Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
- url
- Link to the original release on the member's official site
- text
- Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
- has_text
- 1 if body text was successfully extracted
- date_source
- How the publication date was determined
- bioguide_id
- Bioguide ID of the member
15,057 rows where chamber = "Senate" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
state >30
party 3
- Democrat 9,222
- Republican 5,664
- Independent 171
year 1
- 2026 · 15,057 ✖
chamber 1
- Senate · 15,057 ✖
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/30/mississippi-delegation-applauds-key-fields-selection-as-a-kc-46-finalist/ | Mississippi Delegation Applauds Key Field’s Selection as a KC-46 Finalist | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington – Today, the U.S. Air Force notified Congress that Key Field in Meridian has been selected as one of four preferred locations to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. In response, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., along with U.S. Congressmen Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., welcomed this announcement and made the following statement. “We applaud the U.S. Air Force for selecting Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi, as a finalist to host the KC-46 refueling aircraft. “Key Field is the home of the 186th Air Refueling Wing, hosting more than 1,000 Airmen and Air Force personnel servicing the KC-135. The 186th is the primary National Guard tanker unit devoted to U.S. military operations in the Middle East—a vital mission for a consequential region of the world. “Meridian presents a strategic location for the KC-46 and is the prime candidate to undertake this mission. The city sits near important refueling tracks, and Mississippi’s vast open spaces enable large-scale exercises. This allows the 186th not only to service fleets flying along local routes but also to support the global refueling mission. Over the past few years, Key Field leadership has invested in the infrastructure upgrades that facilitate this mission. The City of Meridian also has a long record of welcoming service members and meeting the unique needs of military families. “As the Air Force moves into its final evaluations, we will keep making the case that Key Field is the right home for the next generation of air refueling.” Background on the Mississippi Delegation’s Key Field Engagement: The Mississippi delegation has consistently made the case that Key Field is well equipped to host the KC-46 aircraft. This month, the Mississippi delegation sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink in support of Meridian. Over the past few years, Mississippi’s federal officials have supported additional efforts to m… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.armstrong.senate.gov/senator-armstrong-praises-bipartisan-permitting-reform-package-advancing-key-reforms-to-get-america-building-again/ | Senator Armstrong Praises Bipartisan Permitting Reform Package Advancing Key Reforms to Get America Building Again | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | OK | Alan Armstrong | A000383 | www.armstrong.senate.gov | armstrong | https://www.armstrong.senate.gov/news/media-center/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2026 CONTACT: Chrissy Harbin, Miranda Dabney Senator Armstrong Praises Bipartisan Permitting Reform Package Advancing Key Reforms to Get America Building Again PACKAGE REFLECTS KEY ARMSTRONG PRIORITIES AND MONTHS OF WORK TO BUILD CONSENSUS FOR COMPREHENSIVE PERMITTING REFORM WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK) praised Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Chairman Mike Lee (R-UT), along with Ranking Members Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Martin Heinrich (R-NM), for reaching a historic, bipartisan deal on theBipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, saying the proposal incorporates key reforms he has championed to make the federal permitting process faster, more predictable, and more durable. Senator Armstrong released the following statement: “I came to the Senate determined to help America build again, and I have been willing to work with anyone—Republican or Democrat—who is serious about fixing our broken permitting system. I applaud my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle and the Trump administration for staying at the table and finding common ground. This agreement shows that comprehensive permitting reform is possible. Let’s finish the job when we come back in November and get this package to the President’s desk. “The reality is that meaningful, lasting reform doesn’t happen when politicians retreat to their partisan corners or demand 100 percent of their wish list—it happens when leaders are willing to do the difficult work of sitting at the table, and finding genuine common ground. On an issue as vital as energy and infrastructure, compromise isn’t about surrendering our principles or lowering standards; it’s about crafting an energy-neutral, practical framework that delivers real results for the American people, lowers utility bills, and strengthens our national security. If we want to solve generational challenges instead of just passing the buck down the road, we have to put country over party and do the tough, coll… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-statement-on-sham-stock-trading-bill | Baldwin Statement on Sham Stock Trading Bill | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after voting against the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation that fails to adequately prevent current members of Congress from holding stocks and enriching themselves while in office. The legislation also allows the President, Vice President, and White House staff to continue to use inside information and freely trade stocks for personal profit. The bill comes as President Trump made 21,000 stock trades and $2.2 billion in personal wealth in just his first year in office. On the contrary, Senator Baldwin does not trade stocks and has had the management of her financial assets in a blind trust while serving in the U.S. Senate since 2013. “We are sent to Washington to do the people’s work and make their lives better, not to use our position of power to turn a profit. That’s why I have led by example – never trading a single stock since I have been in the Senate. I’ll continue fighting to root out corruption and stop politicians from enriching themselves while in office,” said Senator Baldwin. “The bill that the House passed simply falls short of ending this corrupt practice, letting members keep the stocks they have and allowing the President and Vice President to continue trading stocks and enrich themselves while in office. Wisconsinites deserve a real ban on this kind of corruption, and this is just what I support and what we need to become law.” Senator Baldwin co-sponsors the following bills to ban members of Congress from trading stocks. These bills stand in contrast to the Stop Insider Trading Act, which would not require Members of Congress to divest their current holdings. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-votes-against-voluntary-approach-to-data-centers-vows-to-push-real-reform-to-protect-wisconsin-ratepayers | Baldwin Votes Against Voluntary Approach to Data Centers; Vows to Push Real Reform to Protect Wisconsin Ratepayers | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) voted against legislation that fails to protect Wisconsin ratepayers and does nothing to ensure that data centers pay for their own energy costs. The legislation only asks that states and regulators “consider” making Big Tech pay for the energy that the data centers use, failing to put real protections for families from increased energy costs into law. “This bill tries to sell the American people a bad bill of goods and take them for fools. This toothless legislation does not protect American families from increased energy costs and allows these huge AI data centers to pass on their energy bills to families and small businesses. Even worse, my colleagues are trying to use this window dressing to dupe the American people into thinking we are acting on an issue that they care deeply about, while not actually protecting them,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m committed to making AI data centers pay their own way and protecting hardworking Wisconsinites from paying a penny of Big Tech’s data center energy bills. The solution must be a mandate, under law, that these costs can’t be kicked to families because we cannot trust these tech giants to just do the right thing. I’ll work with anyone to protect families from yet another bill of theirs from increasing and ensure our communities are the ones in control, not big tech.” The legislation, The Ratepayer Protection Act, requires states to “consider” a standard that would make certain large data centers pay for the costs of grid upgrades necessary to serve them. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, this legislation pushes a voluntary standard, saying that state commissions “may adopt or reject” the federal standard. Therefore, there is no federal requirement preventing energy costs from data centers from being passed along to ordinary ratepayers. Additionally, the legislation does not cover all data centers. The bill only covers data centers with peak demand of 100 megawatts or more, leaving out… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-baldwin-secures-return-of-mental-health-help-on-988-for-lgbtq-kids | NEWS: Baldwin Secures Return of Mental Health Help on 988 for LGBTQ Kids | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – After more than a year of pressure from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), 988’s specialized “Press 3” services for LGBTQ youth resumed today. This news comes after the Trump Administration abruptly canceled “Press 3” over a year ago and has since dragged their feet on following Senator Baldwin's bipartisan law that mandated a return of these services. For more than 14 months, the Trump Administration withheld specialized services for a population that is more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. “Suicide and mental health struggles touch every community across our state, and that’s why creating the 988 crisis lifeline to make sure help is there for everyone is one of my proudest accomplishments,” said Senator Baldwin. “But, last year, the Trump Administration decided to make these real struggles a political football and ripped away the specialized line that helped LGBTQ children. This was a deliberate choice. The Trump Administration chose to put children’s lives on the line to score some political points. I’ve fought tooth and nail to restore this lifesaving resource. When I realized the Trump Administration was not going to do it on their own, I wrote it into federal law to require them to restore the Press 3 option. This lifesaving resource never should have gone away in the first place, but I am glad the lifesaving support Press 3 provides is once again there for people who need it.” Since the first reports of the Trump Administration’s planned shuttering of 988’s specialized services for LGBTQ youth, Senator Baldwin pushed for the reinstatement, including: May 2025: Senator Baldwin led her colleagues in slamming the Trump Administration’s plan to take away lifesaving mental health services at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline from LGBTQ youth. June 2025: Baldwin condemned the Trump Administration’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announcement of their plans to shut down the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s specialized ser… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-applauds-president-trumps-nominee-for-u-s-marshal-for-the-northern-district-of-indiana/ | Sen. Banks Applauds President Trump’s Nominee for U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Indiana | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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.) released a statement applauding President Trump’s nomination of Indiana Police Captain Scott Krueger to serve as United States Marshal for the Northern District of Indiana. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “President Trump nominated a great Hoosier and a great friend to be Northern Indiana’s next U.S. Marshal. As a state trooper, Captain Scott Krueger dedicated more than two decades to protecting Hoosiers, as President of the Indiana State Police Alliance he stood-up for our law enforcement officers when they needed it the most, and I look forward to supporting his confirmation in the Senate. Thank you to current U.S. Marshal Todd Nukes for your longtime service to our country.” Scott Krueger (Nominee for United States Marshal for the Northern District of Indiana): Scott Krueger has served as a trooper with the Indiana State Police for 26 years and currently serves as Captain and Executive Liaison in the Office of the Superintendent. He previously served as president of the Indiana State Police Alliance and as a member of the National Troopers Coalition’s Executive Committee. Krueger holds an associate’s degree in computer graphic technology from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Oakland City University. U.S. Marshals Service: Established in 1789 under President George Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. The agency supports the Department of Justice and federal judiciary by apprehending federal fugitives, protecting federal courts, and participating in federal investigations. The agency has 94 Marshals nationwide—one for each federal judicial district. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-blocks-democrats-attempt-to-create-sanctuary-bus-stops-for-illegal-aliens/ | Sen. Banks Blocks Democrats’ Attempt to Create “Sanctuary Bus Stops” for Illegal Aliens | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor objecting to Sen. Chris Murphy’s (D-Conn.) legislation that would prohibit ICE from enforcing federal immigration law at school bus stops. Banks warned that the bill would create “sanctuary bus stops” for illegal aliens and put children in harm’s way. During his remarks, Banks highlighted recent crimes committed by illegal aliens in Indiana and pointed to ICE’s successful five-day operation in early September that resulted in the arrests of 426 illegal aliens across the state. Click the image above or view the full speech here. See remarks below: “Mr. President, reserving the right to object: this is just another attempt by Democrats to stop ICE from doing their job and enforcing our immigration laws. As you’re seeing today, Democrats will do anything they can to stop ICE from securing our nation. “In my state of Indiana over the weekend, an illegal with an ICE detainer, drunk and behind the wheel, killed an innocent 33-year-old woman, Tamara Thomas, as she was walking near a gas station in Indianapolis. “Tamara is not the first Hoosier who lost her life because of the illegal immigration crisis. “In February, an illegal ran a red light and killed 64-year-old Terry Schultz in Avon, IN. “And in that same month, an illegal semi-truck driver who entered the country using Biden’s CBP One app swerved into oncoming traffic and killed four Amish men in Jay County, IN. “A couple of months ago, Indianapolis police arrested an illegal from Mexico, who now faces 30 charges, including rape, sexual assault and kidnapping. This illegal came into the country under the Biden Administration. “Last year, a 35-year-old illegal who was living in Indianapolis was sentenced to 35 years in prison after he sexually exploited and abused a 15-year-old girl. “Hoosiers are going to keep getting killed and harmed by illegals unless we let ICE officers do their jobs. The madness needs to end, and it needs to end now. ICE needs to be allowed t… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-urges-army-to-designate-camp-atterbury-and-muscatatuck-as-premier-test-ranges/ | Sen. Banks Urges Army to Designate Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck as Premier Test Ranges | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | IN | Jim Banks | B001299 | www.banks.senate.gov | banks | https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Indiana facilities are ready to accelerate testing of unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, and other critical defense capabilities. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) led colleagues in sending a letter to Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle urging the Army to designate Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center as Premier Test Ranges under the Permissive Test Range Expansion Initiative. Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck are ready to expand Department of Army testing of unmanned systems, counter-UAS technologies and other critical defense capabilities. Camp Atterbury has already supported testing of drones later deployed by U.S. Central Command. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck are ready to help the Army move cutting-edge defense technology from development to the battlefield. Designating these facilities as Premier Test Ranges would accelerate innovation, strengthen our military, and expand Indiana’s role in supporting our national defense.” Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind): “Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center are uniquely positioned to help our military prepare for the threats of tomorrow. Designating these facilities as Premier Test Ranges would accelerate innovation, strengthen military readiness, and build on Indiana’s important role in our national defense. This designation would help ensure our service members have the capabilities they need to confront emerging threats and keep Americans safe.” Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN-08): “Future wars will be determined not only by the size of a nation’s military, but by how quickly it can develop, test, and field the next generation of technology. The Department of War consistently turns to Indiana to deliver the cutting-edge capabilities that give our adversaries pause. Designating Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck as Premier Test Ranges would build on that record, accelerate innovation from the test range to the battlefield, and make sure American warfighters enter the fight with the technolog… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/30/bennet-coons-warren-wyden-gallego-introduce-bill-to-impose-sanctions-on-israeli-settlement-construction-in-the-e1-area-of-the-west-bank/ | Bennet, Coons, Warren, Wyden, Gallego Introduce Bill to Impose Sanctions on Israeli Settlement Construction in the E1 Area of the West Bank | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to introduce legislation that would impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of illegal Israeli settlements or related structures in the E1 area of the West Bank, including by submitting a bid for E1 tenders. It would also impose sanctions on those who attempt to organize, direct, finance, or facilitate the transfer of Israeli civilians into E1 settlements. “Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for construction in E1 are aimed to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, and would gravely threaten prospects for a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” said Bennet. “Various American presidents, both Democrats and Republicans, have long recognized this and pressed Israeli governments not to move forward with this reckless project. Netanyahu and his ultra-right wing ministers, however, continue to prioritize their personal political interests ahead of Israeli and American security interests. The United States must use our considerable financial and diplomatic tools to reinforce its longstanding policy against Israeli annexation of the West Bank. That is why I am proud to sponsor this bill, which sends a clear message that those who facilitate Netanyahu’s latest dangerous settlement expansion in E1 risk losing access to the U.S. financial system.” “For decades, American presidents from both parties have warned successive Israeli governments that construction in E1 threatened the viability of a Palestinian state and was unacceptable to the United States,” said Coons. “As Palestinian civilians face a campaign of devastation and fear from violent extremist settlers, the United States must send a strong message that this behavior is unacceptable and that it … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/30/bennet-wyden-veasey-colleagues-recognize-september-as-national-voting-rights-month-ahead-of-midterm-elections/ | Bennet, Wyden, Veasey, Colleagues Recognize September as National Voting Rights Month Ahead of Midterm Elections | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Resolution comes amid efforts by Donald Trump and Republicans to upend vote-by-mail and make voting harder for Americans Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (D-Texas), and 60 congressional colleagues to announce the introduction of a bicameral resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” “This month, we celebrate the fundamental right to vote, and the importance of free, fair, and secure elections,” said Bennet. “This right lies at the core of our democracy, but President Trump and his administration continue to attempt to undermine it for millions of Americans. We must continue our fight to defend Colorado’s gold standard election system against Trump’s baseless attacks and conspiracy theories.” “Trump is doing everything he can to disenfranchise American voters in this year’s midterms because he’s afraid his platform of jacking up costs is about to lose Republicans the midterms,” said Wyden. “Access to the ballot and the right to vote are the bedrock of our democracy, and Congressman Veasey and I will continue fighting to protect this fundamental right for all Americans.” “Over the past year, we’ve seen our fundamental right to vote eroded and access to critical information about the voting process worsen. In my home state alone, we’ve seen efforts to redistrict mid-decade, introduce restrictive voter ID laws, and reduce the number of polling locations available to voters,” said Veasey. “Now more than ever, it is essential for Americans to understand their voting rights, stay informed about what is happening around them, and help to keep their communities informed. