url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-announces-1-44-million-in-funding-for-williamsport-water-tank-replacement-project/,Fetterman Announces $1.44 Million in Funding for Williamsport Water Tank Replacement Project,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $1,440,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority (WMWA) for a tank replacement. This funding was secured by Senator Fetterman, through the EPA’s Community Grants program, to have their aging water tank replaced, bolstering water service reliability for over 51,000 customers.

“One of my highest priorities is securing federal investments that lower costs for Pennsylvania families and businesses. I was proud to support WMWA in its efforts to replace its 100+ year old water storage tank. This investment will improve water service reliability for generations to come and puts ratepayers first,” said Senator Fetterman.

“The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority is extremely grateful to Senator John Fetterman for providing this grant opportunity and for recognizing the importance of investing in critical water infrastructure. The Authority also thanks EPA for their support and assistance throughout the grant process and construction of this project. Their efforts helped make this investment in our community possible. Maintaining and investing in critical water infrastructure is essential to the health, safety and future of our community. Reliable water service is something people often take for granted, but it requires constant investment to ensure our system remains safe, dependable, and resilient for generations to come,” said Michael D. Miller, Executive Director of the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority.

Senator Fetterman was the sole supporter of this award in the FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending process.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-teamsters-local-500s-new-contract-with-quaker-valley-foods-2/,Fetterman Celebrates Teamsters Local 500’s New Contract with Quaker Valley Foods,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, after the announcement of a new contract agreement between Teamsters Local 500 and Quaker Valley Foods, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement:

“The members of Teamsters Local 500 work year-round to move food up and down the East Coast. This deal with Quaker Valley gives them what we all deserve: a dignified retirement. Sending my congratulations to everyone who stood together in fighting for this new contract.”

Teamsters Local 500 represents nearly 70 Quaker Valley Foods employees in Northeast Philadelphia, including the roughly 35 truck drivers who began striking on August 5, 2026. These workers fought for and secured stable retirement benefits, in the form of a hybrid annuity, as part of their new contract with the food distributor.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
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 communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other threats, Mullin is putting Americans’ safety at risk as political leverage.

The senators also highlighted allegations from a federal whistleblower about an effort referred to as the “Unlawful Voter Initiative.” According to the whistleblower, USCIS personnel were allegedly directed to use sensitive, personally identifiable information and improperly access state voter registration websites to find non-citizen voters. The whistleblower also alleged that personnel were directed to create law enforcement records using incomplete and unverifiable data for potential referral to law enforcement.

“According to the whistleblower, USCIS staff were given a list of names and told to use sensitive personally identifiable information to impersonate voters and access state voter registration websites to verify individuals’ immigration and voter registration statuses. Equipped with incomplete and unverifiable data compiled with ‘supplemental magic,’ USCIS staff are allegedly being directed to create law enforcement records on individuals, including U.S. citizens, for possible referral to HSI for further investigation,” the senators wrote. “If true, this is just another alarming effort by the Department to use data that USCIS materials admit may be inaccurate, coupled with questionable means to potentially disenfranchise voters.”

The senators called on Mullin to immediately provide all information substantiating his July 17, 2026 allegations regarding noncitizens who registered to vote, rescind FEMA Information Bulletin Nos. 569 and 569(a) and release all withheld funds to states without further delay; and provide information about the “Unlawful Voter Initiative” and immediately cease its activities.

“The 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters,” the senators wrote.

Senator Fetterman has been unequivocally clear that our elections are absolutely secure, fair, and accurate. In April, he joined his colleagues in a letter to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors and Postmaster General David Steiner urging them not to implement the March executive order that sought to transform USPS into an election administration agency with the power to determine who can vote by mail and to establish ballot specifications. In June following the Board’s issuance of the proposed rule in response to the executive order, Senator Fetterman again joined his colleagues in a second letter urging the Board and Postmaster General Steiner to withdraw the proposed rule. Senate Democrats sent a third letter on September 4 after USPS finalized its rule to implement the vote-by-mail executive order.

As recently as the end of September, Senator Fetterman continued to urge that our elections are safe and secure, including vote-by-mail. At the Texas Tribune Festival last week, he highlighted that the “best examples of vote-by-mail come from red states.” He continued the conversation saying, “if the only time you criticize voting is if it means you lost, that means it’s impossible to take that seriously.”

Read the full text of the senators’ September letter to DHS below and here.

—

Dear Secretary Mullin:

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.

You have been unwilling to publicly affirm that you will not send U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to the polls, despite federal law barring their presence. Most recently, you deployed Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents across nine states for a “coordinated criminal voter fraud surge initiative,” despite the lack of verifiable evidence of widespread noncitizen voter fraud. Your actions as Secretary are intentionally undermining Americans’ trust in the 2026 midterm elections and appear to purposefully disenfranchise eligible voters. Taken together, these actions amount to an illegal attempt to federalize the administration of the upcoming midterm elections.

At the direction of President Trump, you have endeavored to coerce states into divulging sensitive voter roll information, raising serious concerns about how that information will be stored and used. On March 25, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14248, which required DHS to compare state voter registration lists against federal immigration databases. The Executive Order was followed by an overhaul of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which transformed the program from one used for individual benefits eligibility checks to a system that could carry out bulk searches of records using Social Security numbers. Since then, DHS has repeatedly pressured states to share their voter rolls and run them through the modified SAVE program, despite legal concerns and known accuracy issues. You have exerted this pressure despite the fact that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which administers the SAVE program, has acknowledged that its results can be inaccurate. Additionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has acknowledged that its citizenship data for naturalized citizens – which is used by the SAVE program – is incomplete and unreliable. Even though the Supreme Court has allowed you to use the SAVE program for now, we remind you of the requirement of the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U. S. C. §20507(c)(2)(A) that bars any systematic removal of ineligible voters within 90 days of Election Day.

On July 17, 2026, you claimed, without evidence, that 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote in four states. This claim has been refuted by states and even by other administration officials. For example, you claimed that around 16,000 noncitizens illegally registered to vote in Nevada, but later, other DHS officials alleged the number was only 185. A subsequent review by Nevada state officials found all 185 individuals were U.S. citizens. These states did not agree to give you their sensitive state voter roll information and judges in each state dismissed the Department of Justice’s efforts to access that information. Moreover, elections experts have challenged the legitimacy of these numbers. Considering the inaccuracies in SSA’s citizenship categorizations and the questions surrounding how you obtained the voter roll information needed to analyze this data, we cannot trust the numbers as reported.

Further, under your leadership, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently added new terms and conditions to fiscal year (FY) 2025 and 2026 Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program awards. These are grants provided to states to help them protect their communities from terrorism and other hazards. In the FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), FEMA mandated that 3% of the target allocations for these grants be spent on enhancing election security, including critical activities like hardening election locations. Now, after FY25 agreements have already been signed, this Administration is threatening to withhold a percentage of the funding hostage if recipients do not meet these new, specious requirements, despite serious legal and implementation concerns. FEMA also added requirements to the recently released FY26 Homeland Security Grant Program NOFO, conditioning 20% of the full amount of the grants on states’ compliance with election requirements that states have contested in litigation. DHS’s continued interference with FEMA’s grants puts FEMA’s mission at risk, slows down the administration of grants, and ultimately hurts communities.

Now, a federal whistleblower has alleged that, at the direction of DHS and USCIS leadership, the component’s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate staff may have violated laws and DHS policies in furtherance of a new “Unlawful Voter Initiative.” According to the whistleblower, USCIS staff were given a list of names and told to use sensitive personally identifiable information to impersonate voters and access state voter registration websites to verify individuals’ immigration and voter registration statuses. Equipped with incomplete and unverifiable data compiled with “supplemental magic,” USCIS staff are allegedly being directed to create law enforcement records on individuals, including U.S. citizens, for possible referral to HSI for further investigation. If true, this is just another alarming effort by the Department to use data that USCIS materials admit may be inaccurate, coupled with questionable means to potentially disenfranchise voters.

The 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters.

We are deeply troubled by the actions that you, DHS, and the Trump Administration have taken. As such, we demand that you immediately cease the aforementioned activities and provide us with all information underpinning the allegations made in your July 17, 2026, letter regarding non-citizens registered to vote, rescind Information Bulletin Nos. 569 and 569(a), release all withheld funds to the states without further delay, and provide information about the “Unlawful Voter Initiative.”

Thank you for your prompt attention and cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,",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 to release the funds before the end of the fiscal year.

“Young people across the country have positively benefited from the programs funded by the TPP Program and would immediately suffer from direct service cuts and loss of access to beneficial support. For example, in Central Pennsylvania, more than 10,000 teens—many of whom are foster youth, have substance use disorders, or face mental health challenges—will lose access to these critical resources due to the discontinuation of funding for a single provider,” continued the members.

Read the full text of the bicameral letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

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. That is why we write to, once again, demand that you immediately reinstate funding for grantees of the TPP Program that your department cut off earlier this year. Both chambers of Congress sent your Department letters highlighting our initial concerns in July. We will not stand by as this congressionally allocated funding fails to be distributed, and we will hold you responsible for withholding these funds.

With just days left before the end of the fiscal year and your Department rightly enjoined by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from implementing new funding conditions, we are concerned that the funds are now sitting unused, and, therefore, the communities served by the TPP program are suffering. The only reasonable path forward is to provide funding to the grantees that were previously subject to the Department’s arbitrary terminations. As of this writing, only $579,499 of the program’s $101 million appropriation has been provided to a single grantee. It is clear you have no practical plan to legally spend down these funds before they expire, and the best course of action is to simply renew the awards that were terminated.

Any additional delay in obligating these funds would risk further damage to the evidence-based programs fulfilling their congressionally directed mission of providing accurate and age-appropriate programs to reduce teen pregnancy. If funds are not made available to these longstanding, high-performing grantees by September 30, millions of dollars that Congress appropriated for this important goal will expire without being spent as directed.

The majority of the grants terminated by your Department were in the third year of their five-year cycle. Withholding these funds deprives teens across the U.S. of vital resources and threatens to unwind decades of progress made in reducing teen pregnancy. Young people across the country have positively benefited from the programs funded by the TPP Program and would immediately suffer from direct service cuts and loss of access to beneficial support. For example, in Central Pennsylvania, more than 10,000 teens—many of whom are foster youth, have substance use disorders, or face mental health challenges—will lose access to these critical resources due to the discontinuation of funding for a single provider. In South Carolina, the discontinuation of funds for another provider would impact over 6,450 youth and has already led to staff layoffs. These grants supported evidence-based programs that worked to prevent teen pregnancy and behavioral risk factors underlying teen pregnancy, as is required by law. With such little time left in the fiscal year, the only option available is to reinstate every terminated TPP grant.

Sincerely,",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/pennsylvania-senators-announce-support-for-dots-smart-initiative-investments-in-pa-air-traffic-control-systems/,"Pennsylvania Senators Announce Support for DOT’s SMART Initiative, Investments in PA Air Traffic Control Systems",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the announcement from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to bring the newest technologies and infrastructure to America’s airports through the new Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (SMART) initiative, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) announce their support and highlight what this and other recent aviation investments mean for Pennsylvania.

SMART centralizes 200 data streams, including weather patterns, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics into one platform. It then synthesizes this data to provide a comprehensive visualization of where planes are going, how much traffic the system can handle, and where congestion or weather could cause challenges.

“I had the opportunity to tour the SMART Lab and see real-time data firsthand with Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford last week. They are transforming commercial flying from reactive to predictive,” said Senator Fetterman. “I recognize how beneficial this tool and other investments will be for all our air traffic controllers and everyone who flies into and out of the Commonwealth. This is a great initiative and I look forward to working with Senator McCormick and the administration on this.”

“Modernizing our air traffic control system is critical to keeping Pennsylvanians safe and our airports competitive,” said Senator McCormick. “The SMART initiative, along with $284 million from the Working Families Tax Cut to upgrade air traffic control infrastructure across Pennsylvania, will give our controllers better technology and make air travel safer and more reliable. I’m proud to work with Senator Fetterman and Secretary Duffy to deliver these investments for Pennsylvania.”

Through its Brand New Air Traffic Control System project, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investing $284 million in Pennsylvania’s air traffic control towers and related infrastructure, including:

1,059 new radios at 101 sites

High-speed fiber connections at Philadelphia (PHL), Pittsburgh (PIT), and Harrisburg (MDT)

New internet protocol voice switches at 12 locations, including Williamsport (IPT) and Erie (ERI)

New controller information display systems at 9 airports

Electronic flight strips at PHL and PIT

19 new radars at 11 locations

Surface movement radars at PHL and PIT

Installation of Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) capabilities to improve runway safety at 6 airports

Tower simulation systems at Wilkes-Barre (AVP), MDT, and ERI

The FAA’s work on these infrastructure improvements is ongoing and is expected to be completed by 2028.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-meeting-with-pittsburgh-regional-transit-fetterman-celebrates-with-leaders-on-recent-funding-win-priorities-moving-forward/,"In Meeting with Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Fetterman Celebrates with Leaders on Recent Funding Win, Priorities Moving Forward",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) met with officials from Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) to congratulate the agency on their recent $82 million federal grant award and to discuss their plans for replacing aging light rail cars on the T.

From left to right: Melissa Girty, Senator Fetterman, Donminika Brown and Katharine Kelleman

PRT is the main public transportation system serving Allegheny County and the greater Pittsburgh area. With more than 700 buses and over 90 local and express routes across the county, it provides connections between neighborhoods, job centers, and campuses.

In the meeting with the agency’s Chief Executive Officer Katharine Kelleman, Chief Financial Officer Donminika Brown, and Senior Government Affairs Liaison Melissa Girty, Senator Fetterman reiterated the importance of public transit not only in Western PA, but across the Commonwealth and the country. The senator also reaffirmed his commitment to continued federal investment in public transit in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.

“On behalf of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s 120,000 daily riders, I want to thank Sen. Fetterman and all of the elected officials who supported our application to fund the next generation of rail cars,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “This investment will help us provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable transit experience.”

Earlier this month, Senator Fetterman congratulated PRT on their $82,774,074 award which will support the replacement of its aging light rail fleet. This follows a letter in support of PRT’s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister in July.

Senator Fetterman has a strong track record supporting public transit in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to secure more than $100 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill to support public transit operations during the FIFA World Cup, including $8,474,327 for transit in the Philadelphia region. Senator Fetterman has also co-led legislation like the Moving Transit Forward Act, which would provide Pennsylvania’s transit agencies with the reliable funding support they need to avoid service cuts and keep our communities moving. He also helped deliver millions in grant awards for both PRT and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in the last two weeks.

Senator Fetterman will continue to push for a stronger public transit system to ensure no community is left behind.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/icymi-in-letter-to-sec-and-cftc-fetterman-urges-private-credit-market-transparency/,"ICYMI: In Letter to SEC and CFTC, Fetterman Urges Private Credit Market Transparency",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,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) penned a July letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) urging them to begin enforcing an existing rule requiring greater disclosures in private credit markets.

“The private credit industry is far too opaque to regulators and the rest of the financial system. Because these firms have never been through a downturn at their current size, markets do not know how to properly value private credit loans and assets in a crisis. As with all financial crises, the panic of not knowing where the floor is makes it far worse. It is important that regulators have the knowledge and the tools to prevent crises before they happen, but that is not possible if they do not know enough about the market,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

Big banks, insurance companies, and pension funds are all exposed to private credit — a market of unregulated lending to struggling companies — which is showing signs of much higher risk than investors anticipated. Form PF is a disclosure form that unregulated entities like private credit funds must submit to the SEC and CFTC. The agencies’ proposed updates to Form PF would greatly improve their understanding of the risks in private credit, but have yet to start enforcing them.

“The updates to Form PF, as originally proposed, would ensure regulators and investors better understand the leverage, interconnectedness, loan quality, and liquidity of this market. It is concerning, therefore, that your agencies have chosen to delay the enforcement of these requirements three times since taking office,” continued the senator. “Now is not the time for regulators to be in the dark.”

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

–

Dear Chairman Atkins and Chairman Selig:

I write to urge you to begin enforcing compliance with the updates to Form PF as initially proposed. It is critically important that regulators have a better understanding of the risks in private markets, in order to protect investors and prevent disruptions to the broader financial system.

I am deeply concerned about the mounting risks in private credit markets. Now $3 trillion in size, the private credit industry is making increasingly bad loans to subprime companies. The failures of First Brands and Tricolor, increasing reliance on payments-in-kind among borrowers, and concerns around AI disruption to the software industry all demonstrate poor underwriting over the past several years. In reaction, investors have been rushing to get their money out of these souring investments, but have often been trapped.

Even more concerning is the exposure America’s traditional financial system has to this market. The big banks have lent almost $300 billion to the private credit industry, much of which lacks covenants that protect the banks in times of crisis. Moreover, the insurance industry is not only exposed to $1 trillion in risk but also is among the largest purchasers of the low-tranche collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) that would get wiped out in a downturn.

The private credit industry is far too opaque to regulators and the rest of the financial system. Because these firms have never been through a downturn at their current size, markets do not know how to properly value private credit loans and assets in a crisis. As with all financial crises, the panic of not knowing where the floor is makes it far worse. It is important that regulators have the knowledge and the tools to prevent crises before they happen, but that is not possible if they do not know enough about the market.

The updates to Form PF, as originally proposed, would ensure regulators and investors better understand the leverage, interconnectedness, loan quality, and liquidity of this market. It is concerning, therefore, that your agencies have chosen to delay the enforcement of these requirements three times since taking office. Your recent April 24th announcement seeking comments on an extreme watering down of the changes is even more concerning. Beyond these updates, it is critical that you better enforce annual reporting requirements and punish market actors who fail to follow their obligations.

I urge you to move forward with robust, detailed transparency through Form PF by October 1st. Now is not the time for regulators to be in the dark.

Sincerely,",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-25th-anniversary-of-the-sept-11-terrorist-attacks/,Fetterman Statement on 25th Anniversary of the Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"SHANKSVILLE, PA — Following the wreath ceremony at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following image and statement:

“Hallowed ground here at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville commemorating 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“This sacred land honors the Americans who fought back to prevent another, larger attack. The precise timing of the wreath layings marked the times of each attack in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-urges-u-s-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-to-pay-medical-service-providers/,Fetterman Urges U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to Pay Medical Service Providers,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA — Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), David J. Venturella, to note his concern with the lack of reimbursement to medical service providers for care provided to detainees, and to urge immediate repayment.

“For more than two decades, ICE paid the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to process reimbursement claims for medical services related to immigration detention. This agreement, which came at no cost to the VA, allowed for timely and efficient payment of medical providers and ensured a responsible level of care for detainees and detention center staff. On October 3, 2025, the Veterans Affairs Administration (VA) and ICE abruptly terminated this decades-long contract. This action left ICE with no mechanism to process invoices and pay medical providers serving ICE facilities and detainees,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

In the Commonwealth, Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services (MVEMS) is responsible for emergency medical care for over 40,000 Pennsylvanians. This includes nearly 2,000 detainees held at ICE’s Moshannon Valley Processing Center. Since payments ceased, MVEMS is now owed over $230,000.

On January 13, ICE Health Service Corps announced plans to transition claims processing to a new electronic provider portal, with a launch date of April 30. As of now, providers remain unable to submit reimbursement claims for emergency responses initiated through 911 calls and other medical care provided to individuals in ICE custody or at ICE facilities. The continued delays raise serious concerns about access to timely emergency medical care for detainees, guards, custodial staff, administrators, and others at these facilities.

“As MVEMS and medical service providers from across the Commonwealth continue to show up for their communities, ICE must also be a good neighbor. ICE should not and cannot rely on medical service providers like MVEMS to shoulder the financial and operational burden of federal immigration detention operations,” continued the senator.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

–

Dear Mr. Venturella:

I am concerned about the non-payment of medical service provider invoices for care rendered to individuals in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and I demand that ICE immediately pay these bills. This inaction is creating economic hardship for medical service providers across rural Pennsylvania. Refusal to pay for these services hurts our communities and breaks financial obligations.

For more than two decades, ICE paid the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to process reimbursement claims for medical services related to immigration detention. This agreement, which came at no cost to the VA, allowed for timely and efficient payment of medical providers and ensured a responsible level of care for detainees and detention center staff. On October 3, 2025, the Veterans Affairs Administration (VA) and ICE abruptly terminated this decades-long contract. This action left ICE with no mechanism to process invoices and pay medical providers serving ICE facilities and detainees.

On January 13, 2026, ICE Health Service Corps announced it would begin processing claims through a new electronic provider portal. It was the expectation of the Department of Homeland Security and ICE that this portal would launch on April 30, 2026.2 It is now September and providers are still unable to submit reimbursement claims for 911 call-initiated responses and other care provided to individuals in the custody of or physically located at an ICE facility. This raises serious concerns about access to emergency treatment for detainees, guards, custodians, and administrators.

ICE recognizes the danger this lapse in payments to providers creates. In contracting documents signed in October 2025 and made publicly available via the Systems Award Management website in November 2025, ICE states, “It is an absolute emergency for ICE to immediately procure claims processing support because lack of this support will delay critical medical care for [illegal aliens] such as dialysis, prenatal care, oncology, chemotherapy, etc.

While payment delays adversely affect all providers, they are especially harmful to rural health and emergency care providers with limited staff, equipment, and financial reserves. Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services (MVEMS) is a rural EMS provider in Philipsburg, PA. MVEMS operates over an almost 800 square mile area and provides EMS service to 41,000 Pennsylvanians. They accomplish this every day with only 10 full-time employees, 35 part-time staff, and five ambulances. They also provide EMS services to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, which is capable of holding nearly 1,900 detainees. As of August 20, 2025, ICE owes MVEMS $236,124.91 in overdue payments, because of the reimbursement freeze.

As MVEMS and medical service providers from across the Commonwealth continue to show up for their communities, ICE must also be a good neighbor. ICE should not and cannot rely on medical service providers like MVEMS to shoulder the financial and operational burden of federal immigration detention operations.

I request ICE promptly provide my office with the following information:

A detailed accounting of the total amount currently owed by ICE to medical service providers, EMS providers, hospitals, and other health care entities for care provided to individuals in ICE custody.

If unavailable, please provide a detailed estimate of the total amount currently owed based on historical averages adjusted for recent increases in ICE’s enforcement and detention activities.

A statistical impact report addressing how these payment delays have affected detainee medical care and medical and EMS providers.

A detailed update on the status of ICE’s new payment system, including when it will be fully operational, when outstanding claims will be paid, and what steps ICE is taking to prevent future payment disruptions.

I appreciate your attention to this matter, and I hope to receive your response no later than September 15, 2026.

Sincerely,",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-80-million-investment-for-accessibility-improvements-at-septa-trolley-stations/,Fetterman Secures $80 Million Investment for Accessibility Improvements at SEPTA Trolley Stations,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced an $80 million grant award for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP). This funding will support accessibility improvements at SEPTA’s 22nd Street, 33rd Street, and 36th Street trolley stations in Philadelphia.

“This money will make all the difference for our seniors, for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and for anyone who relies on SEPTA,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud of the steps SEPTA has already taken to make its system more accessible for all riders, and I’m grateful for the FTA’s support of this important work.”

SEPTA’s 22nd Street, 33rd Street, and 36th Street Stations are among the busiest in the Authority’s trolley network. These stations provide critical access to the Center City Trolley Tunnel in Philadelphia, which connects more than 60,000 daily riders to Southeastern Pennsylvania’s largest employment centers in Center City and University City.

This $80 million award will fund critical accessibility improvements at these stations, including the installation of new elevators and raised platforms, making them fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project represents a key component of SEPTA’s broader Trolley Modernization initiative, which aims to improve safety, accessibility, and reliability along one of the nation’s largest trolley networks. In April, Senator Fetterman penned a letter in support of SEPTA’s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister.

“Accessibility is core to SEPTA’s mission, and this grant will help us deliver three new projects that will have lasting benefits for our customers,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “With this announcement, ASAP funding is now supporting a total of eight SEPTA Metro station accessibility projects. We are grateful to our Congressional delegation for their leadership in establishing this vital program and to the FTA for its confidence in our station accessibility efforts.”",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-mccormick-celebrate-96-million-rail-vehicle-replacement-program-investment-in-prt-septa/,"Fetterman, McCormick Celebrate $96 Million Rail Vehicle Replacement Program Investment in PRT, SEPTA",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced a combined $96 million in grant awards for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. These awards will support the replacement of PRT’s aging Light Rail (“T”) fleet and SEPTA’s 50-year-old Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars.

“Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians across our Commonwealth rely on public transit to get where they need to go every day. Investments like these matter,” said Senator Fetterman. “These grants will make service on the T in Pittsburgh and across the Regional Rail system in Philly safer and more reliable for riders. I’m proud to have fought for this critical funding.”

“This $96 million investment is a major win for Pennsylvania transit riders. It will help PRT and SEPTA replace aging vehicles with modern fleets that increase capacity, improve reliability, and deliver better service for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on public transportation every day,” said Senator McCormick. “I was proud to advocate for this funding and appreciate the Federal Transit Administration’s support for these critical transportation systems.”

PRT’s $82,774,074 award will support the replacement of its aging light rail fleet. Much of PRT’s existing fleet has exceeded its intended service life, which has caused growing maintenance challenges, significant reliability concerns, and increased operating costs on the T. Senator Fetterman penned a letter in support of PRT’s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister in July. Senator McCormick also provided a letter of support for the project.

SEPTA’s $13,263,248 award will support the replacement of its Silverliner IV fleet with new Silverliner VI rail cars. Dating back to the mid-1970s, the Silverliner IVs are among the oldest operating passenger rail cars in the country, and they represent two-thirds of SEPTA’s Regional Rail fleet. A new Silverliner VI fleet will provide safer and more accessible service for passengers, while reducing the maintenance costs necessary to keep the Silverliner IVs in service.

“I’m thrilled we’ve brought this substantial investment in rail cars home to Allegheny County and thank you to our federal partners who helped secure these important funds for PRT,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato. “Strategic investments in our fleet help ensure reliability and improve accessibility for our riders. Modernizing the PRT system for today’s riders and future generations is a legacy we can all be proud of.”

“I want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “This investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable experience for decades to come.”",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/senator-fetterman-congressman-kelly-urge-postmaster-general-to-reopen-south-erie-post-office/,"Senator Fetterman, Congressman Kelly Urge Postmaster General to Reopen South Erie Post Office",2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner urging the U.S. Postal Service to reopen the South Erie Post Office.

“Erie residents who do not drive struggle to access alternative post offices, while others report long waits at retail counters to retrieve their rerouted mail. In addition, we are concerned about dangerous conditions at the South Erie Post Office, including missing windows, holes in the pavement, and unhoused individuals sleeping on the premises. Unless the South Erie Post Office reopens soon, residents worry that they will face another holiday season without their local post office,” wrote the members of Congress.

The South Erie Post Office located on Poplar Street suspended operations in October 2025 for repairs, and as of August 2026, remains closed. The U.S. Postal Service told members of Congress that it plans to reopen the facility in November 2026.

“Our offices learned that the South Erie Post Office is set to reopen in November 2026, but USPS has not communicated this with the community, and the current condition of the building leaves that timeline in doubt. The Erie community relies on this post office for essential services and it deserves answers about when services will be restored,” continued the members.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

–

Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

We are concerned about the current closure and status of renovations of the South Erie Post Office located at 3607 Poplar Street, Erie, PA, 16508. The South Erie Post Office’s continued closure is a burden on the Erie community, and we urge the Postal Service to reopen this facility as soon as possible.

The South Erie Post Office suspended operations in October 2025 for repairs.1 Erie residents who do not drive struggle to access alternative post offices, while others report long waits at retail counters to retrieve their rerouted mail. In addition, we are concerned about dangerous conditions at the South Erie Post Office, including missing windows, holes in the pavement, and unhoused individuals sleeping on the premises. Unless the South Erie Post Office reopens soon, residents worry that they will face another holiday season without their local post office.

Our offices learned that the South Erie Post Office is set to reopen in November 2026, but USPS has not communicated this with the community,3 and the current condition of the building leaves that timeline in doubt. The Erie community relies on this post office for essential services and it deserves answers about when services will be restored. To that end, we request your response in writing to the following questions no later than September 4, 2026.

What is the status of repairs at the South Erie Post Office? What work has been done so far and what remains to be completed?

Will the South Erie Post Office reopen and be fully operational in November 2026?

Are there plans to permanently close or relocate services provided by the South Erie Post Office? If so, please provide additional information on these plans.

We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please contact our offices.

Sincerely,",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-mccormick-wyden-introduce-bill-to-stop-spread-of-spotted-lanternflies/,"Fetterman, McCormick, Introduce Bill to Stop Spread of Spotted Lanternflies",2026-08-03,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA), joined by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), introduced the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act to designate the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to our nation’s agricultural economy, as a high-priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

“Spotted lanternflies have ravaged crops that are critical to Pennsylvania’s economy including grapevines, apples, peaches, hops, and more,” said Senator Fetterman. “For over a decade, they have cost the Commonwealth millions of dollars and thousands of jobs. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to combat this invasive species and protect our farmers.”

“Pennsylvania’s farmers work hard to produce some of the best agricultural products in the world, and it’s concerning that their hard work is at risk of being eaten away by pests,” said Senator McCormick. “By investing in research to combat spotted lanternflies, this bill will help protect our farms, strengthen our agricultural economy, and better control this invasive species.”

Spotted lanternflies were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. They have since spread throughout the Commonwealth and are currently found in 51 counties. Studies estimate that the species could cost the state $324 million annually if not contained because of the significant damage they cause many pieces of critical agriculture.

Watch Senator Fetterman’s subcommittee hearing on lanternflies here.",1,2026-08-04T07:35:49Z,2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-priorities-in-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act/,Fetterman Secures Priorities in Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act,2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works unanimously passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which included several of U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s (D-PA) priorities to support Pennsylvania’s rivers and recreation.

“Investing in our communities, the rivers they use, and the overall recreation helps boost economies and keeps jobs in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m grateful these priorities were included and urge my colleagues on both sides to support this package.”

The Water Resources Development Act is a biennial legislative package authorizing water infrastructure projects across the United States. Originating in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the legislation ensures the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can make improvements to the nation’s ports, harbors, water navigation systems, flood control, and other water infrastructure and resources.

Senator Fetterman’s Priorities

Watershed Planning Section 729 directs the Army Corps to conduct a study to assess and address water resource needs and issues including the Ohio River Basin of Pennsylvania. The basin begins at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Allegheny River Recreation Designation authorizes recreational activities on the Allegheny river. This aims to boost the local economy and tourism industry, taking advantage of the natural attraction in Southwestern PA.

Harmful Algal Bloom Demonstration Program amends prior WRDA section to add lakes and reservoirs in Pennsylvania to the existing program that identifies solutions to reducing the severity and frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms.

Sec. 219 Reimbursement Authority enables the Army Corps to directly issue grants and reimbursements to local municipalities, getting money back to communities faster.",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-cftc-whistleblowers/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect CFTC Whistleblowers",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of National Whistleblower Day, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the CFTC Whistleblower Protection and Program Improvement Act to provide long-term stability to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) whistleblower program, strengthen protections for whistleblowers, and speed up award processing. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA). The CFTC ensures America’s commodity markets remain fair, transparent, and free from fraud and manipulation. This includes the markets farmers rely on to manage the prices of crops, livestock, and other agricultural products.

“Whistleblowers put their jobs and often their lives on the line to call out the most serious offenses in the workplace. Zero doubt that they should be protected,” said Senator Fetterman. “As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with Senator Grassley to protect whistleblowers and improve the CFTC whistleblower program.”

“Since I helped get the CFTC whistleblower program up and running, I’m pleased to see it’s been a big success. This program roots out waste, fraud and abuse in the commodities trading industry and operates at no charge to the taxpayer. Now, it’s time for Congress to act so its success can continue. Our bipartisan legislation strengthens protections for patriotic whistleblowers, prevents unnecessary delays in the disbursement of whistleblower awards and ensures the CFTC whistleblower program can operate smoothly,” said Senator Grassley.

“The Commodity Futures Trading Commission plays a crucial role in protecting American commodity markets, and safeguarding its whistleblower program helps maintain public trust in the integrity of those markets,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would provide long-term stability for the CFTC whistleblower program by strengthening protections for whistleblowers, promoting the timely processing of claims, and eliminating a loophole that can prevent whistleblowers from receiving awards.”

“No one should be punished for speaking out when they see something wrong. This bipartisan bill promotes accountability and bolsters essential protections for people who risk their careers to stand up to fraud and corruption,” said Senator Warnock. “This legislation will benefit every American taxpayer, and I’m grateful to work with my colleagues across the aisle to strengthen this vital program.”

Background

Under current law, the Customer Protection Fund (CPF) is capped at $100 million. Any fines collected after the cap are sent to the Treasury Department’s general fund. As fines from whistleblower disclosures have increased in volume and value in recent years, reward disbursements have also risen. As a result, the CPF is depleting faster than it can be replenished due to the $100 million collection cap. This leaves the whistleblower office without the resources needed to pay whistleblowers or fund its operations.

The CFTC Whistleblower Protection and Program Improvement Act would:

Enhance protections for CFTC whistleblowers.

Make permanent the separate account that funds the CFTC Whistleblower Office.

Raise the CPF cap from $100 million to $300 million.

Ensure whistleblower claims are processed in a timely manner.

Eliminate a court-created loophole prohibiting whistleblowers from receiving an award because a company declared bankruptcy.

Ensure CFTC-regulated entities inform their employees of their whistleblower rights.",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-meets-with-pennsylvania-secretary-of-agriculture/,Fetterman Meets with Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) met with Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding to discuss the Farm Bill, strengthening SNAP benefits, investing in small farmers, trade with Canada, and other issues facing Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.

“I’ve been very clear that I fully stand behind PA’s agriculture leaders, especially the men and women who work tirelessly to put food on the table of hardworking families,” said Senator Fetterman. “I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Secretary Redding and discuss how we can work together to deliver for Pennsylvania as we consider the Farm Bill.”

The meeting took place ahead of the Senate’s consideration of the Farm Bill and provided Secretary Redding with the opportunity to provide updates on the industry across the Commonwealth and discuss how the federal government can better support agriculture leaders across the nation.",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/opinion-why-i-changed-my-mind-about-the-filibuster/,OPINION: Why I changed my mind about the filibuster,2026-07-27,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"The 60-vote Senate rule forces compromise. Democrats were wrong to attack it.

The Washington Post

By: John Fetterman

It’s not often you hear someone in D.C. admit they were wrong, let alone horribly wrong — and the entire Democratic Party was, including me.

When Democrats had the presidency and a majority in both chambers, they were frustrated with the 60-vote threshold needed to advance legislation. Senate Democrats attempted to end the filibuster to push through President Joe Biden’s agenda — an effort I fully supported during my 2022 campaign.

Halfway through my first term, I now recognize how important the filibuster is and the state our country would be in without it.

I thought ending the filibuster was necessary to deliver results for working families. I thought it was unlikely for Republicans in the minority to find common ground on legislation Democrats were proposing. I thought Democrats were not being ruthless the way Republicans were, and we needed to be on that level if we were going to relieve the anger that voters were feeling.

Upon reflection, the pursuit of those short-term wins clouded the bigger picture and lasting impact of a Senate without the filibuster — a Senate that ignored the voices of the minority and everyday people.

History has vindicated former senators Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona) and Joe Manchin III (West Virginia), two people who were vilified by the Democratic Party for their support of the filibuster and whose courageous efforts damaged their political careers. The rule is a critical line of defense that prevents President Donald Trump from having a fill-in-the-blank government with new laws, deregulation or procedures of its choosing.

And while I was once vocal in criticizing Manchin and many of his decisions in the Senate, I now wholeheartedly agree with his assessment that scrapping the filibuster is part of “extreme election-year politics that put party power over everything else.” We cannot become a smaller version of the House of Representatives.

Even with the filibuster intact, Biden and Senate Democrats delivered huge wins for working families. Several of those successes — like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and legislation to help veterans exposed to toxins in Iraq and Afghanistan — were the result of bipartisanship and compromise. Senate Democrats could not have passed these important pieces of legislation along party lines and had to work across the aisle. We find ourselves in the same situation now with the power dynamic flipped.

Trump’s victory and Republicans taking control of both chambers of Congress quickly showed how chaotic a simple majority vote could be in the Senate. Media outlets and political pundits are routinely alarmed and outraged over the constant churn of new policies from the current administration. And if Americans are horrified now, imagine what could be law today if Democrats had eliminated the filibuster.

We’d have the Save America Act by now, which I do not support. We could have extreme policies such as nationwide abortion restrictions, backpedaling on LGBT rights, repeal of birthright citizenship and limited voting rights across the country. With a government trifecta firmly in place, many provisions of Project 2025 would have easily been enacted. Republicans could fundamentally change the entire government and country with a simple majority vote.

The one thing that has stopped many unpopular policies since the beginning of 2025 isn’t the Democrats — it is the filibuster.

With the midterms approaching, Democrats could take back control of Congress. If we win the Senate, we will not have enough votes to override the 60-vote threshold on our own and will once again have to find common ground with our Republican colleagues, assuming the Democratic Party’s narrative on the filibuster remains what it has become under Trump: that we love it. We will need to abandon our worst impulses as a party and work together to find solutions to the problems Americans face.

Some of my colleagues, including myself, have been frustrated when engaging with the minority. But that process isn’t a bug — it’s one of the best features of the Senate. We have a great democracy that is imperfect, but it requires working together.

If we don’t do that willingly, the filibuster will force us to. That’s the way it should be.",1,2026-07-28T07:37:32Z,2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-opens-state-college-office/,Fetterman Opens State College Office,2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"STATE COLLEGE, PA — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced the opening of a satellite office in State College, Pennsylvania. The office becomes the sixth office in the Commonwealth and will serve as a point of contact for constituents in the Central Pennsylvania region.

“I’m proud to share that our State College office is officially open for those in Central PA to get the help they might need. Constituent services are one of the core duties of a Senate office and my team will now be able to help a wider range of constituents in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Fetterman.

The office is located in downtown State College, the hub of Centre and surrounding counties. Steps away from Pennsylvania State University’s central campus, conveniently located near public transportation, and settled in between dozens of community organizations, the office will serve as a bridge between constituents, local leaders, and the federal government.",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-colleagues-in-reintroducing-federal-marijuana-legalization-bill/,Fetterman Joins Colleagues in Reintroducing Federal Marijuana Legalization Bill,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,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) joined his Senate Democratic colleagues in reintroducing the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, comprehensive legislation that would end the harmful federal prohibition of cannabis by removing cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and empowering states to create their own laws.

“I’ve always been very pro-weed. In a very libertarian slant: I’m not going to judge anyone for using it to knock the edge off of life. I think your path to wellness should be without judgement or punishment—legal, safe, and regulated. I supported President Biden and President Trump when they took steps on the issue,” said Senator Fetterman. “But it is time for Congress to stop dicking around and make weed legal. This bill is a good step forward.”

The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would:

Protect public health by:

Establishing a Center for Cannabis Products to regulate production, labeling, distribution, sales, and other manufacturing and retail elements of the cannabis industry.

