Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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22,697 rows where party = "Democrat" and year = 2026 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.rosen.senate.gov/2026/09/29/in-senate-rosen-helps-pass-legislation-to-protect-college-sports/ | In Senate, Rosen Helps Pass Legislation to Protect College Sports | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Jacky Rosen | R000608 | www.rosen.senate.gov | rosen | https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped pass a bipartisan bill in the Senate to establish much-needed regulation in college sports and provide important protections for student-athletes regarding health, safety, academics, and compensation. The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act would establish clear requirements for name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements for college student-athletes and set regulations for sports agents – protecting young athletes from predatory practices and guarding the integrity of college sports. “The current rules around athlete compensation and eligibility in college sports have created a murky landscape that’s hurting our student-athletes and the sports we love most,” said Senator Rosen. “I was proud to help pass this bipartisan bill in the Senate to return some much-needed stability to college sports, and provide clear protections for our athletes and universities in Nevada.” “With the passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, we have taken an important step forward in providing intercollegiate athletics with comprehensive guidelines to address many of the most pressing issues in college sports today,” said Brian Sandoval, President of the University of Nevada, Reno. “The Protect College Sports Act establishes clear frameworks for eligibility, revenue sharing and medical benefits for student-athletes, among many other key provisions, and clearly affirms the need for student-athlete protections through sensible oversight. We are grateful to Senator Rosen for her leadership, vision, and dedication to ensuring that student-athletes remain at the center of these important reforms.” “There is no question that the landscape of intercollegiate athletics is at an inflection point, and the Protect College Sports Act offers a common-sense approach that will create stability and clarity for institutions and support student-athletes as they grow and prepare for life after sport,” said Chris Heavey, Interim President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-adams-brown-lead-house-colleagues-urging-usda-distribute-delayed | Reps. Adams, Brown Lead House Colleagues in Urging USDA to Distribute Delayed Funding for Urban Agriculture Grants | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NC | Alma S. Adams | A000370 | adams.house.gov | adams | https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, September 24, Congresswomen Alma Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), and Shontel Brown (OH-11)sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Richard Fordyce and Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Colton Buckley, urging the USDA to immediately release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) competitive grants program. The letter was joined by 24 Members of Congress. The UAIP program was created by the 2018 Farm Bill, establishing an office to support and fund urban and innovative farming practices through competitive grants for planning and implementation projects. The program targets areas with limited fresh food access, helping expand efforts by farmers, gardeners, schools, and local governments to build food security, lower local food costs, and support economic development in underserved urban and suburban communities. USDA has received $12 million in appropriated funding for UAIP: $7 million in Fiscal Year 2025 and $5 million in Fiscal Year 2026. However, the agency has not released any of the allocated funds, with no explanation for the delay. The letter calls on the USDA to open a 60-day application window no later than December 31, 2026, and requests answers on what caused the delay, when the NOFO will be released, and what the department's regular funding cycle will look like going forward. “Addressing agricultural needs in North Carolina’s 12th District is one of my top priorities,” saidCongresswoman Adams, a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture.“UAIP was created to support local family farms and increase access to affordable healthy foods in urban districts across the country; the program must continue to do that. I am calling on the USDA to distribute these funds as they have been directed by Congress.” “Congress created and funded the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grant program with bipartisan support. We need answers from USDA as to why UAIP grants are not bei… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-pappas-trahan-ruiz-lead-bipartisan-house-effort-pushing-hhs-to-distribute-liheap-funds | Amo, Pappas, Trahan, Ruiz Lead Bipartisan House Effort Pushing HHS to Distribute LIHEAP Funds | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | RI | Gabe Amo | A000380 | amo.house.gov | amo | https://amo.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), and Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) led a bipartisan group of 113 members in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take all necessary steps to ensure that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds are distributed to the states as soon as possible and no later than November 1, 2026. The lawmakers write: “With a history of repeated funding delays by HHS to states, we are especially concerned for households facing high energy prices this winter who rely on LIHEAP... It is of the utmost importance that the agency ensures funds are released as soon as possible and without congressional intervention throughout Fiscal Year 2027.” “Since February, crude oil prices have significantly increased, topping significantly more than $100 per barrel at its peaks in April 2026 and recently on September 15, 2026. These price spikes impact home heating oil prices especially, as it is refined from crude oil.” “Home heating oil will not be delivered without payment in full, up front, which can average $2,300 for just the winter season. For the many families that cannot afford these high costs, LIHEAP is a lifeline. If households don’t receive these funds on schedule, families will go without heat or be forced to make remarkably difficult decisions in order to afford it.” “Once again we urge you to do everything possible to distribute LIHEAP funds to states and families expeditiously. Families should not have to choose between staying warm and affording other essential items like food, medication, or rent. We appreciate your attention on this urgent matter and stand ready to support the agency in assisting the American people.” The full letter can be found here. The letter was signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), William Keating (D-MA-09), Bennie Thompson (D-MI-02), Joseph Morelle (D-NY-25), An… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-announces-october-town-hall-meetings | Bonamici Announces October Town Hall Meetings | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Suzanne Bonamici | B001278 | bonamici.house.gov | bonamici | https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC [9/28/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced her fall town hall series with three meetings across the First Congressional District. Bonamici will answer questions from attendees and provide an update about her work in Congress. The town hall meetings will be in Beaverton, St. Helens, and Astoria. “Hearing from the people of NW Oregon is essential to my work in Congress,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I know many people are worried about the high cost of living, threats to our democracy, and more. I invite everyone to attend one of my town hall meetings to discuss their concerns and ask questions.” Members of Bonamici’s staff will be at the town hall meetings to assist anyone who is experiencing problems with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, immigration, and IRS. Beaverton Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, October 6th – 7 p.m. Arts & Communication Magnet Academy 11375 SW Center Street, Beaverton St. Helens Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, October 7th – 6 p.m. St. Helens Senior Center 375 S 15th Street, St. Helens Astoria Town Hall Meeting Saturday, October 17th – 1 p.m. To be announced For everyone’s safety and security, large bags and backpacks are not allowed at the town hall meeting. Small purses no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches are permitted. Attendees will not be allowed inside if they do not comply with these safety regulations. Doors will open an hour before each event. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-unveils-new-legislation-support-firefighter-health-and | ICYMI: Boyle Unveils New Legislation to Support Firefighter Health and Wellness | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | PA | Brendan F. Boyle | B001296 | boyle.house.gov | boyle | https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined Philadelphia firefighters and local labor leaders at IAFF Local 22 to unveil the Public Safety Wellness Tax Credit Act, new federal legislation to improve health protections for the firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep the public safe. Boyle’s bipartisan legislation would create a federal tax credit for publicly funded, not-for-profit fire and EMS agencies that offer preventive medical and behavioral health programs. “Firefighters put their lives and their health on the line every single day to protect us,” said Congressman Boyle. “The risks of the job can stay with firefighters long after they're on the job. Years or decades into retirement, they can feel the adverse health effects of such a difficult job. That is why I'm proud to announce new legislation that is focused on one simple goal: helping firefighters stay safe and get healthier. I think it's our moral obligation as a society to ensure that they get those services they need and that they've earned.” Firefighters are at increased risk for occupational illnesses—including cancer, cardiac events, and post-traumatic stress. Congressman Boyle’s new targeted tax credit would improve firefighter health outcomes and reduce long-term municipal costs. To be eligible, fire and EMS agencies must be publicly operated and explicitly codify preventive health and wellness services through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with their employees. Boyle was joined at today’s announcement by Mike Bresnan, President of the Philadelphia Firefighters’ & Paramedics’ Union, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 22, members of IAFF Local 22, and other local labor leaders. “I just want to take a moment to thank Congressman Boyle. He's always been there for us when we need some help with something,” said IAFF Local 22 President Mike Bresnan. “I want to thank Congressman Boyle for stepping up and spearheading this, and hopefully everybody gets on board and supports this… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-calls-review-epas-microplastics-monitoring-and-research | Bynum Calls for Review of EPA’s Microplastics Monitoring and Research | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Janelle S. Bynum | B001326 | bynum.house.gov | bynum | https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | The lawmakers argue that to continue protecting Americans’ health, they need to understand what the EPA has accomplished in its work on microplastics and what progress still needs to be made. They also emphasize the urgency of this review amid emerging research connecting microplastics to adverse health consequences and serious environmental risks. In the letter, the lawmakers write: “Even as the EPA's FY2023-FY2026 research plan approaches its conclusion, Congress lacks a clear assessment of what the EPA has accomplished in its work on microplastics and what work remains necessary to support reliable monitoring, risk assessment and potential regulatory action.” Later in the letter, they write: “Addressing microplastic pollution is critical for protecting the health of Americans and safeguarding our waterways and ecosystems. Our constituents deserve to know what microplastic exposure means for their families’ health, and the requested information above will be critical in informing Congress’s work in tackling this challenge." The letter was also signed by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Dave Min (CA-47), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Judy Chu (CA-28), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Mike Levin (CA-49), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18). In July, Rep. Bynum led a bicameral letter, urging the Environmental Protection Agency to add microplastics to the agency's recently published Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). This letter urged the EPA to begin monitoring microplastics in America's drinking water, citing a growing body of research linking the emerging contaminant to serious adverse health effects. Rep. Bynum also introduced the bicameral… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castrocasarlead60democratsdemandinganswers-onsecuringlegalrepresentationforunaccompanied-children | Castro, Casar Lead 60+ Democrats Demanding Answers on Securing Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Children | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | TX | Joaquin Castro | C001091 | castro.house.gov | castro | https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | “Children's Legal Protections Should Never Be The Currency Of Political Patronage” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congressman Greg Casar led (TX-35) 61 House Democrats in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Acting Director Angie Salazar demanding transparency in its process for awarding contracts to organizations providing legal representation to unaccompanied children. In August, the Burke Law Group, a firm with Trump Administration ties, declined a $150 million no-bid contract only after public scrutiny. The group of lawmakers slammed the Secretary and Acting Director for awarding organizations, such as the Burke Law Group, without relevant experience and expertise, resulting in putting migrant children at risk. The members demanded a more transparent process for awarding experienced organizations to represent unaccompanied children, writing,"Burke Law Group and Our Rescue lack experience, proficiency, and capacity to appropriately implement essential legal services to thousands of unaccompanied children. We are gravely concerned that ORR would entrust a vulnerable population with firms so plainly unqualified for the task. Weurge ORR to find the best organizations to handle this contract through a competitive, public process." The members criticized no-bid contracts awarded to firms that were connected to the president, writing, “The Trump administration has made a practice of issuing awards based on politics and cronyism rather than in the public interest. We are not surprised that leadership in both Burke Law Group and Our Rescue includes individuals who previously served in various roles during the first Trump administration. Derek Benner, the current CEO of Our Rescue, previously served as the Executive Associate Director for Homeland Security Investigations during the first Trump administration. Children's legal protections should never be the currency of political patronage.” The lawmaker… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-takano-meng-and-sen-hirono-recognize-asian-american-and-native | Reps. Chu, Takano, Meng and Sen. Hirono Recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Week | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | chu | https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), and Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of CAPAC, introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 27 – October 3, 2026. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. Since its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions with high populations of AANHPI students, helping colleges expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll over 40 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award nearly half of all associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country. This resolution comes days after the Trump Administration diverted an additional $235 million in federal funding that Congress had designated for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges (TCUs). Instead of increasing investment in HBCUs and TCUs, this Administration has chosen to take money and resources from schools serving historically underserved students, including AANAPISIs, Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Congressional Tri-Caucus condemned the decision and urged the Administration to restore the funding Congress appropriated to support MSIs. Last year, the Trump administration also recklessly decided to end C… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-leads-letter-to-revlon-demanding-answers-following-findings-of-dangerous-contaminants-in-cosmetics/ | CLARKE LEADS LETTER TO REVLON DEMANDING ANSWERS FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF DANGEROUS CONTAMINANTS IN COSMETICS | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NY | Yvette D. Clarke | C001067 | clarke.house.gov | clarke | https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov c: 202.913.0126 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) led a letter signed by nine Members of Congress to CEO of Revlon Group Holdings LLC, Michelle Peluso, following the FDA’s recent findings that the cosmetics company failed to adequately test products for the presence of contaminants – including cancer-causing chemicals and mold – putting the health of its customers at risk, particularly its Black customers who are disproportionately represented in the beauty and personal care market. “Black consumers, specifically women and girls, occupy a significant space within the overall U.S. beauty landscape. In 2026, beauty spending among Black consumers reached $16.2 billion, representing a 9 percent increase from the previous year. Given their prevalence in your customer base, it is our serious concern that Black women and girls would be disproportionately exposed to carcinogenic chemicals in contaminated beauty products,” wrote the Members. “Products that pose a risk to consumers have no place in our markets. Black women and girls should be able to use beauty and personal care products, including over-the-counter (OTC) drug products, without worrying about potential exposure to harmful chemicals.” The letter was signed by: Representatives Clarke, Carson, Crockett, DeLauro, Grijalva, Holmes Norton, Thanedar, Tlaib, and Wilson (FL). Full text of the letter can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-secures-new-grant-deliver-emergency-shelter-counseling-legal-support | Davids Secures New Grant to Deliver Emergency Shelter, Counseling, Legal Support for Kansas Crime Victims | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | KS | Sharice Davids | D000629 | davids.house.gov | davids | https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $11,407,514 to the State of Kansas. The federal investment, which Davids voted to support, will directly fund victim assistance programs, providing essential support services — including crisis counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and therapy — to survivors of crime across Kansas. "When someone experiences a crime, they shouldn't have to figure out how to rebuild their life alone," said Davids. "Whether it's finding a safe place to stay in the middle of the night or having someone stand by your side in a courtroom, our local crisis centers and victim advocates do incredible, heavy work every single day. I was glad to vote for the funding that brought these dollars home to Kansas, and I'll keep working to make sure our local support networks and law enforcement have what they need to keep people safe and supported." Administered through the DOJ’s Victim Assistance Formula Grant program, funds are subgranted by the state to local, community-based nonprofits and public agencies that serve crime victims directly. The $11,407,514 award will support a range of critical services, including: Crisis Counseling & Therapy: Onsite emergency support, mental health counseling, and specialized trauma care for victims and survivors. Emergency Shelter & Relocation: Safe housing, emergency shelter, and basic needs assistance for domestic violence survivors and victims of crime. Legal Advocacy & Criminal Justice Support: In-person courtroom advocacy, legal aid, and help navigating the criminal justice process. Information & Referrals: 24/7 hotlines, emergency intervention, and referral networks for health, housing, and social services. This investment builds on Davids' long-standing effort to deliver federal public safety resources directly to Kansas communities. She has secured more than $27 million in law enforcement and safety grants for the Third District, including grants to recruit police officers in Olathe an… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7398 | Dingell Statement on Trump Administration Lowering Fuel Economy Standards, Ceding Ground to China | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | debbiedingell | https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement in the wake of the Trump Administration’s decision to lower fuel economy standards in internal combustion engine-powered cars: “Today’s decision risks putting the American automotive industry at a competitive disadvantage while the rest of the world races ahead, and it also ignores the more pressing issue working men and women are facing right now with the cost-of-living crisis and the rising price of gas. Americans should have the freedom to choose the vehicle that works best for them, whether that’s electric, hybrid, or an internal combustion engine. But consumer choice and American leadership are not mutually exclusive,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The global auto industry is changing rapidly, and China and other countries are investing heavily in the technologies that will define the future. The global market wants electric vehicles, and we cannot afford to fall behind. Our auto industry cannot continue to be a political ping-pong ball every four years. We need stable policies that make transportation more affordable, support good-paying American jobs, and give our industry the certainty they need to invest, innovate, and compete. Michigan put the world on wheels, and I intend to make sure we remain competitive in the global marketplace. We need policies that give consumers choices while ensuring the next generation of vehicles, including EVs, are developed and built right here in America.” | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-maxine-dexter-md-meets-sandy-mayor-discuss-community-priorities | Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. Meets with Sandy Mayor to Discuss Community Priorities and Infrastructure Investments | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Maxine Dexter | D000635 | dexter.house.gov | dexter | https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SANDY, OR – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) met with Sandy Mayor Kathleen Walker and city officials to discuss the community's infrastructure needs, explore local parks and visit a small business serving Sandy residents. During the visit, Dexter learned more about Sandy's investments in public parks, efforts to support local businesses and ongoing challenges with the city's wastewater treatment system. She was joined by Mayor Walker, City Manager Tyler Deems and Deputy City Manager Jeff Aprati. “Strong communities need reliable infrastructure, successful small businesses and public spaces where families can come together,” Congresswoman Dexter said. “Sandy is investing