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

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740 rows where chamber = "Senate" and state = "TN" sorted by date descending

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  • 2026 161
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  • 2020 141
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  • TN · 740 ✖

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/28/icymi-hagerty-joinssunday-morning-futures-on-fox-news-channel-to-discuss-trump-gop-accomplishments/ ICYMI—Hagerty JoinsSunday Morning Futures on Fox News Channel to Discuss Trump, GOP Accomplishments 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking committees, joined Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News Channel to discuss the radical policies of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), President Donald Trump’s agenda, and the accomplishments of the GOP. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on the DSA’s radical agenda: I think we need to listen to what the Democrats are saying. You think about [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14)], [Abdul El-Sayed], [Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT)], even what Mamdani is doing with socialist, government-run grocery stores. We need to make it very clear that their answer [is] basically more government control. You think about the welfare state that they want to see… collapse the borders, more fentanyl into the country, more terrorism, more crime, defund the Pentagon. Every direction they want to turn weakens America. We need to be emphasizing exactly what [President Donald Trump] has done these past two years and where we’re headed… We are seeing economic strength coming through. We are seeing policies that are making a real difference because we have actually cut taxes. We are deregulating. The Biden administration would’ve added $4 trillion more worth of compliance costs. We are taking them away. My Freedom to Build Act could take up to $100,000 off the cost of a new home, again, cutting regulatory and permitting costs. So, we need to convey those messages; we need to convey a positive economic message. And the fact is that the world stands stronger with a strong America. The Republicans have the answers for this. We are putting forward policies to do it. The Democrats’ view is “let’s shut down the government.” That’s all they’ve delivered the past two years— the two longest government shutdowns in history. We even had a permitting reform package that we were trying to pass last week. They walked away from it. They do not want to see the economy do well; the… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/senate-passes-blackburn-kaine-resolution-designating-october-as-national-country-music-month Senate Passes Blackburn, Kaine Resolution Designating October as “National Country Music Month” 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) released the following statements after their resolution designating October as “National Country Music Month” passed the Senate. This resolution honors the contributions of country music to the story and history of the U.S. and encourages the American people to observe “National Country Music Month” with appropriate ceremonies and activities. “Tennessee is the heart of country music, from its birthplace in Bristol to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville,” said Senator Blackburn. “This National Country Music Month, we honor the legendary Dolly Parton, whose iconic voice, songwriting, and showmanship inspired generations of performers and fans. Country music has always captured the spirit of our nation—our faith, our families, and our freedoms—and it is my honor to lead this resolution recognizing this incredible legacy.” “Music has always been a big part of my life, from listening to and playing songs with my family to jamming with friends,” said Senator Kaine. “Bristol is the birthplace of country music, so I’m glad to join Senator Blackburn in introducing this resolution to recognize October as National Country Music Month and celebrate this incredible genre and its contributions to our nation’s history and culture.” 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/senate-unanimously-passes-blackburn-s-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-romance-scams Senate Unanimously Passes Blackburn’s Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Romance Scams 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed Senator Marsha Blackburn’s (R-Tenn.) Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating apps and services to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with a person removed from the app, sending it to President Trump’s desk. In recent years, digital romance scams have become more common as scammers target recently widowed or divorced senior citizens. In 2023, Tennesseans over the age of 60 lost $43 million due to scams targeting the elderly, marking an 18% increase from the losses reported in 2022. Across the country, the Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing $1.3 billion in 2022 alone. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) co-sponsored this legislation. Representative David Valadao (R-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. BACKGROUND As Americans continue to go online to find meaningful relationships, scammers are following suit. These scams accelerated during the COVID pandemic when more senior citizens turned to dating sites for companionship while they were isolated from their loved ones. When an online dating service provider becomes aware of a user committing fraudulent activity, such as illegally obtaining money, the online dating service provider immediately deactivates the fraudulent user's account. However, individuals who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms, so even when a fraudulent account is removed, an individual might not know they are still communicating with someone who has been removed from the dating platform. The Romance Scam Prevention Act would fill this communication gap by requiring dating app platforms to send a fraud ban notification to anyone who has communicated with someone with a fraudulent account. Click here for bill text. Click here to read more about the red flag indicators of romance scams and how to avoid becoming a victim of a romance scam. RELATED 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/23/hagerty-calls-for-heightened-safety-standards-on-public-transit/ Hagerty Calls for Heightened Safety Standards on Public Transit 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Crime on public transit wastes taxpayer dollars and puts passengers in danger WASHINGTON—Today, Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) introduced the Safe Transit Act, a bill aimed at penalizing the oversight of crime and misconduct on public transit. Lax public transit safety measures waste hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars each year and pose a serious threat to transit users. Yet some of the nation’s most robust and frequently used transit systems — especially those in blue states — do not have adequate security protocols in place to keep their passengers safe. Every city that receives federal funding for transit should have to prove that it is protecting its passengers and combatting crime. The Safe Transit Act incentivizes public transit systems to adopt more robust crime prevention measures and creates a safety performance benchmark, ensuring each system is held to the same standard. Most importantly, the bill withholds federal funds from transit systems that fail to meet the proposed benchmarks and safety protocols. “Too many Democrat-led cities and states take taxpayer dollars while letting crime run rampant on public transit. This must end,” said Hagerty. “My legislation would direct federal funding to communities that actually protect passengers and promote public safety. It’s time to put Americans’ safety first.” “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve used every tool in our toolbox to make transit systems safer, cleaner, and more family-friendly. Our work has slashed fare evasion, increased law enforcement patrols, and reduced crime — including right here in our nation’s capital. But for the stubborn states, cities, and systems that refuse to meet basic safety standards, we need more flexibility to hold them accountable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “I want to thank Senator Hagerty for leading this critical legislation and ensuring hardworking-taxpayer dollars deliver transit systems that Americans can be proud of.” The Safe Transit Act would: Allow the Department to withhold 1… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/18/hagerty-colleagues-lead-passage-of-resolution-honoring-the-life-and-legacy-of-dolly-parton/ Hagerty, Colleagues Lead Passage of Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dolly Parton 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Parton was a lifelong Tennessean and an internationally beloved entertainer and philanthropist WASHINGTON—United States Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) led passage of a resolution honoring the life and legacy of country music star Dolly Parton. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01) introduced a companion resolution in the United States House of Representatives. Born in Locust Ridge, Tenn., Parton began her nearly 70-year musical career at age 10 and made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 13. Over the next six decades, she wrote nearly 3,000 songs and sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including timeless classics such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5.” Parton cemented her status as one of the most successful female artists of all time. She received 32 prestigious entertainment awards and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Beyond music, Parton dedicated much of her life to bettering her community, particularly in East Tennessee. In 1988, she founded the Dollywood Foundation, an organization committed to providing East Tennessee students with resources to further their education. Parton went on to establish the Imagination Library, a charitable program that has provided over 332 million free books to children across the globe. She also raised more than $12 million for those affected by deadly wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains in 2016. In addition to her philanthropic work, Parton was a successful businesswoman. In 1986, she opened Dollywood, a popular theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., which has since become a major East Tennessee economic driver and international tourist destination. For her final business endeavor, Parton took inspiration from her years traveling on tour buses to establish Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tenn., in June 2026. Parton passed away on Aug. 25 at the Vanderbilt-Ing… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/blackburn-colleagues-lead-passage-of-resolution-honoring-the-life-and-legacy-of-dolly-parton Blackburn, Colleagues Lead Passage of Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dolly Parton 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) led passage of a resolution to honor the life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton, whose extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy, literacy, education, health, conservation, and culture enriched the lives of countless Americans. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Dolly Parton was a Tennessee treasure who lived out the Volunteer Spirit, loved our nation, and opened doors of opportunity for countless people,” said Senator Blackburn. “While there are no words to fully express the sorrow all Tennesseans feel in her loss, I hope this resolution plays at least a small part in ensuring that her legacy is never forgotten, and I am honored to lead it in the Senate.” “Dolly is truly a Tennessee legend,” said Senator Hagerty. “From her humble beginnings in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains to worldwide fame, Dolly exemplified the American Dream. Whether she was performing on stages across the globe, creating opportunities for families to make memories in Dollywood, or fostering a love of reading through her Imagination Library, Dolly lived a life dedicated to encouraging others to dream just as boldly as she did. She never forgot where she came from and left an indelible cultural and economic impact on our state. She will be very dearly missed.” “Dolly Parton was a legend, an icon, and an inspiration. Las Vegans and visitors enjoyed her shows for close to half a century, and books from her Imagination Library line the bookshelves of countless Nevada children,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Today, we stand together to honor her contributions to American music, her lifetime of generosity and service, and her embrace of all people.” “I'm grateful to Senator Blackburn for leading this resolution in the Senate so that Dolly's story, a woman whose humble beginnings in a two-room cabin in Sevier Cou… 1 2026-09-21T10:25:24Z 2026-09-21T10:26:54Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/president-trump-signs-blackburn-s-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-prison-staff-from-sexual-abuse-by-inmates President Trump Signs Blackburn’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Prison Staff from Sexual Abuse by Inmates 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed her bipartisan legislation, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, into law. This legislation will help address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates. “No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work,” said Senator Blackburn. “I am pleased the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act—which will help us end the appalling sexual abuse of prison staff by inmates—has been signed into law by President Trump.” This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.). Representative Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. BACKGROUND According to a February 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), a staggering 40% of 7,000 surveyed BOP staff stated they had been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted by an inmate. At United States Penitentiary Thomson in Illinois, there were over 300 incidents of inmate-on-staff sexual harassment in a single year. USP Thomson houses only 875 inmates. The DOJ OIG report, combined with BOP staff testimonials on this troubling problem, strongly suggests that BOP’s reporting and corrective procedures for inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment are inadequate, creating an institutional culture that lacks accountability and endangers BOP employees. THE PRISON STAFF SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT The Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act will require: The BOP to fully implement the recommendations in the Inspector General’s 2023 report regarding mitigating inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and assault and to fully ascertain the scope of the problem; The DOJ OIG to conduct an analysis of punishments for sexual harassment and sexual assault in BOP facilities; and The U.S. Attorney General to promulgate a rule adopting national standards for prevent… 1 2026-09-21T10:25:24Z 2026-09-21T10:26:54Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/blackburn-bill-to-support-music-tourism-heads-to-president-trump-s-desk Blackburn Bill to Support Music Tourism Heads to President Trump’s Desk 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) released the following statements after the U.S. House of Representatives passed their bipartisan legislation, American Music Tourism Act, to support music tourism in Tennessee and across the country: “The Volunteer State is home to so many iconic landmarks for tourists to experience – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge,” said Senator Blackburn. “Music tourism has such a positive impact on Tennessee’s economy, and we need to ensure that fans from all over the world continue to celebrate our state’s rich history of music for generations to come. The American Music Tourism Act will promote and support the fast-growing tourism industry, and I am pleased it is heading to President Trump’s desk.” “From Red Rocks to The Mish, Colorado is fortunate to have so many outstanding music venues that bring culture, tourism, and economic opportunity to our communities,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “The American Music Tourism Act will help bring even more visitors to venues in Colorado and across the country. We’re glad to see it pass the House and urge the President to sign it into law.” The American Music Tourism Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.). BACKGROUND Music tourism – both the act of visiting sites important to the history of American music culture and the act of traveling for concerts and music festivals – is a vital industry for American culture and an economic driver for our communities. Music tourism has emerged as a top travel trend, with the market forecasted to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032. The United States, which boasts one of world’s largest music industries that generates over $43 billion in revenue each year, is one of the main beneficiaries of this international interest in music tourism. The Commerce Department’s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism i… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/14/hagerty-tn-delegation-urge-swift-approval-of-major-disaster-declaration-requests-after-severe-weather-impacts-west-tennessee/ Hagerty, TN Delegation Urge Swift Approval of Major Disaster Declaration Requests After Severe Weather Impacts West Tennessee 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—On Friday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) joined the Tennessee delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging his swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following severe storms that affected areas of West Tennessee. Co-signers of the letter include Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), along with Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04), Matt Van Epps (R-TN-07), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), and Steve Cohen (D-TN-09). A copy of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Mr. President: We write to urge swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe weather occurring on August 22, 2026. On August 22, a severe thunderstorm moved through the Mid-South and into West Tennessee, producing widespread damaging straight-line winds. Severe weather, including prolific straight-line winds and hail, caused significant damage to the power grid, particularly in Shelby County. The National Weather Service reported that more than 130,000 customers were without power, in addition to extensive tree damage, downed power lines, and road closures. Peak wind speeds were estimated between 60 and 80 miles per hour, with the storm lasting approximately 45 minutes in Shelby County and 90 minutes across the entire affected area. Ongoing extreme heat following the storm also posed serious risks to vulnerable residents, including seniors, young children, people with disabilities, low-income households, and those without access to cooling. To respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is specifically requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for Shelby County and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The State is also requesting direct Federal assistance for debris management support, including technical monitoring and mentoring t… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/video-blackburn-honors-victims-of-9-11-on-25th-anniversary VIDEO: Blackburn Honors Victims of 9/11 on 25th Anniversary 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a video marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks and honoring the victims, their families, the first responders, and the service members who answered the call. “Let’s make certain we never forget and that we remember those families, those victims, the loss of life, and the attack on our country,” said Senator Blackburn. “And let’s be grateful for the men and women who stood up against that attack. Never forget.” 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/11/icymi-hagerty-joinsthe-scott-jennings-show-on-salem-news-channel-to-discuss-midterms-iran-memphis-blade-act/ ICYMI—Hagerty JoinsThe Scott Jennings Show on Salem News Channel to Discuss Midterms, Iran, Memphis, BLADE Act 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper DALLAS—On Thursday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined The Scott Jennings Show on Salem News Channel to discuss the upcoming midterm election, the latest in Iran, the Memphis Safe Task Force, and the BLADE Act. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on the RNC Convention: We have had a great delegation from Tennessee and frankly, great delegations from all over the country. There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of enthusiasm. People loved [President Donald Trump’s] speech last night—a lot of energy there. And frankly, a lot of people that weren’t here, but I’ve heard from across the country that are very pleased to see the energy turnaround. And frankly, to be drawing a contrast finally against Democratic candidates. I think people are tired of reading New York Times headlines running these generic polls, Republicans versus Democrats. And now that we actually see what a Democratic socialist stands for, there’s a huge contrast to be made. I think if you just step back and look at what the Democrats have accomplished this past 18, 20 months, they’ve delivered the two longest government shutdowns in history. What they seem to want to deliver is nothing but chaos, shutdowns, and acrimony. The American public hasn’t seen anything positive coming from the Democrats. Hagerty on Iran: The Iranian regime is holding on to see what happens on November the third. It certainly worked out well for them back in 2020. Back at that point in time, I was the U.S. ambassador to Japan. I got the Japanese and my colleagues around the world… to stop buying Iranian crude oil… We brought the Iranian economy to a difficult place. It’s even worse right now, but the Iranians held out to see what would happen in the election. Having [former President Joe Biden] in the Oval Office was a gift extraordinaire to the Iranian regime, because immediately the Biden [administration] stopped enforcing all sanctions. Money bega… 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/blackburn-duckworth-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-life-saving-emergency-communication-technology Blackburn, Duckworth Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Life-Saving Emergency Communication Technology 2026-09-10 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, reintroduced legislation to improve emergency communication technology and help save lives. The ITS Codification Act would codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), which currently serves as the research and engineering laboratory at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and require ITS to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies to help locate trapped individuals in confined spaces where conventional radio communication is limited. “First responders in Tennessee need access to reliable technology that will help them locate trapped individuals in confined spaces where radio signals fail,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan ITS Codification Act would drive the development of advanced communication technologies to help first responders save more lives when every second counts.” 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/09/icymi-hagerty-joins-varney-co-on-fox-business-to-discuss-tariffs-on-israel-affordability/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Tariffs on Israel, Affordability 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty, (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss the foreign trade restrictions on Israel and affordability ahead of the midterm election. