Press releases

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18,576 rows where chamber = "Senate" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/31/bennet-hickenlooper-slam-trumps-veto-of-their-finish-the-avc-act/ Bennet, Hickenlooper Slam Trump’s Veto of Their Finish the AVC Act 2025-12-31 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CO Michael F. Bennet B001267 www.bennet.senate.gov bennet https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ scraper Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed their bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act: “Nothing says ‘Make America Great Again’ like denying 50,000 rural Coloradans access to clean, affordable drinking water. President Trump’s first veto of his second term blocks a bipartisan bill that both the House and Senate passed unanimously, costs taxpayers nothing, and delivers safe, reliable water to rural communities that overwhelmingly supported him. Trump’s attacks on Southern Colorado are politics at its worst—putting personal and political grievances ahead of Americans. Southeastern Coloradans were promised the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit more than 60 years ago. With this veto, President Trump broke that promise and demonstrated exactly why so many Americans are fed up with Washington. We will keep fighting to make sure rural Coloradans get the clean drinking water they were promised.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/31/bennet-statement-on-federal-intervention-at-northwest-colorado-power-plant/ Bennet Statement on Federal Intervention at Northwest Colorado Power Plant 2025-12-31 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CO Michael F. Bennet B001267 www.bennet.senate.gov bennet https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ scraper Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement following the Department of Energy’s 202(c) 90-day order to require Craig Station’s Unit 1, a 427 MW coal-fired power plant in Northwest Colorado, to remain operational past its planned 2025 retirement: “President Trump’s so-called “energy emergency” is being used to justify tying the hands of utilities, forcing them to keep aging, outdated power plants open, often at high cost to the consumers they serve, whether or not it makes sense for energy reliability. It is unacceptable to burden ratepayers with these unnecessary costs. The Department of Energy (DOE) should be focused on doing everything it can to partner with transitioning communities and make energy more affordable. Instead, this administration is overriding business decisions and ignoring the costly consequences for Coloradans. “The DOE order is the latest in a string of attacks against Colorado, because we refuse to bend to the President. President Trump continues to take out his personal and political grievances on Coloradans who are already struggling to make ends meet. Federal intervention like this makes long-term planning impossible – this is not how you operate a business, plan an electric grid, or help a community stay prosperous. I am disappointed but not surprised by this continued revenge tour.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-slam-trumps-veto-of-their-finish-the-avc-act/ Hickenlooper, Bennet Slam Trump’s Veto of Their Finish the AVC Act 2025-12-31 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CO John W. Hickenlooper H000273 www.hickenlooper.senate.gov hickenlooper https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ scraper DENVER — U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed their bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act: “Nothing says ‘Make America Great Again’ like denying 50,000 rural Coloradans access to clean, affordable drinking water. President Trump’s first veto of his second term blocks a bipartisan bill that both the House and Senate passed unanimously, costs taxpayers nothing, and delivers safe, reliable water to rural communities that overwhelmingly supported him. Trump’s attacks on Southern Colorado are politics at its worst—putting personal and political grievances ahead of Americans. Southeastern Coloradans were promised the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit more than 60 years ago. With this veto, President Trump broke that promise and demonstrated exactly why so many Americans are fed up with Washington. We will keep fighting to make sure rural Coloradans get the clean drinking water they were promised.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.moreno.senate.gov/press-releases/moreno-recaps-first-year-successes-for-ohio Moreno Recaps First Year Successes For Ohio 2025-12-31 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate OH Bernie Moreno M001242 www.moreno.senate.gov moreno https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) recapped his work for Ohio in his first year in the U.S. Senate. Senator Moreno’s 2025 Statistics: Introduced 25 pieces of legislation Co-sponsored 48 pieces of bipartisan legislation Secured more than $35 million for Ohio projects Visited 48 counties in Ohio Solved 2,364 constituent cases Hosted over 50 constituent coffees in Washington, D.C. Welcomed four cabinet secretaries to tour Ohio Sat for over 250 interviews with Ohio TV and radio stations Joined the Senate Whip team to help pass President Trump’s legislative priorities Fighting for Ohio: Senator Moreno worked to secure $1.3 billion in funding for rural hospitals across Ohio in the One Big Beautiful Bill. After the closure of the historic Chillicothe Paper Mill, Senator Moreno worked to encourage investment in the community and bring good-paying jobs to hardworking families in Ross County. Following a brutal attack on a woman in Cincinnati, Senator Moreno fought for accountability alongside local law enforcement. After the historic passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Senator Moreno held a three-day, 18 county tour to hear directly from constituents, small business owners, and tour manufacturing plants. Reindustrialization and the American Auto Industry: Senator Moreno introduced the USA CAR Act to promote American manufacturing and allow Ohioans to write off interest on auto loans for U.S.-made cars. The USA CAR Act was included in the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Senator Moreno introduced the Transportation Freedom Act to reverse nonsensical EV mandates, make an historic investment in American auto workers, and streamline our regulatory processes. Securing the Border and Restoring Law and Order: Senator Moreno introduced the Refugees Using Legal Entry Safely (RULES) Act to reform the broken asylum system. To protect American workers and college graduates, Senator Moreno introduced the HIRE Act. If companies want to hire foreign workers instead of Americans, hi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-ninth-circuit-court-order-returning-control-of-national-guard-to-california/ Padilla Statement on Ninth Circuit Court Order Returning Control of National Guard to California 2025-12-31 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted its stay on a federal judge’s order barring the Trump Administration from deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles, ending the federalization of California’s National Guard and returning authority over them to the state: “Today’s order affirms what we’ve said from the beginning: the Trump Administration’s choice to federalize and deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles was unlawful. This deployment is reckless, harmful, and an abuse of executive power that has put service members in an impossible position. “The fight is not over but I look forward to the remaining service members returning to their families, their jobs, and their primary critical missions as soon as possible.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=B6BF6C33-92F6-4587-8F5C-F59D674DF378 Klobuchar and Local Duluth Business Owners Advocate to Change Federal Hemp Ban 2025-12-30 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MN Amy Klobuchar K000367 www.klobuchar.senate.gov klobuchar https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases scraper DULUTH, MN — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Ryan Kopperud, Vice President of Growth for Birdie at Wild State Cider, and Adam Ruhland, CEO of Wild State Cider, to advocate to change the recently enacted federal ban on hemp. Klobuchar is working across the aisle to change it. “A one-size fits all approach to hemp regulation doesn't work for states like Minnesota that already have strong safety standards in place,” said Klobuchar. “We can protect our kids and support our small businesses — Minnesota’s model proves that’s possible. Under current state rules, small businesses like Wild State Cider are licensed, meet labeling and packaging standards, and ensure their products are available only to adults. I want our state’s small businesses and farmers to know: I’ve got your back.” “What’s at stake here is not just one business. Not just one taproom. It’s manufacturers, distributors, retailers, farmers, labs—the entire system behind these hemp products people already trust. Responsible, compliant, transparent businesses, and the jobs, revenue, and tax base that come with them. This is what happens when policy meets reality. And that reality—for us and for thousands of Minnesota businesses—is frankly terrifying,” said Ryan Kopperud, Vice President of Growth for Birdie at Wild State Cider. Wild State Cider is a well-known cidery based in Duluth that was founded in 2019. The cidery specializes in producing ciders made with natural ingredients. In 2023, Wild State Cider launched a successful line of THC-infused products called “Birdie.” However, a recent bill signed into law includes provisions that could severely impact Minnesota’s hemp industry by banning many products currently manufactured in the state. Senator Klobuchar voted against the bill and voted for an amendment by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to remove the provision impacting Minnesota’s hemp businesses. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-and-expand-mental-health-services-in-michigans-rural-communities Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen and Expand Mental Health Services in Michigan’s Rural Communities 2025-12-30 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MI Gary C. Peters P000595 www.peters.senate.gov garypeters https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand mental health services in Michigan’s rural communities. The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act – which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) – aims to help states grow their behavioral health workforce, particularly in rural areas, to ensure mental health resources are accessible across the state. Specifically, the bill would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to issue guidance for states on ways to increase education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance-use disorder providers under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. “I’m proud to join my colleague in leading this bipartisan bill to help ensure all Michiganders can access quality mental health care from trained professionals. With the demand for mental health support higher than ever before, this commonsense legislation would help states strengthen this critical workforce to expand the mental health services available in rural and underserved communities,” said Senator Peters. The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Peters has been a consistent advocate for mental health care, supporting policies that expand access to quality, affordable treatment. Earlier this year, Peters introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase access to care in areas experiencing shortages of mental health care professionals. In 2024, Peters also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand access to telemental health care. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-further-award-of-more-than-215-million-for-rural-nebraska-healthcare/ Ricketts Celebrates Further Award of More than $215 Million for Rural Nebraska Healthcare 2025-12-30 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate NE Pete Ricketts R000618 www.ricketts.senate.gov ricketts https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum= scraper Omaha, NE — Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated the award of Rural Health Transformation Program grant money for rural healthcare in Nebraska. This funding comes from a program that was created by Congress earlier this year in the Working Families Tax Cut to strengthen rural healthcare. Senator Ricketts voted in support of the bill. “This is how you keep rural communities thriving,” said Ricketts. “The Rural Health Transformation Program was an important part of the Working Families Tax Cut that Senate Republicans passed earlier this year. This is an investment in the future of rural healthcare and in the future of Nebraska.” BACKGROUND: The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced awards to all 50 states under the Rural Health Transformation Program. The program, created by Congress earlier this year as part of the Working Families Tax Cut, committed $50 billion to invest in rural healthcare. 50% percent of this funding is split equally among the states, 50% percent is awarded after an application process. Nebraska was awarded an additional $218,529,075. As a part of CMS’ application guidelines, awarded money is to be used to help rural communities expand care reach, strengthen and sustain clinical workforce, modernize rural health infrastructure and technology, drive efficiency, empower community providers, and advance innovative care models. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-designate-anti-communism-week-and-honor-victims-of-communist-regimes Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Designate Anti-Communism Week and Honor Victims of Communist Regimes 2025-12-30 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate FL Rick Scott S001217 www.rickscott.senate.gov rickscott https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/ page_html WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced the introduction of legislation to designate the first week of every November as Anti-Communism Week and request an annual presidential proclamation recognizing the victims of communist regimes worldwide. This bill builds on President Trump’s 2025 Anti-Communism Week proclamation and reinforces America’s commitment to freedom, liberty, and dignity across the globe. Senator Marsha Blackburn is a cosponsor in the Senate. Companion legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar. Senator Rick Scott said, “Communism is one of the most destructive and deadly ideologies in human history, responsible for the suffering and deaths of millions while crushing freedom wherever it takes hold. As a nation founded on liberty and individual freedoms, we must never forget these horrors or allow dangerous ideals to be repackaged, idealized, or sold to future generations. Designating Anti-Communism Week serves as a reminder of this evil ideology and reaffirms America’s unwavering commitment to freedom and opportunity for all.” Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “Communism has claimed over 100 million lives by suppressing freedom, erasing faith, and destroying the prosperity that comes from hard work. The Anti-Communism Week Act would designate November 2 through 8 as a time to honor those victims, stand firm for liberty, and ensure this destructive ideology ends up on the ash heap of history.” Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar said, “Communism has left a trail of death, suffering, and shattered nations across the globe, from Cuba to China, from Venezuela to North Korea. Too many Americans, especially in our schools, are now dangerously unaware of the real history and real horrors behind these failed systems. That’s why I’m proud to lead the Anti-Communism Week bill, which formally designates a week when we will reaffirm America’s commitment to freedom, educate our youth about the deadly consequences of communist ideology, and honor… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/over-the-past-year-schatz-worked-to-protect-federal-funding-for-hawaii-amid-national-cuts-secured-more-than-1-billion-to-support-mauis-recovery-improve-infrastructure-expand-high-speed-internet-across-the-state Over The Past Year, Schatz Worked To Protect Federal Funding For Hawai‘i Amid National Cuts; Secured More Than $1 Billion To Support Maui’s Recovery, Improve Infrastructure, Expand High-Speed Internet Across The State 2025-12-30 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – In 2025, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) worked to protect Hawai‘i from significant cuts to federal funding by the Administration across the country and helped secure more than $1 billion for Hawai‘i to support Maui’s ongoing recovery, expand high-speed internet, and improve airports and infrastructure, among other things. “This year, we delivered more than $1 billion to Hawai‘i, including funding to support Maui’s ongoing recovery, help upgrade airports and health centers, and expand high-speed internet. My top priority always is making sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars, and together with the delegation and state and local leaders, we’re going to continue working to lower costs and support families and communities across the state,” said Senator Schatz. Funding highlights include: Nearly $31 million to expand high-speed internet statewide. The federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 will be used to build out and improve broadband infrastructure statewide. Nearly $9.8 million to support the ongoing recovery effort on Maui following the devastating fires. The funding, which Schatz helped secure, will help the community of Lahaina rebuild the Waiola Church, Hale Aloha Museum, the Old Lahaina Courthouse Building, and the Master’s Reading Room. More than $70 million for Kona International Airport. The federal funding for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, the largest airport on Hawai‘i Island and the state’s second international entry point, will be used to help complete KOA’s ongoing runway rehabilitation project. $1 million for the Lana?i Community Health Center. The funding will support the Lana?i Community Health Center, a nonprofit and federally qualified health center serving the island of Lana?i, to purchase equipment. More than $140 million for the Red Hill Water Treatment Plant. The funding will help build a water treatment facility provides a drinking water treatment facility at the Red Hill water supply shaft and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-fox-news-senator-banks-demands-probe-of-minnesota-childcare-fraud/ ICYMI: Fox News: Senator Banks Demands Probe of Minnesota Childcare Fraud 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate IN Jim Banks B001299 www.banks.senate.gov banks https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Alex Adams urging the department to investigate and review Minnesota’s childcare contracts in light of recent instances of childcare fraud. See excerpts from the story below or read the full story here. Read the full letter here. EXCLUSIVE: Senator Jim Banks, R-Ind., is pushing for a federal investigation after sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) calling forthe agency to construct investigative reports of Somali networks as the roughly $9 billion fraud scandal in Minnesota continues to unfold. The Indiana senator pointed out that the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program is administered by the state government, but is largely funded by federal tax dollars through two programs that provide roughly $300 million in federal childcare subsidies to Minnesota. On Sunday, Banks sent a letter to Alex J. Adams, the Assistant Secretary for Family Support, leading the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at HHS. “I urge ACF to investigate reports of Somali networks creating fake ‘daycare centers’ as vehicles to steal millions of dollars from Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which administers hundreds of millions of dollars in federal childcare subsidies each year,” Banks’ letter to HHS reads. “Clearly, the Walz administration has failed to meet the most basic benchmarks required by ACF,” Banks explained. “Any unlawful behavior uncovered in ACF’s investigation must be immediately referred to the proper federal authorities including ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and Federal prosecutors.” “I will not stand by while tax dollars meant to support hardworking families are stolen and state officials refuse to act,” Banks added. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-applauds-205-million-award-for-wyomings-rural-health-fund/ Barrasso Applauds $205 Million Award for Wyoming’s Rural Health Fund 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate WY John Barrasso B001261 www.barrasso.senate.gov barrasso https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/ scraper Wyoming will receive $205,004,743 to implement its plan to expand rural healthcare access, stabilize rural hospitals and make Wyoming healthy again. CASPER, WY — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) announced the State of Wyoming’s application for the $50 billion rural health fund, created by the Working Families Tax Cut Act, has been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Wyoming will receive $205,004,743 in 2026 to implement its plan to expand rural healthcare access, stabilize rural hospitals and make Wyoming healthy again. “The State of Wyoming has a smart and targeted plan to address our unique healthcare challenges,” said Barrasso. “With this over $205 million award, Wyoming can get to work expanding access to care, recruiting and training new health providers and strengthening rural healthcare across our state. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut Act, rural health providers will have the funding and resources we need to keep caring for patients in frontier communities.” The Working Families Tax Cut Act created a Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. RHT Program funding is $50 billion to be allocated to approved States over five fiscal years, with $10 billion of funding available each fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 2026 and ending in fiscal year 2030. This will give Wyoming hospitals, clinics, and health centers access to more than $500 million to help ensure high-quality care remains available across our frontier state. States were required to submit a plan by early November for how they would use these funds and apply to CMS to receive these grants. On December 29, 2025, CMS announced the awards for each state. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
