url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/30/mississippi-delegation-applauds-key-fields-selection-as-a-kc-46-finalist/,Mississippi Delegation Applauds Key Field’s Selection as a KC-46 Finalist,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington – Today, the U.S. Air Force notified Congress that Key Field in Meridian has been selected as one of four preferred locations to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. In response, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., along with U.S. Congressmen Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., welcomed this announcement and made the following statement. “We applaud the U.S. Air Force for selecting Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi, as a finalist to host the KC-46 refueling aircraft. “Key Field is the home of the 186th Air Refueling Wing, hosting more than 1,000 Airmen and Air Force personnel servicing the KC-135. The 186th is the primary National Guard tanker unit devoted to U.S. military operations in the Middle East—a vital mission for a consequential region of the world. “Meridian presents a strategic location for the KC-46 and is the prime candidate to undertake this mission. The city sits near important refueling tracks, and Mississippi’s vast open spaces enable large-scale exercises. This allows the 186th not only to service fleets flying along local routes but also to support the global refueling mission. Over the past few years, Key Field leadership has invested in the infrastructure upgrades that facilitate this mission. The City of Meridian also has a long record of welcoming service members and meeting the unique needs of military families. “As the Air Force moves into its final evaluations, we will keep making the case that Key Field is the right home for the next generation of air refueling.” Background on the Mississippi Delegation’s Key Field Engagement: The Mississippi delegation has consistently made the case that Key Field is well equipped to host the KC-46 aircraft. This month, the Mississippi delegation sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink in support of Meridian. Over the past few years, Mississippi’s federal officials have supported additional efforts to modernize Key Field infrastructure, paving the way for the installation to continue its contributions toward America’s national security posture. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.armstrong.senate.gov/senator-armstrong-praises-bipartisan-permitting-reform-package-advancing-key-reforms-to-get-america-building-again/,Senator Armstrong Praises Bipartisan Permitting Reform Package Advancing Key Reforms to Get America Building Again,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,OK,Alan Armstrong,A000383,www.armstrong.senate.gov,armstrong,https://www.armstrong.senate.gov/news/media-center/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2026 CONTACT: Chrissy Harbin, Miranda Dabney Senator Armstrong Praises Bipartisan Permitting Reform Package Advancing Key Reforms to Get America Building Again PACKAGE REFLECTS KEY ARMSTRONG PRIORITIES AND MONTHS OF WORK TO BUILD CONSENSUS FOR COMPREHENSIVE PERMITTING REFORM WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK) praised Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Chairman Mike Lee (R-UT), along with Ranking Members Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Martin Heinrich (R-NM), for reaching a historic, bipartisan deal on theBipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, saying the proposal incorporates key reforms he has championed to make the federal permitting process faster, more predictable, and more durable. Senator Armstrong released the following statement: “I came to the Senate determined to help America build again, and I have been willing to work with anyone—Republican or Democrat—who is serious about fixing our broken permitting system. I applaud my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle and the Trump administration for staying at the table and finding common ground. This agreement shows that comprehensive permitting reform is possible. Let’s finish the job when we come back in November and get this package to the President’s desk. “The reality is that meaningful, lasting reform doesn’t happen when politicians retreat to their partisan corners or demand 100 percent of their wish list—it happens when leaders are willing to do the difficult work of sitting at the table, and finding genuine common ground. On an issue as vital as energy and infrastructure, compromise isn’t about surrendering our principles or lowering standards; it’s about crafting an energy-neutral, practical framework that delivers real results for the American people, lowers utility bills, and strengthens our national security. If we want to solve generational challenges instead of just passing the buck down the road, we have to put country over party and do the tough, collaborative work required to get durable reform across the finish line. “Just as important, this agreement reflects a massive, cross-sector coalition that has hit the exact same regulatory wall. From conventional energy and manufacturing to mining, electric transmission, transportation, and renewables, industries across our economy are pounding the table together because they recognize that if America is going to compete globally, we have to restore our ability to build.” BACKGROUND Armstrong has made comprehensive permitting reform a central legislative priority since taking office in March 2026. He introduced S. 4944, the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure (AEMI) Act, to address the major federal barriers that delay energy, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects, and was joined by 20 co-sponsors. The Committee’s package includes key pillars of that effort, including: Reforms to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act to promote consistent, evidence-based environmental decision-making across infrastructure projects; Greater certainty for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) general and nationwide permits by eliminating duplicative review, extending permit terms, and incorporating judicial reforms to reduce baseless litigation; Statutory clarification to re-enable essential mining activities on federal lands; and Targeted National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reforms that clarify the scope of review, reaffirm NEPA’s procedural nature, and establish judicial review standards designed to prevent the law from being used to indefinitely stall critical infrastructure projects. Since taking office, Armstrong has engaged in a sustained effort to build support across industries for comprehensive permitting reform. In June, he hosted Getting America Building Again: Permitting Reform and America’s Competitive Future on Capitol Hill, convening more than 150 business leaders and policy experts around a shared blueprint for reform. He used his inaugural Senate floor speech to lay out the core elements of the AEMI Act and continued pressing the case at major energy and infrastructure forums throughout the summer.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-applauds-president-trumps-nominee-for-u-s-marshal-for-the-northern-district-of-indiana/,Sen. Banks Applauds President Trump’s Nominee for U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Indiana,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released a statement applauding President Trump’s nomination of Indiana Police Captain Scott Krueger to serve as United States Marshal for the Northern District of Indiana. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “President Trump nominated a great Hoosier and a great friend to be Northern Indiana’s next U.S. Marshal. As a state trooper, Captain Scott Krueger dedicated more than two decades to protecting Hoosiers, as President of the Indiana State Police Alliance he stood-up for our law enforcement officers when they needed it the most, and I look forward to supporting his confirmation in the Senate. Thank you to current U.S. Marshal Todd Nukes for your longtime service to our country.” Scott Krueger (Nominee for United States Marshal for the Northern District of Indiana): Scott Krueger has served as a trooper with the Indiana State Police for 26 years and currently serves as Captain and Executive Liaison in the Office of the Superintendent. He previously served as president of the Indiana State Police Alliance and as a member of the National Troopers Coalition’s Executive Committee. Krueger holds an associate’s degree in computer graphic technology from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Oakland City University. U.S. Marshals Service: Established in 1789 under President George Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. The agency supports the Department of Justice and federal judiciary by apprehending federal fugitives, protecting federal courts, and participating in federal investigations. The agency has 94 Marshals nationwide—one for each federal judicial district. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-blocks-democrats-attempt-to-create-sanctuary-bus-stops-for-illegal-aliens/,Sen. Banks Blocks Democrats’ Attempt to Create “Sanctuary Bus Stops” for Illegal Aliens,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor objecting to Sen. Chris Murphy’s (D-Conn.) legislation that would prohibit ICE from enforcing federal immigration law at school bus stops. Banks warned that the bill would create “sanctuary bus stops” for illegal aliens and put children in harm’s way. During his remarks, Banks highlighted recent crimes committed by illegal aliens in Indiana and pointed to ICE’s successful five-day operation in early September that resulted in the arrests of 426 illegal aliens across the state. Click the image above or view the full speech here. See remarks below: “Mr. President, reserving the right to object: this is just another attempt by Democrats to stop ICE from doing their job and enforcing our immigration laws. As you’re seeing today, Democrats will do anything they can to stop ICE from securing our nation. “In my state of Indiana over the weekend, an illegal with an ICE detainer, drunk and behind the wheel, killed an innocent 33-year-old woman, Tamara Thomas, as she was walking near a gas station in Indianapolis. “Tamara is not the first Hoosier who lost her life because of the illegal immigration crisis. “In February, an illegal ran a red light and killed 64-year-old Terry Schultz in Avon, IN. “And in that same month, an illegal semi-truck driver who entered the country using Biden’s CBP One app swerved into oncoming traffic and killed four Amish men in Jay County, IN. “A couple of months ago, Indianapolis police arrested an illegal from Mexico, who now faces 30 charges, including rape, sexual assault and kidnapping. This illegal came into the country under the Biden Administration. “Last year, a 35-year-old illegal who was living in Indianapolis was sentenced to 35 years in prison after he sexually exploited and abused a 15-year-old girl. “Hoosiers are going to keep getting killed and harmed by illegals unless we let ICE officers do their jobs. The madness needs to end, and it needs to end now. ICE needs to be allowed to do their job without Democrat politicians getting in their way. “This bill that I am objecting to will prohibit ICE from operating at school bus stops. But we know that illegal aliens are often at or near bus stops. “In Virginia last year, ICE arrested a 36-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, a convicted pedophile, who exposed himself to a child at a school bus stop! How can anyone hear this awful story and think that the answer is to get ICE out of bus stops?! “Mr. President, if we prohibit ICE from operating at school bus stops, you know what will happen? We’ll just create “sanctuary bus stops!” All the illegals in the country will just hide out at bus stops, knowing that ICE isn’t allowed to touch them! Bus stops will become the most unsafe places in the country. “I mean, it’s just crazy to me to think that we should prevent ICE from operating at bus stops. ICE needs to be allowed to operate wherever the job takes them, especially at places where illegal aliens can harm innocent children. “Look, ICE is not the enemy here. But Democrats are trying to make them the enemy! Just a couple of weeks ago, ICE conducted a 5-day operation in Indiana, which resulted in the arrests of 426 illegals. These criminals include people charged with robberies, drug trafficking, sex crimes, and more. And ICE arrested an illegal from Guatemala who illegally voted in a national election in Indiana. I thought Democrats said that type of thing never happens! “So here we are again. Instead of giving ICE more resources, not less, instead of doing anything we can to deport illegals from our country, Democrats are here asking for unanimous consent to tie ICE’s hands behind their backs. “I won’t let that happen. ICE needs to be allowed to enforce the law wherever it takes them.” ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-urges-army-to-designate-camp-atterbury-and-muscatatuck-as-premier-test-ranges/,Sen. Banks Urges Army to Designate Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck as Premier Test Ranges,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Indiana facilities are ready to accelerate testing of unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, and other critical defense capabilities. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) led colleagues in sending a letter to Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle urging the Army to designate Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center as Premier Test Ranges under the Permissive Test Range Expansion Initiative. Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck are ready to expand Department of Army testing of unmanned systems, counter-UAS technologies and other critical defense capabilities. Camp Atterbury has already supported testing of drones later deployed by U.S. Central Command. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck are ready to help the Army move cutting-edge defense technology from development to the battlefield. Designating these facilities as Premier Test Ranges would accelerate innovation, strengthen our military, and expand Indiana’s role in supporting our national defense.” Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind): “Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center are uniquely positioned to help our military prepare for the threats of tomorrow. Designating these facilities as Premier Test Ranges would accelerate innovation, strengthen military readiness, and build on Indiana’s important role in our national defense. This designation would help ensure our service members have the capabilities they need to confront emerging threats and keep Americans safe.” Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN-08): “Future wars will be determined not only by the size of a nation’s military, but by how quickly it can develop, test, and field the next generation of technology. The Department of War consistently turns to Indiana to deliver the cutting-edge capabilities that give our adversaries pause. Designating Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck as Premier Test Ranges would build on that record, accelerate innovation from the test range to the battlefield, and make sure American warfighters enter the fight with the technological advantage.” Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-IN-06): “Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck are ready for this mission today. Our facilities offer the airspace, testing grounds, and experience to help the Army turn new technology into battlefield capability. Atterbury has already supported testing of drones deployed overseas. This designation would build on that proven record and expand Indiana’s contribution to our national defense.” Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN-09): “Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck are among our best military assets in the nation. They are a national leader in military readiness and the development of mission critical technology. Designating these assets as Premier Test Ranges would not only name them for what they already are, it will enhance our readiness ahead of emerging threats.” Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN-03): “Indiana’s Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center are prime locations to be designated as Premier Test Ranges by the U.S. Army. Indiana has long served as the pinnacle for defense innovation, manufacturing, and testing. Just this year, the U.S. launched drones in Iran that had been tested at Camp Atterbury’s T-REX program. I am proud to support Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center for designation to further advance America’s war fighting capabilities.” Rep. James Baird (R-IN-04): “Indiana is well-positioned to lead the development and testing of next-generation defense technologies. Our adversaries are advancing their military technology, and we cannot afford to slow down our own innovation. Redesignating Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck as Premier Test Ranges will accelerate the development of crucial weapon systems that strengthen our national security, helping ensure America remains at the forefront of military innovation. I’m proud to join my fellow Hoosier members of Congress in calling on Acting Secretary Telle to promptly redesignate these sites.” Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01): “I appreciate Senator Banks’ leadership and my fellow members of the Indiana Congressional delegation for coming together to pursue this designation. Our Indiana National Guard members and training facilities are world-class, and a favorable decision would further strengthen Indiana’s role as a national leader in military readiness.” Read the full letter here or below: The Honorable Adam Telle Acting Secretary of the Army We are writing to respectfully urge you to designate Indiana’s Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC) as Premier Test Ranges under the Department of Army’s Permissive Test Range Expansion Initiative (PTREI). This designation will bolster the Army’s capability to quickly connect private-sector innovation with realistic operational environments. As you know the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) under PTREI prioritizes commercial access to specialized environments ideal for testing unmanned systems, counter-UAS technologies, long-range fires and low-cost interceptors. MUTC offers a dense, infrastructure-rich urban landscape alongside the requisite physical, digital, and electromagnetic conditions needed to test commercial capabilities. Combined with Camp Atterbury’s maneuver space, ranges, aviation assets, and airspace access, the installation will allow technologies to quickly evolve from initial developmental testing to complex operational experimentation. This mature, self-sustaining ecosystem is operational and ready today, requiring no baseline infrastructure investment to support the initiative. Designating Camp Atterbury and MUTC as Premier Test Ranges will also provide increased testing capability to mitigate future scheduling bottlenecks as industry’s engagement with the Army continues to grow. Camp Atterbury has already demonstrated its value as a premier experimentation hub. Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones, the first reverse-engineered, one-way attack drones deployed by the United States in CENTCOM, were tested at Atterbury. As CENTCOM Commander Admiral Cooper said earlier this year, “I remember well the training that happened at Camp Atterbury … That training has produced additional capability that we have now employed against an adversary, very effectively.”[1] Additionally, Indiana was recently designated as an FAA Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site, permitting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing to advance autonomous flight standards. Designating Camp Attebury and MUTC as a Premier Test Ranges would complement the FAA designation by creating a bridge between commercial drone innovations and the complex urban, counter-UAS, and electronic warfare evaluations conducted by the Army. Specifically, the restricted airspace over Camp Atterbury, Indiana, is designated by the FAA as Special Use Airspace R-3401A and R-3401B, extending from the surface up to Flight Level 400 (just over 51 square miles of restricted airspace). Camp Atterbury’s integration of this airspace has established it as a tried-and-true operational proving ground for accelerating cutting-edge defense technologies through Task Force RAPTR and its innovative Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) campaigns. Muscatatuck, moreover, specializes in Class G and custom-managed airspace tailored for realistic low-altitude urban warfare for class 1 UAS, counter-UAS (drone) testing, and routinely supports electronic attack for training and testing. Thank you for your leadership, dedication to accelerating innovation, and continued service to our nation. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/9/blackburn-sues-jack-smith-for-unlawfully-seizing-phone-records,Blackburn Sues Jack Smith for Unlawfully Seizing Phone Records,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,TN,Marsha Blackburn,B001243,www.blackburn.senate.gov,blackburn,https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) filed a lawsuit against former Special Counsel Jack Smith for unlawfully subpoenaing her cell phone toll records during the Arctic Frost investigation. “Through his Arctic Frost witch hunt that targeted conservatives across America and even the President of the United States, Jack Smith perpetrated one of the worst abuses of government power in our nation’s history,” said Senator Blackburn. “This lawsuit is solely about holding Mr. Smith accountable and ensuring that our nation’s justice system can never again be weaponized against the American people. I thank the New Civil Liberties Alliance for their partnership in filing this complaint and for fighting to uphold our cherished constitutional rights.” The New Civil Liberties Alliance filed the complaint on behalf of Senator Blackburn in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The lawsuit asks the Court to declare Smith’s appointment unlawful under the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause and to hold Smith accountable, in his personal capacity, for his gross abuses of power. Importantly, this lawsuit seeks an award of nominal damages of only one dollar—underscoring the point that Senator Blackburn is solely interested in holding Jack Smith accountable for his weaponization of government. The lawsuit comes one day after Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which revealed that Arctic Frost obtained sensitive information—including home addresses, bank account numbers, and signatures—on 4,782 Americans who donated to President Trump, including 102 Tennesseans. BACKGROUND Jack Smith was illegally named Special Counsel in November 2022. Then-President Biden did not nominate Smith, nor did the Senate confirm Smith as either Special Counsel or in any other position. Additionally, no statute authorized Smith’s appointment. Smith and others in the DOJ, FBI, Special Counsel’s office, and Public Integrity Section agreed to subpoena Senator Blackburn’s cell phone toll records, revealing whom she spoke with, when, and for how long. Smith also obtained a non-disclosure order from the Court, while withholding from the judge that the subpoena sought the records of a sitting U.S. Senator. That non-disclosure order required the Senator’s cell phone provider to keep the subpoena secret. Senator Blackburn was not the only target. Smith’s office is alleged to have subpoenaed the toll records of at least twenty Members of Congress — all Republicans — and roughly 400 Republican individuals and organizations. Smith issued the subpoena and non-disclosure order for Senator Blackburn’s records on May 25, 2023, just over a month after she became one of the first sitting senators to endorse President Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign. Senator Blackburn did not learn her records had been seized until October 6, 2025. RELATED VIDEO: Blackburn Presses Phone Company Executives on Complicity in Jack Smith’s Witch Hunt Against Conservatives Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Calling for DOJ Investigation into Jack Smith for Spying on Republican Members of Congress Blackburn Demands Answers from Cell Phone Carriers Who Allowed Biden FBI to Spy on Members of Congress",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/09/30/budd-bill-to-build-new-state-veterans-home-near-fort-bragg-passes-the-senate-unanimously/,Budd Bill to Build New State Veterans Home Near Fort Bragg Passes the Senate Unanimously,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the House companion bill to his Fort Bragg Land Transfer for Veterans Act. This legislation transfers twenty acres of federal property off the installation at Fort Bragg to the State of North Carolina, allowing the state to pursue permitting and construction of a new state veterans home near the base. The bill is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Senator Budd teamed up with U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.