Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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373 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "NC" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/senate-passes-tillis-bill-to-equip-law-enforcement-with-trauma-kits | Senate Passes Tillis Bill To Equip Law Enforcement With Trauma Kits | 2023-12-21 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate recently passed the American Law Enforcement Sustaining Aid and Vital Emergency Resources(SAVER) Act, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis to equip law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits to immediately respond to civilian or first responder injuries during emergency calls. “As a strong supporter of our brave men and women in law enforcement, I was proud to co-introduce this legislation which would equip law enforcement with the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Tillis. “Ensuring law enforcement officers have effective trauma kits will save countless lives. I am proud the American Law Enforcement SAVER Act passed the Senate and look forward to quick passage in the House to ensure our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need.” Background: The effectiveness of a law enforcement trauma kit program depends in part on the contents and the quality of the kits. Medical professionals recommend that a kit include bleeding control supplies like tourniquets, bandages, non-latex gloves, scissors, and instructions. However, there is enormous variation in the products available on the market. The American Law Enforcement SAVER Act would: Establish baseline standards in consultation with law enforcement and medical professionals for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG); Require the development of optional best practices that law enforcement agencies can adapt for training law enforcement officers to use trauma kits and for deployment and maintenance of the kits in vehicles and government facilities. The legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Peace Officers Research Association of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-slam-dhs-decision-to-suspend-rail-commerce-at-border-to-process-more-migrants | Tillis, Colleagues Slam DHS Decision to Suspend Rail Commerce at Border to Process More Migrants | 2023-12-21 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding the BidenAdministration re-open railway commerce at the Southern border. Earlier this week, the Administration closed the railways to process migrants illegally crossing the border. “We write today to express our serious concern with the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) recent actions to suspend international railway crossings and rail operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. On December 18, 2023, CBP pulled personnel from those operations and redirected them to assist with the migrant surges at the southwest border. In recent weeks, CBP has suspended vehicle processing at Eagle Pass International Bridge 1 and operations at California’s San Ysidro Pedestrian West and Arizona’s Lukeville Port of Entry. Without putting real policies in place to cut the increasing flow of illegal immigration, our national security and economy will continue to pay the price,” the senators wrote. “CBP’s decision to suspend rail service and close international crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso directly and immediately impacts our carriers’ ability to move goods across the North American rail network and to the North American consumers who rely on them. The success of our trade partnership with Mexico relies on the successful operation of these international railway crossings. U.S. goods and services trade with Mexico totaled an estimated $855.1 billion in 2022. Eagle Pass and El Paso accounted for a total of $33.95 billion or 35.8% of all cross-border rail traffic to and from Mexico in the last year,” the senators continued. “The crisis at our nation’s southern border is unprecedented and is the worst it has ever been in our country’s history. Only smarter and effective policies will guide us out of it, and without a real plan, this Administration will hardly address the substantial challenges that currently exist. Redirecting a small group of CBP personnel away f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-incentivize-better-health-care-at-lower-costs | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Incentivize Better Health Care at Lower Costs | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Value in Health Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would update the program parameters of Medicare’s Alternative Payment Models (APMs) to incentivize participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACO). The changes would increase participation in these value-based health programs, which are designed to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for seniors while lowering costs. “Value-based care programs have a successful track record of improving outcomes and reducing costs. The Value in Health Care Act will take an important step to further incentivize participation in these programs by financially rewarding coordination of care and patient outcomes, rather than the number of services provided,”said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will increase access to higher quality, lower cost, patient-centered care for the nearly two million seniors in North Carolina.” Background: The Value in Health Care Act would make the following changes to the APM and ACO parameters: Incentivize participation in Advanced APMs by extending the annual lump sum participation bonus for an additional two years. Correct arbitrary thresholds for Advanced APM qualification to better reflect the existing progress of the value-based movement and to encourage bringing more patients into this model of care. Establish guardrails for CMS to ensure that the process to set financial benchmarks is transparent and appropriately accounts for regional variations in spending to prevent arbitrary winners and losers. Remove barriers to ACO participation by eliminating arbitrary program distinctions so all participants are participating on a level playing field. Support fair and accurate benchmarks by modifying performance metrics so participants aren’t competing against their own successes in providing better care. Provide greater technical support to ACO participants to cover the significant s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/19/budd-tillis-brown-vance-braun-young-resolution-honoring-wright-brothers-passes-senate/ | Budd, Tillis, Brown, Vance, Braun, Young Resolution Honoring Wright Brothers Passes Senate | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — The Senate has passed S. 513, a resolution recognizing December 17th as “Wright Brothers Day” and commemorating the 120th anniversary of the first powered flight. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), JD Vance (R-OH), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Todd Young (R-IN) were the original sponsors of the resolution, which reads: Whereas, on December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright (referred to in this preamble as the “Wright Brothers”) of Dayton, Ohio, performed the first powered, controlled, sustained, heavier-than-air flight, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina; Whereas the Wright Brothers continued their experiments and flights in the United States and throughout Europe for people to see the miracle of flight; Whereas the successful first flight by the Wright Brothers launched a new era of exploration, from the solo transatlantic flight by Charles Lindbergh, to the Apollo 11 moon landing by Neil Armstrong, and beyond; Whereas people of the United States achieved the first supersonic flight less than 50 years after the first flight by the Wright Brothers, and achieved manned spaceflight less than 60 years after the first flight by the Wright Brothers; Whereas the modern commercial aviation system that links the world through commerce, trade, and travel owes its existence to the work of the Wright Brothers; Whereas the 3-axis control system devised for the “Wright Flyer” remains the standard for fixed-wing aircraft; Whereas the original “Wright Flyer” remains on display at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall; Whereas the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually to the location of the first flight by the Wright Brothers; Whereas the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio, welcomes more than 90,000 visitors annually to the locations where the Wright Brothers lived, worked, and conducted many test flights; Whereas the W… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/senate-passes-tillis-co-sponsored-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-for-officers-impacted-by-military-promotion-hold | Senate Passes Tillis Co-sponsored Legislation to Provide Back Pay for Officers Impacted by Military Promotion Hold | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis that would provide back pay for military officers whose promotions were delayed. The Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 would also make an adjustment to the affected servicemembers’ time in grade and other administrative fixes. The bipartisan legislation has 52 co-sponsors and now heads to the House of Representatives. “I am grateful for the Senate’s unanimous support to pass this crucial legislation to provide military officers and their families with the pay and benefits they deserve,” said Senator Tillis. “Our brave servicemembers defend our nation every day, and their pay and benefits should be immune from the partisan gridlock and political infighting in our nation’s capital. This legislation ensures delayed pay and benefits are fully restored to those who bravely serve our country.” Full text of the legislation can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-legislation-to-provide-financial-relief-for-members-of-national-guard-and-reserves-to-be-signed-into-law | Tillis Legislation to Provide Financial Relief for Members of National Guard and Reserves To Be Signed Into Law | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation recently co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis to reauthorize an additional four years of relief for qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserves experiencing financial hardship will be signed into law. The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act will protect a long-standing bipartisan carveout from means-testing restrictions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. “The men and women who serve in the National Guard and Reserves provide an invaluable service to our nation,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud this bipartisan legislation will be signed into law so we can ensure protections for members if they fall on financial hardship.” The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023 will reauthorize the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, which included a clause exempting qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and the National Guard from provisions in the Bankruptcy Code, which limit access to Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on recent income. Because National Guard members and reservists often receive higher pay while on active duty than at their civilian jobs, these limits could otherwise prevent them from receiving financial relief in bankruptcy. The National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act ensures they are not penalized for their service. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-to-introduce-bill-to-require-scotus-review-of-presidential-candidate-qualifications | Tillis to Introduce Bill to Require SCOTUS Review of Presidential Candidate Qualifications | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced he will soon introduce the Constitutional Election Integrity Act, legislation that would prevent state politicians and state entities like the Colorado Supreme Court from disqualifying presidential candidates from the ballot on Constitutional matters that should be decided by only the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Election Integrity Act clarifies that the Supreme Court of the United States has sole jurisdiction to decide claims arising out of section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The legislation also withholds federal funding for election administration from states that misuse the 14th Amendment for political purposes. “Regardless of whether you support or oppose former President Donald Trump, it is outrageous to see left-wing activists make a mockery of our political system by scheming with partisan state officials and pressuring judges to remove him from the ballot,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “American voters, not partisan activists, should decide who we elect as our President. The Constitutional Election Integrity Act would put any constitutional challenges in the sole place they belong: the U.S. Supreme Court.” The text of the legislation can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-reignite-effort-to-improve-reporting-attacks-on-law-enforcement | Tillis, Colleagues Reignite Effort to Improve Reporting Attacks on Law Enforcement | 2023-12-18 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation to enhance information-gathering on attacks targeting law enforcement. The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act would help fill identified gaps in reporting requirements for ambush-attacks against law enforcement officers by increasing our understanding of these crimes and how they arise. “Attacks on our law enforcement officers are abhorrent and we must get a clear picture on when they occur,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation so we can improve reporting and continue supporting the men and women in blue to prevent these disgusting acts.” Background: Tragically, 60 police officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2022. Nearly 30 percent of police officer killings were the result of an unprovoked attack or ambush. While the government collects basic information on these attacks, such as when the attack occurred and what types of weapons were used, more information is needed to help law enforcement officers prepare for, identify, and prevent future anti-police activity. The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act would: Increase the categories of information that can be voluntarily reported regarding anti-police attacks, including the intention and coordination of perpetrators; Direct the Justice Department to explore adding escalatory aggression to its reports; Shed light on the mental health and stress-related impacts of aggressive activity or trauma on law enforcement; and Explore the availability and extent to which mental health resources for officers are used. The bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Officers, Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and Major Counties Sheriffs of America. Full text of the bill is available HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-ensure-veterans-access-to-quality-mental-health-care | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ensure Veterans’ Access to Quality Mental Health Care | 2023-12-15 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act, which would require an independent organization outside of the government to conduct a study to assess the quality of care veterans receive for mental and addiction health treatment from providers within and outside the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “It is critical the VA provides the highest quality mental health services to our veterans through implementing the best treatment practices available,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation enables the VA to improve its mental health services by studying best practices administered by non-VA providers. Veterans deserve the best care possible, and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation on behalf of the more than 600,000 veterans who call North Carolina home.” Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs is home to the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system that provides comprehensive health services to U.S. military veterans who are enrolled. However, recent estimates indicate that as many as 70% of VA-eligible veterans received their care from external providers. Given the high rate of veteran suicide due to mental and addiction health conditions, a study is needed to better understand if current practices provide our veterans with the best mental and addiction quality of care. The Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act would require an independent and objective organization outside of the VA to conduct a study to: Analyze the results of comparable instances of addiction and mental health care between inside and outside providers using objective criteria such as symptom scores and suicide risk; Ascertain to what extent outside providers are using evidence-based practices in the treatment of addiction and mental health issues; Identify potential gaps in coordination between internal and external providers in responding to individuals seeking addiction or mental health car… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-applauds-house-passage-of-legislation-to-deter-malicious-foreign-influence-in-postsecondary-education | Tillis Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Deter Malicious Foreign Influence in Postsecondary Education | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Senator Thom Tillis applauded the House of Representatives for passing the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act, legislation that brings much needed transparency, accountability, and clarity to foreign gift reporting requirements for American colleges and universities. Senator Tillis led the introduction of the Senate version last month. The legislation follows oversight efforts uncovering the Biden Administration’s failure to open a single investigation under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act—the single biggest enforcement tool to protect against the threats posed by foreign adversaries. A Senate report from 2019 found that up to 70 percent of all institutions failed to comply with section 117 of the Higher Education Act. Section 117’s loose legislative language, Biden’s blatant crippling of enforcement efforts, and institutions’ refusal to adhere to the law have resulted in billions of dollars in foreign funds infiltrating our country undetected. “America’s foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, are targeting our nation’s students by stealing research, spewing anti-American propaganda, and censoring free speech by providing American academic institutions with lucrative funding opportunities,”said Senator Tillis. “Too often, schools fail to report these foreign gifts and funding, leaving our adversaries with an undetected stranglehold on U.S. academic institutions. I applaud the House of Representatives for passing this important legislation and I urge the Senate to follow suit and consider the legislation swiftly.” The DETERRENT Act: Slashes the foreign gift reporting threshold for colleges and universities from $250,000 down to $50,000, with an even stricter $0 threshold for countries of concern. Closes reporting loopholes and provides transparency to Congress, intelligence agencies, and the public. Requires disclosure of foreign gifts to individual staff and faculty at research-hea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/13/budd-sends-holiday-message-of-support-to-gaza-hostage-families-in-floor-speech/ | Budd Sends Holiday Message of Support to Gaza Hostage Families in Floor Speech | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) delivered a holiday message of support for the families of the hostages still being held in Gaza. Senator Budd also encouraged all Americans to send prayers of comfort and speak out in support of the hostages and their families during the holiday season. He concluded his speech by saying, “I want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.” Watch the full speech: Read the full speech below: As we enter the holidays this year, we experience the typical sights and sounds of the season. Perhaps it’s the annual trip to buy a family Christmas tree, perhaps in Western North Carolina, if you’re from the region. For some, it’s the solemn lighting of each candle on the menorah. Often, it’s the joyous family gatherings, the giving of gifts, and the making of lifelong memories. But for the 130 hostages still being held by terrorists in Gaza, this holiday season is one of pain and isolation. For their families, this holiday season is filled with pain and uncertainty. Mr. President, this week I met again with some of the families of both recently released hostages and the families of those still being held. Their heartache is something that no person should ever have to face. When you compare the joy of the holidays with the pain of their situation, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of both anger and sadness – but also a sense of resolve. What if this was my loved ones? What if this was yours? Each and every one of these families deserves for their loved ones to be released immediately and unconditionally. Rest assured, all levels of the United States government are working with our allies and partners to get these hostages home and to get them home safely. But until that happens, there is still something that all of us can do. You don’t have to be an elected official to send prayers of comfort to these families. You don’t have to be here … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/13/senate-passes-final-2024-defense-bill-including-budd-secured-wins-for-nc/ | Senate Passes Final 2024 Defense Bill Including Budd-Secured Wins for NC | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Conference Report of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is the final version of the annual defense bill and will be sent to the president to be signed into law after the House approves it. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted in favor of the package after successfully securing several wins for North Carolina. Senator Budd supported a 5.2% pay raise for North Carolina servicemembers and their families, secured authorization of more than $890 million for construction at North Carolina’s military installations, added a provision to protect F-15E Strike Eagles at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and a provision to assess optimal force structure for special operations forces, supporting U.S Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty (formerly, Fort Bragg). Senator Budd said in a statement: “In order to be a strong nation, we need a strong military. The NDAA’s conference report provides significant support to North Carolina’s servicemembers, their families, and our military installations. At the same time, it limits divestment of F-15E fighters, which not only bolsters North Carolina’s Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, but maintains one of our country’s most reliable fighter aircraft for the remainder of this decade.” “This year’s package also helps the United States confront the Chinese Communist Party, invests in American manufacturing, and secures critical supply chains. I am thrilled to see this package pass both chambers and look forward to it soon being signed into law.” Wins for North Carolina: 5.2% pay raise for North Carolina servicemembers and their families. Authorizes over $890 million for military construction and planning and design funding for North Carolina’s military installations including: Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg ($263.5 million total authorized) $61 million to construct an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar $85 million to construct a new prototype barracks… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-bipartisan-working-group-requests-input-on-paid-leave-proposals | Tillis, Bipartisan Working Group Requests Input on Paid Leave Proposals | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues announced that the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional paid family leave working group is seeking information from experts, researchers, organizations, and others as the Congressional working group explores bipartisan, flexible, sustainable paid leave proposals. “As a father, grandfather, and former caregiver to my grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s, I know first-hand the value of family and medical leave, and the positive impact it has on individuals and workforce development,” said Senator Tillis. “Parents, families, and economic productivity thrive when employees don’t have to choose between taking care of their family and participating in the workforce. I’m proud to work on a bipartisan basis to pursue family and medical leave policies that will support millions of families across North Carolina and the country.” The lawmakers penned a letter to a wide range of individuals, organizations, researchers, policy experts, and others to request suggestions for expanding access to paid parental, caregiving, and personal medical leave in a bipartisan, fiscally responsible and sustainable way. The full letter can be found HERE and below. To Whom It May Concern: As members of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional working group exploring solutions to expand access to paid leave for all Americans, we write with strong interest in hearing diverse stakeholder input. To inform our efforts, we invite individuals, organizations, researchers, policy experts, and others, to share your suggestions for expanding access to paid parental, caregiving, and personal medical leave in a bipartisan, fiscally responsible and sustainable way. We will closely review submissions to help inform ongoing bipartisan efforts, and individual submissions will be kept confidential. Please note, trustworthy data and research with proper citations will be appreciated. We invite your response to the following: 1. What should the federal role be, if any, in providing, promo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-demand-doj-address-ccp-influence-on-college-campuses | Tillis, Colleagues Demand DOJ Address CCP Influence on College Campuses | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently penned a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing serious concern about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) at American colleges and universities. Recent reports suggest that the Chinese government is increasingly pushing its agenda on our nation’s campuses through student organizations such as CSSAs. The letter urges the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to determine whether CSSAs need to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) for their work on behalf of the CCP, which would help combat this influence on campus. “We write to express serious concern about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) at our nation’s colleges and universities. With the closure of many Confucius Institutes, the CCP is relying on other actors, including CSSAs, to influence U.S. academic institutions. This issue requires greater attention from the United States government,” the senators wrote. “Troubling communications from CSSAs have been reported at U.S. universities. For example, a graduate student at the University of Colorado-Boulder told her professor that the CSSA president had called late at night to inquire about the department faculty's work on Tibet. In another case, a Chinese national who was a former University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student said he received a ‘deluge’ of abusive CSSA emails accusing him of ‘being a traitor to [China], including one death threat,’ after expressing belief that a CSSA list-serv email proposed racist and inappropriate slogans to protest a visit by the Japanese Prime Minister. A China expert and professor at the University of California-Riverside stated that CSSAs are a ‘tool of government’s foreign ministry.’ He added that ‘the effect of that surveillance is less that certain people are caught and punished and more that virtually all Chinese students know they could be reported… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-and-expedite-access-to-the-9-8-8-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance and Expedite Access to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), co-founders of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, recently introduced the Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023. The legislation would expedite the process of connecting callers with their nearest call center so they can receive appropriate care from mental health professionals as quickly and as safely as possible, while still protecting user privacy. “From the creation of the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to historic mental health investments included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have made substantial progress in recent years in expanding access to quality mental health care,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation furthers that goal by ensuring those experiencing a mental health crisis receive rapid and localized care when calling the Lifeline, and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to make lifesaving mental health care more accessible.” Background: The 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been critical for supporting Americans in crisis, but currently, calls to the hotline are routed by area code rather than by the caller’s location. This system leads to callers oftentimes being connected to centers that cannot connect them with additional mental health assistance. As awareness of the hotline increases, it is crucial to ensure that the line can quickly connect callers to a range of mental health services and a full continuum of care. Specifically, the legislation would improve access to and the accuracy of 9-8-8 response by: Requiring the FCC to route calls based on the proximity of a caller to the call center, not their area code. The bill specifies that a caller’s specific location should not be revealed or discernible; Instructing carriers to allow calls and texts to 9-8-8 even if their phone plan is inactive or the carrier is experiencing service interruptions or failures, just as they currently do for 911 calls; Obligating multi-line systems like hotel and office phones to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-pregnant-and-postpartum-women | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Pregnant and Postpartum Women | 2023-12-11 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the bipartisan Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act to ensure pregnant and postpartum women across the United States have reliable access to mental health and substance use disorder care. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women and enhances comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatments, prevention and recovery support, parenting training, mental health counseling, and harm reduction interventions. “I’ve heard the heartbreaking stories of countless families in North Carolina and across the country who have lost loved ones to substance use and overdoses,” said Senator Tillis. “We owe it to future generations to address this unfolding crisis and save lives by increasing access to life-saving treatments, prevention and recovery support, and mental health counseling for pregnant and postpartum women struggling with substance use disorder. This legislation will take a positive step in ensuring all moms and babies benefit from comprehensive, family-centric recovery and support services.” Background: Drug overdose deaths, involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl, reached record highs in 2020 and 2021, with pregnant women experiencing more overdoses than ever before. The PPW program supports evidence-based parenting and treatment models to reduce substance use among pregnant women. Grant funds to PPW programs aim to ensure access to services for low-income women and combat maternal health disparities. The Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act will support public and non-profit entities that offer PPW programs. “On behalf of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), I am writing in support of the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act. Thank you for introducing this important legislation. As a result, more pregnant and postpartum women have access to these comprehensiv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/06/budd-calls-on-biden-to-include-border-policy-in-national-security-bill/ | Budd Calls on Biden to Include Border Policy in National Security Bill | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) called on President Biden and Senate Democrats to include border security funding and policy changes in the proposed national security supplemental spending package. Key excerpts: “As we confront a dangerous global situation, we cannot ignore the fact that for America to be a strong nation, we must first be strong at home. Before we can help countries protect their borders thousands of miles away, we must first protect our own borders. The biggest threat to our national security right now is the wide open southern border.” “This crisis must be dealt with, and dealt with now. That’s why Senate Republicans have offered the Biden White House a deal: Include proven border policies in the House-passed H.R. 2 to the national security spending package, and you’ll have our support – A clear pathway. But so far, this White House is more interested in playing politics and continuing to ignore the border crisis altogether.” “The bottom line here is that in order to be a strong nation, we have to have strong borders. And right now, we don’t have that. So I want to call on President Biden to change course, work with us so that we can solve this crisis together. We know what to do. All we need is a president who takes this seriously and fulfills his oath to protect and defend this country.” Watch the full speech: Read the full speech: Forces of evil and instability are on the march around the globe. In the Middle East, Hamas massacred more than 1,200 Israelis and 33 Americans. Iran – the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism – continues to finance, provide training for, and authorize attacks against U.S. forces across the region. In Europe, Russia continues its brutality against Ukraine and is fomenting conflict in the Balkans, further threatening peace and stability in Europe. Meanwhile, China is rapidly expanding its military, threatening our allies and partners, and stealing billions in Americans’ intellectual property. All of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-announces-1-billion-grant-for-raleigh-to-richmond-commuter-rail | Tillis Announces $1 Billion Grant for Raleigh to Richmond Commuter Rail | 2023-12-05 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $1 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a new passenger rail route between Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA. The route will be along the CSX Transportation “S-Line” as a part of the Southeast Corridor that will better connect North Carolina with Virginia, Washington D.C., and the Northeast Corridor. “This $1 billion grant for North Carolina to make progress on the Raleigh to Richmond Rail Line is a big win for economic development in the region,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud this investment was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.” The project improves system and service performance by developing a resilient and reliable passenger rail route that will also contribute to freight and supply chain resiliency in the Southeast. NCDOT and Amtrak will provide a 20% non-Federal match. Following selection, FRA will work with the recipient to establish and obligate the Phased Funding Agreement. FRA anticipates an initial obligation of FY22-23 funds under the agreement of up to $479,416,000, with contingent commitments from Advance Appropriations in FY24-26 providing the balance of funds. For a list of specific BIL infrastructure grants, click HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T22:34:08Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-announces-3-5-million-in-grants-for-nc-rail-identification-and-development | Tillis Announces $3.5 Million in Grants for NC Rail Identification and Development | 2023-12-05 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced $3.5 million in grant fundingfrom the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to identify potential new rail routes or improvements across North Carolina. The Corridor sponsors would enter Step 1 of the program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan. “This $3.5 million in grant funding to identify and develop potential rail lines across North Carolina could be transformational in how North Carolinians travel,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud these investments were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.” The following corridors were awarded $500,000 for identification and development: Charlotte to Washington, DC Corridor The proposed Corridor would provide improvements to the existing state-supported Carolinian service between Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC (with existing service continuing north to New York, NY) by improving/adding services in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Raleigh, Durham, Salisbury, and Burlington NC and Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Alexandria, Virginia by addressing infrastructure capacity constraints. Improvements include constructing/rehabilitating a partially abandoned alignment between Raleigh, NC and Petersburg, VA that is more direct than the existing routing through Rocky Mount, NC, potentially shaving more than an hour off the end-to-end travel time. Charlotte to Atlanta, Georgia Corridor The proposed Corridor would provide new service on a new high speed rail alignment between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA, with potential intermediate stops including Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina and Augusta and Athens, GA, then serving a downtown Atlanta station and terminating at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. Charlotte to Kings Mountain Corridor The proposed Corridor would connect Kings Mount… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-statement-on-representative-mchenry-s-retirement | Tillis Statement on Representative McHenry’s Retirement | 2023-12-05 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on the retirement of Representative Patrick McHenry: “Congressman McHenry has been an extraordinary leader and problem solver who always rises to the occasion, most recently spearheading a bipartisan deal that saved our country from default and secured the largest spending cut in history. It’s been an honor to work with Patrick and call him a friend. While Congress will sorely miss his leadership, Susan and I wish Patrick, Giulia, and their beautiful family the very best.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/04/budd-murray-lead-bipartisan-bill-help-military-retain-skilled-nurses/ | Budd, Murray Lead Bipartisan Bill Help Military Retain Skilled Nurses | 2023-12-04 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Patty Murray (D-WA) have introduced the Retain Educated Workers and Registered Nurses Developing (REWARD) Experience Act, which would empower the Military Health System to retain skilled nurses as they pursue higher education. The legislation gives the hiring manager of a military medical center the ability to waive certain General Schedule (GS) qualification standards related to work experience for nurses at military medical treatment facilities if they deem the nurse or practical nurse fit to perform the required duties. The legislative text of the bill is HERE. Sen. Budd said in a statement: “As our country faces a shortage of qualified nurses, this bipartisan proposal provides a common sense fix that would cut through bureaucratic requirements to help the military keep dedicated healthcare professionals on the job without taking a pay cut. I’d like to thank Senator Murray for co-leading this bill with me.” Senator Murray said: “Our new bipartisan legislation would provide a common-sense fix to incentivize skilled nurses to stay in the military health care system, where their services are so important to getting servicemembers and their families timely access to high-quality care. Staffing shortages are a challenge for health care facilities across the country, and we must keep working to find ways to retain qualified and experienced nurses in military health care facilities and ensure servicemembers and their families get the care they deserve—I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get that done.” Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) President and CEO Lt Gen Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret) said: “MOAA supports the REWARD Act that will help military hospitals and clinics retain experienced civilian nurses as they further their education and achieve higher levels of licensure. MOAA’s spring advocacy campaign last year raised concerns about health care workforce challenges, so we appreciate the REWARD Act will help DoD retain … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-demand-answers-from-biden-on-latest-iran-sanctions-waiver | Tillis, Colleagues Demand Answers from Biden on Latest Iran Sanctions Waiver | 2023-12-04 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding answers over the administration’s lack of a cohesive Iran strategy given the recent decision to extend an Iran sanctions waiver. As Israel continues to battle Iranian-backed Hamas and the regime’s proxies increase their attacks against U.S. personnel in the region, the Biden Administration on November 13 issued a waiver providing Iran access to approximately $10 billion. “On August 18, 2023, we wrote to express our concern over the administration’s decision to release $6 billion worth of frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the return of American detainees. This decision reinforced an incredibly dangerous precedent of providing ransom payments to the world’s greatest state sponsor of terrorism and put a price on the life of every American overseas. Understanding the grave error of the unfreezing of Iranian assets and the danger this action poses to U.S. lives and interests, it is therefore alarming to hear that the administration is doubling down on its appeasement strategy by actively working to provide Iran with access to billions more in funding,” the senators wrote. “As we said in August, money is fungible. Combined with the $10 billion waiver extension, the administration has provided Iran with access to roughly $16 billion in assets over the past four months; assets that can be used—now or in the future—to offset the cost of the Iranian regime’s increase in destabilizing activities across the region. A strong signal of deterrence—utilizing military, economic, and diplomatic tools—is needed if we want to stop the attacks against U.S. personnel and prevent the war in Gaza from expanding into a protracted regional conflict. Unfortunately, the administration’s military and economic responses to Iran and its proxies have not only been disproportionate, they appear to be completely disjointed,” the senators… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/30/budd-colleagues-call-on-white-house-to-reverse-course-on-digital-trade-and-stand-up-to-china/ | Budd, Colleagues Call on White House to Reverse Course on Digital Trade and Stand Up to China | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a bipartisan coalition of 32 Senators to urge President Biden to reverse a decision by the U.S. Trade Representative to abandon long-held positions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that allow the free flow of information across borders, protect against the forced transfer of American technology, and promote open markets for digital goods exported by American creators and businesses. The letter was led by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID). The full text of the letter is below: We write to express our concerns with the decision of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to stop supporting key commitments in the e-commerce negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO)—and potentially in other negotiations. These commitments reflect bipartisan principles that, until now, the United States has strongly supported across political parties, administrations, and the federal government: an open internet that promotes the flow of information across borders to support American exports and American values. USTR’s decision to abandon these commitments at the WTO creates a policy vacuum that China and Russia will fill. Accordingly, before changing the longstanding U.S. position, we request that you work with Congress and run a comprehensive consultation process—with other federal agencies, with the public, and with us—to reach a consensus U.S. position on these issues that promotes U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and jobs. For decades, the United States has been at the helm of global leadership on protecting, promoting, and expanding the open internet as both a means of worldwide connectivity and an engine of U.S. economic growth and opportunity. This effort has long been a feature of U.S. trade policy: the United States advocated for commitments to ensure the free flow of information in WTO rules agreed to almost 30 years ago, and our trade agreements with Korea, Mexico, Canada, and Japan include st… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/30/budd-scott-colleagues-demand-answers-on-latest-iran-sanctions-waiver/ | Budd, Scott, Colleagues Demand Answers on Latest Iran Sanctions Waiver | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a coalition letter led by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding further information about the administration’s lack of a cohesive Iran strategy given the recent decision to extend an Iran sanctions waiver. On November 13, the Biden Administration issued a waiver providing Iran access to approximately $10 billion. The letter was also signed by: Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Braun (R-IN), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Deb Fischer (R-NE). The full text of the letter is below: On August 18, 2023, we wrote to express our concern over the administration’s decision to release $6 billion worth of frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the return of American detainees. This decision reinforced an incredibly dangerous precedent of providing ransom payments to the world’s greatest state sponsor of terrorism and put a price on the life of every American overseas. Understanding the grave error of the unfreezing of Iranian assets and the danger this action poses to U.S. lives and interests, it is therefore alarming to hear that the administration is doubling down on its appeasement strategy by actively working to provide Iran with access to billions more in funding. On October 7, 2023, Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, brutally killing an estimated 1,200 civilians and taking over 200 hostages. In response, the administration reached an agreement with Qatar on October 12 to temporarily prevent the unfrozen assets—now held at Qatari financial institutions—fr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-demands-democrats-prioritize-fixing-broken-border-policies | Tillis Demands Democrats Prioritize Fixing Broken Border Policies | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Thom Tillis delivered remarks on the Senate floor to highlight the serious national security and humanitarian crises at our Southern border and the need for Democrats to work across the aisle and prioritize policies to secure our southern border. The speech comes as nearly 8 million individuals have illegally crossed our Southern border since President Biden assumed office including individuals on the terrorism watchlist. Watch the speech HERE. Senator Tillis on Increased Border Crossings: “The situation at the border has simply gotten out of control. I think it bears repeating. It's been said by some of the folks who spoke before we're talking about a fourfold increase. Donald Trump was president for four years. President Biden has been president for three years. And in three years, we have nearly four times the crossings