Instructing the FDA to establish standards for labeling for cannabis products, including potency, doses, servings, place of manufacture, and directions for use.

Establishing programs and funding to prevent youth cannabis use.

Increasing funding for comprehensive opioid, stimulant, and substance use disorder treatment.

Protect public safety by:

Removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and eliminating federal prohibitions in states that have chosen to legalize medical cannabis or adult-use cannabis.

Retaining federal prohibitions on trafficking cannabis in violation of state law; establishing a grant program to help departments combat black market cannabis.

Requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create standards for cannabis-impaired driving.

Directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to collect data on cannabis-impaired driving, create educational materials on best practices, and carry out media campaigns.

Incentivizing states to adopt cannabis open-container prohibitions.

Regulate and tax cannabis by:

Transferring federal jurisdiction over cannabis to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

Eliminating the tax code’s restriction on cannabis businesses claiming deductions for business expenses and implementing an excise tax on cannabis products.

Establishing market competition rules meant to protect independent producers, wholesalers, and retailers and prevent anti-competitive behavior.

Encourage cannabis research by:

Requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study and report on metrics that may be impacted by cannabis legalization.

Requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct or support research on the impacts of cannabis.

Requiring the VA to carry out a series of clinical trials studying the effects of medical cannabis on the health outcomes of veterans diagnosed with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Requiring the Bureau of Labor Statistics to regularly compile and publicize data on the demographics of business owners and employees in the cannabis industry.

Establishing grants to build up cannabis research capacity at institutions of higher education, with a particular focus on minority-serving institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Prioritize justice by:

Using federal tax revenue to fund an Opportunity Trust Fund to reinvest in communities and individuals most harmed by the failed War on Drugs.

Establishing a Cannabis Justice Office at the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs.

Establishing a grant program to provide funding to help minimize barriers to cannabis licensing and employment for individuals adversely impacted by the War on Drugs.

Establishing expedited FDA review of drugs containing cannabis manufactured by small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Directing the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a grant program to provide communities whose residents have been disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs with additional funding to address the housing, economic, and community development needs of such residents.

Initiating automatic expungement of federal nonviolent cannabis offenses and allowing an individual currently serving time in federal prison for a nonviolent cannabis offense to petition a court for resentencing.

Disallowing the denial of any benefits or protections under immigration law to any noncitizen based on their use or possession of cannabis.

Preventing discrimination in the provision of federal benefits against people who use cannabis.

Strengthen workers’ rights by:

Removing unnecessary federal employee pre-employment and random drug testing for cannabis.

Ensuring worker protections for those employed in the cannabis industry.

Establishing grants for community-based education, outreach, and enforcement of workers’ rights in the cannabis industry.

The reintroduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act was co-led by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). In addition to Fetterman, the legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA).

Read the full text of the bill here.

Fetterman’s Record on Weed

Legal weed is an issue that Senator Fetterman has championed long before and during his time in our nation’s capital.

As Lieutenant Governor, Fetterman held a statewide listening tour on recreational cannabis legalization and co-launched a pardon program for Pennsylvanians convicted of marijuana possession to apply for a pardon. He consistently advocated to end the failed war on drugs, legalize weed, expunge nonviolent weed offense records, and prevent industry monopolization.

In September 2022, Fetterman pressed then-President Joe Biden to decriminalize marijuana during the president’s visit to Pittsburgh. One month later, the president pardoned those convicted of simple marijuana possession.

In May 2023, Fetterman used his time during a Senate Banking Committee hearing to grill a witness on marijuana legalization opposition and to show support for the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act. He emphasized the need to make “[weed] legal. I just believe it’s a freedom issue. I’ve given hundreds of pardons to people who have had their lives ruined by a B.S. charge.”

In August 2023, Fetterman celebrated the Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III, calling the move “a strong step in the right direction on marijuana policy.”

In January 2024, Fetterman co-led a letter with Senator Warren to call on the Biden Administration to completely deschedule marijuana. The letter was signed by several of their Senate Democratic colleagues. “The Biden Administration has a window of opportunity to deschedule marijuana that has not existed in decades and should reach the right conclusion — consistent with the clear scientific and public health rationale for removing marijuana from Schedule I, and with the imperative to relieve the burden of current federal marijuana policy on ordinary people and small businesses,” wrote the senators.

In April 2024, Fetterman spoke with Fox News Digital highlighting that “it’s not complicated” to legalize weed, and that other states, including nearly all states surrounding Pennsylvania, have done that.

In February 2025, Fetterman reiterated his support for legal weed in an interview with AskAPol’s Matt Laslo, noting “we’re still struggling and dicking around and we should just make legal weed.”

In May 2026, Fetterman expressed support of President Trump’s move in “liberalizing marijuana and psychedelics” during an interview with Nick Gillespie. He emphasized that he doesn’t judge or belittle anybody that partakes to “knock their edge off to just make it through in this world,” continuing to say that he thinks “that’s important. That’s a choice that every American of legal age deserves to have, and to participate in a way that doesn’t turn them into a criminal or judge [them] for those things—make it as safe as possible…I think your path for wellness, psychedelics, whatever. I think it all should be legal without judgment and without punishment or a criminal record.”

Senator Fetterman will continue pushing for legal weed and safe access for legal adults.",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-thune-fischer-introduce-legislation-to-improve-the-fccs-broadband-mapping-process/,"Fetterman, Thune, Fischer, Introduce Legislation to Improve the FCC’s Broadband Mapping Process",2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), John Thune (R-SD), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers (MAP) Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate and improve its broadband mapping process. The FCC has made significant strides in enhancing the accuracy of its National Broadband Map, but providers have reported difficulties with the FCC’s challenge process, which allows providers to dispute the serviceability of certain locations. The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would instruct the FCC to review and assess its mapping and challenge procedures.

“Broadband internet is a necessity, especially for our rural communities. The first step we can take to ensure families have internet access across Pennsylvania and the country is figuring out who still doesn’t,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to join Senator Thune in introducing this bill to get us one step closer to bringing connectivity to every American. I look forward to working with the FCC when the maps are complete to continue to expand broadband.”

“Broadband providers who are on the ground in South Dakota and across rural America have vital, firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve,” said Senator Thune. “Ensuring the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband map and its corresponding challenge process is critical to build on our progress to make federal broadband investments as effective and efficient as possible. I thank Chairman Carr for supporting our efforts and for his continued commitment to connecting households across our country to the internet.”

“We need a better understanding of where internet connectivity falls short, especially in rural America,” said Senator Fischer. “With broadband maps, we can accomplish this goal; however, they must be accurate. I’m joining Leader Thune to make sure these maps correctly identify unserved and underserved communities. This will safeguard taxpayer dollars while connecting more Americans to high-speed internet.”

This bill is supported by the FCC, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, and NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.

“While we have seen improvements to the National Broadband Map over time, precisely because this is an iterative and evolving process, there is more to be done to make sure the map accurately captures where services are in fact available and the locations that could be served,” said Mike Romano, chief executive officer of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. “The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would help spur continuous improvement in the map through a renewed look at the standards and processes used to develop and refine it. I applaud Majority Leader Thune and Senators Fetterman and Fischer for their leadership in seeking to ensure that broadband policy and funding decisions are based upon the best possible real-world data.”",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-leads-pennsylvania-colleagues-in-america-250-congressional-time-capsule-submission/,Fetterman Leads Pennsylvania Colleagues in America 250 Congressional Time Capsule Submission,2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), in collaboration with U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers, submitted a steel plaque on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be included in the America 250 Congressional time capsule. The inscription — Forged in steel from the birthplace of the United States of America — recognizes Pennsylvania’s important history in the foundation of the greatest country and its countless contributions for 250 years.

“I’m honored to contribute Pennsylvania’s story for all to reflect on and honor, and I’m grateful for my colleagues who joined me in this effort. I’m also deeply appreciative of the team of Pennsylvania steelworkers who worked quickly to make this plaque. At our country’s 500th birthday, when the capsule is reopened, I hope all those present will understand just how awesome Pennsylvania and our steelworkers have always been,” said Senator Fetterman.

In its efforts to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, Congress passed the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act to direct the Architect of the Capitol to prepare a time capsule that will be sealed in the Capitol Visitor Center. Congressional delegations from each state and U.S. territory are allowed to submit one item that represents their history. The capsule will be opened during America’s 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.

In addition to the steel plaque, a letter from the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation was submitted by Senator Fetterman. It was signed by U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), and U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4).

“When this capsule is opened on our nation’s 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276, we hope the history of Pennsylvania and the legacy of its steelworkers serve as a generational reminder of the birthplace of the United States of America and those who helped build it,” wrote the Members of Congress.",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/at-fettermans-urging-fema-continues-to-release-disaster-recovery-funding/,"At Fetterman’s Urging, FEMA Continues to Release Disaster Recovery Funding",2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released nearly $13.5 million in funding to support disaster recovery in Pennsylvania. The funding is the latest to be released after U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter in April urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release delayed grants to entities across the Commonwealth.

“I’m grateful that FEMA continues to release funding that was owed to communities across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Fetterman. “Our communities count on hospitals and disaster recovery teams to work overtime to keep them safe. We should expect the same of the federal government.”

The newly released funding includes roughly $13 million for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Allegheny County for expenses related to COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts, as well as $350,000 to local governments to prevent and reduce future disaster damage in Pennsylvania.

Earlier this year, FEMA released nearly $600 million in delayed funding to hospitals across the Commonwealth and an additional $10 million for Tropical Storm Debby. Since then, Senator Fetterman has worked with stakeholders and DHS to identify outstanding funding and ensure Pennsylvania communities continue to receive their fair share.",1,2026-07-15T07:12:08Z,2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-becoming-law/,Fetterman Celebrates 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law,2026-07-11,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — After President Trump refused to sign the bipartisan and bicameral 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the housing package is now forced into law as outlined in Article 1, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution. The legislative package includes a pair of bills Senator Fetterman introduced –– the Whole-Home Repairs Act and the Housing Supply Frameworks Act — and were the result of working across the aisle and putting the housing needs of hardworking Americans first. U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) today released the following statement:

“I’m proud to finally see this housing deal become law. My Whole-Home Repairs Act and Housing Supply Frameworks Act will lower housing costs and keep affordable housing on the market.

“This is a major step in fighting the housing crisis we see right here in Pennsylvania and across our country. I’m grateful to Pennsylvania Senator Nikil Saval, U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, and all others who helped in a bipartisan manner to get this over the finish line.”

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act included Senator Fetterman’s Whole-Home Repairs Act and Housing Supply Frameworks Act. Both bills have been part of his longstanding commitment to addressing the housing crisis since he was sworn into the United States Senate.

The Whole-Home Repairs Act will build on the success of Pennsylvania’s successful Whole-Home Repairs program, which helps homeowners and small landlords make critical repairs, lower utility costs and keep safe, affordable housing on the markets. The program has invested in workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities, which prepares the next generation of skilled workers.",1,2026-07-12T07:28:31Z,2026-07-12T07:30:18Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/pennsylvania-wins-best-in-show-at-the-great-american-state-fair/,Pennsylvania Wins “BEST IN SHOW” at the Great American State Fair,2026-07-11,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Pennsylvania pavilion was named top state exhibit during America’s 250th Anniversary celebration on the National Mall – a win Senators Fetterman and McCormick say belongs to all of Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Pennsylvania was recognized as one of the top state pavilions at America’s 250th birthday celebration, receiving one of the event’s “Best in Show” honors during the closing ceremony at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.

The recognition comes just weeks after U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) partnered with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and a coalition of 55 Pennsylvania organizations, businesses, and industry partners to ensure the Commonwealth had a pavilion at the Great American State Fair. The bipartisan effort was made possible entirely through private partnerships without the use of a single taxpayer dollar.

Joining Senators Fetterman and McCormick in this effort were the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, and the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA), alongside more than 50 additional Pennsylvania organizations, businesses, and industry partners whose support helped bring the Commonwealth’s exhibit to life.

“I’m incredibly proud of all the Pennsylvanians that showed up to make sure our Commonwealth had the spotlight it deserved right there on the National Mall during America’s 250th birthday. It earned this recognition,” said Senator Fetterman. “What makes Pennsylvania truly awesome are the men, women, and children who call it home. Our farmers, steelworkers, small business owners, and so many more. Those who visited the pavilion got to see a glimpse of some of the very best of us and our history, and I’m grateful to Senator McCormick, Secretary Rollins, and all who made this a massive success.”

“Pennsylvania’s story is America’s story, and this recognition is a tribute to everyone who helped bring that story to life,” said Senator McCormick. “From Independence Hall and Valley Forge to our farms, factories, and innovators, the Commonwealth has shaped our nation for 250 years. I’m grateful to Senator Fetterman, Secretary Rollins, and our outstanding Pennsylvania partners for ensuring Pennsylvania had a presence worthy of our history.”

The Pennsylvania pavilion highlights the Commonwealth’s central role in America’s story — from the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the sacrifices at Valley Forge to Gettysburg, the Arsenal of Democracy, and the Commonwealth’s continued leadership in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, innovation, and small business. Visitors also explored exhibits featuring many of Pennsylvania’s iconic companies and products, spotlighting the industries and communities driving the Commonwealth’s economy today.",1,2026-07-12T07:28:31Z,2026-07-12T07:30:18Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-25-million-for-colebrookdale-railroad-project/,Fetterman Secures $25 Million for Colebrookdale Railroad Project,2026-07-09,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA — This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $25 million grant award for a railway improvement project along the Colebrookdale Railroad in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The award comes after U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter of support to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy highlighting the safety and economic benefits of federal investment in this historic railroad.

“When we invest in historic landmarks like the Colebrookdale Railroad, we invest in Pennsylvania’s future,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to have fought for this funding and am grateful to Secretary Duffy for his commitment to this hidden Pennsylvania treasure, which will continue to play a critical role in the region’s economic future.”

The Colebrookdale Railroad is an active freight and heritage railroad that operates between Berks and Montgomery counties. The railroad, which was nearly abandoned after years of neglect, is now a pillar of the region’s economy.

The $25 million award will be used to install new track to separate local freight operations from the railroad’s tourist operations. The funding will also rehabilitate more than 2,000 feet of existing track along the corridor, enable the construction of a new train shed for Colebrookdale’s locomotives and rail cars, and connect the railroad to pedestrian infrastructure, public transit, and the nearby Schuylkill River Trail.

The funding was awarded through DOT’s Fiscal Year 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. In addition to this $25 million award, Montgomery County was also awarded $600,000 to study the feasibility of proposed infrastructure improvements along Germantown Pike and Sumneytown Pike.

“This award belongs to Pottstown. Montgomery County, the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Berks, and hundreds of residents and volunteers made the case that a town built on iron and rail deserved infrastructure equal to its ambitions. For me it is also personal: Pottstown raised me, and there is a particular satisfaction in helping the federal government see what those of us from here have always known,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust and managing director of the Switchpoint Foundation.

“Pottstown helped build Pennsylvania’s past, and this $25 million BUILD Grant will help accelerate its future. Thanks to Senator Fetterman’s leadership, this investment will transform the Pottstown corridor into an engine for economic growth, job creation, and opportunity,” said Jamila Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

“I’m grateful to Senator Fetterman for securing this transformative investment in Pennsylvania. The $25 million BUILD grant for the Pottstown area and Colebrookdale Railroad project will boost our economy, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for residents across the region,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija.

“Pottstown is a very important part of our county and we are thrilled to see it get the federal support it deserves,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello.

“There are those who say government can’t get things done. I’d ask them to come to this valley. Two counties, a state, and a nation rolled up their sleeves, not for the glory of government, but for the good of its people. The men and women here once forged the iron that built America. That spirit never left. Today, we put it back to work to help people with housing, training and a future,” said Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach.

“I am thrilled to see that the Colebrookdale Railroad was awarded this grant! The railroad is an important economic driver for both the Boyertown and Pottstown areas. I want to thank Senator Fetterman for his support of this project,” said Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.",1,2026-07-10T08:20:04Z,2026-07-10T08:21:18Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-urges-federal-reserve-to-expedite-payment-speeds-for-working-families-and-small-businesses/,Fetterman Urges Federal Reserve to Expedite Payment Speeds for Working Families and Small Businesses,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Kevin Warsh urging the board to begin rulemaking under the 1987 Expedited Funds Availability Act to expedite payments and speed up paychecks for every American.

“I write to urge you to begin rulemaking pursuant to the directives of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA),12 U.S.C. §§ 4001–4010, to expedite check clearing and make Direct Deposit speeds faster. As you may know, EFAA delegated responsibility to the Federal Reserve (Fed) to reduce the time banks can hold onto customers’ funds before making them available. Despite enormous technological innovation since the passage of EFAA and subsequent implementing regulation (Reg CC), the permitted hold times for banks have never been updated,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

Slow access to checks and paychecks creates financial difficulties for working families and small businesses, causing delays in paying bills on time, overdraft fees, and lost interest. In the letter, Senator Fetterman urged Chairman Warsh to make updates to the rules for payment speeds and ensure regulations are keeping pace with improvements in technology, to decrease the time banks need to hold electronic payment funds, and to get money to Americans faster.

“The Federal Reserve has a clear mandate from Congress to fix this problem. The 1987 Expedited Funds Availability Act said that the Fed (and later the CFPB) ‘shall, by regulation, reduce the time periods…to as short a time as possible and equal to the period of time achievable under the improved check clearing system…’ The Fed’s implementing regulation, Reg CC, made this time two business days for local checks. However, the Fed’s regulations have not kept pace with the astonishing innovation in payment technology in recent decades,” continued the senator.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

–

Dear Chairman Warsh:

I write to urge you to begin rulemaking pursuant to the directives of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA),12 U.S.C. §§ 4001–4010, to expedite check clearing and make Direct Deposit speeds faster. As you may know, EFAA delegated responsibility to the Federal Reserve (Fed) to reduce the time banks can hold onto customers’ funds before making them available. Despite enormous technological innovation since the passage of EFAA and subsequent implementing regulation (Reg CC), the permitted hold times for banks have never been updated.1 The language of EFAA makes it clear that the Fed has a mandate and a statutory obligation to reduce time periods to “as short a time as possible.”

Slow payments create major costs for workers, retirees, and small business owners. For example, most Americans say they would need to use debt to cover a $500 emergency2 and 78% of Americans say they would face financial hardship if their next paycheck was delayed by just one week.3 When family budgets are tight, earlier access to paychecks allows people to avoid late fees, steer clear of overdrafts, and earn more interest on their savings. Speeding up checks and Direct Deposit through the Fed’s EFAA mandate would be a lifeline to millions of American hard-working families, seniors, and small business owners.

The United States is embarrassingly far behind the rest of the world on payments. Only 3% of U.S. businesses use instant payments technology for payroll, standing in stark contrast to the rest of the world. The United Kingdom’s Faster Payments Service and the European Union’s SEPA Instant Credit Transfer systems have far higher shares of adoption and facilitate faster payments to workers and businesses.4 Innovation in instant payments technologies have the capacity to drastically increase the speed of payroll and peer-to-peer payments. However, hard-working Americans, seniors, and small businesses still have to wait several days to access the money they have earned.

The Federal Reserve has a clear mandate from Congress to fix this problem. The 1987 Expedited Funds Availability Act said that the Fed (and later the CFPB) “shall, by regulation, reduce the time periods…to as short a time as possible and equal to the period of time achievable under the improved check clearing system…”5 The Fed’s implementing regulation, Reg CC, made this time two business days for local checks.6 However, the Fed’s regulations have not kept pace with the astonishing innovation in payment technology in recent decades. The Check 21 Act, passed in 2003, permitted the use of electronic checks, vastly improving efficiency in check processing. Now most Americans deposit funds electronically, with only 3% getting paid with paper checks.7 Payment technology has advanced as well, enabling payments to be cleared and settled in real time.

During your confirmation hearing, you spoke often about how the “Fed must stay in its lane” and stick to its mandate. The Fed has a clear mandate from Congress to lower hold times to ensure working families, seniors, and small businesses get paid faster. The Fed and CFPB previously received a petition asking them to take action on check clearing.8 The CFPB responded to that petition as required by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) within three months, stating that the Director “agrees with the petition that the time has come” to start the process to speed up funds availability. The Fed has still not responded to the petition, despite the requirements of the APA. I urge the Fed to provide a detailed response to that petition and to begin the mandated rulemaking process to lower check and Direct Deposit times, in order to give working families, seniors, and small businesses access to their hard-earned money more quickly.

Sincerely,",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/bipartisan-housing-legislation-overwhelmingly-passes-congress-includes-two-fetterman-bills/,"Bipartisan Housing Legislation Overwhelmingly Passes Congress, Includes Two Fetterman Bills",2026-06-23,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Senator Fetterman’s legislative wins in the housing package include his Whole-Home Repairs Act and Housing Supply Frameworks Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a 358-32 vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, the bipartisan and bicameral 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has passed Congress. The legislative package includes a pair of bills Senator Fetterman introduced –– the Whole-Home Repairs Act and the Housing Supply Frameworks Act — and were the result of working across the aisle and putting the housing needs of hardworking Americans first.

“I’ve consistently maintained that our housing crisis needs real solutions that help address the problems at the center. I’m proud to see both of my bills included in the housing package that just passed the House –– one ensures families can stay in their homes, and the other helps state partners enact zoning reforms,” said Senator Fetterman. “I want to thank State Senator Nikil Saval for being a strong advocate for the Whole-Home Repairs program in Pennsylvania and helping bring this to the national level, and especially grateful to Senator Lummis and all my colleagues who supported the Whole-Homes Repairs Act and Housing Supply Frameworks Act here in Congress. I remain committed to finding more solutions on the housing needs for all Americans, and look forward to the president signing this housing deal into law.”

Whole-Home Repairs Act Background

The Whole-Home Repairs Act has been a day-one priority since Senator Fetterman was sworn in. In March of 2024, Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval –– who championed the successful program at the state level –– joined Senator Fetterman in introducing this legislation and dropping the bill text off to the floor of the Senate.

“When we passed the Whole-Home Repairs Program, our hope was to provide Pennsylvanians with the means to stay warm, safe, and dry in their homes, and to offer a blueprint for other states grappling with how to preserve their aging housing stock and protect the health of their residents. Today’s passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act shows the realization of this hope. I’m enormously proud for Pennsylvania to have laid the path for national housing action and immensely grateful to our federal partners for their vision and dedication in advancing this program for people across the country,” said State Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia County).

In the bill’s most recent introduction, U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) joined as the bipartisan lead, with U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Tina Smith (D-MN) joining as original cosponsors.

Across the country, an estimated 6.7 million Americans live in homes with serious deficiencies such as leaking roofs, mold, faulty wiring, or inadequate heating and cooling systems. These issues disproportionately affect renters, low-income households, and communities of color, exacerbating existing inequalities in health, safety, and financial stability. By addressing housing deterioration at its root, the Whole-Home Repairs Act tackles one of the biggest contributors to the housing shortage: the loss of livable housing units to blight and decay.

The Whole-Home Repairs Act expands on the Pennsylvania program that provided grants and forgivable loans to help homeowners and small landlords repair and weatherize their properties. The Pennsylvania program also supported training and pre-apprenticeship programs to create jobs and build a skilled workforce for the future.

Housing Supply Frameworks ActBackground

The Housing Supply Frameworks Act was introduced by U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). The bill will provide resources to help communities overhaul their zoning and land‑use regulations. By channeling national expertise, the Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide a new framework to assist localities in breaking down barriers and increasing the supply of affordable housing for families across all income levels.

“The affordable housing crisis is squeezing too many Americans out of the dream of homeownership. Equipping cities and states with tools to change their zoning and land use policies to accommodate increasing the available supply of housing is a good place to start in mitigating this crisis,” said Senator Crapo. “The Housing Supply Frameworks Act contains no federal mandate, but would empower municipalities to choose zoning reforms uniquely tailored to the needs of their local communities.”

“This bipartisan legislation gives local communities the tools they need to modernize zoning and land use policies to make housing more affordable and accessible for North Carolinians,” said Senator Tillis. “By equipping states and municipalities with the resources to streamline regulations and cut unnecessary red tape, we can expand affordable housing options for families across the nation.”

This legislation continues the work Senator Fetterman has championed since his first days in the Senate to knock down the barriers that prevent Pennsylvanians from having enough safe, affordable homes. In 2024, he led the Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act. The Housing Supply Frameworks Act is a bipartisan continuation of that effort, underscoring that cutting red tape and building more homes can unite both sides of the aisle.

With these bills, families across the Commonwealth will have the financial support they need to remain in their homes, while ensuring housing developers have the zoning certainty they need to keep growing America’s housing stock.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-dhs-cancelling-pennsylvania-ice-detention-center-plans/,Fetterman Statement on DHS Cancelling Pennsylvania ICE Detention Center Plans,2026-06-22,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following reports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cancelled its plans to repurpose warehouse facilities in Tremont and Upper Bern Townships into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) today released the following statement:

“I’m pleased to confirm ICE will not be moving forward with detention facilities in Tremont and Upper Bern Townships.

“I appreciate that Secretary Mullin recognized the negative impacts these facilities would have in Pennsylvania—including the direct threat to local economies and infrastructure—and cancelled these plans.

“I will continue to work toward solutions with the administration and my Senate colleagues that properly address the broken immigration system while ensuring that our communities and law-abiding migrants are safe and protected.”

Background

The proposed conversion of the facilities in Tremont Township and Upper Bern Township included transforming warehouses into 7,500- and 1,500-bed detention centers, respectively. Both townships do not have the capacity to meet the demands of these detention centers. Tremont Township officials stated the proposed 7,500-bed detention facility would quadruple the existing burden on their public infrastructure system.

Senator Fetterman expressed his opposition to the proposed ICE detention centers in a February letter to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and a subsequent April letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and urged them to consider the negative repercussions. Additionally, Senator Fetterman highlighted that the acquisition of these facilities could have resulted in a combined loss of nearly $2 million in local tax revenue per year for Schuylkill and Berks counties. He pointed to the lack of adequate access to existing water and sewage systems, an increased demand on local electrical grids, the capacity of local law enforcement and EMS, and proximity to appropriate medical facilities.

Senator Fetterman is a staunch advocate for a safe and strong immigration system, including prioritizing the deportation of criminal migrants rather than targeting law-abiding migrants who contribute significantly to Pennsylvania’s communities and economy.",1,2026-06-23T06:27:52Z,2026-06-23T06:29:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/at-fettermans-urging-fema-releases-an-additional-10-million-in-delayed-grants/,"At Fetterman’s Urging, FEMA Releases an Additional $10 Million in Delayed Grants",2026-06-16,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released nearly $10 million in delayed Tropical Storm Debby and COVID-19 grants. This marks the second round of funding heading back to Pennsylvania after U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter in April urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the delayed grants.

“I’m grateful to see federal funding go back to those impacted by circumstances that were out of their control. The federal government was supposed to help our hospitals and communities after the COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storm Debby, but the delayed money made things much more difficult for recovery efforts,” said Senator Fetterman. “I applaud and am grateful to FEMA for putting a stop to the delays, and continuing to provide funding and resources for Pennsylvanians.”",1,2026-06-17T06:49:24Z,2026-06-17T06:50:53Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/senators-fetterman-mccormick-rep-kelly-announce-1-5-million-in-funding-for-presque-isle-state-park/,"Senators Fetterman, McCormick, Rep. Kelly Announce $1.5 Million in Funding for Presque Isle State Park",2026-06-16,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA), with U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), announced $1.5 million in federal funding for Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. The funding was secured following a bipartisan and joint Federal-State government letter, and Senator Fetterman’s personal effort with Assistant Secretary of the Army––Civil Works (ASA (CW)) Adam Telle, to identify available funds for the park’s shore protection.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has placed over 1.4 million cubic yards of sand along the harbor since 1993. Each year, Presque Isle needs an additional 560,000 tons of sand to prevent erosion that is harmful to navigation of the harbor, regional infrastructure, and the park’s vibrant ecosystem. Annual funding, split between the state and federal governments, allows the park to increase sand replenishment to necessary levels for preservation.

“I’m grateful Assistant Secretary Telle answered my call last week and worked to get this funding secured for Presque Isle, and for Senator McCormick, Congressman Mike Kelly, and the local and state legislators for their advocacy,” said Senator Fetterman. “Presque Isle is an iconic Pennsylvania destination that my family and I have the pleasure of visiting often. It’s one of our favorite spots and everyone should be able to enjoy it. We should be doing everything we can to ensure places like Presque Isle continue to thrive environmentally and economically.”

“This investment will help protect the shoreline, preserve public access, and ensure Presque Isle — a Pennsylvania treasure — continues to drive economic growth and attract visitors to Northwest PA,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m grateful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for recognizing the importance of this project, and proud to have worked alongside Senator Fetterman, Congressman Kelly, and our state and local partners to deliver this result for Erie.”

“In February, I led a bipartisan letter with Senators Fetterman and McCormick, and our state partners, to make it clear: funding for Presque Isle sand replenishment is imperative for the park and for Erie’s economy. Today, I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues to announce this year’s funding has been secured. Supporting Presque Isle has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for me and my team,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA).

In addition to Senators Fetterman and McCormick, and Rep. Kelly, the letter was also signed by several state legislators including State Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), State Representative Patrick Harkins (D-Erie), State Representative Robert Merski (D-Erie), House Democratic Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), and State Representative Jake Banta (R-Erie). They collectively highlighted the importance of this funding with ASA (CW) Telle, urging the federal government to cover its portion of the $3 million in funding.

“Sand replenishment at Presque Isle is a proven, cost-effective approach that protects federal, state, and local investments, enhances shoreline resilience, and preserves public access to critical Great Lakes resources. This funding would directly adhere to the Corps’ objectives of reducing flood and storm damage risk, supporting environmental stewardship, and promoting sustained economic growth in coastal and Great Lakes communities,” wrote the members in their February letter.

To ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is on track with projects for this construction season, the $1.5 million in federal funds are expected to be released in the next few weeks to keep the award on schedule for July.",1,2026-06-17T06:49:24Z,2026-06-17T06:50:53Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-urges-fincen-rulemaking-for-antiquities-industry/,Fetterman Urges FinCEN Rulemaking for Antiquities Industry,2026-06-03,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter to U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to propagate rulemaking requiring antiquities dealers to comply with anti-money-laundering laws.

“I am very concerned that looted antiquities are helping fund the Iranian terrorist regime, as well as criminal enterprises and other sanctioned actors. In 2020, Congress passed bipartisan legislation requiring FinCEN to issue proposed rules for antiquities dealers, but those rules were withdrawn and never finalized. Final rulemaking would provide regulatory clarity to antiquities dealers, and help law enforcement fight the use of looted antiquities to fund terrorism, sanctions evasion, and criminal cartels,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2020 authorizing Treasury and FinCEN to propose rules to combat money-laundering and terrorist-financing using antiquities. Treasury previously proposed rules, but never finalized and ultimately withdrew the proposal. Criminal cartels and terrorist groups such as ISIS have laundered funds using antiquities, which have wound up in the U.S. market. U.S. Customs and Border Control in Philadelphia, for example, recently intercepted looted Bronze Age artifacts originally from Iran.

“Finalizing rulemaking to require basic due-diligence in the antiquities industry will help law enforcement stop the pipeline of funding to American’s adversaries from looted antiquities. Many industries, including casinos, jewelers, and pawn shops, already do basic due-diligence on their customers to stop money laundering and terrorist financing,” continued the senator. “I urge FinCEN to quickly finalize this rule and provide the clarity that antiquities dealers need to engage in this kind of basic due-diligence.”

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

–

I write to urge FinCEN to promulgate rulemaking requiring antiquities dealers to comply with anti-money-laundering laws. I am very concerned that looted antiquities are helping fund the Iranian terrorist regime, as well criminal enterprises and other sanctioned actors. In 2020, Congress passed bipartisan legislation requiring FinCEN to issue proposed rules for antiquities dealers, but those rules were withdrawn and never finalized. Final rulemaking would provide regulatory clarity to antiquities dealers, and help law enforcement fight the use of looted antiquities to fund terrorism, sanctions evasion, and criminal cartels.

On September 24, 2021, FinCEN issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) pursuant to Section 6110 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020. The law amended the Bank Secrecy Act to require compliance with anti-money-laundering and counter-terror-financing laws by antiquities dealers. FinCEN required public comments on the proposed rule by October 25, 2021, but the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was never published in the Federal Register and the ANPRM was subsequently withdrawn.

The use of looted antiquities for illicit finance and terror-funding is a serious national security concern. In February, CBP in Philadelphia intercepted Bronze Age swords and arrowheads originally from Iran. Experts in this field note that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and other elements in the Iranian terrorist regime may be actively looting Iran’s cultural heritage. Looted antiquities have been used to funnel money to terrorists, criminals, and America’s enemies. Documented cases of such illicit activities include:

Houthi terrorists and Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula have looted Yemeni artifacts to fund violence against the U.S, Israel, and international shipping lanes.

ISIS regularly sold stolen artifacts from Syria and Iraq.

Kremlin cronies have used antiquities to evade sanctions.

Convicted criminals Eugene Alexander and Michael Ward trafficked looted antiques worth over $31 million on American soil.

Cartels and drug-traffickers have used antiquities from Latin America, including pre-Colombian artifacts, to fund their criminal operations.

Finalizing rulemaking to require basic due-diligence in the antiquities industry will help law enforcement stop the pipeline of funding to American’s adversaries from looted antiquities. Many industries, including casinos, jewelers, and pawn shops, already do basic due-diligence on their customers to stop money laundering and terrorist financing. Last year I introduced the bipartisan Art Market Integrity Act to require anti-money-laundering compliance by art dealers, another area of serious concern for illicit finance. FinCEN already had the authority to promulgate rules for antiquities dealers and should move forward expeditiously. I urge FinCEN to quickly finalize this rule and provide the clarity that antiquities dealers need to engage in this kind of basic due-diligence.

I request that you provide a response to this letter by July 2nd, 2026.

Sincerely,",1,2026-06-04T06:38:12Z,2026-06-04T06:39:44Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-june-1st-as-national-mushroom-day/,Fetterman Celebrates June 1st as National Mushroom Day,2026-06-01,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the passage of his resolution in the Senate recognizing National Mushroom Day and the contributions of Chester and Berks Counties to the industry and to healthy diets, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) today celebrates National Mushroom Day. As a member of the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, Senator Fetterman introduced the resolution alongside U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA). U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Dan Meuser (R-PA-09) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“National Mushroom Day recognizes all our farmers, farmworkers, and an industry that fully deserves national support. As the Mushroom Capital of the World™, Pennsylvania has contributed significantly to our country’s mushroom supply and demand, and continues to be a leader thanks to the men and women on the ground. I’m proud to see our resolution agreed to and urge my colleagues to continue supporting these farmers and the industry––not just today, but every day,” said Senator Fetterman.

In Pennsylvania, mushrooms grow year-round and the industry has become a major source of stable jobs, farm operations, and economic growth in the region. Chester and Berks counties alone produce 60 percent of the mushrooms produced in the United States, making the Commonwealth the largest mushroom producer in the nation. Senator Fetterman has been a steadfast advocate by highlighting the industry in a hearing he led in 2023 and securing their eligibility in USDA specialty crop assistance funding this year.",1,2026-06-02T06:40:38Z,2026-06-02T06:42:17Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-leads-pennsylvania-colleagues-in-letter-of-support-for-farmers/,Fetterman Leads Pennsylvania Colleagues In Letter of Support for Farmers,2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led members of the Pennsylvania delegation in a bipartisan letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to request Secretarial Disaster Designation after unprecedented spring weather events led to devastating economic loss for the Commonwealth’s farmers. The letter was signed by U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) and U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Dan Mueser (R-PA-9), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-7), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2), and Scott Perry (R-PA-10).

“We write in support of Governor Josh Shapiro’s request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation for all counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in response to significant damage caused by below-freezing temperatures that impacted numerous crops across the state on April 21, 2026,” wrote the members of Congress.

Specialty crop growers across the Commonwealth experienced unseasonably warm temperatures and premature blooms followed by late spring freezes, leading to partial or total loss of their 2026 crops. Early estimates report between $150 and $200 million in economic lossesacross the industry.

Pennsylvania is a leader in the U.S. agriculture industry, and as a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Fetterman has continued to advocate for federal support for Pennsylvania farmers and their families.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

–

Dear Secretary Rollins:

We write in support of Governor Josh Shapiro’s request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation for all counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in response to significant damage caused by below-freezing temperatures that impacted numerous crops across the state on April 21, 2026.

Earlier this year, the Mid-Atlantic region experienced several weeks of warm weather, leading to fruit and trees blossoming. In late April, the commonwealth experienced extremely low temperatures, with some farmers reporting temperatures in the 20s. Growers of diverse specialtycrops–including apples, peaches, cherries, apricots, pears, strawberries, and grapes–in our commonwealth sustained significant damage to their crops from these freezing temperatures.

Pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 301, 7 U.S.C. 1961 and 1989, and implemented by 7 CFR §759, we ask that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania receive a secretarial disaster declaration.

We respectfully request your swift consideration and approval of this designation in accordance with all laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-cornyn-introduce-bill-to-give-american-energy-producers-certainty-safeguard-against-anti-lng-policies/,"Fetterman, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Give American Energy Producers Certainty, Safeguard Against Anti-LNG Policies",2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the LNG Export Security Act, which would amend current law to provide certainty to American energy producers and ensure administrations regardless of party cannot take advantage of vague language to enact policies that stifle liquified natural gas (LNG) production and exports or harm American ratepayers.

“LNG has played a critical role in promoting America’s energy independence and global leadership. That kind of energy dominance starts in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’ve been proud to advocate for solutions that put American jobs first and fully recognize we need guardrails in place to protect this industry and the workers. This bill makes sure decisions are made objectively while protecting the millions of jobs that power communities across Pennsylvania and our great nation.”

“America’s energy producers shouldn’t work in fear that a future administration could kneecap them with burdensome restrictions at a moment’s notice due to ambiguous laws,” said Senator Cornyn. “Our commonsense legislation would clarify the Natural Gas Act to give LNG producers the certainty they need and deserve to continue powering the world.”

The LNG Export Security Act amends the Natural Gas Act by defining “public interest” with the consideration of:

The development of natural gas facilities in the United States and the domestic natural gas supply;

Domestic economic interests; and

National security interests.

The LNG Export Security Act is endorsed by the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) and the Center for LNG.

Background

In response to the Biden Administration’s pause on LNG exports in 2024, Senator Fetterman raised concerns over the decision and the potential long-term impacts it would have on the jobs of hardworking Pennsylvanians. He highlighted the history of Pennsylvania as a leading energy state and second largest natural gas-producing state, and vowed to push back against the administration if energy jobs in the commonwealth were threatened.

Senator Fetterman continues to push for all-of-the-above energy policies that put Pennsylvania at the forefront, protects the jobs of those who keep our country running, and secures the U.S. energy supply.",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-leads-colleagues-in-reintroducing-bill-to-protect-washingtons-trail/,Fetterman Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing Bill to Protect Washington’s Trail,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led his colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Washington’s Trail — 1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility test to designate Washington’s Trail as a national historic trail. The house companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16).

