has now conducted tens of thousands of successful launches,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Your plan to revert to steam-powered systems is not feasible. The Ford class was designed around electromagnetic catapults, while steam requires a fundamentally different infrastructure. With the Doris Miller already under construction and its electromagnetic launch equipment reportedly nearly 50 percent complete, your directive threatens to impose significant new costs and delays on a carrier program already critical to meeting the Navy’s global commitments.” The Senators raised concerns about the President’s pattern of personally prescribing the design of some of the military’s most complex weapons systems: “These projects are planned years in advance and go through intense scrutiny. Your constant interference in them risks … 1 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/7/2026-8/14/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/7/2026-8/14/2026 2026-08-14 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Demanding Answers About Health & Safety Concerns Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao today demanding to know what action is being taken to improve conditions for sailors deployed on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been continuously at sea for a record length of nearly seven months. The deployment was scheduled to end in May but has been extended with no publicly announced return date. “There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal also asked for information about what steps the Navy is taking to prevent similar issues in the future, given that recent carrier deployments have repeatedly stretched long beyond their originally planned durations: “These reports warrant immediate attention, but they also raise a broader question: whether the Navy can sustain the operational tempo now being demanded of its carrier force, particularly as this Administration repeatedly commits U.S. forces to conflicts of its own choosing and increasingly relies on aircraft carriers to sustain those operations.” Blumenthal has previously raised concerns regarding the mental health and well-being of sailors facing extended periods of demanding working and living conditions. In 2022, Xavier Sandor, a Connecticut sailor from Shelton, was one of three USS George Washington crew members to die by suicide while the ship was undergoing extended Refueling and Complex Overhaul at a Virginia shipyard. During this time, crew members were subject to frequent interruptions of electrical power, heating, air conditioning and hot water for weeks at a time and no access to welfare or recreation service… 1 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/08/13/2026/blumenthal-and-barragan-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-end-of-life-care Blumenthal & Barragán Introduce Bicameral Legislation To Improve End of Life Care 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Compassionate Care Act, legislation to promote advance care planning and end-of-life care through physician education and public awareness campaigns. The Compassionate Care Act provides critical resources to educate patients and providers, develops core end-of-life quality measures, and expands access to advance care planning via telehealth—helping patients access the care they need and that is right for them. “Every person deserves to have their wishes respected when facing serious illness or the need for end-of-life care,” Blumenthal said. “The Compassionate Care Act will help patients plan ahead, empower families and providers to have important conversations, and ensure that people’s care preferences are known and honored.” “Only 5% of Americans have an advance care plan for their future medical care preferences, and many are unsure how to begin these important conversations with their health care providers,” said Barragán. “Senator Blumenthal and I are reintroducing the Compassionate Care Act to establish clear guidelines, improve physician education, increase public awareness, and expand access—including through telehealth services— to advance care planning. More Americans should feel empowered to take control of their end-of-life care.” The legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA). The Compassionate Care Act is endorsed by a number of organizations, including Compassion & Choices, Coalition to Transform Advanced Care, and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). “The nation must improve our advance care planning policies so that doctors and families are not put in the deeply disturbing position of having to make life-altering care decisions without knowing the patient’s wishes,” said Kevin Díaz, president and CEO of Compassion & Choices. “We will work with Senator Blumenthal to secure congressional support to pas… 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-baldwin-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-hhs-rescind-cancelation-of-lifesaving-research-grants-that-improve-patient-safety_care Blumenthal & Baldwin Lead Colleagues in Demanding HHS Rescind Cancelation of Lifesaving Research Grants that Improve Patient Safety & Care 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today led 28 of their Democratic colleagues in the Senate in demanding that Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reverse the Department’s destructive cancelations of lifesaving health research grants administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Congressionally appropriated funding for AHRQ grants benefitted critical research and initiatives to advance effective healthcare delivery, such as training for rural healthcare workers in Connecticut, testing the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals in Wisconsin, improving autism screening and services for Black children in North Carolina, and equipping primary care providers with effective chronic pain treatment in Virginia. In a letter sent today to Kennedy, the Senators raised concerns about the impact of HHS’s mass cancelations of these research grants, writing, “This unprecedented action, which has led to the disruption of nearly 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states, undermines decades of taxpayer investments to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and health outcomes for all Americans. We demand that you immediately rescind these cancelations and ensure that the funding Congress appropriates to AHRQ is invested in health research in accordance with the law.” The Senators continued, “We want to be clear: Democrats and Republicans did not work together to appropriate funds for AHRQ as a gentle suggestion for the Department to follow at their discretion or leisure. We provided this money with the explicit instruction that the Department faithfully support life-saving research to improve access and health outcomes for Americans. We did not appropriate these funds so that money could remain unspent while Americans suffer and our healthcare system struggles.” The Senators continued, “The agency’s actions over the last year are an outrageous abuse of administrative power that will leav… 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-investigation-into-detention-of-children-in-federal-custody Blumenthal Demands Investigation Into Detention Of Children In Federal Custody 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, wrote to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General T. March Bell demanding he launch a formal investigation the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s evasion of its legal responsibilities to the immigrant children in its custody. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requires ORR to adjudicate a completed sponsorship application of a parent, legal guardian, or close relative for an unaccompanied immigrant child within 10 days. However, despite this requirement, at least two dozen children in Connecticut have languished in federal custody for lengthy periods of time raising serious questions about why ORR is delaying reunification. “At best, ORR is understaffed and woefully inept at carrying out its statutorily mandated functions in a timely fashion. At worst, and what mounting evidence points to, is that ORR’s goal has become detaining children indefinitely in a callous attempt to deter future migration. Either way, the best interests of children in ORR’s custody have been sacrificed, and those children, including those in Connecticut, continue to suffer,” Blumenthal wrote. In a letter, Blumenthal cites the case of 5-year-old Camila who was held for 118 days in federal custody while her mother was 9 miles down the road waiting for her application to be approved. Camila was only reunited with her mother after attorneys filed a habeas lawsuit challenging the legality of her detention. “In each case, ORR plays the same song and dance, requiring an application be “complete” before the 10-day clock starts, while simultaneously delaying needed checks or moving the goal post of what is required to complete an application as soon as previous requirements are met. For example, in Camila’s case, her mother submitted an application, then waited two months for ORR to schedule a home inspection and three months for ORR to schedule a DNA test. All the while, Camila