Press releases

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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://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=14406 Chairman Babin Leads Texas Delegation in Push to Bring U.S. Space Academy to Texas 2026-09-29 2026 2026-09 Republican House TX Brian Babin B001291 babin.house.gov babin https://babin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, led members of the Texas congressional delegation in a letter to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy endorsing Texas’s forthcoming proposal to host the U.S. Space Academy. “Texas has been at the center of America’s space story for more than six decades, and we are leading the way into its next chapter. From NASA’s Johnson Space Center in my district, home to Mission Control and our nation’s astronaut corps, to the cutting-edge commercial space companies developing the technologies of tomorrow, Texas brings together the experience, infrastructure, talent, and innovation that continue to move America forward. As Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am committed to ensuring the United States wins this new space race and remains the undisputed global leader in exploration and discovery. The United States Space Academy will help prepare the next generation to advance that mission, enhance our space defense capabilities, and protect the homeland. Texas has an unmatched foundation on which to build this landmark institution,” said Chairman Brian Babin (TX-36). “For more than 60 years, Texas has been at the heart of America’s space program, and President Trump has made American leadership in space a priority. With Johnson Space Center and a thriving space industry already here, it’s only right that the academy carrying the President’s vision forward calls Texas home. I urge the Commission to make it official so the state that helped put Americans on the Moon can train the people who will take us back,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). "For over 60 years, when American astronauts need to reach home base, they make the same call: ‘Houston’. Today, Texas is home to Mission Control, the astronaut corps, more than 148,000 aerospace professionals, and the companies and universities leading the next era of space innovation — as well as a robust military presence. Th… 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://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.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/28/wicker-announces-44-million-roadway-investment-for-desoto-county/ Wicker Announces $44 Million Roadway Investment for DeSoto County 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated a $44 million federal award to improve roadways and traffic systems in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Senator Wicker worked with DeSoto County officials and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to secure this competitive grant. The award flows from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program, which was funded in the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senator Wicker helped negotiate the legislation as the senior Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “DeSoto County has posted impressive growth numbers for years, and this roadway funding is an investment in its continued success,” said Senator Wicker. “By improving infrastructure, we attract job creators, facilitate tourism, and boost local businesses. I will continue working with local and state leaders to bring federal support to projects all over the Magnolia State.” “This $44 million INFRA grant will help MDOT move a critical capacity project forward, making travel safer and reducing congestion along an important freight corridor. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for our state’s roads and infrastructure,” said Brad White, Executive Director, MDOT. About the $44 million roadway improvement grant: The funding will help expand a corridor of I-55/I-69 in DeSoto County that runs from Church Road to one mile north of SR 302. Today, the corridor is four lanes. It will be expanded into a ten-lane thoroughfare by adding three travel lanes in each direction and modifying the interchanges at Church Road and SR 302, specifically by adding ramp lanes, turning lanes, and lengthened acceleration and deceleration lanes. ### 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.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.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-takes-action-to-ban-toxic-forever-chemicals-in-food-packaging/ Tuberville Takes Action to Ban Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Food Packaging 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate AL Tommy Tuberville T000278 www.tuberville.senate.gov tuberville https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator 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. “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.” Sen. Tuberville was joined in introducing this bill by Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH). Read the full text of the bill here. BACKGROUND: As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, Sen. Tuberville has been a vocal advocate against allowing toxic chemicals in American foods. In December of 2024, Sen. Tuberville made remarks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing with a Biden FDA official about the dangers of allowing cancer-linked Red Dye No. 3 in foods, despite banning its use in other products. Following Sen. Tuberville’s remarks, the Trump administration banned Red Dye No. 3 from foods in January 2025. Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees. ### 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-graham-introduce-resolution-honoring-religious-education/ Tuberville, Graham Introduce Resolution Honoring Religious Education 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate AL Tommy Tuberville T000278 www.tuberville.senate.gov tuberville https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC) in introducing a resolution to designate this week, September 27-October 3, 2026, as “Religious Education Week” to highlight the importance of religious education in the United States. “As Republicans, we believe that parents, not the government, should be in charge of a child’s education,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Our country was founded on Christian values, and private religious schools are a great option for many Alabamians. There’s a myth out there that our Founders wanted to keep God out of the public square. That just isn’t true. This country was built on love of God, love of country, and love of family.” Sens. Tuberville and Graham were joined by Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN) in cosponsoring the resolution. The resolution is supported by School Time Bible Ministries, the Foundation for American Christian Education, Agudath Israel of America, the Association of Christian Schools International, the Coalition for Jewish Values, and Catholic Education Partners. Read full text of the resolution here. Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees. ### 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-help-americas-small-businesses-grow-put-more-money-in-americans-pockets/ Thune: Republicans Help America’s Small Businesses Grow, Put More Money in Americans’ Pockets 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Madam President, so far this year, 4.3 million Americans have filed to start their own business. “That’s a 13 percent increase over the same time last year. “And as these entrepreneurs get underway, their businesses will be able to take advantage of the pro-growth tax reform that Republicans enacted last year in the Working Families Tax Cuts. “And because we delivered permanent tax reform, an entire generation of American small business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators will have a better environment in which to pursue their American Dream. “Madam President, small businesses are already benefiting from this landmark law. “This year, 12 million small business owners saw a lower tax bill – a $7,000 average tax cut. “That’s the result of lower tax rates across the board. “The permanent 199A small business deduction. “Immediate expensing for new equipment and for factory construction. “And the permanent research and development tax credit. “Madam President, these tax policies are helping small businesses across an array of industries as well as family farms and ranches across America. “That’s certainly true in my home state of South Dakota. “An agricultural co-op in my state says the 199A small business deduction – which Republicans first implemented with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act back in 2017 – has allowed them to pass $140 million in tax savings back to South Dakota farmers over the last decade. “A car dealership in Sioux Falls was able to put an addition on and hire 10 new employees thanks to the bonus depreciation provision. “Just to the west, a rancher in Montana said that thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts’ expensing provisions, his ranch, and I quote, ‘will be able to upgrade equipment, increasing [its] efficiency without being hit by a huge tax burden.’ “U.S. Metal Powders – a manufacturer in Pal… 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.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.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/schmitt-introduces-modern-skies-act-to-invest-in-americas-airports-support-air-traffic-control/ Schmitt Introduces Modern Skies Act to Invest in America’s Airports, Support Air Traffic Control 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MO Eric Schmitt S001227 www.schmitt.senate.gov schmitt https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ scraper Legislation Would Invest $30 Billion in Air Traffic Control, Airport Towers, Terminals, and Infrastructure to Improve Reliability for Americans U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the “Modern Skies Act” to update America’s aviation infrastructure by investing $30 billion in air traffic control, airport towers, airport terminals, and other critical airport infrastructure. Senator Schmitt joined Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a press conference today to announce the bill. “Air travel is more accessible than ever, but for too many Americans, getting where they need to go still feels like a gamble. Travelers face long lines, aging airports, constant delays, and an air traffic control system in desperate need of attention. That is a far cry from the golden age of American aviation that St. Louis’ own Charles Lindbergh helped usher in. The Modern Skies Act will launch a new era of American aviation by building a world-class system that works better for air traffic controllers, airlines, and, most importantly, passengers,” said Senator Schmitt. “President Trump and Secretary Duffy are tackling these challenges head-on, and I’m proud to lead this effort alongside them to make air travel great again.” “Under President Trump, we have made historic progress revitalizing our airspace. With investments from the Working Families Tax Cut, we’ve already replaced the majority of outdated copper wire with high-speed fiber in our towers, transitioned nearly a third of radios controllers used, and installed new surveillance technology in half of our target airports. We’ve also reimagining how we manage the airspace – deploying a state-of-the-art scheduling tool to prevent delays and cancellations,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “But to finally fix air travel for the American people, we need to pass the Modern Skies Act. This bill will give us the funding we need to modernize the digital architecture powering air traffic control, replace crumbling aviation infrast… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/schmitt-celebrates-senate-passage-of-protect-college-sports-act/ Schmitt Celebrates Senate Passage of Protect College Sports Act 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MO Eric Schmitt S001227 www.schmitt.senate.gov schmitt https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ scraper U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) praised passage of the bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act” in the U.S. Senate. Schmitt is a lead cosponsor of the bill and spoke on the Senate floor before the vote to underscore the instability threatening college sports in America and emphasize the need for Congress to act to provide clarity while protecting student-athletes and the future of college sports. “College sports are a uniquely American institution defined by legendary rivalries and some of the most prolific moments in sports history. College sports have created countless opportunities for student athletes to learn and grow—both on and off the field, they unite Americans from all corners of the country, and they’re responsible for some of the greatest American traditions. Yet over the last few years, college sports have come to be defined by increasing financial and regulatory instability that have thrown the entire system into jeopardy. “As an original co-sponsor of this bill, I called on my colleagues to do something the Senate rarely does: meet the moment. By passing the ‘Protect College Sports Act,’ we’re delivering much-needed stability to college sports, protecting the future of women’s and Olympic sports, and ensuring fans can continue to enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes. The ball is now in the House’s court. It’s time we send this bill to the President’s desk. Let’s get this done,” said Senator Schmitt. The “Protect College Sports Act”: Establishes new eligibility guardrails for athletes so professional athletes cannot return to play college sports; Implements a one-time transfer option; and Addresses critical revenue pitfalls in college sports programs, allowing schools to take advantage of new media pooling rights to generate billions in new funding for sports programs, particularly women’s and Olympic sports. Schmitt, an original cosponsor of the “Protect College Sports Act,” drafted the legislation with Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), … 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.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/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.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.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-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.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.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.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nasa-administrator-ohios-got-a-good-shot-at-landing-space-academy/ NASA Administrator: Ohio’s Got a “Good Shot” at Landing Space Academy 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate OH Bernie Moreno M001242 www.moreno.senate.gov moreno https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) is leading the statewide effort to bring the Space Academy to Dayton, Ohio. On Sunday, September 27, 2026, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman spoke to Spectrum News about Ohio’s “good shot” at landing the academy. “NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman weighed in on Ohio as a potential Space Academy location on Sunday, saying, ‘it’s got a good shot.’” […] “‘We know Ohio is very, very interested in it,’ Isaacman said.” “Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) is leading the push to bring the Space Academy to Ohio. In a press release, Moreno argues the state has premier space infrastructure, including NASA’s Glenn Research Center, the Armstrong Test Facility, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and The Ohio State University’s Voyager Institute for Space, Technology and Advancement.” 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/support-for-senator-moodys-legislation-to-locate-u-s-space-academy-in-florida-grows-reps-donalds-and-haridopolos-file-companion-bill-in-the-u-s-house/ Support for Senator Moody’s Legislation to Locate U.S. Space Academy in Florida Grows—Reps. Donalds and Haridopolos File Companion Bill in the U.S. House 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate FL Ashley Moody M001244 www.moody.senate.gov moody https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.—Support for Senator Ashley Moody’s legislation to locate the new U.S. Space Academy in Florida is growing. Rep. Byron Donalds, with the aid of Rep. Mike Haridopolos, recently filed companion legislation to Senator Moody’s STARS Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Thank you, Representative Donalds and Representative Haridopolos, for introducing the STARS Act to bring the new U.S. Space Academy to the Sunshine State. Momentum for our mission is growing, and Florida is unified in this effort to ensure our state remains the leader in space innovation and exploration,” said Senator Ashley Moody. BACKGROUND: The newly announced U.S. Space Academy will be for students looking to enter the U.S. Space Force, and it will also serve NASA and the civilian spaceflight industry. Senator Moody recently filed the legislation in the Senate. In addition to filing this legislation, Senator Moody has been working with state partners to address the RFI put out by the Administration to encourage the establishment of the new Space Academy in Florida. Earlier this month, Senator Moody rallied space industry leaders to make the pitch for Florida to house the new academy. Senator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida’s Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500%since 2016. Senator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration. The legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports. Senator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers. The proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA’s existing authority and allows private… 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.