“Washington’s Trail is just one example of an iconic piece of American history. We should absolutely do everything we can to protect and preserve this trail for all of us and future generations to enjoy,” said Senator Fetterman. “Recognizing Pennsylvania’s role in history is something I’ll always be proud to talk about. As we celebrate America’s 250th, I can think of no better time than now to get this bill signed into law and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and House who joined its reintroduction.”

“By designating Washington’s Trail as a national historic trail, we create an opportunity to preserve this history, to build community pride, to connect communities, promote economic revitalization, and create jobs while telling this story of George Washington and the birth of our nation,” said Representative Kelly. “I commend the work of local volunteers who have brought George Washington’s journey to life. This legislation builds upon their work for current and future generations to enjoy.”

Washington’s Trail follows George Washington’s path in 1753 on his way to Fort LeBoeuf in what is now known as Waterford, PA in Erie County. The trail starts in Virginia and includes portions of Maryland, West Virginia, and crosses several Western Pennsylvania counties. In Pennsylvania, the trail features scenic markers and landmarks highlighting major tourist and historical destinations such as the Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh, the Old Economy Village in Ambridge, DeBence Antique Music World Museum in Franklin, Fort LeBoeuf Museum in Erie, and many more iconic places.

The Senate bill was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

“Securing National Historic Trail status for Washington’s Trail is about more than just preservation: it’s a strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s heritage and conservation that honors the journey of a young George Washington right here in our backyard,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m proud to join Senator Fetterman and my colleagues in this designation that will turn a critical piece of our frontier history into a lasting economic and educational asset, ensuring that the story of American leadership continues to inspire both our local communities and visitors from across the nation.”

“Washington’s Trail represents an amazing chapter in our nation’s founding, and West Virginia is proud to be a part of that story,” said Senator Capito. “By studying the feasibility of designating Washington’s Trail as a National Historic Trail, we can help preserve this important legacy and ensure future generations understand West Virginia’s unique role in America’s early history.”

“George Washington’s journey through what is now West Virginia helped shape the course of American history. Washington’s Trail tells the story of courage, leadership, and the early fight for our nation’s future. These historic trails connect folks to the people, places, and moments that came before us. I’m proud to support the Washington’s Trail—1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to help preserve Washington’s brave footsteps, while also bringing new opportunities for tourism and appreciation for the outdoors in Almost Heaven and beyond,” said Senator Jim Justice

“The Washington Trail follows George Washington’s first military and diplomatic mission and commemorates an important part of our history,” said Senator Kaine. “As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, we recommit to preserving the stories of America’s founding. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that would begin the process of preserving this trail so that future generations can learn about its significance.”

“Washington’s Trail – which starts right in Williamsburg, Virginia – traces the historic journey that a young George Washington took on his first military and diplomatic venture,” said Senator Warner. “Virginians take great pride in the instrumental role the Commonwealth played in our nation’s earliest years, which is why I’m joining my colleagues in taking this step to designate Washington’s route as a National Historic Trail. Preserving this piece of our country’s past will provide educational opportunities to young people, promote tourism, boost local economies, and protect cultural and historical resources for future generations to enjoy.”

Read the full text of the bill here.",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/at-fettermans-urging-fema-releases-nearly-600-million-in-delayed-healthcare-funds/,"At Fetterman’s Urging, FEMA Releases Nearly $600 Million in Delayed Healthcare Funds",2026-05-13,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following an April 29th letter from U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the release of nearly $600 million in delayed reimbursements for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The funding will provide critical support to hospitals that took on significant out-of-pocket costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disbursement of this funding is essential for their continued operations.

“I’m grateful to Secretary Mullin and FEMA for releasing these funds to the hospitals in Pennsylvania that provided lifesaving care through a global pandemic and have been waiting for these reimbursements. Our healthcare workers and first responders represent the very best of us, and these hospitals responded heroically for our communities. This is a long awaited relief for them,” said Senator Fetterman.",1,2026-05-14T06:11:37Z,2026-05-14T06:12:56Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-vote-to-confirm-kevin-warsh-as-federal-reserve-chair/,Fetterman Statement on Vote to Confirm Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair,2026-05-13,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — After joining his colleagues in a 54-45 vote to confirm Kevin Warsh as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve, Senator Fetterman today released the following statement:

“I’ve met Kevin Warsh and believe he will be transparent and responsive to Congress and the public. His promise to maintain Fed independence in setting interest rates is crucial and I look forward to working with him.",1,2026-05-14T06:11:37Z,2026-05-14T06:12:56Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-daines-newhouse-bill-to-increase-made-in-america-hydropower-signed-into-law-by-president-trump/,"Fetterman, Daines, Newhouse Bill to Increase Made-In-America Hydropower Signed Into Law by President Trump",2026-05-11,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Steve Daines (R-MN) announced that their “Build More Hydro” bill has been signed into law by President Trump. The bill, S.1020, allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve six-year extensions for hydropower projects licensed before 2020. U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I’m proud to see our bipartisan Build More Hydro bill signed into law. This extension for our hydro projects keeps domestic energy production in our commonwealth—yet another reminder of the production powerhouse that Pennsylvania has always been. I’m grateful for the partnership with Senator Daines and his work to help get this across the finish line,” said Senator Fetterman.

“Today is a great day for Montana and the nation. America must meet the rise in energy demand, and the Build More Hydro bill will revive critical hydro projects and increase our domestic energy production. Thank you Senator Fetterman and Representative Newhouse for fighting with me to get this bill to the President’s desk. I’m grateful that President Trump and his administration strongly support Made-In-America energy, and I look forward to seeing the impact this will have across the country,” said Senator Daines.

“Our Nation needs more energy, and I am pleased President Trump has signed into law S.1020, the Senate companion of my ‘Build More Hydro’ bill in the House. This allows hydroelectric dams with their FERC license additional time to commence construction, eventually adding over 2.5 GW of reliable, clean, baseload power. We need to get every available megawatt of power on the grid to meet our growing energy demand, and this new law gets us one step closer to that goal. I thank Senator Daines for his hard work moving this bill unanimously through Senate and for being a champion of hydroelectric dams,” said Representative Newhouse.

In Pennsylvania, eight projects will benefit from the extension this law provides. Those projects include:

Allegheny Lock and Dam 2

Emsworth Back Channel Dam

Emsworth Locks and Dam

Grays Landing Lock and Dam

Maxwell (Point Marion)

Monongahela Locks and Dam 4 (Charleroi)

Montgomery Locks and Dam

Point Marion Lock and Dam

The “Build More Hydro” bill is also supported by the National Hydropower Association, Advanced Hydro Solutions, Pumped Storage Hydro Project, Rye Development, and CEBA.

“Today’s law is a breakthrough that delivers 2,600 MW of clean hydropower and $6.5 billion in private investment critical to powering American homes, businesses, and industries. We thank Sen. Daines, Sen. Fetterman, Rep. Newhouse, and the President for their leadership. NHA remains committed to expanding new development and preserving the existing hydropower fleet to meet America’s growing energy demand,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association.",1,2026-05-12T06:07:57Z,2026-05-12T06:09:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/op-ed-become-a-republican-id-be-terrible/,Op-Ed: Become a Republican? I’d be terrible.,2026-05-07,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"The Washington Post

By: John Fetterman

Many might not know, but I won my first race by a single vote to be mayor of Braddock, a small steel town — one of the poorest in our commonwealth –– where 90 percent of the population left. It was a forgotten community.

I wasn’t interested in playing political games. I wanted to help deliver change. It wasn’t about being a Democrat or Republican, but about making sure places like Braddock received the benefits, focus and investments they deserved for their contributions to this great country.

As a U.S. senator, I still believe in that principle. It doesn’t matter if my colleague is in my party or across the aisle. My focus remains on working together to find wins and deliver for my constituents. And though I was elected as a Democrat, I’m proud to serve all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats.

It has become increasingly lonely to serve in that way, but I firmly believe it’s what is needed.

My party cannot simply be the opposite of whatever President Donald Trump says. The president could come out for ice cream and lazy Sundays, and my party would suddenly hate them. Such pointless pile-ons and attacks are unproductive. The American people want us to work together to find solutions on issues they and our country face.

It wasn’t long ago when Democrats wanted a secure border. I voted on an immigration bill in 2024 to make sure an influx the size of Pittsburgh doesn’t come through the border like it did under the previous administration. I have co-sponsored legislation to stop the flow of fentanyl. I was the lead Democrat on the Laken Riley Act, and I strongly believe that someone who comes here illegally and commits a violent crime should be deported. Full stop.

It wasn’t long ago when Democrats believed shutting our government down was wrong and put American livelihoods at risk. I consistently voted to end back-to-back government shutdowns because our Transportation Security Administration agents, our homeland security, our airports and everyday Americans were hurting and should have never been held hostage. I took no pleasure in voting against my party. While the base targeted me for putting the country first, the demand to keep the lights on weighed more heavily than partisan games.

It wasn’t long ago when we believed it was crucial to support allies such as Israel against threats to their safety and peace. In the wake of the war in Gaza, Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah have ramped up their attempts to dismantle our ally. I remained committed to fully backing the elimination of these terrorists and their leaders. My party’s recent presidential candidates identified Iran as a significant global threat, one that shouldn’t be able to acquire a nuclear weapon. They emphasized a view I still hold: that the leading state sponsor of terror should be held to account. I appreciate that this administration acted on the threat Iran and its proxies pose.

These once-common views have become increasingly toxic in the Democratic Party, a result of catering to the fringe and agitated parts of our base. The party is fractured by their demands, heightened after the Gaza war and even more after Trump was elected in 2024. Numerous protesters have followed me around D.C. or shown up at my Braddock home to tell me I’m a traitor simply for voting my conscience, unapologetically standing with Israel and the global Jewish community, keeping our government open and our workers paid, securing our border — stances that were not unusual. My values have not changed, and I have always turned to those kinds of ideals that defined being a Democrat. I remain strongly pro-choice, pro-weed, pro-LGBT, pro-SNAP, pro-labor and even pro-rib-eye over bio slop.

I refuse to cave on my conscience because Pennsylvania deserves someone who is honest and can work across the aisle.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and I worked together to unfreeze $1 billion in federal funding for transportation projects across Pennsylvania. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania) and I have delivered hundreds of millions of federal dollars to our state for vital projects that improve the lives of our 13 million constituents, including $600 million to repair the Delaware River Bridge and to improve the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Sen. Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) and I introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy hot rotisserie chicken. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and I have worked together to protect the mental health of our kids with our Stop the Scroll Act. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) and I have taken Pennsylvania’s wildly successful Whole-Home Repairs program and introduced a bill to bring it to the national level to keep Americans in their homes.

Being an independent voice that works with the other side to deliver for Pennsylvanians might put me at odds with the party that I have stayed committed to and have no plans to leave –– but I will continue to put the commonwealth and the country first.

Plus, I’d be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.",1,2026-05-08T05:46:43Z,2026-05-08T05:48:09Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-letter-to-fema-fetterman-calls-out-delayed-healthcare-reimbursements/,"In Letter to FEMA, Fetterman Calls Out Delayed Healthcare Reimbursements",2026-05-06,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs, sent a letter to the top official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calling out delays in reimbursements to healthcare providers dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As you may know, there is more than $600 million in unobligated FEMA Public Assistance funding owed to healthcare providers in Pennsylvania alone,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

Health care providers across Pennsylvania and the nation incurred substantial out-of-pocket costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, operating under the assumption that the federal government would provide them with timely reimbursements. The continued delay of the payments owed threatens operations and staffing levels in a profession already suffering from provider burnout and low staffing rates.

“It is incumbent on FEMA, and the entire Federal government, to fight waste, fraud, and abuse, and we support subjecting the largest reimbursements to serious scrutiny. However, once such reviews are complete, there is no excuse for allowing bureaucratic red tape to slow disbursement of funds. This delay is inexcusable and is antithetical to President Trump’s stated commitment to enhancing government efficiency,”continued the senator.

Read the full text of the letter here and below.

—

Dear Ms. Evans:

I write to express my deep concern regarding delayed reimbursements of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to healthcare providers across the Commonwealth for costs they incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic response.

As you may know, there is more than $600 million in unobligated FEMA Public Assistance funding owed to healthcare providers in Pennsylvania alone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our hospitals, doctors, nurses, and support staff stepped up and delivered for their patients. However, this effort placed tremendous strain on hospitals across the state, requiring them to absorb large expenses to protect their communities.

It is incumbent on FEMA, and the entire Federal government, to fight waste, fraud, and abuse, and we support subjecting the largest reimbursements to serious scrutiny. However, once such reviews are complete, there is no excuse for allowing bureaucratic red tape to slow disbursement of funds. This delay is inexcusable and is antithetical to President Trump’s stated commitment to enhancing government efficiency.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers stepped up and did everything in their power to stop the spread of the virus, care for those infected, and ensure facilities remained safe for patients and staff. These reimbursements are critical to the financial health of crucial medical providers and must be disbursed quickly.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,",1,2026-05-07T13:38:59Z,2026-05-07T13:40:28Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-ricketts-introduce-fair-labels-act-to-protect-beef-require-transparent-labeling-for-plant-based-protein-products/,"Fetterman, Ricketts Introduce FAIR Labels Act to Protect Beef, Require Transparent Labeling for Plant-Based Protein Products",2026-05-05,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act to require cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products to bear an accurate label, clearly differentiating these products from meat and poultry products. Companion legislation in the House is led by U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), and Buddy Carter (R-GA-01).

“The hardworking farmers in Pennsylvania and across our country that feed all of us with real ingredients have to unfairly compete with misleading labels of alternative meats,” said Senator Fetterman. “Folks can be in the pro-bio slop caucus, but I’m in the pro-ribeye one. I’m proud to support the FAIR Labels Act to protect our farmers and all consumers who buy their great products.”

“Deceptive labeling of plant-based protein products hurts American farmers and ranchers. It also degrades consumer trust,” said Senator Ricketts. “By enhancing oversight and enforcing stricter labeling regulations, we can protect Nebraska beef. The FAIR Labels Act is common-sense: Americans should know exactly what they’re putting in their grocery cart.”

The FAIR Labels Act would:

Amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to ensure customers can discern between meat and poultry products and imitation meat and imitation poultry products;

Prohibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products.

Currently, cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products are not required to be explicitly labeled as such. The FAIR Labels Act would prohibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products and require alternative protein products to bear an accurate label. Permitted label examples include “cell-cultivated protein burger,” “ground plant-based alternative protein,” and “alternative protein” while prohibited labels include “cruelty-free steak,” “cultivated beef burgers,” and “plant-based ground beef.”",1,2026-05-06T06:05:57Z,2026-05-06T06:07:49Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-halt-removal-of-afghan-allies-to-drc/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Halt Removal of Afghan Allies to DRC",2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,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) joined 29 of his colleagues in writing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio raising alarm over the Trump Administration’s reported plans to transfer Afghan interpreters and allies currently located in Qatar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These Afghan refugees were evacuated from Afghanistan by the U.S. government due to their work on behalf of American forces and have been stranded at a camp in Qatar since the suspension of refugee resettlement for Afghans in January 2025.

“We made a promise to our allies. They fought alongside our sons and daughters for years with the understanding that America would not abandon them if the worst came to pass,” wrote the senators. “Instead of honoring that promise, the Administration is reportedly offering them a false dichotomy: to return to Afghanistan where torture and death await them, or to be sent to a country in the midst of one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.”

The letter was led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and also signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary Rubio,

We write to express our profound alarm over reports that the Administration is considering transferring Afghan refugees currently located in Qatar – many of whom served alongside U.S. servicemembers in the Global War on Terror – to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to multiple credible reports, the Administration is considering relocating more than 1,000 Afghan nationals currently stranded in Qatar, including interpreters, special operations personnel, and their families to the DRC. Should the Administration pursue these negotiations with the DRC and relocate those families, it would constitute one of the most cruel and imprudent betrayals in our Nation’s history.

The Afghan refugees currently living in Doha have been vetted time and again over the last two decades. They fought alongside U.S. forces against the Taliban and the Islamic State, often at great personal risk. They made their decision to fight with us knowing that, as a result, they and their families would be hunted by the Taliban and Islamic State for the rest of their lives. After the fall of Afghanistan many of them were promised safety under the Special Immigrant Visa program or other resettlement pathways that the Administration has stalled or abandoned completely.

Moreover, the DRC is currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis of its own. Millions of displaced persons are experiencing hunger and illness as they have fled conflicts in their own countries. The United Nations declared that the DRC is gripped by “one of the world’s most complex displacement crises despite peace efforts.” Callously sending our Afghan allies – to include 400 children – into an ongoing humanitarian disaster cannot be the United States’ legacy amongst the Afghan people.

We made a promise to our allies. They fought alongside our sons and daughters for years with the understanding that America would not abandon them if the worst came to pass. Instead of honoring that promise, the Administration is reportedly offering them a false dichotomy: to return to Afghanistan where torture and death await them, or to be sent to a country in the midst of one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.

The Administration may not hold itself responsible for the events that led to the Afghan refugee crisis, but it is responsible for the path forward. We urge you to cease any negotiations that would result in the involuntary or coerced transfer of Afghan allies to third countries ill-equipped to ensure their safety. The Administration’s missteps with allies around the world have already damaged our global standing and reputation, do not compound your past mistakes with another.

Thank you for your earnest attention to this matter, we look forward to your response.",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-reintroduce-supporting-urban-and-innovative-farming-act/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Reintroduce Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act",2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) reintroduced the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act to improve federal support for urban farmers. This bill would strengthen the quality and delivery of technical assistance for urban and innovative producers, allow partnerships with community experts, and expand farmers’ access to grant funding. The bill is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

“Our farming industry is the backbone of Pennsylvania and our farmers deserve support from the federal level,” said Senator Fetterman. “They’ve made significant contributions to our commonwealth, and I’m proud to reintroduce the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act with my colleagues to continue supporting these hard workers who keep our families fed.”

“Food security is national security,” said Senator Slotkin. “We must be able to feed ourselves, by ourselves, and that starts with putting American farmers first. By design, the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act delivers much-needed relief to producers nationwide by expanding grants, increasing funding and resources for our underserved farmers, while also boosting urban farming investment in Detroit and for community gardens in places like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”

Pennsylvania continues to be a leader in urban agriculture, supporting over 150 urban farms across the Commonwealth with more than $3 million in state-wide investment grants since 2019. By ensuring consistent access to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Centers for these hundreds of urban farms, the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act will better position these farms to access the full suite of USDA services for the often smaller and unique structure of urban and suburban farms.

Urban farms in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown will gain streamlined access to USDA technical assistance and conservation planning specifically for urban areas. This bill would expand eligibility for USDA Service Centers to agricultural cooperatives, business entities, and producer networks. It would also ensure access to micro-grant programs for small producers who can’t access traditional USDA financing.

The Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act is supported by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and PASA Sustainable Agriculture.

“Through the production of fresh, healthy, culturally appropriate food, urban farms are actively fighting against food apartheid in their communities. But growing food is just one component of their significance; urban farms serve as important job training sites for the next generation of growers, provide stormwater infiltration, cool entire neighborhoods from the urban heat island effect, sequester carbon, divert waste from landfills, create spaces where kids can breathe easier and where the supply chain is a walk around the block. The investment in urban agriculture proposed in the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act of 2026 acknowledges and celebrates the critical role urban farms play in our food systems,” said Hannah Kinney Smith, Executive Director of Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.

“In just a few years, the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production has proven the effectiveness of pairing grants with hands-on technical assistance from trusted regional partners. We’ve seen new partnerships form, and hundreds of projects launched that support incubator farms, training, and youth development initiatives nationwide,” shared Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). “NSAC applauds Senators Fetterman and Slotkin for their commitment to a future of farming that may not resemble traditional row crops. They are leading the way in encouraging agricultural production in communities and in maintaining strong support for this Office,” Quigley added.",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-letter-to-dhs-secretary-mullin-fetterman-reiterates-opposition-on-proposed-pennsylvania-ice-warehouses/,"In Letter to DHS Secretary Mullin, Fetterman Reiterates Opposition on Proposed Pennsylvania ICE Warehouses",2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following his original letter to former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) today sent a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin reiterating his opposition to the proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in Pennsylvania.

“While I have been clear in my support for the enforcement of federal immigration law, this decision will do significant damage to these local tax bases, set back decades-long efforts to boost economic development, and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure in these communities,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

The proposed conversion of the facilities in Tremont Township and Upper Bern Township, without input from local or state officials, includes transforming them into 7,500- and 1,500-bed detention centers, respectively. Both townships do not currently have the capacity to meet the demands of these detention centers, with Tremont Township officials stating the proposed 7,500-bed detention facility would quadruple the existing burden on their public infrastructure system.

Detention facilities impose unique and substantial demands, particularly adequate access to existing water and sewage systems, an increased demand on local electrical grids, the capacity of local law enforcement and EMS, and proximity to appropriate medical facilities.

“Additionally, the acquisition of these facilities by the federal government represents a combined loss of over $1.6M in local tax revenue per year for Schuylkill and Berks counties. This loss of vital tax dollars compounds concerns over the ability of these municipalities to meet the infrastructure needs of these facilities and would place undue strain upon the budgets of local governments and school districts in the region,” continued the senator.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary Mullin:

I urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reconsider its plans to convert two warehouse facilities in Schuylkill County and Berks County, Pennsylvania into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing and detention centers. I have written to DHS about this issue previously, and I am encouraged to hear that the department is currently reviewing the purchase of these warehouse facilities across the country made by previous agency leadership. While I strongly support enforcement of federal immigration laws, I oppose the conversion of these warehouses into ICE facilities. These conversions will place undue burdens on existinginfrastructure in these communities, and significantly damage local tax bases.

As you may know, in January 2026, DHS proposed converting a warehouse facility in Tremont Township, in Schuylkill County, into a 7,500-bed detention center. In Upper Bern Township, in Berks County, DHS is in the process of converting an additional warehouse into a 1,500-bed processing center. DHS purchased these facilities without consulting local and state officials or providing an explanation for why DHS and ICE selected these communities for large-scale detention operations. My constituents and I are deeply frustrated that DHS and ICE made the decision to purchase these facilities without any local input yet expect these communities to shoulder the infrastructure, public safety, sanitation, and economic burdens imposed on them.

Detention facilities impose unique and substantial demands on the infrastructure of the community and neighboring communities. For example, large-scale detention facilities require:

Adequate access to water and sewage systems or the ability to expand existing systems;

Increased demand on local electrical grids;

Coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services capacity; and

Proximity to appropriate medical facilities.

Neither Tremont Township nor Upper Bern Township currently have the capacity to meet these demands. Tremont Township officials are particularly concerned that the proposed 7,500-bed detention facility would quadruple the existing burden on their public infrastructure, especially on their water and sewer system. In addition to not consulting with these communities prior to the purchase, DHS and ICE have not provided any information on how they plan to address these demands on local infrastructure. It is wildly irresponsible to place these burdens on these communities, and it is outrageous to expect them to work with DHS without being consulted.

Additionally, the acquisition of these facilities represents a combined loss of over $1.6 million in local tax revenue per year for Schuylkill and Berks counties. This loss of vital tax dollars compounds concerns over the ability of these municipalities to meet the infrastructure needs of these facilities and would place undue strain upon the budgets of local governments and school districts in the region.

Based on these significant concerns, it appears that DHS and ICE did not perform any due diligence before spending more than $200 million in taxpayer dollars for warehouses that cannot be adequately converted into ICE processing and detention facilities.

To better understand DHS’s goals and decision-making process, I request that DHS and ICE provide the following before moving forward with either project:

All relevant pre-purchase documentation for these facilities, including any documents related to site evaluation and economic impact modeling;

A detailed impact assessment addressing infrastructure, public safety, public health, economic development, and fiscal concerns for these communities;

A commitment that federal funds will cover all necessary infrastructure upgrades and ongoing costs associated with these facilities; and

A commitment to a period of public engagement and dialogue with these communities.",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/icymi-u-s-senators-john-fetterman-and-katie-britt-talk-friendship-mental-health-and-social-media-on-bipartisan-nbc-show/,"ICYMI: U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Katie Britt Talk Friendship, Mental Health, and Social Media on Bipartisan NBC Show",2026-04-27,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Watch the full interview here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Katie Britt (R-AL) joined Kristen Welker on NBC’s Common Ground Live, a live show bringing together leaders with different perspectives who work across the aisle, and engage in discourse on bipartisan policy issues. The senators discussed mental health, their joint social media safety bill, families, and political futures.

See highlights below and watch the full interview here.

–

Welker: Senator Fetterman, what did it mean to you that Senator Britt came to visit you [in the hospital]?

Sen. Fetterman: It meant the world, and my advice is: it makes it virtually impossible to be cruel or unkind to someone if you at least have a relationship or at least know that person. You know, I think it’s a good rule that you don’t say anything on social media about someone that you wouldn’t say to someone in person. And social media especially has made that kind of cruelty or those kinds of comments just a throwaway and easy because it’s not really connected.

–

Welker: You co-authored bi-partisan bills, the Stop the Scroll Act and the Kids Off Social Media Act. Senator Britt, tell me about these bills, why are they important, why are you teaming up on them?

Sen. Britt: I think if you look at these, John and I approach this along with a number of our colleagues, not as Democrats and Republicans, but as concerned parents. We see what’s happening across our country when it comes to mental health and we know the impact it’s having on our youth. (…) John and I thought, what are some simple things we can do to help warn people, warn parents, about those negative effects? So the Stop the Scroll Act, which John got marked up in the Commerce Committee just last week–we were really excited about that. That’s a big step and pathway forward.

Sen. Fetterman: One of the best things I’ve done is completely unplugged. I produce my messaging but I don’t sit around and scroll, and when I made the mistake to do that after I won my election, that’s when things really got bad and the depression set in. We did this together not just as senators, but also as parents because we have young children too. And if we want it for ourselves, then it’s the appropriate tool for America’s parents.

–

Welker: Senator Fetterman, you have voted against several Democratic efforts to limit President Trump’s war powers in Iran. You’ve said you don’t want to put limits—tie his hands—when he’s in the middle of waging this conflict. As you both know, a key deadline is coming up. We’re bumping up against 60 days, May 1st, since the start of the war. Will you vote to keep U.S. forces engaged in this conflict once it hits that 60-day mark whereby Congress by law does need to weigh in?",1,2026-04-28T06:05:12Z,2026-04-28T06:07:17Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/icymi-u-s-senator-john-fetterman-joins-meghan-mccain-to-talk-family-life-mental-health-psychedelics-politics/,"ICYMI: U.S. Senator John Fetterman Joins Meghan McCain to Talk Family Life, Mental Health, Psychedelics, Politics",2026-04-23,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Watch the full interview here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined Meghan McCain on Citizen McCain for a conversation around mental health and his own struggles with depression, being a family man, what it means to represent all Pennsylvanians, and working across the aisle at a time when politics has become increasingly polarizing.

See highlights below and watch the full interview here.

–

McCain: I got to meet your youngest son. You’re raising three kids. What advice do you give to them every day? (…) Do you have conversations with them about the divided world we’re in? And do you have any parenting advice for, not only people with famous parents, but people raising teenagers?

Sen. Fetterman: I’m incredibly proud of the kids, and I’ve always told them to stay off social media. One of the things that I might have regretted as a parent is allowing them to even–

Parents have a choice, it’s like make it the forbidden fruit or do you just allow them to just experience it and they might discover the right conclusion. (…) I wonder if I made the right choice by allowing them to experience those things.

Now, I’m partnering up with Katie Britt, a Republican, for Stop the Scroll. If you had a friend that’s spending hours and hours and hours with your child, you’d want to know about the kid, and you’d want to know about their parents, and you’d want to know where they live, and you’d want to know about those circumstances. That best friend is social media. (…) Social media, it is shaping society without a doubt. We need to make it more safe and more responsible because kids are going to be a part of it, and find a way to do it.

–

McCain: What made you decide to be so open about your struggles with depression and your mental health in general?

Sen. Fetterman: I’m not sure if it’s still a political win to talk about mental health and the ultimate S-word, suicide. But that’s what’s appropriate if you’re in that space, and I decided to do it because it’s such an important conversation. There’s an epidemic here in our nation; 50,000 Americans last year took their lives. That’s the ultimate tragedy. (…) I beg people, I say I don’t know what your path was that put you in that dark, dark place. If you stay in that game, and you promise yourself that you won’t take yourself out, that puts you back on the path.

I never took any actions, but I seriously considered it, and every single day is affirming that thank god I got lucky and I was able to realize. For me, that emergency brake was my kids. I discovered that they really wanted me to stay around and they loved dad. That was mine, some people might not have their own emergency brake.

–

McCain: Do you have any feeling about the fast tracking of the FDA studies like ibogaine, and these psychedelics that President Trump and Joe Rogan are saying are helpful?

Sen. Fetterman: Oh yeah, that’s fantastic. I’ve actually been pushing that for years. Back when I was Lieutenant Governor, I decided to do town halls all across every single of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, no matter how small. (…) I went to every single one of those counties talking about legalizing marijauna and consistently, in every single meeting, veterans were coming and they were begging, “Can we just legalize this?” (…) As far as psychedelics, Pennsylvania is the second biggest mushroom producer in the entire world, and I thought, what an amazing opportunity. Why can’t we just make this part of the research and the solution? I have had veterans sitting in these town halls saying, “This is what I need.” When I saw that announcement, I thought that’s fantastic, one-hundred percent.

–

McCain: Do you enjoy being a senator?

Sen. Fetterman: It is absolutely an honor that Pennsylvania picked me to be their voice. I think they elected me to play it straight, and some things I agree with and some things I don’t. It would be easy to represent a state like Connecticut, I could just yell and yell. (…) Democrats have campaign commercials saying “Fuck Trump” that won it in Illinois, and that is what pays the bills. I am not going to engage and continue to degrade the tone of the conversation. That does not mean I do not agree with some things happening on the other side, but it does mean we have to find a way forward and a better way to do it. (…) I do enjoy the job, but how dysfunctional it is, that part is becoming frustrating.

McCain: Do you think there is a pathway for independence and a pathway forward with voices like yours?",1,2026-04-24T05:51:25Z,2026-04-24T05:53:00Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-introduce-hot-rotisserie-chicken-act/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act",2026-04-22,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined U.S. Senators Jim Justice (R-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) in introducing the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken with their benefits.

“America’s best (and delicious) affordability play is Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken ,” said Senator Fetterman. “It’s one of my family’s favorites and I’m proud to join this bill with Senator Justice for all to try. SNAP funds would be well spent to feed our nation’s families who need it.”

“Allowing folks on SNAP to buy hot rotisserie chickens is truly just commonsense. It’s as basic as you can get to help busy parents or grandparents put something as simple as this on the table to feed their families. We have to give people the option to put a healthy, protein-dense choice on the table that actually tastes good and doesn’t take an hour and a half to cook,” said Senator Justice.

“Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken is a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves. For seniors, working families, and those without reliable access to cooking equipment, this is about convenience and dignity. With multiple states—including West Virginia—already requesting flexibility in this area, this bill brings SNAP in line with real-world needs while making smart, efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Capito.

“Congress should be making it easier, not harder, for families to put food on the table. This bill fixes an unnecessary barrier and helps Colorado families get a quick, nutritious meal when they need it,” said Senator Bennet.

“The HOT Rotisserie Chicken Act is a commonsense solution to an unnecessary problem. Right now, a SNAP family can buy a cold rotisserie chicken — but the moment it’s hot, it’s off limits. There is no nutritional difference. There is no logical difference. There is only an outdated technicality that forces grocery stores to heat chickens and cool them back down just to comply, wasting energy, degrading quality, and adding cost. Rotisserie chicken – a real food – is the most affordable complete protein in the grocery store. At around $7, it can feed an entire family. For the 42 million Americans on SNAP, that matters enormously. I want to thank Rep. Crawford, and Sens. Justice, Bennett, Fetterman, and Capito for their leadership on this no-cost, commonsense, and long overdue legislation. The National Chicken Council is proud to support it, and we urge Congress to pass it without delay,” said NCC President Harrison Kircher.

Background on the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act:

House companion legislation is being led by Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) and was offered and withdrawn during House Farm Bill markup, which received support from both parties.

Current statute does not allow the purchase of hot prepared foods under SNAP but does allow the purchase of cooked rotisserie chicken that has been cooled down.

The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to modify the definition of food by adding “hot rotisserie chicken”

Rotisserie chicken is unmatched in value – most costing around $5 at grocery stores – especially when factoring in how much time it saves.

This bill does not increase funding or participant eligibility for SNAP or allow all hot foods to be included for purchase

It also only applies to eligible retailers, maintaining that SNAP will not be expanded to restaurants.",1,2026-04-23T05:48:52Z,2026-04-23T05:50:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-recognize-pennsylvania-farmers-on-national-mushroom-day/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Recognize Pennsylvania Farmers on National Mushroom Day",2026-04-16,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led his Pennsylvania colleagues U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), and U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing June 1st as National Mushroom Day.

In 1885, a florist in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania advanced the method of growing mushrooms by utilizing controlled indoor environment settings. As a result, mushrooms now grow year-round and the industry bloomed into a major source of stable jobs, farm operations, and economic growth to the region. Chester and Berks counties alone produce 60 percent of the mushrooms in the United States, and the Commonwealth is the largest mushroom producer in the nation.

“The mushroom industry powers jobs, farms, and communities across Pennsylvania. Our commonwealth is the Mushroom Capital of the World™,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution to recognize Mushroom Day and support the farmers and farmworkers that keep the industry strong and America healthy.”

“Pennsylvania is the mushroom capital of the world, and our growers work hard every day to help feed America,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m proud to join Senator Fetterman in designating June 1 as National Mushroom Day to recognize our hardworking mushroom farmers and the important role they play in keeping Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry strong.”

“In Chester and Berks Counties, mushrooms aren’t just a crop—they’re a cornerstone of our local economy and source of great pride. From multigenerational family farms to the thousands of workers who keep this industry strong, southeastern Pennsylvania has earned its place as the Mushroom Capital of the World,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan. “On National Mushroom Day, we celebrate the people and innovation behind an industry that creates good-paying jobs, businesses large and small, and families across our region and the country.”

“Pennsylvania leads the nation in mushroom production, and the growers in Chester and Berks Counties play a critical role in supporting our agricultural economy and food supply,” said Representative Dan Meuser. “This resolution recognizes the hard work of those producers, their contributions to local communities, and the important role mushrooms play in a healthy diet. It is important that we continue to support this industry and ensure it remains strong for future generations.”

“On behalf of the American Mushroom Institute and the growers, farm families, and thousands of employees who make up the American mushroom industry, I want to thank our Pennsylvania legislators for their continued recognition and support of our proud legacy. For generations, Pennsylvania mushroom growers have produced over 60 percent of America’s mushrooms, helping to sustain Pennsylvania’s agricultural strength and our country’s agricultural economy and ability to meet America’s demand for domestically produced healthful food, year-round. This move to June of Mushroom Day, initiated by the Mushroom Council, shows that mushroom businesses continue to be laser-focused on their customers and consumers,” said Rachel Roberts, President, American Mushroom Institute.

“This recognition shines a spotlight on the magic of mushrooms and their role in American diets. As consumers seek foods that offer great taste, nutrition, and everyday value, mushrooms deliver on every front.” said Amy Wood, President, Mushroom Council.",1,2026-04-17T05:47:03Z,2026-04-17T05:48:33Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-britt-bill-to-help-protect-mental-health-of-minors-passes-committee/,"Fetterman, Britt Bill to Help Protect Mental Health of Minors Passes Committee",2026-04-14,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Katie Britt’s (R-AL) Stop the Scroll Act passed the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee by voice vote. The bipartisan bill would create a mental health warning label requirement for users under the age of 18 on social media platforms, ensuring minors are aware of the potential mental health risks posed by social media usage and are provided access to mental health resources.

“I know firsthand what it’s like to experience mental health struggles and the dark space it can put you in. Those same struggles many of our kids are facing, with plenty of evidence of addiction, anxiety, depression, and suicide rates increasingly directly linked to social media platforms. My good friend and colleague Senator Katie Britt and I know we need laws that protect our children and give them the necessary mental health resources they might need,” said Senator Fetterman. “As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I’ve continuously urged advancing the Stop the Scroll Act to finally require social media companies to display a mental health warning label on different platforms. This is an important bill and I thank my colleagues for helping pass it out of committee.”

“Every child deserves the chance to live their own personal American Dream, but our nation’s youth mental health crisis—fueled by the rise in social media—is getting in the way for far too many,” said Senator Britt. “While Congress needs to do much more to protect the next generation online, I am proud to lead a step in the right direction with Senate Commerce Committee passage of the Stop the Scroll Act. Senator Fetterman and I are following through on the former Surgeon General’s call to create a warning label for social media platforms, but we’re going further by requiring the warning label to also point users to mental health resources. I’m grateful for his partnership on this issue which affects children, teens, and families from Alabama to Pennsylvania and every community in between. Equipped with the knowledge of the dangers and empowered with the resources to address it, we believe this is a simple solution that will help parents and kids thrive.”

Following the previous Surgeon General’s recommendation that a warning label be placed on social media platforms, the Senators introduced the Stop the Scroll Act. Their bill would require social media companies to display a label that warns underage users of potential mental health impacts of accessing a respective social media platform. The warning would appear in a pop-up box format upon opening a social media platform. Users under the age of 18 would then need to acknowledge the potential mental health risks in order to proceed to use the platform. The warning label could not be hidden or obscured, and its exact language would adhere to warnings expressed by the Surgeon General. Additionally, the label would provide an avenue for users to be connected with available mental health resources.

Background on Senator Fetterman’s Social Media Safety Efforts

Senator Fetterman has consistently sounded the alarm about the mental health crisis in our country, especially among youth. In Pennsylvania and across the country, rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among adolescents have risen sharply—and experts agree that social media is playing a major role.

The Senators have appeared on Common Ground with Bret Baier to discuss the need for urgent action. Research shows the average teen spends around five hours a day on social media, and those who spend the most time online are more likely to report poor mental health outcomes.

Additionally, Senator Fetterman co-sponsored Chairman Ted Cruz’s Eyes on the Board Act, which would require schools that receive federal broadband funding to block access to social media apps on school devices and networks. The legislation is designed to minimize distractions and help students focus on learning during school hours. He also supported the Kids Off Social Media Act, which sets a minimum age of 13 for social media use and bans the use of addictive algorithms targeting users under 17. Both bills address the growing mental health crisis among young people, particularly by tackling the harmful effects of algorithm-driven content that can fuel addiction, anxiety, and depression.