that we did in the Trump Administration.” Senator Tillis on Losing Control of the Border: “We've lost operational control of the border. We don't have situational awareness at the border. Let me explain what that means when you have 1.5 million people that we know came into this country illegally. They paid money to a cartel five to fifty thousand dollars, depending upon what country they came from, to get in this country illegally. But some of them specifically want to go through a sector that the cartels specialize in, making sure that you never have to encounter a border agent. They're called got-aways. Over the last three years, 1.5 million got-aways have entered this country.” Senator Tillis onSupport for Border Security: “The American people now a majority; we're not talking a plurality; we're talking about a majority of the American people, Democrats, Independents, Republicans, agree that we have a major problem or crisis at the border. Biden needs to fix this problem. Biden needs to fix this problem for Senators that are running for re-election. This is not a situation where it's just Republicans saying we want a secure border. We always do a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/29/budd-hagerty-colleagues-renew-demand-for-transparency-on-taxpayer-funded-voter-mobilization/ | Budd, Hagerty, Colleagues Renew Demand for Transparency on Taxpayer-Funded Voter Mobilization | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a coalition letter led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) to President Biden renewing their call for transparency regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to implement an executive order instructing federal agencies to engage in voter mobilization. President Biden’s Executive Order 14019 would empower federal agencies to use taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities. The letter was also signed by: Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Katie Britt (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Rick Scott (R-FL), J.D. Vance (R-OH), James Lankford (R-OK), Bill Casidy (R-LA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mike Crapo (R-ID). Senator Budd proposed the Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act on May 2, 2023, which would prevent the Biden administration from implementing the order. The full text of the letter is below: We are concerned by your failure to respond to our previous inquiry on May 10, 2023, regarding Executive Order 14019 on “Promoting Access to Voting.” This policy directive merits congressional oversight both as a general matter and under the Antideficiency Act. Accordingly, we write to reiterate our request for information regarding the implementation of this executive order, including copies of the plans submitted to the White House. Executive Order 14019 instructs federal agencies to engage in voter mobilization and submit a plan for doing so to the White House by September 2021. The Order outlines various activities in which agencies are to engage, including promoting mail-in voting and partnering with third-party organizations to register voters. Federal agencies should be focused on their defined missions in a nonpartisan manner, not using taxpayer fund… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-statement-on-epa-s-decision-to-stop-genx-shipment-to-fayetteville | Tillis Statement on EPA’s Decision to Stop GenX Shipment to Fayetteville | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement to no longer allow Chemours to import GenX from their overseas facility to their facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina: “I am glad the EPA reversed its decision to allow wastewater with GenX to be sent to a facility in Fayetteville. It is vital all North Carolinians have access to safe water, and I’ll continue my work to address the risks posed by emerging PFAS contaminants, just like we did with the historic clean water investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” Senator Tillis previously sent a letter with Congressmen Rouzer and Hudson to EPA Administrator Regan outlining concern with the shipment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/28/budd-calls-on-qatar-to-pressure-hamas-to-release-nc-hostage-in-floor-speech/ | Budd Calls on Qatar to Pressure Hamas to Release NC Hostage in Floor Speech | 2023-11-28 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) called on the government of Qatar to exert pressure on Hamas leaders living in Doha to immediately and unconditionally release all remaining hostages from Gaza, including North Carolina native Keith Siegel. Senator Budd also called on Qatar to extradite the Hamas leadership to the United States after the hostage crisis is resolved to face justice for the killing and kidnapping of Americans. Watch the full speech: Key excerpts: “While we are grateful for the release of some hostages over the weekend, our hearts remain with those still being held. This includes several Americans – including Keith Siegel, a native of my home state of North Carolina.” “In this clash between good and evil, the question that the United States should be asking is who can we count on to be on our side and who stands on the side of the terrorists.” “This brings us to the State of Qatar. This is a nation that hosts Hamas’ so-called “political office”, including Hamas’ leaders. From the safety of Doha, these terrorists gleefully watched and celebrated the attack on October 7th.” “Our two nations are friends, but sometimes friends must be honest with one another.” “Earlier this month, I met with the Qatari ambassador in my office. I told him in no uncertain terms that his government must pressure Hamas’ leaders living in Doha to immediately and unconditionally release all hostages.” “In the past two months, we’ve watched Hamas leaders use Qatar’s hospitality to buy time, prolonging the war and the hostage crisis from the comfort of their luxury accommodations.” “While Palestinians suffer in Gaza because of the war that Hamas started, we’ve seen Hamas leaders push their genocidal agenda from Doha – including multiple meetings with Iran’s foreign minister, and even a visit to Moscow.” “If Qatar’s leadership believes that any of this is consistent with what Washington has asked of them, it is not. So my message to the Qatari government is very simple: S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-urge-cbp-to-stop-imports-of-clothing-made-with-forced-labor/50526aca-c6be-4f5b-8115-f103838d7f95 | Tillis, Colleagues Urge CBP to Stop Imports of Clothing Made with Forced Labor | 2023-11-28 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter calling on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner Miller to ensure Chinese companies aren’t evading U.S. laws against forced labor and costing American jobs by stepping up oversight and enforcement provisions in trade agreements with Central American and North American trading partners. “We write today seeking your attention to an urgent issue of trade enforcement with significant impacts on the livelihoods of Americans and our partners in Central America. Recent reports of textile and apparel mill closures in the United States raise serious concerns as the lack of effective customs enforcement has been cited repeatedly as a key factor contributing to declining demand,” the senators wrote. “This is particularly true with respect to commitments concerning the U.S. textile and apparel industry facilitated by the Dominican Republic-Central America FTA (CAFTA-DR) and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The United States is a significant producer of high-quality cotton. It has a well-established and sophisticated spinning industry, as well as thread, fabric, and other textile and apparel producers. Regional partners in Central America, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, have developed a cut and sew industry that employs thousands of workers and complements U.S. production. The rules and benefits established by CAFTA-DR and USMCA provide the environment for a robust and integrated regional textiles and apparel supply chain that has, in turn, developed and supported production across numerous product categories and price points, while avoiding unnecessary climate emissions. This type of win-win partnership is what U.S. trade agreements should be delivering,” the senators continued. “As the U.S. textile and apparel industry is facing a number of unprecedented challenges including inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, and unfair competition from products made with force… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-call-on-biden-administration-to-enforce-sanctions-on-iran | Tillis, Colleagues Call on Biden Administration to Enforce Sanctions on Iran | 2023-11-27 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to President Biden urging him to immediately enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress. The letter also urges the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran. “We write to you during a time of global outrage and sorrow following Hamas’s unprecedented massacre in Israel which has left 1,400 dead, including at least 33 Americans. Iran’s fingerprints are all over the events of October 7th and ensuing escalations across the Middle East. Its leaders have provided Hamas and Hezbollah hundreds of millions of dollars in funding, weapons, and training, bolstering terrorists on Israel’s borders,” the senators wrote. “We ask that you take immediate action to permanently freeze the funding mechanism established in September’s hostage deal with Iran. This $6 billion would free up money for Iran to use not for the well-being of its own people but for nefarious purposes in the region and beyond. Blocking the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism from accessing this $6 billion – rescinding or revising all waivers and licensed involved – will hinder the regime’s ability to support the death and destruction of our allies,” the senators continued. “The world is now seeing the direct result of allowing Iran’s oil revenues to grow and unfreezing billions of dollars in its extraterritorial bank accounts. Congress has a responsibility to ensure sanctions are not only on the books but enforced to their fullest extent. As our trusted ally Israel endures devastation, we must prioritize enforcing all economic sanctions and restricting Iranian oil revenue,” the senators concluded. Read the full letter HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/26/budd-statement-on-release-of-first-u-s-hostages-from-gaza-renews-call-to-release-all-hostages-including-nc-native/ | Budd Statement on Release of First U.S. Hostages From Gaza, Renews Call to Release All Hostages, Including NC Native | 2023-11-26 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released the following statement after a third group of hostages was released from Gaza on Sunday, including 4 year-old American Avigail Mor Idan, and Adrienne “Aviva” Siegel, wife of North Carolina native Keith Siegel: “We are pleased that some hostages have been released and are now home with their loved ones. We remain steadfast in our commitment to secure that freedom for North Carolina native Keith Siegel, Omer Neutra, and all hostages illegally held by Hamas terrorists. While we are encouraged by the government of Qatar’s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.” Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani on November 6 in Senator Budd’s Washington, D.C. office, and strongly urged his government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha, Qatar to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved. A photo from that meeting is below: ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-startups-small-businesses | Tillis, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Startups, Small Businesses | 2023-11-21 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure that individuals who want to invest in startups do not face burdensome regulations, and allow those startups to get the investments they need to grow their business and create jobs. “Small business investors play a crucial role in allowing start-ups to grow and create more jobs, but too often face unnecessary regulatory requirements that deter investment,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation will remove burdensome regulations so we can invest in our small business and continue to grow our economy.” In order for startups to secure capital and grow their businesses, entrepreneurs commonly attend “demo days”, or conferences that allow startups to showcase their business model in front of valuable startup investors, such as “angel investors.” The HALOS Act would codify provisions finalized in SEC rules to ensure that startups can continue to present at demo days without facing onerous regulations, and instead preserve the same investor vetting process that angel investors have been using at demo days for years. This bipartisan legislation will enable startups to continue to get the investments they need to grow and create new jobs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/20/senator-budd-urges-businesses-to-reject-esg-in-new-op-ed/ | Senator Budd Urges Businesses to Reject ESG in New Op-Ed | 2023-11-20 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has written an opinion piece for the Washington Examiner detailing the toxic nature of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and urging good companies to return to the basic principles of business: serve your customers and deliver value. Highlights: “Whether it’s climate policy, race relations, or radical gender ideology, ESG has begun to displace the traditional business principles upon which successful companies were founded.” – “[Bud Light] violated the basic tenets of business, which are to know your customers, serve them, and deliver value. To abandon its customer base and imply that it needs to be rebranded is particularly disrespectful, and customers rightly rebelled. This should serve as a warning for corporate America: Personnel is policy.” – “When companies stray from their customer base and lose focus on their core principles, they draw the ire of the people and their elected representatives.” – “The fundamental truth is that to be a successful business of any size, you must be a good corporate citizen. You have to serve your customers, work hard, comply with the law, and deliver value for your shareholders.” – “It is ESG that damages the entire free enterprise system by misleading good companies to prioritize politics over profit. In the end, this approach will leave our country less prosperous and our people worse off. We must reject ESG and get back to basics if we are to save capitalism.” Read the full op-ed HERE or below: Businesses should reject ESG and get back to basics By Sen. Ted Budd November 20, 2023 06:00 AM Just 20% of people consider our economy to be excellent or good, according to the latest Gallup survey. They have every right to feel that way. President Joe Biden ’s economic plan has resulted in about a 3% drop in average wages — in real terms, adjusted for inflation — since 2020, while the costs of everyday goods have increased dramatically. Right now, too many working families are paying more and earning le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-introduce-the-national-guard-and-reservists-debt-relief-extension-act | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act | 2023-11-20 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the bipartisan National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act to reauthorize an additional four years of relief for qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserves experiencing financial hardship. The legislation would protect a long-standing bipartisan carveout from means-testing restrictions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. “The men and women who serve in the National Guard and Reserves provide an invaluable service to our nation,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan legislation that will ensure protections for members if they fall on financial hardship.” The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023 would reauthorize the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, which included a clause exempting qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and the National Guard from provisions in the Bankruptcy Code, which limit access to Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on recent income. Because National Guard members and reservists often receive higher pay while on active duty than at their civilian jobs, these limits could otherwise prevent them from receiving financial relief in bankruptcy. The National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Actensures they are not penalized for their service. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-recognize-the-service-of-hmong-veterans-during-the-vietnam-war | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Recognize the Service of Hmong Veterans During the Vietnam War | 2023-11-17 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act, bipartisan legislation to recognize the distinguished service of the Hmong veterans who served alongside American troops in the Vietnam War by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. “The Hmong bravely risked their lives to help our servicemembers during the Vietnam War,” said Senator Tillis. “Today, more than 10,000 Hmong people call North Carolina home, and we are beyond grateful for their patriotic service and cultural contributions to our state. It is my honor to work to pass this bipartisan legislation to recognize Hmong veterans for their heroic actions.” Background: As the Vietnam War spread south and west into Laos, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruited and trained Hmong soldiers to help American troops fight back against the communist North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao. At great risk to the safety of themselves and their families, Hmong soldiers fought the ground war, flew combat missions, gathered intelligence on North Vietnamese troop movements, interrupted the Ho-Chi-Min Supply Trail, and rescued American pilots downed behind enemy lines. The Hmong people suffered heavy casualties, and their soldiers died at a rate ten times as high as that of American servicemembers in Vietnam. In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, many Hmong were displaced from their villages as they were either bombed or burned down by the North Vietnamese, and over 150,000 Hmong fled Laos when the nation fell to communist forces in 1975. Due to their ties with the American military, many Hmong came to the United States as refugees to start a new life. Over the ensuing decades, Hmong populations and their traditions have become engrained in communities in Michigan and across the United States. Currently, over 327,000 Hmong are living in the United States. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/16/budd-leads-46-senators-to-demand-answers-over-biden-administrations-unprecedented-pause-of-firearms-export-licenses/ | Budd Leads 46 Senators to Demand Answers Over Biden Administration’s Unprecedented Pause of Firearms Export Licenses | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) led a group of 46 U.S. Senators in a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo raising questions over the decision announced last month by the Bureau of Industry and Security to pause for 90 days the issuance of export licenses for firearms, ammunition, and certain accessories to most overseas markets. This unprecedented move is the latest chapter in the Biden administration’s hostility towards America’s firearms industry. The letter notes the impact this unprecedented pause could have on “U.S. commercial and economic interests” which according to the firearms and ammunition industry has an estimated “direct cost of at least $89 million associated with the 90 day pause and at least $238 million annually should the pause become permanent.” Citing “significant concerns about the justifications for and ramifications of this pause” and concerns that the “unmet demand created by this action will promote opportunities for less scrupulous, professional, or conscientious sources of supply to fill the void, thereby strengthening illicit arms markets,” the Senators are demanding a response to their inquiry by no later than November 30. The letter was signed by Senators: Ted Budd (R-NC) Mitch McConnell (R-KY) John Thune (R-SD) John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY) Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) Tim Scott (R-SC) Bill Hagerty (R-TN) Jim Risch (R-ID) Mike Crapo (R-ID) Joni Ernst (R-IA) Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Thom Tillis (R-NC) Rick Scott (R-FL) Roger Wicker (R-MS) Steve Daines (R-MT) Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) John Hoeven (R-ND) J.D. Vance (R-OH) John Kennedy (R-LA) Josh Hawley (R-MO) John Cornyn (R-TX) Katie Britt (R-AL) Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) Kevin Cramer (R-ND) Mike Lee (R-UT) Ted Cruz (R-TX) Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) Mike Rounds (R-SD) Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) Pete Ricketts (R-NE) Mike Braun (R-IN) Deb Fischer (R-NE) Eric Schmitt (R-MO) Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) Tom Cotton (R-AR) John Boozman (R-AR) Dan Sullivan (R-AK) Jerry M… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-lead-resolution-to-strengthen-economic-ties-with-israel | Tillis, Colleagues Lead Resolution to Strengthen Economic Ties with Israel | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced a resolution calling for the strengthening of economic ties between the U.S. and Israel. The resolution comes amid Israel’s war against Hamas in response to the terrorist group’s gruesome assault on southern Israel on October 7th, which has stunted Israel’s economy. “This resolution reiterates America’s support for the Israeli people and their economy following the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7th,” said Senator Tillis. “I am committed to working with my colleagues to ensure America and Israel’s economic relationship continues to thrive and grow during this difficult time.” Background: The U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement of 1985 has helped U.S.