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/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/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-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.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-leads-letter-for-federal-disaster-aid-for-kansas-communities-2/ Senator Marshall Leads Letter for Federal Disaster Aid for Kansas Communities 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate KS Roger Marshall M001198 www.marshall.senate.gov marshall https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Washington – Following severe storms and straight-line winds that caused significant damage across Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., Jerry Moran, Congressman Derek Schmidt, and Congresswoman Sharice Davids have urged President Trump to approve the state’s request for a major disaster declaration. This federal support is critical in ensuring communities have the resources needed to repair and rebuild essential public infrastructure. In their letter, the Members of Congress wrote: “This devastating weather event tore through a dense urban area, damaging hundreds of homes and businesses and pushing the local utility system to the brink. Winds of up to 80 mph snapped utility poles, tore down miles of electric wire, and damaged transformers across Wyandotte County. “The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) called it the largest and most destructive storm in its history, with about 27,000 Kansans losing power… These damages have placed significant financial strain on local government as it works to recover. Damage assessments conducted jointly by the state and FEMA have determined that Kansas is eligible for approximately $5.5 million in federal assistance.” If approved, the following county would be eligible for federal assistance: Wyandotte. Upon approval, local governments and public utility providers would be eligible to submit storm-related expenses to FEMA for reimbursement. Click here to read the full text of the letter. ### 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.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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-veterans-access-to-high-cost-prescription-medications King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to High-Cost Prescription Medications 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to improve access to high-cost prescription drugs for veterans living in state veterans’ homes. The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act would require the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to reimburse State Veterans Homes (SVH) for high-cost medications that exceed 8.5% of their per diem rate, like the arrangement many private contract nursing homes currently have with the VA. Alternatively, it could require the VA to provide these medications directly to the SVHs. Maine has six SVH’s in locations across the state. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not pay State Veterans Homes for high-cost medications for severely disabled veterans, which are covered for veterans who reside outside the facilities. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) joins Senator King as a lead co-sponsor of the bill. “Our men and women in uniform didn’t hesitate when it came time to answer the call and serve the nation – we shouldn’t hesitate to make their retirement from service as comfortable as possible,” said Senator King. “If the VA covers veterans’ medications when they are living at a private nursing home, those cost reimbursements should be the same when veterans choose to enter a facility that specializes in taking care of veterans. This bipartisan Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will ensure our veterans continue to receive the care they have earned, regardless of where they chose to live.” “State veterans’ homes should never have to turn away elderly and disabled veterans because lifesaving medications are too expensive,” said Senator Banks. “This bipartisan bill will help states cover those costs and expedite care for our nation’s heroes.” Since the successful passage of the PACT Act in 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of veterans adjudicated as being severely disabled. For these veterans, the VA currently pays a per diem but doesn’t pay the Sta… 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.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.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.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.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.hawley.senate.gov/icymi-hawley-chairs-subcommittee-hearing-exposing-flock-cameras-calls-for-accountability/ ICYMI: Hawley Chairs Subcommittee Hearing Exposing Flock Cameras, Calls for Accountability 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MO Josh Hawley H001089 www.hawley.senate.gov hawley https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) chaired a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime hearing on Flock cameras and the threat they pose to national security and the privacy of everyday Americans. This hearing follows Senator Hawley’s investigation into major automated license plate reader (ALPR) companies and the nationwide AI surveillance network they have created. Hawley invited the CEOs of Flock, Axon, Motorola, and Verkada to testify in the hearing and provide answers to the American people. Each declined. Flock did provide some answers in a written letter to Senator Hawley, agreeing that Congress needs to create a federal framework to regulate these cameras. Flock also admitted to instituting some guardrails on their products after coming under public scrutiny. In the hearing, Chairman Hawley began, “There are many players in this industry, but there’s one name that really stands out above the rest, and that is Flock. If you haven’t heard of Flock, all I have to say is Flock’s probably heard of you. In fact, the truth is, you have probably been scanned and surveilled and tagged and logged multiple times this week alone, and that’s because Flock, by its own admission and its own statistics, maintains a network of 120,000 individual cameras in 49 states all across this country. It estimates that those cameras scan and then generate some 20 billion images. That’s what it means: 20 billion images of individuals in their cars or on their motorcycles or other vehicles every single month.” He continued, “Flock is a privately held company. Based on what we know, it’s backed by a venture capital firm. It’s worth about $10 billion, and it has amassed in a very short time frame a surveillance network unlike any we’ve ever seen in this country. And really, what makes it unique, based on what we can tell from the reporting and the reporting on what these networks can do… What seems to make these networks unique is not just the sheer number of cameras, it’s the fact that they’re all linked together and powered… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/28/icymi-hagerty-joinssunday-morning-futures-on-fox-news-channel-to-discuss-trump-gop-accomplishments/ ICYMI—Hagerty JoinsSunday Morning Futures on Fox News Channel to Discuss Trump, GOP Accomplishments 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TN Bill Hagerty H000601 www.hagerty.senate.gov hagerty https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking committees, joined Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News Channel to discuss the radical policies of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), President Donald Trump’s agenda, and the accomplishments of the GOP. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on the DSA’s radical agenda: I think we need to listen to what the Democrats are saying. You think about [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14)], [Abdul El-Sayed], [Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT)], even what Mamdani is doing with socialist, government-run grocery stores. We need to make it very clear that their answer [is] basically more government control. You think about the welfare state that they want to see… collapse the borders, more fentanyl into the country, more terrorism, more crime, defund the Pentagon. Every direction they want to turn weakens America. We need to be emphasizing exactly what [President Donald Trump] has done these past two years and where we’re headed… We are seeing economic strength coming through. We are seeing policies that are making a real difference because we have actually cut taxes. We are deregulating. The Biden administration would’ve added $4 trillion more worth of compliance costs. We are taking them away. My Freedom to Build Act could take up to $100,000 off the cost of a new home, again, cutting regulatory and permitting costs. So, we need to convey those messages; we need to convey a positive economic message. And the fact is that the world stands stronger with a strong America. The Republicans have the answers for this. We are putting forward policies to do it. The Democrats’ view is “let’s shut down the government.” That’s all they’ve delivered the past two years— the two longest government shutdowns in history. We even had a permitting reform package that we were trying to pass last week. They walked away from it. They do not want to see the economy do well; the… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-iowa-congressional-delegation-applaud-historic-steel-investment-in-iowa Grassley, Iowa Congressional Delegation Applaud Historic Steel Investment in Iowa 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate IA Chuck Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov grassley https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) released the following statement: “This historic investment is a major win for Iowa workers and further cements Iowa’s role in the future of American manufacturing. “As the largest steel plant investment in U.S. history, this project will generate over 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs, create new opportunities for Iowa families, and drive economic growth. Iowa has the workforce, work ethic, resources, and business climate to compete with anyone, and we are proud to welcome this project to our state. “The administration’s pro-American manufacturing policies are incentivizing companies to invest, build, and create jobs in the U.S. We thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership in making Iowa a great place to do business and ensuring our state benefits from these policies by attracting transformational investments like this one.” 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-recognize-15-years-of-iowa-national-guard_kosovo-security-force-partnership Grassley, Ernst Recognize 15 Years of Iowa National Guard-Kosovo Security Force Partnership 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate IA Chuck Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov grassley https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases scraper BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) are introducing a resolution to recognize the 15-year partnership between the Iowa National Guard (IANG) and the Republic of Kosovo, highlighting its contributions to advancing peace, democracy, stability and mutual understanding. As Russia, China and Iran seek to weaken Western institutions and undermine Euro-Atlantic integration, the IANG–Kosovo partnership helps provide stability to the eastern European region. Last week, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited IANG Joint Force Headquarters in Johnston to highlight the partnership’s benefits and recognize Iowa’s longstanding relationship with Kosovo. “I’m very proud Iowa has such a close relationship with one of the most pro-American countries in the world. In those fifteen years, both our peoples have felt the benefit of this bond and strengthened our security postures. I’m happy to partner with Senator Ernst in leading this resolution to honor Iowa’s historic partnership with Kosovo and celebrate its enduring impact,” Grassley said. “Having served in the Iowa National Guard and trained alongside the Kosovo Security Forces during my service, I know firsthand the value of the partnership between Iowa and the Kosovo Security Force that has been built over the past 15 years,” Ernst said. “During my recent visit, I saw firsthand the strength of this bond and the deep respect Kosovars have for Iowa and our men and women in uniform. Through joint training and operations, our forces advance a shared commitment to security and stability. I am proud to mark this milestone and look forward to this partnership growing even stronger.” In remarks on the Senate floor in February, Grassley marked the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence. Text of the resolution can be found HERE. Background: In 2011, the Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force were formally partnered through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, which was established to fos… 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.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.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-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.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=88B99E68-7577-48F5-8AC0-B8262C8DE641 Fischer Statement on Gregory Ibach USDA Nomination 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate NE Deb Fischer F000463 www.fischer.senate.gov fischer https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) issued the following statement on Gregory Ibach’s nomination to serve as the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): “Congratulations to Greg on another well-deserved nomination. Having worked with Greg over the years, I know he will bring his experience and expertise to USDA at a time when farm country truly needs it. I look forward to working with him and finding new ways we can help producers in Nebraska.” Gregory Ibach served as the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA in President Donald Trump’s first term. Before his time at USDA, Ibach served as Nebraska’s Director of Agriculture. ### 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.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.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-ludlows-steakhouse Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Ludlow’s Steakhouse 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov ernst https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Ludlow’s Steakhouse of Wayne County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties. “It’s prime time to recognize Ludlow’s Steakhouse,” said Chair Ernst. “Through their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to their employees and community, the Pershys have grown Ludlow’s Steakhouse into a Wayne County staple — a job truly well done.” For more than two decades, Ludlow’s Steakhouse has proudly served the people of Wayne County. Ron and Maureta Redmon opened Ludlow’s in 2004 and operated the restaurant until 2013, when they sold the business to Craig and Brenda Onstot. Truett and Sheena Pershy took ownership in 2017 and have since expanded the menu, launched a catering business, and overseen a major renovation and relocation to better serve their customers and community. From custom-cut aged steaks and seafood to pasta, sandwiches, and more, Ludlow’s offers something for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award. ### 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-joins-president-trump-to-tout-transformative-15-billion-steel-investment-in-iowa Ernst Joins President Trump to Tout Transformative $15 Billion Steel Investment in Iowa 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov ernst https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined President Donald Trump at the White House to announce a $15 billion investment by Mesabi Metallics to build a new steel mill in eastern Iowa. Watch Senator Ernst’s statement here. “I am grateful to President Trump for securing this historic deal that will create thousands of jobs for Iowans,” said Ernst. “As chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, I’ve long advocated to make ‘Made in America’ the norm and not the exception. I am excited to see this project move forward and will continue working with the Trump administration to strengthen U.S. manufacturing.” Background: Mesabi Metallics plans to invest $15 billion to build a major steel mill in eastern Iowa, with steel production expected to begin as soon as 2030. The project is expected to support more than 1,700 jobs and initially produce 7.5 million tons of steel annually, with future development potentially increasing capacity to roughly 10 million tons per year. The eastern Iowa location provides strategic access to the Mississippi River, allowing Mesabi to transport iron ore from its Minnesota mine directly to the facility. The plant will process that iron ore for use in electric arc furnaces alongside recycled scrap steel, expanding domestic steel production and strengthening the American manufacturing supply chain. ### 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.