-09), who led the House companion, to pass the legislation through Congress. Representative Hudson was joined by the entire bipartisan North Carolina House delegation in this effort. “North Carolina is the proud home of more than 620,000 veterans, and we have a responsibility to provide them with the quality care that they have earned. After the Fayetteville State Veterans Home closed in 2024, our state lost critical capacity to care for our veterans. Building a new veterans home near Fort Bragg will help fill that gap and ensure that our nation’s heroes receive the quality care they deserve. I am grateful to Representative Richard Hudson for leading this effort in the House and working with me to get this bill passed in the Senate,” said Senator Budd. “Our veterans kept their promise to serve, and we have a responsibility to keep our promise to take care of them. With today’s unanimous Senate passage, we are one step away from getting this bill signed into law and moving forward with a new veterans home near Fort Bragg. I want to thank Senator Budd, Chairman Wicker, and the Senate Armed Services Committee for working quickly to move our bill through the Senate and help us deliver for North Carolina’s veterans,” said Representative Hudson. “Serving our veterans is incumbent on all of us. It was my privilege to work with Congressman Hudson and take this important step in serving some of North Carolina’s finest. Today, the Senate moved swiftly to pass our bill aiming to facilitate the construction of a new veterans’ home in Harnett County. North Carolina’s 13th District is home to tens of thousands of veterans who have earned care worthy of their service. Once President Trump signs this into law, this new facility will finally deliver the long-term care our veterans have earned and deserve,” said Representative Knott. BACKGROUND The former Fayetteville State Veterans Home closed in February 2024 after structural deficiencies and repair needs were identified, several related to water damage. When the 150-bed facility closed, 85 aging veterans in residence, including many with dementia and other disabilities, were displaced. As a result, family members struggled to find suitable living accommodation that met their relative’s health and care needs. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/09/30/budd-coons-uscirf-reauthorization-bill-passes-senate-with-wide-bipartisan-support/,"Budd, Coons USCIRF Reauthorization Bill Passes Senate with Wide Bipartisan Support",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statements after their legislation to reauthorize the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 passed the Senate unanimously last evening. The bill extends the authorization of the independent, bipartisan USCIRF to ensure the commission can continue to promote and monitor religious freedom around the world. The bill is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Upon passage, Senator Budd said: “The systemic persecution of people of faith in adversarial nations like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia is a grave threat to freedom of religion that cannot be ignored. For over two decades, USCIRF has been indispensable in safeguarding American foreign policy interests by exposing the brutal regimes and bad actors that imprison, torture, and even kill innocent people for practicing their faith. These malicious attacks on religious freedom must never go unchecked. I am proud to have led the bipartisan reauthorization of USCIRF in the Senate alongside Senator Coons, and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who joined us in passing this time-sensitive legislation to ensure the Commission can continue its vital work to defend the freedom of religion around the world.” Upon passage, Senator Coons said: “The right to worship – or not worship – is fundamental to democracy and stability around the world. With it go freedom of speech, assembly, and petition. I’m proud this bill reauthorizing the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support. I urge the president to sign it quickly so our government can get back to the work of protecting religious freedom globally and ensuring that everyone has the space to live and breathe free.” U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-N.J.-04) and Brad Sherman (D-Ca.-32) led the reauthorization of USCIRF in the House of Representatives, which passed in early June of this year. Representatives Smith and Sherman were joined by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.-12), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas-28), Thomas Suozzi (R-N.Y.-03), Ted Lieu (D-Ca.-36), Jason Crow (D-Colo.-06), Michael McCaul (R-Texas-10), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.27), Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.-17), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.-04), and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08) in leading the effort. BACKGROUND In March 2026, Senators Budd and Coons were joined by Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and a broader bipartisan coalition in introducing legislation to reauthorize USCIRF through FY2028. In June 2026, the legislation advanced out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, as amended by the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016, declared U.S. policy to condemn violations of religious freedom and to promote the inalienable right to freedom of religion around the world. IRFA also established USCIRF as a bipartisan, independent commission charged with monitoring conditions for religious freedom worldwide. USCIRF’s 2026 Annual Report recommended that China, Iran, Russia, Nigeria, and Cuba, among other countries, be designated as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs) for international religious freedom. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-lee-whitehouse-and-heinrich-introduce-bipartisan-american-affordability-and-jobs-act-of-2026,"Capito, Lee, Whitehouse, and Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,WV,Shelley Moore Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,capito,https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee; Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee; and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the ENR Committee, introduced theBipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 to reform the federal environmental review and permitting processes. This groundbreaking agreement will deliver cheaper energy, more jobs, and responsible growth across the United States. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act provides certainty that permitted energy and infrastructure projects will retain their permits absent extraordinary circumstances, violations of law, or court order, as well as targeted reforms for various energy projects. This legislation reflects input from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and from a diverse group of stakeholders. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act also forces data centers to pay their fair share by requiring them to pay for all of their associated transmission costs. “For far too long, our broken and outdated federal environmental review and permitting processes have stood in the way of energy reliability, secure jobs, modern infrastructure, and economic growth. The bipartisan reforms we secured in this deal will transform our nation’s ability to power our economy and fuel future growth, while continuing to protect the land, water, and wildlife we all cherish. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate and the House, and President Trump to get this essential legislation signed into law so we can build the infrastructure America needs to grow and thrive,” said EPW Chairman Capito. “We once built projects like the Hoover Dam, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Empire State Building in years, not decades. America still has the resources and the talent, but what too often stands in the way is a permitting system that takes too long and costs too much. After years of work in Congress and many months of negotiations, I’m proud we’ve reached a bipartisan agreement to fix this broken process and get America back to building,” said ENR Chairman Lee. “The American people want lower energy bills, and they want more clean energy. Our permitting reform plan gets us a long way toward both of those goals. If we can pass this bill, we will flood the grid with clean, affordable energy and make data centers start paying their fair share. Like all major pieces of bipartisan legislation, this bill is a compromise. We believe it is a compromise that will result in a brighter, cleaner, more affordable future,” said EPW Ranking Member Whitehouse. “America is entering a new era of energy demand. We have an enormous opportunity to build big things again to meet that moment – to build more generation, expand our grid, create more jobs, lower energy costs, and make sure we have the energy we need to compete. It should not take decades to build the infrastructure our country needs. Our Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act will help us get to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on energy projects faster, while protecting important environmental safeguards and protecting the ability of Tribes to formally consult during these processes. It will mean more energy on the grid, more good-paying jobs, and lower electricity costs for families and businesses. And as data centers drive demand for more power, it will ensure they pay their fair share of the grid upgrades they require – not leave that bill to American families. Our bill puts teeth behind that principle,” said ENR Ranking Member Heinrich. The bill text is available here. # # #",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-taxpayer-funded-compensation-accountability-act/,Cassidy Introduces Taxpayer Funded Compensation Accountability Act,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to ensure political appointees in the federal government do not earn a salary higher than Members of Congress. The bill would cap the annual salary of appointees at the annual salary of a U.S. Senator or Member of the House of Representatives. “If you’re paid by taxpayers, you shouldn’t make more than those who were elected by taxpayers,” said Dr. Cassidy. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-legislation-to-help-americans-better-plan-for-retirement-advances-senate/,Cassidy Legislation to Help Americans Better Plan for Retirement Advances Senate,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) led efforts to pass the Claiming Age Clarity Act, a bill to help Americans better plan for retirement by ensuring they have clear information when deciding to claim Social Security benefits. The bill requires the Social Security Administration to replace current confusing terms used to describe claiming ages with clearer, more straightforward language. “Americans looking to retire are counting on the benefits they have earned. They ought to have the best financial information possible when the time comes,” said Dr. Cassidy. The Claiming Age Clarity Act has been endorsed by a variety of organizations representing elderly Americans, retirees, and individuals planning for retirement, such as the American Association of Mature Citizens Action (AMAC Action), Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). “For too long, the terminology used by the Social Security Administration has misled millions of Americans into making suboptimal choices about when to claim their hard-earned benefits. This commonsense legislation is vital to ensuring older Americans make informed decisions that directly impact their financial security in retirement,” said AMAC Action’s Andrew J. Mangione. “Hard-working Americans deserve simple, straightforward information when planning for retirement, especially when it comes to claiming Social Security…We know the age at which one first claims Social Security benefits drastically impacts the total income they receive over time, and this bill will ensure that retirees are better informed in their long-term planning and decisions,” said Bipartisan Policy Center Action President Michele Stockwell. “AARP has long supported efforts to improve the terminology used by the Social Security Administration to describe claiming ages, replacing confusing terms like ‘early’ or ‘normal’ with plain-language alternatives such as ‘minimum,’ ‘standard,’ and ‘maximum’ monthly benefit age. These changes will help people better understand the lasting impact of their claiming choices and make more informed decisions to protect their financial security in retirement,” said AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Bill Sweeney. Background Cassidy joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce the legislation in 2023. The group sent a letter to the Social Security Administration urging them to develop an action plan to help individuals make more informed claiming decisions. Cassidy has championed efforts to rescue Social Security from insolvency and repeatedly called on Congress to act to save the program. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-honors-new-orleans-native-walker-beerys-legacy-during-pediatric-brain-cancer-awareness-month/,LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Honors New Orleans Native Walker Beery’s Legacy During Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, honored the legacy of New Orleans native Walker Beery and his family’s work through Kids Join the Fight during Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Walker’s story is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full September 2026 Local Spotlight below: This month’s Local Spotlight recognizes September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, in particular, Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Behind every pediatric cancer diagnosis is a child and family whose lives are forever changed. One story I want to share today is that of New Orleans native Walker Beery and his family. At just seven years old, Walker was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain cancer. During one of his days in the hospital, another little girl also receiving treatment gave Walker a teddy bear. She was going through a difficult time herself, but still wanted to do something kind for someone else. This small act inspired Walker to do the same, in an even bigger way. And Kids Join the Fight was born. Walker dreamed of raising a million dollars to help others and cure pediatric brain cancer. Although sadly Walker passed away on September 4, 2021, before he could reach his goal, his family was determined to finish what he started. Before the end of that same year, Kids Join the Fight had raised the million dollars Walker dreamed of. And they kept going. What started as a grassroots effort led by Walker and his friends has grown into an organization helping families, advancing the fight against pediatric cancer, and providing grants to families across the country. And perhaps most importantly, it continues to give children a chance to do what Walker did. Help someone else. Now, Walker’s legacy is taking shape in a very special way right in Louisiana. This November, Walker’s Imaginarium will open at Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. It will give patients and their families a bright, happy place to play, laugh, and experience just a bit of normalcy during an incredibly difficult time. Because even when a child is sick, they still deserve to be a child. That is what makes Walker’s story so powerful. He was a seven-year-old boy who received a teddy bear and decided to then help others. And years later, his family has turned that simple act of kindness into a movement. This September, we remember Walker, children like Walker, and the families who fight alongside them. And we celebrate a little boy from New Orleans whose kindness continues to make an impact on many. May we all learn to walk with courage, gratefulness, and generosity during hard times. Just as seven-year-old Walker Beery did. Background In August, Cassidy commemorated the twenty-first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by highlighting the partnership between Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and First Baptist New Orleans, illustrating the deep sense of community that binds Louisianans together. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-meets-with-the-2026-maine-teacher-of-the-year,Senator Collins Meets with the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan M. Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,collins,https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Click HERE for a full-resolution photo. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Julia Edwards, the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. Julia is a choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School and Bruce Whittier Middle School. She was previously named the 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year. “Julia is an outstanding educator whose passion for music and commitment to her students have made a lasting and positive impact on the Poland community,” said Senator Susan Collins. “Teachers like Julia inspire students to discover their talents and develop a lifelong love of learning, and I appreciated the opportunity to congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award and to thank her for her important work.” In addition to her teaching, Julia has served as President of the Maine American Choral Directors Association, coordinated district-wide professional development conferences, presented at state and national conferences, and served as a guest clinician for district and state music festivals. She also plays the oboe and English horn with the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra and Casco Bay Wind Symphony. Julia earned her degree in music education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signed-into-law-kay-hagan-tick-reauthorization-act-authored-by-senator-collins,SIGNED INTO LAW: Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act Authored by Senator Collins,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan M. Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,collins,https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, which she introduced with Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), with Senator Angus King joining them as an original cosponsor, has been signed into law. Cases of Lyme disease have reached a new record level in Maine every year since 2022, with more than 4,200 cases reported statewide last year. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act confronts this growing public health threat by reauthorizing federal initiatives and programs to combat tick-borne diseases first established through the original Kay Hagan Tick Act, which Senators Collins and Smith led to passage in 2019. The Senators named their bill in honor of the late Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), who passed away in October of 2019 due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus. “With Maine continuing to experience record levels of Lyme disease, we must continue working to address the growing threat posed by tick-borne diseases,” said Senator Collins. “The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act builds on the progress we have made in combatting these diseases since the original law was enacted and ensures this important work can continue across the country. I am grateful to Senator Smith for her partnership in this effort and to our colleagues in both chambers for working with us to move this important legislation across the finish line, and I am pleased to see it now signed into law.” Using a three-pronged approach, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act will: Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases through Fiscal Year 2030. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up approximately 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are four centers: at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of California–Davis, the University of Florida, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The authorization for the program under the Kay Hagan Tick Act expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2025. Reauthorize CDC Grants to State Health Departments. These grants help departments improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness of vector-borne diseases. Reauthorizing these awards will help states continue building and maintaining a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships. Since 2019, this funding has helped increase the number of health departments reporting tick-surveillance data from 6 to 44. Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue implementing and updating, as appropriate, its National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People. This strategy has been integral in expanding research into tick-borne diseases, improving testing and diagnostics, and coordinating efforts across the federal government. Since the original Kay Hagan Tick Act was signed into law in 2019, resources provided through the law have supported efforts to combat tick-borne diseases in Maine, including research at the MaineHealth Institute for Research connected to a clinical trial for a Lyme disease vaccine. The law has also provided funding for Maine CDC’s efforts to track and respond to vector-borne diseases. Senator Collins has also secured more than $6 million through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee for the University of Maine Tick Lab, which conducts tick surveillance and research and allows Mainers to submit ticks for pathogen testing. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act has been endorsed by the University of Maine Tick Lab, the Center for Lyme Action, and the Entomological Society of America. “The growing burden of ticks and tick-borne diseases requires attention at the federal, state, and local levels. Reauthorization of the Kay Hagan TICK Act helps maintain a national strategy for addressing these diseases and supporting the science, coordination, and public health capacity needed to respond effectively. We appreciate Senator Collins’ efforts to keep this issue before Congress and to recognize its importance to Maine and other heavily affected states,” said Griffin Dill, Director of the University of Maine Tick Lab. “The reauthorization of the Kay Hagan Tick Act is a landmark victory for the millions of Americans impacted by tick-borne diseases and a testament to what is possible when policymakers, patients, families, and advocates come together to address a growing public health crisis. We are deeply grateful to the bipartisan leaders in the House and Senate who championed this legislation and helped bring it across the finish line, and to the thousands of advocates across the country whose voices, persistence, and grassroots action made this historic achievement possible. We look forward to building on this momentum to deliver the research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatments that patients and families so urgently need. This legislation is a critical investment in our nation’s public health infrastructure and an important step toward finally turning the tide against these complex and devastating diseases,” said Meghan Bradshaw, MPH, Executive Director of the Center for Lyme Action. “On behalf of the Entomological Society of America, we are extremely appreciative of the support shown in the House and Senate for the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act and we thank Senator Collins for her continued leadership on this issue. Reauthorizing the CDC Regional Centers of Excellence (COE) in Vector-Borne Diseases and reinforcing support for the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant program will help protect communities across the country from the growing challenges posed by diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes through research, surveillance, management, and outreach,” said Dr. Melissa Siebert, the 2026 President of the Entomological Society of America. The complete text of the law can be read here. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-senators-to-blanche-investigate-communist-chinese-criminal-marijuana-organizations/,"Cotton, Senators to Blanche: Investigate Communist Chinese Criminal Marijuana Organizations",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,cotton,https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases,page_html,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 30, 2026 Cotton, Senators to Blanche: Investigate Communist Chinese Criminal Marijuana Organizations WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), and Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting an investigation into Communist Chinese criminal organizations operating illegal cannabis and intoxicating-hemp enterprises that threaten the health and safety of Arkansans. In part, the Senators wrote: “We write requesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate the growing role of Chinese transnational criminal organizations in America’s cannabis and intoxicating-hemp markets. Recent reporting and investigations suggest Chinese criminal networks are exploiting vulnerabilities in federal law to operate expansive illicit drug enterprises that threaten our communities and national security.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. September 30, 2026 The Honorable Todd Blanche Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Blanche: We write requesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate the growing role of Chinese transnational criminal organizations in America’s cannabis and intoxicating-hemp markets. Recent reporting and investigations suggest Chinese criminal networks are exploiting vulnerabilities in federal law to operate expansive illicit drug enterprises that threaten our communities and national security. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment found that Chinese transnational criminal organizations dominate marijuana cultivation and distribution in the United States, especially in states with legal cannabis markets. These organizations purchase and lease American land for illegal grow operations, traffic foreign workers, and use toxic pesticides and fertilizers shipped from China, including chemicals banned in the United States. The scale and complexity of these networks make them difficult to track and raise concerns about what other illicit or synthetic products they may be introducing into the U.S. market. Last year, seven Chinese nationals were charged with running grow houses, smuggling workers from China, and laundering millions of dollars in proceeds. In April 2026, 29 Chinese nationals were charged in a nationwide black-market marijuana operation centered in Oklahoma. Most recently, local authorities in Siskiyou County, California detailed a sprawling system of industrial-scale illegal grows, many of which are run by Chinese nationals. The growers have been linked to human trafficking, violent crime, and toxic foreign pesticides. But their scale and a “shell game” of property records have complicated efforts to dismantle them. Congress has recognized the need to address vulnerabilities in this market, including closing gaps in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed unregulated intoxicating hemp and THC products to proliferate. These reforms are set to take effect on December 11, 2026. Leaving the loophole unaddressed would give these networks additional time to flood American commerce with synthetic products. This would also further entrench their operations on American soil, fund their enterprises with illicit revenue, and expose consumers to unregulated, dangerous synthetic products masquerading as legal hemp. While this will address harmful products currently in the market, questions remain about who is financing and supporting these organizations operating within the industry. We therefore request that the DOJ fully investigate these criminal networks, including their financing, land usage, chemical imports, and any connections to the Chinese Communist Party. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, Tom Cotton United States Senator ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-votes-to-ban-congressional-insider-trading-slams-democrats-hypocrisy/,"Cotton Votes to Ban Congressional Insider Trading, Slams Democrats’ Hypocrisy",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,cotton,https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases,page_html,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 30, 2026 Cotton Votes to Ban Congressional Insider Trading, Slams Democrats’ Hypocrisy WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after he voted in favor of the Stop Insider Trading Act, which would ban members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying stocks. He also condemned Democrats for opposing it despite their previous statements. “No one, especially members of Congress, should profit from insider information. I voted for the Stop Insider Trading Act to rid Congress of this corruption and ensure we all play by the same rules as every law-abiding Arkansan. The Democrats who blocked it went back on their word to protect their own wallets—they should be ashamed of themselves.” ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-hhs-announces-award-of-more-than-124-million-for-north-dakota,Sen. Cramer: HHS Announces Award of More Than $12.4 Million for North Dakota,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $12,422,006 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services through the Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration program. The MFP program provides flexible funding opportunities to develop and test long-term strategies, tools and infrastructure needed to move eligible patients from institutional settings and into community-based settings.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-applauds-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-crack-down-on-atm-robberies,Sen. Cruz Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on ATM Robberies,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, issued the following statement after Senate passage of the Safe Access to Cash Act. This bipartisan legislation applies the same federal penalties to robberies involving off-site automatic teller machines (ATMs) as those that apply to robberies involving ATMs at financial institutions. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for passage. Sen. Cruz said, “In Texas and across the country, criminals are increasingly targeting ATMs, putting workers, bystanders, law enforcement, and first responders in danger. This common-sense legislation strengthens federal penalties to deter these criminals and disrupt the organized networks behind these robberies. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues to pass this bipartisan bill through the Senate, and I urge the House to pass it and send it to the President’s desk.” Click here to read more about the bill. BACKGROUND: The Federal Bank Robbery Act of 1934 currently applies to banks and financial institutions, but not to standalone ATMs in malls, convenience stores, or other public locations. Robbers and thieves are increasingly targeting ATMs, with theft rates rising dramatically each year since 2019. ATMs can be robbed in as little as three minutes and may hold as much as $250,000. Houston is currently tied with Chicago and Philadelphia as one of the cities facing serious ATM theft.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-blunt-rochester-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-give-families-greater-flexibility-with-529-savings,"Sens. Cruz, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Give Families Greater Flexibility with 529 Savings",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) introduced the 529 Retirement Enhancement Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation eliminates the $35,000 lifetime cap on rollovers from 529 education savings accounts to Roth IRAs. Sen. Cruz said, “I have been committed throughout my Senate career to expanding 529 savings accounts to give parents increased flexibility to save and invest in their children’s future. The law currently penalizes families when their children receive a scholarship or choose an alternative to college, leaving education savings unused, which in turn serves as a disincentive to initially use these accounts. The bipartisan 529 Retirement Enhancement Act will give parents greater flexibility to roll over unused education funds into their children’s Roth IRAs, and I’m proud to introduce it.” Sen. Blunt Rochester said, “529 accounts can be incredibly useful in helping families prepare for higher education, but plans can change. A student may receive a scholarship, not use the full balance of their account, or simply choose a different path. Families should be able to preserve financial flexibility regardless of what their child’s education decisions are years down the road. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan 529 Retirement Enhancement Act to remove barriers to saving and give families greater peace of mind when investing in their children’s future.” This legislation is supported by the Investment Company Institute. Investment Company Institute Chief of Government Affairs and Public Policy Tom Quaadman said, “ICI applauds Sens. Cruz and Blunt Rochester for their commonsense legislation giving families greater financial flexibility and security. Families with unspent funds in a 529 plan should not be penalized because a student received a scholarship or pursued other options. The Cruz-Rochester bill permits unused education savings to be moved into a Roth IRA allowing young people to get started on their path to a secure financial future.” Read the bill text here. BACKGROUND:",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/09/30/daines-celebrates-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-hyde-amendment-every-life-born-and-unborn-is-valued/,"Daines Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Hyde Amendment: “Every Life, Born and Unborn, is Valued”",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,daines,https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Sponsors Resolution Commemorating Hyde Amendment’s Legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined Americans United for Life at their September 30th rally celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment. Originally enacted in 1976, this amendment has saved the lives of millions of unborn children and protected taxpayers from violating their conscience by funding elective abortions. Daines today also joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing a resolution to recognize the Hyde Amendment’s legacy over the past 50 years. Read the resolution HERE. Watch Daines’ full remarks at the Americans United for Life rally HERE: Read Daines’ remarks as prepared for delivery: Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment-one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in our nation’s history that defends the unborn and taxpayer conscience. The Hyde Amendment protects the constitutional right to religious liberty and affirms that federal funds cannot be used to fund abortions. A majority of Americans support this. And yet, pro-abortion advocates attempt to undermine Hyde daily. In their own 2024-2025 report, Planned Parenthood reported that they received $832 million in federal funds through Medicaid and Title X. This Medicaid funding was temporarily blocked for one year thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts and Jobs act, which I was proud to support. But one year has passed, and Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood has resumed again. I will work with my colleagues in Congress to reinstate this ban and make it permanent. We also need to educate the next generation about how dangerous the abortion pill is, for both babies and for the women who take it. This is the left’s next battleground, and we can’t let them win. The grassroots movement, from our AUL doorknockers to the church ministries to the pregnancy clinics, is critically important. Thank you to everyone here- you are true examples of what it means to fight for what’s right, even when it’s not easy. And most importantly, we need your prayers. Prayer is the most powerful tool that we have on our side. I’ll close with Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart.” I’m hopeful that one day, by the grace of God, abortion will be unthinkable and every preborn child will be protected by law. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.dgraham.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-darline-graham-stands-up-for-life-on-the-50th-anniversary-of-hyde-amendment,Senator Darline Graham Stands Up for Life on the 50th Anniversary of Hyde Amendment,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Darline Graham,G000608,www.dgraham.senate.gov,darlinegraham,https://www.dgraham.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-South Carolina) today joined her Senate colleagues in cosponsoring a resolution marking the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment becoming law. The resolution recognizes the significant legacy of the Hyde Amendment, which has been credited with saving more than 2.6 million lives since its enactment. “I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment. The legacy that the Hyde Amendment created is one of hope and promise, with 2.6 million lives saved thanks to this legislation,” said Senator Darline Graham. Senator Darline Graham continued, “But the work did not stop 50 years ago, and it is not stopping today. Taxpayer dollars should never be used to fund abortions, and I will oppose any effort to do so.” Full text of the resolution can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/democrats-block-ernst-effort-to-protect-taxpayer-dollars-from-fraudsters,Democrats Block Ernst Effort to Protect Taxpayer Dollars from Fraudsters,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Joni Ernst,E000295,www.ernst.senate.gov,ernst,https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Democrats blocked passage of Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) comprehensive, bipartisan anti-fraud package, that could have saved American taxpayers approximately $240 billion. Senator Ernst called on her colleagues to pass this critical legislation to prevent fraudsters from stealing $1.4 billion every single day, but Senate Democrats objected. Following the massive fraud schemes that were uncovered in Minnesota and Ohio, Ernst has been fighting to pass her bill that would recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars, and stop fraudsters. Yesterday, Ernst exposed a list of con artists who fraudulently billed government programs for over one billion dollars, highlighting that “if grift was a government agency, the Department of Fraud would be the fifth largest.” Watch Senator Ernst’s remarks here. Ernst’s full remarks as delivered: “Mr. President, while hardworking Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities, there’s one class of people who’ve never had it better: Fraudsters “Scammers are stealing more than $1.4 billion from taxpayers every day. “Yesterday, I released a list of con artists who each fraudulently billed government programs for ONE BILLION DOLLARS or more. “These billionaire bandits looted programs for the elderly, poor, disabled, and veterans to lavish themselves with million-dollar mansions, Rolex watches, expensive jewelry, and luxury cars. “One fraudster brags, ‘I had everything. I had houses, I had cars, I had watches.’ “He ripped off Medicare for over a decade before getting turned in, and says, ‘It’s just so easy. It’s unbelievable.’ “Based upon the numbers, he isn’t lying. “If grift was a government agency, the Department of Fraud would be the fifth largest. “The $521 billion going to fraud every year exceeds the individual annual budgets of the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Homeland Security, State, and Justice. “That’s right, folks, fraudsters are being better taken care of than our veterans and farmers. “Fraud is not a victimless crime, either. “In fact, it has far-reaching consequences. “We’ve learned taxpayer dollars stolen from U.S. Small Business Administration financed the assassination, yes, you heard it right, the assassination of Haiti’s president in 2021. “A team of Colombian mercenaries and their pistols, rifles, and tactical gear were all paid for with the support of $840,000 fraudulently obtained from the SBA. “The political instability resulting from the assassination forced hundreds of thousands of Haitians to flee their nation, taking refuge in the United States. “The Biden administration provided many of these migrants with food stamps and medical care, also paid for by Americans taxpayers. “The inability to safeguard small business assistance resulted in taxpayers footing the bills for both the crime and its consequences. “Many of these scams also involve identity theft that upend the lives of the unsuspecting Americans who then must suffer the consequences. “For example, the Medicare number of a woman in California was stolen by scammers who used it to fraudulently bill for hospice care. “When she sought physical therapy for an injury, Medicare denied her coverage because she was listed as dying in hospice. “Think about that. “The same government agency that wouldn’t provide her with the health care she was promised, approved and paid for bogus medical bills submitted by scammers using her information. “Medicare exists to ensure folks like her receive medically necessary care, not to make billionaires out of fraudsters. “Yet, the identities and personal information of more than one million Americans have been stolen by Medicare mobsters to file phony health care claims. “One illegal alien submitted at least $1.3 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers over just six months using stolen identities. “He laundered millions of the stolen tax dollars overseas to the Russian mob before some of his victims alerted Medicare that they were not receiving notices for care and items they did not receive prescribed by doctors they had not visited. “Another con artist orchestrated a billion-dollar fraud machine that used foreign call centers to submit bogus bills. “He treated programs meant to care for the elderly, veterans, and servicemembers like his own personal cash register. “From fake day care centers to phony small businesses, the examples are absolutely endless, but the public’s patience is not. “According to the latest Gallup poll, nine out of ten Americans say government corruption is widespread, that’s a record-high number. “I challenge you to find any other issue where Democrats, Republicans, and independents agree with each other more strongly. “We owe it to all Americans to stop the government grift. “My Protecting American Taxpayers Act would do just that by— “ Stopping government agencies from handing out quick cash with no questions asked; triggering automatic investigations when there are sudden and suspicious spikes in payment claims; banning convicted fraudsters from receiving taxpayer dollars; taking back the money that was already stolen; and sending those darn scammers to the slammer. “If enacted, this bill could save $240 billion. That’s ‘billion’ with a B, folks. “The choice is quite simple: Give the money to fraudsters or return it to taxpayers. “What would really be criminal is if the Senate left town today without passing this meaningful legislation to eliminate fraud.” ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-america-cant-hit-pause-on-ai-while-china-charges-ahead,Ernst: America Can’t Hit Pause on AI While China Charges Ahead,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Joni Ernst,E000295,www.ernst.senate.gov,ernst,https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, during a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management hearing, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) praised how Super Intelligence (SI), also known as artificial intelligence, helps keep Americans safe while acknowledging Congress’ responsibility to ensure proper guardrails are in place. Ernst questioned Kurt Gaudette on how Congress can better empower SI developers and companies to collaborate to ensure we can deter and respond to cyber-attacks, emphasizing that “AI has been so helpful in medical research and protecting our troops from drone swarms or missile attacks… so we need to keep moving forward. If we pause, we're not going to see China pause.” Watch Ernst’s questioning here. Background: The hearing followed President Trump’s signing of an executive order focused on incorporating “Super Intelligence” (SI) and recognizing the continued advancement of the technological frontier and the opportunities it presents for the American people. The hearing examined the growing risks posed by increasingly capable SI systems, including SI agents acting beyond their intended instructions and the potential for hostile actors to use SI to target critical infrastructure, strategic industries, and government agencies. The hearing featured testimony from: Chris Painter, President of the Model Evaluation and Threat Research Marius Hobbhahn, Co-Founder and CEO of Apollo Research Paul Ohm, Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center Kurt Gaudette, Senior Vice President of Intelligence and Services at Dragos, Inc. Daniel Kokotajlo, Executive Director of the AI Futures Project ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=04E803CD-846B-495D-834A-912862C7D273,Fischer Makes the Case for Golden Dome During Subcommittee Hearing,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,NE,Deb Fischer,F000463,www.fischer.senate.gov,fischer,https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, convened a hearing for an update on Golden Dome, the multi-layer missile defense system being developed for the United States. Click here to download video of Fischer’s opening remarks Watch the full hearing here The committee heard testimony from the following witnesses: The Honorable David J. Trachtenberg, senior scholar, National Institute for Public Policy Dr. Thomas O. Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies Mr. David E. Mosher, director of National Security Analysis, Congressional Budget Office Fischer’s remarks as prepared: Good afternoon and welcome to our witnesses who are joining us to discuss outside perspectives on Golden Dome for America. Our homeland is not a sanctuary. Our adversaries are developing and fielding long-range capabilities specifically designed to challenge and evade the limited defenses currently deployed. These include cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and large drones – threats that fall below the threshold of a full nuclear attack, yet could still provide devastating damage to our ports, critical infrastructure, and military installations. We do not have an effective counter to these threats, and we cannot afford to remain complacent. Our adversaries must never believe that they can coerce us with the threat of a limited, conventional missile attack on the United States. Which is why this subcommittee has been clear for years – on a bipartisan basis – that the United States needs a more comprehensive integrated air and missile defense system. This administration has supercharged these efforts. The Department [of War] is finally prioritizing homeland defense, has requested the resources needed to rapidly develop and field new systems, and has granted General Guetlein with all the authorities necessary to realize this vision as the Direct Reporting Program Manager for Golden Dome for America. I greatly appreciate General Guetlein’s close communication with this committee, and I’m confident that he’s building out an architecture that will provide the United States with much better coverage against a greater variety of threats. He’s committed to working with industry to lower costs, explore innovative ideas, and deliver capability as quickly as possible. Golden Dome completed its first successful test in June, and I look forward to hearing about future tests when our committee will be formally briefed in November. Most of the details of the architecture are highly classified, and rightly so. We do not want our adversaries to know the exact contours of Golden Dome. Unfortunately, keeping these details from the public has led to irresponsible speculation - often based on false assumptions - about what Golden Dome will look like and what it will cost the taxpayer. Mr. Mosher, I understand that CBO’s [Congressional Budget Office] cost estimate released earlier this year was underpinned by assumptions CBO made based solely on the limited language from President Trump’s Executive Order and does not reflect any of General Guetlein’s subsequent decisions about the overall program architecture, his engagements with industry to lower ‘cost-per-shot’, or how he plans to sequence the introduction of capability over time and leverage emerging technologies. I look forward to continued engagements with CBO on more informed analyses in the future. However, there is plenty we can talk about in this setting, and I look forward to hearing from the expert witnesses today about their views on what the Department should prioritize in Golden Dome.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A1EB5405-40F1-49AE-851F-5003A62FE92B,Fischer Votes to Protect Consumers from Data Center Energy Costs,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,NE,Deb Fischer,F000463,www.fischer.senate.gov,fischer,https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) voted for the Ratepayer Protection Act, a bill introduced by Senator Jon Husted (R-OH), to create a federal standard for data centers to cover the cost of energy generation and transmission and keep local ratepayers from facing increased energy costs. Fischer is a cosponsor of the legislation. “We’ve heard concerns from Americans across the country about the impact data centers could have on their energy bills,” Fischer said. “Senator Husted has worked hard to address this, but Senate Democrats put politics over a real solution. I was proud to cosponsor and support the bill, and I remain hopeful we can still get it to President Trump’s desk.” The Ratepayer Protection Act overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives on September 16, 2026, by a vote of 417-3. The legislation creates a standard that states can consider when connecting new large-load data centers or hyperscalers with 100 megawatts or more of peak demand at a single facility. This standard is based on three provisions: Large-load data centers should cover the full, incremental cost of any generation, transmission, or distribution upgrades they require. If a data center needs a new high-voltage line or a new generating station to meet its load, they alone should be responsible for those costs. Contracts between large-load data centers and utilities should include meaningful financial assurances to prevent overbuilding or stranding assets that would otherwise force everyday customers to absorb the cost. Many of the infrastructure upgrades they require last for decades, so communities should not be left paying for infrastructure built for a single customer who later scales back or relocates. States retain full flexibility to design the specific standards and agreements that work best for them. The bill does not impose a federal mandate; instead, it provides a thoughtful federal standard for states to consider as they evaluate how best to connect these very large loads. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F009CCC4-54CB-4E3E-AFA9-CF591BD66562,Fischer Votes for Ricketts’ Stop Insider Trading Act,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,NE,Deb Fischer,F000463,www.fischer.senate.gov,fischer,https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"Bill includes SAVE America Act provision requiring photo ID to vote WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) voted for the Stop Insider Trading Act, introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and cosponsored by Fischer, to prohibit Members of Congress from purchasing publicly traded stocks. It also includes a provision of the SAVE America Act requiring photo identification to vote. “Senator Ricketts has tackled insider trading to rebuild public trust and make sure Congress plays by the rules,” Fischer said. “I was proud to cosponsor and vote for this bill. Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, rallied Senate Democrats against it despite claiming to oppose insider trading and support photo ID to vote. It’s disappointing Senate Democrats refused to support this commonsense bill.” The Stop Insider Trading Act prohibits Members, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing any new stocks in publicly traded companies. It also requires public notice at least seven days, but no more than 14 days, in advance of any sell. The bill establishes a penalty of $2,000 or 10 percent of the investment value, whichever is greater, as well as the forfeiture of any net gain realized from any sale. The Stop Insider Trading Act was introduced in March of this year and is companion legislation to House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil’s legislation introduced in the House of Representatives in January of this year. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-joins-washington-watch-to-recap-arctic-frost-oversight,ICYMI: Grassley Joins “Washington Watch” to Recap Arctic Frost Oversight,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Tony Perkins on Washington Watch to discuss Jack Smith’s sweeping Arctic Frost investigation and the new revelations Grassley exposed during yesterday’s oversight hearing. “There's no justification for what Smith did. Not only was he after Trump, but we found out through all the hundreds, or I should say, thousands of pages of documents that we received... that he was after the Republican Party,” Grassley said. Listen to the full interview HERE. Excerpts follow. On revelations from the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing: ""Well, I think everything [Smith] said was justification for his effort to put Trump in prison, and there's no justification for what Smith did. Not only was he after Trump, but we found out through all the hundreds, or I should say, thousands of pages of documents that we received – which includes text and email and everything you could think of – that he was after the Republican Party. “There was no reason for [Smith] to get the records of 44 members of Congress, and I was one of those included. And it's a violation of the constitutional right of what we call the “Speech and Debate Clause.” And they even sought communications from roughly 50 journalists and their organizations to government sources, and private checks. Can you imagine getting financial contributions from 4,782 Americans, including 42 Iowans? So, their privacy is violated by the FBI having in their files the addresses, the check numbers, everything personal about these 42 Iowans or [4,782] Americans. “So, you can see, it was a sweep of about 400 Republican organizations [and] 44 members of Congress. And...January 6th – that was just an excuse. It was just a pretext for everything else they wanted to do. ""[Jack Smith’s team was] making a case to know all they could about the Republicans, and what [they could] do to destroy the Republicans. And yet, through all this process, there was only one indictment, and that was Trump. And that was their goal: to put him in prison so he couldn’t ever run for president again."" On the origins of Arctic Frost at the Biden FBI: “And one thing that I don't want you to forget – Jack Smith was not really the start of this. This goes way back to people within the FBI that just hated Trump. And they did all sorts of shenanigans to present a platform for Smith to take off from.” On congressional oversight and whistleblower retaliation: ""[Congress has a] constitutional responsibility to not only pass laws and appropriate money, but to make sure that the executive branch faithfully executes those laws, and that's the legislative branch's responsibility. You don't just pass a law and then say, “Forget about it.” You’ve got to make sure the president does his job, and that's true whether you're a Republican or a Democrat. “And you know...we get a lot of information from whistleblowers. In fact, Smith could not have known that we had these documents, because we got most of this stuff from the whistleblowers. We even got some grand jury information that we would have never otherwise gotten. And Smith [and] his team retaliated against whistleblowers. So, consequently, you can see how far they go. “We had an instance in which somebody on [Smith’s] team went to the Department of Justice Inspector General and said, ""You’ve got to investigate these whistleblowers.” Just think what a chilling effect that has on whistleblowing. And if you have a chilling effect on whistleblowing, you aren't going to get the information that Chuck Grassley needs to make sure that the president of the United States, whether he's a Republican or Democrat, faithfully executes the laws.” ”[W]hat we need to do is to have congressional oversight that exposes the wrongdoings of people like Smith or the FBI being weaponized against Trump and a few people in the FBI [who] hate Trump. They may not be there now, but they were there enough to create all the basis for Smith to move ahead. ""I've been [exposing] the truth, and...I think it proves that you can't rely on the Democrats running the government in a responsible way.”",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/video-grassley-blasts-democrats-for-blocking-legislation-to-protect-families-from-data-center-energy-costs,VIDEO: Grassley Blasts Democrats for Blocking Legislation to Protect Families from Data Center Energy Costs,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Click HERE for broadcast quality video. WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) blasted Senate Democrats for blocking overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation that would protect Americans from energy costs associated with data centers. Grassley is a cosponsor of Sen. Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, which builds on President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge signed by major tech and AI companies. The legislation encourages data centers to bring, buy or build their own energy without passing costs onto the community. This month, the House of Representatives approved the legislation with nearly unanimous, bipartisan support by a vote of 417-3. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) voted for the legislation. On Wednesday, the White House announced its support for the legislation. Iowa is home to some of the cheapest, cleanest and most predictable energy sources in the country, in part due to renewable energy and the long-standing partnership between Iowa’s utility companies and data center companies. Video and a transcript of Grassley's remarks are below. Broadcast quality video can be found HERE. VIDEO Many Iowans have asked me about data centers and their impact on energy costs. Republicans are taking action to protect Iowans from energy costs associated with data centers, all while supporting economic growth. Representatives Hinson, Miller-Meeks, Nunn, and Feenstra voted in the House of Representatives to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require data centers to foot the bill for their own energy. Iowans shouldn’t pay the price for data centers’ energy needs. So, we have this bill, the Ratepayer Protection Act that would [support ensuring] that the homeowners don’t pay for the electricity that data centers use. Now, Democrats are against this bill, seemingly. They don’t get that common sense that this bill predicts. In fact, Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked this bill that will lower energy costs for all Americans. Republicans will keep working to unleash American energy while bringing costs down for all Iowans.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/09/30/hagerty-advocates-for-the-ratepayer-protection-act/,Hagerty Advocates for the Ratepayer Protection Act,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,TN,Bill Hagerty,H000601,www.hagerty.senate.gov,hagerty,https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"The bill passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 417-3 WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) spoke on the Senate floor, imploring his colleagues to vote in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act. The legislation is aimed at protecting consumers from taking on the increased energy costs associated with data centers and holding data center companies accountable for responsible investment. *Click the photo above or click here to watch* Remarks as prepared for delivery: “America is undergoing technological advancement at unprecedented speed. As we push new frontiers in this era of superintelligence, innovation can have a tremendously positive impact on our society and our nation’s competitiveness. At the same time, we find ourselves neck-and-neck with adversaries racing to harness this technology for their own purposes. It’s crucial that we keep up the pace, particularly regarding the development of large language models and computing power heretofore unseen. Our objective is clear: the United States must remain at the leading edge. To do so, we need more energy. Conversations are taking place across the United States about how we will meet the increased energy demands to power superintelligence. My overarching concern is that we do so responsibly and with local community needs in mind. Companies at the frontier of this emerging technology have the resources to pay for the infrastructure and costs associated to run these facilities. Importantly, the costs should not be borne by American families and small businesses. My colleague from Ohio has worked incredibly hard to get this bill across the finish line and deliver basic protections for the American people. The public is overwhelmingly in favor of the protections it would provide. Many states have already embraced it, including my home state of Tennessee. Tennessee adopted President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge while preserving the ability of local communities to make decisions about data center development. The communities that have chosen to welcome innovation have seen incredibly positive impacts: more jobs; new investment; and an increase in their tax base that can allow a range of options from lower property taxes to greater investment in local public resources. Importantly, we’re doing so while ensuring that the massive energy demands of data centers aren’t passed along to Tennessee families and small businesses. What is the only thing standing in the way of enacting these protections? My colleagues on the other side of the aisle. In the House, the Ratepayer Protection Pledge passed on an overwhelming bipartisan basis with a vote of 417-3. You almost never see this level of consensus in Washington. And yet, last week, Senate Democrats blocked it from passage right here on the Senate floor. Unbelievable. Instead of comprehensive measures that put the decision-making power in the hands of state and local communities, my colleagues across the aisle want Washington to decide, making sweeping decisions for our nation without input from the towns and cities it would directly impact. I cannot stress this enough: removing local choice and imposing blanket data center moratoriums are not the answer to responsible innovation. In fact, they are precisely what will kill innovation and put America underwater in the technological race against our adversaries. When it comes to investing in this new frontier, communities should be in the driver’s seat. Localities should be able to decide when, where, and whether they should permit these facilities—especially when they have so much to gain from the investment. We have seen a massive amount of misinformation circulating about data centers—their costs, their energy consumption, their water usage, and their noise levels. The truth is we can find solutions to the concerns of Tennesseans and Americans while putting the United States in the best possible position to succeed. We need to speak out against these false claims, put a stop to the fearmongering that is jeopardizing America’s opportunity to lead in a critical area for our economy and national security, and clearly communicate the advantages that communities can have when they embrace American energy, and American technological ingenuity, all while protecting—and even bettering—the lives of Americans. It’s time to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act. But here we are in an election season. Fearmongering has taken precedence over responsible and thoughtful action. False claims abound while America’s technology leadership hangs in the balance. We should move responsibly, protect American communities, and support our nation’s economic and national security. The House of Representatives seized the opportunity. It’s time for the Senate to set partisan politics aside and pass the Rate Payer Protection Act.”",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-to-introduce-stop-flock-abuse-act-establishing-safeguards-for-ai-powered-cameras/,"Hawley to Introduce Stop Flock Abuse Act, Establishing Safeguards for AI-Powered Cameras",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced he will introduce the Stop Flock Abuse Act to establish basic safeguards for AI-powered cameras to ensure these nationwide surveillance networks protect Americans’ constitutional rights. This bill comes after Senator Hawley launched an investigation into AI-powered surveillance cameras and chaired a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing on Flock cameras and the threat they pose to privacy and national security. Though their CEO declined to testify at the hearing, Flock Safety did provide some answers in a written letter to Senator Hawley, agreeing that Congress needs to create a federal framework to regulate this technology. Flock also admitted to instituting some guardrails on their products after coming under public scrutiny. “AI-powered cameras produced by Flock and its competitors are tracking and creating digital footprints of everyday Americans — a nightmare for individual liberties unless Congress enacts meaningful rules and accountability. Last week, my hearing on Flock brought to light the threat that these AI-powered cameras pose to national security and the privacy of everyday Americans,” said Senator Hawley. “That’s why I’m introducing the Stop Flock Abuse Act to establish basic safeguards for AI-powered cameras and protect Americans’ fundamental constitutional rights. Law-abiding Americans should not be treated like criminals.” The Stop Flock Abuse Act would establish the following commonsense guardrails:",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-ratepayer-protection-act-ensures-data-centers-pay-for-energy-needs-protects-families-from-higher-costs,"Hoeven: Ratepayer Protection Act Ensures Data Centers Pay for Energy Needs, Protects Families From Higher Costs",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked consideration of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation he is cosponsoring to protect families and small businesses from paying higher energy costs to support new data center development. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved the legislation in a strong bipartisan vote of 417-3. “American families shouldn’t have to pay higher energy costs if a data center is built in their community,” said Hoeven. “Our legislation would protect consumers from these rate increases resulting from data center construction. Instead of passing on higher energy costs to families and small businesses, the Ratepayer Protection Act will help ensure that the data center is responsible for paying for the infrastructure upgrades as well as fixed costs as a result of their demand for energy. This legislation passed the House with almost unanimous support, and we’ll continue working to get Senate Democrats on board with this common-sense legislation.” Specifically, the Ratepayer Protection Act: Creates a standard for State utility commissions to enforce for large-load data centers drawing more than 100 MW of power to pay the full cost of the electricity needed to serve them. Requires large loads to provide financial assurances before grid upgrades are made. Guarantees cost recovery if a large load exits its power supply contract early. -###-",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-votes-for-stop-insider-trading-act-with-save-america-act-provisions,Hoeven Votes for Stop Insider Trading Act With Save America Act Provisions,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after voting for the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation he is cosponsoring that would help prevent conflicts of interest for lawmakers and enact SAVE America Act provisions requiring voters to provide photo identification when voting in federal elections. “These two priorities have strong support from the American people, and we should pass this legislation,” said Hoeven. “This bill builds on the current law to prevent conflicts of interest for lawmakers, and at the same time, it puts in place common sense SAVE America Act provisions to require voters to show identification when voting in a federal election. It is unfortunate that Democrats are again blocking these priorities.” Stock Trading Prohibitions Prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing securities or derivatives of publicly traded companies, while the Member is in federal service. Members who violate the prohibition are subject to a fine of $2,000 or 10% of the transaction value, whichever is greater, along with any net gain realized from the transaction. SAVE America Voter ID Requirements Requires voters to present valid physical photo identification to receive a ballot in federal elections. Accepted IDs include state driver’s license, state-issued photo ID card, U.S. passports, military or veterans’ ID, and Tribal ID. Voters voting by mail are required to either (1) submit a copy of a valid photo ID, or (2) provide last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit explaining why they cannot obtain ID, or (3) submit a notarized statement attesting that the individual has personally marked the ballot. -###-",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/democrats-block-husteds-bill-forcing-data-centers-to-pay-their-own-way/,Democrats block Husted’s bill forcing data centers to pay their own way,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,OH,Jon Husted,H001104,www.husted.senate.gov,husted,https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"“Let’s rise above the politics that often drag this place down and deliver for the American people and do our jobs.” View Husted’s remarks here. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate attempted to advance Sen. Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, but the bill failed after Democrats opposed the bill. 43 Senate Democrats voted NO, preventing the bill from reaching the 60-vote threshold to advance for a vote on passage. The Ratepayer Protection Act would require states to consider establishing standards for states and Public Utility Commissions when connecting large electricity users—such as data centers—to the grid. It ensures those large tech companies, not families or small businesses, pay for the power generation, transmission lines and other infrastructure needed to serve their facilities. Without those protections, utilities can shift those costs onto ratepayers through higher monthly electricity bills. Husted introduced the bill on July 16, 2026. The Ratepayer Protection Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 16, 2026, by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 417-3. Husted previously brought the bill to the Senate floor on Sept. 17, 2026, seeking its passage by unanimous consent—a process that expedites consideration of legislation in the U.S. Senate. A Senate Democrat objected, blocking the bill from Senate passage. The White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy stating the President would’ve signed the Ratepayer Protection Act into law if passed. Key excerpts include: “I rise today to speak about making life more affordable by lowering electricity prices through my bill, the Ratepayer Protection Act.” . . . “Americans are increasingly relying on the computing power of data centers in nearly every part of their daily lives, from medicine to manufacturing to agriculture, education, national defense and the delivery of basic services.” . . . “As our reliance on this technology grows, so does the demand for data centers across the country.” . . . “We have to make sure that the growth of these data centers does not mean higher electric bills for working families, for senior citizens or for small businesses.” . . . “That’s what we’re talking about today. “Making the data centers accountable, not the American ratepayer.” . . . “That’s why I’ve introduced the Ratepayer Protection Act. “My bill ensures that large data centers pay their fair share of electricity costs, infrastructure costs that they require, requiring them to own the responsibility for those costs rather than shifting them to other ratepayers.” . . . “So today we are considering the House passed version of my bill before this chamber. “It passed the House 417 to 3.” . . . “It could be law today if we just decide that we’re going to look out for the American ratepayer, and we’re going to take action to do so.” . . . “And among those who voted yes on the Democratic side were Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and every single member of the House Democratic leadership. “They all supported the bill in the House.” . . . “The Ratepayer Protection Act is such a no brainer that almost the most conservative and the most liberal representatives all agreed it was good policy.” . . . “All we have to do is take yes for an answer. “And we will begin today lowering electricity rates for American ratepayers.” . . . “It’s clear that big tech should be paying their own way, not passing the cost on to local communities and states. “And this bill does that.” . . . “Together, we can send this bill to the president’s desk for his signature today and prove to the American people we heard them, that we’re doing something to actually help lower their prices, the prices that they pay for electricity.” . . . “The Ratepayer Protection Act represents the most meaningful bipartisan step Congress can take to protect the American people from paying higher prices for electricity.” . . . “It demonstrates that in Washington it’s still possible to work in a bipartisan way to address the problems most pressing to the American people, and I am proud to have led this effort in the United States Senate.” . . . “Let’s rise above the politics that often drag this place down and deliver for the American people and do our jobs.” . . . “I listened to the Democratic leader talk about this bill a few moments ago, and I implore him to stop blocking this bill. “Stop blocking this bill. “Let it go. “Give us a chance on a bipartisan basis to prove that we care about what the American people are asking us to do. “Lowering their prices. “Making life more affordable. “In this case, lowering their electricity prices.” . . . “I would like for everybody in this chamber to take credit for lowering electricity prices and holding data centers accountable. “But if Democrats block this bill, they will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they do not care about affordability and that they will not do anything to take action to help.” . . . “Let’s get this done. “Let’s lower electricity prices. “Let’s hold data centers accountable. “And let’s stop blocking a path to affordability.”",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-justice-releases-statement-in-support-of-trumps-immigration-agenda/,Senator Justice Releases Statement in Support of Trump’s Immigration Agenda,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,WV,James C. Justice,J000312,www.justice.senate.gov,justice,https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Justice released a statement supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda. “Let me be crystal clear: I support President Trump’s immigration strategy, full stop. It’s not surprising that some are twisting my words to score political points, but there should be no confusion about where I stand. What’s been accomplished by President Trump in regards to our border and immigration is truly amazing. President Biden allowed millions upon millions to illegally enter our country. Cleaning up this mess has been a tremendous accomplishment. Our brave ICE officers are doing an incredible job protecting our communities, and they must continue to focus on criminals who are here illegally and putting Americans in danger. Violent criminals, drug traffickers, gang members and others who threaten our communities should be identified, arrested and removed. President Trump has made securing our border and restoring law and order a top priority, and I support that effort. As a senator, I will continue working with the administration and our law enforcement officers to make West Virginia and this country safer. West Virginians expect us to enforce the law, protect our communities, and keep dangerous criminals off our streets. That is exactly what I support,” said Senator Jim Justice. # # #",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-lankford-coons-resolution-honoring-50-years-of-prison-fellowship-passes-senate-unanimously/,"ICYMI: Lankford, Coons Resolution Honoring 50 Years of Prison Fellowship Passes Senate Unanimously",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,lankford,https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) secured unanimous Senate passage of their resolution recognizing 50 years of Prison Fellowship’s work to bring faith-based rehabilitation, restoration, and second chances to people impacted by incarceration. The bipartisan resolution recognizes Prison Fellowship’s nationwide impact and comes months after Lankford celebrated the launch of the organization’s first federal Prison Fellowship Academy at the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Oklahoma. “Prison Fellowship has spent 50 years helping people understand that a mistake does not have to be the end of their story,” said Lankford. “Their work points people to Christ, helps restore families, and gives people the opportunity to change. I’m grateful for the staff and volunteers who have stayed committed to this work for five decades, and I’m glad to recognize Prison Fellowship on its 50th anniversary.” “The first time I was in a maximum-security prison, I was 12 years old, joining my father on one of his prison ministry visits,” said Coons. “I saw how prison ministry transformed the lives of both those inside the prison and for our family outside of it. For 50 years, Prison Fellowship has brought that transformation to communities across the country, answering Jesus’ call to love our neighbors no matter where or who they are.” “Chuck Colson once described his imprisonment as ‘the great humiliation of my life’—yet God used that humiliation for a greater purpose,” said Scott Peyton, Senior Director of Advocacy. “Fifty years later, Prison Fellowship continues that legacy, encountering Jesus with those impacted by incarceration, equipping the Church, and advancing justice that restores. We are deeply grateful to Senators James Lankford and Chris Coons for their leadership, and to the United States Senate for honoring fifty years of transformed lives and the enduring truth that no life is beyond the reach of God’s grace.” Background Lankford has spent years working to expand opportunities for faith-based organizations to serve individuals in federal prisons. In 2018, Lankford supported the bipartisan First Step Actand successfully amended the legislation to ensure faith-based organizations could provide job training, social development, and family programming on equal footing with non-faith-based organizations. That work helped establish the framework for faith-based rehabilitation programs like Prison Fellowship to partner with the Bureau of Prisons. In June 2026, Lankford celebrated the launch of the first federal Prison Fellowship Academy at the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Oklahoma. The Prison Fellowship Academy became the first nonprofit program designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as an evidence-based recidivism reduction program under the First Step Act. Lankford has continued to champion faith-based rehabilitation and successful reentry through bipartisan efforts including the MERCY Act and the Safer Supervision Act. Founded in 1976 by the late Charles Colson following his conversion to Christianity during incarceration, Prison Fellowship is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The organization serves prisoners, former prisoners, and their families through programs focused on rehabilitation, restoration, and second chances. You can download the full text of the resolution HERE. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-leads-senate-in-honoring-50-years-of-the-hyde-amendment/,Lankford Leads Senate in Honoring 50 Years of the Hyde Amendment,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,lankford,https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases,page_html,"Resolution Recognizes 50 Years of Bipartisan Support for the Hyde Amendment and its Protections for Unborn Children WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Chair of the Senate Values Action Team, introduced a resolution recognizing the Hyde Amendment’s 50th anniversary and its enduring legacy of protecting unborn children and upholding the conscience rights of American taxpayers. The resolution commemorates 50 years of the Hyde Amendment by recognizing its legacy of saving more than 2.6 million lives while affirming that federal taxpayers should not be compelled to fund abortions in violation of their deeply held religious and moral beliefs. “For 50 years, the Hyde Amendment has been an important protection for American taxpayers,” said Lankford. “Every child is valuable. No American should ever wonder if the check they’re sending to the IRS on April 15 will be used to pay for someone’s elective abortion. Hyde was a bipartisan agreement five decades ago, and it has been included in appropriations bills every year since. We should keep that commitment in place.” You can download the text of the resolution HERE or below: Whereas September 30, 2026, marks the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding pro-life provision which protects Federal taxpayer dollars from being used to take human life through elective abortion; Whereas, in 1976, Congressman Henry J. Hyde introduced an amendment, which bears his name, to House of Representatives Bill No. 14232, 94th Congress (referred to in this preamble as the “Hyde Amendment”); Whereas, in introducing his amendment, Congressman Hyde explained, “We who seek to protect that most defenseless and innocent of human lives, the unborn—seek to inhibit the use of Federal funds to pay for and thus encourage abortion as an answer to the human and compelling problem of an unwanted child.”; Whereas the Hyde Amendment was adopted by Congress, shortly after Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) was decided, by a bipartisan vote and has been renewed in both Republican and Democratic majorities through the annual appropriations process for 50 years; Whereas, since 1976, more than 2,600,000 lives have been saved by the Hyde Amendment; Whereas the Hyde Amendment reflects the bipartisan principle that American Federal taxpayer dollars should not be used to finance abortions, safeguarding taxpayers’ conscience rights; Whereas public funding of abortion makes the American taxpayer complicit in the physical, emotional, and societal harm caused to women by abortion and increases the pressure a woman may already feel to have an abortion; Whereas the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment provides an opportunity to remember the more than 64,000,000 abortions that have taken place in the United States since the Roe v. Wade decision; and Whereas every human life in the womb has inherent dignity and worth, is not inconvenient, and has the right to life: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— (1) recognizes the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the amendment by Congressman Henry Hyde (referred to in this resolution as the “Hyde Amendment”); (2) commemorates the adoption of the Hyde Amendment in 1976, and its continued inclusion in Federal appropriations bills for 5 decades; (3) honors the legacy of Congressman Hyde and recognizes his leadership in establishing the policy that bears his name; (4) recognizes the 2,600,000 lives saved by the Hyde Amendment; (5) affirms the principle that Federal taxpayers should not be compelled to fund abortions in violation of their deeply held religious, moral, medical, or ethical convictions; (6) recognizes the Members of Congress, advocates, citizens, and organizations that have worked for more than 5 decades to preserve protections for unborn children and to maintain limitations on the use of Federal funds for abortion; and (7) encourages the people of the United States to reflect upon the history and significance of the Hyde Amendment and the loss of more than 64,000,000 babies through abortions that have taken place since Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973). Background Congressman Henry Hyde first introduced the Hyde Amendment in 1976, and it has been included in federal appropriations bills for five decades. Lankford’s resolution recognizes the amendment’s bipartisan history and its role in protecting taxpayers from being compelled to fund abortions in violation of their deeply held religious, moral, medical, or ethical convictions. The resolution also recognizes more than 2.6 million unborn children whom it attributes to having been saved by the Hyde Amendment. Joining Lankford in introducing the resolution are Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jim Justice (R-WV), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Risch (R-ID), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jim Banks (R-IN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Darline Graham (R-SC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Dave McCormick (R-PA). Rep. Smith (R-NJ-04) introduced companion legislation in the House along with 27 other House members, including Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Riley Moore (R-WV-02), Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Michael Cloud (R-TX-27), Andrew Clyde (R-GA-09), Warren Davidson (R-OH-08), Ron Estes (R-KS-04), Harriet Hageman (R-WY-AL), Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Addison McDowell (R-NC-06), John McGuire (R-VA-05), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), Ralph Norman (R-SC-05), Bob Onder (R-MO-03), John Rutherford (R-FL-05), Keith Self (R-TX-03), Mike Simpson (R-ID-02), Pete Stauber (R-MN-08), Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15), Daniel Webster (R-FL-11), and Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02). Supporting organizations include CatholicVote, Americans United for Life, National Right to Life Committee, Live Action, March for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life Action, Heritage Action, Alliance Defending Freedom, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Heartbeat International, United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Family Research Council. You can learn more about the resolution in the Daily Wire HERE. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/9/mike-lee-introduces-the-direct-seller-and-real-estate-agent-harmonization-act,Mike Lee Introduces the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, which clarifies Fair Labor Standards Act provisions to ensure that direct sellers and qualified real estate agents are recognized as independent contractors under federal law, aligning with the federal tax code and creating hiring dependability for companies and workers alike. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator John Curtis (R-UT) and has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA). “For decades, moms and dads have supported their families through direct selling and independent real estate businesses in Utah and across the country,” said Senator Lee. “Unfortunately, ambiguity in their federal classification has resulted in lawsuits that threaten entire industries and thousands of jobs. This legislation closes these loopholes and gives enterprising independent contractors clear legal status.” “We thank Senator Mike Lee for engaging with the direct selling community and bringing this legislation before the Senate,” said Dave Grimaldi, CEO of the Direct Selling Association. “DSA represents people who choose to build businesses on their own terms. DSA's work is to bring their stories and experiences to Congress and make sure they have a voice in the laws that affect that choice, so no individual seller has to carry that responsibility alone.” The Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify that the term “employee” does not include any direct seller or qualified real estate agent (as defined in Section 3508(b) of the Internal Revenue Code). Establish these workers as independent contractors—not by subjective interpretation but by statute—aligning federal law with federal tax code and creating hiring dependability for the companies and workers. Builds upon Senator Lee’s 21st Century Worker Act, which simplifies employee classifications to cut red tape around hiring independent contractors and flexible work arrangements. Read the bill text here.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-celebrates-transformational-3-billion-investment-in-carnegie-mellon-university/,Senator McCormick Celebrates Transformational $3 Billion Investment in Carnegie Mellon University,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,PA,David McCormick,M001243,www.mccormick.senate.gov,davemccormick,https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) celebrated a historic gift to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) from Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, including a transformational $1 billion investment in CMU’s Pittsburgh campus and $2 billion to launch Carnegie Mellon University Miami. “This extraordinary investment from my great friend Ken Griffin is a tremendous vote of confidence in CMU, in Pittsburgh, and in the innovation that will continue to define America’s future,” said Senator McCormick. “Pittsburgh has always been a city that reinvents itself. Andrew Carnegie helped build the Steel City into an industrial powerhouse, and today, the university that bears his name is helping lead America into the next era of innovation. I’m so proud of President Farnam Jahanian and his team for helping make Carnegie Mellon one of the finest research institutions in the world, a global leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, computer science, and so much more.” Senator McCormick previously served on Carnegie Mellon’s Board of Trustees and has long viewed the university as central to Pittsburgh’s transformation from the Steel City into a global hub for technology and innovation. CMU’s world-class leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, and engineering has helped put Pittsburgh at the forefront of the technologies shaping America’s future. That leadership made CMU the natural home for Senator McCormick’s inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, showcasing the Commonwealth’s unique strengths in AI, energy, and advanced technology and catalyzing $92 billion in investment in Pennsylvania’s future. This historic investment announced today builds on that momentum. The $1 billion commitment to support CMU’s Pittsburgh campus will strengthen CMU’s research and academic leadership, attract the best minds, and fuel innovation and discovery in western Pennsylvania. The $2 billion investment in the launch of CMU Miami will expand the reach of an institution built in Pittsburgh and bring CMU’s culture of innovation and excellence to a new generation of leaders. At a moment of intense global competition, America must continue to invest in the people and institutions that allow us to invent, build, and lead. More than a century after Andrew Carnegie invested in Pittsburgh, that same spirit of ambition, discovery, and innovation remains alive and well in Western Pennsylvania.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-democrats-are-the-party-of-no-continue-to-block-legislation-to-protect-ratepayers-and-ban-stock-trading-in-congress/,"Senator Moody: Democrats are the Party of No, Continue to Block Legislation to Protect Ratepayers and Ban Stock Trading in Congress",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Ashley Moody,M001244,www.moody.senate.gov,moody,https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Senator Ashley Moody released the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked The Stop Insider Trading Act, which she cosponsored, and The Ratepayer Protection Act. These two measures would stop Congressional stock trading, institute nationwide voter ID requirements, and ensure families are not stuck paying the costs of potential new data centers. “This is exactly why Americans are frustrated with Washington. Democrats had the opportunity to join us in restoring some faith in our government by banning members of Congress from trading stocks and protecting families from paying the costs for massive data centers, and they said NO. Instead of working to benefit the American people, Democrats chose to play politics to solicit praise from the most radical element of their base,” said Senator Ashley Moody. BACKGROUND: Senator Moody recently took to the Senate floor to seek unanimous consent to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act, which passed by the House in bipartisan fashion. The Stop Insider Trading Act would generally prohibit Members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children from purchasing stocks and requiring public notice before selling stocks. The measure would also instate national voter ID requirements. Earlier this year, Senator Moody introduced the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act to stop insider trading. Senator Moody has also been a strong advocate for protecting Florida ratepayers and co-sponsored The Ratepayer Protection Act, which passed the House by and overwhelming 417-3 vote. This legislation would require state utility regulators and unregulated utilities to consider adopting large load standards ensuring cost recovery for the “full, incremental” cost of any generation, transmission or distribution upgrade needed to serve the large-load customer. The vast majority of Americans support voter ID—according to Pew Research Center, 83% of adults—including 76% of Black Americans and 82% of Hispanic Americans. According to a University of Maryland study, an overwhelming majority of 86% of American favor banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, including 88% of Democrats and 81% of Independents. Both measures passed the House, but Senate Democrats blocked them from advancing. # # #",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=4C38BC64-63E9-409D-8ACF-BFB638B9E9C5,Sen. Moran Joins Colleagues in Raising Concerns About Putin’s Invitation to the G20 Summit,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,moran,https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – joined Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) in raising concerns to President Trump regarding the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Miami, Florida, in December. Specifically, the senators questioned the invitation of Vladimir Putin to participate in a G20 meeting on U.S. soil, citing Russia’s continued attacks against Ukrainian civilians and targeting of Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The senators also urged that Putin and other sanctioned Russian officials not be permitted to participate in G20 events or similar international forums held in the United States. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine,” wrote the senators. “Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day.” “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear,” continued the senators. “Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure.” “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks,” concluded the senators. “We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which gives you additional tools to hold the Putin regime accountable. However, if President Putin and his government are not isolated on the international stage, what incentive does Russia have to agree to a ceasefire?” Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear President Trump, We write to express our serious concern regarding reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to attend the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit on December 14 and 15 in Miami, Florida. We were already disappointed by the recent participation of Russian government delegations in a series of G20 meetings across the United States, including a delegation led by sanctioned Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at the Finance Ministerial in Asheville, North Carolina; a Russian delegation at the Commerce Department Innovation Ministerial in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and a Russian delegation at the Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, Texas. We raise the same concerns noted in an April 3 bipartisan Senate letter, which outlined the national security implications of allowing a delegation of sanctioned members of the Russian Duma to visit the United States for official meetings. Given President Putin’s continued actions against the Ukrainian people and U.S. national security interests, we urge you to reconsider granting President Putin the stature and legitimacy to appear in the United States as a world leader at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day. This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure. President Putin and Anton Siluanov, in addition to others traveling as part of the respective delegations for G20 meetings, are sanctioned under Executive Order 14024 for engaging in conduct deemed to be harmful to U.S. national security. It is troubling that, despite being sanctioned, these individuals have been given access to participate in G20 forums hosted in the United States. The G20 is intended to foster international cooperation on critical issues including finance, trade and global economic stability. As Russia continues its war against Ukraine and refuses to agree to a just and lasting peace agreement, its government should not be afforded a business-as-usual treatment alongside other nations at G20 events. The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which gives you additional tools to hold the Putin regime accountable. However, if President Putin and his government are not isolated on the international stage, what incentive does Russia have to agree to a ceasefire? As the United States holds the G20 presidency for the remainder of the calendar year, we urge you to reverse course and rescind the invitation to President Putin and ensure that other sanctioned Russian officials, who bear responsibility for Russia’s war against Ukraine, are not permitted to participate in upcoming G20 engagements, including the Trade Ministerial, Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and Leaders’ Summit, until Russia agrees to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Thank you for your consideration. # # #",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-democrats-block-ricketts-stop-insider-trading-act/,Senate Democrats Block Ricketts’ Stop Insider Trading Act,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,NE,Pete Ricketts,R000618,www.ricketts.senate.gov,ricketts,https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Senate Democrats blocked U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts’ (R-NE) Stop Insider Trading Act. This bill would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and immediate family members from profiting off stocks while serving in public office. It would also require Members and their families to disclose plans to sell stock to the public seven days in advance. “Public service is not a profit-making business,” said Ricketts. “Democrats disagreed when they blocked my bill to ban members of Congress from insider trading. Senate Republicans voted to deliver for Americans and help restore their faith in government officials. The House passed this bill in a bipartisan manner. It’s discouraging that Senate Democrats failed to do the same.” The House passed the bill with a bipartisan vote of 232 – 198. Thirteen Democrats supported this bill. This is the second time Senate Democrats have blocked passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-names-disciples-coffee-as-september-small-business-of-the-month/,Risch Names Disciples Coffee as September Small Business of the Month,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Disciples Coffee in Boise as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2026. Disciples Coffee will be recognized for its contribution to Idaho in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. “Started in 2023, Disciples Coffee set out with the mission to serve more than just coffee to the Treasure Valley,” said Risch. “I am proud to recognize Disciples Coffee as Small Business of the Month for their work bringing people together over their small-batch specialty roasts and faithful community service through their Mission of the Month program.” Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho Small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community. Last year, Senator Risch passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to promote local economic growth and provide tax relief to Idahoans and small business owners.