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on foreign trade restrictions on Israel: I’m disappointed, but I’m not surprised. If you look at [the United Kingdom, Canada, France and others], they’re much more concerned about their own domestic politics—appeasing the left in their own countries—than they are about supporting Israel, who is locked arm in arm with the United States and its Arab neighbors trying to defeat a 47-year-old terrorist regime in Iran. Rather than do that, rather than step up to the larger macro issues, they are pandering and dealing with the [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS)] crowd in their own countries. They should actually be focusing on more important issues in their own countries… Their military capability that they’ve let wane; they should be beefing that up. Their energy independence—that they’ve lost—instead of depending on Russia, they should be building and working with us. Here they are wasting their time, again, pandering to domestic politics. Hagerty on affordability: I’m in Dallas right now. I was with [Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA)] last night. He makes a very important case: One thing that doesn’t seem to be getting covered very much at all is the fact that job growth is on the rebound. We have exceptional job growth in the private sector. Wages are growing again. That was not the case under Joe Biden, where wages were growing at half the rate of inflation. Under Biden, we had inflation over 9%. We brought that down… I’ve got the Freedom to Build Act that targets the incredibly high cost of housing right now. The bureaucrat tax, as it’s called, the cost of permitting before you even build the house can be as high as $100,000 in some areas. Dealing with this … 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/04/hagerty-applauds-appointment-of-former-chief-of-staff-as-acting-army-secretary/ Hagerty Applauds Appointment of Former Chief of Staff as Acting Army Secretary 2026-09-04 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—On Thursday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) commended President Donald Trump’s appointment of Hagerty’s former chief of staff, Adam Telle, as acting secretary of the Army. The president announced Telle’s appointment via a post on Truth Social. In the post, Trump noted that Telle was “a Great Patriot, who is respected by all.” Telle has a more than 20-year career in public service. He began his tenure in Washington in 2005, serving as a staff member to Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) upon his graduation from Mississippi State University, and later as legislative director and deputy chief of staff to Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS). Telle served as the chief staff member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security before moving to the White House Office of Legislative Affairs to serve as Trump’s chief liaison to the Senate during the president’s first term. Among his many accomplishments as liaison, Telle played a pivotal role in implementing the Abraham Accords, as well as in establishing the U.S. Space Force, the newest armed service branch in nearly 70 years. In August 2021, Telle returned to Capitol Hill to serve on Hagerty’s staff, where he rose to chief of staff. After President Trump won the 2024 election, Telle was appointed to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works during the president’s second term in August 2025. During his time as Assistant Secretary, Telle transformed the Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Program, focusing on major national infrastructure projects involving commercial navigation, flood and storm-damage reduction, water resources, environmental restoration and permitting. During his confirmation process, Telle earned the support of the Senate as he advanced through both the Senate Armed Services and the Environment and Public Works Committees and was confirmed by the entire body in a bipartisan 72-22 vote. “Adam has repeatedly proven himself as a tried and tested leader,” said Hagerty. “Through his service across multiple areas of … 1 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/blackburn-warner-reintroduce-bill-to-increase-transparency-of-medicare-advantage-benefits-for-seniors Blackburn, Warner Reintroduce Bill to Increase Transparency of Medicare Advantage Benefits for Seniors 2026-09-04 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), members of the Senate Finance Committee, reintroduced the Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits Transparency Act, legislation that would require Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to publicly report the supplemental benefits they offer and the extent to which beneficiaries use them. “Transparency in Medicare Advantage plans is long overdue,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits Transparency Act would ensure beneficiaries receive the full value they’ve been promised by requiring plans to publicly report the supplemental benefits they offer and how often seniors actually use them.” “We need clear and accessible data in order to properly evaluate the effectiveness of the Medicare Advantage program,” said Senator Warner.“This legislation will make sure we can ensure the sustainability of Medicare and better evaluate plans, so seniors have the best coverage for their needs.” BACKGROUND In recent years, the use of Medicare Advantage has skyrocketed, with more than half of eligible beneficiaries nationwide choosing to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. However, there is currently no statutory requirement to specifically report on supplemental benefits, making data on available benefits and their utilization unreliable. Senator Blackburn’s legislation would ensure this information is available to understand beneficiary use of supplemental benefits and their impact on the sustainability of the Medicare program. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS TRANSPARENCY ACT Specifically, the legislation would require Medicare Advantage plans to report enrollee-level data on supplemental benefits to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as report eligibility for benefits, the types of benefit categories offered, and data on utilization of and payments for such benefits. There is currently no statutory requirement to specifically report on supplemental benefits, making data on available… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-sexual-abuse-of-prison-staff-heads-to-president-trump-s-desk Blackburn Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Prison Staff Heads to President Trump’s Desk 2026-08-31 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed her bipartisan legislation, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, to help address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates: “No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work,” said Senator Blackburn. “I am pleased the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act—which will help us end the appalling sexual abuse of prison staff by inmates—has passed the House and is heading to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.” This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.). Representative Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. BACKGROUND According to a February 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), a staggering 40% of 7,000 surveyed BOP staff stated they had been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted by an inmate. At United States Penitentiary Thomson in Illinois, there were over 300 incidents of inmate-on-staff sexual harassment in a single year. USP Thomson houses only 875 inmates. The DOJ OIG report, combined with BOP staff testimonials on this troubling problem, strongly suggests that BOP’s reporting and corrective procedures for inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment are inadequate, creating an institutional culture that lacks accountability and endangers BOP employees. THE PRISON STAFF SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT The Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act will require: The BOP to fully implement the recommendations in the Inspector General’s 2023 report regarding mitigating inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and assault and to fully ascertain the scope of the problem; The DOJ OIG to conduct an analysis of punishments for sexual harassment and sexual assault in BOP facilities; and The U.S. Attorney General to promulgate a rule adopting national… 1 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-duckworth-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-counter-communist-china-s-gray-zone-aggression-against-indo-pacific-partners Blackburn, Duckworth Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Counter Communist China’s ‘Gray-Zone’ Aggression Against Indo-Pacific Partners 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve our nation’s capabilities to counter the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) intimidation and coercion tactics in the Indo-Pacific, which actively threaten the safety of our partners in the region as well as our national security. Known as ‘gray-zone tactics,’ these actions are aimed at disrupting regional stability while stopping just short of armed conflict—a dangerous strategy that sets the stage for even harsher intervention by the PRC in the future. The Senators’ bipartisan Countering Gray Zone Aggression by the People’s Republic of China Act would direct the State Department to enhance cooperation with our Indo-Pacific partners and better address the growing threat of PRC aggression in the region. 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-restore-state-authority-over-insurance Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Restore State Authority Over Insurance 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) recently reintroduced the Federal Insurance Office Abolishment Act. The legislation would abolish the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury, returning sole regulatory authority over the insurance industry to the states. “Insurance regulation has long been, and should remain, a responsibility of the states,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Federal Insurance Office Abolishment Act would eliminate unnecessary federal overreach, cut red tape, and return power to the states.” “The Federal Insurance Office is a redundant, ever-expanding, unaccountable entity that infringes upon states’ authority to regulate the insurance industry,” said Senator Cruz. “This legislation will rein in bureaucratic overreach by the federal government and empower state regulators to focus on what is best for consumers in their states.” “The Federal Insurance Office does not need to exist. It’s an Obama-era expansion of the federal bureaucracy created to intrude on states’ rights,” said Senator Lee. “Our bill will formally abolish this needless expense and return insurance regulation to the states, where it has always belonged.” BACKGROUND In 1945, Congress passed the McCarran-Ferguson Act, solidifying states’ regulatory authority over the insurance industry. Following the 2008 financial crisis, the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) was created by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which granted the FIO specific financial stability, monitoring, and international responsibilities. However, these responsibilities duplicate functions within an industry that has long been regulated at the state level and traditionally overseen by state insurance regulators. The Federal Insurance Office Abolishment Act would eliminate the FIO and restore primary regulatory authority over the insurance industry to the states. Click here for bill text 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-blumenthal-statement-on-meta-s-landmark-17-billion-settlement-in-case-about-social-media-harms-to-kids Blackburn & Blumenthal Statement on Meta’s Landmark $17 Billion Settlement in Case About Social Media Harms to Kids 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement after Meta reached a landmark settlement with 47 states and agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion in penalties over claims it harmed children with social media addiction: “This massive settlement shows how terrified Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are of accountability in open court. We applaud the bipartisan coalition of state Attorneys General for forcing Meta to start paying a real price for the harm its products have caused an entire generation of young people. The product design changes imposed under this settlement are a first step toward giving kids and parents the tools they need to take back control of their online lives, but they can be strengthened. Meta notes that these terms are only required to stay in place for 10 years—we must ensure permanent change. We also need safeguards that apply across the board—to all social media companies—not just Instagram and Facebook. This settlement once again demands that Congress pass the Kids Online Safety Act into law before the end of the year.” 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-end-federal-funding-for-harmful-gender-transition-research-on-minors Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to End Federal Funding for Harmful Gender Transition Research on Minors 2026-08-21 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and several of their Senate colleagues recently introduced theProtecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act to prohibit the use of federal funds for any research or publication promoting gender transitions for minors. The legislation would shield American children from permanent medical and psychological damage, in line with President Trump’s agenda to keep tax dollars from funding child mutilation. “Taxpayers should not be spending a penny on research done by those who want to push harmful gender transition surgeries and radical gender ideology on our kids,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act would prohibit the use of federal funds for any research or study on gender transition surgeries for minors.” “Why is the federal bureaucracy in the child mutilation business?” said Senator Lee. “Americans don’t want to pay millions for these disturbing studies where hundreds of kids are experimented on with puberty-blocking drugs. President Trump rightly halted this attack on America’s kids. Our bill will codify his agenda to keep federal dollars out of gender transition research involving minors.” “God creates every child male or female in His perfect image,” said Senator Lankford. “For too long, taxpayers have been forced to fund sex-rejecting studies on kids. The result has been irreversible physical harm, mental health crises, and families torn apart. President Trump has led the effort to shut down these grants across the federal government, and Congress needs to make it permanent. This bill ensures that not one more taxpayer dollar funds research designed to harm children.” This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). It is endorsed by Students for Life Action and the American Principles Project. BACKGROUND Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 14,000 children were prescrib… 1 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-blumenthal-press-tiktok-for-intentionally-withholding-safety-features-from-children Blackburn, Blumenthal Press TikTok for Intentionally Withholding Safety Features From Children 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent a letter to TikTok regarding a recent report that the social media company endangered children by knowingly withholding an algorithmic safety measure from millions of American users to determine whether the safeguard would reduce engagement on its platform. In the letter, Senator Blackburn and Senator Blumenthal requested a prompt response to a detailed list of questions, including whether TikTok conducted a risk assessment before the experiment, what the results of the experiment were, and how many U.S. users TikTok has placed in experiments that withheld safety features. Senator Blackburn and Senator Blumenthal’s Kids Online Safety Act would require social media platforms like TikTok to design their products with child safety in mind. New Report Reveals TikTok Conducted Harmful Experiment on 15 Million U.S. Users “According to reports, TikTok developed changes to its recommendation algorithm intended to prevent users from being repeatedly and intentionally exposed to potentially harmful content, including videos concerning sadness, loneliness, extreme dieting, and other sensitive subjects. In December 2021, TikTok publicly announced that it was testing ways to avoid recommending clusters of similar content that could be harmful when viewed repeatedly. TikTok did not disclose, however, its depraved decision to intentionally withhold these protections from approximately 10 percent of its U.S. users—a control group that reportedly represented approximately 15 million Americans at the time… TikTok appeared fixated on whether the safety measure would affect user engagement or the ‘stickiness’ of the platform —trying to put the price tag on safety. Even more troubling, this control group, presumably intentionally, included minors.” 1 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/08/13/icymi-hagerty-joins-fox-news-sunday-on-fox-news-channel-to-discuss-iran-senate-recess/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Fox News Sunday on Fox News Channel to Discuss Iran, Senate Recess 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Fox News Sunday on Fox News Channel to discuss the latest in Iran and the Senate’s agenda following the August Recess. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Iran: Diplomacy is being tested at every turn of the Iranian regime. They don’t seem to favor diplomacy unless they can use it to tap us along. [President Donald Trump] has seen right through this. We have maintained maximum military capabilities. In fact, he has enhanced our military capability. And what you see now is an act of desperation because President Trump had prepared to unleash unmitigated fury on Iran, just the past weekend, when they came to the table again and said, “No, we want to make a deal.” And let’s not forget that [Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent] and the team at Treasury have put incredible financial pressure on Iran. Their economy is in tatters right now. They are doing the same thing over and over again. I know people call that the definition of insanity; I think that’s diplomacy Iranian-style, coming back with more of the same demands, et cetera, et cetera. But what has happened is that they continue to degrade in their position; we continue to advance in terms of economic pressure, military pressure. Hagerty on a pending peace deal in Iran: There is going to have to be a deal. I think the American public is indicating it’s ready for a deal to be done, and that deal could be at the end of a military operation as opposed to diplomacy. It’s up to the Iranians, but I think we’re very close, particularly as I listen to Secretary Bessent… I think the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)], the Iran deal that we saw in [former President Barack Obama’s administration], demonstrated that you can’t trust the Iranians. Everything that we agree to is going to have to be verifiable and enforceable. President Trump has already seen this movie before. … 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/08/06/hagerty-introduces-bill-to-end-housing-welfare-for-illegal-aliens/ Hagerty Introduces Bill to End Housing Welfare for Illegal Aliens 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Democrats have aided and abetted illegal aliens’ exploitation of federal housing benefits WASHINGTON—On Wednesday, Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, introduced the End Housing Welfare for Illegal Aliens Act, a bill aimed at barring ineligible non-citizens from abusing federal housing programs at the expense of American taxpayers. Illegal aliens have long exploited federal housing programs by taking advantage of gaps in existing law, such as the “mixed-status” loophole that allows for non-citizens to improperly receive benefits if they are roommates in the same household as citizens. Democrats have facilitated such abuse for political gain, because overrunning sanctuary cities with illegal aliens artificially boosts their party’s power and representation when congressional districts are reapportioned. These abuses crowd out vulnerable Americans—including the elderly and the disabled—waste taxpayer dollars, and endanger the integrity of the electoral process. The End Housing Welfare for Illegal Aliens Act would: Deny Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) grants to sanctuary cities End illegal alien eligibility for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs designated for American seniors and persons with disabilities Require public housing authorities to affirmatively verify citizenship before providing services Codify HUD rulemaking to permanently close the “mixed-status” loophole, which allows illegals who are roommates with eligible individuals to reap the benefits of taxpayer-funded housing. Under the Trump Administration, HUD has estimated that approximately 24,000 illegal aliens, ineligibles, and fraudsters in 20,000 of these “mixed-status households” benefit from HUD assistance “For too long, Democrats have encouraged illegal aliens to raid taxpayer-funded housing programs while American families, seniors, and people with disabilities are left waiting in line,” said Hagerty. “My legislation, the End Housing Welfare for Illegal Aliens Act, adv… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-blumenthal-celebrate-commerce-committee-passage-of-bipartisan-kids-online-safety-act Blackburn & Blumenthal Celebrate Commerce Committee Passage of Bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act 2026-08-05 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation’s passage of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) by voice vote: “For years, heartbroken parents have demanded Congress take action to protect America’s children from Big Tech’s exploitation, and today is a major victory for the courageous families who refused to give up,” said Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal. “The Senate has repeatedly shown that there is broad, bipartisan support for a version of KOSA that creates a duty of care to protect kids from online predators, addictive algorithms, and harmful product design. We want to thank our large, diverse, and determined coalition for standing with us today, and we look forward to getting this bill to the President’s desk.” BACKGROUND Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal first introduced KOSA in February 2022, following reporting by the Wall Street Journal and after spearheading a series of five subcommittee hearings with social media companies and advocates on the repeated failures by tech giants to protect kids on their platforms. The Senate version of KOSA would require platforms to enable the strongest privacy settings by default, force platforms to prevent and mitigate specific dangers to minors, provide parents and educators new controls to help protect children, and require independent audits and research into social media companies. 1 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/08/05/hagerty-colleagues-introduce-the-blocking-large-scale-adversarial-distillation-efforts-blade-act/ Hagerty, Colleagues Introduce the Blocking Large-Scale Adversarial Distillation Efforts (BLADE) Act 2026-08-05 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper The unauthorized use of American AI models by foreign adversaries is a threat to both economic and national security WASHINGTON—Today, Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), along with Senate Banking Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), introduced the Blocking Large-Scale Adversarial Distillation Efforts (BLADE) Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill to deter malign foreign actors from stealing the proprietary capabilities of America’s frontier AI companies. Recent news reports have detailed the large-scale use of “model extraction attacks” by Chinese entities to distill the unique competitive advantages of America’s top AI models. Such foreign model extraction attacks—which typically circumvent technical controls, use fraudulent or unauthorized credentials, and violate terms of use in order to harvest proprietary capabilities from U.S. models without the owner’s permission—evade U.S. export controls and threaten U.S. economic security and national security. To deter unauthorized and illicit foreign model extraction attacks, the BLADE Act would direct the Executive Branch to identify and publicly expose foreign entities behind these malign activities, coordinate with industry to improve detection, and authorize the imposition of Commerce Department export controls and Treasury Department financial sanctions against these foreign entities. “As the United States must remain at the forefront of competitiveness in artificial intelligence, we cannot allow our adversaries to steal the intellectual property of America’s top AI companies and thereby threaten U.S. national security and economic security,” said Hagerty. “The BLADE Act will expose and punish foreign entities that conduct hostile distillation campaigns against our frontier AI companies. Our nation must counter malign actors who seek to subvert our nation’s leadership and innovation in artificial intelligence.” “Th… 1 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-permanently-restore-biological-sex-standard-in-title-ix Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Permanently Restore Biological Sex Standard in Title IX 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jim Justice(R-W.Va.