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a resolution alongside Sen. Wyden to designate September 2026 as National Voting Rights Month – a step towards raising awareness, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring that Americans have the inf… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/blackburn-sues-jack-smith-for-unlawfully-seizing-phone-records | Blackburn Sues Jack Smith for Unlawfully Seizing Phone Records | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) filed a lawsuit against former Special Counsel Jack Smith for unlawfully subpoenaing her cell phone toll records during the Arctic Frost investigation. “Through his Arctic Frost witch hunt that targeted conservatives across America and even the President of the United States, Jack Smith perpetrated one of the worst abuses of government power in our nation’s history,” said Senator Blackburn. “This lawsuit is solely about holding Mr. Smith accountable and ensuring that our nation’s justice system can never again be weaponized against the American people. I thank the New Civil Liberties Alliance for their partnership in filing this complaint and for fighting to uphold our cherished constitutional rights.” The New Civil Liberties Alliance filed the complaint on behalf of Senator Blackburn in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The lawsuit asks the Court to declare Smith’s appointment unlawful under the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause and to hold Smith accountable, in his personal capacity, for his gross abuses of power. Importantly, this lawsuit seeks an award of nominal damages of only one dollar—underscoring the point that Senator Blackburn is solely interested in holding Jack Smith accountable for his weaponization of government. The lawsuit comes one day after Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which revealed that Arctic Frost obtained sensitive information—including home addresses, bank account numbers, and signatures—on 4,782 Americans who donated to President Trump, including 102 Tennesseans. BACKGROUND Jack Smith was illegally named Special Counsel in November 2022. Then-President Biden did not nominate Smith, nor did the Senate confirm Smith as either Special Counsel or in any other position. Additionally, no statute authorized Smith’s appointment. Smith and others in the DOJ, FBI, Special Counsel’s office, and Public Integrity Section agreed to subpoena Senator Blackburn’s cell phone… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-blunt-rochester-coons-colleagues-demand-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Senators Blunt Rochester, Coons, colleagues demand Secretary Mullin halt 2026 election interference efforts | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Lisa Blunt Rochester | B001303 | www.bluntrochester.senate.gov | bluntrochester | https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester, Chris Coons (Both D-Del.), Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and their Senate Democratic colleagues called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately halt the department’s efforts to assert federal control over the 2026 midterm elections and undermine public trust in them. The senators demanded information substantiating Secretary Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Secretary Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The senators also objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA’s Homeland … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-court-approval-of-paramount-warner-bros-discovery-merger-settlement | Booker Statement on Court-Approval of Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Settlement | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released the following statement after a federal judge approved the settlement between Paramount Skydance and the states that sued to block its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery: “The Trump administration picked a winner from the outset and cleared its path. The states stepped in because this merger combines two of the largest film studios and drives concentration to levels the law presumes unlawful. They warned of higher prices, fewer films, and less choice. The settlement does not resolve those concerns. “Americans deserve an economy where companies compete for their business, reward talent, and serve the public, not markets controlled by those with the deepest pockets. “Above all, I worry about the workers, artists, and moviegoers who always pay the price when studios consolidate, and about the creative expression that disappears when fewer companies decide what gets made. Past entertainment mergers brought layoffs, shelved projects, and higher prices. “Our country’s origin story begins with a revolt against monopoly: colonists dumped the East India Company’s tea into the Boston Harbor rather than accept a Crown-granted monopoly. Two hundred and fifty years later, that fight continues. I have called, and will continue to call, for the vigorous and fair application of our antitrust laws. I will watch this merger, and others, closely to make sure it does not threaten competition, raise prices, or invite corruption.” | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/09/30/budd-bill-to-build-new-state-veterans-home-near-fort-bragg-passes-the-senate-unanimously/ | Budd Bill to Build New State Veterans Home Near Fort Bragg Passes the Senate Unanimously | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the House companion bill to his Fort Bragg Land Transfer for Veterans Act. This legislation transfers twenty acres of federal property off the installation at Fort Bragg to the State of North Carolina, allowing the state to pursue permitting and construction of a new state veterans home near the base. The bill is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Senator Budd teamed up with U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.-09), who led the House companion, to pass the legislation through Congress. Representative Hudson was joined by the entire bipartisan North Carolina House delegation in this effort. “North Carolina is the proud home of more than 620,000 veterans, and we have a responsibility to provide them with the quality care that they have earned. After the Fayetteville State Veterans Home closed in 2024, our state lost critical capacity to care for our veterans. Building a new veterans home near Fort Bragg will help fill that gap and ensure that our nation’s heroes receive the quality care they deserve. I am grateful to Representative Richard Hudson for leading this effort in the House and working with me to get this bill passed in the Senate,” said Senator Budd. “Our veterans kept their promise to serve, and we have a responsibility to keep our promise to take care of them. With today’s unanimous Senate passage, we are one step away from getting this bill signed into law and moving forward with a new veterans home near Fort Bragg. I want to thank Senator Budd, Chairman Wicker, and the Senate Armed Services Committee for working quickly to move our bill through the Senate and help us deliver for North Carolina’s veterans,” said Representative Hudson. “Serving our veterans is incumbent on all of us. It was my privilege to work with Congressman Hudson and take this important step in serving some of North Carolina’s finest. Today, the Senate moved swiftly to pass our bill a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/09/30/budd-coons-uscirf-reauthorization-bill-passes-senate-with-wide-bipartisan-support/ | Budd, Coons USCIRF Reauthorization Bill Passes Senate with Wide Bipartisan Support | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statements after their legislation to reauthorize the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 passed the Senate unanimously last evening. The bill extends the authorization of the independent, bipartisan USCIRF to ensure the commission can continue to promote and monitor religious freedom around the world. The bill is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Upon passage, Senator Budd said: “The systemic persecution of people of faith in adversarial nations like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia is a grave threat to freedom of religion that cannot be ignored. For over two decades, USCIRF has been indispensable in safeguarding American foreign policy interests by exposing the brutal regimes and bad actors that imprison, torture, and even kill innocent people for practicing their faith. These malicious attacks on religious freedom must never go unchecked. I am proud to have led the bipartisan reauthorization of USCIRF in the Senate alongside Senator Coons, and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who joined us in passing this time-sensitive legislation to ensure the Commission can continue its vital work to defend the freedom of religion around the world.” Upon passage, Senator Coons said: “The right to worship – or not worship – is fundamental to democracy and stability around the world. With it go freedom of speech, assembly, and petition. I’m proud this bill reauthorizing the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support. I urge the president to sign it quickly so our government can get back to the work of protecting religious freedom globally and ensuring that everyone has the space to live and breathe free.” U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-N.J.-04) and Brad Sherman (D-Ca.-32) led the reauthorization of USCIRF in the House of Representatives, which passe… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-celebrates-pinehurst-light-rail-opening | Cantwell Celebrates Pinehurst Light Rail Opening | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Celebrates Pinehurst Light Rail Opening New station brings fast, affordable transit to more north Seattle residents WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, issued a statement celebrating the opening of the newest light rail station in north Seattle. “This new station gives more north Seattle riders access to fast and affordable public transportation, with service every few minutes to UW, SeaTac Airport, and beyond,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Federal investment in our light rail system pays dividends in driving local economies and helping residents reach jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services across the region.” Pinehurst Station is an infill station along the Lynnwood Link Extension light rail corridor. From Pinehurst Station, riders can reach the University of Washington and Downtown Seattle in under 15 minutes, with trips to SeaTac Airport taking less than an hour. The station is expected to serve up to 4,200 daily riders with service every 4-6 minutes during peak hours. It is opening to riders years ahead of the originally scheduled target of 2031. Sen. Cantwell is a longtime champion of ongoing investments in Washington state’s light rail system. In March 2023, Sen. Cantwell announced a $79.3 million federal loan for Pinehurst station, also called the NE 130th Street Infill Station. The project included bus and paratransit transfer facilities, as well as sidewalks and bike infrastructure. After finalization of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, Sen. Cantwell celebrated the inclusion of $254 million for the Lynnwood Light Rail Extension – which fully funded the project three years ahead of schedule – and $329.14 million for the Federal Way Link Light Rail Extension. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-lee-whitehouse-and-heinrich-introduce-bipartisan-american-affordability-and-jobs-act-of-2026 | Capito, Lee, Whitehouse, and Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | WV | Shelley Moore Capito | C001047 | www.capito.senate.gov | capito | https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee; Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee; and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the ENR Committee, introduced theBipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 to reform the federal environmental review and permitting processes. This groundbreaking agreement will deliver cheaper energy, more jobs, and responsible growth across the United States. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act provides certainty that permitted energy and infrastructure projects will retain their permits absent extraordinary circumstances, violations of law, or court order, as well as targeted reforms for various energy projects. This legislation reflects input from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and from a diverse group of stakeholders. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act also forces data centers to pay their fair share by requiring them to pay for all of their associated transmission costs. “For far too long, our broken and outdated federal environmental review and permitting processes have stood in the way of energy reliability, secure jobs, modern infrastructure, and economic growth. The bipartisan reforms we secured in this deal will transform our nation’s ability to power our economy and fuel future growth, while continuing to protect the land, water, and wildlife we all cherish. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate and the House, and President Trump to get this essential legislation signed into law so we can build the infrastructure America needs to grow and thrive,” said EPW Chairman Capito. “We once built projects like the Hoover Dam, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Empire State Building in years, not decades. America still has the resources and the talent, but what too often stands in the way is a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-taxpayer-funded-compensation-accountability-act/ | Cassidy Introduces Taxpayer Funded Compensation Accountability Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) introduced legislation to ensure political appointees in the federal government do not earn a salary higher than Members of Congress. The bill would cap the annual salary of appointees at the annual salary of a U.S. Senator or Member of the House of Representatives. “If you’re paid by taxpayers, you shouldn’t make more than those who were elected by taxpayers,” said Dr. Cassidy. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-legislation-to-help-americans-better-plan-for-retirement-advances-senate/ | Cassidy Legislation to Help Americans Better Plan for Retirement Advances Senate | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) led efforts to pass the Claiming Age Clarity Act, a bill to help Americans better plan for retirement by ensuring they have clear information when deciding to claim Social Security benefits. The bill requires the Social Security Administration to replace current confusing terms used to describe claiming ages with clearer, more straightforward language. “Americans looking to retire are counting on the benefits they have earned. They ought to have the best financial information possible when the time comes,” said Dr. Cassidy. The Claiming Age Clarity Act has been endorsed by a variety of organizations representing elderly Americans, retirees, and individuals planning for retirement, such as the American Association of Mature Citizens Action (AMAC Action), Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). “For too long, the terminology used by the Social Security Administration has misled millions of Americans into making suboptimal choices about when to claim their hard-earned benefits. This commonsense legislation is vital to ensuring older Americans make informed decisions that directly impact their financial security in retirement,” said AMAC Action’s Andrew J. Mangione. “Hard-working Americans deserve simple, straightforward information when planning for retirement, especially when it comes to claiming Social Security…We know the age at which one first claims Social Security benefits drastically impacts the total income they receive over time, and this bill will ensure that retirees are better informed in their long-term planning and decisions,” said Bipartisan Policy Center Action President Michele Stockwell. “AARP has long supported efforts to improve the terminology used by the Social Security Administration to describe claiming ages, replacing confusing terms like ‘early’ or ‘normal’ with plain-language alternatives such as ‘minimum,’ ‘standard,’ and ‘maximum’ monthly benefit age. These changes will help people bette… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-honors-new-orleans-native-walker-beerys-legacy-during-pediatric-brain-cancer-awareness-month/ | LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Honors New Orleans Native Walker Beery’s Legacy During Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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), for his monthly Local Spotlight, honored the legacy of New Orleans native Walker Beery and his family’s work through Kids Join the Fight during Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Walker’s story is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full September 2026 Local Spotlight below: This month’s Local Spotlight recognizes September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, in particular, Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Behind every pediatric cancer diagnosis is a child and family whose lives are forever changed. One story I want to share today is that of New Orleans native Walker Beery and his family. At just seven years old, Walker was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain cancer. During one of his days in the hospital, another little girl also receiving treatment gave Walker a teddy bear. She was going through a difficult time herself, but still wanted to do something kind for someone else. This small act inspired Walker to do the same, in an even bigger way. And Kids Join the Fight was born. Walker dreamed of raising a million dollars to help others and cure pediatric brain cancer. Although sadly Walker passed away on September 4, 2021, before he could reach his goal, his family was determined to finish what he started. Before the end of that same year, Kids Join the Fight had raised the million dollars Walker dreamed of. And they kept going. What started as a grassroots effort led by Walker and his friends has grown into an organization helping families, advancing the fight against pediatric cancer, and providing grants to families across the country. And perhaps most importantly, it continues to give children a chance to do what Walker did. Help someone else. Now, Walker’s legacy is taking shape in a very special way right in Louisiana. This November, Walk… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-meets-with-the-2026-maine-teacher-of-the-year | Senator Collins Meets with the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan M. Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | collins | https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Click HERE for a full-resolution photo. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Julia Edwards, the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. Julia is a choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School and Bruce Whittier Middle School. She was previously named the 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year. “Julia is an outstanding educator whose passion for music and commitment to her students have made a lasting and positive impact on the Poland community,” said Senator Susan Collins. “Teachers like Julia inspire students to discover their talents and develop a lifelong love of learning, and I appreciated the opportunity to congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award and to thank her for her important work.” In addition to her teaching, Julia has served as President of the Maine American Choral Directors Association, coordinated district-wide professional development conferences, presented at state and national conferences, and served as a guest clinician for district and state music festivals. She also plays the oboe and English horn with the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra and Casco Bay Wind Symphony. Julia earned her degree in music education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signed-into-law-kay-hagan-tick-reauthorization-act-authored-by-senator-collins | SIGNED INTO LAW: Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act Authored by Senator Collins | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan M. Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | collins | https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, which she introduced with Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), with Senator Angus King joining them as an original cosponsor, has been signed into law. Cases of Lyme disease have reached a new record level in Maine every year since 2022, with more than 4,200 cases reported statewide last year. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act confronts this growing public health threat by reauthorizing federal initiatives and programs to combat tick-borne diseases first established through the original Kay Hagan Tick Act, which Senators Collins and Smith led to passage in 2019. The Senators named their bill in honor of the late Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), who passed away in October of 2019 due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus. “With Maine continuing to experience record levels of Lyme disease, we must continue working to address the growing threat posed by tick-borne diseases,” said Senator Collins. “The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act builds on the progress we have made in combatting these diseases since the original law was enacted and ensures this important work can continue across the country. I am grateful to Senator Smith for her partnership in this effort and to our colleagues in both chambers for working with us to move this important legislation across the finish line, and I am pleased to see it now signed into law.” Using a three-pronged approach, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act will: Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases through Fiscal Year 2030. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up approximately 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are four centers: at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of California–Davis, the University of Florida, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The authorization for the program under the Kay Hagan Tick Act expir… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/remarks-senator-coons-celebrates-unanimous-passage-of-his-end-tax-penalties-on-american-hostages-act/ | REMARKS: Senator Coons celebrates unanimous passage of his End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor tonight ahead of the Senate’s passage by unanimous consent of his bipartisan legislation to protect Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad from facing fines and penalties for failing to pay taxes while in captivity. “It’s ridiculous that one of the first things an American hostage or wrongful detainee receives from the government when they return home from captivity is a tax bill,” said Senator Coons. “I’ve been working for years to fix this flaw in our tax code to ensure that Americans currently held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad don’t owe thousands of dollars to the IRS when we finally bring them home. I’m so glad that my colleagues have finally supported this commonsense, bipartisan bill, and I hope the president signs it immediately to bring this cruel practice to an end.” The End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, led by Senator Coons and Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), was inspired by Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, who was wrongfully detained by the Iranian government for 544 days in 2014. After returning home, Rezaian received a bill for over $20,000 in interest, fines, and other penalties related to tax payments that were due while he was imprisoned in Iran. The bill will prevent the IRS from imposing penalties and charging interest on tax payments that eligible Americans were unable to make while held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. The bill will also provide relief for penalties already paid by certain former hostages and wrongful detainees who returned home in recent years. The IRS has previously made clear this tax issue could only be fixed through legislation. Senator Coons initially introduced this bill in December 2022. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed companion legislation introduced by Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) and Dina Titus (D-Nev.). A transcript and video of Senator Coons’ remarks on the Senate floor this evening as he sought unanimous consent… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-blunt-rochester-colleagues-demand-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interfernece-efforts/ | Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, colleagues demand Secretary Mullin halt 2026 election interfernece efforts | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and their Senate Democratic colleagues called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately halt the department’s efforts to assert federal control over the 2026 midterm elections and undermine public trust in them. The senators demanded information substantiating Secretary Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Secretary Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The senators also obje… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-bills-to-bolster-american-geothermal-production-protect-the-energy-grid-clear-key-senate-hurdle/ | Cortez Masto Bills to Bolster American Geothermal Production, Protect the Energy Grid Clear Key Senate Hurdle | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ***VIDEO AVAILABLE*** FTPs for TV stations is available here. Washington, D.C. – Today, two of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.) bipartisan bills, the Next Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act and the Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act(SECURE Grid Act), passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Next-generation geothermal technology uses the heat (100-400º+ C) from rocks several kilometers below the surface of the earth to produce electricity. The Next Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, cosponsored by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), would establish next-generation geothermal Research and Development Programs at the Department of Energy. The legislation now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. States must submit a State Energy Security Plan (SESP) to receive funds from the State Energy Program. The SECURE Grid Act, cosponsored by U.S. Senators Murkowski and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), would require these state plans to account for additional grid threats – such as supply chain dynamics, weather-related threats and vulnerabilities, and the potential for physical grid attacks. The legislation has already passed the House of Representatives and now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. “American energy security isn’t a partisan issue – it touches the lives of every American from Anchorage to Elko,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources took an important step toward unleashing geothermal energy and protecting our electric grids. I look forward to the Senate immediately passing these critical bills.” During today’s hearing, Senator Cortez Masto pushed Committee Chairman Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Ranking Member Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) to move forward with her Southern Nevada lands bill, Senator Jacky Rosen’s (D-Nev.) Washoe County lands bill, and Congressman Mark Amodei’s (R-Nev.