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.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/a-year-of-results-for-alabama-families/ A Year of Results for Alabama Families 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AL Katie Boyd Britt B001319 www.britt.senate.gov britt https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ scraper The past year has certainly been a memorable one—and, more importantly, a rewarding one. Beginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through the Senate and to President Trump’s desk—and seeing it become the first bill he signed into law in his second term—was just the start of what we have accomplished for Alabamians and Americans alike. President Trump and Republicans campaigned on cracking down on illegal migration, and this legislation sent an immediate and unmistakable message to the nation: we intended to keep that promise. Since then, in less than a year, border crossings have reached historic lows, and as a result, countless lives have been saved. Whether it’s stopping deadly fentanyl or violent criminals from crossing our border, the success in securing our nation is undeniable. Another issue Republicans were tasked with cleaning up is an inherited economy plagued by record inflation, soaring grocery prices, and an energy industry in shambles. Under Republican leadership, significant strides have been made to restore affordability and economic stability, starting with unleashing American energy. President Biden ended his term with the highest gas prices in our nation’s history. In less than a year, average gas prices dropped to their lowest level in more than four years. This didn’t happen by chance. Energy prices are finally lowering thanks to cutting government red tape and overturning Biden-era regulations that were suffocating our energy producers. This has resulted in lower energy costs, which are a critical first step to bring down prices across the board, namely groceries. Making America energy dominant again is just one piece of the puzzle, though. Another landmark piece of legislation Republicans delivered was the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. This resulted in the largest tax cut in U.S. history, putting millions of Americans on track to keep more of their hard-earned money. Whether it’s a larger tax refund, no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, or Social Security relief for seniors… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2025/12/29/senator-budd-issues-statement-after-cms-announces-213m-in-funding-for-north-carolinas-rural-hospitals/ Senator Budd Issues Statement After CMS Announces $213M+ in Funding for North Carolina’s Rural Hospitals 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate NC Ted Budd B001305 www.budd.senate.gov budd https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined members of the North Carolina congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Dr. Mehmet Oz, expressing strong support for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service’s (DHHS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application. Today, CMS allocated $213,008,356 in funding for North Carolina’s rural hospitals, which was previously approved in the Working Families Tax Cut Act signed into law earlier this year. In a statement following the announcement, Senator Budd said: “North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in America, home to 7.6% of our nation’s rural residents. Today’s announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of $213 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program will greatly benefit patients across our state. While I was proud to support the inclusion of this funding in the Working Families Tax Cut Act, it is unfortunate that the State’s application was not appropriately coordinated with federal officials and did not request funding levels that more accurately correlate with our significant rural population.” Read the full text of the letter HERE and below. Dear Administrator Oz: As members of the North Carolina congressional delegation, we express our strong support for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application. We respectfully request that you approve the application in full before the December 31 deadline. Approval will allow our state, which has three million rural residents across 85 counties—the second-largest rural population in the nation—to expand proven innovative models, foster sustainable innovation, and strengthen our rural workforce. While our state’s application requested a funding amount equal to 2 percent of total RHTP dollars available, North Carolina accounts for 7.6 p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-applauds-historic-rural-health-care-investment-for-west-virginia Capito Applauds Historic Rural Health Care Investment for West Virginia 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate WV Shelley Moore Capito C001047 www.capito.senate.gov capito https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today applauded the Trump administration’s announcement awarding nearly $200 million to West Virginia through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic initiative established by Republicans under the One Big Beautiful Bill, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. West Virginia will receive $199,476,099 as part of the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history—an initiative that every single Democrat voted against. “For rural states like West Virginia, this historic investment is transformative, and it proves that President Trump and Republicans are delivering real results for rural America. In the crafting of this legislation that impacts every American, I was proud to help shape the Rural Health Transformation Program from the start and to support the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that made this funding possible. Today’s announcement means more West Virginians can access care, stronger rural hospitals, and a more sustainable health care future,” Senator Capito said. BACKGROUND: The Rural Health Transformation Program was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Through innovative system-wide change, the Rural Health Transformation Program invests in the rural healthcare delivery ecosystem for future generations. Senator Capito played a significant role in the creation of the Rural Health Transformation Program and has long been a leading voice in Congress for strengthening rural health care systems. She also voted in favor of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which established this landmark investment. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-over-19-5-million-to-improve-louisiana-roadway-safety-from-his-infrastructure-bill/ Cassidy Secures Over $19.5 Million to Improve Louisiana Roadway Safety from His Infrastructure Bill 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate LA Bill Cassidy C001075 www.cassidy.senate.gov cassidy https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $19,517,973 in federal funding from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The funding will help communities across the state improve traffic safety, reduce serious injuries and fatalities, and make local roads safer for families, pedestrians, and first responders. “Too many Louisiana families have had their lives changed forever by preventable traffic accidents,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding I secured is going directly to Louisiana communities to make our streets safer.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-announces-281-million-for-texas-from-new-rural-health-transformation-program/ Cornyn Announces $281 Million for Texas from New Rural Health Transformation Program 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov cornyn https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/ scraper AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement announcing that the Trump administration has allocated $281,319,361 for Texas from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which Sen. Cornyn supported as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts: “I was proud to vote to create the new Rural Health Transformation Program to improve health care for the millions of Texans living in rural areas across the Lone Star State,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m grateful to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Oz, and the Trump administration for allocating Texas this significant funding, which is yet another example of the Working Families Tax Cuts benefitting all Texans.” Background: Earlier this month, Sen. Cornyn and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with members of the Texas congressional delegation to Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Mehmet Oz, urging him to prioritize funding for the State of Texas. Sen. Cornyn also released a statement in support of Texas’ application in November. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/north-dakota-awarded-nearly-200-million-for-rural-health-transformation-plan North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million for Rural Health Transformation Plan 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate ND Kevin Cramer C001096 www.cramer.senate.gov cramer https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper BISMARCK, N.D. – When Congress passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, it established the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to strengthen rural health care by providing states funding to support innovation, expand access, and enhance quality of care. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services will receive $199 million in initial funding for its RHTP. North Dakota’s approved application includes a five-year plan to strengthen and stabilize its rural workforce, bring high quality health care closer to home, and confront immediate threats to rural health while building lasting sustainability. “Rural hospitals are essential to the health and economic stability of their communities,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “The creation of this fund reflects a clear commitment by the Trump administration to prioritize rural healthcare and protect access to care where it is needed most. I look forward to this money getting to North Dakota and providing the support it was designed to deliver.” “North Dakota is taking bold steps to restore health, opportunity, and dignity to our prairies,” the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services said in its application. “North Dakota’s RHTP delivers practical investments that honor local and tribal values, protect rural independence, and get America back to what matters: healthy people, prosperous communities, and common-sense service delivery.” The unprecedented funding provides key opportunities for North Dakota’s rural health care systems: Strengthens and Stabilizes Rural Health Workforce: The funding allows rural hospitals in North Dakota to expand rural healthcare training programs, improve retention in rural and Tribal communities, and use technology as an extender for rural providers. Makes North Dakota Healthy Again: North Dakota’s RHTP initiatives support the launch of Eat Well ND to enhance nutrition education for North Dakotans, initiates ND Moves Together to provide edu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.daines.senate.gov/2025/12/29/icymi-daines-op-ed-2025-was-a-historic-year-for-montana/ ICYMI: Daines Op-Ed: 2025 Was a Historic Year for Montana 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate MT Steve Daines D000618 www.daines.senate.gov daines https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines wrote an op-ed for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle recapping 2025’s historic wins for Montana. Read it below. 2025 Was a Historic Year for Montana Bozeman Daily Chronicle Senator Steve Daines December 27th, 2025 2025 was a historic year for Montana. Tim Sheehy, a former Navy Seal, joined me in the U.S. Senate, along with Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke in the U.S. House. Working together, we’ve made major strides advancing Montana priorities, from increasing our energy dominance, protecting our public lands, and supporting farmers, ranchers, veterans, and working families. We now have a majority in the U.S. Senate, which allowed us to quickly confirm President Trump’s cabinet as well as excellent Montana candidates to serve us on the federal level — Kurt Alme to serve as our U.S. Attorney and Bill Mercer to serve as a district judge. I worked around the clock with my colleagues in the Senate to implement the president’s agenda as quickly as possible. On Independence Day, I stood with President Trump at the White House as he signed the Working Families Tax Cut, which delivered the largest tax cuts in American history. Montana families will see the effects in 2026, when their take-home pay is boosted by over $10,000 a year and there are no taxes on tips. The bill also included my provision to save the Bull Mountains Mine, which protects Montana’s energy dominance and saved over 300 good-paying Montana mining jobs. And as a lifelong sportsman, protecting our public lands is one of my top priorities. That’s why I was proud to block a provision from being included in the bill that would have sold millions of acres of our public lands. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership we’ve saved Montana energy. In addition to keeping the Bull Mountains Mine open, he also signed into law my bill to reverse a disastrous Biden administration anti-coal rule that would have blocked future coal leasing in eastern Montana and caused the loss of billions of dollars in revenue to our state. Add… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-key-2025-efforts-as-2025-draws-to-a-close Duckworth Highlights Key 2025 Efforts as 2025 Draws to a Close 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As 2025 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “Whether helping nearly 2,900 Illinoisans recover more than $13 million the federal government owed them, passing a law making it easier for new parents to travel with critical breast milk supplies, pushing back against Trump and Republicans as they work to jack up costs for everything from groceries to health care, fighting Donald Trump’s illegal and reckless invasion of our state or getting Veterans’ jobs back after this Administration cruelly fired Veterans Crisis Line workers—I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to do this past year,” Duckworth said. “While this year was far too difficult for far too many in our community, I am as committed as ever to showing up and getting things done for my fellow Illinoisans—and all those who feel targeted by the Trump Administration. I look forward to continuing my work for our state in 2026.” Over the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to over 1,047,000 emails as well as other messages and assisted more than 2,800 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $13.2 million in Social Security payments, Veterans’ benefits, tax refunds and more for her constituents. A select list of Duckworth’s accomplishments from the past year is below. Duckworth hosted a series of town halls and telephone town halls this year to hear directly from her constituents on how the Trump Administration is negatively impacting their lives and the lives of their families and communities, hearing from Illinoisans in McHenry County, Rockford, Carbondale and throughout Chicagoland. Key Efforts: Duckworth’s Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act Became Law: After passing the House and unanimously passing the Senate, bipartisan legislation authored and championed by Senator Duckworth to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeed… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shares-overview-of-his-2025-policy-and-oversight-achievements Grassley Shares Overview of His 2025 Policy and Oversight Achievements 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate IA Chuck Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov grassley https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases scraper BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is sharing an overview of his 2025 legislative and oversight work on behalf of Iowans. “It’s an honor serving the people of Iowa every day. I’m happy to report that Senate Republicans made a great impact this year by preventing the largest tax increase in U.S. history and ending the Biden Border Crisis, providing American families with increased safety and prosperity. In 2026, I’ll continue my efforts to bring down costs for Iowans and make government more accountable and transparent. We’ve got more work to do to lower the price of prescription drugs, pass a five-year Farm Bill and root out wasteful spending. I encourage all Iowans to share their views with me while I continue working for them in Washington,” Grassley said. Click HERE to read Grassley's 2025 Year in Review. Table of Contents: 1 Welcome Numbers to Know 2 Iowa: Number One in the Senate HIStory Series 3 Every County, Every Year 4 Year One of Trump’s Second Term 5 Tax Cuts for Working Families 6 Advancing Iowa’s Clean Energy Future 7 Agriculture Pushing for Year-Round, Nationwide E15 Lowering the High Cost of Fertilizer Supporting Farm Aid 9 Health Care Protecting Rural Health Care and Supporting Telehealth Preserving and Strengthening Medicaid Cracking down on Obamacare Fraud Lowering Prescription Drug Prices through PBM Transparency Caring for Rural Iowans 11 The Senate Judiciary Committee | Chairman Chuck Grassley About the Committee Ending the Biden Border Crisis Supporting the American Workforce Putting President Trump’s Team in Place Lifetime Judicial Appointments Breaking Through the Partisan Blockade Fighting Unconstitutional Judicial Overreach Keeping an Eye on the Courts Restoring Law and Order Delivering for American Communities Combating Organized Retail Crime Halting the Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Safeguarding Children 17 Transparency Brings Accountability 18 Arctic Frost: A Scandal Worse than Watergate 19 Standing Strong at Home and Abroad … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-historic-investment-in-iowa-rural-health-care-from-republicans-working-family-tax-cuts-law Grassley Welcomes Historic Investment in Iowa Rural Health Care from Republicans’ Working Family Tax Cuts Law 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate IA Chuck Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov grassley https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases scraper BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, welcomed news from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that Iowa will receive $209,040,064 in Fiscal Year 2026 from the Rural Health Transformation Fund to boost hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers and other rural providers. “Senate Republicans fought hard to ensure our Working Family Tax Cuts Law included significant funding for rural communities. I was proud to help craft this legislation that provides the largest federal investment in rural health care in history. It’s fantastic news that Iowa will receive $209 million in the next year to support its Healthy Hometowns program and revitalize rural care across the state. I thank Governor Reynolds and her team for working with my office and our congressional delegation to make this substantial investment in Iowa health care,” Grassley said. Background: The rural health care funding comes from the Grassley-backed Working Family Tax Cuts law, titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In addition to preventing the largest tax increase in history and providing major investments in border security and law enforcement, the law includes a historic investment in rural health care. Last month, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the state had submitted its “Healthy Hometowns” application for a portion of the law’s funding. Iowa’s plan is aimed at building a high-quality, sustainable system of care that improves the health, well-being and quality of life in rural communities across the state. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-north-dakota-awarded-nearly-200-million-from-one-big-beautiful-bill-rural-health-transformation-fund Hoeven: North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million From One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Fund 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov hoeven https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases scraper Hoeven: North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million From One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Fund State Receiving Initial Funds for FY26, Expected to Receive $500 Million Over Five Years BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced North Dakota will receive more than $198 million from the One Big Beautiful Bill’s (OB3) Rural Health Transformation Fund for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The state is expected to receive a total of $500 million over five years to improve health care quality and access in rural areas, using the funds to: Build and retain a rural health workforce. Prevent chronic disease and reduce costs. Leverage telehealth and care coordination to bring health care closer to home, while improving the timeliness of care. Hoeven worked to support the state as it developed its application for the program, which was submitted in November. A summary of North Dakota’s application can be found here. “This nearly $200 million award is a tremendous step toward implementing North Dakota’s plan for creating a more accessible and robust health care system for our rural communities,” said Hoeven. “With nearly $500 million expected to be awarded to the state over the next five years, these funds will help address staffing needs over the long-term, open up new care opportunities for local residents and improve efficiency to reduce providers’ costs. Through efforts like these, we can improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans across our state and support the continued resiliency of our rural communities.” As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to empower local communities to better meet their health care needs. This includes leveraging Rural Development loans and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) reimbursement to build state-of-the-art hospitals in communities like Rugby, Grafton and Hazen and improve health care access in those regions. Hoeven also advanced a multi-year effort to ensure the best possible health care for the residents of the Devil… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=23E19F2B-B66D-4C93-BA00-907571B2B5F2 McConnell Helps Secure More Than $212 Million in Federal Funding for Kentucky Rural Hospitals 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate KY Mitch McConnell M000355 www.mcconnell.senate.gov mcconnell https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded $212,905,591 in federal funds for investment in rural healthcare. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services will receive funding from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program which was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that Senator McConnell voted in support of. The federal funding distributed this year to Kentucky will be directed toward rural hospitals and will be used in a variety of ways approved by statute. “This significant investment in healthcare is a major win for Kentucky’s rural hospitals and providers,” said Senator McConnnell. “I was proud to help secure the Rural Health Transformation fund in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that Congress passed earlier this year. This legislation helped strengthen safety nets for Kentuckians most in need and works toward a more sustainable and innovative healthcare system in rural areas throughout our country and the Commonwealth.” This federal program was established to help implement structural reforms to failing rural healthcare systems in place of prior temporary patches. The main goals of the program include sustainable access to care, workforce development, innovative care, and innovation in technology to promote healthy lifestyles for Americans. The federal funding will be allocated to approved states over five years. All 50 states were eligible to apply for funding from the RHT, and half of the funds will be distributed equally to approved states while the other half will be allocated based on state metrics and applications to maximize impact as well as address needs. 