in its future, and I want to make sure the federal government is doing its part. I’m grateful to Mayor Walker and local leaders for sharing their priorities and showing me where federal investments can make a difference.” The visit included an opportunity to learn about improvements underway at Meinig Memorial Park and explore Cedar Park, Sandy's newest community park. Cedar Park features the Base Camp Action Sports Park, which offers year-round recreational opportunities, including skating, biking and other activities for residents of all ages. “We were excited to welcome Congresswoman Dexter to Sandy today to show her the work we’re doing to keep our community a great place to live,” Mayor Walker said. “From improving our parks to modernizing critical wastewater infrastructure, these projects are investments in Sandy’s future. We’re especially grateful for the Congresswoman's partnership in securing federal funding for our wastewater system upgrades, which helps reduce future utility rates for our residents. She understands how important infrastructure investments like these are for growing communities like Sandy.” Congresswoman Dexter also visited AntFarm Café & Bakery, a local business that serves as a community gathering space while supporting youth and family services, arts programming and educational opportunities. The… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-davis-and-vindman-introduce-legislation-help-fund-childcare-first | Congressmen Davis and Vindman Introduce Legislation to Help Fund Childcare for First Responders | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NC | Donald G. Davis | D000230 | dondavis.house.gov | dondavis | https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) introduced H.R. 10614, Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act, legislation that would help states fund childcare services for the minor children of firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics during shift work and non-traditional hours. The Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to help states fund childcare programs tailored to the shift schedules and non-traditional work hours of covered first responders. “First responders across eastern North Carolina work long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays to keep our communities safe, but finding childcare that works around those hours can be a real challenge,” said Davis. “I am proud to co-lead the Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act to help communities expand childcare options that reflect the realities of first responders’ schedules. Our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics are there for us at all hours of the day, so we should ensure their families have the support they need to continue serving our communities.” Grants would be awarded for three-year periods, with matching requirements increasing over the grant term. Eligible beneficiaries would include career and volunteer firefighters, certified emergency medical technicians, and licensed paramedics who are employed by or affiliated with state, local, tribal, or territorial agencies. | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-introduces-legislation-to-support-veterans-right-to-build-their-own-homes | Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces Legislation to Support Veterans’ Right to Build Their Own Homes | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Veterans Owner-Builders’ Rights Act to expand VA home loans and provide rural veterans with the ability to use a VA home loan to build their own homes. This bill would establish a five-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas for the construction of new homes. As the U.S. continues to face a shortage of starter homes, giving veterans the flexibility to build a home creates a new path to home ownership. In rural communities especially, housing demand frequently outpaces construction. Many veterans already have the skills and knowledge to build a home, but without benefits that give them the freedom to use those skills, they don’t have an opportunity to build. This means veterans are forced into a narrow band of options for how to use VA home loans. As a result, only about 30% of veterans use VA home loans. Owner-builder opportunities, like the ones this bill creates, simultaneously build wealth for veterans and their families, while adding to the overall housing supply. Specifically, this legislation would: Create a new direct home loan program at VA for rural veterans who want to build their own homes, utilizing the framework and eligibility requirements of an existing VA direct home loan program; Provide blueprints with American wood sourcing and manufacturing requirements to stimulate domestic timber economies; Streamline the permitting application process by requiring permit furnishment within 45 days of submission and covering all associated fees; Provide technical assistance for veterans through the VA or a contracted third party related to the skills necessary to construct or repair a home, as well as for the permit application process; and Safeguard against home-flippers by requiring the veteran to live in the home for at least two years, or otherwise accelerate repayment of their loan. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez meets with … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-smile-for-veterans-act | Golden, bipartisan colleagues introduce SMILE for Veterans Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Jared F. Golden | G000592 | golden.house.gov | golden | https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Don Davis (NC-01) and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the SMILE for Veterans Act, to expand affordable dental care for veterans in rural communities across the country. “VA health care is an essential benefit for our nation’s veterans, but for too long a lack of dental coverage has been a massive gap in care. The mouth is part of the body, and our veterans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get basic dental care. I’m proud to work with Reps. Bergman, Davis and Van Drew on the SMILE for Veterans Act, which takes a smart first step toward more comprehensive coverage by focusing on rural areas where barriers to care are the highest and community providers that can help close the gap,” Golden said. Under current law, only about 15 percent of the nearly nine million veterans enrolled in health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are eligible for VA dental services. Eligibility is generally limited to veterans with a service-connected dental condition, a 100 percent disability rating or former prisoner-of-war status. Efforts to broadly expand dental coverage through the VA have faced significant cost and capacity challenges, including the need for additional personnel, facilities, and community-care infrastructure. The SMILE for Veterans Act takes a targeted approach by creating a pilot program to reimburse existing community-based dental providers to serve rural veterans. By leveraging providers and infrastructure already in place, the legislation would expand access to dental care in underserved communities without requiring the VA to build a new system from the ground up. Research from the CareQuest Institute in 2024 found that more than one-third of veterans surveyed rated their oral health as only fair or poor, while more than 75 percent of respondents reported losing two or more teeth to decay or gum disease. Nearly four in 10 veterans reported having no dental insurance. “For too many Veterans in rural communities, … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/goldman-announces-he-secured-15464700-new-york-city-public-housing-authority | Goldman Announces He Secured $15,464,700 for New York City Public Housing Authority | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NY | Daniel S. Goldman | G000599 | goldman.house.gov | goldman | https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | New York, N.Y. – Today, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) announced that he has secured $15,464,700 for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) through the Community Funding Project award program. This funding will go towards improving the standard of safety, security and quality of living at New York City Public Housing developments. This funding will advance several key goals to improve quality of life in public housing developments across New York's 10th Congressional District. Working alongside Senator Schumer, Congressman Goldman secured $5 million to remediate mold conditions at Red Hook East in Brooklyn and won $1.5 million to restore the community center at the Jacob Riis Houses in partnership with Vision Urbana. Goldman also secured grants to upgrade safety infrastructure at eight NYCHA developments, funding improvements to fire safety technology, security cameras, elevator upgrades and lighting systems. Goldman secured $39,344,968 for 49 community projects in NY-10 across the three appropriations processes during his time in office. Representative Goldman was joined by NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt at the press conference. "From the moment I was elected to Congress, representing the historically underserved working-class neighborhoods in my district has been my top priority," said Congressman Dan Goldman. "I am proud to announce that my office has secured more than $15.4 million in federal grants for NYCHA residents at 11 different developments. Public housing should be safe and livable, and I'm proud to have worked alongside so many incredible community leaders to make that a reality. A special thank you is in order for NYCHA, as well, whose leaders have worked with me to pass these projects into law. I am proud to share their commitment to a better future for their residents.” "Every New Yorker deserves a safe, healthy, and dignified home, and this investment will help to make meaningful improvements in the quality of life for thousands of NYCHA residents," said NYCHA Chief Executive Offic… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-hosts-hispanic-heritage-month-roundtable-with-north-jersey-community-leaders-and-advocates | PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Roundtable with North Jersey Community Leaders and Advocates | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NJ | Josh Gottheimer | G000583 | gottheimer.house.gov | gottheimer | https://gottheimer.house.gov/press | scraper | Above: Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable for Hispanic American Heritage Month. BERGENFIELD, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Roundtable in Bergenfield, bringing together community leaders, advocates, educators, local elected officials, county officials, faith leaders, veteran advocates, and workforce professionals from across North Jersey to celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community and discuss the challenges families continue to face. “It’s this diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures, honestly, that makes North Jersey strong and such a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “If we work together to lift one another up and highlight the diversity that gives us our strength, in the greatest country in the world, our best days will always be ahead of us.” In New Jersey’s Fifth District, more than 151,000 constituents are part of the Hispanic and Latino community, with towns like Hackensack, Englewood, and Bergenfield — where roughly a third of residents are Hispanic — among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the state. This roundtable was hosted during National Hispanic American Heritage Month, which is celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. First, this observance originated as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Then, it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover this 30-day period, from mid-September to mid-October. This event discussed a range of priorities, including access to affordable and culturally competent health care and mental health care, rising costs and housing affordability, community safety and immigration enforcement concerns, language barriers, and barriers to education. Gottheimer was joined by Camelia Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor; Raúl Ruiz, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers; John Lucas, President of the S… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-padilla-schiff-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule | Huffman, Padilla, Schiff, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jared Huffman | H001068 | huffman.house.gov | huffman | https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California's water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying soil healthy an… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/28/leader-jeffries-on-squawk-box-people-are-drowning-in-this-failed-republican-economy/ | LEADER JEFFRIES ON SQUAWK BOX: “PEOPLE ARE DROWNING IN THIS FAILED REPUBLICAN ECONOMY” | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NY | Hakeem S. Jeffries | J000294 | jeffries.house.gov | jeffries | https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box, where he made clear that unlike Donald Trump and Republicans, House Democrats are committed to fiscally responsible behavior in the fight for an affordable America. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Welcome back to Squawk Box. We are just five weeks away now from the midterm elections. Joining us right now is House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Good morning to you. Really wanted to spend some time thinking about what you think the Democratic agenda would be if you do win the House and how things change or shift under those circumstances. LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning, great to be with you. Our focus right now, of course, will be over the next 36 days making our case to the American people that we are committed to fighting for an affordable America. The cost of living in this country is way too high. Life is way too expensive. Donald Trump and Republicans promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. That’s what they said. Of course, costs haven’t gone down, costs have gone up. So we’re committed to driving down the high cost of groceries, driving down the high cost of gas, driving down the high cost of housing and also fighting to make healthcare affordable for every single American. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader, how much of the next two years do you think, if you’re to win in the House, would be a series of hearings effectively about Trump, about Trump’s family, about business executives, about giving to ballrooms and all of that? LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re committed to an affordability agenda. As I travel the country, speak to people whether that’s in urban America, rural parts of America, the heartland of America, small-town America or Black and Brown communities throughout America, the one thing that is clear is that people are struggling. They are drowning in this failed Republican economy.They’re working hard, they’re playing by the rules, but they cannot thrive and can barely survive. It’s an unacceptable situation. And so, when… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-bolster | Kaptur, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation Efforts | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OH | Marcy Kaptur | K000009 | kaptur.house.gov | kaptur | https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Toledo, OH — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11), Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced H.R. 10639, the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to bolster Federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. This legislation designates the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program. This designation ensures that the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, delivering Federal resources to support the GLC’s longstanding work to coordinate Great Lakes research and conservation efforts. "As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I helped introduce this legislation to close a gap in a national program that benefits only coastal ocean states. The bill continues our work together to ensure the Federal Government levels the playing field to commit equivalent, well‑deserved resources to our Great Lakes region," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "The Great Lakes are central and essential to Northwest Ohio’s livelihood and economic wellbeing, and enabling the Great Lakes Commission to participate in this NOAA program will strengthen data sharing, enhance information access, and improve management of our coastal and ecosystem resources. In Lake Erie’s Western Basin, home to the shallowest and southernmost shoreline in the Great Lakes system, we face these challenges in real ways and will continue to lead in advancing research and information exchange for the benefit of our entire region." “As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05). “The bipartisa… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/28/mcclellan-launches-2026-veteran-of-the-year-program/ | McClellan Launches 2026 Veteran of the Year Program | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the launch of her 2026 Veteran of the Year Program to recognize, honor and appreciate veterans living in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District for their service. “Veterans gave their time and put their bodies on the line to protect our nation, and they continue to serve after their military careers. Their commitment, courage and selflessness deserves our respect and deepest gratitude,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “My fourth annual Veteran of the Year Program honors veterans living in Virginia’s Fourth and celebrates their continued efforts to give back to our communities. I encourage all those who know a veteran who’s continued to serve people in our district to send in their nominations today!” Eligible nominees must be honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and must currently live in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. Nominations for Rep. McClellan’s Veteran of the Year Program are due by October 28, 2026. Last year, Congresswoman McClellan recognized U.S. Air Force Colonel William Butler, who dedicated over 30 years of service to saving lives, advancing medical research and educating his community. In 2024, she recognized Lt. Col. Curt Powell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two combat deployments before volunteering as a mentor for local veterans. In 2023, she honored Chief Warrant Officer Four Charles H. Talley, Jr., who dedicated 34 years of his life to the U.S. Army before continuing to support aspiring young professionals and active-duty servicemembers in Virginia’s Fourth. | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/28/neal-statement-on-trumps-china-capitulation/ | Neal Statement on Trump’s China Capitulation | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced its intention to lower tariffs on China: “By every measure, President Trump’s trade war with the world has failed. Coupled with his war of choice with Iran that has sent fuel prices to historically high levels, Trump has brought nothing but higher costs for families, less opportunity for workers, chaos for small business owners, and fractured partnerships abroad. Desperate for a way out of his abysmal economic record, Trump is again selling out American workers and businesses by cowering to China when they’ve done nothing to address their manipulative trade and market behavior. “This capitulation comes as he unjustifiably doubles down on his trade war with our most important trading partners. Treating the world’s greatest trade cheat with kid gloves while socking our allies with more job-killing, price-hiking tariffs isn’t a strategy. It’s more weakness that families can’t afford. Enough of the red-carpet rollouts and backroom deals, it’s beyond time to return to sensible trade policy that actually delivers for the American people.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-calls-nj-federal-officials-survey-damage-after-storm-anticipating | Pallone Calls for NJ, Federal Officials to Survey Damage After Storm, Anticipating Federal Disaster Declaration | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NJ | Frank Pallone, Jr. | P000034 | pallone.house.gov | pallone | https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | LONG BRANCH, NJ – Following heavy rain and coastal flooding caused by a powerful nor’easter that impacted areas across New Jersey, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today called on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to conduct a prompt survey to assess the damage to the state in anticipation of the necessity for a federal disaster declaration. “In some parts of my district 6 to 7 feet of tidal flooding inundated businesses and homes, municipal infrastructure such as piers and bulkheads are severely damaged, and cars on the street are submerged in flood water,” Pallone wrote. “While it appears that flood control projects, berms, and raised homes saved many areas from even worse damage, the destruction left behind from this storm is significant.” Pallone also thanked Governor Sherrill for her proactive state of emergency declaration, and reiterated his willingness to work with state officials to provide the necessary federal funds to help towns, businesses, and residents recover from the storm. Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Commissioner Potosnak and Acting State Director Hengemuhle: Over the weekend, my district and areas across New Jersey were hit by a powerful nor’easter storm that resulted in intense rainfall, tidal surges, and forceful winds. I appreciate your willingness to conduct a prompt survey to assess damage to our state. This is necessary in my effort to secure a federal disaster declaration, should the damage survey thresholds be met. From power outages to substantial coastal erosion, this nor’easter has brought dangerous conditions to our state. In its most recent forecast, the National Weather Service warned that the nor'easter would likely continue heavy rain and tidal surges on mid-Atlantic and northeastern states through Monday night. Coastal sections of New Jersey are seeing signific… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-urges-ferc-protect-pjm-customers-stronger-data-center-rules | Pallone Urges FERC to Protect PJM Customers with Stronger Data Center Rules | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NJ | Frank Pallone, Jr. | P000034 | pallone.house.gov | pallone | https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today urging the Commission to use its authority to approve and strengthen recent proposals put forth by PJM surrounding its handling of data centers. “Americans are deeply frustrated and concerned that the rapid and unceasing development of data centers is driving up their monthly energy bills. At the end of the day, protecting Americans’ power bills is FERC’s responsibility,” Pallone wrote in his letter to FERC Chairman Laura Swett. “While I support many of the provisions included in the proposals, I am concerned that they do not go far enough and believe [FERC] should use its authority to improve PJM’s proposals to protect families across the mid-Atlantic region.” Pallone explained that data centers are responsible for an increase in PJM capacity market costs of nearly $30 billion since the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, demand for electricity over the next decade is expected to explode, with PJM forecasting a roughly four percent increase in peak demand each year driven almost entirely by data centers. PJM is therefore suggesting it implement three reforms: requiring data centers to pay for new power plants to make PJM’s grid reliable, requiring data centers to bring their own new generation capacity online, and creating a registry of data centers within PJM’s boundaries. Pallone writes that while he supports these goals, FERC should impose the following improvements to strengthen them: Ensure that data centers are responsible for all the costs they cause, not just for new power plants designed to shore up reliability; Make the requirement for data centers to bring their own new generation capacity online permanent; and Make the proposed data center registry public so that every American has access to the information they need to protect and empower their communities. “Last year, my constituents saw an outrageous 20 percent increase in their power bills, fueled… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/one-month-left-congressman-pat-ryan-invites-hudson-valley-middle-and-high | ONE MONTH LEFT! CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INVITES HUDSON VALLEY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ENTER 2026 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NY | Patrick Ryan | R000579 | patryan.house.gov | patryan | https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | The Congressional App Challenge encourages tech innovation among middle and high school students as they compete for a chance to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol Hudson Valley middle and high school students are encouraged to submit by October 26, 2026; more information on submission can be found on Congressman Ryan’s website Last year’s winner, “Hudson Connect,” was designed by New Windsor 11th grader Aarna Patel; the app is a community resource navigation tool designed to help residents quickly find local services and programs across New York’s 18th Congressional District WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is encouraging Hudson Valley middle and high school students to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide competition that encourages U.S. middle and high school students in each congressional district to learn coding and develop their own software applications, fostering STEM education and engagement with their local Representative. This challenge is open to middle and high school students; students must either attend school or reside in NY-18. Submissions are due October 26, 2026; the portal can be found on Congressman Ryan’s website. “I look forward to this every year. The Congressional App Challenge gives young people across the Hudson Valley a chance to build and demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit for the benefit of the community we love,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I am consistently so impressed with what our students submit – it truly gives me hope for the next generation of innovators growing up right here in the Hudson Valley. There’s one month left to submit, and I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!” “Participating in the Congressional App Challenge and attending the House of Code has been an incredible honor. I created Hudson Connect to help people find local and accessible resources and to bring the community closer together,” said Aarna Patel, New Windsor, 2025 winner. “Having the ap… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6159 | CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CALYPSO LEGEND - THE MIGHTY SPARROW | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VI | Stacey E. Plaskett | P000610 | plaskett.house.gov | plaskett | https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland September 28, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CALYPSO LEGEND - THE MIGHTY SPARROW U.S. Virgin Islands— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) issued the following statement on the passing of Slinger Francisco, internationally renowned calypsonian also known as, "The Mighty Sparrow": "It is with deep sadness that I join the people of the Virgin Islands and the entire Caribbean family in mourning the passing of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow. For more than six decades, he gave voice to the joys, struggles, humor, and truths of Caribbean life. “Sparrow was known as the 'Calypso King of the World. He was a master storyteller and social commentator who used his wit and his music to hold a mirror up to society, and he carried our region's culture to stages around the globe. Generations of Virgin Islanders have danced to his music at Carnival, at family gatherings, in our local communities and far into the Caribbean diaspora. His songs are woven into the fabric of our shared Caribbean identity. "We are profoundly grateful that Sparrow chose to share his extraordinary artistry and gift with the world. He inspired countless calypsonians and artists who followed him, and his legacy will live on through the beauty of our Calypso and Soca music. "On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, his children, grandchildren, loved ones, the people throughout our Caribbean region and the diaspora, and to all who loved him. May he rest in eternal peace." | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/pou-introduces-safe-water-schools-act-protect-students-lead | Pou Introduces Safe Water for Schools Act to Protect Students from Lead | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NJ | Nellie Pou | P000621 | pou.house.gov | pou | https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | PATERSON, NJ – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, last week introduced H.R. 10596, the Safe Water for Schools Act, legislation to help schools across the country replace aging drinking water fountains and monitor their water for dangerous lead contamination. “Every parent should be able to send their child to school knowing the water they drink is safe,” said Congresswoman Pou. “Last year, testing in Paterson in our district found lead in water fountains and faucets throughout our schools, including dangerous levels that forced some fixtures out of service. This is a problem we can fix. My new bill will help schools in New Jersey and across America replace old fountains, monitor water, and keep lead away from our children. Safe drinking water isn’t political and should be something every family can count on, no excuses.” The Safe Water for Schools Act would reauthorize a federal grant program under the Safe Drinking Water Act at $7 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2029. The program helps local school districts replace older drinking water fountains and cover the costs of monitoring lead levels in school drinking water. The legislation is endorsed by the New Jersey School Boards Association and the American Federation of Teachers. The need for this investment has hit close to home in the Garden State. Testing conducted in Paterson Public Schools last year found excessive lead levels in fountains and faucets at 10 schools. Fourteen fixtures registered above the federal action level (15 parts per billion, or ppb), while testing found some amount of lead in a whopping 29.5 percent of the district's fountains and faucets. Congresswoman Pou has made improving water infrastructure a major focus of her first term in Congress. Earlier this month, the House overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Development Act, which includes more than a dozen priorities Pou championed to advance flood protection and water projects across North … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/28/pressley-wu-announce-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-to-protect-20-million-federal-grant-for-roxburys-street-improvements/ | Pressley, Wu Announce Lawsuit Against Trump Administration to Protect $20 Million Federal Grant for Roxbury’s Street Improvements | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | City Argues that the USDOT Illegally Withdrew Funds for Safety, Transit, Accessibility, and Traffic Flow Improvements to Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street in Roxbury BOSTON, MA – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the City of Boston is filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unlawful withdrawal of a $20 million federal grant for critical street infrastructure improvements along three major corridors in Roxbury. In 2022, Rep. Pressley helped deliver these investments which would fund safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow improvements to essential roadways in Roxbury. The grant, awarded to the City in 2022 under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program, would fund the Roxbury Resilient Corridors project, including state of good repair, safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow improvements to Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street. “These funds are an essential investment in Roxbury and the unlawful cancellation of this grant is more evidence of Sean Duffy and Donald Trump’s contempt for the people we serve,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07).“Our shared constituents should be able to get where they need to go and public transit is a public good. The law is on our side here and this lawsuit is a critical step in defense of this project that our office fought hard to secure funding for. There was no good reason to rescind these funds – DOT should reverse course so we can move this project forward, improve the daily lives of commuters, and enhance the climate resilience of at-risk communities—just as Congress intended.” “We’re fighting for every dollar of investment to improve quality of life for Roxbury residents, commuters, and businesses,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston earned this competitive grant to meet community needs and address long-needed infrastructure upgrades. The City of Boston will continue to fight back aga… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-booker-colleagues-reintroduce-abortion-health-care-everywhere-act | Schakowsky, Booker, Colleagues Reintroduce Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act to Repeal Harmful Helms Amendment | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | IL | Janice D. Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | schakowsky | https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Full Text of Bill (PDF) WASHINGTON - Today, on International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, legislation that would repeal the harmful Helms Amendment and ensure U.S. foreign assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion care. Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Norma Torres (CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joining Schakowsky as House co-leads of the legislation. More than 80+ House Members have joined the effort. “Abortion is health care, no matter where you live. For over 50 years, the racist, harmful Helms Amendment has blocked U.S. foreign assistance from supporting abortion care, even where abortion is legal. That is wrong,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Today, on International Safe Abortion Day and every day, we must stand with people around the world who deserve the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act will repeal Helms and help make reproductive health care accessible to everyone, everywhere.” “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.” "The right to decide what is best for your body, health and family should not be dictated by borders," said Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. "The Helms Amendment i… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schriers-bill-bolster-clean-affordable-hydropower-energy-and | Congresswoman Schrier’s Bill to Bolster Clean, Affordable Hydropower Energy and Enhance River Health Signed Into Law | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced that her Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act was signed into law. The bipartisan legislation supports Washington’s clean, affordable hydropower and the healthy management of rivers by enhancing efficiency and transparency for parties involved in the hydropower dam licensing process. Congresswoman Schrier introduced this legislation alongside Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01). “I am thrilled to announce that my bipartisan Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act was signed into law,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “This law will bring transparency and clarity to the licensing process, better informing our communities and dam operators on license status and providing Congress with tools to further streamline the licensing process. I look forward to continuing this work to reduce energy costs, manage river resources, and cut red tape." The legislation is supported by the National Hydropower Association, American Whitewater, and American Rivers. "I am proud to see the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act signed into law. This is an important piece of legislation that will effectively cut federal red tape around hydropower relicensing applications. With nearly 600 water storage dams across Idaho, we must focus on efficient licensing processes to keep our dams running and support clean energy growth," said Congressman Fulcher. “Hydropower provides 30 million Americans clean, reliable power; it's the shock absorber of the grid, delivering 24/7 power when other resources can't. It also provides other public benefits like flood control, irrigation, and recreation. The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act shines an important light on our broken permitting process. I commend Representatives Schrier and Fulcher and Senators Cortez Masto and Daines for leading the charge,” said National Hydropower Association President and CEO Malcom Woolf. “We thank Representatives Schrier and Fulcher for their leadership in advancing greater transparency in the hy… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://sewell.house.gov/2026/9/rep-sewell-leads-bipartisan-letter-to-mexican-government-demanding-resolution-for-birmingham-based-vulcan-materials-and-alabama-workers | Rep. Sewell Leads Bipartisan Letter to Mexican Government Demanding Resolution for Birmingham-Based Vulcan Materials and Alabama Workers | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AL | Terri A. Sewell | S001185 | sewell.house.gov | sewell | https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) led a bipartisan letter to Mexican Ambassador Roberto Lazzeri Montaño expressing concern and outrage regarding the Mexican government’s treatment of Birmingham-based Vulcan Materials Company and American workers. The letter is co-led by Reps. August Pfluger (TX-11), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Gary Palmer (AL-06). “I am proud to lead this bipartisan letter demanding the fair treatment of Vulcan Materials and Alabama workers in Mexico,” said Rep. Sewell. “For almost a decade, senior members of the Mexican government have used illegal tactics to intimidate Vulcan Materials and their workers, including a military seizure of Vulcan-owned property in Mexico. I have worked closely with my colleagues in Congress as we pursued all diplomatic and legislative options, including passing the Defending American Property Abroad (DAPA) Act. I will continue to fight for all the workers in my district who have suffered from illegal trade actions by foreign nations.” "Mexico's seizure of Vulcan Materials is a direct threat to American jobs, economic security, and national security," said Rep. Pfluger. "Even after an international tribunal found that Mexico violated its trade obligations by shutting down part of Vulcan's operations, the Mexican government has continued to target this company. That's why the House passed my Defending American Property Abroad Act, making clear the United States will not tolerate the illegal capture of American-owned assets by foreign governments. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort and advocate for Vulcan Materials." “American companies and workers operating abroad deserve to be treated with fairness,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The actions taken against Vulcan Materials are unacceptable and a clear violation of international trade norms. I am joining a bipartisan coalition of my colleagues in demanding an immediate resolution to these illegal actions.” “The Mexican government’s continued targeting of Vulcan Materials is unac… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-carter-ezell-thompson-introduce-fema-workforce-planning-act-ensure | Reps. Carter, Ezell, Thompson Introduce the FEMA Workforce Planning Act to Ensure the Federal Government Has Capacity for Disaster Response | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | LA | Troy A. Carter | C001125 | troycarter.house.gov | troycarter | https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), alongside Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) introduced the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act. This legislation requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and submit detailed workforce plans to Congress to ensure the agency can effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. It also requires FEMA to improve employee recruitment and retention efforts, develop strategies to train and deploy its workforce efficiently, and use data to address and fix staffing gaps. “Americans rely on FEMA in our most desperate moments,” said Congressman Carter. “As storms grow more intense and last longer, our commitment to preparedness must grow stronger too. I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation that will ensure FEMA has the support they need to maintain an effective and efficient workforce prepared to respond wherever and whenever disaster strikes.” “Communities across South Mississippi know firsthand how important it is to have a prepared and capable FEMA workforce when disaster strikes,” said Congressman Ezell. “I’m proud to help introduce the FEMA Workforce Planning Act to ensure FEMA has the right people, training, and resources in place to respond quickly and effectively when Americans need help most. By improving workforce planning and addressing staffing gaps before the next emergency, we can strengthen FEMA’s readiness and better serve communities recovering from disasters.” “Unfortunately, FEMA’s longstanding workforce problems have only worsened over the last year and a half. In order to respond to worsening disasters, we need FEMA to have the proper analysis, strategies, and plans to ensure its workforce is effective and meeting the needs of the nation. I thank Congressman Carter for introducing this necessary legislation,” said Congressman Thompson. Background The Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act req… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-vasquez-nunn-introduce-bipartisan-beef-act-protect-american-ranchers-and | Reps. Vasquez, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers. This bill is in response to the Administration’s announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers. “If we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business – not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,” said Vasquez. “Cattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear – they want to reverse the President’s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My bipartisan BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.” “Lowering beef prices for Iowa families and supporting our cattle producers should go hand-in-hand,” said Nunn. “If we want more affordable beef for the long term, we need more American beef being raised and produced here at home. After years of a shrinking cattle herd, that means giving our producers the stability and confidence to invest, rebuild, and grow. Our bipartisan bill puts producers at the table to develop a long-term plan to increase our domestic beef supply, while giving Congress a say before future decisions are made to expand foreign imports.” The BEEF Act would: Suspend the Admi… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/28/vindman-joins-virginia-west-virginia-delegations-in-introducing-bill-to-protect-historic-battlefields-in-shenandoah/ | Vindman Joins Virginia, West Virginia Delegations in Introducing Bill to Protect Historic Battlefields in Shenandoah | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined every member of the bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegations from Virginia and West Virginia in supporting the Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation (VALOR) Act. This legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge Country in Virginia. “The Shenandoah VALOR Act recognizes the important role the Shenandoah Valley and the Eastern Panhandle play in our nation’s Civil War history while creating new opportunities for communities to preserve that history and share it with visitors,” said Vindman. “I’m proud to support this legislation that will protect these historic sites, invest in our local communities, support tourism, and ensure that future generations can learn from the stories that shaped Virginia and West Virginia.” In addition to expanding the National Historic District, this bill would also protect its existing federal funding and provide resources for battlefield preservation, visitor facilities, historic properties, grants, technical assistance, and the acquisition of land from willing sellers. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $1.25 million annually beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 for management, operations, battlefield parks, visitor facilities, and preserved historic properties, along with $2.5 million annually from FY2027 through FY2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition. The legislation further directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on ways the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields partnership model could be replicated at other locations within the National Park System. The legislation is led in the U.S. House by Riley Moore (W.Va.-02). In addition to Vindman, the bill is supported by Rob Wittman (Va.-01), Jen Kiggans (Va.-02), Bobby Scott (Va.-03), Jennifer McClellan (Va.-04), John McGuire (… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/28/vindman-mfume-urge-netanyahu-to-contain-settler-violence-protect-communities-in-the-west-bank/ | Vindman, Mfume Urge Netanyahu to Contain Settler Violence & Protect Communities in the West Bank | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Kweisi Mfume (M.D.-07) sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging his government to take immediate steps to contain settler violence in the West Bank. “We write with urgent concern regarding the growing outbreak of extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including violence that has killed and threatened American citizens,” wrote the lawmakers. “We do so out of concern for Israel’s long-term security as well as for the safety of Palestinians. Continued settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank will harm that security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” “Amidst this violence, we are especially concerned for the safety of American citizens in the West Bank,” the lawmakers continued. “Nine American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since January 2022. To date, no one has been held accountable for any of these nine deaths. Many of us have heard directly from constituents, including American citizens who have themselves been threatened or harassed by settlers without cause.” “Restoring the rule of law in the West Bank serves the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the lawmakers concluded. “The safety of our constituents matters to us as the safety of your citizens matters to you. We also hope to see conditions improve so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live alongside one another without fear of terrorism or lawless violence.” In the letter, the representatives request that the Israeli government take the following actions to uphold the rule of law and end the violence in the West Bank: Instruct the Israeli Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to defend Palestinian communities in the West Bank when they come under attack, and to apply that standard consistently, whoever the attackers are; Establish a transparent and credible mechanism to investigate and prosecute violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian Americ… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-murray-lead-senate-democrats-in-demanding-trump-admin-abandon-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding | Baldwin, Murray Lead Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Admin Abandon Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led 29 of their colleagues in demanding that White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert more political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grant-making process. The lawmakers’ call for new guardrails follows reporting that OMB was working on an Executive Order to create a commission that would include Director Vought to review NIH grants and give them the unilateral power to cut funding for groundbreaking research solely for political reasons. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is just the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump administration has shown time and again it wants to use NIH funding to pursue political agendas and vendettas, at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” Baldwin and the Senators write to OMB Director Vought. “Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-votes-to-pass-the-bipartisan-protect-college-sports-act | Baldwin Votes to Pass the Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | baldwin | https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) voted for the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which passed the Senate 77-22. The legislation sets national rules for college athletics around how student-athletes can be paid for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The legislation, which is supported by President Trump and now heads to the House of Representatives for final passage, codifies athletes’ rights and protections in law and amends existing law to expand revenue for all schools. Baldwin’s amendment, which was successfully added to the bill on a bipartisan basis, preserves student-athletes’ legal rights, including their ability to bring lawsuits against universities for harms like sexual assault or injuries, like CTE. “Wisconsin has an incredibly proud tradition of college sports. These young people learn lifelong skills, while also bringing pride to their schools and bringing our communities together,” said Senator Baldwin. “At the same time, we need to be honest that the college sports landscape has changed dramatically in recent years and become the Wild West. The chaotic expansion of sponsorship and NIL deals has led to money driving recruiting, constant roster turnover, and athletes’ rights under attack. This is happening at the same time that many athletic programs are being cut and roster sizes reduced. The current system is not working for athletes, schools, or fans. This bill is a step in the right direction to help stop the chaos, compensate student-athletes fairly, and support our sports programs at our universities for generations to come. I was proud to strengthen this bill to protect student-athletes’ rights and ensure that if they are sexually assaulted or get serious injuries like CTE, they can get their justice. Whether you cheer for the Blugolds, Badgers, or Blue Devils, we can all get behind this bill to protect student-athletes and the college sports we love.” Baldwin’s amendment allows student-athletes to bring state-law claims involving harms like personal injur… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/28/bennet-cortez-masto-scott-celebrate-passage-of-hispanic-heritage-month-resolution/ | Bennet, Cortez Masto, Scott Celebrate Passage of Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to pass a resolution recognizing and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place every year from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month honors the contributions that the Hispanic and Latino communities have made to American achievements, culture, and history. “The deep roots of the Hispanic community in Colorado are part of what makes Colorado great,” said Bennet. “This month, I’m reflecting on and celebrating the incredible contributions of the 1.3 million Hispanic Coloradans. Our work must continue to uplift Hispanic communities in Colorado and across the country.” “The Hispanic community in the United States is an integral part of the American story,” said Cortez Masto. “This month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by Latinos, celebrate our accomplishments, and continue building a better future. This month and every month, I’m proud of my Latina heritage.” “Florida’s Hispanic communities are a vital part of what makes the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Scott. “Hispanic Americans have shaped Florida’s history, boosted our economy, and strengthened our communities – helping fuel the promise of the American Dream for countless Floridians. I’m proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in leading this resolution to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the incredible history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida and across our nation.” Bennet has cosponsored a Hispanic Heritage Month resolution every year since he began his Senate tenure. In addition to Bennet, Cortez Masto, and Scott, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy K… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/28/bennet-duckworth-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-extend-and-redesignate-temporary-protected-status-for-ukrainians/ | Bennet, Duckworth, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Extend and Redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CO | Michael F. Bennet | B001267 | www.bennet.senate.gov | bennet | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/ | scraper | The senators call for an 18-month extension and redesignation as TPS for Ukrainians is set to expire next month Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and a bipartisan group of 29 Senate colleagues to demand that the Trump administration issue an 18-month extension and a redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. The senators, in their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone as Putin continues targeting civilian infrastructure ahead of winter. “Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure that has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,” wrote the senators. Ukrainian TPS holders have long enriched communities in Colorado and across the nation, both culturally and economically. The senators emphasized that extending TPS for 18-months would protect these vulnerable members of our community from being forcibly returned to dangerous conditions, while ensuring our nation continues to benefit from their ongoing contributions. Bennet has long supported the Ukrainian people’s fight against Putin aggression. He leads legislation in the Senate intelligence and defense bills, both of which have passed their respective committees, to bolster intelligence and drone cooperation with Ukraine. Bennet joined bipartisan colleagues to introduce and pass the Sanctioning Russia Act, sev… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-warren-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-ai-oversight-calls-out-white-house-for-being-asleep-at-the-wheel-in-the-wake-of-openai-hacks | Blumenthal & Warren Demand Answers from Trump Administration on AI Oversight, Calls Out White House for Being "Asleep-at-the-Wheel" in the Wake of OpenAI Hacks | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today demanded answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the Administration’s delayed, secretive, and voluntary process to test and monitor advanced artificial intelligence models. In a letter sent today to Bessent, the Senators raised concerns that the Administration’s hands-off approach to A.I. oversight leaves the public, our financial system, and our national security vulnerable to the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated, out-of-control A.I. models. Pointing to recent revelations about the scale of the Hugging Face breach by rogue OpenAI agents and OpenAI’s subsequent steps to limit an independent into the breach, the Senators wrote, “This rapid acceleration in the severity—indeed potential illegality—of A.I. safety failures demands rigorous, independent oversight, testing, and investigations from the federal government…Voluntary measures and self-policing clearly are not working: despite these sensational reports, Anthropic and OpenAI have both acknowledged that they have no plan to solve the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated A.I. models.” The Senators continued, “Rather than confront the compounding risks of out-of-control and unregulated A.I., the White House has sought to shield major A.I. companies from public scrutiny, leaving Americans in the dark. In June 2026, the President signed an executive order requiring the creation of a classified ‘benchmarking’ process and ‘AI cybersecurity clearinghouse’ to test the capabilities of frontier A.I. models, a program in part led by the Department of the Treasury. However, despite reporting that some members of the Administration sought to make participation and disclosures mandatory, instead—reportedly after interventions from Mark Zuckerberg and his allies[1]—the program was made expressly volun… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-puts-trump-va-nominees-on-blast-for-blatant-lack-of-qualifications-at-hearing | Blumenthal Puts Trump VA Nominees on Blast for Blatant Lack of Qualifications at Hearing | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing today to consider pending nominations, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) underscored the five nominees’ jarring lack of qualifications for the roles they have been nominated for at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “I'm just going to be very blunt. I'm gravely concerned that none of these nominees have any experience with veterans' benefits law, whatsoever, not as judges, not as lawyers, not as advocates for veterans,” Blumenthal said in his opening. Blumenthal raised scrutiny over the nominees to be judges at the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims (CAVC). He first highlighted a watchdog report on nominee Robert Fleck, which revealed Fleck engaged in nepotism and lied about sharing sensitive information when he worked at VA’s Office of General Counsel: “Mr. Fleck, you were found by VA’s Office of Inspector General to have engaged in nepotism when - as a manager in the Office of General Counsel – you advocated for the employment of your wife in that same office. You will have to explain to the Committee why the report done by the Office of Inspector General is not disqualifying, and I appreciate the Chairman's staff subsequently sharing the documents and information with us, which should prompt all of us to have very strong concerns, and I intend to make further inquiries about this issue. We have a constitutional duty of oversight.” Ahead of the hearing, VA intentionally redacted and withheld documentation requested by Democratic Committee staff related to the investigation into Mr. Fleck, while providing the Committee Republicans with additional, unredacted documents. Blumenthal called into question another CAVC nominee, Daniel Rendleman, and his qualifications for the role in light of his radical anti-abortion views: “Mr. Rendleman, if confirmed, you would have the power to decide whether a veteran’s claim for reproductive health care coverage or reimbursement is denied. The radical anti-abortion views you espouse call int… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-releases-psi-report-detailing-how-lutnick-linked-crypto-firm-tether-props-up-irans-shadow-banking-system | Blumenthal Releases PSI Report Detailing how Lutnick-Linked Crypto Firm Tether Props Up Iran's Shadow Banking System | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today released a new report detailing how Tether and its dollar-pegged stablecoin (USDT) have become a significant financial lifeline within Iran’s shadow banking network. As part of its ongoing inquiry into the role of cryptocurrencies in illicit finance, PSI Democratic investigators conducted a forensic analysis of blockchain transaction data from 846 unique cryptocurrency wallets that have been sanctioned or targeted for seizure due to their association with Iran and its regional proxies. This analysis shows that Tether has, in effect, provided Iran access to a high-liquidity international payment system that the United States has assiduously sought to deny it. “My new PSI report exposes how Tether and its flagship token have become central to Iran’s shadow banking system, allowing the Iranian government to fund its regional proxies, commit human rights abuses, and pursue hostile drone and missile programs as they defy our sanctions regime,” Blumenthal said. “The Trump Administration’s glaring lack of oversight of cryptocurrency issuers has undermined our own national security interests. That is why I am calling on the Department of Treasury and Justice to immediately investigate Tether and hold it accountable for these potential sanctions violations.” A summary of PSI’s key findings is below: Tether has become a primary illicit international payment system for Iran, allowing it to circumvent international sanctions on its banks: Of the 846 wallets sanctioned for their association with Iran and its terrorist proxies, 84% have transacted exclusively, or nearly exclusively, in USDT. These activities include efforts by the Iranian government to move funds into, and out of, Iran and to prop up the country’s currency in the face of U.S. sanctions, including through the Central Bank of Iran. Tether serves as a central payment mechanism that interlinks Iran and its terrorist p… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-shaheen-and-12-bipartisan-senators-question-president-trump-on-invitation-of-vladimir-putin-to-g20-on-american-soil | Blumenthal, Shaheen, & 12 Bipartisan Senators Question President Trump on Invitation of Vladimir Putin to G20 on American Soil | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and 12 bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump inquiring about the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leader’s Summit in Miami, Florida this coming December. In the letter, the Senators question why Vladimir Putin, who has committed atrocities against the people of Ukraine and silenced his own people, has been welcomed with open arms to participate in a G20 meeting on American soil. This comes at a time when the Russian government is ramping up its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and continues to target Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The Senators make clear that President Putin should not be permitted to take part in G20 events or other similar international forums in the United States and request for Putin nor any sanctioned Russian officials be permitted at upcoming G20 events. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day,” wrote the Senators. “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure,” continued the Senators. “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-coons-merkley-van-hollen-kaine-call-for-secretary-rubio-to-act-to-de-escalate-tension-in-ethiopias-tigray-region | Booker, Coons, Merkley, Van Hollen, Kaine Call for Secretary Rubio to Act to De-escalate Tension in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee (SFRC) on Africa and Global Health Policy issued the following statement after reports of renewed violent conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. In the statement, Booker was joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in condemning the Trump Administration for allowing sanctions to expire on those who facilitated human rights violations in Tigray and urged for mediation to continue: “We are alarmed by the deteriorating security situation in Ethiopia. As conflict in the Tigray, Oromia and Afar regions escalate, we are seeing the unraveling of the agreement that ended the 2020–2022 Tigray war, which the African Union brokered and the United States strongly supported. The international community must push signatories to the agreement to de-escalate tensions and return to mediation or risk seeing another conflict in the Horn of Africa. “Unfortunately, this resumption of hostilities comes less than a week after the Trump Administration let sanctions expire on individuals and entities that facilitated gross human rights abuses in Tigray. Allowing these sanctions to expire emboldens belligerents that see no checks against their horrific actions and leaves victims without much needed justice. Last week, a truck transporting U.S.-funded food assistance for internally displaced people in Northwestern Tigray was hit in a drone strike by the Ethiopian military. A significant portion of the food assistance was damaged or destroyed, and critical assistance was disrupted for people already facing significant humanitarian needs after the 2020-2022 conflict. The Ethiopian military’s expansive use of drones in Amhara and Oromia is extremely concerning, will only worsen the humanitarian situation and risks widening the conflict. The Tigray People’s Lib… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-duckworth-hirono-smith-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-allow-use-of-us-foreign-assistance-for-abortion-care-overseas | Booker, Duckworth, Hirono, Smith, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Allow Use of U.S. Foreign Assistance for Abortion Care Overseas | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, which would repeal the 1973 Helms Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act and ensure that U.S. foreign assistance may be used to provide the full scope of comprehensive health care, including safe, and legal access to abortion services. U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7), Diana DeGette (D-CO-1), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Helms Amendment has prohibited any U.S. foreign assistance funds from being used for “the performance of abortion as a method of family planning” and has acted as a total ban on U.S. foreign aid being used for any abortion services. Due to the Helms Amendment, women are being denied abortion care, and even basic information and counseling. The Helms Amendment also forces providers to distinguish between abortion and all other health services and puts an essential health care service out of reach for too many. The bill also includes language clarifying that under U.S. government policy, safe abortion care is a critical component of comprehensive maternal and reproductive care. “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.” “Reproductive health … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-takes-to-senate-floor-to-oppose-the-protect-college-sports-act | Booker Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose the Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON. DC – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a former Division I college football player, took to the Senate floor to oppose the Protect College Sports Act, standing with college athletes and organizations including the NAACP, Congressional Black Caucus, and AFL-CIO who have raised serious concerns about a bill that was written without athlete input, shields the NCAA from accountability, and puts the burden of enforcement on athletes themselves. “At its core, it's a bill that undermines the rights of young people who pour their blood, sweat, tears, countless hours of work, and more into their craft, ” said Senator Booker. From his earliest days in the Senate, Senator Booker has been a leading voice on college athletes’ rights, standing with athletes against efforts to roll back the hard-fought protections they have earned. “Listen to the athletes. Listen to those who represent them. This so-called “Protect College Sports Act” isn’t about protecting college athletes—it’s about protecting wealthy coaches, powerful institutions, and an NCAA that’s held unbridled power for decades while athletes faced discrimination and injustice, ” continued Senator Booker. College sports is now a roughly $20 billion industry, with more than 40 football coaches earning over $5 million a year. Just 15 fired coaches collected nearly $250 million in contract buyouts in 2025 alone. “College athletes put their bodies on the line, and generate billions, they deserve a real voice and real rights. This bill pulls the rug out from under them. Athletes deserve leaders who stand with them and I’ll keep fighting alongside them,” said Senator Booker. | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prohibit-firearms-at-polling-places-nationwide-protecting-voters_election-workers | Cantwell & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places Nationwide, Protecting Voters & Election Workers | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places Nationwide, Protecting Voters & Election Workers In early 2026, 32% percent of local election workers experienced threats or harassment; 52% concerned for staff safety WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined her colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places. “It is deeply troubling that now more than half of local elections officials worry about the safety of their colleagues, and a third have experienced threats or abuse. The officials and volunteers who run our free and fair elections deserve to be and feel safe at work – and voters need to be able to visit their elections office without worrying about their safety,” Sen. Cantwell said. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help further ensure that every voter has the right to cast their ballot and every election worker can conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would strengthen existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections. In Washington state, firearms are already prohibited at ballot counting centers, voting centers, student engagement hubs, and county elections and voter registration offices, as well as any facility being temporarily used for those reasons. The right to vote is fundamental to American democracy, but rising threats of political violence against voters and election workers threaten election security. As of April 2026, 32% of local election workers have reported experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse. Armed groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were involved in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol have threatened to… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-celebrates-new-amtrak-trains-for-the-pacific-northwest | Cantwell Celebrates New Amtrak Trains for the Pacific Northwest | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Celebrates New Amtrak Trains for the Pacific Northwest Cantwell championed a record-high Amtrak investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is funding new Airo trains WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, celebrated the debut of new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades ahead of the first passenger service on September 30. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps paying dividends,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The state-of-the-art Airo trainsets replace much older cars, making travel on Amtrak’s Cascades route more convenient, accessible, and reliable for riders across the Pacific Northwest. The Airos also have nearly twice as many seats, helping to meet growing demand on this routinely sold-out route.” Sen. Cantwell led passage of the largest bipartisan investment in passenger rail in history, including $22 billion for Amtrak, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, Pacific Northwest customers will be the first in the nation to experience Amtrak’s newest trains. Amtrak’s Airo trains produce 90% less particulate emissions than their predecessors. Redesigned interiors will offer improved accessibility and comfort in state-of-the art train interiors. In October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced that Amtrak would invest nearly $300 million in major upgrades to Seattle’s King Street Station rail yard. The upgraded railyard supported the introduction of the new Airo trains and operates without the use of fossil fuels for heating. | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-call-for-memorial-at-arlington-national-cemetery-to-honor-wa-servicemember-killed-in-operation-epic-fury | Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), and Mike Carey (R-OH-15) in introducing bicameral legislation, the Zeus 95 Memorial Act, to establish a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) honoring the six Zeus 95 servicemembers who perished on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 during an Operation Epic Fury mission. Maj. John A. Klinner, (33, Auburn, AL); Capt. Ariana G. Savino, (31, Covington, WA); and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, (34, Bardstown, KY), were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Capt. Seth R. Koval, (38, Mooresville, IN); Capt. Curtis J. Angst, (30, Wilmington, OH); and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, (28, of Columbus, OH) were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio. “Captain Savino and the five heroes of ZEUS 95 gave everything in service to our country. A memorial at Arlington National Cemetery will ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Captain Ariana G. Savino represents the absolute best of Washington state and our country. I will forever be grateful for her bravery and sacrifice,” said Sen. Murray. “Capt. Savino and the other five courageous Air Force Airmen put their lives on the line to keep our country safe—they should be honored. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident—Congress should pass this bill immediately to establish this memorial. We have a commitment to honor our servicemembers not only… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-her-vote-directing-trump-to-end-his-war-in-iran | Cantwell Statement on Her Vote Directing Trump to End His War in Iran | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Statement on Her Vote Directing Trump to End His War in Iran WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted 49-50 against a concurrent resolution directing President Trump to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran, after nearly seven months of war. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) voted for the resolution and gave the following statement: “The costs of President Trump’s unnecessary war with Iran continue to mount, and the American people want it to end. We have lost valuable lives, and the conflict is compounding the burden of high gas and grocery prices at home.” Last week, Sen. Cantwell joined 45 Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the war with Iran. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the senators criticized the Department of Defense for withholding information from Congress and the American public, even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to rise. This week, partial information provided to Congress showed that the war cost at least $43.6 billion by September 3 – three weeks ago – as the Trump Administration has requested $67 billion more for the war. Moreover, as the senators’ letter notes, the war has also cost American consumers an extra $100 billion just in higher gas and diesel costs, and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets, among others. On June 23, she issued a statement after voting for a War Powers Resolution measure to end the war. Congress passed the resolution – rejecting President Trump’s war with Iran – in a bipartisan vote. On June 18, she issued a statement on President Trump’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran, saying, “The President’s war with Iran was a mistake. The MOU is the price the President must pay to get us out of this unauthorized war before it further damages our economy and costs more lives.” On March 15, she issued a statement after six U.S. service members – including Captain Ariana G. Savino from Coving… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell/randall-bill-to-restore-lower-elwha-klallam-tribal-lands-unanimously-passes-senate-heads-to-president-for-signature | Cantwell/Randall Bill to Restore Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Lands Unanimously Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell/Randall Bill to Restore Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Lands Unanimously Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act is one of the last steps of the Elwha and Glines Canyon Dam removal project & will help restore fisheries; Bill now heads to President’s desk to become law WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), former chair and longest-serving member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06), who serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, to transfer federal land back to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe after decades of work to restore the Elwha River. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act, having previously passed the House, now goes to the President’s desk for his signature. “Today, Congress took a historic step to strengthen salmon and habitat recovery and help fulfill a decades-old vision to restore the Elwha River and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe’s connection to lands that have sustained them since time immemorial. I’m thrilled we got this bill across the finish line and look forward to the President signing it into law,” Sen. Cantwell said. "Today, we took an important step in upholding our treaty obligations by passing legislation to transfer land into trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. As a freshman member of Congress who represents — alongside their elected Tribal leaders — over 15,000 Tribal members, this significance is not lost on me,” said Rep. Randall. “Now signed into law, this bill will help ensure we meet our trust responsibilities to restore Tribal lands.” “It is a great honor to be trusted to steward these lands again, it continues to be a great part of our healing from the dam removal projects. We continue to see slow but persistent growth in our river and the return of the salmon. This has been a long process, and we a… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-protect-college-sports-act-77-22 | Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act 77-22 | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act 77-22 Landmark bill enshrines into federal law rights and health and safety protections for college athletes, protects athletes from predatory agents, & secures the future of women’s and Olympic sports; Legislation moves to House for consideration WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, celebrated the overwhelming, bipartisan Senate vote to pass the Protect College Sports Act. "There are several things in this bill that are really important to enshrine into federal law at this time. First and foremost, the federal right to NIL [Name, Image, and Likeness]," Sen. Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. "But compensation on revenue sharing is probably the most important thing we could possibly enshrine in federal law today. This is [Congress] saying, for the first time, that an athlete gets a percentage of the media rights, the ticket sales, and the sponsorship." She continued: "We also believe in a health and safety standard in federal law, one that protects the athletes beyond the way the law works today and gives them the right to sue and hold these people accountable for any kind of health and safety violations [...] And then medical coverage for five years post eligibility, and capping agents’ [fees] at 5%." "We need to stop stealing money out of college [and] university institutions for education, for tuition, for professors, and putting it into an arms race on sports," Sen. Cantwell said. "It is putting a pin in the problems to stabilize the loss of women’s and Olympic [sports] and to create the opportunity to discuss the larger structure moving forward. That is why I think we have so much support." Video of Sen. Cantwell’s floor speech is HERE; a transcript is HERE. The final vote was 77-22. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. The next scheduled H… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-protect-college-sports-act/ | Senator Coons statement on Senate passage of the Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), an original co-sponsor of the Protect College Sports Act, released the following statement after the Senate voted 77-22 on the bill’s final passage this evening: “College sports are in crisis, and I’m grateful to Senators Cantwell and Cruz for leading this bipartisan effort to save them. Their hard work negotiating with colleges and universities, HBCUs, the NCAA, unions, trial lawyers, players, and others has created a badly needed bill that is a win for student-athletes, schools, and fans. Today’s resounding, bipartisan vote for final passage that won the support of a majority of my Democratic colleagues is proof of their success. “No matter which school they attend or what sport they play, this bill will protect the education, health, and compensation rights of all 550,000 NCAA student-athletes. It keeps college sports from collapsing and leaves student-athletes better off than before. I want to thank my colleagues for taking up and passing this bill so swiftly, and I urge the House to do the same.” | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-tillis-blackburn-schiff-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-protect-u-s-internet-users-from-foreign-online-piracy/ | Senators Coons, Tillis, Blackburn, Schiff introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect U.S. internet users from foreign online piracy | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Christopher A. Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | coons | https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the Deterring Extraterritorial Foreign Exploitation of Networks Damaging Intellectual Property (DEFEND IP) Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would allow U.S. courts to direct internet service providers to block specifically identified foreign criminals and the piracy sites they operate from gaining access to U.S. internet users. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Ben Cline (R-Va.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Pirating American movies, TV shows, art, and books by foreign websites steals tens of billions of dollars from the U.S. economy each year, costing our creative community hundreds of thousands of jobs,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give American creators the tools they need to protect their intellectual property rights, while ensuring the internet remains a vibrant forum for free speech.” “Foreign piracy continues to threaten American creators, putting well-paying jobs at risk, while exposing consumers to malware, identity theft, and other serious online harms,” said Senator Tillis. “The DEFEND IP Act provides a targeted, commonsense tool to shut down these foreign, criminal operations at the source while protecting lawful speech and due process. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to safeguard America’s creative economy and strengthen digital security, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to counter these threats.” The DEFEND IP Act would only target foreign-operated websites dedicated to piracy, require a showing of harm and ongoing monitoring, hold service providers harmless for implementing orders, and safeguard legitimate websites and free expression. This legislation was originally introduced as a discussion draft of the Block BEARD Act of 2025. The following organizations endorse the DEFEND IP Act: the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the Recording Industry… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-whitehouse-introduce-congressional-check-on-rogue-supreme-court-decisions/ | Cortez Masto, Whitehouse Introduce Congressional Check on Rogue Supreme Court Decisions | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NV | Catherine Cortez Masto | C001113 | www.cortezmasto.senate.gov | cortezmasto | https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Legislation to allow Congress to respond quickly to Court decisions comes as Americans’ approval of the Supreme Court is nearing a historic low Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced legislation to bolster Congress’s ability to check Supreme Court decisions that erroneously interpret federal law or roll back constitutional rights. The Supreme Court Review Act mirrors existing legislation that allows Congress to quickly respond to federal agency rules. “Our country was founded on a system of checks and balances, and there is no reason we should let an extreme Supreme Court take away Nevadans’ fundamental rights,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s time to put some power back in the hands of the people’s elected representatives and make it clear that Congress has the power to check the Court when it guts critical constitutional protections.” “The captured right-wing majority of the Supreme Court is openly delivering goods to deep-pocketed special interests. When the Court abuses its power in this way—especially by paving over factual records—it’s up to Congress to protect the interests of the American people,” said Senator Whitehouse. “The Supreme Court Review Act would put guardrails on these rogue decisions and return policymaking power back to where the Constitution delegated it: in the hands of the people and their elected representatives.” The Supreme Court continues to erode longstanding constitutional protections and interpret the law in ways that are out of step with congressional intent and will of the American people. Congress can respond to these cases by clarifying federal law or creating new statutory protections, but cumbersome Senate procedure has undermined Congress’s ability to react quickly. Cortez Masto and Whitehouse’s Supreme Court Review Act would make clear that the constitutionally delegated power to make policy remains with Congress, not the Court. The bill would create streamlined procedures through which Congress can … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-join-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-director-vought-abandon-any-plan-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding | Durbin, Duckworth Join Senate Democrats In Demanding OMB Director Vought Abandon Any Plan To Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The lawmakers emphasize the need for Republicans to join Democrats in supporting new guardrails to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following a long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and of 27 their colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grantmaking process. The Trump Administration considering an executive order to establish and empower an external committee of political appointees with no discernable qualifications to veto any awards selected by NIH and its panels of scientific experts is just the latest example and highlights the need for Congress to intervene. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer-review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump Administration has shown time and again it wants to cancel NIH funding that misaligns with its political agendas and vendettas, all at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump Administration considering, at the highest level, an executive order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” the lawmakers write. “Injecting political interference into the NIH gra… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-president-trumps-pocket-rescission-is-an-illegal-power-grab | Durbin: President Trump’s Pocket Rescission Is “An Illegal Power Grab” | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin condemned President Trump’s illegal pocket rescission, which will rescind $810 million in congressionally-appropriated funding to education programs, health research, immigration services, and foreign aid WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor criticizing the Trump Administration’s illegal move to rescind $810 million for federal programs, cutting off bipartisan funding Congress has allocated for education programs, health research, assistance for minority-owned businesses, immigration services, and support to foreign countries. This pocket rescission by the President is a clear violation of the Constitution, which explicitly gives Congress the power to determine how federal funds are spent. While the President can make a rescission request, Congress must approve that rescission with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The law requires that, if Congress does not pass a bill rescinding the funding within 45 days, the President must release the withheld funds. With only a few days left in the fiscal year, President Trump is unlawfully using a pocket rescission, denying Congress the time or ability to reject the rescission request in a move that the Government Accountability Office has stated is illegal. Durbin began his remarks by calling out President Trump for this illegal power grab. “On Friday night, the Trump Administration announced that the President had unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds that Congress had approved for spending on a bipartisan basis. This funding was meant for education programs, health research, assistance for businesses, immigration services, and support to other countries,” Durbin began. “This move is an illegal power grab by the Trump Administration—plain and simple,” Durbin said. President Trump has repeatedly used pocket rescissions to rip federal funding from critical programs, including support for forei… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-previews-tomorrows-judiciary-committee-hearing-with-former-special-counsel-jack-smith | Durbin Previews Tomorrow’s Judiciary Committee Hearing With Former Special Counsel Jack Smith | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, previewed tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with former Special Counsel Jack Smith. In November 2022, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Mr. Smith, a nonpartisan career prosecutor, as Special Counsel with authority to investigate President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as Trump’s effort to illegally retain highly classified government documents. As a result of these investigations, Special Counsel Smith indicted Trump on four counts in the election interference case, and 40 counts in the classified documents case. Mr. Smith has offered to testify publicly under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee for almost a year. Instead of allowing Mr. Smith to testify, Senate Judiciary Republicans held wasteful hearings to relitigate the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous other issues worth examining within the Committee’s jurisdiction. “Tomorrow, finally, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from former Special Counsel Jack Smith,” said Durbin. “In 2020, President Trump spent months spreading the ‘Big Lie’ that the 2020 election was stolen… He pressured state election officials, his own Vice President, the Justice Department, and Members of Congress to overturn the results of the election. This culminated in the January 6 attack on the Capitol, where President Trump’s supporters tried to violently prevent the constitutional certification of the 2020 election.” Durbin continued, “But instead of condemning this egregious criminal conduct… my Republican colleagues are spreading baseless conspiracy theories and attacking career prosecutors and FBI agents, claiming the so-called ‘deep state’ is out to get Donald Trump.” When Trump was re-elected president in November 2024, Special Counsel Smith moved to dismiss the cases against him based on the Department of Justice’s position that the Constitution forbids the fed… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-senate-colleagues-in-letter-to-dhs-on-election-interference/ | Fetterman Joins Senate Colleagues in Letter to DHS on Election Interference | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | PA | John Fetterman | F000479 | www.fetterman.senate.gov | fetterman | https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, joined his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging the Department to halt its efforts in asserting federal control over and undermining public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states, including Pennsylvania, and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The senators also objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, which have been retroactively applied to previously awarded Fiscal Year 2025 funding and are threatening Fiscal Year 2026 funding. By threatening to withhold funding that … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/news-fetterman-colleagues-urge-health-department-to-reinstate-teen-pregnancy-prevention-program-grants/ | Fetterman, Colleagues Urge Health Department to Reinstate Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Grants | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | PA | John Fetterman | F000479 | www.fetterman.senate.gov | fetterman | https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — After penning a July letter to top officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging the reconsideration of the termination of grants awarded to Pennsylvania organizations for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined his colleagues in an additional bicameral letter to push the Department to reinstate the funding. “As the fiscal year rapidly comes to an end on September 30, we are very concerned that your Department has failed to distribute over $100 million of the $101 million in funding Congress provided for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program. Your decision to terminate the vast majority of existing TPP grants this summer and your attempts to distort the program and impose illegal conditions on grant recipients have already halted critical work being done in states across the country to prevent teen pregnancy. While the court will prevent the funding from lapsing, grantees still need access to those funds to sustain their operations and serve their communities,”wrote the members. The TPP program is a national, evidence-based program that helps improve reproductive health outcomes, promote positive relationships, and support healthy environments for youth across the country. TPP grants fund organizations that provide evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention and sexual health education to more than 10,000 Pennsylvanians. Two organizations, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania and AccessMatters, serve 24 counties in the Commonwealth that use funds from TPP grants. In June, HHS cancelled 53 of 67 TPP grants nationwide. The following month, Senator Fetterman raised his concerns with the administration and questioned why HHS terminated funding for TPP grants awarded to Pennsylvania. Given how beneficial the TPP program has been for organizations across the Commonwealth and country, Senator Fetterman joined 92 of his Congressional colleagues in this additional letter as an eleventh-hour call to action for HHS … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-that-dhs-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Gallego, Colleagues Demand that DHS Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 29 of their Democratic colleagues demanded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants, release funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported and disputed claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states. They criticized DHS attempts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information for its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite acknowledging problems with faulty data. The senators also objected to the Department’s new election-related conditions retroactively applied to FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, a program that provides states with funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other serious threats. By withholding this critical funding from states imposing conditions not authorized by Congress, Mullin is pu… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-prevent-chinese-optical-transceiver-usage-in-the-united-states/ | Gallego, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Prevent Chinese Optical Transceiver Usage in the United States | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Legislation would restrict adversary-linked technology from sensitive federal networks while strengthening trusted U.S. and allied supply chains WASHINGTON – Last week, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent Chinese-made optical transceivers from being used in the federal government’s most sensitive national security systems. Chinese manufacturers have become major suppliers of optical transceivers, creating U.S. reliance on these critical components which move data through high-speed fiber-optic networks, including the networks powering artificial intelligence. Because advanced transceivers can contain reprogrammable firmware, their use in national security networks can create potential supply-chain and security risks. The bill extends an existing federal procurement restriction for semiconductors to covered optical transceivers used in critical systems. It gives suppliers five years to develop compliant sources and provides waivers where necessary to protect supply and national security. “Optical transceivers are a critical part of America’s modern communications infrastructure, and we need to make sure that infrastructure is secure,” said Senator Gallego. “Our reliance on China to produce these transceivers creates a serious national security vulnerability. This legislation protects our most sensitive systems and invests in Arizona manufacturers, who are already helping build a secure supply chain here at home.” “We shouldn’t rely on China for technologies that are essential to our national security,” said Senator McCormick. “This bipartisan bill will help secure our networks and give American manufacturers—including the incredible companies and workers we have right here in Pennsylvania— the opportunity to step up, build more of this technology at home, and compete.” “Critical government communication and information syste… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-senate-democrats-demand-vought-abandon-any-and-all-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding/ | Gallego, Senate Democrats Demand Vought Abandon Any and All Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers emphasize need for Republicans to join Democrats and support new guardrails in law to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH WASHINGTON – Last week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and 28 of their Democratic colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grant-making process. Reports indicate the Trump administration is considering an executive order to establish an external committee of unqualified political appointees which would be able to veto any awards selected by the NIH and panels of scientific experts. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is just the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump administration has shown repeatedly that it wants to use NIH funding to pursue political agendas and vendettas at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” the lawmakers wrote. “Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-press-commissioner-bisignano-on-mismanagement-mistreatment-of-workers-at-social-security-administration-irs/ | Gillibrand, Colleagues Press Commissioner Bisignano On Mismanagement, Mistreatment Of Workers At Social Security Administration, IRS | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Kirsten E. Gillibrand | G000555 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov | gillibrand | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ | scraper | Decision to limit paid annual and sick leave will affect over 120,000 IRS and SSA workers U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Aging, joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in sending a letter to Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Chief Executive Officer of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), on their concerns about his mistreatment of agency employees after obtaining a circulated internal memo that indicates that he will strip SSA and IRS of advanced annual leave and sick leave. “The Trump administration has starved the Social Security Administration and the IRS of the resources they need to provide critical services to millions of Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Limiting paid leave will only further push away quality workers from these agencies and cause increased wait times, more frustration, and real hardship for families trying to access essential benefits and file their taxes. I am demanding that the administration immediately reverse this decision and ensure that every American can count on the services they need.” Workers at the Social Security Administration and the IRS receive advance paid leave policies that allow them to take time off before it is officially accrued, a common practice across the federal workforce. Advanced leave grants employees the ability to respond to health and family emergencies and has long been a part of the federal government’s efforts to provide the workplace conditions needed to attract and retain the most qualified individuals to serve the American people. But an internal memorandum indicated that Bisignano, the head of SSA and IRS, would strip agency employees of these benefits. “We are concerned that this policy will further weaken the already stressed resources of these agencies, leaving the American people with degraded access to their rightful Social Security benefits and needed IRS services,” the senators wrote. “…(Y)ou hav… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-vasquez-announce-10-million-to-rebuild-roads-outside-of-wipp-in-carlsbad | Heinrich, Vasquez Announce $10 Million to Rebuild Roads Outside of WIPP in Carlsbad | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.) announced $10 million in federal funding to repair the US 285 Relief Route, a critical road for freight trucks transporting nuclear materials to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad. In January, Heinrich announced he had successfully included $10 million in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Appropriations to improve roads leading to and from WIPP, through recommended payments from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the State of New Mexico. Since joining the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich has been a steadfast advocate for appropriating these funds. This will be the first time that funds have been appropriated for this purpose since 2014. These repairs will improve safety for WIPP workers, shipments, and the surrounding communities. Earlier this year, Heinrich also introduced the WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act to amend the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act to ensure sustained, inflation-adjusted funding for New Mexico communities to maintain vital infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance and repairs for the duration of WIPP’s operation. “Last appropriations cycle, I fought like hell to secure this funding – to get New Mexico more of the funding we deserve for our role in maintaining the nation’s only deep geologic repository for radioactive defense waste. I am extremely proud to have succeeded in delivering this $10 million to help rebuild the roads to, from, and around WIPP and strengthen the infrastructure that workers and the Carlsbad community rely on every day,” said Heinrich. “But our work isn’t done. I’ll keep fighting to increase the federal government’s support of road and infrastructure improvements in New Mexico, including through my WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act.” “New Mexico and WIPP are the backbone of our nation’s nuclear program,” said V… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-demand-dhs-halt-efforts-to-undermine-2026-midterm-elections | Kaine, Colleagues Demand DHS Halt Efforts to Undermine 2026 Midterm Elections | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined 33 of his Senate colleagues in a letter demanding that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin halt the Department’s efforts to extend federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators wrote to request information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants and release the full grant funding to states, and urged DHS to end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The Senators also objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, which have been retroactively applied to previously awarded Fiscal Year 2025 funding and are threatening Fiscal Year 2026 funding. By threatening to withhold funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other threats, Mullin is putting American… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-us-critical-mineral-supply-chains | Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Critical Mineral Supply Chains | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in introducing the Critical Mineral Executive Coordination Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China by improving diplomatic training and coordination across the federal government. “We need critical minerals to build chips for everything from our smartphones to our national defense apparatus. The U.S. must not cede control of global critical mineral supply chains to China,” said Kaine. “That is why I’m glad to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to establish a dedicated executive branch critical minerals czar and marshal our diplomatic corps’ expertise in this area. This commonsense and overdue step is crucial to our national security and retaining our technological edge, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to support this legislation.” The Critical Mineral Executive Coordination Act would establish a Foreign Service Institute training program to help Foreign Service Officers advance U.S. economic and national security interests related to critical minerals and strategic competition with China. The bill would also establish a permanent Special Advisor to the President for Critical Minerals and Supply Chains within the National Security Council to coordinate a government-wide critical minerals strategy. The legislation also advances two provisions of the DOMINANCE Act, a bill led by U.S. Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA-06) and Young Kim (R-CA-40) that passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. In addition to Kaine, Scott, and Warnock, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Coons (D-DE), and John Curtis (R-UT). Full text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-demand-that-dhs-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Kelly, Colleagues Demand that DHS Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 29 of their Senate Democratic colleagues demanded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants and release funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported and disputed claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states. They criticized DHS attempts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information for its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite acknowledging problems with faulty data. The senators also objected to the Department’s new election-related conditions retroactively applied to FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, a program that provides states with funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other serious threats. By withhold this critical funding from states imposing conditions not authorized by Congress, Mullin is putting Amer… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/support-rolls-in-from-labor-workforce-leaders-for-kellys-make-ai-work-for-americans-act/ | Support Rolls in from Labor, Workforce Leaders for Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Last week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure companies benefiting the most from AI pay their fair share and invest in American workers. The bill establishes a dedicated federal trust fund to support American workers, job seekers, and communities as the economy changes. Since its introduction, the bill has received broad support from national and local labor and workforce organizations and leaders. See what supporters of the Make AI Work for Americans Act are saying here: “Innovation and safety are not opposing concepts; they’re two sides of the same coin. That is why law and regulation, not just unbridled markets, are so important. Technology is rapidly transforming our lives—particularly our security, our classrooms, our workplaces, and our entire economy—but for it to be tenable, it must work for working people. Sen. Mark Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act ensures that a Big Tech tax contributes directly to the workers and communities navigating this transition. By creating the AI Horizon Fund and bringing labor and workers to the table, this bill invests in America by preparing people at every stage of their careers with the skills, stability, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers. “The Make AI Work for Americans Act recognizes the critical nature of ensuring that AI protects and creates good jobs while prioritizing putting working people at the table for responsible implementation,” saidSean M. O’Brien, General President,Teamsters. “We commend Senator Kelly for his work in drafting legislation that focuses on the dignity of work and creates pathways to protect workers and support them as their job evolves. That’s the approach we need to earn workers’ trust and grow the American middle class.” “As AI transforms the American workforce, people deserve a voice in what comes next. Senator Kelly’s legislation holds big tech companies accountable for how AI aff… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-calls-on-senate-leadership-to-establish-bipartisan-select-committee-on-ai/ | Luján Calls on Senate Leadership to Establish Bipartisan Select Committee on AI | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to establish a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that Congress can meet the unprecedented pace, scale, and rapidly advancing challenges associated with AI. “AI is accelerating faster than our existing legislative processes, committee structures, and technical capacity can consistently evaluate and respond. The recent news of increasing incidents makes it clear that this is no longer a theoretical concern,” wrote Senator Luján. “A bipartisan Select Committee on AI would complement, not displace, the work of existing committees. This approach would dedicate a platform to develop novel AI policy recommendations, hold hearings, and help coordinate across existing committees,” continued Senator Luján. “Establishing this bipartisan Committee gives Congress the institutional capacity to pull in expertise to understand this technology, drive its benefits, anticipate its consequences, and act with the urgency and responsibility that is demanded of us in our elected roles,” concluded Senator Luján. The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Leader Thune and Leader Schumer: I respectfully write today to urge the establishment of a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that Congress can meet the unprecedented pace, scale, and breadth of challenges presented by a rapidly advancing artificial intelligence landscape. AI is accelerating faster than our existing legislative processes, committee structures, and technical capacity can consistently evaluate and respond. The recent news of increasing incidents makes it clear that this is no longer a theoretical concern. In July, AI agents operating during cybersecurity evaluations were not properly maintained within their intended environments, allowing them unauthorized access to external systems. In independent testing by the Unite… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-gas-prices-remain-high-due-to-illegal-war-in-iran-senator-markey-slams-trump-for-rollback-of-fuel-economy-standards-that-save-money-lower-emissions | As Gas Prices Remain High Due to Illegal War in Iran, Senator Markey Slams Trump for Rollback of Fuel Economy Standards That Save Money, Lower Emissions | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington (September 28, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, under which automakers will only have to achieve an average fleetwide fuel economy standard of 34.5 miles per gallon by 2031. This is more than thirty percent lower than the previous standards, which required manufacturers to achieve an average fleetwide fuel economy of 50.4 miles per gallon by 2031—a standard that would have continued to save drivers money, given drivers more fuel-efficient choices at the dealership, and cut our national dependence on globally priced oil. “Strong fuel economy standards mean that Americans spend less at the gas pump, our country imports less foreign oil, drivers can choose better options at the dealership, and we are better protected from pollution, price spikes, and climate change,” said Senator Markey. “Trump’s economic and foreign policy crises are already leaving families underwater from rising gas prices—and by attacking fuel economy standards, he’s also setting fire to the lifeboat.” Senator Markey has been a fuel economy champion since standards were enabled by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which included fuel economy language co-authored by then-Rep. Markey. That law included Markey’s language that said the standard must be at least 35 mpg by 2020, and that the “maximum feasible standard” must be set every year. In June, Senator Markey introduced the Gas Money Saved Act, legislation that would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to examine whether it can strengthen CAFE standards during periods of skyrocketing gas prices. The legislation would also reinstate the penalties for automakers that fail to produce fuel-efficient vehicles as options for American drivers, which were removed as part of the giveaways to corporations and the super-rich in the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill in 2025. In Feb… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-bonamici-wyden-oregon-leaders-unlock-14-million-in-federal-funding-for-oregon-coast-project/ | Merkley, Bonamici, Wyden, Oregon Leaders Unlock $14 Million in Federal Funding for Oregon Coast Project | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi announced that, thanks to their efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $14,567,624 in federal funds for Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people. CMH had received an award for the expansion under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—which provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities—but faced roadblocks to accessing the funding after the Trump Administration suspended the BRIC program in 2025. Following legal challenges and advocacy by Oregon lawmakers, CMH’s BRIC funding has finally been released. “You can’t wait for a disaster to happen to start preparing, and this funding finally moving forward will be transformative for disaster resiliency along the North Coast. Thanks to the partnership of state and local leaders, we held the Trump Administration accountable to deliver on the promise of this common-sense project to help Oregonians prepare for disasters and save lives,” said Senator Merkley. “I’ll keep pushing to get this project over the finish line and to deliver critical funding for disaster resiliency efforts in Oregon and communities across the country.” “This grant funding is long overdue for Columbia Memorial Hospital and everyone who lives on or visits the Oregon Coast,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The BRIC grant for this lifesaving vertical evacuation structure should never have been jeopardized, and we’ve fought long and hard for it to be released. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this important project with the community in Astoria.” “Ensuring that Oregon’s coastal commun… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-mcbath-brown-champion-legislation-to-improve-educational-outcomes-and-experiences/ | Merkley, McBath, Brown Champion Legislation to Improve Educational Outcomes and Experiences | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-07) and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) teamed up to reintroduce the Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act, bold legislation that would make investments to address overcrowded classrooms and set students up for success. Research shows students achieve better academic results with more individualized attention from instructors, especially in kindergarten through third grade. However, the continued strain on our public education system from staff shortages and tighter budgets has meant class sizes have continued to grow. Merkley, McBath, and Brown are making a bicameral push for better student outcomes with their legislation to boost funding for schools to reduce class sizes and increase individualized attention from instructors—improving the overall school experience for both students and educators. “Every student deserves the chance to learn, participate, and get the individual attention they need to thrive,” said Merkley. “Growing up as an Oregon public school student, I remember having around 20 children in my first-grade class. When I dropped my son off for his first day of school, his class had 34 children, and I wondered how his teacher could organize and teach such a large group. It’s time to make sure our schools have the resources they need to support educators and help every child receive a quality learning experience.” “Smaller class sizes help personalize education in ways that can fuel a child’s love of learning. When teachers have more opportunities for one-on-one time with their students, they can provide tailored instruction, individualized feedback, and the support each child needs to thrive,” said McBath. “I am deeply appreciative of Senator Merkley for his continued leadership on this important legislation and his advocacy for students and educators. Investments like these, which strengthen learning environments and support teacher well-being, are essential to improving educational outcomes … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-slams-senate-republicans-for-rubberstamping-trump-arch/ | Merkley Slams Senate Republicans for Rubberstamping Trump Arch | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked his bill to prevent the Trump Administration from using any federal funds for the planning and construction of the Trump Arch: “Trump’s Arch is a monument to his own ego—a waste of our taxpayer dollars. “This vanity project distorts our history while destroying historic views, disregards the Constitution’s separation of powers, disrupts the safety of planes in the sky and cars on the road in our nation’s capital, and disrespects the sacrifices of our veterans and their families. “The Trump Arch is a monumentally bad idea, and it is abundantly clear there is no authorization from Congress for this massive arch. I’ll keep fighting back against Trump’s efforts to use our tax dollars to fund his arch and to instead invest in the four foundations that families need to thrive—health care, housing, education, and good-paying jobs.” As the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the Interior Department and National Park Service, the agencies that manage many of our public lands in Washington, D.C., Merkley took to the Senate Floor in an attempt to pass the No Funds for Trump’s Illegal Arch Act, which would have blocked the Trump Arch. Full text of the bill can be found by clicking here. In addition to Merkley, the No Funds for Trump’s Illegal Arch Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Throughout Trump’s second term, Merkley has led the charge to hold the Administration accountable for its vanity projects and corruption—including putting Trump’s face on gold coins, park passes, a $250 bill, and the U.S. passport. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senate-blocks-merkley-murkowski-bill-to-prevent-trump-tearing-down-presidential-memorials/ | Senate Blocks Merkley, Murkowski Bill to Prevent Trump Tearing Down Presidential Memorials | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) blocked Merkley’s bipartisan bill with Alaska’s U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski to prohibit the demolition of any national memorial to honor a U.S. president—like the Kennedy Center—without an act of Congress: “Our congressionally authorized memorials to former presidents are a tribute to their accomplishments and service to our nation. Perhaps the greatest living memorial for a president is the Kennedy Center, in honor of our slain president who championed the arts. But now President Trump—without authorization from Congress—is trying to tear it down. First, he destroyed its programming, and now, he wants to destroy the building itself. All because the law says Trump can’t put his name on the building. “So today, I asked for unanimous consent on a one-page bipartisan bill with Senator Murkowski to defend this extraordinary institution, the Kennedy Center, saying no memorial to any president can be torn down without explicit authorization from Congress. Unfortunately, a colleague objected to this common-sense bill. “Trump’s threats are straight out of the authoritarian playbook and should infuriate every American who values our nation’s history and the rule of law. Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars putting Trump’s name on memorials and monuments as if he is a king, we should be focused on putting money back into the pockets of working families and honoring America’s greatest cultural institutions, not destroying them.” Merkley and Murkowski serve as the Ranking Member and Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, respectively, which oversees funding for the Kennedy Center. Merkley took to the Senate Floor in an attempt to pass the Protecting Presidential Memorials Act, a one-page bill which would have blocked the demolition of any national memorial honoring a U.S. president—including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial—without an act of Congres… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-introduce-legislation-to-impose-sanctions-of-israeli-settlement-construction/ | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Impose Sanctions of Israeli Settlement Construction | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Sanctions would target settlement construction within the E1 area of the West Bank Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. “Benjamin Netanyahu’s disgraceful policy of expanding West Bank settlements crosses a clear red line and makes Palestinian statehood and lasting peace even more difficult,” Wyden said. “The United States must stand up against Netanyahu’s campaign of violence and aggression against Palestinian civilians and sanction individuals and companies that are complicit in this unlawful action.” “In my visits to the West Bank, I’ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinians. The Netanyahu government, meanwhile, continues to rubberstamp this dangerous agenda, and these settlements in the West Bank are designed to destroy the possibility of a future Palestinian state living peacefully alongside the state of Israel,” said Merkley. “This is unacceptable, and our bill holds the Netanyahu government accountable for its illegal, reckless, and inhumane actions in the West Bank.” Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced proposals to let companies bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement o… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-ahead-of-pcsa-vote-this-bill-is-a-long-term-threat-to-college-athletics | Murphy Ahead of PCSA Vote: This Bill is a Long-Term Threat to College Athletics | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate ahead of a vote on final passage of the so-called Protect College Sports Act, sweeping legislation to grant the NCAA an unprecedented antitrust exemption, cap the earnings and organizing potential of college athletes, and codify into law a permanent imbalance of power between college athletes and athletic conferences, the NCAA and corporate executives profiting off of athletes’ talents. Murphy voiced his opposition to final passage of the bill and argued the PCSA may ultimately destabilize the college sports ecosystem in the long-term. Murphy debunked the claim that college sports is in ‘crisis’: “The facts don't back up that characterization of college sports…I know that there's more people than ever showing up to these games and watching the games. The Big 10 just signed a $13 billion contract to broadcast its games. The revenue of the NCAA broadly is at an all-time high. The SEC and the Big 10 are both making over a billion dollars. Women's sports is growing. 92,000 people recently filled a stadium to watch a women's volleyball match. Schools are adding, not subtracting, women's programs. In fact, more people are paying attention to college sports than ever before. College sports is growing, both on the men's and women's side. And so, what is this crisis?” Murphy stressed the PCSA wouldn’t get big money out of college sports, it would just limit athletes’ right to earn their fair share: “The bill does really nothing to stop the runaway overall costs of college athletics. In particular, some of the biggest drivers of costs being facilities and the salaries of adults … if you want to know what's driving the deficit at these big schools, it's not simply the amount of money they're paying the students; those numbers are dwarfed by the amount of money that's going to coaches and to facilities. But yet, this bill constricts – only caps the money going to the players, does nothing to cap the money going to the coaches, does… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-leads-wa-delegation-in-supporting-governors-request-for-major-disaster-declaration-for-individual-assistance-for-devastating-wildfires-in-washington-state/ | Murray Leads WA Delegation in Supporting Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for Devastating Wildfires in Washington State | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ICYMI: Senator Murray Leads Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Wildfires in Spokane ICYMI: Senator Murray Vows to Get Spokane and WA Federal Resources for Wildfire Response and Recovery ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance to help families recover and repair damage due to the devastating wildfires that swept through Central and Eastern Washington from July 23 through August 31. For the first time, on August 1, the National Weather Service upgraded a Red Flag Warning for fire weather conditions to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is very rare and typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. Three massive fires broke out and tore through neighborhoods across Spokane, the Old Trails Fire burned in northwest Spokane, the Autumn Lane Fire burned near Nine-Mile Falls, and the Fairview Fire burned in Mead. The Spokane Complex Fires forced 67,000 people to evacuate, burned nearly 10,000 acres, with damages predicted to exceed $1 billion. This was one of Washington state’s worst wildfire seasons on record, with fires causing severe damage and threatening lives, property, businesses, and livestock. In Okanogan County, the Kaiser Canyon, Modrite, and Sinlahekin fires burned over 350,000 acres total. “As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s September 28th request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating wildfire damages incurred from July 23 through August 31. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible,” Senator Murray and other members of the delegation wrote. “A record-setting drought and an unusually small snowpack contributed to numerous l… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-peters-durbin-schumer-lead-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Padilla, Peters, Durbin, Schumer Lead Senate Colleagues in Demanding Secretary Mullin Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections, Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), led 30 of their Senate colleagues in demanding Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over, and undermine public trust in, the 2026 midterm elections. The Senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about thousands of noncitizens who allegedly registered to vote, and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and immediately end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” wrote the Senators. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The Senators… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-huffman-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule/ | Padilla, Schiff, Huffman, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California’s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying so… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-protect-college-sports-act/ | Padilla Statement on Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), issued the following statement after voting to pass the Protect College Sports Act of 2026: “College sports have long been an enriching part of American life, but in recent years, the pressures of big money have destabilized college athletics and overshadowed the primary mission of higher education. “College athletes are students first. I am proud to have secured critical provisions to better support their success both in and out of the classroom by strengthening oversight of health and safety standards, holding colleges and universities accountable for ensuring students achieve academic success, and allowing college athletic programs the flexibility to make conference decisions that best serve their students. “This bill also preserves opportunities for women’s sports and Olympic sports by protecting roster spots and requiring continued investment in the pipeline of American Olympic talent. “These reforms will help keep the focus where it belongs: on the students and the education that college sports are meant to serve.” The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 includes several provisions Padilla authored, including: Academic Performance Rating (APR) Padilla secured a change that would condition a school’s ability to use the retention fund to being in good standing with the NCAA’s academic performance and graduation standards for student athletes. Health and Safety Standards Padilla secured a change that strengthens and expands the work of the Commission on the Future of College Athletics to: Ensure the adequacy of and compliance with health and safety standards required in the bill (and consider options to further strengthen these standards and oversight, including through the creation of a third-party oversight organization), Evaluate the efficacy of the independence structure of health and safety officers, and Review violations, athlete injuries, or deaths. Conference Provision Padilla secured changes to reduce and eventually end the i… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-momentum-already-building-for-sens-tim-scott-adam-schiff-bill-to-establish-a-federal-film-tax-credit-with-8-new-bipartisan-backers-in-senate/ | NEWS: Momentum Already Building for Sens. Tim Scott, Adam Schiff Bill to Establish a Federal Film Tax Credit with 8 New Bipartisan Backers in Senate | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Bipartisan, bicameral backing from Senators in film production states – Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, and Montana – follows call for action by President Trump, decades-long push by lawmakers to enact federal credit Washington, D.C. — Bipartisan momentum for U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Adam Schiff’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan, bicameral legislation to create a federal film tax incentive is already building in the Senate with the addition of 8 new bipartisan Senate backers from across the country. Scott and Schiff are announcing today that their Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will be cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). This legislation, introduced last week in both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, follows years of advocacy to create a nationwide tax credit, a push recently echoed by President Donald Trump. “For years, I’ve been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of TV and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it’s time we get this passed,”said Senator Schiff. “Having worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like ‘The Notebook’ bring us to tears, and films like ‘Forrest Gump’ inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-huffman-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule/ | NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Huffman, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California’s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying so… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-schiff-hails-bipartisan-cooperation-on-new-bill-to-create-federal-film-tax-incentive-emphasizes-need-for-congress-to-take-action-to-regulate-ai-on-cnns-the-story-is-with-elex-michaels/ | WATCH: Schiff Hails Bipartisan Cooperation on New Bill to Create Federal Film Tax Incentive, Emphasizes Need for Congress to Take Action to Regulate AI on CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson to discuss the introduction of his new bill with Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, to create the nation’s first federal film tax incentive to help keep film and television production in the United States. The Senator highlighted support from Congressional Republicans and President Trump as evidence of a pathway to get the bill signed into law by the end of this year. He also discussed the importance of Congress taking action to regulate artificial intelligence and the need for the United States to come to an agreement with China on AI. View the full interview here. Key Excerpts: On Republican support for creating a federal film tax incentive: […] I think a lot of the Republicans were supportive of this. I’ve been having conversations with them for the last two years, and in the House for many, many years before that. What it really took was the president issuing a statement of support. I think they were waiting for a signal from the White House that if they got on board with this, they would have the president’s backing, and he did issue that statement. It was a full-throated endorsement of this bill, and that really moved things forward. Then it was just a question of hammering out some last-minute provisions, we already had a very good draft. I’ve had that for you know the last couple of years, and we also obviously worked with our Democratic and Republican counterparts in the House so that when we introduced the bill today, it was not only bipartisan but also in both houses, and that just gives us that much stronger chance for passage. On working with the White House, Trump administration, and stakeholders: We’ve been working closely with the White House, and Spencer Pratt has been very helpful. John Voight has been very helpful. They’ve been, I think, very good liaisons with the White House. And my understanding is that we have sign-off o… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/09/28/2026/shaheen-joins-bipartisan-calls-for-trump-administration-to-extend-and-redesignate-tps-for-ukrainians | Shaheen Joins Bipartisan Calls for Trump Administration to Extend and Redesignate TPS for Ukrainians | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Jeanne Shaheen | S001181 | www.shaheen.senate.gov | shaheen | https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined 30 of her Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Vladimir Putin continues his war of aggression against their homeland. The bipartisan letter, led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscores how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone that has resulted in significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and displacement. The Senators wrote, in part: “Ukraine was initially designated for TPS on April 19, 2022, on the basis of ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by Russia’s military actions within the country […] Subsequent reviews of in-country conditions found that the situation in the country had not sufficiently improved; accordingly, TPS for Ukraine was extended and redesignated through April 19, 2025, and extended once more beginning on April 20, 2025.” They continued: “Protecting the approximately 101,000 Ukrainian TPS holders currently living in the United States is a humanitarian imperative, but also a sound economic decision. Thanks to the work authorization granted by their TPS status, Ukrainian TPS holders have contributed approximately $2.6 billion to our economy each year and have provided approximately $716 million in taxes annually […] Terminating TPS for this population risks disrupting these industries, increasing costs for American consumers by forcing thousands of experienced workers out of their jobs.” They concluded: “Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/with-senate-returning-to-washington-in-search-of-affordability-solutions-shaheen-pushes-for-floor-vote-on-bipartisan-bill-to-cap-monthly-insulin-costs | With Senate Returning to Washington in Search of Affordability Solutions, Shaheen Pushes for Floor Vote on Bipartisan Bill to Cap Monthly Insulin Costs | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Jeanne Shaheen | S001181 | www.shaheen.senate.gov | shaheen | https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | (Washington, DC) – With the U.S. Senate returning to Washington in search of solutions that address the nation’s overwhelming affordability concerns, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is calling for a floor vote on her bipartisan, bicameral legislation to cap monthly insulin costs. The INSULIN Act would cap monthly out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 and continues to gain momentum in the House and Senate. As Senate leaders seek cost-of-living solutions for the American people, Senators on both sides of the aisle are increasingly pointing to the INSULIN Act as an immediate, broadly supported step Congress can take to lower health care costs. Over 40 million Americans live with diabetes, and Shaheen’s INSULIN Act would make a direct impact by lowering the cost of life-saving insulin for millions across the country. “President Trump campaigned on immediately lowering costs for the American people, yet he’s done just the opposite. With millions of American families facing spiking prices as a result of this Administration’s disastrous health care policies, my INSULIN Act is one immediate step Congress can take to directly lower costs for millions of Americans. That’s why it has dozens of bipartisan cosponsors across the House and Senate, and why momentum is growing to take action on the bill,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ve fought to pass this legislation for years and we are closer than ever before to achieving that goal. I’m joining calls to bring this bill to the floor and show the American people that Congress can still achieve meaningful, bipartisan progress to make life more affordable.” Throughout the August recess and into September, momentum has grown for the INSULIN Act. Recent reporting by Punchbowl News and the New Hampshire Bulletin highlight how Shaheen continues to hear from her constituents and advocate for the passage of her legislation to address affordability concerns. And just last week, reporting from The Washington Sun laid out the “groundswell” of support for the INSULIN Act from Senate Republica… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-demands-answers-on-why-doj-hired-attorney-convicted-of-election-interference-to-monitor-elections/ | Welch Demands Answers on Why DOJ Hired Attorney Convicted of Election Interference to Monitor Elections | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and member of the Senate Rules Committee, demanded answers from Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), on why DOJ hired an attorney convicted of election interference to conduct election monitoring for the Department. “According to credible reports, the Civil Rights Division sent a recently hired attorney to conduct election monitoring for the Department of Justice who was previously convicted of election interference. Deploying politically motivated individuals to carry out DOJ’s poll monitoring efforts threatens to undermine Americans’ faith in the electoral process ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections,” wrote Senator Welch. “In 2016, David Levin pleaded guilty to conducting a cyberattack to obtain the credentials of a Supervisor of Elections for Lee County, Florida, which he then used to enter restricted portions of the state’s Division of Elections and the county’s election websites. He served 20 days in jail and received two years of probation. According to Mr. Levin’s arrest warrant, he demonstrated how he hacked the website in YouTube videos and a local television interview,” the Senator continued. “The Department has not confirmed whether Mr. Levin is working for the Civil Rights Division. But publicly available images and videos from the Department’s election monitoring activities during the recent Minnesota primary elections captured Mr. Levin with William Mohrman, who is a Senior Counsel in the Division. One video shows a local election judge interacting with Mr. Levin and Mr. Mohrman as they monitored Minnesota’s August primary.” “On August 25, 2026, you stated in an interview with Bloomberg News that the Department would send approximately 1,000 employees to monitor the 2026 midterm elections. In that interview, you declined to state where those monitors would be sent, but DOJ has a… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-bipartisan-protect-college-sports-act/ | Welch Statement on Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which he cosponsored: “The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act is significant progress in the effort to establish clear national rules and combat consolidation for a broken system. No compromise is perfect, but this bill proves bipartisanship is still a winning play for Congress. The Protect College Sports Act codifies protections for student athletes and athletic programs, supports smaller schools—including those in Vermont—by allowing revenue sharing, and it helps get big money out of college sports. It’s a win-win for student athletes and fans alike.” The Protect College Sports Act, led by Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), will stabilize college sports and set new rules. This bipartisan bill will codify student athletes’ rights to earn compensation when their Name, Image or Likeness (NIL) is used, replacing a patchwork of state laws, protect women’s and Olympic sports programs, provide access to scholarships and health care protections, expand revenue for all schools, and give student athletes a seat at the table. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-bonamici-wyden-oregon-leaders-unlock-14-million-in-federal-funding-for-oregon-coast-project | Merkley, Bonamici, Wyden, Oregon Leaders Unlock $14 Million in Federal Funding for Oregon Coast Project | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi announced that, thanks to their efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $14,567,624 in federal funds for Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people. CMH had received an award for the expansion under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—which provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities—but faced roadblocks to accessing the funding after the Trump Administration suspended the BRIC program in 2025. Following legal challenges and advocacy by Oregon lawmakers, CMH’s BRIC funding has finally been released. “You can’t wait for a disaster to happen to start preparing, and this funding finally moving forward will be transformative for disaster resiliency along the North Coast. Thanks to the partnership of state and local leaders, we held the Trump Administration accountable to deliver on the promise of this common-sense project to help Oregonians prepare for disasters and save lives,” said Senator Merkley. “I’ll keep pushing to get this project over the finish line and to deliver critical funding for disaster resiliency efforts in Oregon and communities across the country.” “This grant funding is long overdue for Columbia Memorial Hospital and everyone who lives on or visits the Oregon Coast,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The BRIC grant for this lifesaving vertical evacuation structure should never have been jeopardized, and we’ve fought long and hard for it to be released. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this important project with the community in Astoria.” “Ensuring that Oregon’s coastal commun… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-legislation-to-impose-sanctions-of-israeli-settlement-construction | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Impose Sanctions of Israeli Settlement Construction | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Sanctions would target settlement construction within the E1 area of the West Bank Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. “Benjamin Netanyahu’s disgraceful policy of expanding West Bank settlements crosses a clear red line and makes Palestinian statehood and lasting peace even more difficult,” Wyden said. “The United States must stand up against Netanyahu’s campaign of violence and aggression against Palestinian civilians and sanction individuals and companies that are complicit in this unlawful action.” “In my visits to the West Bank, I’ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinians. The Netanyahu government, meanwhile, continues to rubberstamp this dangerous agenda, and these settlements in the West Bank are designed to destroy the possibility of a future Palestinian state living peacefully alongside the state of Israel,” said Merkley. “This is unacceptable, and our bill holds the Netanyahu government accountable for its illegal, reckless, and inhumane actions in the West Bank.” Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced proposals to let companies bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement o… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-sara-jacobs-conducts-in-person-oversight-of-uss-abraham-lincoln | Rep. Sara Jacobs Conducts In-Person Oversight of USS Abraham Lincoln | 2026-09-27 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Sara Jacobs | J000305 | sarajacobs.house.gov | sarajacobs | https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Today, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) joined a bipartisan delegation to conduct in-person oversight of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is currently en route to its home port of San Diego. The lawmakers spoke with sailors, Marines, and leadership aboard the ship, conducting oversight of the extended deployment and its reported issues. Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “For months, I’ve taken the concerns shared with me about mail delays, food and supply shortages, low morale, and mental health crises aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln straight to CENTCOM and the Navy. Unfortunately, their answers have been wholly insufficient. “Oversight can’t wait until the USS Abraham Lincoln comes home to San Diego. We deserve answers and accountability now. That’s why I traveled aboard the ship today to conduct oversight in-person. I raised my concerns directly with the ship’s command and received a briefing on logistics, supply issues, and lessons learned for future deployments. I also met with sailors and Marines on board who painted a very different picture of this war; they shared stories of the deployment and their struggles to wash clothes, get medicine and health care, and eat enough food. I don’t blame the ship’s leadership for the past conditions; they did the best they could under difficult circumstances. The blame lies squarely with President Trump who knowingly launched a war without the required planning and strategy needed. He put these service members in the position where the conditions were so horrific that some attempted suicide. “I’m relieved that the USS Abraham Lincoln will soon be back in San Diego, and I’m looking forward to welcoming them home. But our demand for accountability won’t end when they make port. I will continue pushing for an OIG investigation into these conditions and a House Armed Services Committee field hearing in San Diego to hear directly from these service members. We need to prevent this crisis from happening ever again, and ultimately end the Iran war and bring all our service members home.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-alsobrooks-hosts-real-men-real-talk-discussion-at-bowie-state-university/ | SENATOR ALSOBROOKS HOSTS REAL MEN, REAL TALK DISCUSSION AT BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY | 2026-09-27 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MD | Angela D. Alsobrooks | A000382 | www.alsobrooks.senate.gov | alsobrooks | https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | September 27, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), along with MedStar Health and United Way of the National Capital Area, hosted “Real Men, Real Talk” at Bowie State University — a discussion and community fair dedicated to men, their health, and a stronger community. Senator Alsobrooks was joined by Bowie State University president Dr. Aminta H. Breaux; Chile Ahaghotu, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center; Gigi El-Bayoumi, MD, Founder, Rodham Institute at Georgetown School of Medicine; Brocklin Qualls, Director, Black Fatherhood Blueprint, Greater Washington Urban League; Jamal Branch, Psychotherapist, Founder, Synergy Therapeutic Services, LLC; and Stephen Conti, Founder, Tocar Spa Massage Therapy. “Our men and boys hear the world demand so much of them. Today they got to hear these important words: you are loved. We care what you’re going through. We’re concerned about your lives, and you don’t have to handle everything on your own. That is what today was all about – joining together to discuss the physical, mental, and emotional health of our men and boys, and letting them know about the resources and support systems available to them,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “United Way NCA is honored to stand alongside Senator Alsobrooks as a community partner for the ‘Real Men, Real Talk’ discussion and community fair,” said Dr. Nicole Cooper, Chief External Affairs and Transformation Officer, United Way of the National Capital Area. “The event aligns with our healthy community impact area, giving men real tools to live strong, healthy lives, from health screenings to mental health resources to a space where they feel seen and heard. It’s built on strong partnerships, and that’s how we create healthier, stronger communities throughout the National Capital Area, together.” “Student success depends on well-being,” said Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State University. “Today’s conversation created an important space for men and boys to prioriti… | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/subramanyam-and-kaine-applaud-bill-designating-george-c-marshall-house | Subramanyam and Kaine Applaud Bill Designating George C. Marshall House As National Park Service Affiliated Area Becoming Law | 2026-09-27 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Suhas Subramanyam | S001230 | subramanyam.house.gov | subramanyam | https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine's (D-VA) bill designating the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as a National Park Service (NPS) affiliated area was signed into law. “Dodona Manor has been a pillar of the Northern Virginia community for hundreds of years. I am proud to honor George C. Marshall’s legacy by ensuring the property is preserved for many years to come. The International Center right here in Leesburg has so much to offer visitors from around the world, including educational programming for people of all ages. I am proud that Senator Kaine and I delivered for Virginians and made this bill law,” said Subramanyam. “George C. Marshall was educated at Virginia Military Institute, served as the US Army’s Chief of Staff during World War II and then earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as Secretary of State,” said Kaine. “This NPS designation of Dodona Manor will help preserve his home, honor General Marshall’s legacy, and ensure future generations understand the critical role he played in our history. I’m grateful to the many advocates and partners who have worked with us to get this done.” “We are deeply grateful to Representative Subramanyam and Senators Kaineand Warner for their leadership in advancing this legislation to preserve and elevate General Marshall’s legacy,” said Paul Michaels, chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center Board of Directors. “This measure marks a historic milestone for Dodona Manor and is wonderful news for the Leesburg and Loudoun County community. The increased visibility and expertise that come with National Park Service affiliation will help preserve this nationally significant landmark and help ensure future generations can learn from General Marshall’s extraordinary character and example.” The official designation is the final step in many years of advocacy for recognition of Dodona Manor as a unit of the National Park System. Designation as an NPS affiliate… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-subramanyam-applaud-bill-designating-george-c-marshall-house-as-national-park-service-affiliated-area-becoming-law | Kaine & Subramanyam Applaud Bill Designating George C. Marshall House as National Park Service Affiliated Area Becoming Law | 2026-09-27 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam’s (D-VA-10) bill designating the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as a National Park Service (NPS) affiliated area was signed into law. “George C. Marshall was educated at Virginia Military Institute, served as the US Army’s Chief of Staff during World War II and then earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as Secretary of State,” said Kaine. “This NPS designation of Dodona Manor will help preserve his home, honor General Marshall’s legacy, and ensure future generations understand the critical role he played in our history. I’m grateful to the many advocates and partners who have worked with us to get this done.” “Dodona Manor has been a pillar of the Northern Virginia community for hundreds of years. I am proud to honor George C. Marshall’s legacy by ensuring the property is preserved for many years to come. The International Center right here in Leesburg has so much to offer visitors from around the world, including educational programming for people of all ages. I am proud that Senator Kaine and I delivered for Virginians and made this bill law,” said Subramanyam. “We are deeply grateful to Representative Subramanyam and Senators Kaine and Warner for their leadership in advancing this legislation to preserve and elevate General Marshall’s legacy,” said Paul Michaels, chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center Board of Directors. “This measure marks a historic milestone for Dodona Manor and is wonderful news for the Leesburg and Loudoun County community. The increased visibility and expertise that come with National Park Service affiliation will help preserve this nationally significant landmark and help ensure future generations can learn from General Marshall’s extraordinary character and example.” The official designation is the final step in many years of advocacy for recognition of Dodona Manor as a unit of the National Park System. Designation as an NPS affiliat… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-davis-urges-caution-nc-12-floods-closures-continue | Congressman Davis Urges Caution as NC 12 Floods, Closures Continue | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NC | Donald G. Davis | D000230 | dondavis.house.gov | dondavis | https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | North Carolina - Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) issued the following statement regarding the severe impacts of the Nor’easter on North Carolina’s Outer Banks: “The Nor’easter has resulted in severe flooding, dangerous ocean overwash, and has shown once again the challenges facing NC 12. I have been in direct communication with Congressman Greg Murphy’s office, Governor Josh Stein’s office, and county officials. Given the current road closures, I encourage everyone to follow the guidance of state and local emergency officials, avoid closed roads, and monitor road conditions. “NC 12 is the lifeline connecting our Outer Banks communities. Families depend on it to get to work, take their children to school, and reach the people they love. When the road closes, the impact is felt in homes and businesses up and down the coast. As NCDOT and local officials work to assess the situation, I extend my deep gratitude to all emergency management personnel and our first responders who are working tirelessly to keep everyone safe.” | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/26/ranking-member-jayapal-statement-on-trumps-pocket-rescissions/ | Ranking Member Jayapal Statement on Trump’s Pocket Rescissions | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SEATTLE, W.A. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, released the following statement regarding Trump’s pocket rescissions, targeted primarily at immigration services. “Congress has the power of the purse, the constitutional authority to appropriate funding. Trump’s pocket rescissions are illegal and further proof that he has no regard for the Constitution of the United States. “This illegal rescission is a continuation of Trump’s cruel mass deportation and anti-DEI efforts that whitewash American history and make certain communities targets of hate. He has illegally refused to carry out Congress’s authorizations for critical essential services for immigrants, including assistance for unaccompanied children, legal services for people working to obtain citizenship, and assistance in integration efforts, as well as essential education programs that help us ensure equity and inclusion of all our communities. Meanwhile, even as he cuts these essential programs for working people across our country, he has continued to enrich himself and his family to the tune of billions of dollars — all while driving up gas prices and grocery prices, slashing healthcare and mocking the idea that life under Trump is completely unaffordable. “Congress must reclaim our constitutional authorities from this out-of-control administration. I will do everything in my power to prevent these illegal recissions and stand up for Congress’s sole Article 1 powers to appropriate funds.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/26/leader-jeffries-on-cnn-the-american-people-are-disgusted-with-the-performance-of-donald-trump-and-republicans/ | LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: “THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE DISGUSTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF DONALD TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS” | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NY | Hakeem S. Jeffries | J000294 | jeffries.house.gov | jeffries | https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN This Morning Weekend, where he made clear that House Democrats are relentlessly focused on fighting for an affordable America. MANU RAJU: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who wants to be the next Speaker of the House, he is joining me live now to talk about the midterm elections 38 days away. Mr. Jeffries, good morning to you and thanks for being here. As you know, Cook Political Report is now predicting that Democrats will take the House in November. You’ve actually been saying that for months, making that prediction. So right now, what are you exactly predicting? Are you—do you anticipate a Democratic wave or a narrow victory? LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re going to work as hard as we can to get to 218, and then win as many seats on top of that as possible because we’re focused on fighting for an affordable America. Life is way too expensive, Manu, here in the United States of America. There are too many people, millions of folks, working hard, playing by the rules, can’t thrive and can barely survive. The Republican economic policies have been a disaster. They promised to lower costs on day one, costs haven’t gone down, they’ve gone up. Democrats are determined to do something about that. MANU RAJU: Mr. Leader, are you worried about the amount of GOP spending that is coming in late from Trump’s outside organization and GOP outside groups? They’re really bombarding the airwaves and they’re dwarfing Democrats by nearly $200 million in House and Senate races. How concerned are you about that? LEADER JEFFRIES: We always understood that MAGA Republicans were going to try to unload as much of their special interest money as possible. This is part of the problem with why Republicans have failed. They’re not interested in promoting the public interest. They haven’t done a damn thing to make life more affordable for the American people. Instead, they spend all their time raising money from their MAGA big donors, who they rewarded with a massive tax brea… | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hassan-tuberville-introduce-legislation-to-ban-toxic-forever-chemicals-in-food-packaging | Senators Hassan, Tuberville Introduce Legislation to Ban Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Food Packaging | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NH | Margaret Wood Hassan | H001076 | www.hassan.senate.gov | hassan | https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) reintroduced legislation to ban toxic PFAS chemicals – also known as ‘forever chemicals’ – in food wrappers and packaging. PFAS chemicals, which are sometimes used in food wrappers to repel grease, oil, and water, are linked to serious health challenges in humans, including cancer. “I’ve heard firsthand about the devastating impact that PFAS exposure has had on many Granite Staters’ lives. These toxic chemicals have no place in or near our food,”said Senator Hassan. “While I am glad that several states and companies have taken steps to get PFAS out of their food packaging, we need a strong federal standard to protect all Americans. That's why I am introducing bipartisan legislation to ban PFAS from all food wrappers and packaging nationwide so that no family has to worry about bringing these dangerous chemicals into their home when they order takeout. I look forward to working across the aisle to get it passed and protect public health.” “Thanks to the Make America Healthy Again movement, Americans have started waking up to the toxic chemicals that are in many of the products and foods we use every day,” said Senator Tuberville. “America has the best resources, technology, and people in the world, so why are we sicker than ever? We need to start taking a closer look at things in our environment that are poisoning us. Our children are the most precious resource we have and we owe it to them to ban toxic chemicals like PFAS from products that have proven to be cancerous.” Senator Hassan first introduced the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act in 2021. PFAS contamination from food containers, cookware, and consumer products can lead to liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, and several forms of cancer. Following her efforts, several major fast food restaurants – including Burger King, Chick-Fil-A, and Starbucks – voluntarily announced that they would phase out PFAS chemicals from their food packaging. Read the full text of the bill here… | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-commemorating-national-public-lands-day | Heinrich Statement Commemorating National Public Lands Day | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on National Public Lands Day: “Our public lands are part of our shared identity – they are a physical manifestation of our Jeffersonian democracy and belong to all of us, no matter where you come from or how much money you have. “But over the past two years, our public lands have been under relentless attacks. President Trump is trying to rip public lands from public hands, negotiating behind closed doors to sell off our national treasures to private equity firms and foreign mining companies, leaving our public lands behind a for sale sign. “To rub even more salt in the wound: our national parks are facing billions of dollars in deferred maintenance and severe staff shortages, while $1.8 billion of your taxpayer dollars are being spent on President Trump’s D.C. vanity projects. That’s bullshit. “On this National Public Lands Day, go out and enjoy our public lands. Then share why they matter to you and continue to fight to protect these lands for future generations.” As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich is leading the fight in Congress to protect our public lands, expand access to national parks, and hold the Trump administration accountable for its attacks on our treasured places — from efforts to erase history in our national parks to diverting funding to Trump’s vanity projects. This month, Heinrich joined a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Heinrich criticized the Trump administration for its plan to exchange public land in Yosemite National Park for private devel… | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trumps-illegal-pocket-rescission-of-nearly-1-billion | Durbin Statement On Trump’s Illegal “Pocket Rescission” Of Nearly $1 Billion | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Richard J. Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | durbin | https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after President Trump announced that he has unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds that Congress has already approved for education programs, health research, assistance for minority owned businesses, immigration services, and support to foreign countries: “The illegal power grab by Donald Trump continues. The real question is whether my Republican colleagues will finally find their collective backbone and do something about it. “Democrats fought for pocket rescission protection in the CR so this could never happen again, but Republicans refused—fearing retribution from the White House. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle might express anger now, but where were they this summer during these negotiations? “Billion-dollar ballrooms are full speed ahead, but money for schools is cut. Vanity projects like the Golden Arch are a priority, but medical research for cancer cures is cut. Taxpayer funded political ads of the wartime President are a must, but medical care for children is cut.” President Trump’s rescissions requests are made under a fast-tracked process, established in the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, in which a president can request that Congress rescind federal funding with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The law requires that, if Congress does not pass a bill rescinding the funding within 45 days, the president must release it. However, President Trump is attempting an unlawful maneuver called “pocket rescissions,” in which he seeks to rescind funding less than 45 days before the end of the fiscal year, believing this provides him with the power to cancel the funding with or without the approval of Congress. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has stated that pocket rescissions are illegal. Last year, President Trump canceled $4.9 billion in foreign aid via a “pocket recission.” And earlier in 2025, Republicans supported… | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
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