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Title IX Clarification Act, which would ensure Title IX anti-discrimination requirements tied to federal education funding are based on biological sex and not “sexual orientation or gender identity:” “The Biden administration weaponized Title IX to force women to compete with men in sports and allow men to invade women’s spaces,” said Senator Blackburn. “Thankfully, President Trump restored common sense in Title IX, and now Congress must codify these protections for women into law to prevent future abuse. The Title IX Clarification Act would ensure that common sense, not leftist ideology, governs federal education funding tied to Title IX requirements to protect young women.” “President Trump has taken decisive action through executive orders to protect young women on campuses across the country. Now, we must ensure these protections are codified into federal law,” said Senator Britt. “We saw the Biden-Harris Administration cave to the woke mob and allow Title IX to be abused in ways that permitted biological men to infringe on girls’ sports and spaces. We cannot let that happen again, and this legislation will restore regulatory clarity to ensure it does not.” “I’ve been blessed to spend many years coaching young ladies in West Virginia, and I can tell you this: they work their tails off and earn every opportunity they get. At the end of the day, they deserve a fair shot. That’s exactly what the Title IX Clarification Act is about. It puts common sense back into the law, protects the opportunities Title IX was meant to guarantee, and stands up for our girls and young women. Fighting for our female athletes is a fight I’ll take every single day,” said Senator Justice. “We cannot allow the radical left’s campaign to succeed in undermining … 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/8/blackburn-statement-on-senate-judiciary-committee-advancing-todd-blanche-nomination-for-u-s-attorney-general Blackburn Statement on Senate Judiciary Committee Advancing Todd Blanche Nomination for U.S. Attorney General 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after voting in the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance President Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche to serve as U.S. Attorney General: “As Acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche has already proven he will hold fraudsters accountable for stealing billions of taxpayer dollars, crack down on violent crime in cities like Memphis, and restore a one-tiered system of justice after four years of the Biden DOJ’s corruption under Merrick Garland,” said Senator Blackburn. “The American people sent President Trump back to the White House to return the DOJ to its core mission of enforcing the rule of law, and I am confident Todd Blanche will continue to deliver on that mandate once he is confirmed as Attorney General.” RELATED 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/08/04/icymi-hagerty-joinsmornings-with-maria-on-fox-business-to-discuss-save-america-act-clarity-act-and-arctic-frost-investigation/ ICYMI—Hagerty JoinsMornings With Maria on Fox Business to Discuss SAVE America Act, Clarity Act and Arctic Frost Investigation 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—Today, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Mornings With Maria on Fox Business to discuss the week ahead in the Senate, including the SAVE America Act, the Clarity Act and the Arctic Frost Investigation. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on the SAVE America Act: I just got back from Tennessee over the past weekend, and Americans want to see us pass this act. They want election integrity, and this is not a partisan issue. Every American—this is an 80% plus issue—they want to see it get done. I think we’re going to have to find a way to do it. I understand the reluctance of some of my colleagues because this budget reconciliation process opens up an unlimited amendment process where the [Senate Democrats] will have us voting against Santa Claus, against Christmas, against apple pie—you name it. [Senate Republicans] are going to have to lock our arms and stand strong, take the tough votes, and get our way through this. But I think it would be very, very challenging for us to go back to our constituents and tell them that we didn’t give it our very best to get this done. Hagerty on the Arctic Frost Investigation: I want to find out what happened. It’s unbelievable. I’ve been a Verizon customer for decades. What happened was Verizon decided to violate the Constitution. I’m a sitting United States Senator, but because I’m a Republican—I presume—they were more than willing to cooperate with [Former President Joe Biden] and [Special Counsel Jack Smith] in the midst of an unconstitutional search of our records. AT&T blocked it; they wouldn’t do it because they knew it was against the Constitution. Verizon decided to move right ahead with it. Their chief executive officer and their chief legal officer have dodged every question. Even the chief legal officer decided to skip her hearing on this topic. We need to put both of them under oath and ask them some tough questions… Verizon w… 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/08/03/icymi-hagerty-joins-kudlow-on-fox-business-to-discuss-spain-iran-and-community-reinvestment-act-reforms/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Kudlow on Fox Business to Discuss Spain, Iran and Community Reinvestment Act Reforms 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Friday, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss Spain’s immigration crisis, the latest in Iran and the Trump Administration’s proposed reform of the Community Reinvestment Act. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Spain’s immigration crisis: I think it is precisely what the president is warning against, and it’s a preview of what could happen if the Democratic Socialists of America are able to get in charge. If you think about it, the Socialist Workers Party in Spain, a leftist, socialist organization, is taking control of that country. This is what you get… It’s an invitation to these people to overrun their country. I think all of Europe should be on alarm. Again, this is a preview of what could happen right here in America. We already saw [President Joe Biden] try it before. Thank God [President Donald Trump] came into office and has put a complete stop to this. It’s out of the news right now, but this could happen again. It’s a preview and it’s a wakeup call to all of us, and I think as we head into the midterm elections, to remember what the Democrat socialists can do—it’s happening right now in Europe. Hagerty on Iran: Much to Washington’s shock, President Trump has been very good about not telegraphing his every move. But I’ll say this, [Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper] had completed roughly 75 to 80% of the target package that initially was set to deal with Iran. He stepped back from that when we went into negotiations, into the ceasefire to deal with the straight before moves. I think the time has come. Go back, finish the package, finish the job. I think this is what the American public needs to see. As soon as this happens, I’ll tell you this. The polling data that [Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.] and the Democrats are thrilled about right now, because Americans don’t li… 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/08/03/icymi-hagerty-joinsthe-sunday-briefing-on-fox-news-to-discuss-iran-blanche-confirmation-and-the-save-america-act/ ICYMI—Hagerty JoinsThe Sunday Briefing on Fox News to Discuss Iran, Blanche Confirmation and the SAVE America Act 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Sunday, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined The Sunday Briefing on Fox News to discuss the latest in Iran, Todd Blanche’s pending confirmation and the SAVE America Act. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Iran: We continue to maintain the strategic advantage and Iran’s strategic capabilities continue to be degraded. If you think about it from a military standpoint, now we have other neighbors in the region joining us, dealing militarily with Iran. That [should be] quite concerning to the Iranian regime. The other aspect of this is the fact that the economic sanctions that [U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent] and his team at Treasury have been imposing are having a dramatic effect on the Iranian economy. The question is, how much more can they take? Their economy is shut off; their economy is shut down. The military componentry has been devastated, and now we have other players in the region joining the United States to deal with Iran in a way that they’ve never seen before. I’m certainly optimistic that President Trump is going to make certain that at the end the goal is accomplished, that is no nuclear capability for Iran. I’d like to see this done sooner than later, I think the rest of America would, too. Hagerty on the Middle East’s Maritime Defense Coalition against Iran: Iran would like to destabilize the entire region because they’d like to control the entire region. And the fact is that neighbors [in the Middle East] are stepping up and realizing that they have a role to play here. They’re going to be the most immediately impacted, and frankly, given Iran’s military attacks on everybody in the neighborhood, that’s become painfully clear. I welcome the fact that these nations are stepping up, that they’re joining us, and I think this is going to be a regional solution to a problem that has been very specific for 47 years. It’s time to bring it to an end, and … 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/07/31/icymi-hagerty-joins-varney-co-on-fox-business-to-discuss-iran-midterm-elections/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Iran, Midterm Elections 2026-07-31 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Thursday, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss the latest in Iran and the upcoming midterm elections. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Iran: I think [Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper] has done an excellent job of conveying to [President Donald Trump] his options. And if you think about it, we stopped the execution of the target package that Admiral Cooper was executing when we stepped back to negotiate a ceasefire and deal with the Strait of Hormuz. At that point in time, Brad Cooper was probably 75 to 80% of the way through the initial target package. The timeline that he’s talking about, two-and-a-half, three weeks, is consistent with what it would take to complete that package. That’s a package that includes human targets. It’s going to be devastating to the Iranian regime. I think it’s time to step up and do it. I’m entirely in favor of it… [The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)] are the ones that are driving this. They live a different lifestyle than the rest of the military. They actually profit in times of war, and I think there’s going to be a reckoning with the Iranian people over the terrible leadership that has been provided by the IRGC, the terrible decisions that they’ve made. And they continue to make the wrong decision over and over again. It’s the definition of insanity. Hagerty on Senate Democrats’ legislative blockade ahead of midterms: [Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,] put us through the longest government shutdown in history, shutting down the Department of Homeland Security at a time when we were in major conflict with the major state sponsor of terror in the world. Knowing that the Iranian regime has put people into this country, he was willing to shut down Homeland Security. He just instructed his party to vote against the National Defense Authorization Bill… 1 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-to-newsmax-senate-should-remain-until-save-america-act-passes Blackburn to Newsmax: Senate Should Remain Until SAVE America Act Passes 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) called on the Senate to remain in session until it passes the SAVE America Act during an appearance on Newsmax’s Wake Up America. Last week, Senator Blackburn led her colleagues in taking to the Senate floor to urge the Senate to pass the bill following President Trump’s address to the nation on election integrity. Watch the video Senator Blackburn released on her X account here. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s interview on Newsmax. Click here to watch the video Senator Blackburn posted on X. Sen. Blackburn to Newsmax: Senate Should Remain Until SAVE America Act Passes Brian Freeman Newsmax Senate Republicans are prepared to remain in Washington as long as necessary to pass the SAVE America Act, backing President Donald Trump's call to delay the chamber's planned summer recess until election integrity legislation reaches his desk, Sen. Marsha Blackburn told Newsmax on Tuesday. The Tennessee Republican said on ?Newsmax's "Wake Up America" that the GOP is willing to work weekends, split the legislation into smaller pieces, or pursue any other legislative strategy necessary to enact the bill, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. "Whatever it takes, if it is staying here, if it's breaking the bill in pieces, doing pieces one at a time, whatever we need to do to make certain that we pass the SAVE Act is what we need to do," Blackburn said. "We're all in on getting the SAVE Act passed." Her comments came after Trump urged Senate Republicans to remain in session until the legislation is approved, writing on Truth Social that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., "should not allow the United States Senate to leave town until it passes the SAVE America Act," while also renewing his call to eliminate the legislative filibuster if necessary. Although Thune has indicated there are not enough votes to abolish the filibuster, Blackburn dismissed suggestions that Republicans are wavering… 1 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-keep-biological-men-out-of-the-daughters-of-the-american-revolution Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Keep Biological Men Out of the Daughters of the American Revolution 2026-07-28 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.),Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act, which would amend the Daughters of the American Revolution’s (DAR) federal charter by adding a membership eligibility requirement to bar biological men from becoming members. The DAR has made headlines for adding a “non-discrimination” clause that allows biological males to become members. “The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded by women for women, and its founders would be appalled that the organization is now allowing biological males to become members and undermine the legacy of real women who helped build our nation,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act would amend the DAR’s federal charter to stop the organization from erasing biological reality and ensure it is reserved for the real daughters of the American Revolution.” 1 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/07/24/icymi-hagerty-joins-fox-friends-on-fox-news-to-discuss-iran-and-the-save-america-act/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Fox & Friends on Fox News to Discuss Iran and the SAVE America Act 2026-07-24 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper New York—Today, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Fox & Friends on Fox News to discuss the latest developments in Iran and the SAVE America Act. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Iran and the Abraham Accords: I applaud [President Donald Trump] for bringing major allies in the region together. Iran is getting further and further isolated by a deal like this. And joining the Abraham Accords has been a long-term goal for President Trump. The fact that he has gotten Jared Kushner involved, his wonderful team, John Raider—that team put together the Abraham Accords at a time when it was desperately needed. I think they should have gotten a Nobel Peace Prize for this. And by bringing more into the fold, particularly [Saudi Arabia], the largest economy [in the Middle East], I think this is a major step forward. We are talking about economy, we are talking about prosperity, and I think this sends a message for the entire region that we are ready to move forward […] We are not talking about enrichment programs at all. The [United Arab Emirates (UAE)], other partners of ours, are able to have a civil nuclear program. They report, they do not hide, they do not obfuscate. But I think this is something that we are going to work through the details on with Saudi Arabia. My sense is that President Trump’s overarching goal is to bring them into an economic relationship that begets prosperity. I think the sooner we get this wrapped up, the sooner it is taken care of, the more the American public will come on board. I think the issue we have right now is the fact that [the conflict is] dragging out. And I don’t fault those that are trying to negotiate trying to bring this together with terms that work because we are going to have to rebuild Iran. But at this point, I think the American public’s sentiment, at least as I read the data, [is that] they just want this over with. And if you think about … 1 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-sounds-the-alarm-on-communist-china-s-infiltration-of-american-judiciary Blackburn Sounds the Alarm on Communist China’s Infiltration of American Judiciary 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “According to the national security organization State Armor, over the course of three decades, ‘ELI’s work has uniformly advanced Chinese strategic and national security interests while undermining American national security . . . and simultaneously pushing America toward dependence upon energy sources dominated by the PRC.’ In 2018, that very same group launched its Climate Judiciary Project ‘in coordination with the [Federal Judicial Center] . . . in response to demand from the judiciary for education about climate science.’ While the stated goal was to provide ‘neutral, objective information to the judiciary,’ it’s clear that ELI’s goal was to ‘make judges more receptive to climate litigation’ and, even more troubling, ‘target’ judges in states ‘where [climate] cases were being brought.’ The substance of CJP’s programming is equally as concerning. According to State Armor’s report, CJP’s materials instruct judges on how to ‘frame’ climate change matters and ‘influence colleagues who may be “opposed to action on climate change.”’ The CJP programming also includes material that has little to do with standard continuing legal education content, including lesson plans on ‘implicit bias’ and ‘Resistance to Change.’ Critically, according to the report, the majority of CJP’s materials were ‘created by scholars who have called for liability for oil and gas companies,’ including a scholar who has labeled the oil and gas industry as ‘diabolical.’” ELI Lesson Plans Steer Judges to Rule in Favor of Far-Left Climate Lobby, Threatening Judicial Independence 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/video-blackburn-blasts-democrats-war-on-ice-following-nyc-incendiary-device-attack VIDEO: Blackburn Blasts Democrats’ War on ICE Following NYC Incendiary Device Attack 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper ‘On Monday, we saw yet another example of what has become disturbingly common.’ ‘Authorities believe the attack was motivated by the suspect’s hatred of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.’ ‘This attack did not come out of nowhere. It follows a months-long campaign by Democrats to demonize ICE.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor condemning the recent attack outside of a New York immigration court by a suspect who had anti-ICE material on him. In her remarks, Senator Blackburn called out her Democrat colleagues for demonizing federal law enforcement and praised Republicans for standing up for ICE and CBP by passing the Secure America Act. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. REMARKS AS PREPARED “On Monday, we saw yet another example of what has become disturbingly common: an act of far-left terrorism. “Outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building, a man poured gasoline on the entrance, set it ablaze, and tossed fireworks into the raging flames. “Thankfully, law enforcement responded swiftly to apprehend the suspect, who was armed with two axes, a hammer, a machete, and three knives. But not before he injured four innocent people. “Authorities believe the attack was motivated by the suspect’s hatred of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The federal building he targeted is home to New York’s ICE field office and other Department of Homeland Security offices.” “Before the attack, he allegedly pushed a cart with a sign reading, ‘ICE Off Our Streets,’ and made anti-ICE statements. “This attack did not come out of nowhere. It follows a months-long campaign by Democrats to demonize ICE and our brave federal law enforcement officers for simply doing their jobs.” “They’ve likened them to ‘secret police,’ the Nazi Gestapo, the Soviet KGB, and ‘slave patrols.’ They’ve called them a ‘a clear and present threat,’ a ‘reign of terror,’ and ‘nondescript thugs.’ They’ve accused them of ‘mayhem and death,’ “terror and violence… 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-introduces-legislation-to-increase-domestic-production-of-critical-medical-supplies Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Increase Domestic Production of Critical Medical Supplies 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “America's dependence on China and other foreign nations for critical medical supplies is a national security threat that puts the lives of Americans at risk,” said Senator Blackburn. “The ONSHORE Manufacturing Act would cut red tape with smart tax incentives to bring production home, protect our supply chains, and ensure we never face shortages that endanger patients during a crisis.” BACKGROUND The United States relies heavily on foreign countries, including China, for many of the medicines, medical devices, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used by American patients every day. This dependence creates vulnerabilities in the healthcare supply chain and leaves the United States exposed to disruptions caused by public health emergencies, natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and foreign export restrictions. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these risks when shortages of medicines, personal protective equipment, and diagnostic materials disrupted patient care across the country. These challenges demonstrated the need for a stronger domestic manufacturing base for critical medical products. Reliance on foreign supply chains is not only a healthcare issue but also a national security concern. Strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity can help ensure the United States has reliable access to the medicines and medical products needed during emergencies while reducing dependence on foreign competitors. ONSHORE MANUFACTURING ACT The ONSHORE Manufacturing Act would expand domestic manufacturing capacity and improve supply chain resilience products through key provisions, including a: o 10.5% Domestic Manufacturing Production Credit that would help support long-term, U.S.-based production and employment; o 30% Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Credit that would encourage investments in advanced manufacturing equipment used to produce critical medicines, APIs, biologics, medical devices, and medical countermeasures in the U.S.; and o 30% Facility Modernization Credit that would support investment… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/video-democrats-block-blackburn-resolution-condemning-judge-eleanor-ross-gross-misconduct VIDEO: Democrats Block Blackburn Resolution Condemning Judge Eleanor Ross’ Gross Misconduct 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper ‘The American people deserve federal judges who uphold the highest standards of integrity… not those who turn their chambers into a venue for extramarital affairs.’ ‘There is no reason any member of this body should object to my resolution today.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Democrats blocked U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn’s (R-Tenn.) effort to pass a resolution condemning Northern District of Georgia Judge Eleanor Ross’ sexual misconduct and subsequent lies to judicial investigators. Excerpts of Senator Blackburn’s remarks are below. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS “I'm asking that the Senate speak with a unanimous voice in condemning one of the worst acts of judicial misconduct we have seen in years. Judge Eleanor Ross has been a district judge in the Northern District of Georgia for over a decade, and it's clear that she engaged in conduct that falls beneath the dignity of her high office in the federal judiciary.” “Over the course of two years, Judge Ross engaged in a sexual relationship with a high-ranking official of the Atlanta Police Department. This conduct occurred in her judicial chambers during normal business hours, within earshot of her law clerks.” “Not only did this misconduct create the possibility of an appearance of impropriety, an affair like this also exposed Judge Ross to the possibility of extortion and blackmail.” “In addition to this egregious behavior in her chambers, the special committee also found an equally disturbing act of judicial misconduct: making false statements material to the committee's investigation. Judge Ross told the 11th Circuit's chief judge that she, and I quote, ‘never engaged in sexual intercourse in her office nor anywhere else in the courthouse,’ end quote.” “Judge Ross' statements to Chief Judge Pryor were patently false. They were knowingly false. We also know that it took Judge Ross nearly two weeks to retract the false statements.” “The American people deserve federal judges who uphold the highest standards of in… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/07/21/hagerty-leads-historic-senate-appropriations-subcommittee-hearing-to-review-the-supreme-courts-budget-request/ Hagerty Leads Historic Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing to Review the Supreme Court’s Budget Request 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper The hearing takes place amid increased security threats against Supreme Court Justices WASHINGTON—On Tuesday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), led the Subcommittee’s third and final hearing for Fiscal Year 2027. Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett—the first sitting justices to appear before the committee in 24 years—testified in support of the U.S. Supreme Court’s budget request. *Click the photo above or click here to watch* Remarks as prepared for delivery: “Good afternoon. The hearing will come to order. Before we begin, I would like to take a brief moment to remember our late colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham. He was a true American Statesman. What I remember most is that, while he was incredibly serious, he had unparalleled talent in bringing levity to any situation. I think Justice Kagan, it was during your confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, that one of his questions brought genuine laughter to the whole room. We will miss Senator Graham dearly. His family, friends, and staff members remain in my prayers. Turning to the matter at hand, this is the third and final hearing of the Fiscal Year 2027 cycle for the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. First, I’d like to welcome our distinguished witnesses, Justice Kagan and Justice Barrett of the United States Supreme Court. It’s been fifteen years since Supreme Court Justices testified before the Senate, so I want to thank you both for being here today. The work of the Supreme Court is of paramount importance, and I look forward to hearing from you about the resources the Court needs to do that work. Unlike federal departments, the Supreme Court is not a creature of Congress, but of the Constitution itself, equal in dignity to the Congress and the President. And unlike the legislative and executive powers, the Founders crafted the judicial power to be independent from the political branches… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/07/21/icymi-hagerty-joins-national-report-on-newsmax-to-discuss-iran-and-the-save-america-act/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins National Report on Newsmax to Discuss Iran and the SAVE America Act 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—Today, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined National Report on Newsmax to discuss the latest in Iran and the SAVE America Act. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Iran: [President Donald Trump] has been completely clear that he is not going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon or nuclear capacity, so I am not surprised at all that as we get new intelligence, the president is going to proceed against that. With respect to the broader effort, I think the Iranian regime needs to learn that President Trump will not tolerate the behavior that we have seen with Iran… I think President Trump is demonstrating that very clearly, and he is degrading them significantly. He is creating a new set of terms. The next time the negotiations begin, I think the Iranian regime is going to find a very different situation. If you look at the inflation in their own economy, it’s greater than 100%. Their economy is cratering. It is a very difficult situation right now, and President Trump is going to maintain maximum pressure […] Our efforts have been very much focused on depriving the Iranian government of any sort of effort—any sort of capability—to deliver nuclear weapons in that capacity. If you step back and ask yourself, ‘why did we enter this at the time that we did?’ It is because the Iranians were developing ballistic missile capability and drone capability that would have allowed them to essentially porcupine their country, and that meant they would have had all the time in the world to pursue their nuclear ambitions. President Trump saw this. We have exquisite technology to take out their weaponry, but that technology takes longer to develop—it is a math problem at the end of the day. President Trump saw that and he is crushing their capacity to defend any of these assets. They have no ability to control their airways—we do. It is up to us. The targeting package that [Central Command… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/video-blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-urging-senate-to-pass-save-america-act-following-president-trump-s-address-to-the-nation VIDEO: Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Urging Senate to Pass SAVE America Act Following President Trump’s Address to the Nation 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led her Republican colleagues, including Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), John Husted (R-Ohio), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), in urging the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act following President Trump’s address to the nation last week on election integrity: Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS “Having voter ID is something the vast majority of Americans support whether they're Democrats or Republicans or Independents or Libertarians.” “It's incredible that we're on the floor having to make the case for this legislation.” “The legislation that is before us would really accomplish three major objections in securing our elections.” “It would require voters to present an ID to cast a ballot.” “Our legislation would require people to be a U.S. citizen in order to vote in our elections.” “It would require the states to remove non-citizens who have somehow ended up on their voter rolls.” “Every one of them, common sense. There is nothing objectionable about these measures.” “Many Republican states already enforce these safeguards.” “If every state was like Tennessee, there would be no need for the SAVE America Act. But for years, we have seen blue states practically invite fraud into their elections. 14 states, including California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, do not require any form of ID to vote. Many more states accept ID that is non-photo.” “States that do this have found thousands of individuals.” “There is no other, no other developed nation that leaves their election so vulnerable to fraud and manipulation.” “To defend themselves, Democrats claim that voter fraud is very rare.” “President Trump's Thursday night address on election integrity showed just how much voter fraud we have.” “According to a DHS review of state voter rolls, there are approximately 278,000 non-citizens registered to vote in our elections. The last three presidential elections were decided by fewer… votes. The Pres… 1 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/video-blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-urging-senate-to-pass-save-america-act-following-president-trump-s-address-to-the-nation/a96474c0-3908-4a45-94ad-ddf9626fd087 VIDEO: Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Urging Senate to Pass SAVE America Act Following President Trump’s Address to the Nation 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper ‘There is nothing objectionable about these measures.’ ‘If every state was like Tennessee, there would be no need for the SAVE America Act.’ ‘There is no other developed nation that leaves their election so vulnerable to fraud and manipulation.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led her Republican colleagues, including Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), John Husted (R-Ohio), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), in urging the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act following President Trump’s address to the nation last week on election integrity: Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS “Having voter ID is something the vast majority of Americans support whether they're Democrats or Republicans or Independents or Libertarians.” “It's incredible that we're on the floor having to make the case for this legislation.” “The legislation that is before us would really accomplish three major objections in securing our elections.” “It would require voters to present an ID to cast a ballot.” “Our legislation would require people to be a U.S. citizen in order to vote in our elections.” “It would require the states to remove non-citizens who have somehow ended up on their voter rolls.” “Every one of them, common sense. There is nothing objectionable about these measures.” “Many Republican states already enforce these safeguards.” “If every state was like Tennessee, there would be no need for the SAVE America Act. But for years, we have seen blue states practically invite fraud into their elections. 14 states, including California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, do not require any form of ID to vote. Many more states accept ID that is non-photo.” “States that do this have found thousands of individuals.” “There is no other, no other developed nation that leaves their election so vulnerable to fraud and manipulation.” “To defend themselves, Democrats claim that voter fraud is very rare.” “President Trump's Thursday night address on election integrity sh… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-stop-multi-million-dollar-birth-tourism-industry-following-scotus-ruling-on-birthright-citizenship Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Stop Multi-Million Dollar Birth Tourism Industry Following SCOTUS Ruling on Birthright Citizenship 2026-07-17 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced a new and improved version of the Ban Birth Tourism Actto eliminate loopholes that foreign nationals exploit to become U.S. citizens following the Supreme Court’s disappointing decision in Trump v. Barbara: “Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara, Congress must step up to the plate to protect the integrity of American citizenship,” said Senator Blackburn. “I’m grateful to my Republican colleagues for joining me in reintroducing the Ban Birth Tourism Act to make it crystal clear that any alien seeking to come to our country to engage in birth tourism is both inadmissible and deportable under the Immigration & Nationality Act.” “Birthright citizenship has been exploited for far too long. The Fourteenth Amendment was never intended to reward birth tourism. Congress must close this loophole, and I am proud to join Senator Blackburn in introducing legislation to end this abuse and protect the integrity of American citizenship,” said Senator Budd. “It is a profound blessing to be an American citizen and to inherit the 250-year legacy of freedom and opportunity that has made the United States the greatest country in the world, but U.S. citizenship is not a commodity,” said Senator Cornyn. “By cracking down on birth tourism, a practice often abused and exploited by our adversaries, this legislation ensures our nation’s immigration laws are upheld and American citizenship cannot be bought.” “The Left has spent decades turning our citizenship laws into a giant loophole for anyone willing to hop on a plane, and it's American taxpayers who foot the bill for their reckless open-borders agenda," said Senator Lummis. "Birth tourism has become a multimillion-dollar industry catering to wealthy foreign nationals who exploit our laws to buy their children an American passport and a right to vote in America… 1 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/video-blackburn-scorches-durbin-for-grandstanding-on-epstein-files-after-he-previously-blocked-subpoena-requests VIDEO: Blackburn Scorches Durbin for Grandstanding on Epstein Files After He Previously Blocked Subpoena Requests 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “When Ranking Member Durbin was Chairman in the last Congress, I tried repeatedly to subpoena the Epstein files so that we could get those banking records and those flight logs.” “Repeatedly, that was blocked.” “So, the Democrats at that point didn’t want to know what was in the Epstein files until they lost the majority, and then they were hell bent to get that.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today during U.S. Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) slammed Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) for pretending to care about the Epstein files after he previously blocked Senator Blackburn’s requests to subpoena the Epstein flight logs as Chairman of the Committee. Senator Blackburn spoke with Acting Attorney General Blanche about the tremendous success of the Memphis Safe Task Force and the need to pass her Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act, her Ban Birth Tourism Act, and her Fraud Accountability Act to support his work on these issues at the U.S. Department of Justice. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. RELATED Blackburn Schools Durbin After He Lies About Blocking Her Requests for Epstein Flight Logs 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/07/14/icymi-hagerty-joinsmornings-with-maria-on-fox-business-to-discuss-clarity-the-save-act-reconciliation-3-0-and-lindsey-grahams-legacy/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to Discuss CLARITY, the SAVE Act, Reconciliation 3.0 and Lindsey Graham’s Legacy 2026-07-14 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—Today, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, and to discuss the CLARITY Act, the SAVE America Act and Reconciliation 3.0. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Lindsey Graham’s passing: There is a pall over all of D.C. Frankly, over much of the world. Lindsey was very well traveled as a legislator and very well liked. We will all dearly miss him. He played a critical role in the Senate. He always brought levity to everything that he did… I remember him walking into an important meeting with members of the House of Representatives, and Lindsey announced, “I am from the United States Senate, and I’m here to help.” It just broke the room, it broke the ice. And he had a way of piercing even the most tense situation with a little bit of levity. He always also was very clear in his goals. You might not always agree with his goals, but Lindsey always had a plan to get them accomplished. And I think he is resting better—God bless him—knowing that he accomplished so much, particularly with the situation in Ukraine right now. His breakthrough efforts that just occurred with Russian sanctions, I think will make a big difference in terms of bringing peace to that area that he’s worked so hard at […] Lindsey was chair of the [Senate Budget Committee] and we’ve made great progress on the Reconciliation 3.0 package. We need that to get critical aspects of legislation done. We are at a point in the political environment right now where it is difficult to get any cooperation from the Democrats and getting the SAVE America Act passed, which is so important to us, many elements of that can be done through Reconciliation 3.0. There are a number of other impacts to the economy, to the housing market: indexing capital gains on housing, the budget for the Defense Department, and a number of other matters that we do nee… 1 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/07/13/icymi-hagerty-joins-kudlow-on-fox-business-to-discuss-iran-housing-and-reconciliation-3-0/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Kudlow on Fox Business to Discuss Iran, Housing and Reconciliation 3.0 2026-07-13 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Friday, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss Iran, housing and Reconciliation 3.0. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Iran: [Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper], is in charge of the [Strait of Hormuz]. It’s the United States of America that is driving the behavior [in Iran]. And what we have is increasing propaganda coming from the Iranian regime. They’re great at propaganda, they’re great at negotiations, but in terms of delivery—not so much. And their economy is in the tank. You see what we’ve done now: the ceasefire is over, [U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent] stepping back in, removing Iran’s temporary license to ship—that’s gone. Sanctions are being reimposed, economic pressure [is] back on, President Trump has hit [Iran] very hard. I think they’re realizing that the old playbook— the one they used with [President Barack Obama], the one they used with [President Joe Biden]—will not work with this administration […] I think that the memorandum of understanding is on life support, at best. [The United States has] reimposed sanctions. We are back at a point of negotiating from a position of strength, letting the Iranians know how it is going to be. We tried to allow them to behave like a normal country; it seems to be beyond them to do that. So, we are moving to plan B. […] We had completed about 75-80% of [target packages] before we went into the ceasefire. There is still a considerable amount of targeting that remains. Those targets are sensitive targets… The pace at which Brad Cooper undertakes this is the pace at which the President directs him to do so, I think is certainly something that was within the realm of the White House to make that decision, but we are moving back in that direction again. Hagerty on housing and affordability: Why should the consumer, why should the everyday… 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/photo-blackburn-joins-secretary-bessent-tennessee-elected-officials-for-unveiling-of-donald-j-trump-bridge-on-i-40-in-east-tennessee PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Secretary Bessent, Tennessee Elected Officials for Unveiling of Donald J. Trump Bridge on I-40 in East Tennessee 2026-07-09 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “Hundreds of thousands of people use our corridor each and every day, and the Donald J. Trump Bridge will help ensure our infrastructure meets the needs of East Tennesseans and keeps Americans moving,” said Senator Blackburn. “Following the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Helene less than two years ago, this project is a testament to the incredible progress East Tennessee communities have made to rebuild stronger than ever. I am grateful to President Trump, Secretary Bessent, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation for strengthening this crucial artery of our nation’s transportation system.” Click here to download this photo. 1 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z 2026-07-10T08:21:18Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-smith-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-veteran-suicide-by-victims-of-military-sexual-trauma Blackburn, Smith Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Veteran Suicide by Victims of Military Sexual Trauma 2026-07-08 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced the Improving Personal Risk Assessments to Prevent Suicide Act to help save veterans’ lives by requiring a federal study to examine the relationship between service members and veterans’ experiences of military sexual trauma (MST) and suicide risk: “It is absolutely unacceptable that veterans are 50% more likely to die by suicide than the civilian population, and we must do everything in our power to protect and care for those who have risked their lives for this country,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Improving Personal Risk Assessments to Prevent Suicide Act is an important step in saving service members’ lives and supporting them as they heal from unimaginable trauma.” “It is our solemn duty to provide the highest quality care for those who serve our country,” said Senator Smith. “That includes making sure servicemembers who endured military sexual trauma have access to the best clinical care and suicide prevention tools available as they work to heal. I’m proud to introduce this bill to incorporate what we know about the relationship between experiencing military sexual trauma and the risk of suicide into clinical practice, improving the care that helps save lives.” BACKGROUND MST refers to the sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment service members may experience during service. Many service members choose not to report MST until after their service because they fear retaliation or threats from their superiors. Veterans are around 50% more likely to die by suicide than civilians, and the link between service members who experienced MST and higher risk of suicide is well-established, making this bill essential to overall veteran suicide prevention efforts. The Improving Personal Risk Assessments to Prevent Suicide Act would require the U.S. Department of War and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to publish a study on the links between MST, intimate partner violence, and the risk of suicide. The bill would als… 1 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z 2026-07-10T08:21:18Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-celebrates-250-years-of-america Blackburn Celebrates 250 Years of America 2026-07-04 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “As we mark the 250th celebration of our nation’s independence, it’s important to remember that we’ve gotten here as a country because we believe in faith, family, freedom, hope, and opportunity,” said Senator Blackburn. “These values have carried us through challenges that seemed insurmountable, and they are the only thing that will ensure our nation endures another 250 years. This is a time for Americans across the country to unite behind these shared values and celebrate the blessing of freedom. From the Blackburn family to yours, happy Independence Day.” Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s Fourth of July video. 1 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-schmitt-colleagues-launch-anti-fraud-task-force Blackburn, Schmitt, Colleagues Launch Anti-Fraud Task Force 2026-07-02 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper This week, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and seven of their Republican colleagues announced the launch of a new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force that will examine fraud, waste, and abuse across federal programs; identify vulnerabilities in existing systems; and strengthen government accountability to ensure the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars: “Over the past year, the Trump administration has done phenomenal work to uncover widespread fraud schemes where criminals have stolen billions of dollars with zero consequences,” said Senator Blackburn. “It is outrageous how long Democrats have looked the other way while fraudsters steal from hardworking American taxpayers. It’s time for oversight and accountability to protect the integrity of federal programs.” 1 2026-07-03T08:00:00Z 2026-07-03T08:01:30Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/30/icymi-hagerty-joins-varney-co-on-fox-business-to-discuss-iran-democrats-economic-agenda/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Iran, Democrats’ Economic Agenda 2026-06-30 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Monday, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Iran and Democrats’ socialist price control agenda. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Iran: I do think we are close to the end [of the conflict]. If you think about the target package that [Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper] was executing before we stepped back and had the ceasefire, we were 75-80% of the way through with that target package… But these are final steps as the regime tries to hold on. You have this debate going on internal to the Iranian regime between—and I can’t believe I’m saying this—the moderate terrorists versus the more hardline terrorists. They are both fighting for control over the steering wheel—if you remember the Thelma and Louisescene where they are about to drive over the cliff. [Iran needs] to come to reality here. [President Donald Trump] has met them with resolve at every turn; America is going to respond at every turn with 10 times the force… Again, they were the ones that reached out to ask for these meetings in [Doha, Qatar,] this week. I think the Iranian regime needs to get the message loud and clear: President Trump is only going to base any type of relief on performance. Hagerty on Sen. Chris Murphy’s, D-Conn., $25 minimum wage proposal: I think it may be a winning issue within Democrat primaries, where the Democrat socialists are taking over the party—that clearly seems to be where Chris Murphy is going. [Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt.,] was at $17, now Chris Murphy is coming in at $25. Who is going to bid $30, $50 an hour? This is all about price control; control of the economy. [Democrats] act as though they have had experience in business—clearly, they do not. What [raising the minimum wage to $25] does is lead to unemployment for young people… You look at what happened in California—more unemployment, more automation, and higher pov… 1 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/blackburn-blumenthal-statement-on-house-passage-of-the-kids-act Blackburn & Blumenthal Statement on House Passage of the KIDS Act 2026-06-29 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), authors of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, released the following statement today after the House of Representatives approved stripped down legislation that weakens Senate-passed strong protections for kids online: “Instead of passing a federal standard that will protect America’s children from Big Tech’s greed, the House of Representatives just passed legislation that is a pale imitation of Big Tech accountability. The House’s decision to strip out the Duty of Care will only maintain the status quo in which Big Tech uses our kids as profit centers and leaves parents to pick up the pieces. We will not back down from the fight to pass the stronger, more widely supported version of the Kids Online Safety Act, and we will not greenlight hollow reforms that allow Big Tech’s predatory business model to remain intact.” 