languished inside… 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-from-white-house-chief-of-staff-after-new-reporting-reveals-900-million-price-tag-for-donald-trumps-renovations-to-the-white-house Blumenthal Demands Answers from White House Chief of Staff After New Reporting Reveals $900 Million Price Tag for Donald Trump's Renovations to the White House 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about the ballooning costs associated with renovations to the White House and surrounding grounds. Blumenthal sent the letter today to Wiles amid new reporting in the Washington Post that detailed a significant increase in the projected cost of various projects that President Trump has directed to take place on the White House grounds, totaling $927 million, with taxpayers set to pay much of the multimillion-dollar sum. Seeking information regarding the reconstruction and renovation of the White House and surrounding grounds, Blumenthal wrote, “This astronomical expenditure, which has not been approved by Congress, has been rushed through unconventional means under incredible secrecy. A project of this cost and significance demands oversight and accountability to determine not just how funds are being spent but whether any rules were violated in the President’s haste to complete his chief vanity project.” Pointing to the costs associated with various projects undertaken by the White House, including a massive ballroom, repairs to an adjacent park, construction of a new visitor screening facility, and construction of a new helipad, Blumenthal continued, “This new calculation dwarfs previous estimates provided by the President, and the accompanying reporting details how taxpayers will be expected to fund more than half of that amount. It also directly contradicts numerous statements by the President, who has repeatedly insisted that construction costs would be paid by private donors and himself personally, at no cost to taxpayers.” Blumenthal raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s use of no-bid contracts for many of the projects and its redirection of Congressionally-appropriated funding to benefit the President’s vanity projects: “The reporting also details the extraordinary measures that the Trump A… 1 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-garamendi-reintroduce-legislation-to-protect-passengers-and-crew-from-toxic-cabin-air Blumenthal & Garamendi Reintroduce Legislation To Protect Passengers And Crew From Toxic Cabin Air 2026-08-12 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today announced the reintroduction of the Cabin Air Safety Act, bicameral legislation to protect airline pilots, flight attendants, and passengers from toxic cabin air. Building on cabin air reporting provisions Blumenthal secured in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, the legislation would expand FAA reporting and investigation requirements, require real-time onboard air quality monitoring equipment, improve crew training, and enhance the collection and public reporting of data on engine oil and hydraulic fluid smoke or fume events to help prevent future incidents and improve aviation safety. “For too long, dangerous cabin air events have gone underreported, under investigated, and unaddressed,” said Blumenthal. “Our measure gives the FAA the tools it needs to identify these events in real time, ensure they are properly reported and investigated, and take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Pilots, flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, and passengers deserve to know that the air they breathe is safe.” “Every American deserves safe, clean air when they fly. I’m deeply troubled by the reports of pilots, flight attendants, and passengers falling ill, and in some cases even hospitalized, due to toxic cabin air. This legislation will hold aircraft manufacturers to a basic safety standard: protecting passengers and crew from harmful toxins,” said Garamendi. The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). “Airline crew members and passengers have the right to breathe safe, clean air, on the ground and in the air. They should never have to worry about breathing in toxic air pollutants that put their health at risk,” said Markey. “I’m proud to join Senator Blumenthal in introducing the Cabin Air Safety Act to ensure we put the he… 1 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-hawley-introduce-bipartisan-bill-banning-bonuses-for-utility-executives-as-consumer-energy-costs-skyrocket Blumenthal & Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Bill Banning Bonuses for Utility Executives as Consumer Energy Costs Skyrocket 2026-08-12 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act, legislation to hold utility company executives accountable for excessive costs on consumers. The legislation prohibits utility executives from receiving bonuses in years when utility rates rise faster than inflation and caps bonuses when rates remain stable. “This legislation puts an end to unfair, unwarranted bonuses for utility executives who are lining their pockets while burdening consumers with increased costs,” said Blumenthal. “For people in Connecticut, Eversource is seeking to raise utility rates by 18 percent when families are already struggling with rising costs—and while the C-Suite earns millions. The No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act makes sure executives won’t receive bonuses when utility rates rise faster than inflation, prohibiting companies from rewarding themselves while American families are stuck paying the price.” “While Missourians bear the burden of rising electricity costs, utility executives at these companies receive hefty bonuses. I’m proud to introduce legislation to ban bonuses for corporate executives who benefit from skyrocketing prices,” said Hawley. U.S. Representatives Josh Riley (D-NY) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) released similar legislation in the House of Representatives in December. “Upstate New Yorkers are getting crushed by high utility bills,” said Riley. “Folks are cutting back on everything from groceries to school clothes just to keep the lights on. Meanwhile, the utility monopolies are rewarding their CEOs with millions of dollars per year. When the people footing the bill get squeezed and the folks at the top walk off with massive bonuses, something’s seriously broken — and I’m fighting to fix it. Our bipartisan bill stops utility monopolies from rewarding the corporate executives who are ripping us off.” “If you are making electricity unaffordable for working families, you should NOT be getting a bonus. Period.” said Van Dre… 1 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-passing-of-lt-gov-nancy-wyman Blumenthal Statement on Passing of Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman 2026-08-12 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released the following statement on the passing of former Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. “Nancy Wyman was a supremely dedicated public servant — a genuine, gentle lady known for high heels and high spirit, and a tireless work ethic. She relentlessly built bridges — personal, professional and political — always seeking common ground, but fearless as a fighter for Connecticut values and people. I will miss her as a dear friend and colleague, who worked and travelled together, and shared moments of triumph and challenge. My heart goes out to her family whom she loved so deeply,” Blumenthal said. -30- 1 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-to-defense-department-what-are-you-doing-to-support-sailors-on-the-uss-abraham-lincoln Blumenthal to Defense Department: What Are You Doing To Support Sailors On The USS Abraham Lincoln? 2026-08-12 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao today demanding to know what action is being taken to improve conditions for sailors deployed on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been continuously at sea for a record length of nearly seven months. The deployment was scheduled to end in May but has been extended with no publicly announced return date. “There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal also asked for information about what steps the Navy is taking to prevent similar issues in the future, given that recent carrier deployments have repeatedly stretched long beyond their originally planned durations: “These reports warrant immediate attention, but they also raise a broader question: whether the Navy can sustain the operational tempo now being demanded of its carrier force, particularly as this Administration repeatedly commits U.S. forces to conflicts of its own choosing and increasingly relies on aircraft carriers to sustain those operations.” Blumenthal has previously raised concerns regarding the mental health and well-being of sailors facing extended periods of demanding working and living conditions. In 2022, Xavier Sandor, a Connecticut sailor from Shelton, was one of three USS George Washington crew members to die by suicide while the ship was undergoing extended Refueling and Complex Overhaul at a Virginia shipyard. During this time, crew members were subject to frequent interruptions of electrical power, heating, air conditioning and hot water for weeks at