The Senate passed the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, a legislative package Senator Fetterman supported that included both the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children’s and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act to protect children online. He worked with his colleagues to address concerns that KOSA could violate First Amendment rights if weaponized by state attorneys general. Senator Fetterman also cosponsored the revised version of the bill, which ensures that LGBTQ+ social media content cannot be interpreted as harmful by the Act, if passed.",1,2026-04-15T05:46:42Z,2026-04-15T05:48:27Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-requests-increased-federal-support-ahead-of-nfl-draft-in-pittsburgh/,Fetterman Requests Increased Federal Support Ahead of NFL Draft in Pittsburgh,2026-04-03,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin requesting a heightened federal security designation ahead of the National Football League (NFL) draft hosted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“The NFL Draft is one of the most iconic sporting events held each year. It draws football fans from around the country to cheer on the newest members of their favorite teams. The Draft is historically rooted in Pennsylvania,” wrote Senator Fetterman. “This is the first time since 1948 that the NFL will host the Draft in Pittsburgh. It is expected to draw well over 700,000 fans to open-air events in Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, and more than 50 million viewers are expected to tune in to watch the Draft on television or online.”

The Department of Homeland Security initially designated the 2026 NFL Draft as a Level 3 Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) event. Due to the changing threat environment in the wake of war in Iran, Senator Fetterman requested that the Department elevate it to a Level 2 SEAR event. This designation would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as counter-drone support, K9 units, and intelligence analysis and sharing.

“Increasing the SEAR designation for the Draft will help ensure that additional resources are deployed to keep participants and fans secure and able to enjoy the Draft without fear,” continued the senator.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary Mullin:

I urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to elevate the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) for the National Football League’s 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to ensure the safety of participants and fans at the event.

The NFL Draft is one of the most iconic sporting events held each year. It draws football fans from around the country to cheer on the newest members of their favorite teams. The Draft is historically rooted in Pennsylvania. After Philadelphia Eagles co-owner Bert Bell proposed the idea to level the playing field between franchises in 1935, the first NFL Draft was held at the Philadelphia Ritz-Carlton in 1936. This year’s Draft is a three-day event that will take place from April 23 to April 25. This is the first time since 1948 that the NFL will host the Draft in Pittsburgh. It is expected to draw well over 700,000 fans to open-air events in Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, and more than 50 million viewers are expected to tune in to watch the Draft on television or online.

Previously, DHS designated the Draft a Level 3 SEAR event, but I urge DHS to elevate it to a Level 2 SEAR event given the changing threat environment in the wake of the war in Iran. A Level 2 designation would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as counter-drone support, K9 units, and intelligence analysis and sharing. Increasing the SEAR designation for the Draft will help ensure that additional resources are deployed to keep participants and fans secure and able to enjoy the Draft without fear.

I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-mccormick-announce-600-million-to-replace-delaware-river-bridge-improve-pa-turnpike/,"Fetterman, McCormick Announce $600 Million to Replace Delaware River Bridge, Improve PA Turnpike",2026-04-01,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding $600 million to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission through the FY 2025 Bridge Investment Program. The funding will advance the PA Turnpike/I-95 Interchange Program by replacing the existing 1956 Delaware River Bridge, a critical crossing connecting Bucks County, Pennsylvania to Burlington County, New Jersey.

“This $600 million investment is one of the most consequential infrastructure commitments in Pennsylvania’s history, and we are proud to have fought to secure this funding by writing directly to Transportation Secretary Duffy to make the case for why the Delaware River Bridge deserves federal investment,” said Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick. “The Delaware River Bridge is not just a Pennsylvania asset; it is a backbone of our national freight and passenger transportation network. This funding will make it safer and more resilient for the commuters, families, and businesses that depend on it every single day.”

The Delaware River Bridge currently carries more than 67,000 vehicles daily, with truck traffic accounting for approximately 16 percent of total volume. Given this heavy demand, the bridge’s existing four-lane configuration is no longer sufficient to meet the capacity needs of the I-95 corridor, one of the busiest and most economically vital highway corridors in the United States. The project will widen the bridge to align with surrounding approach roadways and accommodate projected long-term traffic growth, while also addressing critical infrastructure risk, enhancing travel reliability, improving safety, and bolstering flood resilience.",1,2026-04-02T05:33:17Z,2026-04-02T05:34:59Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-mccormick-joint-statement-on-antisemitism-investigation/,"Fetterman, McCormick Joint Statement on Antisemitism Investigation",2026-04-01,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA — Today, following Judge Gerald J. Pappert’s ruling that approves the administration’s effort to obtain information on Penn Jewish faculty as part of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission subpoena, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) released the following joint statement:

“No student or faculty member should face illegal discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or national origin. We have long spoken out against the despicable treatment Jewish students and faculty have faced since October 7, including on University of Pennsylvania’s campus. We fully support the EEOC investigations into Title VII discrimination.",1,2026-04-02T05:33:17Z,2026-04-02T05:34:59Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-mullin-confirmation-vote/,Fetterman Statement on Mullin Committee Vote,2026-03-19,2026,2026-03,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will vote to advance the confirmation of U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement:

“In January, I called on the president to fire Noem—and he did.

“I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind.

“We need a leader at DHS.

“We must reopen DHS.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-voting-against-debate-on-the-save-america-act/,Fetterman Statement on Voting Against Debate on the SAVE America Act,2026-03-17,2026,2026-03,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following the Senate voting to begin debate on the Save America Act, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement:

“83% of Americans agree on voter ID.

“71% of Democrats agree on voter ID.

“Keep it basic: PHOTO ID to vote.

“Stop turning this into a Christmas list and attacking vote-by-mail.

“If the GOP wants real reform over a show vote––put out a clean, standalone bill and I’m AYE.”

Consistent with the majority of Americans, Senator Fetterman fully supports photo identification to vote. The SAVE America Act, in its current form, includes various policies that make it unworkable not just for Democrats, but also Republicans, with the Senate’s Republican leaders warning the bill is set up to fail.

Senator Fetterman has pointed to states like Wisconsin that enshrined voter identification and continues to protect that requirement. On voting by mail, Pennsylvania Republicans helped usher in election reform to include mail-in voting in 2019, with a high number of Republican voters utilizing this safe and secure method as recently as last year. On voter fraud, Senator Fetterman highlighted the Heritage Foundation’s database and the Bipartisan Policy Center’s analysis of the database to reinforce voter fraud is highly uncommon with 77 cases reported across the country from 1999 to 2023.

The SAVE America Act is now on the Senate floor for debate.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/inquirer-fetterman-mccormick-heres-why-were-behind-a-bipartisan-plan-to-help-first-time-home-buyers/,"Inquirer: Fetterman, McCormick: Here’s why we’re behind a bipartisan plan to help first-time home buyers",2026-03-12,2026,2026-03,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) penned a Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed in support of the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act discussing its importance for Pennsylvanians and all Americans. The legislative package, which includes Senator Fetterman’s bipartisan Whole-Home Repairs Act, was passed this afternoon by the U.S. Senate 89-10 and now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

—

By: U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA)

When we were teenagers growing up in rural Pennsylvania, Americans typically bought their first home at the age of 29. Now, first-time home buyers tend to be in their 40s.

As U.S. senators from different parties, we don’t agree on everything. But as friends, parents of nine children between us, and representatives of working families across Pennsylvania, we cannot accept this terrible trend.

The American dream — the promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can build a good life and financial security in a home that you own — must not fall out of reach of young Pennsylvanians.

That’s why we support the ROAD to Housing Act. This bipartisan bill, which the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on this week, will help address Pennsylvania’s housing crisis by making it easier to build more homes, more affordably, while also preserving and repairing the housing stock we already have.

The commonwealth has 100,000 fewer homes than it needs today and is on track to be short 185,000 by 2035.

As a result of this shortage, home prices have increased 75% in the last five years. More than one million Pennsylvania households spend over 30% of their income on housing, and more than half of our housing stock is over 50 years old, driving up repair costs and straining family budgets.

That combination — too few and too many aging homes — creates a squeeze felt from Erie to Philly: young families delaying having kids, seniors stuck in homes they can’t afford to fix, workers turning down jobs because they can’t find a place to live nearby.

The shortage will get even more acute as new investments in Pennsylvania’s energy and artificial intelligence, defense, and life-science industries generate great new jobs across the commonwealth.

We have celebrated these transformative investments, from U.S. Steel to the Philly Shipyard, but more jobs mean more workers, and workers need homes.

The ROAD Act delivers by taking three commonsense approaches. First, it tackles affordability at the source — supply — by reducing delays and lowering construction costs.

Second, it strengthens accountability and modernizes federal programs to ensure they work for the people they’re meant to serve.

Third, it empowers Pennsylvanians to build what fits local needs.

We’re proud that the bill includes provisions to protect Pennsylvania workers, veterans, and homeowners, which we championed together. Our Whole-Home Repairs legislation, for example, supports homeowners, especially in markets like ours with many historic residences, by offering grants and forgivable loans for repairs and upgrades of aging homes, keeping families in their homes and stabilizing neighborhoods.

This isn’t a Republican problem or a Democratic problem. It’s an American one, and it demands bipartisan action.

For these reasons, we stand united, as we have on many other issues, in voting yes for the ROAD to Housing Act.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-continues-fight-for-food-worker-rights-in-reintroduction-of-snap-legislation/,Fetterman Continues Fight for Food Worker Rights in Reintroduction of SNAP Legislation,2026-03-11,2026,2026-03,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) reintroduced the Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act to require Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized retailers to treat delivery drivers fairly, pay good wages, ensure SNAP groceries are delivered safely, and protect SNAP users’ online data. He was joined by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

“SNAP is a lifeline for so many hard working families. We can protect the union way of life and food safety by introducing protections for workers,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to reintroduce the Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act with my colleagues to help protect consumers from cyber criminals and ensure safe delivery for all Pennsylvanians.”

The Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act would require the USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) in collaboration with FDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to establish standards for fair and safe working conditions for the drivers who deliver the food. Combined, these standards would:

Ensure that eligible SNAP purchases through online retailers would protect consumers’ digital privacy and cybersecurity

Ensure SNAP eligible food is delivered through safe handling procedures by delivery drivers

Prevent companies from undercutting labor standards for delivery drivers, including by requiring they pay prevailing wages

The House companion is led by U.S. Representatives Shomari Figures (D-AL) and John Mannion (D-NY).

The Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act is endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW). Together this includes 1.2 million members across several industries and 31,000 members in Pennsylvania.

“We are proud to endorse the Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act. This crucial legislation would ensure that delivery workers within the SNAP delivery program are fairly compensated and have the tools and training necessary to do their jobs. Delivery workers, whether in-store UFCW members or workers who are part of the gig economy, play a critical role in ensuring that the nearly 42 million monthly SNAP recipients have food on their tables. Failing to enact these guardrails and compensate them justly sends a dangerous message about how essential workers are valued in this country. We applaud Sen. Fetterman (D-PA) and Rep. Figures (D-AL) for their leadership on this issue,” said UFCW International President Milton Jones.

Senator Fetterman has been a champion of both workers’ rights and food assistance for families across the commonwealth. In the 119th Congress, he has introduced legislation like the Food Secure Strikers Act, School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act, Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act, and Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act. His work across the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee demonstrates his support for the integrity and longevity of SNAP, ensuring the 2 million Pennsylvanians who benefit can continue doing so.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-8-47-million-for-transit-ahead-of-the-fifa-world-cup/,Fetterman Secures $8.47 Million for Transit Ahead of the FIFA World Cup,2026-03-06,2026,2026-03,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $8.47 million in federal funding to support the Philadelphia area’s public transit needs during the FIFA World Cup this summer.

“I’m proud to have secured critical funds to support our commonwealth’s public transit needs as the biggest soccer stage in the world heads to Philadelphia,” said Senator Fetterman. “More than half a million visitors are expected for the six World Cup matches in our state. With this funding, Philadelphia and transit agencies like SEPTA will be ready to deliver for fans from around the world this summer.”

Although the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget did not include a request for funding to support transit operations during the FIFA World Cup, Senator Fetterman joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to secure more than $100 million in the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, including $8,474,327 for transit in the Philadelphia region.

Philadelphia and other host cities across the U.S. are expected to experience a surge in public transit ridership this summer as World Cup crowds increase demand for services. This funding will allow agencies like SEPTA to increase service levels and ensure fans have access to safe and reliable transportation in the Philadelphia area and in host cities across the country.

“SEPTA is grateful to the region’s Congressional Delegation for recognizing the vital role public transit will play in moving residents and visitors throughout our city and region during the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “SEPTA is making important progress in the areas that matter most to our riders, and this critical federal investment will support our operations when we help welcome the world later this year.”

Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field will host six World Cup matches between June 14 and July 4, 2026.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-expand-nutrition-assistance-for-puerto-rico/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico",2026-03-02,2026,2026-03,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) introduced the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act to address inequalities in food assistance for Puerto Ricans by allowing Puerto Rico to fully participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“I’ve always maintained that SNAP is a critical lifeline, yet Puerto Ricans aren’t fully eligible. We all get hungry and we shouldn’t punish people when they need food,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to support the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act to make USDA nutrition programs more fair and accessible.”

“Puerto Rico’s exclusion from SNAP has needlessly punished Puerto Ricans, ripping away essential nutrition benefits and billions of dollars in funding to the island,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The vital Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would correct this injustice by enabling Puerto Ricans to participate in SNAP and receive Disaster SNAP in the wake of natural disasters and other emergencies. I’m proud to lead the charge to get this legislation passed, and I’ll keep fighting until Puerto Ricans have the same benefits that are afforded to other American citizens.”

“Our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico have been unjustly excluded from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for decades,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to champion this legislation with Senator Gillibrand to right past wrongs by enabling our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico to fully participate in SNAP and ensuring the people of Puerto Rico have the full access to federal resources that they deserve.”

“This Senate bill builds on the work we have done in the House to address the cost-of-living challenges that Puerto Ricans face,” said Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández. “I commend Senator Gillibrand for her leadership in introducing the Senate companion and strengthening this effort to improve affordability in Puerto Rico.”

“Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) lacks several important tools that are available under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are designed to provide direct support to beneficiaries,” said Puerto Rico Governor Jeniffer González-Colón. “Aside from providing greater benefit assistance, SNAP offers opportunities for economic development via education, training, and employment, and offers robust assistance in the aftermath of natural and other disasters. This is why Puerto Rico needs a transition from NAP to SNAP, a goal that I support and have worked on for many years, first as a member of Congress and now as Governor. One of the bills I introduced on this issue while in Congress was the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to secure a structured and successful transition. Senator Gillibrand has historically been our lead for this bill in the Senate, and I am thankful that we can count on her once more as she reintroduces this important proposal in the 119th Congress. I look forward to continuing to work together.”

Currently, U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico participate in the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP), a capped block grant that is not needs-based or reactive to increased participation. This has led to lower nutrition benefits for residents of Puerto Rico than for residents of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Furthermore, the NAP block grant has no equivalent to Disaster SNAP, meaning that Puerto Rican disasters or emergencies require separate, new appropriations from Congress which can take months. There are currently approximately 1.5 million NAP participants.

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would transition Puerto Rico from NAP to SNAP, and is endorsed by the Hispanic Federation, Coalition for Food Security, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and Bread for the World.

“For more than four decades, American families in Puerto Rico have endured unequal treatment in federal nutrition assistance programs, resulting in hundreds of thousands of families going hungry as nutrition assistance fails to keep pace with the growing costs of groceries,” said Charlotte Gossett Navarro, Puerto Rico Chief Director for Hispanic Federation. “Hispanic Federation has long advocated for Puerto Rico’s inclusion in SNAP, and the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, led by Senator Gillibrand, represents a crucial step to achieve this. Congress must seize this moment and include Puerto Rico’s transition from NAP to SNAP in the Farm Bill.”

“For almost eight years, the Coalition for Food Security Puerto Rico has dedicated its efforts to securing equitable nutrition funding for American citizens residing in Puerto Rico to combat hunger,” said Lillian Rodriguez Lopez of the Coalition for Food Security. “A central focus of these initiatives is advocating for Puerto Rico’s transition to SNAP, thereby addressing longstanding disparities that have existed since the territory’s exclusion more than 45 years ago. The Senate bill, with the support of Senators Gillibrand, Fetterman, Lujan, Padilla, and Senate Leader Schumer, proposes a transparent and strategic ten-year timeline for this transition. It is recommended that all members of the Senate endorse S.XXX to promote nutrition equity as part of the Farm Bill 2026 framework.”

“All people deserve to be able to feed themselves and their families, and this must include the people of Puerto Rico who have been ignored for far too long,” said Liza Lieberman, Vice President of Public Affairs at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act will ensure that the people of Puerto Rico can access the same nutrition benefits as all other American citizens. MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is committed to supporting and uplifting our partners in Puerto Rico, and we are proud to fight for the structural changes needed to address growing food insecurity across our communities.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-letter-to-department-of-education-fetterman-expresses-opposition-to-professional-degree-reclassification/,"In Letter to Department of Education, Fetterman Expresses Opposition to Professional Degree Reclassification",2026-03-02,2026,2026-03,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon urging the Department of Education to reconsider finalizing a proposed rule that would reclassify nursing degrees as non-professional and narrow federal student loan eligibility.

“Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the Department of Education has implemented several changes that have effectively dismantled pathways to higher education, weakened oversight and student protections, and reshaped nearly every corner of the nation’s education system. Thousands of Pennsylvanians who have invested their time, effort, and hard-earned money to achieve graduate degrees in essential fields, like nursing, have had their student loan repayment thrown into total chaos by the Department’s shortsighted actions and policies,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

The Department’s proposed reclassification would limit total borrowing to $100,000 for most graduate programs and $200,000 for professional degree programs. This would drastically reduce critical financial assistance for students, making these programs inaccessible to otherwise qualified students.

Pennsylvania is estimated to face a nursing shortage of more than 20,000 nurses this year. These shortages disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities, where nurses are often the primary or sole point of access to care. Access to education is a key component of meeting growing demands, and anything that threatens the development of a robust nursing workforce threatens access to care in the communities they serve.

“An effective education system cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Students deserve a lending system that reflects the full range of educational goals and the evolving needs of our nation. Further, students deserve the opportunity to pursue careers that reflect their skills, interests, and aspirations. I urge the Department to reconsider finalizing this proposed rule and to reevaluate the reclassification of professional degree programs and associated borrowing limits,” continued the Senator.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary McMahon:

I write regarding the Department of Education’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Reimagining and Improving Student Education (Docket ID ED–2025–OPE–0944), which would narrow the definition of “professional” graduate degree programs and significantly reduce federal student loan eligibility for many advanced degree students. I am particularly concerned that the proposed rule would prevent many graduate nursing students from receiving the loans they need to pay for school, make rent, and support their families, placing advanced education out of reach for many otherwise qualified students.

Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the Department of Education has implemented several changes that have effectively dismantled pathways to higher education, weakened oversight and student protections, and reshaped nearly every corner of the nation’s education system. Thousands of Pennsylvanians who have invested their time, effort, and hard-earned money to achieve graduate degrees in essential fields, like nursing, have had their student loan repayment thrown into total chaos by the Department’s shortsighted actions and policies.

Among other changes, the Department’s proposal would reclassify certain graduate degree programs as non-professional and establish new lifetime federal borrowing limits of $100,000 for most graduate programs, $200,000 for designated professional degree programs, and $65,000 per dependent student for Parent PLUS loans. These proposed caps do not reflect the actual cost of many graduate and workforce-critical professional programs and risk limiting access for students pursuing high-need fields. As a direct result, students will likely hesitate to enroll in graduate nursing programs, posing a threat to the already strained nursing workforce in Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth is home to more than 150 hospitals that train and employ nurses at all levels of the profession, providing the clinical experience and professional pathways necessary to sustain a strong nursing workforce. When monitors go off, medication is due, or patients need an advocate in the absence of family, nurses are the ones who respond.

In rural and underserved communities across Pennsylvania, nurses are often the primary or sole point of access to care, supporting patients where physician shortages persist. Pennsylvania is projected to face a significant nursing shortage, with estimates pointing to a shortage of more than 20,000 nurses this year, a crisis expected to worsen as thousands of nurses approach retirement age. It is no surprise that nursing shortages of this magnitude are associated with worse patient outcomes, longer hospital stays, and a greater likelihood of readmission.

Data from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reflects a hopeful trend for the nursing profession when the tools and resources make it possible to pursue higher education. More than 92 percent of graduates are either employed or enrolled in continuing education within six months of graduation, and a majority of surveyed graduates remain in Pennsylvania to work following completion of their degrees. Each year, Penn Nursing also prepares approximately 30 Master of Science in Nursing graduates, the majority of whom are primary care nurse practitioners, who serve in medically underserved and rural communities.

Pennsylvania’s ability to deliver timely and reliable care depends on having enough trained nurses to meet growing demands. This starts with making school affordable for nurses who are the backbone of our health care system. Student loan limits should reflect the real cost of nursing programs and today’s cost of living. We have a responsibility to support students pursuing nursing and the communities that depend on them for care.

It is unclear how the proposed loan caps and program redesignations were determined or what data the Department relied upon in reaching these decisions. I request responses to the following questions by March 30, 2026.

What analysis has the Department conducted to assess how the reclassification of nursing degree programs and reduced borrowing limits will affect nursing workforce capacity, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas?

Does the Department plan to expand Public Service Loan Forgiveness or related loan relief programs to address the increased financial burden that would be created by the reclassification of professional degrees? If so, what is the anticipated scope and timeline for such changes?

An effective education system cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Students deserve a lending system that reflects the full range of educational goals and the evolving needs of our nation. Further, students deserve the opportunity to pursue careers that reflect their skills, interests, and aspirations.

I urge the Department to reconsider finalizing this proposed rule and to reevaluate the reclassification of professional degree programs and associated borrowing limits. Should you have any questions or require additional detail, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-snap-benefits-against-theft/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect SNAP Benefits Against Theft",2026-02-27,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) introduced their bipartisan, bicameral Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act to boost security of electronic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cards amid a sharp rise in theft by hackers and scammers.

Tens of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits have been stolen by criminals exploiting lax cybersecurity of electronic SNAP benefit cards. Congress has spent years pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to require states to issue cards with secure chips rather than magnetic strips that criminals can easily clone. Despite those requests, and a growing trend of SNAP card theft, USDA has failed to update security regulations for benefit cards. In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General issued a report projecting that $555 million in SNAP funds are vulnerable to theft in the coming years if action is not taken to boost cybersecurity.

“SNAP is a critical lifeline for nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians. We should be delivering help to those who need it, and that includes protecting them from criminals,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bill to protect our most vulnerable and the food assistance they depend on.”

“Cybersecurity shouldn’t depend on income or zip code. It’s time to overhaul this two-tier system that leaves families in need even more vulnerable with outdated technology. I’m all in to get this legislation across the finish line and ensure no hungry family has to lose sleep over their food assistance being stolen,” said Senator Wyden.

“Each year, tens of millions of dollars in essential food benefits are stolen from New Yorkers—benefits that families rely on to put food on the table,” said Rep. Goldman. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to update SNAP’s long-outdated cybersecurity regulations and require chip-enabled cards for SNAP benefits. This bill will ensure federal support for New York as it begins to upgrade its EBT cards and prevent SNAP theft. We must act now to ensure our working families, children, and seniors do not go hungry.”

“SNAP benefits are a lifeline for thousands of families across the Hudson Valley, and we have a responsibility to ensure those benefits are protected from fraud and theft. By modernizing EBT cards with secure chip technology, the SNAP system will be brought up to the same security standards Americans expect from their banks. Protecting these benefits means protecting working families, seniors, and small businesses who rely on them every day,” said Rep. Lawler.

The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act effectively addresses fraud by directing USDA to update its cybersecurity regulations to ensure criminals cannot easily steal SNAP benefits. Specifically, this bill will require:

USDA to issue updated regulations requiring SNAP cards to feature anti-fraud technology capable of resisting cloning, as well as securing online SNAP transactions. These regulations will be updated every five years and must keep pace with the security of credit and debit cards.

With USDA funding, states will begin issuing chip-enabled SNAP cards within two years of the adoption of the new regulations. Within four years, states will no longer be able to issue new SNAP cards containing a magnetic stripe. Within five years, states will have to reissue all existing SNAP cards containing a magnetic stripe as chip-only cards.

USDA to operate a grant program providing funds for upgraded chip-capable payment machines to small grocery stores in food deserts, farmers markets, and farm-to-consumer programs.

States to provide families with no-fee replacements of SNAP cards in three days or less, if their card is stolen, cloned by fraudsters, or malfunctioning.

States to offer multiple accessible and reliable user interfaces, such as a smartphone app or voice telephone service, for families to manage their EBT account.

The bill is endorsed by: Feeding PA, the National Grocers Association, Food Marketing Institute, National Association of Convenience Stores, SNAC International, Food Research and Action Center, Hunger Free America, R Street, American Heart Association, Bread for the World, Share Our Strength, Today’s Students Coalition, California Welfare Fraud Investigators Association, City Harvest, Rethink Food, and National Taxpayers Union.

“Independent grocers have served as trusted stewards of this successful public-private partnership for decades, and we remain committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse wherever it appears. This legislation takes important steps to strengthen program integrity by directly addressing EBT skimming and enhancing safeguards that protect both SNAP recipients and taxpayer dollars. Securing our food assistance programs is not a partisan issue, and we commend Senators Wyden, Cassidy, and Fetterman for their close collaboration with NGA while working across party lines to fortify SNAP and modernize EBT payments for the long term,” said Stephanie Johnson, RDN, Vice President of the National Grocers Association.

“As private sector partners with the federal government serving as critical access points for SNAP participants, FMI and its grocery members are committed to strengthening the integrity of SNAP for millions of customers in every community. FMI applauds Senators Wyden, Fetterman and Cassidy, and Representatives Lawler and Goldman for their leadership in establishing a framework for migration to SNAP EBT chip cards in all states that is safe and operationally viable for SNAP participants and retailers. Ensuring secure EBT shopping experiences for SNAP participants is of the utmost importance to grocers and the communities they serve and FMI is pleased to support this bipartisan legislation,” said Jennifer Hatcher, Chief Public Policy Officer for The Food Industry Association.

“SNAP skimming is the ultimate lose-lose: taking groceries away from the most vulnerable Americans while losing tax funds to criminal syndicates. We thank Senator Wyden for introducing a bill that would significantly reduce such fraud and make sure SNAP funds go to the low-income Americans who need them,” said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America.

“SNAP makes the difference for millions of families across the country who are trying to put food on the table, but due to outdated technology and inadequate security standards for EBT cards, many households have had their grocery benefits stolen by bad actors through no fault of their own. The legislation introduced today by Senators Wyden and Fetterman includes crucial common-sense improvements to modernize EBT card security and provide states the resources needed to prevent SNAP skimming, ensure program integrity, and make sure SNAP is supporting families as intended,” said Claire Borzner, Director of Federal Government Relations for Share Our Strength and its No Kid Hungry Campaign.

Read a one-pager on the bill here.",1,2026-04-03T05:34:17Z,2026-04-03T05:35:48Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-reintroduce-bipartisan-railway-safety-act/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Railway Safety Act",2026-02-26,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jon Husted (R-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) in reintroducing the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2026 to enhance rail safety by improving hazardous materials oversight, strengthening emergency response support, and raising overall rail safety standards.

Senator Fetterman was a co-lead of the original Railway Safety Act of 2023, joining then-Senator JD Vance (R-OH) and former Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to introduce the bill in March 2023, just weeks after the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. That bipartisan bill, which is nearly identical to this new legislation, was passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee in 2023 but did not receive a vote on the Senate floor during the 118th Congress.

“It’s been three years since the toxic train derailment in East Palestine––a complete tragedy and something we could have prevented. Congress still hasn’t done anything about it,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Railway Safety Act, a commonsense bill that will hold railroads accountable and make our communities safer. I urge the full Senate to work with us to get this bill passed.”

“The Railway Safety Act will make communities across the country safer,” said Senator Cantwell.“It has been over three years since the Norfolk Southern derailment disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, and it is past time for Congress to act. Our bill requires railroads to deploy technology that could have prevented the East Palestine derailment, holds large railroad companies accountable through stiffer fines and ensures that trains carrying hazardous materials are held to a higher safety standard.”

“Three years ago, many Ohioans understandably lost faith in the safety and reliability of our nation’s railways after the accident in East Palestine, Ohio,” said Senator Husted. “Since then, we have learned valuable lessons about the necessity of extensive consultation with the rail industry, emergency responders and local communities. By using a balanced, data-driven approach to advancing rail safety, my bill would protect Ohio’s communities while supporting the freight rail industry across the country.”

The Railway Safety Act of 2026 responds to the lessons learned after the derailment disaster, including NTSB recommendations. The legislation requires use of defect detectors, expands hazardous materials train safety restrictions and ensures railcars are properly inspected and maintained. It maintains key provisions to support first responders, reforms the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) programs to ensure fire departments can purchase personal protective gear, requires railroads to tell states what materials trains are carrying through their communities, and creates a program to make fire departments–like those in Beaver, Lawrence, and Washington counties that responded to the East Palestine derailment–whole after responding to a derailment.

“The reintroduction of the Railway Safety Act is a critical and welcome step forward,” said East Palestine resident and rail safety advocate Misti Allison. “Communities like mine know firsthand that rail safety is not a political issue. It is a public safety, environmental, and public health issue. When a train derails, it’s not just tracks and cargo that are affected but our air, water, soil, and the long-term health of families. We owe it to communities like East Palestine and to towns across this country to strengthen oversight, increase accountability, and ensure disasters like this never happen again.”

“As America’s largest transportation labor federation, proudly representing the nation’s skilled freight rail workers, we have continually sought federal legislative and regulatory action on commonsense rail safety measures. We commend Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jon Husted (R-OH) for leading re-introduction of the bipartisan Railway Safety Act and Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and John Fetterman (D-PA) for being original cosponsors. It’s unacceptable that communities across the country have endured more than 3,100 derailments since the 2023 toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Rail workers and communities living near railroad tracks deserve the peace of mind that Congress will take action on commonsense reforms and move us towards a safer rail network,” said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO.

“When rail safety falls short and a train derails, local communities bear the immediate burden of protecting residents, evacuating homes and deploying first responders,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “Americans with rail in their communities should not have to worry if they will be the site of the next rail disaster. We thank the leaders in Congress for reintroducing the bipartisan Railway Safety Act and for working to put it on the President’s desk before another catastrophic derailment like East Palestine happens again.”

“Counties across America are essential partners in enhancing the safety and efficiency of our nation’s freight rail infrastructure. The Railway Safety Act of 2026 takes critical steps to enhance rail safety, protect residents and ensure our transportation network supports both economic growth and public well-being. Counties urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation on a bipartisan basis,” said Matthew Chase, National Association of Counties Executive Director.

The Railway Safety Act of 2026:

Mandates the use of defect detection technology to make railroads stop trains when something is wrong which could have prevented the East Palestine derailment. The bill requires hotbox detectors to be deployed an average of every 15 miles, compared to every 25 miles currently.

Expands the list of hazardous materials that are subject to higher safety standards, like vinyl chloride carried by the East Palestine train, and require speed restrictions, better braking and route risk analysis.

Improves emergency response by notifying states about the hazardous materials being transported by rail through their communities and strengthening railroad emergency response plans.

Prevents improper railcar inspections and mandates a new requirement that ensures railcars are properly maintained. It’s been shown that Norfolk Southern recommends only 30-seconds for railcar safety inspections.

Increases civil penalties for rail safety law violations from $100,000 to $10 million to ensure safety laws are taken seriously.

Requires two crewmembers to operate a train to prevent a situation where only one person is on the train in an emergency.

Ensures firefighters are made whole after responding to major derailments. The DOT can reimburse first responders for overtime, equipment costs, and health care assessments.

Expands the existing Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grants to allow fire departments to purchase the personal protective gear that keeps them safe.

The legislation is supported by unions across the country including the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, SMART Transportation, Transport Workers, IAM, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Division, and the Transportation Communications Union.

“Our nation doesn’t need another rail disaster like what we all saw in East Palestine. Inaction by the rail industry since that derailment and fire three years ago demonstrates that we can’t trust that the major railroads will raise safety standards without action by Congress. The Class I railroads continue to move in the wrong direction by running longer trains, holding fewer and shorter inspections, and having an over-reliance on automation. This has increased safety risks for railroaders and the 80 million Americans who live near a Class I railroad track. Two-person train crews, modern braking systems, stronger and more frequent inspections, tougher penalties, and improved hazardous materials notification are essential to protecting railroad workers and the public. These reforms will only happen if Congress passes the Railway Safety Act of 2026. The members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have been seeking these needed reforms. We salute the sponsors of this important bipartisan legislation designed to keep trains running safely across this great country, Ohio Senator Jon Husted and Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell. It also must be said that we would not have reached this point without the strong and continued commitment of Vice President J.D. Vance to reforming rail safety standards,” said Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National President Mark Wallace.

“Just over three years ago, our country was rocked by a catastrophic train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, OH. Not only did that incident release an unforgettable mushroom cloud that could be seen from miles away, but it also contaminated the air, the soil, and the water of the village, causing the residents to suffer a multitude of medical conditions. However, despite the known causation and contributing factors to the derailment, the risk is still present as no meaningful change has taken place in the railroad industry, which is why we are extremely proud to endorse the Railway Safety Act and to offer our sincerest gratitude to Senators Jon Husted and Maria Cantwell for their willingness to change this dangerous trajectory and make rail safety a priority in the United States of America,” said Jared Cassity, National Safety & Legislative Director of the SMART Transportation Division.

“The Rail Safety Act would dramatically improve freight rail safety standards and hold greedy railroad executives accountable when they prioritize short-term profits over safety and hardworking TWU members. The TWU strongly endorses the Railway Safety Act and urges Congress to swiftly pass it,” said John Samuelsen, President of the Transport Workers Union.

“IAM Rail Division members see firsthand the consequences of precision-scheduled railroading and Wall Street-driven cost cutting that have hollowed out safety practices across this industry,” said Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “This legislation restores common-sense safety standards by ensuring that trained, qualified railroaders — not the lowest-cost alternative — are performing critical inspections. Our members have been raising these concerns for years. Congress must move swiftly to advance this bill and put safety ahead of corporate profits.”

“I’d like to thank this bipartisan group of Senators for introducing the Railway Safety Act in the Senate,” said Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) National President Matt Hollis. “TCU has been advocating for this legislation for years. It’s time for Congress to act and pass this bill to not only ensure our members can perform the jobs they are trained to do, but to improve the safety and reduce the risk of another East Palestine for every community that our trains roll through.”

“This legislation is important to every Carman at every Class I railroad,” said Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Division General President Don Grissom. “Every safety-sensitive industry knows how important it is to have the right person doing the right job. This bill does just that. Right this minute we have unsafe trains that have not been properly inspected rolling through communities. Statistically, it is very likely that either today or tomorrow there will be a derailment in this country that could’ve been prevented if our Carmen are simply allowed to do their job. That should scare the hell out of everyone. It’s time for Congress to step in.”

“On the ground, our members are being pressured every day to rush inspections or allow trains to depart with known defects,” said Reece Murtagh, IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair. “The Railway Safety Act reinforces what railroaders have always known: thorough inspections by skilled Carmen and Machinists save lives and prevent disasters. Congress must act to protect railroad workers and the communities we serve.”

Read the full text of the bill here.",1,2026-04-01T05:41:29Z,2026-04-01T05:42:36Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-nearly-300-million-in-federal-funds-for-pennsylvania-projects/,Fetterman Secures Nearly $300 Million in Federal Funds for Pennsylvania Projects,2026-02-10,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $289,366,974 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding was included in the eleven FY26 Appropriations bills signed into law, supporting 121 projects focusing on affordable housing development, water infrastructure upgrades, equipment for police departments, and other critical initiatives across Pennsylvania. Projects supported by Senator Fetterman included a $183,829,000 award for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ project to modernize the Montgomery Locks and Dam in Beaver County.

“Bringing money back to PA is one of my core responsibilities as the senior senator. I’m proud of the work our community is doing and believe this funding will continue to show why Pennsylvania is a leader on all fronts,” said Senator Fetterman.

These projects are crucial for Pennsylvania’s economic development, our communities, and future generations. A breakdown by county and statements of support can be found below.

ADAMS — $500,000

Center For Youth and Community Development Community Education Center ($500,000) to build a learning and community center to provide multi-lingual education and career services for residents and workers in Adams County of all backgrounds.

ALLEGHENY — $21,635,000

Tree of Life Antisemitism and Anti-Hate Educational Initiatives ($1,200,000) to support educational programming for students and teachers on how to recognize antisemitism and all forms of identity based hate.

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Fetterman’s ongoing support of our community in Pennsylvania and in Washington. The $1.2 million community project funding request he secured will play a pivotal role in helping take the story of The Tree of Life and the inspiring communal response to our tragedy to new communities across the country. Amid the historic levels of antisemitism in our country, we are truly thankful for this meaningful and concrete commitment to building compassionate communities rooted in our shared humanity,” said Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life.

Digitizing the Battle of Homestead Foundation Labor History Archives ($174,000) to digitize donated historical artifacts documenting grassroots groups and labor activists confronting the 1970s-1980s mass industrial layoffs across the Steel Valley region of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for public access via the PA POWER Library.

Catalyst Connection Pennsylvania AI Data Centers & Energy Future ($600,000) to identify, assess and develop a manufacturing supply chain in Southwestern Pennsylvania for AI Data Centers and identify growth opportunities for small businesses across the region.

“A robust local manufacturing supply chain for AI Data Centers has the potential for significant job growth and economic impacts, leading to community benefits well beyond the construction and operation of data centers. Catalyst Connection looks forward to working with Senators Fetterman and McCormick and their teams to engage local suppliers for the benefit of businesses, workers, families and communities,” said Petra Bracko Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection.

Trying Together ($500,000) to expand workforce training and accreditation opportunities for childcare providers in Southwest Pennsylvania.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh Youth Mentoring and Violence Intervention in Pittsburgh-Area ($500,000) to provide youth mentorship to select elementary, middle, and high school students across Pittsburgh.

Western Pennsylvania Shared Quantum Information Core ($400,000) to purchase quantum computing equipment, enabling collaborative research at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University.

University of Pittsburgh Police Department Communications Equipment ($300,000) to upgrade communications infrastructure for the University of Pittsburgh Police Department.

Monroeville Municipal Authority Transit Waterline Replacement ($1,092,000) to replace aging water distribution lines. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

Site Engineering and Phase 1 Construction for the AC Power House at the Carrie Blast Furnaces ($500,000) for repairs to the Carrie Blast Furnaces, improving safe access to a historic landmark.

Borough of Forest Hills Storm Sewer Replacement and Sanitary Sewer Access Improvements Project ($500,000) for improving water quality in Forest Hills.

Literacy Pittsburgh Workforce Training and Career Development ($250,000) for connecting job seekers, including but not limited to those without high school diplomas, with employment opportunities in Western Pennsylvania.

City of Pittsburgh, Thaddeus Stevens Recreation Center ($250,000) to repurpose a decommissioned public school into a recreation center in Pittsburgh’s West End neighborhood. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

Allegheny County – Mon Valley Strategic Blight Removal ($1,200,000) to facilitate removal of blighted, hazardous properties throughout Allegheny County. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

Sewickley Road Safety Improvement Plan ($250,000) to reduce the threat of potential landslides impeding roadways and damaging infrastructure in the Borough of Sewickley. This request was also supported by Rep. Deluzio (D-PA-17).

Steel Rivers CoG Blight Remediation in the Mon Valley ($750,000) to demolish blighted structures, provide technical support to municipal officials across the Mon Valley.