1 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/24/hagerty-calls-on-bank-regulators-to-reform-confidential-supervisory-information-practices/ Hagerty Calls on Bank Regulators to Reform Confidential Supervisory Information Practices 2026-06-24 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Long-overdue reforms will improve transparency and accountability in bank supervision. WASHINGTON— On Tuesday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, sent a letter to Vice Chairman for Supervision of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Michelle Bowman, Comptroller of Currency Jonathan Gould, Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Travis Hill, and Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Russell Vought encouraging them to reform the rules governing the handling of confidential supervisory information (CSI). In recent years, overly restrictive rules governing the sharing of CSI have been exploited to stonewall congressional oversight, impose hostile supervisory agendas on disfavored industries, and prevent banks from voluntarily disclosing information to third parties in the ordinary course of business. Reviewing and reforming these rules and practices will strengthen accountability and transparency in bank supervision. A copy of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Vice Chairman Bowman, Comptroller Gould, Chairman Hill, and Acting Director Vought: Under your leadership, the Administration and financial regulators have taken significant and long-overdue steps to improve the accountability and transparency of bank supervision. To further these efforts, I urge you to review and reform the rules and practices governing the disclosure of confidential supervisory information (CSI). Confidentiality is a useful part of the supervisory process. Examiners often review proprietary business information and sensitive risk-management materials that should not be casually disclosed. An appropriate level of confidentiality facilitates candid engagement between regulators and the institutions they oversee. However, the application of CSI rules by banking agencies and the CFPB has been far too expansive in recent years. These rules have deterred banks from sharing information with parties that have legitimate, and often essential, reas… 1 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/blackburn-introduces-legislation-to-limit-chinese-communist-party-influence-on-american-technology Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Limit Chinese Communist Party Influence on American Technology 2026-06-23 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after introducing the Export Control Enforcement and Enhancement Act, which would help ensure sensitive American technologies are not sold to foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party by expediting changes to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s “Entity List.” This trade restriction list identifies foreign individuals, companies, and organizations that could pose a threat to U.S. national security. “American technologies must be protected from those who threaten our interests,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn. “The Export Control Enforcement and Enhancement Act would ensure the Entity List is a fast, decisive, and enforceable tool for denying U.S. adversaries access to our technology.” U.S. Representative Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) introduced companion legislation in the House. BACKGROUND The End-User Review Committee (ERC) is an interagency U.S. government body that identifies foreign entities for export control lists to protect national security and foreign policy interests. This committee is chaired by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Any ERC member, including the U.S. Departments of State, War, and Energy, can recommend and propose additions to the Entity List to the U.S. Department of Commerce, but there is currently no statutory timeline that requires prompt action on these proposals. Timely approval of these additions helps prevent Chinese companies and others from accessing sensitive American technologies. EXPORT CONTROL ENFORCEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT ACT The Export Control Enforcement and Enhancement Act would make the Entity List a fast, decisive, and enforceable tool for denying adversaries access to American technology by expediting the Entry List process with a mandatory 30-day vote. Under this legislation, the ERC would be required to vote on proposed Entity List changes within 30 days unless the ERC unanimously decides to suspend the vote. This legislation would ensure every member of ERC has an equal voice on which entitie… 1 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/blackburn-coons-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-individuals-and-creators-from-deepfakes-passes-senate-judiciary-committee Blackburn, Coons Bipartisan Bill to Protect Individuals and Creators from Deepfakes Passes Senate Judiciary Committee 2026-06-18 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statements after their bipartisan Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act advanced unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation would protect the voice and visual likenesses of individuals and creators from the proliferation of digital replicas created without their consent. “AI should empower innovation – not give scammers and online predators a free pass to exploit someone’s voice and visual likeness without permission,” said Senator Blackburn. “From artists and songwriters to students and everyday Americans, people deserve meaningful protections against deceptive deepfakes and digital impersonation. The NO FAKES Act would establish clear guardrails that protect the creative community in Tennessee and nationwide, and I am pleased that this important legislation is one step closer to becoming law.” “Everyone deserves the right to own and protect their voice and likeness from AI deepfakes, no matter if you’re Taylor Swift or an 8th grader in Wilmington,” said Senator Coons. “AI can be used as a tool to foster creativity, but that can’t come at the expense of the unauthorized exploitation of anyone’s voice or likeness. I am grateful for the bipartisan partnership of Senators Blackburn, Klobuchar, and Tillis that has pushed this bill forward out of committee by a unanimous vote. I hope the full Senate passes it soon so we can give Americans the security they deserve." Additionally, Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) are original co-sponsors of this legislation. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Maria… 1 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/17/hagerty-opposes-biden-era-weaponization-of-the-doj-against-conservatives-on-senate-floor/ Hagerty Opposes Biden-Era Weaponization of the DOJ against Conservatives on Senate Floor 2026-06-17 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Senate Democrats attempted to codify language against the Trump Administration’s Anti-Weaponization Fund into law WASHINGTON—On Tuesday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) spoke on the Senate floor to speak out against the Biden administration’s weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) against conservatives and expose the hypocrisy of Senate Democrats. *Click the photo above or click here to watch* Remarks as prepared for delivery: “[President Donald Trump] made clear that he would not seek any compensation from the Anti-Weaponization Fund. I have made it clear that I won’t seek any compensation from the Anti-Weaponization Fund. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, under oath, said ‘We are not moving forward with a fund. Period.’ Why is that not enough for my colleagues from across the aisle? Because they have a deeper and much darker motive. They want to erase the Biden Justice Department’s unprecedented weaponization by abolishing every means of holding it accountable. I am not going to stand for it. Has there ever been a more systematic effort to surveil and oppress the political operation of a sitting president’s opponents than under [former President] Joe Biden? We all know the answer. In fact, my esteemed colleague from Iowa, [Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck] Grassley, has called it worse than Watergate. The Biden DOJ’s Arctic Frost operation involved a taxpayer-funded army of lawyers obtaining financial information on over 400 individuals in groups that supported President Trump in the 2020 election. Yet, serious internal concerns and objections were raised within the DOJ that this was not a proper basis for a search. President Trump’s home at Mar-a-Lago was raided in a made-for-TV operation. This witch hunt has extended to the halls of the United States Senate. By now, everyone is familiar with how the Biden DOJ subpoenaed the records of eight Republican senators—myself included—specifically because of conversations that we had in anticipation of an upcoming vote. That is a serious af… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/17/icymi-hagerty-joinsmornings-with-maria-on-fox-business-to-discuss-the-proposed-peace-deal-with-iran/ ICYMI—Hagerty JoinsMornings With Maria on FOX Business to Discuss the Proposed Peace Deal with Iran 2026-06-17 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Mornings With Maria on FOX Business to discuss the president’s interim memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran, the CLARITY Act and Reconciliation 3.0. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on the U.S.-Iran MOU: I just want to be clear: we are talking about a memorandum of understanding. This is not a treaty that is ready for congressional approval at this point. But I’m certain we are all waiting to see the exact details on Friday. I have spoken with the White House about what’s in the [MOU]. I’m confident that there certainly are going to be zero taxpayer dollars that are going to go to the Iranians, and frankly, even the Iranians’ own money is not going to be made free and available to them until they perform specific, verifiable steps to move toward denuclearization… President Obama and the JCPOA basically bribed and paid off the Iranian regime to foment terrorism. That is exactly what they did with the money. President Trump is making the Iranian regime pay for the fact that they’ve been conducting terrorism. This is a fundamentally different deal, and they are in a fundamentally different place. Their nuclear program is at the bottom of a mountain. Their navy is at the bottom of the sea. Their air cover is gone. They are in a very different and much weaker place, and the Strait of Hormuz is going to be open. In fact, it already started, and I think it is going to be open toll-free very soon… Whatever we do in terms of allowing investment into Iran has got to be verifiable and clear… The investment community is not going to go into Iran until it becomes an investible nation. That is going to require rule of law. That is going to require clarity and certainty that does not exist today. That is market pressure that would be exerted on Iran before there is any type of economic development that would be undertaken. I think there… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/16/icymi-hagerty-joins-americas-newsroom-on-fox-news-to-discuss-the-proposed-peace-deal-with-iran/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins America’s Newsroom on Fox News to Discuss the Proposed Peace Deal with Iran 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News to discuss the president’s interim memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on the U.S.-Iran MOU: I spoke with the White House last night. We are moving in the right direction. I think the president has articulated this clearly. We will all know the text—we’ll all know the content—on Friday. I think there’s been a massive amount of misreporting. It has been amazing to me how breathlessly many members of the U.S. media are willing to run with Iranian talking points and fake news to put it out there… The discussion I had with folks at the White House last night—certainly, we’re moving in the right direction. I just make a very clear differentiation here that seems to be missed very often by the media. This [MOU] isn’t at all like the JCPOA. President Obama actually paid for the Iranians’ terrorism—he funded it. President Trump has put the Iranian nuclear program at the bottom of a mountain. He has put their navy at the bottom of the sea. He has terminated their ability to maintain control of their airspace. It is a fundamentally different situation that we see ourselves in… [Iran] will have to take very specific steps to release any financial aid. So, when President Trump says he thinks the Iranians will move in the right direction, every incentive is in place for them to do that. And if they don’t, they are going to find their economy devastated even further, and the consequences will be even greater… I feel very positive about where we are going, and my hat is off to President Trump because instead of funding terrorism—the way Iran was funded by Obama—he is actually stopping terrorism in the Middle East. Hagerty on the price of oil and Democrats’ disapproval of military action in Iran: The notion that [military action] did not need to happen is absolutely false… 1 2026-06-17T06:49:24Z 2026-06-17T06:50:53Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/technology/blackburn-investigates-kik-for-child-exploitation-and-sexual-abuse Blackburn Investigates Kik for Child Exploitation and Sexual Abuse 2026-06-12 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to MediaLab CEO Michael Heyward regarding a recent report by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation warning that one of its platforms, Kik, remains incredibly dangerous for children. In the letter, Senator Blackburn requested a prompt response to a detailed list of questions, including what measures Kik employs to verify users are at least 18 years old, what safeguards prevent adults from engaging in inappropriate conversations with minors, and how many accounts have been terminated for child sexual abuse material violations. Senator Blackburn’s Kids Online Safety Act would require social media platforms like Kik to design their products with child safety in mind. New Report Reveals Kik Is Still a Paradise for Predators “Kik has followed a similar playbook as other social media companies: promise safety by design while simultaneously turning a blind eye to—or even allowing—the exploitation and abuse of minors. This conduct is disgusting and must immediately come to a stop. After Kik was first exposed for years of rampant child abuse and sexual exploitation on the platform, your platform purported to implement several of NCOSE’s recommendations to improve safety on the app. According to Bark, a parental controls company, however, Kik has been either the first or second most reported app for children’s exposure to severe sexual content for the past five years. In NCOSE’s report, researchers registered a profile under the username ‘Im12BeNice,’ indicating the user was 12 years old. According to the report, the account was almost immediately inundated with unsolicited sexual messages, requests for sexual conversations, and nude images from adult users. The strangers’ messages were unconscionable and sexually explicit. The account also received multiple nude photos. Rather than preventing predatory contact with a user who openly presented as a child, Kik’s systems allegedly allowed adults to discover, contact, and send explicit cont… 1 2026-06-13T06:32:19Z 2026-06-13T06:34:27Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/10/hagerty-introduces-joint-resolutions-of-disapproval-against-d-c-council-anti-law-enforcement-legislation/ Hagerty Introduces Joint Resolutions of Disapproval Against D.C. Council Anti-Law Enforcement Legislation 2026-06-10 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper The D.C. Council recently enacted two pieces of temporary legislation that would require Metropolitan PD (MPD) to collect and release body-camera footage and personal information of federal officers. WASHINGTON—Today,United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), along with Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Rick Scott (R-FL), introduced two joint resolutions of disapproval, S.J. Res. 194 and S.J. Res. 195, against the D.C. City Council’s efforts to target law enforcement officers. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) introduced companion resolutions in the House of Representatives. President Trump is committed to making the District of Columbia safe again for federal employees and visitors through the D.C. Task Force. Rather than welcoming federal assistance, the D.C. City Council has instead produced two pieces of legislation targeting federal officers: theBody-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Act Temporary Amendment Act and theFull Accountability in Arrest Reporting Temporary Amendment Act. The acts require the collection and publication of body-camera footage, along with the personal information of officers. Together, these acts mandate the disclosure of information, resulting in the doxxing of federal officers enforcing the law in the District, and feeding inflammatory material to agitators to create unrest. The council’s hostility towards federal law enforcement must be strongly condemned. Congress has a responsibility to nullify D.C.’s attempts to interfere with federal law enforcement policy and undermine President Trump’s historic efforts to make D.C. safe. “The D.C. Council has no business pressuring federal policymakers—or federal law enforcement—to appease their radical base. The council has shamefully enacted proposals that would invite doxxing of the very same federal law enforcement officers that have made our capital city safe by requiring the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department to collect and release footage and personal information of federa… 1 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z 2026-06-11T06:41:07Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/blackburn-statement-on-senate-passage-of-secure-america-act Blackburn Statement on Senate Passage of Secure America Act 2026-06-05 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Secure America Act to supercharge the immigration enforcement missions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump’s second term: “By shutting down DHS for 76 days, the Democrats jeopardized our homeland security at a time when America faces countless national security threats all because they want to abolish ICE and defund law enforcement,” said Senator Blackburn. “By voting to pass the Secure America Act, Senate Republicans slammed the door on Democrats’ radical-left demands and ensured the brave men and women who are risking their lives to enforce our immigration laws have everything they need to get the job done.” BACKGROUND The Secure America Act provides funding to: Hire, pay, train, and equip ICE agents and employees and to fund other necessary mission support and operations and maintenance costs for its immigration enforcement functions, including 287(g) agreements; Hire, pay, train, and equip CBP personnel and to fund other mission support and operations and maintenance costs for CBP’s immigration enforcement functions; and Carry out immigration enforcement and law enforcement efforts at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through Fiscal Year 2029. RELATED VIDEO: Blackburn Flames Democrats for Trying to Abolish ICE Blackburn, Graham Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Immigration Enforcement by Incentivizing States to Work with ICE 1 2026-06-06T06:16:30Z 2026-06-06T06:17:47Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/05/hagerty-calls-for-border-patrol-ice-funding-and-border-security-amid-shutdown/ Hagerty Calls for Border Patrol, ICE Funding and Border Security Amid Shutdown 2026-06-05 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Senate Democrats refused to give ICE, Border Patrol funding for 110 days WASHINGTON— Yesterday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) spoke on the Senate floor imploring his Senate colleagues to secure funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Boder Patrol (CBP) during budget reconciliation, which had been shut down since January. *Click the photo above or click here to watch* Remarks as prepared for delivery: “We have gone 110 days with border patrol and ICE being defunded by the Democrats. The question I ask is: what do they want? They want to see more deaths. In 2025 alone, in my home state, 41 Tennesseans died at the hands of illegal immigrants… I took a call from a father whose son didn’t wake up on Thanksgiving morning because he got Fentanyl into his system. I do not ever want to take a call like that again. And [Senate Democrats] want more national security risks. Under the Biden administration, 1,500 Iranians were apprehended at the southern border. 700 of them were admitted into the United States. We don’t know where they are. 24,000 Chinese nationals in one year were encountered at the southern border under Joe Biden. … [Senate Democrats] want to distract us from the fact that every Democrat is about vote to defund ICE, to defund law enforcement, and to keep our border unsecure. Therefore, Mr. President, the pending amendment contains matter not within the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee, and thus is extraneous. Therefore, I raise a point of order under Section three 13 B one C of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.” 1 2026-06-06T06:16:30Z 2026-06-06T06:17:47Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/video-blackburn-flames-democrats-for-trying-to-abolish-ice VIDEO: Blackburn Flames Democrats for Trying to Abolish ICE 2026-06-03 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor, where she excoriated the Democrats for their long record of trying to abolish ICE and defund law enforcement. Click here to download her remarks and see below for excerpts. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS Democrats Do Not Believe in Enforcing the Laws on the Books “A core responsibility of any representative government is enforcing the rule of law.” “Republicans believe in upholding this basic responsibility, but it’s become painfully clear – and I think it should be regrettable – that our colleagues across the aisle do not see this as a basic responsibility.” “Every single federal immigration law that we have on the books… was passed by Congress, and that law was signed into law by a sitting U.S. President.” ‘These laws actually reflect the will of the American people, and these immigration laws are just as legitimate as any other law that is on the books.” “Our Democrat colleagues… see these laws as optional.” Democrats Want to Abolish ICE “For 76 days, the Democrats kept the Department of Homeland Security shut down.” “What do the Democrats think they are doing? Why at a time when there are so many threats, why would they jeopardize our national security?” “The Democrats have a goal. They’ve been committed to this for years, and they haven’t been able to pull it off.” “Their goal is to defund law enforcement and to abolish ICE.” “I’ve got a chart that shows some of the statements that have come from people on the left.” “This is what they are trying to do.” “This isn’t a fringe position in today’s Democrat party.” “It has become a mainstay of their political agenda.” “Can you even imagine the chaos that would ensue if we wiped this agency, which is responsible for protecting Americans from cross-border crime and illegal immigration… off the map?” “There would be more crime, more sex trafficking, drug trafficking, more human trafficking, more terrori… 1 2026-06-05T06:35:23Z 2026-06-05T06:36:42Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/03/icymi-hagerty-joins-squawk-box-on-cnbc-to-discuss-proxy-advisors-and-acting-dni-nominee-bill-pulte/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Squawk Box on CNBC to Discuss Proxy Advisors and Acting DNI Nominee Bill Pulte 2026-06-03 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Wednesday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Squawk Box on CNBC to discuss Proxy Advisors and Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Nominee Bill Pulte. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Proxy Advisors: “[Proxy advisory firms] are the companies that tell shareholders how to vote exactly on management’s proposals… What we find, though, is that the proxy advisors are actually owned overseas—Canada, Switzerland, but not American companies. They’re using, misusing and abusing their power to achieve political objectives. […] It’s a total shakedown. It’s corrupt. These are social investing activists that are getting involved in funding proxy advisory services to try to create an outcome that they could never achieve legislatively. […] I met with the Business Roundtable recently and went through what we’re dealing with in this situation. This is an opportunity for activists to come in through a side door and try to create influence. I think we need to take a very hard look at it and make certain that that power isn’t being abused. This is something that I will look into much more deeply. Hagerty on Acting DNI Nominee Bill Pulte: “Bill is a very high-energy person. As we say in the South, he knows how to ‘get ‘er done.’ He gets things accomplished. He has earned the trust of the President of the United States, and I think that’s critically important—particularly in an environment where intelligence agencies have been weaponized. […] Before I came into the Senate, I was the United States Ambassador to Japan. We have an enormous military capability in Japan. In fact, the largest deployment of US military overseas—anywhere in the world—is in Japan. We also have a very large intelligence operation there. I’m a business person. I had a very large intel operation that I was responsible for… I would have all of the intelligence agencies that reported to me meet in a ski… 1 2026-06-04T06:38:12Z 2026-06-04T06:39:44Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/blackburn-graham-introduce-legislation-to-incentivize-every-state-to-submit-voter-rolls-to-dhs Blackburn, Graham Introduce Legislation to Incentivize Every State to Submit Voter Rolls to DHS 2026-06-02 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “It goes without saying that U.S. elections MUST be reserved for U.S. citizens, and Tennessee is ranked #1 in election integrity because we cleaned up our voter rolls and require voter ID,” said Senator Blackburn. “More than 80% of Americans want government officials at every level of government to eliminate all voter fraud, and they are fed up with Congress not taking action. I will not rest until we pass election integrity measures in any way possible, which is why I am introducing the Election Security Partnership Act to ensure every state is using the SAVE program and following Tennessee’s lead to restore faith in America’s elections.” “Free, fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our republic. However, Democrat-led states across the country have failed to enact common-sense election integrity measures to combat fraud and cheating,” said Senator Graham. “After millions of illegal aliens invaded our country during the Biden years, Americans want to know that only U.S. citizens are voting in our elections. I’m pleased to join Senator Blackburn in introducing this legislation to strengthen the integrity of and confidence in our elections.” BACKGROUND The SAVE Program at DHS is an online intergovernmental service designed to help federal, state, and local government agencies determine citizenship and immigration status of individuals within their jurisdiction to help them ensure illegal aliens are removed from these lists. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, only 26 states already have, or are in the process of establishing, a memorandum of agreement for voter verification with SAVE. The Election Security Partnership Act would provide increased grant funding to states that submit their voter registration lists to DHS for the purpose of identifying ineligible voter registrations and non-citizens. This legislation would also improve election administration, election technology, and election security. Click here for bill text. RELATED VIDEO: Blackburn Asks Democrat Lawmakers Why The… 1 2026-06-03T06:40:39Z 2026-06-03T06:42:22Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/01/icymi-hagerty-joins-fox-news-sunday-on-fox-news-to-discuss-us-iran-talks-reconciliation-2-0-and-dhs-funding/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins FOX News Sunday on Fox News to Discuss US-Iran Talks, Reconciliation 2.0 and DHS Funding 2026-06-01 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined FOX News Sunday on Fox News to discuss the latest in Iran, Reconciliation 2.0 and funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on President Donald Trump’s negotiations with Iran: “[The Trump Administration has] all the time in the world, because they have absolutely devastated the Iranian Navy, the Iranian Air Force [and] have complete control over the skies. They’ve devastated their defense industrial base. The nuclear program is at the bottom of a mountain… There is a tremendous amount of pressure on the regime right now… That’s why it’s taken so long to negotiate anything. But President Trump has been clear he wants this decision to be made by the Iranian people… I’m looking at this with a sense of optimism, knowing that President Trump is a great deal maker […] Whatever the deal may be, it’s going to be a performance-oriented deal with real checkpoints. This isn’t going to be like the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)] where the Obama administration used billions of dollars, tens of millions of dollars of pallets of cash to bribe the Iranians. What this will be is clear performance. [Iran] is going to have to perform to get any sort of relief, and President Trump will make that very clear.” Hagerty on DHS Funding: “[The Senate is] coming back to deal with the most fundamental problem that we’ve got: that the Democrats shut down the Department of Homeland Security. They don’t want any sort of border enforcement. They don’t want law enforcement in America—and we have to get that funded. We need to remember the fundamentals. [Republicans] are going to fund [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)] beyond President Trump’s term so that they stop becoming a political football, and are allowed to do their job to make our nation more… 1 2026-06-02T06:40:38Z 2026-06-02T06:42:17Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/01/icymi-hagerty-joins-varney-co-on-fox-business-to-discuss-us-iran-negotiations-political-violence-and-midterms/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss US-Iran Negotiations, Political Violence and Midterms 2026-06-01 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss US-Iran negotiations, political violence and the upcoming midterm elections. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on President Donald Trump’s negotiations with Iran: “I’m certain that whatever deal President Trump puts in place will require performance… President Trump’s been a business person his entire life—a very successful one, I might add… He understands performance is a necessity to get any sort of compensation or recompense. I feel certain that whatever the Iranians do, it’s going to have to be verified. They’re going to have to demonstrate performance before they make any sort of concessions or yields. That’s the type of deal I would expect to see, and I’m looking forward to the details.” Hagerty on political violence, technology and national security: “We have had a president with multiple death threats. In fact, the [Iranian regime] had a fatwah on him. An assassin [entered] the [White House Correspondents Dinner] here recently in Washington D.C. with multiple weapons, in an attempt to assassinate the president, and the cabinet… We’ve deployed sophisticated technologies in places like Iran and Venezuela with incredible results in terms of decapitating regimes, so I think it is a security environment that we ought to be cognizant of. The security situation has changed dramatically, the technology has changed dramatically, and to ignore that would be a folly. The executive branch, particularly this president, is in a much better position to evaluate the security needs of the White House than the judicial branch.” Hagerty on the midterm elections: “[The polls] don’t matter until [voters have] had a chance to put competitors into position and actually define them. When [Americans] see the leadership of the Democrat Party in the face of those like [New York City Mayor] Zohran Mamdan… 1 2026-06-02T06:40:38Z 2026-06-02T06:42:17Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/photo-blackburn-keynotes-tennessee-valley-corridor-national-summit-in-chattanooga PHOTO: Blackburn Keynotes Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit in Chattanooga 2026-05-29 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper Blackburn Discusses Opportunities Ahead with Emerging Tech “With the time I have, I’d like to look at the opportunities we have ahead of us with emerging technologies; discuss how Congress is supporting these developments; and outline why Tennessee is better prepared than any other state to secure America’s tech dominance.” “We know that America’s 21st century leadership rests on our ability to develop and lead in emerging technologies, especially AI, quantum, and advanced nuclear. We also know that the development of each one of these technologies rests on the others.” “Quantum will provide the rails that AI will ride on—while handling complex computations needed for advanced reactors. AI is accelerating the development of quantum computers while aiding the construction and operation of reactors. And nuclear energy will provide the reliable, base-load power needed to scale up AI and quantum infrastructure.” “With these technologies, there are trillions of dollars in potential economic growth on the table. But more importantly, U.S. leadership in AI, quantum, and advanced nuclear is essential to our long-term national security.” Blackburn Discusses Congressional Action to Advance AI, Quantum, and Nuclear “In March, I unveiled the discussion draft for the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act—comprehensive legislation that would create one federal rulebook for AI. This bill answers President Trump’s call for national AI standards while ensuring that America wins the global race for AI supremacy.” “I recently introduced legislation, alongside several of my Senate colleagues, to reauthorize and expand the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA). First signed into law by President Trump in 2018, the NQIA supported research and development, improved coordination between industry and government, and promoted international standards for quantum.” “Along with the NQIA, I have led several bipartisan bills to promote U.S. quantum development, including legislation to bolster quantum research at the Department of War; support our nat… 1 2026-06-05T06:35:23Z 2026-06-05T06:36:42Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/jobs and economy/blackburn-lankford-and-hassan-team-up-to-end-government-shutdowns-and-hold-congress-accountable Blackburn, Lankford, and Hassan Team Up to End Government Shutdowns and Hold Congress Accountable 2026-05-28 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) in introducing the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would take government shutdowns off the table and force Congress to stay in town until their work is done: “Congress shouldn’t be able to hold federal workers and the federal government hostage by forcing government shutdowns to score political points,” said Senator Blackburn. “This legislation would end government-wide shutdowns to protect American taxpayers and prevent disruptions to critical services.” “Americans are tired of worthless government shutdown drama and Congress using federal workers and government services as pawns in political standoffs,” said Senator Lankford. “The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act ends government shutdowns forever with a simple idea: if Congress doesn't do its job, Congress doesn't get to go home. We shift the pressure off the American people and onto the people they elected. We came within three votes of passing this before, and it is time to finish the job. “Government shutdowns are costly, avoidable, and make people in New Hampshire and across the country pay the price for the failures of Congress,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill incentivizes Congress to fund the government on time and ensures that there is a plan in place to protect families and our economy if Congress cannot come to an agreement.” Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) also co-sponsored this legislation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) and Repre… 1 2026-05-29T06:31:28Z 2026-05-29T06:32:48Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/05/26/icymi-hagerty-joins-the-sunday-briefing-on-fox-news-to-discuss-us-iran-talks-reconciliation-2-0-and-the-anti-weaponization-fund/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins The Sunday Briefing on Fox News to Discuss US-Iran Talks, Reconciliation 2.0, and the Anti-Weaponization Fund 2026-05-26 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined The Sunday Briefing on Fox News to discuss US-Iran Talks, Reconciliation 2.0, and the Anti-Weaponization Fund. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on President Donald Trump’s negotiations with Iran: “I’m very pleased to see that we continue in the path President Trump has very clearly articulated that he’s not going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. We’ve seen their behavior; we know what could happen. Contrast this to what happened under Biden and Obama with the JCPOA. They clearly put them on a path to obtain a nuclear weapon. President Trump has—instead of using fake diplomacy and bribery as Obama’s administration did—actually used military force to put the Iranian regime in a position where they have to negotiate very seriously […] It’s been made very clear to Iran that there will be no final agreement until it’s clear that Iran has no path to enrich and that they will have no path to have a nuclear weapon. This is the exact opposite of what Obama and Biden did. …President Trump is going to come up with a deal that is the opposite of what the JCPOA addressed… I think the terms will be strict. I think they’ll be very enforceable. President Trump has used military force to annihilate the economic, technological, and military capacity of the Iranian regime. They’re in a fundamentally different place. …President Trump has been the one to deliver it, the only president that’s stepped up to do it.” Hagerty on the Weaponization of Justice: “I’m very much in favor of addressing the weaponization of government, particularly of the [Department of Justice], that the Biden administration utilized. They leaked President Trump’s tax returns, they invaded his home at Mar-a-Lago, and put everything on television. It’s unbelievable what they did in terms of violating his rights, weaponizing government and judicial services. They’ve d… 1 2026-05-27T06:38:34Z 2026-05-27T06:40:17Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/blackburn-klobuchar-bill-to-strengthen-investigation-of-child-exploitation-passes-senate Blackburn, Klobuchar Bill to Strengthen Investigation of Child Exploitation Passes Senate 2026-05-22 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) released the following statements after their Safe Cloud Storage Act passed the Senate. This legislation would provide limited liability protections to law enforcement-approved vendors to securely store and transfer child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to assist in investigations of child sexual exploitation. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Laurel Lee (R-Fla.). BACKGROUND In 2024, Senator Blackburn’s REPORT Act was signed into law, which—among other things—provided limited liability protections for National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)-contracted vendors to store and transfer CSAM for investigative purposes. These civil and criminal liability protections were incredibly important for NCMEC as it reviews horrific evidence of child pornography during investigations of reports of exploitation received from online platforms. Other third-party law enforcement vendors similarly need the ability to store and handle this investigative material without facing criminal or civil liability. SAFE CLOUD STORAGE ACT The Safe Cloud Storage Act would build upon Senator Blackburn’s REPORT Act by ensuring that law enforcement-approved vendors who assist in investigations of child exploitation are permitted to securely store this evidence that is critical to holding these criminals accountable. Specifically, this bipartisan bill would permit law enforcement-approved vendors to provide secure, cloud-based storage of CSAM evidence without facing a civil claim or criminal charge—giving law enforcement the flexibility they need as they work to investigate and target these horrific criminals. As with the REPORT Act, this legislation … 1 2026-05-23T06:08:46Z 2026-05-23T06:10:20Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/blackburn-joins-budd-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-prevent-thousands-of-illegal-aliens-from-escaping-mandatory-detention Blackburn Joins Budd, Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Prevent Thousands of Illegal Aliens from Escaping Mandatory Detention 2026-05-21 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and three of their Republican colleagues in introducing the Detention Authority Clarification Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to make unambiguous Congress’ intent that illegal aliens be subject to detention without bond pending removal from the United States. This is in response to split decisions by federal courts across the country about what should already be clear in section 235 of the INA—all who have entered the United States illegally are subject to mandatory detention. “Illegal aliens who gained entry under Biden’s open border continue to endanger Americans’ lives and must be removed as swiftly as possible,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Detention Authority Clarification Act would ensure that these individuals must be detained without bond until they are promptly deported and are not allowed to evade the consequences of their crimes.” “We are a nation of laws, and those who break these laws by coming to our country illegally must be held accountable for their actions. President Trump has worked hard to reaffirm the integrity of our nation’s immigration system, yet hundreds of federal district court judges are allowing illegal aliens to avoid mandatory detention based on a supposed loophole. The Detention Authority Clarification Act would eliminate any doubt by reaffirming mandatory detention for those who have violated U.S. law by entering the country illegally,” said Senator Budd. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). BACKGROUND The INA, as amended, requires the detention of illegal aliens. Previous administrations allowed these illegal aliens to be released on bond. However, the Trump administration now detains these illegal aliens in compliance with the statute and with Congress’ intent. Thousands of detained, illegal aliens have filed lawsuits in federal courts challenging the Trump administr… 1 2026-05-30T06:11:53Z 2026-05-30T06:13:24Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/technology/blackburn-coons-salazar-dean-colleagues-introduce-revised-version-of-no-fakes-act Blackburn, Coons, Salazar, Dean, Colleagues Introduce Revised Version of NO FAKES Act 2026-05-20 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), along with U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Madeleine Dean (D-Penn.), introduced a revised version of their bipartisan Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act to protect the voice and visual likenesses of individuals and creators from the proliferation of digital replicas created without their consent. Click here to read the updated bill text. “AI should empower innovation – not give scammers and online predators a free pass to exploit someone’s voice and visual likeness without permission,” said Senator Blackburn. “From artists and songwriters to students and everyday Americans, people deserve meaningful protections against deceptive deepfakes and digital impersonation. The NO FAKES Act would establish clear guardrails that protect the creative community in Tennessee and nationwide, and we are grateful to have more support than ever before for this bipartisan and bicameral legislation.” “Whether they’re Tom Hanks or an 8th grader in Wilmington, no one should worry about someone stealing their voice or likeness,” said Senator Coons. “We’re reintroducing a stronger NO FAKES Act after working with stakeholders from across the country to make the protections in our bill more robust without compromising Americans’ free speech rights. I am proud that NO FAKES is the most advanced piece of AI legislation before Congress right now with the broadest network of supporters. Americans can’t afford to wait any longer for Congress to pass this bill and send it to the president’s desk.” “While AI presents extraordinary opportunities for technological advancement, it also poses some new problems, including the unauthorized replication of the voice and visual likeness of individuals, such as artists,” said Senator Tillis. “We must protect against such misuse, and I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation to create safeguards fr… 1 2026-05-21T06:28:16Z 2026-05-21T06:29:43Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/video-blackburn-leads-hearing-on-protecting-sports-integrity-in-america VIDEO: Blackburn Leads Hearing on Protecting Sports Integrity in America 2026-05-20 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy, led a hearing examining the rapid expansion of sports betting in the United States, the industry’s growing impact on the integrity of games, and the need to protect vulnerable young people from gambling addiction. Click here to watch the full hearing. “From Saturdays in Neyland Stadium to nights at Bridgestone Arena watching the Predators, Tennesseans—and Americans broadly—love sports. Sports bring together families, they unite people, and they teach young Americans about teamwork, discipline, sacrifice, and fair play.” “American sports are not just this nation’s past time—they are a global symbol of competition watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world.” “When Americans watch their favorite sports team, they don’t want to worry about the game being rigged. They don’t want to worry that their favorite player missed a free-throw to make an extra buck on the side.” “Unfortunately, though, there have recently been high profile examples of match-fixing in the NBA and MLB, challenging Americans’ trust in the integrity of sport.” “This has all been inflamed by the rapid explosion of legal sports betting across the United States. What was once limited to a handful of locations is now available in almost every corner of the country—often right on a cellphone.” “The introduction of sports event contracts on prediction markets has exposed more people to sportsbetting. While prediction markets represent financial innovation across sectors, there are real concerns that they function much like traditional sports betting without the enforcement of state regulators and attorneys general.” “While sports betting is often a source of entertainment for responsible adults, it is not without its risks. Like I mentioned, we have seen scandals involving professional athletes, referees, and suspicious bettingactivity. College athletes are reporting harassment… 1 2026-05-21T06:28:16Z 2026-05-21T06:29:43Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/05/20/icymi-hagerty-joins-mornings-with-maria-on-fox-business-to-discuss-china-reconciliation-iran-proxy-advisors-and-new-federal-reserve-chairman/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Mornings With Maria on Fox Business to Discuss China, Reconciliation, Iran, Proxy Advisors and new Federal Reserve Chairman 2026-05-20 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Washington—On Tuesday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees joined Mornings With Maria on Fox Business to discuss U.S.-China talks, budget reconciliation, Iran, proxy advisors and new Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on President Donald Trump’s visit to China: “The president clearly understands the strategic value of Taiwan, and I’m certain that the conversations with [General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party] Xi Jinping focused on the aggressive behavior of China in the Strait. I think that President Trump has been very clear that Taiwan is a strategic asset that’s critical not only to our economy, but to the world economy, and it would be devastating to our economy—but to China’s economy much more significantly—were something to happen in Taiwan. Everybody is handling this very carefully; the negotiations are proceeding. I was very pleased with the president’s meeting in China with President Xi. We demonstrated massive strength in terms of our innovative capacity. The CEOs that traveled with the president there with the best of American business, and allies like Japan, Australia, the Philippines are significantly stepping up their military strength and capabilities. I think we have had a significant show of strength in the region.” Hagerty on trade deals with China: [Trade deals] would do a great deal to adjust the trade imbalance that we’ve long had—and long endured—with China… I think what President Trump is doing is normalizing the trade relations with China where he can. Roughly 90% of the goods that we trade with China are not dual-use goods. I think the president is going to be very clear-eyed about dual-use products, and make certain that America maintains its competitive advantage when it comes to these key technologies, whether that be in AI or technology that could be deployed on a dual basis to military uses.” Hagerty on the confli… 1 2026-05-21T06:28:16Z 2026-05-21T06:29:43Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/video-blackburn-lays-bare-zuckerberg-s-litany-of-lies-to-the-american-people VIDEO: Blackburn Lays Bare Zuckerberg’s ‘Litany of Lies’ to the American People 2026-05-14 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper ‘Meta's record when it comes to protecting children online is indefensible.’ ‘I doubt we have somebody from Meta in the room today who wants to defend Meta on the lies.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, led a hearing examining why landmark social media verdicts demand federal action to protect kids online, where she highlighted Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s long record of lies and deceit. Excerpts of Senator Blackburn’s remarks during the hearing are below, and you can watch the full hearing here. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s opening statement. EXCERPTS OF HEARING REMARKS Landmark Social Media Verdicts Prove Meta’s Record on Protecting Kids Is Indefensible “For too long, families who sought justice were turned away at the courthouse doors as Big Tech CEOs hid behind the shield of Section 230.” “The tide is beginning to turn, and these recent verdicts signal a shift.” “Meta has done everything in its power to keep Mr. Zuckerberg from the witness stand, and after his testimony in this case, we know why.” “Meta's record when it comes to protecting children online is indefensible.” “These court cases alone are not enough, because while courts can punish past harms, it is up to Congress to prevent future harm to our children. That's why Congress must pass my Kids Online Safety Act.” Zuckerberg Lied About Link Between Social Media Use and Worse Mental Health Outcomes “When [Zuckerberg] was before this Committee in 2024, he said, ‘The existing body of scientific work has not shown a cause or a link between using social media and young people having worse mental health outcomes.’” “The truth on this is that Meta had a document called, ‘Known negative effects of Facebook and/or social media in general, on teens.’ Meta’s document even noted some of those negative effects, including increased sleep disruption, anxiety, body image pressure, and depression.” “Despite what [Zuckerberg] said under … 1 2026-05-15T06:17:41Z 2026-05-15T06:18:51Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/kosa/blackburn-blumenthal-announce-openai-endorsement-of-kids-online-safety-act-ahead-of-senate-hearing-on-landmark-social-media-verdicts Blackburn, Blumenthal Announce OpenAI Endorsement of Kids Online Safety Act Ahead of Senate Hearing on Landmark Social Media Verdicts 2026-05-13 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal(D-Conn.) released the following statements announcing a new endorsement from OpenAI for their Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Later today, Senator Blackburn, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, will lead a hearing examining why landmark social media verdicts demand federal action to protect kids online. Yesterday, Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal joined a rally at the U.S. Capitol with parents who are urging Congress to pass KOSA. During the rally, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) promised he would advance the legislation out of committee and help get it signed into law by the end of the year. 86% of Americans want Big Tech companies to be held accountable for their role in the social media addiction crisis. “Every Big Tech company should be willing to work with Congress to ensure America’s children are safe on its platforms, and we welcome OpenAI’s support for the Kids Online Safety Act,” said Senator Blackburn. “Lip service won’t save lives – Congress must take action to establish guardrails in the virtual space. I look forward to chairing a hearing on why the verdicts in California and New Mexico should spur Congress to hold Big Tech accountable for exploiting children to turn a profit.” “A few weeks ago, juries in New Mexico and California legally recognized that American families have known: social media companies are hurting children,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Today, OpenAI’s endorsement adds to the overwhelming recognition even by Big Tech itself that it’s time to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Increasingly the only people opposed to this bill are Mark Zuckerberg and his lobbyists. It’s time for anyone left in his camp to choose the right side of history and join us.” 1 2026-05-14T06:11:37Z 2026-05-14T06:12:56Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/police/video-blackburn-recognizes-three-tennesseans-who-will-be-honored-at-national-law-enforcement-officers-memorial-in-d-c VIDEO: Blackburn Recognizes Three Tennesseans Who Will Be Honored at National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C. 2026-05-13 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during National Police Week, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor recognizing three Tennesseans who will be honored at the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., later this evening: Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS AS PREPARED Blackburn Honors Hugh Carlen of Putnam County, James Hood of Jonesborough, and Justin Bradford Mowery of Blount County “This Police Week, we are reflecting on the brave men and women in Tennessee and across the country who serve their communities with courage, integrity, and honor.” “Few places better capture the magnitude of their sacrifices than the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in our nation’s capital.” “Engraved on that memorial are the names of every fallen officer in our country going back to the year 1850. It has 24,775 names.” “This week, 363 heroes are being added—including three from Tennessee: Hugh Carlen of Putnam County, whose watch ended February 24th, 1912; James Hood of Jonesborough, who fell in the line of duty August 26th, 1928; And Deputy Sheriff Justin Bradford Mowery of Blount County, who we tragically lost on December 28th.” “This week’s candlelight vigil will provide a powerful moment to reflect on their sacrifices—and those made by the thousands of other officers on the Roll Call of Heroes.” “There’s a reason why our officers are called the thin blue line. They are the only force separating us from chaos, disorder, and anarchy.” “They take pride in their responsibility. But to do their jobs, they need the support of their communities, their states, and their country.” Blackburn Highlights Legislation She Has Led to Back the Blue “For too long, they have lacked that support from Democrat leadership. Instead of funding the police, Democrats have worked to defund them.” “But under President Trump, the federal government is backing the blue across the country.” “In the Senat… 1 2026-05-14T06:11:37Z 2026-05-14T06:12:56Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/05/13/hagerty-applauds-patel-serralta-for-continued-commitment-to-memphis-safe-task-force/ Hagerty Applauds Patel, Serralta for Continued Commitment to Memphis Safe Task Force 2026-05-13 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper The Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency law enforcement initiative that partners federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime in Memphis. WASHINGTON—On Tuesday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, addressed FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Gadyaces S. Serralta during a hearing for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, thanking them for their transformative work and their establishment of a permanent office in Memphis, TN. *Click the photo above or click here to watch* “Memphis boasts a rich cultural history, wonderful people and community leaders that are dedicated to their city. It’s a hub for major logistics and medical device manufacturing,” Hagerty said. “It’s also home to advanced technologies like xAI, but it’s been troubled by serious violent crime.” The Memphis Safe Task Force has targeted violent crimes stemming from street gangs and drug traffickers, building upon the work of an existing FBI task force. Director Serralta testified that, as of April 2026, the operation has yielded 8,701 total arrests by federal officers and an additional 1,426 illegal firearm seizures. Patel noted the joint effort of federal, state and local law enforcement officers has greatly contributed to the safety of Memphis, and the FBI is committed to the long-term success of the mission. “Thanks to you and the leadership in Tennessee, we opened our new office in Memphis to permanently assure the citizens of Tennessee that we’re not going anywhere,” Patel said. Hagerty commended the success achieved by the task force, calling it “a true example of where cooperation can make a difference here in America. And you have transformed a city for us.” ### 1 2026-05-14T06:11:37Z 2026-05-14T06:12:56Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/photo-blackburn-joins-parents-urging-congress-to-pass-kids-online-safety-act-at-mother-s-day-rally PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Parents Urging Congress to Pass Kids Online Safety Act at Mother’s Day Rally 2026-05-12 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “The landmark social media verdicts in California and New Mexico have reminded our nation of one thing: Courts can punish past harms, but it is up to Congress to prevent future ones,” said Senator Blackburn. “Americans are not interested in toothless reforms, which is why we need to get the Senate version of KOSA to the President’s desk. It’s time for Congress to choose the American people over Big Tech’s bottom line.” Click here to download photos of Senator Blackburn at the rally. Click here to watch her remarks. 1 2026-05-13T06:12:22Z 2026-05-13T06:13:52Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-speed-up-va-construction-projects Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Speed Up VA Construction Projects 2026-05-07 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced the Faster VA Construction Act to direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to adopt commercial building codes and standards where possible, consistent with law: “The VA’s construction process needs to be faster and more efficient,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Faster VA Construction Act would stretch taxpayer dollars by cutting unnecessary red tape, speeding up construction projects, and delivering better facilities for our veterans faster.” “Hoosier veterans deserve timely care, not red tape,” said Senator Banks. “This bill speeds up VA construction and makes sure taxpayer dollars are put to their best use.” “We should not let red tape get in the way of ensuring our veterans have access to care and services,” said Senator Hirono. “As veterans’ needs continue to grow in Hawaii and across the country, we should do all we can to ensure VA’s infrastructure can meet this demand. By allowing VA projects to follow commercial construction codes and standards, the Faster VA Construction Act takes steps to streamline the construction process, reduce costs, and help increase the number of projects VA can get built each year.” BACKGROUND VA estimates it would cost between $98 and $109 billion to fully implement its strategic capital investment plan, including deferred maintenance and new construction, and this figure has been steadily increasing for many years. VA’s infrastructure needs have long significantly exceeded its infrastructure resources, and stretching each construction dollar as far as possible is critical. The Government Accountability Office (GAO), Office of Inspector General (OIG), and VA officials have repeatedly cited the Department’s unique construction codes and standards as major, and sometimes unnecessary, cost drivers. VA has long maintained its own facility design standards that are significantly different from commercial codes and standards and often vary from proje… 1 2026-05-08T05:46:43Z 2026-05-08T05:48:09Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/photo-blackburn-joins-turning-point-usa-rally-at-ut-knoxville-and-takes-questions-from-students PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Turning Point USA Rally at UT Knoxville and Takes Questions from Students 2026-05-06 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after speaking at a Turning Point USA “Pick Up the Mic” event at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she answered questions from students and attendees on faith, family, culture, protecting life, election integrity, and other public policy issues: “Charlie Kirk’s legacy was alive and well last night in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it was so encouraging to hear from young people who care deeply about their faith, their conservative values, and the future of this country,” said Senator Blackburn. “At a time when political violence and division is at an all-time high, I am grateful to Turning Point for giving students across the country opportunities to peacefully gather, speak their minds, ask questions, and exercise the freedoms we hold dear in this country.” 1 2026-05-07T13:38:59Z 2026-05-07T13:40:28Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/05/04/icymi-hagerty-joins-fox-friends-on-fox-news-to-discuss-irans-economic-crisis-us-china-talks/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Fox & Friends on Fox News to Discuss Iran’s Economic Crisis, US-China Talks 2026-05-04 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper NEW YORK—On Friday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Fox & Friends on Fox News to discuss Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s clash with Senate Democrats, the latest on the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, and President Trump’s upcoming visit to China. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on Hegseth’s committee dispute with Senate Democrats: “It’s as if you’re listening to someone from the Ayatollah [Mojtaba Khamenei]’s own cabinet speak when you hear the Democrat side make these accusations. It’s as if they’re trying to talk the economy into the tank, and they’re trying to talk the American public into thinking this is some sort of vast defeat when that is absolutely not the case.” Hagerty on further military intervention in Iran: “The options are considerable, and if you think about the authority that we have right now in the region—the carrier strike groups that are there—we are fully armed and ready to go. Time is on our side in this one. The Iranians had an opportunity with the ceasefire. They’ve been in complete catastrophe, evidently, from their political navigation. But we’re ready to see this come to an end. President [Donald] Trump has been very clear: There will not be a nuclear weapon, and a nuclear-armed Iran. We’re not going to allow them to continue this. And we’re not going to allow them to continue to hold the entire world’s economy hostage either.” Hagerty on Russian involvement in Iran and the war in Ukraine: “Any sort of assistance with targeting [U.S. military bases] is an action that should never be tolerated. I think [Trump] is telling [Russia] that Iran is going to be over soon, and Russia better get in line as well. It really is amazing to see the agility of the Ukrainian army and, frankly, the toughness of the Ukrainian army.” Hagerty on the president’s upcoming visit to China: “I think the tables have turned significantly in the president’s… 1 2026-05-05T05:58:12Z 2026-05-05T05:59:44Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/technology/blackburn-klobuchar-sound-the-alarm-on-meta-removing-ads-for-social-media-addiction-litigation-from-its-platforms Blackburn, Klobuchar Sound the Alarm on Meta Removing Ads for Social Media Addiction Litigation from Its Platforms 2026-05-01 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “In the wake of landmark verdicts handed down last month that found Meta liable for negligence in its platform’s design, it was reported that Meta began removing advertisements from attorneys seeking clients who allege that they were harmed by your platform while they were minors. It is unfortunate that rather than addressing the dangerous design of its platforms, Meta is instead attempting to dodge additional accountability for its failure to protect children online. Specifically, over a dozen advertisements that ran on Facebook and Instagram were deactivated, including one ad that read ‘Anxiety. Depression. Withdrawal. Self-harm. These aren’t just teenage phases—they’re symptoms linked to social media addiction in children. Platforms knew this and kept targeting kids anyway.’ Meta’s own internal research has confirmed exactly what the ad conveyed—that Meta’s social media platforms cause increased anxiety, depression, and self-harm. And these ads did not violate Meta’s Advertising Standards. Their removal is nothing more than an attempt to preserve a harmful business model at all costs—one that actively profits off the addiction of this nation’s youth—and reduce financial exposure for the harm Meta has caused to minors across the country.” Any Assertion Meta Removed These Ads to Protect Users Is a Lie 1 2026-05-02T05:53:08Z 2026-05-02T05:54:44Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/crime/blackburn-luj-n-bipartisan-bill-to-crack-down-on-carjacking-passes-senate-judiciary-committee Blackburn, Luján Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Carjacking Passes Senate Judiciary Committee 2026-04-30 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “The Albuquerque area continues to rank among the top cities for carjackings. This is unacceptable and puts people’s lives and livelihoods at risk,” said Senator Luján. “It is a positive step that legislation to give prosecutors the tools they need to hold carjackers accountable and keep our communities safe has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I’m committed to advancing this legislation and ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need to protect our communities.” This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Josh Hawley(R-Mo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Barry Moore (R-Ala.). FEDERAL CARJACKING ENFORCEMENT ACT In 2024, Tennessee was ranked among the top ten states for motor vehicle thefts, and Tennessee saw a nearly 200% increase in auto theft crime by juveniles in 2023. The current federal carjacking statute requires prosecutors to prove defendants had an “intent to cause death or bodily harm,” which has made it harder to bring federal carjacking prosecutions and accounts for the decrease in federal carjacking prosecutions in certain parts of the country. The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act would fix this drafting error by requiring prosecutors only have to prove the knowing taking of a motor vehicle. In cases in which death results following a carjacking, the bill would maintain the higher “intent to cause death or bodily harm” requirement. Click here for bill text. The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act is endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Association of Police Organizations, Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, National… 1 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/crime/immigration/blackburn-graham-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-immigration-enforcement-by-incentivizing-states-to-work-with-ice Blackburn, Graham Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Immigration Enforcement by Incentivizing States to Work with ICE 2026-04-28 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Linsdey Graham (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget, introduced the 287(g) Expansion Act to incentivize states and localities to enter into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE’s 287(g) program enhances the safety and security of our nation’s communities by allowing ICE to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify and remove criminal aliens. The Tennessee legislature recently passed a bill requiring county sheriffs to enter agreements under the 287(g) program. “State and local law enforcement should be doing everything in their power to partner with the federal government to enforce the rule of law in our communities following the Biden Border Crisis,” said Senator Blackburn. “The 287(g) Expansion Act would strengthen immigration enforcement nationwide by offering states that agree to work with ICE more grant funding through the Byrne Memorial JAG Program, which is the primary federal grant funding stream for state and local law enforcement.” “No more excuses! When it comes to combating illegal immigration, local law enforcement has the legal authority and, if they choose, the means to go after criminal illegals in their communities. Our bill expands that opportunity. The 287(g) program is a longstanding partnership between federal and local law enforcement to combat illegal immigration. After four years of Biden’s open borders, it’s crucial that we expand this program to remove more dangerous illegal aliens,” said Senator Graham. “While sanctuary states and cities obstruct ICE, this legislation rewards law enforcement agencies who work with the federal government to keep our communities safe. By expanding the 287(g) program, we are moving forward – not backward – with rational immigration policies.” BACKGROUND The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize ICE t… 1 2026-04-29T06:03:53Z 2026-04-29T06:05:09Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/04/27/icymi-hagerty-joins-kudlow-on-fox-business-to-discuss-warsh-confirmation-latest-on-iran/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Kudlow on Fox Business to Discuss Warsh Confirmation, Latest on Iran 2026-04-27 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—On Friday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Foreign Relations Committees joined Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss Kevin Warsh’s Confirmation Process to be Fed Chairman and the Trump administration’s talks with Iran. Partial Transcript Hagerty on the probe into Fed Chairman Jay Powell being dropped: “I think this is great news today that US Attorney [Jeanine] Pirro has decided to drop the probe. Michael Horowitz, who’s the Fed IG [Inspector General], has stepped up. Horowitz has a strong reputation. I think that’s a very good sign. And I think that Senator [Thom] Tillis asked for this to be dropped. It has been dropped. I spoke with him, and I spoke with Senator [Tim] Scott about this. I’m optimistic that we’re on the path now to schedule Kevin Warsh’s confirmation vote and to get him out of the Senate Banking Committee and get him onto the floor where I fully expect him to be confirmed as the next Fed chairman.” Hagerty on Kevin Warsh’s confirmation timeline: “I’m not aware of other conditions. And as I said, I’m optimistic. I think we all want to see this move forward. We’re getting very close to the point in time that current chair, Jay Powell, is going to finish the end of his term. We need to have Kevin Warsh in this position. Kevin is prepared and ready to go. He’s absolutely the right man for the job right now, and I think we’ve got everything in place to move this forward. So hopefully this is the last step. The Horowitz investigation will be launched. That will happen within the Fed. That’ll allow for accountability that I think everybody would like to see. At the same time, we’d also like to see this confirmation move forward. I expect that every Republican will support Kevin Warsh. I think there should be a large number of Democrats in the Senate Banking Committee that will support him. He did a textbook performance in his hearing. Kevin did an excellent job, and I think it’d be hard pressed to not find a number of Democrats that don’t want to s… 1 2026-04-28T06:05:12Z 2026-04-28T06:07:17Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/video-memphis-mom-dalisia-ballinger-joins-unmuted-with-marsha-to-discuss-memphis-safe-task-force VIDEO: Memphis Mom Dalisia Ballinger Joins ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ to Discuss Memphis Safe Task Force 2026-04-24 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a new episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ with Memphis mother and independent journalist, Dalisia Ballinger, who has been an outspoken advocate for the Memphis Safe Task Force following a drive-by shooting that left a bullet lodged inside the walls of her home. Watch the episode here. Click here to download this episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha.’ Clickhere to download a photo of Senator Blackburn and Dalisia at the roundtable President Trump hosted in Memphis. “I'm sure that bullet hole is a reminder to you of not only how precious life is, but also the importance of safe communities and the attention that Memphis has gotten,” said Senator Blackburn. “We have so many calls every single day from Memphians who are saying, ‘Thank you. Thank you for helping to fight crime and getting this under control.’ Everybody wants a safe community. Everybody wants their children to be able to play outside.” 