a time and no access to welfare or recreation services. Sailors also often experienced a two months long backlog for mental heal… 1 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-join-senate-democrats-in-demanding-trump-administration-restore-funding-for-illegally-canceled-energy-projects Murphy, Blumenthal Join Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Administration Restore Funding for Illegally Canceled Energy Projects 2026-08-11 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 37 Democratic Senators in a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, and Office of Management and Budget Director, Russell Vought, demanding the Trump administration restore funding for 223 congressionally authorized and appropriated energy projects unilaterally canceled by the White House in October 2025. Murphy and Blumenthal’s letter comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s shocking public admission that many of these energy grants were canceled solely because the 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,” the senators began. “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 continued. “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.” “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,” the senators concluded. “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 October, Murphy and Blumenthal joined a letter objecting to the Trump administra… 1 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-to-rfk-jr-why-was-a-trump-aligned-firm-with-no-immigration-experience-granted-no-bid-contract-to-represent-unaccompanied-children Senators to RFK Jr.: Why Was a Trump-Aligned Firm with No Immigration Experience Granted No-Bid Contract to Represent Unaccompanied Children? 2026-08-11 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding he explain why the Trump administration awarded a no-bid contract to a Trump-aligned law firm with no apparent immigration law experience, allowing them to represent unaccompanied children who are in the care and custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). “Given the political connections between the firm’s senior leadership and the Trump administration, we have concerns about why you sidestepped the competitive bidding process to select this firm to provide legal services for children who are in ORR care and custody, and demand transparency into whether all federal procurement processes were followed,” the senators wrote. “Children deserve competent representation by attorneys who practice at the intersection of child welfare and federal immigration law, but Americans also deserve to know why their federal dollars are being doled out to Trump’s friends and allies.” The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through ORR, has an obligation to ensure that unaccompanied children are provided competent legal aid as they navigate the immigration process. Despite this, Secretary Kennedy has cut legal service funding for 26,000 unaccompanied children, shifting funding to the Trump-aligned Burke Law Group, despite the firm’s lack of experience protecting the rights of immigrant children. “The firm appears to have little relevant experience with the legal and pra… 1 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-schiff-demand-doj-rescind-policy-allowing-ice-agents-to-hide-from-investigation-after-violent-confrontations Blumenthal & Schiff Demand DOJ Rescind Policy Allowing ICE Agents to Hide From Investigation After Violent Confrontations 2026-08-11 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Following reporting in The New York Times that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will no longer investigate violent confrontations between civilians and federal immigration agents, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel calling for the new policy be rescinded. The senators also asked for information and records about how the decision to implement the policy was reached. Agents reportedly received instructions about the change just days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas and Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine. “Faced once more with the duty to investigate DHS agents’ wanton violence, you apparently made the extraordinary decision to issue a policy that FBI agents will no longer investigate confrontations between civilians and immigration agents. Instead, leaving DHS to investigate itself,” the senators wrote. “It is hard to see any justification for this policy change other than to avoid discovering evidence that could be used to call into question the practices of DHS agents or to prosecute them when they use excessive force in violation of the law.” The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Attorney General Blanche and Director Patel, We write regarding the shocking recent reporting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will no longer investigate violent confrontations between civilians and federal immigration agents.[1] This sudden, unprecedented change seems particularly galling in the wake of yet more seemingly unjustified killings of unarmed individuals by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in Texas and Maine. We demand that you immediately rescind this policy and provide information and records regarding how the decision to implement this policy was reached. Historically, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has swiftly launched investigations when civilians a… 1 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tonko-and-foushee-press-mlb-mlbpa_fanduel-for-answers-after-phillies-star-bryce-harper-was-used-to-target-gambling-addict-with-promotional-video Blumenthal, Tonko, & Foushee Press MLB, MLBPA, & FanDuel for Answers After Phillies Star Bryce Harper Was Used to Target Gambling Addict with Promotional Video 2026-08-10 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) today demanded answers from Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), and FanDuel about disturbing reports that FanDuel repeatedly targeted problem gamblers with predatory perks to keep them trapped in their addiction, including a personal message from Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, Bryce Harper. In a letter sent today to MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred and MLBPA Interim Director Bruce Meyer, the lawmakers demanded an end to the MLB and MLBPA policies that enabled this type of predatory promotion. In a separate letter to FanDuel Chief Executive Officer Christian Genetski, the lawmakers called on the sportsbook to end its VIP program for bettors, especially those suffering from a gambling addiction, on its platform. “In late 2024, Terry Thompson, who was already experiencing severe financial distress due to his gambling addiction, received a video in which Mr. Harper wished him an ‘extra special Thanksgiving’ and referenced his son. This video was prepared at the request of Thompson’s VIP manager at FanDuel and intended to entice further gambling. As a FanDuel customer, Mr. Thompson ultimately wagered $18.5 million and lost over $1.5 million through the platform, taking out several mortgages on his home and selling shares of his business to fund his addiction,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Manfred and Meyer. The lawmakers continued, “Mr. Harper has stated he was unaware of the true purpose of the video and would not have participated had he known. This incident, however, raises broader concerns that players are not prohibited from such endorsements and highlights a systemic failure rooted in the deep enmeshment between leagues, teams, and sports books. In fact, MLB rules currently allow players to enter endorsement deals with sportsbooks so long as they do not encourage betting on baseball. Partnerships that do not violate this… 1 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-peters-release-gao-report-finding-doge-misled-americans-about-claimed-savings Blumenthal & Peters Release GAO Report Finding DOGE Misled Americans About Claimed Savings 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report finding that DOGE’s claims of massive taxpayer savings on its “Wall of Receipts” were severely overstated and plagued by unreliable data, unexplained calculations, and a lack of transparency. “The Trump Administration has used DOGE to recklessly slash government programs, ransacking critical services and resources and proudly displaying supposed ‘savings’ on its Wall of Receipts,” said Senator Blumenthal. “GAO’s report, though, reveals data quality concerns and a lack of clarity regarding how savings were calculated, making DOGE’s findings unreliable and unclear. My report with the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations last year showed that DOGE was clearly never about efficiency or saving the American taxpayer money—wasting at least $21.7 billion at the time while the Trump Administration cut health care, nutrition assistance, and emergency services. This GAO report underscores the need for increased transparency and accountability from the Trump Administration so the American public can better understand DOGE’s activities as the organization guts vital government programs.” “Everyone supports rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, but DOGE was a slapdash and deceptive