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-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.daines.senate.gov/2026/09/28/daines-downing-bill-protecting-rural-water-infrastructure-signed-by-president-trump-officially-law/ Daines, Downing Bill Protecting Rural Water Infrastructure Signed by President Trump, Officially Law 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MT Steve Daines D000618 www.daines.senate.gov daines https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Representative Troy Downing announced that their bill to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act was signed by President Trump and is officially law. “This is a major win for the Treasure State. Montanans should never have to worry about whether or not their water is safe to drink. Now that President Trump has signed our bill into law, we’ll be able to continue critical construction on water infrastructure on the Fort Peck reservation and throughout the northeast region. I’m grateful for everyone who helped get this bill across the finish line and look forward to seeing the impacts this will have for the health and future of our communities,” said Daines. “I’m proud that the President has signed my bill, H.R. 7250, into law. This legislation will help keep critical water projects moving forward and provide greater certainty for families and communities across northeastern Montana. Reliable water infrastructure is essential to the future of this region. I’m grateful to the Montana delegation for working together to get this bill through Congress and signed into law,” said Downing. Read the bill text HERE. Background: The bill reauthorizes the Fort Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water System. It extends authority for the Bureau of Reclamation to continue constructing essential water infrastructure in the Fort Peck Reservation and in Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley, and Daniels counties from December 2026 to December 2028. The Fort Peck Dry Prairie Reservation Rural Water System is one of four regional water systems in Montana. Read Daines’ press release from when he introduced the bill in January 2026 HERE. Read Daines’ press release from when the bill passed the Senate HERE. ### 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-bill-strengthening-american-college-athletics-system Senate Passes Bill Strengthening American College Athletics System 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate ND Kevin Cramer C001096 www.cramer.senate.gov cramer https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – After years of litigation, conflicting state laws and uncertainty over Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, player transfers, and athlete eligibility, the Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act today by a vote of 77 to 22, establishing a national framework designed to bring stability and predictability to college athletics. The landmark bill, which now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration, will create a uniform set of rules governing collegiate athletics, including NIL compensation and antitrust disputes. The Protect College Sports Act is designed to provide schools with clear, enforceable standards while helping protect scholarships and opportunities across college sports. More than 370 colleges and universities nationwide support the bill, including the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who voted in favor of the legislation, said, “The Protect College Sports Act gives schools and student-athletes certainty. College sports should be about being in college—not creating a professional minor league. We are trying to protect what most of us who grew up with college sports know: for the vast majority, college athletics is a pathway to an education, while only a very small number go on to make it a career. We’re talking about students and their futures, and that’s something worth coming together for.” 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.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-texas-receives-51-million-to-improve-rural-health-care/ Cornyn: Texas Receives $51 Million to Improve Rural Health Care 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov cornyn https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced the allocation of $51 million to 68 rural hospital districts in Texas to improve health care as part of the “Make Rural Texans Healthy Again” initiative. The funding comes from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which Sen. Cornyn championed and helped establish through enactment of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act: “The Working Families Tax Cuts Act made the single largest investment in rural health care in more than two decades,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I was proud to support this once-in-a-generation law that established the Rural Health Transformation Program, and I look forward to seeing these resources expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and better support folks with chronic conditions across the Lone Star State.” Background: The funding will support community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs to improve health outcomes and address chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and obesity. Last year, Sen. Cornyn announced the Trump administration allocated $281,319,361 for Texas from the Rural Health Transformation Program. Prior to that, Sen. Cornyn and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with members of the Texas congressional delegation to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, urging him to prioritize funding for the State of Texas. Sen. Cornyn also released a statement in support of Texas’ application last November. 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.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.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.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/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-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-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-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.budd.senate.gov/2026/09/28/senator-budd-wraps-second-official-100-county-tour/ Senator Budd Wraps Second Official 100 County Tour and is Ready to Get Back on the Road 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate NC Ted Budd B001305 www.budd.senate.gov budd https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/ scraper Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has completed his second official 100-County Tour during his time serving in the Senate, traveling to all 100 counties across North Carolina. Senator Budd has completed a total of three 100-County Tours, spanning from Murphy to Manteo, the first of which he completed during his 2022 U.S. Senate campaign. Upon wrapping his second tour of the state, Senator Budd said: “Throughout my career in public service, I have firmly believed that representing North Carolina cannot be done from behind a desk in Washington. I work for the people of North Carolina, and that means being where they are, listening to their concerns firsthand, and bringing their voices back to Washington to shape the policies that affect their lives. That is what my 100-County Tour is all about. “North Carolina didn’t become the number one state economy by accident. It happened because communities across all 100 counties are building, innovating, and investing in our state’s future. That’s why I have made it a point to travel to every corner of our state to understand what is happening on the ground and ensure Washington is working with North Carolina—not against it. “In Western North Carolina, that means keeping up the momentum to rebuild the communities and infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Helene and making them more resilient than before. In the Piedmont Triad and the Northeast, it means strengthening our workforce and supporting the farmers who power North Carolina’s number one industry. In the Triangle, it means driving investment and innovation to keep our state at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology. In Central North Carolina, it means fostering a business environment where companies want to invest. And in the Southeast, it means standing with our service members and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to defend our nation and put America first. “Now that I’ve completed my second