-Israel trade grow more than sevenfold since its inception and is an essential tool for supporting the Israeli economy during this time. In 2022, American companies exported $14.2 billion in goods and $5.8 billion in services to Israel. Major exports included machinery, mechanical appliances, stone, glass, metals, and chemicals. Israeli companies exported $21.4 billion in goods and $9.2 billion in services to the U.S. last year. Israeli companies’ foreign direct investment in the U.S. totaled $10.6 billion in 2022 and supported more than 20,000 American jobs. This resolution is endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union, the Center for Individual Freedom, and the Trade Alliance to Promote Prosperity. Text of the resolution is available HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-discusses-government-funding-border-security-ukraine-and-israel-aid-on-bloomberg-news | Tillis Discusses Government Funding, Border Security, Ukraine and Israel Aid on Bloomberg News | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis appeared on Bloomberg News’ Balance of Power with Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu to discuss government funding, aid to Israel and Ukraine, border security, and other topics. Senator Tillis on the Continuing Resolution: “This is a very expensive process, and we need a consistent longer-term view of spending. To the point in your prior segment, we’ve also got to get serious about our debt. We are going to reach a point where we’ll run out of our credit line. We are reaching a point now where mandatory spending alone will consume all the revenue coming into the U.S. government. What do we do with the 20% that’s not mandatory spending? So, we have to have a serious discussion about that at the same time that we’re dealing with the conflict in Ukraine, Israel, and other threats.” Senator Tillis on President Biden’s Supplemental Budget Request: “We’re involved in discussions, and we should be instructed by the President’s request. The President did request funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, but also for border security. We have to get the four legs of that stool together. We’re actively working on a border security strategy, which I think is critically important. Of course, we have to support Israel, and I am 100% behind sustaining the investment for Ukraine.” Senator Tillis on Border Security Funding: “It is a national security problem, but it is also a political problem. I don’t think that Republicans are the only ones who recognize that we’ve got to make progress on border security, and we have to get it done. Now, to the point on timing, the thing that worries me, or the thing that frustrates me about Washington, is when we set a deadline, we almost never get something done early. I hope we break the cycle on this one. I hope we have a definitive answer for Israel, Ukraine, and the American people on border security before Christmas.” Senator Tillis on Ukraine and Israel Funding: “Well, I think those of us who support both Israel and Ukraine funding believe that we… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-veterans-from-outdated-or-incorrect-va-billing | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans from Outdated or Incorrect VA Billing | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Billing Accountability Act, bipartisan legislation to protect veterans from outdated or incorrect Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) billing. “This important legislation ensures that veterans receive affordable, quality healthcare by waiving late co-payment fees for medications and other healthcare services,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation on behalf of the more than 600,000 veterans that call North Carolina home.” Background: This legislation would give the VA the authority to waive veterans’ copayment requirements for medication, care, or certain services if the copayment notification was received more than 180 days after care or services. It would also require the VA to notify the veteran of copayment requirements no later than 180 days from when the veteran received care. Finally, the legislation would require the VA to review and improve its co-payment billing procedures. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-discusses-u-s-china-relations-on-fox-news | Tillis Discusses U.S.-China Relations on Fox News | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis appeared on Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto to discuss the importance of eliminating America’s pharmaceutical and medical supply dependence on China and the future of U.S.-China relations. Senator Tillis’ comments come as President Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping today. Watch the interview HERE. Senator Tillis on Foreign Direct Investment in China: “I think they’ve got serious problems. They’ve got a long-term problem because they’re seeing a reduction in foreign direct investment in China. That’s an indication that the world has woken up and decided that we’ve got to reduce our dependence on China for so many of our supply chains. They have a demographic problem. They have a problem that we don’t have, we have lots of allies. They don’t have a lot of allies.” Senator Tillis on America’s Relationship with China: “I think that China is in a weaker position they’ve been in some time, and it concerns me that this President won’t go in playing with what I think is a strong hand. China has to behave differently for us to reward them in any way. I’ve seen this administration reach out to Iran. I’ve seen them reach out to China. I want those to be postures of strength, where those regimes have to change for us to have any concessions or working relationships.” Senator Tillis on Future American Investments in China: “I think what we have got to do is look at China differently. I don’t mind the idea of investments in China that are beneficial to the United States. I no longer want the pattern that we have seen over the last quarter-century of investments in China that make us more dependent on them. And we’re seeing that happen organically. We learned our lesson from COVID. But I do think that there’s a market there. Think about that the Chinese people have nearly twice our population size in what they consider to be the middle class. That will probably shrink a bit over time. But it’s still a big market that I think that we want American and Western business… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/14/budd-leads-majority-of-senate-gop-to-demand-that-dod-rescind-abortion-travel-policy/ | Budd Leads Majority of Senate GOP to Demand that DOD Rescind Abortion Travel Policy | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) led a group of 27 U.S. Senators in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin denouncing the department’s policy of paying the travel expenses of those servicemembers and dependents seeking abortions. The letter also stresses that, “our men and women in uniform deserve Senate-confirmed leadership but the current situation began with your original sin of promulgating the Policy.” The letter concludes by calling on Secretary Austin to, “Do the right thing. Rescind the Policy now.” The letter was co-signed by Senators: Ted Budd (R-NC) Roger Wicker (R-MS) Mike Lee (R-UT) Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) Mike Rounds (R-SD) John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY) Rand Paul (R-KY) Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) Pete Ricketts (R-NE) Katie Britt (R-AL) Mike Braun (R-IN) Ted Cruz (R-TX) Rick Scott (R-FL) Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) Deb Fischer (R-NE) Kevin Cramer (R-ND) Eric Schmitt (R-MO) Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Joni Ernst (R-IA) Tom Cotton (R-AR) Chuck Grassley (R-IA) John Cornyn (R-TX) John Boozman (R-AR) John Thune (R-SD) Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) Dan Sullivan (R-AK) Full text of the letter: Secretary Austin: You have broken your promise to the American people not to politicize the military, and your actions have harmed and threaten to further harm institutional norms within our democracy. On June 28, 2022, four days after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, you issued a memorandum to senior leaders in the Department of Defense (“Department”) stating that the Department is authorized to pay for government funded, official travel for active duty personnel to receive abortions outside of the state in which they are stationed. On October 20, 2022, you issued the memorandum Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services, properly referred to as the Department’s abortion travel policy (“Policy”), which directed the Department to pay travel expenses not only for active duty personnel to receive abo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/14/budd-shaheen-lead-resolutions-countering-chinese-influence-in-latin-america-and-globally/ | Budd, Shaheen Lead Resolutions Countering Chinese Influence in Latin America and Globally | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) have led a bipartisan coalition to introduce a pair of resolutions designed to counter Chinese influence in South America and internationally. The first resolution aims to bolster support and grow the strength of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency. It is co-sponsored by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). The resolution expresses: The United States must prioritize safeguarding the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency and maintain its influential role in the global financial system. The actions of the Chinese government, aimed at diminishing the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status, should be closely monitored and appropriate countermeasures must be taken. The U.S. should focus on strengthening economic ties with regions like South America as an alternative to Chinese investment and capital. Collaboration with allies is crucial for promoting economic policies that foster growth and stability in developing nations. The second resolution denounces efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to exert malign influence in Latin America. It is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Peter Welch (D-VT). The resolution resolves that the Senate: Notes the importance of continuing to develop and establish bilateral trade agreements in Latin America. Urges additional U.S. investment and foreign assistance in Latin America. Expresses gratitude for those countries in the Western Hemisphere that continue to recognize and support Taiwan. Condemns efforts by state-owned Chinese media to conduct information operations in Latin America. Supports transparent bidding processes for telecommunication projects in Latin America. Senator Budd said in a statement: “As we traveled to South America on a bipar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-demand-un-designate-hamas-a-terrorist-organization-and-impose-sanctions | Tillis, Colleagues Demand UN Designate Hamas a Terrorist Organization and Impose Sanctions | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to the United Nations (UN) urging them to designate Iranian-backed Hamas as a terrorist organization following the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel since October 7 with the intent to eradicate Israel and Jews in Israel. “We write with our utmost concern regarding the recent terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the region. We commend your unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ terrorism and your support for Israel’s right to defend its people. Recent events have demonstrated that Hamas’ actions, tactics, and stated goals are in many ways indistinguishable from Al Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist organizations the United Nations (UN) has sanctioned. Therefore, we write to urge you to bring a resolution to the UN Security Council recognizing and imposing sanctions on Hamas as a terrorist organization,” the senators wrote. “As you know, on October 7, 2023, thousands of Hamas terrorists launched attacks, including on civilian communities, in southern Israel, brutally murdering 1,400 innocent people and wounding 4,500 others. Additionally, Hamas kidnapped over 240 men, women, and children – ranging from infants to Holocaust survivors. Hamas terrorists have committed and continue to commit abhorrent attacks that not only impact Israelis but also directly impact Americans citizens, with at least 32 Americans killed and countless more held in captive as a result of the terrorist attack on October 7. In fact, Hamas hostages come from 25 countries around the world. Hamas’ reign of terror is not just an Israeli problem, but one that impacts us all,” the senators continued. “We are also concerned that a lack of UN sanctions enables Hamas to divert humanitarian aid for malicious intent, which deprives innocent Palestinian civilians of crucial assistance while simultaneously strengthening offensive capabilities used to attack Israel. Hamas continues to divert aid meant for civilians in order to fund its operati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-combat-trafficking-and-exploitation-of-migrant-minors | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Combat Trafficking and Exploitation of Migrant Minors | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension (PRINTS) Act, aimed at combatting child trafficking and exploitation by giving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14. “There is a serious humanitarian crisis at our Southern border as cartels, coyotes, and other bad actors are exploiting innocent children to cross our border,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation is a commonsense, humane reform to help prevent innocent children from being trafficked, exploited, and abused.” Specifically, the PRINTS Act: Gives CBP the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 in order to combat trafficking and exploitation; Requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publicly report the number of apprehensions in a given month involving child traffickers who falsely claimed that an accompanying child was a relative; Requires DHS to submit an annual report to Congress identifying the number of minors who were fingerprinted pursuant to this Act; Removes the Attorney General’s authority to waive fingerprinting requirements for those illegally crossing the southern border; and Criminalizes child recycling Background: 1 in every 3 human trafficking victims is a child. In 2019, ICE identified 600 children who were “recycled,” with one child being brought across the border as many as eight different times. Recent reports indicate that the Department of Health and Human Services has lost track of over 85,000 children released to sponsors, subjecting these children to exploitation, abuse, and forced labor. Despite these statistics, current DHS regulation and federal law prohibit Border Patrol agents from fingerprinting children under the age of 14. Text of the bill can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/senate-advances-tillis-proposals-to-improve-mental-health-care-lower-drug-costs-and-extend-essential-medicaid-and-medicare-programs | Senate Advances Tillis Proposals To Improve Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Costs and Extend Essential Medicaid and Medicare Programs | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis applauded the Senate Finance Committee’s recent unanimous vote in support of the Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost and Extenders Act. The legislation includes many of Senator Tillis’ policy priorities and proposals, including expanding mental health care and substance use disorder services under Medicaid and Medicare, reducing prescription drug costs for seniors at the pharmacy counter, extending essential Medicaid and Medicare provisions that will expire this year, and increasing Medicare payments to support physicians and other providers. WATCH SENATOR TILLIS’ REMARKS HERE. “This bipartisan legislation will provide savings to consumers, ensure access to critical mental health services, and increase accountability for federal health programs,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud this legislation includes a number of my priorities aimed at improving health care for North Carolinians, and I look forward to supporting it when it comes before the full Senate for a vote.” Specifically, the Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost and Extenders Act: Requires enhanced and accurate lists of Medicare Advantage plans and verification of provider directory information at least every 90 days through the REAL Health Providers Act introduced by Senator Tillis; Improves access to mental health service for Medicare beneficiaries; Protects seniors from excessive cost-sharing for certain medicines by requiring post-deductible enrollee coinsurance for certain covered Part D drugs to be based on net prices rather than negotiated prices, based on Senator Tillis’ Share the Savings with Seniors Act; Supports states in providing mental health and substance use care for children and youth; Delays Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment reductions under the Medicaid Program. This provision delays DSH payment cuts for one year, providing relief for hospitals that treat large numbers of low-income Medicaid patients; Increases support for physicians and other professionals adjust… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-op-ed-here-s-why-those-demanding-israeli-cease-fire-are-either-naive-or-hateful | Tillis Op-Ed: Here’s why those demanding Israeli cease-fire are either ‘naive’ or ‘hateful’ | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Fox News published an op-ed by Senator Thom Tillis calling out radical antisemitism and urging Americans to unite in their support for Israel following the horrific attacks by Hamas against innocent Israelis on October 7th. Read the full op-ed HERE. Tillis on why a cease-fire would not work: “Most Americans calling for a cease-fire are sincere in not wanting to see more innocent civilians lose their lives. This is a fair position; however, it is not a realistic one, especially if the end goal is to truly save lives and end the cycle of violence in the Middle East. The only way a cease-fire could ever work is if Hamas safely returns every single hostage, surrenders and surrenders its arsenal of weapons. Hamas has made it clear that is not going to happen. Simply put, you cannot have a cease-fire with a terrorist organization like Hamas. Nothing they say or do can be trusted.” Tillis on antisemitism motivating some Americans' opposition to Israel: “When it comes to the other group of Americans who are demanding a cease-fire from a place of hate, this kind of logic doesn’t apply. They don’t care about Israeli lives or Jewish lives. Forget about believing that Israel doesn’t have a right to defend itself – they don’t even believe Israel has a right to exist....Moving forward, we cannot allow these radical voices to succeed in their attempt to normalize antisemitism in America.” Tillis on supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism: “The only two nations in recent history that have consistently welcomed Jews and provided them with a safe home are Israel and the United States. The only way that can be preserved is by destroying Hamas and rooting out antisemitism here at home. Throughout history, we have seen the tragic consequences of what happens when antisemitism is allowed to metastasize. It can never happen again.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/09/budd-lays-out-foreign-policy-principles-in-new-op-ed/ | Budd Lays Out Foreign Policy Principles in New Op-Ed | 2023-11-09 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has written an opinion piece for FoxNews.com laying out his vision for foreign policy and how the United States should confront the forces of evil now on the march around the world. Highlights: “The Biden administration’s original sin is its failure to recognize that for America to be a strong nation, we must first be strong at home.” – “Given this dismal record at home, it’s no wonder why some Americans balk at the billions in aid sent overseas.” – “We can both exert global leadership and put America first. These responsibilities should not be in conflict. To pursue the misguided course of isolationism and end support to allies like Israel, Ukraine, and others, would be yet another sign of weakness at a time when forces of evil like China, Russia, and Iran already smell blood.” – “First and foremost, we must secure our border.” – “We must rebuild the arsenal of democracy and make once in a generation investments in our industrial base.” – “When we provide military aid to other nations, funding should bolster American manufacturing and modernize our military first.” – “In its current form, the Biden aid for Gaza is effectively a blank check for Hamas.” – “Further aid to Ukraine should come with preconditions for the Biden Administration. No more hesitation or half measures. Level with the American people, articulate a clear strategy for forcing Putin to the negotiating table on terms most favorable to Ukraine, and commit to transparent accountability measures so that the American people can trust that their hard-earned tax dollars are not being wasted.” – “Deterring China is and should be our top priority, and the White House’s package is lacking when it comes to security in the Indo-Pacific.” – “It is strength that deters aggression, and weakness that provokes it. China, Russia, and Iran are watching our every move. The world is safer when America leads from a place of strength, both economically as well as militarily.” – Read the full op-ed here o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-warn-new-permitting-rule-endangers-america-s-mineral-needs-adds-red-tape | Tillis, Colleagues Warn New Permitting Rule Endangers America’s Mineral Needs, Adds Red Tape | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to the executive director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC) demanding the council rescind its proposal to limit the type of mining projects eligible for the improved permitting process established under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). In their letter, the senators warned the proposed rule will hinder mining permitting predictability and efficiency, threaten America’s manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and national security needs, and further empower China’s near-monopoly on the global supply of critical minerals. “We write to express our concerns regarding the proposed rule, ‘Revising Scope of the Mining Sector of Projects That Are Eligible for Coverage Under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.’ The mining of all minerals is essential to the development of domestic infrastructure, and accordingly, it is imperative the FPISC ensure that all mining projects – for all minerals – are equally considered ‘covered projects’ for the purposes of FAST-41. Indeed, even the U.S. Department of the Interior’s own ‘Interagency Working Group on Mining Laws, Regulations, and Permitting’ did not suggest this change is needed in a report it recently released regarding recommendations to reform domestic mining policies,” the senators wrote. “The nation needs these investments to match the increasing mineral demand necessary to support budding technologies, bolster domestic supply chains, and strengthen our nation's national defense to reduce our reliance on minerals from our geopolitical adversaries. While the global demand for critical minerals ‘would require six times more mineral inputs in 2040 than today,’ it should not be lost on FPISC the amount of other mined materials, such as crushed stone and gravel that are needed for domestic infrastructure,” the senators continued. “Thank you for your attention to this matter. We urge FPISC to abandon this p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/07/budd-introduces-bill-to-empower-individuals-to-control-their-own-digital-assets/ | Budd Introduces Bill to Empower Individuals to Control Their Own Digital Assets | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has introduced the Keep Your Coins Act, which would protect an individual’s right to conduct transactions with cryptocurrency assets without the need to utilize a third-party intermediary. In the wake of the collapse of FTX, the Keep Your Coins Act would allow customers to maintain custody of their digital assets in self-hosted wallets and avoid third party risks. The bill would prohibit any federal agency from proposing a rule that would impair a person’s ability to act as a self-custodian of digital assets. The House companion is led by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH). The legislative text of the bill is HERE. Sen. Budd said in a statement: “As consumers face new challenges and risks associated with the use of digital currencies, we should be empowering individuals to maintain control over their own digital assets. This approach will foster financial freedom and a more decentralized cryptocurrency ecosystem.