effort that misled the American people while doing real damage to the government’s ability to serve them,” Senator Peters said. “Elon Musk and the Trump Administration claimed billions of dollars in savings it could not substantiate, took credit for work already underway, and refused to show its work, all while putting Americans’ sensitive data at risk and hollowing out critical agencies.” The GAO report, requested by Blumenthal and Peters in June 2025, finds that DOGE failed to provide enough information to verify 96 percent of its clai… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-wasserman-schultz-introduce-legislation-to-address-youth-vaping-use Blumenthal & Wasserman Schultz Introduce Legislation to Address Youth Vaping Use 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction (PROTECT) Act, bicameral legislation to address the alarming rise in e-cigarette use among youth. The PROTECT Act authorizes $100 million in funding each year for five years for a proactive Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiative to address this alarming trend through funding for enhanced research, grants for states and localities to address this issue in their communities, the development of evidence-based policies, and other critical activities to combat the rise in e-cigarette use among youth. “Youth vaping in our schools and communities is an epidemic, fueled by Big Tobacco aggressively targeting yet another generation of young people,” Blumenthal said. “Our measure addresses this crisis and gives those on the frontlines of this fight the tools they need to prevent teen e-cigarette addiction. The Trump Administration’s recent actions to undermine federal anti-smoking efforts and greenlight flavored e-cigarette products make our PROTECT Act all the more necessary to prevent addiction and keep our kids safe and healthy.” “Youth vaping is a public health crisis, and we need to treat it like one. For too long, Big Tobacco has preyed on America’s youth with flavored vapes specifically designed to get them hooked young,” said Wasserman Schultz. “The PROTECT Act is needed now more than ever as the Trump Administration decimates key tobacco cessation programs and rubber stamps dangerous, flavored vape approvals at FDA. I’m very proud to partner with Senator Blumenthal on this effort to protect our country’s children and keep them healthy.” More than 1.4 million youth report using e-cigarettes, including roughly 1 in 13 high school students and about 1 in 29 middle school students, according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey. Nearly 40 percent of youth who vape report frequent use, an alar… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-7/31/2026-8/7/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 7/31/2026-8/7/2026 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Celebrating Senate Passage of Landmark Russia Sanctions Bill [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in an overwhelming bipartisan vote. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Blumenthal spoke on the Senate Floor ahead of the final vote. Video is available here. “Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine. And Putin is watching from Moscow. I would like to think that Lindsey Graham is watching, too. And I know how proud he would be of his sister today, who has taken his place on the Floor and has been such a profoundly strong and effective advocate for this bill. Today, we say to the people Ukraine: you are not alone. And we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine; you will not defeat this free, brave people, who are turning the tide against your blood-thirsty aggression,” Blumenthal said. “I would like to close with some brilliant rhetorical flourish, but I’d rather just recall some of Senator Graham’s last words to me. He said, ‘This is a big eff-ing deal. We all did good.’” Last week, Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) hosted a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supporters of the legislation at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of the meeting are available here. Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration. Lindsey Graham secured an agreement with the White House on the bill just before his death. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions ag… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/video-blumenthal-celebrates-senate-passage-of-landmark-sanctions-bill-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-and-gas-accountable Video: Blumenthal Celebrates Senate Passage of Landmark Sanctions Bill to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil & Gas Accountable 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in an overwhelming bipartisan vote. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Blumenthal spoke on the Senate Floor ahead of the final vote. Video is available here. “Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine. And Putin is watching from Moscow. I would like to think that Lindsey Graham is watching, too. And I know how proud he would be of his sister today, who has taken his place on the Floor and has been such a profoundly strong and effective advocate for this bill. Today, we say to the people Ukraine: you are not alone. And we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine; you will not defeat this free, brave people, who are turning the tide against your blood-thirsty aggression,” Blumenthal said. “I would like to close with some brilliant rhetorical flourish, but I'd rather just recall some of Senator Graham's last words to me. He said, ‘This is a big eff-ing deal. We all did good.’” Last week, Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) hosted a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supporters of the legislation at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of the meeting are available here. Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration. Lindsey Graham secured an agreement with the White House on the bill just before his death. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukrai… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-mobilizes-senate-democrats-against-trumps-radical-atf-rule-changes-historic-assault-on-public-safety-nationwide Murphy Mobilizes Senate Democrats Against Trump's Radical ATF Rule Changes, Historic Assault on Public Safety Nationwide 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) led a group of Democrats in filing a series of official comments against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ (ATF) April 2026 proposed regulatory changes to federal firearms law. Murphy’s comments opposed recent sweeping rule changes promulgated by the ATF, which would create easy access to dangerous weapons, dramatically undercut law enforcement’s efforts to fight and prevent crime, and put communities across the country at risk of significant increases in gun crime and gun violence. Murphy authored five comments in opposition to the proposed ATF rule changes, spanning lifted import restrictions on training rounds and dual-use weapons, blatant discrimination against gun owners on the basis of their gender identity, and the sweeping rescission of a 2024 rule clarifying the definition of “Engaged in the Business” (EITB) of firearms dealing. The 2024 rule modernized our firearms licensing system to support law enforcement in cracking down on rampant background check evasion by gun sellers. The EITB reforms were a centerpiece of Murphy’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the most significant gun safety legislation in the last 30 years and a major driver of historic reductions in gun violence and gun deaths since its passage. “No president has ever been so insistent on putting guns in the hands of violent criminals,” said Murphy. “From top to bottom, these ATF rule changes are all about making sure Trump’s gun industry donors can maximize their profits by ignoring the popular, common sense regulations that prevent gun crime and save lives. This fight isn’t close to over and Senate Democrats will do all we can to stop this corrupt disaster before it takes effect.” Last month, Murphy sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche demanding answers on the DOJ and ATF’s legalization of mail order gun sales, which would jeopardize public safety to the direct financial benefit of the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr. Each of Murphy’s ATF comments, … 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-trump-stop-gaslighting-americans-on-iran-stop-using-the-war-for-your-corrupt-market-manipulation Murphy to Trump: Stop Gaslighting Americans on Iran, Stop Using the War for Your Corrupt Market Manipulation 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to call out President Trump’s months-long gaslighting of the American public on the state of the Iran war. Murphy laid out how Trump’s constant false promises of an imminent Iran war deal are part of a corruption scheme in which Trump manipulates the market with deal announcements so his friends and family can cash in. Murphy also slammed Trump’s recent announcement of a $100,000 subscription for advance access to Trump’s Truth Social posts as another clear example of Trump using the Iran war to facilitate insider trading and sell out America’s national security for personal gain. “The war might be continuing, not just because of incompetence, but because the president has found a way to make money,” said Murphy. Murphy explained how Trump’s campaign of gaslighting and dishonesty works: “He gaslights. He tells lies. And the essential gaslight is that the war is about to end: ‘Don't worry. Yes, it appears that there is no end. It appears that you're going to have to continue to pay these prices forever. It appears that America has no end game. But don't worry, the war is about to end.’” Detailing every instance of President Trump selling an “imminent” deal to the public, Murphy argued there are telling patterns in Trump’s announcements of a deal: “I just want to go through this pattern for you because it is really important to talk about the fact that the White House is just not being straight with the American public about what's going on in this war… [Trump] normally declares that the war is about to be over on Sunday night or Monday morning, right before the markets open. But now that we are six months into this war, we can see the pattern… On 11 different instances, Trump says, ‘A deal is about to happen. Don't worry, the war is about to be over.’ There's no deal. None of it is real.” Murphy argued Trump’s ceasefire announcements aren’t random - they’re a coordinated scheme for Trump to make money: “Here's an explanation… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-hosts-passport-tsa-precheck-and-global-entry-enrollment_renewal-event-in-hartford Blumenthal Hosts Passport, TSA Precheck, & Global Entry Enrollment & Renewal Event in Hartford 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] – On Friday, August 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal will host a Passport Day in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and IDEMIA, a TSA PreCheck authorized enrollment provider, to assist individuals with passport renewals, first-time passport applications, TSA PreCheck enrollment, and Global Entry applications. The event is open to the public and will take place at Connecticut’s Old State House at 800 Main Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except between the hours of 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The TSA PreCheck program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Passport applications and renewals provided by the CT Passport Agency: First-time passport applicants will be required to complete a Passport Application Form and present a valid photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship, such as an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate. For passport renewals, a completed Passport Application Form, an old passport, and a recent passport photo will be required, along with the passport renewal fee. For new and renewed passports, a 2-inch x 2-inch passport photo taken in the last 6 months is required. If you require a passport photo on the day of the event, Camera Bar, a local business located at 75 Asylum Street, is about two blocks away from the Passport Day event and can provide a passport photo for $10.62 day of. RSVP to apply for or renew a U.S. passport here. Fill out and print your passport application here. U.S. citizens can apply for both U.S. passport books and U.S. passport cards at Passport Day. U.S. Passport Books: Valid for international travel by air, sea, or land Validity: 10 years for adults (age 16 & older) 5 years for minors (under age 16) Cost for First-Time Applicants: $165 for adults (age 16 & older) $135 for minors (under age 16) Cost for Renewal Applicants: $130 for adults (age 16 & older) U.S. Passport Cards: Valid when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land or seaports-of… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-coast-guard-installations-allow-cost-saving-community-partnerships Murphy, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Coast Guard Installations, Allow Cost-Saving Community Partnerships 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), along with U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act, bipartisan legislation to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to collaborate with state and local governments through intergovernmental support agreements (IGSAs). For over a decade, every branch of the U.S. military has been able to benefit from the authority to enter into IGSA except for the Coast Guard. By requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant IGSA authority to the Coast Guard Commandant, the Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act would enable the Coast Guard to secure better contracting agreements in collaboration with local government bodies, deliver lower-cost, higher-quality services to its installations, and strengthen local ties within Coast Guard communities – across Connecticut and nationwide. In December 2024, Senator Murphy led a letter to the DHS Secretary calling on the Department to finalize IGSA authority for the Coast Guard. In August 2025, he led a CT delegation letter calling for serious investments by the Coast Guard to modernize the Coast Guard Academy campus infrastructure in New London and support the Academy in meeting its full potential in educating the leaders of America’s multi-mission, maritime military force. “This long-overdue step will save millions in taxpayer dollars, cut red tape, and support economic development by allowing better collaboration between the Coast Guard and its surrounding commun… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-delauro-call-on-yale-to-reject-settlement-with-trump-administration Blumenthal & DeLauro Call on Yale to Reject Settlement with Trump Administration 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) wrote Yale University President Maurie McInnis requesting records and information regarding the University's ongoing negotiations with the Trump Administration, following reports that Yale has submitted two proposed settlement agreements amid an investigation by the Department of Justice into its admissions process. The lawmakers urged Yale to reject any settlement and warned that capitulating to the Administration's demands would compromise the University's independence. “Acquiescing to a bully does not make that bully go away, it encourages them to come back for more and to expand their overreach to weaker targets. Yale’s settlement here would show the Trump Administration that its tactics are working. It would also send the wrong message to Yale’s alumni, its students, and the world,” Blumenthal and DeLauro wrote. “What we admire about Yale is exemplified by its own motto, ‘Lux et Veritas,’ light and truth. That is why we urge Yale, in the strongest possible terms, to consider the lasting consequences of a decision not rooted in light and truth.” The letter follows a roundtable held earlier this month on Yale’s campus, where Blumenthal and representatives from DeLauro’s office met with Yale students and faculty, including international students, to hear firsthand how a potential settlement could affect them. The roundtable was followed by a press conference at which students, faculty, and Connecticut state and local elected officials called on Yale to reject any deal with the Trump Administration. The full text of the lawmakers' letter is available here and below. Dear President McInnis: We write to express our deep concerns that Yale University (“Yale” or “the University”) may be contemplating a settlement with the Trump Administration amidst troubling reports that the University has preemptively submitted two proposed settlement agreements. We are concerned that Yale has taken these steps and tha… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-blackburn-celebrate-commerce-committee-passage-of-bipartisan-kids-online-safety-act Blumenthal & Blackburn Celebrate Commerce Committee Passage of Bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act 2026-08-05 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation’s passage of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) by voice vote: “For years, heartbroken parents have demanded Congress take action to protect America’s children from Big Tech’s exploitation, and today is a major victory for the courageous families who refused to give up,” said Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal. “The Senate has repeatedly shown that there is broad, bipartisan support for a version of KOSA that creates a duty of care to protect kids from online predators, addictive algorithms, and harmful product design. We want to thank our large, diverse, and determined coalition for standing with us today, and we look forward to getting this bill to the President’s desk.” 1 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-january-6-prosecutors-raise-alarm-over-trump-judicial-nominees-refusal-to-truthfully-answer-questions-about-2020-election-attack-on-the-capitol ICYMI: January 6 Prosecutors Raise Alarm Over Trump Judicial Nominees' Refusal to Truthfully Answer Questions About 2020 Election, Attack on the Capitol 2026-08-05 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, were joined by three former federal prosecutors to raise alarm over the ongoing refusal of Trump Administration judicial nominees to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election