ACTION-Housing, Inc. Affordable Housing Conversion in downtown Pittsburgh ($500,000) to convert the former J&L Steel Company headquarters into affordable housing units and office space.

Amani Christian Community Development Corporation, Blight Remediation and Site Preparation in Carrick ($954,000) to convert a vacant site in Carrick into affordable housing for seniors.

Rehabilitation of the Carnegie Library of Homestead’s Historic Music Hall ($1,015,000) to renovate space in the oldest continuously operating Andrew Carnegie Library in the country. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12)

Panhandle Trail Extension Acquisition ($850,000) to purchase inactive railroad property for conversion into a trail connecting Walker’s Mill in Collier Township to downtown Carnegie, PA. This request was also supported by Rep. Deluzio (D-PA-17).

Office to Housing Conversion in downtown Pittsburgh, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh ($1,000,000) to fund the conversion of vacant or underutilized office buildings into affordable housing. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

Increasing Affordable Housing Options for People Exiting Homelessness in Allegheny County ($3,000,000) to acquire and build 50 new affordable housing units across Allegheny County. The request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

SR 422, Business 422 to Butler County Line ($3,000,000) to repair and resurface S.R. 422.

Verona Road Bridge Replacement ($850,000) to improve public safety and improve traffic flow. This request was also supported by Rep. Deluzio (D-PA-17).

SR 18, Wilmington Road Betterment ($2,000,000) to repair and resurface S.R. 18.

BEAVER — $183,829,000

Montgomery Locks and Dam ($183,829,000) to modernize the Montgomery Locks and Dam, a critical piece of infrastructure for the regional economy that is 90 years old. This request was also supported by Rep. Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Rep. Reschenthaler (R-PA-14).

BEDFORD — $350,000

Bedford County Development Association Rural Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance Project ($350,000) to provide resources and guidance to help new entrepreneurs and small businesses.

BERKS – $1,610,000

Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, Blight Remediation in Reading ($1,610,000) to help revitalize the 9th & Douglass Neighborhood via acquisition of property, construction of new affordable housing, and extensive efforts to eliminate blight.

BLAIR — $60,145

Allegheny Township Police Car ($60,145) will acquire funding for the cost of a new vehicle to better serve the community in a safe and efficient manner. This request was also supported by Rep. Joyce (R-PA-13).

BUCKS — $735,000

Warminster Township Police Department Technology Upgrades ($735,000) to replace body cameras, dash cameras, radios, and mobile computer terminals.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator John Fetterman and his office for securing FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending through the COPS Technology program to fund our Integrated Technology Enhancement Program. This vital investment will directly support our officers by upgrading communications equipment for seamless coordination, body-worn and in-car cameras for accurate evidence capture and accountability, and IT hardware and software for streamlined data management. Furthermore, these enhancements will benefit our agency by boosting operational efficiency and real-time decision-making, while significantly improving community safety through faster incident responses, greater transparency, and stronger trust between our department and the residents we serve.” said Chief James C. Donnelly III, Warminister Township Police Department.

BUTLER — $8,000,000

Route 19 Waterline Replacement Project ($1,000,000) to replace an aging waterline in Cranberry Township.

Ekastown West 3R Rehabilitation ($7,000,000) for roadway safety improvements.

CAMBRIA — $1,100,000

Alternative Community Resource Program, PA, for facilities and equipment to renovate a behavioral health clinic ($1,000,000) to make critical repairs to an outpatient psychiatric clinic and children’s therapy center in downtown Johnstown.

The Learning Lamp, Inc., PA, to improve early childhood education programs ($100,000)

“Our region’s child care workforce is in crisis. There are simply not enough child care teachers and programs to meet the needs of working families. This funding will allow The Learning Lamp to build up the region’s child care workforce through access to free training and other support, ensuring those caring for children can get the education they need to provide high quality care, gain credentials, increase wages, and remain on the job serving Pennsylvania’s families. This is a win for all of us!” said Leah Spangler, President and CEO of The Learning Lamp & Ignite Education Solutions.

CAMERON — $758,000

Cameron County Ambulance Service, Inc, PA, for equipment to provide ambulance services ($250,000) to acquire a new ambulance and improve response capabilities across the region.

“This $250,000 investment will significantly strengthen Cameron County Ambulance’s ability to serve residents across Cameron County by allowing us to acquire a much needed vehicle and improve our capacity to deliver essential emergency services. We are deeply grateful to Senator Fetterman and his office for recognizing this need and for their continued commitment to supporting our community. Thank you!” said Jamie Gillen, Director of Cameron County Ambulance Service.

Emporium Borough Town Hall Improvement Project ($508,000) to improve energy efficiency, and make ADA compliance upgrades, improving accessibility for residents and reducing energy costs.

CENTRE — $7,773,716

Moshannon Valley EMS and Training Facility ($2,074,716) to construct a new EMS facility and training center for EMS personnel. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

Emergency Radio Equipment for Centre County First Responders ($1,000,000) to replace portable radios for first responders.

The Pennsylvania State University, PA, for establishing the Pennsylvania Addiction Action Network, including a statewide system of substance use interventions and data coordination ($750,000) to establish a statewide network convening local Pennsylvania stakeholders to share data, knowledge, and effective practices for informed decision making in allocating the $1.7B opioid settlement being directed to Pennsylvania over the next two decades.

“Penn State is grateful to Senator Fetterman for his support of this investment and the trust it shows in Penn State’s ability to support communities across the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Addiction Network will bring together stakeholders across the Commonwealth to ensure that the opioid settlement funding can be guided by data, evidence, and community expertise. As Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, we are uniquely qualified to meet this moment,” said Dr. Andrew Read, SVP for Research at The Pennsylvania State University

State College Community Land Trust, Inc. Expansion of Forever Affordable Homes in State College ($1,500,000) to support affordable housing for low to moderate income residents, half of which would be available for ownership.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Fetterman for securing $1.5 million to build new housing. This investment recognizes the severity of the housing crisis and Pennsylvania’s urgent need for affordable housing. With Senator Fetterman’s support, the State College Community Land Trust will create four permanently affordable homes for sale to income-qualified buyers and four permanently affordable rental units, in collaboration with The Home Foundation, expanding long-term housing stability in State College,” said Colleen Ritter, Executive Director, State College Community Land Trust

Calder Way Transportation Improvements ($2,449,000) to enable construction of a curb-less, multi-modal corridor that prioritizes accessibility and safety in the heart of downtown State College. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

CHESTER — $1,500,000

Ludwigs Corner Fire Company No. 1 ($1,000,000) to construct additional bay space, bunk rooms, and other improvements to a rural firehouse. Rep. Houlahan (D-PA-6) also supported this request.

Mt. Zion Historical, Cultural and Educational Community Center and Sepulcher ($500,000) to help restore a historic African-American church listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CLARION — $488,248

Renovation of the East Brady Community Center and Emergency Shelter ($488,248) to repair the roof, install emergency generators, replace windows, and other upgrades to a vital community facility in East Brady Borough. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

CLINTON — $2,174,000

The Bucktail Medical Center, PA, for equipment to improve diagnostic services ($949,000) to purchase new patient beds and upgraded radiological equipment, to improve diagnostic capabilities and help ensure equitable access to quality care in the surrounding area.

“The Administration, Staff and Board Members at Bucktail Medical Center are filled with gratitude to receive this funding. This grant will allow us to implement a key service line for the community that many people did not think would ever be possible and allow us to continue building on our recent successes. With this investment, BMC will be equipped to address the diverse healthcare needs of our community and ensure rural access to quality healthcare services. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and grateful that Senator Fetterman and his Federal partners recognize the importance of sustaining and improving essential healthcare services for rural Pennsylvania and its Communities,” said Laura Murnyack, CEO, Bucktail Medical Center

Working toward Drinkable and Fishable Pennsylvania Streams While Supporting Pennsylvania Farmers ($400,000) to support efforts of local family farmers in adopting best practices to reduce pollution in Pennsylvania streams across the commonwealth.

City of Lock Haven Water Line Replacement ($825,000) to improve water quality and infrastructure reliability by replacing a deteriorated water line in the City of Lock Haven.

CRAWFORD — $1,500,000

Common Roots Revitalizing Upper Water Street in Meadville ($750,000) to support affordable housing construction on a vacant lot in downtown Meadville.

“Meadville desperately needs affordable homes. Lower income households have few, if any, good options in this market. Employers are struggling to recruit and retain the workers they need. Our downtown needs density to thrive. These funds will be used to transform vacant land on a central corridor into six new, energy-efficient, affordable homes for working families,” said Julie Wilson, Ph.D., Executive Director of Common Roots.

French Creek Force Main Replacement ($750,000) to replace an outdated force main which the Meadville Area Sewer Authority operates under French Creek.

CUMBERLAND — $2,241,127

Shippensburg Police Department Vehicle and Camera Equipment Upgrades ($298,127) to purchase a new police car, body-worn cameras, vehicle-mounted cameras, and an interview room camera system. Rep. Joyce (R-PA-13) also supported this request.

Carlisle Borough PFAS Reduction Infrastructure Project ($1,943,000) to support installation of PFAS removal infrastructure at the water treatment plant in Carlisle.

“Protecting public health through safe drinking water is one of the Borough’s most important responsibilities. This funding enables Carlisle to advance critical PFAS reduction efforts that benefit the Borough as well as parts of North Middleton and Middlesex townships, while helping limit the burden on local ratepayers. In addition to improving water quality locally, the project strengthens protection of our shared watershed and underscores the importance of continued cooperation between local communities and our federal partners. We greatly appreciate Senator Fetterman’s partnership and leadership on this issue,” said Sean Shultz, Mayor of Carlisle, PA.

DAUPHIN — $1,150,000

Wildwood Lake Restoration Project ($500,000) to begin the initial phase of a comprehensive environmental restoration effort, addressing a century of sediment accumulation in Wildwood Lake, improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and help prevent future flooding in communities along Paxton Creek.

Low Income Housing Development Initiative ($650,000) to assist the Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority in developing permanent affordable, supportive, and transitional housing options for homeless individuals, low-income youth, and families with children.

DELAWARE — $4,125,500

Sharon Hill Library and Recreation Center ($1,200,000) to renovate a library and construct a new recreation center in Sharon Hill. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

Delaware County Community College Workforce Success Center ($2,000,000) to support establishment of a comprehensive training facility at Delaware County Community College’s new Southeast campus in Upper Darby Township. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

SR420 Advance Warning Safety Improvements ($425,500) to install advance warning devices leading up to the overpass along Lincoln Avenue SR 420, including poles, height detection, rapid fire flashing beacons and signage in advance of the bridge to alert drivers of the low clearance and avoid further collisions. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

Chester Township Fire Company Health and Safety Upgrades ($500,000) to replace the roof, renovate living quarters, install an exhaust system in the engine room, and other upgrades to the Chester Township Fire Company’s firehouse. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

ERIE — $3,100,000

Erie County Cornerstone Community Land Trust Affordable Housing Program ($1,100,000) to support Erie County Community Land Bank in acquiring property, removing blighted properties, and constructing affordable housing across Erie County.

“The Cornerstone Community Land Trust is excited to utilize the awarded appropriation funds from Senator Fetterman’s office to grow our inventory of affordable homes. We are using a multifaceted approach to increase the possibilities of homeownership throughout Erie County with new residential construction, the strengthening of neighborhoods, and the creation of a county-wide land trust for permanently affordable housing. These homes will allow for low-income homebuyers to achieve their dreams and bring housing stability to their families for generations,” said Jeremy Bloeser, Executive Director of Erie County Land Bank.

Erie Coke Demolition Project ($2,000,000) to cover first-phase demolition costs of the smokestack and surrounding structures at the eastern side/main entrance of the former Erie Coke site adjacent to downtown Erie and Lake Erie.

“We appreciate Senator Fetterman’s advocacy and continued support on this crucial project in our community, as this grant enables us to begin demolition work on the former Erie Coke site. This is an important first step on a cleanup project that addresses a critical need in our community, here on the East side of Erie,” said Julie Slomski, Executive Director of the Erie-Western PA Port Authority.

FAYETTE — $500,000

Pedestrian Bridges for the Connellsville Urban Passage ($500,000) to install and rehabilitate two bridges/connectors in the north end of the city of Connellsville.

“The City is grateful for these funds. I would like to thank Senator Fetterman and his staff for their continued support throughout the appropriations process. The funds will help the City of Connellsville continue to move forward as one of premier locations on the GAP trail. The increase in tourism will make a huge difference to local businesses, now on both sides of the river,” said Greg Lincoln, Mayor of Connellsville, PA.

GREENE — $591,000

Dry Tavern Sewer Authority Sewage Treatment Plant Improvements ($591,000) to upgrade a sludge holding tank, improving water quality for Dry Tavern residents, and reducing operational costs for the Dry Tavern Sewer Authority.

HUNTINGDON — $400,000

Juniata College Advanced Chemistry Instrumentation ($400,000) to purchase new chemistry lab equipment for college and high school students.

JEFFERSON — $1,612,416

Jefferson County 911 Center ($462,416) to cover engineering costs for a new 911 center in Jefferson County. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

Improvements of Falls Creek Streets and Sidewalks ($1,150,000) will replace damaged, unsafe sidewalks in downtown Falls Creek with ADA compliant crosswalks, cut away parking spots with curbing to prevent vehicles parking on sidewalks.

LACKAWANNA — $1,310,000

Scranton Police Department Public Safety Equipment Upgrades ($500,000) to support installation of HD public safety cameras and communications upgrades for the Scranton Police Department.

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Whole Home Repair Initiative for Seniors ($522,000) to assist 45 elderly homeowners of modest means across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties with critical home repairs to make their homes safer, more accessible, and more energy efficient, in order to keep them in stable housing.

Dunmore Police Department Upgrades ($288,000) to replace aging patrol vehicles and reduce vehicle maintenance costs for the Borough of Dunmore.

“On behalf of Dunmore, I want to sincerely thank Senator Fetterman and his team for their tremendous support. This $288,000 federal grant for new police vehicles and equipment will help keep our officers well-equipped and our community safer. We’re truly grateful for this investment and the Senator’s support in our borough’s future,” said Max Conway, Mayor of Dunmore, PA.

LANCASTER — $750,000

Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity Affordable Housing Construction ($750,000) to transform a blighted West End parking lot into safe and affordable housing for eight families.

LAWRENCE — $6,500,000

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs ($6,500,000) to fund the design of a new readiness center for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

LEBANON — $1,000,000

The Caring Cupboard, Inc. Community Center Construction ($1,000,000) to construct 12 affordable housing units on the top floor of a two-story building, with a community food pantry, health and dental clinic spaces, a mobile library center, and a community center on the first floor.

LEHIGH — $1,690,000

Fullerton/MacArthur Stormwater Pipe Replacement ($1,000,000) to mitigate flood risk by replacing a 50-year old stormwater pipe in Whitehall, PA.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, PA, to develop data infrastructure among community schools in the Greater Lehigh Valley ($190,000) to establish shared data infrastructure across 34 Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon County community schools, enabling data collection and analysis to help identify effective practices, provide technical assistance to partners, and ensure sustained academic growth, attendance, as well as family engagement.

Lehigh County Public Safety Communications Network Project ($500,000) will fund mobile, portable, and related communications equipment required by County law enforcement to operate with other local and state law enforcement.

LUZERNE — $1,098,000

King’s College Cybersecurity Lab ($300,000) to fund technology procurement for the King’s College Cybersecurity Lab, supporting a newly offered undergraduate minor in cybersecurity.

City of Nanticoke Police SUV’s and Body and Car Cameras ($298,000) to purchase two police vehicles with upfitting and body cameras for the Nanticoke Police Department.

“Keeping the City of Nanticoke safe is my top priority. This funding delivers real resources to our police department so they can do their jobs effectively. It puts more tools in the hands of our police officers and reinforces our commitment to enforcing the law and protecting our citizens. I would like to thank Senator Fetterman for this funding,” said Kevin Coughlin, Mayor of Nanticoke City, PA.

Wilkes University, PA, for facilities and equipment to improve nursing education ($500,000) to expand and enhance Wilkes University’s Clinical Nursing Simulation Center, addressing the pressing need for an increased number of registered and qualified nurses across Pennsylvania, particularly within rural healthcare settings.

LYCOMING — $2,720,000

Enhancement of the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company Regional Emergency Services Hub ($1,345,000) will allow volunteer, paid staff, and college live-in first responders the ability to live and train on-site, thereby enhancing recruitment and retention efforts and working to address a critical first responder shortage in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This request was also supported by Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15).

Williamsport Municipal Water Authority Transmission Water Main Replacement ($1,000,000) to replace critical water distribution components in Williamsport. This request was also supported by Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA-9).

AIDS Resource Alliance, Inc., PA, for equipment to purchase a mobile clinic ($375,000) to improve healthcare delivery in North Central Pennsylvania by providing critical primary care services to underserved areas, with a particular focus on marginalized populations such as individuals living with HIV, the LGBTQ+ community, low-income individuals, and the uninsured.

“A mobile medical unit isn’t just transportation. For rural communities, this means preventive care, early diagnoses, and the reassurance that help can meet you where you are. This medical van will bring care, dignity, and peace of mind to LGBTQ and rural communities that have been left behind for too long. Senator John Fetterman’s leadership in shepherding this federal grant proposal to success is a powerful show of support for AIDS Resource and the LGBTQ & rural communities we serve. His advocacy was instrumental in securing critical resources that will strengthen care and support for those we serve, and we are so grateful for his partnership in advancing accessible, compassionate care,” said Kirsten Burkhart, Executive Director of AIDS Resource Alliance, Inc..

MERCER — $913,600

Hermitage Municipal Authority Sewer Upgrades ($913,600) install monitoring alarms and other upgrades to sewers in the Wheatland neighborhood of Hermitage.

MONROE — $1,677,379

Monroe County DA Opioid Crimes Section ($1,020,379) to hire additional staff and purchase equipment for the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office aimed at fighting the root causes of the opioid/synthetic drug overdose epidemic in Monroe, Pike and Carbon County.

East Stroudsburg University, PA, for expanding education programs, including the purchase of equipment ($657,000) to purchase equipment for East Stroudsburg University’s Smart Technology Teaching Kitchen in ESU’s new Hospitality Center. The Teaching Kitchen will prepare students for high demand careers in the hospitality industry.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Fetterman for his strong support of East Stroudsburg University and for investing in the future of our students while helping the University meet the workforce needs of the Pocono Mountains region and strengthen tourism across the Commonwealth. This appropriation will significantly support our efforts to establish a dedicated Center for Hospitality, preparing students for high‑demand careers in the hospitality industry, an economic engine critical to our region,” said Dr. Kenneth Long, President of East Stroudsburg University.

MONTGOMERY — $2,791,000

The Challenger Learning Center at Montgomery County Community College, Pottstown campus ($500,000) for installation of a Voyage Mark II Solar System Exhibit, allowing MCCC to expand its Discovery Programs to include hands-on challenges in coding & AI; and provide multiple classes from regional schools to participate simultaneously in full-academic day STEM-immersion activities. This request was also supported by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4).

Hatfield Township Municipal Authority Floodwall Construction ($241,000) to construct a flood wall, protecting operations of a wastewater treatment plant located along Neshaminy Creek.

The Arc Alliance Workforce Training Activities ($200,000) to provide workforce training for new and existing caretakers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mitzvah Circle Foundation Period Poverty Project ($500,000) to expand distribution of menstrual products, which are not covered by federal programs such as SNAP or WIC, to underserved communities via schools, libraries, and community centers.

“We are thrilled and thankful for Senator Fetterman’s support in receiving this grant. Mitzvah Circle’s Period Poverty Project will synchronize the distribution of menstrual products with an innovative data collection process. This project will allow people to attend work and school without shame and embarrassment.”said Fran Held, Executive Director of Mitzvah Circle.

Resilience Resource Center Mental Health Services ($250,000) to expand free mental health services, including but not limited to individual therapy sessions and peer support groups for underserved individuals across Montgomery County.

Garden of Health’s Hatfield Farm ($350,000) to make improvements to the Hatfield Farm, a volunteer based community garden aimed at tackling food insecurity.

Borough of Collegeville Roadway and Sidewalk Improvements ($750,000) to improve pedestrian safety and ADA accessibility along Main St. and 9th Avenue, including additional lighting and installation of traffic calming infrastructure. This request was also supported by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4).

MONTOUR — $1,000,000

Danville Area Community Center Facility Upgrades ($1,000,000) to upgrade the DACC, including a new child care space. This request was also supported by Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA-9)

PHILADELPHIA — $12,982,593

The Exodus Road Combatting Youth Exploitation Online Initiative ($350,000) to combat online exploitation of youth by providing evidence-based digital safety education to youth, parents, and law enforcement.

Villanova University Legal Support Clinic ($850,000) to hire social workers and legal support staff at the University’s Civil Justice Clinic and the Caritas Clemency Clinic, which advocate for survivors of domestic violence and formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering society, respectively. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

Delaware River Basin Commission – Federal Signatory Funding ($715,000) to fulfill the federal funding share of the Delaware River Basin Commission’s budget, a federal-interstate compact charged with managing the shared water resources in the Basin between Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and eastern Pennsylvania.

University City Science Center’s Pathways to SBIR/STTR ($400,000) to provide training to new entrepreneurs on methods to secure seed capital and receive support to commercialize products via federal, state, or private funding.

Lincoln University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Excellence of Workforce Development ($1,000,000) to expand non-degree workforce training in high demand careers.

Concilio de Organizaciones Hispanas Voices over Violence ($390,000) to provide youth development and violence prevention programs at select middle and high schools in Philadelphia.

“Concilio, the oldest Latino serving organization in Philadelphia, is super excited to be recipient of this funding. Preventing gun violence among our youth is critical to the future growth of our communities. We are so grateful to Senator Fetterman for this opportunity and for our first ever direct federal funding. We are overjoyed.” said Dr. Rashidah Abdul-Khabeer, Program Development Officer.

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children ($250,000) to hire additional community health and behavioral health staff.

Temple University Hospital Medical Equipment ($240,000) to upgrade x-ray imaging equipment.

JEVS Center for Healthcare Careers ($220,000) to enhance health care workforce training for credentialed medical professional roles such as medical assistants, EKG technicians, and nurses.

Wagner Free Institute of Science ($100,000) to fund expansion of science and arts education programs to schools in North Philadelphia.

Once Upon A Preemie, Inc. ($275,000) to provide mental health education programming for healthcare providers that serve low-income families of premature infants.

Big Picture Philadelphia ($240,000) to expand school-based mental health programming, wellness services, nutrition programs, and emergency resources for students and families in need.

African American Museum in Philadelphia, The Audacious Freedom and Beyond ($415,000) to expand educational programming and exhibitions of Philadelphia’s rich history fighting for freedom, from the Underground Railroad, to the Civil Rights Movement, to the modern day.

The School District of Philadelphia, Anna Blakiston Day School ($717,593) to improve a schoolyard. Rep. Evans (D-PA-3) also supported this request.

Philadelphia Water Department Lead Service Line Replacement ($2,000,000) to replace lead service lines for hundreds of homes in Kensington and surrounding neighborhoods. Rep. Boyle (D-PA-2) also supported this request.

Broad Street Ministry dba Broad Street Love ($970,000) to renovate and expand a community kitchen that provides approximately 80,000 meals to Philadelphians in need.

Linda Lockman-King Apartments in West Philadelphia ($950,000) to fund affordable housing construction on a vacant site in West Philadelphia’s Haddington neighborhood.

Esperanza Stable Affordable Rental Housing Trust Project ($750,000) to construct or renovate ten affordable housing units in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia.

James G. Blaine School ($850,000) to improve a schoolyard. Rep. Evans (D-PA-3) also supported this request.

Richard R. Wright School ($850,000) to improve its schoolyard. Rep. Evans (D-PA-3) also supported this request.

Improvements to Launch of Philadelphia Inc. Community Education Facility ($450,000) to mitigate erosion damage surrounding a community education facility in Southwest Philadelphia.

PIKE — $3,000,000

Wayne & Pike County Career and Technical Center ($3,000,000) to construct a dedicated career and technical education facility to serve high school and adult learners in Pike and Wayne Counties, the only two counties in Pennsylvania that do not currently have one.

SNYDER — $870,000

Middleburg Police Department Technology Upgrades ($120,000) to upgrade body-worn cameras and dash-mounted cameras.

Freeburg Borough Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation ($750,000) to rehabilitate a sewer system that has repeatedly overflowed during storms and is unable to sustain additional connections. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

SOMERSET — $37,000

Laurel Arts Facility Preservation and HVAC Modernization Project ($37,000) to replace failing HVAC systems at the Laurel Arts Education and Dance Center and the Dressler Center for the Arts.

TIOGA — $1,786,250

Fire Station and Training Center for Crary Hose Company ($1,286,250) to construct a new, relocated fire station and training center to replace the current fire station which flooded during Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

North Penn Comprehensive Health Services ($500,000) to fund facilities and equipment to construct a dental clinic.

“Access to dental care is an urgent need in many rural communities where demand is quickly outpacing available clinics. Laurel Health has been working hard to help increase dental services throughout northcentral Pennsylvania, and these funds will play a critical role in supporting our mission to bring affordable dental care to more patients. These funds will help us establish a new clinic in Mansfield, PA, where we will provide dental care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. As community health centers, we strive to build healthier communities for everyone by providing quality, affordable, and reliable care for rural Pennsylvanians close to home,” said Anne Loudenslager, President of Laurel Health Centers.

UNION — $1,800,000

West Market Street ($1,800,000) to improve pedestrian and traffic safety.

“We were excited to hear that Congress has funded our West Market Street improvement project. This is a critical first step toward improving pedestrian safety, calming traffic, and supporting economic development along our ‘Main Street’. A small township like East Buffalo can only execute a major infrastructure project like this with financial support from the local, state, and federal levels. We are grateful to Senator Fetterman and Representative Thompson for moving the project through the appropriations process and securing the funding for this important community development project. We can’t wait to get started,” said East Buffalo Township Supervisors Jim Knight, Tom Zorn, and Katie Evans.

WARREN — $250,000

City of Warren Community Park Improvement Project ($250,000) to make improvements to Point Park in the City of Warren, including an ADA-accessible restroom.

YORK — $1,458,000

York College of Pennsylvania Tyler Run Restoration Project ($500,000) to restore a neglected stream that runs through York College’s campus and nearby neighborhoods, providing cleaner water, reducing flooding risk, and providing a green space for students and the community.",1,2026-04-01T05:41:29Z,2026-04-01T05:42:36Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-young-introduce-bill-to-preserve-ohio-river-basin/,"Fetterman, Young Introduce Bill to Preserve Ohio River Basin",2026-02-10,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to improve water quality, transportation and economy, ecological well-being, and other aspects of watershed health. The restoration program would create an Ohio River National Program Office within the Environmental Protection Agency, bringing together states, local governments, Tribal nations, and nonprofit groups to boost initiatives that directly benefit communities.

“As I’ve always said, access to clean drinking water is a right that everyone deserves – including communities that have long been marginalized and forgotten,” said Senator Fetterman. “Not only will the bill help protect this vital resource, but it will also push the government to carry out other initiatives to help support farm conservation efforts and homeowner support. I’m proud to introduce the Ohio River Restoration Program Act with Senator Young so we do right by the American people.”

“The Ohio River is vital to southern Indiana’s economy, ecosystem, and supply of drinking water,” said Senator Young. “Our legislation would establish a non-regulatory restoration program and provide needed federal support to protect the Ohio River. This bill also would help restore Indiana’s rivers – like the White and Wabash – that flow downstream into the Ohio. Congress should pass this bill to preserve the Ohio River Basin for generations to come.”

The Ohio River Basin is home to 10% of the United States population, covers 204,000 square miles encompassing parts of 15 states, has 7,000 miles of waterfront along the Ohio River, and provides drinking water to several million people. The Ohio River alone is 981 miles long and runs from the confluence of the Allegheny and the Monongahela Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and ends in Cairo, Illinois.

In 2021, the University of Pittsburgh’s Water Collaboratory and Three Rivers Waterkeeper collected 100 samples from 25 locations in tributaries that feed Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Scientists found ample evidence of coal mining’s thumbprint in the rivers, including consistently “concerning” concentrations of manganese in tributaries of the Mon, and elevated concentrations of iron. They also found high concentrations of nutrients in tributaries that feed into the Monongahela, mostly nitrogen and phosphorus. If concentrations of nutrients are too high, it can trigger algal blooms, and excessive algae growth leads to lower oxygen levels, acidic water, and sometimes the death of aquatic life.

The initiatives the Ohio River Restoration Program Act will carry out through the EPA:

Core restoration actions that can provide a solid foundation for an Ohio River restoration and protection plan, such as habitat restoration, farm conservation, and invasive species control and management.

Pollution prevention and clean water protection that can complement and support restoration actions.

Robust monitoring, data collection, and evaluation that can be used to effectively and efficiently manage a restoration and protection program across 14 states.

Workforce development and job training that can help create strong, local economies based on water protection and restoration.

Strong local public engagement structures to ensure that residents have a seat at the table to weigh in on restoration decisions and hold elected officials accountable.

Investments and policies that help communities prepare for the impacts of extreme storms and flooding.

Investments and policies that help the communities most impacted by pollution.

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act is endorsed by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Beaver Creek Hydrology (BCH), Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau in Indiana, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, EnviroKinecs, Inc., Friends of Bell Smith Springs, Friends of the Riverfront, Friends of the White River, Greenbrier River Watershed Association, Hoosier Environmental Council, Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., Indiana Parks Alliance, Indiana Wildlife Federation , Kentucky Conservation Committee, Kentucky Ecological Restoration Association (KERA), Kentucky Resources Council, Kentucky Riverkeeper, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc., Lower Wabash Partnership, Mill Creek Alliance, Mon Water Project, Mountain Watershed Association, Muncie Indiana Sanitary District’s Bureau of Water Quality, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District , National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Ohio Conservation Federation, Ohio Environmental Council, Ohio River Basin Alliance, Ohio River Foundation, Ohio River Way, Ohio Water Partnership, Ohio Wetlands Association, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Pristine River Initiatives, River Fields, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Thomas More University Biology Field Station, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, UpstreamPgh, Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, Watersheds of South Pittsburgh, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Wilderness Louisville.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-urge-extension-of-library-passport-acceptance-program/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Urge Extension of Library Passport Acceptance Program",2026-02-09,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Trump administration banning local libraries as passport acceptance facilities, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led his colleagues in a bipartisan and bicameral letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the secretary to extend the existing program while Congress works to enact a permanent solution. The letter is signed by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and U.S. Representatives John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA-13), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08).

“In a time when demand for passports is surging, libraries are among the most accessible passport acceptance facilities, particularly for working families and rural residents,” wrote the members of Congress. “This abrupt determination, issued with little notice or explanation, has placed libraries, their employees, and the communities they serve in an untenable position through no fault of their own.”

In November, 501(c)(3) nonprofit libraries were notified by the State Department that the libraries’ status rendered them ineligible to operate as passport acceptance facilities under federal law, despite Americans using these locations for many years. For many Pennsylvanians, especially in rural communities, these libraries are often the most accessible—and sometimes the only—passport acceptance facilities. Additionally, across states such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Georgia, and New Jersey, many public libraries are structured as nonprofit entities due to historical precedent, making this action especially disruptive.

“At some libraries, the February 13 deadline all but guarantees immediate staff reductions, putting dedicated public servants and their families at risk of losing their jobs, income, and healthcare overnight. Without an extension, libraries will be forced to lay off employees, cut essential programs for children and families, or close their doors entirely. Granting this extension would not resolve the issue permanently, but it would prevent irreversible harm while Congress and the State Department work toward a responsible, durable solution,” continued the members.

Allowing an extension past the February 13 deadline until the end of the year would provide time for these libraries to adequately prepare for change. It would also allow time for passage of a legislative solution, like Senator Fetterman’s bipartisan and bicameral Community Passport Services Access Act, to prevent any further harm to public libraries and the communities they serve. The senator introduced this bill on January 29, 2026, to allow 501(c)(3) non-profit public libraries to continue operating as passport acceptance facilities. View the full text of the bill here.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary Rubio:

We write to urge immediate action regarding the status of dozens of nonprofit libraries across the United States that were recently informed they must cease accepting passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, effective February 13, 2026. In a time when demand for passports is surging, libraries are among the most accessible passport acceptance facilities, particularly for working families and rural residents. This abrupt determination, issued with little notice or explanation, has placed libraries, their employees, and the communities they serve in an untenable position through no fault of their own. We respectfully request an extension of the February 13 deadline through the remainder of the calendar year to prevent imminent harm and to allow libraries and communities the time needed to adapt.

In November 2025, libraries that have operated as passport acceptance facilities for years—often decades—were informed that, due to an oversight in the State Department mechanism, their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status rendered them ineligible under federal law. This revelation was devastating to institutions that had been repeatedly reviewed, certified, and reauthorized by the State Department in good standing. Across states such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Georgia, and New Jersey, many public libraries are structured as nonprofit entities due to historical precedent, making this action especially disruptive.

The State Department has cited 22 U.S.C. 214(a)(1) and 22 C.F.R. 51.51(b) as the basis for this decision, yet it remains unclear how this interpretation of the provision went unenforced for decades or why the February 13 deadline cannot be adjusted given the gravity of the consequences. While we appreciate the prior extension from December 2025 to February 13, 2026, such a short window is insufficient for libraries to replace lost revenue, for staff to plan for their livelihoods, or for communities to establish alternative passport services. We thank the State Department for their assistance with and endorsement of pending legislation in the House (H.R. 6997) and Senate (S. 3733) to address this issue. But, as Congress moves forward on a legislative solution to this challenge, it is extremely unlikely such legislation will be passed in time to avert immediate damage.

For many communities across the country, libraries are the most accessible—and sometimes the only—passport acceptance facilities. Their loss will force residents to travel long distances, take unpaid time off work, or forgo access altogether, particularly as demand for passports surges due to Real ID requirements. In Perry County, Pennsylvania, for example, Marysville-Rye Library is one of only two passport acceptance facilities serving the entire county. It is also one of 18 libraries in PA so far that have been directed to cease all passport acceptance services effective February 13. This decision eliminates more than 80 percent of local passport appointment availability in Perry County, leaving the courthouse as the sole remaining option, with limited hours and accessibility. In New York, Brooklyn Public Library has issued over 300,000 passports through its services alone over the last years; failure to extend this deadline will leave massive gaps in passport services.

Equally urgent is the human toll. Passport execution fees represent a substantial portion (up to 67%) of operating budgets for many libraries and directly support full-time staff salaries and health insurance. At some libraries, the February 13 deadline all but guarantees immediate staff reductions, putting dedicated public servants and their families at risk of losing their jobs, income, and healthcare overnight. Without an extension, libraries will be forced to lay off employees, cut essential programs for children and families, or close their doors entirely. Granting this extension would not resolve the issue permanently, but it would prevent irreversible harm while Congress and the State Department work toward a responsible, durable solution. We respectfully request a response to our request for an extension by February 10th, and a written justification for any rejection, given the circumstances at hand. Thank you for your leadership and your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-criticizes-proposed-pennsylvania-ice-warehouses-in-letter-to-dhs-secretary-noem/,Fetterman Criticizes Proposed Pennsylvania ICE Warehouses in Letter to DHS Secretary Noem,2026-02-07,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Following reports of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) intention to convert two recently purchased warehouse facilities into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) expressed his concerns today in a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and requested further information.

“While I have been clear in my support for the enforcement of federal immigration law, this decision will do significant damage to these local tax bases, set back decades-long efforts to boost economic development, and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure in these communities,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

The proposed conversion of the facilities in Tremont Township and Upper Bern Township, without input from local or state officials, includes transforming them into 7,500- and 1,500-bed detention centers, respectively. Both townships do not currently have the capacity to meet the demands of these detention centers, with Tremont Township officials specifically stating the proposed 7,500-bed detention facility would quadruple the existing burden on their public infrastructure system.

Detention facilities impose unique and substantial demands, particularly adequate access to existing water and sewage systems, an increased demand on local electrical grids, the capacity of local law enforcement and EMS, and proximity to appropriate medical facilities.

“Additionally, the acquisition of these facilities by the federal government represents a combined loss of over $1.6M in local tax revenue per year for Schuylkill and Berks counties. This loss of vital tax dollars compounds concerns over the ability of these municipalities to meet the infrastructure needs of these facilities and would place undue strain upon the budgets of local governments and school districts in the region,” continued the senator.

Fetterman requested that DHS and ICE provide the following:

1. A briefing for his office on the criteria used to select viable properties for conversion into ICE detention centers, including specific details on the decision to purchase the Tremont and Upper Bern Twp. Properties;

2. A detailed impact assessment addressing infrastructure, public safety, public health, economic development, and fiscal concerns for these communities;

3. A commitment that federal funds will cover all necessary infrastructure upgrades and ongoing costs associated with these facilities; and

4. A commitment to a period of public engagement and dialogue with these communities.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary Noem:

I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) intention to convert two recently purchased warehouse facilities, in Schuylkill and Berks counties, into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. While I have been clear in my support for the enforcement of federal immigration law, this decision will do significant damage to these local tax bases, set back decades-long efforts to boost economic development, and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure in these communities.

The proposed conversion of these facilities into 7,500- and 1,500-bed detention centers in Tremont Township and Upper Bern Township, respectively, raises a variety of concerns. These facilities were purchased with no input from local or state officials, leaving these communities scrambling to understand why DHS and ICE selected them for large-scale detention operations.

Detention facilities impose unique and substantial demands on infrastructure both in the communities in which they are placed and in neighboring communities. I am concerned that DHS acquired these properties without taking into consideration any of the following:

Adequate access to existing water and sewage systems, or the ability to expand existing systems, particularly at the Tremont Twp. facility;

An increased demand on local electrical grids;

Local law enforcement and EMS capacity; and

Proximity to appropriate medical facilities.

Neither Tremont Twp. nor Upper Bern Twp. currently have the capacity to meet these demands. In the case of Tremont Twp. specifically, local officials have said that the proposed 7,500-bed detention facility would quadruple the existing burden on their public infrastructure system. To date, ICE has provided these communities with no information on how it will meet these expansive needs, and it would be wildly irresponsible to place such a burden on these communities.

Additionally, the acquisition of these facilities by the federal government represents a combined loss of over $1.6M in local tax revenue per year for Schuylkill and Berks counties. This loss of vital tax dollars compounds concerns over the ability of these municipalities to meet the infrastructure needs of these facilities and would place undue strain upon the budgets of local governments and school districts in the region.

My constituents are concerned that DHS and ICE made the decision to purchase these facilities without any local input yet expect the residents of these communities to shoulder the infrastructure, public safety, sanitation, and economic burdens imposed on them. Frankly, these are concerns that I share.

To that end, I request that DHS and ICE provide the following before moving forward with either project:

A briefing for my office on the criteria used to select viable properties for conversion into ICE detention centers, including specific details on the decision to purchase the Tremont and Upper Bern Twp. properties;

A detailed impact assessment addressing infrastructure, public safety, public health, economic development, and fiscal concerns for these communities;

A commitment that federal funds will cover all necessary infrastructure upgrades and ongoing costs associated with these facilities; and

A commitment to a period of public engagement and dialogue with these communities.