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/07/budd-joins-bipartisan-coalition-pushing-to-upgrade-military-barracks/ | Budd Joins Bipartisan Coalition Pushing to Upgrade Military Barracks | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a coalition letter to the Department of Defense (DOD) urging the department to increase funding requests to upgrade barracks on military bases across the country. The letter was also signed by: Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Ted Cruz (R-TX). The full text of the letter is below: We write to express our frustration regarding atrocious and unacceptable conditions in barracks facilities across the armed forces. As I am sure you are aware, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently published a report entitled “Military Barracks: Poor Living Conditions Undermine Quality of Life and Readiness.” The report found that “living conditions in some military barracks may pose potentially serious risks to the physical and mental health of service members, as well as their safety.” The reports further noted that in one facility: “Former residents of this barracks told us they experienced months of hot water interruptions and routinely dealt with clogged showers, broken door locks, broken elevators, and apparent mold growth.” The GAO report specifically identified the lack of reliable information about barracks conditions, and the level of funding committed to barracks facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization (FSRM), as key areas of concern. A few key examples from the report: “DOD has not tracked complete or reliable information on how much Operations and Maintenance (O&M) or Military Construction (MILCON) it has used to improve barracks conditions or how much would be needed to meet minimum condition standards.” “When we asked the military services to provide information on the amount of FSRM funding obligated for barracks, none was able to provide us complete data.” These findings call into question the reliability of armed service budget requests for facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization, which already consistently fall below assessed requirements. The… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/senate-passes-tillis-legislation-to-reduce-rape-kit-backlog | Senate Passes Tillis Legislation to Reduce Rape Kit Backlog | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the U.S. Senate passed legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis to reauthorize the Debbie Smith Act, which would provide state and local law enforcement agencies with resources to complete forensic analyses of crime scenes and untested rape kits. “North Carolina has thousands of untested rape kits, and victims of these heinous crimes deserve justice,” said Senator Tillis. “Congress should do everything we can to put the perpetrators behind bars. I am proud the Debbie Smith Act passed the Senate and look forward to quick passage in the House to ensure our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need.” Background: The Debbie Smith Act was originally signed into law in 2004 to provide local and state crime laboratories resources to end the backlog of untested DNA evidence from unsolved crimes, analyze DNA samples, and increase the capacity to process DNA in order to guard against future backlogs. Since it became law, more than 860,000 DNA cases have been processed. In addition to crime scene evidence, Debbie Smith funds are also utilized to process offender DNA samples to ensure evidence from unsolved crimes can be matched against a database of known offenders, similar to the criminal fingerprint databases. This legislation is endorsed by Debbie Smith, the Fraternal Order of Police, Major Cities Chiefs, Major County Sheriffs of America, National District Attorneys Association, Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations, Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), and Joyful Heart Foundation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-re-designate-iran-backed-houthis-as-a-foreign-terrorist-organization | Tillis, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Re-Designate Iran-Backed Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the State Department to re-designate Iran-backed Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in the wake of the group’s repeated brazen attacks against Israel. The Trump Administration designated the Houthis as an FTO in January 2021, however the Biden Administration reversed the designation in February 2021, citing humanitarian concerns. Following years of Iranian support, the Houthis have one of the most sophisticated arsenals of ballistic missiles and drones among Iran’s allies and proxies, which they have used to target U.S. partners and interests. “Re-designating the Houthis as an FTO would send a powerful message that the United States views this group as a clear threat to our Allies and partners and to regional stability in the Middle East. Since Hamas’s savage terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, the Houthis have launched three attacks against the Jewish state and promised to carry out more strikes ‘until the Israeli aggression stops,’” the senators wrote. “While the Houthi movement’s Iranian backers chant ‘Death to America, Death to Israel,’ its own doctrine is replete with virulent anti-Semitism and calls for genocide, including its own chant of ‘Death to America, Death to Israel, Damn the Jews.’ The Houthi’s alliance with Iran has allowed the IRGC to apply sustained military pressure against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Between 2015 and 2022, the Houthis carried out nearly 1,000 missile attacks and 350 drone strikes against cities and key infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia alone, including against oil facilities, airports, and military sites,” the senators continued. “Despite being nearly 1,400 miles away from Israel, the Houthis have made a deliberate choice to engage in Iran-enabled terrorism against the United States’ partners and allies. Therefore, we urge you to re-designate the group an FTO immediately,” the senato… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-announces-10-9-million-for-improvements-to-port-of-wilmington | Tillis Announces $10.9 Million for Improvements to Port of Wilmington | 2023-11-06 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $10.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for improvements to the Port of Wilmington. All funding comes directly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which Senator Tillis helped negotiate, write, and pass into law. In total, the Wilmington region (Brunswick, New Hanover, Columbus, Bladen, Pender Counties) has already been awarded more than $190 million total from the bipartisan legislation. For a list of specific BIL infrastructure grants, click HERE. The project will construct 4,000 feet of elevated roadway access to the general cargo terminal, relocate the North Gate security checkpoint, improve existing at-grade railroad crossings, construct a truck queuing area, and a new badging office to include EV charging infrastructure. The project also includes the development of a Terminal Resiliency Plan and a Terminal Emissions Reduction Plan. “The Port of Wilmington plays an important role in transporting goods throughout North Carolina and is an economic hub in the Wilmington area,” said Senator Tillis. “I have visited the Port of Wilmington multiple times, and understand how crucial it is to continue investing in the port and improving it with updated technology. I’m proud to have worked on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will deliver more than $10.9 million to make these critical improvements to the port.” Read more about the grant award HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-bipartisan-amendment-to-expand-veterans-access-to-breast-cancer-screenings-passes-u-s-senate | Tillis’ Bipartisan Amendment to Expand Veterans’ Access to Breast Cancer Screenings Passes U.S. Senate | 2023-11-06 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the U.S. Senate passed Senator Thom Tillis’ bipartisan amendment to expand access to breast cancer screenings for veterans. “Early detection of breast cancer through regular screenings plays a critical role in saving lives,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to cosponsor this important amendment on behalf of our female veterans.” The bipartisan amendment appropriates funding to the VA’s Office of Women’s Health to expand access to mobile mammography units, improve advanced mammography equipment, and enhance outreach services to better publicize mammography services. According to the National Library of Medicine, female veterans were nearly three times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer than the rest of the population. Last week, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill passed the Senate, which included Senator Tillis’ bipartisan amendment. Full text of the amendment can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-co-introduces-bill-to-ensure-access-to-mental-health-care-for-foster-care-children | Tillis Co-Introduces Bill to Ensure Access to Mental Health Care for Foster Care Children | 2023-11-06 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently introduced the Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act to remove the federal prohibition on Medicaid funding going to certain facilities that provide foster children with mental and substance use care. “Foster care provides a safe and stable environment for children, many of whom are recovering from traumatic events,” said Senator Tillis. “However, children in foster care who require critically important support and services oftentimes face unnecessary barriers in receiving care. This legislation will ensure these children can receive the necessary behavioral and mental health services when they need it and where they need it. Investing in the mental health and well-being of children in foster care will positively impact lives and improve outcomes for the next generation, and I’m glad to work with Senator Rubio to achieve these goals.” Background: The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 (FFPSA) created a federal category of residential settings calledQualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs). These programs were designed to provide care for children in foster care with assessed emotional or behavioral needs in a residential setting. The health care needs of children in foster care are covered by Medicaid. Today, however, QRTPs may not receive Medicaid financing because of the Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) exclusion, a law that prohibits Medicaid payments to a hospital, nursing facility, or other institution with more than 16 beds that primarily provides care for people with mental health conditions. The Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act would provide a narrow exemption from the IMD exclusion to ensure children in foster care receiving care in QRTPs can continue to receive care provided in these settings without losing their federal Medicaid coverage. Text of the bill is available HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/03/budd-sponsors-bill-requiring-dhs-to-notify-localities-on-illegal-alien-transfers/ | Budd Sponsors Bill Requiring DHS to Notify Localities on Illegal Alien Transfers | 2023-11-03 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has co-sponsored the National Oversight of Transportation Immigrants to Communities is Essential (NOTICE Act). The bill would require federal agencies to notify states and localities when an agency uses taxpayer dollars to transport migrants within 100 miles of their jurisdictions. The notification must include the following information about the transported alien: His or her legal name, country of origin, age, and sex. Any crimes for which the alien has been convicted. Any criminal gang with which such alien is or has been affiliated. The types of security screenings that have been performed with respect to such aliens. The bill was originally introduced by Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS). Sen. Budd said in a statement: “The Biden administration’s dangerous practice of catch and release has morphed into a relocation program to place illegal immigrants all over the country without telling local or state officials. This is unacceptable, and that’s why I support Senator Marshall’s legislation to force the Biden administration to notify states and localities when they transport illegal migrants into their jurisdiction and to provide information on any crimes for which they have been convicted.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-telehealth-treatment-for-opioid-use-disorder | Tillis, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder | 2023-11-03 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently reintroduced the bipartisan Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act, legislation to increase access to telehealth services for opioid use disorder. The bill will waive regulatory restrictions for accessing care, preserving flexibilities put in place to expand access and save lives during the pandemic. “The opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing public health emergencies of our time,” said Senator Tillis. “During the pandemic, temporary flexibilities allowed life-saving opioid use disorder (OUD) treatments, such as buprenorphine, to be prescribed via telehealth. This bipartisan legislation will permanently allow health care providers to prescribe OUD treatments via telehealth as appropriate, and result in expanded access to treatments that are proven to be effective in treating substance use disorders. As the United States continues to experience an unacceptable number of opioid overdose deaths, we must pursue policies that reduce barriers and increase access to care, and I'm proud to work with my colleagues on the TREATS Act, which does exactly that.” Overdose deaths involving opioids rose to a peak of nearly 83,000 Americans in 2022. Despite strong evidence that medication is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder, only one in five Americans with opioid addiction receive medication treatment that could help them quit and stay in recovery. Background: During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services temporarily removed the in-person exam requirement for prescribing medication via telemedicine for people with opioid use disorder. Telehealth flexibilities helped a broad range of patients – including veterans, those living in rural areas, people experiencing homelessness, individuals in the criminal justice system, and racial and ethnic minorities – access treatment. The flexibilities are set to expire on December 31, 2… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/02/budd-sponsors-bill-to-help-families-of-victims-killed-by-illegal-aliens/ | Budd Sponsors Bill to Help Families of Victims Killed by Illegal Aliens | 2023-11-02 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has co-sponsored the Justice for Angels Families Act. The bill would amend the Crime Victims Fund to expand coverage for Angel Families, who are immediate relatives of victims of homicide by an illegal immigrant, including drunk driving accidents. This legislation would also reinstate and codify the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at the Department of Homeland Security, which was established by President Trump in 2017. The VOICE office helps victims and their families who have been impacted by crimes committed by illegal immigrants. The bill was originally introduced by Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS). Sen. Budd said in a statement: “The pain and heartbreak of Angel Families is something that no one should have to face. Tragedies like these should not be allowed to happen. That’s why I support the Justice for Angel Families Act, which not only expands funds to the families of the victims who were killed by illegal immigrants, but it reinstates the Trump administration’s initiative to track and report on crimes committed by individuals who should not be in our country in the first place.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-forcing-the-biden-administration-to-make-catch-and-release-data-public | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill Forcing the Biden Administration to Make Catch-and-Release Data Public | 2023-11-02 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues introduced the Southern Border Transparency Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to accurately report how it is handling migrants encountered at the border. This legislation will ensure the American people have a full accounting of the number of migrants being released into the United States by the Biden Administration along with information detailing where they are coming from. “The Biden Administration refuses to offer serious solutions to the crisis unfolding at our Southern border, and would prefer to keep the American people in the dark about its failures,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to cosponsor this legislation, which will require real transparency about the Biden Administration’s failure to stop the flow of illegal immigration at our Southern border.” Background: The Biden Administration’s strategy for handling the influx of migrants at the border has been to abuse and misuse immigration law to funnel migrants into so-called “parole” programs. This includes the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole program, an expanded Central American Minors program that now includes adults, as well as the likely widespread use of parole at Ports of Entry (POEs). These migrants are eligible for work authorization, and there is limited visibility into whether they ultimately depart the United States. Currently, only limited public data is available on the total number of people released into the U.S. under these programs, whether they are even making asylum claims before they are released, what screenings are taking place, or whether these migrants ever depart the United States. The Southern Border Transparency Act would require DHS to fully report on how it is handling migrants encountered at the border, including: The number of migrants paroled at each POE and in each Border Patrol sector; The number of migrants apprehended at each POE and in each Border Patrol sector and how many were granted … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/01/budd-colleagues-urge-sanders-to-hold-hearing-on-antisemitic-attacks-on-college-campuses/ | Budd, Colleagues Urge Sanders to Hold Hearing on Antisemitic Attacks on College Campuses | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a coalition letter led by Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee ranking member Bill Cassidy (R-LA) urging HELP Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to hold a hearing to ensure the Biden administration is upholding its legal responsibility to protect Jewish students from anti-Semitic harassment and attacks on college campuses in the aftermath of the Hamas-led massacre against Israel on October 7th. The letter was also signed by: Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). The full text of the letter is below: In the wake of the mass murder of Jewish civilians by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, there has been a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic incidents, including targeted harassment and violent attacks, directed at Jewish students on college campuses. As the Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, we urge you to hold a bipartisan hearing on ensuring safe learning environments for Jewish students, as required by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is our duty to ensure federal officials are doing everything in their power to uphold the law and ensure students are not excluded from participation, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination at school based on race, color, or national origin. We need to engage in a direct discussion with Department of Education leaders Secretary Miguel Cardona and Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon about the actions they are taking to address anti-Semitism on college campuses. The terrorist attack of October 7 was the largest murder of Jewish people in one day since the Holocaust. It led to a noticeable rise in anti-Semitic activity, specifically on college campuses. Under your leadership, the Committee has quickly organized and held hearings on other topics related to recent events. This issue certainly demands the Committee’s direct at… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-reverse-guidance-requiring-loans-for-illegal-immigrants | Tillis, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Reverse Guidance Requiring Loans for Illegal Immigrants | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently penned a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra urging them to reconsider their October 12 joint statement on lending discrimination against “noncitizen borrowers.” Through the statement, which dramatically upends decades of guidance from the CFPB and the Federal Reserve, theDepartment of Justice (DOJ) and CFPB aim to force American financial institutions to extend loans to illegal immigrants. This practice contradicts longstanding legal interpretations from federal regulators and could create situations where lenders are unable to recoup loan payments from deported illegal immigrants. “We write today to express our concerns regarding the October 12, 2023 joint statement by the CFPB and the DOJ warning financial institutions that the consideration of immigration status in loan applications may be a violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA),” the senators wrote. “While the CFPB and DOJ note that financial institutions are permitted to consider immigration status under the ECOA, they claim that unnecessary or overbroad reliance on immigration status ‘may run afoul of the law,’ and that all borrowers, regardless of immigration status, are protected from discrimination. Specifically, your agencies claim that if a creditor has a ‘blanket policy’ on immigration status, then they risk violating fair lending laws. The joint statement also suggests that as long as an applicant for credit has a good credit score and other credit qualifications, then his or her immigration status should not matter,” the senators continued. “While the CFPB and DOJ’s joint statement conflicts with decades of immigration status-related guidance from the CFPB and the Fed, it also poses serious risks to financial stability— encouraging financial institutions to ignore critical dispositive factors in their calculation of risk. Additionally, the fact that your agencies moved forward with this g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/31/budd-proposes-amendment-to-shut-down-bidens-election-takeover-executive-order/ | Budd Proposes Amendment to Shut Down Biden’s Election Takeover Executive Order | 2023-10-31 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has proposed an amendment to the Senate Appropriations Minibus (H.R. 4366) to defund President Biden’s Executive Order 14019, which would empower federal agencies to use taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities. This is the same Executive Order that is the subject of Senator Budd’s Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act (S. 1398). Sen. Budd said in a statement: “The federal government should not be using official taxpayer resources to advance partisan politics. We need to defund this ethically and legally dubious scheme to further weaponize the federal bureaucracy. Federal agencies should not engage in electioneering on the taxpayers’ dime.” Background: On March 7, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14019, titled “Promoting Access to Voting.” The EO commands the head of every federal agency to submit to the President’s Domestic Policy Advisor, a plan outlining the steps their agency will take to “promote voter registration and voter participation.” The EO mandates that all federal agencies support “approved” third-party organizations to provide voter registration services on federal agency premises located in states across the nation. Determining which third-party organizations will be approved, by whom, and based on what criteria is missing from the EO. On January 19, 2022, Senator Budd and 35 of his colleagues wrote to the White House requesting copies of the strategic plans submitted under the EO. The White House never responded to the request and has refused to publicly disclose the plans. The Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act: The legislation prevents the Biden administration from using the power, resources, and reach of the federal executive branch, and federal offices located in states across the country, from engaging in voter registration and mobilization efforts designed to benefit Democrats. The bill prohibits the actions ordered under President Biden’s E… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-protect-jewish-students-amid-rising-antisemitism-on-college-campuses | Tillis, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Protect Jewish Students Amid Rising Antisemitism on College Campuses | 2023-10-31 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently penned a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona urging him to protect Jewish college students amid rising antisemitic incidents and attacks on college campuses in the aftermath of Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israel. Since the Hamas-led massacre against Israel earlier this month, there has been a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents, including targeted harassment and violent attacks directed at Jewish students on college campuses. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Department of Education has a responsibility to ensure university programs or activities that receive federal funds do not discriminate against students. So far, there has been no noticeable action from the Department in response to these horrific antisemitic incidents. The senators are urging the administration to use their enforcement power under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ensure colleges and universities uphold their responsibilities maintaining a safe learning environment for Jewish students and protect them from antisemitic harassment and attacks. “We are significantly concerned that your Department is not ensuring American universities are fostering a safe learning environment for all students after the terrorist organization Hamas’ violent attack on civilians, including Americans and Israeli citizens,” the senators wrote. “There have been dozens of targeted attacks on American college campuses since October 7, including reported vandalism, arson, and even professors taking discriminatory actions in their classroom toward their students, based on the student’s status as a member of a protected class. At Drexel University, a Jewish student's dorm room door was set on fire. At Georgia Tech, someone wrote ‘Free Palestine’ in shaving cream below the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi’s posted Israeli flag. At Stanford University, a professor encouraged Jewish students to stand in a corner alone in a purported ‘academic’ ex… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/30/budd-joins-coalition-demanding-answers-on-national-security-threats-at-border/ | Budd Joins Coalition Demanding Answers on National Security Threats at Border | 2023-10-30 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has has joined a coalition letter led by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Representative Mark Alford (R-MO) demanding answers from the Biden Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding adversaries exploiting the wide-open Southern border to infiltrate the United States. The letter specifically requests answers to the following questions: Considering the ongoing conflict in Israel, please provide confirmation or intelligence as to whether Hamas, Hezbollah, or any Iranian proxy agents have infiltrated our Southern border. If this has occurred, how has the threat been mitigated? Since 2021, are you aware of any planned terrorist attack by any terrorist organization being foiled by intercepting individuals illegally crossing the Southern border? How many Chinese nationals with ties to the CCP have successfully crossed through our Southern border? Have any Chinese foreign nationals who made unauthorized border crossings then attempted to access U.S. military installations? What steps are DHS and DoD taking to ensure terrorists are not among the millions of illegal immigrants streaming through our Southern border? Senator Budd said in a statement: “The open southern border has created so many issues across the country like drug abuse, human trafficking, increasing crime. But it is also a massive national security issue as well. Just this year, the border patrol has caught over 160 individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watch list trying to illegally enter our country. The American people need answers, and we need them now. We must hold the Biden administration accountable for their dereliction of duty at border.” The letter is signed by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Representatives Bill Posey (FL-08), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Jason Smith (MO-08), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Randy Weber (TX-14), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Andy Biggs (AZ-05… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-urge-president-biden-to-address-rise-in-terrorists-crossing-southern-border | Tillis, Colleagues Urge President Biden To Address Rise in Terrorists Crossing Southern Border | 2023-10-30 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing deep concern about the rise in terrorists crossing the Southern border and asking for plans to bolster border and internal security measures. “The recent brutal and reprehensible attacks by Hamas against Israel underscore the importance of vigilance against global terrorist groups both internationally and domestically. As President of the United States, we expect you to take every necessary step to ensure the protection of the homeland and to both prioritize and resource this task accordingly,” the senators wrote. “Our Southern border is a matter of deep national concern and insecurity. With rising violence and economic crises around the world pushing many people towards our borders, the record levels of illegal crossings and the spike in Border Patrol apprehensions of individuals matching the U.S. terror watchlist are alarming. In fiscal year 2023 alone, 169 migrants with positive terrorism watchlist matches were apprehended along our Southern border. This represents a tenfold increase from the figures reported in fiscal year 2021,” the senators continued. “The consequences of lapses in security can be catastrophic. We must be proactive and not wait for tragedy to strike before taking decisive action. We stand ready to support any measures and initiatives that prioritize the safety and well-being of our nation and its citizens,” the senators concluded. The full letter is available HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-fights-to-lower-costs-for-north-carolina-farmers | Tillis Fights to Lower Costs for North Carolina Farmers | 2023-10-30 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues in the Senate and House recently sent a bicameral letter to U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Gina Raimondo calling for a change in how the DOC calculates countervailing duties (CVD) on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) recently remanded to the Department of Commerce a calculation of its subsidies, which impacts duties imposed on phosphate fertilizers. Senator Tillis and the group addressed the financial burden these duties are placing on farmers. “We ask that Commerce carefully consider and follow the CIT’s decision in Commerce’s recalculation of the subsidy amount, both in its final determination in the investigation and its administrative review. Reducing the subsidy rate would provide welcomed relief for U.S. farm suppliers and their customers, American family farms,” the members wrote. “American family farmers need a reliable, diverse supply of many agricultural inputs, including fertilizers. The administrative review and the response to the CIT remand present opportunities to address this situation and to properly consider the facts as to the amount of subsidies in this proceeding since its inception,” the members concluded. Read the full letterHERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/27/budd-tillis-to-introduce-bill-to-combat-persecution-of-religious-groups-in-china/ | Budd, Tillis to Introduce Bill to Combat Persecution of Religious Groups in China | 2023-10-27 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — To coincide with International Religious Freedom Day, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced that they intend to introduce the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act. The companion bill in the House is led by Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO). The bill would hold senior Chinese government officials accountable for carrying out persecution of Christians and other religious minorities by: Declaring that the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities by senior Chinese government officials to be gross violation of human rights. Ensuring that trade negotiations with China include conditions on protecting religious freedom. Declaring that it is the policy of the United States to continue to designate China as a “country of particular concern”, as long as they continue to engage in violations of religious freedom. The legislative text of the bill is HERE. Watch this video to learn more: Sen. Budd said in a statement: “One of the most sacred human rights is the right to freely practice your religion. The Chinese government has violated these rights for decades by routinely and egregiously persecuting Christians and other religious groups. Until China changes course, it should be the policy of the United States to hold them accountable.” Senator Tillis said: “The Chinese government has an abysmal human rights record and has persecuted its citizens for practicing their own religious beliefs for far too long. I am proud to co-chair the Senate Human Rights Caucus and participate in the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedom Project by advocating for prisoners of conscience in China including Pastor John Cao and Pastor Wang Yi. The United States should work to hold China accountable and take China’s blatant disregard for religious freedom into consideration when conducting any future business or trade negotiations.” Rep. Alford said: “In the face of the Chinese Communist Party’s deliberate attempts to persecute and control religious gro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-improve-health-care-access-protect-seniors-from-unexpected-costs | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Improve Health Care Access, Protect Seniors from Unexpected Costs | 2023-10-27 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis, Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) recently introduced the bipartisan Requiring Enhanced & Accurate Lists of (REAL) Health Providers Act to ensure Medicare Advantage plans maintain accurate provider directories and protect seniors from unexpected healthcare costs. “Far too often, North Carolinians, especially seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage and those in need of mental health services, find themselves unable to access the care they need due to inaccurate provider directories,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation ensures that consumers can access updated provider information enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.” Many seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage rely on their health plan’s provider directory to find in-network physicians and practitioners, but inaccurate data can make it harder to find a provider or lead to unexpected costs. These inaccurate provider directories are known as “ghost networks” because some listed healthcare providers are not in a patient’s network, are not accepting new patients, or, in some cases, are no longer in business. Ghost networks make it more difficult for patients to find in-network healthcare providers, a more acute issue in the mental and behavioral health fields, resulting in unexpected costs or delayed patient care. Specifically, the REAL Health Providers Act would: Strengthen requirements for Medicare Advantage plans to maintain accurate and updated provider directories; Ensure patients do not pay out-of-network costs for appointments with providers that were incorrectly listed in their plan’s provider directory as in-network; and Direct Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to publish guidance for plans to maintain accurate provider directories. “In the midst of a mental health and substance use crisis, people need to easily and quickly access the help they need. The federal government pays Medicare Advantage plans to provide timely services, but their inaccurate provider di… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/26/budd-leads-colleagues-to-send-letter-on-dods-thunderdome-initiative/ | Budd Leads Colleagues to Send Letter on DOD’s Thunderdome Initiative | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has led a letter with his colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity related to the Department of Defense’s Thunderdome initiative. The letter was co-signed by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). Read the full text of the letter: The implementation of zero trust principles and architecture across the Department of Defense (DoD) Information Network is essential to safeguarding sensitive data and critical systems throughout the enterprise. Zero trust architecture – a cutting-edge security principle that assumes the network is already compromised and implements processes that continuously validate the user, device, application and data in a controlled manner – allows our network defenders to stay ahead of increasingly emboldened cyber adversaries like China and Russia. DoD’s Thunderdome initiative, which brings modern, commercial digital trust technologies to the Department, is integral in helping DoD implement key components of the Department’s Zero Trust Strategy. As the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) noted in their Committee Report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, Thunderdome “can act as a model for zero trust implementation across the Department of Defense.” Earlier this year, during the SASC Subcommittee on Cybersecurity hearing titled, “Enterprise Cybersecurity to Protect the Department of Defense Information Networks,” you both testified that the Thunderdome prototype was a success and that you are working on an acquisition strategy to expand these capabilities across the enterprise. On July 28, 2023, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) announced the award of a follow-on production agreement for Thunderdome. Notably, that announcement said, “While DISA leverages these capabilities on our cyber terrain, this full-scale production agreement can be used to assist the military services and other DoD components in implementing key zero-trust activi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/25/budd-speaks-on-nc-hostages-in-gaza-demands-release-before-aid/ | Budd Speaks on NC Hostages in Gaza, Demands Release Before Aid | 2023-10-25 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) demanded the release of all American hostages, including North Carolinians, held by Hamas terrorists before any U.S. aid is sent to the Gaza Strip. Watch the full speech: Key excerpts: “Make no mistake, the only word to describe Hamas is evil, and when they commit atrocities like those of October 7th, we must not look away.” “One aspect of the October 7th attack that continues to this day is the plight of the more than 200 innocent people currently being held hostage in Gaza, including several Americans – including some from my own state of North Carolina.” “Last week I met with some of these families here in Washington. They told me stories about their loved ones and gave me their photos. These families, their fear and their heartache is something that no American should ever have to face.” “Given that Gaza is governed by Hamas, I simply do not believe it is right to give a dime of taxpayer money to the very terrorists who are holding Americans hostage. When this funding package comes to the floor, I plan to offer several amendments to hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-americans-save-for-retirement | Tillis, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Americans Save for Retirement | 2023-10-25 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis and John Hickenlooper (D-CO), alongside Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Terri Sewell (D-AL), recently introduced the Retirement Savings for Americans Act (RSAA),bipartisan legislation to help low- and middle-income Americans build wealth and save for retirement. The bill would establish a new program allowing eligible workers access to portable, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts. If passed, the RSAA would enable the federal government to match contributions for low- and middle-income workers, with the match beginning to phase out at median income. “Roughly 40 million Americans lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, which represents a significant roadblock to achieving financial security for their retirement,” said Senator Tillis. “The Retirement Savings for Americans Act tackles this problem by establishing a pathway for savings for Americans lacking retirement options.” The Retirement Savings for Americans Act contains the following provisions: Eligibility and Auto Enrollment: Full- and part-time workers who lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan would be eligible for an account and automatically enrolled at 3% of their income. Workers could increase or decrease their withholding or opt-out at any time. Independent workers (including gig workers) would also be eligible. Federal Contribution: Low- and moderate-income workers would be eligible for a 1% automatic contribution (as long as they remain employed) and up to a 4% matching contribution via a refundable federal tax credit. This provision would begin to phase out at median income. Portability: Accounts would remain attached to workers throughout their lifetimes, and workers would be able to stop and start contributions at will. Private Assets: The accounts would be the worker’s property, and the assets could be passed down to future generations to help them build wealth and financial security. Investment Options: Much like the current Thrift Savings Plan, particip… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/24/budd-sponsors-bill-to-increase-awareness-of-resources-for-veteran-homebuyers/ | Budd Sponsors Bill to Increase Awareness of Resources for Veteran Homebuyers | 2023-10-24 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has co-sponsored S. 3068, the VA Home Loan Awareness Act. The bipartisan bill would add a disclosure to the standard mortgage pre-qualification application highlighting the VA Home Loan Program, thereby increasing awareness of the option for veterans. The bill was originally introduced by Senators Mike Braun (R-IN) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH). Sen. Budd said in a statement: “The men and women who served our country in uniform deserve all the support we can give them. Making it easier for veterans to purchase a home is a worthy mission and I’m proud to support Senator Braun’s bill to help.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/24/budd-tillis-demand-answers-on-flow-of-fentanyl-into-nc/ | Budd, Tillis Demand Answers on Flow of Fentanyl Into NC | 2023-10-24 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram to express grave concern about the flow of fentanyl into our country and communities all across North Carolina. The letter reads, in part: “In the past nine years, over 13,000 North Carolinians have died from fentanyl overdoses. The overdoses are being driven by various factors including the open border, drug cartels using social media apps to sell drugs, and the Chinese Communist Party’s failure to stop fentanyl precursors from being shipped to drug cartels.” – “Broken border policies are driving cartels to engulf our country with drugs. During fiscal year 2023, over 25,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the southern border alone. This number does not include the fentanyl evaded detection and made it into communities across North Carolina and the nation.” – “Our nation is being poisoned by fentanyl and other deadly narcotics that are pouring in from our open border. Families from all demographics are being impacted and losing loved ones daily. As of April, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the United States had over 106,000 overdose deaths, which included fentanyl-related deaths during a 12-month period. We urge the DHS and DEA to use all the tools at your disposal to dismantle the drug cartels and halt the incursion of drugs flowing into our country.” Read the full text letter. Background: On August 31, 2023, Axios Raleigh reported that Raleigh Police Department (RPD) alone has seized over 17 kilograms of fentanyl in 2023. The amount seized by the RPD is enough to kill 8.5 million people, which is 85% of North Carolina’s population. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-budd-demand-answers-on-flow-of-fentanyl-into-north-carolina-communities | Tillis, Budd Demand Answers on Flow of Fentanyl Into North Carolina Communities | 2023-10-24 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram to express their grave concern about the flow of fentanyl into our country and communities all across our State of North Carolina. On August 31, 2023, Axios Raleigh reported that Raleigh Police Department (RPD) alone has seized over 17 kilograms of fentanyl in 2023. The amount seized by the RPD is enough to kill 8.5 million people, which is 85% of North Carolina’s population. “In the past nine years, over 13,000 North Carolinians have died from fentanyl overdoses. The overdoses are being driven by various factors including the open border, drug cartels using social media apps to sell drugs, and the Chinese Communist Party’s failure to stop fentanyl precursors from being shipped to drug cartels,” wrote Senators Tillis and Budd. “Broken border policies are driving cartels to engulf our country with drugs. During fiscal year 2023, over 25,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the southern border alone. This number does not include the fentanyl evaded detection and made it into communities across North Carolina and the nation,” Senators Tillis and Budd continued. “Our nation is being poisoned by fentanyl and other deadly narcotics that are pouring in from our open border. Families from all demographics are being impacted and losing loved ones daily. As of April, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the United States had over 106,000 overdose deaths, which included fentanyl-related deaths during a 12-month period. We urge the DHS and DEA to use all the tools at your disposal to dismantle the drug cartels and halt the incursion of drugs flowing into our country,” Senators Tillis and Budd concluded. Read the full letter HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-introduce-confucius-act-to-fight-communist-china-s-influence-at-u-s-colleges | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce CONFUCIUS Act To Fight Communist China’s Influence at U.S. Colleges | 2023-10-24 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently co-introduced the Concerns Over Nations Funding University Campus Institutes in the United States (CONFUCIUS) Act to prevent Chinese-backed Confucius Institutes on U.S. college campuses from suppressing students’ freedom of speech. Confucius Institutes are education organizations funded and arranged by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The institutes enroll more than nine million students around the world, including many in the United States. They spread false narratives about historical events such as the Tiananmen Square massacre. “Confucius Institutes are an echo chamber for the Chinese Communist Party and threaten academic liberty and free speech in American colleges and universities,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation will work to address concerns about Confucius Institutes on American campuses so that speech can be protected and to minimize the CCP’s anti-American influence campaigns on our students.” Specifically, the CONFUCIUS Act would require Confucius Institutes to: Protect academic freedom on the campus where the Confucius Institute is located, Prohibit the application of any foreign law on any campus of the institution, and Grant full control over what a Confucius Institute teaches, the activities it carries out, the research grants it gives and the individuals it employs to the college or university on which it is located. This bill would prohibit federal government funding to colleges and universities that host Confucius Institutes and are not in compliance with the above provisions. The funding prohibition would only apply to funding directed to the college or university and would not include funding disbursed to students, such as Pell Grants. The Senate passed the legislation unanimously in the 116th and 117th Congresses. Background: In May 2020, the College Republican National Committee and the College Democrats of America wrote a joint letter calling for the “immediate and permanent closure of all Confucius Institutes in the United… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/23/budd-leads-colleagues-to-demand-state-department-rescind-pronoun-mandate/ | Budd Leads Colleagues to Demand State Department Rescind Pronoun Mandate | 2023-10-23 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) and 10 other U.S. Senators have sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanding he rescind the State Department’s latest guidance which threatens termination if an employee refuses to use another employee’s chosen gender pronoun instead of one that corresponds to the employee’s birth sex. In the letter, the Senators highlight that the State Department guidance, “is potentially illegal” because it “infringes upon the First Amendment rights of State Department employees, as recognized by the Supreme Court, to speak openly on matters of public concern”. Also, the letter details how the guidance violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) “by forcing employees to choose between facing disciplinary action and complying”. The signers of this letter include: Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Thom Tillis (R-NC) Marco Rubio (R-FL) Mike Lee (R-UT) Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) Tom Cotton (R-AR) James Lankford (R-OK) Josh Hawley (R-MO) JD Vance (R-OH) Roger Marshall (R-KS) Full text of the letter: We write to demand that you rescind the recent State Department guidance for employees titled “Updated Department Guidance Regarding Transgender Employees in the Workplace” (“Guidance”). We understand that you personally approved and signed the Guidance and authorized its electronic transmission via the attached, unclassified cable on your behalf to all State Department employees. The Guidance forces every State Department employee—without exception—to comply with any demand by another employee to use that employee’s choice of name, pronouns, or honorific. According to the Guidance, failure to comply may “contribute to a hostile work environment allegation, and constitute misconduct subject to disciplinary action, up to and including separation or removal.” This is potentially illegal for multiple reasons. First, Congress never authorized the State Department to impose such restrictions on employee speech. But even if Congress did so, this Guida… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-lead-legislation-pushing-back-on-radical-electric-vehicle-mandate | Tillis, Colleagues Lead Legislation Pushing Back on Radical Electric Vehicle Mandate | 2023-10-23 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden Administration’s radical environmental agenda and executive overreach by preventing the implementation of a proposed rule and other regulations that seek to limit consumer vehicle choice. According to data from Kelley Blue Book, the average price of an electric vehicle (EV) is over $17,000 more than the average price of a gas-powered vehicle. The administration’s continued push for EVs threatens to hurt everyday Americans and costs auto workers their jobs while simultaneously helping China dominate the EV supply chain. “The EPA has no business dictating what cars Americans can purchase with their hard-earned money,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation fights against the Biden Administration’s radical green agenda, protects consumers from executive overreach, and promotes American production and innovation.” Specifically, The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act: Prohibits the EPA from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing its proposed emissions rule; Prohibits the use of authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of any specific technology or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine type. Including any regulation prescribed on or after January 1, 2021; Requires the EPA to update any regulations since January 1, 2021, that result in the limited availability of new vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine within two years; Ends the EPA’s radical agenda, which is driving up costs for people and handing the keys of America’s auto industry to China. The bill is supported by the American Petroleum Institute, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, National Propane Gas Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, Idaho Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, Energy Marketers of A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/20/senator-budd-returns-from-codel-to-indo-pacific-command/ | Senator Budd Returns from CODEL to Indo-Pacific Command | 2023-10-20 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, DC — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) provided a wrap-up of his recent congressional delegation (CODEL) to Indo-Pacific Command and other U.S. military headquarters and installations in Hawaii and Guam. Given the increasing military threat posed by China, Senator Budd received operational briefings and toured infrastructure projects to ensure the joint force is postured to maintain deterrence in the region. Additionally, he toured the USS Charlotte (SSN-766), a Los Angeles-class submarine, named for Charlotte, North Carolina, currently stationed in Pearl Harbor. WATCH VIDEO BELOW: As a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Budd led efforts in the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act to improve security cooperation with allies and partners, block cuts to Army special operations force structure, prohibit the Air Force from divesting F-15E Strike Eagles that would cause a critical fighter gap against China, and accelerate development of collaborative combat aircraft. Additionally, he voted to authorize the full budget request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, multiyear procurement of 10 Virginia-class submarines, and fully fund the next amphibious transport dock, LPD-33, despite the Biden Administration leaving it out of the budget request. Each of these efforts is critical to posture the Joint Force to maintain deterrence, peace, and security in the Indo-Pacific. Sen. Budd said in a statement: “There is no doubt that the Joint Force retains the strategic advantage and, alongside our allies and partners, is postured to maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining deterrence, however, requires constant vigilance and significant investment in our military infrastructure and posture in the region. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I am committed to ensuring our military has the resources and authorities necessary to secure peace through strength for generations to come.” Details from the CODEL include: In Haw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-lead-effort-to-increase-awareness-of-resources-for-veteran-homebuyers | Tillis, Colleagues Lead Effort to Increase Awareness of Resources for Veteran Homebuyers | 2023-10-20 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues introduced the bipartisan VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2023 to increase awareness of the VA Home Loan Program for veterans by adding a disclosure to the standard mortgage pre-qualification application. “The VA Home Loan Program is an important resource for veterans to achieve the American dream and purchase a home,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation will help expand awareness so the men and women who served our country can take advantage of this benefit.” The VA Home Loan Program offers veterans unique perks for financing their home purchases, including no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and oftentimes lower interest rates than conventional FHA loans. Despite these benefits, only 13% of veterans ever utilize their VA Home Loan benefit. Specifically, the VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2023 would: Add a disclosure informing Veterans they may be eligible for a VA Home Loan to the URLA form; Direct applicants to consult their lender for more information about the VA Home Loan Program; Instruct the GAO to conduct a review and report to Congress regarding lenders adoption of the URLA form updates. The full text of the bill may be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-hickenlooper-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-another-ftx-disaster | Tillis, Hickenlooper Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Another FTX Disaster | 2023-10-20 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the Proving Reserves of Others Funds (PROOF) Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish strong safeguards against instances of unethical co-mingling of customer funds while also requiring digital assets institutions to submit to a monthly proof of reserves (PoR) inspection by a neutral third-party auditing firm. PoR is an already-existing industry best practice that is used to verify whether an institution holds sufficient reserves to back its customer balances. Under the PROOF Act, the results of monthly PoR inspections are submitted to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which is required to post the information publicly. Failure to submit to this inspection would result in a civil fine, derived through a tiered system that increases penalties for repeat offenders. “The FTX fiasco was a direct result of mismanagement and grossly unethical decision-making, leading to significant fraud and loss of investor funds. Americans deserve better assurances regarding their deposits and the solvency of these platforms,” said Senator Tillis. “The PROOF Actwould improve regulation of the cryptocurrency industry by explicitly prohibiting the co-mingling of funds, while also setting a strong transparency standard with the already-used industry best practice of PoR. Combined, these two steps will help build trust that investors, both institutional and retail, can engage in digital asset markets.” “FTX’s collapse made one thing clear: lack of customer protections in crypto will leave consumers in the lurch,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “These commonsense safeguards make crypto companies more transparent and hold them to the same standards as everyone else.” “The PROOF Act standardizes solvency reporting requirements for digital asset exchanges and custodians in a way that will significantly improve consumer safety. Proof of Reserves (PoR) is an industry best practice that combines the cryptographic nature of digital assets with … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/19/budd-rubio-colleagues-call-on-biden-to-revoke-visas-for-hamas-sympathizers/ | Budd, Rubio, Colleagues Call on Biden to Revoke Visas for Hamas Sympathizers | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and 10 other Senators to introduce S. Res 413, which calls on President Biden to use existing U.S. law to revoke the visas of foreign nationals who endorse or espouse activity in support of Hamas or other Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Senator Budd said in a statement: “The privilege of living in the United States is something that should be cherished. If a foreign national abuses this blessing by supporting Hamas or another Foreign Terrorist Organization, they should no longer be allowed to stay in this country. I thank Senator Rubio for leading this effort.” Senator Rubio said: “It is a blessing to live in America and any individual that is promoting Hamas should have that privilege revoked. Republicans are united in calling on President Biden to enforce current law and revoke the visas of any foreign national who support Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/19/budd-supported-resolution-supporting-israel-passes-senate/ | Budd-Supported Resolution Standing with Israel Passes Senate | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate passed S. Res. 417, a resolution supporting Israel, as they face an unprecedented series of terrorist attacks from Hamas. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) was an original co-sponsor of the resolution, which reads: Now, therefore, be it resolved that: The Senate – (1) stands with Israel as it defends itself, including Israeli efforts to diminish the threat posed by Hamas; (2) reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense, and is committed to helping Israel safeguard its people from future aggression; (3) calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ war on Israel, including Hamas’ intentional targeting of, and attacks against, civilians; (4) demands that Hamas immediately cease its attacks against Israel and safely release all living hostages and return the bodies of deceased hostages; (5) condemns Iran’s support for global terrorism, including its support for terrorist groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad; (6) calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance that the terror group relies on to threaten Israel; (7) warns against any other party hostile to Israel taking advantage of the current situation; (8) reaffirms the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security; and (9) stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply or other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support needs, both during the immediate crisis and in the near future, including by accelerating delivery of defense articles and systems. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-resupply-israel-s-iron-dome-missile-defense | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Resupply Israel’s Iron Dome Missile Defense | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Emergency Resupply for Iron Dome Act of 2023, a bill to require the Executive Branch to transfer the U.S. foreign assistance that the U.S. Department of State plans to send to Hamas-controlled Gaza and redirect it to resupply Israel’s highly-effective missile defense interceptors. “Israel has a right to defend itself against the barbaric attacks of Hamas terrorists operating in Gaza,” said Senator Tillis. “The United States must stand with our ally Israel and ensure their life-saving Iron Dome technology is resupplied to protect innocent Israelis.” Full text of the legislation is available HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/18/budd-cruz-capito-propose-bill-to-limit-social-media-access-at-school/ | Budd, Cruz, Capito Propose Bill to Limit Social Media Access at School | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) have introduced S. 3074, the Eyes on the Board Act. The bill would limit children’s access to social media at school by requiring schools receiving federal broadband funding to prohibit access on subsidized services, devices, and networks. The bill is supported by American College of Pediatricians, Parents Defending Education Action, Heritage Action, American Principles Project, Family Policy Alliance, American Association of Christian Schools, Association of Christian Schools International, The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, The Institute for Family Studies, Concerned Women for America, and the Bull Moose Project. Senator Budd said in a statement: “Students across the country fell behind in a big way because of COVID-era lockdowns. Ever since, parents have reasserted their right to be involved in their child’s education. That’s why I’m proud to help Senator Cruz introduce the Eyes on the Board Act, which is a commonsense solution to ensure that kids are focused on their studies at school rather than social media. If taxpayers are going to pay some of the costs for schools to be connected to the internet, then parents deserve to know that students are actually learning during school hours.” Senator Cruz said: “Addictive and distracting social media apps are inviting every evil force on the planet into kids’ classrooms, homes, and minds by giving those who want to abuse or harm children direct access to communicate with them online. The very least we can do is restrict access to social media at school so taxpayer subsidies aren’t complicit in harming our children. The Eyes on the Board Act is a commonsense solution to protecting our kids in the classroom and providing parents with the transparency needed to know their kids are safe.” Senator Capito said: “The Universal Service Fund’s E-Rate program helps connect schools to the internet so that every child has the same opportunities to l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/18/budd-joins-britt-letter-calling-out-president-biden-for-placing-unconfirmed-julie-su-in-presidential-line-of-succession/ | Budd Joins Britt Letter Calling Out President Biden for Placing Unconfirmed Julie Su in Presidential Line of Succession | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to President Biden requesting clarification regarding the Administration’s apparent decision to improperly elevate Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su into the presidential line of succession. The letter was led by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and signed by a total of 30 senators. Read the full text of the letter here: We write today to express grave concerns with your Administration’s apparent belief that Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su is eligible to assume the office of President of the United States pursuant to the presidential line of succession as established by Congress in the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. As you are well aware, since March 14, 2023, the United States Senate has declined to confirm Ms. Su’s nomination as Secretary of Labor, and she continues to lack adequate support from both Republican and Democratic members of the Senate to be confirmed to that position. Despite that reality and Ms. Su becoming the longest-ever Cabinet nominee to await confirmation in a time when the same party controls the White House and the Senate, the White House has chosen to keep her in place as Acting Secretary of Labor on an indefinite basis and has also listed her on the White House website as a member of the Cabinet “[i]n order of succession to the Presidency.” While you and your Administration have clearly decided to ignore congressional intent in keeping Ms. Su in place in her current role, it would be unfortunate if you have decided to further discount congressional intent – and violate the law – by taking the position that Ms. Su is eligible for placement in the presidential line of succession. While the Twenty Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that the Vice President shall assume the presidency upon the removal from office, death, or resignation of the sitting President, Article II, Section 1, clause 6 of the Constitution vests in Congress the power to set the presidential line of succession beyond the Vice Presiden… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/18/this-is-good-versus-evil-budd-delivers-speech-supporting-israel/ | “This is Good Versus Evil”: Budd Delivers Speech Supporting Israel | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) expressed his unequivocal support for the State of Israel after Hamas terrorists murdered over 1,400 civilians, including 31 Americans. Watch the full video: Key excerpts: “The level of barbarism that we witnessed was nothing short of evil incarnate. The mass slaughter of innocent civilians. Unspeakable violence against women, children, and the elderly. The deadliest massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust.” — “Compounding these atrocities is the reaction in some parts of the world and even in our own land, like the sickening anti-Semitic protests in city streets and on university campuses. These vile demonstrations celebrated, they justified, and they endorsed this violence. Simply put, there can be no place in our country for that sort of anti-Semitic bigotry.” — “Make no mistake, the only word to describe this is evil… Evil is surrounding a music festival full of innocent young people and systematically hunting them down and slaughtering them on the side of the road. That’s evil. Evil is kidnapping elderly women out of their homes and threatening on the internet to murder them. And evil is beheading and burning babies in front of their mothers and fathers. The line between morality and depravity, right now, is as bright as it has ever been. As a country, we must not avoid the reality that this is good versus evil.” — “If we try to turn away from evil, to deny that it’s evil, to beg for context to explain away evil, we do a disservice to our credibility and stain the soul of our nation. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with the State of Israel. — “In this current struggle between good and evil, America must lead the forces of good – and we must not fail.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-demand-president-biden-do-everything-in-his-power-to-rescue-american-hostages-in-israel | Tillis, Colleagues Demand President Biden Do Everything in His Power to Rescue American Hostages in Israel | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and 47 of his senate colleagues penned a bipartisan letter urging President Biden to continue doing everything in his power to rescue American hostages taken by Hamas during the terrorist organization’s October 7th attacks on Israel while supporting Israel’s efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas. “Hamas has already killed 30 Americans and likely injured many more…The terrorists responsible for these atrocities hide behind human shields while they threaten to livestream the execution of hostages. Hamas has also reportedly demanded the mass release of prisoners in exchange for freeing its hostages and could use the hostages to push for a ceasefire. With several U.S. citizens still missing in the aftermath of the terror group’s brutal attack, we urge you to continue putting your full attention on the freeing of American hostages. Every day must be treated with a sense of urgency,” the senators wrote. “As a result, we urge the United States to continue supporting Israel’s urgent efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas, provide the necessary resources for Israel’s defense, and continue offering whatever support necessary to immediately and safely rescue kidnapped Americans, with particular attention to those who require urgent medical care,” the senators continued. “We urge you to encourage our allies and partners in the region to place pressure on Hamas to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to have access to the hostages while the United States and Israel work to secure their release,” the senators concluded. Read the full letter HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-freeze-6-billion-to-iran-probe-additional-iranian-assets | Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Freeze $6 Billion to Iran, Probe Additional Iranian Assets | 2023-10-17 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Revoke Iranian Funding Act to rescind the general licenses that enabled the release of the $6 billion to Iran and prevent the Iranian regime from accessing and using the funds held in Qatar to finance terrorist attacks against Israel or any other nation. In addition, the bill directs the Treasury Secretary to study all high-value Iranian assets around the world that are currently blocked by U.S. sanctions and provide that information to Congress, ensuring Congress has the information necessary to enact further targeted legislation, if necessary. “The Biden Administration’s reckless decision to send $6 billion to the rogue state of Iran must be reversed,” said Senator Tillis. “Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and its continued financial support of Hamas enabled the cold-blooded murder of thousands of innocent Israeli civilians, including the horrific slaying of children. This legislation will ensure the United States does not provide the Iranian regime with more resources to fund terrorism and attack our allies.” Read an overview of the bill HERE and a section-by-section overview HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-freeze-6-billion-to-iran-probe-additional-iranian-assets/bd869dc6-8a8f-4ff7-a1c6-e8263d45ab5a | Tillis, Padilla, Smith, and Ernst Launch Bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus | 2023-10-17 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced the launch of their bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus. Daniel Gillison, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Laurel Stine, Vice President of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), joined the Senators in announcing the launch. Senator Tillis helped write and pass theBipartisan Safer Communities Act that marked the largest investment in community-based mental health and substance use care in American history. “Our country is experiencing a mental health crisis, from children to adolescents to older adults, and it’s past time for us to prioritize mental health care. That is why I have worked on a bipartisan basis to expand access to evidence-based mental health care for all Americans, including the creation of the 988 Suicide Hotline, to writing and passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that marked the largest investment in community-based mental health and substance use care in American history,” said Senator Tillis. “However the work is not done, and I am honored to be joining Senator Padilla in establishing the Senate Mental Health Caucus, where we can discuss, advocate for, and support the continued investment in mental health care. I am hopeful together we can work to raise awareness, expand education, and continue destigmatizing mental health care for Americans nationwide.” “Our nation has long faced mounting mental health challenges that have touched the lives of all Americans, but we know there are bipartisan solutions to address this crisis in reach,” said Senator Padilla. “People are finally beginning to realize the scale of our mental health crisis — and the wall of stigma that prevents too many from getting help is starting to come down. Now we need to ensure there are resources ready to get Americans the help that they need. I’m proud to announce this bipartisan caucus alongside Senators Tillis, Smith, a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-issue-statement-regarding-domestic-terrorist-threats | Tillis, Colleagues Issue Statement Regarding Domestic Terrorist Threats | 2023-10-13 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) issued the following joint statement warning potential perpetrators against making any domestic threats precipitated by Hamas’ attacks in Israel: “The Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel are despicable and depraved. As we mourn the hundreds of lives lost, including at least 27 U.S. citizens, we must also remain vigilant in our efforts to safeguard our communities at home. The first duty of government is to protect the national security of our citizens and keep Americans safe. “To any bad actors who dare cross onto American soil seeking to exploit the crisis in Israel and wreak havoc domestically, our message is clear: Any threat to the United States will be pursued and suppressed swiftly, forcefully and to the fullest extent of U.S. justice. Your vile and hateful acts have no place here. The United States will relentlessly defend against domestic threats while supporting Israel as it fights to eradicate Hamas’ campaign of evil.