Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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530 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "CO" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3B240EDA-52E9-4B16-A047-CCF0F7961316 | Bennet Office Holds Listening Sessions in Every Colorado County in 2018 | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invited constituents to meet in person with members of his Colorado staff in all 64 counties this year. Constituents in Colorado, and across the country, sometimes need assistance when dealing with the IRS, Social Security Administration, VA, or other federal agencies. In 2018, Bennet's Colorado staff scheduled individual appointments to listen to constituent concerns, respond to questions, and help Coloradans navigate through government red tape. Standing up for Coloradans is at the heart of our commitment to the public, saidSenator Bennet. No matter what, constituents should always reach out to our office with any questions, concerns, opinions, and requests. Bennet's office held 80+ community office hours in 2018. During his second term, Bennet fielded questions during 20+ official town hall meetings across the state, in addition to accepting invitations from constituents to discuss topics of interest, including immigration, veteran issues, and agriculture. Constituent service will remain a top priority for Bennet and his team in 2019. Submit requestsonlineor call any of Bennet'sstatewide offices. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are recommended, but not required. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-federal-government-shutdown | DeGette Statement on Federal Government Shutdown | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. Diana DeGette released the following statement after funding expired for nine federal departments and numerous agencies: Families in Colorado and across America should be enjoying the holiday season with their loved ones. Instead, this shutdown is forcing many to worry about their livelihoods during what should be a relaxing and celebratory time of year. More than 420,000 federal employees will be working without pay, including more than 41,000 federal law enforcement and correctional officers. Another 400,000 additional federal employees will be furloughed. Federal contractors, including people working in lower-wage service positions, are unable to do their jobs or get paid. All of this financial pain and disruption comes at a time of year when many Americans have extra expenses, adding to the needless damage done in this shutdown. While several federal departments and agencies have already had their funding bills passed and will continue to operate, the American people will still feel the pain of slashed services. Federal efforts to help Americans buy homes, support small businesses, provide assistance to low-income households, ensure consumer safety, and more will be significantly hampered. It's shameful that President Trump is willing to harm so many Americans in a desperate ploy to secure funding for his senseless and racist border wall. Even worse, he claims the shutdown will last for a very long time, creating even more misery for working families across Colorado and the country. After nearly two years as president, he still hasn't recognized the fallacy of his immigration policies and the need to work with Democrats in order to effectively serve the American people. I support border security, and my Democratic colleagues and I want to work with the President and our colleagues across the aisle to keep America safe. But I will never vote to support this wall a symbol of xenophobia and bigotry that our community whole-heartedly rejects. I will continue working to avoid a government sh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=613AF945-D45D-433A-A96B-5D9C84A49ACB | Bennet Statement on Public Lands Bill Failure | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement after the Senate failed to pass a public lands package: Coloradans deserve a Congress responsive to their priorities, but Washington has failed to pass significant public lands legislation for years. We must find a way to pass a lands package that includes LWCF and new wilderness and recreation designations in Colorado, including theSan Juan Mountains Wilderness Act. Congress' failure to act on the Land and Water Conservation Fund this year is unacceptable and shows just how broken this place is. We missed an opportunity today, and we should immediately move to permanently reauthorize and fully fund LWCF. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=4DFE5ACD-B44A-4549-917F-D094880F742F | Bennet Statement on Short-Term Funding Measure | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement after voting to keep the government open. The Senate passed a short-term measure to extend government funding for seven weeks. A choice between shutting down our government over a border wall or passing another short-term budget is typical Washington. We continue to set a terrible example for how we govern ourselves in a democracy. Our disagreements should not be excuses for gridlock, but invitations to solve problems. That's the standard set by generations who came before us. We should learn from their example. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=8CD3E684-7655-46CC-A128-FB24B4994698 | Bennet, Gardner Demand Immediate Action on Veterans Affairs Wait Times | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner today sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie demanding immediate action to remedy wait times at Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS)facilities. The senators requested a report on how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will use existing and new authorities to address these unacceptable wait times. The troubling November 2018 numbers demonstrate that the VA needs to prioritize solutions for Colorado veterans,the senators wrote.As such, as MISSION is implemented, we request a report on how the VA intends to use existing authorities, as well as the new flexibility and tools provided in the MISSION Act, to expeditiously fix issues with wait times across ECHCS. A copy of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Secretary Wilkie, We write today to demand immediate action on unacceptable wait times at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System facilities. For the period ending on December 1, 2018, VA data show that 16.65 percent of medical appointments scheduled through the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) have a wait time of over 30 days. These wait times are the worst in the nation. This includes 7,374 belated appointments at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, 1,201 at the PFC James Dunn Clinic in Pueblo, and 7,014 at the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Outpatient Clinic at Colorado Springs. The latest numbers are even worse than the 13.5 percent of over 30-day appointments that the Denver Post cited in a July 2017 article on ECHCS wait times. Unacceptably high rates persist after years of congressional action, an alarming inspector general report, and a $1.73 billion new facility designed to improve access to care across the Rocky Mountain region. The wait time issue is a disservice to Colorado veterans. With the passage of the VA Maintaining Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act in June 2018, Congress acted, with our support, to enhance … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-leads-democratic-house-colleagues-in-opposition-to-epa-proposal | DeGette Leads Democratic House Colleagues in Opposition to EPA Proposal to Weaken Methane Standards | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) led 68 of her fellow House Democrats in submitting technical comments opposing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to weaken emissions standards for methane and other compounds. Methane is an especially potent greenhouse gas, and its emissions are also associated with public health problems such as asthma, reduced lung function, chronic respiratory damage, cancer, nervous system damage, and birth defects. The proposed rule disregards the current scientific understanding of methane pollution and suffers from inaccurate supporting evidence to justify the regulatory changes the EPA is seeking, DeGette and her colleagues wrote. It completely ignores the findings of a new scientific report, conducted by 24 authors representing 12 universities and two United States Government labs, that found methane emissions from the oil and gas industry in the United States were 60% higher than the amount of previous EPA greenhouse gas inventory estimates.[1] Using a lower, inaccurate baseline downplays the severity of the methane (and VOCs) emissions problem, artificially lowering the costs associated with weakening pollution standards for oil and gas operations. The EPA proposal would weaken current standards that require the oil and gas industry to use best available technology in their efforts to reduce methane emissions. According to the EPA's own research, the current standards will support jobs, allow the industry to capture more natural gas that can be sold to consumers, and protect public health in the process. Rep. DeGette and her colleagues submitted their technical comments as part of the rulemaking process the EPA is required to undertake for its proposal. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2321 | Perlmutter Recaps Work on Behalf of Constituents, District in 2018 Year-End Report | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Ed Perlmutter | P000593 | perlmutter.house.gov | legacy | Lakewood, Colo. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today released his annual end of year report for 2018, which details the office's work on behalf of the people of the 7th Congressional District and Colorado. The number one priority for me and my staff is to make sure we do the best job we can for the people of the 7th Congressional District. That means being accessible, responsive, and helpful in cutting through red tape at federal agencies, said Perlmutter. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the 7th District and Colorado in 2019. In 2018, Perlmutter and his staff completed 684 constituent cases, securing more than $446,850 in owed benefits and savings for constituents. The office also hosted 32 events with 16,770 attendees, responded to nearly 60,000 calls, emails and letters, and signed three pieces of legislation into law. See below for additional year-end information. In addition, Perlmutter was recognized as Legislator of the Year' in 2018 by the Paralyzed Veterans of America - Mountain States Chapter for his work in ensuring the completion and opening of the new Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, Colo. Data from January 1 December 1, 2018 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=B9F2B1E4-3CCF-42CE-8A7F-FF14DE56D5F8 | Bennet Calls for Inclusion of San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in End-of-Year Legislation | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today wrote to Senate leadership urging them to include the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in an end-of-year public lands package currently being negotiated. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act is the product of years of collaboration among local stakeholders in San Miguel, San Juan, and Ouray Counties, Bennet said. The bipartisan county commissions who represent these communities have been asking Congress to pass this bill for over a decade. It is time for Congress to do its job and move this bill across the finish line. The legislation, first introduced in 2009, would protect approximately 61,000 acres of land located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado. It also would designate some of the state's most iconic peaks as wilderness areas, including two fourteeners: Mount Sneffels and Wilson Peak. A video of Bennet's testimony in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing is HERE. A video of Bennet introducing the bill with a San Miguel County Commissioner is HERE. A copy of the letter is HERE and below: I write to urge you to include S. 2721, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in any end-of-year public lands package. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act is the product of years of collaboration among local stakeholders in San Miguel, San Juan, and Ouray Counties. The bipartisan county commissions who represent these communities have been asking Congress to pass this bill for over a decade. It is time for Congress to do its job and move this bill across the finish line. The San Juan Mountain Wilderness Act would designate around 31,000 acres of new or expanded wilderness and designate 21,675 acres as the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area. First introduced in 2009, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act received bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress starting in 2010. It is widely supported in Southwest Colorado, including by local recreation advocates, sportsmen, mountain bike clubs, and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=BBF35565-FE4D-41CC-BC8C-F19AB570F99A | Bennet, Bipartisan Senators Call on Administration to Respond to Allegations of Chinese Government Election Interference | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined a group of bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other national security leaders in the Trump administration to express concern about ongoing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempts to undermine democracy. The senators encouraged the administration to work closely with Taiwan to investigate the allegations of interference and respond if necessary. CCP attempts to erode democratic processes and norms around the world threaten U.S. partnerships and prosperity, the senators wrote. We write to express our support for efforts to counter interference of this nature and to state unequivocally that we stand shoulder to shoulder with democracies fighting attempts to undermine their sovereignty and freedomIn an era of growing authoritarian interference, we believe such allegations must be taken seriously if free societies are to continue to thrive, the senators continued. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Ted Cruz (R-TX). A copy of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F9259C60-8577-4641-821E-9B459F9A4320 | Ignored by EPA: Bennet, Casey Demand Answers On Methane Standards Rollback | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Following the end of the comment period for a proposal to weaken methane standards, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to raise the agency's failure to respond to their concerns and request a meeting to address the proposal. As the Senators from two states with robust standards to reduce methane emissions, we are concerned that more children will breathe harmful air pollution as a result of the rollbacks you are recommending, Bennet and Casey wrote. In addition, our states may have to impose additional measures in order to adhere to EPA's ozone standards due to methane pollution coming into Colorado and Pennsylvania from other states without similar methane standards. Ahead of the public comment period in October, Bennet led 21 Senate colleagues in urging the EPA to extend the public comment period for the rule and provide adequate justification for modifying the national standards. The senators asked specific questions regarding the modification's effects on the public health and the cost of the rule. The EPA has not responded, and the comment period ended yesterday. We are concerned by your failure to reply to our October letter and to take our questions seriously. We owe it to our constituents to obtain more clarity about the effect of the rollback on our respective states. Accordingly, we request a meeting with you within the next month to discuss our constituents' issues with you personally, the senators concluded. A copy of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/commemorate-the-clean-air-act-by-living-up-to-its-protections | Commemorate the Clean Air Act by living up to its protections | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | This coming Monday, December 17 marks the 55th anniversary of the Clean Air Act. Coincidentally, it is also the end of the public comment period for the Trump administration's proposal to undermine that act and eviscerate Environmental Protection Agency safeguards to reduce methane and associated toxic air pollution from oil and gas production. The anniversary of the Clean Air Act, which passed the House of Representatives unanimously in 1963, should be a celebration of our united efforts to protect the greater good. Unfortunately, the Trump administration's rollback of public health and climate protections turns the anniversary into another example of the abuse of public office for special interests, at our expense. Despite what some want you to think, working together to protect public health and the environment is not a relic of the past. Just four years ago, Colorado state government worked together with oil and gas companies to protect Colorado's air and climate. We became the first state in the nation to enact rules to reduce methane pollution from oil and gas production and served as a national model for methane standards that the Obama administration adopted at the EPA. Colorado's and the federal government's methane safeguards are important because methane is a potent greenhouse gas, 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane is responsible for a quarter of the climate change impacts we are experiencing now. And when oil and gas operations release methane, as they do throughout production, they also emit hazardous volatile organic compounds such as benzene, a carcinogen. There are more than 50,000 active oil and gas operations in Colorado and 1.3 million nationwide. Thanks to Colorado's methane safeguards, we live where the Trump administration's attack on clean air won't impact us as directly as it will for those living in other regions that also produce oil and gas. But more methane emissions would still affect us. What happens to our neighbors affects us too, and no single state rule can prot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=9433D3EB-E66A-40BA-9D85-815080050EF6 | Bennet Statement on Federal Courts Affordable Care Act Ruling | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | DENVER, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement regarding a Texas federal district court ruling that the Affordable Care Act, and all its health care protections, are unconstitutional: For years, Republicans have tried to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. After trying and failing over 70 times to repeal the bill without offering a replacement, Republicans added a provision to last year's disastrous tax bill to sabotage the individual mandate, providing the argument used in the Texas court's ruling. The ACA is not perfect, but it has provided health care coverage to millions of Coloradans and Americans with preexisting conditions and coverage for essential health benefits. Republicans should abandon their efforts to attack the ACA and instead work with Democrats to fix its flaws, so that we can provide quality, affordable health care coverage to every American. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/colorado-congressional-delegation-members-urge-continued-cooperation-to | Colorado Congressional Delegation Members Urge Continued Cooperation to Resolve Eagle Project Commuter Rail Line Issues | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) along with Colorado Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) sent a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), and Denver Transit Partners (DTP) urging continued cooperation in finalizing a plan of action to fix ongoing issues with grade crossings on the Eagle Project's commuter rail lines by the December 15 deadline. In the letter, the lawmakers made clear that Coloradans cannot afford any further delays or loss of service, writing, The Eagle Project's success is critical for our constituents. Many stakeholders came together to support the project based on the economic and quality of life benefits it promises. They are counting on all parties to live up to their obligations and provide the service agreed to. The letter follows a November 15, 2018 letter from FRA to RTD raising several concerns with grade crossing warning signal timing, citing non-compliance with waivers previously issued by the administration, calling for an action plan to rectify these issues. DeGette, Perlmutter, Bennet and Gardner went on to write that they are encouraged by the cooperation of all parties to fix the crossing issues and urge a continued effort to complete a satisfactory action plan by the December 15 deadline. They pledged their commitment to helping facilitate this process in any way possible. The full text of the letter is below: December 12, 2018 The Honorable Ronald Batory David A. Genova Administrator General Manager and CEO Federal Railroad Administration Regional Transportation District 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 1560 Broadway, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20590 Denver, CO 80202 John F. Thompson Executive Project Director Denver Transit Partners 5151 Fox Street Denver, CO 80216 Dear Administrator Batory, Mr. Genova, and Mr. Thompson: We write following the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) November 15 letter to Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-and-upton-mark-second-anniversary-of-21st-century-cures-act | DeGette and Upton Mark Second Anniversary of 21st Century Cures Act Becoming Law | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC -- Representatives. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Fred Upton (R-MI) today released the following statement on the second anniversary of the21stCentury Cures Actbeing signed into law by President Barack Obama: 21stCentury Cures began with the spark of hope and continues today pushing medical research in new and innovative ways. We're already seeing the results in action: TheBeau Biden Cancer Moonshotis working to accelerate progress in cancer prevention and screening, theAll of Us Research Programhas more than 100,000 people signed up to help advance precision medicine and develop more effective ways to treat disease, theBrain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiativeis revolutionizing how we understand the human brain, and theRegenerative Medicine Innovation Projectis supporting clinical research on adult stem cells. 