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C379D510-3516-412F-943B-FC5C0D7BE2D7 Sen. Moran Applauds $222 Million for Kansas Rural Hospitals from First Year of CMS Rural Health Transformation Program 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate KS Jerry Moran M000934 www.moran.senate.gov moran https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement that Kansas will receive $222 million for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. This allotment will be awarded for 2026, the first year of the five-year program. The RHT was created in the Reconciliation Bill to direct CMS to work with states to identify the root challenges facing rural health providers and invest in solutions to improve outcomes for struggling providers. “The Rural Health Transformation Program is a significant investment in rural health care and will help improve outcomes for struggling hospitals, invest in new technology and bolster rural communities,” said Sen. Moran. “I worked with my colleagues to establish this fund, and these resources will now be tailored to meet the individual needs of rural health care in each state with no match required by the state. I look forward to working with our health care leaders and state leaders to make certain Kansas providers are able to use these resources to improve the long-term success of rural providers.” Sen. Moran helped establish the rural provider fund as a part of the Reconciliation Bill, which was signed into law by the President on July 4. On July 3, Sen. Moran joined a town hall with more than 100 Kansas hospital leaders to outline changes made in the Reconciliation Bill for rural hospitals specifically, highlighting the Rural Health Transformation Program. Items to note: Funds from the RHT program will be allocated to approved states over five years, with $10 billion available each year from Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2030. Kansas will receive one of the highest amounts from the RHT program, exceeded by only five other states. The funding requires no state match; it is a federal-only investment aimed at helping to improve outcomes for struggling healthcare providers. This is a one-time application with no renewal required, making certain states and providers have access t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-on-rural-health-transformation-fund-alaska-has-an-extraordinary-opportunity Murkowski on Rural Health Transformation Fund: “Alaska has an extraordinary opportunity.” 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Anchorage, AK – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative established through the reconciliation bill. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) highlighted the opportunity presented to Alaska’s rural health care system through the newly expanded fund, which will deliver $272 million per year to Alaska for the next five years. “During the reconciliation negotiations, protecting health care access for rural communities in Alaska and across the country was my top priority,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “As one of the lead advocates to double the Rural Health Transformation Fund from $25 billion to $50 billion, I was intent on ensuring our rural providers had the resources to adapt, innovate, and continue to deliver care in challenging environments like ours. In addition to the funding, I fought for key provisions, including exemptions for Tribal members from SNAP and Medicaid work requirements and greater flexibility for states like Alaska to exempt regions with limited job availability. These safeguards will matter just as much as the funding. Taken together, they position Alaska well for the future and recognize the realities facing our rural and remote communities. We have an extraordinary opportunity in front of us, and I’m committed to working with our partners in the state to seize it.” Background: The Rural Health Transformation Fund was conceived during negotiations on H.R. 1. The fund provides $50 billion nationwide over five years (FY 2026–2031), including a $100 million per-state base allocation each year. Alaska will receive $272 million annually—totaling $1.36 billion over five years—to support rural health care priorities such as maternal and child health, access to essential services, preventive care, workforce recruitment and retention, and health care technology. Senator Murkowski’s negotiations directly led to the doubling of the fund from $25 billion to $50 billion. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2025-end-of-year-report Murphy Releases 2025 End Of Year Report 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Christopher Murphy M001169 www.murphy.senate.gov chrismurphy https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday released his 2025 End of Year Report. In a year marked by turmoil, Senator Murphy joined with elected leaders, civic organizers, and Connecticut residents to defend Americans’ rights and fight for a better future. This report highlights the measures Sen. Murphy and his office took to stand up to Trump’s corruption and deliver for Connecticut families. As Donald Trump systematically dismantled programs working people rely on, while transforming the government into a tool of personal enrichment, Murphy helped deliver federal dollars to Connecticut while taking action to unrig our economy and democracy from billionaire interests. This year, Murphy and his office: Introduced or co-sponsored 270 pieces of legislation and amendments, including 91 bills, resolutions, or amendments as the lead sponsor; Completed his ninth Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 67 miles, 11 towns, and hundreds of conversations with Connecticut residents along the way; Engaged with over 436,800 calls, emails, and letters; Returned more than $7 million to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies; Helped over 3,233 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-200-million-rural-health-care-investment-for-south-carolina/ Sen. Tim Scott Applauds $200 Million Rural Health Care Investment for South Carolina 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate SC Tim Scott S001184 www.scott.senate.gov timscott https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list scraper CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today released the following statement on the Trump administration’s announcement that South Carolina will receive more than $200 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program: “Access to health care should not be determined by one’s ZIP code. The $50 billion investment in rural health care established through the Working Families Tax Cut, which was advanced by Republican Members of Congress and signed into law by President Trump, demonstrates our commitment to improving life for every American,” said Sen. Scott. “I was proud to champion this historic funding that will benefit South Carolinians by ensuring rural families in the Palmetto State and nationwide have access to life-saving care closer to home.” The Working Families Tax Cut authorized the Rural Health Transformation Program, and all 50 states will benefit from the $50 billion initiative, marking the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history. The funds allocated to South Carolina will support initiatives such as expanding telehealth and improving chronic disease management, including Sickle Cell Disease, both issues that Sen. Scott has long championed. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-272-million-investment-in-alaskas-health-care-system Sullivan Welcomes $272 Million Investment in Alaska’s Health Care System 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today welcomed a $272 million award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen Alaska’s health care system, the first of five annual awards for Alaska under the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Sen. Sullivan was one of the lead authors of the $50 billion fund in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the budget reconciliation bill signed into law in July, that established the RHTP. The program is intended to help states expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize rural facilities and technology, and support innovative models that bring high-quality, dependable care closer to home. Sen. Sullivan announced the award at a press conference today in Anchorage alongside Governor Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska), Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska), and Alaska Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg. “This is the biggest investment in rural health care in American history, and certainly the largest investment in Alaska’s health care system from the federal government in our state’s history,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The $272 million per year that Alaska will receive for five years—nearly $1.4 billion from the federal government—is a generational opportunity to transform our health care system. It gives our communities, state officials, and the Legislature the opportunity and freedom to design a health care system that reflects Alaska’s unique needs. This is the opposite of the one-size-fits-all approach we too often see from Washington, DC. This funding will help keep care closer to home, reduce the need for costly and disruptive travel, strengthen rural clinics, and stabilize our health care workforce. With the application the Dunleavy administration put forth, this award is an example of the power of local, tribal and state leaders, and our federal delegation—all the stakeholders—working together to get results for Alaskans.” According to CMS, the funding will be used by states to impleme… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-joins-cnns-state-of-the-union-to-discuss-protecting-minors-from-the-growing-threat-of-big-tech-ai/ U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins CNN’s State of the Union to Discuss Protecting Minors from the Growing Threat of Big Tech, AI 2025-12-28 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AL Katie Boyd Britt B001319 www.britt.senate.gov britt https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ scraper ‘How many parents … are going to have to come and tell us a devastating story before we actually pass legislation?’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined CNN’s Jake Tapper on a special edition of State of the Union, which focused on the growing threat of Big Tech and artificial intelligence (AI). On raising teenagers in the age of social media and AI: “I often say I don’t have to ask people what it’s like to raise kids right now, I am living it. We have two teenagers … 15 and 16. And so when you come with that perspective, you know that there are parents out there that are looking for tools to help keep their children safe. Also, when you look at both social media and technology and how fast everything is moving, it’s truly hard to keep up … So I think if we think about all of those things and what our kids are dealing with right now, it is imperative that we put up guardrails, especially when you’re looking at AI.” On the harms of AI chatbots and the GUARD Act, legislation that would put guardrails around chatbots for minors: “I have met with a number of parents who have told me devastating stories about their children, where chatbots ultimately … had isolated them from their parents, had talked to them about suicide, had talked to them about a number of things. And you think about this: If these AI companies can make the most brilliant machines in the world, they could do us all a service by putting up proper guardrails that did not allow for minors to utilize these things … And that’s one thing that this legislation does.” On Big Tech and Congress’s failure to deliver solutions and protect American families: “I mean, truly enough is enough. I mean, I also want to say: How long is it going to take Congress to actually act? … We’ve been talking about this for years. How many parents like the one that we just heard from are going to have to come and tell us a devastating story before we actually pass legislation? The truth is (that) these AI companies can absolutely do much of this on… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-passing-of-jeffrey-holland Crapo Statement on Passing of Jeffrey Holland 2025-12-27 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate ID Mike Crapo C000880 www.crapo.senate.gov crapo https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases scraper Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on the passing of Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “I join other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in mourning the loss of President Jeffrey R. Holland. Known for his empathetic love and care for others, President Holland embodied a Christ-like spirit of generosity. His more than 30 years of service in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spread the gospel far and wide, inviting others to know the unrelenting love of Christ here on earth.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-an-iowans-advice-after-70-years-of-parenting ICYMI: An Iowan’s Advice After 70 Years of Parenting 2025-12-27 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate IA Chuck Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov grassley https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases scraper An Iowan’s Advice After 70 Years of Parenting By Senator Chuck Grassley December 26, 2025 Wall Street Journal Last weekend I encouraged everyone to read Rahm Emanuel’s op-ed “Lessons From Modern Parenthood” (Dec. 20). He’s a Democrat, and I’m a Republican, but his advice is sound for moms and dads of any stripe. Kudos to him for speaking up on a consequential issue on many Americans’ minds. After years of policymaking and parenting, I agree that there’s no “secret sauce” to raising a family. Good parenting isn’t partisan. My wife of 71 years and I agree with the Emanuels on the ritual of eating together as a family. The conversations around the table in my own childhood are seared in my memory—they prompted an interest in government that turned into my vocation. When our five kids were growing up, I can’t pretend I was at every meal. I give Barbara credit for serving as commander in chief of our household, acting as mom, homework-helper, chore-taskmaster and more when I was in Washington. Yet there was no daylight between us in our approach to parenthood. We taught our kids to work hard and live by the Golden Rule. Farm chores and school work didn’t leave much time to waste on television. Raising kids today comes with new challenges, but the fundamentals haven’t changed. Our advice: Stick your nose in their business and keep strict boundaries. The internet poses risks beyond idleness and harm to mental health. Nefarious predators are targeting children with all manner of schemes. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’m leading bipartisan efforts with Sen. Dick Durbin (D., Ill.) to combat online child exploitation and keep the next generation safe. Our reforms will help deter bad actors by revamping federal sentencing laws, targeting online criminal networks and cracking down on offenders who use child sex-abuse material to extort and coerce children. Having and raising children is our nation’s most important work. Parents deserve to feel empowered, to be assured that Washington is an ally. Ba… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/trump-signs-into-law-lummis-bill-reauthorizing-congressional-awards-program/ Trump Signs Into Law Lummis Bill Reauthorizing Congressional Awards Program 2025-12-27 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate WY Cynthia M. Lummis L000571 www.lummis.senate.gov lummis https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ scraper Cheyenne, WY — U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement after President Trump signed her Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act into law, continuing this vital program that encourages young Americans to achieve their personal goals and give back to their communities. The Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed by Congress to young Americans aged 14 to 24. This reauthorizes the board that administers the Congressional Award Program through FY2028. “I am thrilled that President Trump has signed my bipartisan legislation into law, ensuring the Congressional Award will continue empowering young Americans through FY2028,” said Lummis.“Wyoming holds a special connection to this program– it was our own Senator Malcolm Wallop who helped establish the Congressional Award in 1979, creating a legacy that has inspired generations of youth to embrace service, personal growth, and civic responsibility. For more than forty years, this program has shaped the character of countless young people across our nation, and I am proud to see this Wyoming tradition flourish. This continued investment in America’s youth will help develop the leaders our country needs for tomorrow.” About the Congressional Award Program: – As the United States Congress’ only non-profit and highest honor for youth civilians, the Congressional Award program was started by late Wyoming Senator Malcolm Wallop in 1979, and Senator Lummis is proud to carry on his legacy by serving on the national board of directors. – To achieve a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Congressional Award Certificate or Medal, each participant sets and achieves challenging goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. – Medals are presented by members of the House and Senate, with the Gold Medal Ceremony/Summit taking place each June at a Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol. – The Congressional Award is a public-private partnership. – Although created by Congress, the Cong… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-urges-epa-to-prioritize-national-emission-standards-for-lime-manufacturing/ U.S. Senator Katie Britt Urges EPA to Prioritize National Emission Standards for Lime Manufacturing 2025-12-26 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AL Katie Boyd Britt B001319 www.britt.senate.gov britt https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the EPA to prioritize the reconsideration of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Lime Manufacturing Plants (Lime NESHAP). Despite low levels of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) emitted by lime plants, the Biden Administration EPA finalized a new set of regulations with which the lime industry must comply. The regulations include four strict emissions standards that would cost the industry $2 billion—the lime industry’s annual revenue totals $2.3 billion. “I ask you to continue your crucial work reconsidering yet another disastrous Biden-era rulemaking that would stunt the capability of our domestic lime manufacturing industry and negatively impact downstream industrial end-users. Lime is manufactured in 20 States and is an important component in steel production, energy production, delivering safe drinking water, road building, and wastewater treatment,” wrote the Senator. She continued, “According to EPA’s own regulatory impact analysis, the rule would impose more than $2 billion in costs on an industry that generates just $2.3 billion in annual revenue.’ Despite this, the agency was unable to identify any quantifiable monetized benefits associated with the rule. The EPA has repeatedly acknowledged that the rule is unnecessary as emissions from the lime industry are already within acceptable limits, posing no threat to human health or the environment.” “I urge you to establish a workable rule with feasible standards and ensure that manufacturers do not have to make costly and unnecessary efforts to comply with a rule that produces no quantifiable public health benefits,” Senator Britt concluded. Alabama is one of the top lime-producing states in the U.S. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 28.5 million tons of limestone were produced in Alabama. Additionally, it is estimated that 20% of total lime production in the U.S. takes place in… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-cramer-announces-2025-service-academy-nominees Senator Cramer Announces 2025 Service Academy Nominees 2025-12-26 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate ND Kevin Cramer C001096 www.cramer.senate.gov cramer https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced his nominees to the U.S. service academies: “One of the great joys of serving North Dakota in Congress is nominating some of our best young patriots for appointments to our service academies,” said Cramer. “After visiting with Cormac and Oliver, I am honored and grateful they are willing to answer the call to serve. They will be great ambassadors of our state.” The nominees are as follows: Cormac Dunnick – U.S. Military Academy (West Point). Cormac, son of Ev and Kendra Dunnick, competes in basketball and trapshooting. He is a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and enjoys hunting, weight-lifting, and golf. Cormac is from Grand Forks and attends Red River High School. Oliver Schaefer – U.S. Air Force Academy. Oliver, son of Mark and Kristi Schaefer, competes in track and field and cross country. He volunteers for the Serenity Therapeutic Equine Program and enjoys reading, military history, and board games. Oliver is from Minot and attends Des Lacs Burlington High School. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=082A36F7-1B14-44EB-81D7-6852ADCB2B2F Klobuchar, Sullivan and Colleagues Introduce VISIT USA Act to Promote U.S. Tourism 2025-12-26 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MN Amy Klobuchar K000367 www.klobuchar.senate.gov klobuchar https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) —all members of the Senate Commerce Committee – introduced the bipartisan Vital Investment in Sustaining International Tourism to the USA (VISIT USA) Act to fully restore Brand USA’s funding in Fiscal Years (FY) 2026 and 2027. Brand USA is a public-private partnership charged with promoting America as a premier international travel destination and clearly communicating U.S. visa and entry policies abroad. This legislation will fully fund Brand USA to promote the United States as an international travel destination ahead of several significant events hosted in the U.S., including the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic games. President Trump’s FY 2026 budget request also calls for fully funding Brand USA. “Travel and tourism powers economic growth in communities in Minnesota and across our country,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will restore funding for Brand USA, providing the resources it needs to continue to support an additional 1.6 million visitors, $6 billion in spending, and nearly 80,000 jobs every year—all at no cost to taxpayers.” “The United States is the third most visited country in the world. As we prepare to host several once-in-a-generation global events—from America250, to the FIFA World Cup, to the 2028 Olympic Games—there has never been a better moment to showcase all that our country has to offer,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Restoring Brand USA’s full funding will help us welcome more international visitors, strengthen our tourism economy, and support the thousands of small businesses that make America and Alaska such remarkable places to experience.” This legislation is endorsed by the U.S. Travel Association. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) have introduced companion legislation in the House. “This legislation is an important step forward, and we are grateful for Senators Sulli… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=4DA43F2D-C747-4AE0-A481-A224962CFDFF Sens. Moran, Cortez Masto Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen America’s Energy Supply Chain 2025-12-26 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate KS Jerry Moran M000934 www.moran.senate.gov moran https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s energy supply chain, reducing the risk of dangerous power outages and helping to meet increasing energy demand. The Electric Supply Chain Act would require the Secretary of Energy to conduct regular assessments of electric consumption trends and vulnerabilities in the electric energy supply chain, which includes distribution lines, transformers and other equipment required to connect energy generators to energy consumers. “Demand for energy is continuing to grow in Kansas and across the country as power needs increase for housing, business and transportation,” said Sen. Moran. “As demand for energy expands, so does the importance of securing our energy supply chains. It is critical that the Department of Energy is tracking trends in our nation’s energy consumption to recognize vulnerabilities and protect national energy security.” “Nevada’s electric grid is experiencing unprecedented levels of demand,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “It is our responsibility to help ensure that our supply chains are secure and capable of meeting growing energy demand to prevent power outages or other disruptions to daily life. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will ensure the Department of Energy is collecting information needed to keep electricity flowing throughout the country.” The legislation would require the Department of Energy to conduct regular reviews of the electric energy supply chain with the following information: Efforts and opportunities to strengthen, secure and supply electric energy supply chains; Any trends, risks and vulnerabilities in the supply, demand and availability of components for or related to transmitting electricity; National security and energy security considerations for strengthening, securing and expanding such supply chains; Barriers to expanding and manufacturing transmission components and the processing of critical minerals; Domestic policies … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-tim-scott-releases-2025-year-in-review/ Senator Tim Scott Releases 2025 Year in Review 2025-12-26 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate SC Tim Scott S001184 www.scott.senate.gov timscott https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released his 2025 Year in Review, highlighting major legislative accomplishments and continued efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen American security, and deliver results for the people of South Carolina and families across the nation. “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished this year for the people of South Carolina and Americans nationwide, and I’m looking forward to building on that momentum,” said Senator Scott. “Whether it’s expanding school choice, securing tax relief for families, or strengthening our national security, my mission remains the same: to champion hope, protect opportunity, and ensure every American has the chance to achieve their version of the American Dream. I look forward to building on this progress in the year ahead.” This year, Senator Scott led the introduction of 38 bills, 8 resolutions, and 14 amendments as well as cosponsored 79 bills and 42 resolutions. Putting South Carolinians First The Senator and his team completed casework for nearly 6,000 South Carolinians. Maintaining a direct line of communication with constituents remained a priority for the Senator and allowed him to respond to more than 200,000 emails and letters from South Carolinians in 2025. Energy and American Competitiveness In an effort to restore American energy dominance and strengthen U.S. energy security, Senator Scott reintroduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025. The legislation removes red tape by eliminating the requirement for the Department of Energy (DOE) to approve exports of American liquefied natural gas and streamlining the approval process. In November, the House companion bill, led by Representative August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), passed by a vote of 217-188, moving Congress closer to expanding U.S. energy production, supporting jobs, and lowering energy costs. Environmental Oversight and Regulatory Accountability Senator Scott also led efforts to rein in federal regulatory overreach by introducing a Congressio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/ranking-member-shaheen-senators-tillis-rosen-barrasso-coons-king-moran-merkley-van-hollen-statement-on-russias-christmas-bombing-of-ukraine/ Ranking Member Shaheen, Senators Tillis, Rosen, Barrasso, Coons, King, Moran, Merkley, Van Hollen Statement on Russia’s Christmas Bombing of Ukraine 2025-12-25 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “We condemn Russia’s brutal attacks on Kherson, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk and Kryvyi Rih waged on innocent Ukrainians as they convened to mark the birth of the Prince of Peace with their loved ones and in prayer. “It bears repeating that President Zelenskyy agreed to a Christmas truce, but Putin declined, yet he directs soldiers to continue to commit brutal crimes of aggression on one of Christianity’s holiest days. “Even for countries at war, there is a long history of Christmas ceasefires, including notably during World War I. Today’s decision by Putin to launch attacks rather than hold fire is a sobering reminder for us all: Putin is a ruthless murderer who has no interest in peace and cannot be trusted. “We stand with the people of Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Kherson and Donetsk marking the birth of Christ under the most challenging of circumstances. Ukrainians’ faith is a stronger force than the evil unleashed today by the Kremlin.” 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.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murkowski-and-merkley-lead-call-for-inspector-general-audit-following-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files-as-demanded-by-survivors-required-by-law Blumenthal, Murkowski & Merkley Lead Call for Inspector General Audit Following DOJ’s Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files as Demanded by Survivors, Required by Law 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume requesting the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) perform an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential,” the senators wrote. “As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.” In addition to Blumenthal, Murkowski, and Merkley, today’s letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Gary Peters (D-MI). “Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes,” the senators concluded. “Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.” The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume: We write to you following the December 19 deadline imposed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or “the Department”) to release all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. By the Department’s own admission, it is in violation of the law—before DOJ had even begun to release the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trumps-va-abortion-ban-that-denies-millions-of-veterans-the-care-theyve-earned Duckworth Statement on Trump’s VA Abortion Ban That Denies Millions of Veterans the Care They’ve Earned 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration quietly implemented a policy banning the VA from providing abortion care to Veterans and their families—including in cases of rape, incest or to protect the health of the mother—despite widespread opposition from advocates and the Veteran community: “Our Veterans risked their lives to safeguard our freedoms. And yet a man who has never served a day in his life is taking away their own freedom to choose what's best for their health. “In cases of rape, incest or when the health of the mother is at risk, Trump is denying our heroes the care they’ve earned through their service—and it’ll be those living in states with extreme abortion bans who will suffer the most. “Trump implemented this extreme policy during the holiday season, quietly and over the objections of Veterans, thinking we wouldn’t notice. Well, we did. And I will keep fighting to give Veterans and all Americans the health care and reproductive freedom they deserve.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/blumenthal-murkowski-merkley-lead-call-for-inspector-general-audit-following-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files-as-demanded-by-survivors-required-by-law/ BLUMENTHAL, MURKOWSKI & MERKLEY LEAD CALL FOR INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT FOLLOWING DOJ’S FAILURE TO RELEASE THE FULL EPSTEIN FILES AS DEMANDED BY SURVIVORS, REQUIRED BY LAW 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume requesting the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) perform an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential,” the senators wrote. “As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.” In addition to Blumenthal, Murkowski, and Merkley, today’s letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Gary Peters (D-MI). “Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes,” the senators concluded. “Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.” The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume: We write to you following the December 19 deadline imposed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or “the Department”) to release all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. By the Department’s own admission, it is in violation of the law—before DOJ had even begun to release the f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-raise-alarm-over-loss-of-mental-health-access-in-eastern-oregon/ Wyden, Merkley Raise Alarm Over Loss of Mental Health Access in Eastern Oregon 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Senators: Trump and congressional Republicans’ budget bill threatens essential mental care for nearly 800 Malheur County residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today wrote health care providers serving Malheur County to ask how they’ll ensure nearly 800 residents keep access to the mental health services they need in the wake of new coordinated care organization (CCO) coverage changes brought on by the devastating cuts by Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to Medicaid. “We understand your organization faces unprecedented financial strain as Oregon braces for nearly $4 billion in Medicaid cuts to rural communities alone signed into law by Donald Trump as part of Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill,” the lawmakers wrote to Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. CEO Ann Ford and Eastern Oregon CCO CEO Sean Jessup. “As you manage through this calamity, We ask that you do everything in your power to maximize access to a wide range of providers, ease patient transitions, and ensure continuity of care.” “In Oregon, Malheur County stands to lose most of all. With more than half of its residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, it has the highest share among Oregon’s 36 counties,” the lawmakers continued. “Among those enrolled, the vast majority (almost 80%) are children, nearly 25% have a disability, nearly 50% are Hispanic or Latino, and more than 25% speak Spanish as their primary language. We voted against these devastating cuts to protect these very residents and providers like yourselves.” The senators asked Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI), which distributes Medicaid dollars for mental health in eastern Oregon, to answer the following questions no later than January 9, 2026: How will GOHBI manage this process to limit disruption for patients and their health care providers? What determination did GOHBI make to ensure network adequacy and sufficient access for patients? What circumstances led GOHBI to make these changes to its p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-s-statement-on-the-44-million-awarded-to-mississippi-s-safe-streets-for-all Wicker's Statement on the $44 Million Awarded to Mississippi's Safe Streets for All 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement after five cities is Mississippi were awarded $44 million in roadway funding under the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. These projects are possible because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Senator Wicker helped negotiate as a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee. “Improved roadways lead to improved safety and increased commerce. I have continually advocated for these investments in Mississippi’s infrastructure. I am eager for these grants to be implemented across the state. These upgrades will provide safer, more convenient travel options for drivers and pedestrians alike.” The grants for Mississippi will support: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-pause-discriminatory-national-park-entry-fees Wyden, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Pause Discriminatory National Park Entry Fees 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senators express concerns over January 1 implementation — without proper notice — of $250 America the Beautiful non-resident annual passes and $100 non-resident fee for highly visited national parks Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said today he has joined colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to pause its expensive new national park entry fees and annual passes for non-residents scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Wyden and the other senators emphasized these new passes and fees were not properly noticed in accordance with the law, will slow park entry, and will further limit international visitation. In late November, the federal Department of Interior announced a new fee structure for access to public lands. Beginning next year, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. citizens and residents and $250 for non-residents, the first time the United States has required proof of residency to have access to public lands. Non-residents age 16 and up who don’t have an annual pass will be forced to pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the country’s most visited national parks. “America’s national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history,” the senators wrote Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike.” “We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitation are studied, and clarity on implementation is provided to Congress, NPS employees, and impacted stakeholders,” the senators wrote. The National… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-raise-alarm-over-loss-of-mental-health-access-in-eastern-oregon Wyden, Merkley Raise Alarm Over Loss of Mental Health Access in Eastern Oregon 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senators: Trump and congressional Republicans’ budget bill threatens essential mental care for nearly 800 Malheur County residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today wrote health care providers serving Malheur County to ask how they’ll ensure nearly 800 residents keep access to the mental health services they need in the wake of new coordinated care organization (CCO) coverage changes brought on by the devastating cuts by Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to Medicaid. “We understand your organization faces unprecedented financial strain as Oregon braces for nearly $4 billion in Medicaid cuts to rural communities alone signed into law by Donald Trump as part of Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill,” the lawmakers wrote to Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. CEO Ann Ford and Eastern Oregon CCO CEO Sean Jessup. “As you manage through this calamity, We ask that you do everything in your power to maximize access to a wide range of providers, ease patient transitions, and ensure continuity of care.” “In Oregon, Malheur County stands to lose most of all. With more than half of its residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, it has the highest share among Oregon’s 36 counties,” the lawmakers continued. “Among those enrolled, the vast majority (almost 80%) are children, nearly 25% have a disability, nearly 50% are Hispanic or Latino, and more than 25% speak Spanish as their primary language. We voted against these devastating cuts to protect these very residents and providers like yourselves.” The senators asked Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI), which distributes Medicaid dollars for mental health in eastern Oregon, to answer the following questions no later than January 9, 2026: How will GOHBI manage this process to limit disruption for patients and their health care providers? What determination did GOHBI make to ensure network adequacy and sufficient access for patients? What circumstances led GOHBI to make these changes to its p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/23/icymi-bennet-fights-back-against-trumps-targeted-attacks-on-colorado/ ICYMI: Bennet Fights Back Against Trump’s Targeted Attacks on Colorado 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CO Michael F. Bennet B001267 www.bennet.senate.gov bennet https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ scraper Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet slammed President Trump for canceling hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants from the Departments of Transportation and Energy, dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and denying Colorado’s request for two emergency declarations following extreme flooding and wildfires. Before the Senate adjourned for the year, Bennet blocked the appropriations package from advancing before the holidays to demand funding to protect NCAR. “After more than a week of targeted actions against Colorado, it’s clear President Trump has turned his sights on our state because we refuse to go along with his corrupt demands,” said Senator Bennet. “This holiday season, hundreds of NCAR employees face uncertainty about their jobs and communities across the state are worried they won’t get the support they need to rebuild their lives after historic flooding and wildfires. Colorado deserves better, and I am doing everything in my power to fight back and protect our state from the President’s vindictive chaos.” Here’s how Senator Bennet is fighting for Colorado: KKCO 11: Colorado Senator Bennet accuses Trump of retaliating against Colorado over Tina Peters Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., is accusing President Donald Trump of taking punitive actions against Colorado that Bennet describes as political retaliation. During a press call, Bennet criticized several recent decisions tied to the federal government’s relationship with the state — including the administration’s reported call to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Bennet also warned of broader consequences beyond Colorado if NCAR were dismantled. “I think that Colorado deserves much better from our federal government. Our entire country deserves better from our federal government. We will not stand by while President Trump attacks Colorado and puts our communities in danger. We’ll use every tool at our disposal to fight back against this reckless political attack,” he said. Co… 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.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-stb-doj-to-oppose-railway-merger-threatening-jobs-and-driving-up-costs Blumenthal Calls on STB, DOJ to Oppose Railway Merger Threatening Jobs & Driving Up Costs 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs and Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division Gail Slater urging them to oppose the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway—two of the four largest railroads in the country. In today’s letter, Blumenthal raised concerns that the merger would significantly reduce competition in the rail industry, driving up costs for shippers and threatening railroad workers’ job security. “Railroads are a critical link in the supply chain for everyday consumer goods, including food, fuel, building materials, and household products. When competition in rail transportation is reduced, higher shipping costs are often passed directly on to consumers in the form of higher prices at the checkout counter. With inflation and affordability already top concerns for American families, approving a merger that could further raise the cost of moving goods across the country would worsen financial strain on households nationwide,” wrote Blumenthal. “The proposed merger also threatens job stability for countless employees at Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern,” continued Blumenthal. “Together, the two companies have more than 50,000 employees. While the companies have said they will protect all union jobs during a merger, precedent shows us such promises are little more than hollow words. Instead of trusting these empty promises, you should protect thousands of jobs for hardworking Americans.