tour, my work is far from over. I’m resetting the odo… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-chris-coons-james-lankford-brian-schatz-introduce-bipartisan-ai-safety-and-transparency-legislation/ U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Chris Coons, James Lankford, Brian Schatz Introduce Bipartisan AI Safety and Transparency Legislation 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate AL Katie Boyd Britt B001319 www.britt.senate.gov britt https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ scraper   0 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A2055736-C1EB-4D1D-848E-6ACAA10F5F3C ICYMI: Boozman Touts Paid Leave Legislation on The Hill’s Future of Supporting American Families Panel 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09           www.boozman.senate.gov boozman https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined The Hill for a panel discussion on the future of supporting American families. Alongside Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and The Hill Contributing Editor Kathleen Koch, Boozman discussed his bipartisan More Paid Leave for More Americans Act that would address gaps in access to paid leave by giving states and employers a flexible framework to establish paid leave programs and collaborate on administrative challenges. On why he is excited about the legislation and its features: “The world is totally different than it was even a few years ago. Everybody’s working, everybody has to work. There’s a lot of smaller companies that want to [offer paid leave] but they’re overwhelmed by the prospect of going through all the hoops, all the regulation that you have now. And the other part, too, is making it where you have a framework, but it’s flexible. Arkansas is a state that has a lot of elderly in it, so we’re seeing a lot of elder care, that’s more important. And then, as the congresswoman said, the fact that you sort out these interstate problems. You know, so many companies have employees in [multiple] states, and you start trying to figure all that out. So it’s just a good step in the right direction.” On Arkansas leading on paid leave for teachers and state employees: “Arkansas is a very conservative state and this has been really appreciated by all. If you polled it, it would be way, way up there. People understand this is desperately needed. There’s only a few states that’ve done this. So by them doing it, and I think Sarah Huckabee Sanders, again, leading that charge is good in the sense that conservatives look at that. And I think that, because they do it, other states will fall in line.” On employers’ receptiveness to the concept: “It’s important that, not only does it give the states flexibility, it gives the employers flexibility. That’s what they want. But you have to do these things to compete. A smaller business can’t compete with a bigger busi… 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.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-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.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.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-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-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.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.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.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-banks-king-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-veterans-access-to-high-cost-prescription-medication-in-state-homes/ Sens. Banks, King Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to High-Cost Prescription Medication in State Homes 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate IN Jim Banks B001299 www.banks.senate.gov banks https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to high-cost prescription drugs for veterans living in state veterans’ homes. TheProviding Veterans Essential Medications Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse state veterans’ homes for high-cost medications or provide the drugs directly. Currently, VA only provides a limited per diem rate to cover drug costs, which is often insufficient. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “State veterans’ homes should never have to turn away elderly and disabled veterans because lifesaving medications are too expensive. This bipartisan bill will help states cover those costs and expedite care for our nation’s heroes.” Sen. Angus King (I-Maine): “Our men and women in uniform didn’t hesitate when it came time to answer the call and serve our nation – we shouldn’t hesitate to make their retirement from service as comfortable as possible. If the VA covers veterans’ medication when they are living at a private nursing home, those cost reimbursements should be the same when veterans choose to enter a facility that specializes in taking care of veterans. This bipartisan Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will ensure our veterans continue to receive the care they have earned, regardless of where they choose to live.” Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Jake Adams: “Veterans have earned the peace of mind that comes with reliable, affordable access to the medications they depend on. The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act reinforces that commitment by ensuring state veterans’ homes have the resources necessary to supply high-cost medications—allowing them to serve more veterans who need specialized care.” Key Provisions of the Providing Veterans Essential Medication Act: Requires the VA to reimburse state veterans’ homes for prescription medications that cost more than the 8.5% applicable VA per diem rate. Allows th… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-inside-indiana-business-banks-calls-for-grissom-to-be-new-u-s-space-academy-home/ ICYMI: Inside Indiana Business: Banks Calls for Grissom to Be New U.S. Space Academy Home 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate IN Jim Banks B001299 www.banks.senate.gov banks https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to read the full story or read below. Bunker Hill, Ind. ­­— Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., wants a site in north central Indiana to become the new home of the U.S. Space Academy. In a letter sent Thursday to Jared Isaacman, chairman of the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, Banks urged the commission to select Grissom Air Reserve Base and the surrounding Grissom Aeroplex as the site for the academy. Banks cited Grissom’s connection to Lt. Col. Virgil “Gus” Grissom, an Indiana native and the second American to fly in space. He also highlighted the site’s “substantial capacity for future classrooms, housing, and training infrastructure, along with access to a 12,501-foot runway, one of the longest in the Midwest.” President Donald Trump issued an order on Aug. 28 establishing the U.S. Space Academy and the commission, led by Isaacman, which will develop the framework for the academy and select a permanent physical location. The order said the country must “prepare the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and warfighters and ensure that they are capable of advancing American interests in space.” Grissom Air Reserve Base is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, which is equipped with the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and special taskings to generate aircraft and crews in support of the Air Mobility Command. The Grissom Aeroplex is a business park that encompasses more than 850 acres. In his letter, Banks said Indiana offers the academic and industrial ecosystem necessary to support the Academy’s long-term mission. “The state offers a low cost of living, leading STEM and research universities, and a growing aerospace, defense, and advanced-manufacturing workforce,” Banks said. “Indiana companies already contribute directly to America’s space missions, including 21 suppliers supporting NASA’s Artemis program. Locating the Space Academy at Grissom would give cadets access to this broader network and create opportunities to con… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/fox-news-exclusive-massive-ice-sweep-fuels-gop-push-to-lock-trump-immigration-crackdown-into-law/ FOX NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Massive ICE Sweep Fuels GOP Push to Lock Trump Immigration Crackdown into Law 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate IN Jim Banks B001299 www.banks.senate.gov banks https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Banks warns aggressive executive enforcement today won’t survive a future administration without new legislation Click here to read the full story or read below. EXCLUSIVE: A massive five- day ICE