Due to these significant concerns, it is my fear that DHS and ICE did not perform any due diligence, spending more than $200 million in tax dollars for warehouses that cannot be adequately converted and further eroding trust between Pennsylvanians and the Federal government.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/at-hearing-on-autonomous-vehicles-fetterman-declares-respect-the-parking-chair/,"At Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles, Fetterman Declares “Respect the Parking Chair!”",2026-02-05,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) questioned a panel of industry leaders on autonomous vehicles (AVs), with a particular focus on how they impact Pennsylvania’s workers and how AV companies plan to keep roads and highways safe.

“Back in 1994, I worked with UPS drivers there and I was proud to work with the Teamsters back then. I also realized how difficult their way of life is but I also think that is something necessary we need to protect. I am not going to bash AV or any of these things nor am I a luddite…I see it is a necessary part of the future moving forward,” said Senator Fetterman in his opening remarks.

“I also want to acknowledge that Pittsburgh played a significant part of the history of developing AV…For me, I am going to be the voice for the 90,000 drivers here and I am going to be the Teamsters voice here…Those union members are very critical in this economy,” continued the senator.

As a former truck driver for UPS, Fetterman worked alongside the Teamsters and experienced firsthand the crucial role truckers have in our economy. As Pennsylvania’s senior senator, he represents a state that has the fifth most truck drivers in the nation.

Last year, Senator Fetterman stood with the Teamsters after the CEO of a self-driving truck company rejected the union’s demand for human operators to supervise their driverless vehicles. Fetterman remains concerned by efforts to replace workers with autonomous vehicles and asked Mr. Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, what he and his organization plan to do to address the concerns of workers, like the 90,000 truckers in Pennsylvania, who are afraid of losing their jobs to this technology. Mr. Farrah responded, “Truck drivers are an indispensable, critical aspect of our supply chain. They are the backbone of the American economy…The goal of the industry here is to coexist with autonomous trucks.”

Senator Fetterman then brought up Waymo’s recent decision to bring its robotaxi service to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and directed his line of questioning to Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, Dr. Mauricio Peña. “How does your technology account for these kinds of different drivers and the cultures and different communities across my state and the country?” asked Fetterman, referencing the differences in terrain and street design across neighborhoods, and the driving culture and norms people are accustomed to in their communities. Senator Fetterman made a point to ask if Waymo’s autonomous cars would respect the parking chair, particularly after the recent snowstorms Pennsylvanians experienced.

“I would strongly encourage Waymo to incorporate that, to respect the parking chair. When you see examples of people that don’t, it doesn’t really end very well for folks,” quipped Senator Fetterman.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-seven-pennsylvanians-competing-in-2026-winter-olympic-games/,Fetterman Celebrates Seven Pennsylvanians Competing in 2026 Winter Olympic Games,2026-02-03,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement recognizing seven Pennsylvania athletes heading to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games:

“In the greatest country there is, it’s no surprise we have the best athletes in the world representing us at the Olympics, with seven of them from Pennsylvania.

“It takes years of commitment and sacrifice, endless support from loved ones, and a passion for the sport to make it to this level.

“I’m proud to recognize Andrew, Summer, Vincent, Daniel, Jasmine, Ava, and Taylor for their accomplishments and making it to Team USA.

“I send my full support and best wishes to all our great Olympians as they compete on the world stage.”

Representing Pennsylvania in the Winter Olympic Games:

Andrew Heo from Warrington competing in Speedskating (Short Track)

Summer Britcher from Glen Rock competing in Luge

Vincent Trocheck from Pittsburgh competing in Men’s Ice Hockey

Daniel Barefoot from Johnstown competing in Skeleton

Jasmine Jones from Greensburg competing in Bobsled

Ava McNaughton from Wexford competing in Women’s Ice Hockey

Taylor Anderson from Broomall competing in Curling

They join a team of 232 athletes, making this the largest ever winter U.S. Olympic Team, surpassing the 228 athletes who competed for Team USA at PyeongChang 2018, and the 222 athletes who competed at Sochi 2014.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-grassley-urge-implementation-of-whistleblower-program-to-fight-money-laundering/,"Fetterman, Grassley Urge Implementation of Whistleblower Program to Fight Money Laundering",2026-02-03,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to Department of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea Gacki, urging them to finalize rules implementing FinCEN’s whistleblower program to fight money laundering, terror-financing, and sanctions evasion.

“An effective FinCEN whistleblower program is a critical tool for America’s on-going fight against terrorists, drug-traffickers, and sanctioned state actors who are threats to our national security,” wrote the senators. “Congress created the whistleblower program over five years ago. Yet, FinCEN has not finalized regulations that will make the program fully operational in the fight against America’s enemies or even create a dedicated webpage for whistleblowers to learn about the program or submit tips.”

Whistleblowers assist law enforcement by exposing money laundering, sanctions evasion, and terror-financing. While FinCEN’s whistleblower program has received hundreds of tips that have helped law enforcement, the program’s rules have yet to be finalized. As a result, FinCEN has not paid out any awards to courageous whistleblowers who have risked their livelihoods and, sometimes, their lives to expose lawbreaking. Swift implementation of final regulations and prompt payment of awards is critical to making the whistleblower program effective.

While this whistleblower program remains unimplemented, adversaries are finding new and creative ways to launder money. Chinese Money Laundering Organizations help criminal cartels launder the proceeds of opiate trafficking. Hezbollah has used art and diamonds to move $160 million to fund terrorism. Criminal cartels in South and Central America have raised and transferred money using looted antiquities. Kremlin cronies, North Korea, and Iran continue to find loopholes in the U.S. financial system. Whistleblowers help law enforcement uncover complex schemes to launder illicit funds.

Senator Fetterman and Senator Grassley previously worked together to introduce the bipartisan Art Market Integrity Act, which requires art dealers and auction houses to comply with existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. The legislation would require art dealers and auction houses to maintain records and report on high-value art market transactions, aligning the United States with international standards adopted by the United Kingdom, European Union, and Switzerland. The bill would protect the United States’ national security and the multibillion-dollar art market from criminals, terrorists, cartels, and other bad actors.

“It is imperative that FinCEN finalize its rules and expeditiously pay out awards to incentivize future whistleblowers who put their livelihoods and often lives on the line to help law enforcement find and stop the flow of illicit funds to criminal cartels, terrorists, and sanctioned state actors,” continued the senators.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary Bessent and Director Gacki:

We write to urge you to finalize rules implementing the Anti-Money Laundering Whistleblower Improvement Act whistleblower program. We agree completely with Director Gacki’s May 2024 statement that the whistleblower program “holds tremendous potential as an enforcement force-multiplier” and is a vital tool to “increase enforcement by strategically deploying [FinCEN’s] limited resources.” Indeed, Congress also recognized this observation and created the whistleblower program on a bipartisan basis in 2020 and strengthened it in 2022. An effective FinCEN whistleblower program is a critical tool for America’s on-going fight against terrorists, drug-traffickers, and sanctioned state actors who are threats to our national security. Congress created the whistleblower program over five years ago. Yet, FinCEN has not finalized regulations that will make the program fully operational in the fight against America’s enemies or even create a dedicated webpage for whistleblowers to learn about the program or submit tips. We urge you to do so.

One of our concerns is that whistleblowers are apparently unable to receive awards until the program rules have been finalized even though FinCEN has publicly acknowledged it already established its Financial Integrity Fund to pay out awards. According to Director Gacki’s May 2024 remarks, hundreds of whistleblowers have already submitted unique tips to FinCEN. If these tips led to successful enforcement actions, then these whistleblowers ought to receive the award they’re entitled to without delay. It is imperative that FinCEN finalize its rules and expeditiously pay out awards to incentivize future whistleblowers who put their livelihoods and often lives on the line to help law enforcement find and stop the flow of illicit funds to criminal cartels, terrorists, and sanctioned state actors.

America’s enemies continue to find new and innovative ways to skirt our laws to launder money, fund terrorism, and evade sanctions. FinCEN recently raised the alarm on the danger posed by Chinese Money Laundering Organizations, including helping criminal cartels launder the proceeds of opiate trafficking into the United States. Nazem Ahmad used art and diamonds to launder $160 million to fund Hezbollah terrorism. Terrorists like ISIS and the Houthis, as well as criminal cartels in South and Central America, have used looted antiquities to launder money. Kremlin cronies, North Korea, and Iran continue to find loopholes in our sanctions and money-laundering compliance system. This summer we introduced the bipartisan Art Market Integrity Act to require money-laundering compliance by art dealers and auction houses. This bill would close a loophole that allows illicit funds to flow through the over $25 billion domestic art market. Whistleblowers are a critical and effective tool that can be used to help law enforcement uncover these and other sophisticated schemes to launder money and fund terrorism.

We urge FinCEN to finalize its rules, consistent with best whistleblower practices, that would allow the whistleblower program to operate effectively and swiftly pay out awards to successful whistleblowers. A fully operational whistleblower program is the enforcement force-multiplier FinCEN needs to find and stop the sophisticated schemes that criminal cartels, terrorists, and sanctioned actors use to funnel money through our financial system. Accordingly, we request that you keep our offices fully updated on the status of FinCEN’s proposed rulemaking for its whistleblower program.

Thank you for your prompt review and responses. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Randolph on Senator Grassley’s Committee staff at (202) 224-5225 and Devin Gould on Senator Fetterman’s staff at (202) 224-4254.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-three-year-anniversary-of-norfolk-southern-train-derailment/,Fetterman Statement on Three-Year Anniversary of Norfolk Southern Train Derailment,2026-02-03,2026,2026-02,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the third anniversary of the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train along the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement:

“Three years ago, the toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment shook communities along the Pennsylvania-Ohio border.

“As I’ve said before, this derailment was a tragedy, and it’s something we could have prevented. I’m proud to have co-led legislation to hold railroads accountable and make sure another tragedy like that never happens again.

“Three years later and Congress still hasn’t done right by these communities.

“I renew my call for my colleagues to join me in passing commonsense legislation, including the Railway Safety Act, to make East Palestine, Darlington Township, and all our communities safer. ”

As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Fetterman is committed to delivering meaningful reforms to make railroads safer.

Senator Fetterman was an original co-lead of the Railway Safety Act, joining then-Senator JD Vance (R-OH) and former Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to introduce the bill in March 2023. That bipartisan bill would have increased penalties for railroads involved in toxic spills and strengthened protections to prevent future train derailments. The bill was passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee last year but did not receive a vote on the floor.

Senator Fetterman also introduced the Railway Accountability Act in March 2023 in response to the Norfolk Southern derailment. The bill included practical railway safety reforms to hold railroads accountable for the safety and well-being of workers and passengers. He also introduced the Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act with former Senators Casey and Brown, which would have supported first responders on the front lines of hazardous train derailments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-reintroduce-bill-to-reduce-barriers-to-organic-agriculture/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Reduce Barriers to Organic Agriculture",2026-01-30,2026,2026-01,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined 14 bicameral lawmakers in reintroducing the Opportunities in Organic Act to help farmers and other agricultural producers transition to organic practices, and build successful and sustainable businesses. This legislation would help eliminate steep barriers farmers often face to enter the industry, including high certification costs and insufficient technical assistance from existing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

“Pennsylvania has always been a leader in organic farming. Our small farms deserve the support to keep up with the growing industry demands,” said Senator Fetterman. “I am proud to support the Opportunities in Organic Act that will help more Pennsylvania farmers go organic and ensure our commonwealth remains a leader in this kind of agriculture.”

“Organic production has huge benefits for our rural economies and our environment. But farmers can’t make the switch to organic practices without help,” said Senator Welch. “We need to make changes that better support folks looking to make the transition to organic—and thrive while they do so. This bill is a win for Vermont’s rural farmers and communities.”

“Organically grown food has many benefits, including no use of toxic pesticides, no antibiotics given to farm animals, and increased soil health. However, farmers need more support to transition to organic and maintain those beneficial practices,” said Senator Booker. “The Opportunities in Organic Act helps organic farmers, which in turn will make organic groceries more affordable for Americans.”

“American farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy. It is vital that the federal government continues to invest in their critical contributions as they deliver fresh, healthy food to our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our Opportunities in Organic Act will promote sustainable farming and help eliminate the steep barriers that farmers face when transitioning to organic methods. I will continue fighting to ensure organic farmers in New York and across the nation have the resources they need to thrive for generations to come.”

“While organic practices have tremendous health, environmental and economic benefits, producers face inefficient financial and logistical barriers to establishing organic farming practices,” said Senator King. “The Opportunities in Organic Act helps farmers with the high costs and hurdles associated with entering the organic business—a win-win for rural producers and consumers.”

“For years, America’s farmers have wanted to expand domestic organic food production and help our country reap the benefits of cleaner air, higher crop yields, and a more resilient, sustainable food supply,” said Senator Murphy. “This bill would cut red tape and give our farmers the support and investment they need to meet our country’s growing demand for organic food – and provide a real boost to rural communities in the process.”

“North Carolina farmers looking to join the quickly growing organic agriculture market face barriers that prevent them from fully participating in this opportunity,” said Rep. Adams. “The Opportunities in Organic Act would make it easier for farmers to bring healthy, sustainable food to market, assist small-scale and socially disadvantaged farmers with the transition, and provide much-needed technical assistance to producers. Farmers want to reach new markets while building healthy soil, ecosystems, and communities, and I’m proud to introduce this bill with Congressman Jimmy Panetta to deliver this opportunity for the agriculture community.”

“Despite the rising demand for organic agricultural products, some producers are finding it difficult take full advantage of these opportunities due to cost and skill barriers,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to author and introduce this legislation that would allow organic producers to overcome those barriers by streamlining reimbursements for organic certification and connecting them with the training, skills, and relationships they need to be successful. By expanding programming and services for these producers, we can ensure that our farmers are capitalizing on the immense opportunity that exists in the organic marketplace.”

Organic agriculture has a wide array of environmental and health benefits, including enhancing soil fertility and structure, which can boost crop yield and help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. By reducing the use of fossil fuel-based fertilizers and toxic pesticides, organic farms further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health of farmers, farmworkers, and consumers who might otherwise be exposed to dangerous pesticides. Organic practices also make farms more resilient to extreme weather patterns and climate change, helping farms to simultaneously fight future climate change and increase their own resilience to the climate impacts we are already experiencing.

The Opportunities in Organic Act helps mitigate challenges farmers and producers face when transitioning to organics by modernizing USDA’s reimbursements for organic certification and expanding the department’s available expertise for organic agriculture. Specifically, the bill would expand the existing National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program into a comprehensive Opportunities in Organic Program by:

Increasing USDA’s technical assistance for producers to advance organic practices;

Making organic practices more accessible for agricultural producers from socially disadvantaged groups and underserved regions by increasing cost-share payments for organic certification and granting USDA flexibility to exceed current cost-share caps; and

Providing additional support for non-governmental organizations working to help producers transition to organic practices.

The Opportunities in Organic Act of 2026 is endorsed by the Agriculture & Land-Based Training Association (ALBA); Beyond Pesticides; California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF); Carolina Farm Stewardship Association; Environmental Working Group; Dr. Bronner’s; Family Farm Defenders; Farm Aid; Friends of the Earth; Greensward New Natives LLC; Green America; Kanalani Ohana Farm; Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association; Marbleseed; Michigan Organic Food & Farm Alliance; National Co+op Grocers; National Family Farm Coalition; National Organic Coalition; National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition; Natural Grocerse; New Entry Sustainable Farming Project; Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance; Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA); Northeast Organic Farming Association of Massachusetts (NOFA-MA); Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH); Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY); Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT); Northeast Organic Farming Association – Interstate Council; Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA NJ); National Resources Defense Council (NRDC); Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association; OneCert, Inc.; Oregon Tilth; Organic Farmers Association; Organic Farming Research Foundation; Organic Seed Alliance; Organic Trade Association; Organically Grown Company; Quick Organics; Sierra Harvest; Slow Food USA; Strengthening Organic Systems, LLC; The Cornucopia Institute; The Land Connection; Union of Concerned Scientists; University of Minnesota Student Organic Farm; Virginia Association for Biological Farming; and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

“Demand for organic food continues to grow at a rapid pace, but U.S. organic production is struggling to keep pace,” said Abby Youngblood, Executive Director, National Organic Coalition. “We need to reduce the barriers that farming operations face if we are going to meet this demand with U.S. organic production, instead of ceding those markets to organic imports. The Opportunities in Organic Act is a wise investment to help more operations build resiliency, steward healthy soil, and take advantage of the growing demand for organic food in the marketplace.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T15:05:35Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-calls-on-president-trump-to-fire-dhs-secretary-noem/,Fetterman Calls on President Trump to Fire DHS Secretary Noem,2026-01-27,2026,2026-01,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following the tragedies in Minnesota and the incompetence of the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Noem, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement:

“President Trump: I make a direct appeal to immediately fire Secretary Noem.

“Americans have died.

“She is betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing your border security legacy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T15:05:35Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-department-of-homeland-security-in-minnesota-minibus-appropriations/,"Fetterman Statement on Department of Homeland Security in Minnesota, Minibus Appropriations",2026-01-26,2026,2026-01,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released a statement responding to growing concerns over the Department of Homeland Security and the upcoming minibus appropriations vote:

“Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti should still be alive. My family grieves for theirs.

“The operation in Minneapolis should stand down and immediately end. It has become an ungovernable and dangerous urban theatre for civilians and law enforcement that is incompatible with the American spirit.

“As a very pro-immigration Democrat and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Management, I believe our nation deserves a secured border and that we should deport all criminal migrants. I also believe there needs to be a path to citizenship for those hardworking families who are here.

“I’ve also spent significant time hearing many different positions on the funding bills and maintain that I will never vote to shut our government down, especially our Defense Department.

“Additionally, a vote to shut our government down will not defund ICE. DHS has $178B in funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which I did not vote for.

“I reject the calls to defund or abolish ICE. I strongly disagree with many strategies and practices ICE deployed in Minneapolis, and believe that must change.

“I want a conversation on the DHS appropriations bill and support stripping it from the minibus.

“It is unlikely that will happen and our country will suffer another shutdown.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T15:05:35Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-cap-credit-card-late-fees-at-8/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Cap Credit Card Late Fees at $8",2026-01-15,2026,2026-01,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Credit Card Fairness Act, legislation that would put into statute the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s popular $8 cap on credit card late fees.

Consumers currently pay $14 billion per year in credit card late fees, which pads the profits of the biggest banks. The standard $30 to $41 late fee is up to five times higher than the cost for banks of collecting late payments, allowing banks to profit from customers who are struggling to make ends meet. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau previously enacted a rule that capped these fees at $8, which was stalled in litigation brought by the big banks. This legislation would codify the $8 cap in law.

“Big banks profiteering off people by charging $41 for a single late credit card payment is absolutely wrong,” said Senator Fetterman. “At a time when people are struggling to get by, these late fees are only doing more harm. This legislation will protect hardworking Americans from predatory fees, and I’ll work with anyone to get this over the finish line.”

“American consumers shouldn’t be hit with predatory late fees that are three to five times higher than the actual cost of collection,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation keeps money in the pockets of working families by putting a clear cap on credit card late fees and cracking down on banks that make billions of dollars of profit each year on the backs of their customers.”

“As costs continue to skyrocket under this administration — from groceries, to housing, to health care — Wisconsin families are already stretched thin. The last thing they need is big banks and credit card companies gouging them with credit card late fees that make it harder to stay afloat, let alone get ahead,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our bill will crack down on big banks, cap late fees at $8, and give families a little breathing room.”

The Credit Card Fairness Act is endorsed by Americans for Financial Reform, the Consumer Federation of America, Groundwork Collaborative, the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Public Citizen, and Protect Borrowers.

“Excessive credit card late fees bulk up profits for big banks while eating into already strained household budgets,” said Ericka Taylor, Co-Executive Director of Americans for Financial Reform. “This legislation would cap credit card late fees and make life a little more affordable.”

“Penalty fees shouldn’t be profit centers,” said Adam Rust, Director of Financial Services for the Consumer Federation of America. “Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying an exorbitant late fee or meeting their basic needs. The Credit Card Fairness Act sets a reasonable cap on credit card late fees, restoring a standard of fairness and affordability to the cost of consumer credit.”

“For too long, big banks have profited from families falling behind on credit card bills. The Credit Card Fairness Act would cap credit card late fees, putting an end to this abusive practice and keeping more money in people’s pockets,” said Emily DiVito, Senior Advisor for Economy Policy, Groundwork Collaborative.

“Banks earn billions of dollars in profits from late fees on families struggling with unaffordable credit card debt. This bill will save over $200 a year on average for the more than 45 million people who are charged late fees,” said Lauren Saunders, Associate Director and Director of Federal Advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center.

“Public Citizen strongly supports Sen. Fetterman, Booker, and Baldwin’s legislation to reinstate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rule capping credit card late fees,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., of Public Citizen. “This measure provides a critical protection against predatory practices that impose greater harm on low-income consumers and would save American families billions in unnecessary expenses.”

“American families are being crushed by an affordability crisis and millions are being pushed further into the red just to cover basic necessities like groceries, utilities, rent, and medication,” said Aissa Canchola Bañez, Policy Director at Protect Borrowers. “We applaud Senators Fetterman, Booker, and Baldwin for introducing legislation to cap credit card late fees at $8 and call on all policymakers to support this effort immediately.”

“Credit cards should be basing profit on the economics of the business, not on the backs of people who are paying late fees,” said Aaron Klein, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. “Credit cards that use late fees, paid by people already paying interest, to subsidize rewards for wealthy people who never carry a balance and get a month of interest free float is a regressive reverse Robin Hood that should be stopped.”

A summary of the bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T15:05:35Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-voting-for-war-powers-resolution/,Fetterman Statement on Voting For War Powers Resolution,2026-01-08,2026,2026-01,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined 51 of his colleagues in voting for S.J.Res. 98, the Venezuela War Powers Resolution. Senator Fetterman released the following statement:

“I believe the arrest of Maduro was a positive development for Venezuela and its people.

“I salute our incredible military for their precise execution.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T15:05:35Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-mccormick-joint-statement-on-passage-of-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act-now-heads-to-presidents-desk/,"Fetterman, McCormick Joint Statement on Passage of Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, Now Heads to President’s Desk",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – After clearing the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to serve whole and reduced fat milk. The bill passed on Monday and now heads to the president’s desk. Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) released the following joint statement:

“Whole milk IS BACK in America’s schools.

“This is a commonsense bill that benefits everyone. PA farmers supply the country with some of the best milk year-round, and instead of limiting choices in our schools, this will expand the nutritious and healthy options for our kids.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-budd-introduce-legislation-to-create-first-national-network-of-ai-enabled-automated-labs/,"Fetterman, Budd Introduce Legislation to Create First National Network of AI-Enabled, Automated Labs",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network Act to create a national network of six remotely accessible programmable cloud laboratories (PCLs) for academic research, led by the National Science Foundation (NSF). By knitting together existing laboratory data processing power, this bill would help researchers use their time and financial resources more effectively through automation and integration of large data sets.

In 2024, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA launched a major initiative to establish a programmable, automated laboratory environment on a university campus. This effort positions CMU as a pioneer in advancing remote, software-driven experimentation and is already generating encouraging early results in areas such as chemical and materials research. The legislation builds on this emerging model and supports the development of similar capabilities at a national scale.

“Pennsylvania is home to thousands of academic and industry researchers that are expanding the boundaries of human knowledge and developing the products of the future,” said Senator Fetterman. “We can help cut barriers researchers face and supercharge America’s innovation engine with a national network of PCLs. This has never been built before, and I’m proud to partner with Senator Budd to make this a reality.”

“Integrating our nation’s world class laboratories will increase the rate of breakthroughs, streamline and better automate the research process, and reduce the barriers and costs that throttle experimentation. North Carolina is at the cutting edge of innovation, and I am glad to work with Senator Fetterman to help our great institutions push the boundaries of discovery even further,” said Senator Budd.

The high cost of building and maintaining laboratory infrastructure creates barriers for smaller, less endowed academic institutions and small businesses to conduct cutting-edge scientific research or develop innovative products. A national PCL network would allow fee-paying users to remotely access laboratory space to conduct experiments, instead of building and operating their own lab equipment or traveling to another institution to conduct experiments in-person.

This legislation would codify existing NSF proposals to create a network of up to six PCL nodes through competitive selection process open to academic, private sector, non-profit research institutions, or partnerships between any of the prior three types of institutions. Applicants for PCL node designation would be evaluated on:

The level of existing laboratory infrastructure with automated capabilities and data integration;

Capacity to support cloud-enabled workflows for multiple users;

Ability to sustain long-term operations without continuous federal funding;

Ability to collaborate with partners in academia, industry, or federal research entities;

Protocols for research security, cybersecurity, and responsible access;

Demonstration of user interest and research needs.

Following the designation of the nodes, standards for interoperability, data sharing, cybersecurity and technical requirements would be developed by NIST, NSF, and selected PCL node participants. Reports to Congress on non-designated laboratories would also be required to map out developing PCL research infrastructure, assess the capabilities of non-designated laboratories, and identify opportunities for collaboration with the selected nodes.

The bill is supported by Carnegie Mellon, SeedAI, and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

“The bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators John Fetterman and Ted Budd meets the urgency of the moment – accelerating scientific innovation, sparking entrepreneurship and fueling economic growth in nearly every sector. It is vital to realizing the full potential of American progress for generations to come,” said Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon University.

“The National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network Act is a green light for the future of American science. Investing in AI-enabled automation and cloud-connected laboratories will accelerate discovery timelines, bring our research infrastructure into the modern era, and ensure that federal science investments translate into tangible benefits for the American people,” said Joshua New, Director of Policy at SeedAI and organizer of the Accelerate Science Now coalition.

“With the introduction of this bill, Senator Fetterman is demonstrating a true commitment to the future of innovation in Pennsylvania and American competitiveness,” said Stefani Pashman, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. “By advancing automated science and establishing the National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network, this legislation ensures Pennsylvania is positioned as a leader in next-generation industries that are core to our region’s growth: robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing. These efforts will not only drive economic growth in our region but will also make everyday life better by leveraging automation to create safer, more reliable and affordable products while strengthening our supply chains and energy security.”

A summary of the bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-to-stop-stalling-toxic-chemical-cleanups-protect-military-families-and-nearby-communities/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration to Stop Stalling Toxic Chemical Cleanups, Protect Military Families and Nearby Communities",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Trump Administration Delaying Toxic PFAS Chemical Cleanup at Approximately 150 Military Installations, Putting Remediation Efforts on Hold for Nearly a Decade in Some Cases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined 27 Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding the Trump administration reverse its decision to delay the cleanup of toxic chemicals at military installations across the country and take action to protect military families and nearby communities by addressing contamination at the affected sites.

In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the senators called on the Trump administration to immediately restore the previous timetable for remediating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at U.S. military bases and to reverse plans that would further delay long-overdue cleanups.

“For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action. We request that the Department reverse its decision, return to the previous timetable released in December 2024, and accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination,” the senators wrote.

At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from Department of Defense (DOD) activities. DOD’s delayed timetable would postpone cleanup efforts at approximately 150 of them, in some cases for nearly a decade. Specifically, DOD pushed back the time frame of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase for these bases, which involves collecting detailed information on the nature and extent of the PFAS contamination and conducting a study to evaluate potential options for cleanup.

PFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications and especially around U.S. military installations. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DOD facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of drinking water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to service members and their families, as well as surrounding communities.

Senator Fetterman was joined on the letter by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the senators’ letter to Secretary Hegseth can be found here.

A full list of military installations affected by the delays can be found here.

A list of the military installations in Pennsylvania affected by the delays can be found below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/icymi-fetterman-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-bill-expanding-social-security-benefits-for-seniors/,"ICYMI: Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Bill Expanding Social Security Benefits for Seniors",2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), to introduce the bicameral Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act, legislation to protect and expand Social Security benefits for older adults.

Each year, Social Security benefits are adjusted by the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) formula. But in recent years, benefits have failed to keep up with rising costs and inflation, especially for older Americans. This year’s COLA was announced last week as 2.8 percent — a number that three out of four Americans aged 50 and older say is not enough.

The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act directs the Social Security Administration to adjust benefits based on the Consumer Price Index for Americans aged 62 or older (CPI-E), whereas current benefits are based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W). The CPI-E takes into account more of the costs incurred by older Americans, such as medical expenses—making it a more accurate index to use when calculating benefits.

“It’s simple, part of the American bargain is the ability to retire with dignity. When we have seniors choosing between medication and basic needs because their Social Security benefits aren’t keeping up with rising costs, we have a serious problem,” said Senator Fetterman. “If you spend a lifetime working and paying into Social Security, you deserve to see those earned benefits. I have always supported our seniors, and our Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act builds on that commitment to do right by them.”

“This overdue measure makes necessary adjustments to Social Security benefits—more accurately accounting for rising prices and inflation—to better support older Americans,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our nation’s seniors are struggling to afford basic necessities like food, medication, and clothing, and the overall cost of living index may not reflect their particular needs. This legislation ensures that older Americans have the support they deserve to live with dignity.”

“Americans deserve to retire with dignity, not spend their golden years just trying to get by,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our seniors have spent a lifetime of hard work paying into Social Security, and while these benefits – including the annual cost-of-living adjustment – are a lifeline for millions, the payouts simply aren’t keeping up with rising costs. Our Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act would account for the unique expenses older Americans face and help ensure they have the resources they need so no one has to choose between paying for medication and buying groceries. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’m determined to pass this legislation and make sure our seniors can live comfortably, with the security and dignity they’ve earned.”

“Our seniors are feeling the squeeze of inflation right now, but Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment simply doesn’t reflect their reality,” said Representative Budzinski. “The current formula for Social Security COLAs is based on workers’ cost of living, not retirees’, and overlooks rising costs for essentials like prescription drugs and housing. I’m proud to introduce legislation that ties Social Security adjustments to the Consumer Price Index for Older Americans, which better reflects the costs that seniors actually face. Every American should be able to retire with dignity and security and our bill will help make that a reality.”

The legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. Senate by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).

The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act is supported by a number of organizations, including the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Social Security Works, California Alliance for Retired Americans, Alliance for Retired Americans, Justice in Aging, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Education Association, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, and Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement.

“Too many older Americans are being squeezed by rising prices,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “After a lifetime of hard work, retirees should feel confident that their Social Security benefits are going to ensure they can get by. That’s why AFSCME is proud to support the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act, which would ensure that benefits keep pace with the cost of living. Workers deserve the freedom to retire with dignity. Thank you to Senator Blumenthal for introducing this critical legislation, and we urge Congress to move this bill forward.”

“Social Security’s annual automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is among its most important features. But benefits are slowly eroding because the COLA is based on a formula, the CPI-W, that under-measures health care costs. Those costs are currently skyrocketing, with Medicare Part B premiums projected to increase by twice as much as last year. The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act would correct this by incorporating a more accurate formula, the CPI-E. Social Security Works applauds Senator Blumenthal and his colleagues for introducing this important legislation,” said Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/icymi-fetterman-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-provide-farmers-with-the-right-to-repair/,"ICYMI: Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Provide Farmers with the Right to Repair",2025-11-03,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Legislation would restore farmers’ autonomy to fix their own equipment, boost competition in the agricultural repair market

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)in introducing the Freedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance Act (FARM Act), bicameral legislation togive farmers the right to repair their own equipment and restore competition in the agricultural repair market. The lawmakers’ bill would require farm equipment manufacturers to share documentation, parts, and software with farmers and independent repair shops, giving farmers back the autonomy to fix their own equipment and support their farms.

The bill is led in the House by Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) and cosponsored by Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-02).

“For farmers across Pennsylvania, a broken tractor right before a harvest can ruin months of hard work. Time is money,” said Senator Fetterman. “Our farmers should have the freedom to repair their own equipment without having to travel hours on hours to the nearest approved service center or being price gouged on repair software subscriptions. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bill so we can help protect farmers and their right to repair.”

“Farmers are fixers. It only makes sense that farmers should have the right to repair their own equipment, which is vital to saving money and maintaining operations. But right now, lack of a federal right to repair means that farmers in Vermont have to waste valuable time and resources getting someone else to fix their equipment–even if they can do it themselves,” said Senator Welch. “Our bicameral legislation will help protect farmers from rip-offs and ensure they have the right to fix their own equipment.”

“Farmers work tirelessly to feed this country. They shouldn’t have to wait for weeks on end and pay sky-high prices for a manufacturer to fix essential farm equipment that farmers already know how to repair themselves,” said Senator Warren. “Our bill is a commonsense solution: it fights back against the manufacturers’ greed and will save our farmers billions every year in repair costs.”

“I’ve heard directly from farmers across Colorado that delays to repairs for their equipment can mean thousands of dollars in lost crops. A national Right to Repair Law is a common-sense solution to ensuring these folks have more options to fix broken machinery in a timely manner,” said Rep. Neguse. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues in introducing the FARM Act and look forward to working together to get it across the finish line.”

Manufacturing companies’ exploitation of the equipment repair market creates undue financial hardships for farmers, leaving them without vital functioning equipment for long periods of time. In 2023, U.S. farmers lost an estimated total of $4.2 billion a year as a result of these practices: $3 billion to tractor downtime and $1.2 billion in excess repair costs.

The FARM Act defines what type of information Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) are required to provide to make repair accessible. If the OEM does not have the digital or physical tools available, they are required to provide sufficient information to create the tools. This bill also gives the Federal Trade Commission the ability to enforce these requirements and the authority to make rules to assist in the implementation of these requirements.

The FARM Act is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, FULU Foundation, National Farmers Union (NFU), and the United States Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG).

“As grain farmers, we have very tight planting and harvest schedules. Where we farm, the timing of planting seed is essential. So, when we’re forced to wait days for the equipment dealer to come to the farm for repairs—that only they can do because the information is locked in their computers— we often lose the opportunity to replant on time and have a crop to harvest the following season. When we buy farm equipment, especially expensive investments like tractors, we should have the right and freedom to fully repair it if something goes wrong. Without a right to repair, we’ve seen an increase in labor rates of equipment dealers, which drives farmers deeper into debt and jeopardizes the lives of farm families,” said Todd Hardie, Vermont grain farmer, President of the Northern Grain Growers Collaborative, and Board Member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT). “I support Senator Welch’s FARM Act to ensure farmers have the right to repair their equipment.”

“The Freedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance Act is a major step toward restoring fairness and independence for farmers who just want to fix their own equipment,” said Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union (NFU). “By ensuring fair and affordable access to the parts, tools, and information they need, this bill levels the playing field for our family farmers and ranchers. We thank Senators Welch, Warren, and Fetterman for their leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with them to get this bill across the finish line.”

“If farm equipment breaks down at the wrong time and farmers can’t get it fixed, they can be forced to watch their crop—and their livelihood—wither on the vine. Too many farmers have told us that they are not able to fix their own equipment, even some that have paid thousands of dollars for repair tools, which the manufacturers intentionally limit. The answer to this problem is simple: Let farmers fix their stuff. We’re grateful to our legislative champions like Sens. Peter Welch, Elizabeth Warren and John Fetterman for standing for farmers, and, frankly, for common sense,” said Nathan Proctor, Senior Director, U.S. PIRG’s Right to Repair Campaign.

Senator Fetterman has long been a champion of competition in rural communities and has made farmers a key priority as a senator. In 2022, he was a vocal proponent of farmers’ right to repair, writing in a January 2022 op-ed, “It’s common sense: farmers should have the right to repair the equipment they own, without having to deal with the equipment’s manufacturer. Period.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-vote-to-consider-houses-defense-appropriations-bill/,Fetterman Statement on Vote to Consider House’s Defense Appropriations Bill,2025-10-16,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) voted to consider H.R.4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026. Senator Fetterman released the following statement:

“I voted YES to start considering the House’s defense spending bill because I believe the men and women in our military, who put their lives at risk for our country, should not have to worry about their paycheck coming through.

“To be clear, we should be considering the Senate’s bill because it’s the better version, and I worked hard to secure key investments for Pennsylvania in it.

“Regardless, this bill would still make sure our servicemembers get paid, and I will continue to vote to end this shutdown and reopen our federal government so all workers can move on from this chaos.”

Since the government shut down, Senator Fetterman has continued to cast his vote to put politics aside and open the government. He has cast his vote seven times for the Democratic Continuing Resolution to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits and has cast his vote nine times for the Republican Continuing Resolution to fund our government. Both Continuing Resolutions have failed to reach the sixty-vote threshold.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-ernst-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-mislabeling-of-egg-alternatives/,"Fetterman, Ernst Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Mislabeling of Egg Alternatives",2025-10-03,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced the Consistent Egg Labels Act to enforce better market terms for eggs and their alternatives. This bipartisan, bicameral bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prohibit egg “alternatives” from using misleading terms in their branding.

“Pennsylvania’s egg farmers work hard to provide people with an affordable, easy-to-find, and healthy source of protein,” said Senator Fetterman. “Our commonwealth is a leading egg producing state, and they are an important part of both our farms and our economy. The Consistent Egg Labels Act will help farmers and shoppers by making sure eggs are labeled clearly and fairly in grocery stores.”

“In the age-old debate between the chicken or the egg, one thing is for sure: eggs don’t come from plants. While Iowa farmers work hard to put healthy and affordable eggs on our tables, labeling plant-based products as ‘eggs’ undermines that work,” said Senator Ernst. “The integrity of our eggs is no joke, which is why I’m taking a crack at ensuring there’s no question between the real deal and imitation!”

Many Americans rely on eggs and egg products as an affordable, healthy source of protein. Nutritional research from the Department of Agriculture finds that eggs are the lowest cost source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, and riboflavin. Plant-sourced protein found in egg product alternatives does not contain essential amino acids in levels as concentrated as in eggs. Egg product alternatives are relatively new on the market and have potential to mislead consumers if such products are not properly labeled. Consumers who need to purchase alternatives should be assured of labeling that is truthful and not misleading.

Currently, there are no requirements for egg alternatives to be clearly distinguished from eggs and egg products, despite not having the nutritional value of eggs. This bill would require the FDA to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled egg alternatives within 180 days and require the FDA to report to Congress two years after enactment on actions taken with respect to food that is misbranded. The legislation would also nullify any guidance with respect to eggs or egg products that is not consistent with its standards.

The Consistent Egg Labels Act would:

Amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define the market name for an egg or egg product to mean “only if the food is the reproductive output of avian poultry species, including an albumen or yolk that is, or was at any point, encased in a calcium-based shell.”

Prevent food to be introduced into interstate commerce using a market name for an egg or egg product if the food does not meet the aforementioned criterion set forth for eggs or egg products.

Require the FDA to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled egg alternatives within 180 days of enactment.

Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress two years after enactment on actions taken with respect to food that is misbranded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-reintroduce-the-billionaires-income-tax-act/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Reintroduce the Billionaires Income Tax Act",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) and 19 other colleagues reintroduced the Billionaires Income Tax Act, legislation that would close loopholes and ensure billionaires pay their fair share in taxes. Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN -9), and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA-8) introduced identical legislation in the House of Representatives, making this the first Congress in which the Billionaires Income Tax Act is a bicameral proposal.