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Chairman Fuchs and Assistant Attorney General Slater, I write with serious concerns about the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway. A merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern – two of the four largest railroads in the United States – would further consolidate the nation’s rail network, resulting in potential job insecurity for workers, highe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-markey-and-warren-demand-amazon-remove-listings-for-used-cars-with-unrepaired-safety-recalls-clearly-display-vehicles-recall-status Blumenthal, Markey, & Warren Demand Amazon Remove Listings for Used Cars with Unrepaired Safety Recalls, Clearly Display Vehicle's Recall Status 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called on Amazon to remove listings for pre-owned vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls. In a letter to Andrew R. Jassy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amazon, the Senators raised safety concerns about the company’s new Amazon Autos partnership with Hyundai and Ford dealers, which lists pre-owned vehicles that may have unrepaired safety recalls for sale without adequately warning consumers about a vehicle’s recall status. “We are extremely troubled by the fact that Amazon is listing vehicles for sale with unrepaired safety recalls. Selling cars with unrepaired safety recalls is extremely dangerous and poses a potentially fatal threat to vehicle drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Amazon’s suggestion to consumers to check a vehicle’s recall status themselves on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website is simply insufficient. We call on Amazon to remove all vehicle listings with unrepaired safety recalls and to directly display to prospective vehicle buyers a vehicle’s recall status,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Amazon does not need to wait for the law to change to prioritize vehicle safety. We call on Amazon to immediately stop listing for sale on Amazon Autos any vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall. In addition, Amazon should make it as easy as possible for people to confirm that the vehicle they are looking at does not have unrepaired recalls. Instead of linking to NHTSA’s website and encouraging people to check the recall status themselves, we urge Amazon to prominently display the status of recalls under the key features it lists for vehicles it is selling.” The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and copied below. Dear Mr. Jassy, We are extremely troubled by the fact that Amazon is listing vehicles for sale with unrepaired safety recalls. Selling cars with unrepaired safety recalls is extremely danger… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-seeks-data-on-security-grant-program Blumenthal Seeks Data on Security Grant Program 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem seeking data about previous applications to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to help inform Congress about how the program should be funded for the upcoming fiscal year. “As I travel around Connecticut and hear from community leaders here and around the country, I am struck by the severely heightened anxiety and apprehension about physical threats to places of worship and community centers involving hate-based violence,” Blumenthal wrote. “Recently, I have called for dramatically increasing funding for NSGP to $1 billion and for increasing funding and resources for other programs to keep pace with the violence we are seeing in our communities. I am disappointed that the proposal released Friday night by Senate Republicans for Fiscal Year 2026 includes only $330 million for NSGP, far short of my request and the program’s clear need, with reports indicating recipients requested approximately $1 billion from FEMA in 2024 alone.” Last week, Blumenthal wrote the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Chairs and Ranking Members of its Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies calling for a dramatic increase in resources for programs that combat hate-based violence through security and prevention, including by appropriating no less than $1 billion to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), making significant investments to the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act (NO HATE Act), and reestablishing and fully funding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Relations Service (CRS). On Friday, he joined leaders from the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticut at an event in West Hartford, Connecticut, calling on Congress to robustly fund NSGP and the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act grant program. The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Secretary Noem, In r… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-secret-trump-administration-memo-ending-life-saving-abortion-care-for-veterans Blumenthal Slams Secret Trump Administration Memo Ending Life-Saving Abortion Care for Veterans 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released a statement slamming the Trump Administration’s Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) secret implementation of a new policy to stop providing abortion care and counseling to veterans who have been raped or whose pregnancy is threatening their health. “Secretively and sickeningly, Trump’s VA is depriving women veterans of essential health care. A policy just issued by Secretary Collins stops this reproductive care even for women who are victims of rape or incest, or whose health is at risk. He’s done it by internal memo, not by open rule making, avoiding public attention and scrutiny. My Republican colleagues should be as outraged as I am. The result will be chaos and confusion among health care providers, and anxiety and pain for women veterans. This cruel, misguided action is reckless and reprehensible.” In September 2022, VA began to offer abortion counseling to all pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries, and abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life or health endangerment of the veteran or CHAMPVA beneficiary. This was in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which created urgent risks to the lives and health of pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries in states that banned or otherwise severely restricted access to abortion. The Trump Department of Justice issued a memo banning this abortion care and counseling at VA a few days ago, and the Trump VA just issued its own internal memo yesterday implementing this new policy immediately. This follows the Trump VA’s announcement in August of its intent to issue this change in a proposed rule. However, rather than complete the regular rulemaking process, VA Secretary Doug Collins is implementing this policy without issuing a final rule without notifying veterans or the public. More than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care. More than half of these women live in states that hav… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago Duckworth, Durbin Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment of National Guard Troops to Chicago 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Tammy Duckworth D000622 www.duckworth.senate.gov duckworth https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge’s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago: “It’s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they’ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities—not go to war with them. “Immigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-deployment-of-national-guard-troops-to-chicago Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Deployment Of National Guard Troops To Chicago 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate IL Richard J. Durbin D000563 www.durbin.senate.gov durbin https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Supreme Court declined to stay a federal judge’s temporary restraining order that blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago: “It’s long past time for the Trump Administration to back off Chicago. The majority of Americans believe they’ve gone too far, and even the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority refused to greenlight this blatantly unlawful overreach. Our government is supposed to help our communities—not go to war with them. “Immigrants make our country better, and we will keep fighting like hell to protect the promise of America.” -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-time-to-end-section-230 Q&A: Time to End Section 230 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate IA Chuck Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov grassley https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases scraper Q: What is Section 230? A: Section 230 refers to the federal statute that provides legal immunity to Big Tech. The outdated law shields social media platforms and prevents parents and victims from seeking justice from online harm. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’m co-sponsoring the bipartisan Sunset Section 230 Act to repeal this provision of the Communication Decency Act of 1996. This nearly 30-year old measure was written to give emerging internet entities the runway to get off the ground. It allowed social media companies to host and moderate third-party content unencumbered by the fear of costly litigation. Fast forward three decades, many of these entities are among the most powerful, profitable companies in the world; they use Section 230 to evade badly needed accountability. At the helm of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’ve convened congressional hearings to gather expert testimony on child online exploitation to inform public policy; heard from witnesses exposing online child extortion rings, like the “764” network; and introduced bipartisan legislation to implement whistleblower protections in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. I’ll continue advocating for parents, including Deric and Kathy Kidd of Des Moines, who lost their son in 2021 when he took half of what he thought was a pain pill that was actually fentanyl. Congress must take swift action to empower victims and send a message to Big Tech. With passage of our legislation, social media companies would no longer have license to profit from heinous material and drug trafficking pushed on their platforms with immunity. The day is long overdue to open the courthouse doors for victims of online crimes and exploitation to seek justice and hold wrongdoers accountable. Q: What are the next steps in the new year? A: I wrote a bipartisan letter alongside the cosponsors of the Sunset Section 230 Act and called upon the Senate Majority and Minority leaders to prioritize this issue and our bipartisan bill for next year’s legislat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/23/2025/senator-hassan-nominates-new-hampshire-students-for-united-states-service-academies Senator Hassan Nominates New Hampshire Students for United States Service Academies 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NH Margaret Wood Hassan H001076 www.hassan.senate.gov hassan https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan announced that she has nominated students from New Hampshire to attend United States Service Academies – the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “It is a privilege to nominate these outstanding New Hampshire students to our United States Service Academies,” said Senator Hassan. “The choice to serve our country in uniform reflects the highest form of public service, and I am grateful for these young Granite Staters who are answering that call. I have no doubt that they will make New Hampshire and our country proud.” For more information on the nomination process for interested applicants, click here. See below for a list of Senator Hassan’s nominees: United States Military Academy Justin Baldridge – Salem Ryleigh Bannister – Derry William Bellerose – Chichester Caidyn Carter – Northfield Liam Conway – Alton Ryan Cowher – Keene Troy Hayes – Windham Jacob Levesque – Jaffrey Charlotte Lund – New London Leah Lynskey – Durham Liam Mahoney – Hampton Kyle Paolino – Rindge Wade Plaskiewicz – Surry James Sisco – Goffstown Jack Williams – Stratham United States Naval Academy Talia Batherwich – Londonderry Anna Boyer – Ashland Hayden Brunell – Meredith Liam Canty – Exeter Eamon Griffin – Amherst Samuel Kellner – Hollis Ciara Kerley – Wilmot Addison Knoetig – Goffstown Colin Magnuszewski – Brookline Sophia Malloy – Portsmouth Kelly Moriarty – Rye Ruby Neutra – Marlborough Reilly O'Brien – Salem Anita Parmelee – Exeter Christian Salaun – Greenland United States Air Force Academy Brandon Adamson – Londonderry Andrew Allen – East Kingston Kevin Benard – Pembroke Jack Calderwood – Intervale Jacob Daley – Nashua Dominic Fazzio – East Hampstead Nathan Ferreira – Pembroke Kipling Hedquist – Hopkinton Ashlie Klawes – Allenstown Giana Leonardi – Dover Cooper Mack – Holderness Gavin Niemela – Dublin Victor Pham – Tilton Samuel Sanders – Hillsborough Maximilian Williams – Concord… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/2025-in-review-hickenlooper-defends-colorado-against-trump-chaos/ 2025 in Review: Hickenlooper Defends Colorado Against Trump Chaos 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CO John W. Hickenlooper H000273 www.hickenlooper.senate.gov hickenlooper https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ scraper WASHINGTON – It’s been a hell of a year, Colorado. Here are just a few of the ways Senator Hickenlooper fought this administration’s chaos and stood up for Coloradans in 2025. DEFENDING SCIENCE Last week, Senator Hickenlooper blocked a federal appropriations package in the Senate after President Trump announced his plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder and cancel millions intransportation grants designated for Colorado. Hickenlooper demanded Republicans add an amendment to the package guaranteeing that all funding for NCAR be fully spent. After blocking the bill on the Senate floor, Hickenlooper joined protesters outside of NCAR in Boulder on Saturday to raise public pressure against cuts to critical environmental research. PROTECTING PUBLIC LANDS Hickenlooper also led the fight against Senator Mike Lee’s proposal to force the BLM to sell up to 1.2 million acres of public lands in Colorado and 10 other Western states. Hickenlooper first sounded the alarm in April, when he voted against the Republican budget resolution and introduced an amendment to protect public lands from being sold to pay for Republicans’ tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. In May, Hickenlooper held a press conference in Estes Park with Congressman Neguse, public lands advocates, and local elected officials to call out the Trump administration’s threats to Colorado’s national parks and public lands, including Rocky Mountain National Park. The public pressure campaign worked. Following mounting opposition from Western senators and their constituents, Senator Lee stripped the public lands sale provision from the bill in June. PROTECTING HEALTH CARE Since the beginning of the year, Hickenlooper has railed against Republicans’ manufactured health care crisis and worked closely with state leaders to protect Coloradans’ care. In July, congressional Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, cutting more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to pay for huge tax cuts for the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-markey-press-sba-administrator-on-audit-targeting-underserved-businesses Hirono, Markey Press SBA Administrator on Audit Targeting Underserved Businesses 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Lawmakers: “Rather than using this audit as a pretense to unfairly attack a program with which you have an ideological disagreement, it is our hope that you will refocus on the goals of the 8(a) Program to make sure it continues to support socially and economically disadvantaged businesses—as intended.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, sent a letter to U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, expressing their deep concerns regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) December 5th announcement of a sweeping, program-wide audit of the 8(a) Business Development Program. SBA’s announcement has left many businesses scrambling to meet the agency’s extensive document request under a short deadline with unclear guidance, while raising concerns about how businesses’ information will be used and secured. The 8(a) Business Development Program was created by Congress to provide training, assistance, and federal contracting opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in the U.S. and plays an important role in helping to ensure these businesses have the opportunity to work with federal agencies. Recently, however, the 8(a) program has come under attack as Republicans have unfairly targeted many of these small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, which often rely on government contracts to stay in business and keep their staff employed. “While we wholeheartedly support meaningful oversight of all programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, we disagree with your characterization of the program,” the senators wrote. “We also emphasize that formal audits should be conducted by the appropriate authorities, such as Inspectors General, who are a part of a comprehensive system that has decades of proven success in preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.” The ambigu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-cornyn-bill-to-enhance-u-s-mexico-counternarcotics-efforts-signed-into-law/ Kelly, Cornyn Bill to Enhance U.S.-Mexico Counternarcotics Efforts Signed into Law 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate AZ Mark Kelly K000377 www.kelly.senate.gov markkelly https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements after their Counternarcotics Enhancement Act, which will require elements of the Intelligence Community to review any direct relationships with elements of the Government of Mexico, develop a strategy to enhance counternarcotics efforts, and make recommendations or request resources required to implement the strategy in furtherance of the national interest of the United States, was signed into law as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026: “To win the fight against drug trafficking, the U.S. and Mexico have to work together against the cartels,” said Sen. Kelly. “This effort will make our country safer by keeping drugs off our streets through Intelligence Community engagement with the government of Mexico.” “One innocent life lost because of illicit narcotics smuggled into the U.S. by way of Mexico is one too many,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will ensure our Intelligence Community leverages the U.S.-Mexico relationship to most effectively root out these silent killers and keep Americans safe.” Background: The Counternarcotics Enhancement Act will require elements of the Intelligence Community to submit to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) the following information: A description and assessment of their relationship, if any, with any element of the government of Mexico; A strategy to enhance counternarcotics cooperation and appropriate coordination with each element of the government of Mexico they have a direct relationship with; And recommendations and a description of the resources required to efficiently and effectively implement this strategy to further the national interest of the U.S. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-staff-up-irs-for-better-service-swifter-refunds King, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Staff Up IRS for Better Service, Swifter Refunds 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, alongside 23 of his Senate colleagues, wrote a letter urging the Trump Administration to help Americans get more responsive service and expedited refunds by restoring staff and resources at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), the independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps taxpayers resolve issues within the IRS. TAS has faced dramatic attrition since this administration began, and at its current staffing level, it faces significant challenges handling its current caseload and helping taxpayers in Maine and across the country. The Senators are urging Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent to stop hiring freezes, reduction-in-force efforts, and properly staff TAS. “TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS […] We are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS and the ongoing hiring freeze will greatly hinder these advocates' ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help,” wrote the Senators. “Since January, the Trump Administration's deferred resignation programs and efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in nearly one in four TAS advocates departing the IRS […] According to the National Taxpayer Advocates FY2026 Report to Congress, these losses of IRS customer service personnel have created "vulnerabilities in service delivery…and taxpayer assistance." We are concerned that the rapid decrease in staff will increase remaining advocate’s case load and taxpayers’ wait times for service,” the Senators continued. “According to the January 20, 2025, Presidential Memorandum, the IRS hiring freeze will remain in place until the Secretary of the Treasury determines that ending it is in the "national interest." […] We expect you agree with us that ensuring Americans can access their full tax benefits in a timely manner falls squarely within the “national interest,” the Senators concluded. In addition to Senator King, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Ba… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=2CE5D131-E44C-43C6-9E0D-612C6495AFBC Klobuchar Announces Federal Funding for Minnesota Broadband Infrastructure 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MN Amy Klobuchar K000367 www.klobuchar.senate.gov klobuchar https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee and co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Minnesota’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal. Minnesota received $652 million in funding to implement its BEAD proposal. “I’m thrilled to announce that Minnesota’s broadband funding proposal has been approved, which will bring fast, affordable, reliable internet to families in every corner of our state,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This funding is available thanks to my bipartisan legislation that I fought to pass so that Minnesota families—regardless of their ZIP code—have access to high-speed internet.” “This BEAD milestone represents a major step forward in our commitment to ensuring every Minnesotan — regardless of geography — has access to reliable, high quality broadband,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Minnesota extends its sincere appreciation to the many Internet service providers and partners across the state who worked alongside us to shape this proposal. Their dedication, expertise and willingness to engage deeply in this effort have been essential to reaching this point. With this BEAD approval, Minnesota is one step closer to closing the digital divide and building a more connected future for all.” This development advances Minnesota’s affordable broadband rollout to unserved and underserved areas of the state. Klobuchar has long led efforts to expand broadband access, support rural broadband, and bridge the digital divide. Klobuchar’s Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and has delivered significant federal funding to Minnesota for expanding high-speed internet access statewide. In June 2023, Klobuchar announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce had awarded major federal funding through the Bipart… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=136799C1-5C8E-4A3E-B181-5F52F5F5FC03 Sen. Moran, Colleagues Call on NTIA to Preserve States’ Ability to Use Broadband Infrastructure Funds as Congress Intended 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate KS Jerry Moran M000934 www.moran.senate.gov moran https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation – joined Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and their colleagues in urging Arielle Roth, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to preserve the ability of states to use their remaining Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds consistent with congressional intent. The senators’ letter also requests NTIA to provide a public accounting of unspent BEAD funds for each state, clarification of NTIA’s current interpretation of allowable “non-deployment” uses and a timetable for revised guidance on non-deployment funds. Sens. Moran and Fischer were joined by Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R- Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). “We write to request the agency’s attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program,” wrote the senators. “Under the latest BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity, many states likely will — or already do — have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access nationwide, we respectfully seek clarity on how NTIA will ensure proper stewardship and redistribution of non-deployment funds to close the digital divide.” The full letter can be found here and below. Dear Administrator Roth: We write to request the agency’s attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program. Under the latest BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, many states likely will — or already do — have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access nationwide, we respectfully seek clarity on how NTIA will ensure proper stewardship of … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trump-administration-quietly-banning-abortion-care-for-veterans-families/ Senator Murray Statement on Trump Administration Quietly Banning Abortion Care for Veterans & Families 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Approximately 300,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, 155,000 live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions Senator Murray, longtime leader on reproductive rights and veterans issues, grilled Secretary Collins on preserving access to abortion care at VA during his nomination hearing in January ICYMI FROM AUGUST: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Ripping Away Access to Abortion Care for Women Veterans Who Were Raped or Whose Health is in Danger Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement on the news that the Trump administration has quietly implemented a near-total abortion ban at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), banning abortion care for veterans and their dependents—even when a woman’s health is in danger, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. A Department of Justice (DOJ) memo issued last week, which regional VA leaders were told to comply with in an internal directive Monday, (screenshots here and here) shows the Trump administration is making this shift before VA even finished finalizing a proposed rule regarding this policy change and without allowing any public comment or consultation. Senator Murray forcefully condemned the Trump administration’s initial move to ban abortion at VA facilities in August—the new DOJ memo is a workaround by the Trump administration to implement their VA abortion ban even sooner, and as of this week, the policy is now fully in effect at VA facilities across the country. The policy is a near-total ban on abortion care at VA, with only an exception for care when “a physician certifies that the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term”—and no exceptions for the health of the veteran or for rape or incest. The policy also bans VA providers… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-126-lawmakers-urge-dhs-to-withdraw-public-charge-proposal-that-would-harm-immigrants-citizen-children-and-public-health/ Padilla, 126 Lawmakers Urge DHS to Withdraw Public Charge Proposal That Would Harm Immigrants, Citizen Children, and Public Health 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, co-led 126 lawmakers, including 16 other Senators and 110 Representatives, in urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw its proposed public charge rule, warning it would harm U.S. citizen children, immigrant communities, and public health systems nationwide. The letter was co-led by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), as well as Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.