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/12/budd-klobuchar-smith-introduce-bill-to-support-volunteer-drivers/ | Budd, Klobuchar, Smith Introduce Bill to Support Volunteer Drivers | 2023-10-12 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced S. 3020, the Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act. The bill would increase the charitable mileage tax deduction rate for drivers from $0.14 to $0.655 per mile. This would ease the financial burden on volunteer drivers who provide rides for seniors and other non-drivers through churches, community organizations, and nonprofits, giving them access to health care, meals, and other essential services. Senator Budd said in a statement: “Volunteer drivers provide critical services to predominantly rural areas of our country. Seniors, veterans, and disabled citizens are able to access food and healthcare through the charitable work of others. Increasing the charitable mileage reimbursement rate will make it easier for volunteer drivers to continue giving of themselves and helping more people. Thank you to Senator Klobuchar for leading this vital legislation.” Senator Klobuchar said: “Volunteer drivers are vital to rural communities across our state, helping seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and others access necessities like meals and health care. By increasing the charitable mileage tax deduction rate, this legislation will help reduce the financial burden on volunteer drivers and ensure they can continue to serve their communities.” Senator Smith said: “Minnesota’s volunteer drivers are critical to communities across our state, helping provide access to food, medication, transport to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. This legislation would increase the charitable mileage tax reimbursement rate and lower the financial burden for these volunteers. By more fairly compensating them for their services, we can ensure volunteers are able to continue helping the people who rely on them.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-demand-answers-for-violations-of-iran-s-nuclear-program | Tillis, Colleagues Demand Answers For Violations of Iran’s Nuclear Program | 2023-10-12 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and 15 of his fellow Republican colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting an update on U.S. action to hold Iran accountable for multiple violations of theComprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed by the Obama Administration, Iran, and other countries agreeing to place restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. One condition included the JCPOA tasking the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure the regime in Tehran adheres to nuclear restrictions. Even with the signed agreement, Iran proves to be non-compliant and further continues nuclear programs. “The Iranian regime is intent on fomenting terror across the region, as evidenced by its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah’s, brutal attacks this weekend on our ally, Israel. Now more than ever, you must ensure that you hold the regime accountable for its failure to comply with obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Further, we were disappointed that the administration did not call for a formal censure of Tehran given its continued non-compliance with the IAEA,” the senators wrote. “The Biden Administration has failed to press for concrete action against Iran in Vienna. We are especially disturbed by reports that the United States led efforts to oppose a censure of Iran. As Iran violates its commitments and refuses to comply with the IAEA, your business-as-usual approach to resolving the situation is tantamount to an endorsement of the Iranian regime’s activities,” the senators concluded. Specifically, the senators made the following requests: An explanation as to why the State Department did not seek a censure of Iran during the September 11-15, 2023 Board of Governors meeting and the extent to which this decision was due to ongoing nuclear negotiations; All documents related to the United States decision to oppose a censure of Iran at the September 11-15, 2023 Board of Governors meeting; A determination as to whether Iran is in com… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-call-on-president-biden-to-convene-the-g7-to-jointly-sanction-iran-following-hamas-attacks-on-israel | Tillis, Colleagues Call on President Biden to Convene the G7 to Jointly Sanction Iran Following Hamas Attacks on Israel | 2023-10-11 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and 9 of his fellow Republican senators are calling on President Biden to immediately convene the G7 nations and take coordinated action to further isolate Iran with crippling sanctions. The senators are urging President Biden to punish the evil Iranian regime, which remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terror, isolate its support of evil terrorism, and deny its ability to continue supporting the brutality witnessed in Israel. “The terror and devastation unleashed on Israel over the last 72 hours by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists has rightly horrified the world. Innocent families were murdered in their homes. Teenage girls have been raped and then burned alive. An elderly wheelchair-bound woman, who was later identified as a Holocaust survivor, was brutally dragged through the streets of Gaza and killed. Children who witnessed the murders of their parents have been kidnapped and are now being held hostage by Hamas,” the senators wrote. “While we appreciate the willingness of the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany to stand in support of Israel as expressed in your joint statement yesterday, the statement failed to direct any action toward the evil behind these attacks: Iran. We know that the Iranian regime is behind the brutal attacks on innocent civilians being carried out by terrorists from Hamas and Palestinian Jihad. The United States and our allies cannot ignore this reality for a second longer. We the undersigned senators urge you to immediately convene the G7 nations and take coordinated action to further isolate Iran with severe sanctions and action that will strike directly at the wealth that this evil brings to the Ayatollah and the Iranian mullahs,” the senators continued. “Now, it falls on you as President of the United States to lead the freedom-loving world. We must punish the evil Iranian regime, which remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terror, and deny its ability to continue supporting the brutality witnessed in Israel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/10/budd-blackburn-colleagues-call-on-biden-to-freeze-6-billion-iran-transfer/ | Budd, Blackburn, Colleagues Call on Biden to Freeze $6 Billion Iran Transfer | 2023-10-10 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has co-signed a letter to President Biden, calling on the administration to immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds. The letter reads, in part: “Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, and the Wall Street Journal reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps worked with Hamas to plan the ongoing attacks on Israel. These horrific attacks come on the heels of the State Department issuing sanctions waivers for Iranian funds held in South Korean accounts to be converted from won to euros and then transferred to bank accounts in Qatar.” — “To stand by and allow Iran access to these funds as Hamas infiltrates Israel and murders, rapes, and mutilates countless Israelis is unconscionable. Your administration claims these funds are only available for humanitarian use, but money is fungible, and there is a significant risk they could be used to further efforts by Iran or Hamas against Israel. Moreover, allowing $6 billion to flow into Iran’s economy, even if the purpose is for humanitarian aid, allows the Iranian regime to reallocate even more funds to supporting terrorism. Oversight over the use of this $6 billion is not enough, and the oversight mechanism is crippled by your reported decision to pull the longstanding Treasury attaché from Qatar. The State Department should immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with U.S. ally Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds.” — “We must stand with Israel and restrict access to these Iranian funds. Iran should be placed under the most stringent sanctions admissible. Anything short of this is unacceptable and only aids in the ability of Iran and Hamas to fund these heinous acts.” The letter was led by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-call-on-biden-to-freeze-6-billion-iran-transfer | Tillis, Colleagues Call on Biden to Freeze $6 Billion Iran Transfer | 2023-10-10 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and 19 Senate Republicans are calling on President Biden and the State Department to immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts and work with Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds. “Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, and the Wall Street Journal reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps worked with Hamas to plan the ongoing attacks on Israel. These horrific attacks come on the heels of the State Department issuing sanctions waivers for Iranian funds held in South Korean accounts to be converted from won to euros and then transferred to bank accounts in Qatar,” the senators wrote. “To stand by and allow Iran access to these funds as Hamas infiltrates Israel and murders, rapes, and mutilates countless Israelis is unconscionable. Your administration claims these funds are only available for humanitarian use, but money is fungible, and there is a significant risk they could be used to further efforts by Iran or Hamas against Israel. Moreover, allowing $6 billion to flow into Iran’s economy, even if the purpose is for humanitarian aid, allows the Iranian regime to reallocate even more funds to supporting terrorism. Oversight over the use of this $6 billion is not enough, and the oversight mechanism is crippled by your reported decision to pull the longstanding Treasury attaché from Qatar. The State Department should immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with U.S. ally Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds,” the senators continued. “We must stand with Israel and restrict access to these Iranian funds. Iran should be placed under the most stringent sanctions admissible. Anything short of this is unacceptable and only aids in the ability of Iran and Hamas to fund these heinous acts,” the senators concluded. Read the full letter H… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/05/budd-warnock-tillis-van-hollen-introduce-bill-to-help-companies-attract-investors/ | Budd, Warnock, Tillis, Van Hollen Introduce Bill to Help Companies Attract Investors | 2023-10-05 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has introduced the Encouraging Public Offerings Act. He was joined by Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). The bipartisan legislation encourages capital formation by making initial public offerings (IPOs) more attractive for companies, while encouraging market transparency to better protect investors. The bill would also allow companies of all sizes to confidentially “test the waters” and gauge interest in a potential securities offering prior to a public IPO. While serving in the U.S. House, Senator Budd introduced this bill in 2017 and 2020. On November 1, 2017, the House passed the bill by a vote of 419-0. The legislative text of the bill is HERE. Sen. Budd said in a statement: “Fundamentally, financial markets connect money to ideas. But the process of taking a company public has become more and more difficult. This bill makes significant changes to securities laws to reduce the risk that companies face when they go public, and ensure that the everyday investor has access to the opportunities that help Americans save and watch their dollars grow.” Sen. Rev. Warnock said: “Small businesses are the backbones of our communities. Glad to partner with Senator Budd in leading this bipartisan effort to increase access to more funding for small businesses that are interested in entering the public markets.” Senator Tillis said: “This bill encourages economic growth by allowing companies to ‘test the waters’ before offering an IPO. By changing securities law to reduce many of the risks associated with IPOs, this legislation would lead to greater investment opportunities for American companies and everyday investors.” Senator Van Hollen said: “Taking a company public can be a complex and costly process. This bipartisan bill will make it easier for emerging companies to chart their path to an IPO and attract the capital they need to continue growing. This is a key way to boost opportunity for startups and small bus… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-colleagues-call-on-majority-leader-schumer-to-keep-senate-in-session-until-spending-bills-are-passed | Tillis, Colleagues Call on Majority Leader Schumer to Keep Senate in Session Until Spending Bills Are Passed | 2023-10-05 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and 16 fellow Republican senators sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) urging for the U.S. Senate to remain in session until all 12 appropriations bills have been debated and passed by the Senate to fully fund the government. The U.S. government averted a shutdown on September 30th and set a deadline for new spending agreement for November 17th. The letter comes as Senator Schumer adjourned the Senate for a state work period beginning, October 5th. “We urge you to modify the Senate calendar so that we remain in session Monday through Friday every week until all 12 fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills are passed in the Senate and House and signed into law by President Biden,”the senators wrote. “The House of Representatives has already taken the step to forgo their October recess and the Senate must follow suit. While valuable work is done while Senators are back in their home states, it is imperative that we remain in DC until our appropriations work can be completed. That is what the American people expect and deserve of us,” the senators continued. “The continuing resolution extended government funding until November 17th . That allows seven weeks for the Senate to consider the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. The past nine weeks make it clear that we cannot afford to take a weekday off, much less a weeklong recess, with so much work to be completed in such a condensed time,” the senators concluded. Read the full letter HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/04/budd-joins-call-to-keep-senate-in-session-until-all-spending-bills-are-passed/ | Budd Joins Call to Keep Senate in Session Until All Spending Bills Are Passed | 2023-10-04 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) co-signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), urging him to keep the U.S. Senate in session until all 12 appropriations bills have been debated and passed by the Senate. The letter was led by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and signed by a total of 13 senators including, Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), John Thune (R-SD), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). Read the full text letter: We urge you to modify the Senate calendar so that we remain in session Monday through Friday every week until all 12 fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills are passed in the Senate and House and signed into law by President Biden. The House of Representatives has already taken the step to forgo their October recess and the Senate must follow suit. While valuable work is done while Senators are back in their home states, it is imperative that we remain in DC until our appropriations work can be completed. That is what the American people expect and deserve of us. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed all 12 appropriations bills through Committee in June and July. In August and September, the Senate could have debated them, amended them, and ultimately passed final versions before the September 30th deadline. While that alone wouldn’t have staved off a shutdown, it would have shown we are committed to working together to tackle this critical government funding issue. Instead, the Senate recessed for five of the nine weeks and failed to pass even a single appropriations bill out of the Senate. The continuing resolution extended government funding until November 17th. That allows seven weeks for the Senate to consider the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. The past nine weeks make it clear that we cannot afford to take a weekday off, much less a weeklong recess, with so much work to be completed in su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/senate-passes-tillis-legislation-to-prevent-maternal-deaths-improve-health-services-and-outcomes-for-mothers | Senate Passes Tillis Legislation to Prevent Maternal Deaths, Improve Health Services and Outcomes for Mothers | 2023-10-04 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Thom Tillis | T000476 | www.tillis.senate.gov | tillis | https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Thom Tillis that would support states in preserving maternal health throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum by addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes and finding solutions to enhance health care quality and outcomes for mothers. One out of 75 U.S. births tragically result in stillbirths, accounting for nearly 21,000 stillbirths a year—more stillbirths annually than the number of babies who pass during the first year of life. “Maternal health is a serious issue in North Carolina and across the country with an alarming rise in pregnancy-related deaths,” said Senator Tillis. “We must work to improve maternal health outcomes and support mothers throughout pregnancy and beyond, and I am proud the Senate passed this bipartisan legislation that will increase access to maternal health care, address disparities, and improve outcomes for mothers.” Recent reports and data suggest that further reduction in the incidence of stillbirth is possible, highlighting that nearly 25% of stillbirths are potentially preventable. Alarmingly, in our nation, approximately 21,000 babies are stillborn every year. This is greater than the number of babies that die during the first year of life and more than ten times the number of babies that die annually due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Data comparing the United States to other countries shows that our nation can and must do more to prevent stillbirth. In the last two decades, the stillbirth rate in the United States declined by a negligible 0.4 percent, and, in a report published by the World Health Organization comparing progress in improving stillbirth rates, the United States ranked 183 out of 195 countries. The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023 amends Title V, the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant of the Social Security Act, to clarify that stillbirth prevention activities and research are an allowable use of funds. T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/02/budd-joins-letter-demanding-accountability-on-iran-linked-dod-official/ | Budd Joins Letter Demanding Accountability on Iran-Linked DOD Official | 2023-10-02 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | NC | Ted Budd | B001305 | www.budd.senate.gov | budd | https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has co-signed a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding a full explanation and accountability regarding a senior Pentagon official who has close links to the Iranian government. Ariane Tabatabai, the chief of staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, was reportedly engaged in an Iranian government-linked initiative to bolster the Iranian government’s image and reinforce Tehran’s national security views. Leaked emails show Tabatabai asking the Iranian government for input on her speaking engagements and offering to consult with the Iranian government on a congressional briefing that she was invited to give. In the letter, the senators called for the immediate suspension of Ms. Tabatabai’s security clearance. The letter was led by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and signed by a total of 30 senators. Read the full letter here: We are concerned that an individual who allegedly served as part of an Iranian Foreign Ministry information operation is currently serving in a senior Department of Defense position. We urge you to take immediate action to ensure that the Department has not been compromised. On Tuesday, September 26, Semafor reported that Ariane Tabatabai, who currently serves as chief of staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (SOLIC), was part of a so-called Iran Experts Initiative that “senior Iranian Foreign Ministry officials initiated [in] a quiet effort to bolster Tehran’s image and positions on global security issues – particularly its nuclear program.” According to communications that Semafor reviewed, Ms. Tabatabai agreed to join the Iranian government-linked Initiative in early 2014, after meeting a Germany-based Iranian diplomat in Prague. On at least two occasions, Ms. Tabatabai “checked in with Iran’s Foreign Ministry before attending policy events.” The report details one occasion in which an Iranian think tank chief, who acted as … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
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