-02) Northern Nevada lands bill in November. Senator Cortez Masto has … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-statement-on-vote-against-h-r-9340/ | Cortez Masto Statement on Vote Against H.R. 9340 | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after her vote against H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, led in the Senate by Jon Husted (R-Ohio). “I have the same concerns many Nevadans do about the influx of data centers in our communities. I believe that before any data center moves forward, it should have the support of the local community, should be built with union labor, should pay for necessary grid upgrades while prioritizing clean power, and it shouldn’t waste water or raise energy costs for residents. “In the Senate, there are a number of bills to protect American families from data center-related energy cost spikes, including Senator Heinrich’s GRID Savings Act, which I support. Senator Husted could have joined Democrats on legislation with real teeth that would force data centers to pay for grid upgrades and ensure costs aren’t passed along to the consumer. Instead, Republican leadership, in an election year stunt, chose to push forward on a bill with only voluntary, ineffective language that won’t hold anyone accountable.” Senator Cortez Masto is a cosponsor of Senator Martin Heinrich’s (D-N.M.) GRID Savings Act. Instead of the Ratepayer Protection Act’s voluntary framework, the GRID Savings Act would require large load customers—like data centers—to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid. Cortez Masto is also the cosponsor of legislation led by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to demand more transparency from data centers by requiring them to clearly disclose their energy and water usage. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/passed-cortez-masto-rounds-legislation-to-provide-tribal-courts-access-to-electronic-evidence/ | PASSED: Cortez Masto, Rounds Legislation to Provide Tribal Courts Access to Electronic Evidence | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – The United States Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) to provide Tribal courts the same ability to issue warrants for electronic evidence like emails and social media messages as their non-Tribal counterparts. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. “Despite facing high rates of violence, Tribal communities are denied access to essential tools needed to solve crimes,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s past time for Congress to eliminate this hurdle for Tribal law enforcement. I applaud the Senate passage of this legislation, and I urge my House colleagues to immediately send it to the President’s desk.” “It’s important that Tribal law enforcement is able to do their job as efficiently as possible,” said Senator Rounds. “Our legislation would give Tribal law enforcement another tool to crack down on illegal activity on their lands. Cutting out the red tape and allowing Tribal courts to access evidence on their own is a step in the right direction to making every community safer. I’m pleased that the Tribal Access to Electronic Evidence Act has passed the Senate and I look forward to continuing our work to get it signed into law.” The bipartisan Tribal Access to Electronic Evidence Act would amend current law to: include courts of federally recognized Tribes as “courts of competent jurisdiction” under the Stored Communications Act; require Tribal courts to adhere to warrant procedures described in the Indian Civil Rights Act to access electronic information; and recognize Tribes as a government entity under the federal statute. This bipartisan bill has been endorsed by the National Native American Bar Association, the National American Indian Court Judges Association, and the National Native American Law Enforcement Association. The full text of the legislation can be found here. The Tribal Access to Electronic Evidence Act is part of Senator Cortez Masto’s response to the 2023 Not Invisible … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-senators-to-blanche-investigate-communist-chinese-criminal-marijuana-organizations/ | Cotton, Senators to Blanche: Investigate Communist Chinese Criminal Marijuana Organizations | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 30, 2026 Cotton, Senators to Blanche: Investigate Communist Chinese Criminal Marijuana Organizations WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), and Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting an investigation into Communist Chinese criminal organizations operating illegal cannabis and intoxicating-hemp enterprises that threaten the health and safety of Arkansans. In part, the Senators wrote: “We write requesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate the growing role of Chinese transnational criminal organizations in America’s cannabis and intoxicating-hemp markets. Recent reporting and investigations suggest Chinese criminal networks are exploiting vulnerabilities in federal law to operate expansive illicit drug enterprises that threaten our communities and national security.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. September 30, 2026 The Honorable Todd Blanche Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Blanche: We write requesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate the growing role of Chinese transnational criminal organizations in America’s cannabis and intoxicating-hemp markets. Recent reporting and investigations suggest Chinese criminal networks are exploiting vulnerabilities in federal law to operate expansive illicit drug enterprises that threaten our communities and national security. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment found that Chinese transnational criminal organizations dominate marijuana cultivation and distribution in the United States, especially in states with legal cannabis markets. These organizations purchase and lease American land for illegal grow operations, traffic foreign workers, and use toxic pesticides and fertilizers shipped from Chin… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-votes-to-ban-congressional-insider-trading-slams-democrats-hypocrisy/ | Cotton Votes to Ban Congressional Insider Trading, Slams Democrats’ Hypocrisy | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 30, 2026 Cotton Votes to Ban Congressional Insider Trading, Slams Democrats’ Hypocrisy WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after he voted in favor of the Stop Insider Trading Act, which would ban members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying stocks. He also condemned Democrats for opposing it despite their previous statements. “No one, especially members of Congress, should profit from insider information. I voted for the Stop Insider Trading Act to rid Congress of this corruption and ensure we all play by the same rules as every law-abiding Arkansan. The Democrats who blocked it went back on their word to protect their own wallets—they should be ashamed of themselves.” ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-hhs-announces-award-of-more-than-124-million-for-north-dakota | Sen. Cramer: HHS Announces Award of More Than $12.4 Million for North Dakota | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | ND | Kevin Cramer | C001096 | www.cramer.senate.gov | cramer | https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $12,422,006 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services through the Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration program. The MFP program provides flexible funding opportunities to develop and test long-term strategies, tools and infrastructure needed to move eligible patients from institutional settings and into community-based settings. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-applauds-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-crack-down-on-atm-robberies | Sen. Cruz Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on ATM Robberies | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, issued the following statement after Senate passage of the Safe Access to Cash Act. This bipartisan legislation applies the same federal penalties to robberies involving off-site automatic teller machines (ATMs) as those that apply to robberies involving ATMs at financial institutions. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for passage. Sen. Cruz said, “In Texas and across the country, criminals are increasingly targeting ATMs, putting workers, bystanders, law enforcement, and first responders in danger. This common-sense legislation strengthens federal penalties to deter these criminals and disrupt the organized networks behind these robberies. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues to pass this bipartisan bill through the Senate, and I urge the House to pass it and send it to the President’s desk.” Click here to read more about the bill. BACKGROUND: The Federal Bank Robbery Act of 1934 currently applies to banks and financial institutions, but not to standalone ATMs in malls, convenience stores, or other public locations. Robbers and thieves are increasingly targeting ATMs, with theft rates rising dramatically each year since 2019. ATMs can be robbed in as little as three minutes and may hold as much as $250,000. Houston is currently tied with Chicago and Philadelphia as one of the cities facing serious ATM theft. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-blunt-rochester-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-give-families-greater-flexibility-with-529-savings | Sens. Cruz, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Give Families Greater Flexibility with 529 Savings | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) introduced the 529 Retirement Enhancement Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation eliminates the $35,000 lifetime cap on rollovers from 529 education savings accounts to Roth IRAs. Sen. Cruz said, “I have been committed throughout my Senate career to expanding 529 savings accounts to give parents increased flexibility to save and invest in their children’s future. The law currently penalizes families when their children receive a scholarship or choose an alternative to college, leaving education savings unused, which in turn serves as a disincentive to initially use these accounts. The bipartisan 529 Retirement Enhancement Act will give parents greater flexibility to roll over unused education funds into their children’s Roth IRAs, and I’m proud to introduce it.” Sen. Blunt Rochester said, “529 accounts can be incredibly useful in helping families prepare for higher education, but plans can change. A student may receive a scholarship, not use the full balance of their account, or simply choose a different path. Families should be able to preserve financial flexibility regardless of what their child’s education decisions are years down the road. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan 529 Retirement Enhancement Act to remove barriers to saving and give families greater peace of mind when investing in their children’s future.” This legislation is supported by the Investment Company Institute. Investment Company Institute Chief of Government Affairs and Public Policy Tom Quaadman said, “ICI applauds Sens. Cruz and Blunt Rochester for their commonsense legislation giving families greater financial flexibility and security. Families with unspent funds in a 529 plan should not be penalized because a student received a scholarship or pursued other options. The Cruz-Rochester bill permits unused education savings to be moved into a Roth IRA allowing young people to get started on their path to a secure financial future.” Read the bill te… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/09/30/daines-celebrates-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-hyde-amendment-every-life-born-and-unborn-is-valued/ | Daines Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Hyde Amendment: “Every Life, Born and Unborn, is Valued” | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | daines | https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Sponsors Resolution Commemorating Hyde Amendment’s Legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined Americans United for Life at their September 30th rally celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment. Originally enacted in 1976, this amendment has saved the lives of millions of unborn children and protected taxpayers from violating their conscience by funding elective abortions. Daines today also joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing a resolution to recognize the Hyde Amendment’s legacy over the past 50 years. Read the resolution HERE. Watch Daines’ full remarks at the Americans United for Life rally HERE: Read Daines’ remarks as prepared for delivery: Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment-one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in our nation’s history that defends the unborn and taxpayer conscience. The Hyde Amendment protects the constitutional right to religious liberty and affirms that federal funds cannot be used to fund abortions. A majority of Americans support this. And yet, pro-abortion advocates attempt to undermine Hyde daily. In their own 2024-2025 report, Planned Parenthood reported that they received $832 million in federal funds through Medicaid and Title X. This Medicaid funding was temporarily blocked for one year thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts and Jobs act, which I was proud to support. But one year has passed, and Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood has resumed again. I will work with my colleagues in Congress to reinstate this ban and make it permanent. We also need to educate the next generation about how dangerous the abortion pill is, for both babies and for the women who take it. This is the left’s next battleground, and we can’t let them win. The grassroots movement, from our AUL doorknockers to the church ministries to the pregnancy clinics, is critically important. Thank you to everyone here- you are true examples of what it means to fight for what’s right, even when it’s not easy. And m… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.dgraham.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-darline-graham-stands-up-for-life-on-the-50th-anniversary-of-hyde-amendment | Senator Darline Graham Stands Up for Life on the 50th Anniversary of Hyde Amendment | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | SC | Darline Graham | G000608 | www.dgraham.senate.gov | darlinegraham | https://www.dgraham.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-South Carolina) today joined her Senate colleagues in cosponsoring a resolution marking the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment becoming law. The resolution recognizes the significant legacy of the Hyde Amendment, which has been credited with saving more than 2.6 million lives since its enactment. “I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment. The legacy that the Hyde Amendment created is one of hope and promise, with 2.6 million lives saved thanks to this legislation,” said Senator Darline Graham. Senator Darline Graham continued, “But the work did not stop 50 years ago, and it is not stopping today. Taxpayer dollars should never be used to fund abortions, and I will oppose any effort to do so.” Full text of the resolution can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-us-forces-withdraw-from-iraq-duckworth-calls-on-trump-to-end-his-illegal-war-in-iran | As U.S. Forces Withdraw from Iraq, Duckworth Calls on Trump to End His Illegal War in Iran | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) who served in the Iraq War—issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that the United States has officially withdrawn our military forces from Iraq: “For an entire generation of combat Veterans, the weight of this moment as our nation withdraws U.S. forces from Iraq is hard to express. As a former Soldier who volunteered to serve in Iraq, I’m remembering the thousands of warfighters who never made it home and thinking of the heroes whose lives were forever changed because of the last time a President rashly sent our men and women into an unjustified war in the Middle East. “In 2004, I deployed to Iraq to fight in a war I did not support on the orders of a President I did not vote for. I didn’t believe our country should be there to begin with. I wanted to take the fight to our enemy harbored in Afghanistan who attacked us on 9/11. I was proud to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom anyway—because that’s what Soldiers do. When our nation calls, our servicemembers always answer. They do what’s asked of them, no matter the cost to their own lives. That kind of selflessness and commitment to the mission demands the highest level of consideration by our nation. We owe it to those brave enough to serve to ensure each mission is worth it before we ever even ask them to sacrifice. And as we withdraw our forces from Iraq, it is baffling that Donald Trump has learned nothing as he plunges our servicemembers further into another forever war in Iran. “I urge the President and Pete Hegseth to listen to myself and my fellow Iraq War Veterans who have seen firsthand the devastation of a needless forever war. We cannot repeat the same mistakes we made in Iraq. The stakes are too high to not make any attempt to evaluate the lessons learned before reaching for more conflict and destruction. With at least 22 lives… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-padilla-schiff-introduce-legislation-to-protect-regional-national-archives-facilities-from-closure | Duckworth, Durbin, Padilla, Schiff Introduce Legislation To Protect Regional National Archives Facilities From Closure | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | duckworth | https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | The lawmakers introduced the legislation following the announced closure of Regional National Archives and Federal Records Centers in Chicago and San Bruno, California [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) along with U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), today introduced the National Archives Protection Act, legislation that would require congressional approval before the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can close or significantly restrict access to existing regional facilities. In June 2026, NARA announced plans to close its regional archive facilities and co-located Federal Records Centers (FRC) in Chicago and San Bruno, California, as well as relocate all temporary records from its Seattle facility. The decision has raised concerns from archivists, researchers and constituents about access to public records, many of which are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Chicago’s FRC houses more than 140,000 cubic feet of historical federal records from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, including federal court and naturalization records, immigration records, Native American and Bureau of Indian Affairs records, maritime records and other materials documenting the history of the Great Lakes region. The closure of Chicago’s FRC eliminates a regional access point serving six states, making it more difficult for Midwesterners and federal agencies to access the records that have yet to be digitized. “Our National Archives make it possible for families, researchers and communities across the Midwest to access records that tell the story of who we are and where we come from,” Duckworth said. “This Administration has already shown how willing it is to erase American stories, and closing regional facilities like Chicago’s Federal Records Center would put even more of our history out of reach. Congress must have a say to protect the public’s access to these critical records and ens… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/09/30/2026/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-during-senate-judiciary-committee-nominations-hearing | Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | During his opening remarks, Durbin also reflected on yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring testimony from former Special Counsel Jack Smith WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in which he outlined the extreme judicial nominees the Trump Administration has nominated, including the nominees before the Committee today. Today’s Committee hearing considered the nominations of: Lee Rudofsky, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit; Robert Long, to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida; Peter Mansfield, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Jesus Osete, to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. After commenting on today’s judicial nominees, Durbin reflected on yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring testimony from former Special Counsel Jack Smith. Key Quotes: “President Trump has made it clear he believes judges appointed by him should be reliable votes for the MAGA agenda. He said, ‘it’s really OK for them to be loyal to the person that appointed them’… When judges don’t rule his way, President Trump attacks them, calling them ‘rogue judges that are criminals,’ and demanding that Republicans pass a ‘tough crime bill that…cracks down on rogue judges.’ He has repeatedly attacked his own Supreme Court appointees, most recently saying, ‘they are merely a shell of their original selves.’” “For President Trump, it’s not enough that a judicial nominee be a principled conservative. Nominees must now demonstrate fealty to him and his MAGA agenda. So, President Trump has resorted to nominating ideologically extreme nominees in some cases—regardless of whether they have the qualifications to serve as a lifetime appointee.” “Look no further than today’s panel. One of the nominees has only been out of law school for a decade and has bee… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-judicial-nominees-about-protecting-americans-right-to-vote-during-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing | Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees About Protecting Americans’ Right To Vote During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Durbin questioned Judge Lee Philip Rudofsky and Jesus Osete about their views on the Voting Rights Act WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned judicial nominees during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Durbin began by questioning Lee Philip Rudofsky, nominated to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, about his view on the Voting Rights Act. “For 60 years, under the Voting Rights Act, individuals could bring [private] causes of action under that Act. I imagine the theory behind it, and I think I am right, is that that’s the only way for an individual to have a voice questioning government action which denies or limits a person’s right to vote. Is that your understanding?” Durbin asked. Judge Rudofsky replied that he believes that the Voting Rights Act did not write an express right of action. Despite precedent, Judge Rudofsky previously ruled in a 2022 case that the Voting Rights Act does not have an implied right of action, and as a result, he diluted the voting power of the Black Arkansans who brought the case. “In 2022, and you referred to the case, you presided over a case that challenged Arkansas’ House of Representatives redistricting map for diluting the voting power of Black Americans. In your own words, there was a ‘strong merits case that at least some of the districts…are unlawful under [Section] 2 of the Voting Rights Act.’ Yet, you claimed you could not reach the merits of the case and instead ruled that private citizens have no private right of action to enforce Section 2,” Durbin said. “For 60 years before your decision, courts recognized private plaintiffs, individuals for example, who may have lived in those districts that were being contested, were able to bring cases under Section 2 challenging the policies and practices that made it more difficult for people to vote. To the detriment of voters of color in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, a div… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-senate-rejecting-republican-messaging-bills | Durbin Statement On Senate Rejecting Republican Messaging Bills | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding the Senate rejecting Republicans’ Ratepayer Protection Act and Stop Insider Trading Act: “In a last-minute gasp before the midterm election, Senate Republicans were hoping to pass a meaningless bill that does nothing to rein in data centers and a voter suppression bill masquerading as an inadequate congressional stock trading ban. Americans need real action, not Republican messaging.” -30- | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/democrats-block-ernst-effort-to-protect-taxpayer-dollars-from-fraudsters | Democrats Block Ernst Effort to Protect Taxpayer Dollars from Fraudsters | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | ernst | https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Democrats blocked passage of Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) comprehensive, bipartisan anti-fraud package, that could have saved American taxpayers approximately $240 billion. Senator Ernst called on her colleagues to pass this critical legislation to prevent fraudsters from stealing $1.4 billion every single day, but Senate Democrats objected. Following the massive fraud schemes that were uncovered in Minnesota and Ohio, Ernst has been fighting to pass her bill that would recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars, and stop fraudsters. Yesterday, Ernst exposed a list of con artists who fraudulently billed government programs for over one billion dollars, highlighting that “if grift was a government agency, the Department of Fraud would be the fifth largest.” Watch Senator Ernst’s remarks here. Ernst’s full remarks as delivered: “Mr. President, while hardworking Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities, there’s one class of people who’ve never had it better: Fraudsters “Scammers are stealing more than $1.4 billion from taxpayers every day. “Yesterday, I released a list of con artists who each fraudulently billed government programs for ONE BILLION DOLLARS or more. “These billionaire bandits looted programs for the elderly, poor, disabled, and veterans to lavish themselves with million-dollar mansions, Rolex watches, expensive jewelry, and luxury cars. “One fraudster brags, ‘I had everything. I had houses, I had cars, I had watches.’ “He ripped off Medicare for over a decade before getting turned in, and says, ‘It’s just so easy. It’s unbelievable.’ “Based upon the numbers, he isn’t lying. “If grift was a government agency, the Department of Fraud would be the fifth largest. “The $521 billion going to fraud every year exceeds the individual annual budgets of the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Homeland Security, State, and Justice. “That’s right, folks, fraudsters are being better taken care of than our veterans and farm… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-america-cant-hit-pause-on-ai-while-china-charges-ahead | Ernst: America Can’t Hit Pause on AI While China Charges Ahead | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | ernst | https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, during a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management hearing, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) praised how Super Intelligence (SI), also known as artificial intelligence, helps keep Americans safe while acknowledging Congress’ responsibility to ensure proper guardrails are in place. Ernst questioned Kurt Gaudette on how Congress can better empower SI developers and companies to collaborate to ensure we can deter and respond to cyber-attacks, emphasizing that “AI has been so helpful in medical research and protecting our troops from drone swarms or missile attacks… so we need to keep moving forward. If we pause, we're not going to see China pause.” Watch Ernst’s questioning here. Background: The hearing followed President Trump’s signing of an executive order focused on incorporating “Super Intelligence” (SI) and recognizing the continued advancement of the technological frontier and the opportunities it presents for the American people. The hearing examined the growing risks posed by increasingly capable SI systems, including SI agents acting beyond their intended instructions and the potential for hostile actors to use SI to target critical infrastructure, strategic industries, and government agencies. The hearing featured testimony from: Chris Painter, President of the Model Evaluation and Threat Research Marius Hobbhahn, Co-Founder and CEO of Apollo Research Paul Ohm, Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center Kurt Gaudette, Senior Vice President of Intelligence and Services at Dragos, Inc. Daniel Kokotajlo, Executive Director of the AI Futures Project ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-leads-colleagues-in-letter-to-hud-urging-implementation-of-whole-home-repairs-law/ | Fetterman Leads Colleagues in Letter to HUD Urging Implementation of Whole Home Repairs Law | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | PA | John Fetterman | F000479 | www.fetterman.senate.gov | fetterman | https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led his colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner urging an establishment of a Whole Home Repairs program through the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-5). “Almost 7 million Americans live in homes that are in need of significant repair, with deficiencies including leaky roofs, faulty wiring, and mold. This is an issue that disproportionately affects America’s seniors, many of whom would like to downsize but do not want to sell the home at a steep discount due to the updates required. As we saw in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s successful Whole Home Repairs program, providing grants for repairs allowed seniors to sell larger homes to growing families,” wrote the members of Congress. Pennsylvania’s program provided grants and forgivable loans to help homeowners and small landlords repair and weatherize their properties. The Pennsylvania program also supported training and pre-apprenticeship programs to create jobs and build a skilled workforce for the future. As the result of a bipartisan and bicameral effort, the Whole-Home Repairs Act was signed into law with the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The Whole Home Repairs pilot program will provide renovation and repair grants to homeowners and small landlords. This will help ensure America’s aging homes do not fall out of the housing supply. “The language in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act authorizes you to operate a Whole Home Repairs program through 2031. We want to show the nation that repairing America’s crumbling homes is not a red or blue issue. Creating greater access to housing is an American issue. Any delays will mean millions of American families may never realize the benefit of this program. We were proud to help the Whole Home Repairs bill become law, and we stand ready to support you in making it a real… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=04E803CD-846B-495D-834A-912862C7D273 | Fischer Makes the Case for Golden Dome During Subcommittee Hearing | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | NE | Deb Fischer | F000463 | www.fischer.senate.gov | fischer | https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, convened a hearing for an update on Golden Dome, the multi-layer missile defense system being developed for the United States. Click here to download video of Fischer’s opening remarks Watch the full hearing here The committee heard testimony from the following witnesses: The Honorable David J. Trachtenberg, senior scholar, National Institute for Public Policy Dr. Thomas O. Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies Mr. David E. Mosher, director of National Security Analysis, Congressional Budget Office Fischer’s remarks as prepared: Good afternoon and welcome to our witnesses who are joining us to discuss outside perspectives on Golden Dome for America. Our homeland is not a sanctuary. Our adversaries are developing and fielding long-range capabilities specifically designed to challenge and evade the limited defenses currently deployed. These include cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and large drones – threats that fall below the threshold of a full nuclear attack, yet could still provide devastating damage to our ports, critical infrastructure, and military installations. We do not have an effective counter to these threats, and we cannot afford to remain complacent. Our adversaries must never believe that they can coerce us with the threat of a limited, conventional missile attack on the United States. Which is why this subcommittee has been clear for years – on a bipartisan basis – that the United States needs a more comprehensive integrated air and missile defense system. This administration has supercharged these efforts. The Department [of War] is finally prioritizing homeland defense, has requested the resources needed to rapidly develop and field new systems, and has granted General Guetlein with all the authorities necessary to realize this vision as the Direct Reporting Program Manager for Golden Dome for America. I… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A1EB5405-40F1-49AE-851F-5003A62FE92B | Fischer Votes to Protect Consumers from Data Center Energy Costs | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | NE | Deb Fischer | F000463 | www.fischer.senate.gov | fischer | https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) voted for the Ratepayer Protection Act, a bill introduced by Senator Jon Husted (R-OH), to create a federal standard for data centers to cover the cost of energy generation and transmission and keep local ratepayers from facing increased energy costs. Fischer is a cosponsor of the legislation. “We’ve heard concerns from Americans across the country about the impact data centers could have on their energy bills,” Fischer said. “Senator Husted has worked hard to address this, but Senate Democrats put politics over a real solution. I was proud to cosponsor and support the bill, and I remain hopeful we can still get it to President Trump’s desk.” The Ratepayer Protection Act overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives on September 16, 2026, by a vote of 417-3. The legislation creates a standard that states can consider when connecting new large-load data centers or hyperscalers with 100 megawatts or more of peak demand at a single facility. This standard is based on three provisions: Large-load data centers should cover the full, incremental cost of any generation, transmission, or distribution upgrades they require. If a data center needs a new high-voltage line or a new generating station to meet its load, they alone should be responsible for those costs. Contracts between large-load data centers and utilities should include meaningful financial assurances to prevent overbuilding or stranding assets that would otherwise force everyday customers to absorb the cost. Many of the infrastructure upgrades they require last for decades, so communities should not be left paying for infrastructure built for a single customer who later scales back or relocates. States retain full flexibility to design the specific standards and agreements that work best for them. The bill does not impose a federal mandate; instead, it provides a thoughtful federal standard for states to consider as they evaluate how best to connect these very large loads. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F009CCC4-54CB-4E3E-AFA9-CF591BD66562 | Fischer Votes for Ricketts’ Stop Insider Trading Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | NE | Deb Fischer | F000463 | www.fischer.senate.gov | fischer | https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Bill includes SAVE America Act provision requiring photo ID to vote WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) voted for the Stop Insider Trading Act, introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and cosponsored by Fischer, to prohibit Members of Congress from purchasing publicly traded stocks. It also includes a provision of the SAVE America Act requiring photo identification to vote. “Senator Ricketts has tackled insider trading to rebuild public trust and make sure Congress plays by the rules,” Fischer said. “I was proud to cosponsor and vote for this bill. Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, rallied Senate Democrats against it despite claiming to oppose insider trading and support photo ID to vote. It’s disappointing Senate Democrats refused to support this commonsense bill.” The Stop Insider Trading Act prohibits Members, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing any new stocks in publicly traded companies. It also requires public notice at least seven days, but no more than 14 days, in advance of any sell. The bill establishes a penalty of $2,000 or 10 percent of the investment value, whichever is greater, as well as the forfeiture of any net gain realized from any sale. The Stop Insider Trading Act was introduced in March of this year and is companion legislation to House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil’s legislation introduced in the House of Representatives in January of this year. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-question-president-trump-on-invitation-of-vladimir-putin-to-g20-on-american-soil/ | Gallego, Colleagues Question President Trump on Invitation of Vladimir Putin to G20 on American Soil | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined a bipartisan group of 13 senators in sending a letter to President Trump inquiring about the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leader’s Summit in Miami, Florida this coming December. In the letter, the senators question why Vladimir Putin, who has committed atrocities against the people of Ukraine and silenced his own people, has been welcomed with open arms to participate in a G20 meeting on American soil. This comes at a time when the Russian government is ramping up its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and continues to target Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The senators make clear that President Putin should not be permitted to take part in G20 events or other similar international forums in the United States and request for Putin nor any sanctioned Russian officials be permitted at upcoming G20 events. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day,” wrote the senators. “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure,” continued the senators. “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which gives you additional tools to hold the Putin regime accountable. However, if President Putin and… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-bill-to-protect-americans-data-from-big-tech-and-ai-companies/ | Gillibrand Introduces Bill To Protect Americans’ Data From Big Tech And AI Companies | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 (D-NY) reintroduced the Data Protection Act. This legislation would create a new independent federal agency to protect Americans’ data, ensure fair data practices, and help the government adapt to rapidly evolving digital technologies. “As AI continues to evolve, it is more important than ever that we take action to crack down on tech companies that misuse Americans’ data,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Currently, Big Tech companies are free to sell individuals’ data to the highest bidder without fear of real consequences, posing a severe threat to privacy and civil rights. My bill would create an independent federal agency to protect data and privacy, equipped with the resources to give Americans the meaningful protection they deserve.” Data privacy is a growing concern in the United States. In 2025 alone, more than 3,300 data breaches exposed over 278 million individuals’ personal information. About 89 percent of Americans are concerned that their data is being accessed and used inappropriately. Additionally, the U.S. is one of few democracies in the world that lacks a data protection agency. Senator Gillibrand’s Data Protection Act would create such an agency, strengthening the federal government’s ability to protect Americans’ data and bringing the U.S. in line with peer nations. Specifically, the Data Protection Act would: Limit the collection, use, and sharing of personal data; Oversee high-risk data practices, ensure that data processing and algorithms are fair, and minimize the collection of data for commercial purposes; Examine the social, ethical, economic, and civil rights impacts of data collection practices; Maintain a publicly accessible list of data aggregators that collect, process, or share data; Enforce privacy statutes and rules as authorized by Congress, with a broad range of tools including civil penalties, injunctive relief, and equitable remedies; Develop model privacy and data protection standards, guidelines, and policies for use by the private… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/watch-gillibrand-demands-enabler-hegseth-resign-after-dismissing-uss-lincoln-suicide-attempts-politically-motivated-firings/ | Watch: Gillibrand Demands “Enabler” Hegseth Resign After Dismissing USS Lincoln Suicide Attempts, Politically Motivated Firings | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Gillibrand: “This Is A Secretary Of Defense Who Does Not Know How To Lead Our Country Productively To Keep Americans Safer.” ***Watch Senator Gillibrand’s Full Interview Here*** Today, in an interview on CNN’s The Situation Room, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, called for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s immediate resignation following recent revelations that 8 sailors in the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had attempted suicide and that Hegseth plans to cut the number of generals and admirals in the military by 20%. Gillibrand also continued to demand immediate passage of her bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA) in light of the allegations in the Cornell University fraternity rape case. The legislation would hold campuses accountable, create a fair process for students, and ensure victims have access to a dedicated advocate to assist in navigating the adjudication process. Footage of Senator Gillibrand’s interview with Pamela Brown can be found here. Transcripts of key moments can be found below: ON HEGSETH’S INABILITY TO STAND UP TO PRESIDENT TRUMP AND ENSURE OUR MILITARY KEEPS AMERICANS SAFE: GILLIBRAND: This administration and Pete Hegseth want $1.5 trillion for the military, showing that they want unlimited money for bombs. They have plenty of money for billionaires and ballrooms, but yet not sufficient money for regular people who are working hard for food, for housing, and for healthcare. It’s just deeply demoralizing, the direction the secretary is taking. BROWN: And you believe he should resign. Is that right? GILLIBRAND: I’ve called on him to resign many times over almost all of these issues. Most recently, over the hitting of a girls’ school in Iran, the fact that he continues to prosecute a war that the American people have not had a chance to even support. There’s been no congressional approval. And again, asking for unlimited money for his bombs, waging this war when this administration ref… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-joins-washington-watch-to-recap-arctic-frost-oversight | ICYMI: Grassley Joins “Washington Watch” to Recap Arctic Frost Oversight | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | IA | Chuck Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | grassley | https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Tony Perkins on Washington Watch to discuss Jack Smith’s sweeping Arctic Frost investigation and the new revelations Grassley exposed during yesterday’s oversight hearing. “There's no justification for what Smith did. Not only was he after Trump, but we found out through all the hundreds, or I should say, thousands of pages of documents that we received... that he was after the Republican Party,” Grassley said. Listen to the full interview HERE. Excerpts follow. On revelations from the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing: "Well, I think everything [Smith] said was justification for his effort to put Trump in prison, and there's no justification for what Smith did. Not only was he after Trump, but we found out through all the hundreds, or I should say, thousands of pages of documents that we received – which includes text and email and everything you could think of – that he was after the Republican Party. “There was no reason for [Smith] to get the records of 44 members of Congress, and I was one of those included. And it's a violation of the constitutional right of what we call the “Speech and Debate Clause.” And they even sought communications from roughly 50 journalists and their organizations to government sources, and private checks. Can you imagine getting financial contributions from 4,782 Americans, including 42 Iowans? So, their privacy is violated by the FBI having in their files the addresses, the check numbers, everything personal about these 42 Iowans or [4,782] Americans. “So, you can see, it was a sweep of about 400 Republican organizations [and] 44 members of Congress. And...January 6th – that was just an excuse. It was just a pretext for everything else they wanted to do. "[Jack Smith’s team was] making a case to know all they could about the Republicans, and what [they could] do to destroy the Republicans. And yet, through all this process, there was only one indictment, and that was Trump. And that was their g… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/video-grassley-blasts-democrats-for-blocking-legislation-to-protect-families-from-data-center-energy-costs | VIDEO: Grassley Blasts Democrats for Blocking Legislation to Protect Families from Data Center Energy Costs | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | IA | Chuck Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | grassley | https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases | scraper | Click HERE for broadcast quality video. WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) blasted Senate Democrats for blocking overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation that would protect Americans from energy costs associated with data centers. Grassley is a cosponsor of Sen. Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, which builds on President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge signed by major tech and AI companies. The legislation encourages data centers to bring, buy or build their own energy without passing costs onto the community. This month, the House of Representatives approved the legislation with nearly unanimous, bipartisan support by a vote of 417-3. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) voted for the legislation. On Wednesday, the White House announced its support for the legislation. Iowa is home to some of the cheapest, cleanest and most predictable energy sources in the country, in part due to renewable energy and the long-standing partnership between Iowa’s utility companies and data center companies. Video and a transcript of Grassley's remarks are below. Broadcast quality video can be found HERE. VIDEO Many Iowans have asked me about data centers and their impact on energy costs. Republicans are taking action to protect Iowans from energy costs associated with data centers, all while supporting economic growth. Representatives Hinson, Miller-Meeks, Nunn, and Feenstra voted in the House of Representatives to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require data centers to foot the bill for their own energy. Iowans shouldn’t pay the price for data centers’ energy needs. So, we have this bill, the Ratepayer Protection Act that would [support ensuring] that the homeowners don’t pay for the electricity that data centers use. Now, Democrats are against this bill, seemingly. They don’t get that common sense that this bill predicts. In fact, Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked this bill that will lower energy co… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/30/hagerty-advocates-for-the-ratepayer-protection-act/ | Hagerty Advocates for the Ratepayer Protection Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | TN | Bill Hagerty | H000601 | www.hagerty.senate.gov | hagerty | https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | The bill passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 417-3 WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) spoke on the Senate floor, imploring his colleagues to vote in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act. The legislation is aimed at protecting consumers from taking on the increased energy costs associated with data centers and holding data center companies accountable for responsible investment. *Click the photo above or click here to watch* Remarks as prepared for delivery: “America is undergoing technological advancement at unprecedented speed. As we push new frontiers in this era of superintelligence, innovation can have a tremendously positive impact on our society and our nation’s competitiveness. At the same time, we find ourselves neck-and-neck with adversaries racing to harness this technology for their own purposes. It’s crucial that we keep up the pace, particularly regarding the development of large language models and computing power heretofore unseen. Our objective is clear: the United States must remain at the leading edge. To do so, we need more energy. Conversations are taking place across the United States about how we will meet the increased energy demands to power superintelligence. My overarching concern is that we do so responsibly and with local community needs in mind. Companies at the frontier of this emerging technology have the resources to pay for the infrastructure and costs associated to run these facilities. Importantly, the costs should not be borne by American families and small businesses. My colleague from Ohio has worked incredibly hard to get this bill across the finish line and deliver basic protections for the American people. The public is overwhelmingly in favor of the protections it would provide. Many states have already embraced it, including my home state of Tennessee. Tennessee adopted President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge while preserving the ability of local communities to make decisions about data cent… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-to-introduce-stop-flock-abuse-act-establishing-safeguards-for-ai-powered-cameras/ | Hawley to Introduce Stop Flock Abuse Act, Establishing Safeguards for AI-Powered Cameras | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MO | Josh Hawley | H001089 | www.hawley.senate.gov | hawley | https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced he will introduce the Stop Flock Abuse Act to establish basic safeguards for AI-powered cameras to ensure these nationwide surveillance networks protect Americans’ constitutional rights. This bill comes after Senator Hawley launched an investigation into AI-powered surveillance cameras and chaired a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing on Flock cameras and the threat they pose to privacy and national security. Though their CEO declined to testify at the hearing, Flock Safety did provide some answers in a written letter to Senator Hawley, agreeing that Congress needs to create a federal framework to regulate this technology. Flock also admitted to instituting some guardrails on their products after coming under public scrutiny. “AI-powered cameras produced by Flock and its competitors are tracking and creating digital footprints of everyday Americans — a nightmare for individual liberties unless Congress enacts meaningful rules and accountability. Last week, my hearing on Flock brought to light the threat that these AI-powered cameras pose to national security and the privacy of everyday Americans,” said Senator Hawley. “That’s why I’m introducing the Stop Flock Abuse Act to establish basic safeguards for AI-powered cameras and protect Americans’ fundamental constitutional rights. Law-abiding Americans should not be treated like criminals.” The Stop Flock Abuse Act would establish the following commonsense guardrails: | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/fact-sheet-heinrich-outlines-how-bipartisan-american-affordability-and-jobs-act-will-deliver-cheaper-energy-more-jobs-and-responsible-growth | FACT SHEET: Heinrich Outlines How Bipartisan American Affordability & Jobs Act Will Deliver Cheaper Energy, More Jobs, and Responsible Growth | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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, released a new fact sheet outlining key provisions of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, legislation that he unveiled with U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The landmark legislation will deliver cheaper energy, more jobs, and responsible growth across the United States. Text of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act can be found here. Heinrich’s press release announcing the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act can be found here. Heinrich’s fact sheet can be found here and below. Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act will deliver cheaper energy, good-paying jobs, and responsible growth, while protecting important environmental review and historic preservation processes. Cheaper Energy As demand increases, America needs more electricity, and we need it cheaper and faster. This deal will increase supply, expand the grid, and drive costs down for families and businesses. Builds more transmission, faster by strengthening the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) “backstop” siting authority — giving the federal government more authority to approve major interstate power lines – and allowing transmission applications to be processed simultaneously with state reviews, helping needed projects move through permitting faster. Gets more energy onto the grid by: Requiring regional and interregional transmission planning that accounts for where new transmission is needed and plans ahead for future electricity demand, helping to get more electricity to the places that need it and putting… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lee-capito-and-whitehouse-introduce-bipartisan-american-affordability-and-jobs-act-of-2026 | Heinrich, Lee, Capito, and Whitehouse Introduce Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 to reform the federal environmental review and permitting process. This groundbreaking agreement will deliver cheaper energy, more jobs, and responsible growth across the United States. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act provides certainty that permitted energy and infrastructure projects will retain their permits absent extraordinary circumstances, violations of law, or court order, as well as targeted reforms for various energy projects. This legislation reflects input from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and from a diverse group of stakeholders. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act also forces data centers to pay their fair share by requiring them to pay for all of their associated transmission costs. “America is entering a new era of energy demand. We have an enormous opportunity to build big things again to meet this moment – to build more generation, expand our grid, create more jobs, lower energy costs, and make sure we have the energy we need to compete. It should not take decades to build the infrastructure our country needs,” said Heinrich. “Our Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act will help us get to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on energy projects faster, while protecting important environmental safeguards and protecting the ability of Tribes to formally consult during these processes. It will mean more energy on the grid, more good-paying jobs, and lower electricity costs for families and businesses. And as data centers drive demand for more power, it will ensure they pay… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-vote-against-husted-backed-bill-that-fails-to-make-data-centers-pay-for-grid-upgrades | Heinrich Statement on Vote Against Husted-Backed Bill that Fails to Make Data Centers Pay for Grid Upgrades | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after voting against advancing U.S. Senator Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation that fails to make AI data centers to pay their fair share of the grid upgrades they require – burdening American families with higher electricity costs. “The Ratepayer Protection Act is exactly what Congress is known for: all message and no substance. If voluntary pledges and suggestions worked, families and small businesses wouldn’t be staring down rate hikes right now. “I want Congress to pass legislation with real teeth that will require data centers to pay their fair share of the grid upgrades they require and doesn’t shift costs onto American families. Husted’s bill fails to do both. “I’m pushing for legislation that will actually hold AI data centers accountable for their energy usage and lower electricity bills for Americans.” Last week, Heinrich blocked Husted’s attempt to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act via a Unanimous Consent (UC) agreement and urged his Senate colleagues to instead pass his GRID Savings Act, which forces large load customers — like data centers — to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-celebrates-committee-passage-of-his-bipartisan-energy-bills/ | Hickenlooper Celebrates Committee Passage of His Bipartisan Energy Bills | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Hickenlooper led the Geo POWER Act and co-led the Earth MRI Act WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper celebrated the Senate Energy and Natural Resource (ENR) Committee’s passage of two Hickenlooper-led bipartisan bills. The committee passed Hickenlooper’s Geo POWER Act, as amended, which would help accelerate geothermal technologies and deliver clean, reliable electricity across the country, and the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Reauthorization Act, which he co-leads with Senator Murkowski, to fund the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth MRI program. A program that improves our understanding of critical mineral, geothermal, and other subsurface resources across the country. “America is an energy powerhouse, but our energy needs are growing rapidly,” said Hickenlooper. “To meet our energy demand, we need to invest in activities that make it possible to further unlock our full potential. If we do, we can secure lower energy costs for Americans, shore up our national security, and build tomorrow’s energy infrastructure today.” The Geo POWER Act’s committee passage comes on the heels of Colorado’s National Laboratory of the Rockies being chosen as the launch point for the Geothermal Center of Excellence earlier this month. The Act provides a significant $800 million investment in unlocking geothermal energy here in the U.S. Specifically, the Geo POWER Act would: Require the Department of Energy to provide innovative financing to projects that are planning or enabling new aggregate electricity generation of at least 30 megawatts in multiple states with limited to no existing geothermal electricity generation; Generate public data to de-risk future geothermal projects in new geologies and regions; Ensure fiscal accountability by requiring projects to achieve milestones to access additional financial support; and Accelerate the commercialization of next-generation geothermal technologies in new regions across the United States. The Earth MRI Act would: Reauthorize Earth MRI for a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-republicans-sham-effort-to-shield-americans-from-data-centers-driving-up-energy-costs/ | Hickenlooper Statement on Republicans Sham Effort to Shield Americans from Data Centers Driving Up Energy Costs | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | Democrats pushed to strengthen the so-called Ratepayer Protection Act and require data centers to pay for grid updates WASHINGTON – As the Senate considers the Ratepayer Protection Act, today U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper criticized the measure as lacking teeth after Republicans refused to work with Senate Democrats to amend the legislation to actually protect Americans from paying increased energy prices for the energy needs of data centers. Democrats remain ready to stop data centers from raising costs. “Data centers use large amounts of electricity. And families shouldn’t be forced to pay for their new infrastructure needs. Republicans say their bill fixes that. It doesn’t,” said Hickenlooper in a video statement today. “It asks states to consider protections for ratepayers. It doesn’t require them. This isn’t complicated. If Big Tech wants a data center. Big Tech should pay for it. Congress needs to get serious and actually protect ratepayers.” Watch Senator Hickenlooper’s full video here. Americans have already paid $100 billion in additional energy costs because of the war in Iran. The so-called Rate Payer Protection Act only asks states to study the idea of requiring data centers to pay for necessary grid updates for their large energy demands. However, Senate Democrats pushed to include their provision that would have actually required the largest new power users to pay their fair share to connect. It would mandate data centers follow the same rules that power plants have followed for 20 years. Currently, power plants must go through a detailed review process, pay for the upgrades needed to connect safely and reliably, and put up financial commitments to show it’s serious about moving forward. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-republicans-trojan-horse-voter-suppression-tactic/ | Hickenlooper Statement on Republicans’ “Trojan Horse” Voter Suppression Tactic | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | John W. Hickenlooper | H000273 | www.hickenlooper.senate.gov | hickenlooper | https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after blocking a Republican bill that would restrict voting and allow insider trading to continue. “We blocked Republicans’ thinly veiled voter suppression bill outright earlier this year. Today, they ripped a page out of Homer and tried to sneak it through like a Trojan Horse,” said Hickenlooper. “We will continue to block their efforts to insulate the president from voters who are furious with MAGA’s corrupt agenda and cost-of-living emergency.” Hickenlooper has consistently fought back against Trump and MAGA Republicans’ voter suppression bill and stood up to their attacks on mail-in-voting, a safe and secure voting method. As governor, Hickenlooper created the gold-standard mail-in-voting system in the country, providing millions of Coloradans with easier access to the ballot box. The vehicle for the Republicans’ voter suppression provision, the Stop Insider Trading Act, fails to adequately stop members of Congress profiting off insider information. The bill also ignores any restrictions for the president and cabinet officials. Hickenlooper, who has had his assets in a blind trust since he was Mayor of Denver, co-sponsors the more comprehensive Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act that would force all members of Congress to place their stocks into a qualified blind trust so that they can’t use insider information to inform their portfolio decisions and turn a profit. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-ratepayer-protection-act-ensures-data-centers-pay-for-energy-needs-protects-families-from-higher-costs | Hoeven: Ratepayer Protection Act Ensures Data Centers Pay for Energy Needs, Protects Families From Higher Costs | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | ND | John Hoeven | H001061 | www.hoeven.senate.gov | hoeven | https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked consideration of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation he is cosponsoring to protect families and small businesses from paying higher energy costs to support new data center development. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved the legislation in a strong bipartisan vote of 417-3. “American families shouldn’t have to pay higher energy costs if a data center is built in their community,” said Hoeven. “Our legislation would protect consumers from these rate increases resulting from data center construction. Instead of passing on higher energy costs to families and small businesses, the Ratepayer Protection Act will help ensure that the data center is responsible for paying for the infrastructure upgrades as well as fixed costs as a result of their demand for energy. This legislation passed the House with almost unanimous support, and we’ll continue working to get Senate Democrats on board with this common-sense legislation.” Specifically, the Ratepayer Protection Act: Creates a standard for State utility commissions to enforce for large-load data centers drawing more than 100 MW of power to pay the full cost of the electricity needed to serve them. Requires large loads to provide financial assurances before grid upgrades are made. Guarantees cost recovery if a large load exits its power supply contract early. -###- | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-votes-for-stop-insider-trading-act-with-save-america-act-provisions | Hoeven Votes for Stop Insider Trading Act With Save America Act Provisions | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | ND | John Hoeven | H001061 | www.hoeven.senate.gov | hoeven | https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after voting for the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation he is cosponsoring that would help prevent conflicts of interest for lawmakers and enact SAVE America Act provisions requiring voters to provide photo identification when voting in federal elections. “These two priorities have strong support from the American people, and we should pass this legislation,” said Hoeven. “This bill builds on the current law to prevent conflicts of interest for lawmakers, and at the same time, it puts in place common sense SAVE America Act provisions to require voters to show identification when voting in a federal election. It is unfortunate that Democrats are again blocking these priorities.” Stock Trading Prohibitions Prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing securities or derivatives of publicly traded companies, while the Member is in federal service. Members who violate the prohibition are subject to a fine of $2,000 or 10% of the transaction value, whichever is greater, along with any net gain realized from the transaction. SAVE America Voter ID Requirements Requires voters to present valid physical photo identification to receive a ballot in federal elections. Accepted IDs include state driver’s license, state-issued photo ID card, U.S. passports, military or veterans’ ID, and Tribal ID. Voters voting by mail are required to either (1) submit a copy of a valid photo ID, or (2) provide last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit explaining why they cannot obtain ID, or (3) submit a notarized statement attesting that the individual has personally marked the ballot. -###- | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/democrats-block-husteds-bill-forcing-data-centers-to-pay-their-own-way/ | Democrats block Husted’s bill forcing data centers to pay their own way | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | OH | Jon Husted | H001104 | www.husted.senate.gov | husted | https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “Let’s rise above the politics that often drag this place down and deliver for the American people and do our jobs.” View Husted’s remarks here. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate attempted to advance Sen. Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, but the bill failed after Democrats opposed the bill. 43 Senate Democrats voted NO, preventing the bill from reaching the 60-vote threshold to advance for a vote on passage. The Ratepayer Protection Act would require states to consider establishing standards for states and Public Utility Commissions when connecting large electricity users—such as data centers—to the grid. It ensures those large tech companies, not families or small businesses, pay for the power generation, transmission lines and other infrastructure needed to serve their facilities. Without those protections, utilities can shift those costs onto ratepayers through higher monthly electricity bills. Husted introduced the bill on July 16, 2026. The Ratepayer Protection Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 16, 2026, by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 417-3. Husted previously brought the bill to the Senate floor on Sept. 17, 2026, seeking its passage by unanimous consent—a process that expedites consideration of legislation in the U.S. Senate. A Senate Democrat objected, blocking the bill from Senate passage. The White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy stating the President would’ve signed the Ratepayer Protection Act into law if passed. Key excerpts include: “I rise today to speak about making life more affordable by lowering electricity prices through my bill, the Ratepayer Protection Act.” . . . “Americans are increasingly relying on the computing power of data centers in nearly every part of their daily lives, from medicine to manufacturing to agriculture, education, national defense and the delivery of basic services.” . . . “As our reliance on this technology grows, so does the demand for data centers across the country.” . . . “We have to make sure … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-justice-releases-statement-in-support-of-trumps-immigration-agenda/ | Senator Justice Releases Statement in Support of Trump’s Immigration Agenda | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | WV | James C. Justice | J000312 | www.justice.senate.gov | justice | https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Justice released a statement supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda. “Let me be crystal clear: I support President Trump’s immigration strategy, full stop. It’s not surprising that some are twisting my words to score political points, but there should be no confusion about where I stand. What’s been accomplished by President Trump in regards to our border and immigration is truly amazing. President Biden allowed millions upon millions to illegally enter our country. Cleaning up this mess has been a tremendous accomplishment. Our brave ICE officers are doing an incredible job protecting our communities, and they must continue to focus on criminals who are here illegally and putting Americans in danger. Violent criminals, drug traffickers, gang members and others who threaten our communities should be identified, arrested and removed. President Trump has made securing our border and restoring law and order a top priority, and I support that effort. As a senator, I will continue working with the administration and our law enforcement officers to make West Virginia and this country safer. West Virginians expect us to enforce the law, protect our communities, and keep dangerous criminals off our streets. That is exactly what I support,” said Senator Jim Justice. # # # | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-his-legislation-to-improve-financial-security-for-americans | Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of His Legislation to Improve Financial Security for Americans | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) celebrated Senate passage of the Claiming Age Clarity Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Susan Collins (R-ME), to help Americans make better-informed decisions that help them live a more financially-secure retirement. Specifically, it would change language to make it clearer to Americans about the impact that claiming Social Security benefits at different ages would have on their benefit amounts. “Americans pay into Social Security their entire working lives, and it’s important that they understand what benefits they’re entitled to so they can make informed decisions about their retirement,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation will make that vital information clearer. I’m glad that both chambers have now passed this bill, and I urge the President to sign it.” Social Security benefits are available to Americans starting at age 62, but those who choose to receive their benefits later receive greater monthly payments, with the highest payments available to those who wait until age 70 to begin claiming benefits. Many Americans do not begin claiming benefits at the age that will maximize their total income in retirement, and research has shown that the terminology the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses often leads to confusion. To take steps toward alleviating this problem, this legislation would clarify the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) terminology, ending the use of the confusing terms “early eligibility age,” “full retirement age,” and “delayed retirement credits,” and replacing them with “minimum monthly benefit age,” “standard monthly benefit age,” and “maximum monthly benefit age,” respectively. Full text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-holds-hearing-on-nicaraguas-political-crisis | Kaine Holds Hearing On Nicaragua’s Political Crisis | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | VIDEO FROM THE HEARING IS AVAILABLE HERE. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)—a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues—held a subcommittee hearing titled “Nicaragua’s Political Crisis: Ortega’s Assault on Democracy.” In July, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega declared that Nicaragua would no longer hold competitive elections. “This is timely and urgent because the human rights challenges perpetrated by the current regime in Nicaragua have to be taken seriously, both for the sake of Nicaraguans but also for the entire region,” said Kaine. “I know very well the signs of autocratic government, the actions that they take, the human toll they inflict on everyday citizens.” “What is happening in Nicaragua is a reminder that democracy doesn't always die from a coup or a military takeover, as was the case in Honduras. The erosion starts when an authoritarian leader systematically undermines the foundations of free society, press, independent judiciary—weaponizing government against dissidents and weakening other independent institutions,” Kaine continued. “As a longtime member of the subcommittee and more recently the Chair and Ranking of the Subcommittee, I think Congress has a responsibility to authorize the necessary tools to put pressure on regimes,” Kaine said. “But we do have tools that we ought to be using to pressure those who are violating the human rights of others.” During the hearing, Kaine asked the witnesses about the status of the 222 Nicaraguan political prisoners who are living in the United States, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) detention of six of them. He also asked about impact of illicit gold mining in Nicaragua and the region and raised concerns about religious persecution. The panel witnesses included: Mr. Eddy Acevedo, Vice President for Policy & Government Relation… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-slams-congressional-republicans-for-ignoring-need-to-fund-landmark-infrastructure-law | Kaine Slams Congressional Republicans For Ignoring Need To Fund Landmark Infrastructure Law | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement regarding the expiration of funding for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation Kaine helped pass that brought over 12.6 billion in federal funding to Virginia for over 900 specific infrastructure upgrades: “Virginians and Americans across the country deserve top-notch infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drinking and wastewater systems, and more. That’s why Democrats, Republicans, and the Biden Administration worked together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—legislation that brought $12.6 billion in infrastructure investments to the Commonwealth. But starting today, funding for this landmark law officially expires—all because congressional Republicans wasted valuable time in the Senate schedule on everything from crypto to college sports legislation, instead of things that would actually make a meaningful difference for a majority of Americans.” Some examples of projects in Virginia funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law include: A nearly $400 million investment for Virginia’s airports A $150 million investment for the City of Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project A $72 million investment for the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project A $729 million investment to support the Long Bridge Project, which will alleviate bottlenecks and expand rail capacity in Northern Virginia A $100 million investment to improve congestion through a Northern Virginia rail corridor A $25 million investment for high-speed internet in Wise, Lee, and Norton counties A $18.4 million investment to replace a 79-year-old bridge that carries Ashe Boulevard over CSX railroad tracks A nearly $3 million investment to reconnect communities by improving transportation infrastructure in Norfolk and Richmond A $100 million investment to support the construction of Microporous’ new manufacturing facility at the Southern Virginia Megasite A $1.5 million investment for the Virginia Beach and Vicinity Coastal Sto… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-4-million-to-support-veteran-suicide-prevention-efforts-across-virginia | Warner, Kaine Announce $4 Million To Support Veteran Suicide Prevention Efforts Across Virginia | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $4,144,835 in federal funding to strengthen veteran suicide prevention efforts across Virginia. The funding will support eight community organizations that connect veterans and their families to mental health resources, outreach programs, suicide prevention services, and other critical support. The grants are being awarded through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which was created by bipartisan legislation that Sen. Warner wrote and Sen. Kaine supported to expand prevention efforts and better connect veterans with resources available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local communities. “Veterans deserve to know that help is there when they need it. It is our responsibility as lawmakers to make sure that those who have sacrificed for our country are not left to suffer silently and have the support and resources that they’ve earned and are owed,” said the senators. “We’re proud to have helped create this program, which is delivering critical resources to organizations on the ground working with veterans. These federal dollars will help expand lifesaving suicide prevention efforts and ensure more Virginia veterans and their families can get the support they’ve earned.” The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program was created through the IMPROVE Wellbeing for Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation led by Sen. Warner in 2019 to improve the coordination of veteran mental health and suicide prevention services and to better measure the effectiveness of these programs. The legislation was signed into law as part of the broader Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which passed the Senate unanimously in August 2020. In February 2025, Sen. Warner introduced bipartisan legislation to renew and expand the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. In June 2025, Sen. Warner testified before the Senate… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-tillis-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-reaffirming-u-s-nuclear-deterrence-commitments-to-allies/ | Kelly, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Reaffirming U.S. Nuclear Deterrence Commitments to Allies | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan Reaffirming Extended Nuclear Deterrence Act, legislation reaffirming U.S. extended nuclear deterrence commitments to allies and the military exercises, planning, and consultations that make those commitments credible. The legislation comes soon after Kelly and Tillis pressed the Trump administration to reverse its decision to substantially reduce joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea and urged the Administration to maintain the training necessary to preserve the readiness of the alliance. “Deterrence only works if adversaries believe you mean it. China and Russia are expanding their nuclear arsenals. North Korea keeps pushing. This is the wrong moment to leave allies confused about where we stand. We need to make clear that Congress is committed to maintaining the capability and credibility our allies are counting on,” saidKelly. “Our adversaries are increasingly testing the strength of our alliances and seeking opportunities to undermine the stability and security we have preserved for decades,” said Tillis. “It’s critical that we work with our allies to maintain a credible deterrent, strengthen our collective defense, and ensure the continued peace of the Western world and the values we share.” Background: One of the stated goals of U.S. nuclear weapons policy for the past 75 years has been to extend its nuclear deterrent to key allies in Europe and Asia. Extended deterrence has been foundational to U.S. alliances, and today, this commitment remains steadfast. However, credibly reassuring allies that the U.S. will come to their aid is a challenge. Today, that credibility is under greater strain as U.S. actions have raised questions about the durability of American commitments. At the same time, NATO countries have shown interest in nuclear-sharing or alternative nuclear arrangements. The Reaffirming Extended Nuclear Deterrence Act is a clear congressional reaffirmation that strengthens assuranc… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-sasc-strategic-forces-kelly-questions-if-golden-dome-will-trigger-another-arms-race/ | WATCH: In SASC Strategic Forces, Kelly Questions if Golden Dome Will Trigger Another Arms Race | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | During a Senate Armed Services Committee Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on Golden Dome for America, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly questioned experts on whether the administration’s proposed missile defense system could actually make the United States less safe by pushing Russia and China to build more nuclear weapons and develop new ways to defeat U.S. defenses, potentially fueling an arms race. Kelly also expressed concerns over whether the program’s extraordinary cost is worth it if Russia and China simply build more weapons to defeat it in the near future. Sen. Kelly questions David J. Trachtenberg. Kelly opened by questioning whether Golden Dome would push Russia and China to build up their arsenals rather than deter them: “Deterrence is about perception. And this administration might see Golden Dome as a defensive system. But what also matters here for strategic stability is how does China and Russia see this? For decades, U.S. nuclear strategy has recognized the relationship between strategic offensive and defensive forces. They’re connected. The basic concern is pretty straightforward. If one side builds defenses that could substantially reduce the effectiveness of the other side’s nuclear deterrent, the other side has an incentive to build more or better offensive weapons with more countermeasures. And that dynamic was part of the rationale behind negotiating limits on offensive and defensive systems during the Cold War.” Kelly expressed that his biggest concern with Golden Dome is that America would be spending an outsized amount of money for a system that would become irrelevant as Russia and China build up their arsenals to defeat it: “Suddenly, they’re building thousands of more ICBMs. The Chinese are building thousands of more ICBMs. This system isn’t sized to handle it. We spent $1.2 trillion on a system that then becomes irrelevant…People don’t have health care coverage. They can’t afford their lives anymore. We’re investing trillions of dollars into the defense indus… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=844818B8-AAE5-46D1-86B2-E81EF7047535 | Klobuchar, Cassidy Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Taxpayer Advocate Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | klobuchar | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases | scraper | Bipartisan bill will help taxpayers resolve IRS problems WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) released the statements below after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act. The legislation strengthens the independence of the National Taxpayer Advocate by allowing the Advocate to hire and consult its own legal counsel rather than relying on attorneys who report to the IRS Office of Chief Counsel. The bipartisan legislation, which passed the House in 2025, now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “The National Taxpayer Advocate plays a critical role in helping taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, but currently the attorneys supporting that office are selected by the IRS Chief Counsel, undermining the Advocate’s ability to provide fully independent advice and representation,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure that the Advocate has the independence needed to effectively do its job by allowing its attorneys to report directly to the Advocate and owe their loyalty to taxpayers, not the IRS. This will help the Advocate stand up for taxpayers, assist our constituents, and improve our tax system, and I urge the President to swiftly sign this bill into law.” “If you’re having to deal with the IRS, odds are, you’re having difficulty doing so. This bill helps improve that experience for the honest taxpayer,” said Dr. Cassidy. The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems with the agency, identifies systemic problems taxpayers encounter in dealing with the IRS, and recommends administrative and legislative changes to address those problems. Currently, TAS attorneys report to the IRS Office of Chief Counsel rather than directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate. The National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act would allow the National Taxpayer Advocate to hire and consult its own attorneys, strengthening TAS’s independence and its … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-lankford-coons-resolution-honoring-50-years-of-prison-fellowship-passes-senate-unanimously/ | ICYMI: Lankford, Coons Resolution Honoring 50 Years of Prison Fellowship Passes Senate Unanimously | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | lankford | https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) secured unanimous Senate passage of their resolution recognizing 50 years of Prison Fellowship’s work to bring faith-based rehabilitation, restoration, and second chances to people impacted by incarceration. The bipartisan resolution recognizes Prison Fellowship’s nationwide impact and comes months after Lankford celebrated the launch of the organization’s first federal Prison Fellowship Academy at the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Oklahoma. “Prison Fellowship has spent 50 years helping people understand that a mistake does not have to be the end of their story,” said Lankford. “Their work points people to Christ, helps restore families, and gives people the opportunity to change. I’m grateful for the staff and volunteers who have stayed committed to this work for five decades, and I’m glad to recognize Prison Fellowship on its 50th anniversary.” “The first time I was in a maximum-security prison, I was 12 years old, joining my father on one of his prison ministry visits,” said Coons. “I saw how prison ministry transformed the lives of both those inside the prison and for our family outside of it. For 50 years, Prison Fellowship has brought that transformation to communities across the country, answering Jesus’ call to love our neighbors no matter where or who they are.” “Chuck Colson once described his imprisonment as ‘the great humiliation of my life’—yet God used that humiliation for a greater purpose,” said Scott Peyton, Senior Director of Advocacy. “Fifty years later, Prison Fellowship continues that legacy, encountering Jesus with those impacted by incarceration, equipping the Church, and advancing justice that restores. We are deeply grateful to Senators James Lankford and Chris Coons for their leadership, and to the United States Senate for honoring fifty years of transformed lives and the enduring truth that no life is beyond the reach of God’s grace.” Background Lankford has spent years working to expand opport… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-leads-senate-in-honoring-50-years-of-the-hyde-amendment/ | Lankford Leads Senate in Honoring 50 Years of the Hyde Amendment | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | lankford | https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases | page_html | Resolution Recognizes 50 Years of Bipartisan Support for the Hyde Amendment and its Protections for Unborn Children WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Chair of the Senate Values Action Team, introduced a resolution recognizing the Hyde Amendment’s 50th anniversary and its enduring legacy of protecting unborn children and upholding the conscience rights of American taxpayers. The resolution commemorates 50 years of the Hyde Amendment by recognizing its legacy of saving more than 2.6 million lives while affirming that federal taxpayers should not be compelled to fund abortions in violation of their deeply held religious and moral beliefs. “For 50 years, the Hyde Amendment has been an important protection for American taxpayers,” said Lankford. “Every child is valuable. No American should ever wonder if the check they’re sending to the IRS on April 15 will be used to pay for someone’s elective abortion. Hyde was a bipartisan agreement five decades ago, and it has been included in appropriations bills every year since. We should keep that commitment in place.” You can download the text of the resolution HERE or below: Whereas September 30, 2026, marks the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding pro-life provision which protects Federal taxpayer dollars from being used to take human life through elective abortion; Whereas, in 1976, Congressman Henry J. Hyde introduced an amendment, which bears his name, to House of Representatives Bill No. 14232, 94th Congress (referred to in this preamble as the “Hyde Amendment”); Whereas, in introducing his amendment, Congressman Hyde explained, “We who seek to protect that most defenseless and innocent of human lives, the unborn—seek to inhibit the use of Federal funds to pay for and thus encourage abortion as an answer to the human and compelling problem of an unwanted child.”; Whereas the Hyde Amendment was adopted by Congress, shortly after Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) was decided, by a bipartisan vote and has been renewed in both Republ… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/9/mike-lee-introduces-the-direct-seller-and-real-estate-agent-harmonization-act | Mike Lee Introduces the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | UT | Mike Lee | L000577 | www.lee.senate.gov | mikelee | https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, which clarifies Fair Labor Standards Act provisions to ensure that direct sellers and qualified real estate agents are recognized as independent contractors under federal law, aligning with the federal tax code and creating hiring dependability for companies and workers alike. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator John Curtis (R-UT) and has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA). “For decades, moms and dads have supported their families through direct selling and independent real estate businesses in Utah and across the country,” said Senator Lee. “Unfortunately, ambiguity in their federal classification has resulted in lawsuits that threaten entire industries and thousands of jobs. This legislation closes these loopholes and gives enterprising independent contractors clear legal status.” “We thank Senator Mike Lee for engaging with the direct selling community and bringing this legislation before the Senate,” said Dave Grimaldi, CEO of the Direct Selling Association. “DSA represents people who choose to build businesses on their own terms. DSA's work is to bring their stories and experiences to Congress and make sure they have a voice in the laws that affect that choice, so no individual seller has to carry that responsibility alone.” The Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify that the term “employee” does not include any direct seller or qualified real estate agent (as defined in Section 3508(b) of the Internal Revenue Code). Establish these workers as independent contractors—not by subjective interpretation but by statute—aligning federal law with federal tax code and creating hiring dependability for the companies and workers. Builds upon Senator Lee’s 21st Century Worker Act, which simplifies employee classifications to cut red tape around hiring independent contractors and flexible wo… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-heinrich-kelly-cantwell-call-on-states-to-stop-data-centers-from-passing-rising-costs-on-to-ratepayers/ | Luján, Heinrich, Kelly, Cantwell Call on States to Stop Data Centers from Passing Rising Costs on to Ratepayers | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Luján is one of only two U.S. Senators, and the only Democratic Senator, to have served as a state utility commissioner Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, called on Ann Rendahl and Jehmal Hudson, President and First Vice President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, to protect residential and small-business ratepayers from the cost of serving large data centers. Specifically, the senators urged state utility commissions to adopt a dedicated mechanism that applies to large data centers in its jurisdiction, so that data centers pay the full cost of the generation, transmission, and distribution built to serve them. “We write to ask NARUC and its member commissions to act now to protect residential and small business ratepayers from the cost of serving large data centers. Specifically, we ask that every state utility commission adopt a dedicated rate rider — a separate tariff mechanism — that applies to every large data center in its jurisdiction, so that data centers pay the full cost of the generation, transmission, and distribution built to serve them, as well as the cost of their use of existing generation, transmission and distribution,” wrote the senators. “The authority to set retail rates was delegated by Congress to the states. That is why we are writing to you. It is clear that unless states implement data center rate riders, consumers and small businesses will experience rate increases,” concluded the senators. The full letter can be found here and below: Dear President Rendahl & First Vice President Hudson: We write to ask NARUC and its member commissions to act now to protect residential and small business ratepayers from the cost of serving large data centers. Specifically, we a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-shares-doj-documents-regarding-dea-fentanyl-practices-whistleblower-reports/ | Luján Shares DOJ Documents Regarding DEA Fentanyl Practices, Whistleblower Reports | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | June AP Report Found that DEA Allowed Mass Amounts of Fentanyl Pills onto New Mexico Streets Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, shared the following documents for New Mexicans to read for themselves regarding the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) fentanyl practices. Senator Luján led the N.M. Delegation calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico. Following the Associated Press report that the DEA allowed fentanyl pills onto New Mexico streets, Senator Luján has been briefed by DEA and DOJ officials and continues to press the federal government for more information to be released to the public. The following documents are available through the U.S. Department of Justice website: November 2023: New Mexico DEA agent files complaint A New Mexico DEA agent filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that federal prosecutors had discouraged or prevented agents from stopping suspected fentanyl shipments during investigations, allowing large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities. December 22, 2023: Office of Special Counsel (OSC) refers allegations to DOJ The OSC found the allegations serious enough to require a DOJ investigation. OSC said there was a “substantial likelihood” that the alleged conduct could involve violations of rules, abuse of authority, or a danger to the public. Link: https://www.osc.gov/~assets/cases/osc-file-no-di-24-000207-referral_redacted.pdf September 3, 2024: DOJ investigation rejects allegations DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility found no misconduct, finding that prosecutors and agents have discretion to let suspected drugs move rather than immediately seize them. It found the specific decisions it reviewed were reasonable under DOJ po… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-taxpayer-assistance-and-service-act/ | Luján Statement on Senate Passage of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Several Luján Authored Provisions Included in Bipartisan Tax Package Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, which included several provisions authored by Senator Luján: “The Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act is a commonsense bipartisan legislative package that will strengthen taxpayer rights, reduce unnecessary burdens, and make our tax system fairer. I’m proud to have authored several provisions in this package to improve transparency, strengthen taxpayer protections, and help ensure the IRS works more efficiently for the American people. “Now, with Senate passage, we are one step closer to delivering a tax system that better serves taxpayers with fairness, transparency, and accountability.” In July, Senator Luján introduced the Strengthening Taxpayer Advocacy Act, bipartisan legislation to empower the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to better serve Americans navigating challenges with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Senator Luján also introduced a bipartisan package of three bills to improve transparency, fairness, and simplicity in the federal tax system. These pieces of legislation, led by Senator Luján, were included as provisions in the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-releases-new-report-detailing-epa-capitulation-to-big-tech-dangerous-easing-of-regulations-to-build-data-centers-at-the-expense-of-transparency-and-communities-health | Senator Markey Releases New Report Detailing EPA Capitulation to Big Tech, Dangerous Easing of Regulations to Build Data Centers at the Expense of Transparency and Communities’ Health | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | “The EPA's Data Center Disaster” Report (PDF) Washington (September 30, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, today released a report titled, The EPA’s Data Center Disaster: How the Trump Administration is Destroying Environmental Protections and Selling Out Communities for Big Tech, detailing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s campaign of reckless deregulation to dilute environmental and public health guardrails in direct service of Big Tech’s race to build data centers. “75% of Americans do not want a data center in their backyard, yet Trump’s EPA has chosen to facilitate data center construction at the expense of our health, our pocketbooks, and our bedrock environmental laws. In what they have coined as ‘the largest deregulatory agenda in American history,’ President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin have issued rollbacks of air, water, and toxic chemical regulations that make it easier to build data centers and fossil fuel infrastructure to power them,” said Senator Markey. “Instead of subverting the EPA to Big Tech’s control, Trump and Zeldin should act in the interest of the American people and hold accountable the industries they are obligated to regulate. The public deserves an EPA that lives up to its name.” Senator Markey’s report pulls back the curtain on the EPA’s abuse of power and failure to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment. Since January 2025, Trump’s EPA has proposed and finalized rollbacks to undermine longstanding public health guardrails, explicitly and repeatedly naming data centers as a key beneficiary. And beyond these individual regulatory rollbacks, Zeldin has refused to contemplate any nationwide standards for data centers, despite increasing evidence of the harm that data centers and their related power infrastructure inflict on U.S. communities. The cost of unfettered data center buildout is a real, present danger to the… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-celebrates-transformational-3-billion-investment-in-carnegie-mellon-university/ | Senator McCormick Celebrates Transformational $3 Billion Investment in Carnegie Mellon University | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | PA | David McCormick | M001243 | www.mccormick.senate.gov | davemccormick | https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) celebrated a historic gift to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) from Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, including a transformational $1 billion investment in CMU’s Pittsburgh campus and $2 billion to launch Carnegie Mellon University Miami. “This extraordinary investment from my great friend Ken Griffin is a tremendous vote of confidence in CMU, in Pittsburgh, and in the innovation that will continue to define America’s future,” said Senator McCormick. “Pittsburgh has always been a city that reinvents itself. Andrew Carnegie helped build the Steel City into an industrial powerhouse, and today, the university that bears his name is helping lead America into the next era of innovation. I’m so proud of President Farnam Jahanian and his team for helping make Carnegie Mellon one of the finest research institutions in the world, a global leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, computer science, and so much more.” Senator McCormick previously served on Carnegie Mellon’s Board of Trustees and has long viewed the university as central to Pittsburgh’s transformation from the Steel City into a global hub for technology and innovation. CMU’s world-class leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, and engineering has helped put Pittsburgh at the forefront of the technologies shaping America’s future. That leadership made CMU the natural home for Senator McCormick’s inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, showcasing the Commonwealth’s unique strengths in AI, energy, and advanced technology and catalyzing $92 billion in investment in Pennsylvania’s future. This historic investment announced today builds on that momentum. The $1 billion commitment to support CMU’s Pittsburgh campus will strengthen CMU’s research and academic leadership, attract the best minds, and fuel innovation and discovery in western Pennsylvania. The $2 billion investment in the launch of CMU Miami will expand the reach of an institution built in… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senate-unanimously-passes-merkley-curtis-bipartisan-wildfire-emissions-prevention-act/ | Senate Unanimously Passes Merkley-Curtis Bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Bipartisan legislation would remove regulatory burden on proactive forest management, lower net emissions Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT), members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA). Merkley and Curtis’ bipartisan legislation would streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. “As climate chaos fuels longer, hotter, and more dangerous wildfire seasons, our communities need to have all the necessary resources to mitigate wildfire threats. Prescribed fire and cultural burning on the landscape are one such tool by reducing hazardous fuels,” said Merkley. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the use of prescribed burns and includes my provisions to establish the Smoke Ready Communities Program. With our Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act passing the Senate, we are on the way to supporting more prescribed fire on the landscape—an essential forest management activity—while giving our communities the resources to plan and prepare for smoke events, protecting public health and saving lives.” “Utah has faced a devastating fire season, and we know that preventing catastrophic wildfires starts with giving land managers the tools to reduce hazardous fuels before they burn,” said Curtis. “Prescribed fire works, and states should not be penalized for responsibly using it to protect communities, forests, and air quality. I’m grateful the Senate unanimously passed this commonsense, bipartisan bill, and I urge the House to act quickly so we can get it to the President’s desk.” The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act would: Make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fire to prevent wildfire emissions; Protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats; Provide certainty that states won’t be penalized for taking acti… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-bonamici-salinas-hoyle-dexter-bynum-oppose-trumps-undermining-of-due-process-and-politicizing-immigration-courts/ | Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Salinas, Hoyle, Dexter, Bynum Oppose Trump’s Undermining of Due Process and Politicizing Immigration Courts | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Oregon lawmakers demand an end to expedited “mega master” hearings in Portland, Tacoma, and other immigration centers. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum, today demanded the Trump administration end the practice of “mega master” immigration hearings that expedite the review of hundreds of immigrants’ cases in a day, resulting in a fast-track to removing immigrants without due process. “This unwarranted blitzkrieg of assaults on justice and fair treatment raises serious constitutional concerns and is unworthy of the oaths you swore to uphold,” the Oregon lawmakers wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Sirce E. Owen, Acting Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review and David Venturella, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Over the past year, your agencies have increased the number of immigrants who must appear on little-to-no notice for so-called ‘mega master’ hearings on overcrowded dockets in front of Trump’s handpicked judges at courts across the country, all while stripping immigrants of their legal status, ramping up arrests and detention, and limiting their access to legal counsel for representation in court and fast-tracked asylum interviews,” they wrote. “These policy changes confuse and terrify law-abiding immigrants in our communities and prevent them from having a fair day in court.” The lawmakers wrote that the Portland Immigration Court in Oregon is now holding about two “mega master” hearings every week, in addition to maintaining its previously scheduled docket hearings and individual merit hearings. That has forced immigrants anticipating court dates in 2027 or 2028 to suddenly show up on extremely short notice and scrambling both to figure out how to get to the court on time, and to find an attorney to represent them. “As if the changes at the Portland Immigration Court weren’t bad enough, the neighboring Tacoma Immigr… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-bynum-announce-100000-for-central-oregon-wildfire-recovery/ | Wyden, Merkley, Bynum Announce $100,000 for Central Oregon Wildfire Recovery | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum, today announced $100,000 in federal awards to support displaced Oregonians and wildfire recovery efforts for Central Oregon communities that lost homes in the 2026 wildfires. “As wildfires in central Oregon and statewide set new records every year in size and intensity, the rural communities on the front lines of these fights are the most in need of resources for recovery efforts,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal award that will support Central Oregon communities including Warm Springs residents who were forced to flee from their homes, and I will continue to fight for more resources to support wildfire prevention and recovery across Oregon.” “When disaster strikes, Oregon’s communities show up to help each other. These federal funds will help NeighborImpact provide critical support to Warm Springs families recovering from the devastating July wildfires, including emergency shelter, relocation assistance, and essential household supplies,” said Merkley. “I’ll keep fighting to bring federal resources home to Oregon so our communities have the support they need to recover and rebuild.” “No where to sleep. Only the clothes on your back. Food to go is the only option. All in the matter of one day,” said Rep. Bynum. “I’ve heard that story too many times from my constituents. People need help after an emergency, and the faster that help comes, the better shot they have of rebuilding what was lost. And by help I mean money to get the basics. That’s the difference this funding can and will make.” The $100,000 in federal awards from the NeighborWorks Disaster Grants program will be distributed to NeighborImpact, a central Oregon nonprofit that serves economically disadvantaged residents of Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Thousands of Warm Springs residents were forced to evacuate and several homes were lost in the July 2026 fires. The grant will support the… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-democrats-are-the-party-of-no-continue-to-block-legislation-to-protect-ratepayers-and-ban-stock-trading-in-congress/ | Senator Moody: Democrats are the Party of No, Continue to Block Legislation to Protect Ratepayers and Ban Stock Trading in Congress | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | FL | Ashley Moody | M001244 | www.moody.senate.gov | moody | https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Senator Ashley Moody released the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked The Stop Insider Trading Act, which she cosponsored, and The Ratepayer Protection Act. These two measures would stop Congressional stock trading, institute nationwide voter ID requirements, and ensure families are not stuck paying the costs of potential new data centers. “This is exactly why Americans are frustrated with Washington. Democrats had the opportunity to join us in restoring some faith in our government by banning members of Congress from trading stocks and protecting families from paying the costs for massive data centers, and they said NO. Instead of working to benefit the American people, Democrats chose to play politics to solicit praise from the most radical element of their base,” said Senator Ashley Moody. BACKGROUND: Senator Moody recently took to the Senate floor to seek unanimous consent to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act, which passed by the House in bipartisan fashion. The Stop Insider Trading Act would generally prohibit Members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children from purchasing stocks and requiring public notice before selling stocks. The measure would also instate national voter ID requirements. Earlier this year, Senator Moody introduced the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act to stop insider trading. Senator Moody has also been a strong advocate for protecting Florida ratepayers and co-sponsored The Ratepayer Protection Act, which passed the House by and overwhelming 417-3 vote. This legislation would require state utility regulators and unregulated utilities to consider adopting large load standards ensuring cost recovery for the “full, incremental” cost of any generation, transmission or distribution upgrade needed to serve the large-load customer. The vast majority of Americans support voter ID—according to Pew Research Center, 83% of adults—including 76% of Black Americans and 82% of Hispanic Americans. According to a University of Maryland… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=4C38BC64-63E9-409D-8ACF-BFB638B9E9C5 | Sen. Moran Joins Colleagues in Raising Concerns About Putin’s Invitation to the G20 Summit | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – joined Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) in raising concerns to President Trump regarding the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Miami, Florida, in December. Specifically, the senators questioned the invitation of Vladimir Putin to participate in a G20 meeting on U.S. soil, citing Russia’s continued attacks against Ukrainian civilians and targeting of Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The senators also urged that Putin and other sanctioned Russian officials not be permitted to participate in G20 events or similar international forums held in the United States. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine,” wrote the senators. “Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day.” “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear,” continued the senators. “Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure.” “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks,” concluded the sen… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-pushes-for-senate-passage-of-bill-protecting-children-from-ice | Murphy Pushes for Senate Passage of Bill Protecting Children from ICE | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday went to the floor of the U.S. Senate to ask for unanimous consent to pass his bill to prevent ICE, Border Patrol, and all DHS agents from carrying out enforcement actions at school bus stops. A Senate Republican blocked the bill, allowing the Trump Administration to continue conducting aggressive enforcement operations in full view of children. ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene. “I am […] just asking my colleagues: can we come to an agreement that school bus stops should be off limits? Can we decide to have compassion for that six-year-old child who got on the bus for his second day of school, and when he got back off the bus, was abandoned?” said Murphy. Murphy chronicled the horrors witnessed by children in Danbury during their first week of school: “On the morning of August 26, the second day of school for most school districts in Connecticut, in Danbury, Connecticut, bus drivers began reporting to the school district that they had noticed the presence of ICE agents in and around school bus stops. At one of them, a constituent of mine, a father, was waiting at the school bus stop with his six-year-old son, and just moments after saying goodbye to his son for the second day of school, and even before the school bus had fully driven away, ICE arrested and detained him.” Murphy pleaded with his Republican colleagues to consider the trauma ICE is inflicting on innocent children: “For parents in this body, you know how anxious that first day of school is, how kids are just brimming with nervous anxiety about tha… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-slam-trump-administrations-oil-reserve-release-as-months-too-late-for-families-paying-high-energy-costs/ | Murray, Kaptur Slam Trump Administration’s Oil Reserve Release as Months Too Late for Families Paying High Energy Costs | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, released the following statement in response to the Department of Energy’s announcement of another release of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. “Families in Washington State, Northwest Ohio, and all across the country are still paying too much at the pump and on their home energy bills — and this latest release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve woefully comes months too late to bring those high costs down. The Trump Administration says the deal costs taxpayers nothing, yet it has not set aside the money needed to refill the Reserve for the majority of the barrels owed back, which leaves our country less ready for the next emergency. This is a show put on to distract from the fact that this Administration is responsible for sending gas prices skyrocketing, and working families will keep paying for it in the days, weeks, months, and years to come,” said Murray and Kaptur. On September 29, the Department of Energy issued a request for proposals to exchange up to 40 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The exchange is part of a 172-million-barrel release the Trump Administration announced in March. Under an exchange, companies borrow oil from the Reserve and must later return it with extra barrels. Because none of the oil is sold, the exchanges bring in no money to pay for transport and other costs associated with moving it back into the Reserve. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/new-trump-sets-over-230-million-for-rural-housing-on-fire/ | NEW: Trump Sets Over $230 Million for Rural Housing on Fire | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | As fiscal year ends at midnight, Trump admin is on track to let $230M+ in federal funding to help low-income Americans in rural areas afford to buy a home POLITICO: $230 million in federal rural housing funds set to expire this week ***STATE-BY-STATE DATA HERE*** Washington, D.C. — As the fiscal year ends at midnight tonight, the Trump administration is on track to not spend nearly half of the $1 billion Congress has allocated for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans program, which helps low- and very-low-income Americans in rural areas get the financing they need to afford a home to call their own. Each year, the program finances roughly 5,500 mortgages. Over $230 million in funding that could have helped families hit by the housing crisis will expire tonight. That funding could have helped approximately 850 more rural households realize their dream of homeownership. “This theft is an attack on rural America. President Trump and Secretary Rollins are lighting funding on fire that should have helped families in rural areas fulfill their dreams of owning a home to call their own,” said Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There’s no excusing the fact that as the housing crisis hits rural America, this administration’s incompetence and intentional sabotage are denying help to families who need it most.” “At a time when Americans are struggling to find housing they can afford, we should be doing everything possible to help families put a roof over their heads—especially in the most rural parts of our country where affordable housing options can be few and far between,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. “By letting this funding expire, the administration is sending a clear message: addressing sky-high housing prices isn’t one of their priorities.” As of today, USDA has only spent $518 millio… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/republicans-block-democrats-bill-to-stop-trump-from-robbing-the-american-people-with-pocket-rescissions/ | Republicans Block Democrats’ Bill to Stop Trump from Robbing the American People with “Pocket Rescissions” | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, in seeking unanimous consent to pass a commonsense bill to stop President Trump from robbing the American people through illegal “pocket rescissions.” But Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) blocked the bill, which would (1) nullify the illegal “pocket rescission” that President Trump announced on Friday and (2) prevent the president from attempting to use a “pocket rescission” again by forbidding any president from submitting rescissions requests under the Impoundment Control Act with fewer than 90 days before the funds expire. This ensures Congress can act on the request and presidents cannot try to simply run out the clock. Democrats have repeatedly sought to bar the Trump administration from so much as attempting this illegal maneuver—when marking up draft Senate spending bills, in votes on the floor, and in negotiations over spending packages, including negotiations over the continuing resolution that was recently signed into law. But Republicans have rejected every Democratic attempt over the last 18 months to enact new protections against pocket rescissions. Senator Murray’s remarks ahead of the attempt to pass the bill, as delivered, are below: “Thank you to my colleague from Oregon for setting out what is going on here because, as he said, on Friday night, President Trump announced that he was stealing more money from the American people. Trump and his budget director Russ Vought call it a ‘pocket rescission.’ Well, whatever you call it, it’s illegal. “Trump is taking the bipartisan funding that we passed—funding that Democrats and Republicans agreed on, that he signed into law—and he is now ripping out the pages he doesn’t like. Forget about ideas like Congress and the law. “Look, this is theft from the American people—plain and simple. In this case, Trump is tearing away funding to h… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-leads-final-pre-midterm-effort-to-defeat-anti-voter-save-act-condemns-trump-corruption/ | Padilla Leads Final Pre-Midterm Effort to Defeat Anti-Voter SAVE Act, Condemns Trump Corruption | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, took to the Senate floor in opposition to Republicans’ so-called Stop Insider Trading Act, which would allow members of Congress who already own stocks to keep trading and does nothing to prevent the President and Vice President from trading stocks, and includes a voter identification provision from the SAVE Act that would require eligible voters to include photo identification in their mail and absentee ballots, among other provisions. If enacted, this requirement would have been stricter than all 50 states. Once again, Padilla led his Senate colleagues in defeating this anti-voter provision and underscored the importance of holding President Trump accountable for his ongoing corruption, this time, just over a month before Election Day. The Senate failed to advance the bill by a party-line vote of 53-47, with 60 votes required to pass the bill. “Here we are, 34 days before Election Day, or, as I like to suggest, 34 days before the final day to vote because we’re encouraging people to cast their ballot early if they can, or vote by mail if and where they can,” said Senator Padilla. “But instead of talking about the issues that are most on the minds of American families, Republicans are here again trying to distract from those issues and to, frankly, create confusion amongst voters in order to protect the President and the party from your failed policies.” While Republicans claim to express concern over insider stock trading, Padilla exposed Trump’s own corruption and highlighted his previous efforts to prevent it, including the fact that President Trump traded more than 21,000 times in his first year in office, more than every member of Congress combined, increasing his net worth by $4-5 billion. Padilla also called out Trump’s Truth Social service, which sells early inside access to presidential announcements to hedge funds and Wall Street firms. He further detailed the impacts of a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-durbin-duckworth-introduce-legislation-to-protect-regional-national-archives-facilities-from-closure/ | Padilla, Schiff, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Protect Regional National Archives Facilities from Closure | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | The Senators introduced the legislation following the announced closure of Regional National Archives and Federal Records Centers in San Bruno, California and Chicago, Illinois WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), introduced the National Archives Protection Act, legislation that would require congressional approval before the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can close or significantly restrict access to existing regional facilities. In June 2026, NARA announced plans to close its regional archive facilities and co-located Federal Records Centers (FRC) in San Bruno, California and Chicago, Illinois, as well as relocate all temporary records from its Seattle facility. The decision raised concerns from archivists, researchers, and constituents about access to public records, many of which are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. “Our National Archives are home to the immigration journeys, military service, and family histories of people across the West and the Pacific,” said Senator Padilla. “Closing Federal Records Centers would cut researchers and communities off from our own past. I’m proud to work with Senator Durbin to maintain the public’s access to our nation’s historic documents.” “The administration