-03), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), and CHC Vice Chair of Policy Robert Menendez (D-N.J.-08) in the House. “Public charge” is a ground of inadmissibility to the United States, under which an immigration officer determines whether an immigrant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for future assistance. The Trump Administration’s proposal would rescind the clear 2022 public charge regulations and replace them with vague, undefined standards, leading to arbitrary decision-making, fear, and widespread confusion. Past public charge expansions have driven families, including those with U.S. citizen children, away from lawful access to health care, nutrition, and early childhood programs. “The proposed public charge rule will lead to mass uncertainty, disparate and arbitrary outcomes for individuals applying for permanent status or admission into our country, and undue harm to U.S. citizens,” wrote the lawmakers. “The chilling effects triggered by expansions of public charge interpretation are well-documented and severe. Research following [past public charge restrictions] showed that confusion about eligibility led large numbers of eligible immigrant families — including U.S. citizen children — to forego health insurance, nutrition supports, and early childhood programs vital… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-pause-discriminatory-national-park-entry-fees/ Padilla, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Pause Discriminatory National Park Entry Fees 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators express concerns over January 1 implementation — without proper notice — of $250 America the Beautiful non-resident annual passes and $100 non-resident fee for highly visited national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led four Senators in calling on Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to pause the implementation of the Administration’s expensive new national park entry fees and annual passes for non-residents, which are slated to take effect on January 1, 2026. The Senators emphasized that these new passes and fees were not properly noticed in accordance with the law, will slow park entry, and will further limit international visitation. In late November, Interior announced a new fee structure for access to public lands. Beginning next year, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. citizens and residents and $250 for non-residents, the first time the United States has required proof of residency to access public lands. Non-residents age 16 and up who don’t have an annual pass will be forced to pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the country’s most visited national parks — including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks — in addition to the standard entrance fee. “America’s national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history,” wrote the Senators. “While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike.” “We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-year-in-review-senator-peters-continues-working-across-the-aisle-to-deliver-for-michigan 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW: Senator Peters Continues Working Across the Aisle to Deliver for Michigan 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MI Gary C. Peters P000595 www.peters.senate.gov garypeters https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – In 2025, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) continued fighting to deliver bipartisan, commonsense solutions to strengthen communities across Michigan. Despite being in the minority party, Peters successfully advanced and passed numerous bipartisan bills, and secured wins that will have a positive impact for Michiganders for years to come. This includes the major announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive an F-15EX fighter jet mission, as well as the enactment of numerous Peters-led bills to expand opioid addiction treatment for young adults, protect burial benefits for military families, and continue to invest in safeguarding the Great Lakes ecosystem. In addition to these legislative accomplishments, Peters remained committed to holding the Administration accountable and fighting back against Republican efforts to cut health care benefits that Michigan families depend on. “Fighting for Michiganders will always be my top priority in Congress, and I’m proud of the progress we made on issues important to our state,” said Senator Peters. “Throughout my entire career, I’ve always found the best way to get things done is by reaching across the aisle and finding common ground. As we look to next year, I’m going to continue honoring that commitment by partnering with anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and help improve the lives of Michiganders, whether that’s protecting health care benefits, supporting American manufacturing, or lowering prices for working families.” Peters has been repeatedly named one of the most effective and bipartisan senators. In the 118th Congress, Peters earned the highest effectiveness score for a U.S. Senator ever recorded in the fifty years the Center for Effective Lawmaking has tracked this data. He also becomes the first Senator in more than four decades to be named most effective three times in a row. Peters also authored more bills signed into law during the 117th Congress (2021-2022) than any Senator in more than 40 years, according to the Congres… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/signed-into-law-national-defense-bill-with-provisions-secured-by-peters-to-strengthen-michigans-defense-footprint SIGNED INTO LAW: National Defense Bill with Provisions Secured by Peters to Strengthen Michigan’s Defense Footprint 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MI Gary C. Peters P000595 www.peters.senate.gov garypeters https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – The annual national defense bill was signed into law with numerous provisions authored and secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Armed Services Committee, to strengthen U.S. national security, invest in Michigan’s military facilities and defense sector, clean up PFAS contamination, and give servicemembers a pay raise. “This bill makes investments that will ensure Michigan is positioned to continue leading the way in keeping our nation safe and secure,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to have secured provisions in this bill that will support transformational upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base to prepare for its new missions, make progress to clean up PFAS contamination at our military bases, and support Michigan’s defense sector, which is working to develop innovative technologies that protect American servicemembers around the globe.” The national defense bill sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has become law for more than 60 consecutive years. Below are provisions in the bill successfully led or supported by Peters: Investing in Michigan’s Military Facilities $9 million for Runway Improvement at Selfridge Air National Guard Base: The bill authorizes funding to allow for runway improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to prepare for basing of future missions, including the KC-46 Tankers and F-15EX fighter jets that were announced for Selfridge following years of persistent work and advocacy by Peters. $5.2 million to Construct Two New Taxiways at Selfridge: The bill authorizes funding to support the construction of two new taxiways at Selfridge to prepare for basing of future missions including Selfridge’s two new missions. This includes $2.8 million for the construction of Taxiway Alpha and $2.4 million for the construction of Taxiway Bravo. $4.4 million for Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex: The bill authorizes funding to kickstart the Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-applauds-trump-administration-actions-to-protect-america-s-roadways-crack-down-on-cdls-issued-to-illegal-aliens Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Trump Administration Actions to Protect America’s Roadways & Crack Down on CDLs Issued to Illegal Aliens 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate FL Rick Scott S001217 www.rickscott.senate.gov rickscott https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/ page_html WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praising their leadership and the Trump administration’s actions to improve roadway safety by cracking down on the reckless issuance of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal aliens after the deadly crash in Florida caused by an illegal alien who was issued a CDL license in California. The administration’s life-saving actions to keep our roadways safe and ensure only qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles on America’s roadways as federal audits and enforcement operations uncovered widespread safety failures by states issuing CDLs to illegal and unqualified drivers. Read the letter HERE or below: Dear Secretary Duffy and Secretary Noem: Thank you for the leadership you, your agencies, and President Trump have shown in advancing policies to make American roadways safe again. I appreciate your efforts to restore safety to our roads following the dangerous Obama-era policy that allowed drivers lacking English proficiency to operate commercial motor vehicles without the ability to comprehend basic traffic signs or speak our language. Earlier this year, three innocent people in my state of Florida were killed by an illegal alien who was granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the state of California. This gut-wrenching tragedy should never have happened, and I appreciate you both taking swift action to ensure this can never happen again. One vital action in preventing the recurrence of this tragedy was the Department of Transportation’s emergency action this September, restricting eligibility for nondomiciled learner’s permits and CDLs in response to the ongoing nationwide audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This much-needed audit has already uncovered blatant disregard for public safety by certain states – especially California, which improperly issued more than 25% of its non-domiciled CDLs. I was als… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-advocacy-schumer-announces-112-million-in-americorps-funding-for-senior-volunteers-across-new-york FOLLOWING HIS ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $11.2+ MILLION IN AMERICORPS FUNDING FOR SENIOR VOLUNTEERS ACROSS NEW YORK 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Earlier This Year, Trump Fired Thousands Of AmeriCorps Staff And Ripped Away Community Grants For Seniors Schumer Revealed Impact Of The Cuts And Cancelled Grants And Demanded Trump Restore Funding For AmeriCorps Programs; Senator Now Announces Trump Backed Down And Fed Funding Is Flowing To Support 1,000+ Older NY AmeriCorps Members Schumer: Despite Trump’s Threats To Dismantle AmeriCorps, Older AmeriCorps Volunteers Continued Their Excellent Work & Now Get The Support They Deserve U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced $11,274,471 in federal funding has flowed this year to programs across New York through AmeriCorps’ Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program, supporting more than 1,000 volunteers. Earlier this year, President Trump took steps to dismantle AmeriCorps, firing staff and freezing federal grants. Schumer demanded that Trump and Republicans protect this vital public service agency, and now, thanks to his advocacy, organizations across New York have continued to receive the funding they needed for volunteers to serve their communities, especially through the popular Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program. “AmeriCorps is one of the world’s greatest service programs, and more than one thousand New York seniors rely on AmeriCorps funding to volunteer in their communities every year. That’s why when I heard the Trump administration was threatening to dismantle AmeriCorps, including the popular and effective the popular Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program, I demanded answers and called on him to reverse these counterproductive and cruel cuts,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce that, despite Trump’s threats, New York has received $11.2+ million this year for older AmeriCorps members to continue the excellent work they do to support kids and other seniors in their communities through the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs. I will continue to fight any cuts to the excellent AmeriCorps program and support or… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-delauro-renew-bill-to-ban-unpredictable-scheduling-practices Warren, DeLauro Renew Bill to Ban Unpredictable Scheduling Practices 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MA Elizabeth Warren W000817 www.warren.senate.gov warren https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Warren, DeLauro Renew Bill to Ban Unpredictable Scheduling Practices Legislation would require many employers to provide work schedules two weeks in advance and compensate workers when their schedules change last minute Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF) Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) reintroduced the Schedules That Work Act to address unpredictable scheduling practices that may deprive workers of income and require them to work unreasonable hours, like “clopening” shifts that leave little time to commute and rest between shifts. “Unpredictable scheduling makes it impossible for workers to arrange child care, juggle an education, or even pay the bills. We’re fighting to empower workers and help them regain control over their work schedules and build economic security for themselves and their families,” Senator Warren said. “We are in a cost of living crisis that forces too many Americans to live paycheck to paycheck,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “Hardworking Americans deserve economic security and the peace of mind that the hours they work will provide enough to make ends meet so they can provide for themselves or their family. That is why I am proud to join Senator Warren in reintroducing the Schedules that Work Act, so workers are not subject to abusive scheduling practices that can lead to financial insecurity and instability. American workers deserve certainty about their schedules and incomes.” Workers experience many unreasonable scheduling practices, like last-minute shift cancellations, being placed “on-call” with no guarantee of work hours, scheduled for “split shifts” of non-consecutive hours, and even being sent home early without pay when demand is low. If they push back or request schedule changes, employers may retaliate. This month, Starbucks agreed to pay $38.9 million to settle claims it violated New York law by failing to provide regular schedules to employees, cutting workers' scheduled hours without their consent, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-schakowsky-renew-fight-to-pass-part-time-worker-bill-of-rights-act Warren, Schakowsky, Renew Fight to Pass Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MA Elizabeth Warren W000817 www.warren.senate.gov warren https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Warren, Schakowsky, Renew Fight to Pass Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF) Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), have reintroduced the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act to strengthen protections for part-time workers and allow them to better balance their work schedules with personal and family needs. The legislation will address one of the primary issues that hourly workers face - work schedules that do not provide as many hours as they need to support their families - and provide additional protections and benefits for part-time workers. “Every worker deserves a chance at providing for themselves and their families, but greedy giant corporations are using loopholes to exploit part-time workers instead,” said Senator Warren. “I’m fighting hard to pass the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights and ensure companies put their workers over profits.” “Part-time workers across the country deserve better. More than one in five American workers are part-time and they face volatile work hours, unstable incomes, and low wages. Earlier this week, I reintroduced the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act with my colleagues Representative DeLauro and Senator Warren to ensure equitable workplace treatment and conditions for part-time workers. This legislation requires employers to treat part-time and full-time employees impartially and gives part-time workers access to stable hours and medical leave. We must improve the quality of part-time work for millions of families across the country,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. Corporations often attempt to avoid providing workers benefits and higher wages by giving part-time workers fewer hours than they want and spreading work among many part-time employees rather than hiring full-time employees. This month, Starbucks agreed to pay $38.9 million to settle claims it violated New York law by failing to provide regular schedules to employees, cutting workers' scheduled hours without thei… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-960881-coming-to-wasco-county-for-distance-learning Merkley, Wyden Announce $960,881 Coming to Wasco County for Distance Learning 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a federal investment of $960,881 for the Dufur School District 29 to support distance learning in Wasco County. With this funding, instructors at Portland Community College in Multnomah County, Baker Technical Institute in Baker County, Columbia Gorge Community College in Wasco County, and the Oregon Veterans Home in Wasco County will deliver technical training, STEM coursework, and certified nurse assistant training courses to three locations benefiting 655 Dufur School District 29 students. “As I hold a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, I frequently hear from folks about the challenges they are facing, especially in rural communities that have unique hurdles in accessing education and health care services,” said Merkley. “This critical investment will ensure that working families living in more remote communities will have better access to the tools and services they need to thrive.” “Distance to a city should not determine whether or not hard-working students are able to access a quality education,” said Wyden. “This grant closes that gap and ensures students in Wasco County can gain the technical skills required to expand the healthcare workforce. I applaud this federal award to Dufur School District, and I will fight for more programs like this that provide opportunities for students living in Oregon’s rural communities.” This federal funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants, which help rural communities access advanced telecommunications technology. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2340 The Clock is Ticking: Students Have Only a Few Months to Make Grad School Decisions - Kennedy Pushes for Passage of the LEAP Act to Provide Equal Access to Higher Education for In-Demand Professions 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate LA John Kennedy K000393 kennedy.house.gov kennedy https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act Restores Fairness and Financial Parity for all Advanced Degree Students New Misguided Policy Created by the Big, Ugly Bill Slashes Amount Many Borrowers Can Receive, Slamming the Door Shut to Professional Advancement AMHERST, N.Y. – Joined at Daemen University by educators, professionals, students, and advocates, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) called for swift passage of his legislation, the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act. With decision time for grad schools coming up in April, Kennedy highlighted the pressing need to provide financial stability and predictability for students seeking advanced degrees. Last week, Kennedy and several colleagues introduced the LEAP Act to rectify a borrowing disparity created by the Republican-led Big, Ugly Bill (H.R. 1). The new legislation aims to restore financial support for advanced degree students, including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and physicians assistants, whose borrowing limits were significantly reduced while other professional programs remained unaffected. Under Kennedy’s bill, all post-baccalaureate degrees would be eligible to borrow the same $50,000 per year, with a borrowing total of $200,000. “Becoming an occupational therapist was among the best decisions I ever made,” said Congressman Kennedy. “It opened new doors for me, changed my worldview, and it’s how I met my wife, a physical therapist. For each of us, access to financing was a challenging burden, but one that we took on knowing that we could make a difference in peoples’ lives. Higher education is about more than just earning potential, it’s about your contribution to the community and helping others. Right now, future grad students are studying their options, figuring out if they can enter the career path they’ve always wanted to. We need to pass the LEAP Act to keep that dream alive for future generations who want to play their part.” “We know that one of the biggest barriers to education is financial, and the new… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-demands-answers-from-trump-admin-on-unauthorized-dismantling-of-manufacturing-program Senator Baldwin Demands Answers from Trump Admin on Unauthorized Dismantling of Manufacturing Program 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WI Tammy Baldwin B001230 www.baldwin.senate.gov baldwin https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a group of her colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration on its decision to withhold and delay congressionally-approved funds to the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program’s Centers and why the Administration has repeatedly insisted MEP is inconsistent with their priorities. The MEP program is a public-private partnership that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and create jobs. Prior to the Trump Administration’s moves to dismantle the program, the MEP in Wisconsin helped create more than $2.5 billion in economic impact and created or retained nearly 4,000 jobs in just two years. “On April 1, 2025, the Administration began withholding and delaying funds Congress already enacted and appropriated for MEP Centers,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators in a letter to Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology Craig Burkhardt. “Since then, NIST and the Administration have put the future of the MEP Program in deep uncertainty with its ever-shifting chronology of statements and actions. This uncertainty has already caused roughly 90% of MEP Centers to conduct layoffs or freeze hiring, with some at risk of entirely shutting down. Our offices are also deeply troubled by reports that the Administration has issued Reduction in Force (RIF) and possible separation notices to every MEP employee. These actions disregard Congress’s explicit statutory direction to fully fund the MEP Program and its Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.” These actions come despite longstanding broad, bipartisan support from Congress, and the fact that both the House and Senate Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bills provide $175 million for MEP. The Administration has also claimed that the goal of the MEP – to support American manufacturers – was not aligned with the Administration’s priorities. President Trump has promised an “American manufacturing boom,” b… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-delivers-for-indiana-constiuents-in-first-year-in-the-senate/ Banks Delivers for Indiana Constiuents in First Year in the Senate 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate IN Jim Banks B001299 www.banks.senate.gov banks https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) highlighted his office’s constituent service work over the past year, marking his first year representing Hoosiers in the U.S. Senate. Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “In my first year in the Senate, my office delivered real results for Hoosiers. I’m proud of the work we did to help thousands of families and return millions of dollars to Indiana.” Over the past year, Senator Banks’ office delivered the following for Indiana constituents: Assisted 1,138 Hoosiers with federal casework requests Helped return $32,841,023.49 to constituents Responded to 58,811 constituent inquires Arranged 295 U.S. Capitol tours for Hoosiers visiting Washington, D.C. Arranged 31 White House tours for Hoosiers visiting Washington, D.C. In 2026, Senator Banks looks forward to continuing to help Hoosiers who need assistance with a federal agency or who are planning a visit to Washington and want to request tours. Please feel free to contact his office for assistance or visit his website linked here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-about-donations-to-trumps-ballroom-presses-new-architect-leading-white-house-project-for-details Blumenthal Demands Answers About Donations to Trump's Ballroom, Presses New Architect Leading White House Project for Details 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from Roblox CEO David Baszucki about his reported contribution to President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom as well as ten other individuals who attended the October 15, 2025 fundraising dinner for the project. As Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the use of private donations to fund President Trump’s increasingly expensive ballroom, most recently estimated to cost $400 million, and has repeatedly raised concerns about donors that have deep financial, business, or other personal interests before the Trump Administration. In a letter sent today to Baszucki, Blumenthal requested additional information from the Roblox CEO about his donation, following a recent meeting during which Baszucki confirmed that he had contributed to President Trump’s ballroom, “I appreciated your candor and transparency at our recent meeting, in acknowledging that you were among the guests in attendance at that dinner and that you made a $5 million contribution to the ballroom project in your personal capacity.” Blumenthal continued, “As an attendee at the October 15 dinner and donor to the project, you possess critical information about the Administration’s solicitation of donations, its management of this project, why your donation was not publicly disclosed, and what President Trump or his representatives may have agreed to provide in exchange.” In letters to ten other individuals who attended the October 15 fundraiser, including Frank J. Fertitta II, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Red Rock Resorts, Blumenthal wrote, “A representative of your company was reportedly among the guests in attendance at the October 15 dinner; however, neither you nor your company were on the donor list which the White House released to the public several days later. My office has recently received information that at least one other attendee at the October 1… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-democratic-colleagues-introduce-sweeping-veterans-bill-to-reform-and-improve-va-health-care Blumenthal, Democratic Colleagues Introduce Sweeping Veterans Bill to Reform & Improve VA Health Care 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is leading a group of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Honor Our Promise to Veterans Act (the Honor Act)—sweeping legislation to invest in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) aging infrastructure, improve VA’s ability to recruit high quality health care employees, and improve the standards of care veterans receive. He was joined by fellow Committee members U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). “Democrats are pushing sweeping reforms to fix a VA system stretched to its limits. The VA system is underfunded, understaffed, and overdue for reform. We are demanding major capital investments in VA facilities, more money for the staff who deliver health care, and increased standards for community care,” said Ranking Member Blumenthal. Blumenthal continued, “Built on years of feedback from veterans and recommendations from watchdogs, our legislation enacts sweeping historic reforms to ensure veterans receive high-quality, timely care—both at VA facilities and in the community. The Honor Act mandates broad, landmark investments to replace VA’s aging infrastructure and make VA clinicians’ compensation more competitive. It aims to guarantee veterans’ access to well-trained, veteran-informed care no matter where they live.” “We have an obligation to do more than just thank our veterans for their service. We owe veterans the full, critical benefits they earned through their service,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “The Honor Act is an important step in fulfilling our obligation by ensuring the VA can easily improve its infrastructure, recruit high quality candidates, and always ensure our veterans are receiving the highest quality health care.” “We owe it to veterans in Maine and acro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-trump-administrations-latest-attack-on-revolution-wind Blumenthal Statement on Trump Administration's Latest Attack on Revolution Wind 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard released the following statement today on the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to stop work on the nearly complete Revolution Wind offshore wind project. “While the Trump Administration plays political games with Revolution Wind, here’s what’s at stake for Connecticut: the loss of good paying union jobs, billions of public and private dollars wasted, and higher electricity prices. This latest attack on Revolution Wind is even more absurd than the first one. The President cites national security risks, but has not been able to prove or demonstrate that such risks even exist. I am standing with our state’s delegation to keep fighting for this project, the workers who deserve to keep their jobs, and the Connecticut consumers who can’t afford to pay more for electricity,” Blumenthal said. After the Trump Administration’s first attempt to stop work at Revolution Wind in late August, Blumenthal wrote to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers regarding Trump’s interference in the project. A copy of that letter is available here. -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-wishes-west-virginians-a-merry-christmas-2025 VIDEO: Capito Wishes West Virginians a Merry Christmas 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate WV Shelley Moore Capito C001047 www.capito.senate.gov capito https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Click here or on the image above to watch the video. CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ahead of Christmas, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released a video message wishing West Virginians a merry Christmas and encouraging them to reflect on what’s most important this holiday season. She also wished everyone a happy new year full of health and happiness. Full video transcript included below: “Merry Christmas West Virginia. “I hope this is a time of great joy and happiness. While you gather with family and loved ones to enjoy the traditions and festivities, I encourage you all to reflect on what’s truly most important during the holiday season. “This is such a special time to come together to celebrate the blessings we have and renew our hope for a bright new year ahead. “We must also not forget the brave men and women serving overseas, our first responders and law enforcement officers, and our medical professionals who aren’t able to celebrate with their loved ones because of their selfless service to all of us. “From my entire family to yours, Merry Christmas. May your days be merry and bright and the year ahead full of health and happiness for you and your family.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-legislation-to-improve-veterans-health-care-passes-senate/ Cassidy Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Health Care Passes Senate 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate LA Bill Cassidy C001075 www.cassidy.senate.gov cassidy https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the U.S. Senate passage of his Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission (VetPAC) Act. The legislation creates a new VetPAC to facilitate a transparent, expert-driven review process for the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) operations. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. “Our veterans put their lives on the line in service to our nation,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We owe them a health care system worthy of that sacrifice. This legislation moves us closer to that standard.” The VetPAC Act creates a Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission made up of medical experts and veterans tasked with evaluating VHA performance, identifying areas for improvement, and issuing regular reports to Congress to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the VA health care system. Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in introducing the legislation. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-local-artist-andrew-coleman-for-sharing-the-gospel-through-woodworking/ LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Local Artist Andrew Coleman for Sharing the Gospel through Woodworking 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate LA Bill Cassidy C001075 www.cassidy.senate.gov cassidy https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper (Click here to watch and here to download) WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, highlighted Andrew Coleman, a Louisianan following God’s call to ministry by sharing the Gospel through his artistic gifts. After a year in seminary, Andrew discovered his true calling—serving God and his community through woodworking. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full December 2025 Local Spotlight below: Today we are recognizing Andrew Coleman of Coleman’s Handcrafted in Baton Rouge. Andrew has been an artist from a young age, but he felt deeply connected to the church and sensed that God was calling him to a life of ministry. He entered the Seminary to study for the priesthood. But after a year, God revealed that his calling takes different shape—that he was not meant to share the Gospel from the pulpit, but through the work of his hands. Because of his sensitivity to God’s voice and obedience to his artistic calling, Andrew is now a full-time carpenter and woodcarver, commissioning pieces for churches in and around Louisiana. Andrew, you remind us of a simple truth: When you follow God’s plan for your life, good things happen. First Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Keep using your gifts. You make Louisiana, our country, and the world a more beautiful and more worshipful place. Background In November, Cassidy highlighted Katie Jenkins, owner of STIR Coffee in Baton Rouge, who primarily employs Louisianans with cognitive disabilities. By providing good jobs for people who may otherwise face barriers to employment, Katie is improving life for those she employs and setting a positive example for businesses across the country. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-bill-to-exhume-alleged-serial-murderer-from-fort-sam-houston-national-cemetery-signed-into-law/ Cornyn Bill to Exhume Alleged Serial Murderer from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Signed into Law 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov cornyn https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/ scraper AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his bill to require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota, an alleged serial murderer and convicted rapist, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026: “Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery is a sacred resting place for more than 170,000 respected veterans and their loved ones, and it would be a slap in the face to each one of them to allow Fernando Cota, a convicted rapist and alleged serial murderer, to remain buried amongst such heroes,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law rightfully directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Cota’s remains from Fort Sam Houston to be in-keeping with current law and deliver justice for victims’ families.” U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is a cosponsor of this legislation. Background: Sen. Cornyn’s law directs the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Fernando V. Cota, an alleged serial murderer and convicted rapist, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. This comes at the request of the son of one of Cota’s alleged victims. Fernando Cota was drafted into the U.S. Army and fought in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to the states and transitioning to civilian life, he faced multiple sexual assault allegations, was the prime suspect in the murders of six women in San Jose, California, and was ultimately convicted of attacking a nurse by binding and raping her in 1975. He was imprisoned for two decades, but was later released on parole in 1983. One year later, he was stopped by police officers while driving erratically, leading him to commit suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police found a wooden box in his van with the corpse of a young woman, later identified as 21-year-old Kim Marie Dunham, who had gone missing the day before. Following Cota’s death, the police received a search warrant for his home, wher… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-kelly-bill-to-enhance-u-s-mexico-counternarcotics-efforts-signed-into-law/ Cornyn, Kelly Bill to Enhance U.S.-Mexico Counternarcotics Efforts Signed into Law 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov cornyn https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/ scraper AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their Counternarcotics Enhancement Act, which will require elements of the Intelligence Community to assess any direct relationship with an element of the Government of Mexico, develop a strategy to enhance counternarcotics efforts, and make recommendations or request resources required to implement the strategy in furtherance of the national interest of the United States, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026: “One innocent life lost because of illicit narcotics smuggled into the U.S. by way of Mexico is one too many,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will ensure our Intelligence Community leverages the U.S.-Mexico relationship to most effectively root out these silent killers and keep Americans safe.” “To win the fight against drug trafficking, the U.S. and Mexico have to work together against the cartels,” said Sen. Kelly. “This effort with Republicans and Democrats will make our country safer by keeping drugs off our streets through Intelligence Community engagement with the government of Mexico.” Background: The Counternarcotics Enhancement Act will require elements of the Intelligence Community to submit to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) the following information: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-op-ed-republicans-solution-to-affordability-is-through-tax-cuts-for-working-families/ Cornyn Op-Ed: Republicans’ Solution to Affordability is Through Tax Cuts for Working Families 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov cornyn https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/ scraper AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the San Antonio Express News on the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts, which will put money back into the pockets of hard-working Texans. Republicans’ Solution to Affordability is Through Tax Cuts for Working Families Senator John Cornyn The San Antonio Express-News In print December 21, 2025 https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/republican-tax-cuts-john-cornyn-21248007.php Americans are facing an affordability crisis after 40-year high inflation under the Biden administration. A quarter of U.S. households are living paycheck to paycheck, while 56% of voters say that affordability is their top concern. While there is no silver bullet that can magically erase economic anxiety, Republicans have delivered solutions that will ease the burden of rising costs on Texan families through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts. This legislation, which President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, helps Americans keep more of what they earn by lowering taxes across the board, with Texans receiving an outsized benefit. We permanently increased the base standard deduction to $15,750 with an annual adjustment for inflation. Without our legislation, the standard deduction would have dropped to $8,300 next year, hurting the more than 12 million Texan families who claim the standard deduction. We also made permanent the lower tax rates from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which were set to expire at the end of 2025. The Tax Foundation estimates that Texans will receive an average tax cut of $3,942 in 2026 from the Working Families Tax Cuts. The burden of rising costs is particularly acute for families with children, who are often forced to pick between living on one income or budgeting for the increasingly exorbitant cost of child care. Without our legislation, families would have been further pinched next year with the Child Tax Credit schedule… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-alsobrooks-curtis-merkley-introduce-bill-to-reauthorize-wildlife-crossings-program Cramer, Alsobrooks, Curtis, Merkley Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Wildlife Crossings Program 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate ND Kevin Cramer C001096 www.cramer.senate.gov cramer https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper BISMARCK, N.D. – The Wildlife Crossings Program provides grants for infrastructure improvements designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. States and tribes can apply for grants to create safe paths for wildlife to cross roads and highways, often in the form of enlarged culverts, underpasses, and bridges. The program was authorized for five years in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is set to expire next year. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, EPW T&I Ranking Member U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced legislation to reauthorize the program. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Wildlife Crossings Program to better protect people and animals from the dangers of vehicle collisions, especially in rural states like North Dakota where the two frequently cross paths,”said Cramer. “Our bill reauthorizes and expands the program to support infrastructure projects directly aimed at improving roadway safety. I’m grateful to Senator Alsobrooks for her leadership of this bipartisan effort, which will benefit critters and communities across the nation.” “The Wildlife Crossings Program at the Federal Highway Administration provides a unique opportunity to protect both our wildlife and our drivers – it is a true win-win,” said Alsobrooks. “I am proud of the ongoing work in Maryland to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions across our state and look forward to supporting Maryland’s efforts by reauthorizing this important program. I want to thank Senators Cramer, Merkley, and Curtis for their partnership on this legislation.” “The North Dakota Department of Transportation supports the reauthorization and improvements to this discretionary grant, as it creates safer connections to communities and provides critical passage for wildlife across North Dakota’s transportation system,” said North Dakota Departm… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-kennedy-urge-action-to-protect-us-oil-and-gas-from-eu-methane-mandate Sens. Cruz, Kennedy Urge Action to Protect U.S. Oil and Gas from EU Methane Mandate 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov cruz https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Kennedy (R-La.) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and Ambassador Jamieson Greer of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, urging the Trump administration to pressure the European Union to repeal the European Union Methane Regulation (EUMR). The EUMR seeks to regulate oil and gas production within the United States, undermining American energy dominance, infringing on American sovereignty, and potentially harming U.S. energy exports to the European Union. Below are highlights and excerpts from the letter: “When fully phased in, the EUMR will set a new, yet-to-be-defined methane intensity standard for U.S. imports of oil and natural gas. This provision, if allowed to go into effect, would mean that regulators in Paris, Berlin, and Brussels would tell operators in Midland and Pittsburgh how, when, and where to produce energy. “The insinuation that European countries could directly regulate American producers is a gross overstep and breach of bilateral relations—especially in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where American LNG exporters helped fend off the worst-case scenarios by surging cargoes to the region. Europe continues to rely on U.S. LNG to keep homes warm, lights on, and factories operating across the continent. In the absence of U.S. LNG, Europe’s reliance on Russian energy would grow, further undermining European security and reinforcing Russia’s strategic grip on the continent. “As you meet with your European counterparts to finalize the trade deal implementation action plan, we ask that this administration use all available legal, diplomatic, and economic tools to ensure that the EUMR is repealed in full. Regulating aspects of the EU’s own oil and gas production is within the authority delegated to it by member states—any attempt to extend such regulations to U.S. producers represents a clear and provocative attempt… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.daines.senate.gov/2025/12/22/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-month-lieutenant-kirby-dempster/ Daines Honors Montanan of the Month: Lieutenant Kirby Dempster 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate MT Steve Daines D000618 www.daines.senate.gov daines https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper U.S. SENATE— U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Lieutenant Kirby Dempster as Montanan of the Month for his service with the Fergus County Sheriff’s Office and his courage in the face of a daunting diagnosis. Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, every month Daines highlights a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. To recommend a Montanan click HERE. The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record: TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT KIRBY DEMPSTER Mr. Daines, Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Lieutenant Kirby Dempster of the Fergus County Sheriff’s Office in Lewistown, Montana, as Montanan of the Month. For more than eight and a half years, Lieutenant Dempster has served the people of Fergus County with courage, compassion, and integrity. As a supervising officer, he leads both detention and patrol operations and oversees important department initiatives, including cyber-crime prevention efforts focused on protecting children, human-trafficking investigations, and a drone program. Today, we also recognize him for something deeper: his resilience during one of life’s toughest battles. Following a difficult cancer diagnosis, Lieutenant Dempster was confronted with a new fight. However, he and his loved ones did not face it alone. His fellow officers, first responders, and the entire Lewistown community stepped forward without hesitation. Fundraisers were launched, donations poured in, and neighbors showed up to support the Dempster family. This remarkable outpouring of support reflects what Lieutenant Dempster has built in his community over his many years of service. He is known as a strong leader, a mentor, a dedicated public servant, and above all, a devoted family man. Lieutenant Dempster’s commitment to protecting his community, his leadership in the face of hardship, and the community’s support in return embodies the very best of Montana values. His story reminds us of … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-continues-to-push-for-answers-on-trumps-pharmaceutical-deals/ Gallego Continues to Push for Answers on Trump’s Pharmaceutical Deals 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 www.gallego.senate.gov gallego https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper In letters to the drug companies who recently inked deals with President Trump, Senator Gallego calls for more details and greater transparency WASHINGTON – In response to President Trump’s recent announcement that nine drugmakers agreed to direct-to-consumer pricing through the TrumpRx drug purchasing platform, and the implementation of “Most Favored Nation” (MFN) pricing in Medicaid, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) called on the drug manufacturers to clarify the agreement and provide the public with details on the arrangement. “It raises concern that to date, the public has been provided with only limited details, despite the significance of this arrangement for millions of patients, and that in return for this arrangement [these companies] will get a three-year exemption from Section 232 tariffs,” Senator Gallego wrote in the letters to the drug manufacturers. In the letters, Senator Gallego asks the drug manufacturers the following questions: Under the proposed model, which countries and pricing metrics will be used in the MFN formula? Will [the company] commit to transparency in how MFN prices are calculated, and disclose how the final MFN price is calculated, whether discounts, rebates, or pricing agreements are incorporated? How frequently will MFN comparator pricing be updated? Will changes be made automatically as international pricing data changes? What is the full scope of [your company’s] drugs subject to MFN pricing in Medicaid? How will MFN pricing in Medicaid affect Medicaid Best Price and the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program? Will [your company] commit to not shifting costs to other markets? Do you commit to not recoup any revenue reductions by raising prices in private insurance markets, employee-sponsored plans, or Medicare? Are there plans for [the company] to expand MFN or TrumpRx-style pricing to the commercial insurance or Medicare Part D markets? Given that Medicaid beneficiary cost-sharing on prescription drugs is generally limited, please explain how beneficiaries will see savings und… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-gallego-gives-back-ahead-of-the-holidays-with-toy-donations/ Senator Gallego Gives Back Ahead of the Holidays with Toy Donations 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 www.gallego.senate.gov gallego https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper PHOENIX – Ahead of the holidays, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) visited Phoenix Children’s Hospital to donate toys as part of the hospital’s annual Toyland Toy Drive, helping ensure every child admitted to the hospital over the holidays receives a gift. The hospital plans to provide gifts to over 400 families this year. During the visit, Senator Gallego delivered toys and spent time with hospital staff, thanking them for their dedication to caring for Arizona’s children, especially during a season that can be particularly challenging for families spending the holidays in the hospital. “During the holidays, it’s especially important that we look out for one another, and as a father of three, I know how much joy this time of year can bring,” said Senator Gallego. “For kids who have to spend this time in the hospital, even a small moment of joy can make a big difference. I’m grateful for the incredible staff at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for the care and compassion they provide to Arizona families every single day.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-job-and-energy-killing-empire-wind-1-and-sunrise-wind-pause/ Gillibrand Statement On Job And Energy Killing Empire Wind 1 And Sunrise Wind Pause 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NY Kirsten E. Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov gillibrand https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ scraper Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the brazen attack on New York’s energy economy by Trump’s Department of the Interior: “This announcement has nothing to do with national security and everything to do with a political agenda against energy and job creation in New York. There is no justification for a decision that destroys good-paying union jobs and drives up energy costs for hardworking New York families. I urge the Interior Secretary to reverse this reckless pause and allow these projects to power homes, job creation, and New York’s economy.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-nominates-31-iowa-students-to-us-military-academies Grassley Nominates 31 Iowa Students to U.S. Military Academies 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate IA Chuck Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov grassley https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases scraper BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing his support for 31 Iowa students seeking acceptance to U.S. military academies. “I am proud to nominate these 31 young Iowans to our nation’s prestigious military academies,” Grassley said. These young men and women have bright futures, and I’m inspired by their leadership, achievements and motivation to serve our country. It’s my honor to nominate them.” Each year, Grassley nominates Iowa high school seniors for placements at the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. All service academies select at least one of Grassley’s nominees. Learn more about service academy nominations HERE. Grassley’s nominees for entrance during the 2026-2027 academic year follow: United States Air Force Academy Jorge Camarena, Council Bluffs Gabriel Conrad, Iowa City Odin Hankins, Ainsworth Mackenzie McClelland, Grinnell Charlee DeJong, West Des Moines Calan Peters, Milford Lydia Weininger, Palo Luke Miller, Polk City Lydia Meunsaveng, Indianola Alexis Bogardus, Granger Jackson Goslin, Hiawatha Camilla McArthur, Atlantic Carter Mitchell, Des Moines Shae Magley, Cedar Falls Jack Franzen, Urbandale United States Military Academy at West Point Berit Kallemeier, Urbandale Avery Schnack, Decorah Naomi Templeman, Dallas Center Gabrielle Wilker, Saint Olaf Kamryn Wolkenhauer, Danville Alexis Bogardus, Granger Patrick Bowser, Urbandale Jackson Goslin, Hiawatha Jackson Lampe, Dubuque Camilla McArthur, Atlantic Quentin Moore, Des Moines Mackenzie McClelland, Grinnell Allie Sackett, Cedar Rapids Daniel Spooner, Mason City Jack Franzen, Urbandale United States Merchant Marine Academy Jackson Lampe, Dubuque Jack Franzen, Urbandale United States Naval Academy Dane Thomas, Cedar Rapids Joseph Winland, Cedar Falls Luke Miller, Polk City Alexis Bogardus, Granger Patrick Bowser, Urbandale Charles Crane, West Des Moines Ellie Hance, Palo Jackson Lampe, Dubuque Ca… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-recognizes-kevin-semprini-of-portsmouth-as-decembers-granite-stater-of-the-month Senator Hassan Recognizes Kevin Semprini of Portsmouth as December’s Granite Stater of the Month 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NH Margaret Wood Hassan H001076 www.hassan.senate.gov hassan https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Kevin Semprini of Portsmouth as December’s Granite Stater of the Month. Throughout his decades-long law enforcement service, Kevin has helped protect children across New Hampshire and keep our communities safe. A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Kevin grew up admiring the police officers in his neighborhood who worked to build a strong community. Kevin knew from an early age that he wanted to be a part of that mission. Inspired by their example, he joined the police force and dedicated himself to serving his community. Early in his career, Officer Semprini identified a need to strengthen child safety across New Hampshire. Working closely with the Portsmouth police chief, he helped to create a new school safety program. His work took him to local schools where he helped elementary school students learn about tips on how to stay safe. He quickly earned a nickname from students who struggled to pronounce his last name which reflected his warm and reassuring presence: “Officer Friendly,” a name that would stay with him throughout his career. As the department evolved, Officer Semprini played a key role in expanding youth-focused safety initiatives. He was introduced to the DARE program by a new Chief of Police and worked with state officials to pilot New Hampshire’s first DARE program, which was later expanded statewide. After 46 years of service, Officer Semprini retires with the gratitude of the Portsmouth community and all Granite Staters. His lifelong dedication to protecting children and strengthening public safety exemplifies the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile for one’s community. His lifelong work to support Portsmouth students is why Senator Hassan is proud to name him December’s Granite Stater of the Month. Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hassan-and-young-secure-lab-test-report-improvement-that-helps-parents-reduce-childrens-exposure-to-toxic-lead Senators Hassan and Young Secure Lab Test Report Improvement That Helps Parents Reduce Children’s Exposure to Toxic Lead 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NH Margaret Wood Hassan H001076 www.hassan.senate.gov hassan https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Following a bipartisan push from U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN), major lab testing companies are taking steps to help parents reduce their children’s exposure to toxic lead. Young children who are exposed to lead can develop long-lasting cognitive impairments. In November, Senators Hassan and Young wrote to Quest and Labcorp, the nation's two largest lab testing companies, urging the companies to clearly state when providing children’s lead blood test results that there is no safe level of lead in a child’s blood. Both companies are now implementing this change, helping parents act to reduce their children’s toxic lead exposure when blood tests show elevated lead blood levels. Prior to this change, elevated lead blood levels below a particular “reference value” were frequently categorized as “normal” when patients received their results. As a result, parents looking at these test results may not have understood that their children’s even slightly elevated lead blood levels could cause long-lasting health problems. “I commend Quest and Labcorp for working quickly to help parents better protect their children from toxic lead exposure,”said Senator Hassan. “Clearly stating on blood test results that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children will help ensure that parents can take action when lead exposure is putting their children at risk of life-long impairment.” “It’s important that patients receive accurate and clear information from health care providers – especially when it comes to kids. I’m pleased that these providers quickly made adjustments to ensure that parents are more aware that any level of lead in their children’s blood can have serious health consequences,” said Senator Young. “We welcome the efforts of Senators Hassan and Young to educate the public on the dangers of lead exposure, even at the lowest levels, and the critical role blood lab tests play in illuminating a path to good health,” said Yuri Fesko, MD, senior vice president and chief med… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trumps-assault-on-wind-energy-leaves-permitting-reform-dead-in-the-water Trump’s Assault on Wind Energy Leaves Permitting Reform Dead in the Water 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), issued the following statement after the Trump Administration stopped five offshore wind farms that were under construction—adding to the growing number of onshore solar and wind energy projects that are still waiting for approval from the Department of Interior—preventing the delivery of affordable, reliable energy to tens of millions of Americans: “We want to thank Chairs Capito and Lee for their good-faith efforts to negotiate a permitting reform bill that would have lowered electricity prices for all Americans. There was a deal to be had that would have taken politics out of permitting, made the process faster and more efficient, and streamlined grid infrastructure improvements nationwide.” “But any deal would have to be administered by the Trump Administration. Its reckless and vindictive assault on wind energy doesn’t just undermine one of our cheapest, cleanest power sources, it wrecks the trust needed with the executive branch for bipartisan permitting reform. By sabotaging U.S. energy innovation and killing American jobs, the Trump Administration has made clear that it is not interested in permitting reform. It will own the higher electricity prices, increasingly decrepit infrastructure, and loss of competitiveness that result from its reckless policies.” “The illegal attacks on fully permitted renewable energy projects must be reversed if there is to be any chance that permitting talks resume. There is no path to permitting reform if this administration refuses to follow the law.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-neguse-hurd-mobilize-bipartisan-coalition-to-protect-ncar/ Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse, Hurd Mobilize Bipartisan Coalition to Protect NCAR 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CO John W. Hickenlooper H000273 www.hickenlooper.senate.gov hickenlooper https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd led a bipartisan, bicameral coalition to protect funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder. They mobilized 76 lawmakers to demand top congressional appropriators include language in the government funding package to prevent the dismantling of NCAR and ensure NCAR can maintain its core capabilities and continue delivering vital Earth system science that promotes public safety and improves national security. “Donald Trump’s vengeful plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research is not only illegal, it’s indefensible,” said Hickenlooper. “It will have devastating consequences not only for Colorado, but across the country. Colorado won’t be intimidated by the bully in the White House. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to fight back.” “Last week, I blocked the Senate appropriations process to demand full funding for NCAR in response to President Trump’s threat to dismantle it,” said Bennet. “NCAR’s work is indispensable for communities, decision-makers, and emergency responders. From predicting extreme weather conditions to supporting disaster preparedness to understanding how wildfires spread, the elimination of NCAR would be catastrophic for public safety and national security. I am grateful to Representatives Neguse and Hurd for their partnership on the effort to protect NCAR. We will explore every avenue to ensure we don’t lose this vital institution.” “The work being done at NCAR is vital to our state, our country, and our planet. The breathtaking advancements these scientists and researchers are making every day play a critical role in alerting communities to extreme weather conditions and the advanced modeling systems they are creating are vital to our national security. Any attempt to dismantle this institution is dangerous, reckless, and would, ultimately, put the United States at a very deep competitive disadvantage,” said Ne… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-wishes-mississippians-hope-love-peace-2025-christmas-message HYDE-SMITH WISHES MISSISSIPPIANS ‘HOPE, LOVE & PEACE’ IN 2025 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues 2025 Christmas Message WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued her 2025 Christmas message, in which she encourages Mississippians to “slow down, take stock of our blessings, and remember the light that guides us to seek peace even when we face uncertainty.” Read Senator Hyde-Smith’s Christmas message below: Merry Christmas, Mississippi! This season reminds us of the simple, yet profound, gifts that we are given – love, peace, and hope. Christmas invites us to slow down, take stock of our blessings, and remember the light that guides us to seek peace even when we face uncertainty. Across Mississippi, I see that light every day: in neighbors lending a hand, in communities standing strong together in good times and bad, and in the unwavering spirit that makes the Magnolia State such a remarkable place to call home. As Christians, we also pause to reflect on the incredible gift God gave us through the birth of His Son. In Him, we find perfect love, enduring hope, and the promise of peace that the world cannot offer. His life teaches us to love others, as He first loved us. Christ’s example calls us to comfort the hurting, support the weary, and serve those in need. As we dwell on the wonders of this season, let’s remember to express gratitude for the men and women in uniform who are spending this season far from home and their families to protect the freedoms we hold dear. We are also thankful for our first responders and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy. My prayer for every Mississippian is that your Christmas is filled with hope, love, and peace. And may God bless you in the year ahead. From my family to yours, I wish you a blessed Christmas and a new year full of promise. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.justice.senate.gov/press-releases/senators-justice-warner-introduce-bipartisan-bill-child-care-supply-tax-credit-act-of-2025 Senators Justice, Warner Introduce Bipartisan Bill, Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act of 2025 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate WV James C. Justice J000312 www.justice.senate.gov justice https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced S.3534, the Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act of 2025, to address the nationwide childcare shortage and increase childcare supply for families across the country: “Childcare providers simply can’t afford to pay their workers enough without passing those high costs on to parents. Families in West Virginia and across the country are spending thousands of dollars just to secure reliable childcare – it must be addressed. By creating a targeted tax credit tied directly to caregiver wages, we can pay the people who take care of our kids what they deserve while giving our hard-working families some breathing room,” said Senator Jim Justice. “From health care premiums to groceries to utility bills, life is only getting more and more expensive for American families, and for many, the math simply doesn’t work without affordable child care. Child care is the foundation that allows parents to earn a living while providing kids with the head start they deserve. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to address the workforce challenges contributing to our nation’s child care crisis,” said Senator Mark Warner. BACKGROUND: Childcare providers operate on razor-thin margins; therefore, they typically can’t pay their workers well. But families can only afford to pay so much for childcare, meaning providers can’t raise their prices to offer competitive wages. Poor pay leads to high turnover, difficulty attracting qualified staff, centers operating below licensed capacity, and even facilities permanently closing—only adding to the childcare shortage. In West Virginia alone, families need an additional 20,000 childcare spots. The Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act of 2025 creates a new tax credit for eligible childcare providers to help offset the cost of employee wages, allowing providers to increase worker wages, retain talent, and increase childcare supply. The general business tax credit is equal to five percent of thei… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-crack-down-on-pharmacy-benefit-managers-price-gouging Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ Price Gouging 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and colleagues introduced the bipartisan, bicameral PBM Fiduciary Accountability, Integrity, and Reform (FAIR) Act, legislation that would establish fiduciary responsibilities for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—the middlemen of drug pricing—and require PBMs to act in the best interests of employees relying on employer-sponsored health plans, while keeping plan costs low. “Pharmacy benefit managers should be held accountable for their role in raising costs of prescription drugs,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring that PBMs are doing what’s best for Americans who rely on lifesaving medication.” Currently, PBMs that provide drug benefits for employer health plans often get away with price-gouging because they are not legally required to put employees’ interests first. The PBM Fair Act would ensure PBMs are classified as fiduciaries under law—thereby helping to curb hidden fees and end practices that drive up what employees pay for their medications. To ensure employer-sponsored health care plans are affordable and accessible to all families, this bill would specifically rein in bad PBM practices, such as: Marking up generic drugs at prices hundreds of times higher than actual cost; Limiting patient choice; and Denying claims with no or misleading explanations. In addition to Kaine, this bill is introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Companion legislation is led in the House by U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07). Full text of the bill is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z

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