“It’s time for billionaires to pay their fair share in taxes so we can bring down the debt, keep our promise to seniors on Medicare and Social Security, and cut taxes for working Pennsylvanians,” said Senator Fetterman. “Working Pennsylvanians already face high and rising prices, while billionaires and mega-corporations game the system to pay next to nothing in taxes. This bill is about basic fairness – if you’re a billionaire, you shouldn’t pay less in taxes than your secretary.”

“While people like nurses and firefighters pay taxes straight out of every paycheck, there’s a thicket of little-known tricks and accounting rules that allow billionaires to opt out of paying a fair share of tax on the income they enjoy,” said Senator Wyden. “Billionaires and Republicans are going to offer up the same set of trickle-down arguments to pretend this proposal would bring about the end of western civilization. The only time you hear billionaires claim they can’t scrounge together any cash is when somebody brings up taxes, and odds are a lot of these mega-wealthy individuals are crying poverty from their yachts and private islands. This is a carefully designed proposal that draws on accounting methods already used in the tax code and raises revenue without increasing any tax rates.”

“The ultrawealthy pay very low tax rates because their affluence derives primarily from the soaring value of their assets. Our current tax code lets billionaires avoid taxes on gains unless and until they sell their assets,” said Congressman Cohen. “So while working families pay taxes on each and every paycheck or pension payment, the ultrawealthy can make hundreds of millions of tax-free dollars a year. Instead of all their billions going to buying superyachts, rocket ships, professional sports teams, and Twitter, it is time that billionaires pay at least a minimal level in taxes like everyone else. There is overwhelming public support for this proposal, which will close loopholes in our tax code and ensure billionaires pay a fairer share. It’s well past time to make our tax code fair. I haven’t asked him, but it looks like Pope Leo would endorse the Billionaire Income Tax Act. He recently did an interview with a biographer and excerpts were released on Sunday. Speaking of societal polarization, he said it is in part caused by income inequality. One factor, he said, is ‘the continuously wider gap between the income levels of the working class and the money that the wealthiest receive. For example, CEOs that 60 years ago might have been making four to six times more than what the workers are receiving, the last figure I saw, it’s 600 times more than what average workers are receiving. Yesterday the news that Elon Musk is going to be the first trillionaire in the world. What does that mean and what’s that about? If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble.’ I agree with Pope Leo and hope our bill will have a significant effect on what everyone seems to acknowledge is a huge and growing problem.”

“The Billionaires Income Tax Act is a simple policy that would prevent the ultra-wealthy from paying a lower tax rate than working families – a crucial and necessary step toward rectifying the shortcomings of the failed trickle-down economics approach,” said Congressman Beyer. “Republicans continue to cut taxes for the richest among us while making it harder for working people to make ends meet. Our bill instead champions a fair tax policy that not only places our nation on a more robust fiscal foundation but also promotes fairness in the tax code by requiring the super-rich to pay their share, reducing inequality, and funding services the American people depend on.”

The Billionaires Income Tax would expand on an accounting method already used in the U.S. tax code to ensure billionaires pay a fair share. It would not increase any current-law tax rates. The proposal would apply to fewer than 1,000 taxpayers and raise more than $500 billion, which could be used to help shore up funding for vital programs like Social Security and Medicare. Only taxpayers with more than $100 million in annual income or more than $1 billion in assets for three consecutive years would be covered by the proposal. It would not affect middle income taxpayers in any way.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

A one-page summary of the Billionaires Income Tax can be found here.

A section-by-section summary of the Billionaires Income Tax can be found here.

Legislative text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-mccormick-release-application-for-judicial-nominations-for-eastern-district-of-pa/,"Fetterman, McCormick Release Application for Judicial Nominations for Eastern District of PA",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) released the application for candidates to be considered for judicial appointments to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

“The Eastern District is home to Philly and some of the most hardworking, diverse communities in Pennsylvania. These judges make decisions that impact people’s lives every single day,” said Senator Fetterman. “We need judges on the bench who are fair, qualified, and get what justice means for real people in our commonwealth.”

“The Eastern District is home to our commonwealth’s biggest city and a diverse range of families, businesses, and communities that are essential to the fabric of Pennsylvania,” said Senator McCormick. “These applications are critical to ensuring that we have qualified judges in the Eastern District who are faithful to our Constitution and the rule of law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-government-shutdown/,Fetterman Statement on Government Shutdown,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"“It’s a sad day for our nation.

“Our government shuts down at midnight.

“I voted AYE to extend ACA tax credits because I support them—but I won’t vote for the chaos of shuttering our government.

“My vote was for our country over my party.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-cosponsors-bill-to-protect-veterans-and-low-income-families-from-housing-discrimination/,Fetterman Cosponsors Bill to Protect Veterans and Low-Income Families from Housing Discrimination,2025-09-24,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) cosponsored the bicameral Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA). This bill aims to make it easier for veterans and low-income families, two groups of Americans disproportionately harmed by housing discrimination, to find safe and affordable homes through expanding protections of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

Currently, 2.3 million veterans and low-income households use Housing Choice Vouchers to help pay rent, but there are no federal protections to prevent individuals from being denied housing based on using that voucher. Across Pennsylvania and the country, many veterans and low-income families have reported being turned away by landlords due to their veteran status or when using vouchers, clearly demonstrating the need for federal action.

“Honoring our veterans means moving past the talk and taking real action for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our nation. We owe them stronger support,” said Senator Fetterman. “It’s hard enough to find an affordable place to call home. Every veteran and every family struggling to keep a roof over their head deserve dignity and our support, not discrimination based upon their service or if they use a voucher.”

“As a fair housing attorney, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that accessing safe, affordable housing can have on families and communities,” said Senator Kaine. “In Virginia, we’ve already witnessed the impact that banning discrimination based on source of income or veteran status can have, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure all veterans, military families, and low-income individuals are protected from discrimination.”

“Everyone deserves access to safe, affordable housing, and families should not be denied a home due to their source of income. I am proud to partner with Senator Time Kaine and Congressman Scott Peters to ensure that low-income families, veterans, and servicemembers are protected from discrimination,” said Senator Schiff.

“In San Diego and across the country, there are too many stories of unnecessary loss and debilitating anxiety when looking for housing,” said Representative Peters. “No American should be denied housing because they’re a veteran or receive government assistance, especially as we face a historic housing shortage and unacceptable levels of veteran homelessness. Our bill would make this type of deplorable discrimination illegal.”

Specifically, the Fair Housing Improvement Act would:

Expand the Fair Housing Act of 1968 to prohibit housing discrimination based on “military status,” “veteran status,” and “source of income.”

Prohibit landlords from denying housing to individuals who use Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers, benefits received through Social Security, income received by a court order, payment from a trust or guardian, or any other lawful source of income.

Require landlords to come into compliance within 40 months of the law’s enactment.

In addition to Kaine, Schiff, and Peters, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Patty Murray (D-WA).

The bill is supported by: Virginia Housing Alliance, Virginia Poverty Law Center, A Way Home America, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Service Coordinators, Catholic Charities USA, Children’s Health Watch, Church World Service, Coalition on Human Needs, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Housing Justice Center, Justice in Aging, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Mobility Works, My Dog is My Home, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, National Association of Social Workers, National CAPACD, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Community Development Association, National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Housing Law Project, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National NeighborWorks Association, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Women’s Law Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, New America’s Higher Education Program, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Poverty & Race Research Action Council, The American Institute of Architects, and the Kelsey.

“The Fair Housing Act was signed into law more than 55 years ago, yet far too many still do not experience the protections it promised,” said Renee M. Willis, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “’The Fair Housing Improvement Act,’ reintroduced by Senator Tim Kaine and Representative Scott Peters, expands upon the 1968 law by prohibiting housing discrimination based on military status, veteran status, or “source of income.” Through this Act, Kaine and Peters aim to create more opportunities to protect housing and service programs designed for veterans and low-income households, while also giving landlords the time needed to implement the law. I applaud Senator Kaine and Representative Peters for reintroducing this crucial legislation, and I urge Congress to enact this bill to help end housing discrimination.”

“Source of income discrimination is far too often a main barrier for households seeking stable housing, preventing families from living where they choose,” said Chantelle Wilkinson, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Campaigns at NLIHC. “Where we live connects us to educational opportunities, better health, nutritious foods, and employment – all essential to thriving in our communities. When a landlord denies a voucher holder access to housing despite meeting all other qualifications, that “no” is not just about a home: it’s denial of opportunity, equity, and stability. I applaud Senator Kaine and Representative Peters for advancing such critical legislation that will combat discrimination and segregation.”

“NALHFA commends Senator Kaine and Representative Peters for introducing the Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2025, which would serve as a critical step toward increasing access to affordable housing,” said Jonathan Paine, Executive Director of the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies. “No individual, family or veteran should face discrimination simply because they rely on federal vouchers or other lawful sources of income to pay rent. Expanding these protections strengthens our communities and helps break down barriers to housing opportunity for those who need it most.”

“Prohibiting source of income discrimination is vital to our collective efforts to foster integrated communities, increase economic mobility, and reduce homelessness,” said Thomas Silverstein, Executive Director of the Poverty & Race Research Action Council. “The Fair Housing Improvement Act is a commonsense bill that will help move our society in a more just direction.”

“Evidence shows that when families are unstably housed, there are not only severe consequences for child and caregiver physical and mental health, but these family-level consequences turn into enormous and avoidable economic costs to society for health care, special education services, and more” says Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba, executive director of Children’s HealthWatch. “Every family deserves the chance to thrive, and that means ensuring that they can access high-quality, affordable homes in neighborhoods with economic opportunities without discrimination.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-houlahan-back-court-fight-against-trump-admin-cuts-to-usda-farm-and-food-programs/,"Fetterman, Houlahan Back Court Fight Against Trump Admin Cuts to USDA Farm and Food Programs",2025-09-22,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) filed an amicus brief in support of a multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges the administration’s decision to cut billions of dollars in funding for key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. The lawsuit, New Jersey et al. v. Vought et al., argues that the administration misused a federal rule—2 C.F.R. § 200.340(a)(4)—to cancel programs it claims “no longer match the agency’s priorities.”

Fetterman and Houlahan’s filing says this move is unconstitutional. By leaning on a little-known regulation, the administration is trying to overrule laws passed by Congress—hurting farmers, food banks, and rural communities in Pennsylvania and across the country. The Constitution makes clear that only Congress has the power to pass laws and decide how federal money is spent. Courts have long held that agencies cannot ignore laws or funding decisions approved by Congress.

“Farmers in Pennsylvania and across the country plan their seasons and run their businesses around these programs. Pulling the rug out from under them isn’t just wrong, it’s destructive,” said Senator Fetterman. “It tells every farmer, food bank, and rural community that the federal government can’t be trusted as a reliable partner. I won’t stand for that.”

“These programs are a vital lifeline both for farmers and for hungry families. The Trump Administration’s reckless decision to walk away from the commitments it made through these programs is simply cruel”, said Congresswoman Houlahan. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in the Pennsylvania delegation who are standing up against the administration’s illegal actions.”

To illustrate the real-world harm these cuts are causing, the brief points to the termination of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), which had supported farmers and food banks across Pennsylvania. The loss of the LFPA program severed vital local partnerships, such as the one between Pleasant Lane Farms, a veteran-owned business in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and the Westmoreland Food Bank—hurting both local producers and food-insecure families.

Senator Fetterman and Representative Houlahan have been strong advocates for the LFPA and other USDA initiatives that fight food insecurity, support small farmers, and sustain rural communities. Senator Fetterman is deeply committed to protecting Congress’s constitutional authority over legislation and appropriations. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and an unwavering advocate for America’s farmers, he has consistently championed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiatives that fight food insecurity and strengthen small farmers and rural communities. Senator Fetterman’s engagement in this case stems from the plaintiffs’ challenge to the defendants’ decision to terminate USDA programs that he has long worked to support.

In addition to Senator Fetterman and Representative Houlahan, the brief is signed by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Representative Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture; Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5); Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17); Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA-3); Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA); Senator Peter Welch (D-VT); Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ); Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4); and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

“The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) stands in strong agreement with the Amici filing this brief. The harm initiated by these unlawful terminations has pushed countless farmers, ranchers, and communities to the brink. That harm is felt immediately by the farmers who hired staff, expanded production, and made equipment and infrastructure upgrades under the expectation that USDA would honor its word, “ said Sophia Kruszewski, Deputy Policy Director National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). “Without court intervention preventing further use of section 200.340(a)(4) in a manner inconsistent with Congressional directive, the agriculture community’s trust in USDA as a reliable business partner will continue to erode, further destabilizing the work of the Department and the communities it was created to serve.”

“LFPA was very successful in Pennsylvania, and losing the program hurt small family farms and food-insecure neighbors who rely on food banks for local, healthy foods across the Commonwealth,” said Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania. “We look forward to working with legislative leaders in both chambers to find ways to restore effective agricultural programs that strengthen the connection between farms, food banks, and families.”

“LFPA played a vital role in supporting Chester County’s local agricultural economy. Through the course of program, the Chester County Food Bank received $550,156.42 which were funds that went directly towards purchasing fresh dairy from Seven Stars Farm in Chester County and protein from local producers,” said Nick Imbesi Director of Community Relations. “With the loss of funding, CCFB had to stop purchasing from our local protein partners. We’ve stretched our own dollars to continue working with Seven Stars Farm, but the impact is real. Chester County Food Bank partners with local farmers whenever possible, and LFPA was a real lifeline to build, support, and maintain these partnerships to increase access to local food.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/with-federal-workers-under-attack-fetterman-joins-legislation-to-repeal-union-busting-executive-orders/,"With Federal Workers Under Attack, Fetterman Joins Legislation to Repeal Union-Busting Executive Orders",2025-09-18,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman helped introduce a bipartisan legislation to repeal two union-busting executive orders and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers.

The Protect America’s Workforce Act, cosponsored by Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Tim Kaine (D-VA), comes in response to two executive orders issued earlier this year by President Trump that revoked collective bargaining rights for a majority of federal employees. These rights are essential in protecting public servants from retaliation, discrimination, and illegal firings, while also providing resources and support for whistleblowers, veterans, and others.

“Federal workers do tough jobs that help every community across Pennsylvania, and they deserve full collective bargaining rights,” said Senator Fetterman. “Pennsylvania has more than 60,000 federal workers, and I will continue to advocate for their rights and safeguard the union way of life.”

Senator Fetterman is a strong and vocal supporter of federal workers. Earlier this year, Senator Fetterman successfully pushed the Office of Personnel Management to end a decades-long pay disparity affecting more than 2,100 hourly federal workers in Pennsylvania. Senator Fetterman has also cosponsored the VA Employee Fairness Act, a billto expand and protect collective bargaining for VA health workers, whose rights are being threatened by the Trump administration.

“From the gutting of essential government agencies to the politization of nonpartisan government jobs, there’s never been a tougher time to be a federal worker,” said Senator Warner. “As the Trump administration continues to terrorize the federal workforce, I’m proud to introduce legislation to safeguard the longstanding protections that federal employees need right now.”

“Every day our patriotic, merit-based civil servants provide essential services to the American people – and their collective bargaining rights are critical to protecting them from unfair labor practices as they carry out that important work. Trump wants to strip them of these rights so he can continue to gut the federal workforce and easily replace them with political cronies who will do his bidding without regard for the law. This bipartisan bill will stop this lawless union-busting power grab – and protect the integrity of our federal workforce and the services they provide,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Trump’s attacks on unions, union jobs, and the right to collective bargaining is making our economy weaker and putting American jobs at risk,” said Leader Schumer. “Earlier this year, President Trump issued wide-sweeping executive orders that revoked collective bargaining rights that federal workers have held for decades – a threat to the rights of all of America’s workers. Federal workers deserve to have union protection to improve their working conditions and to defend those who speak up on behalf of the American people – it’s how our federal workforce finds and retains the best talent and how we live up to the values and standards our country has set for itself. Democrats know that union strong is America strong which is why I am proud to support the Protect America’s Workforce Act to restore commonsense measures that will right this wrong and help protect the rights of the people who have elected to serve our country.”

“Federal workers serve the American people and keep our country running every day. They deserve fair treatment and a voice on the job. That means protecting unions and collective bargaining. As the administration continues to undermine their rights, our bill will restore worker protections and help strengthen the federal workforce,” said Senator Schatz.

“Donald Trump’s executive orders ripping away collective bargaining rights from over a million federal workers constitute one of the biggest union busts in American history,” said Senator Padilla. “Eliminating these basic labor protections is a thinly veiled retribution campaign under the guise of national security, but these orders make us all less safe by undermining the workforce Americans rely on for vaccine research, food inspections, natural disaster relief, and so much more. Our bill reverses these callous attacks to protect the fundamental workplace rights of federal employees in California and across the country so they can continue serving the American people.”

“Maryland’s patriotic civil servants serve with dedication under both Democratic and Republican Administrations. The Trump Administration callously attacking them hurts the people they serve – the American people. It hurts seniors who count on Social Security, it hurts parents who count on their children’s water and food to be safe, and it hurts families who count on public health experts to keep them healthy. I will always fight to protect our federal workers and their collective bargaining rights,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“President Trump and his Administration’s attacks on collective bargaining rights of federal employees makes it easier to fire those who ensure public safety, respond to natural disasters, protect our national security, and more,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to help restore these rights and other workplace protections for federal employees.”

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CRSA) grants the president authority to limit collective bargaining agreements when there is a national security concern. President Trump’s executive orders, however, sought to take advantage of the CRSA by inappropriately classifying two-thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions in order to claim the authority needed to cancel valid union contracts.

This legislation was also cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

This legislation also has the support of the AFL-CIO, Actors’ Equity Association, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of Musicians, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), Federal Education Association, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America, National Education Association, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), National Nurses United, National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Seafarers International Union, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, United Auto Workers (UAW), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and United Steelworkers (USW).

“Donald Trump’s executive order launched the biggest act of union-busting in our history, ripping away collective bargaining rights from a million federal workers. In the months since, his administration has expanded that order and unilaterally cancelled union contracts for more than 400,000 workers. These moves are an assault on our fundamental freedoms and undercut critical services people across the country rely on. We commend Senators Warner, Van Hollen, and Minority Leader Schumer for bringing the fight to overturn the Trump administration’s attack on workers to the Senate. Bipartisan momentum is already building in the House, where lawmakers are collecting the final signatures on a discharge petition to bring this bill to a vote. The labor movement looks forward to working with senators to stop the senseless assault on workers who provide essential government services to communities across America. The labor movement stands united behind this bill, and we call on every senator—Democrat, Republican and Independent—to keep their promise to workers by backing this legislation,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

“President Trump’s March executive order stripping most of the federal workforce of collective bargaining rights represents the single most aggressive action taken by the federal government against organized labor in U.S. history, dwarfing any previous action against public or private sector working Americans. AFGE members are grateful to Senator Warner for introducing the Protect America’s Workforce Act and standing up for the nonpartisan civil service, the women and men who serve in it, and the critical role that collective bargaining has played for decades in fostering a safe, productive, and collaborative workplace that serves the American people,” said AFGE National President Dr. Everett Kelley.

“Presidential orders stripping union rights from federal employees are not only an attack on the civil service, they’re an attack on the vital services Americans depend on. NTEU members are grateful to Senators Warner, Van Hollen, Schumer, Schatz, Padilla, Alsobrooks, and Kaine for leading this legislation requiring agencies to honor the collective bargaining agreements already in place. The Protect America’s Workforce Act ensures federal employees can collectively advocate for a better workplace and the resources to best serve the American people,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union.

“NFFE is proud to endorse the Protecting America’s Workforce Act, which will restore union rights for over one million civil servants,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin.“The union busting executive order signed by President Trump in March has proven to be detrimental to federal workers and the essential services they provide to the American people every day. This legislation has garnered broad bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and will surely do the same in the Senate. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle understand that if this bill is not passed into law, their constituents will suffer the consequences. Thank you to Senator Warner and the initial cosponsors of the legislation for their leadership on this critical issue.”

“They protect the environment, care for veterans, and support public health and education. Characterizing these workers as a national security threat in order to strip them of their union rights and protections is shameful and a gross overreach by this administration. The Protect America’s Workforce Act is necessary to restore their collective bargaining rights, including protection against illegal firing, discrimination or retaliation particularly at this time in our country,” said Heather Conroy, Executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union.

“Federal workers are essential to our nation’s health and well-being, and when they have the freedom to collectively bargain for safe working conditions and strong public services, we all benefit. The billionaires running this administration are hell-bent on rigging our government to line their own pockets, and silencing federal workers is how they plan to do it,”said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We thank Senator Mark Warner for introducing this legislation, and we urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill.”

“As nurses, we use our voices on the job every day to fight for safe staffing and the best possible care for our veterans,” said Irma Westmoreland, RN at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Ga., and Director of NNU’s VA division. “The Trump administration attempted to silence our voice by stripping collective bargaining rights from over a million federal workers, but we will not be silent. We thank Senator Warren for introducing the Protect America’s Workforce Act on the Senate side to restore our collective bargaining rights, and we urge the House and Senate to act quickly to pass this bill so nurses can continue advocating for the best care that veterans deserve.”

“IFPTE was founded in 1918 by federal workers at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and other Navy shipyards joined together, just as our nation entered World War I. At agencies that support military readiness, advance scientific breakthroughs and space exploration, protect communities and commerce from environmental hazards, our federal sector local unions have a long and proud history of making sure federal employees and the federal agencies can succeed and serve the American public. We know full well that the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders to deny over 1million federal workers their bargaining rights on a bogus national security rationale make this the most anti-labor, anti-worker administration in United States history. IFPTE applauds Senator Warner, Senator Van Hollen, and Leader Schumer for standing up for federal workers’ union rights and for a government that works for the America by sponsoring the Protect America’s Workforce Act,” said Matt Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).

“Federal government employees play a crucial role in public service by keeping our transportation systems safe, investigating accidents, overseeing critical weather forecasts, and providing essential supplies to the U.S. military. These workers already surrender many of the rights that private-sector employees enjoy, such as the ability to negotiate wages and benefits and the fundamental right to strike. Transportation labor urges the Senate to pass the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act and restore the basic collective bargaining rights of federal workers,” said Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) President Greg Regan.

“The Protect America’s Workforce Act is essential to restoring the collective bargaining rights that DoDEA educators and all federal employees deserve. Preserving collective bargaining is key to maintaining a strong, stable, and safe federal workforce where employee voices are heard, respected, and valued. This legislation affirms that our rights, our contracts, and our voices matter, and ensures we can continue advocating for the safety, well-being, and success of the students and families we serve every day,” said Richard Tarr, Executive Director of the Federal Education Association.

“I thank Senator Warner for introducing the Protecting America’s Workforce Act in the Senate. Protecting the rights of the federal workers we represent is a priority of our union, and passage of this very important piece of legislation is key in reversing the attack on these civil servants. Federal workers are essential to the livelihood and prosperity of the U.S., and these workers rightly deserve the right of collective bargaining, which provides benefits like protections in the workplace and better service to the public,” said International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers President Brian Bryant.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-urge-administration-to-reinstate-fair-pay-rule-for-workers-with-disabilities/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Urge Administration to Reinstate Fair Pay Rule for Workers with Disabilities",2025-09-11,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and eight of his Senate colleagues urged the U.S. Department of Labor to reverse its July decision to cancel a proposed rule to end the subminimum wage program, which allows employers to pay American workers with disabilities below the federal minimum wage. In their letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the lawmakers stress that the subminimum wage represents a denial of these workers’ rights to equal opportunity amid a decades-long expansion of initiatives that help equip people with disabilities with the tools and skills to compete in the workforce for fair pay. Senator Fetterman (D-Pa.) was joined on this letter by Senators Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The letter builds on Senator Fetterman’s longstanding commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities earn a dignified wage. At a February 2024 hearing for the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging, Senator Fetterman spoke about his experience working in the Senate with his disability and advocated for an end to the subminimum wage. “The fact is that we have people being paid $1.50 an hour simply because they have a disability, and that is outrageous,” said Senator Fetterman. “I would like to point out that I have a disability, and I am not getting paid any less than my colleagues here in the Senate.”

“We write today to express our grave disappointment in your Department’s decision to withdraw the proposed rule that would phase out remaining special certificates under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As long as the subminimum wage program is allowed to continue, people with disabilities are denied their fundamental right to equal opportunity by being paid less than half the federal minimum wage on average with some making pennies per hour,” the Senators began.

“In the past ten years alone, sixteen states have eliminated subminimum wages with more states taking steps toward meaningful reform. As you noted during a recent hearing, the subminimum wages for workers with disabilities is not a partisan issue. This is further reflected through the nearly 18,000 comments on the proposed rule with an overwhelming majority support for phasing out special certificates under Section 14(c),” they continued.

“The Department of Labor’s decision to withdraw this rule will continue to curtail the economic potential of Americans with disabilities and stands at odds with a skilled workforce this Administration seeks to promote. We urge you to change course and take meaningful steps to end subminimum wages for workers with disabilities,” the Senators concluded.

Text of the letter can be viewed here and below.

Dear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer:

We write today to express our grave disappointment in your Department’s decision to withdraw the proposed rule that would phase out remaining special certificates under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As long as the subminimum wage program is allowed to continue, people with disabilities are denied their fundamental right to equal opportunity by being paid less than half the federal minimum wage on average with some making pennies per hour.

In the past ten years alone, sixteen states have eliminated subminimum wages with more states taking steps toward meaningful reform. As you noted during a recent hearing, the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities is not a partisan issue. This is further reflected through the nearly 18,000 comments on the proposed rule with an overwhelming majority support for phasing out special certificates under Section 14(c).

Since the FLSA’s enactment in 1938, opportunities and training have dramatically expanded to help people with disabilities obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment. The payment of subminimum wages no longer comports with modern disability policy, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The evolving workforce renders Section 14(c) obsolete as there are alternative programs that support the hiring of workers with disabilities, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

The Department of Labor’s decision to withdraw this rule will continue to curtail the economic potential of Americans with disabilities and stands at odds with a skilled workforce this Administration seeks to promote. We urge you to change course and take meaningful steps to end subminimum wages for workers with disabilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-urge-usda-to-restore-lgbtqi-nondiscrimination-protections-in-school-meal-programs/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Urge USDA to Restore LGBTQI+ Nondiscrimination Protections in School Meal Programs",2025-08-28,2025,2025-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On August 25, Senators Fetterman (D-PA) and Schatz (D-HI), and Representatives Takano (D-CA) and Craig (D-MN) urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reverse recent guidance that weakens nondiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people in federal nutrition programs, warning it will leave vulnerable children and families at risk of going hungry.

The letter argues that USDA’s decision will create new barriers for LGBTQI+ students and families who already face higher rates of food insecurity and highlights survey data showing that LGBTQI+ youth are more likely to go hungry when they feel unsafe in school cafeterias. The lawmakers stress that removing protections will directly harm vulnerable students at a time when Republican legislation has already cut SNAP for 22.3 million families. The signers request that USDA reverse its guidance immediately—reverting to prior guidance from 2022 that provided clear protections for LGBTQI+ people—and provide answers on how it intends to prevent discrimination in school meal programs.

In the letter, the Members write: “USDA’s anti nondiscrimination policy manufactures new barriers, creating an explicitly hostile environment for hungry LGBTQI+ students, just because some people perceive them to be different. All students deserve access to food at schools. We should not be encouraging discrimination against any student, including LGBTQI+ students, who need food assistance.”

“The goal of NSLP and SBP is to provide free or reduced-price meals for our neediest students and to reduce or eliminate barriers that our students may face. USDA’s discriminatory policy manufactures new barriers, creating an explicitly hostile environment for hungry LGBTQI+ students, just because some people perceive them to be different. All students deserve access to food at schools. We should not be encouraging discrimination against any student, including LGBTQI+ students, who need food assistance.”

Senator Fetterman’s letter follows his advocacy in 2023, when he voted against an attempt by Congress to rescind the guidance.

The letter to Secretary Rollins calls on USDA to reverse its harmful decision and stresses that every child deserves access to food without fear of discrimination, and USDA must reinstate clear protections under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-mccormick-introduce-legislation-to-target-prc-financial-firms-protect-u-s-economic-security/,"Fetterman, McCormick Introduce Legislation To Target PRC Financial Firms & Protect U.S Economic Security",2025-08-06,2025,2025-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) introduced S. 2552, the PRC Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Moratorium Act,to protect Pennsylvanians, U.S. markets, and national economic security. This legislation is in response to growing concerns regarding the unequal regulatory landscape between the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that exposes U.S. financial markets and consumer data to risk from Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked firms.

“Pennsylvanians don’t want their hard‑earned savings snooped on or manipulated by the Chinese Communist Party. This bipartisan bill slams the brakes on CCP‑linked broker‑dealers and investment advisers until our regulators can give them a full, no‑nonsense inspection,” said Senator Fetterman. “Protecting American investors and our economic security isn’t a partisan fight, and I’m proud to team up with Senator McCormick to get it done.”

“The PRC Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Moratorium Act recognizes that CCP-linked firms pose an inherent risk to our financial system,” said Senator McCormick. “This bill gives the financial regulators necessary time to evaluate the impact on U.S. consumer protection and protects the U.S. retail investor.”

While China restricts access of U.S. firms to its retail financial market, U.S. markets are more fully open for business to Chinese affiliates. These Chinese affiliates have access to millions of Americans’ personally identifiable information and sensitive data. Further, U.S. regulators, including the SEC and FINRA, do not have the authority to conduct enforcement actions or examinations in mainland China.

With the landscape of retail investing and market innovations quickly changing, the U.S. must act quickly to guard against the further intrusion of CCP-linked entities into our markets.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/the-philadelphia-inquirer-a-bipartisan-senate-housing-bill-includes-a-national-version-of-a-pa-home-repair-program/,The Philadelphia Inquirer: A bipartisan Senate housing bill includes a national version of a Pa. home repair program,2025-07-30,2025,2025-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Sen. John Fetterman has sought to replicate state Sen. Nikil Saval’s Whole Home Repairs policy, which created a grant program for homeowners and small landlords to fix their properties.

By Jake Blumgart

Washington, D.C. Tuesday saw a rare act of bipartisan comity in Washington D.C., as the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs unanimously voted for an omnibus housing policy bill that includes a national version of a Pennsylvania program.

The bill, crafted by Committee Chairman Sen. Tim Scott (R., N.C.) and Ranking Member Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), includes provisions based on state Sen. Nikil Saval’s (D., Philadelphia) Whole Home Repairs policy, which created a grant program for income-qualifying homeowners and small landlords to fix their properties.

Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) has sought to replicate the policy at the national level in Congress since 2024 as a means to addressing the housing crisis. The Senate version includes $30 million for a national pilot program.

“I’ve been pushing Whole-Home Repairs since day one because it’s a tested solution to the housing crisis that’s already delivered real results in Pennsylvania,” said Fetterman. “The Banking Committee’s unanimous vote to advance it today proves that everyone, regardless of party, recognizes this crisis demands real solutions, not half-measures.”

The Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act is notable for advancing with bipartisan support on a deeply divided Capitol Hill, and because Congress rarely addresses housing policy, usually leaving the issue to states and localities.

The bill is a grab bag of existing and new housing legislation, which seeks to make home building and preservation easier by lowering federal regulatory barriers, incentivizing local governments to address exclusionary zoning, and authorizing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create new programs including a federal version of Whole Home Repairs.

Sens. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.) and Andy Kim (D., N.J.) sit on the banking committee, and voted in favor of the legislation. A key committee staffer, Madeleine Marr, formerly worked for Fetterman on housing policy issues, helped him craft his federal version of the Whole Homes Repairs legislation.

“We created Whole Home Repairs with the intention that it could be replicated in other states, but also at the national level,” said Saval. “We’re grateful for Sen. Fetterman taking a serious interest in it in 2023, and we’re glad to see it included in this exciting national bipartisan housing package.”

Otherstates have created home repair programs akin to Saval’s original bipartisan legislation passed in 2022, including Maryland, Rhode Island and Maine.

In Pennsylvania, however, the law’s momentum stalled as additional funding has repeatedly been held up in budget negotiations. Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed $50 million for a program like Pennsylvania’s Whole Home Repairs program this year, but it is unclear if it will be in the already very late state budget.

Currently the waitlist for Pennsylvania’s Whole Home Repairs program is over 18,000 homes long, and would be lengthier if many counties hadn’t already closed their lists.

What’s in the banking committee’s bill

The bipartisan support for Warren and Scott’s housing bill is partly explained by its emphasis on challenging existing regulations, mostly not funding new programs. It comes amid similar pushes at state and local levels, including a successful effort in California to weaken an environmental law that had been used to block home building, bike lanes, and mass transit projects.

The banking committee’s bill rounded up a lot of legislation that had been introduced in Congress, like the Whole Home Repairs bill, and moved it forward in this omnibus package.

“Since this new Congress started, all of a sudden, the log jam started to break on a lot of these longstanding bipartisan ideas,” said Alex Armlovich, senior housing policy analyst with the center-right Niskanen Center. “It’s more like the Schoolhouse Rock conception of D.C. than House of Cards.”

Other policies included in the Senate committee bill include directing HUD to reduce the National Environmental Protection Act’s (NEPA) regulatory requirements for federally backed multifamily housing projects.

It would also end a 1970s-era regulation that requires manufactured homes — which are assembled in factories — to be built on a “permanent chassis” so they could be wheeled away.

The rule is a throwback to when it was assumed that most single-family factory built homes would be mobile. Now, as the technology has improved, erasing the regulation would make this kind of housing much cheaper and more practical in cities.

Sen. Warren is championing a $200 million innovation fund as well, that would encourage localities to experiment with housing policies by rewarding those who lower barriers to building or craft successful construction incentives.

The Senate bill also includes tweaks to federal funding formulas for programs like Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that would allow municipalities to get more federal aid if they allow more housing to be built, and punish those that keep barriers to new building. It also specifically sites zoning laws like mandatory parking requirements as barriers to affordability.

The bill comes at a time when Donald Trump’s administration is seeking to cut HUD funding that includes reductions of $26 billion for several affordable housing programs.

The president has also zig-zagged on zoning, prompting HUD to encourage localities to liberalize their land use laws during his first administration before running as a champion of single-family suburban homes in 2020.

“After bitter controversies over the staffing, or even existence, of HUD earlier in the year it’s even more exciting that Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Warren are invested in federal housing policy in such a collegial and functional way,” said Armlovich.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:48:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-crack-down-on-money-laundering-and-terror-financing-in-the-art-market/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Money Laundering and Terror Financing in the Art Market",2025-07-23,2025,2025-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and David McCormick (R-PA), introduced the Art Market Integrity Act, bipartisan legislation that would require art dealers and auction houses to comply with anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).

Currently, the art market, a $25 billion industry in the United States and the largest of its kind globally, is one of the last major markets not required to meet these standards, making it vulnerable to exploitation by sanctioned individuals, terrorist financiers, and other criminals.

“Art should be for art-lovers, not terrorists and criminals,” said Senator Fetterman. “For too long, loopholes have allowed Russian criminal kingpins to evade sanctions and terrorists like Hezbollah to funnel money through art deals. I’m grateful to Senators Grassley, Whitehouse, McCormick, Kim, and Cassidy for working across the aisle to require art dealers and auction houses to perform basic due diligence. This needs to stop now.”

“For decades, criminal enterprises have used America’s multibillion-dollar art industry as a personal piggy bank for money laundering schemes, terrorist financing and other nefarious activities. By requiring our nation’s art market to comply with existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws, this bipartisan legislation would keep art, and millions of dollars, out of the wrong hands,” said Senator Grassley.

“Kleptocrats, foreign adversaries, and other bad actors abuse the opaque nature of the high-end art market to evade American sanctions and stow their loot behind the rule of law,” said Senator Whitehouse. “There is bipartisan interest in shining light into the murky world of art dealing.”

“Criminals and terrorists use art sales to fund their crimes,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We have similar rules for jewelry, precious metals, real estate, and more. Let’s do it for art too.”

“We cannot allow cartels, terrorist organizations, and other bad actors to have a free pass to funnel their money via the art market,” said Senator Kim. “This bill would bring this industry up to the standards of other major markets to enforce the rule of law, ensure fairness, and look out for Americans’ security.”

“Hezbollah and Russian oligarchs have been known to utilize high-value art transactions to launder money and evade sanctions. I’m pleased to partner with Senator Fetterman on this legislation to ensure Congress works with participants in the art market to stand up appropriate safeguards,” said Senator McCormick.

The Art Market Integrity Act specifically targets high-risk art market transactions while exempting artists themselves and businesses with under $50,000 in annual art transactions. It would align the United States with international standards already adopted by the United Kingdom, European Union, and Switzerland, preventing America from becoming a safe haven for illicit activities.

In recent years, the Treasury Department identified the art market as particularly susceptible to money laundering and sanctions evasion. High-profile cases have spotlighted the urgent need for reform, including the indictment of Hezbollah financier Nazem Ahmad using art as part of his scheme to launder over $160 million. Multiple Kremlin cronies have used art to evade sanctions: Arkady and Boris Rotenberg’s used $18 million worth of art to get around sanctions, Roman Abramovich transferred almost $1 billion in art to his wife ahead of new sanctions, and last year the DOJ indicted Anastasia Simes for laundering money on behalf of sanctioned Kremlin crony Aleksander Udadov.

The Art Market Integrity Act is endorsed by the Antiquities Coalition, Transparency International U.S., the FACT Coalition, FDD Action, the American Jewish Committee, Razom for Ukraine, American Coalition for Ukraine, the Initiative for the Recovery of Venezuelan Assets (INRAV), the National Border Patrol Council, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).

“The Art Market Integrity Act is a smart, pragmatic, and long-overdue step to protect a multi-billion-dollar industry from criminal abuse. Right now, the United States is the last major art market without basic safeguards against money laundering, sanctions evasion, and terrorist financing. This puts our legitimate businesses at risk while others, including the U.K., EU, Switzerland, and even China, have already acted. Aligning with these global standards should not be burdensome—many U.S. dealers already comply with them abroad—but it will help preserve the integrity of the market here at home and keep the U.S. a competitive and trusted leader in the global art and antiquities trade,” said Deborah Lehr, Chairman and Founder of the Antiquities Coalition.

“Criminals continue to exploit the art market to launder money and fund illicit activity,” said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) National President Mathew Silverman. “The Art Market Integrity Act brings much-needed transparency and accountability, giving law enforcement vital tools to combat these threats. We commend Senators Fetterman, Grassley, Whitehouse, McCormick, Kim, and Cassidy for their bipartisan leadership and fully support this legislation.”

“This is how corrupt politicians and other criminals launder the money that they steal: By using unaccountable middlemen to execute untraceable sales through a global market that lacks guardrails,” said Scott Greytak, Deputy Executive Director for Transparency International U.S. “Years of bipartisan concern over the abuse of the U.S. art market by money launderers, kleptocrats, and sanctioned individuals have led us to this important moment. This bill would finally bring sunlight to one of the world’s most exploited financial blind spots.”