operation that netted 426 arrests across Indiana is fueling Hoosier Sen. Jim Banks’ push for Congress to cement President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown into law before a future administration can reverse course. Banks hailed “Operation Safe Community: Indiana” in a Fox News Digital interview this week after federal immigration officers fanned out across his home state from Aug. 30 through Sept. 3, arresting 426 people with records involving sex crimes, assault, domestic violence, drug trafficking and weapons offenses, according to ICE. “This is why Donald Trump was elected in 2024: for mass deportation,” Banks told Fox News Digital. “It was one of his key agenda items during the campaign. And in this case in Indiana, you see the direct result of it.” ICE also credited cooperation with state and local law enforcement agencies in carrying out the operation, something Republicans have flagged as a key aspect to successful enforcement. But Banks argued the operation also underscores a limitation of Trump’s crackdown: aggressive executive enforcement today does not guarantee that the same immigration policies survive the next administration. “It is important that we codify Trump border security measures and tough-on-immigration policies and make them the law of the land,” he said. The busts build on the lawmaker’s seven-bill immigration package, previously reported by Fox News Digital, which targets issues including birthright citizenship, family-based immigration, H-1B visas, noncitizens’ CDLs and congressional authority over Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to limit judicial intervention. “If this could happen in Indiana, it could happen anywhere,” he added, arguing that the opposition has made it tougher to achieve immigration goals after displacing ICE from the 2025 immigration appropriations legislation.… 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.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://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressman-wittman-earns-a-for-representing-va-01-a-for-bipartisan-leadership Congressman Wittman Earns A+ for Representing VA-01, A for Bipartisan Leadership 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican House VA Robert J. Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov wittman https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted two recent recognitions of his work in Congress: an “A+” District-Based Grade and District Excellence Award from the Institute for Legislative Analysis and an “A” Bridge Grade recognizing his bipartisan and collaborative work. Together, the recognitions reflect Wittman’s approach to representing Virginia’s First District: knowing the communities he serves, standing up for their priorities, and working across the aisle when necessary to deliver results. “Representing Virginia’s First District has never been about checking a partisan box—it is about listening to the people I represent and getting things done for them,” said Rep. Wittman. “I’m honored to receive both of these recognitions because they reflect two principles I have always tried to bring to this job: staying grounded in the priorities of our district and being willing to work with anyone who is serious about solving problems.” The Institute for Legislative Analysis presented Wittman with its District Excellence Award after he earned an “A+” under its District-Based Grading system, which evaluates a Member’s voting record in the context of the congressional district he or she represents. The organization specifically cited Wittman’s work to strengthen military readiness, protect taxpayers, and stand up for service members and families across Virginia’s First District. Wittman also earned an “A” rating from Bridge Grades, which evaluates Members of Congress on collaborative governance, bipartisan legislative work, coalition-building, and rhetoric. “Whether we are strengthening our military, protecting the Chesapeake Bay, improving health care, modernizing infrastructure, supporting our veterans, or lowering costs for families, my focus is on results,” Wittman continued. “Experience matters. Leadership matters. But ultimately, what matters most is what you do with them. I will continue putting Virginia’s First District first and working to deliver for the people who sent me to Washingt… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-cosponsors-introduction-bipartisan-legislation-support Westerman Cosponsors the Introduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Support Veterans' Right to Build Their Own Homes 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican House AR Bruce Westerman W000821 westerman.house.gov westerman https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper This week, Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) 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. “Stable, reliable housing directly contributes to the health and well-being of our veterans. Unfortunately, high construction costs and interest rates keep many from investing in their future as homeowners,” said Congressman Westerman. “By working directly with the VA to expand construction loan access and investing in the domestic building materials we have in our own backyard, this bill initiates an innovative pilot program that lowers housing costs and provides more access for our veterans in addition to supporting rural America and bolstering our domestic wood supply chain. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my colleague from Washington to deliver real, bipartisan solutions that address the needs of our veteran community.” “Building our own home was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. While many vets have the relevant skills, they functionally can’t use their VA home loans and leverage their skills to build a home. In fact, only 30% of vets use their VA home loans at all,” said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. “My bill creates a pilot program for rural vets to use provided blueprints and expedited permitting to start building wealth and community-while increasing the housing supply for all of us.” Background: 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 fre… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-bolster-great Walberg, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation Efforts 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican House MI Tim Walberg W000798 walberg.house.gov walberg https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Today, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), David Joyce (R-OH), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Hillary Scholten (D-MI) introduced 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 the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Rep. Walberg. "The bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act ensures the region receives its fair share of federal support, strengthening the research and conservation work needed to protect this indispensable resource. We must equip our partners with the tools necessary to safeguard the waters and communities that rely on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem." "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 Rep. Kaptur. "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… 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://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://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://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2099 Congressman Van Drew Issues Statement on FCC Review of Verizon Copper Service Proposal 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican House NJ Jefferson Van Drew V000133 vandrew.house.gov vandrew https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew welcomed the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to prevent Verizon's application to discontinue copper-based telephone service in portions of New Jersey from being automatically approved while the Commission conducts further review. Earlier this month, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr urging the Commission to reject Verizon's proposal. "This is a good first step, and I appreciate Chairman Carr and the FCC for taking these concerns seriously," said Congressman Van Drew. "People across South Jersey reached out to us because they are genuinely worried about losing a service they still depend on, especially in rural areas where cell coverage is not always reliable. I will continue working with Chairman Carr and the FCC as they review this proposal, and I am still asking that it ultimately be rejected." 