Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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279 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "TN" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-applauds-206-million-for-tennessee-from-rural-health-transformation-program | Blackburn Applauds $206 Million for Tennessee from Rural Health Transformation Program | 2025-12-29 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 Trump administration announced a $206,888,882 award to strengthen rural health care in Tennessee. This funding comes from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which Senator Blackburn supported as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation that President Trump signed into law over the summer. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/video-blackburn-wishes-tennesseans-a-merry-christmas | VIDEO: Blackburn Wishes Tennesseans a Merry Christmas | 2025-12-24 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 a video message wishing Tennesseans a Merry Christmas: “From all the Blackburns, I want to say Merry Christmas to you,” said Senator Blackburn. “There is nothing so special or nothing more wonderful than a Tennessee Christmas. Our wish is for all Tennesseans to know firsthand the blessings of the Christmas and holiday season. So, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/veterans/blackburn-resolution-recognizing-importance-of-community-care-for-veterans-passes-senate | Blackburn Resolution Recognizing Importance of Community Care for Veterans Passes Senate | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) released the following statements after their resolution recognizing community care as essential to meeting veterans’ health care needs unanimously passed the Senate: “Federal government bureaucracy should not get in the way of America’s veterans getting the health care they need,” said Senator Blackburn. “This resolution reaffirms my commitment to ensuring veterans in Tennessee and across America can access high-quality, affordable health care.” “Veterans deserve prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where and how to use the healthcare benefits they have earned through their service,” said Senator Moran. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to making certain that veterans have a choice in where they receive care – whether at VA or in the community – while acknowledging the essential role community care partnerships play in strengthening the VA health care system. I thank Sen. Blackburn for leading this resolution and for her continued dedication to supporting our nation’s veterans.” “Our veterans deserve the best care possible, and that means ensuring they can access timely, high-quality treatment through VA facilities and trusted community providers,” said Senator Tillis. “This resolution cuts red tape and makes sure no veteran is forced to wait for the care they’ve earned.” “Mississippi’s veterans rely on community care providers,” said Senator Wicker. “The VA health system cannot meet every imaginable need, and these providers stand in the gap for those who have given so much to our country.” This resolution is also co-sponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). BACKGROUND A decade ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faced a nationwide access-to-care crisis that left many veterans waiting too long for essential medical services. In response, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act, a bipartisan reform designed to ensure that vete… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/blackburn-unveils-national-policy-framework-for-artificial-intelligence | Blackburn Unveils National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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.) unveiled a section-by-section summary of The Republic Unifying Meritocratic Performance Advancing Machine intelligence by Eliminating Regulatory Interstate Chaos Across American Industry (TRUMP AMERICA AI Act). This legislative framework would codify President Trump’s executive order to create one rulebook for artificial intelligence (AI) that protects children, creators, conservatives, and communities from harm while ensuring the United States wins the global race for AI supremacy. “Instead of pushing AI amnesty, President Trump rightfully called on Congress to pass federal standards and protections to solve the patchwork of state laws that have hindered AI innovation,” said Senator Blackburn. “I look forward to introducing the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act in the new year to create one federal rulebook for AI to protect children, creators, conservatives, and communities across the country and ensure America triumphs over foreign adversaries in the global race for AI dominance.” TRUMP AMERICA AI ACT Below is a summary of how Senator Blackburn’s TRUMP AMERICA AI Act would protect the “4 Cs” (children, creators, conservatives, and communities) from exploitation, abuse, and censorship and ensure American AI companies can innovate without cumbersome regulation. This framework includes legislation Senator Blackburn has previously introduced, the Kids Online Safety Act and NO FAKES Act, to protect children and creators. Protecting Children Places a duty of care on AI developers in the design, development, and operation of AI platforms to prevent and mitigate foreseeable harm to users. Requires AI platforms to conduct regular risk assessments of how algorithmic systems, engagement mechanics, and data practices contribute to psychological, physical, financial, and exploitative harms. Reforms Section 230 by incentivizing the development and utilization of blocking and filtering technologies that empower parents to restrict their children’s access to objectio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-statement-on-confirmation-of-tennesseans-jeff-hagood-and-mitch-graves-to-tva-board | Blackburn Statement on Confirmation of Tennesseans Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves to TVA Board | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves were confirmed to the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors: “Today, the Senate confirmed two outstanding Tennesseans to the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves,” said Senator Blackburn. “These two Tennesseans will help achieve America’s nuclear renaissance and deliver affordable and abundant energy. With Jeff and Mitch on the board, we will make certain Tennessee leads in next-generation nuclear and helps the United States win the global race for energy dominance.” RELATED VIDEO: Blackburn Introduces TVA Board Nominees Mitch Graves and Jeff Hagood at Senate Committee Nomination Hearing America’s Nuclear Renaissance: How the TVA Can Lead Our Energy Future | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/crime/jobs and economy/immigration/video-blackburn-highlights-republicans-accomplishments-in-2025 | VIDEO: Blackburn Highlights Republicans’ Accomplishments in 2025 | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting some of the accomplishments achieved by President Trump and Republicans in 2025. President Trump has made America safer and stronger, fixed the Biden border crisis, restored law and order in American cities, rooted out wokeness in our institutions, secured trillions in new investments, and restored peace through strength after the four years of weakness from Joe Biden. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts passed by Republicans and signed into law by President Trump, Americans’ tax refunds next year are projected to be about one-third larger than usual, or roughly an extra $1,000 per filer. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/blackburn-welch-introduce-legislation-to-empower-visual-artists-to-protect-their-work | Blackburn, Welch Introduce Legislation to Empower Visual Artists to Protect Their Work | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA), which would modernize copyright registration for visual artists to make it easier and less costly for high-volume visual artists to register and protect their works. “Visual artists produce incredible work that deserves to be protected, but current copyright law has fallen short,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act would modernize copyright registration so creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists can protect their work and enforce their rights. This bill would fix a broken system by cutting unnecessary costs and bureaucracy, helping America’s creative community thrive.” “Vermont’s visual creators make significant contributions to our country, and their work should be protected. But visual artists often struggle to protect the authenticity of their work because of the unique challenges facing high-volume artists,” said Senator Welch. “We’re working to modernize copyright processes and safeguard the creativity of visual artists.” BACKGROUND The Copyright Act offers the promise that copyrightable works are automatically protected the instant they are created. This is a cruel façade as those rights cannot be enforced unless each work is registered with the Copyright Office. The registration process is so bureaucratic and complicated that the time and expense of compliance is too high for high-volume creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists. The Copyright Office is aware of these shortcomings but has failed to address them. THE VISUAL ARTISTS COPYRIGHT REFORM ACT The VACRA would: Direct the Register of Copyrights to establish a process for an individual to submit a single application for copyright registration of a group of up to 3,000 photographs; Adopt a deferred copyright registration option. Under current law, the Copyright Office calculates registration fees based on their administrative c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/military/blackburn-applauds-final-passage-of-fy26-national-defense-bill-with-wins-for-tennessee | Blackburn Applauds Final Passage of FY26 National Defense Bill with Wins for Tennessee | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 following the final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes funding levels and sets policies for the U.S. military. Senator Blackburn secured multiple provisions for Tennessee in the NDAA. “This year’s national defense bill will help safeguard U.S. national security and support our men and women in uniform by enabling the Department of War to carry out President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda and ensuring we are prepared for the formidable threats posed by the New Axis of Evil,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennessee’s tens of thousands of service members and military installations play a vital role in that mission, and this legislation will ban harmful DEI programs, modernize critical infrastructure, fund important research programs, and strengthen national security.” BLACKBURN-SECURED NDAA WINS FOR TENNESSEE Below is a list of key priorities for Tennessee included in the FY26 NDAA: Fort Campbell Modernization Projects Replaces the current 49-year-old tower, which is the oldest tower on any power projection platform and is in desperate need of adequate height, space, and visibility for modern operations. Provides modern housing for the 101st Airborne Division. Army National Guard Projects Funding for planning and design to support the Smyrna Training Site. Research and Development in Tennessee Expands Vanderbilt’s Pathfinder-Air Assault project with the Army to include the Tennessee National Guard. Provides funding for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Vanderbilt-led program to build secure, robust, and dependable artificial intelligence models. Support for Oak Ridge Reservation Continues U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration funding to support national security operations, environmental cleanup, and long-term modernization across the Oak Ridge Reservation, including the Y-12 National Security Complex and Oak Ridge … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/blackburn-blumenthal-press-toy-makers-on-ai-powered-toys-exposing-children-to-inappropriate-content | Blackburn & Blumenthal Press Toy Makers on AI-Powered Toys Exposing Children to Inappropriate Content | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officers of Little Learners Toys, Mattel, Miko, Curio Interactive, FoloToy, and Keyi Robot sounding the alarm on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their toys. The Senators demanded answers on what safeguards these companies have in place to protect kids from sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate content for children. AI Chatbots in Toys Pose Serious Risk to Children’s Healthy Development “We write today to express our concern with the sale of toys powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI toys—specifically those powered by chatbots imbedded in everyday children’s toys like plushies, dolls, and other beloved toys—pose risks to children’s healthy development. While AI has incredible potential to benefit children with learning and accessibility, experts have raised concerns about AI toys and the lack of research that has been conducted to understand the full effect of these products on our kids. Many of these toys are not offering interactive play, but instead are exposing children to inappropriate content, privacy risks, and manipulative engagement tactics. These aren’t theoretical worst-case scenarios; they are documented failures uncovered through real-world testing, and they must be addressed.” AI-Powered Teddy Bear Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conversations and Explained Where to Find Knives “Most concerningly, many of these AI toys use the exact same AI systems that have been dangerous for older children and teens. Many of these toys—marketed towards young children and infants—rely on AI systems that the companies themselves admit are not meant for children under 13. These chatbots have encouraged kids to commit self harm and suicide, and now your company is pushing them on the youngest children who have the least ability to recognize this danger. In an example specific to AI toys, the teddy bear Kumma has been found to have sexually explicit co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/veterans/blackburn-rosen-introduce-legislation-to-cut-red-tape-for-providers-to-take-care-of-america-s-service-members-and-veterans | Blackburn, Rosen Introduce Legislation to Cut Red Tape for Providers to Take Care of America’s Service Members and Veterans | 2025-12-16 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to cut red tape by eliminating duplicative credentialing and privileging when medical providers move between the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This bill would strengthen health care delivery for service members and veterans. “Health care providers shouldn’t be hindered by bureaucratic red tape when caring for the men and women who have bravely served our nation,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan legislation would end unnecessary duplication so that medical providers can move between the DoW and VA more quickly, ensuring service members and veterans get the high-quality care they need without delay.” “Health care providers who work at the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense do critical work in caring for the men and women who serve and have served our nation,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to remove bureaucratic red tape and allow medical providers to more easily practice between the two departments to improve care for veterans and servicemembers. As long as I’m in the Senate, I’ll always work to make sure everyone who has worn our nation’s uniform has the care, support, and hope they deserve.” U.S. Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.) and Susie Lee (D-Nev.) led the introduction of companion legislation in the House of Representatives. BACKGROUND Credentialing is the process of confirming a medical provider’s education, training, licenses, certifications, and professional history. Privileging determines what specific medical services that provider is authorized to perform based on their qualifications and experience. Currently, the DoW and VA use separate credentialing and privileging systems that do not transfer between Departments. As a result, when a provider moves from a DoW to a VA facility, or vice versa, they must often repeat the entire credentialing and privileging process from the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/blackburn-presses-cvs-on-driving-up-health-care-costs-and-forcing-taxpayers-to-fund-fraud | Blackburn Presses CVS on Driving Up Health Care Costs and Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Fraud | 2025-12-15 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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.) sent a letter CVS Health CEO David Joyner, pressing him on the company’s lengthy record of fraud and regulatory violations at taxpayers’ expense and the role the company has played in driving up health care costs. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), such as CVS Caremark, wield extraordinary power over which drugs are covered by insurance and where patients can fill prescriptions. Senator Blackburn has led the charge to rein in PBMs by introducing the Patients Before Middlemen (PBM) act earlier this year. This legislation would bring down the cost of prescription drugs by delinking the compensation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from drug price and utilization. Taxpayers Have Funded Fraud, Overbilling, Unsafe Practices, and Regulatory Violations at CVS “President Trump has, rightfully, called for ending the massive taxpayer subsidization of big health insurance companies. CVS is the largest, most vertically integrated company in healthcare, and the federal government has quickly become CVS's largest funder. CVS Health, the fifth largest company in the United States by revenue, owns the second-largest pharmacy benefit manager (Caremark), the largest retail pharmacy chain (CVS), and the third-largest health insurer (Aetna), as well as other subsidiaries that extend into drug manufacturing and rebate aggregation. This vertical integration has not led to lower drug prices, but rather consolidated power that has enabled a lengthy record of fraud, overbilling, unsafe practices, and regulatory violations across the company, all subsidized by significant taxpayer funding. CVS itself acknowledges that programs funded by the U.S. government account for a ‘significant’ and growing share of its revenues… In 2024 alone, the federal government spent approximately $89.48 billion directly on CVS.” CVS Drives Up Costs by Steering Patients to CVS-Owned Pharmacies Instead of Community Pharmacies “As one of the largest PBMs in the United States, CVS Caremark wi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/blackburn-releases-fact-sheet-on-how-republicans-health-plan-would-make-health-care-more-affordable | Blackburn Releases Fact Sheet on How Republicans’ Health Plan Would Make Health Care More Affordable | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 fact sheet contrasting Republicans’ plan to lower health care costs with Democrats’ proposal to line the pockets of big insurance companies and fund pandemic-era health care subsidies riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. A recent Government Accountability Office report found that the pandemic-era health care subsidies backed by Democrats are a ‘mecca for fraud,’ including approved applications with false or missing records and nearly 100,000 duplicate Social Security numbers enrolled in the program. Click here to watch Senator Blackburn’s remarks about this report on the Senate floor. “Republicans want to put money back in taxpayers’ pockets and empower patients while Democrats are pushing to line the pockets of insurance companies and force taxpayers to foot the bill for fraud,” said Senator Blackburn. “Instead of expanding health savings accounts, Democrats want American taxpayers to spend $83 billion to extend pandemic-era subsidies that are riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse, including more than 6.4 million improper enrollees and 100,000 duplicate Social Security numbers.” Click hereto download this fact sheet. RELATED VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Democrats for Pushing to Extend Pandemic-Era Health Care Subsidies Riddled with Fraud Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Empower Families to Choose Health Care Coverage That Fits Their Needs | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/blackburn-introduces-legislation-to-empower-families-to-choose-health-care-coverage-that-fits-their-needs | Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Empower Families to Choose Health Care Coverage That Fits Their Needs | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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.) introduced the Health Coverage Across State Lines Act, which would allow health insurers to offer individual health insurance plans across state lines. This legislation would lower costs, expand options, and increase competition in the insurance marketplace. “Families shouldn’t be stuck with one or two overpriced insurance options just because of where they live,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Health Coverage Across State Lines Act would empower Americans to choose the health insurance plan that works for them by allowing insurers to sell plans across state lines. Opening up the marketplace would drive down costs, expand choice for families, and break up insurance monopolies.” BACKGROUND Currently, millions of Americans are left with only one or two options when it comes to purchasing a health insurance plan and are prevented from buying across state lines. Across-state-line purchases of health insurance would put consumers in the driver’s seat, letting families shop for coverage that fits their needs instead of being locked into one state’s limited offerings. Allowing health insurers to compete across state lines breaks up insurance monopolies, putting downward pressure on premiums. Small businesses and self-employed Americans face the highest premiums and fewest choices in today’s market. Across-state-line sales would allow them to access broader, more affordable enrollment options. THE HEALTH COVERAGE ACROSS STATE LINES ACT The Health Coverage Across State Lines Act would allow health insurance plans to be sold across state lines and ensure they are governed by the laws of the insurer’s “primary” state, even when sold in secondary states. This would remove regulatory barriers that currently fragment the insurance market along state boundaries and limit plan availability and affordability for consumers. This legislation would create real competition where none currently exists for millions of Americans living in one or two insurer states.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/video-blackburn-slams-democrats-for-pushing-to-extend-pandemic-era-health-care-subsidies-riddled-with-fraud | VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Democrats for Pushing to Extend Pandemic-Era Health Care Subsidies Riddled with Fraud | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor slamming Democrats for pushing to extend pandemic-era health care subsidies that are riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse and would cost taxpayers $35 billion per year. Senator Blackburn highlighted a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office report that shows just how easy it is to commit fraud with these subsidies. Excerpts of Senator Blackburn’s remarks are below, and video can be downloaded here. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/military/blackburn-leads-tennessee-delegation-in-urging-national-guard-bureau-to-make-greece-a-partner-nation-to-tennessee-national-guard | Blackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Urging National Guard Bureau to Make Greece a Partner Nation to Tennessee National Guard | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), along with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the entire Tennessee Congressional delegation, sent a letter to General Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, urging him to support assigning Greece as an additional partner nation to the Tennessee National Guard under the State Partnership Program. This decision would support U.S. priorities in the region, give the Tennessee National Guard access to new training opportunities, and improve regional stability and military readiness. This partnership is a natural fit for Tennessee, given the state’s existing air refueling mission with the 134th and the Hellenic Air Force’s standing as one of NATO’s largest and most capable air forces. Together, these strengths create meaningful opportunities for future training and cooperation. Adding Greece as a Tennessee National Guard Partner Would Improve Military Readiness “We write in support of assigning the Hellenic Republic of Greece as an additional partner nation to the Tennessee National Guard under the State Partnership Program (SPP). For more than thirty years, the Tennessee National Guard has demonstrated exceptional success and strategic value through its longstanding partnership with the Republic of Bulgaria, one of the earliest and most effective relationships in the SPP. Tennessee is uniquely positioned to expand this success by partnering with Greece to enhance regional interoperability while improving Guard readiness.” Partnership with Greece Would Give the Tennessee National Guard Additional Training Opportunities and Advance American Interests “Tennessee would also benefit from a partnership with Greece. We understand that the Tennessee National Guard would gain access to additional training opportunities across air, land, maritime, and cyber missions, improving readiness here at home. A new partnership would also open doors for Tennessee businesses and strengthen academic collaboration, research, and studen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/video-blackburn-grills-broadcast-radio-executive-for-hurting-artists-and-creators | VIDEO: Blackburn Grills Broadcast Radio Executive for Hurting Artists and Creators | 2025-12-10 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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. – Yesterday, during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearing, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) grilled Henry Hinton, the CEO of Inner Banks Media and a member of the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors, on his opposition to the American Music Fairness Act. This legislation would ensure artists are paid when their music is played on AM/FM radio stations. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s opening remarks, and click here and here to download her exchanges with Henry Hinton. On the Need to Pass the American Music Fairness Act Senator Blackburn: “When you look at the civilized world and you look at all the countries that compensate our artists, we are unfortunately in a league with North Korea and Cuba and Iran in not valuing what the creator comes up with.” “The American Music Fairness Act fixes this issue by closing a loophole in copyright law and ensuring that artists and music creators are paid for the use of their songs on terrestrial radio stations.” “This bill is about common sense and fairness… We have some big radio that doesn't agree with this... This bill protects small and local radio stations… They have created the soundtrack of our lives.” “In my state of Tennessee, from Music Row to Beale Street to the hills of East Tennessee… We have an obligation to protect them and to ensure that they have the right to be paid for the product that they create. It is as simple as that.” Blackburn Calls Out Big Radio for Causing Harm to Artists Senator Blackburn: “Let me ask you this, not paying artists for their sound, their voice being on radio, they're getting zero money. Do you think that causes harm to the artist? Henry Hinton: “The reality is we American radio reaches 79% of Americans every week. 226 million people listen to radio every week.” Senator Blackburn: “I asked you about causing harm, not about your audience. So let me move on because you are causing harm. You’ve got an oldie station you've never paid Sam Moore's estate a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/kosa/technology/video-blackburn-speaks-with-mom-who-lost-her-child-to-suicide-after-he-was-targeted-in-sextortion-scheme | VIDEO: Blackburn Speaks with Mom Who Lost Her Child to Suicide After He Was Targeted in Sextortion Scheme | 2025-12-09 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with Tamia Woods, whose only son tragically died by suicide in 2022 after he was sexually extorted, about the importance of kids’ online safety. Senator Blackburn has led the charge to pass the Kids Online Safety Act to stop Big Tech from turning a blind eye while criminals use their platforms to prey on innocent children like James Woods. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s exchange with Tamia Woods on protecting kids online. On the Need to Pass the Senate Version of the Kids Online Safety Act Senator Blackburn: “There are laws in the physical space that protect children. You cannot endanger a child, you can't sell them alcohol, you can't sell them tobacco, you cannot expose them to pornography. If you were a liquor store and you were selling to kids, they would padlock your store and take away your license. But in the virtual space, our children are vulnerable 24/7, 365”. “Ms. Woods, I'm just heartbroken for you as a mother and a grandmother and having teenage grandsons. This is a fear, an absolute fear, that parents have because the sextortion schemes and the targeting of young boys. It's like something that happens within a matter of hours and days.” “Your son… was literally cyberbullied to death, and this is why we need to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Ms. Woods, talk about why these platforms should be required to force safety by design and to put that burden on these social media platforms to root out these bad actors.” Tamia Woods: “Did anyone know that on Google, if your child is 12 years old, and once they turn 13, Google directly messages your child and tells them that they no longer need parental control, and they can click here to opt out?” “Parental controls are not enough… The other thing too is that by social media actually making sure that we have laws… making sure that our we can monitor our kids better… Like when my son said, ‘I'm going to kill myself,’ it would have … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-van-hollen-moolenaar-and-krishnamoorthi-grill-wada-on-reports-of-agency-intimidating-and-suppressing-whistleblowers | Blackburn, Van Hollen, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi Grill WADA on Reports of Agency Intimidating and Suppressing Whistleblowers | 2025-12-08 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | ‘Whistleblowers are not the enemy, but instead are the reason doping scandals come to light in the first place’ ‘When global institutions like WADA allegedly target those who come forward, they… shatter public trust and harm every athlete who competes honestly’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) sent a letter to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) demanding answers over allegations that its officials have launched an internal operation called “Operation Puncture” to intimidate and suppress whistleblowers who have sounded the alarm about corruption and misconduct within the agency. Earlier this year, Senator Blackburn led a hearing following WADA’s refusal to investigate Chinese swimmers testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs before the Tokyo Olympics. Reports Say WADA Is Intimidating and Suppressing Whistleblowers “We write to express our concern over allegations that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has been searching for whistleblowers who helped reveal the swimming doping scandal in 2021 involving People’s Republic of China athletes. According to the reporting, WADA officials have launched an internal operation, ‘Operation Puncture’ to investigate the leak of the 2021 doping allegations. While WADA claims that their motivations are innocent, it appears this investigation’s intent is to intimidate and suppress whistleblowers. If these allegations are accurate, WADA is not defending clean sport but is continuing to defend a cover-up.” Blackburn Led Colleagues in Demanding Accountability from WADA for Chinese Doping Scandal “The signers of this letter have been leading the effort to demand accountability from WADA for its handling of the case of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for the banned substance Trimetazidine before the Tokyo Olympics. We have urged full transparency and cooperation with investigators. Instead, WADA has met those calls with defe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/blackburn-cantwell-introduce-legislation-to-help-college-athletes-save-for-the-future-by-investing-nil-earnings | Blackburn, Cantwell Introduce Legislation to Help College Athletes Save for the Future by Investing NIL Earnings | 2025-12-08 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Helping Undergraduate Students Thrive with Long-Term Earnings (HUSTLE) Act, which would create first-of-its kind name, image, and likeness (NIL) tax-advantaged investment accounts for student athletes, require trustees to provide financial education, and establish regulations to prevent abuse. In 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) allowed student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, which has now become a multibillion-dollar marketplace. With these NIL agreements opening the door to new economic freedoms, the HUSTLE Act would ensure college athletes have strong protections, clear guidance, and financial literacy to help them better navigate the world of college athletics. “College athletes are now earning billions of dollars from their name, image, and likeness—and rightly so. We must empower these students to safeguard their financial future and protect themselves against rogue agents,” said Senator Blackburn. “The HUSTLE Act would allow college athletes to invest their earnings in a tax-advantaged account that grows over time, strengthen financial education, and create safeguards to prevent exploitation by dishonest agents.” “This bill focuses in on the financial security and safety of college athletes who – finally – are earning compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL),” said Senator Cantwell.“Many of these athletes will be in a unique situation where they will earn NIL income during a relatively brief period of their careers. Our bill will set up a specific NIL Account where they can set aside some of that income and build long-term savings. The bill also will protect athletes and their NIL earnings against financial exploitation by unscrupulous agents. Since athletes have been able to earn NIL, some have been victimized by agents who have charged shockingly high commissions or have tried to take ownership of the athlete’s intellectual property rig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/crime/blackburn-klobuchar-introduce-legislation-to-combat-cargo-theft | Blackburn, Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Combat Cargo Theft | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Cargo Security Innovation Act, which would ensure that those on the front lines of the fight against cargo theft have state-of-the-art technology to protect their operations: “Cargo theft is a pressing issue impacting businesses in Tennessee, and we need to shut down these organized crime groups that steal essential goods from Tennesseans to traffic drugs and weapons,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Cargo Security Innovation Act would help law enforcement bring more of these criminals to justice and disrupt these sophisticated cargo theft rings to protect our supply chains.” “Cargo theft significantly impacts the supply chain, harming American businesses and consumers, especially food shippers. When criminals break into shipments, businesses are forced to return containers and dispose of compromised products,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation would equip law enforcement with the resources to combat these crimes — creating a pilot program that invests in technology to curb cargo theft.” BACKGROUND Cargo theft committed by sophisticated theft rings tied to organized crime is exploding across the U.S. targeting the busiest intermodal hubs. Cargo theft jumped 57% in 2023, with reported losses topping $400 million. In Memphis, cargo theft jumped nearly 60% in the first six months of 2024 compared to all of 2023. From food to electronics to pharmaceuticals, criminals are stealing essential goods in transit and disappearing without a trace. These aren’t random heists; they’re coordinated missions using fake IDs, GPS blockers, encrypted communications, and surveillance teams. Organized crime groups treat cargo theft as a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise, funding violent drugs and weapons trafficking. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are coordinating to stop these crimes that have a direct impact on the American consumer, but they often lack the technol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/photo-blackburn-hosts-tele-town-hall-with-davidson-and-shelby-county-residents | PHOTO: Blackburn Hosts Tele-Town Hall with Davidson and Shelby County Residents | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 hosting a telephone town hall with residents of Davidson and Shelby County: “It was wonderful to hear from Tennesseans in Davidson and Shelby County tonight about the work to make our communities safe again, make life more affordable, and return to regular order to rein in wasteful spending,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennesseans are thrilled by the historic success of President Trump’s Memphis Safe Task Force that has made over 3,500 arrests, including gang members, sexual predators, and murderers.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/immigration/video-blackburn-slams-biden-administration-s-failure-to-vet-afghan-migrants-following-national-guard-shooting | VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Biden Administration’s Failure to Vet Afghan Migrants Following National Guard Shooting | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 slamming former President Joe Biden’s scheme to make illegal immigration legal through “Operation Allies Welcome,” a program his administration launched following his disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal. Despite the Biden administration’s claim that Afghan nationals were properly vetted, a 2022 Inspector General report found that evacuees who were not fully vetted were admitted or paroled into the U.S. The suspect charged with the murder of National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom and the shooting of Guardsman Andrew Wolfe entered the country through this program. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED Suspect Charged in Shooting of Two National Guard Members Is an Afghan National Let in Under Biden | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/video-blackburn-calls-on-congress-to-pass-senate-version-of-kosa-following-latest-meta-scandal | VIDEO: Blackburn Calls on Congress to Pass Senate Version of KOSA Following Latest Meta Scandal | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 calling on Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act, which currently has a veto-proof majority of 69 co-sponsors. Earlier this week, Senator Blackburn penned an op-ed in TIME following new reporting that revealed sex trafficking on Meta platforms was both difficult to report and widely tolerated. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED It’s No Secret Big Tech Has Sold Out Kids’ Safety for Profit We have known for years that Big Tech has sold out children’s safety online for profit. Their algorithms connect children with drug dealers and flood their feeds with pro-suicide content. Their AI chatbots sexualize children in roleplaying fantasies. Their design features allow children to share their precise, real-time location on a map with anyone, including predators eager to track them down. Their entire profit model depends on addicting children to their products—no matter the consequences. And every day, we learn more about this appalling abuse. New Court Filings Reveal Meta Had “17x Strike” Policy for Individuals Who Engaged in Sex Trafficking A recent brief filed by more than 1,800 plaintiffs, including parents and children, shows how Meta knowingly exposed children to unthinkable harms. According to the brief, Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, conducted internal studies showing that social media addiction among minors fuels anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. But when those findings surfaced, Meta buried the research and misled Congress about the results. As a matter of policy, Meta allegedly refused to remove individuals who engaged in sex trafficking on its platforms until users reported the offender at least 17 times. Even when the company detected child sexual abuse material with “100% confidence,” Meta often failed to remove the content. An internal audit even showed that the company… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/energy/blackburn-applauds-funding-for-tva-to-deploy-small-modular-reactors | Blackburn Applauds Funding for TVA to Deploy Small Modular Reactors | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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.) joined U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Tennessee Valley Authority President and CEO Don Moul in applauding today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) of the selection of TVA and Holtec Government Services to support early deployments of next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the United States. “Tennessee is leading the way to deliver reliable, affordable, and secure energy for the American people,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Tennessee Valley Authority will play a critical part in shaping our country’s nuclear energy future, and I’m thrilled the TVA has been selected for a grant from the Department of Energy to accelerate the deployment of a small modular reactor at the Clinch River site.” “As Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, and Tennessee’s Appropriator in Congress, I have made it my mission to not only expand new nuclear nationwide but ensure that Tennessee leads our nation in developing and deploying cutting-edge nuclear technologies that will create America’s New Nuclear Future,” said Representative Fleischmann. “There is no denying the reality that America needs more power. The only way that we will meet our future energy demands is through a robust ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy that puts nuclear power at the forefront. TVA and East Tennessee are primed to spearhead the deployment of next-generation SMRs that will fundamentally change America’s energy future. Today’s grant announcement from DOE is further proof that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are unleashing American Energy Dominance and ushering in a Golden Age for new nuclear. I also want to congratulate Holtec Government Services, which intends to deploy two SMRs in Michigan, on being chosen for this award. The road to get to today began when Congress passed my historic Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water bill to strengthen our domestic nuclear i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/blackburn-introduces-bills-to-support-and-expand-tennessee-s-medicaid-innovation | Blackburn Introduces Bills to Support and Expand Tennessee’s Medicaid Innovation | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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.) introduced a package of three bills to support and expand Tennessee’s Medicaid innovation. The legislation includes the Access to New Community Health Opportunities and Recovery (ANCHOR) Act, the Delivering Support for Hospitals (DSH) in Tennessee Act, and the Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act. “Tennessee is leading the way when it comes to Medicaid innovation, and these bills would expand that effort to improve the lives of Tennesseans,” said Senator Blackburn. “This package would strengthen support for our hospitals, give states the flexibility to use more effective primary care models, and allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to those battling serious mental illness or substance use disorder.” THE ANCHOR ACT The ANCHOR Act would: Create a state plan option to provide Medicaid coverage to those suffering from severe mental illness or substance use disorder for a period of up to one year; and Require states to create a care plan for individuals within 60 days of enrollment. The ANCHOR Act is endorsed by Mental Health America (MHA), the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),Tennessee Hospital Association, Texas Academy of Family Physicians, and the Texas Hospital Association: “Mental Health America commends Congressman Pfluger and Senator Blackburn for their leadership in introducing the ANCHOR Act,” said Tim Clement, Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at Mental Health America. “People with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders who lack insurance coverage are at great risk of suicide and overdose, and this bill will help them receive treatment and begin their journey to recovery.” “The ANCHOR Act provides states with a means to expand Medicaid coverage for uninsured individuals facing significant behavioral health issues, guaranteeing timely and coordinated care to enhance health outcomes,” said Brian Hepburn, M.D., Executive Dire… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/jobs and economy/photo-blackburn-hosts-tele-town-hall-with-east-tennesseans | PHOTO: Blackburn Hosts Tele-Town Hall with East Tennesseans | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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 hosting a telephone town hall with residents from Knox, Anderson, Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Sevier, and Union counties: “Tonight, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tennesseans in the eastern part of the Volunteer State about what we are doing to restore regular order to rein in wasteful spending, protect our kids online and in schools, support Tennessee veterans, and make our communities safe again,” said Senator Blackburn. “It was also wonderful to share the news of the Air Force selecting McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base as the seventh main operating base for the next generation KC-46 Pegasus refueler, which will improve national security and create jobs for Tennesseans.” Click here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn. RELATED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/icymi-in-time-blackburn-makes-case-for-kosa-following-latest-allegations-against-meta | ICYMI in TIME: Blackburn Makes Case for KOSA Following Latest Allegations Against Meta | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) penned an op-ed in TIME making the case for the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act following new reporting that revealed sex trafficking on Meta platforms was both difficult to report and widely tolerated. Read the op-ed here and below. We Need to Protect American Kids Online Senator Marsha Blackburn TIME Imagine a major U.S. company—let’s call it "Big Corp." It is one of the highest-valued businesses in the world, yet its entire profit model depends on addicting children to its products. And the consequences of this addiction are catastrophic. Big Corp’s own internal studies show that this addiction fuels anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation among minors. But when those findings surface, the company buries the research and lies to Congress about the results. At the same time, Big Corp exposes children to unthinkable harms, failing, and often outright refusing, to stop the abuse. Such appalling behavior from a U.S. company would demand immediate accountability. Yet, according to a recent brief filed by more than 1,800 plaintiffs, including parents and children, Meta has allegedly committed these very offenses for years. The only difference: Instead of throwing our children to the wolves in the physical world, the Big Tech giant has allegedly sold out children’s safety for profit in the virtual space. The brief, first reported by TIME, provides just the latest evidence documenting how tech companies such as Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, have targeted children with addictive features—no matter the consequences. According to the lawsuit, and Instagram’s former head of safety and well-being Vaishnavi Jayakumar, Meta has a policy to not remove individuals who engage in sex trafficking on its platforms until users report the offender at least 17 times. In September, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, which I chair, heard from courageous former Meta employees like Jayakumar who worked… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/general/video-blackburn-wishes-tennesseans-a-happy-thanksgiving | VIDEO: Blackburn Wishes Tennesseans a Happy Thanksgiving | 2025-11-27 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 the following statement and video wishing Tennesseans a happy Thanksgiving and thanking law enforcement, first responders, and military families for their service this holiday season: “Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones to celebrate all of life’s blessings,” said Senator Blackburn. “In Tennessee, we are so grateful for our strong communities, our religious freedom, and President Trump’s work to strengthen our economy, secure the border, and Make Memphis Safe Again. We are also grateful for the local law enforcement officers, first responders, and military families who are working overtime to make certain our communities, our state, and our nation are safe this holiday season. From the Blackburn family to yours, happy Thanksgiving.