21stCentury Cures is also making needed reforms to our mental health system and at the Food and Drug Administration. We're now able to get drugs and devices to the market more efficiently helping to address drug prices. Finally, 21st Century Cures has played a pivotal role in addressing the opioid epidemic by funding the fight at the state level with more than $1 billion in grants to states in need. 21stCentury Cures was truly a bipartisan effort from start to finish. Today we can reflect on how far we have come, but also a reminder of all the work that remains. Patients and families are counting on us. Further background: The House Energy and Commerce Committee has held five hearings on the implementation of the21stCentury Cures Actincluding three this year. These hearings have focused on specifics sections of the bill includingmental health reforms, work being done by theFood and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, and an update from theOffice of the National Coordinator. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2311 | Colorado Congressional Delegation Members Urge Continued Cooperation to Resolve Eagle Project Commuter Rail Line Issues | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Ed Perlmutter | P000593 | perlmutter.house.gov | legacy | Today, Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) along with Colorado Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) sent a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), and Denver Transit Partners (DTP) urging continued cooperation in finalizing a plan of action to fix ongoing issues with grade crossings on the Eagle Project's commuter rail lines by the December 15 deadline. In the letter, the lawmakers made clear that Coloradans cannot afford any further delays or loss of service, writing, The Eagle Project's success is critical for our constituents. Many stakeholders came together to support the project based on the economic and quality of life benefits it promises. They are counting on all parties to live up to their obligations and provide the service agreed to. The letter follows a November 15, 2018 letter from FRA to RTD raising several concerns with grade crossing warning signal timing, citing non-compliance with waivers previously issued by the administration, calling for an action plan to rectify these issues. DeGette, Perlmutter, Bennet and Gardner went on to write that they are encouraged by the cooperation of all parties to fix the crossing issues and urge a continued effort to complete a satisfactory action plan by the December 15 deadline. They pledged their commitment to helping facilitate this process in any way possible. The full text of the letter is below: December 12, 2018 The Honorable Ronald Batory David A. Genova Administrator General Manager and CEO Federal Railroad Administration Regional Transportation District 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 1560 Broadway, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20590 Denver, CO 80202 John F. Thompson Executive Project Director Denver Transit Partners 5151 Fox Street Denver, CO 80216 Dear Administrator Batory, Mr. Genova, and Mr. Thompson: We write following the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) November 15 letter to Denver Regional Transportation District (R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=83CC1E9E-A7A3-4C41-9D21-0415E89C3A96 | Bennet Statement in Support of Yemen Resolution | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement about his vote in support of a resolution to end U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen: We are without a strategy to address the persistent conflict, humanitarian crisis, and threats to U.S. interests in Yemen. By passing this resolution, we are sending a strong, bipartisan statement that the Trump administration must take the required steps to formulate one. The tragic and extraordinarily complex situation in Yemen requires a political solution. The administration has failed to lead and must do more to push all regional interests to the negotiating table. It's also critical to stress how inadequate the President's response to the death of Jamal Khashoggi has been, in effect legitimizing his murder and failing to stand up for press freedom. The administration must hold Saudi Arabia accountable. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=853F6DB1-840F-4D79-856C-4828A0E0EC3E | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in San Juan and La Plata Counties | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from San Juan and La Plata Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in the next week. John Whitney, Bennet's Western Slope Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Silverton and Ignacio. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE (San Juan County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to San Juan County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details San Juan County Friday, December 14, 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. San Juan County Courthouse County Commissioners Meeting Room 1557 Greene Street Silverton, CO 81433 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE (La Plata County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to La Plata County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2307 | Perlmutter Statement on Agreement with Leader Pelosi | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Ed Perlmutter | P000593 | perlmutter.house.gov | legacy | Perlmutter Statement on Agreement with Leader Pelosi f t # e Washington, D.C.-, December 12, 2018 Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) issued the following statement on an agreement with Leader Nancy Pelosi regarding term limits for senior leadership in the Democratic Caucus and his vote for Speaker in the 116th Congress: I have pushed for new leadership because I want to see generational change in the Democratic Caucus. I am now convinced that generational change has started and will continue to accelerate. Therefore, I will support Nancy Pelosi for Speaker. I do so for the following reasons: We elected a new generation of leaders with the election of Ben Ray Lujan, Hakeem Jeffries and Cheri Bustos; We've opened our rules and procedures to give all members more say in legislation presented and passed in the House and have developed new policies that strengthen integrity in government; A number of us presented a proposal concerning term limits for senior leadership and Nancy Pelosi has agreed to abide by the proposal; Opportunities for leadership development will be available for those who aspire to senior caucus or committee positions to assure smoother transitions, if and when the time requires; and, After numerous conversations with Nancy Pelosi on a whole array of subjects, I am confident that she is the best person to lead a very diverse and ambitious caucus while contending with the difficult challenges facing the country. An important conversation was started here and going forward I feel confident our leaders will work to share their knowledge, experience and skill with those who aspire to leadership for the sake of our caucus, our party and our country. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=0E207645-8D3C-4DE5-ABCD-64CFBE521CBF | Following Congressional Passage, Colorado Leaders Show Support for Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congress sent the 2018 Farm Bill to the President for his signature. Upon Senate passage yesterday, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet delivered remarks on the Senate floor (video here). He also praised the bill's passage, highlighting the more than 25 Bennet-led priorities secured in the bill for Colorado. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Bennet held two dozen listening sessions across Colorado to receive input when crafting the bill. Those farmers, ranchers, local leaders, and others provided the following statements of support: Dr. Dale McCall, President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, said: During the past two years, Senator Bennet has taken time to listen to and learn from Colorado's farmers and ranchers. He and his staff organized farm bill listening sessions across the state, and in September, welcomed our farmer and rancher members into his office to discuss the latest issues impacting production agriculture and rural communities. We are thankful for his leadership on the Senate Agriculture Committee through the Farm Bill process, especially on conservation, rural development, energy, and farm and ranch stress matters. We trust President Trump will sign this bill into law so producers will have time to make plans for the 2019 business year. Time is short for farmers to make the significant adjustments needed in their quest just to break even. Don Brown, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, said: The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill is more than a success for U.S. farm and ranch families; it's a powerful win for all Americans. This country relies on a strong, abundant supply of the food, fiber, and fuel provided by America's agricultural community. The programs within the 2018 Farm Bill provide true value to the people of Colorado, including expanding the Conservation Reserve Program acreage and legalizing hemp to help create more consistent programs as a U.S. crop. In particular, adjusting the Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=93C278E1-BEC0-4FF0-98A8-DC5DA4CF7451 | Bennet Cosponsors New Bill to Protect Peoples Personal Data Online | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined 14 Senators, led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), in introducing new legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data. It's long past time we rethink how our personal data is collected, stored, and shared online, Bennet said. Websites and apps that profit from our data should be held accountable for how they use it. The Data Care Act will ensure internet companies use our online data as we expect them to: in our best interest. Internet companies collect vast amounts of data about their users, including search and web history, physical location, and sensitive personal information. Unlike doctors, lawyers, and bankers, these services have no legal obligation to protect or properly use that data. Instead, they are bound only by their own lengthy and complex terms of service that leave users in vulnerable position of agreeing to share their personal data without fully understanding how it will be used. The Data Care Act shifts the paradigm by establishing reasonable duties for online providers to protect users' personal data and prohibit them from using that data to users' detriment. Specifically, it establishes: Duty of CareOnline providers must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform users of data breaches that involve sensitive information; Duty of LoyaltyOnline providers may not use individual identifying data in ways that harm users; Duty of ConfidentialityOnline providers must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling, or sharing individual identifying data; Federal and State EnforcementA violation of these duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule and will be subject to a civil enforcement action. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene. Limi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-maternal-deaths-passes-us-house | Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Maternal Deaths Passes U.S. House | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette's (D-CO) and Jaime Herrera Beutler's (R-WA) bipartisan bill to prevent maternal deaths passed the U.S. House by unanimous voice vote today. H.R.1318, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, would establish and support state Maternal Mortality Review Committees to review every pregnancy-related or pregnancy-associated death, and based on those findings, develop recommendations for how to prevent future mothers' deaths. Today marks an important day in addressing our country's maternal mortality crisis, as this is the strongest step Congress has taken to date to reverse it. By providing states with resources to investigate every maternal death, we can begin to tackle this troubling trend and take appropriate steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. As moms and lawmakers, this is personal to us, and it was an honor to join with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to lead this life-saving measure successfully through the House. We must improve our understanding of why mothers are dying in pregnancy, during childbirth and post-partum so we can then unleash every possible resource to protect women in this critical season of life. We hope the Senate will take swift action to pass this critical legislation so we can send it to the President's desk, the lawmakers said. AMCHP thanks Rep. Herrera Beutler and Rep. DeGette for their leadership in introducing the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act and being tireless advocates for its passage into law. Once all states have adequate resources to expertly review maternal deaths, we can achieve greater success in both honoring the lives of mothers lost and equipping our nation to prevent future deaths during pregnancy or in the year following childbirth, Jonathan Webb, CEO,Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) said. The Preventing Maternal Deaths Act had 190 cosponsors when it passed the House. There is a companion bill in the U.S. Senate sponsored by Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Shelly Moore Capito. Ther… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-diabetes-caucus-chairs-hail-fda-insulin-guidance | Congressional Diabetes Caucus Chairs Hail FDA Insulin Guidance | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC-- Congressional Diabetes Caucus co-chairs Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Tom Reed (R-NY) issued the following statement after the FDA finalized guidance treating insulin as a biologic product: "The FDA has taken an important step to bring new insulin producers to market and address the dramatic insulin price increases. Insulin remains essential for millions of diabetes patients, and it must remain accessible and affordable for every one of them. As we have investigated issues surrounding insulin prices, we specifically called for this action, and we commend FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb for his attention and follow-through." Background: Over the last year and half, Rep. DeGette and Rep. Reed have led the charge to lower insulin prices, which have doubled since 2012. There are no biosimilar insulins on the market because the FDA did not have a clear regulatory pathway for approving biosimilars. To address this issue, Reps. DeGette and Reed sent a letter to FDA on September 20, 2017, urging the agency to finalize a piece of guidance which would provide biosimilar insulin makers with an approval pathway. Reps. DeGette and Reed also reiterated this call in their insulin inquiry report published on November 1, adding that this pathway should be streamlined and would help inject competition in the highly-concentrated insulin market. Today, the agency finalized that guidance, giving biosimilar insulin makers a clear way to get cheaper insulin formulations to market. This action will help bring competition into the insulin market, providing patients with cheaper/effective insulin alternatives and potentially helping bring down insulin prices | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=44D87FFF-CD45-4707-94F2-8C3041D19AC2 | Bennet Praises 2018 Farm Bill and Calls for Continued Bipartisan Support | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Ranking Member of theSubcommitteeon Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, today praised the release of the final text of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report and called for continued bipartisan support in Congress to send the bill to the President's desk. We committed to passing a Farm Bill this year, and that's exactly what we intend to do, Bennet said. We appreciate the conference committee's hard work to reach a bipartisan bill that legalizes hemp, conserves land and water, combats climate change, and bolsters economic security in rural communities. The finish line is in sight. Now Congress needs to do what's right for Colorado and send this bill to the President's desk. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=97988940-D4D1-4E28-8E3D-D3E377CD725E | Bennet Statement on Senate Passage of Final 2018 Farm Bill | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, today applauded Senate passage of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report. More than 25 Bennet-led priorities were included in the final Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The farmers and ranchers of Colorado wrote enormous parts of this legislation, and what passed today is a reflection of their priorities. Over the course of two dozen listening sessions, their recommendations have improved how we manage our forests, have strengthened our farm safety net, and will help us address climate change. In the Senate Agriculture Committee, we don't have partisan differenceswe have regional differences that we resolve. That's because farmers and ranchers don't have the luxury of pretending politics is the only thing that matters. They're focused on handing the next generation more opportunity. That's what this bill does. It has been gratifying to work with other members of the Agriculture Committee. After two years of negotiation and hard-fought compromise, we are steps away from having this critical bill become law. A summary of the Bennet-led priorities in the final 2018 Farm Bill is available HERE. The following highlights in the Farm Bill are significant for Colorado. The bill: Expands economic opportunity, especially in rural communities, by legalizing hemp and increasing access to broadband. Strengthens risk management, maintains crop insurance, contains innovative forest health tools, and fully funds conservation programs. Protects the integrity of SNAP and expands access to healthy foods. Provides tools to farmers and ranchers to adapt to climate change and reduce carbon pollution. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C908BC35-F32C-4401-8C17-83477E4DFD22 | Bennet Floor Speech: Farm Bill Looks Past Politics to Help Future Generations of Farmers and Ranchers | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | VIDEO: Download a video of Bennet's floor remarks Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, today delivered remarks following Senate passage of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report. A summary of the more than 25 Bennet-led priorities in the final 2018 Farm Bill is available HERE. Bennet's remarks as delivered are available to DOWNLOAD, watch on YOUTUBE, and read below. A few months ago, I had the chance to go up to the Colorado-Wyoming border to spend a night at the Ladder Ranch. It's a beautiful property, situated in the Little Snake River Valley. If you were designing a postcard for the American West, you'd struggle to do better than this place. The ranch is owned by Pat and Sharon O'Toole. It's been with the family for six generations, dating all the way back to 1881. To give you a sense of how long ago that was, at the time, the state of Colorado was just five years old. The Ottoman Empire was still around. Our world has transformed since then. But the Ladder Ranch has endured through the Depression, the Dust Bowl, through two World Wars, and the transformation in our economy. And, of course, that didn't just happen by chance. It happened because the family looked ahead and made hard choices to deliver that ranch from generation to generation. Pat and Sharon are continuing that legacy today, and they're joined on the ranch by their daughters and their son and a whole bunch of grandkids. I'm sharing the story of Ladder Ranch, because in many ways, it's the story of farmers and ranchers across my state and across the country of people applying their ingenuity and common sense to hand more opportunity to the next generation. And one of the privileges of representing a state like Colorado is that I've had the opportunity to learn about places like Ladder Ranch and the legacy every one of our farms and ranches represent. When I join… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/colorado-lawmakers-object-to-dhs-proposal-to-expand-public-charge | Colorado Lawmakers Object to DHS Proposal to Expand Public Charge Definition | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) today led Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jared Polis, and Representatives-elect Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security to object to the proposed rule expanding the definition of public charge under U.S. immigration law. The proposed rule would make permanent residence unavailable to individuals who rely on housing, health care, and food assistance, have a serious health condition, or earn a low income, among other factors. The proposed rule would lead to worse health outcomes, increased housing instability, and reduced productivity and educational achievement throughout our communities,the lawmakers wrote.This would have negative, lasting effects in Colorado on both immigrant and non-immigrants alikeWith such far-reaching implications for children and families across Colorado and our nation, we strongly oppose this proposed rule and urge DHS to withdraw the proposal. According to the letter, under current federal immigration law, the government may deny lawful permanent resident status to individuals determined likely to become primarily dependent on government-funded cash assistance or long-term care. DHS proposes to make permanent residence unavailable to individuals determined likely to use an expanded list of benefits, including non-cash assistance programs like Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), federal housing assistance, and Medicare Part D subsidies. DHS asks for comment on adding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the list of public benefits. DHS also proposes several negative factors potentially penalizing applicants for being under 18 or over 65, having a serious health condition, being unemployed at the time of application, or earning a low income. The lawmakers outlined how the proposed rule could affect Colorado. According to the Colorado Fiscal Institute, the proposed rule could have achilling effecton more than 323,000 Coloradans, including 143,000 children, w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2304 | Colorado Lawmakers Object to DHS Proposal to Expand Public Charge Definition | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Ed Perlmutter | P000593 | perlmutter.