1 2026-04-25T05:38:36Z 2026-04-25T05:40:21Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/04/24/icymi-hagerty-joins-balance-of-power-on-bloomberg-to-discuss-iran-negotiations-federal-reserve-leadership-reconciliation/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Balance of Power on Bloomberg to Discuss Iran Negotiations, Federal Reserve Leadership, Reconciliation 2026-04-24 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—Yesterday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Banking Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Balance of Power on Bloomberg to discuss Iran, energy markets, Kevin Warsh’s nomination to lead the Federal Reserve, and reconciliation. Partial Transcript Hagerty on President Trump’s negotiating position with Iran: “He’s got all the cards, and what he is doing is negotiating. I think that’s what seems to shock people here in Washington sometimes, the fact that President Trump isn’t telegraphing every move. I know that frustrates many, but at the same time, I think it puts them [the United States] in the best possible negotiating position.” Hagerty on Iran’s leadership: “I think the Iranian regime needs to figure this out. It reminds me of the old Thelma and Louise scene where they’re heading off the cliff. That’s the Iranian leadership, and you’ve got the moderate terrorist arguing with the super-aggressive terrorist over control of the wheel. Meanwhile, they’re about to drive the thing over the cliff. They should take the off-ramp.” Hagerty on dealing with the Iranian regime: “I think anybody who shouts ‘Death to America’, ‘Death to Israel’ should be considered [a terrorist]. And as we know, Iran’s been the largest state sponsor of terror in the world. Not the 90 million Iranians that we’re talking about, I think they’ve been subject to this sort of leadership.” Hagerty on military options and the Strait of Hormuz: “I think that’s going to be up to the president and to the generals on the ground, but no options are off the table. And as we see what’s happening, and we’ve heard reports that they’re putting mines back in the Strait of Hormuz, the president’s not going to tolerate that. And I think that that message needs to be made loud and clear.” Hagerty on oil markets and pressure on Iran: “Oil still hasn’t gotten where it was after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Not that I’m hoping that it’ll go higher, certainly n… 1 2026-04-25T05:38:36Z 2026-04-25T05:40:21Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/04/24/icymi-hagerty-joins-mornings-with-maria-on-fox-business-to-discuss-budget-reconciliation-kevin-warsh-ai-competition-with-china/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to Discuss Budget Reconciliation, Kevin Warsh, AI Competition with China 2026-04-24 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss budget reconciliation, Kevin Warsh, AI competition with China. Partial Transcript Hagerty on reconciliation and DHS funding: “The third reconciliation process that Speaker [Mike] Johnson talked about, we’ve also been discussing in the Senate as well. That is probably the most prime opportunity. And I think [Senator] Lindsey Graham, our budget chairman, is working at pace for that right now. We also have the National Defense Authorization bill coming up. Both of those will be opportunities to address this. We’re going through this process right now to fund the Department of Homeland Security, that the Democrats have shut down now. They’ve shut down this department. The department charged with protecting us, the Counter-Terrorism department at a time when we are dealing with the world’s largest state sponsor of terror. It’s incredibly irresponsible that the Democrats have put us in this position. They basically are against law enforcement. Chuck Schumer says he doesn’t respect them, I’m sure, but our law enforcement is absolutely critical at a time when the Biden administration encountered 1500 Iranians, that’s the polite word. They use 1500 Iranians from 2021 to 2024; they released half of them into the country. We need to be very responsible at this point in time and the recklessness of the Democrats has brought us to this point. It’s their shut down, their willingness to expose us to terrorism that is really hard to believe. We’re going to address it very quickly.” Hagerty on President Trump’s leadership on Iran: “President Trump has done an outstanding job using executive orders to bring our country back to the most competitive place it possibly could be. The reconciliation package that we passed last year, the Working Families Tax Cut Act, some call it The Big Beautiful Bill, that put in place m… 1 2026-04-25T05:38:36Z 2026-04-25T05:40:21Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/ai/blackburn-welch-hold-roundtable-with-over-20-artists-who-support-no-fakes-act-and-train-act-to-protect-creators-from-ai-harms Blackburn, Welch Hold Roundtable with Over 20 Artists Who Support NO FAKES Act and TRAIN Act to Protect Creators from AI Harms 2026-04-22 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “The arts help us find a way to come together at a time where there’s just so much conflict and division. The voices, words, heart, and soul that live in the music artists create is astonishing—that’s deeply human, and can’t be replicated by AI,” said Senator Welch. “The TRAIN Act is an incredibly important, bipartisan bill to stand up to AI and give power back to creators. I'm glad to champion this bill alongside Senator Blackburn to protect and stand up for the contribution that each and every artist makes that is so essential to the well-being, emotional health, and soul of everyone in this country.” NO FAKES ACT With the rapid advance of generative AI, artists and creators have already begun to see their voices and likenesses used without their consent in videos and songs created as nearly indistinguishable replicas. The NO FAKES Act would address the use of non-consensual digital replications in audiovisual works or sound recordings by: Holding individuals or companies liable if they distribute an unauthorized digital replica of an individual’s voice or visual likeness; Holding platforms liable for hosting an unauthorized digital replica if the platform has knowledge of the fact that the replica was not authorized by the individual depicted; Excluding certain digital replicas from coverage based on recognized First Amendment protections; and Preempting future state laws regulating digital replicas. Click here to read the bill text. TRAIN ACT Currently, there is no reliable way for copyright owners to determine if AI companies used their works without permission to train AI models. Copyright owners—particularly small creators—are struggling to navigate novel legal issues posed by AI copying their work. There are very few AI companies that share how their models were trained and nothing in current law requires them to disclose training materials to creators. The TRAIN Act would promote transparency about when and how copyrighted works are used to train generative AI models by enabling copyright holde… 1 2026-04-25T05:38:36Z 2026-04-25T05:40:21Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/ai/what-they-are-saying-blackburn-announces-growing-momentum-for-trump-america-ai-act WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Blackburn Announces Growing Momentum for TRUMP AMERICA AI Act 2026-04-22 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “We applaud Senator Blackburn’s leadership in putting forward a comprehensive AI framework. This legislation offers a model that supports AI innovation, while ensuring that the concerns of the American people are heard and the rights of content creators are protected and respected,”said Danielle Coffey, President and CEO of the News/Media Alliance. “As a parent who has lost a child to online harms, I am extremely grateful to Senator Blackburn for her TRUMP AMERICA AI Act. By combining the Kids Online Safety Act - the gold standard for protecting children from social media addiction and other harms - with critical safeguards to protect young people from AI, this legislation would be a game changer for America's families. ParentsSOS applauds Senator Blackburn for her leadership and commitment to ensuring no more families experience the tragedies our families have,” said Maurine Molak, Co-Founder of ParentsSOS and mother of David, forever 16. “RIAA is deeply grateful to Senator Marsha Blackburn for putting forward a national rulebook in her America-first AI discussion draft. This legislation offers a thoughtful and comprehensive framework to advance American AI innovation while ensuring that the creators indispensable to our culture are protected from having their work used in unlicensed training, as courts have made clear is required. It safeguards all Americans against nonconsensual deepfakes and voice clones. As the Act rightly recognizes, human creativity and AI innovation can both flourish, but only if AI special interests stop stealing creative works and enabling AI-driven online abuse,” said RIAA. 1 2026-04-23T05:48:52Z 2026-04-23T05:50:10Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/04/22/icymi-hagerty-joins-squawk-box-on-cnbc-to-discuss-kevin-warshs-nomination-federal-reserve-leadership/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Squawk Box on CNBC to Discuss Kevin Warsh’s Nomination, Federal Reserve Leadership 2026-04-22 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON— Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, joined Squawk Box on CNBC to discuss Kevin Warsh’s nomination to lead the Federal Reserve, the confirmation process, and the need to restore focus at the Fed. Partial Transcript Hagerty on Kevin Warsh’s confirmation hearing: “I think Kevin Warsh did an outstanding job. It was a textbook performance. He answered everything. He had actually some very disrespectful questions from the ranking member. And he never let it get under his skin. Steady, disciplined, exactly what you want in a Fed chairman. I think he performed very well.” Hagerty on bipartisan support for Warsh: “There may be other off-ramps that are under discussion [to move out of committee], but one thing that’s very obvious, Kevin Warsh has been confirmed in the past on a bipartisan basis. Members of this committee have voted for Kevin Warsh for the Fed Governor before this chairman position. I hope that they’ll see the necessity of getting somebody as competent as Kevin into the position, and we can move forward with Democrat votes as well. That shouldn’t be off the table, but given the partisan behavior of Chuck Schumer and the leadership, you think about shutting down the government in the fall for such an extended record-breaking period of time, what they’ve done to the Department of Homeland Security. I think it’s a reasonable question whether he’ll be seated, but I certainly hope that everybody will come to their senses and realize that Kevin is the man for the moment. He’s the person to bring the Fed back into its lane and get our economy moving in the right direction.” Hagerty on bipartisan paths through committee: “Of course, it’s possible. The ranking member doesn’t indicate any, don’t hold your breath. I wouldn’t hold my breath. But it’s certainly possible. I passed the GENIUS Act out of the same committee with completely bipartisan support. Senator [Elizabeth] Warren was against it, but she held five Democrats with her. Five Democrats… 1 2026-04-23T05:48:52Z 2026-04-23T05:50:10Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/women/blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-close-loopholes-allowing-taxpayer-funded-abortion Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Close Loopholes Allowing Taxpayer-Funded Abortion 2026-04-16 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and 17 of their Senate colleagues introduced the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act to ban federal Title X family-planning grants from going to any entity (like Planned Parenthood) that performs abortions or funds abortion providers: “Taxpayers should not have to spend a penny on abortions,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act would protect life and stop federal funds from going to entities that perform abortions by closing loopholes in federal law.” “Louisiana families want their tax dollars to support families, not abortion businesses that kill unborn babies and hurt mothers,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’m proud to co-lead this bill to end a policy that subsidizes Planned Parenthood on the taxpayers’ dime.” BACKGROUND The Title X Family Planning Program is intended to assist low-income women with family planning services. Unfortunately, this program has a history of subsidizing massive organizations that engage in abortion activities such as Planned Parenthood. Since 1976, federal law has prohibited use of federal funds for abortions. Section 1008 of the Public Health Service Act explicitly states that Title X funds “shall not be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning,” but Clinton-era rules require all grantees to refer patients for abortions and allow abortion facilities to be co-located within Title X clinics. As a result, Planned Parenthood clinics that receive federal family planning funds can share the same facility, staff, and waiting room as abortion clinics, and often refer women for on-site abortions. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Josh Hawley(R-Mo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike … 1 2026-04-18T05:35:53Z 2026-04-18T05:37:16Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/crime/blackburn-cotton-introduce-bill-to-double-penalty-for-assault-of-federal-correctional-officers Blackburn, Cotton Introduce Bill to Double Penalty for Assault of Federal Correctional Officers 2026-04-15 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper “Federal prisons have become increasingly unsafe for the brave men and women who serve as federal corrections officers. Incidents of inmates assaulting BOP officers have been on the rise and often result in PTSD for the affected officers as they continue to do their jobs,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Safer Prisons Act would deter these acts of violence by doubling the criminal penalties for assaulting a BOP correctional officer.” “Assaulting a federal corrections officer is completely unacceptable,” said Senator Cotton. “Our bill would double the criminal penalties for these criminals that attack our officers.” BACKGROUND The Safer Prisons Act is intended to address a startling increase in violence targeting correctional officers in federal prisons. These incidents endanger correctional officers and foster an intolerable and violent environment within the walls of the prison facilities in which they occur, placing inmates at an increased risk of harm as well. Click here for bill text. 1 2026-04-16T05:48:36Z 2026-04-16T05:50:08Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/economy/video-blackburn-highlights-success-of-working-families-tax-cuts-on-tax-day VIDEO: Blackburn Highlights Success of Working Families Tax Cuts on Tax Day 2026-04-15 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor celebrating the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts signed into law by President Trump and calling out Democrats for voting against tax relief for Americans: Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS “Today is Tax Day. It's not a day that conservatives usually celebrate, but this year, it is a little bit different, and that is thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut, Big, Beautiful Bill, that are allowing individuals to keep a lot more of their hard-earned money.” “Today is a day we should be mindful of the imperative that we should be good stewards of the taxpayer dollar.” “During the Biden administration… every time you turned around, taxes were going up. Inflation was going up because taxes were going up, and government spending was going up.” “Things have changed… Citizens are seeing more money stay in their pocketbook without having to send it to DC.” “Almost half of the filers are claiming new tax breaks that were created in the Working Families Tax Cut.” “I do want to highlight some of these provisions that our Democratic colleagues chose to vote against.” “They voted against allowing you to have a $6,000 bonus deduction… 30 million seniors have already used that.” “There are millions of workers who are seeing lower taxes on tips and overtime… Every single Democrat in this chamber – every single one – voted against that.” “Now we also know that children that are born can do Trump Accounts. They're eligible for that $1,000 seed account… Every Democrat voted against their having that nest egg.” “They also voted against the enhanced Child Tax Credit, which benefits more than 40 million American families.” “[Democrats] think they should have the right of first refusal on your money. They think they know better what to do with your money than you do. They say, ‘Send more of it to DC, and we'll put it where we want it.’” “As you fill out your tax form, remember t… 1 2026-04-16T05:48:36Z 2026-04-16T05:50:08Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/04/15/icymi-hagerty-joins-varney-co-on-fox-business-to-discuss-iran-negotiations-market-reaction-dhs-funding/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Iran Negotiations, Market Reaction, DHS Funding 2026-04-15 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—Yesterday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss Iran negotiations, the market’s response to Middle East developments, and efforts to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Partial Transcript Hagerty on negotiating with Iran: “We’ve never been able to believe a word they’ve said. This has been going on for decades, and they’ve consistently lied. They’ve consistently misrepresented their position. And I think you just have to step back and take a look at the cards that they hold. Their military has been decimated. Their weapon stockpile has been decimated. If you think about their economy right now, it’s certainly moving in the wrong direction. The cards are all in President Trump’s hand, JD [Vance], Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner– all very capable people. They’ve laid out the red lines for the Iranian regime. The Iranian regime now needs to respond to this. They’re going to continue to try to tap us along. They’re going to find out this is not the Obama administration. This is not John Kerry that they’re dealing with. This administration is not going to cave. The red lines are real. They will not have nuclear capability, and we’re going to make certain that that’s the case. I think the Iranians just need to wake up. Just ask Maduro what happens if you don’t take this president seriously?” Hagerty on market reaction and U.S. leverage: “I think it’s because they see this administration, the Trump administration, standing strong, standing firm. And again, the cards are all in our favor. This blockade is going to have dramatic results on the Iranian economy. I think the Iranians need to wake up and see where this is headed. There’s only one way out of this, and that’s for them to accede to the demands.” Hagerty on DHS funding and reconciliation: “Having a deal with the Democrats has proven to be fruitless. They’ve been willing to subject the men and women at Homel… 1 2026-04-16T05:48:36Z 2026-04-16T05:50:08Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/military/blackburn-van-epps-introduce-legislation-to-ensure-national-guard-members-receive-federal-benefits Blackburn, Van Epps Introduce Legislation to Ensure National Guard Members Receive Federal Benefits 2026-04-14 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Marsha Blackburn B001243 www.blackburn.senate.gov blackburn https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. RepresentativeMatt Van Epps (R-Tenn.) introduced the Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act to ensure that National Guard members patrolling U.S. cities receive active-duty benefits for their service. Last month, President Trump announced National Guardsmen serving on the Memphis Safe Task Force and in other cities would receive deployment pay and benefits equal to those of active-duty troops. “The Memphis Safe Task Force has successfully driven crime down by 43%, and thanks to President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, Tennessee National Guardsmen are now receiving the federal benefits they have earned while restoring law and order,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act would ensure National Guard members get the benefits they’ve earned when they are called up to support federally directed public safety missions, regardless of how the operation is designated.” “As an active member of the National Guard, I appreciate the impact of the Tennessee National Guard’s work to make Memphis safe again. I applaud President Trump's directive extending national emergency-level benefits to Guardsmen serving in the Memphis Safe Task Force, and I am proud to co-lead the Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act with Senator Marsha Blackburn to codify that policy permanently into law. This legislation ensures that National Guard personnel serving full-time in support of federal agencies such as ICE, DEA, and ATF receive the benefits their service deserves,” said Representative Van Epps. BACKGROUND The Memphis Safe Task Force was established on September 29, 2025, to combat violent crime in the city of Memphis. This task force is being coordinated by local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as the Tennessee National Guard. Since its launch, the Task Force has driven down overall crime by 43 percent compared to a year ago. Last month, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth took action to ensure Natio… 1 2026-04-15T05:46:42Z 2026-04-15T05:48:27Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/04/14/hagerty-introduces-freedom-to-build-act-to-make-housing-affordable-again/ Hagerty Introduces “Freedom to Build Act” to Make Housing Affordable Again 2026-04-14 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper Legislation would incentivize deregulation, expand housing supply, and make new homes more affordable WASHINGTON— United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, has introduced the Freedom to Build Act to incentivize deregulation, expand housing supply, and make new homes more affordable. The 2026 Economic Report of the President finds that a “bureaucrat tax” in the form of government regulations adds more than $100,000 to the cost of a home and constrains new construction. To address this, the Freedom to Build Actdirects the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create a “Freedom to Build” certification. To qualify, localities adopt policies that unleash construction innovation, fast-track approval processes, defend property rights and family freedom, and demonstrate a consistent record of expanding housing supply. Certified localities receive priority consideration for existing HUD housing grants. The legislation creates no new agencies or programs and authorizes no new spending. It simply aligns existing federal incentives to reward communities that reduce regulatory barriers to building new homes. “For many Americans, the dream of owning a home is increasingly out of reach, and excessive regulations have made new homes too costly for many American families,” said Senator Hagerty. “My Freedom to Build Act streamlines costly and often redundant regulations to reduce the cost of a new home in our country.” The legislation is endorsed by: National Association of Home Builders Leading Builders of America National Multifamily Housing Council The Real Estate Roundtable Mortgage Bankers Association “Senator Hagerty’s Freedom to Build Act provides important incentives for communities to voluntarily take steps to improve the home building process at the local level,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “Regulatory barriers like restrictive zoning, cumbersome permitting processes, and cost-increasing mandates stifle housing … 1 2026-04-15T05:46:42Z 2026-04-15T05:48:27Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/04/13/icymi-hagerty-joins-mornings-with-maria-on-fox-business-to-discuss-iran-reconciliation-ai/ ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to Discuss Iran, Reconciliation, AI 2026-04-13 2026 2026-04 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss Iran, reconciliation, Federal Reserve leadership, and artificial intelligence. Partial Transcript Hagerty on Iran and other revisionist nations: “It’s at least good to see other nations step in and try to offer a hand here. Russia is going to be impacted. The whole world is going to be impacted once the Iranian regime is taken down. This unholy axis that you’ve seen: Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. It’s time for it to break, and I think the Iranians are creating an embarrassing situation for all of them.” Hagerty on President Trump’s negotiating strategy with Iran: “What the Iranians are seeing is a very different negotiating style. You remember the last time they sat down and talked about the nuclear arsenal and nuclear ambitions with the US president– that was under Obama. Their negotiator, the Iranian negotiator, walked out of the room, and John Kerry chased him out of the room. They bent. They broke. The Obama administration broke and gave them everything they wanted in terms of being able to pursue their nuclear ambitions. President Trump has made it clear that he will not do that. The Iranians tried that old play again. It didn’t work this weekend. J.D. Vance stood strong. I think the Iranians are seeing it’s a different play now, and President Trump is doubling back on them and shutting them down, blockading the Iranians, and cutting off all revenue. At this point, I think they’re realizing this is a very different game, and I’ll be anxious to see how J.D.’s latest and final offer is received by the Iranians.” Hagerty on maximum pressure and Iran’s economy: “It [the maximum pressure campaign] worked last time. We were almost there in the first Trump administration. My job was to get the Japanese government to stop buying Iranian crude oil when I was US Ambassador to Japan. That happened all over t… 1 2026-04-14T05:46:13Z 2026-04-14T05:48:07Z

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