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/general/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-adopt-act-to-protect-adoptive-families-from-exploitation | Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan ADOPT Act to Protect Adoptive Families from Exploitation | 2025-11-26 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and their Senate colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act to protect adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries. This legislation would ensure that adoption providers and attorneys operate only in states where they are licensed to do so. “Unlicensed ‘baby brokers’ are exploiting vulnerable Americans who hope to adopt a child and grow their families,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan ADOPT Act would protect expectant mothers and adoptive families from exploitation by ensuring they have access to licensed and trustworthy providers in their states.” “Adoption changes lives — for kids and adoptive parents alike. Unfortunately, unlicensed ‘baby brokers’ prey on vulnerable mothers and families, hurting everyone in the process,” said Senator Klobuchar, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption. “That’s why Senator Britt and I are introducing the bipartisan ADOPT Act, which protects expecting mothers and adoptive families from exploitation by ensuring that parents pursuing private, domestic adoption are working with trusted, licensed professionals.” This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Katie Britt (R.-Ala.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Jon Husted (R-Ohio). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.). THE ADOPT ACT The ADOPT Act would protect adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by: Prohibiting adoption advertising and the provision of private adoption services for compensation by any entity not licensed as a child-placing agency or attorney; and Restricting payments to expectant mothers unless made through a provider li… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/crime/photo-blackburn-joins-attorney-general-bondi-for-memphis-safe-task-force-briefing-serves-dinner-to-task-force-members | PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Attorney General Bondi for Memphis Safe Task Force Briefing, Serves Dinner to Task Force Members | 2025-11-25 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta, and other elected officials in Memphis for a briefing on the success of the Memphis Safe Task Force. In just 56 days, the Task Force made 3,151 arrests, seized 501 illegal firearms, apprehended 327 known gang members, and located 121 missing children. Following the briefing, Senator Blackburn served dinner to members of the task force to thank them for their hard work and dedication to making Memphis safe again. She also delivered remarks during the press conference led by Attorney General Bondi. “Memphis is an iconic and historic city that has been held back by violent crime for too long,”said Senator Blackburn. “It was wonderful to have Attorney General Bondi and other members of the Trump administration join us today in Memphis to recognize the historic success achieved by the Memphis Safe Task Force. The success of this task force would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the brave men and women on the ground taking violent criminals off the street.” Click here to download photos of Senator Blackburn’s trip to Memphis. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks at the press conference. RELATED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/women/blackburn-merkley-urge-fifa-to-recognize-afghan-women-united-as-afghanistan-s-women-s-football-team | Blackburn, Merkley Urge FIFA to Recognize Afghan Women United as Afghanistan’s Women’s Football Team | 2025-11-24 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) sent a letter to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino urging FIFA to formally recognize Afghan Women’s United as Afghanistan’s national women’s football team and to stop the Taliban from erasing Afghan women from international competition. Their letter calls on FIFA to enforce its human rights commitments and ensure these athletes can continue representing the women of Afghanistan on the world stage. FIFA Must Recognize Afghan Women United as Afghanistan’s National Women’s Football Team “We write to urge the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to take decisive action to formally recognize Afghan Women United as Afghanistan’s national women’s football team and to ensure that Afghan women athletes are not erased from international competition by the Taliban’s repressive regime. These players have continued to train and compete in exile despite being banned from their own country. FIFA’s support and recognition are essential to safeguard their right to play and to uphold the integrity of the sport.” The Afghan Women’s Team, Now in Exile, Has Shown Extraordinary Courage “Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, women and girls in Afghanistan have been stripped of their most basic freedoms, including the right to receive an education, travel freely, and participate in sports. Yet, the Afghan women’s team, now in exile, has shown extraordinary courage and perseverance by continuing to train, compete, and represent the spirit of their nation under unimaginably difficult circumstances. Their recent participation in a FIFA-supported tournament marked a powerful symbol of hope, but it also underscored a glaring truth: without formal recognition and consistent opportunities to compete, these women remain sidelined from the international stage. FIFA’s creation of an Afghan women’s refugee squad was an important step forward, but the players’ ultimate goal is to represe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/blackburn-holds-google-s-feet-to-the-fire-after-company-dodges-accountability-for-gemma-scandal | Blackburn Holds Google’s Feet to the Fire After Company Dodges Accountability for Gemma Scandal | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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.) sent a follow-up letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, blasting the company for failing to meaningfully respond to her deep concerns about its large language model, Gemma, fabricating criminal allegations against her. Senator Blackburn’s push for accountability follows a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, where she grilled a Google representative on Gemma’ fabrication of news articles linking conservative activist Robby Starbuck and Senator Blackburn to false child abuse allegations. Senator Blackburn then discovered Gemma also manufactured links to fake news articles in response to the question, “Has Marsha Blackburn been accused of rape?” Gemma’s Defamatory Outputs Are a Catastrophic Failure of Oversight “Your reply fails to meaningfully address the core issues I raised. Google asserts that Gemma’s defamatory outputs are unavoidable ‘hallucinations’ inherent to all large language models and that removing Gemma from Google AI Studio sufficiently mitigates the risk. Neither is accurate, and neither addresses the underlying problem. This is not simply a technical glitch; it is a catastrophic failure of oversight of an AI model downloaded by more than 200 million people. It is also emblematic of a broader pattern of bias against conservatives within Google’s products.” Removing Gemma from AI Studio Does Nothing to Prevent Defamatory Content “Google acknowledges that Gemma remains fully accessible to developers, who have already exported and deployed the same underlying model weights across hundreds of downstream applications and interactive tools. Removing Gemma from AI Studio does nothing to prevent those developers from continuing to deploy and distribute variations of the same model that generated patently false and defamatory statements about me and other conservatives. In other words, the model that produced the defamatory content has not been contained. It continues to be re-packaged and re-distributed across platforms you do not control but which y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/blackburn-luj-n-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-fast-track-telecommunications-and-broadband-expansion-across-america | Blackburn, Luján Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fast-Track Telecommunications and Broadband Expansion Across America | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the bipartisan Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act that would streamline the process to deploy telecommunications and broadband equipment in public and railroad rights-of-way. Rights-of-way are the corridors alongside public roads and railroad tracks where utilities can install infrastructure. “Access to reliable, high-speed telecommunications and broadband is a necessity for working families, schools, and businesses,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act would cut red tape to streamline the installation of telecommunications and broadband equipment in public and railroad rights-of-way, expanding essential connectivity for rural communities in Tennessee and across America. “I’m proud to introduce legislation that will make it easier to expand broadband in rural and Tribal communities across New Mexico. Expanding broadband access strengthens local economies and opens the door to better education, job opportunities, and health care,” said Senator Luján, Ranking Member of Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media. “With nearly 2,000 miles of freight rail across our state, this bill streamlines broadband construction along rail corridors to help connect regions that have long been underserved.” BACKGROUND 22.3 percent of Americans living in rural areas lack broadband coverage, compared to only 1.5 percent of Americans who live in urban areas. Getting permission to install broadband near railroads can be slow, inconsistent, and expensive. This causes delays in expanding telecommunications and broadband access, especially in rural communities that need it most. THE BROADBAND AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RAIL ACT The Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act would streamline the deployment of telecommunications and broadband equipment in public and railroad rights-of-way by establishing two separate processes: Notification: In public rights-of-way, broadband providers wi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/crime/video-blackburn-blasts-democrats-for-blocking-resolution-recognizing-historic-success-of-memphis-safe-task-force | VIDEO: Blackburn Blasts Democrats for Blocking Resolution Recognizing Historic Success of Memphis Safe Task Force | 2025-11-20 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) urged her colleagues to support her resolution recognizing the incredible success already achieved by President Trump’s Memphis Safe Task Force. Following Senator Blackburn’s remarks, Senate Democrats blocked the resolution from passing, objecting to the arrest of nearly 2,900 criminals, including sex offenders and murders, the rescue of 116 missing children, and the seizure of 470 illegal firearms. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s resolution. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor, and click here to download herresponse to Senate Democrats blocking the resolution. REMARKS AS DELIVERED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/military/blackburn-announces-selection-of-mcghee-tyson-ang-base-as-main-operating-base-for-kc-46-aircraft | Blackburn Announces Selection of McGhee Tyson ANG Base as Main Operating Base for KC-46 Aircraft | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 released the following statement announcing the U.S. Air Force has selected McGhee Tyson Air National Guard (ANG) Base outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, as the seventh main operating base for the KC-46 Pegasus. Senator Blackburn spearheaded the push for the U.S. Air Force to select McGhee Tyson ANG Base and the 134th Air Refueling Wing to host the next generation KC-46 Pegasus refueler. She led the entire Tennessee congressional delegation in sending multiple letters urging senior U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of War officials to advocate for this outcome. “McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base has a long, distinguished record of excellence, and today’s announcement reaffirms what we’ve known all along,” said Senator Blackburn.“Designating McGhee Tyson as a main operating base for the KC-46 Pegasus will strengthen our national security by providing rapid access to key operational areas at home and abroad while supporting jobs for Tennesseans. After two years of sustained advocacy, I’m pleased to see this decision come to fruition and appreciate Senator Hagerty, Representative Burchett, Representative DesJarlais, and the entire Tennessee delegation for their partnership on this effort. I look forward to watching our airmen of the 134th Air Refueling Wing continue their outstanding service to our nation.” Click here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn with Airmen of Tennessee’s 134th Air Refueling Wing. BACKGROUND The KC-46 Pegasus is the U.S. Air Force’s newest aerial refueling aircraft, designed to replace the KC-135 Stratotanker, which first entered service in 1957. KC-46 Pegasus offers advanced boom and drogue refueling, secure communications, defensive systems, and support for cargo, passengers, and aeromedical evacuation. Its expanded range and modern systems enable the Air Force to meet mission demands in today’s complex global environment. McGhee Tyson ANG Base boasts over 68 years of volunteer excellence and service to the Air Force.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/general/photo-blackburn-hosts-tele-town-hall-with-upper-east-tennesseans | PHOTO: Blackburn Hosts Tele-Town Hall with Upper East Tennesseans | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 hosting a telephone town hall with residents from Carter, Claiborne, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties: “Tonight, I spoke with folks in Upper East Tennessee about what Republicans are doing to overcome Democrats’ obstruction, lower health care costs for Americans, and make life more affordable,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennesseans are also encouraged by the tremendous success of President Trump’s Memphis Safe Task Force, which has locked up violent criminals, seized illegal firearms, dismantled criminal gangs, rescued missing children, and restored law and order for those who call Memphis home.” Click here for the latest data on the Memphis Safe Task Force. A recent poll found that the vast majority of Tennesseans support President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Memphis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/military/veterans/video-blackburn-pays-tribute-to-tennessee-veterans | VIDEO: Blackburn Pays Tribute to Tennessee Veterans | 2025-11-11 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 the following video honoring the patriotism and service of more than 400,000 veterans across the Volunteer State on Veterans Day. In January, Senator Blackburn introduced the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would place veterans at the center of the community care referral process, empowering them to seek care from providers in their communities rather than being forced to rely solely on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Click here for a compressive overview of Senator Blackburn’s work to support Tennessee veterans. “Tennessee is home to 400,000 veterans of our U.S. military who choose to call Tennessee home,” said Senator Blackburn. “On this Veterans Day, I encourage all of our citizens, when you see a veteran, stop and say thank you for the sacrifices that they have made. It’s an honor to represent these veterans as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.” Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s video recognizing Tennessee veterans. RELATED Blackburn, Tuberville Support Expanding Veterans’ Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Blackburn, Booker, Boozman, Rosen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Female Veterans | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/general/blackburn-cruz-hawley-scott-call-on-doj-to-release-arctic-frost-grand-jury-materials-on-republicans-phone-records | Blackburn, Cruz, Hawley, Scott Call on DOJ to Release Arctic Frost Grand Jury Materials on Republicans’ Phone Records | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) sent a letter asking U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to unseal the application for a non-disclosure order signed by Obama-appointed Judge James Boasberg that required phone carriers to keep the Biden DOJ and Jack Smith’s subpoenas secret for one year. Judge Boasberg Ordered Phone Carrier Companies to Keep Biden DOJ’s Subpoenas for Republicans’ Phone Records Secret “As you know, the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) sought and ultimately obtained cell phone ‘tolling data’ from at least eleven members of Congress. While we have learned more about the corrupt nature of this investigation in the weeks that have followed this disturbing revelation, there is still much that we do not know. In May 2023, the Biden DOJ—at the direction of Special Counsel Jack Smith—issued grand jury subpoenas to several telecommunications companies regarding our cell phone records, gaining access to the time, recipient, duration, and location of calls placed on our devices from January 4, 2021, to January 7, 2021. As we have recently learned, attached to that subpoena was a non-disclosure order, signed by Chief Judge James Boasberg.” Judge Boasberg Had No Right to Issue Non-Disclosure Order “Astoundingly, Judge Boasberg found ‘reasonable grounds’ to conclude that, if we were notified of these unlawful subpoenas, ‘such disclosure will result in destruction of or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the [Arctic Frost] investigation.’ In short, without citing any factual basis to support these supposed ‘reasonable grounds,’ Judge Boasberg determined that multiple United States Senators would destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses—a conclusion that defies both logic and the facts. Plain and simple: we did nothing wrong, and there is zero evidence to conclude that we would have destroyed evidence or intimidated witnesses. We write because the American people deserv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/jobs and economy/blackburn-statement-on-senate-passage-of-government-funding-bill-to-end-schumer-shutdown | Blackburn Statement on Senate Passage of Government Funding Bill to End Schumer Shutdown | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 for the funding package to reopen the federal government after 41 days of the Schumer Shutdown: “Today, Senate Republicans defeated Chuck Schumer’s demands for $1.5 trillion in wasteful far-left spending and passed a clean government funding extension to reopen the federal government,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennesseans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will once again receive essential services, our brave service members will be paid, and families will get the paychecks they rely on after Democrats inflicted needless pain on the American people for more than a month to appease the radical left. Democrats forced the country into the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, and Americans will not forget this.” BACKGROUND The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act will extend government funding at Fiscal Year 2025 levels through January 30, 2026, or until full-year appropriations bills are enacted. The Continuing Resolution maintains funding across federal agencies with standard restrictions, such as prohibitions on new program starts, multi-year contracts, or production increases. It also authorizes limited exceptions to sustain critical operations, including national security programs, disaster relief, and mandatory entitlements. Additional provisions address retroactive pay for furloughed federal employees, reimbursement to states for maintaining federal services during the lapse, and specific anomalies allowing agencies to meet operational or safety needs. This legislation includes a package of three full-year appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026, including the: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. RELATED With the Schumer Shutdown, Democrats Are Trying to Bring… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/military/ahead-of-veterans-day-blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-recognizing-importance-of-community-care | Ahead of Veterans Day, Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Recognizing Importance of Community Care | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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. – Ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced a resolution recognizing community care as essential to meeting veterans’ health care needs: “Federal government bureaucracy should not get in the way of America’s veterans getting the health care they need,” said Senator Blackburn. “This resolution reaffirms my commitment to ensuring veterans in Tennessee and across America can access high-quality, affordable, and veteran-centered health care.” “Veterans deserve prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where, and how to use the healthcare benefits they have earned through their service,” said Senator Moran. “This resolution restates our dedication to making certain that all veterans have a choice in where they receive care – whether at VA or in the community – and the importance of strong community care partnerships to the VA healthcare system. I thank my colleague, Sen. Blackburn, for leading this resolution and for her continued support of our nation’s veterans.” “Our veterans deserve the best care possible, and that means ensuring they can access timely, high-quality treatment through VA facilities and trusted community providers,” said Senator Tillis. “This resolution cuts red tape and makes sure no veteran is forced to wait for the care they’ve earned.” Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) co-sponsored this resolution. BACKGROUND A decade ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faced a nationwide access-to-care crisis that left many veterans waiting too long for essential medical services. In response, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act, a bipartisan reform designed to ensure that veterans could access timely, high-quality care, including through community providers when the VA could not meet veterans’ needs. Community care has become an indispensable part of the VA health care system, expanding veterans’ options and improving access, especially for thos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/military/blackburn-introduces-respect-the-chief-act-to-ensure-military-bases-display-current-commander-in-chief-portraits | Blackburn Introduces “Respect the Chief Act” to Ensure Military Bases Display Current Commander-in-Chief Portraits | 2025-11-07 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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.) introduced the Respect the Chief Act following reported failures to display portraits of President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on chain-of-command boards at U.S. military bases. This legislation would formalize a long-standing custom by requiring military bases to update chain-of-command boards to reflect leadership changes. “The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief, and chain-of-command boards at America’s military bases should reflect current leadership,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Respect the Chief Act would ensure military bases continue this longstanding tradition and prevent leftists from disrespecting the chain of command.” BACKGROUND In April, the U.S. Army suspended the commander of Fort McCoy, Colonel Sheyla Baez Ramirez, after the base failed to update its chain-of-command board to display photos of President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. This incident highlighted how there are no federal statutes or formal service-wide regulations governing the requirement, content, or oversight of Command Boards, except within the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command. Instead, the practice remains largely a matter of custom, grounded in military tradition and shaped indirectly by service regulations on chain of command and protocol. THE RESPECT THE CHIEF ACT The Respect the Chief Act would require the separate military branches within the U.S. Department of War to submit reports to the executive branch to certify that all chain-of-command boards have been updated to reflect the current Commander-in-Chief and other leadership changes. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/crime/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-crack-down-on-violent-juvenile-crime | Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Violent Juvenile Crime | 2025-11-06 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Violent Juvenile Offender Accountability Act, which would make it easier to bring federal criminal charges against certain violent juvenile offenders who are over the age of 16: “Violent criminals shouldn’t be let off the hook just because they are under the age of 18,” said Senator Blackburn. “We must hold violent juvenile offenders accountable for their actions while also working to prevent youth crime in the first place. The Violent Juvenile Offender Accountability Act would build upon my work to combat juvenile crime by empowering prosecutors to bring federal criminal charges against offenders aged 16 and older.” “Age should not absolve someone of a heinous crime like murder, armed robbery, or assault on a federal officer,” said Senator Cornyn. “Our bill would ensure U.S. Attorneys have sole discretion to try a juvenile who commits certain violent crimes as an adult, ensuring no criminal is let off easy because of their age by a light-on-crime court.” “Our bill will help keep Arkansas communities safe by holding teenagers over the age of 16 accountable for violent crimes,” said Senator Cotton. “All Americans deserve safe streets where they do not have to worry about violent criminals robbing, assaulting, or murdering them or their families, but for too long, these crimes have gone unpunished and terrorized far too many communities,” said Senator Sheehy. “Ensuring Americans have safe communities to live in is both common sense and one of government’s most basic duties, and we’re working to deliver with this bill to restore law and order and protect hardworking, law-abiding families across the nation.” BACKGROUND Very few juveniles between the ages of 16 and 18 are currently prosecuted in the federal criminal system because the process to move a case from the juvenile system to the adult system is long and complicated. This “transfe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/human trafficking/blackburn-cortez-masto-introduce-legislation-to-crack-down-on-human-trafficking-in-transportation-industry | Blackburn, Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Human Trafficking in Transportation Industry | 2025-11-06 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Trafficker Restrictions for Aviation, Federal Freight, and Interstate Carriers (TRAFFIC) Act, which would strengthen federal efforts to combat human trafficking by ensuring that individuals convicted of human trafficking crimes are permanently prohibited from holding any professional transportation license issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): “Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing illicit industries, and anyone convicted of these despicable offenses should be permanently barred from holding a federally issued transportation license,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan TRAFFIC Act would strengthen federal law to better prevent and combat human trafficking and expand protections for vulnerable individuals.” “I have been fighting against human trafficking since my time as Nevada’s Attorney General,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Transportation workers should be focused on safety and security. People who have been convicted of human trafficking should never be allowed to fly commercial planes or conduct passenger trains – it’s just common sense.” BACKGROUND DOT’s Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking’s 2024 report estimates that the exploitation of victims of commercial sex and forced labor across all modes of transportation generates $150 billion in illicit profits annually. The report found that nearly 80% of international human trafficking cases involved crossing official border entry points, including approximately 34% by bus, 33% by train, 20% by airplane, 11% by car, and 1% by boat. The report also found that among those who crossed unofficially, 28% traveled by car, 26% by bus, 15% by train, and 12% by boat. Human trafficking is not confined solely to commercial motor vehicles, and the law must be updated to expand lifetime bans of transportation credentials to all modes of transportation. THE TRAFFIC ACT The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/video-blackburn-blasts-google-for-targeting-conservatives-demands-accountability | VIDEO: Blackburn Blasts Google for Targeting Conservatives, Demands Accountability | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on her recent letter to Google demanding answers after the company’s AI large language model, Gemma, fabricated criminal allegations against her: Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/blackburn-presses-facial-recognition-company-for-evading-responsibility-for-activists-using-its-technology-to-dox-ice-agents | Blackburn Presses Facial Recognition Company for Evading Responsibility for Activists Using Its Technology to Dox ICE Agents | 2025-11-04 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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.) sent a follow up letter to Giorgi Gobronidze, the CEO of PimEyes, after the company failed to adequately address her concerns and take responsibility for its facial recognition technology being used by leftist activists to dox Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Senator Blackburn introduced the Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act, which would make it illegal to publish the name of a federal law enforcement officer with the intent to obstruct a criminal investigation or immigration operation. Death threats against ICE officers have increased by 8,000% in fiscal year 2025. Blackburn Calls Out PimEyes for Downplaying the Role It Plays in Increasing Threats Against ICE Agents “Your response sidesteps the role that your platform specifically plays in perpetuating and broadening the range of these harms. As technology continues to outpace lawmaking, your overreliance on regulatory compliance is an insufficient defense. Additionally, I disagree that this platform empowers the reclaiming of identities more than it compromises them. I am following up in writing to reiterate these concerns. Your claim that, ‘[f]ollowing full cooperation, authorities identified no violations of applicable data protection law,’ places too little emphasis on ethical responsibility and too much on regulatory compliance. Current regulatory frameworks lack sufficient data protection, and mere compliance is not a strict enough threshold in comparison to the possible harms.” PimEyes Cannot Hide Behind Technicalities “Second, you rely heavily on the distinction between biometric identifiers and photographic analysis, which is a semantic rather than substantive distinction. A photo of an individual’s face is perhaps one of the best likeness and identity matches, regardless of whether it is arrived at through pixel comparison or biometric data. You have stated in your response that the larger risk to officer safety is already public information that is not generated… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/crime/video-blackburn-u-s-marshals-director-discuss-historic-progress-in-making-memphis-safe-again | VIDEO: Blackburn, U.S. Marshals Director Discuss Historic Progress in Making Memphis Safe Again | 2025-11-03 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 a new episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ with U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta to discuss the historic success during the first month of the Trump administration’s Memphis Safe Task Force. Director Serralta told Senator Blackburn the number of criminals arrested in Memphis will surpass the number of those arrested during the same time frame during the crime crackdown in Washington, D.C. They also discussed how the U.S. Marshals Service is coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to rescue missing children, put violent criminals behind bars, and dismantle criminal networks. Click here to download this episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha.’ On the Latest Arrest Numbers from the Memphis Safe Task Force: Senator Blackburn: “Over the last month, the stats are just amazing because you've had nearly 1,700 arrests, more than 350 illegal guns, you have found over 80 missing children, and you've got 119 of these gang leaders that have been apprehended. So, this is absolutely fantastic… When I talk to people in Memphis, they are absolutely thrilled that they have this here.” Director Serralta: “I believe today we hit the 84 missing children mark… As far as the criminal arrests, we are crossing the 1,700 mark… The FBI, they're a great partner. Their prior work [in Memphis] in the summer has been the driving force for the intelligence that we use to hit the ground running… In contrast to the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, you know, today, we hit 5,000 arrests. We're over 5,000 arrests and 500 guns. Well, Memphis, Tennessee, is going to surpass those numbers in the same amount of time because, as you mentioned, it is a target rich for violent crimes because it's been too long since we since we focused on that beautiful city.” On the U.S. Marshal Service’s Role in Making Memphis Safe Again: Senator Blackburn: “I know the U.S. Marshals under your direction, kind of are coordinating a lot of this work from the different age… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/icymi-in-techcrunch-google-pulls-gemma-from-ai-studio-after-senator-blackburn-accuses-model-of-defamation | ICYMI in TechCrunch: Google Pulls Gemma from AI Studio After Senator Blackburn Accuses Model of Defamation | 2025-11-03 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 Google reportedly removed Gemma from its AI studio following a letter Senator Blackburn sent to Google CEO Sundar Pichai demanding answers after Gemma manufactured fake criminal allegations against her: “Google has a long history of targeting, censoring, and smearing conservatives, and Gemma’s so-called ‘hallucinations’ are both dangerous and deeply concerning,” said Senator Blackburn. “It is absolutely unacceptable that Google did not prevent its large language model from pulling heinous criminal allegations out of thin air and presenting them as fact to unknowing users. Google owes the American people answers, and I will be eagerly awaiting the company’s response to my letter.” Google pulls Gemma from AI Studio after Senator Blackburn accuses model of defamation Anthony Ha TechCrunch Google says it has removed Gemma from its AI Studio after a U.S. senator accused the AI model of fabricating accusations of sexual misconduct against her. In a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Senator Marsha Blackburn — a Republican from Tennessee — said that when Gemma was asked, “Has Marsha Blackburn been accused of rape?” it responded by falsely claiming that during a 1987 state senate campaign, a state trooper alleged that Blackburn “pressured him to obtain prescription drugs for her and that the relationship involved non-consensual acts.” “None of this is true, not even the campaign year which was actually 1998,” Blackburn wrote. While there are links to news articles that supposedly support these claims, she said, “The links lead to error pages and unrelated news articles. There has never been such an accusation, there is no such individual, and there are no such news stories.” The letter also said that during a recent Senate Commerce hearing, Blackburn brought up conservative activist Robby Starbuck’s lawsuit against Google, in which Starbuck claims Google’s AI models (including Gemma) generated defamatory clai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/senate-passes-blackburn-kaine-resolution-designating-october-as-national-country-music-month | Senate Passes Blackburn, Kaine Resolution Designating October as “National Country Music Month” | 2025-10-31 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 the birthplace of country in Bristol to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville,” said Senator Blackburn. “Country music captures the spirit of our nation, reminding every American of the importance of faith, family, freedom, hope, opportunity, and patriotism. It is my honor to recognize October as National Country Music Month.” “Whether listening with my family or playing harmonica with friends, music has always played a major role in my life,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed this bipartisan resolution to designate October as National Country Music Month so we can honor and celebrate the history of an incredible genre that was born in Bristol.” Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s video recognizing October as “National Country Music Month.” Click here to read the resolution. RELATED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/technology/blackburn-demands-answers-from-google-after-gemma-manufactured-fake-criminal-allegations-against-her | Blackburn Demands Answers from Google After Gemma Manufactured Fake Criminal Allegations Against Her | 2025-10-31 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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.) demanded answers from Google CEO Sundar Pichai after discovering the company’s large language model, Gemma, manufactured serious criminal allegations against her, generating fake links to fabricated news articles in response to the question, “Has Marsha Blackburn been accused of rape?” Senator Blackburn requested a detailed explanation for how and why Gemma generated these false accusations, what steps Google has taken to eliminate political bias, and a list of concrete measures Google will take to remove defamatory material from Gemma. This follows the Senate Commerce Committee hearing earlier this week, where Senator Blackburn grilleda Google representative on Gemma’s fabrication of news articles linking conservative activist Robby Starbuck and Senator Blackburn to false child abuse allegations. Blackburn Outraged Over Defamatory and False Material Generated by Google’s Gemma “I write to express my profound concern and outrage over defamatory and patently false material generated by Google’s large language model, Gemma. Yesterday, during a Senate Commerce Hearing titled, ‘Shut Your App: How Uncle Sam Jawboned Big Tech Into Silencing Americans, Part II,’ I raised the issue of Google’s repeated failures to prevent its AI systems from fabricating malicious stories about conservative public figures. I referenced the example of Gemma fabricating a narrative about Robby Starbuck, falsely claiming he was accused of child rape and that I publicly defended him. At the hearing, Google’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, Markham Erickson, responded that ‘hallucinations’ are a known issue in large language models and Google is ‘working hard to mitigate them.’” Blackburn Sounds the Alarm on the Grave Consequences of Gemma Disseminating Fake News “The scope of this problem is far broader than mere technical errors, and the consequences of these so-called ‘hallucinations’ cannot be overstated. I have since learned of another example where G… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/video-blackburn-debunks-democrats-lies-about-obamacare-biden-covid-credits | VIDEO: Blackburn Debunks Democrats’ Lies About Obamacare, Biden COVID Credits | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 debunking Democrats’ lies about the Biden COVID credits and laid out how Obamacare mandates and regulations have increased the cost of individual health insurance for Americans. Senator Blackburn called on her Democrat colleagues to stop lying to the American people and reopen the government. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS DELIVERED Chuck Schumer Is Holding Government Hostage to Ram Through Reckless Spending “Today marks nearly a full month since the Schumer Shutdown started. That's really a time where the Democrats decided to just go on strike and filibuster a clean C.R. And what has happened is our federal law enforcement is being forced to work without pay. Air traffic control towers are understaffed. Flights are delayed, and it has jeopardized nutritional programs for millions of low-income families. And this crisis is something that was entirely, completely unavoidable. “Yet the Democrats have voted over and over to keep the government closed, and the reason that they are doing this is the Democrat doing this is the Democrat leader, Chuck Schumer, is holding government hostage to ram through hundreds of billions of dollars in inflationary spending. In other words, we're not spending enough. $38 trillion in debt is not enough. They want to run it up some more.” Democrats Are Lying About the Affordable Care Act, Putting Politics Over the American People “He claims this action is needed to stop Republicans, in his words, and I'm going to quote him,’ from taking health care away,’ end quote, from Americans by allowing health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, as it is known and more appropriately known because there's nothing affordable about this thing, and he's saying these subsidies would expire. The problem is that is a falsehood, and it shows you how our friends across the aisle are willing to put the American people and th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/technology/video-blackburn-eviscerates-meta-for-lobbying-against-kids-online-safety-act-grills-google-on-gemma-ai-technology-fabricating-news-stories | VIDEO: Blackburn Eviscerates Meta for Lobbying Against Kids Online Safety Act, Grills Google on Gemma AI Technology Fabricating News Stories | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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.) pressed representatives from Meta and Google during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing. She blasted Meta for spending millions of dollars to lobby Congress against legislation like her Kids Online Safety Act and grilled Google for its open-source large language model (LLM) “Gemma” fabricating news articles linking conservative activist Robby Starbuck and Senator Blackburn to false child abuse allegations. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks at the Senate Commerce Committee hearing. Blackburn Presses Meta on Lobbying Against Legislation to Protect Kids’ Online Safety Senator Blackburn: “Mr. [Neil] Potts [Vice President of Public Policy at Meta], I want to come to you since my colleague, Senator Klobuchar, was talking about kids and safety online… You all have spent $20 million lobbying against what we've tried to do to make the virtual space safe for kids. 20 million bucks in the first nine months of this year. You have 87 lobbyists fighting against any regulation because kids are the product for you all. 87 lobbyists, one for every six members of Congress. “I hope you're getting your money's worth because you are killing kids, and we know it, and we know what you are doing. I am so sick of what you all are doing. You should be ashamed of how you are putting kids at risk, and you should be coming to the table to work with us because we're trying to protect people in the virtual space. “There are rules in the physical space, but not in the virtual space… money hungry, that is what you all are. Your valuation is built on eyeballs, and you come in here and want to soft talk this. It is infuriating. It is absolutely infuriating.” Blackburn Presses Google on Its AI Chatbot Fabricating News Articles About Conservative Activist Robby Starbuck Senator Blackburn:“Mr. [Markham] Erickson [Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google], I want to come to you please, sir… Let’s talk about Gemma, and I want to bring up the issue… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/blackburn-resolution-marking-day-of-remembrance-for-nuclear-workers-unanimously-passes-senate | Blackburn Resolution Marking Day of Remembrance for Nuclear Workers Unanimously Passes Senate | 2025-10-28 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 her resolution designating October 30, 2025, as a “National Day of Remembrance for the Workers of the Nuclear Weapons Program of the United States” passed the Senate unanimously: “It is my honor to lead the resolution designating October 30 as a National Day of Remembrance for nuclear workers, just as the Senate has done every year since 2009,” said Senator Blackburn. “In Tennessee, we recognize and honor the many scientists, engineers, and other workers at Oak Ridge National Lab and the Y-12 National Security Complex. America is grateful for all of our nuclear workers and their service to our country.” Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s video recognizing the National Day of Remembrance for Nuclear Weapons Program Workers. This resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). BACKGROUND Since 2009 the Senate has recognized the contributions, services, and sacrifices that the workers of the nuclear weapons program made for the defense of the United States on October 30 of each year. The Nuclear Weapons Workers Day of Remembrance Resolution: Honors the hundreds of thousands of patriotic men and women that have served the United States by building nuclear weapons for the defense of the United States since World War II; Recognizes the contributions, services, and sacrifices that those patriotic men and women made for the defense of the United States; Designates October 30, 2025, as a national day of remembrance for the workers of the nuclear weapons program of the United States, including uranium miners, millers, and haulers, plutonium processors, and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/video-blackburn-shreds-activist-professors-for-stoking-the-flames-of-political-violence-after-charlie-kirk-s-murder | VIDEO: Blackburn Shreds Activist Professors for Stoking the Flames of Political Violence After Charlie Kirk’s Murder | 2025-10-28 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution hearing titled “Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order,” U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and conservative political commentator Michael Knowles discussed how left-wing activist educators at Tennessee universities stoked the flames of political violence following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Senator Blackburn called for these Tennessee professors to be removed from their positions at Cumberland University, Middle Tennessee State University, and UT Knoxville. Two of these educators have been terminated, and the third is currently in termination proceedings. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s exchange with Michael Knowles during the Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on political violence. On the Disturbing Posts from Tennessee Activist Educators Following the Political Assassination of Charlie Kirk: Senator Blackburn: “I want to return to the topic of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and one of the things that was quite disturbing to me was quotes that came from activist professors. We had in Tennessee, three professors that made just horrendous statements. Two have been terminated. One is going through a termination hearing at this point. “An assistant dean at MTSU posted on Facebook, ‘Looks like ole’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence. Hate begets hate, zero sympathy.’ “There was an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, and their post referenced Charlie Kirk, and it was ‘the world is better off without him in it, even those who are claiming to be sad for his wife and kids. His kids are better off living in a world without a disgusting psychopath like him and his wife.’ “And then an English professor at Cumberland University posted on Facebook, ‘crying about a Nazi getting shot while staying silent about the school shooting in Colorado today is peak Republican.’” On Threats Violent Rhetoric Poses in Higher Education: Senator Blackburn: “People that pra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/blackburn-supports-bill-to-fund-snap-during-schumer-shutdown | Blackburn Supports Bill to Fund SNAP During Schumer Shutdown | 2025-10-27 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 joining the Keep SNAP Funded Act to ensure full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the Democrats’ government shutdown. Under this legislation, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown. “Roughly one in 10 Tennesseans receive SNAP benefits for food assistance, and they shouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from because the Democrats are holding government funding hostage to appease their far-left base,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our Keep SNAP Funded Act would ensure Tennesseans do not miss a meal during the Democrats’ shutdown.” CO-SPONSORS Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sponsored this legislation, and it is co-sponsored by Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in addition to Senator Blackburn. Click here for the bill text. RELATED VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Schumer for Holding Government Hostage to Ram Through Reckless New Spending | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/china/blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-probing-d-c-mayor-bowser-on-status-of-sister-city-relationship-with-beijing | Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Probing D.C. Mayor Bowser on Status of Sister City Relationship with Beijing | 2025-10-24 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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.) Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) probed Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser on the status of the District’s Sister City relationship with Beijing after the agreement was removed from the city’s website in August without any formal announcement. The letter follows Senator Blackburn’s legislation introduced earlier this year that would prohibit Washington, D.C., from maintaining Sister City relationships with jurisdictions in foreign adversary countries such as Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. D.C. Must Be Transparent About Current Sister City Relationship Status with Beijing “We are writing to inquire about the District’s Sister City relationship with Beijing, China. Earlier this year, Washington, D.C. was listed as having an active sister city agreement with Beijing on the official D.C. Office of the Secretary website. However, as of August, thepublicized list no longer includes Beijing. Given the national security implications, we believe it is important to ensure that all formal and informal agreements between U.S. and foreign municipalities are not exploited by foreign governments—particularly the People’s Republic of China—as vehicles to advance soft-power objectives, disseminate propaganda, or suppress dissenting voices.” Blackburn Requests Answers on Whether Sister City Agreement Has Been Terminated and What D.C. Is Doing to Mitigate Security Risks of International Partnerships “To that end, we respectfully request information on the following… whether the District’s sister city agreement with Beijing has been formally terminated or merely suspended; a copy of any memorandum of understanding, contract, or agreement—past or present—between the District of Columbia and any Chinese governmental entity, including the City of Beijing; and whether the District is currently reviewing or reassessing other international partnerships to ensure mitigation against potential … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/crime/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-vet-unaccompanied-alien-children-prevent-placement-of-uacs-with-criminal-sponsors | Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Vet Unaccompanied Alien Children & Prevent Placement of UACs with Criminal Sponsors | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) introduced the Kayla Hamilton Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct thorough background and criminal record checks on unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and potential sponsors prior to their placement. This legislation is named in honor of Kayla Hamilton, a young woman who was sexually assaulted and brutally murdered by a 17-year-old MS-13 gang member and UAC who illegally entered the country through the southern border and was released by the Biden administration to a sponsor. “The Biden administration’s reckless, open-border policies led to devastating consequences for unaccompanied alien children, including Kayla Hamilton, who was brutally murdered by an MS-13 gang member,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The Kayla Hamilton Act would protect the safety of unaccompanied alien children by requiring criminal background checks to ensure these children are not placed with dangerous individuals.” “For four disastrous years, the Biden administration skirted our nation’s immigration laws, leading to Kayla Hamilton’s life being cut tragically short by an MS-13 gang member who should have never been released into the United States,” said Sen. Cornyn. “My legislation, which would require the federal government to conduct thorough background and criminal record checks on unaccompanied alien children and potential sponsors prior to their placement, is named in Kayla’s memory and that of the many other victims of heinous crimes committed by illegal aliens.” “All that the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services had to do was make one phone call to El Salvador, and they would have known that my daughter’s murderer was an MS-13 gang member, and he had a criminal record of illicit gang activity,” said “Angel Mom” Tammy Nobles. “To prevent such tra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/video-blackburn-recognizes-breast-cancer-awareness-month | VIDEO: Blackburn Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 and video highlighting the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and honoring the women who have battled and are currently battling breast cancer: “October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for us to recognize and honor all of the women who have battled and are currently battling breast cancer,” said Senator Blackburn. “In the Senate, we will continue to work on legislation that ensures accessibility to critical medical services for breast cancer patients, and I encourage every woman to take the time to schedule a mammogram and prioritize their health.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/video-blackburn-introduces-tva-board-nominees-mitch-graves-and-jeff-hagood-at-senate-committee-nomination-hearing | VIDEO: Blackburn Introduces TVA Board Nominees Mitch Graves and Jeff Hagood at Senate Committee Nomination Hearing | 2025-10-22 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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.) introduced Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors nominees, Mitch Graves and Jeff Hagood, at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing on their nominations: Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks during the nomination hearing. Click hereto download this photo of Senator Blackburn, Lee Beaman, Jeff Hagood, and Mitch Graves. REMARKS AS PREPARED Blackburn Introduces Mitch Graves Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the committee for the opportunity to introduce my fellow Tennessean, Mr. Mitch Graves, a fourth-generation Memphian who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the people of Tennessee. Mr. Graves has served on the Board of Commissioners of Memphis Light, Gas and Water, commonly known as MLG&W, since 2016. MLG&W is the largest three-service utility in the country and the Tennessee Valley Authority’s largest customer. During his tenure, he has chaired the Pension and OPEB Funds, as well as the Hedge, Audit, and Human Resource Committees, and briefly served as CEO, providing steady leadership in one of Memphis’s most critical public institutions. Mr. Graves has over 37 years of executive leadership experience in complex, regulated industries. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the West Cancer Center and Research Institute, leading a multi-state healthcare organization with more than one hundred providers and 750 employees. Prior to this role, he served as President and CEO of HealthChoice, LLC, and held key executive positions at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. His expertise has been recognized nationally through his service on United Healthcare’s Executive Advisory Council and Cigna’s National Health Care Advisory Council, where he has provided valuable insight on healthcare strategies and innovation. With his deep roots in the Memphis community, decades of executive leadership, and steadfast commitment to public service, Mr. Graves represents the best of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/crime/blackburn-klobuchar-cornyn-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-support-organizations-assisting-law-enforcement-in-investigation-of-child-sexual-exploitation | Blackburn, Klobuchar, Cornyn, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Support Organizations Assisting Law Enforcement in Investigation of Child Sexual Exploitation | 2025-10-21 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Safe Cloud Storage Act, which would provide limited liability protections to law enforcement-approved vendors who store and transfer child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to assist in investigations of child sexual exploitation: “Those helping law enforcement in the fight against child sexual exploitation must be able to securely store evidence of these horrific crimes,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act would ensure investigators can securely handle and store CSAM evidence in the cloud by providing limited liability protections. With this critical bill, we will continue our work to bring predators to justice and protect vulnerable children.” “We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our commonsense, bipartisan bill would improve investigations and prosecutions by allowing law enforcement to safely store and transmit evidence using cloud systems – saving time and resources.” “Secure, controlled storage of CSAM evidence during law enforcement investigations is essential for the pursuit of justice and protection of vulnerable children,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would give law enforcement the digital infrastructure and liability protections necessary to maintain evidence integrity so they can hold predators accountable for the abhorrent crime of child exploitation.” “The Safe Cloud Storage Act supports law enforcement in their work to fight the heinous exploitation children suffer from at the hands of online predators and the spread of child sexual abuse material,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Too many children have been the victims of abhorrent abuse and stomach-churning crimes in our increasingly online world. This critical legislation ensures that law enforcement and their technology partners are able to protect our nation’s children and h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-calling-for-doj-investigation-into-jack-smith-for-spying-on-republican-members-of-congress | Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Calling for DOJ Investigation into Jack Smith for Spying on Republican Members of Congress | 2025-10-17 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 led Members of Congress who were spied on by President Joe Biden’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi urging her to refer former Special Counsel Jack Smith to the Department of Justice’s Office of Professional Responsibility for investigation. Jack Smith allegedly engaged in serious prosecutorial misconduct through the politically motivated Arctic Frost investigation and must face appropriate consequences, up to and including disbarment. This follows Senator Blackburn’s efforts to demand answers from cell phone carriers as to why these companies allowed the Biden FBI to allegedly track the private communications and phone calls of eight U.S. Senators, including Senator Blackburn. Jack Smith Must Be Held Accountable for Weaponized Witch Hunt “We write today following last week’s deeply disturbing revelations that the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) spied on duly elected members of Congress, specifically seeking and ultimately obtaining ‘tolling data’ from cell phones as part of its corrupt, politically motivated Arctic Frost investigation. It is clear to us that this invasion of our privacy was nothing more than a fishing expedition geared toward targeting President Trump. For the reasons outlined below, we request that you immediately refer Jack Smith to the Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). As part of Jack Smith’s weaponized witch hunt, the Biden DOJ issued subpoenas to several telecommunications companies in 2023 regarding our cell phone records, gaining access to the time, recipient, duration, and location of calls placed on our devices from January 4, 2021, to January 7, 2021. We have yet to learn of any criminal predicate for the Biden Department of Justice issuing subpoenas to obtain these cell phone records.” As a Rogue Special Counsel, Jack Smith Would Do Anything to Stop President Trump “While we await further details on these troubling revelations as DOJ and th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/technology/blackburn-to-cnbc-big-tech-s-opposition-must-not-stand-in-the-way-of-federal-legislation-to-govern-the-virtual-space | Blackburn to CNBC: Big Tech’s Opposition Must Not Stand in the Way of Federal Legislation to Govern the Virtual Space | 2025-10-16 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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.) virtually joined CNBC’s 2025 AI summit in Nashville for a wide-ranging discussion on the growing momentum to pass her bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, her legislative efforts to mitigate the unintended harms and abuse of artificial intelligence, and her work to protect consumers’ data and privacy online. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s interview with CNBC’s Julia Boorstin at the 2025 AI Summit. U.S. federal AI regulation is on the way, Sen. Marsha Blackburn says, regardless of big tech opposition Ian Thomas CNBC As U.S. states start to react to growing constituent concerns around the risks associated with artificial intelligence use, Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn said moving forward with a federal preemption standard is “imperative.” … “The reason the states have stepped in, whether it’s to protect consumers or protect children, is because the federal government has, to date, not been able to pass any federal preemptive legislation... We have to have the states standing in the gap until such time that Congress will say no to the big tech platforms.” Blackburn has long been a proponent of legislation around children’s online safety and regulation of social media, introducing the Kids Online Safety Act in 2022 that aims to establish guidelines to protect minors from harmful material on the platforms. The bipartisan legislation has passed the Senate with an overwhelming majority, and Blackburn said while big tech companies have worked to hold up the legislation from passage in both chambers, “We are hopeful the House is going to take it up and pass it.” The concerns that the Act was aimed to address as it relates to social media have now cascaded alongside the rise in AI, Blackburn said. “One of the things we’ve heard from so many people involved in this is that you have to have an online consumer privacy protection bill so that people have the ability to set those firewalls and protect the virtual you, as I call it,” she … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/technology/icymi-in-punchbowl-news-blackburn-says-meta-s-instagram-teen-accounts-announcement-is-nothing-more-than-a-pr-stunt | ICYMI in Punchbowl News: Blackburn Says Meta’s Instagram Teen Accounts Announcement Is ‘Nothing More Than a PR Stunt’ | 2025-10-15 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 slamming Meta for introducing revamped teen accounts to avoid public scrutiny following the bombshell Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing Senator Blackburn led exposing Meta for burying child safety research: “Instagram’s sudden announcement of revamped teen accounts is nothing more than a PR stunt in the wake of the bombshell hearing I led exposing how Meta buried child safety research,” said Senator Blackburn. “As the Kids Online Safety Act gains momentum and notches new supporters in the Senate with 60 co-sponsors and counting, Meta is racing to save face and escape accountability.” Tech: Kids bill backers slam Instagram changes Ben Brody Punchbowl News Senators pushing a bipartisan bill that would impose restrictions on social media to protect kids online are not impressed with Instagram’s new “PG-13” approach to teen users. They dismissed Tuesday’s announcement by the Meta-owned app as a cynical attempt to undercut congressional efforts to further regulate the industry. “Instagram’s sudden announcement of revamped teen accounts is nothing more than a PR stunt,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said in a statement. The pushback comes a day after Instagram said it would be putting in place new content restrictions based on PG-13 movie ratings for teen users. For instance, in addition to existing limits on search terms like self-harm or eating disorders, the app will block results for “alcohol,” “gore” and other “mature search terms.” Concerns about teens’ experience on Instagram — alongside TikTok, Snap and other social media platforms — was behind Blackburn’s push for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). KOSA origins. The bill would limit certain design features like autoscroll and place a legal “duty of care” on apps to “prevent and mitigate” harms like eating disorders or violence. Blackburn recently assembled filibuster-proof support for KOSA in the Senate as a sh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/photo-blackburn-attends-charlie-kirk-presidential-medal-of-freedom-ceremony-at-the-white-house | PHOTO: Blackburn Attends Charlie Kirk Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony at the White House | 2025-10-14 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 attending the White House event where President Trump posthumously awarded Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would have been his 32nd birthday: “Charlie Kirk wasn’t just a champion for the conservative movement, he was my friend,” said Senator Blackburn. “Charlie had an unmatched passion for our country that inspired millions of young Americans to stand up for their conservative values. He fearlessly spoke the truth, championed respectful debate, and loved his family more than anything. Today would have been Charlie’s 32nd birthday, and I can’t think of a more fitting tribute than the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. It was a privilege to attend the White House ceremony to honor his life and speak with his precious parents. As President Trump made clear today, Charlie’s legacy will never be forgotten.” Click here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn with Charlie Kirk’s parents. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/blackburn-statement-on-president-trump-s-historic-israel-hamas-peace-deal | Blackburn Statement on President Trump’s Historic Israel-Hamas Peace Deal | 2025-10-13 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | “President Trump is the peace president. Once again, he defied every expectation by delivering a breakthrough for peace in the Middle East,” said Senator Blackburn. “The release of the remaining 20 Israeli hostages who have endured unimaginable terror is a blessing for the world and a profound relief to their families. This was only accomplished because of the tireless and fearless work of President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Envoy Witkoff. Today marks the beginning of a new era of hope for lasting peace in the Middle East. May God continue to bless America and guide us forward with wisdom and courage.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/blackburn-demands-answers-from-cell-phone-carriers-who-allowed-biden-fbi-to-spy-on-members-of-congress | Blackburn Demands Answers from Cell Phone Carriers Who Allowed Biden FBI to Spy on Members of Congress | 2025-10-10 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 sent letters to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon demanding answers as to why these companies allowed President Joe Biden’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to allegedly track the private communications and phone calls of eight U.S. Senators, including Senator Blackburn. Earlier this week, President Trump’s Deputy Director of the FBI, Dan Bongino, briefed the Senators on these revelations. Companies can challenge subpoenas by filing a motion to quash or by raising objections to the request. In the letters, Senator Blackburn probes these companies on who approved this targeted invasion of privacy, when these decisions were authorized, why these companies declined to move to quash these subpoenas, and what steps these companies took – if any – to protect the privacy of Members of Congress. There Was No Known Criminal Predicate for Biden DOJ Subpoena of Senators’ Cell Phone Records “I write today seeking answers regarding the egregious invasion of privacy that your company… inflicted upon eight United States Senators and one Member of Congress. On Monday evening, we first learned that the Biden Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spied on duly elected members of Congress, specifically seeking and ultimately obtaining ‘tolling data’ from cell phones as part of its corrupt, politically motivated Arctic Frost investigation. As part of the Jack Smith investigation that was a weaponized witch hunt to target President Trump, the Biden Department of Justice issued subpoenas to your company in 2023 regarding our cell phone records, gaining access to the time, recipient, duration, and location of calls placed on our devices from January 4, 2021, to January 7, 2021. We have also learned that, to our knowledge, there was no criminal predicate for the Biden Department of Justice issuing subpoenas to obtain these cell phone records.” Blackburn Demands Cell Phone Carriers Provide Transparency on Egregious Invasion of Privacy “While Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/blackburn-luj-n-demand-answers-from-ticketmaster-on-bait-and-switch-scheme-to-drive-up-ticket-prices | Blackburn, Luján Demand Answers from Ticketmaster on Bait-and-Switch Scheme to Drive Up Ticket Prices | 2025-10-10 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) sent a letter to Live Nation President and Chief Financial Officer Joe Berchtold demanding answers on Ticketmaster’s alleged “bait-and-switch” scheme to drive up ticket prices. The letter follows the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster for allegedly engaging in illegal ticket resale tactics and deceiving artists and consumers about price and ticket limits. In 2016, Senator Blackburn’s Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act was signed into law, which prohibited scalpers from using software to purchase high volumes of tickets. Since then, Ticketmaster has turned a blind eye to bad actors violating this law. Ticketmaster Allegedly Engaged in a Bait-and-Switch Scheme to Drive Up Ticket Prices “We write to express our grave concern over recent allegations regarding the harm that Ticketmaster engaged in a “bait-and-switch” scheme to drive up ticket prices. When you testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2023, you told Congress ‘We believe that the artist-fan connection is the foundation of the live entertainment industry, the source of nearly all commercial value, and the number one thing that public policy should protect.’ Yet, according to a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission and seven states attorneys general, Ticketmaster coordinated with ticket brokers allowing them to obtain millions of dollars of tickets which they then resold on the secondary market.” Ticketmaster Has Turned a Blind Eye to Bad Actors Violating the BOTS Act, Costing Fans Billions “Ticketmaster has allegedly turned a blind eye to bad actors violating the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act for years, costing fans billions of dollars in hard earned money. Instead of working with trusted cybersecurity professionals and Congress to protect consumers and stop ticket scalping, Ticketmaster went so far as to provide technical support to help ‘brokers’ exceed their purchasing limits to buy up tickets. Th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/military/blackburn-statement-on-tennessee-priorities-secured-in-2026-national-defense-bill/4b7dad34-5c29-46a2-9438-c8fab18df847 | Blackburn Statement on Tennessee Priorities Secured in 2026 National Defense Bill | 2025-10-10 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 on the provisions she secured for Tennessee in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate: “This year’s national defense bill will help safeguard U.S. national security and support our men and women in uniform by ensuring we are prepared for the formidable threats posed by foreign adversaries,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennessee’s tens of thousands of service members and military installations play a vital role in that mission, and this legislation will modernize critical infrastructure, fund important research programs, and strengthen national security.” 2026 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT Below is a list of key priorities for Tennessee included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Blackburn amendments included in NDAA ROUTERS Act: Requires U.S. Department of Commerce and National Telecommunications and Information Administration to study national security risks posed by consumer routers, modems, and devices that combine both. Quantum Readiness Strategy: Requires the U.S. Department of Defense to submit a strategy to Congress on quantum readiness, ensuring the U.S. is prepared to compete with foreign adversaries’ advances in quantum. Fort Campbell modernization projects Replaces the current 49-year-old tower, which is the oldest tower on any power projection platform and is in desperate need of adequate height, space, and visibility for modern operations. Provides modern housing for the 101st Airborne Division. Arnold Air Force Base Upgrades Gate 2, enhancing base security and access control at the nation’s key test center for propulsion and hypersonics. Army National Guard projects Funding for planning and design to move the Tennessee National Guard from Berry Field to Smyrna Airport. Research and development in Tennessee Expands Vanderbilt’s partnership with Army Futures Command to include Tennessee National Guard. Provides fundin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/crime/video-blackburn-sounds-alarm-on-biden-fbi-weaponization-praises-memphis-safe-task-force-success | VIDEO: Blackburn Sounds Alarm on Biden FBI Weaponization, Praises Memphis Safe Task Force Success | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 calling out the weaponization of the Biden Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) following a report that former Special Counsel Jack Smith allegedly tracked the private communications of eight U.S. Senators. Senator Blackburn also praised President Trump’s incredible success so far in cracking down on crime in Memphis and the need to pass her Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED Under Joe Biden and Chris Wray, FBI Was Rotten to the Core “We know that under Joe Biden and Chris Wray’s leadership, the FBI was rotten to the core. In many ways, they oversaw the worst political corruption of the justice system in our nation’s history. They raided Mar-a-Lago, indicted President Trump on baseless charges, and weaponized America’s top law enforcement agency against conservatives, parents, and Americans of faith. The Biden FBI’s Weaponization Reached the Halls of Congress On Monday, we found out that this abuse of power reached the halls of Congress. Thanks to internal FBI documents provided by Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino to Chairman Grassley, we now know that the Biden FBI tracked the private communications of eight U.S. Senators, including myself. The one thing we have in common: We’re all Republicans. According to the documents, the Biden FBI tracked who we were calling on our cell phones, where we made the calls, and the location of where the calls were received. This abuse of authority was despicable. But it went well beyond us. The Trump Administration Is Committed to Total Transparency for the American People Earlier this year, Chairman Grassley released whistleblower disclosures showing that the Biden FBI obtained the government-issued cellphones of President Trump and Former Vice President Pence. Last month, we learned that the agency launched a political investigation into nearly 100 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/icymi-video-blackburn-ag-bondi-discuss-biden-fbi-spying-scandal-memphis-safe-task-force-and-threats-to-law-enforcement | ICYMI: VIDEO: Blackburn, AG Bondi Discuss Biden FBI Spying Scandal, Memphis Safe Task Force, and Threats to Law Enforcement | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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. – During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi discussed the report that the Biden Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tracked the private communications of eight U.S. Senators. They also discussed the success of the Memphis Safe Task Force and the urgent need to pass Senator Blackburn’s Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s exchange with AG Bondi during the Senate Judiciary hearing. On New Report Revealing Biden FBI Spied on Republican Lawmakers: Senator Blackburn: “I have found this hearing to be so instructive because it has pointed out to me the lack of caring from my colleagues across the dais when it comes to how the DOJ under Biden was weaponized, how they used this for political attack on their political opponents, and the smugness from some of my colleagues across the dais. “You look at what has happened, what we're finding out about Arctic Frost and the way we were surveilled... We don't know what all they got. We don't know who all they tracked, but to tap our phones, to pull that data for these wireless companies to have allowed them to have that and for them to use it in their investigations, how disgusting is that? “My hope is that as we look at what happened with Arctic Frost, that there will be a special counsel, that we will do our due diligence, and that those who did this wrong, this illegal activity, absolutely they need to be prosecuted, and they need to face the full extent of accountability within the law… What this shows is that they don’t want one tier of justice. What they want is two tiers of justice. It was their play box. They could get in there and manipulate and use it to spy on us. They saw this as something that furthered their political goal... Those who have not served the American people well, fire them. They need to be gone.” On the Success of the Memphis Safe Task Force Senator Blackburn: “We had 503 arrests with the FBI Task … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/blackburn-applauds-senate-confirmation-of-mike-dunavant-as-u-s-attorney-for-the-western-district-of-tennessee | Blackburn Applauds Senate Confirmation of Mike Dunavant as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 applauding the Senate’s confirmation of Mike Dunavant, President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks about Mike Dunavant’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee last month. “Mike is an experienced prosecutor who will hold criminals accountable, restore law and order, and work around the clock to make Memphis and all of West Tennessee a safer place to live. We need Mike’s leadership in the Western District, and I am so pleased that the Senate has confirmed him to serve again as U.S. Attorney,” said Senator Blackburn. “President Trump has already taken significant action to Make Memphis Safe Again, and with Mike’s confirmation, we are one step closer to doing just that. It was an honor to recommend Mike Dunavant to President Trump to serve again, and I am confident he will make Tennesseans proud as he assumes this important role.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/blackburn-responds-to-bombshell-report-revealing-biden-fbi-allegedly-tracked-her-private-communications | Blackburn Responds to Bombshell Report Revealing Biden FBI Allegedly Tracked Her Private Communications | 2025-10-06 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 a bombshell report revealed former President Joe Biden’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and former Special Counsel Jack Smith allegedly tracked the private communications and phone calls of eight U.S. Senators, including Senator Blackburn. President Trump’s Deputy Director of the FBI, Dan Bongino, briefed the Senators today on these revelations. “The FBI under Joe Biden’s watch exercised authority that it did not have,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Biden administration raided Mar-a-Lago, indicted President Trump, and now we know they weaponized America’s top law enforcement agency to spy on Republican U.S. Senators who support President Trump. The FBI was rotten to the core under Joe Biden and Chris Wray’s leadership, and I will not let this stand. I appreciate Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino for launching an investigation to hold those responsible for this corruption accountable to the highest extent.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/crime/video-tennessee-state-senator-brent-taylor-joins-unmuted-with-marsha-to-discuss-memphis-crime-crackdown | VIDEO: Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor Joins ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ to Discuss Memphis Crime Crackdown | 2025-10-03 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 a new episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ with Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor, who testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about rampant crime in blue cities like Memphis. During the episode, they discussed President Trump’s ‘Memphis Safe Task Force,’ the failures of radical left District Attorneys, and the need to pass Senator Blackburn’s legislation to end cashless bail nationwide. Click here to watch and download this episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha.’ On the Memphis Safe Task Force and Operation Viper Senator Blackburn: “We are hard at work on these components and making certain that we surge resources into the Memphis area. And of course, Kash Patel our FBI director, our Attorney General Bondi, and President Trump have been incredibly committed to Memphis, and we had the FBI surge this summer, from mid-July to mid-September. 500 plus arrests of gang members, over 120 indictments, and now those are ready to go on for prosecution. And we have phase two, which is 13 federal and state agencies that are all focused on supporting the Memphis Police Department and getting crime under control.” State Senator Taylor: “We're finally going to make Memphis matter by making Memphis safe… This is really the first city since Washington, DC that the President sent this type of surge of federal resources. And I think… what Memphis can be is the model for the rest of the nation… when the President sends this type of surge into other cities to see how the cooperation you have with a city, mayor, and a governor... I'm hoping that we have the same kind of success that we that he had in Washington, D.C.” On Memphis District Attorney’s Soft-on-Crime Agenda: Senator Blackburn: “One of the problems that we have seen is the fact that you have these surges, then you have weak judges and weak DAs that will not finish this process. And of course, the DA in Memphis… in Shelby County has been very soft on crime. They are Soros-backed.” S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/jobs and economy/video-blackburn-slams-schumer-for-holding-government-hostage-to-ram-through-reckless-new-spending | VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Schumer for Holding Government Hostage to Ram Through Reckless New Spending | 2025-10-01 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 slamming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Democrats for shutting down the government in an attempt to ram through a $1.5 trillion radical left wishlist of new spending instead of working through the regular order appropriations process: Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. Democrats Forced a Shutdown Instead of Working to Pass Appropriations Bills Through Regular Order “Today, Congress should be hard at work for the American people. We should be working through the NDAA and passing our appropriations bills through regular order. We can’t do any of this because our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have decided to force a government shutdown. Last night, all but three voted against a stop-gap funding measure that would keep government open through November 21. By keeping spending at current levels, this measure would have provided us the time we need to pass all of our appropriations bills. Eight of the twelve have passed through committee with strong bipartisan support. Three of them—agriculture, legislative branch, and military construction-veterans affairs—already passed on the floor with wide margins. By passing these appropriation bills, we are ensuring that our government moves from a Biden budget to a Trump budget—which is exactly what the American people voted for. Democrats Are Holding the Government Hostage to Ram Through a $1.5 Trillion Radical Left Wishlist Instead of joining us to restore regular order, Democrats are holding the government hostage to ram through $1.5 trillion in additional spending. $1.5 trillion. With our national debt at $37.5 trillion and climbing, this effort is grossly irresponsible. It’s time for Democrats to come to the table and pass the stop-gap measure. Democrats Have Voted for Current Spending Levels Five Times Since Last Year Since last year, they have voted for current spending levels five… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/technology/icymi-in-politico-blackburn-warns-of-security-risks-during-government-shutdown | ICYMI in Politico: Blackburn Warns of Security Risks During Government Shutdown | 2025-10-01 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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.) joined Politico’s Policy Outlook on Cybersecurity, where she discussed the national security risks of the Democrats’ government shutdown and her legislative efforts to ensure America leads the globe in the development of quantum technology. Watch the full conversation here. Watch Senator Blackburn’s remarks at the Politico Policy Outlook on Cybersecurity here. ‘Adversaries do not take a day off’: Blackburn warns of security risks during government shutdown Anthony Adragna Politico Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said she was hopeful the government shutdown would end “very soon,” noting adversaries of the U.S. could take advantage of the lapse in federal funding to attack critical services. “The shorter the better,” the Tennessee Republican told POLITICO’s Policy Outlook on Cybersecurity, referencing the government shutdown that took effect today. “We always have national security concerns about what happens during a shutdown.” “The shutdown is something that ends up costing money,” Blackburn added. “Bad actors and adversaries do not take a day off, they don't take an hour off, they don't take a minute off.” Blackburn’s comments come as Democrats and President Donald Trump have shown little indication of a resolution to the impasse. Much of the federal government’s services shut down Wednesday at midnight. Democrats have dug in over the year-end expiration of health insurance subsidies provided under the Affordable Care Act. Blackburn noted that three members of the Senate Democratic caucus — Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.), Angus King (Maine) and Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.) — joined with all Senate Republicans except Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) to advance a short-term clean spending bill on a vote Tuesday, and that GOP lawmakers would continue to hold votes on that measure in hopes of additional Democratic defections. “I'm always ready to have a conversation with anyone who wants to make the lives of Tennesseans and all Americans better,” she sa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/video-blackburn-tennessee-state-senator-brent-taylor-discuss-crime-crackdown-in-memphis | VIDEO: Blackburn, Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor Discuss Crime Crackdown in Memphis | 2025-09-30 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Blue City Chaos and Tragedy: How the Trump Administration is Addressing the Human Cost of Soft On Crime Policies.” They discussed the launch of President Trump’s ‘Memphis Safe Task Force’ and his crime crackdown in Memphis, the dangerous consequences of radical left District Attorneys, and the issue of cargo theft. Watch the full exchange here. Click hereto download video of Senator Blackburn’s exchange with State Senator Taylor. On Success of FBI’s Operation Viper in Memphis Senator Blackburn: “We are doing something about crime in Tennessee… We had phase one in Memphis this summer with the FBI and Operation Viper that was very successful. 500 plus arrests, over 100 federal indictments, and you have mentioned the Soros-funded DA that has been a stumbling block, as well as the juvenile court system that has been a stumbling block to addressing the crime situation. Now, phase two is in place, and this is the combination of the federal agencies, a dozen agencies, plus state resources with Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the National Guard.” On the Dangerous Consequences of Radical Left District Attorneys Senator Blackburn: “[Steve] Mulroy actually took office in 2022 and during his campaign, he stated… he would ‘avoid cash bail.’ And he also stated that he wanted to… ‘transform the criminal justice system…’ in Memphis, and certainly, he has done that. We have put a lot of energy into federal support and state support to make certain that Memphis is going to be safe. But it appears what we have is social justice activists who are trying to impede that progress.” On Cargo Theft in Memphis Senator Blackburn: “Memphis is America's distribution center with the Port of Memphis, all five Class A railroads, FedEx and I-40 that goes from the East Coast to the West Coast, and this status as a logistics hub has drawn these … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/general/blackburn-statement-on-schumer-s-government-shutdown | Blackburn Statement on Schumer’s Government Shutdown | 2025-09-30 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | “Today, Senate Democrats deliberately forced a shutdown and blocked a clean extension of current spending levels in favor of a nearly $1.5 trillion package of far-left priorities,” said Senator Blackburn. “Democrats had no problem voting for continuing resolutions when President Biden was autopenning them in the White House, but from the moment President Trump returned to the Oval Office they’ve reversed course, staging one political stunt after another. By forcing a shutdown, Democrats have deprived service members of their hard-earned paychecks, halted grants to state and local law enforcement, jeopardized care for seniors, and frozen critical services for Americans. It’s time for Democrats to drop the games, pass the clean stop-gap bill we’ve already put forward, and join us in returning to a responsible, regular appropriations process.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/hurricane helene/blackburn-statement-on-one-year-anniversary-of-hurricane-helene | Blackburn Statement on One Year Anniversary of Hurricane Helene | 2025-09-26 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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 the following statement to mark one year since Hurricane Helene devastated communities in Upper East Tennessee: “One year ago, Hurricane Helene devastated communities in Tennessee, leaving families without homes, businesses destroyed, and lives forever changed,” said Senator Blackburn. “In the year since Helene, everyone from first responders to neighbors to church groups have stepped up in remarkable ways to help our communities rebuild. The Volunteer Spirit has brought people in Upper East Tennessee together despite this awful tragedy, and I will continue to fight to ensure Tennesseans have every resource they need to recover from the disaster.” Click here to watch this video of Senator Blackburn surveying the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. RELATED President Trump Signs Blackburn, Cortez Masto Bipartisan Bill to Help Americans Recover from Natural Disasters into Law Blackburn Fights for Hurricane Helene Fraud Victims VIDEO: Blackburn Discusses Federal Disaster Relief for Hurricane Helene on Senate Floor Sen. Blackburn, Gov. Lee, Rep. Harshbarger Survey Storm Damage in East Tennessee | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/technology/senators-blackburn-hassan-press-match-group-for-answers-on-romance-scams | Senators Blackburn, Hassan Press Match Group for Answers on Romance Scams | 2025-09-24 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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.), Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy and member of the Joint Economic Committee, and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, today pushed Match Group, the operator of a number of major dating apps, including Hinge, Tinder, and OKCupid, to provide information about romance scams on its platforms. Romance scams, in which fraudsters form relationships to induce money or gifts from victims, have become a leading form of financial fraud in the United States and cost Americans at least $1.3 billion annually. Match Group’s platforms are used by nearly half of all online dating users in the United States, and more than half of all users believe they have encountered a scammer. In the letter, the Senators asked the company for information about its efforts to detect scammers on its platforms, crack down on fraudulent usage, and protect users. “Match Group’s platforms have become a breeding ground for bad actors who prey on vulnerable Americans, especially seniors who have lost their life savings because of scams,” said Senator Blackburn. “Despite public promises to improve safety, the company’s practices and algorithmic design raise serious concerns about whether it’s truly protecting users. We’re asking for answers and transparency to ensure these platforms are not enabling bad actors.” “Romance scams are robbing Americans of millions of dollars every year, and taking a devastating emotional toll in the process,” said Senator Hassan. “The companies operating dating apps must be honest with the public about the extent to which these scammers have infiltrated their platforms and must do more to protect their users from fraud.” Click here to read Senator Blackburn and Hassan’s letter to Match Group, or see below: Dear Mr. Rascoff: Given Match Group’s stated commitment to improving upon its historical practices relating to user safety, we write today to request documents an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/veterans/blackburn-tuberville-support-expanding-veterans-access-to-over-the-counter-hearing-aids | Blackburn, Tuberville Support Expanding Veterans’ Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids | 2025-09-23 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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 Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins expressing their support for expanding access to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for veterans. Hearing loss and tinnitus are among the most common service-connected disabilities among veterans, and providing access to OTC hearing aids would reduce costs for the VA health care system and improve quality of life for veterans. Only a Fraction of Veterans with Hearing Loss Currently Seek Care Due to Complexity and Cost “We write to express our strong support for expanding access to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for our nation's Veterans that are impacted by mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and to highlight the potential benefits of such an initiative. It is estimated that nearly 30 million American adults suffer from some degree of hearing loss, with the Veteran population facing significant challenges in this regard due to their service-related exposure to high-intensity noise, such as gunfire, explosions, and machinery. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), hearing loss and tinnitus are the most prevalent service-connected disabilities among Veterans, with more than 2.7 million Veterans receiving compensation for hearing loss. Despite the high need for hearing solutions, only a fraction of those who could benefit from hearing aids seek intervention (much less early intervention), in part due to the complexity and cost of accessing traditional hearing aids through the VA.” Allowing Veterans to Access OTC Hearing Aids Would Improve Quality of Life for Veterans and Cut Long-Term Costs for the VA “Allowing Veterans to access OTC hearing aids, particularly those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, could have significant benefits. Not only would it improve their quality of life by reducing the severity of cognitive decline, depression, and other health challenges commonly linked to hearing loss, but it would also provide… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/technology/icymi-blackburn-joins-my-view-with-lara-trump-to-discuss-memphis-crime-crackdown-kids-online-safety-act-and-charlie-kirk | ICYMI: Blackburn Joins ‘My View with Lara Trump’ to Discuss Memphis Crime Crackdown, Kids Online Safety Act, and Charlie Kirk | 2025-09-22 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Fox News’ My View with Lara Trump to discuss President Trump’s crime crackdown in Memphis, her legislation to combat juvenile crime, the urgent need to pass her Kids Online Safety Act, and the political assassination of Charlie Kirk. Excerpts of Senator Blackburn’s interview are below, and video can be downloaded here. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s interview with Lara Trump. EXCERPTS OF INTERVIEW ON ‘MY VIEW WITH LARA TRUMP’ On President Trump’s Crime Crackdown in Memphis: “We are so grateful to President Trump and his administration. When Kash Patel came here to talk with me about his nomination [and] confirmation, I gave him a sheet of crime stats, and it was Memphis. I said, ‘We need your help.’ And he’s been true to his word. So has AG Bondi and President Trump. “Kash went in very quietly this summer. They arrested over 500 gang members, got over 100 indictments, confiscated over 100 illegal firearms, and that has paid big dividends for Memphis. That was phase one. This is phase two. “Having the National Guard… and also ATF, DEA, Homeland Security, [and] U.S. Marshals all there to back up the Memphis police force and help them sustain this great work of the FBI, this is how we’re going to Make Memphis Safe Again. “The stats we saw from this August were the best stats that Memphis has had in years so we welcome the help, we welcome the [National] Guard, and we’re grateful to the President for his commitment.” On Combating Juvenile Crime and Carjacking: “The truancy policy for Memphis city schools is not enforced, [and] that needs to be enforced. We’ve spoken with local leaders about that. Gangs recruit in those 3:00-6:00 o’clock hours… We need these children to be in school, and after school, we need somewhere for them to go until parents get home. “We have so many juveniles that are recruited by the gangs so the gang leader has the juvenile go commit the crime and do the carjacking or the smash-and-grab, and then they go … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/national security/blackburn-introduces-legislation-to-strengthen-national-security-by-protecting-undersea-cables | Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Strengthen National Security by Protecting Undersea Cables | 2025-09-22 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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 the following statement after introducing the Undersea Cable Protection Act, which would strengthen national security and global connectivity by safeguarding the United States’ submarine cable infrastructure: “Undersea cables are a critical component in our digital economy protecting America’s national security,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Undersea Cable Protection Act would ensure that undersea cables can be built and preserved without duplicative, burdensome, and unnecessary federal regulations.” U.S. Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.) led the introduction in the House of Representatives. THE UNDERSEA CABLE PROTECTION ACT The Undersea Cable Protection Act would strengthen national security and safeguard the United States’ submarine cable infrastructure by eliminating duplicative permitting laws and promoting the deployment and maintenance of submarine cables. ENDORSEMENTS The Undersea Cable Protection Act is endorsed by the International Connectivity Coalition, the Internet and Competitive Networks Association, and the Telecommunications Industry Association: “For the United States to remain a global leader in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, we must invest in secure, modern subsea cable networks that enable these breakthroughs ,” said Ansley Erdel on behalf of the International Connectivity Coalition.“This legislation is not only about protecting infrastructure — it is about securing America’s position at the forefront of the digital economy.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/blackburn-cortez-masto-lead-bipartisan-legislation-to-require-prompt-payment-from-medicare-advantage-protect-seniors-from-delayed-bills | Blackburn, Cortez Masto Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Require Prompt Payment from Medicare Advantage, Protect Seniors from Delayed Bills | 2025-09-19 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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 Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve Medicare Advantage’s (MA) billing practices, offer certainty health care providers who contract with MA plans, and ensure that seniors aren’t stuck with unfair, confusing, or delayed bills after receiving critical care. Companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is led by Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-Texas-19) and Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38). "Tennessee seniors should not have to worry about whether their Medicare Advantage plan will pay for their care in a timely manner,” said Senator Blackburn. "The Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act would improve Medicare billing practices by offering certainty to health care providers who contract with MA plans, ensuring that seniors are not burdened by unfair or overdue bills.” “Nevadans who rely on Medicare Advantage deserve the peace of mind that when they go to the doctor’s office or hospital, their MA plan will pay providers for their care in a timely manner, and they won’t be sent a delayed bill many months later,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation makes commonsense fixes to Medicare Advantage’s billing practices that will help health care providers and patients by bringing transparency and stability to the program.” “Medicare Advantage plans are delaying payments to rural hospitals and providers - resulting in service cuts, staff shortages, forced closures, and patients with unexpected medical bills months or even years later,” said House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington. “My bipartisan Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act fixes this problem by requiring plans to pay hospitals and doctors on time or face penalty. By holding plans accountable and making the process more transparent, this bill protects patients, supports the hospitals and doctors who care for them, and ensures Medicare Advantage works as intended.” “More than half of seniors… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/general/video-blackburn-pays-tribute-to-charlie-kirk-reflects-on-his-personal-impact-and-national-legacy | VIDEO: Blackburn Pays Tribute to Charlie Kirk, Reflects on His Personal Impact and National Legacy | 2025-09-18 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, who was tragically assassinated at a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Senator Blackburn reflected not only on Charlie’s impact as a conservative youth leader and founder of Turning Point USA, but also on her personal connection to him. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED Charlie Kirk Was a True American Patriot with a Generous Spirit “Tennesseans and Americans across the country are grieving the loss of a true American patriot: Charlie Kirk. He was a champion for freedom. He was a role model for millions of young people across our country. And he was a devoted husband and father who loved his family more than anything. By adopting my colleague’s resolution, this chamber has an opportunity to honor his incredible legacy. We are going to miss him desperately, and I join so many across the country who are mourning with his family and praying for justice to be served. I am grateful to have known Charlie personally, spending many hours speaking with him at Turning Point USA—the grassroots movement he started at just 18 years old that has changed our country for the better. Charlie always made a point to stay in contact, offer help to push issues forward, and lend a hand, no matter how big or small the cause. I’ll share just one example of his generosity of spirit. Young People Felt Like Charlie Was Rooting for Them My eldest grandson was such a fan of Charlie, he tried starting a Turning Point Chapter at his school. But the school wouldn’t allow it. I texted Charlie to let him know, and Charlie jumped in to support my grandson and thank him for the effort. And my grandson said he really felt like Charlie was rooting for him. I think that's the way young people felt. They felt that Charlie was on their side, and Charlie wanted the best for them, and he wanted to encourage them, and he helped t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/health care/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-the-chloe-cole-act-to-ban-chemical-and-surgical-mutilation-of-children | Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce ‘The Chloe Cole Act’ to Ban Chemical and Surgical Mutilation of Children | 2025-09-18 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.),Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced the Chloe Cole Act, which would ban the chemical and surgical mutilation of children and provide detransitioners whose healthy body parts have been damaged by these procedures with legal recourse. The legislation is named after Chloe Cole, who underwent a double mastectomy at 15 years old after being influenced by social media and leftist ideology. Chloe went on to detransition, and she has dedicated her life to protecting children from harmful sex-change procedures. “No child should be pushed into irreversible chemical and surgical mutilation under the guise of so-called ‘gender-affirming care,’” said Senator Blackburn. “The Chloe Cole Act would put a stop to this barbaric abuse of children and give those who have suffered the consequences of these harmful procedures the chance to fight back.” “Radical gender ideology is a sickness that has sadly infected and confused far too many children, and after being convinced to mutilate healthy body parts they’re often burdened with lifelong medical complications and even sterilization,” said Senator Schmitt. “Genital mutilation is far from medical care, and we must stop doctors from performing these horrific surgeries and providing harmful drugs to our children. American families and children have been lied to for too long, it’s time for accountability.” “Boys are boys, girls are girls, and we must protect our kids from the tragic outcomes and irreversible harm caused by child mutilation procedures – that’s common sense,” said Senator Sheehy. “I’m proud to be working to deliver on the mandate the American people gave us to protect children, stand up for families, and restore common sense in America.” “It is sickening that any child would be subjected to dangerous, life-altering procedures that they are too young to understand or fully consent to,” said Senator Scott. “This legislation will support the victims of this disg… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/technology/blackburn-sounds-alarm-on-leftist-activists-doxxing-ice-agents-by-using-facial-recognition-technology | Blackburn Sounds Alarm on Leftist Activists Doxxing ICE Agents by Using Facial Recognition Technology | 2025-09-17 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Giorgi Gobronidze, the CEO of PimeEyes, regarding the use of the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) facial recognition technology by leftist activists to dox Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Senator Blackburn introduced the Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act, which would make it illegal to publish the name of a federal law enforcement officer with the intent to obstruct a criminal investigation or immigration operation. Over the summer, assaults on ICE officers surged by 830% since President Trump returned to office. Left-Wing Activists Are Using AI Facial Recognition Technology to Threaten the Safety of ICE Agents and Their Families “I write to express my deep concern with PimEyes’s artificial intelligence facial recognition technology and the harm it poses to individuals’ safety and privacy. Specifically, I write regarding reporting from Politico that Dominick Skinner and a group of individuals have undertaken an activism project using your facial search engine to identify a list of at least 20 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers’ names and photos. According to Mr. Skinner, if 35 percent or more of a face is visible, your technology can reveal the covered faces of individuals. Although this ‘ICE List’ does not publish addresses, Mr. Skinner has confirmed the fact that an individual’s name is sufficient to find personal information about them online.” ICE Agents Face Serious Threats from Criminal Gangs Like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 “Online foreign activists should not be weaponizing generative AI to threaten and endanger our federal officers and their families. Reverse image search systems like PimEyes can be used by gangs like MS-13 and Tren De Aragua to target ICE agents and their loved ones... Our law enforcement officers devote their lives to protecting our communities. They willingly and courageously stand in the face of danger to keep us safe. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/technology/blackburn-leads-bipartisan-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-from-meta-following-bombshell-whistleblower-allegations | Blackburn Leads Bipartisan Colleagues in Demanding Answers from Meta Following Bombshell Whistleblower Allegations | 2025-09-17 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, led a group of bipartisan colleagues demanding Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg provide all internal research regarding the safety risks and prevalence of users under the age of 13 on its platforms, its policies and procedures to review research proposals and reports of child exploitation, and the use and effectiveness of parental tools. This follows the explosive hearing Senator Blackburn led last week, where whistleblowers testified that Meta buried child safety research. Meta Allegedly Censored, Blocked, and Deleted Child Safety Research to Turn a Profit “On September 8th, 2025, six whistleblowers focused on youth wellbeing and other safety issues went public with allegations that Meta had censored, blocked, and even required the deletion of research into the prevalence and underlying causes of harms to young people on its platforms, including within its Reality Labs (virtual reality) division. According to documents provided to our offices, Meta has straightjacketed its staff under a ‘Social Issues Protocol’ that requires advanced and additional review of research that covers matters such as human trafficking, suicide, eating disorders, bullying, and child trafficking. In practice, those researchers found that Meta installed monitors from their legal department that routinely altered, blocked, and shutdown work on teen safety, limited internal access to information, circumvented normal review processes, used attorney-client privilege to conceal research, and even required the destruction of data. This willful blindness, according to one whistleblower, meant a ‘variety of topics going un-researched, including what kinds of harms youth were experiencing in VR (i.e. bullying, grooming, body image)’ and that internal experts ‘could only support ‘non-sensitive’ topics…’ When asked for the reasons for the denial, Meta’s legal staff reportedly cited ‘regulatory concerns’ and reputatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/blackburn-senate-gop-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-eliminate-d-c-soft-on-crime-laws | Blackburn, Senate GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to Eliminate D.C. Soft-On-Crime Laws | 2025-09-16 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON– U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham(R-S.C.) today introduced theJust Incarceration of Criminal Elements (JUSTICE) in D.C. Act, which would eliminate two Washington, D.C. laws – theIncarceration Reduction Actand theSecond Look Amendment Act– that have allowed criminals to be improperly and prematurely released solely because they were under the age of 25 when they committed a crime, including murder, regardless of the severity of the crime or the length of their initial sentence: “Washington, D.C.’s soft-on-crime policies have empowered violent criminals to become repeat offenders—allowing them prematurely back onto the street simply because they are under the age of 25,”said Sen. Blackburn. “Our JUSTICE in D.C. Act would help restore law and order by getting rid of two reckless D.C. laws so that criminals are not improperly and prematurely released.” “TheIncarceration Reduction Act andSecond Look Amendment Act exemplify the mindless policies of D.C.’s progressive city council that have incentivized crime in our nation’s capital for far too long,”said Sen. Cornyn. “TheJUSTICE in D.C. Actputs common sense back at the forefront of D.C.’s justice system by ensuring no offender receives a shortened sentence just because they committed a crime – including murder – before the age of 25. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro has called for these ridiculous laws to be eliminated, and I couldn’t agree more.” “Our country has endured far too many horrific acts of violence because of weak sentencing and the premature release of dangerous criminals in Democrat-run cities like Washington, D.C.,”said Sen. Budd.“My home state of North Carolina has suffered as well—just last month, a young Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte was brutally murdered by a repeat offender with fourteen prior arrests. These ‘criminal reform’ experiments have delivered neither safety, justice, nor rehabilitation. It is long past time to put a stop to them. I am p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/technology/video-blackburn-highlights-fbi-director-patel-s-success-in-making-memphis-safe-again | VIDEO: Blackburn Highlights FBI Director Patel’s Success in Making Memphis Safe Again | 2025-09-16 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to highlight the success of Operation Viper in Memphis, Tennessee, which resulted in 500 arrests and 100 indictments of violent gang members. Yesterday, Senator Blackburn joined Director Patel and President Trump at the White House for the announcement of the “Memphis Safe Task Force,” which will combat violent crime in Memphis to restore law and order. Senator Blackburn praised Director Patel and President Trump for answering her calls to do whatever it takes to Make Memphis Safe Again. Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn’s remarks during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Blackburn on Success of FBI’s Operation Viper in Memphis: “I want to thank you for your commitment to fight violent crime in Memphis. When you first came to meet with me, before your hearing here, I gave you the stats on Memphis, Tennessee and their crime rates, and then you committed then and again at your confirmation to help us, you have been true to your word, and we are very, very grateful. Operation Viper has been such a success, the 500 arrests are important. These are gang members and gang leaders… There are over 100 gangs in Memphis. So, the impact of these arrests, the impact of 100 indictments of these gang members, and now we have a U.S. Attorney's office that will actually prosecute violent crimes and actually take up and prosecute federal gun crimes. This is helping to Make Memphis Safe Again.” Blackburn on Critical Partnership Between Federal and Local Law Enforcement in Infiltrating Criminal Networks in Memphis: “[Director Patel], you mentioned something very important. Your agents go in, and they go in quietly. There was no press conference, there was no fanfare. You went in there to work, and very importantly, you gathered the intel. Who are these gang leaders? Where are they figuring out who was doing what and then setting up the p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/video-blackburn-joins-president-trump-at-white-house-for-announcement-of-memphis-safe-task-force-to-combat-crime | VIDEO: Blackburn Joins President Trump at White House for Announcement of “Memphis Safe Task Force” to Combat Crime | 2025-09-15 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined President Trump at the White House as he signed a memorandum to establish a “Memphis Safe Task Force” to address violent crime in Memphis. Senator Blackburn has expressed her support for sending the National Guard to Memphis to restore law and order, and she has worked closely with the Trump administration to surge additional resources to Memphis to protect law-abiding citizens. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks at the White House. REMARKS AS DELIVERED “Mr. President, thank you so much. I want to say thank you to Director Patel because he had promised that he would come into Memphis. “We've had Operation Viper there this summer. There have been over 500 arrests. There are over 100 indictments, and Memphis had the best stats they have had in years this past August. Last month, it was the best August they have had. “It's because of the work that's been done and now to have a new phase of this enforcement for Memphis, where we are going to have all of these agencies working as a team, as the Governor said, making certain that this is a long-term effort to Make Memphis Safe Again. Mr. President, we are so grateful, and we thank you.” RELATED Blackburn Applauds President Trump’s Decision to Send National Guard to Memphis Blackburn, Cornyn Introduce Bills to End Cashless Bail in D.C. and Nationwide VIDEO: Blackburn Praises Trump’s D.C. Crime Crackdown ICYMI: Blackburn Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Preventing Juvenile Crime in Memphis Blackburn, Cotton, Kustoff Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect Americans from Violent Criminals | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/blackburn-applauds-president-trump-s-decision-to-send-national-guard-to-memphis | Blackburn Applauds President Trump’s Decision to Send National Guard to Memphis | 2025-09-12 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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 the following statement after President Trump announced that he plans to send the National Guard to Memphis to address rampant crime. Last month, Senator Blackburn voiced her support for sending the National Guard to Memphis to combat violent crime and restore law and order, and she has worked closely with the Trump administration to surge additional resources to Memphis to protect law-abiding citizens. “We are grateful for everything President Trump has already done to Make Memphis Safe Again with the help of FBI Director Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi,” said Senator Blackburn.“Today, President Trump answered my call to do whatever it takes to Make Memphis Safe Again, and I applaud his decision to send the National Guard to Memphis following his tremendous success in reducing violent crime in Washington, D.C. Time and time again, President Trump has stepped in to restore law and order in blue cities that refuse to protect their own citizens, and I will continue working alongside the Trump administration to hold left-wing officials accountable for the consequences of soft-on-crime agendas.” RELATED Blackburn, Cornyn Introduce Bills to End Cashless Bail in D.C. and Nationwide VIDEO: Blackburn Praises Trump’s D.C. Crime Crackdown ICYMI: Blackburn Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Preventing Juvenile Crime in Memphis Blackburn, Cotton, Kustoff Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect Americans from Violent Criminals | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/general/blackburn-calls-for-immediate-termination-of-secret-service-agent-following-his-reprehensible-social-media-post-suggesting-charlie-kirk-deserved-assassination | Blackburn Calls for Immediate Termination of Secret Service Agent Following His Reprehensible Social Media Post Suggesting Charlie Kirk Deserved Assassination | 2025-09-12 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to United States Secret Service Director Sean Curran calling for the immediate termination of a U.S. Secret Service agent after a report exposed his reprehensible social media post about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. This Secret Service agent stated that “if you are Mourning [sic] this guy . . [sic] delete me.” This agent went on to say that “you can’t circumvent karma, [sic] she doesnt [sic] leave.” The Secret Service Must Immediately Terminate the Employee Who Suggested Charlie Kirk Deserved to Be Assassinated “As our nation continues to mourn the horrific and heartbreaking death of Charlie Kirk, an iconic figure in American politics, I write regarding deeply disturbing reporting that has surfaced this evening indicating that one of your employees applauded this atrocity. This Secret Service agent stated in a social media post that ‘if you are Mourning [sic] this guy . . [sic] delete me. He spewed hate and racism on his show.’ The vitriol did not stop there. This agent went on to say that ‘you can’t circumvent karma, [sic] she doesnt [sic] leave.’ Put simply, your employee celebrated and attempted to justify a political assassination. This conduct is inexcusable, and I urge you in the strongest possible terms to immediately terminate his employment.” The Secret Service Has Been an Agency Full of Political Actors and Is in Desperate Need of Reform “As you well know, over the last year, the United States Secret Service has been an agency full of political actors and one in desperate need of reform. Under the failed leadership of Director Kimberly Cheatle, a massive operational failure within the Secret Service nearly led to President Trump’s assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania. Just two months later, there was a second attempt on President Trump’s life. Even more concerning, it took two assassination attempts before the Secret Service finally elevated President Trump’s security detail to that of a sitting president. Those b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/health care/blackburn-booker-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-kidney-care-access/6f6c02b3-0eea-495c-bd29-b68a52c4c89c | Blackburn, Booker Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Kidney Care Access | 2025-09-12 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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 Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the bipartisan Kidney Care Access Protection Act that would strengthen Medicare’s kidney care benefits by ensuring fair reimbursement for quality care and improving patient access to innovative treatments, devices, and technologies: “The millions of Americans living with kidney disease deserve access to the highest-quality care available,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Kidney Care Access Protection Act would ensure patients can access innovative treatments while modernizing Medicare’s payment system so that facilities can keep their doors open.” “Over 50 years ago, Congress made a promise to Americans suffering from kidney failure that they would receive the care they need through the Medicare program,” said Senator Booker.“Unfortunately, too many individuals still struggle to access quality care or receive the treatment they need when faced with a kidney disease diagnosis. The Kidney Care Access Protection Act will ensure Medicare reimbursements for kidney care are accurate, and that following a kidney disease diagnosis, patients have access to comprehensive, high-quality care every step of the way.” BACKGROUND Since 1972, Medicare has provided coverage for individuals living with kidney failure, regardless of age. Outdated payment policies haven’t kept up with rising costs and have limited access to breakthrough technologies. Dialysis providers, particularly in rural areas, face financial strain as reimbursement levels have not kept pace with inflation. THE KIDNEY CARE ACCESS PROTECTION ACT The Kidney Care Access Protection Act would: Establish a long-term, sustainable Medicare payment pathway for innovative drugs, devices, and technologies. Implement a forecast error adjustment policy that accurately accounts for inflationary costs to help keep healthcare facilities financially viable. ENDORSEMENTS The Kidney Care Access Protection Act is endorsed by Kidney Care Partners, the American Kidney Fu… | 1 | 2026-04-07T15:46:19Z | 2026-04-07T20:18:34Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/immigration/blackburn-targets-driver-s-licenses-for-illegal-aliens-sanctuary-jurisdictions-with-new-legislation | Blackburn Targets Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Aliens, Sanctuary Jurisdictions with New Legislation | 2025-09-11 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act that would restrict certain federal grants for states that issue driver’s licenses to illegal aliens or fail to share information about criminal aliens with the federal government. Introduction of Senator Blackburn’s bill marks the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The 19 terrorists who hijacked airplanes and killed thousands of innocent civilians were in the country on temporary visas and held a combined 30 state-issued licenses. “States should not be rewarding illegal aliens for breaking our immigration laws by handing out driver’s licenses like candy,” said Senator Blackburn. “We are a nation of laws. American cities and states that willfully defy federal immigration law to protect illegal aliens must be held accountable.” U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Budget Committee, introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives: “Far-Left Sanctuary States that issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants are not only breaking the laws of our land, they endanger families and law-abiding Americans who take to highways every day in our country - these lawless states must be stopped! My Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act will bar rogue states from issuing licenses to illegal immigrants and force states and localities to cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement so we can put the safety and security of Americans first, said Representative Arrington. BACKGROUND Currently, 19 states and Washington, D.C. allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses. As of a May 2025 report, 17 states and Washington, D.C. have statewide sanctuary policies in place that shield illegal aliens from immigration enforcement. This month, an illegal alien was accused of murdering a 19-year-old woman. He was arrested for driving under the influence in April and was not turned over to immigr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/technology/video-blackburn-eviscerates-meta-for-suppressing-child-safety-research-following-whistleblower-allegations | VIDEO: Blackburn Eviscerates Meta for Suppressing Child Safety Research Following Whistleblower Allegations | 2025-09-09 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, led a hearing following new allegations from six whistleblowers that Meta buried child safety research. Two former Meta researchers testified at the hearing about the toxic culture at Meta. Watch the full hearing here. Ahead of the hearing, Senator Blackburn led a press conference with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and parents, Brian Montgomery and Maurine Molak, who lost their children following exposure to harms on social media. During the hearing and the press conference, Senator Blackburn renewed the call to pass her Kids Online Safety Act, which passed the Senate in a 91-3 vote last year to require Big Tech companies like Meta to make their platforms safer by design for children. Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn’s opening remarks and here to watch the full hearing. Click here to download photos and here to watch Senator Blackburn’s press conference. SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING OPENING REMARKS AS PREPARED “Good afternoon and thank you all for being here for this important hearing. We are here today to hear from Dr. Jason Sattizahn and Ms. Cayce Savage, two brave whistleblowers who have come forward to detail shocking allegations about Meta’s cover-up of deeply disturbing child safety research. They were hired to purportedly make the platform safer, but what they found was a company that knew their products were unsafe and just didn’t care. Nearly four years ago, I held my first hearing with a Meta whistleblower who detailed how Meta exploits our children online simply to maximize user engagement and boost their profits. Since then, we’ve seen a national movement of parents, legislators, whistleblowers, and kids that have said enough is enough; our children are more precious than the interests of depraved Big Tech CEOs; and that Congress must pass the bipartis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/technology/video-blackburn-speaks-with-father-who-lost-his-son-after-instagram-sextortion-scheme | VIDEO: Blackburn Speaks with Father Who Lost His Son After Instagram Sextortion Scheme | 2025-09-05 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a new episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ with Brian Montgomery, a father who tragically lost his 16-year-old son, Walker, to suicide after he was mercilessly sextorted on Instagram. Brian is a major advocate for Senator Blackburn’s Kids Online Safety Act and successfully fought to pass two bills named after his son in his home state of Mississippi. On Tuesday, Senator Blackburn will lead a hearing examining whistleblower allegations that Meta buried child safety research. She recently demanded Meta shut down its Instagram “map” feature and called for an investigation following a bombshell report that Meta’s internal AI rules allowed chatbots to engage in sensual conversations with children. Click hereto watch and click here to download this episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha.’ “Meta is using our children as a product. They’re making money off of them. They are selling their information. So, if you have a child or a grandchild, when they are online, they are the product… I want to welcome Brian Montgomery to Unmuted. Brian, I just want to say thank you. You've had this personal tragedy, and you've made safety of our children really a mission set, keeping our kids safe in the virtual space. And your son Walker took his life, and I want you just to talk a little bit about Walker and why it is so important to you that you have taken on this cause,” said Senator Blackburn. “When Walker went to bed the night of November the 30th, what we assumed was just a very normal night, and what we later found out that it was a normal night until midnight when somebody, when some predator from across the world attacked Walker through social media… In the course of two to four hours, Walker went from just going to bed on a normal night to having taken his own life,” said Montgomery. RELATED Blackburn, Grassley, Hawley Demand Answers on Meta’s Emotional Targeting of Children, Repeated Alleged Failures to Comply with Child Privacy Law ICYMI in Reuters: Blackburn Sh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/blackburn-cornyn-introduce-bills-to-end-cashless-bail-in-d-c-and-nationwide | Blackburn, Cornyn Introduce Bills to End Cashless Bail in D.C. and Nationwide | 2025-09-04 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced two bills that would keep violent criminals off American streets by ending cashless bail policies that empower criminals to reoffend. The Ending Cashless Bail in Our Nation’s Capital Act would ban cashless bail in Washington, D.C., and the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act would ban the award of certain federal funds to states and localities that limit the use of cash bail. Both bills are backed by the Trump administration. “Cashless bail and other soft-on-crime policies have empowered violent criminals across our country, putting the lives of law-abiding citizens at risk,” said Senator Blackburn. “President Trump is leading the charge to restore law and order by ending these failed policies, and Congresswoman Stefanik and I are backing his efforts by introducing two bills to end cashless bail and keep violent offenders behind bars.” “Cashless bail is a soft-on-crime policy that not only endangers innocent Americans, but also erodes trust in the justice system and drains law enforcement resources by forcing police to play a game of catch-and-release with repeat offenders,” said Senator Cornyn. “Washington, D.C. should be a shining city the world looks to as a model for safety and security, which is I’m why proud to work with President Trump and Senator Blackburn to end the use of cashless bail nationwide.” U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, will soon introduce both bills in the House of Representatives: “Under Kathy Hochul's failed leadership, cashless bail policies in New York pose a clear and present danger to the Nation and must be terminated,” said Chairwoman Stefanik. “Today, Sen. Marsha Blackburn and I are working alongside President Trump to end the cashless bail disaster. We can’t allow arrested individuals who are awaiting trial to be released back onto the streets to commit more crimes against their communities.” BACKGROUND Many soft-… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/jobs and economy/agriculture/crime/energy/health care/immigration/video-blackburn-shares-raving-reviews-from-tennesseans-on-the-one-big-beautiful-bill | VIDEO: Blackburn Shares Raving Reviews from Tennesseans on the One Big Beautiful Bill | 2025-09-04 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor after hearing from Tennesseans across the state last month who are celebrating how the One Big Beautiful Bill, Republicans’ ‘Working Families Tax Cut,’ is helping their families, their businesses, and their pocketbooks: Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED The One Big Beautiful Bill Reduces the Tax Burden for Tennessee Families, Seniors, and Small Business Owners Over the last few weeks, I’ve spoken with countless Tennesseans who are celebrating the One Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on their families, their businesses, and their pocketbooks. From my conversations, one thing is clear: This landmark law is already making America great again. Thanks to the law, Tennessee families will save an average of $2,600 next year on taxes and see a take-home pay increase of $10,000, providing much-needed relief after four years of Bidenflation. I’ve met with restaurant servers who spoke about how the law’s reduction of taxes on tips and overtime will ensure that they keep more of their hard-earned money. Across the state, I’ve heard from seniors who will benefit from a lower tax burden thanks to the legislation’s $6,000 bonus deduction. And millions of hardworking families are more confidently planning for the future thanks to the law’s enhanced child tax credit and expanded child care access. In chamber of commerce meetings, I’ve heard from small business owners who are hiring staff, purchasing new equipment, and investing in their communities after the legislation permanently extended President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, protecting more than 100,000 jobs in Tennessee. With provisions like 100 percent bonus depreciation and immediate expensing of Research & Development, companies will be able to power Tennessee’s manufacturing boom long into the future. Tax Cuts Empower Tennessee’s Farming Community to Pass on Their Legacy to the Next Generation At the Tennessee … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/crime/video-blackburn-praises-trump-s-d-c-crime-crackdown | VIDEO: Blackburn Praises Trump’s D.C. Crime Crackdown | 2025-09-03 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined a press conference highlighting the success of President Trump’s crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital. At the beginning of the press conference, Anna Giaritelli, a reporter at the Washington Examiner, shared her own tragic experience of being violently attacked and sexually assaulted in broad daylight in Washington, D.C. Watch the full press conference here, and click here to watch and download Senator Blackburn’s remarks. “When you talk to people that are living or working in areas where they have higher crime rates, you will hear them say, ‘I'm hopeful President Trump looks at what is happening here.’ If your local leaders are going to fail and not accept that responsibility to keep their community safe, then it is going to be up to the President to bring that attention to that city. In all of this discussion about crime, I have not talked to one single person that wants a gang to move into their neighborhood. They don't want a gang to have a hub or a house in their neighborhood. They don't want drug dealers, human traffickers, sex traffickers, pedophiles, [and] predators moving into their neighborhood. What they do want is a neighborhood that is going to be safe for their family, safe for their neighbors, and a neighborhood that is going to allow them to live and enjoy a wonderful quality of life.” – Senator Blackburn Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn’s remarks. RELATED Blackburn Introduces Bills to Combat Juvenile Crime and Crack Down on Carjacking Blackburn, Cotton, Kustoff Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect Americans from Violent Criminals | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/technology/blackburn-grassley-hawley-demand-answers-on-meta-s-emotional-targeting-of-children-repeated-alleged-failures-to-comply-with-child-privacy-law | Blackburn, Grassley, Hawley Demand Answers on Meta’s Emotional Targeting of Children, Repeated Alleged Failures to Comply with Child Privacy Law | 2025-09-02 | 2025 | 2025-09 | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) are demanding answers from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg following new disclosures outlining the company’s efforts to target teenagers based on their emotional state and Meta’s reported failure to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Senator Blackburn has led the charge to pass the Kids Online Safety Act to stop Big Tech companies from exploiting children on their platforms. Recently Senator Blackburn demanded accountability from Meta over reports that the company is failing to protect underage users from sensual discussions with AI-powered digital chatbots. She also raised concerns about Meta’s latest “map” feature on Instagram, which allows underage users to share their location with traffickers and pedophiles. Facebook’s Own Study Contradicts Claims It Doesn’t Offer Tools to Target People Based on Their Emotional State “Chairman Grassley’s office… obtained a draft PowerPoint that describes a 2014 study conducted by Facebook entitled Global Youth Study – Overview of Findings. In the study, Facebook analyzed the emotional behavior of 1,000 respondents aged 13 to 24 years old to determine how they respond to social media, whether they share branded material with peers, and what emotional triggers drive the spread of brand-based content. According to slide 170, the audience of the Global Youth Study is ‘influencers, agencies, brands, sales, other industry, and customers.’ This new information appears to contradict Facebook’s 2017 statement that it ‘does not offer tools to target people based on their emotional state.’” Meta Has Unlawfully Collected Data on Children and Exposed Them to Harm “Further, according to an April 10, 2025, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaint filed against Meta, the company allegedly allowed children under the age of 13 to register with adult accounts for the Horizon Worlds VR platform and failed to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/8/health care/blackburn-bennet-introduce-bill-to-support-lifesaving-emergency-services-in-rural-communities | Blackburn, Bennet Introduce Bill to Support Lifesaving Emergency Services in Rural Communities | 2025-08-29 | 2025 | 2025-08 | 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.) joined Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing the Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act that would improve access to emergency air medical services that are critical for saving lives, particularly in rural communities. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would utilize data collected under the No Surprises Act to update Medicare reimbursement rates for emergency air services. “During a medical emergency, Tennesseans living in rural communities shouldn’t have to worry about access to emergency medical transportation, including air ambulance,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act would preserve critical access to life-saving air ambulance services for Tennesseans and all Americans, no matter where they live.” “Coloradans should be able to trust that if they are sick or injured, they can get the medical attention they need, no matter where they live,” said Senator Bennet. “As air ambulance bases across rural America have been forced to close, people in rural communities have lost access to lifesaving care. This bipartisan bill builds on our efforts to bring transparency to our health care system and improves access to lifesaving care for all Americans.” The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Ron Estes (R-Kan.) and Suzan Delbene (D-Wash.) in the House of Representatives. BACKGROUND Air ambulances can be the difference between life and death – a 2019 study found injured patients transported by air ambulance were less likely to die than those taken by ground ambulance. Medicare beneficiaries account for nearly 40% of all air medical transports. While operational costs of air ambulance services have increased, Medicare reimbursements have not. A 2017 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that Medicare reimbursement rates for air ambulance services are significantly below the costs of providing care, especially in rural areas. The current Medicare r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z |
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