or admit that what happened on January 6, 2021, was an attack on the Capitol. The three prosecutors – Michael Romano, Sean Murphy, and Brendan Ballou – worked on cases relating to violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Earlier today, they joined a group of twelve former federal prosecutors who all worked on cases relating to the violent attack on the Capitol in sending a letter urging members of the Senate to reject judicial nominees who cannot “cannot identify that (1) January 6 as an attack on our democracy, (2) the attack was led by supporters of Donald Trump, and (3) Joe Biden was legitimately elected in the 2020 election.” Video of today’s press conference is available here. Michael Romano Michael Romano prosecuted rioters who brawled with police officers on Capitol grounds, who attacked officers with wooden and metal poles, and who pepper-sprayed officers defending the Tunnel. As a manager, Romano also oversaw many cases prosecuted by others. Romano also served as a Trial Attorney in the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section between 2019 and 2025. “The fact of the matter was, the riot was an attack on our democracy. It was an attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of power. It was an attempt to install the loser of the 2020 election back in office against the will of the American people. I know this because the evidence was overwhelming,” Romano said. “The evidence was so clear that the judges who presided over our trials and sentenced these defendants said so over and over again. They recognized that the riot was an attack on American democracy. They recognized how damaging it was to our institutions. They commented about how political violence was unacceptable, and sentences w… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-introduces-resolution-blocking-trump-tax-amnesty-and-january-6-slush-fund Blumenthal Introduces Resolution Blocking Trump Tax Amnesty and January 6 Slush Fund 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced a resolution blocking: the corrupt settlement agreement in President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); the so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to reward the President’s political allies and violent criminal who attacked Capitol Police officers on January 6; and the tax amnesty agreement for the Trump family and their business associates. “Our Constitution affords all people equal treatment under the law, but in Trump’s America, he and his family members are above the law. Likewise, his political allies, criminal cop-beaters who attacked the Capitol at his behest, and corrupt cronies. The corrupt IRS settlement, tax amnesty agreement, and the slush fund all amount to a multibillion-dollar piggy bank for the Trump family and their friends – while taking money out of your pocket,” Blumenthal said. “If this “settlement” were allowed to stand, our Constitution’s equal protection principles could enable tens of thousands of others whose returns were revealed to make an argument for the same benefit. The total costs to taxpayers—which could be in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars— would be staggering. This Presidential self-dealing must be stopped.” The full text of the resolution is available here and copied below. Expressing the sense of the Senate that President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, the resulting settlement from that lawsuit, the purported “Anti-Weaponization Fund”, and the purported grant of immunity from tax investigations to the plaintiffs in President Trump’s lawsuit, should be rejected, equal protection arguments by others with similar claims should be forestalled, and this settlement should not serve as a precedent and should never be repeated. Mr. Blumenthal submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on: Whereas, between 2019 and 2020, an Internal Revenue Service (referred to in … 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-senate-judiciary-committee-vote-to-advance-blanches-nomination-for-attorney-general Blumenthal Slams Senate Judiciary Committee Vote To Advance Blanche's Nomination For Attorney General 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted against Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as Attorney General of the United States at today’s Committee hearing. At the hearing, Blumenthal spoke out against Blanche’s nomination, raising concerns about Blanche’s lack of independence. “‘I’m his lawyer.’ That is what Mr. Blanche told us he was. ‘I’m his lawyer.’ Namely Donald Trump’s lawyer. Maya Angelou famously said, ‘When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.’ Todd Blanche is Donald Trump’s lawyer. He will say anything, do anything, conceal anything for his boss,” Blumenthal said at the hearing. Pointing to Blanche’s purported rescission of the so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to reward the President’s political allies and violent criminals who attacked Capitol Police officers on January 6, Blumenthal continued, “Commentators have talked about loopholes. There are no loopholes here. This document itself is a sham.” Blumenthal underscored that Donald Trump remains committed to seeing the slush fund move forward, despite Blanche’s assurances: “The President of the United States yesterday, in the Oval Office, repeated his commitment to the Anti-Weaponization Fund. We don’t need to say the quiet part out loud. The President is shouting it.” Blumenthal continued, “The position of the United States Attorney General is a position of supreme trust. Any of us who have worked in the Department of Justice—I was the United States Attorney for Connecticut—knows that the Attorney General of the United States, like every lawyer who represents the United States, has a trust, in going to court, in making representation…Todd Blanche has betrayed that trust. And his betrayal of that trust is disqualifying for his nomination.” “My fear is that Todd Blanche will represent Donald Trump, be his consigliere, and he will put Donald Trump ahead of the American people and the right to vote. I cannot support him. I regret tha… 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-joins-sweeping-legislation-to-counter-trumps-authoritarian-takeover-us-and-defend-our-democracy Blumenthal Joins Sweeping Legislation to Counter Trump's Authoritarian Takeover of U.S. & Defend our Democracy 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) in introducing the For Our Republic Act, a comprehensive legislative package to fight back against President Trump’s aggressive authoritarian takeover of American democracy. The brand-new For Our Republic Act includes provisions to directly oppose Trump’s authoritarian playbook, including defending independent government watchdogs, protecting non-partisan civil servants, reasserting Congress’ power of the purse, fighting government corruption, strengthening free speech and civil liberties, and safeguarding free and fair elections. “Donald Trump has led a brazen, unprecedented campaign of corruption—growing his power while ignoring the needs of the American people.” said Blumenthal. “The For Our Republic Act installs critical guardrails against Trump’s relentless attacks on our democracy, promoting government transparency and accountability while preserving Americans’ rights and liberties. This legislation fights against Trump’s slide towards tyranny and protects our country’s democratic values.” “Authoritarianism isn’t down the street or around the corner—it is here right now,” said Merkley. “We have all three ingredients of a strongman state in the United States: a rubber-stamp Congress doing the President’s bidding; a deferential Supreme Court finding ‘invisible ink’ in the Constitution to enhance the President’s powers; and a power-hungry President behaving like a king, breaking the law and violating the checks and balances of our Constitution. Merkley continued, “The For Our Republic Act lays out a clear roadmap of the actions Congress can take to fight back against Trump’s authoritarian takeover and reassert our authority. Together, let’s fight back and save our republic!” “In a clear conflict of interest and gross abuse of power, Trump fired 17 Inspectors General within his first days in office so he could tap political allies to conduct oversight of his own Administration—leaving … 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-schumer-lead-senate-democrats-in-legislation-to-end-unprecedented-presidential-corruption-stop-pay-to-play-pardons Blumenthal & Schumer Lead Senate Democrats In Legislation To End Unprecedented Presidential Corruption, Stop "Pay-To-Play" Pardons 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the No Payoffs For Pardons Act to strengthen transparency and accountability in the presidential clemency process. This legislation would require individuals who receive pardons to disclose any significant financial gifts made in connection with their clemency, both at the time it is granted and for four years afterward. It also confirms federal bribery laws apply to the President and Vice President. Simply put, the No Payoffs For Pardons Act is designed to deter, expose, and prosecute corrupt pardons. This legislation is being introduced in tandem on the House side by Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration. President Trump promised to attack “waste, fraud, and abuse.” But after a year and a half in office, it’s clear that he has engaged in a level of corruption and abuse previously unseen in the office. Trump has taken one of the undisputed powers of the President — the ability to grant clemency for a crime — and perverted its intention. No longer does a presidential pardon seek to right an injustice, Trump has turned the pardon into a prize that can be won by the highest bidder, no matter the crime committed. “President Trump’s pay-to-play pardon scheme rewards political allies and sells out justice to the highest bidder,” said Senator Blumenthal. “When convicted criminals can escape punishment for the right price or by hiring the right people, it corrupts the justice system for everyone. And President Trump’s pardons have cost taxpayers and crime victims billions in forfeited restitution and put child predators back into our communities. Basic transparency and accountability are imperative.” The No Payoffs For Pardons Act would establish disclosure requirements for clemency recipients and clarifies applications of the federal bribery statute. The… 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-major-contracts-for-sikorsky Blumenthal Statement on Major Contracts for Sikorsky 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement celebrating the U.S. Army’s award of two contacts for Sikorsky to continue work on UH/HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. “These contracts--$56.8 million for more Black Hawks and $49.9 million to develop new and improved engines--is a strong sign of the US Army’s commitment to the Black Hawk program and will keep Sikorsky’s talented workforce busy for years to come. I am thrilled to see Sikorsky awarded this important work and will keep fighting for federal funding to support our state’s defense industry,” Blumenthal said. -30- 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-schiff-and-warren-raise-concerns-about-trump-administration-directing-taxpayer-dollars-toward-critical-mining-companies-linked-to-trump_lutnick-families Blumenthal, Schiff, & Warren Raise Concerns About Trump Administration Directing Taxpayer Dollars Toward Critical Mining Companies Linked to Trump & Lutnick Families 2026-07-31 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — This week, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) raised concerns in two letters about potential conflicts of interest surrounding the Trump Administration’s deals with more than a dozen critical mining companies with ties to President Trump’s family, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s family, or both. In a letter sent to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and President & Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States John Jovanovic, Blumenthal, Schiff, and Warren demanded answers about the deals and President Trump’s role in effectuating them. Citing recent reporting from The New York Times, the Senators wrote: “Securing supply chains for critical minerals is vital for America’s national security and economic competitiveness, and has accordingly been a priority for recent administrations of both political parties…In the second Trump Administration, funding for efforts to secure in these supply chains has skyrocketed, with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) providing nearly $13 billion for direct Defense Production Act grants and approximately $350 billion in available financing for critical minerals and other projects. This has resulted in what has been described as ‘a modern-day gold rush in the critical minerals industry.’” The Senators continued, “Recent reporting suggests that the result has been a host of deals to benefit the Trump and Lutnick families, including deals involving each of your agencies or departments. The 14 deals identified so far show that the government has provided or is considering providing these companies with at least $8.9 billion taxpayer dollars.” In a separate letter sent to David A. Lorch, the Director of the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) for the Department of Defense, Schiff, Warren, and Blumenthal sough… 1 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-blumenthal-sounds-alarm-on-immigration-detainee-abuse-at-public-forum ICYMI: Blumenthal Sounds Alarm on Immigration Detainee Abuse at Public Forum 2026-07-31 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined a spotlight forum earlier this week on abusive conditions in federal immigration custody where he highlighted the lack of oversight and mistreatment faced by detainees in Connecticut and across the nation. During the hearing, Blumenthal spoke with panelists who have observed or suffered firsthand the consequences of rigorous detention quotas by the Trump Administration. “There is a reason why detentions are up. There is a reason why more children are separated from their parents. It is because of quotas,” Blumenthal said. “The numbers that are set forth and then rigorously enforced. At least they are insisted on by leadership, beginning at the White House. So we know that, this cruelty is no accident. It's purposeful and relentless.” Detention of Five-Year-Old “Camila” in Connecticut In his remarks, Blumenthal detailed the case of “Camila,” a five-year-old girl held for 118 days in Connecticut between shelters unmonitored by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and an unlicensed, unmonitored foster home while her mother was miles down the road. Her release was only granted after a federal lawsuit. Blumenthal praised student witness Ricardo Hernandez-Navarrete for testifying on the trauma of quota-driven family separations. “We wouldn't put other children in that kind of facility, but that's where Camila was sent. This is because the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement has that duty, and they are shirking it, refusing to answer questions on who exactly is overseeing care of these children. Camila is not here today to tell her story, but Ricardo, you are. And I would just like to ask you, how it felt to be separated from your mother and detained for two months while you were in high school. And what impact did it have on you?” Blumenthal asked. Ricardo Hernandez Navarette responded, “It was really bad because I never before, like [been away] too long from my mom and to my brother and yeah, it's hard to think about m… 1 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-7/24/2026-7/31/2026 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 7/24/2026-7/31/2026 2026-07-31 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Combatting Russia’s Murderous Invasion of Ukraine [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U. S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) along with U.S. Senators Darline Graham (R-SC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) announced a bipartisan agreement on legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. “We are proud to announce an agreement on legislation to stop purchasers of Russian oil and gas from fueling Putin’s war machine and to continue restricting the Iranian regime’s ability to support terrorism and build its nuclear program,” the senators said. “There is no greater way to honor Senator Graham’s legacy than to move forward with this bipartisan agreement, and we look forward to today’s vote.” Blumenthal hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting with supporters of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The meeting took place ahead of a Senate vote to move forward with the legislation—which passed in an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 86-12. “We honored Senator Graham earlier today here in the Rotunda, but our real tribute was moving ahead with legislation he championed to impose scorching tariffs & sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil to stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. I know he would be jubilant over this vote. And I also know that he wouldn’t rest until the Russia Sanctions bill is truly over the finish line & signed into law—so neither will we,” said Blumenthal. Blumental held a media availability with the bipartisan leaders of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act after the vote to advance the legislation. “It’s been a rollercoaster of a day emotionally—the sadness of saying farewell to our great friend who has been so instrumental in this fight; the exhilaration now of a really solid step forward, partly in tribute to him; and the visit by President Zelenskyy showi… 1 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/07/30/2026/blumenthal-presses-fda-and-taylor-farms-for-answers-about-cyclospora-outbreak Blumenthal Presses FDA & Taylor Farms for Answers About Cyclospora Outbreak 2026-07-30 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Taylor Farms about the record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak and the backroom dealing by the Trump Administration that may have delayed the government’s response to this ongoing public health crisis. In letters sent today to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas and Taylor Farms Chief Executive Officer Bruce Taylor, Blumenthal sought