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://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-statement-mesabi-metallics-plan-build-15-billion-steel-mill-iowa Stauber Statement on Mesabi Metallics’ Plan to Build a $15 Billion Steel Mill in Iowa 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican House MN Pete Stauber S001212 stauber.house.gov stauber https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement in response to today’s announcement that Mesabi Metallics plans to build a $15 billion steel mill in Iowa. This will be the largest steel plant in U.S. history and is expected to produce 7.5 million or more tons of steel each year while employing as many as 1,700 workers. “I am proud that Mesabi Metallics recently opened their new mine in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District – the first new mine to be built on the Iron Range in over 50 years. Furthermore, I appreciate the President’s commitment to revitalize America’s steel industry and am excited that the taconite produced on Minnesota’s Mighty Iron Range will play a vital role in that national effort. “However, building this facility in Iowa is a missed opportunity for Northern Minnesota. The hardworking union men and women on the Iron Range stood ready to build, operate, and support a facility of this scale. Yet, their state leaders failed them. While Iowa’s leaders have fostered a pro-growth environment that attracts investment and jobs, the Walz-Flanagan Administration have done the opposite. Their abysmal leadership has driven away opportunity through hostility to industry and indifference to the Iron Range. They shoulder all the blame for this 15-billion-dollar project, along with its 1,700 family-sustaining jobs, going to our neighbor to the south. “Minnesota cannot afford more of the same. We need state leaders who make Minnesota a place that welcomes investment and the jobs that come with it, not a place that is repeatedly overlooked because it continues to chase investment away." ### 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-introduces-legislation-create-transparency-voter-vouching Stauber Introduces Legislation to Create Transparency on Voter Vouching 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican House MN Pete Stauber S001212 stauber.house.gov stauber https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), along with Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, and Congressman Brad Finstad, introduced the Voter Voucher Transparency Act, legislation that will create a standardized federal reporting requirement so the public can see how often voter vouching is used in federal elections. Specifically, this legislation would require states to report the number of individuals who registered to vote using a voucher, the total number of voters who served as vouchers, the number of individuals vouched for by each voucher, and the number of attempted vouching registrations that were not accepted, including the reasons for denial. Of his legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, “Under Democrat leadership, Minnesota became ground zero for welfare fraud, so it should come as no surprise that these same Democrat leaders are also enabling election fraud through the state’s controversial voter vouching system. Allowing one person to vouch for up to eight voters creates an environment where illegal immigrants can easily cast ballots. This is wrong, and it is un-American. Unfortunately, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has done everything in his power to prevent transparency on this issue. We can’t fix what we can’t measure, which is why I am proud to introduce legislation requiring a federal reporting requirement on voter vouching to understand the full scope of the issue here in Minnesota and nationwide. Only Americans should decide the outcome of U.S. elections, and I will not stop fighting until election integrity is restored.” In the state of Minnesota, an individual seeking to become registered to vote on Election Day can confirm their residency simply by having a registered voter “vouch” for them. Registered voters can vouch for up to eight people, and staff at residential facilities can vouch for an unlimited number of facility residents. Compounding this issue, Governor Walz also signed the “Driver’s Licenses for All” bill into law, allowi… 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://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://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://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-joins-mount-sinai-new-emergency-center-opening-highlights-healthcare SALAZAR JOINS MOUNT SINAI FOR NEW EMERGENCY CENTER OPENING, HIGHLIGHTS HEALTHCARE RECORD 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican House FL Maria Elvira Salazar S000168 salazar.house.gov salazar https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper MIAMI, Fla. — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined Mount Sinai Medical Center leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the South Florida community for the ribbon cutting of Mount Sinai’s new Emergency Center in Westchester, located in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. The new four-story facility will expand access to emergency treatment, advanced diagnostic imaging, and behavioral health services for families in Westchester and surrounding communities. It is scheduled to open to patients in October. “Quality healthcare has to be both accessible and affordable,” said Rep. Salazar. “That means having excellent care close to home, enough doctors to see patients, access to the treatments people need, and costs families can actually afford. I am proud to join Mount Sinai for this important expansion and will continue working across the aisle to strengthen healthcare for South Florida.” "When we broke ground here, we made a commitment to the Westchester community that nationally recognized care was coming. Today, it is here,” said Gino R. Santorio, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center. “Families in this community now have emergency care close to home, with advanced imaging on site so patients get answers during their visit rather than a referral and a second trip. And this is only the beginning. We are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for standing with us today and for her continued support of Mount Sinai and the patients we serve across South Florida." The Emergency Center marks the first phase of Mount Sinai’s broader expansion at the site. Future phases are expected to add inpatient and observation beds, surgical services, cardiac care, and additional specialty services. SALAZAR’S RECORD ON HEALTHCARE In Congress, Rep. Salazar has built a bipartisan healthcare record focused on lowering costs, expanding access, strengthening the medical workforce, and bringing federal healthcare investments home to South Florida. She has secured nearly $15 million in direct federal… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3239 Rouzer Celebrates Investment in ILM Aircraft Apron Expansion... 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican House NC David Rouzer R000603 rouzer.house.gov rouzer https://rouzer.house.gov/press-releases scraper WILMINGTON, NC - Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) applauded a $3 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to expand the aircraft apron at Wilmington International Airport (ILM). The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding will support ILM’s apron expansion, the first phase of a broader terminal expansion project that will ultimately add additional gates, improve aircraft parking and maneuvering, and position the airport to accommodate continued passenger and airline growth. "Southeastern North Carolina relies on Wilmington International Airport to connect our community and support our growing economy," said Congressman Rouzer. "This investment is a major step toward ensuring ILM can accommodate continued growth and better serve our community for years to come. I'll keep working to enhance ILM’s advancement as well as our other infrastructure needs.” “We’re thrilled to see this investment at ILM,” said Jeffrey Bourk, ILM Airport Director. “Our airport has grown tremendously in recent years, and the work ahead will allow us to keep pace with the region. We thank Congressman Rouzer for his continued advocacy and support for ILM. With this funding, we can modernize our infrastructure to provide the safe, efficient service our community and passengers expect." AIP funding supports airport infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, markings, and other improvements that promote safe and efficient airport operations. 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://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

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