“The National Border Patrol Council fully supports this bill, which will require art dealers and auction houses to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. This legislation will give federal law enforcement agents the tools we need to shut down money laundering operations that multi-national criminal organizations use to fund unlawful activities, like drug and human trafficking across our border,” said Paul Perez, President of the National Border Patrol Council.

“Terrorist organizations depend on financial support to fund attacks, recruit members, and expand their influence. American Jewish Committee (AJC) is grateful to Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), David McCormick (R-PA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) for introducing the Art Market Integrity Act, which aims to disrupt these financial networks and weaken support for terrorist regimes. All industries and economic arenas that are susceptible to this most dangerous type of corruption benefit from greater oversight,” said Julie Rayman, AJC’s Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs.

“Cartels, kleptocrats, and even terrorists are abusing US art markets to launder money and evade sanctions. By closing a dangerous financial secrecy loophole, the Art Market Integrity Act will protect art dealers from being exploited and help to defund illicit activities that threaten our safety and national security,” said Nate Sibley, Fellow at the Hudson Institute (speaking solely on his own behalf).

“This important legislation will help the United States go after Russian oligarchs using art to launder money and aid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have identified over $1.3 billion worth of art pieces being used by Russian oligarchs to evade U.S. sanctions—the time is right for Congress to crack down,” said Mykola Murskyj, Director of Razom Advocacy.

“Subjecting the art market to anti-money laundering statutes is urgently needed, as the lack of regulation has allowed criminals to exploit the art trade for laundering billions, evading sanctions, and even financing terrorism, posing a direct threat to national security and economic integrity. By extending AML requirements to art dealers, galleries, and auction houses, we can close dangerous loopholes, increase transparency, and ensure the art market no longer serves as a tool for financial crime,” said Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations, FDD Action.

“The American Coalition for Ukraine endorses the Art Market Integrity Act, recognizing the important step it takes to prevent money-laundering, create a record that law enforcement can use to identify and recover assets, and closes loopholes that Russia uses to evade sanctions,” said Marianna Tretiak, Chair of the Board, American Coalition for Ukraine.

“The extension of the BSA to the U.S. art market is a long-overdue step toward dismantling the opaque financial networks used by corrupt Venezuelan officials to conceal stolen public funds. For INRAV, this measure directly supports our mission to recover, protect and eventually return forfeited assets on behalf of the Venezuelan people. By bringing transparency and accountability to this high-risk sector, Congress would strike at the heart of the money laundering schemes that undermine democracy, fuel authoritarianism, and rob citizens of justice,” said Maria Alejandra Marquez, CEO & Founder of the Initiative for the Recovery of Venezuelan Assets (INRAV).

“This bipartisan legislation takes long overdue steps to deny criminals, U.S. adversaries, and corrupt officials the opportunity to launder money through the U.S. art market – the largest, legal unregulated market in the country,” said Ian Gary, Executive Director of the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition. “Sanctioned Russian oligarchs and Hezbollah financiers are among those who have exploited this vital gap in U.S. regulations to bankroll their activities. By requiring professionals in the art industry to know their clients, the Art Market Integrity Act will close a key vulnerability in U.S. markets and help keep Americans safe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:48:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-backs-effort-to-rein-in-corporate-greed-and-cut-costs-for-pennsylvania-families/,Fetterman Backs Effort to Rein in Corporate Greed and Cut Costs for Pennsylvania Families,2025-07-21,2025,2025-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Text of Bill (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) co-sponsored the Price Gouging Prevention Act, a bill that helps the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general stop big corporations from using high prices to pass tariffs onto consumers. Senator Fetterman previously co-sponsored this legislation when it was introduced in the 118th Congress.

Pennsylvanians know that the prices they are seeing throughout the Commonwealth are both unreasonable and unjustifiable. The last five years have repeatedly shown us that giant corporations will take advantage of inflation and supply chain disruptions to expand their profit margins by raising prices higher than necessary to cover cost increases. President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs have created yet another opportunity for corporate price gouging.

“Trump’s chaotic tariff policies handed large companies a free pass to jack up prices on the goods and services we rely on every day. As a result, hard-working Americans are being forced to take a smaller slice of the pie while corporate executives line their pockets,” said Senator Fetterman. “The Price Gouging Prevention Act gives regulators the teeth to shut this down. It forces big companies to be honest about why they’re raising prices, and it’ll bring relief at the grocery store and the pump to families across the Commonwealth.”

The legislation was led by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), along with Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17).

“Donald Trump’s reckless tariff policies are giving companies cover to squeeze families and raise prices more than necessary. My bill is an opportunity for Congress to stand up for families by cracking down on price gouging and fighting back against corporate abuse,” said Senator Warren.

“The biggest corporations in our country jack up the cost of everyday household items, take in record profits, and give their executives huge bonuses – all on the backs of hard-working Wisconsin families. Donald Trump claimed he would lower prices – so far, he has done just the opposite and is even opening the door to more price gouging. But, if we pass this bill, we can rein that in and give Wisconsinites some breathing room and allow them to save for the future,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our bill will finally crack down on corporate greed and help stop those big companies at the top of the food chain from sticking families with exorbitant costs.”

“Prices are still too high, and inflation is still pounding folks. Especially now, we need to rein in monopolists and other huge corporations with the power to price gouge the American people,” said Congressman Deluzio. “By upping FTC enforcement practices and boosting transparency, this bill will take some of the squeeze off American families and small businesses suffering under the thumb of out-of-control corporate power.”

“President Donald Trump promised to lower costs, but we have seen the exact opposite. Greedy corporations are using the economic turmoil the Trump Administration has created to gouge the American people on everything from groceries to consumer goods. While these large corporations rake in record profits, families in my community and across the country are struggling to put food on the table,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Our bill will finally put an end to price gouging by empowering the FTC and state attorneys general to hold bad actors accountable when they take advantage of consumers.”

The Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 would:

Prohibit price gouging at the federal level—anytime and anywhere. The bill would clarify that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. It would allow the FTC and state attorneys general to stop sellers from charging a grossly excessive price, regardless of where the price gouging occurs in a supply chain or distribution network;

Help enforcers establish when price gouging is occurring during a significant shift in trade policy. The bill lists a set of exceptional market shocks—including an “abrupt or significant shift in trade policy”—and outlines a standard for a presumptive violation of the price gouging prohibition during such a shock, such as when companies brag about increasing prices;

Create an affirmative defense for small businesses acting in good faith. Small and local businesses sometimes must raise prices in response to crisis-driven increases in their costs because they have little negotiating power with their price-gouging suppliers. This affirmative defense protects small businesses earning less than $100 million from frivolous litigation if they show legitimate cost increases;

Require public companies to clearly disclose costs and pricing strategies. During periods of exceptional market shock, the bill requires public companies to transparently disclose and explain changes in their cost of goods sold, gross margins, and pricing strategies in their quarterly SEC filings; and

Provide $1 billion in additional funding to the FTC to carry out its work.

In addition to Senator Fetterman (D-PA), The Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The legislation is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-2), Hank Johnson (D-GA-4), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jerry Nadler (D-NY-12), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Paul Tonko (D-NY-20).

“Consumers deserve and desperately need stronger protection against price gouging and unfair profiteering that this legislation will provide. As state Attorney in Connecticut, I saw firsthand how corporate greed leads wrongdoers to exploit loopholes in present law. American consumers should be safeguarded more effectively by imposing accountability and transparency,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“No one should be allowed to pad their pockets by price gouging hardworking Americans,” said Senator Kim. “At a moment when more and more people are feeling like they can’t afford the American dream, this bill is an important tool to stand up for working families, lower costs, and build an economy that looks after all Americans, not just the wealthiest few.”

“Big corporations are making big profits, and some are cynically using Trump’s tariffs and trade threats to justify price increases on hard working people,” said Senator Markey. “While Republicans shower big corporations with lavish tax breaks, Senator Warren and Senator Baldwin are leading the fight to stand up for working people. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to co-sponsor the Price Gouging Prevention Act and end predatory profiteering.”

“From outrageous prices for prescription medications, to the costs of groceries skyrocketing, it’s working families footing the bill while huge corporations gouge consumers to line their own pockets,” said Senator Merkley. “Americans deserve basic consumer protections from this harmful practice, and we need the Price Gouging Prevention Act to put people over profits.”

“Michiganders know their pocketbooks. They know when they are getting taken for a ride. The cost of living is too high in America, and it is keeping hard-working people out of the middle class,” said Senator Slotkin. “One way to attack that problem is to crack down on price gouging from the largest, multi-national corporations, who too often use a crisis or supply chain disruption to further squeeze Americans and raise prices. This bill strengthens the tools in our toolkit to go after bad-faith actors and protect the middle class.”

“Corporate bad actors are using Trump’s tariff chaos as an excuse to hike prices far beyond their own cost increases to make even more money at the expense of hardworking Americans,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our legislation will crack down on price gouging and lower costs for families.”

This bill is endorsed by the following labor groups and organizations: AFL-CIO, UAW, USW, Accountable.US/Accountable.NOW, American Economic Liberties Project, Consumer Federation of America, Economic Security Project Action, Farm Action Fund, Food & Water Watch, Groundwork Collaborative, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), P Street, and Public Citizen.

“America’s working families are tired of giant corporations jacking up prices and taking a bigger and bigger slice of their paychecks just to pad their record-breaking profits. The Price Gouging Prevention Act is important legislation to crack down on this corporate greed, put some common-sense fairness back in our economy, and rein in the basic costs that are making it hard for working families to make ends meet,” said Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO.

“Working families must never be squeezed by corporations using crises as cover to raise prices. The Price Gouging Prevention Act is a long-overdue check on corporate abuse, holding companies accountable and putting power back in the hands of consumers and workers. We’re proud to support it,” said David McCall, President of the United Steelworkers.

“The Trump administration has shown time and again it is on the side of the giant corporations squeezing profits from American families. While the President fans the flames on higher prices and fewer protections, the Price Gouging Prevention Act tackles corporate greed head on. It’s more important than ever that Congress take the initiative to defend American families from abusive price hikes in the marketplace,” said Caroline Ciccone, President of Accountable.US/Accountable.NOW.

“Cracking down on price gouging at the federal level is both commonsense and long overdue,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. “From natural disasters to Trump’s tumultuous trade policy, big corporations are weaponizing chaos to pad their bottom line at the expense of hardworking Americans. Just like the laws many states across the country already have in place, Senator Warren’s price-gouging legislation prohibits opportunistic price increases now and during future crises to protect families and small businesses.”

“Now, more than ever, we need to crack down on predatory corporations that weaponize economic turmoil by price-gouging hardworking Americans and lining their pockets with obscene profits. Congress should immediately pass the Price Gouging Prevention Act and give state and federal law enforcement agencies full power to stop corporations from preying on American families through this shameless profiteering,” said Erin Witte, Director of Consumer Protection for Consumer Federation of America.

“More and more families are feeling the sting of our affordability crisis, and price gouging is a major cause. Price gouging puts basic needs like groceries, rent, and medications increasingly out of reach for millions just to line the pockets of corporate shareholders. The Price Gouging Prevention Act is a huge step towards ending this practice by holding corporate price gougers accountable,” said Adam Ruben, Director of Economic Security Project Action.

“For too long, corporate giants have used market disruptions as an excuse to gouge farmers and consumers, with little fear of consequences. We exposed abusive pricing schemes in the fertilizer, beef, and egg industries in recent years, yet the FTC has been hamstrung in its ability to take action. The legislation introduced by Senator Warren and her colleagues would enable antitrust enforcers to hold these corrupt corporations accountable, restoring fairness to our markets and bringing justice to America’s farmers and consumers,” said Joe Maxwell, President of Farm Action Fund.

“While everyday Americans are struggling to make ends meet, corporations continue to hike up prices and rake in record profits. The president’s chaotic trade policy has created the perfect environment for companies to raise prices on consumers well beyond the rate of inflation. Senator Warren’s legislation puts working families first by cracking down on these price gougers and ensuring consumers pay a fair price,” said Lindsay Owens, Executive Director of Groundwork Collaborative.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:48:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-cramer-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-preserve-payment-choice/,"Fetterman, Cramer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Payment Choice",2025-07-17,2025,2025-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced the Payment Choice Act to preserve payment options for consumers. This legislation ensures customers can use cash as a form of payment and are able to do so without being charged higher prices.

“It’s simple: if you’re open for business in America, you should take U.S. dollars,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Payment Choice Act with Senator Cramer because every American should be able to use paper currency if they choose. We have millions of people in this country who don’t have access to bank accounts, and they must be able to go shopping with their hard-earned dollars.”

“Cash is still legal tender in the United States, despite some businesses’ exclusive acceptance of electronic payments,” said Senator Cramer. “Forcing the use of credit and debit cards or imposing premium prices on goods and services paid for with cash limits consumer choice. Americans should have the option of using cards or cash, but they should be the ones who make that choice.”

“Ensuring cash remains a viable payment option is vital for small businesses across the country, not to mention the millions of underbanked Americans who rely on consumer choice in payment for goods and services,” said Amusement & Music Operators Association President Brian Brotsch.

“The National ATM Council (NAC) extends its sincerest thanks and appreciation to Senator Cramer and Senator Fetterman for their outstanding leadership and commitment to preserving the role of U.S. currency as legal tender and as a payment option for in-person purchases of basic goods and services,” said Bruce Renard, NAC’s Executive Director. “The continued vitality and universality of cash in America is essential to maintaining the US Dollar’s position abroad as the world’s premier fiat currency, while also preserving personal financial freedom of choice and purchasing privacy for us all here at home.”

While the majority of American households have access to financial services, 4.5% of U.S. households do not have a checking or savings account. Those without access to financial services are more likely to have lower incomes, less education, or be a member of a racial or ethnic minority group. Despite a decline in cash payments during the last few years, this demographic still represents nearly 20% of all payments in the U.S. economy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:48:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-demands-answers-for-victims-of-sunoco-pipeline-leak-in-bucks-county/,Fetterman Demands Answers for Victims of Sunoco Pipeline Leak in Bucks County,2025-07-17,2025,2025-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Nominee to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration commits to visiting site and holding Sunoco accountable if confirmed

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is demanding answers and action for residents of Bucks County whose drinking water has been contaminated by jet fuel from a leak in Sunoco’s Twin Oaks Pipeline.

During yesterday’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senator Fetterman pressed Paul Roberti, the nominee to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), on the agency’s investigation into this leak. PHMSA oversees more than 3.4 million miles of pipelines nationwide.

Fetterman invited Kristine Wojnovich, a constituent from Upper Makefield Township to the hearing. Like others in this community, her family’s water has been contaminated by jet fuel. Holding up bottles of murky water collected from her home, Senator Fetterman addressed Mr. Roberti directly:

“It honestly smells like straight-up fuel, I wouldn’t want to put a flame around it. I want to work together to find a solution,” said Senator Fetterman. “My friend and colleague, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, and I are pushing to do whatever’s necessary to figure out what is happening here. As I said in my office, if you’re willing to extend a commitment to work together, I’m here to extend a commitment to vote for you.”

PHMSA is responsible for enforcing pipeline safety regulations at the Twin Oaks Pipeline, a 105-mile jet fuel line running through parts of southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2023, residents of Upper Makefield began smelling gasoline in their homes, but Sunoco dismissed those concerns and told the community that the smell was attributable to “bacteria.” A year later, jet fuel began appearing in private wells and drinking water. It wasn’t until January 31, 2025, that Sunoco publicly confirmed a leak in the pipeline.

Senator Fetterman’s questioning led to an explicit promise from Mr. Roberti that “if confirmed, I would like to go to the accident scene with [Senator Fetterman]. I would like to visit that scene while the investigation is pending.” He also committed to seeing investigations into possible leaks proceed in an “expeditious manner so that we can get to the bottom of what happened.”

Senator Fetterman is committed to ensuring that PHMSA performs its oversight and enforcement responsibilities and holds Sunoco accountable. In February, Senator Fetterman and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) sent a letter to PHMSA urging Acting Administrator Ben Kochman to shut down the pipeline while the agency investigated the leak. To date, PHMSA has refused to do so, instead requiring Sunoco to reduce pipeline operations by 20 percent.

“I’m here today because of a problem in my state, but a win for Pennsylvania is ultimately a win for the country,” concluded Senator Fetterman, stressing to his colleagues and the nominee the importance of strong pipeline safety enforcement and accountability.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:48:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-van-hollen-introduce-bill-to-protect-consumers-from-online-subscription-traps/,"Fetterman, Van Hollen Introduce Bill to Protect Consumers from Online Subscription Traps",2025-07-16,2025,2025-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) reintroduced the Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity (Consumer OPT-IN) Act, bicameral legislation to protect consumers from online “free trial” scams and hard-to-cancel recurring-payment programs. The lawmakers’ bill puts the responsibility on companies, rather than consumers, when it comes to subscriptions and memberships, including requiring a shift from “opt-out” conditions to “opt-in.”

“It should be just as easy to cancel a subscription as it is to start one, plain and simple. For too long, corporations have tricked consumers into paying for their services for longer than they wanted, whether it’s through deceptive free trials or hard-to-end recurring payments. I’ve been there just like too many other Pennsylvanians, sitting on hold trying to cancel a subscription,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce the Consumer OPT-IN Act to hold these companies accountable and put consumers back in charge of their hard-earned money.”

“While companies have made it easier than ever to sign up for subscription-based services, too many Americans know the frustration of jumping through endless hoops to get out of them. Corporate special interests are pushing to preserve the status quo so they can pad their profits by keeping consumers locked into unwanted subscriptions, but we will keep fighting back. Our legislation puts consumers in control – offering them an easy way out of subscription traps and holding companies accountable for these deceptive practices,” said Senator Van Hollen.

This reintroduction comes after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit last week vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) 2023 “click to cancel” rule, which would have taken effect today and complemented this legislation by making it easier to get out of unwanted subscriptions. As a result of this ruling, businesses are free to continue using deceitful practices that trap consumers into making recurring payments that they never intended to make – underscoring the need to codify into law the “opt-in” requirements in this legislation.

Companies increasingly use free trial offers and unclear terms and conditions to trap consumers into subscriptions. Additionally, companies often use software and interfaces that subtly trick users, called dark patterns, making it harder for consumers to end these subscriptions and stop unwanted charges. While the FTC has dedicated significant resources to combatting the worst of these business practices, resulting in at least $110 million worth of refunds returned to consumers over the past five years, more action is needed. To more effectively deter companies from employing these practices and better protect and inform consumers, the Consumer OPT-IN Act would limit the use of deceptive tactics and impose stricter notification requirements on companies.

The Consumer OPT-IN Act will protect consumers from deceptive free trials and marketing tactics by:

Requiring companies to get express informed consent from consumers before converting free trials into automatically renewing contracts and charging consumers;

Requiring companies to notify consumers of the first automatic renewal and obtain express informed consent from consumers before automatically renewing long term contracts;

Requiring that companies offering contracts that automatically renew on a short-term basis get express informed consent from consumers annually;

Requiring companies that have knowledge that a consumer isn’t using their products or service for 6 months to get the consumer’s express informed consent to continue billing, and allowing consumers to request a refund for the remaining portion of the contract;

Providing consumers with refunds when violations occur;

Giving the FTC rulemaking authority over negative option contracts, automatic renewals, and dark patterns.

In the Senate, the Consumer OPT-IN Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). In the House, it is cosponsored by Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Lou Correa (D-CA), Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Doris Matsui (D-CA).

“Consumers should not have to jump through hoops to cancel subscriptions they no longer want. Our commonsense measure empowers consumers with the protections and transparency they deserve—ensuring corporations cannot trap people into costly recurring payments after a free trial period ends,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“For too long, corporations have forced consumers to work through complicated hurdles in order to cancel their unwanted subscriptions and memberships,” said Senator Hirono. “The Consumer OPT-IN Act would address this problem by prioritizing consumer choice – offering people simple options to unsubscribe and protecting consumers from deceptive practices. I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to hold these corporations accountable and help people keep their hard-earned money.”

“We’ve all seen these types of ‘deals’ – companies hook you with a free trial, then make it hard to cancel or quietly continue to charge you,” said Senator Luján. “Consumers deserve transparency and fairness. I’m proud to join Senator Van Hollen to push for greater transparency and to protect Americans from deceptive and unwarranted charges.”

“Consumers shouldn’t have to jump over roadblocks from greedy corporations to cancel a subscription,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bill will make it as simple to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up – no tricks, no gimmicks, no waiting on hold. Let’s pass this common-sense solution that makes sure Americans know what they’re signing up for.”

“This legislation will make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions they don’t want. The process of enrolling and cancelling should be equally simple: If one click can sign you up, then you should be able to cancel with one click too,” said Senator Reed. “Simplifying the process for ending ‘free trials’ or unwanted subscriptions will save consumers real money. This bill will get rid of needless cancellation hurdles, hold corporations accountable, and save consumers time, money, and peace of mind.”

“If there’s one thing everyone can’t stand, it’s getting ripped off. And that’s exactly what subscription-based services have been doing to American consumers, by making it difficult to cancel subscriptions. Consumers in Vermont and across the country deserve more transparency and accountability,” said Senator Welch. “This common-sense legislation will combat deceptive and dishonest business practices and protect consumers across the country from rip-offs.”

“Unexpected charges and confusing websites can make unsubscribing from a service a headache,” said Senator Wyden. “Relief was in sight, but Donald Trump’s administration killed new protections for consumers and handed a huge gift to his corporate pals. I’m proud to work with Sen. Van Hollen and my colleagues on the OPT-IN Act to ensure it’s just as easy for Americans to unsubscribe from services as it is to sign up.”

“Too often, consumers find themselves unknowingly caught in a cycle of recurring charges for subscriptions that extend far beyond what they initially agreed to. That was what the FTC aimed to mitigate with their ‘Click to Cancel’ rule, which required subscription services to make cancellation just as streamlined as sign up, reducing deceitful business practices that play with people’s hard earned money. Despite the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals striking this rule down earlier this week due only due to a procedural issue, protecting consumers is too important a task to delay. That is why I am proud to join Senator Van Hollen in introducing the Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity (Consumer OPT-IN) Act, which will build upon the FTC’s efforts to shield consumers from being locked into recurring subscription agreements they didn’t consent to. I look forward to carrying this legislation through Congress alongside my colleagues,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

“It takes five seconds to subscribe to a service online, which can end up costing Americans hundreds of dollars per year. It should be just as easy for hardworking Americans to cancel. Click to cancel means hardworking Americans can choose how they spend their money, without jumping through impossible hoops to get out of services they don’t want,” said Congressman Lou Correa.

This legislation is endorsed by Public Citizen, National Consumer Law Center, Consumer Action, Americans for Financial Reform, and American Economic Liberties Project.

“We support Sen. Van Hollen’s and Rep. Clarke’s commonsense bill,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President of Public Citizen. “When the pitch says, ‘The first month is free,’ it can’t whisper ‘But we’re not telling you how to cancel.’ Firms must be clear about exactly when and how a consumer can stop unwanted payments.”

“Sen. Van Hollen’s and Rep. Clarke’s bill would protect people from deceptive ‘free offers’ that turn into unwanted membership clubs and from costly subscriptions that are difficult to cancel. The bill would help people like my 95-year-old father, who has been hit by hundreds of dollars a year coming out of his account for clubs he did not even know he signed up for,” said National Consumer Law Center Associate Director, D.C., Lauren Sauners.

“Senator Van Hollen’s and Rep. Clarke’s OPT-IN Act puts the power back in consumers’ hands to decide if they want to do business with a company once a free trial expires,” says Ruth Susswein, Consumer Action’s Director of Consumer Protection. “This legislation would end unwanted, misleading contract renewals that consumers are duped into.”

“Sen Van Hollen and Rep Clarke’s Opt-In Act will save consumers time and money in unfurling subscriptions they no longer want,” said Morgan Harper, American Economic Liberties Project Director of Policy & Advocacy. “In light of a court striking down the FTC’s “click to cancel” rule on procedural grounds, this legislation that is backed by 85% of voters would restore much needed consumer protections. The Trump FTC should also move quickly to reissue its Click-to-Cancel rule.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:48:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/philadelphia-inquirer-senate-to-vote-on-cuts-to-npr-and-pbs-heres-how-whyy-and-other-pa-stations-would-be-impacted/,Philadelphia Inquirer: Senate to vote on cuts to NPR and PBS. Here’s how WHYY and other Pa. stations would be impacted.,2025-07-16,2025,2025-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"“Mr. Rogers, a Pittsburgh icon, taught us kindness and empathy. My wife, Gisele, learned English watching PBS,” said U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.), who opposes the federal cuts.

By: Rob Tornoe

Washington, D.C. – With Republicans on the verge of cutting off federal funding for NPR and PBS, one public media executive in Pennsylvania predicts local stations in rural areas will end up becoming “collateral damage” to President Donald Trump’s agenda.

“We got sucked into a fight we’re not a part of,” said Terry O’Reilly, the president and CEO of Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting, which operates NPR affiliate WESA. O’Reilly thinks the cuts have little to do with balancing the federal budget and are simply “retribution” for NPR’s honest reporting on the Trump administration.

“Public media is one one-hundredth of 1% of the federal budget,” O’Reilly said. “It’s a rounding error.”

Senators are expected to vote Wednesday on a proposal that would cut all federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, despite having just passed a budget bill that allocated $535 million to the government-funded organization.

The proposal, known as a rescission request, would take back funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting allocated over two years, totaling $1.1 billion. The organization says more than 70% of that goes directly to National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting System stations across the country, including WHYY in Philadelphia.

If passed, the money flowing from the federal government to local stations would dry up in October.

WHYY is in a position to weather the cuts, according to president and CEO Bill Marrazzo. About 7% of WHYY’s budget comes from government funding, and cuts would affect the organization’s ability to grow and innovate but would not immediately threaten its future.

“We believe strongly in our mission and the 70 years of impact we have had in our region and plan to continue serving our audiences for years to come,” WHYY said in a statement.

The same goes for WESA in Pittsburgh, where federal funds account for 9% of its operating budget. About two-thirds of the company’s $8 million budget goes to jobs, so if WESA wants to avoid cutbacks, O’Reilly said, it would need to make up about $700,000 in annual funding.

“Public media will survive this,” O’Reilly said. “We’re working on this one day at a time.”

Smaller public media stations in Pa. would be hit hardest

Elsewhere across Pennsylvania and Delaware, the situation is a bit more dire.

WPSU, which reaches State College and 24 rural counties in central and northern Pennsylvania, gets about 20% of its annual budget from the federal government, about $1.4 million annually. That could lead to cuts in education programs and even diminish its emergency broadcasting capabilities, according to Isabel Reinert, WPSU’s executive director and general manager.

On top of the federal cuts, WPSU is dealing with a 20% cut in funding from Pennsylvania State University, about $800,000.

“Federal funding is essential,” Reinert said, warning the cuts “could threaten the future of stations like ours.”

In Northeastern Pennsylvania, WVIA is also bracing for the cuts, with federal funding representing about 20% of the station’s annual budget. But unlike most stations, WVIA has a sizable endowment, thanks to a FCC broadcast spectrum auction in 2017, which might help prevent devastating cuts in the short term.

WQED, the PBS station in Pittsburgh best known as the home of Fred Rogers, the creator of the beloved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, is also bracing for cuts. The station gets 11% of its funding from the federal government, and cutbacks would likely affect educational programming and emergency alert systems.

It was Rogers who persuaded senators in 1969 not to cut funding for public television, arguing his show and those like it offered children a thoughtful alternative to what was being produced by commercial networks.

“This is what I give. I give an expression of care every day to each child, to help him realize that he is unique,” Rogers testified before a Senate subcommittee. “I feel that if we in public television can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable and manageable, we will have done a great service for mental health.”

Across the border in central Delaware, federal funds provide roughly 15% of WDDE’s budget. The cuts would come as the relatively new public media company, which launched in 2012, is attempting to expand north into New Castle County.

“It will be tough,” said Tom Interrante, WDDE’s general manager. “But we’ll survive.”

How are Fetterman and McCormick expected to vote?

Public media stations across Pennsylvania have been urging their supporters to call the offices of U.S. Sens. John Fetterman, a Democrat, and Dave McCormick, a Republican, in an attempt to pressure them to vote no on the proposal.

Fetterman is on board. He joined Democrats in opposing procedural motions Tuesday and told The Inquirer the cuts undermine “the very values of family and education” Republicans claim to champion.

“Mr. Rogers, a Pittsburgh icon, taught us kindness and empathy. My wife, Gisele, learned English watching PBS, where Big Bird and Elmo have educated generations of American kids,” Fetterman said in a statement. “As a father, it’s personal, and I can’t understand why we’re even considering taking away this programming for families across the nation.”

McCormick’s office did not respond to a request for comment, but he voted with Republicans in moving the proposal forward. He is expected to vote to eliminate the funding.

Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate and can only afford to have three senators vote against the funding cuts.

Because of changes to the proposal, which also includes cutbacks on foreign aid, the House would also have to vote again for the cuts to take effect. That vote would need to happen by Friday.

What is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting?

Long a target of Republicans, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a publicly funded nonprofit created by Congress in 1967 to support public broadcasting across the country.

Nearly all of the corporation’s funding comes from the federal government, with about 70% sent directly to 330 local PBS outlets and 246 NPR stations.

Trump issued an executive order in May directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to “cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS.”

Ironically, smaller stations in rural parts of the country represented by Republicans would be hit hardest. Public media companies in Alaska, West Virginia, South Dakota, Indiana, and Montana have all warned they may be forced to shutter if the cuts proceed.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if somewhere between 50 and 100 stations have to shut down before the end of the year,” WESA’s O’Reilly said. “And the sad thing is, it’s the places that need it most that are going to bear the brunt of this. … The stations that will weather this best are in large cities that are largely Democratic strongholds.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:48:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-votes-hell-no-on-gops-big-beautiful-bill/,Fetterman Votes “HELL NO” on GOP’s Big Beautiful Bill,2025-07-01,2025,2025-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Reconciliation Bill Blows Up Debt, Guts Medicaid and SNAP, Hands Tax Breaks to the Top 0.1%

Washington, D.C. — Today, with the United States deadlocked 50–50 final vote, Vice President Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to pass reconciliation bill H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act. U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) voted against it and released the following statement:

“Millions thrown off health care? ✅

“Hungry kids denied food? ✅

“Huge tax cuts for billionaires? ✅

“National debt headed for $40 trillion? ✅

“This bill is a disaster, which is why I voted HELL NO. The GOP will own the consequences.”

For 26 hours straight, Senator Fetterman joined his democratic colleagues in voting for dozens of amendments to counteract the GOP’s attack on low-income and middle-class Americans. Some key impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for Pennsylvanians include:

Adds over $4 trillion to the national debt, raising mortgage payments by nearly $1,000 a year and small-business loan costs by over $800.

Slashes $930 billion from Medicaid, impacting the 39% of children in Pennsylvania who depend on Medicaid or CHIP.

Kicks 450,000 Pennsylvanians off their health insurance and threatens over 300 rural hospitals and 500 nursing homes nationwide.

Raises grocery costs for 40 million Americans and jeopardizes food assistance for the nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP to put food on the table.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:48:13Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/on-3rd-anniversary-of-dobbs-decision-overturning-roe-fetterman-senate-democrats-work-to-restore-abortion-access-nationwide/,"On 3rd Anniversary of Dobbs Decision Overturning Roe, Fetterman, Senate Democrats Work to Restore Abortion Access Nationwide",2025-06-24,2025,2025-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"“A woman’s right to make her own health care decisions is sacred and non-negotiable. Period.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, on the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, legislation to guarantee access to abortion across the country and to restore the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for millions of Americans.

“A woman’s right to make her own health care decisions is sacred and non-negotiable. Period. In the years since Roe was overturned, we’ve seen the terrifying reality of abortion bans,” said Senator Fetterman. “These laws have cost lives and caused unnecessary suffering for so many families. We must restore abortion access nationwide, and I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bill that would do just that.”

Three years ago, the Republican-appointed Supreme Court majority released their decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning nearly 50 years of precedent and giving state legislatures a green light to strip reproductive rights away from millions of Americans. Today, President Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to make it more difficult to access reproductive health care across the nation. Even in states like Pennsylvania, where abortion is still legal, a nationwide abortion ban, or the Republican reconciliation bill that guts Planned Parenthood funding, would have devastating impacts for women trying to access the safe, reliable health care they need.

The Women’s Health Protection Act creates federal rights for patients and providers to protect abortion access. Specifically, the Women’s Health Protection Act would:

Prohibit states from imposing restrictions that jeopardize access to abortion earlier in pregnancy, including many of the state-level restrictions in place prior to Dobbs, such as arbitrary waiting periods, medically unnecessary mandatory ultrasounds, or requirements to provide medically inaccurate information.

Ensure that later in pregnancy, states cannot limit access to abortion if it would jeopardize the life or health of the mother.

Protect the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years.

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Patty Murray (D-WA) led introduction of the Women’s Health Protection Act. In addition to Senator Fetterman, the legislation is sponsored by the entire Democratic caucus, including Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D- DE) Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

“First, Donald Trump and Republicans overturned Roe v Wade. Now, they are continuing their crusade for a national abortion ban, stripping away a woman’s right to choose and control her body, healthcare, and future. Republicans continue to show that they will stop at nothing in their pursuit to stop a woman from having the right to choose,” said Senator Baldwin. “In Wisconsin, we’ve seen how these attacks on women’s reproductive rights and freedoms have hurt our neighbors, friends, and families – and we won’t stand for it. The Women’s Health Protection Act is a necessary step to restore Americans’ constitutional right to choose what’s best for their families, stop Congressional and state-level Republicans from further putting themselves between a doctor and a woman, and once and for all, give women their rights and freedoms back.”

“This issue is about more than health care; it is about women’s rights, individual rights, and human rights. The foundation of the Women’s Health Protection Act is simply the right to make your own health care decisions. Three years after Dobbs, American women don’t have that right. Today, thanks to Republican lawmakers and conservative courts, a woman in America might walk into an ER and faint, bleeding, and be refused treatment. That woman might die,” said Senator Blumenthal. “By restoring abortion access and implementing basic protections against medically unnecessary restrictions on health care, the Women’s Health Protection Act overturns the death sentence handed down by Dobbs.”

“Three years ago, Donald Trump and Republicans succeeded in overturning Roe, ripping away a Constitutional right for the first time in American history, and causing a full-blown health care crisis in our nation. Since then, we have seen with painful clarity how Republican abortion bans are putting women’s lives in danger, forcing providers to close their doors, decimating access to maternal health care, and forcing women to remain pregnant—no matter their circumstances,” said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Women’s Health Protection Act to restore the right to abortion and end the national nightmare Republicans created by overturningRoe. Democrats will never stop fighting to restore abortion access nationwide—nothing less.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:38Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-cornyn-cortez-masto-ernst-introduce-legislation-making-tax-filing-easier-for-survivors-of-domestic-abuse/,"Fetterman, Cornyn, Cortez Masto, Ernst Introduce Legislation Making Tax Filing Easier for Survivors of Domestic Abuse",2025-06-19,2025,2025-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the Survivors Assistance for Fear-free and Easy Tax Filing (SAFE Tax Filing) Act of 2025. By making it easier for survivors of spousal abuse or abandonment to file their taxes, the SAFE Tax Filing Act will help survivors rebuild their lives and is another step towards stopping economic coercion in abusive marriages.

“We can and should do everything we can to make life easier for survivors of domestic abuse,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to partner with Senators Cornyn, Cortez Masto, and Ernst to introduce this bill to allow survivors file their taxes and receive the biggest refund they can under law, without being forced to contact their abusers. It’s really the least we can do. Let’s get this done.”

“Survivors of abuse have endured unimaginable adversity and deserve financial freedom,” said Senator Cornyn. “By allowing victims of domestic violence to file taxes independently, this legislation would empower survivors and give them a renewed sense of agency and self-worth on their path to healing.”

“Survivors of domestic violence should not have to worry about contacting their abuser – putting themselves and their children at risk of serious physical harm – just to file their taxes,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help keep Nevada families safe and help survivors on the road to recovery.”

“I’m honored to stand up for survivors of domestic violence and ensure they aren’t trapped or penalized by the tax code through the SAFE Tax Filing Act,” said Senator Ernst. “This bipartisan bill offers a commonsense path to ensure the system works for survivors, not against them.”

The SAFE Tax Filing Act allows spousal abuse survivors to file their taxes as if they are unmarried. Currently, laws require survivors to either file their taxes jointly with their abuser or to file as Married Filing Separately, a disadvantageous status that could reduce their tax refund. This bill ends the requirement that survivors must contact their abusers to get the biggest tax refund they’re eligible for to support themselves and their families.

The SAFE Tax Filing Act is endorsed by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice, Futures Without Violence, and Just Solutions.

“The SAFE Tax Filing Act of 2025 is more than tax reform—it’s a lifeline,” said Pamela Jacobs, JD, CEO, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. “It recognizes that survivors of abuse deserve safety, autonomy, and freedom from financial entanglement with those who’ve harmed them. This legislation honors the reality of survivors’ lives and removes another barrier on their path to healing and independence.”

“PCADV supports efforts to provide survivors with options to manage their lives free from abuse,” said Susan Higginbotham, CEO, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “99% of domestic violence situations involve financial abuse, and the SAFE Tax Filing Act is another tool that would allow survivors a measure of self-determination.”

“The National Domestic Violence Hotline is deeply grateful to Senators Fetterman and Cornyn for introducing the SAFE Tax Filing Act of 2025,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “Victims and survivors of domestic violence deserve to rebuild their lives safely and with dignity. This bill recognizes the complex realities victims and survivors face and removes a critical barrier when filing taxes.”

“The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), and the more than 66,000 enrolled agents (EAs) we represent, would like to express our support for the SAFE Tax Filing Act, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain abused or abandoned spouses to file as unmarried or heads of household,” said Jennifer MacMillian, President, National Association of Enrolled Agents. “This proposed legislation would greatly benefit abused and abandoned spouses who have not yet been legally extracted from their marriages. EAs specialize in tax preparation and representation, and we believe this bill will provide welcome relief to certain spouses who have experienced abuse, especially in community property states where the states presume that married couples jointly own assets and debts acquired during their marriage. We commend Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) for their work on this incredibly important issue and look forward to the Senate taking up the legislation.”

“United Way of Pennsylvania supports the SAFE Tax Filing Act of 2025,” said Melody Zimmerman, Policy Director, United Way of Pennsylvania. “Allowing survivors of domestic violence and spousal abandonment to independently file their own taxes puts them on the path to financial security and allows them to safely care for themselves and their families.”

“There is no safety without economic security. Survivors of domestic violence often face substantial tax liability as a result of their abusive partner, and the act of filing taxes can expose survivors to further risk to their physical safety,” said Erika Sussman, Founder & Executive Director, Center for Survivor Agency and Justice. “The SAFE Tax Filing Act will lift that burden by providing survivors with the chance to attend to their tax responsibilities without subjecting themselves to further economic and physical harm. We owe this to survivors.”

“I’m grateful to Senators Fetterman and Cornyn for their leadership on this bill,” said Lisalyn R. Jacobs, CEO, Just Solutions. “The SAFE Tax Filing Act will provide vital tools to survivors seeking to recover their agency and economic stability.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:38Z