records and information about the ongoing investigation into the outbreak and the influence of Taylor Farms on staffing and program cuts at the agency. “Recent reporting indicates that Taylor Farms—which last year donated $1 million to a political action committee supporting President Trump—contacted the White House seeking to delay the recall of its tainted produce, and that the White House brought officials from the FDA onto the call. According to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, there is no precedent for such intervention from the White House in the agency’s management of food safety recalls,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Diamantas. Blumenthal continued, “This was not the first time that Taylor Farms has sought to use political connections to influence regulation of the industry in which it operates: Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the company has spent $810,000 on lobbying regarding ‘regulation of food safety.’” Blumental raised concerns regarding the Administration’s lacking response and shifting information about the outbreak: “According to FDA, the current cyclosporiasis outbreak started on May 17, 2026, but the agency did not issue a public notice about it until July 17, 2026, when it announced that Taylor Farms would voluntarily remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. On July 19, 2026, FDA provided an update claiming the sample collected from Taylor Farms was a false positive. When Taylor Farms then announced that… 1 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-presses-fda-and-taylor-farms-for-answers-about-cyclospora-outbreak Blumenthal Presses FDA & Taylor Farms For Answers About Cyclospora Outbreak 2026-07-30 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Taylor Farms about the record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak and the backroom dealing by the Trump Administration that may have delayed the government’s response to this ongoing public health crisis. In letters sent today to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas and Taylor Farms Chief Executive Officer Bruce Taylor, Blumenthal sought records and information about the ongoing investigation into the outbreak and the influence of Taylor Farms on staffing and program cuts at the agency. “Recent reporting indicates that Taylor Farms—which last year donated $1 million to a political action committee supporting President Trump—contacted the White House seeking to delay the recall of its tainted produce, and that the White House brought officials from the FDA onto the call. According to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, there is no precedent for such intervention from the White House in the agency’s management of food safety recalls,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Diamantas. Blumenthal continued, “This was not the first time that Taylor Farms has sought to use political connections to influence regulation of the industry in which it operates: Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the company has spent $810,000 on lobbying regarding ‘regulation of food safety.’” Blumental raised concerns regarding the Administration’s lacking response and shifting information about the outbreak: “According to FDA, the current cyclosporiasis outbreak started on May 17, 2026, but the agency did not issue a public notice about it until July 17, 2026, when it announced that Taylor Farms would voluntarily remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. On July 19, 2026, FDA provided an update claiming the sample collected from Taylor Farms was a false positive. When Taylor Farms then announced that… 1 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-booker-introduce-food-labeling-modernization-act Blumenthal and Booker Introduce Food Labeling Modernization Act 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Food Labeling Modernization Act to combat confusing and misleading information printed on food packages. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). “Current food labels are a confusing maze designed to protect corporate profits over American families,” said Blumenthal. “Federal standards have not kept pace with the modern food industry. The Food Labeling Modernization Act will ensure serving sizes are updated, allergens are clearly labeled, and nutritional information is transparent, giving people the tools they need to make healthier choices and avoid misleading, deceptive pitches and promotion.” “For decades, food companies have gotten away with making junk foods seem healthier than they really are," said Booker. “This legislation will protect families from misleading labeling, helping them make informed decisions, eat healthier, and get more value from every dollar they spend on groceries.” Most food labeling requirements in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act have not been updated in more than thirty-five years – and in some cases have not been changed since 1938. As a result, food labels often don’t provide the information that today's consumers need to evaluate and compare products. The Food Labeling Modernization Act would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a single, standard front-of-package nutrition labeling system in a timely manner for all food products required to bear nutrition labeling. The bill would also strengthen current law to address trends in marketing that confuse or mislead consumers when they are attempting to compare food products. This includes defining terms like “Ultraprocessed” and “Not Ultraprocessed.” The bill also ensures consumers have access to the same nutrition information when shopping for food online as they would in brick-and-mortar l… 1 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-766-billion-for-electric-boat-to-produce-14-additional-columbia-and-virginia-class-submarines Blumenthal Statement on $76.6 Billion for Electric Boat to Produce 14 Additional Columbia & Virginia Class Submarines 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement celebrating the U.S. Navy’s award of a new $76.6 billion contract for Electric Boat to support construction of five Columbia-class and nine-Virginia class submarines. “This huge, historic contract is an incredible commitment of resources and recognition of the world’s submarine capital and its superbly skilled work force. It’s a tremendous boost for our nation’s undersea warfare capability as well as Connecticut’s economy. The U.S. Navy continues to invest in Electric Boat’s submarines because they’re essential to national security, safeguarding our undersea superiority. The dedicated workers who make these boats are national heroes. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’ll be fighting for more resources to support their work,” Blumenthal said. 1 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/republicans-block-blumenthal-effort-to-pass-take-care-of-americas-veterans-act-without-unprecedented-cuts-to-veterans-benefits Republicans Block Blumenthal Effort to Pass Take Care of America's Veterans Act Without Unprecedented Cuts to Veterans' Benefits 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, Republican leadership blocked Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal’s (D-CT) attempt to pass an amended version of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. Blumenthal’s legislation would replace the controversial Republican proposal to cut veterans’ benefits with an alternative proposal to cover the costs of the legislation with a small portion of the $75 billion in unobligated and unspent funds appropriated to the Department of Defense in H.R. 1. Blumenthal emphasized his proposal’s bipartisan support: “It would utilize unspent Department of Defense funds from H.R.1, the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, to cover the entire cost of the bill. It’s the only offset proposal for the Take Care of Veterans Act that has garnered bipartisan support, and it is the one that doesn’t pit some veterans against other veterans…More than $75 billion of the Department of Defense funds in H.R. - a bill signed into law more than one year ago - remain unspent and unobligated. And CBO has confirmed, absolutely confirmed, enactment of my proposal prior to the Department’s obligation of those funds would provide the savings we need.” Blumenthal objected to the Republican proposal to cut benefits for more than one million veterans who are currently eligible to receive benefits for tinnitus or sleep apnea: “These disabilities are not hypothetical or abstract. They're real, and they do disable people. And often, they are the result directly from combat or training…It may seem like an abstract principle, but to veterans who would lose sleep apnea and tinnitus benefits, it's a big deal. In fact, it can be a life-changing deal…We are creating a new generation of combat-injured veterans. It is unconscionable to claim that we can only care for them by forcing other veterans to sacrifice.” Blumenthal rejected Republican leadership’s defense of these cuts: “(Their) argument essentially is that VA is going to take away these benefits through rule-making. And therefore, we should take adva… 1 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z

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