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) today led Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jared Polis, and Representatives-elect Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security to object to the proposed rule expanding the definition of public charge under U.S. immigration law. The proposed rule would make permanent residence unavailable to individuals who rely on housing, health care, and food assistance, have a serious health condition, or earn a low income, among other factors. The proposed rule would lead to worse health outcomes, increased housing instability, and reduced productivity and educational achievement throughout our communities,the lawmakers wrote.This would have negative, lasting effects in Colorado on both immigrant and non-immigrants alikeWith such far-reaching implications for children and families across Colorado and our nation, we strongly oppose this proposed rule and urge DHS to withdraw the proposal. According to the letter, under current federal immigration law, the government may deny lawful permanent resident status to individuals determined likely to become primarily dependent on government-funded cash assistance or long-term care. DHS proposes to make permanent residence unavailable to individuals determined likely to use an expanded list of benefits, including non-cash assistance programs like Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), federal housing assistance, and Medicare Part D subsidies. DHS asks for comment on adding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the list of public benefits. DHS also proposes several negative factors potentially penalizing applicants for being under 18 or over 65, having a serious health condition, being unemployed at the time of application, or earning a low income. The lawmakers outlined how the proposed rule could affect Colorado. According to the Colorado Fiscal Institute, the proposed rule could have achilling effecton more than 323,000 Coloradans, including 143,000 childr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7EE4CC4F-0FE5-43AD-8B6F-9C5A75D6DAA2 | Colorado Lawmakers Object to DHS Proposal to Expand Public Charge Definition | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) today led Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jared Polis, and Representatives-elect Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security to object to the proposed rule expanding the definition of public charge under U.S. immigration law. The proposed rule would make permanent residence unavailable to individuals who rely on housing, health care, and food assistance, have a serious health condition, or earn a low income, among other factors. The proposed rule would lead to worse health outcomes, increased housing instability, and reduced productivity and educational achievement throughout our communities,the lawmakers wrote.This would have negative, lasting effects in Colorado on both immigrant and non-immigrants alikeWith such far-reaching implications for children and families across Colorado and our nation, we strongly oppose this proposed rule and urge DHS to withdraw the proposal. According to the letter, under current federal immigration law, the government may deny lawful permanent resident status to individuals determined likely to become primarily dependent on government-funded cash assistance or long-term care. DHS proposes to make permanent residence unavailable to individuals determined likely to use an expanded list of benefits, including non-cash assistance programs like Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), federal housing assistance, and Medicare Part D subsidies. DHS asks for comment on adding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the list of public benefits. DHS also proposes several negative factors potentially penalizing applicants for being under 18 or over 65, having a serious health condition, being unemployed at the time of application, or earning a low income. The lawmakers outlined how the proposed rule could affect Colorado. According to the Colorado Fiscal Institute, the proposed rule could have achilling effecton more than 323,000 Coloradans, including 143,000 childr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=0347FBA4-2F0C-41EC-A3D6-5EDD1F1318E9 | Bennet Cosponsors First Step Act to Reform Criminal Justice System | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | DENVER, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today cosponsored the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation with more than 30 Senate cosponsors to reform the American criminal justice system. This bill is the result of principled bipartisan compromiseregrettably a rare sight in today's Senatethat has earned broad support from both the law enforcement community and criminal justice reform advocates, Bennet said. These reforms are a first step in a longer effort to reduce mass incarceration and restore faith in our justice system. Leader McConnell should schedule a vote on the Senate floor before the end of the year. The First Step Act aims to reduce federal recidivism and crime, prepare inmates to successfully reenter society, and enhance prison security and officer safety. It also eases mandatory minimum sentences under federal law and makes retroactive the reforms enacted by the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, reducing the disparity between crack and powder cocaine sentences at the federal level. The bill is supported by the Trump administration, law enforcement groups, 172 former federal prosecutors including a former director of the FBI, the National Governor's Association, and a broad coalition of progressive, conservative, and faith groups. The bill has also been endorsed by the oft-divergent editorial boards of the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, as well as by the editorial boards of USA Today, Bloomberg and the Houston Chronicle. More information on the legislation is available here: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-colleagues-release-draft-legislation-to-modernize-fda-regulation | DeGette, Colleagues Release Draft Legislation to Modernize FDA Regulation of Diagnostic Tests | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, joined fellow committee member, Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), in releasing draft legislation to establish a framework for overseeing in vitro clinical tests (IVCTs), such as test kits and laboratory developed tests (LDTs), at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This Congress, the lawmakers have worked with the stakeholder community and FDA to define parameters for IVCT oversight. Safety and accuracy are rightly our top priorities when establishing a new regulatory framework for the approval and regulation of LDTs and IVCTs. I am grateful for the committed partnership of Rep. Bucshon, the Energy and Commerce Committee and our Senate colleagues by working together to forge this bipartisan and bicameral proposal. Rep. Diana DeGette Advanced diagnostics are transforming the way we provide care for patients in the 21stcentury, giving rise to precision medicine and enabling physicians to provide more individualized treatments for patients. Unfortunately, the regulatory framework for diagnostic testing has become outdated and is still stuck in the 20thcentury. Our goal with this draft legislation is to ensure patients can get the most appropriate treatment for their disease by creating a new regulatory framework that is risk based, creates a level-playing field, allows for leading edge development to thrive, and assures doctors and patients that their test results are valid and clinically meaningful. Dr. Larry Bucshon In the age of precision medicine, diagnostic and genetic tests are increasingly part of routine medical care,Bennet said. Without safety measures in place, these tests threaten patient safety and the potential of innovative diagnostics to transform health care. We'll continue working to develop a regulatory framework that results in better gov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-demands-info-on-epa-enforcement-actions-that-undermine-its | DeGette Demands Info on EPA Enforcement Actions That Undermine its Ability to Protect Human Health and the Environment | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO) joined fellow Democratic leaders on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Tonko (D-NY), in sending aletterto Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler today requesting documents and information about the agency's lack of enforcement for programs aimed at addressing climate change and protecting public health and the environment. EPA documents and press reports over the past year indicate several disturbing trends, including a decline in the number of enforcement cases initiated; a reduction in enforcement staff; an overreliance on state enforcement programs; and an increased political review of potential or pending enforcement actions. We are writing to request information on a series of actions by the Trump Administration regarding the EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA),the lawmakers wrote.We are deeply concerned that these actions undermine key enforcement programs and severely limit EPA's ability to address climate change and protect public health and the environment. According tomultiplereports, the Trump EPA has initiated far fewer civil and criminal enforcement cases against polluters for violating environmental laws, including a 20 percent reduction in civil cases initiated against polluters and a 30 percent cut in criminal enforcement cases. The Committee Democrats also pointed to reports that over 1,600 workersleftEPA during the first 18 months of the Administration, bringing the agency's staffing levels to an historic low. We are concerned that historically low staffing levels, combined with a series of recent actions taken by EPA management, undermine the agency's enforcement capability,the three Democratic Committee leaders continued in their letter to Wheeler. EPA also recently announced a series ofpoliciesthat require political appointees to review enforcement activities, a move… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=79375AE4-F1AD-4C6C-88B7-CE3BB66BD51C | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in Alamosa County | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Alamosa County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in December. Erin Minks, Bennet's San Luis Valley Regional Representative, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Mosca. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Alamosa County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details Alamosa County Tuesday, December 18, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Mosca Pit Stop 5305 State Highway 17 Mosca, CO 81146 To schedule an appointment, send an email to erin_minks@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Erin assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 719-587-0096. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=8AEA2914-8F66-47FE-B746-B715544363FF | Bennet, Gardner Announce Major Infrastructure Grants for Colorado, Including $20 million for North I-25 | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner today announced that the North Front Range Transportation & Air Quality Council has been awarded a $20 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for its North I-25 Segment 6 improvement project. Additionally, the senators announced that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will receive a $20 million BUILD grant for its vehicle-to-everything (V2X) project, which seeks to bolster the connectivity of transportation infrastructure through the deployment of fiber across highways in Colorado. And the City of Glenwood Springs will receive a $7 million BUILD grant for its project to modernize infrastructure along the City's South Midland Avenue, including a new waterline and broadband infrastructure. Colorado's roads require significant investment to keep pace with our state's continuous growth, Bennet said. This $47 million will assist with state and local efforts to modernize our state's infrastructure. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Northern Colorado communities, this $20 million for North I-25 will build on past TIGER grants to decrease congestion in one of the state's busiest corridors. With its $20 million grant, CDOT will be able to invest in new connectivity infrastructure as Colorado prepares for emerging vehicle technologies. Finally, this well-deserved $7 million grant will allow the City of Glenwood Springs to make significant improvements to the road and broadband infrastructure along the Roaring Fork River, enhancing the safety and quality of life for its residents. We strongly advocated to the Department of Transportation how important this infrastructure funding would be for Colorado and I-25, and I'm thrilled to announce it will be coming soon to help support these important projects, Gardner said. As Colorado continues to grow we need to ensure our infrastructure is prepared to handle it. Going forward, I will continue to work with my… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=AED130D0-1F11-4A9F-8351-4376C7B1A26F | Senators Bennet, Hatch & Reps. Bucshon, DeGette Release Draft Legislation to Modernize FDA Regulation of Diagnostic Tests | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), with U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today released draft legislation to establish a framework for overseeing in vitro clinical tests (IVCTs), such as test kits and laboratory developed tests (LDTs), at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This Congress, the lawmakers have worked with the stakeholder community and FDA to define parameters for IVCT oversight. In the age of precision medicine, diagnostic and genetic tests are increasingly part of routine medical care, Bennet said. Without safety measures in place, these tests threaten patient safety and the potential of innovative diagnostics to transform health care. We'll continue working to develop a regulatory framework that results in better government and keeps pace with developing technologies. While I am disappointed this bill will not pass this year, I am hopeful that my colleagues will prioritize this legislation in the 116th Congress, Hatch said. Americans deserve the assurance that the tests which are utilized in making vital, sometimes life-or-death, decisions, are both accurate and reliable. This bill establishes a sensible, risk-based approach towards regulation of IVCTs that protects innovation in an ever-changing sector of healthcare. Advanced diagnostics are transforming the way we provide care for patients in the 21st century, giving rise to precision medicine and enabling physicians to provide more individualized treatments for patients, Bucshon said. Unfortunately, the regulatory framework for diagnostic testing has become outdated and is still stuck in the 20th century. Our goal with this draft legislation is to ensure patients can get the most appropriate treatment for their disease by creating a new regulatory framework that is risk based, creates a level-playing field, allows for le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=AF224F56-062D-4069-A634-C7C2CDF0A56F | Following Delayed Payments to Veterans, Bennet Calls for Inspector General Investigation | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today urged the Department of Veteran Affairs' (VA) Inspector General to launch an investigation into issues related to delayed Post 9/11 GI Bill payments to veterans. In November, Bennet responded to media reports of on-going problems with the VA's IT system, which resulted in veterans not receiving living stipend payments for education and housing expenses in a timely manner. According to reports, the payments of approximately 1,500 GI Bill students at Colorado State University have been affected. In a November 15 letter, Bennet wrote to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie requesting the department address the problem. Today, Bennet expressed concern about conflicting reports regarding the VA's commitment to make retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends. He requested the Inspector General investigate issues related to the delayed payments, including analysis of what led to the delays and of the VA's capability and willingness to ensure veterans receive housing allowance at levels provided under the Forever G.I. Bill. Such ambiguity about education benefits is a disservice to those who have served our country, Bennet wrote. I ask that you investigate the VA's capability and willingness to carry out the law. A copy of the letter is available HERE and below: The Honorable Michael J. Missal Inspector General Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave NW Washington, DC 20571 Dear Mr. Missal: I write to request an investigation into issues related to delayed payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans receiving Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. Specifically, I am concerned about conflicting reports regarding the VA's commitment to make retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends. Such ambiguity about education benefits is a disservice to those who have served our country. I ask that you investigate the VA's capability and willingness to carry out the law. This should includ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=1EF079E2-23D8-416D-8552-8BC51FF5A2E0 | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Archuleta, Dolores, and Montezuma Counties | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Archuleta, Dolores, and Montezuma Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in December. John Whitney, Bennet's Western Slope Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Pagosa Springs, Dove Creek, and Cortez. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE (Archuleta County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Archuleta County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening sessions. Listening Session Details Archuleta County Tuesday, December 11, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Archuleta County Administration Offices Commissioners Meeting Room 398 Lewis Street Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE (Dolores County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Dolores County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=2390213A-9D5F-4475-93A7-2C7C072D4E14 | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in El Paso County | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from El Paso County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in Monument. Jacqueline Armendariz, a representative from Bennet's office in this region, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans on December 7. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to El Paso County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details El Paso County Friday, December 7, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Serranos Coffee Company 625 W. Highway 105 Monument, CO 80132 To schedule an appointment, send an email to Jacqueline_Armendariz@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Jacqueline assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 719-328-1100. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6DA57289-AA75-44BD-84FB-7BB574A00F2C | Ahead of VP Pence visit to Mexico, Bennet, Menendez, Leahy & Kaine Encourage U.S. Commitment to Improving U.S.-Mexico Relations | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) today sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence encouraging him to use his visit to Mexico to reaffirm U.S. commitment to building a bilateral partnership that advances the prosperity and well-being of the people of both nations. The United States and Mexico share a bond deeper than just our close geography, the senators wrote. Our countries are bound by our shared culture, history, and decades of close cooperation on economic and security issues. However, this relationship and U.S. public standing in Mexico have suffered in the last two years due to the tremendous damage President Trump has caused to U.S.-Mexico relations. Citing the current events at the U.S.-Mexico border, the senators also highlighted the need for a collaborative response to the challenges posed by regional migration in a manner that meets domestic and international legal standards and ensures appropriate protections for vulnerable populations. On the eve of President-elect Lpez Obrador's inauguration, as Mexico prepares to embark on a new era, your visit provides a unique opportunity to reframe bilateral relations in a manner that upholds our two nations' shared democratic values and common commitment to prosperity and security, concluded the senators. The full text of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=70CEC126-D38D-4BBD-B96D-BD352A2E6C93 | Bennet, Gardner Introduce Cybersecurity Legislation to Protect Energy Grid | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner this week introduced two pieces of legislation to protect the country's energy grid from cyber-attacks. The Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act received a hearing today in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. We have our work cut out for us to protect the electric grid across rural and urban America, and these bills are a good starting point, said Bennet. We've worked with Coloradans and national energy organizations to ensure the legislation provides the technical assistance they need to safeguard their communities from cyberattacks. Colorado and states across the country need to secure our energy grids and be better prepared against cyber-attacks that threaten our critical infrastructure, said Gardner. I've worked with Senator Bennet on these bipartisan pieces of legislation because we both know the risk cyber-attacks pose to our country and the need for leadership on these issues. This legislation will help shore up our electric grid's vulnerabilities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to gather more bipartisan support and see these bills signed into law. Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act This bill authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide financial assistance tostatesto develop or revise a State Energy Security Plan. The bill outlines the contents of a State Security Plan, including the need for coordination and joint exercises with industry and federal stakeholders. It authorizes DOE $90 million annually for Fiscal Years 2018 2022 to offer financial and technical assistance tostatesas they develop and update their plans. A State Energy Security Plan will assessastate's existing circumstances and propose methods to strengthen the ability of astate to: Secure the energy infrastructure of the State against all physical and cybersecurity threats; Mitigate the risk of energy supply disruptions to thestate and enhance re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=1AA6F47A-8740-49C0-9A9F-C80D665C70DC | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in Routt County | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Routt County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in Steamboat Springs. Alyssa Logan, a representative from Bennet's office in this region, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans on December 19. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Routt County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details Routt County Wednesday, December 19, 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Bud Werner Memorial Library 1289 Lincoln Avenue Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 To schedule an appointment, send an email to Alyssa_Logan@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Alyssa assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-241-6631. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=223F1222-91FB-4695-BCB4-21C475353980 | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Ouray & Hinsdale Counties | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Ouray and Hinsdale counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in December. John Whitney, Bennet's Western Slope Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Ouray and Lake City. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE (Ouray County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Ouray County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session Listening Session Details Ouray County Tuesday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Ouray Public Library 320 6th Avenue Ouray, CO 81427 MEDIA GUIDANCE (Hinsdale County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Hinsdale County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening sessions. Listening Session Details Hinsdale County Thursday, December 6, 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 230 N. Bluff Street Lake City Town Hall Multi-Purpose Room Lake City, CO 81235 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7CBCC1A9-044E-4740-9C6A-01B7438D0D81 | Bennet Unveils Plan to Tackle Eviction Crisis | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today put forward a series of proposals to address the eviction crisis afflicting Colorado and the country. His plan is designed to: 1) better understand the contours and causes of the eviction crisis; 2) reduce preventable evictions; and 3) limit the human and taxpayer consequences of eviction when it occurs. Today in the United States, an unexpected illness, a car accident, or a family emergency can end with a family being evicted from their home and falling into a cycle of poverty that lasts for years, said Bennet. The costs are enormous for those evicted, but they are also detrimental for society. As a former school superintendent, I saw kids falling asleep in class because they didn't have a stable place to stay the night before. And I've heard from many hard-working Coloradans about how one misstep led to their lives falling apart. We need to turn national attention to this crisis and put in place policies that both prevent evictions and limit the damage when they occur. Over the last year, Bennet and his team have consulted with Colorado leaders, legal representatives, and national experts about the growing problem of affordable housing and eviction. In the coming weeks, Bennet will introduce legislation to implement his plan to curb evictions. In the months that follow, he will introduce additional, comprehensive housing affordability legislation to address the supply and demand issues that are driving the lack of affordable housing for Americans at all income levels. Colorado is engulfed in an eviction crisis, said Jack Regenbogen, Attorney and Policy Advocate at Colorado Center on Law and Policy. There are roughly 45,000 evictions filed in Colorado each year, and most tenants facing an eviction are left to navigate the complex legal system by themselves, without the assistance of an attorney. These evictions frequently destabilize families, disrupt communities, and uproot children from their schools. Colorado Center on Law and Policy is grateful t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=FB89877B-4399-48F3-8CE4-A37DFCDF6443 | Bennet, Gardner, Bipartisan Group Press for Extension of Secure Rural Schools Program | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, DC -Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner, with a group of bipartisan senators, today sent a letter to Senate leadership calling for the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in any end-of-year legislation. Congress has an obligation to ensure counties with swaths of tax-exempt forestlands can adequately provide essential services for their residents. Without the certainty of these critical safety-net payments, schools, libraries, and jails are closing,wrote the senators. Schools that remain open will see a reduction of teachers. Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended. Fewer and fewer law enforcement officers are forced to patrol larger and larger areas. The full text of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer: We strongly urge the inclusion of at least a one-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS), which enjoys tremendous bipartisan support, in any end-of-the-year legislation. Historically, the federal government shared with county governments 25 percent of timber harvest revenues from federal Forest Service lands and 50 percent of timber harvest revenues from federal Oregon and California Grant Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These payments constituted a significant source of funding for rural, forested counties. However, due to declining timber sales, Congress first passed SRS in 2000 to provide a measure of compensation for counties containing tracts of federally owned forestlands that is tax-exempt. Over the last nearly two decades, SRS has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. However, the most recent SRS reauthorization expired at the end of the last fiscal year, which means the last authorized paymen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C14D6C4D-99B4-459A-8532-DE7FBE2EF147 | Bennet Statement on Central American Migrants at Tijuana-San Diego Border | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement in response to the Central American migrants at the Tijuana-San Diego border: As a nation, we must uphold the rule of law and treat human beings with dignity. The situation at the southwest border makes evident the need for bipartisan action to address our broken immigration system, as we did in the Gang of Eight bill. We should work together to improve our asylum system to more quickly process applicants. Over the long term, we should work with countries in our hemisphere to help them stabilize their economies to promote opportunity for their citizens. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-tear-gas-incident-on-the-southern-border | DeGette Statement on Tear Gas Incident on the Southern Border | 2018-11-26 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) issued the following statement in response to incidents yesterday along the southern border: The actions by the Trump Administration and by federal agents along the border near San Diego are shocking and alarming. Any professional organization should be able to tell the difference between threatening crowds and unarmed men, women, and children seeking asylum and respond accordingly. I join my colleagues in demanding answers to how tear gas came to be fired across an international border at vulnerable crowds of civilians, and we must learn what policies and directives from senior officials are guiding the actions of personnel at the border. For years, I have joined many others in decrying our broken immigration system and warning of the consequences of its continued dysfunction. Now, the Trump Administration appears to be acting with such malice and incompetence that our worst fears may be coming to pass. The consequences in both human and economic terms will be enormous. Whether we are examining the militarization of our southern border, the refusal to admit asylum seekers coming here according to the law, or the orders to separate children from their parents, we must hold this administration accountable for every action it has taken. And ultimately, we must reform our system so that people come to the United States in accordance with our rules and priorities while treating people with the dignity and respect they deserve. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=73899526-BBCE-4193-8164-0534E1C8B74A | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in San Miguel and Gunnison Counties | 2018-11-26 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from San Miguel and Gunnison Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in December. John Whitney, Bennet's Western Slope Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Telluride, Gunnison, and Crested Butte. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE (San Miguel County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to San Miguel County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details DATE: Monday, December 3, 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Wilkinson Public Library: Meeting Room Number 5 100 W. Pacific Ave Telluride, CO 81435 MEDIA GUIDANCE (Gunnison County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Gunnison County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening sessions. Listening Session Details Gunnison County Session 1 DATE: Wednesday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. LOCATION: Gunnison County Courthouse: Board of County Commissioners Meeting 200 E. Virginia Ave Gunnison, CO 81230 Gunnison County Session 2 DATE: Wednesday, December 5, 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Rumors Coffee and Tea House … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=EC49F1BE-8690-4E8C-8631-7599AD5020A1 | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in Elbert County | 2018-11-26 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Elbert County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in Elizabeth. Alexandra Alonso, the representative from Bennet's office in this region, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans on December 13. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Elbert County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details DATE: Thursday, December 13, 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Elizabeth Library of Pines & Plains 651 Beverly St. Elizabeth, CO 80107 To schedule an appointment, send an email to Alexandra_Alonso@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Alexandra assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 303-455-7600. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F6965943-767F-49A0-9717-32A753B6639D | Bennet Responds to Fourth National Climate Assessment | 2018-11-23 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today responded to the National Climate Assessment (NCA), the fourth report released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program assessing the science of climate change and its impacts across the United States. The National Climate Assessment puts more facts behind what Coloradans have known for years, Bennet said. From persistent drought to reduced snowpack to raging wildfires, our state's farms, mountain towns, and cities all feel the effects of climate change. And those effects take a real toll on Colorado's economy. I'm glad to see the Trump administration is finally acknowledging the science behind our changing climatenow it's time they act on it. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Senate Committee on Finance, Bennet is working to combat climate change on several fronts. He advocated for programs in the 2018 Farm Bill to address persistent drought, fix the Forest Service budget to mitigate wildfires, and promote carbon capture technologies. He also supports tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency and investment in research and development to continue to reduce the cost of clean energy. The fourth National Climate Assessment outlines a number of ways in which climate change is affecting the Southwest and Colorado. Some highlights are included below. Climate Change Findings in the Southwest Temperatures increased across almost all of the Southwest region from 1901 to 2016, with the greatest increases in western Colorado and southern California. Extreme heat episodes in much of the Southwest disproportionately threaten the health and well-being of individuals and populations who are especially vulnerable. Native Americans are among the most at risk from climate change. Climate change is altering ecosystems and their services through major vegetation shifts and increases in the area burned by wildfire. In parts of the region, hotter temperatures have already contributed to reductions … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=D5016608-8D6B-4A7D-8B3F-71ACEE267294 | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in Pueblo County | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Pueblo County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff next month. Dwight Gardner, Bennet's Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Beulah in December. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Pueblo County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Pueblo Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at an upcoming listening session. DATE: Tuesday, December 4, 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. LOCATION: Beulah Community Center 5927 Pennsylvania Ave. Beulah, CO 81023 To schedule an appointment, send an email todwight_gardner@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Dwight assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call Dwight at 719-542-7550. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=DB5808C3-2669-46D9-ADA6-8926C0C7A69C | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Weld, Larimer, and Boulder Counties | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Weld, Larimer, and Boulder Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff this month. James Thompson, Bennet's Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Greeley, Loveland, and Boulder in November. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Weld County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Weld County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at an upcoming listening session. DATE: Thursday, November 29, 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. LOCATION: Centennial Park Library Study Room 2227 23rdAve. Greeley, CO 80634 To schedule an appointment, send an email tojames_thompson@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help James assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call James at 970-224-2200. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Larimer County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Larimer County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-condemns-epa-efforts-to-gut-climate-change-protections-demands | DeGette Condemns EPA Efforts to Gut Climate Change Protections, Demands Information and Documents | 2018-11-20 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO), along Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Tonko (D-NY) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler today requesting documents and information about the agency's decision to roll back policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change. Despite dire warnings, the Trump EPA is attempting to dismantle three critical climate change initiatives with no regard for the associated climate and public health impacts. The actions include repealing the Clean Power Plan, which set limits on harmful carbon pollution from power plants, dismantling popular vehicle fuel efficiency and pollution standards, and rolling back the requirement that the oil and gas industry monitor and repair methane leaks. The tragic human and financial costs of unchecked climate change are high and increasing fast, and unfortunately the Administration's actions for the last two years are only exacerbating these conditions, DeGette, Pallone and Tonko wrote to Wheeler. Combined, the Administration's rollbacks willfully turn a blind eye to the dangers of climate change, putting American communities at risk and diverting EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. The Democratic Energy and Commerce Committee leaders continued: We are requesting EPA provide us information that will help us understand how these decisions were made and how these actions will affect the environment and human health. In 2017 and 2018, the U.S. experienced 27 climate and weather disasters, resulting in the deaths of over 3,300 people and costs to the American public of more than one billion dollars each.The lawmakers also pointed to the devastating Camp fire in Northern California that has left more than 70 people dead and nearly 1,000 still missing. The letter also comes after a recent United Nations report warned of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=BA6648B8-6185-46FB-8681-E40F3C6E3E6F | Bennet, Hickenlooper Secure $20.2 Million for Colorado Wildfire Recovery | 2018-11-20 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Governor John Hickenlooper today secured $20.2 million in Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funds for wildfire recovery projects in La Plata, Huerfano, Costilla, and Eagle counties. Through mitigation of post-fire flooding and watershed restoration, the projects will protect communities affected by the 416, Spring Creek, and Lake Christine Fires. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement follows months of work coordinating between local officials and state and federal agencies to assemble these successful applications for federal funding. Colorado's 2018 wildfire season was one of the most destructive to date and requires a robust response,said Bennet.These EWP funds will help Coloradans prevent flooding and debris that threaten their property and communities. We'll continue working with Governor Hickenlooper and local officials to ensure they have the federal resources they need to recover from the wildfires. These funds will make Colorado communities more resilient as they recover from wildfires,said Hickenlooper.We are grateful to Senator Bennet and his office for accomplishing what few have been able to do: jumpstart the federal government into action. These funds are critical for our community and very time sensitive as we work to implement these urgent watershed restoration projects before winter,said Costilla County Administrator Ben Doon.We appreciate Senator Bennet's leadership in helping ensure we receive this funding to assist our recovery from the Spring Creek Fire." The Emergency Watershed Protection Program will provide real relief and protection for citizens and neighborhoods that were affected by the flooding that followed the 416 Fire,said La Plata County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt.We are pleased to be able to help facilitate access to this funding and very much appreciate Sen. Bennet's and Gov. Hickenlooper's work to support La Plata County's efforts to secure funding for these essential life and safety projects. This is gr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-withdraws-bid-for-majority-whip | DeGette Withdraws Bid For Majority Whip | 2018-11-19 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Denver, CO -Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) released the following statement announcing she is withdrawing her bid for House Majority Whip: The 2018 elections brought a new Democratic majority to the House with exciting opportunities for change. As a seven-term Chief Deputy Whip who is passionate about building coalitions, I was proud to announce my agenda, especially in a year of generational shift and the demonstration of voting power by women. Since my announcement, I have been heartened by the backing I have received across the caucus. Over the last few days, however, many of my supporters have expressed concern about pressure they are receiving to return the three senior leaders to their posts without opposition. We have enough work to do without this internal pressure. Therefore, I am withdrawing my bid for Whip at this time. I look forward to continuing as Chief Deputy Whip with this exciting new majority. We have a lot to do, and I am eager to get started. Rep. DeGette expects to be selected chair of the powerful Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee. The subcommittee's oversight authority, including subpoena power, extends to critical issues such as drug prices, conduct of officials at the EPA, and the actions of the Trump Administration to separate young immigrant children from their parents. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=DE615F37-CB44-4FF0-A465-9FE35BDE1A82 | Bennet, Gardner Announce $4.5 Million in Energy Innovation Grants for Colorado Universities | 2018-11-16 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today announced the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) awarded Colorado School of Mines a $2,047,676 grant and University of Colorado Boulder a $2,500,000 grant to fund potentially disruptive technology in the energy sector. More details about the projects are available here. Congratulations to the Colorado School of Mines and University of Colorado Boulder on receiving ARPA-E funding for their innovative research, Bennet said. As we continue to unlock the promise of clean energy, I'll work to ensure Colorado remains a leader in the development of new cost-effective technologies. Earlier this year, Bennet delivered remarks at the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Energy Innovation Summit, opposing President Trump's budget proposal to eliminate ARPA-E, and outlining key efforts to develop the United Statesand Coloradoas a global energy leader. Those efforts are to 1) increaserather than decrease investments in ARPA-E, 2) provide more reliable and predictable government funding over the long-term, and 3) work with innovators to convince policy makers of the benefits of investment. The Colorado School ofMinesand the University of Colorado Boulder are leading the way in innovative energy technologies and I'm thrilled they will each receive over $2 million to continue their cutting-edge research, Gardner said. I have always advocated for continued funding of our research and development programs and will continue to do so because of the enormous benefit these programs bring to Colorado. According to the Department of Energy, ARPA-E advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too high-risk for private-sector investment. ARPA-E awardees are unique because they are developing entirely new ways for Americans to get, store, and use energy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=99D91292-A9DB-4F6E-972F-BC6361ED7491 | Bennet Introduces Budget Reform and Deficit Reduction Plan | 2018-11-15 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. At today's bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform markup, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet introduced his comprehensive plan to overhaul Washington's broken budgeting and appropriations processes. In a Medium post today, Bennet reflected on the irresponsible budgeting he has witnessed during his decade in Washington, outlined the principles that he believes should underpin reforms, and summarized the Fiscal Reform Act of 2018his plan to overhaul budget processes and reduce the national deficit. Bennet wrote: Today, the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform is considering a bill to reform how we fund the federal government. In Congress these days, we rarely pass a budget, rarely appropriate on time, and have created an unprecedented situation in which deficits continue to skyrocket even as the economy grows and unemployment falls. We have a lot of work to do to get America's fiscal house in order, and I appreciate the seriousness with which Committee members have worked to improve our broken process for budgeting and appropriations. With that said, I worry that our efforts will fall short of the real reforms our fiscal situation requires. For that reason, I am putting forward a comprehensive planthe Fiscal Reform Act of 2018to overhaul our broken system for budgeting and appropriations. Below is a brief history of the irresponsible budgeting I've witnessed in Washington, the principles that I believe should underpin future reforms, and a short summary of my plan. I hope you will let me know what you think about this proposal and share ideas for how we can improve it. Although it is unlikely the Fiscal Reform Act passes today, I hope it will inform future efforts to return us to a place where Washington budgets without the toxic partisanship, brinkmanship, and delay that have characterized my last decade in the Senate. Today should mark the beginning of our work, not the end. The full Medium post is a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=EF02B9BB-11E9-4B68-ACDA-DE7762FA1CEB | Bennet Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer and Elk | 2018-11-15 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined bipartisan colleagues John Barrasso (R-WY) and Doug Jones (D-AL) in introducing legislation to increase wildlife managers' ability to keep wildlife healthy. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affects both wild and domestic herds of deer and elk in 25 states, including Colorado. However, state recommendations for preventing the spread of the disease vary. This bipartisan bill would authorize a special resource study to help prevent the disease from spreading. It would give state wildlife agencies and wildlife experts information to conduct targeted research on how the disease is transmitted, determine which areas are most at risk, and develop consistent advice for hunters to prevent further spread. The deer and elk herds affected by Chronic Wasting Disease are a critical part of Colorado's wildlife heritage and economy, said Bennet. We need to learn more about containing CWD, and this bipartisan legislation will provide the information state wildlife professionals need to align their work and prevent further spread. The NAS study on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) transmission as proposed by Senator Bennet is a huge step forward to helping us better conserve our nation's wildlife against the spread and negative effects of Chronic Wasting Disease, said Bob Broschied, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a 100% fatal disease of deer, elk, moose, reindeer, and other species of the family Cervidae which continues to spread across North America, with reported cases now in 25 states and 4 Canadian provinces. CPW has been managing CWD for several decades, and is very grateful to Senator Bennet for his support of this legislation to facilitate scientific-based solutions that will benefit our state's wildlife. The Chronic Wasting Disease Transmission in Cervidae Study Act addresses the needs identified by state wildlife agencies. The bill would require the USDA secretary to enter into an arrangement with the National Acade… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F5133C73-254E-48A7-B8ED-71225038841D | As Veterans Face Housing and Education Expenses, Bennet Calls For Increased Transparency and Action at VA to Process Delayed GI Bill Benefits | 2018-11-15 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet this week sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie, urging the VA to provide additional details about its efforts to expedite processing of living stipend payments for veterans receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. According to reports, the payments of approximately 1,500 GI Bill students at Colorado State University have been affected. The U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing today, November 15, to address the nationwide issue. According to recent media reports, on-going problems with VA's IT system have resulted in many veterans not receiving the living stipend payments they use to pay for education and housing expenses in a timely manner, causing significant financial strain and hardship for veterans attempting to use the benefits they earned from their military service. The senators requested additional details about efforts to fix the issue and urged the VA confirm it will not retroactively collect overpayments to students resulting from other IT issues. For many of our nation's veterans, the living stipend payments were expected by September 1, 2018, and the multi-month delays create a real crisis to not only their long-term education and career goals, but also their daily needs, the senators wrote. Regardless of what caused or is causing the delay, we believe it is imperative for VA to address this issue with the urgency it deserves. We will not stop pressing for information and action until every veteran receives the benefits they earned in their service to our country. As a nation we have a responsibility to be there for our veterans, and part of that duty involves fulfilling our promise to ensure they have access to education after they leave the service, the senators added. These errors and delays undermine the intent of the GI Bill and put unnecessary and avoidable strain on veterans and their families during a critical time of transition. It is believed hundreds of thousands of veterans r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=034FF176-9C11-495E-B703-CEA5EB483AAD | Bennet, Cassidy Introduce Plan to Better Utilize Strategic Oil Reserve | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today introduced the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act, bipartisan legislation to allow the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to save taxpayers money by leasing unused storage capacity at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The added revenue will support SPR maintenance and its long-term operational readiness. This pragmatic solution shows that lawmakers can work across the aisle to craft energy policy that puts money back into people's pockets, Bennet said. We need more bipartisan efforts in Washington that save taxpayer dollars. If the tanks are empty, let's put them to use, Dr. Cassidy said. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is crucial for our national security and this will help keep it in good working order and save taxpayers money at the same time. The SPR currently has a crude oil storage capacity of 713.5 million barrels (MMB) and an inventory of approximately 660 MMB. As the DOE withdraws oil to meet congressionally mandated sales in the years aheadapproximately 250 million barrels by 2028roughly 45 percent of the SPR's storage capacity will be unused. The SPR Reform Act authorizes the DOE to conduct a pilot program to lease spare SPR capacity to the private sector and foreign governments in order to preserve and maximize the strategic value of this important energy security asset. The legislation requires the Secretary of Energy to ensure that any lease entered into with a private entity or foreign government will not impair the national security of the United States or its ability to use the SPR. The SPR is comprised of 62 underground storage caverns that were solution-mined from naturally occurring salt domes located at four sites, two in Texas and two in Louisiana. The Bayou Choctaw storage site is located in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, approximately 12 miles southwest of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bayou Choctaw currently has six storage caverns, an authorized storage capacity of 76 MMB and a cavern inventory… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=18E30720-933A-4A36-A39D-65E493BBAB52 | Bennet, Colleagues Call on Administration to End Efforts to Redefine Sex to Exclude Transgender Persons | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet this month joined his colleges in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar demanding the administration end any effort to redefine sex to exclude transgender and gender nonconforming people. The redefinition of sex reported in The New York Times would have devastating consequences for millions of people who do not recognize themselves as the sex assigned to them at birth or who are gender nonconforming, the senators wrote. Instead of dedicating HHS resources to increase discrimination in education and health care, you should be working to vigorously enforce the civil rights laws that Congress has enacted to protect the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming people, including under Title IX and Section 1557 of the ACA. On October 21, The New York Times reported that an internal memo drafted by HHS officials proposed a redefinition of sex under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). In their letter, the senators urged Secretary Azar to disavow the memo and speak out against any proposal that would undo non-discrimination protections on the basis of one's sex, including one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender nonconformity. The senators also raised concerns that redefining sex under Title IX would have a broad and dangerous impact on transgender and gender nonconforming patients' health care, as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits discrimination in health programs based on definitions established in Title IX. A copy of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=72A587D0-6E49-49B0-8743-A57DBF8F7523 | Bennet Pushes for Emergency Watershed Protection Funds for Wildfire Recovery in Colorado | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today sent a letter to Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey requesting the approval of Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funds for wildfire recovery projects in Colorado. Colorado's 2018 wildfire season was one of the most destructive ever and recovery efforts are underway, Bennet wrote. Without emergency watershed restoration, there will continue to be a high degree of risk to lives and property from debris flow and flooding as a result of these fires. We request that you formally approve EWP funds as soon as possible. The Spring Creek Fire, 416 Fire, and Lake Christine Fire combined burned approximately 175,000 acres, affecting watersheds in La Plata, Huerfano, Costilla, and Eagle counties. In the letter, Bennet noted that some of the recovery projects are time sensitive, classified as exigent by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and need funding before winter arrives. In 2014, Bennet successfully secured $110 million in funding to address the Colorado EWP project backlog that resulted from wildfires the previous year. Earlier this month, Bennet requested funding to modernize firefighting assets for the U.S. Forest Service. In October, the Senate passed the Bennet-led Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act, making available new funding for Colorado communities recovering from wildfires. In March, Bennet helped lead the effort to pass into law a long-term, bipartisan funding solution to stabilize the Forest Service budget. A copy of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F22092A7-0CCD-4933-A556-0A6A5BC48EA5 | Bennet Makes Case to Maintain EPA Methane Standards Ahead of Hearing in Denver Tomorrow | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today held a press call ahead of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) public hearing on its proposed rollback of national methane standards. The hearing, titled Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration, will be held Wednesday, November 14, in Denver. Bennet also submitted a written testimony to be read on his behalf at the hearing. A copy of Bennet's written testimony is available HERE. An audio file from the press call is available HERE. An edited version of Bennet's remarks from the press call are below: I'd like to start off by thanking Paul Billings from the American Lung Association and Robert Kester from Rebellion Photonics for joining this call today. Their perspectives from the medical and business sectors are critical as we address tomorrow's public hearing on the proposed rollback of EPA's methane standards. I just submitted my written testimony for tomorrow's hearing, since I will be in Washington and cannot deliver it in person. I wish I could be in Denver tomorrow, because there is no more appropriate place to hold this hearing than in Colorado. Our state is a third Republican, a third Democratic, and a third Independent. Our economy relies on a robust oil and gas sector, a growing clean energy sector, and the outdoor recreation industry. Our farmers and ranchers are facing increasing wildfire and persistent drought, and our local communities are reliant on public lands. Because of the diverse viewpoints represented in Colorado, we don't have a choice but to work together, reconcile differences, and find consensusa strength you don't see much of in Washington these days. In 2014, Coloradans found common ground and adopted the nation's first rule to reduce methane waste and pollution. Four years later, 67% of Coloradans oppose rolling back state and federal methane standards. At first, some worried the rule would stifle energy production. In reality, Colorado… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/degette-key-health-lawmaker-eyes-house-leadership | DeGette, Key Health Lawmaker, Eyes House Leadership | 2018-11-09 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | A prominent health lawmaker could be finding her way into the top echelon of House leadership as Democrats work to advance their health agenda. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) announced Nov. 7 she's running to be Democratic Whipwhich would make her the third-highest ranking member of the Housewhen Democrats assume the House majority next January. She faces an uphill battle in trying to unseat Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), who's been the Democrat's third-highest House member since 2006. DeGette is a prominent member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who was the lead Democrat on some of the most significant bills for biomedical research, including the 21st Century Cures law (Pub. L. 114-255) to spur new drugs and devices. Whether she stays on that committee or ascends to a leadership position, her experience advocating health and drug policies will be a key contributor to Democrats' goals of expanding access to health care. One of the major arguments that Democrats campaigned on in the mid-term elections was on lowering health-care costs, including for drugs, and protecting pre-existing conditions. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who is largely expected to return to her role as speaker in January, said Nov. 7 lowering prescription drug prices is a top priority for Democratsa goal that's also high on President Donald Trump's agenda. Her record of working with Republicans could be a bonus in moving bills across the finish line, a former DeGette aide and health policy analyst told Bloomberg Law. It's not as if the Democrats have this sweeping majority, so you're going to have to work across the aisle, Rachel Stauffer told Bloomberg Law in a Nov. 7 interview. Stauffer was DeGette's lead staffer for creating and driving the Cures law and is now a legislative and government affairs director for the consulting firm McDermottPlus. What Diana brings is her experience in shepherding through and working on larger bills in a bipartisan ways. Committee Implications DeGette was largely thought to be next… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-lee-and-lowey-condemn-trump-administration-s-post-election | DeGette, Lee and Lowey Condemn Trump Administrations Post-Election Attacks on Womens Health | 2018-11-09 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Barbara Lee (D-CA), along with Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), condemned the Trump Administration's latest attempts to push through anti-choice actions that will further limit women's access to abortion and birth control. On Wednesday, the Department of Health and Human Services finalized two rules that would allow employers to opt out of the Affordable Care Act's birth control mandate. In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a rule that would result in burdensome regulations designed to push abortion coverage out of reach for at least 1.3 million women. One day after voters resoundingly showed their support for women and protecting access to health care, this latest attack by the Trump administration is particularly tone-deaf and vindictive, the lawmakers said. Women have made it clear that they will not stand for shameless efforts to roll back their hard-fought and constitutionally-protected reproductive rights. In the 116th Congress, the Democratic majority will work to block this extreme, ideological, and overwhelmingly unpopular agenda. The changes to health care coverage for birth control and abortion coverage will make it more difficult and, in some cases, impossible for women to access contraception or make decisions about their own reproductive health. When these changes were first proposed in October 2017, DeGette, Lowey, former Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chair Louise Slaughter and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi led more than 180 of their colleagues in a letter to Trump administration officials opposing the rules,warning that these changes would restrict access to birth control for millions of women covered under the Affordable Care Act.Federal courts in Pennsylvania and California blocked the interim rules last year, but the Trump administration has continued to work to make them permanent. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3B0D745A-FCA4-4CB5-A983-2F0F41B8A5E3 | Bennet, Gardner Receive Update on Polio-Like Disease at Childrens Hospital Colorado | 2018-11-09 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | AURORA, CO Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today met with Children's Hospital Colorado researchers to receive an update on the recent outbreak of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)a rare polio-like condition that has affected approximately 400 children across the country. The senators met with Dr. Kevin Messacar, an infectious disease physician-scientist whose team has been one of the primary research groups studying the disease since first seeing cases in 2014. Most common in young children, AFM affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as weakness of the limbs and paralysis. Research on AFM suggests that viruses in the enterovirus family are the most common associated cause. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 15 of the 80 confirmed cases of AFM in the United States this year. Dr. Messacar and his team at Children's Hospital Colorado are at the forefront of AFM research, leading the medical field in better understanding and treating this serious illness. It was encouraging to hear about their work to prevent AFM from harming one more child. We'll continue working with federal agencies to ensure teams like Dr. Messacar's have the resources they need to manage the outbreak and keep our children healthy, said Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). Bennetsent a letterto the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month, urging further action to inform the public, enhance detection, and support research for AFM. We need to continue to empower our researchers and medical community, specifically those at Children's Hospital Colorado, who have been leading efforts to understand this horrible disease and identify the proper steps forward to combat it. There also needs to be a strong coordination and open communication between our researchers in Colorado and the CDC, and Senator Bennet and I will make sure that is happening, said Gardner. Raising awareness and increasing resources for sur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-announces-run-for-democratic-whip | DeGette Announces Run for Democratic Whip | 2018-11-07 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip in the Democratic caucus for the last seven congresses, announced in a letter to her colleagues that she is seeking the Democratic Whip post as Democrats reclaim the majority in the House of Representatives. Rep. DeGette would be the first Democratic Member of Congress from the Mountain West in leadership and only the second woman to serve as Whip. Our return to the majority was powered by women voters across the country, and we need to repay their trust by adding women to Democrats' leadership team, said DeGette. As we add even more women to our ranks in Congresslargely because of Democratic candidatesour caucus should reflect this strength, including at the leadership table. With a narrow majority and a diverse caucus, we need a whip with the skills and experience to build coalitions and win votes. The American people will be watching and holding us accountable for successfully moving our agenda on their behalf, and we cannot do so without securing a majority on the House floor. I have the background that the Democratic caucus needs for this job and at this moment. Rep. DeGette has built a record of leadership on major, hot-button issues, including health care, energy, science, and choice. Her track record developing, drafting, and whipping legislation includes landmark bills and key moments of success for House Democrats. The full text of Rep. DeGette's announcement letter is available below. November 7, 2018 Dear Democratic Colleague: I am running to serve our caucus as Democratic Whip and hope to count on your support. Thanks to your tireless work and the energy and enthusiasm of Democratic voters across the country, we will enter the 116th Congress with a Democratic House majority for the first time in eight years. This will be an awesome responsibility as we fight to deliver on the promise of bold action for the American people even while Republicans continue to hold the Senate and the White House. In this tough environment, I am confide… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398792 | Bennet, Gardner, Polis, and Buck urge FEMA to reimburse counties for disaster recovery projects | 2018-11-05 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Jared Polis | P000598 | polis.house.gov | legacy | Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, Sen. Cory Gardner, Rep. Jared Polis, and Rep. Ken Buck joined together to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William Long to reimburse Colorado counties for disaster recovery projects after the 2013 floods and provide guidance to ensure that pending projects get reimbursed. Without greater flexibility and guidance, Boulder County could stand to lose between $40 - $50 million in reimbursements, and $20 million in projects for Larimer County could be rejected. We [] request the agency provide interim guidance as soon as possible to ensure Colorado communities recovering from the devastating 2013 flood can proceed with certainty that they will be reimbursed for ongoing flood recovery projects, the lawmakers wrote. The recent interpretation of FEMA regulations requires that all disaster recovery projects - regardless of type or location - follow specific, uniform codes in order to be eligible for reimbursement. It is preventing local municipalities from rebuilding in the most resilient and cost-effective way. It is especially true in counties like Boulder, where facilities are located in mountain canyons and therefore should not be subject to the same codes as facilities in locations with different terrains. Other counties, including Larimer, also face similar obstacles. A copy of the letter to Administrator William Long is available HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=5945D13D-CBBD-4C31-9B53-6F03B22A5D17 | Bennet, Gardner, Polis, Buck Urge FEMA to Reimburse Counties for Flood Disaster Recovery Projects | 2018-11-05 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | COLORADO Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) and U.S. Representatives Jared Polis (D) and Ken Buck (R) today joined together to urge Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William Long to reimburse Colorado counties for disaster recovery projects following the 2013 floods and provide guidance to ensure pending projects will be reimbursed. Due to a recent interpretation ofFEMAregulations, Boulder County could lose an expected $40 to $50 million in reimbursements for flood recovery projectsseveral of which have already been completed. Larimer County could lose an expected $20 million. We [] request the agency provide interim guidance as soon as possible to ensure Colorado communities recovering from the devastating 2013 flood can proceed with certainty that they will be reimbursed for ongoing flood recovery projects,the lawmakers wrote. Theinterpretation requires that all disaster recovery projectsregardless of type or locationfollow specific, uniform codes in order to be eligible for reimbursement. In the letter, the lawmakers outlined how this is preventing local municipalities from rebuilding in the most resilient and cost-effective way. This is especially true in counties like Boulder and Larimer, where facilities are located in mountain canyons and therefore should not be subject to the same codes as facilities in locations with different terrains. A copy of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6C9D148E-2C9E-430F-98A2-34641B2E2700 | Bennet Statement on BLM Deferment of Parcels from December Oil and Gas Lease Sale | 2018-11-02 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | DENVER, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement in response to the Colorado Bureau of Land Management (BLM)announcementto defer 58 parcels from the pending December 2018 oil and gas lease sale. In September, Bennet and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper sentlettersto the Colorado BLM expressing concerns with the pending sales and urging the agency to defer the remaining parcels that had been requested for deferral by the State of Colorado, the Town of Paonia, and Gunnison County. We appreciate the BLM's thoughtful decision to listen to the concerns of Coloradans,Bennet said.The Governor and I worked in lockstep to ensure the input of communities, sportsmen, and conservationists was at the center of this process. We will continue working with the BLM to balance responsible energy development with other natural resource priorities in Colorado. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=9DE5A97D-FE94-4E76-8FA7-AD623158418E | Bennet, Gardner Call for Additional Funding to Ensure Effective Responses to Massive Wildfires | 2018-11-02 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in requesting funding to modernize firefighting assets so the U.S. Forest Service can respond in a more efficient and cost-effective manner to devastating wildfires. The fire season in Colorado this past year, which stretched resources thin, demonstrates the need to invest further in these firefighting assets. The senators, in letters to Senate Committee on Appropriations leadership and the U.S. Forest Service, highlighted the need for a modern, highly-capable large air tanker and water-scooper fleetproven to be one of the most effective immediate responses to limit the expansion of wildfires into uncontrollable mega-fires. The available aircraft currently flying this mission are retired ex-military/ex-civil aircraft, repurposed for air tanker operations and flown by small private contract firms; therefore they are outdated and limited in number. The intensity and duration of the past successive fire seasons confirm the reality that the wildfire suppression workload has grown in severity and complexity due to hotter, longer burning seasons and the expanding wildland-urban interface,the lawmakers wrote.These factors will only worsen future wildfire disasters so it is time that Congress and the executive branch proactively upgrade firefighting assets in order to protect the lives and property in communities facing these massive wildfires. In March, Bennet and Gardner helpedlead the effortto pass into law a long-term, bipartisan funding solution to stabilize the Forest Service budget. The fire fix, taking effect in 2020, ends the backwards practice of fire borrowing, allowing the agency to restart many of the fire prevention projects delayed by uncertain funding from longer, hotter fire years. To ensure the Forest Service can most effectively fight wildfires, the senators noted that Congress must also immediately invest in modern firefighting assets. The letter to U.S. Forest Service Chie… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/skyrocketing-insulin-cost-congressional-diabetes-caucus-highlights-need | Skyrocketing Insulin Cost: Congressional Diabetes Caucus Highlights Need and Ways to Bring Prices Down | 2018-11-01 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCThe skyrocketing cost of insulin must be brought under control for the sake of millions of Americans who depend on it, and the U.S. government has tools at its disposal to help, the bipartisan Congressional Diabetes Caucus concluded ina reportreleased today. Caucus co-chairs Tom Reed (R-NY) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) completed the report after an inquiry lasting more than a year involving consultations with patients, health care providers, insulin makers, wholesalers, pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and health insurers. We care about the 7.5 million Americans who rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels and prevent debilitating complications every day, Reed and DeGette said. Many cannot live without it, but countless patients struggle to afford it. As their out-of-pocket costs continue to rise, the current system is unfairly putting insulin out of reach, placing millions of lives at risk. The price of insulin has doubled since 2012, after nearly tripling in the previous 10 years. A patient's out-of-pocket insulin cost can exceed $300 per vial; some regularly use two or more vials per month. Patients have resorted to skipping doses, which can have dangerous, even fatal consequences. In conducting their inquiry, Reed and DeGette found the insulin drug market is especially complicated due to interconnected issues, marked by an influx of upward price pressures with limited counterbalancing downward market forces. The insulin market involves drug makers, wholesalers, pharmacies, PBMs and insurers. The drug's list price is based on factors including manufacturers' operational expenses, research and development costs, and marketing expenses. From there, the cost is affected by intermediaries in the supply chain and incentives that drive up the price further. At the same time, relatively few downward market forces exist to keep the price under control: In the United States, insulin is manufactured by only three companies, while three large wholesalers control about 85 percent of the dis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=32518323-EA63-4699-BEBD-E1639C938EDF | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Park and Lake Counties | 2018-11-01 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Park and Lake Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff this month. Erin Minks, Bennet's Regional Representative, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Fairplay and Leadville in November. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Park County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper Bennet Office Listens to Park County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at an upcoming listening session. DATE: Wednesday, November 14, 12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: Park County Government Meeting Room 1101 856 Castello Avenue Fairplay, CO 80440 To schedule an appointment, send an email toerin_minks@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Erin assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call Erin at 719-587-0096. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Lake County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Lake County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcomi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=DF7C679C-CB6A-4314-9345-DE7E61A5862E | Bennet Urges CDC Response to Polio-Like Disease in Children in Colorado and Across Country | 2018-11-01 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield to provide more information about preventive measures, enhance virus detection, and support research related to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)a rare polio-like condition resurging in children in Colorado and across the country. Most common in children, AFM affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as weakness of the limbs and severe headaches. In the letter, Bennet noted that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 15 of the 72 confirmed cases of AFM in the United States this year. Bennet urged the CDC to take further action to address this outbreak. As treatment and some causes of AFM are unknown, I urge the CDC to provide more information about preventative measures and precautions for those who may not be familiar with symptoms of AFM, in addition to supporting research in this space, Bennet wrote. For known causes, such as enterovirus infections, I urge CFC to support enhanced virus detection and surveillance activities. In Colorado, we are proud to be leading the charge nationwide on AFM and enterovirus research through our Children's Hospital and the University of Colorado School of MedicineAs the CDC continues to investigate and monitor cases of AFM, I hope the agency continues to coordinate with the CDPHE to provide physicians and hospitals the support they need as they manage the increase in AFM cases, Bennet concluded. A copy of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-s-birthright-citizenship-proposal-is-an-unconstitutional | President Trumps Birthright Citizenship Proposal is an Unconstitutional, Cynical Appeal to Xenophobes, DeGette Says | 2018-10-30 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, today issued the following statement about President Donald J. Trump's proposal to eliminate birthright citizenship through executive order: This proposal flies in the face of the presidential oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.' It's not within President Trump's power simply to overturn the 14th Amendment, and he knows it or should. This is clearly a cynical ploy to play to the xenophobic element of his base. All Americans deserve better than that. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398788 | Turning Tragedy into Triumph celebration is a heart-warming success (photos included) | 2018-10-26 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Jared Polis | P000598 | polis.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., praised the community for its help in securing the passage of the Helicopter Fuel System Safety Act at the Turning Tragedy into Triumph celebration today in Frisco.Never give up. Never yield. Finally all newly manufactured helicopters will be required to have a safer fuel system. It was only possible because of the tenacity and perseverance of Karen Mahany and Dave Repsher, who were determined to ensure that nobody else would have to suffer the consequences of a preventable post-crash helicopter fire. Today we pause to celebrate the fact that more emergency responders and pilots will be in helicopters equipped with the safest possible fuel systems, and we thank them for their tireless dedication and service, said Polis. The legislators were joined by many who were directly impacted by the 2015 Flight for Life helicopter crash, including Karen Mahany, widow of the pilot - Patrick Mahany, and Dave Repsher, a survivor of the crash. Also in attendance were representatives from the offices of Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., and Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo.; North Colorado Med Evac; Red, White, and Blue Fire Protection District; Summit Fire and EMS; Summit Search and Rescue; and Thomas Davidson, Summit County Commissioner. Photographs of the celebration can be found here: Group photograph:https://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/group-001.jpg Avalanche dogs:https://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/avalanche_dog-001.jpg Polis:https://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Polis-001.jpg Repsher:https://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Repsher-001.jpg The Helicopter Fuel System Safety Act, included in the five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization package, requires that all newly manufactured helicopters be built with crash-resistant fuel systems. After the 2015 Flight for Life crash in Frisco, the National Transportation Security Board (NTSB) recommended to the FAA that crash-resistant fuel systems be a requirement for all civil rotorcrafts. Before th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3C9F4E61-83E4-45BC-B1F3-5F1D37ABB9F7 | Bennet to Trump Administration: Dont Weaken Clean Car Standards | 2018-10-26 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | DENVER, CO Today, as the comment period closes on a proposed rule to roll back fuel economy emission standards, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet opposed the Trump administration's proposal and called for an end to its challenge of states' authority to set their own standards. Bennet and his colleagues sent two letters to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT), outlining how the proposed changes would harm states like Colorado, increase prices for households, and put the United States at a global disadvantage. Earlier this year, Colorado announced it would join 13 other states in adopting California's low fuel economy emission standards. The Trump Administration is making a mistake in rolling back the clean car standards, Bennet said. The Obama Administration took an all-in approach to build a robust vehicle manufacturing industry that puts American-made cars and trucks at a competitive advantagecreating more innovative, safe, and clean vehicles. The Trump Administration will look back in history and find itself responsible for giving our global competitors the upper hand. No matter political affiliation, everyone can agree rolling back fuel economy standards is bad policy. I'm glad Colorado continues to lead. In the first letter, Bennet and 22 senatorsall from states that have adopted low fuel economy emission standardscalled on the agencies to end their challenge to the states' authority to set their own standards. California has the authority to maintain its own fuel economy emission standards under the Clean Air Act. The Act also allows other states to follow California's standards, which Colorado announced it is in the process of doing earlier this year. An agreement between the federal government and California in 2012 created a single national program, which is expected to raise new car mileage to more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025. The proposed changes would prevent California and the other states from maintaining the current program on their own. The ch… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=22364679-867E-4D60-8A87-C5FA74877420 | Bennet Calls for Stronger Response to Opioid Crisis | 2018-10-24 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Today, President Trump signed into law opioids legislation that includes several provisions secured by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. Bennet called on Congress and the Administration to continue to do more to address the opioid epidemic. Our work on opioids in Washington should reflect the magnitude of the crisis ravaging communities across our country,said Bennet. The measures signed into law today are a step in the right direction, but they are not enough. Colorado's leadership is evident in programs like the Opioid Safety Collaborative Pilot, which this law will expand. We must keep working on meaningful policies to limit the flow of opioids while investing resources to treat those struggling with substance use disorders. Through his roles on the Senate Committees on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) and Finance, Bennet secured several provisions in the opioids package: TheAdvancing Innovation in Alternative Pain and Addiction Therapies Actexpedites the approval of non-opioid alternatives, both for pain management and for patients with an opioid use disorder, so they can access innovative treatments more quickly. The Bennet-Hatch legislation instructs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clarify how the Breakthrough Designation and Accelerated Approvalboth which create expedited pathways for approvalapply to non-addictive pain medications and treatments for substance use disorders. TheAlternatives to Opioids (ALTO) in the Emergency Departmentsupports hospitals and emergency departments as they establish protocols on prescribing alternatives to opioids for pain management. As a first line of defense against the opioid epidemic, emergency rooms are well positioned to serve as laboratories of innovation. At the same time, because of the short-term nature of the care they provide, emergency rooms are often highly susceptible to doctor shopping, where patients seek to obtain multiple prescriptions for misuse or abuse. This provision expands upon pilot programs that address thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F0620066-EA79-48D6-BEAC-B6447AEE1B49 | Bennet Congratulates Fort Collins Principal on National Leadership Award | 2018-10-24 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today congratulated Aisha Thomas, Principal of Zach Elementary School in Poudre School District, for winning a 2018 Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. Principal Thomas was recognized for her collaborative approach, leading the school from a state ranking of 89th to 13th. More information on Thomas is available HERE. Thomas will join 10 other school principals from the 2018 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools to be honored during the National Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 7 in Washington, D.C. Aisha's steady vision and strong leadership have created an environment in which students and teachers achieve success together, Bennet said. As a former school superintendent, I know we would have been lucky to have Aisha leading in our district. Congratulations, Aishaour state is proud to have school leaders like you who are setting up the next generation of Coloradans for success. It's no surprise that Principal Thomas has been recognized for her leadership abilities, Assistant Superintendent of Poudre Elementary Schools Todd Lambert said. She demonstrates her exceptional and heart-centered skills on a daily basis for students and staff. Named for the second U. S. Secretary of Education, the Bell Award honors school leaders who are committed to education and improving outcomes for all students. The award is part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Principals are nominated by their school communities during the final stages of the National Blue Ribbon Schools application process. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2320 | U.S. Geological Survey and Colorado School of Mines announce long-term partnership | 2018-10-22 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Ed Perlmutter | P000593 | perlmutter.house.gov | legacy | DENVER Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke joined Paul C. Johnson, president of Colorado School of Mines, to announce a long-term partnership between the university and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The partnership will bring more than 150 USGS scientists and their minerals research labs to the university's Golden, Colorado, campus where government scientists and Mines faculty and students will work together in a new state-of-the-art facility. Johnson and Zinke were joined at today's announcement by Senator Cory Gardner and Congressman Ed Perlmutter, as well as Mines Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas E. Jorden andRoseann Gonzales-Schreiner, USGS Associate Director for Administration and Acting Director of the Southwest Region. This is a great day for the USGS and for Colorado School of Mines,"said Secretary Zinke.The majority of USGS's work is on federal lands in the west, but their research is also used by government agencies, the private sector, universities, nonprofits and partners all over the world. Partnering with Colorado School of Mines, a world-class earth science research institution, and co-locating our scientists and researchers creates incredible opportunities to spur innovation and transformational breakthroughs, while also providing an incredible pool of talent from which to recruit." "With this new facility, the USGS and the School of Mines will have a revolutionary shared workspace for the world-class research and education that the USGS and the Colorado School of Mines are famous for delivering to the country," said USGS Director Jim Reilly. "We look forward to this expansion of our efforts in the great State of Colorado and I'm distinctly honored to be the Director at the time of this development. The expanded USGS presence at Mines will capitalize on our collective expertise to address the availability of mineral and energy resources, environmental challenges and geo-environmental hazards, all of which are of critical importance to national security and the economies of Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/in-national-weekly-democratic-address-degette-slams-gop-health-care-attacks | In National Weekly Democratic Address, DeGette Slams GOP Health Care Attacks | 2018-10-19 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, has provided the Weekly Democratic Address, which will be online and broadcast throughout the weekend. DeGette, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, discusses Republican efforts to undermine health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act particularly its guarantees of coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and the Democrats' vision for strengthening health care in the United States.Video and audio of the Weekly Democratic Address can be downloadedhere.Full transcript: Democratic Weekly Address October 18, 2018 Hello, I'm Congresswoman Diana DeGette from Colorado. As a senior member of the House committee with jurisdiction over health care policy, I have played a leading role in the development of comprehensive health reform in this country. I helped shepherd the Affordable Care Act into law eight years ago. And since then, I've proudly been at the forefront of the fight to defend Americans' health care from the many badly misguided Republican efforts to repeal the law and the historic protections it provides. After the ACA passed, finally forbidding insurers from discriminating against or denying coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions, the GOP spent eight years crusading to repeal the law, even forcing a government shutdown at one point to make their case. Last year, after 217 House Republicans voted for their monstrous repeal bill to take away Americans' health care, the effort failed by one vote in the Senate. Had Republicans succeeded, they would have devastated health care coverage in this country. Millions of Americans would have lost their coverage or been forced to pay more for it. Older Americans would have faced what the AARP called an age tax, meaning they could be charged up to five times as much for coverage as younger ones. And protections for the 130 million people with pre-existing conditions would have been gutted. After failing in the Congress, Republicans turned to the court w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7AF6196C-283B-47B9-8881-27C2EA34B58C | Bennet, Colleagues Ask Trump Trade Official to Explain Latest Tariff Decision that Could Hurt American Businesses | 2018-10-18 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and ten colleagues today sent a letter to the Trump administration's lead trade official asking why the administration's latest round of tariffs on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods did not include exclusions to protect American businesses. For earlier rounds of tariffs, exclusions apply in cases where an American business needs a specific product from a targeted country that is not made anywhere in the United States and the inability to access that product would cause severe economic harm to the business. We write to raise concerns regarding the recently implemented 10 percent tariffs on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods (Round 3) pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Specifically, we have concerns about the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) decision not to include an exclusions process in this latest round of tariffs. The decision not to include an exclusions application process will have a negative impact on American businesses and American consumers, the senators wrote. The senators noted that, in prior tariff rounds, the USTR recognized the potential harmful effects on a U.S. business if exclusions were not in place and asked USTR Ambassador Robert Lighthizer why the same consideration was not extended to the most recent round of tariffs. The letter outlined the following questions for Ambassador Lighthizer: Does the Administration intend to offer an exclusions application process? If so, how will that process be implemented? If not, what is the rationale for providing no exclusions process in Round 3 of the 301 tariffs when Rounds 1 and 2 included one? Senators joining Bennet on the letter include Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Doug Jones (D-AL). A copy of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398774 | Polis demands answers on Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program after numerous constituents inquire | 2018-10-17 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Jared Polis | P000598 | polis.house.gov | legacy | Fort Collins: Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., alongside over 150 other members of Congress, requested Education Secretary Betsy DeVos turn over more information regarding- and swiftly act to fix - the Department's flawed handling of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. So many wonderful public servants throughout Colorado use the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It helps everyone from our teachers to our firefighters to our rural veterinarians. I've done - and will continue to do - everything possible to protect the program against attempts by the Trump Administration to defund or degrade it, said Polis. We must ensure that college is affordable for all, especially those who choose a life of service. This request for information follows the release of a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which revealed an alarming number of PSLF borrowers have been denied loan forgiveness. The report also showed the Department has neglected to provide clear guidance and instructions to loan servicers. This failure at the Department has left servicers and borrowers in the dark about which employers qualify and without detailed, accurate information regarding their loan payments. Additionally, official Department data recently showed that a shocking 99.6 percent of borrowers applying for PSLF have so far been denied. Previous requests to Secretary DeVos to improve PSLF have been ignored, and the Administration has even proposed eliminating the critical loan forgiveness program entirely. Consumer advocates, state regulators, Members of Congress, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and GAO have all repeatedly raised alarms about the Department's handling of the PSLF program, the Members wrote. Not only has this Administration ignored the mounting warning signs about but it has actively reduced oversight of student loan servicersthereby contributing to the current problems in student loan servicing. We are deeply troubled that millions of dedicated public servants may not obtain the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=58137912-1F14-4D9B-9CB1-F9F27D675B01 | Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Pitkin, Eagle & Summit Counties | 2018-10-17 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Pitkin, Eagle, and Summit counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff this month. John Whitney, a Regional Director from Bennet's office, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Aspen, Avon, and Frisco the week of October 22nd. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Pitkin County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Pitkin County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. DATE: Monday, October 22, 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Pitkin County Administration and Sheriff's Office Maroon Bells Room 530 E Main St. Aspen, CO 81611 To schedule an appointment, send an email to John_Whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Eagle County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Eagle County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet on… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/after-midterms-democrats-hope-to-change-the-narrative-on-environmental | After Midterms, Democrats Hope To 'Change The Narrative' On Environmental Rollbacks | 2018-10-16 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | The environment is not typically a top issue for American voters. But this has not been a typical year. California saw thelargest firein state history. North Carolina was inundated by water from a massive,slow-moving storm. The Florida Panhandle is still combing through the wreckage left by Hurricane Michael, the strongest storm to hit that part of Florida in recorded history. It made landfall just days after the world's top climate scientists issued perhaps theirstrongest warningyet about the threats of human-caused climate change. While none of this has pushed the environment over issues likehealthcare or immigrationin the minds of most voters, environmental groups and Democrats are hoping the recent string of natural disasters and the Trump administration's efforts torollback dozens of environmental lawswill be key in November's midterms - particularly in disaster-struck states like California and Florida, where a number of House seats are closely contested. "People are seeing first-hand the devastating impacts that climate change is having," says Tiernan Sittenfeld, the senior vice president for government affairs with the League of Conservation Voters. "And they're going to be far more likely to support elected officials and candidates who are going to stand up for them and not with the corporate polluters the way that Donald Trump and the Republican leadership in Congress does over and over again." The League of Conservation Voters is pouring $60 million into the upcoming midterms, targeting Republican incumbents and candidates who have supported the Trump administration's deregulatory agenda or echoed the president's doubts about climate change and its causes. The goal of the campaign is to flip Congress, or at least the House of Representatives, to Democratic control, where the party can serve as a check on the Trump administration. "I want to change the narrative of this whole thing," says Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. "Where the Resources Comm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=423493C4-E90A-47A3-94CA-CE8159DE7BC5 | Bennet Leads Effort to Halt EPA Methane Standards Roll Back | 2018-10-16 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Ahead of the public comment period that began this week for a proposal to weaken methane standards, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led 21 Senate colleagues in a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the public comment period for the rule and provide adequate justification for modifying the national standards. In 2016, the EPA adopted the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for methane emissions from oil and gas sources following a 75-day comment period. The senators requested that the same 75-day comment period be provided for any modifications to the NSPS, and that the comment period be delayed altogether until the EPA provides written answers to questions regarding the modification's effects on the public health and the cost of the rule. There is clear and compelling evidence that the current NSPS rulemaking is cost-effective, improves air quality, and increases public health, the senators wrote to EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. The senators expressed concern about the precedent the proposed changes could set, resulting in more pollution across neighboring states. They also opposed modifyingor completely removingEPA's methane regulations, especially given the Senate's recent vote to retain the Bureau of Land Management's authority to regulate methane emissions on public lands. In addition to Bennet, the letter's signatories include U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). A copy of the letter is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7EB090C3-7BBD-4633-8145-EE127BDF5AD0 | Bennet, Wyden Statement on Mnuchin Attendance at Saudi Arabia Conference | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Senate Finance Committee member Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) today issued the following statement regarding Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's attendance at an upcoming conference in Saudi Arabia: Given the serious allegations that Saudi officials murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Secretary Steve Mnuchin should not extend the backing of the U.S. Treasury Department to efforts promoting investment in Saudi Arabia. Secretary Mnuchin's presence in Riyadh sends the wrong message to the world and to the Saudis, namely that the administration does not take seriously the many outstanding questions about Saudi involvement in Khashoggi's disappearance. We call on Secretary Mnuchin to withdraw from the Riyadh investment conference. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=47D873DF-82B2-4ED9-A14B-FCEE5DDC6DCC | Senate Passes Bennet Provision to Protect Watersheds from Invasive Species | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet secured a provision to protect Colorado's watersheds from invasive species in the 2018 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate today 99-1. Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to headwater states like Coloradodamaging water infrastructure and harming ecosystems, said Bennet. Colorado is one of the few states without an invasive mussel infestation. Additional inspection stations will bolster our state's efforts to prevent an infestation and protect local economies. Background: The provision directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish, operate, and maintain new or existing watercraft inspection stations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, South Platte River Basin, and Arkansas River Basin. The provision also authorizes the Army Corps to assist states with rapid response efforts in the case of an infestation of quagga or zebra mussels. Following the August 2017 detection of invasive quagga mussel larvae in the Green Mountain Reservoir, Bennet led the Colorado delegation in sending a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke urging a rapid response. In 2016, Bennet secured a provision in the WRDA reauthorization process that similarly would have expanded the Army Corps watercraft inspection station authorities, but it was not included in the final legislation. In 2010, Bennet introduced the Invasive Species Emergency Response Fund Act to establish a loan fund for Western states to combat invasive species. Statements of Support: This is a positive step forward to protect our nation's headwaters against zebra and quagga mussels and other harmful invaders, said Bob Broschied, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Federal and state partnerships are critical to maintain Colorado's aggressive invasive species prevention program. We are very grateful to Senator Bennet for his support of Colorado's Aquatic Nuisance Species program, and for his actions which are helping to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pro-choice-caucus-leaders-condemn-confirmation-of-judge-kavanaugh-to-the | Pro-Choice Caucus Leaders Condemn Confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court | 2018-10-06 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (D-CO) andBarbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement on the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh: This Senate confirmation makes a sham of our judicial heritage. Despite multiple credible allegations of sexual misconduct against Judge Kavanaugh, his complete lack of judicial temperament, and his concerning record on women's reproductive rights, Senate Republicans have pushed this nomination through and approved a wholly unfit justice for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. The Trump Administration subverted our democracy by limiting the scope of the FBI investigation, keeping the U.S. Senate and the American people from knowing the truth about Judge Kavanaugh. Americans for generations to come will suffer because of this confirmation. The last month has been painful for survivors of sexual assault. And today's confirmation sends a chilling message: Politics comes before justice in the U.S. Senate. Our hearts are with Christine Blasey Ford and all survivors today, and we will be forever grateful for Dr. Ford's courage in coming forward to testify before the Senate and the world with such dignity. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E860837C-4DC3-4DE9-B43D-4D2BFC5D82DA | Bennet Votes No on Judge Kavanaughs Supreme Court Confirmation | 2018-10-06 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today voted against the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Bennet's Senate floor remarks explaining his vote are available on MEDIUM and YOUTUBE. They are also copied below. Remarks on the Nomination of Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court As delivered on October 4, 2018 Our vote on the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh has left this body and the American people deeply divided. But I think it has also united every American in the belief that this cannot be the standard for how the United States Senate or how the federal government should operate. This cannot be how our Founders expected us to consider lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court of the United States. As recently as when I was in law school, confirmations of a Supreme Court Justice used to be a chance for the American people to learn about our system of checks and balances and the rule of law what made America so special. No student in Colorado watching our conduct over the past few weeks would have anything to be proud of. Instead of modeling our checks and balances, we have been demolishing our checks and balances. Somewhere along the way, we began to treat the courts as another front of our endless partisan war, with each vacancy an opportunity to bloody the other side and secure an ephemeral, political win. And the latest, lowest point in that story is this shambles of a confirmation process. Weeks ago, I announced that I intended to oppose Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. It was after the first round of hearings and before the later allegations of misconduct arose. Then and now, I worried what his confirmation would mean for the people of Colorado. For those with preexisting conditions who depend on the Affordable Care Act for lifesaving treatment. For our farmers and ranchers who are so worried about climate change. For our children with asthma vulnerable to harmful pollutants. For same-sex couples in loving marriages. And for the wo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2254 | Perlmutter Statement on Expected Confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Ed Perlmutter | P000593 | perlmutter.house.gov | legacy | Lakewood, Colo. - U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) issued the following statement regarding the expected confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is one of our country's most sacred and highly-regarded institutions, partly because historically it has been one of the less partisan bodies in U.S. government. But the confirmation process of Judge Kavanaugh has interjected politics into the Supreme Court like our country has never seen before. Confirming lifetime appointments to the highest court in the land is one of the most important responsibilities of the U.S. Senate and should always be treated with the seriousness and respect it deserves. Unfortunately, Judge Kavanaugh's nomination has put a blemish on this process. Early on, I voiced concerns about Judge Kavanaugh's record on women's rights, LGBT equality, Citizens United, immigration laws, and consumer privacy. But now I'm convinced more than ever Judge Kavanaugh lacks the judgement and temperament to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Furthermore, the President and his allies in the Senate have shamefully mocked the women who bravely came forward with credible charges against Judge Kavanaugh which is an insult to every woman who has ever been a victim of sexual assault. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2255 | Safer Fuel Systems Now Required in Newly Manufactured Helicopters | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Ed Perlmutter | P000593 | perlmutter.house.gov | legacy | Lakewood, Colo. As of today, all newly manufactured helicopters are required to be built with safer fuel systems. An amendment included in the five-year authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all newly manufactured helicopters to comply with recommendations from the Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group within 18 months. Additionally, the legislation requires the FAA to expedite certification of retrofit kits to improve fuel system crashworthiness and to publish a bulletin for helicopter owners and operators which includes available retrofits and urges their installation. This legislation is long overdue and too many people have been killed or badly injured as a result of this more than 20-year old loophole. But going forward, this legislation will significantly reduce the risk of post-crash fires and help save lives, said Perlmutter. I want to thank Chris Vanderveen at 9NEWS (KUSA) for his tireless reporting on this issue, the advocacy of Karen Mahany on behalf of her late husband, Patrick, and Rep. Jared Polis along with several of my colleagues in Congress who were instrumental in getting this done. Military helicopters have been built using crash resistant fuel systems dating back to the 1970s. However, the FAA's 1994 fuel system standards only required new helicopter designs certified after 1994 to comply with these standards. As a result of this loophole, over 4,700 helicopters have been built since 1994 andonly 15% of those have been built with crash resistant fuel systems. There have been at least 175 post-crash fires resulting in at least 80 deaths due to those fires since the standard was published in 1994. Perlmutter and Polis introduced legislation and began pushing the FAA to take action following the July 2015 Flight for Life helicopter crash in Frisco, Colorado which killed pilot Patrick Mahany and left flight nurse Dave Repsher with burns on more than 90 percent of his body. The effort to fix the loophole has been covered extensively by Chris Vanderveen at … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398773 | Polis gives World Space Week and Earth Science Week liftoff! | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Jared Polis | P000598 | polis.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., alongside Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-Va., Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-Ill., Ryan Costello, R-Pa., introduced a resolution to designate Oct. 4 - Oct. 10 as World Space Week and Oct. 14 - Oct. 20 as Earth Science Week. Space and science are awesome! We need to do everything possible to get students excited about learning about the sciences that's why I'm proud to champion top-notch STEAM education for all students,said Polis.Now more than ever, we have to rely on science as we adapt and attempt to reverse the consequences of climate change. We must challenge ourselves to discover and innovate, as is our American tradition. The resolution reads, in part: [] Earth and space sciences include geologic mapping and remote sensing technologies which provide the foundational knowledge of Earth's natural systems that is integral to the discovery, development, and conservation of natural resources, such as energy, water, and minerals, and to the safe disposal of waste products. [] Earth and space science researchers and educators drive creativity and passion for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields among students of all ages through diverse and innovative education and public outreach efforts. Read the entire resolutionhere. Groups such as, the American Geosciences Institute, herald both World Space Week and Earth Science Week. This resolution demonstrates the importance of engaging young people and others in exploring and understanding our Earth,said AGI Executive Director Allyson Anderson Book.The arts are a special lens through which to view geoscience whether it's thinking about the natural processes that formed a beautiful landscape or the sense of wonder you get when you look up into the sky and into the stars. Polisserves on the Committee onEducationand the Workforce. He is thetop-Democraton the Early Childhood, Elementary, and SecondaryEducationSubcommittee and a member of the HigherEducationand Workforce Development Subcommittee. Polis was instrumental i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=A1976EEE-E8DB-458C-A542-6319A4CBC0A1 | Senate Passes Bennet Bill to Improve Wildfire Recovery Efforts | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. This week, the Senate passed Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet's Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act to provide resources to assist communities recovering from damaging wildfires. Colorado communities recovering from this year's Lake Christine Fire and Spring Creek Fire are eligible for the newly available funding. In Colorado, we know the enormous costs wildfires inflict on our communities, said Bennet. And those costs pile up even after fires are extinguished to protect against flooding and erosion. It's time we treat wildfires like other natural disasters and provide communitieslike those harmed by the Lake Christine and Spring Creek Fireswith the federal resources they need. Bill Background: The Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act treats wildfires in the same manner as other natural disasters, ensuring states affected by wildfires can access the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) without receiving a major disaster declaration. HMGP funds are used to implement measures that reduce the risk of flooding and erosion and prevent future wildfires. Bennet first introduced this measure as part of the PREPARE Act in 2015, and later as a standalone bill in 2016. Bennet pressed for a two-year authorization of this authority in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to provide communities affected by fires in 2017 and 2018 access to HMGP resources. Passage of the Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act this week makes this authority permanent. Statements of Support: Because of high fuel loads, warming temperatures, and development in the Wildland-Urban Interface, we are likely to see continued fires in Colorado, said Kathy Chandler-Henry, Chair of the Board of Eagle County Commissioners. Eagle County suffered our largest wildfire in the County's history this summer with the Lake Christine Fire. We thank Senator Bennet for this legislation that would allow us to reduce the risk and severity of future wildfires through the use of Hazard Mitigation Assistance funds. These funds will assist counties such as… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pro-choice-caucus-leaders-kavanaugh-is-unfit-for-the-supreme-court | Pro-Choice Caucus Leaders: Kavanaugh is Unfit for the Supreme Court | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) today issued the following statement about Supreme Court Justice Nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh: Our country should hold Supreme Court Justices, and those who aspire to be them, to the highest standard. Judge Kavanaugh fell far short in his Senate testimony last week, berating senators, making blatant and blame-shifting political statements, and telling outright lies. Mocking those who questioned him, he repeatedly laid bare his contempt for both the Democratic party and the United States Senate. His record on women's reproductive rights was already greatly concerning, as are the multiple sexual misconduct allegations against him. As senators begin the last phase of the confirmation process, we urge them to consider this: A man who violates a sworn oath to tell the truth cannot be trusted with a lifetime position of any sort, much less on the highest court in the land. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=1DD7E789-FC41-4DA0-A149-C46CA77A9C1D | VIDEO & AUDIO: Bennet Speech on Judge Kavanaugh | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Video: Click HERE to download the MP4. Audio: Click HERE To download the MP3. Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet tonight argued against the nomination of D.C. Circuit Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the U.S. Supreme Court. Bennet addressed what Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation would mean for Coloradans, including for those with preexisting conditions, children with asthma, same-sex couples, women making their own health care decisions, and survivors of sexual assault coming forward. Judge Kavanaugh would threaten hard-won progress for all these Coloradanstaking us from the independent majority under Justice Kennedy to an ideological majority deeply out of step with the values of people in my state, Bennet said. Bennet also addressed how Judge Kavanaugh's views stand in opposition to reforms needed to fix our broken politics and provide a check on the executive branch. If confirmed, it is likely Judge Kavanaugh would provide a fifth vote against reforms to end partisan gerrymandering, to help workers organize, to help people vote, and to curb the corrupting power of money in our politics, Bennet said. And, in the age of President Trump, I had particular concerns about the nominee's expansive views on presidential power and oversight, views that made me question the extent to which he would fulfill the court's role as a check on the executive. Bennet commended Dr. Ford for coming forward to share her story and for inspiring othersincluding Colorado's Debbie Ramirezto do the same. She had no reason to make anything up, and she had every reason to stay quiet, Bennet said. But she came forward anyway, because she believed it was her civic duty. Bennet closed by describing the degradation of the Senate's responsibility to advice and consent and its implication for the courts and the rule of law. Instead of insulating the courts from partisanship, we have infected the courts with partisanship, Bennet said. Our dysfunction need not be a permanent state of thingsThe survivors standing around o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=28ECD897-1733-4ED5-96D1-5FDD1E8D3386 | Bennet Urges Justice Department to Remove Irrational Conditions on Colorado Funding | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today urged U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to immediately suspend immigration-related conditions on funding essential to Colorado's law enforcement services in rural and urban communities. In July 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released overdue federal funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program for Fiscal Year 2017. Attached to Colorado's $2.7 million share were unrelated and unprecedented immigration-related conditions. DOJ attached these conditions without engaging in the proper rulemaking process and failed to equip states with sufficient guidance on how to enforce compliance with these conditions. Colorado's 32 JAG recipients include law enforcement agencies, restorative justice programs, human service agencies, housing authorities, and tribes. The funds are used to support positions like police department clerks, youth behavioral counselors, and drug treatment court attorneys. The recipients were unaware of the conditions at the time they applied for funding. They were also not included in the rulemaking process to comment on the certification terms. The conditions are currently being litigated in Pennsylvania. Colorado communities and organizations are forced to either accept the uncertainty and cost associated with these controversial immigration-related conditions or provide the same services without those critical funding resources, Bennet wrote in a letter to Sessions. Furthermore, by placing the responsibility on states to determine if recipients meet the conditions, states are unable to distribute the funds with certainty that they are compliant with DOJ's conditions. The state agency tasked with distributing the funds is not equipped with sufficient expertise to interpret the Justice Department's vague and arbitrary conditions, Bennet wrote. These unprecedented conditions are the latest in a pattern by this Administration of attaching strings to critical federal funding. In effect, the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rewirenews-house-republicans-jam-personhood-language-into-new-tax-bill | Rewire.News: House Republicans Jam Personhood Language Into New Tax Bill | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Diana DeGette | D000197 | degette.house.gov | legacy | The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a package of bills dubbed Tax Reform 2.0 containing a provision extending the ability to count unborn children as beneficiaries under 529 education savings plans. The tax bill is being advanced outside the budget reconciliation process, which means it'sunlikelyto get the 60 votes needed to pass the closely divided U.S. Senate without a filibuster, though it may be taken up after the midterm elections. The GOP'sFamily Savings Act, part of a package of tax legislation that passed the lower chamber by a 240-177 vote, is the latest effort by anti-choice legislators to insert so-calledpersonhood languageinto the tax code. Nothing shall prevent an unborn child from being treated as a designated beneficiary or an individual under this section, reads the bill, referring to 529 tax-deferred plans for education savings. The provision is similar tolanguage insertedin tax reform legislation that passed the House last November before being removed in conference. So-called personhood laws, backed by abortion rights foes andrecently embracedby congressional Republicans,aim toclassify fertilized eggs, zygotes, embryos, and fetuses as persons, granting them legal protection under the U.S. Constitution. Personhood lawshave been rejectedby voters inballot measuresacross the United States. It's yet another attempt to slip something into the tax code to define personhood, said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, in a statement toRewire.News. This is how extremist views creep into the mainstream. Provisions like this one should never become lawthey can lead to limits on access to abortion and even birth control. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) said in a statement said Democratic lawmakers should remain vigilantof any attempt by congressional Republicans to push anti-choice measures through larger bills, even if those bills don't stand much of a chance in the Senate. In addition to exploding our deficit and leaving hard-working Ameri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=26A2269A-0920-4922-A283-9D37D512DA2F | Bennet Secures Colorado Priorities in Aviation Reauthorization | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today applauded the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization, which included four Colorado priorities: Wildfire Mitigation Assistance: The Bennet-led Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act will provide resources to assist communities recovering from damaging wildfires. The bill treats wildfires in the same manner as other natural disasters by making available Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding to states affected by catastrophic wildfires. In Colorado, we know the enormous costs wildfires inflict on our communities. And those costs pile up even after fires are extinguished to protect against flooding and erosion. It's time we treat wildfires like other natural disasters and provide communitieslike those harmed by the Lake Christine and Spring Creek Fireswith the federal resources they need, Bennet said. Prohibition of Drones over Wildfires: The Bennet-sponsored Securing Airspace For Emergency Responders (SAFER) Act will make the unauthorized use of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) over a wildfire a federal felony. Too often, we hear about interference from drones near wildfires in Colorado. The least we can do to support first responders at the scene of a wildfire is prohibit this unauthorized drone use, Bennet said. Helicopter Fuel System Safety Standards: Following the 2015 air ambulance crash in Frisco, Colorado, Bennet has worked with the Colorado delegation to enact provisions requiring the FAA to adopt safety standards that promote crash-resistant fuel systems in newly manufactured helicopters. The air ambulance crash in Frisco three years ago was a wakeup call for Colorado and for Congress to implement new safety standards for helicopter fuel systems. Coloradans' years of advocacy and hard work paid off todayclosing a loophole that will improve safety for helicopter pilots across the country, Bennet said. Essential Air Service Program: The bill reauthorizes the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, which provides critica… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6A33F238-F87D-4239-A476-E6832952E7AE | Bennet, McCain Bill to Establish Conservation Service Corps Moves Forward in Senate | 2018-10-02 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today approved the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act. With the late U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the bipartisan legislation to place youth and returning veterans in national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance America's great outdoors. The bill would amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to establish the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps. The 21st Century Conservation Corps will create a much-needed pathway to meaningful careers in conservation for America's youth and veterans, said Bennet. It was a privilege to work with Senator McCain on this legislation, which will honor his legacy of service by developing the next generation of leaders to protect and enhance our public lands. On behalf of the Corps community in Colorado and around the country, thank you Sen. Bennet for your leadership on the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act. We look forward to seeing a version of the 21CSC Act signed into law that supports engaging more young adults and veterans in national service positions focused on conserving and maintaining the public lands and waters of Colorado and our nation, said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. As the late Sen. John McCain wrote with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, We are convinced that, if [national service] experiences are made available to young people, they will embrace them for what they are -- occasions to elevate the nation while elevating themselves.' It is our hope to see a strong 21CSC Act signed into law this year in honor of Sen. McCain's commitment to expanding opportunities for military, national and public service. More information about the legislation is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=B0372ACF-1262-4EEA-9A3C-A08ACB974D82 | Six Bennet Bills Approved By Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee | 2018-10-02 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Michael Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today approved six bills sponsored by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. Bennet Reaction: Today we moved one step closer to passing important public lands legislation for Colorado. From designating a new National Historic Trail to establishing the 21st Century Conservation Service Corpsa program Senator McCain and I worked on for years to make a reality for America's youth and veteransthe legislation reaffirms our commitment to America's public lands. On Sunday, despite bipartisan support in both chambers, Congress failed to reauthorize LWCFa widely popular conservation tool in Colorado and across the country. We must pass the bill approved today as soon as possible to ensure LWCF is permanently reauthorized and fully funded for the next generation of Coloradans. During a recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, I witnessed the effects of chronic underfunding of land management agencies like the National Park Service. It's critical we address the ongoing maintenance backlog by passing the Restore Our Parks Act. Legislative Background: Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act: Bennet cosponsored this legislation to permanently reauthorize and fully find the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which conserves and promotes access to America's parks, rivers, forests, and public lands. Restore Our Parks Act: Bennet cosponsored this legislation to establish the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to address the $12 billion maintenance backlog at the National Park Service. 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act: With the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Bennet introduced this legislation to place youth and returning veterans in national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance America's great outdoors. The bill would amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to establish the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps. Pike National Historic Trail Study Act: With Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), B… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2246 | Cancer Patients Now Able to Defer Student Loans While Receiving Active Treatment | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | CO | Ed Perlmutter | P000593 | perlmutter.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Legislation providing desperately-needed financial peace of mind to patients battling cancer has been signed into law. The text of H.R. 2976, the Deferment for Active Cancer Treatment Act - introduced by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) - passed the House last week and was signed into law on September 28, 2018. Currently, individuals are able to defer student loan payments for various reasons such as going back to school, joining the armed services or looking for a job, but active cancer treatment has not yet been qualified for deferment. The legislation enables individuals who are diagnosed with cancer to defer payments on public student loans while actively receiving lifesaving treatment without interest accruing during the deferment period, as well as a six month grace period for people who complete treatment. Estimates show more than 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year. This will allow individuals undergoing cancer treatment to better focus on their health, and is something that should have been done a long time ago. I appreciate the work of Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Rep. McCollum, and the advocacy of Critical Mass among others to ensure this was signed into law, said Perlmutter. The hardships the families impacted by cancer face are only exacerbated by the financial stresses of having to meet student loan payments. This bill gives those actively undergoing live saving cancer treatment the peace of mind of not having to think about whether or not they can afford their federal student loan payments. The option to defer without accruing interest will allow patients to focus on what is important, their health, said Ros-Lehtinen. "Young adults are fighting for their lives within a broken cancer care system that ignores their unique needs and isolates them in treatment settings designed for young children or seniors, said Kate Yglesias Houghton, President & CEO of Critical Mass: The Young Adult Cancer Alliance. Every American no matter their age deser… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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