is threatening access to historical and irreplaceable records, including closing down one facility in California that is home to countless photos and family heirlooms. Congress must exercise its oversight power to save decades of regional and national history,” said Senator Schiff. “Regional National Archives facilities, including Chicago’s Federal Record Center, ensure that Americans can access public and personal records without having to travel across the country. Closing these facilities without the oversight of Congress risks putting those records further out of reach for our communities,” said Senator Durbin. “The National Archives Protecti… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-advances-bipartisan-padilla-bill-to-support-desalination-and-safe-drinking-water/ | Senate Committee Advances Bipartisan Padilla Bill to Support Desalination and Safe Drinking Water | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources advanced U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan bill to reauthorize desalination projects and research. Padilla’s Desalination Reauthorization Act cleared committee by voice vote, along with a bipartisan amendment that was also adopted by voice vote. “Access to safe and clean drinking water is a human right, and investments in desalination projects provide promising pathways to meet our water needs,” said Senator Padilla. “The bill will help strengthen investments into desalination research and development so that every American can access safe, clean water. This is a critical step in addressing California’s water crisis and building new pathways for water security across the country.” The legislation would extend the programmatic approval of the Bureau of Reclamation to fund desalination projects, which would otherwise expire this year. If the programmatic approval expired, Congress would need to pass a separate bill in order to authorize each new desalination project, which could substantially delay desalination projects and increase their costs. These projects, including the Doheny desalination plant in Orange County, help the Southwest counter drought by providing a drought-proof contribution to our water supply. In addition, the legislation would authorize Reclamation to support advanced pilots to test new desalination technologies like OceanWell, which uses the ocean pressure at depths of approximately 1,400 feet to reduce the energy costs of desalination, and can also minimize desalination’s effects on marine life. OceanWell is working with Las Virgenes Water District in Ventura County to test its technology off the Southern California coast. Specifically, this bill would: Reauthorize the Bureau of Reclamation’s authority to provide grants for desalination projects, which is on track expire this year; Amend the programmatic approval to extend to public/private partnerships to build desalination projects; Direct… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-senator-peters-reflects-on-proudest-accomplishments-for-michigan-takeaways-from-congress-during-detroit-economic-club-exit-interview | ICYMI: Senator Peters Reflects on Proudest Accomplishments for Michigan, Takeaways from Congress During Detroit Economic Club Exit Interview | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reflected on his proudest accomplishments and takeaways from his 18 years in Congress during an “Exit Interview” with the Detroit Economic Club. In a conversation moderated by Local 4 Detroit’s Jason Colthrup, Peters highlighted his long-term efforts to support Michigan’s auto industry, protect the Great Lakes, and secure long-term missions at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Below are highlights from Peters’ remarks: Advocating for the 2009 Auto Rescue, Making the Case to Congress: “We had a lot of members of Congress that were around the country that were saying, ‘Yeah, let them go bankrupt. You know, that’s okay. That’s capitalism, if they go under, that’s it.’ And I’m like, ‘No, you can’t have a manufacturing sector in America if you don’t have an auto sector that’s healthy and vibrant. This impacts everybody,’ and we made the case aggressively.” Securing a Strong Future for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, including: Delivering a New Squadron of KC-46A Refueling Tankers: “I blocked the Air Force Secretary from getting confirmed under the Biden Administration. He wasn’t going to get confirmed until I got some sort of commitment. And we worked together, and our delegation worked together, and then they said, ‘Well, we’ll get you these tankers.’” Establishing the Northern Border Mission Center: “Now, we have this mission center which coordinates all of the border security from Maine to Washington state, all of the northern border, and it’s going to happen at Selfridge, which gives it a major Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission.” To watch Peters’ full interview at the Detroit Economic Club, click here. Securing Investments for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Protecting Our Waterways: “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which was passed in [20]10, has been a major game changer. Billions of dollars have been going in, if you just think of the Detroit River area and up into Port Huron, I think $250 million to make sure we’re cleaning up… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-cassidy-lead-bipartisan-colleagues-in-designating-september-2026-as-national-literacy-month | Reed, Cassidy Lead Bipartisan Colleagues in Designating September 2026 as “National Literacy Month” | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of literacy, boost literacy support programs, and encourage more Americans of all ages to read, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) are teaming up on a bipartisan resolution to designate September 2026 as “National Literacy Month.” The measure is being cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Susan Collins (R-ME). “Reading unlocks opportunity, and education is a lifelong pursuit. By strengthening literacy for Americans and doing a better job of reaching learners of all ages where they are, we can help people reach their full potential and build a stronger society,” said Senator Reed. “I’m proud to work with Senator Cassidy and our colleagues to introduce this important resolution that amplifies the need for more effective literacy instruction for all students, regardless of their age or background.” “Literacy opens the door for children to achieve the American Dream,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Congress must prioritize fixing our broken K-12 education system, so all children learn how to read proficiently.” Reading is a cornerstone for personal growth, economic opportunity, and a strong society. Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the most important predictors of whether a student will graduate high school and succeed in a career, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies estimates that 28% of American adults perform at the lowest literacy proficiency level. Low levels of adult literacy in the U.S. are estimated to cost the nation as much as $2.2 trillion annually, According to a 2020 study by Gallup in partnership … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-democrats-block-ricketts-stop-insider-trading-act/ | Senate Democrats Block Ricketts’ Stop Insider Trading Act | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 | WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Senate Democrats blocked U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts’ (R-NE) Stop Insider Trading Act. This bill would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and immediate family members from profiting off stocks while serving in public office. It would also require Members and their families to disclose plans to sell stock to the public seven days in advance. “Public service is not a profit-making business,” said Ricketts. “Democrats disagreed when they blocked my bill to ban members of Congress from insider trading. Senate Republicans voted to deliver for Americans and help restore their faith in government officials. The House passed this bill in a bipartisan manner. It’s discouraging that Senate Democrats failed to do the same.” The House passed the bill with a bipartisan vote of 232 – 198. Thirteen Democrats supported this bill. This is the second time Senate Democrats have blocked passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-names-disciples-coffee-as-september-small-business-of-the-month/ | Risch Names Disciples Coffee as September Small Business of the Month | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | ID | James E. Risch | R000584 | www.risch.senate.gov | risch | https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Disciples Coffee in Boise as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2026. Disciples Coffee will be recognized for its contribution to Idaho in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. “Started in 2023, Disciples Coffee set out with the mission to serve more than just coffee to the Treasure Valley,” said Risch. “I am proud to recognize Disciples Coffee as Small Business of the Month for their work bringing people together over their small-batch specialty roasts and faithful community service through their Mission of the Month program.” Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho Small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community. Last year, Senator Risch passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to promote local economic growth and provide tax relief to Idahoans and small business owners. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/09/30/video-release-sen-johnsons-full-roundtable-discussion-covid-19-hospital-protocols-real-stories-from-real-people/ | ***VIDEO RELEASE*** Sen. Johnson’s Full Roundtable Discussion: COVID-19 Hospital Protocols: Real Stories from Real People | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | ronjohnson | https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) held a roundtable discussion titled “COVID-19 Hospital Protocols: Real Stories from Real People” with patients, families, doctors, and nurses. The 21 panelists shared firsthand accounts of mistreatment and other experiences they witnessed at hospitals across the country. In their remarks, panelists detailed how treatments such as remdesivir and ventilation were often forced on patients as the only viable options. Patients were denied alternative treatments and drugs, even when rigid hospital protocols were failing. “Rigid adherence to hospital protocols – rarely questioned – became the norm, which many doctors saw as violating the Hippocratic Oath’s core duty: patients first, not protocols. Far too often, the stories of COVID-19 hospitalizations were horrific … Patients lost their freedom. Family members could not visit and comfort their dying loved ones … In many of the testimonies received for this event, the callous comments by doctors and nurses to unvaccinated patients and their families are almost unbelievable,” Sen. Johnson said. “The stories you are about to hear didn’t occur within only one or two hospitals, but in hospitals across America. To date, we [have] received 583 testimonies from 46 states. The fact that these attitudes were widespread is indisputable. Today, I am providing a platform for these stories to be told so that this kind of cruelty will not be repeated,” Sen. Johnson continued. “The other underlying reality is these stories are real … [The] medical establishment – those doctors, those nurses – has to acknowledge the fact [that] these things are real so, once again, it can never be repeated,” Sen. Johnson concluded. Watch the full four-hour discussion here. PARTICIPANTS: Peggy Hokett Peggy Hokett’s husband, Raymond, died 24 days after being hospitalized in Oklahoma City. He was given remdesivir, told he would die because he was unvaccinated, and placed on a ventilator without consent. Dr. James P. Miller Dr. James P. … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/09/30/video-amid-trump-trade-war-and-rising-prices-rosen-pushes-back-on-trumps-hostile-actions-against-canada/ | VIDEO: Amid Trump Trade War and Rising Prices, Rosen Pushes Back on Trump’s Hostile Actions Against Canada | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Jacky Rosen | R000608 | www.rosen.senate.gov | rosen | https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | Senate Republicans Blocked Rosen Resolution Condemning Trump’s Actions Against Canada Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE. WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senate Republicans blocked Senator Jacky Rosen’s (D-NV) attempt to pass her resolution denouncing Donald Trump’s hostile actions against Canada that are increasing prices for consumers and harming Nevada’s economy. The resolution calls for the removal of Trump’s new 50 percent cost-raising tariffs on Canadian products and demands that the President stop taking inflammatory actions that needlessly harm the U.S. relationship with Canada. Nevada has already felt the impact of President Trump’s reckless actions, with tourism from Canada to Las Vegas down 17 percent in the last year and tariffs causing prices to skyrocket across the board. Canada is Nevada’s second-largest export market, accounting for $1.6 billion in goods every year. Senator Rosen has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s attacks on Canada and their impact on Nevada. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen released a statement denouncing Trump’s trade war with Canada. She also helped introduce a bill that would repeal Trump’s new 50 percent cost-raising tariffs on Canada. Senator Rosen also met with the Consul General of Canada to discuss the relationship between Nevada and Canada, as well as the importance of Canadian visitors and products to Nevada’s economy. Below are Senator Rosen’s full remarks: Today, I rise to speak up against Donald Trump’s reckless trade war against Canada and the impact it is having on my state of Nevada. Because of Trump’s childish fight with our neighbor, tourism is down, prices are up, and Canada is rethinking its relationship with our country. Let me tell you why this matters for my state. Canada is the number one source of international visitors to Las Vegas. In 2024, nearly 1.5 million Canadians visited Nevada to help boost our tourism economy and the small businesses that depend on it. And Canada is also one of Nevada’s top trading partners. In fact, Nevada ex… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hirono-lead-senate-resolution-honoring-hawaiian-history | Schatz, Hirono Lead Senate Resolution Honoring Hawaiian History | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) introduced a Senate resolution designating September 2026 as “Hawaiian History Month.” The resolution recognizes the rich history and culture of Native Hawaiians and Hawai‘i. “Hawaiian cultural traditions and values are an essential part of what makes Hawai‘i special. Hawaiian History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of the Native Hawaiian community and recommit to protecting Native Hawaiian rights,” said Senator Schatz. “Hawai‘i’s story is rooted in the wisdom, leadership, and enduring heritage of Native Hawaiians. As we celebrate our state’s rich culture, I am proud to honor the immeasurable contributions Native Hawaiians have made—and continue to make—across our islands and nationwide,” said Senator Hirono. The full text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-colleagues-fight-department-of-educations-new-rule-weaponizing-higher-education-accreditation-process/ | NEWS: Schiff, Colleagues Fight Department of Education’s New Rule Weaponizing Higher Education Accreditation Process | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “These changes set a dangerous precedent by forcing accreditors and, in turn, institutions, to answer to the political whims of the executive branch.” Washington, D.C. — After the Department of Education’s new regulations enabling new accreditors to enter the market more quickly, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led his colleagues in a comment letter to urge the Department to rescind the rule – warning of the implications to academic freedom and upholding the quality of higher education. “We urge you to ensure any reforms to the accreditation system prioritize what is best for students and taxpayers not partisan, political actors… The provisions outlined in the Department’s proposed rule threaten this system by inserting undue influence from the executive branch into the higher education accreditation process. Such changes place the academic freedom and intellectual diversity of our nation’s higher-education institutions in jeopardy,” the Senators wrote in a new comment letter to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Department of Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent. The Senators warn that the provisions go against Congressional intent and will threaten academic freedom, invite inexperienced accreditors to enter the market quickly potentially leaving students vulnerable to fraud, impose ideological requirements on accreditors, and reduce guardrails around educational institution’s ability to switch accreditors – enabling those who have defrauded students. “Such a politicization of faculty hiring and tenure gives the executive branch undue political influence over who institutions hire and what research their faculties produce. These provisions will narrow the scope of future research and dissuade faculty from producing findings that might be unpopular with the corporate or political forces which can influence hiring and firing decisions at institutions. This rule will have a negative downstream effect on the pipeline of future innovation that drives economic growth and improves the lives … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-ricketts-unveil-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-endangered-species-recover-faster/ | NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Ricketts Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Help Endangered Species Recover Faster | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chairman of the Senate EPW Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, are unveiling bipartisan legislation to improve and modernize the implementation of the Endangered Species Act’s (ESA) species recovery efforts – aiming to make conservation efforts more efficient and standardized, encourage conservation efforts by private landowners, and help endangered species reach recovery. “Protecting the thousands of endangered species and strengthening recovery efforts must be a bipartisan cause – it is a shared responsibility that takes all of us. My new legislation with Senator Ricketts updates the Endangered Species Act to ensure policies that will help species on the verge of extinction survive and recover are implemented efficiently, based on science, and in partnership with private landowners and states. We must all do our part to leave the world a better place than we found it,” said Senator Schiff. “Fifty-three years ago, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act to recover threatened and endangered species. Instead, it has created regulatory barriers that make recovery efforts more difficult. The Improving Species Recovery Act would cut burdensome red tape and modernize the recovery process. It would empower local experts with the resources and certainty they need to de-list species. As Governor, I led boots-on-the-ground efforts to protect our wildlife in Nebraska. This bill would ensure states and private landowners can continue that work more efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Ricketts. The Improving Species Recovery Act modernizes and enhances the recovery framework under the ESA through voluntary partnerships and relationships with private landowners, conservation milestones, clear and standardized demographic metrics, automating its processes with digital technology, and promoting greater collab… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-introduces-bill-to-protect-parents-and-children-from-ideological-child-welfare-policies/ | Senator Schmitt Introduces Bill to Protect Parents and Children from Ideological Child-Welfare Policies | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MO | Eric Schmitt | S001227 | www.schmitt.senate.gov | schmitt | https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | Bill Would Prevent Federal Child-Welfare Funds From Being Used to Punish Parents for Raising Children According to Their Sex or Protecting Them From Irreversible Medical Harm U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), introduced the “Yaeli Martinez Child Protection Act” to establish guardrails within the nation’s federal child-welfare framework to ensure federal funds are not used to punish parents for raising their children according to their sex or for protecting children from irreversible medical harm. The bill would preserve state authority to respond to actual abuse while preventing federally funded child-welfare systems from treating a parent’s affirmation of a child’s sex as abuse or using it as a basis for adverse action against a family. “The Left’s radical gender ideology is harming children with irreversible treatments and procedures. But in blue states, parents are being punished, and sometimes even separated from their children, for protecting their kids from this permanent damage. It is sickening that a state would impose ideological child-welfare policies to tear apart a family. Parents know what’s best for their own families, and we need to defend their rights to protect their children,” said Senator Eric Schmitt. The legislation is named after Yaeli Martinez, a teenager who was removed from her mother by California’s child-welfare system after her mother refused to treat Yaeli as a boy. Yaeli was provided testosterone while in state care and was ultimately isolated from her family. She died by suicide at age 19. The “Yaeli Martinez Child Protection Act” Would: Clarify that affirming a child’s sex is not abuse: Prevent states from using federal funds to construe raising, referring to, or caring for a child according to his or her sex as abuse or neglect. Protect fit parents from adverse state action: Prohibit federally funded child-welfare systems from removing children from fit parents, initiating dependency proceedings, restricting visitation or communication, issuing abuse or… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/on-senate-floor-shaheen-slams-trump-administration-for-illegally-cancelling-funding-for-programs-benefiting-granite-staters | On Senate Floor, Shaheen Slams Trump Administration for Illegally Cancelling Funding for Programs Benefiting Granite Staters | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Jeanne Shaheen | S001181 | www.shaheen.senate.gov | shaheen | https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | (Washington, DC) –U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, today took to the Senate floor to deliver remarks voicing her fierce opposition to the Trump Administration’s illegal cancellation of over $800 million in appropriated federal funding. The Trump Administration’s decision will cut funding for critical programs including housing counseling, health care research and university fellowships that support Granite State families, health care providers and students. In her remarks, Shaheen slammed the Administration for hurting her constituents and highlighted stories she’s heard from constituents across the state about the detrimental impacts the Trump Administration’s illegal “pocket recission” will have. Click HERE to watch Senator Shaheen’s remarks in full. Key Quotes from Senator Shaheen: “The President promised the American people when he was campaigning that he would lower costs, and instead he’s putting services that millions of people count on at risk, including in my home state of New Hampshire.” “These abrupt cuts to programs Americans rely on have only created uncertainty and frustration at a time when people are already feeling immense financial burdens. They’re feeling uncertainty and anxiety about what’s happening in this country. These programs matter to people in New Hampshire. They make a difference in their lives. But the President and his cronies in this Administration don’t seem to care less.” “The President's also spending federal resources, as we've heard, for ads to promote himself and his Administration [...] Americans don't see those as priorities. They're concerned about how they're going to pay for their groceries, how they're going to pay for their gasoline, how they're going to pay child care. And this Administration is doing nothing. Zero. Nada. Nothing to help the American people.” Full remarks as delivered… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
CREATE TABLE [releases] (
[url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
[title] TEXT,
[date] TEXT,
[year] TEXT,
[month] TEXT,
[party] TEXT,
[chamber] TEXT,
[state] TEXT,
[member_name] TEXT,
[bioguide_id] TEXT,
[domain] TEXT,
[scraper] TEXT,
[source] TEXT,
[date_source] TEXT,
[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);