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/09/30/video-release-sen-johnsons-full-roundtable-discussion-covid-19-hospital-protocols-real-stories-from-real-people/,***VIDEO RELEASE*** Sen. Johnson’s Full Roundtable Discussion: COVID-19 Hospital Protocols: Real Stories from Real People,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) held a roundtable discussion titled “COVID-19 Hospital Protocols: Real Stories from Real People” with patients, families, doctors, and nurses. The 21 panelists shared firsthand accounts of mistreatment and other experiences they witnessed at hospitals across the country. In their remarks, panelists detailed how treatments such as remdesivir and ventilation were often forced on patients as the only viable options. Patients were denied alternative treatments and drugs, even when rigid hospital protocols were failing. “Rigid adherence to hospital protocols – rarely questioned – became the norm, which many doctors saw as violating the Hippocratic Oath’s core duty: patients first, not protocols. Far too often, the stories of COVID-19 hospitalizations were horrific … Patients lost their freedom. Family members could not visit and comfort their dying loved ones … In many of the testimonies received for this event, the callous comments by doctors and nurses to unvaccinated patients and their families are almost unbelievable,” Sen. Johnson said. “The stories you are about to hear didn’t occur within only one or two hospitals, but in hospitals across America. To date, we [have] received 583 testimonies from 46 states. The fact that these attitudes were widespread is indisputable. Today, I am providing a platform for these stories to be told so that this kind of cruelty will not be repeated,” Sen. Johnson continued. “The other underlying reality is these stories are real … [The] medical establishment – those doctors, those nurses – has to acknowledge the fact [that] these things are real so, once again, it can never be repeated,” Sen. Johnson concluded. Watch the full four-hour discussion here. PARTICIPANTS: Peggy Hokett Peggy Hokett’s husband, Raymond, died 24 days after being hospitalized in Oklahoma City. He was given remdesivir, told he would die because he was unvaccinated, and placed on a ventilator without consent. Dr. James P. Miller Dr. James P. Miller is a licensed physician and surgeon from Everett, Washington. He spoke on hospital misconduct, patient mistreatment, retaliation, and deliberate targeting of doctors who challenged COVID-era treatment practices. Gail Seiler Gail Seiler of Plano, Texas, was hospitalized with COVID in December 2021. Fortunately, with the help of her husband Brad, she was allowed to leave the hospital and recovered at home. She told her story from the perspective of a patient. Brad Seiler Brad Seiler is Gail’s husband, a registered nurse, and a former Army captain. Brad shared what he witnessed during her 15-day hospitalization, his concerns about her treatment, and his successful effort to bring her home. Donna Lowery, RN Donna Lowery is a registered nurse with 39 years of clinical experience, including 31 years at a hospital in Florida. After advocating for a COVID patient to receive a physician-ordered ivermectin prescription, she was terminated and faced a complaint filed against her nursing license with the Florida Board of Nursing. Stephanie Williamson Stephanie Williamson’s husband, David, was hospitalized December 10, 2021, in Pomona, New Jersey. He was denied alternative treatments, given remdesivir without consent, and pressured into intubation. David died 30 days later. Ralph Lorigo, Esq. Ralph Lorigo is a Buffalo-area attorney with more than 50 years of legal experience. During the pandemic, he represented 212 families across 40 states who were denied access to alternative treatments and drugs. Darla Smith Darla Smith’s husband, Keith, was hospitalized with COVID in York, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 2021. Darla unsuccessfully fought to advocate for his treatment, and Keith died on December 12 after being placed on a ventilator. Dr. John Littell Dr. John Littell is a family physician who cared for thousands of COVID patients in offices, homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. As chairman of family medicine at a Florida hospital, he witnessed patients and families denied treatment options, visitation, and access to dying loved ones. Melodie McKeel Melodie McKeel is the wife of Bryan McKeel, who passed away in Sarasota, Florida. Against the wishes of his family, he was intubated and denied further access to ivermectin after showing signs of improvement. Gail Macrae, RN Gail Macrae worked as a registered nurse at a hospital in Santa Rosa, California. During the pandemic, she witnessed the imposition of rigid protocols and the denial of alternative treatments and drugs. Karen Hayles Karen Hayles’ son, Chase, was a childhood cancer survivor with preexisting kidney damage. He was assured he would not receive remdesivir when he was hospitalized in Houston in 2021. He received it anyway, further damaging his kidneys. Chase died while awaiting a kidney transplant. Dr. Randy Grellner Dr. Randy Grellner is an Oklahoma state senator and family physician. Randy told the story of his longtime patient and friend, John – a 72-year-old farmer and Navy veteran who died after being hospitalized. Katelyn Johnson, RN Katelyn Johnson is a registered nurse with 10 years of bedside clinical experience and the former director of Medical Services for Paralyzed Veterans of America. She brought firsthand insight into how COVID-19-era hospital protocols affected patient access and the nurses caring for vulnerable veterans. Cori Peth Cori Peth’s father, George, died April 7, 2022, in Colorado after a three-month hospitalization. He was denied monoclonal antibodies, given remdesivir, and told he would die if he refused a ventilator. He later died on the ventilator. Nicole Landers, RN Nicole Landers is a Maryland registered nurse with more than 30 years of clinical experience. During the pandemic, she provided alternative treatments when doctors only offered the standard COVID-19 hospital protocols. Patti Joyce Patti Joyce of Jacksonville, Florida, told the story of her brother, Earl Hendrix, who died at 62 in Whitefish, Montana. Dr. Susan Rohr Dr. Susan Rohr is a board-certified pulmonary and critical care physician in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She challenged rigid treatment protocols and advocated for additional treatment options when patients were told there was nothing more that could be done. Patty Myers Patty Myers is a behavior analyst whose husband, Tony, died after a 25-day COVID-19 hospitalization in 2021. During his hospitalization, Patty advocated for and was denied treatments including ivermectin, monoclonal antibodies, high-dose vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D. Jenna Hadley Johnsen, RN Jenna Hadley Johnsen is a registered nurse, public health nurse, and Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC) from Minnesota with more than 22 years of experience. She held the medical power of attorney for her father who died after a 24-day COVID hospitalization in January 2022. Dr. Pierre Kory Dr. Pierre Kory is a pulmonary and critical care physician and the Chief Scientific Officer of Rebuild Medicine. He is the former chief of the Critical Care Service at the University of Wisconsin and was a frontline doctor treating patients from the start of the pandemic. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-introduces-bill-to-protect-parents-and-children-from-ideological-child-welfare-policies/,Senator Schmitt Introduces Bill to Protect Parents and Children from Ideological Child-Welfare Policies,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Eric Schmitt,S001227,www.schmitt.senate.gov,schmitt,https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"Bill Would Prevent Federal Child-Welfare Funds From Being Used to Punish Parents for Raising Children According to Their Sex or Protecting Them From Irreversible Medical Harm U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), introduced the “Yaeli Martinez Child Protection Act” to establish guardrails within the nation’s federal child-welfare framework to ensure federal funds are not used to punish parents for raising their children according to their sex or for protecting children from irreversible medical harm. The bill would preserve state authority to respond to actual abuse while preventing federally funded child-welfare systems from treating a parent’s affirmation of a child’s sex as abuse or using it as a basis for adverse action against a family. “The Left’s radical gender ideology is harming children with irreversible treatments and procedures. But in blue states, parents are being punished, and sometimes even separated from their children, for protecting their kids from this permanent damage. It is sickening that a state would impose ideological child-welfare policies to tear apart a family. Parents know what’s best for their own families, and we need to defend their rights to protect their children,” said Senator Eric Schmitt. The legislation is named after Yaeli Martinez, a teenager who was removed from her mother by California’s child-welfare system after her mother refused to treat Yaeli as a boy. Yaeli was provided testosterone while in state care and was ultimately isolated from her family. She died by suicide at age 19. The “Yaeli Martinez Child Protection Act” Would: Clarify that affirming a child’s sex is not abuse: Prevent states from using federal funds to construe raising, referring to, or caring for a child according to his or her sex as abuse or neglect. Protect fit parents from adverse state action: Prohibit federally funded child-welfare systems from removing children from fit parents, initiating dependency proceedings, restricting visitation or communication, issuing abuse or neglect findings, placing parents on child-abuse registries, terminating parental rights, or denying foster or adoptive placement simply because a parent affirms the child’s sex. Protect children in state care: Restrict the use of federal funds for sex-rejecting interventions for children in state care and require sex-separated or single-occupancy housing and privacy protections. Give families a private right of action: Allow aggrieved parents, guardians, caregivers, and children to seek judicial remedies when covered entities violate the bill’s protections. Protect interstate custody orders: Amend the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act to prevent states from disregarding another state’s custody order when a child runs to or is taken to another state for the purpose of obtaining sex-rejecting interventions. The legislation would apply its protections across CAPTA, Titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, and the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program, while establishing funding restrictions and enforcement mechanisms for violations. Statement of Support: “It is not child abuse for a parent or caregiver to affirm a child’s sex. In fact, doing so is acting in the best interest of the child by protecting them from falling into a false and dangerous ideology. But far too many families have been wrongly investigated and punished by the state for doing that very thing. Far too many foster parents have been barred from caring for children in need because they refuse to use false pronouns. We are grateful to Sen. Schmitt for introducing legislation that will protect families who rightly teach their children that each one is created uniquely, lovingly, by God, male and female.” – Penny Nance, CEO and President of CWALAC Supporting Organizations of Senator Schmitt’s Bill: Ethics and Public Policy Center Catholic Vote Concerned Women for America America First Works Child and Parental Rights Campaign Family Policy Alliance Heritage Action American Principles Project Lifeline Children’s Services Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender LGB Courage Our Duty – USA Genspect USA Genspect International WomenAreReal Partners of Ethical Care California Family Council California United for Sex-Based Evidence in Law and Policy Democratic Women’s Declaration Advocates Protecting Children Women’s Liberation Front Protect Kids Colorado. Good Citizen Project Indiana Family Institute America First Policy Institute Kansas Family Voice Colorado Parent Advocacy Network Parents United Colorado Do No Harm Parents Defending Ed Action Child Welfare & Justice Transformation Virginia Family Foundation ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-have-abandoned-common-sense/,Thune: Democrats Have Abandoned Common Sense,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,thune,https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, the theme in the Senate this week is common sense. “Today we’ll be voting on two eminently commonsense pieces of legislation – the Stop Insider Trading Act, and the Ratepayer Protection Act. “The Stop Insider Trading Act, Mr. President, actually pairs two commonsense measures – a stock purchase ban for members of Congress, and a voter ID measure. “Neither requires much explanation, Mr. President. “To ensure that members of Congress and their families are not benefiting financially from insider knowledge of the markets, the stock purchase ban would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, or their dependent children from purchasing stocks issued by public companies while the member is in office. “It would also ensure transparency when it comes to stock sales by requiring members of Congress and their immediate family to provide advance, public notice of any stock sale. “And these rules are enforced with real penalties. “It’s a pretty simple measure, Mr. President. “But an important way to ensure that members of Congress are held to the standards that Americans should be able to expect of their representatives. “Mr. President, the other half of the Stop Insider Trading Act is also pretty simple. “It would do nothing more than require that Americans present a photo ID when they go to vote. “That’s it. “Very simple. “And something that has the overwhelming – overwhelming – support of the American people. “And when I say the American people, I mean the American people. “Republicans. Democrats. Independents. “Everyone. “But while this vote should be a no-brainer, Mr. President, I do have some concerns. “Because while the American people overwhelmingly support a photo ID requirement, for some bizarre reason congressional Democrats have decided that photo ID for voting is a step too far. “I say bizarre, Mr. President, because I haven’t seen Democrats crusading against showing ID in any of the other situations where Americans are required to present their photo identification. “My Democrat colleagues don’t seem to have a problem with showing photo ID to board an airplane. “To rent a car. “To start a new job. “They don’t seem to have a problem with showing photo ID at the doctor’s office. “Or when buying alcohol. “Or when opening a bank account. “They don’t seem to have a problem – Mr. President, if you can believe this – they don’t seem to have a problem with photo ID, having a requirement to show a photo ID at their own political events! “Think about that, Mr. President. “It’s only when it comes to voting that congressional Democrats suddenly, inexplicably see photo ID as a terrible problem. “Even though not only the majority of Americans but the majority of Democrats support photo identification. “Mr. President, it’s pretty hard to explain the Democrats’ position. “But I suspect one of two things is going on here. “Either Democrats are just reflexively opposing this proposal because it came from Republicans. “Or Democrats believe that there are in fact people out there voting illegally and that it’s benefiting Democrats. “And they’d like to keep that going. “Mr. President, I will say that thirteen House Democrats found voter ID and the stock purchase ban to be so commonsense that they broke with their party and supported the Stop Insider Trading Act when it moved through the House. “And I would love to see Senate Democrats follow their example. “I guess we’ll see soon enough. “Mr. President, in addition to the Stop Insider Trading Act, the Senate will be voting on the Ratepayer Protection Act this week, as well. “I know I’ve used the word commonsense a lot lately. “But as I said, it is the theme of this week’s legislation. “And the Ratepayer Protection Act is as commonsense as it gets. “It would simply promote the adoption of a standard that would require data centers to shoulder the electricity costs associated with their operation and construction. “That’s it, Mr. President. “A simple piece of legislation designed to protect hardworking Americans from the increased energy costs associated with data centers. “Mr. President, the Ratepayer Protection Act passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives, with almost every Democrat – almost every Democrat – as well as Republican supporting it. “So you’d think it would have had a pretty easy passage through this chamber as well. “But when we brought this legislation up here in the Senate a couple of weeks ago, Democrats objected. “For what reason, Mr. President, I don’t know – presumably a political one. “Given the overwhelming support for this measure in the House, it’s difficult to conclude that Senate Democrats blocked this bill for any reason other than the desire to deny Republicans another win in an election year. “Which is a pretty poor reason for opposing a measure to protect Americans from higher energy costs. “But they have another chance this week, Mr. President. “And I guess we’ll see. “Will Democrats support commonsense measures like a stock purchase ban, photo ID to vote, and protection from higher energy costs? “Or will they continue to play politics?”",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-hosts-bronze-medal-ceremony-for-eight-veterans/,Tuberville Hosts Bronze Medal Ceremony for Eight Veterans,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AL,Tommy Tuberville,T000278,www.tuberville.senate.gov,tuberville,https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) hosted a Bronze Medal ceremony in the Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building for eight veterans who were part of the Joint Task Force Provide Promise in Bosnia more than 30 years ago. After learning that original recommendations submitted in 1995 were never acted upon, Sen. Tuberville requested the U.S. Army Human Resources Command review the original award recommendations, ultimately resulting in the Army’s decision to finally award Bronze medals to these veterans. Among the Bronze Medal recipients are Army Reserve Brigadier General Guy L. Sands-Pingot of Huntsville. More photos from the event can be found here. SEN. TUBERVILLE REMARKS “You know one of the reasons I don’t like this place sometimes is because it’s easy to feel like nothing’s getting done for the American people. But today is a little different. We can actually celebrate getting something done. […] Most of you know my dad served in World War II and was a Bronze Star recipient. But even a Bronze Star can’t repay the gratitude that we owe to these veterans. They put their lives on the line to make our country—and our world—a safer place. I know that some of today’s honorees are no longer with us…we appreciate the family members who traveled here to accept this award on their behalf. You too have shouldered an enormous responsibility. So, thanks to all of you and congratulations on this well-deserved honor. May God bless you all, God bless our veterans and servicemembers, and God bless America.” BACKGROUND ON BG (Ret.) GUY L. SANDS-PINGOT Guy L. Sands-Pingot served in Bosnia as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G5, and Civil-Military Operations Officer for UNPROFOR’s Sector North East in Tuzla. From March to August 1995, during some of the most intense fighting of the war, he planned, directed, and carried out humanitarian relief efforts throughout the region. Sands-Pingot was directly responsible for coordinating and establishing relief efforts for refugees from the former U.N. Safe Areas of Srebrenica and Zepa. His leadership and work in a hostile environment contributed to the success of the U.N. mission in Bosnia. Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-joins-kudlow-to-discuss-democrats-affordability-problem/,Tuberville Joins Kudlow to Discuss Democrats’ Affordability Problem,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AL,Tommy Tuberville,T000278,www.tuberville.senate.gov,tuberville,https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss a recent Wall Street Journal editorial called “The ‘Affordability’ Democrats? You Have to Be Kidding.” Read excerpts from the interview below or watch here. KUDLOW: “Senator Tuberville from Alabama. Senator Tuberville, great to see you again, sir. So, I like the Wall Street Journal editorial today, ‘The Affordability Democrats? You Have to Be Kidding.’ They’re the ones that are going to make life more affordable by reducing spending and inflation? Really? What’s the track record there?” TUBERVILLE: “Larry, my first four years here, the Democrats were in charge of everything. And what’d we do? We spent $4 trillion more than we should have even thought about spending. It’s about the money that we’re putting out there that’s causing prices to go up. We’re trying to cut back, but the Democrats have no desire to ever cut back on anything in the federal government. They want to keep adding to it. And President Trump has cut out [about] 400,000 government workers. He’s trying to do everything he possibly can to get the basics right. But you can’t fix this overnight […] if you just look at the gas prices, for instance, now they’re too high. Gas prices and diesel prices are way too high. We’ve got to get this war over with. But Joe Biden averaged $3.89 a gallon his first two years. President Trump has averaged $3.43 his first two years. So, he’s actually winning the battle. But, of course, President Trump’s having to pay the price for all this stupid spending that we’ve done over the last few years.” KUDLOW: “You know, on the inflation front, again, this is from the Wall Street Journal editorial […]. The average inflation rate during the Biden years was 5%. The average inflation rate under Mr. Trump so far is 2.9%. So, to your point, sir, yes, gasoline prices are too high and diesel prices are too high. And you know, we feel that pain and we hope the war ends relatively soon. But the reality is Trump’s inflation is a lot lower than Biden’s inflation. And here’s my other point. What are they going to do? They’re going to increase spending on welfare. They’re going to increase spending on ‘Medicare for all,’ which has been estimated to be a hundred trillion dollars over 10 years. They’re going to increase spending on housing. […] They’re going to put phony [climate change], you know, Green New Deal. They hate gasoline. The Democrats would love eight to ten dollars a gallon. There’s one right there. Look at the state of California, six and a half bucks, Democratic gasoline, high taxes, and climate restrictions.” TUBERVILLE: “You’re exactly right, Larry. And you know, everybody talks about prices and I talk to my people back home. You look back at the Biden administration—for four years, they were devastating against the farmers in this country. We lost 125,000 farms in the United States of America in the four years under Joe Biden. We lost 25,000 farmers. They went and did something else—they couldn’t make a living. They had so many regulations. The prices were high. The input costs were out of sight. The seeds went up. The fertilizer went up. But nobody said anything about it. But they’re all going out of business. […] Larry, remember this, Democrats want all of our food to come from other countries. They want farmers out of business because of the climate hoax and they want to save our land. The farmers are the best conservationists in the country and the Democrats don’t understand it.” KUDLOW: “Yeah. You know, that’s a wonderful point. That’s a really important point. But, you know, back to this, they can talk about gasoline and affordability. Everything under the Biden years was anti-fossil fuel. They don’t want any oil drilling. They don’t want any natural gas. They don’t want any gasoline. Right. They don’t want any gasoline-powered cars for heaven’s sakes. And you look at these West Coast states, for example, some in the Northeast, too, and everything they’ve done to stop fossil fuels and to tax and regulate and sanction gasoline. I mean, for heaven’s sakes, who are we kidding here? California, six and a half bucks. That’s a harbinger of the future. I don’t know why more people haven’t just pointed that out.” TUBERVILLE: “Well, you’re exactly right. And what did Biden do the first day? He stopped the Keystone Pipeline, five million barrels a day. We’re trying to build pipelines for natural gas across the state of Alabama. Back when Biden was in office, we couldn’t get any permitting. They wouldn’t talk to us about it. Now President Trump is starting to release all that. They tried to stop drilling in the Gulf of America, which would have been a detriment and almost closed Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida down because we get a lot of revenue from that. They wanted to close it down. These people don’t believe in anything other than a [climate] hoax or try to put this country under and run it into socialism. If you want to do it, that’d be the best way to do it. You shut down all this fossil fuels and it is over with for the United States of America.” KUDLOW: “Last 20 seconds, Senator. Are people too bearish? Are they too doomsterish about the GOP?” TUBERVILLE: “No, no, we’re going to win. We’re going to win, Larry. It’s going to be a great month for us coming up. President Trump’s coming to Mobile, Alabama, on Friday night for his first rally. I’m going to get to introduce him. I’m looking forward to seeing him. It is going to be a great month because we’re going to tell the true story out there and people are going to listen to it face to face because the mainstream media is not going to talk about it.” Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/30/chairman-wicker-meets-with-taiwanese-ambassador/,Chairman Wicker Meets with Taiwanese Ambassador,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Ambassador Yui Tah-ray, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States. During their meeting, the two discussed U.S. security commitments to Taiwan and the rise of Chinese aggression against Indo-Pacific allies. Chairman Wicker issued the following statement after their meeting: “I was pleased to meet with Ambassador Yui Tah-ray from Taiwan. We had a productive discussion regarding the importance of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership amid the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party. “In 1979, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which remains the law of the land. This legislation committed the U.S. to make available defense articles and services in sufficient quantity to ensure Taiwan’s ability to defend itself from Chinese aggression. As members of Congress, we have a duty to make sure this law is adhered to and that decisions about the defense needs of Taiwan are based on our joint assessment of military necessity. “During the Reagan administration, the U.S. made a set of diplomatic pledges regarding security cooperation with Taiwan, known as the Six Assurances. President Reagan made clear that we would not consult with the Chinese Communist Party on arms sales to Taiwan. The fortieth president was right when he made that promise then, and we would be wise to uphold that precedent now. “In recent years, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has engaged in a massive military buildup and is increasingly using its growing power aggressively to coerce our allies in the Pacific, including Japan, the Philippines, and especially Taiwan. “In response—and in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act—Congress has authorized and appropriated a surge in resources to provide Taiwan with enhanced training, security assistance, and arms sales. These authorities must be used for the purposes that Congress intended. “The Taiwanese people have chosen democracy as their form of government and have built a dynamic and advanced economy as a result.” ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-banks-indiana-colleagues-urge-army-to-designate-camp-atterbury-and-muscatatuck-as-premier-test-ranges/,"Young, Banks, Indiana Colleagues Urge Army to Designate Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck as Premier Test Ranges",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and members of the Indiana congressional delegation in sending a letter to Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle urging the Army to designate Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center as Premier Test Ranges under the Permissive Test Range Expansion Initiative. Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck are ready to expand Department of Army testing of unmanned systems, counter-UAS technologies and other critical defense capabilities. Camp Atterbury has already supported testing of drones later deployed by U.S. Central Command. “Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center are uniquely positioned to help our military prepare for the threats of tomorrow,” said Senator Todd Young. “Designating these facilities as Premier Test Ranges would accelerate innovation, strengthen military readiness, and build on Indiana’s important role in our national defense. This designation would help ensure our service members have the capabilities they need to confront emerging threats and keep Americans safe.” “Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck are ready to help the Army move cutting-edge defense technology from development to the battlefield,” said Senator Jim Banks. “Designating these facilities as Premier Test Ranges would accelerate innovation, strengthen our military, and expand Indiana’s role in supporting our national defense.” In addition to Senators Young and Banks, the letter was also signed by Representatives Mrvan (D-IN-01), Yakym (R-IN-02), Stutzman (R-IN-03), Baird (R-IN-04), Shreve (R-IN-06), Carson (D-IN-07), Messmer (R-IN-08), and Houchin (R-IN-09). Read the full letter here or below: The Honorable Adam Telle Acting Secretary of the Army We are writing to respectfully urge you to designate Indiana’s Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC) as Premier Test Ranges under the Department of Army’s Permissive Test Range Expansion Initiative (PTREI). This designation will bolster the Army’s capability to quickly connect private-sector innovation with realistic operational environments. As you know the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) under PTREI prioritizes commercial access to specialized environments ideal for testing unmanned systems, counter-UAS technologies, long-range fires and low-cost interceptors. MUTC offers a dense, infrastructure-rich urban landscape alongside the requisite physical, digital, and electromagnetic conditions needed to test commercial capabilities. Combined with Camp Atterbury’s maneuver space, ranges, aviation assets, and airspace access, the installation will allow technologies to quickly evolve from initial developmental testing to complex operational experimentation. This mature, self-sustaining ecosystem is operational and ready today, requiring no baseline infrastructure investment to support the initiative. Designating Camp Atterbury and MUTC as Premier Test Ranges will also provide increased testing capability to mitigate future scheduling bottlenecks as industry’s engagement with the Army continues to grow. Camp Atterbury has already demonstrated its value as a premier experimentation hub. Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones, the first reverse-engineered, one-way attack drones deployed by the United States in CENTCOM, were tested at Atterbury. As CENTCOM Commander Admiral Cooper said earlier this year, “I remember well the training that happened at Camp Atterbury … That training has produced additional capability that we have now employed against an adversary, very effectively.” Additionally, Indiana was recently designated as an FAA Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site, permitting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing to advance autonomous flight standards. Designating Camp Attebury and MUTC as a Premier Test Ranges would complement the FAA designation by creating a bridge between commercial drone innovations and the complex urban, counter-UAS, and electronic warfare evaluations conducted by the Army. Specifically, the restricted airspace over Camp Atterbury, Indiana, is designated by the FAA as Special Use Airspace R-3401A and R-3401B, extending from the surface up to Flight Level 400 (just over 51 square miles of restricted airspace). Camp Atterbury’s integration of this airspace has established it as a tried-and-true operational proving ground for accelerating cutting-edge defense technologies through Task Force RAPTR and its innovative Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) campaigns. Muscatatuck, moreover, specializes in Class G and custom-managed airspace tailored for realistic low-altitude urban warfare for class 1 UAS, counter-UAS (drone) testing, and routinely supports electronic attack for training and testing. Thank you for your leadership, dedication to accelerating innovation, and continued service to our nation.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-urges-senate-to-pass-stop-insider-trading-act/,Young Urges Senate to Pass Stop Insider Trading Act,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"**Click here or above to watch Senator Young’s floor speech** WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation that would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks. To watch Young’s full speech, click here. Senator Young’s full remarks as prepared for delivery: I am here today to reiterate my support for the Stop Insider Trading Act and to urge my colleagues to support this important bill. In order to make the best policy decisions possible, Members of Congress are provided access to information most Americans are not. We receive briefings, write legislation, and serve on committees with jurisdiction over major sectors of our economy. But serving as a Member of Congress comes with a responsibility to put public interest ahead of personal gain. We have an obligation to put the interests of the people we represent ahead of our own. No Member of Congress should profit from insider information. There is a reason that can be difficult: members who write the rules are also subject to them. Allowing members to actively trade individual stocks creates an obvious conflict. Even when no law is broken, the appearance of a conflict is damaging. And without a doubt, some serving in Congress today benefit financially from the current system. But that should not prevent Congress from supporting a change that the overwhelming majority of Americans believe is needed and necessary. Recent polling shows that 86% of Americans favor banning Members of Congress from trading stocks. Republicans and Democrats disagree on so many issues, but Americans across the political spectrum agree that their elected representatives should not be able to use the privileges of public office for personal financial gain. This sentiment is echoed across Indiana. I regularly hear from Hoosiers who are troubled about those serving in Congress profiting from their positions. Here’s the bottom line: the American people should not have to wonder whether votes in Congress are influenced by what is best for the country or by what is best for the investment portfolios of those serving in Congress. The Stop Insider Trading Act will help ensure that Congress plays by the same rules as everyone else. It would prevent Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing individual stocks and strengthen disclosure and enforcement requirements. This legislation is a step in the right direction, and it’s what the people we represent want us to do. Trust in Congress remains at an all-time low. Passing this bill will help restore some level of trust in Congress and those who serve. Let’s do the right thing, support this bill, and put an end to swamp trading.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/youngs-great-lakes-restoration-initiative-act-passes-senate/,Young’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act Passes Senate,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) applauded Senate passage of his Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2026, legislation to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) through 2030 to help protect and preserve the Great Lakes. Young introduced the bill with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) last year, and the bill unanimously passed the Senate last night. “The Great Lakes are an important part of Indiana’s ecosystem and economy, and I’m pleased the Senate has passed our bill to protect and preserve these lakes for generations to come,” said Senator Young. “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a results-driven program that addresses serious threats including pollution, debris, and invasive species. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this important bill before year’s end.” The GLRI is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect the Great Lakes. The GLRI combines federal and nonfederal efforts to stop the spread of carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and habitats connecting streams and rivers, clean up environmentally damaged Areas of Concern, and prevent future contamination. While providing vital support for these efforts, the GLRI also helps ensure we can address new and emerging threats to the Great Lakes. Since its inception, the GLRI has spurred tremendous progress throughout the Great Lakes region including nearly half of a million acres of habitat protected, restored, or enhanced, a five-fold increase in the successful cleanup and delisting of Areas of Concern, a ten-fold increase in the remediation of environmental and public health impairments, and reducing the threat of harmful algal blooms. The GLRI’s efforts have also resulted in economic returns of more than three-to-one across the region. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2026 received broad support from Great Lakes advocates, including the Council of Great Lakes Governors, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, American Great Lakes Ports Association, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, American Sportfishing Association, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, National Audubon Society – Great Lakes, Environmental Law & Policy Center, MI League of Conservation Voters, Save the Dunes, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Clean Wisconsin, Ohio Environmental Council, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and Minnesota Environmental Partnership.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-and-colleagues-defend-homeschool-families-right-to-choose-religious-curriculum/,Sen. Banks and Colleagues Defend Homeschool Families’ Right to Choose Religious Curriculum,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined twelve of his colleagues in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to protect homeschooling parents’ right to choose faith-based curriculum for their children. The brief asks the court to reverse a lower-court decision that wrongly stopped parents participating in California’s homeschool independent study programs from using religious curriculum. It argues that California violated the First Amendment by allowing families to select nearly any qualifying curriculum while excluding religious options. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Parents have a God-given right to direct their children’s education. California’s attack on religious homeschool families is blatantly unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court should put an end to it.” Key Excerpts from the amicus brief below; the full text can be viewed here: “As part of California’s publicly funded independent-study programs, parents can teach their own children in their own homes with limited oversight from a private, nonprofit, corporation operating a charter school. And subject to general state standards, parents can choose any curriculum they want for their homeschooling—with one exception: religion.That overt discrimination—which Respondents say is required by California’s Blaine Amendment—clearly violates the Constitution. And it is preposterous to say, as did the Ninth Circuit, that homeschooling parents are actually state actors. “This Court has “repeatedly held that a State violates the Free Exercise Clause when it excludes religious observers from otherwise available public benefits” and programs… “To get around that blatant constitutional violation, the Ninth Circuit deemed the homeschool independent-study programs public. In other words, homeschooling parents are state actors. But that’s egregiously wrong. This case presents an easy question: whether parents who teach their own children in their own homes based on curriculum they select speak and act as the government. Both case law and common sense dictate that the answer is no.” U.S. Senator Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), led Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) in filing the amicus brief. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-delivers-remarks-on-senate-floor-and-secures-passage-of-resolution-designating-september-as-dystonia-awareness-month/,Sen. Banks Delivers Remarks on Senate Floor and Secures Passage of Resolution Designating September as Dystonia Awareness Month,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) delivered remarks on the Senate Floor urging his colleagues to support his resolution designating September as Dystonia Awareness Month. Banks shared his family’s personal experience with the neurological movement disorder, which his mother has been battling for the past 40 years, and called for greater awareness, research, and improved treatments for the nearly 250,000 Americans living with dystonia. Following his remarks, the resolution was agreed to by unanimous consent. Click the image above or view the full speech here. See remarks below: “In a few moments I’m going to ask for unanimous consent for my resolution to designate September as ‘Dystonia Awareness Month.’ But before I do, I want to speak a little bit about dystonia and how personal the disease is for me and my family. “Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects nearly 250,000 Americans. It causes involuntary muscle contractions and repetitive movements. These contractions can affect any part of the body, and they can be painful. Dystonia affects people of any age, and it may develop without any clear reason. “My mom has suffered from dystonia for nearly 40 years, and I’ve seen firsthand how difficult the disease is. But my mom is a fighter, and she has never let dystonia stop her from living her life. “Dystonia is often misdiagnosed, and there is no cure yet. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness about dystonia. Greater awareness leads to better research, and eventually, better treatments and even a cure. I urge support for my resolution.” ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-leads-indiana-delegation-in-thanking-fema-for-expanded-disaster-assistance/,Sen. Banks Leads Indiana Delegation in Thanking FEMA for Expanded Disaster Assistance,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"FEMA approved public assistance for 16 additional Indiana counties and individual assistance for three additional counties on September 24th WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) led members of the Indiana congressional delegation in thanking President Donald Trump and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton for approving additional federal disaster assistance for Hoosier communities recovering from the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11, 2026. FEMA approved the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s request to: Extend public assistance to 16 additional counties (Carroll, Cass, Fountain, Grant, Marion, Morgan, Parke, Pike, Pulaski, Putnam, Randolph, Rush, Starke, Union, Vermillion, and Warren); and Extend individual assistance to three additional counties (Cass, Pulaski, and Pike). Read the full letter here or below: Dear Administrator Hamilton: We deeply appreciate President Trump’s August 25, 2026, major disaster declaration for Indiana and FEMA’s continued support for our state’s recovery. We want to express our gratitude to you and your team for approving the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s (IDHS) requests to extend public assistance to 16 additional counties and individual assistance to three additional counties. The severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11, 2026, constitute the worst natural disaster that Indiana has faced in decades. Federal disaster assistance has already helped more than 26,000 Hoosier families get back on their feet and enabled hundreds of county and municipal governments to restore public services, but there is much more work to do. We applaud IDHS and FEMA for working together to assess and validate disaster costs in these additional counties and facilitate assistance to them. We are grateful for your visit to Indiana and for President Trump’s personal intervention on behalf of the state. We commend the support that FEMA, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Small Business Administration, have provided to Indiana during the first month of recovery, and we stand ready to work with you in the future. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-republicans-are-putting-more-money-in-your-pockets/,Barrasso: Republicans are Putting More Money in Your Pockets,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"“Whether it is lowering energy costs, cutting taxes or fighting fraud and corruption, there is the core difference between commonsense Republicans and crazy Democrats. Republicans want every American to keep more of what they earn. Democrats want every American to have less money in their pocket.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today shared how Democrats are blocking bipartisan legislation that would put more money in the pockets of the American people. Senator Barrasso slammed Democrats for their opposition to permitting reform, tax cuts, and fighting fraud. Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks. Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared: Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared: “I rise today to talk about action – action Republicans are taking to lower costs. “Let’s start with the cost of energy. We need to be able to build better, faster, cheaper, and smarter. We need it for pipelines and energy projects all across the country. These critical energy projects spend years trapped in the regulatory penalty box. Lawsuits by environmental extremists keep projects further tied up in the courts. “Republicans are committed to permitting reform. Senator Capito and Senator Lee have spent months working on this critical topic. Democrats here in the Senate, led by Senator Schumer, continue to block it. Democrats are objecting to solutions that actually lower the price of energy. Democrats embrace higher energy costs. They have a long history of doing that. It is a feature of the radical Democrat Green New Deal agenda. “Last week, Senate Democrats blocked a bill from Senator Jon Husted of Ohio. The bill is called the Ratepayer Protection Act. Senator Husted’s bill protects working families. That is why it is called the Ratepayer Protection Act. Senator Husted’s bill guarantees that large users of electricity, such as data centers, pay the full cost of the electricity they use. It also holds them responsible for the upgrades to the grid they need. This blocks higher costs from being forced onto families and small businesses. “The House of Representatives passed Senator Husted’s bill 417 to 3. Two hundred and six Democrats voted for it. The American people support it. Yet once again, Senate Democrats – led by Senator Schumer – stand in the way of relief. We need to pass Senator Husted’s Ratepayer Protection Act. Republicans will continue to fight to get it done. “Tomorrow, we will hold another vote on Senator Husted’s bill. Democrats have a choice. They can join Republicans to help lower costs. Or they can explain to American families why their party continue to stand in the way of relief. “Republicans will never stop fighting to ensure Americans keep more of what they earn. When Americans keep more of what they earn, the economy grows, and families prosper. Across the country, more people are working. Take-home pay is rising. The Wall Street Journal pointed out, ‘It is one of the best job markets in decades’ for young adults without college degrees. That is where the country stands today. “Last year, the American people faced the largest tax increase in American history. Had Democrats gotten their way, taxes would have gone up by $4 trillion. Democrats would have snatched hard-earned money right out of the pockets of firefighters, police officers, nurses, and waiters. Republicans stopped the largest tax increase in American history. “We got rid of taxes on tips, on overtime, and on Social Security. We expanded the Child Tax Credit. It is now $2,200 per year per child. We delivered permanent relief from the dreaded Death Tax. Two million farmers, ranchers, and small businesses benefited. We permanently raised the Standard Deduction. “As a result of our Working Families Tax Cuts law, 97 percent of Americans received a tax cut when they filed their taxes this year. Refunds this year were bigger than they were last year. The people who benefited the most were those earning less than $200,000 per year. “One of the unique parts of the Republican tax cuts are called Trump Accounts. These are brand new, tax-advantaged investment accounts. Every American child can have one. Children born between 2025 and 2028 start with $1,000 in their account. It comes directly from the United States Treasury. “Trump Accounts follow a very American idea: when families are free to invest their own money, their children can build wealth for the future. Millions of children and families are already using Trump Accounts. Parents, family members, churches, community groups, and even employers are contributing as well. Recently, Delta Airlines committed to invest $1,000 into the Trump Accounts of each of their employees’ children. Other businesses are doing the same. “Every single Democrat Senator voted against these valuable accounts. That includes the two Senators from Georgia, where Delta Airlines is headquartered. Democrats refuse to put children’s financial future first. “As Republicans fight to put more money in the pockets of the American people, we continue to crack down on waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption. “Last week, the Trump administration took another big step to root out fraud in our healthcare system. It identified 750,000 names that were fraudulent, improper, or ineligible for Obamacare. Many of these names lacked Social Security numbers. Many were signed up without knowing it. Insurance brokers gamed the system. They earned commission for each new account. There was no verification of identity, income, or immigration status. Red warning lights were signaling fraud and corruption. This crackdown on fraud saves taxpayers $2.2 billion. It ensures money and services go to Americans who truly need them. “Democrats want the money to keep flowing out of the Federal Treasury. Remember, Joe Biden and Democrats enabled this fraud. Enrollment doubled on their watch without justification. It was juiced by generous bonus subsidies. Big checks were sent directly from taxpayers into the pockets of health insurance companies. “Perverse incentives encouraged liberal governors to spend money from Medicaid without any oversight. In Minnesota, it went to phony treatment centers. In California, it went to phantom hospice providers. Republicans are committed to stopping the abuse and punishing the criminals. “Whether it is lowering energy costs, cutting taxes, or fighting fraud and corruption, there is the core difference between commonsense Republicans and crazy Democrats. Republicans want every American to keep more of what they earn. Democrats want every American to have less money in their pocket. “That is why Democrats are determined to repeal the Working Families Tax Cuts law. That means a direct tax increase on every American. It means raising taxes on waitresses, on nurses working overtime, on firefighters, on police officers, and on seniors. Why? So illegal immigrants can receive free healthcare, paid for by hardworking taxpayers. That is radical, extreme, dangerous, and scary. Americans are struggling to pay their bills. They should not be forced to pay the bills for millions of illegal immigrants. “Republicans will continue to fight to put money back in the pockets of American citizens who rightfully earned it.” ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-elissa-slotkin-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-modernize-ovarian-cancer-prevention-and-care/,"U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Elissa Slotkin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Ovarian Cancer Prevention and Care",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AL,Katie Boyd Britt,B001319,www.britt.senate.gov,britt,https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) recently introduced the Ovarian Cancer Improving and Modernizing Prevention, Access, Care, and Testing (IMPACT) Act, bipartisan legislation to expand access to genetic testing, hereditary cancer risk assessment, and specialty care for patients and families affected by ovarian cancer. “Too many women receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis only after the disease has advanced, when treatment options are limited, and outcomes are far worse,” said Senator Britt. “Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have, and every woman with a family history of ovarian cancer deserves to know her risk and have access to the screening and counseling that can help her make informed decisions about her health. I’m proud to join Senator Slotkin in this bipartisan effort to reauthorize Johanna’s Law, expand outreach to rural and underserved communities, and ensure genetic screening is covered for the women who need it most. Alabama has already shown national leadership in preventing gynecologic cancers, and this legislation builds on that progress so that where a woman lives or what her insurance plan covers doesn’t determine whether she can catch this disease early.” Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States, and roughly 80 percent of cases are detected only after the disease has reached an advanced stage. If caught early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90 percent. However, there remains no reliable screening test for the disease. This means that genetic counseling, hereditary risk assessment, and provider awareness are critical tools for prevention and early detection. “No family should have to fight both a cancer diagnosis and their insurance company at the same time,”said Senator Slotkin.“Women, especially in rural communities like Michigan, should be able to get the genetic testing and specialty care they need to catch this disease early or prevent it altogether. Our bill tackles this issue from every angle — research, awareness, outreach and access to care and testing — and I thank my colleagues from across the aisle as we all work to save lives.” The Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act would expand insurance coverage for genetic and genomic testing, cover risk-reducing interventions, expand rural and telehealth access, prioritize grants for outreach and education strategies in rural, underserved, and high-risk communities, and require HHS to deliver an implementation roadmap to Congress within 180 days of enactment and comprehensive impact reports every three years through FY2032. The Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act in championed in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.). The bill was also introduced alongside a companion resolution to recognize September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. You can read the full text of the bill here. “Ovarian cancer affects thousands of women and families every year, including some of my closest friends, and too many cases are not caught until the disease has reached an advanced stage,” said Representative Bacon. “Knowing the warning signs and having access to genetic counseling, testing and quality care can make a real difference. I’m pleased to join my colleagues on the bipartisan, bicameral Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act to improve awareness, expand access to specialized care, including in rural communities, and help more women get the care they need sooner.” “I am a survivor of ovarian cancer by the grace of God and biomedical research,” said Representative DeLauro. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would strengthen ovarian cancer research, medical services, and outreach to women to ensure screening and good health. This Ovarian Cancer Month, I am committed to fighting for improved health outcomes for all women, so more and more women survive this deadly disease.” Statements of support for the Members’ legislation are below: “We have an evidence-based strategy to reduce ovarian cancer risk and save lives with salpingectomy but need solutions to remove barriers to this care. Every patient considering pelvic surgery deserves a conversation with their physician about whether risk-reducing salpingectomy is appropriate for them and aligns with their health, values, and goals. We urge health systems and insurers to actively remove barriers to implementation of this care. ACOG is proud to endorse the Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act, which would expand awareness of and access to evidence-based prevention strategies, helping spare more patients and families from the devastating burden of ovarian cancer,”said Sandra E. Brooks, MD, MBA, FACOG, chief executive officer of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. “The introduction of the Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act is an important step forward for people affected by gynecologic cancers,” said Audra Moran, President and CEO of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the largest global organization dedicated to combating ovarian and all gynecologic cancers while supporting patients and families. “We are incredibly grateful to Senators Slotkin and Britt and Representatives DeLauro and Bacon for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to advancing policies that will improve prevention, expand access to care in rural and underserved communities, and give patients and families more opportunities to understand and manage their cancer risk.” “FORCE applauds the introduction of this important legislation, which has the potential to save lives while reducing long-term healthcare costs,” said Lisa Schlager, BRCA1 mutation carrier and Vice President, Public Policy at FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered. “Up to 20% of ovarian cancers and 15% of endometrial cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations. National medical guidelines recommend that everyone diagnosed with these cancers be offered genetic counseling and testing. While hereditary cancers represent only a subset of all cancer diagnoses, identifying individuals who have—or are predisposed to—these cancers is critical. They are the poster children for prevention, early detection, and targeted treatments.” Senator Britt’s work to improve health outcomes has been extensive. She has championed the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act to support rural healthcare facilities to provide urgent obstetric care and the MOMS Act, which provides critical support to women during all phases of motherhood, from prenatal care to early childhood development. Additionally, the Senator has worked on the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act, which aims to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for any follow-up diagnostic breast tests and recently introduced the bipartisan Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act to expand early screening resources. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-ted-budd-colleagues-urge-action-against-chinese-effort-to-flood-u-s-markets-with-illicit-vape-products/,"U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Ted Budd, Colleagues Urge Action Against Chinese Effort to Flood U.S. Markets with Illicit Vape Products",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AL,Katie Boyd Britt,B001319,www.britt.senate.gov,britt,https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and several of their Republican colleagues sent a letter to President Trump urging him to confront the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on its efforts to flood the United States with illicit, unauthorized vapes. In the letter, the senators call on the administration to press President Xi to enforce the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) existing export rules, halt the manufacturing and exporting of illicit vape products targeting U.S. markets, and cooperate with U.S. enforcement agencies to address the national drug crisis at its source. In the letter, the Senators wrote, “China has the power to stop this but has chosen not to … Beijing enforces this rule selectively while allowing hundreds of millions of illegal e-cigarettes to be exported to the U.S. annually, generating billions of dollars in revenue. This is a deliberate strategy that exploits gaps in U.S. enforcement … “This is a public health crisis, a national security threat, and a trade-fairness failure at once. Honest American retailers who follow federal law are being undercut by a black market supplied almost entirely from a single country that profits while our families pay the price,” the Senators continued. Joining Senator Britt and Budd in co-signing the letter were Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Senator Britt has continued to highlight the dangers of these products and how in many instances, they target America’s youth. In a May 2026 hearing, the Senator raised this issue with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). In an October 2025 hearing with the Department of Justice (DOJ), she questioned then-Attorney General Pam Bondi on the efforts of the DOJ to combat these illegal products. You can read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/09/29/budd-files-amicus-brief-defending-the-rights-of-homeschool-parents-to-choose-religious-based-curriculum/,Budd Files Amicus Brief Defending the Rights of Homeschool Parents to Choose Religious-Based Curriculum,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to reverse the lower court’s decision, which wrongly ruled that homeschool independent-study programs are public school programs. The brief defends homeschooling parents’ rights by reinforcing a common-sense principle: parents are not state actors. It also makes clear that neutral government programs can support parents’ choice of faith-based curriculum while remaining consistent with the Constitution and our nation’s history. Excerpts from the amicus brief are below, and the full text of the brief can be viewed HERE. “As part of California’s publicly funded independent-study programs, parents can teach their own children in their own homes with limited oversight from a private, nonprofit corporation operating a charter school. And subject to general state standards, parents can choose any curriculum they want for their homeschooling—with one exception: religion. That overt discrimination—which Respondents say is required by California’s Blaine Amendment—clearly violates the Constitution. And it is preposterous to say, as did the Ninth Circuit, that homeschooling parents are actually state actors. “This Court has “repeatedly held that a State violates the Free Exercise Clause when it excludes religious observers from otherwise available public benefits” and programs. … “To get around that blatant constitutional violation, the Ninth Circuit deemed the homeschool independent-study programs public. In other words, homeschooling parents are state actors. But that’s egregiously wrong. This case presents an easy question: whether parents who teach their own children in their own homes based on curriculum they select speak and act as the government. Both case law and common sense dictate that the answer is no.” U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) joined in filing the amicus brief. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-applauds-passage-of-the-protect-college-sports-act,Capito Applauds Passage of the Protect College Sports Act,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,WV,Shelley Moore Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,capito,https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, applauded the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Protect College Sports Act, legislation she co-sponsored that would establish national standards governing NIL, transfers, eligibility, and enforcement. “I have been proud to support the Protect College Sports Act and this effort to bring structure and stability back to college athletics. This legislation serves as an updated playbook to repair a fractured system by preventing the exploitation of student athletes, holding agents and coaches accountable, providing certainty through needed guardrails, and putting education first. It also includes an amendment I authored to preserve both women’s and Olympic sports’ visibility and media rights, helping these sports continue to grow and inspire the next generation of athletes. With the landscape of college athletics rapidly evolving, I believe with this bill’s passage, we will bring much needed certainty to the college athletics industry that has been allowed to spiral out of control,” Senator Capito said. BACKGROUND: Senator Capito has been a vocal supporter of the Protect College Sports Act. She recently stood alongside coaches and student athletes to speak in support of the bill at a press conference on Capitol Hill. She has joined a variety of news outlets to talk about the issue including Fox News. In July, Senator Capito became a cosponsor of the legislation and has spoken at length about her support with WBOY’s Gold and Blue Nation Podcast. Listen to her full interviews here and here. # # #",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-welcome-bangors-selection-as-one-of-four-potential-locations-for-new-kc-46-squadron,"Senators Collins, King Welcome Bangor’s Selection as One of Four Potential Locations for New KC-46 Squadron",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan M. Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,collins,https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today welcomed the Air Force’s decision to advance the Bangor Air National Guard Base as a potential location for a new KC-46A air refueling squadron. The two Senators received news moments ago that Bangor is one of four finalists from an initial field of 14 Air National Guard bases. Senators Collins and King were briefed on the decision by Mr. Michael Saunders, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment and Major General Bryony Terrell, Deputy Director of the Air National Guard. “This announcement from the Air Force is an important step toward equipping the MAINEiacs with the advanced aircraft they need to carry out their critical mission,” said Senators Collins and King. “Bangor’s strategic location and the proven excellence of the 101st Air Refueling Wing make a compelling case for bringing the KC-46 to Maine. We will continue to press for Bangor’s selection as the selection process continues.” If selected, Bangor would gain significantly more advanced refueling capabilities as the KC-46A would replace, over time, the aging KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing. The first aircraft would be expected to arrive in 2030. The remaining finalists will undergo further site analysis and evaluation. A decision for a preferred location on KC-46A Main Operating Base 9 is expected in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2027. Senator Collins secured $50 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 full-year continuing resolution for a universal fuel cell hangar in Bangor capable of accommodating the KC-46A, strengthening the base’s readiness for future aircraft. She also secured nearly $9.6 million in Fiscal Year 2024 military construction funding for Maine National Guard projects in Bangor and Saco. Additionally, of the more than $428.6 million in Congressionally Directed Spending Senator Collins secured for Maine in Fiscal Year 2026 funding bills, $2.5 million will support a new aircraft maintenance and ground equipment facility at Bangor Air National Guard Base. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator King has been a steadfast supporter of the armed forces, including Bangor’s 101st Air Refueling Wing. In a SASC hearing, he touted the “MAINEiacs” and reminded then-Chief of Staff of the Air Force of the strategic importance of Bangor Air National Guard. He secured key provisions in the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to help protect the Maine Air National Guard — guaranteeing that as the Air Force modernizes the tanker fleet, it replaces older aircraft on a one-for-one basis — and ensure support for all branches of the military to make sure that servicemembers can continue providing best in class services to protect the ‘territory of the brave.’ ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-protect-college-sports-act/,Cornyn Statement on Senate Passage of the Protect College Sports Act,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, which would restore order in college athletics by creating enforceable national rules, protecting real Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, preserving fair competition, safeguarding student athletes, and ensuring fans do not lose the teams, rivalries, and traditions they love: “College athletics are currently the Wild Wild West, and the lack of clear, consistent guidelines at the federal level is hurting athletes, universities, and fans,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would restore order in college sports by implementing much-needed guardrails surrounding eligibility, transfers, NIL rights, and revenue-sharing to better protect schools and players both on and off the field.” Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) are leading this legislation in the Senate. Background: The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act would: Set one national rulebook for eligibility, transfers, recruiting, NIL, and revenue sharing; Establish clear eligibility rules by adopting the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) new five-year eligibility rule, allowing for one free transfer with commonsense exceptions; Stabilize rosters by creating enforceable transfer windows, anti-tampering rules, and an agent registry; Protect rivalries by blocking the formation of a Super League and maintaining traditional out-of-conference games; Provide limited antitrust protection to the NCAA and College Sports Commission to enforce a revenue-sharing cap, which ensures a level playing field and competitive balance; Guarantee student scholarships and 10-year degree completion assistance; And protect women in sports by preserving Title IX protections, prohibiting cuts to women’s and Olympic-sport programs, and upholding Texas state law that prohibits men from competing in women’s sports.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-hegseth-review-military-supply-chain-security/,Cotton to Hegseth: Review Military Supply Chain Security,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,cotton,https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases,page_html,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatum Wallace or Hannah McCarthy September 29, 2026 Cotton to Hegseth: Review Military Supply Chain Security WASHINGTON—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth encouraging a review of military supply chains, which provide troops with the weapons, food, medical supplies, and other resources needed to defend our country. This follows recent reports that F-35 components shipped from Australia to the United States were diverted to Hong Kong and are in the Chinese government’s possession. In part, Senator Cotton wrote: “Securing these supply chains is critical to ensuring that our warfighters around the world have access to the most advanced equipment and technology and to ensuring that our adversaries do not gain access to U.S. technology.” Full text of the letter may be found here and below. September 29, 2026 Secretary Pete Hegseth Secretary of War U.S. Department of War 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20301 Dear Secretary Hegseth, I write requesting the Department of War review the security of military equipment and supplies transported through commercial and contractor-managed supply chains. Recent reports revealed that F-35 components being shipped from Australia to the United States were diverted to Hong Kong. Lockheed Martin, which manages the F-35 supply chain, transported the parts via commercial carrier. Alarmingly, it was also reported that the Chinese government has taken possession of the components and has yet to return them. We can’t afford for U.S. military equipment to fall into the hands of a foreign adversary because of vulnerabilities in commercial transportation. DOW relies extensively on contractors and commercial carriers to move military equipment, replacement parts, and vital supplies around the world. And while I recognize that such arrangements allow for ease and speed of movement, those advantages must not come at the expense of maintaining our military edge. Classified and designated sensitive components should receive heightened protections, but all U.S. military material can provide adversaries valuable insight into U.S. weapons systems, logistics, and readiness, as well as access to American troops. Given the complexity of these global supply chains, prioritizing national security every step of the way is vital. Therefore, I ask DOW to review (1) chain-of-custody requirements for military equipment and supplies transported by contractors and commercial carriers; (2) the Department’s ability to track the location and routing of these shipments; (3) procedures for approving and reporting changes to shipping routes; (4) criteria for allowing a shipment to pass through foreign jurisdictions; and (5) safeguards to prevent military materiel from transiting through or being diverted to China and other adversary-controlled jurisdictions. Securing these supply chains is critical to ensuring that our warfighters around the world have access to the most advanced equipment and technology and to ensuring that our adversaries do not gain access to U.S. technology. I look forward to working with you on this important matter. Sincerely, Tom Cotton United States Senator ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/north-dakota-family-honored-in-dc-after-six-year-journey-to-bring-haitian-daughters-home,North Dakota Family Honored in D.C. After Six-Year Journey to Bring Haitian Daughters Home,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a six-year international adoption journey, Maribeth and Jake Joraanstad of Fargo are in Washington, D.C., this week to be celebrated as 2026 Angels in Adoption honorees. The Joraanstads were nominated by U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) for the honor, recognizing their work to bring their adopted daughters, sisters Mitialove and Mirlanda, home from Haiti. During their visit to Washington, the Joraanstads shared their experience with the adoption in a meeting with Cramer, who followed their efforts over the years. “The Joraanstads have shown incredible perseverance throughout their adoption journey, and they’ve been committed since the very beginning to giving Mitialove and Mirlanda a loving, stable home while keeping them connected to their family and friends in Haiti,” said Cramer, co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. “I had the privilege of welcoming these two new North Dakotans to my office in Washington. It was an honor to nominate the Joraanstads in recognition of their dedication to their daughters. As an adoptive father myself, I know how meaningful adoption can be, and helping a family through this process is one of the most rewarding parts of this job.” The Joraanstads’ adoption story began years earlier. Jake first traveled to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, forming relationships which ultimately helped shape the family’s decision to adopt from the country. After Maribeth and Jake began the adoption process, escalating violence in Haiti closed the international airport and prevented the girls from leaving through the traditional process—even after their adoption had been finalized. With options running out, the family turned to Grey Bull Rescue, a nonprofit specializing in evacuating Americans and allies from some of the world’s most challenging and dangerous environments. Now a family of five, the Joraanstads are raising Mitialove and Mirlanda alongside their son, Amos. They remain committed to preserving the girls’ connection to their Haitian heritage, including their relationships with family and friends in Haiti. Cramer has annually nominated North Dakota families for the Angels in Adoption Award, which is sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute Program. It was established in 1999 to recognize individuals, couples, families, and organizations whose work has made a meaningful impact on children, youth, and families through adoption and foster care.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-of-health-and-human-services-awards-over-13-million-to-north-dakota-universities,U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards Over $1.3 Million to North Dakota Universities,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards Over $1.3 Million to North Dakota Universities WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1,330,665 to three North Dakota universities. The funding will be distributed as follows: $835,000 to the University of North Dakota for the Rural Assistance Center for the Office of Rural Health Policy. $437,665 to Mayville State University for Head Start Projects. $58,000 to North Dakota State University for Food and Drug Administration Research.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/va-awards-698970-to-north-dakota-to-expand-veteran-suicide-prevention-services,"VA Awards $698,970 to North Dakota to Expand Veteran Suicide Prevention Services",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded $698,970 to the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) for Fiscal Year 2027 to expand veterans’ access to mental health and suicide prevention services. The grant marks North Dakota’s first award through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The grant will strengthen access to mental health care for veterans across North Dakota, including those who may face barriers to receiving services because of where they live. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has pushed for expanded access to mental health services for veterans, regardless of their location. In April, Cramer and U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act to give priority consideration to applications for SSG Fox SPGP grants from entities in states which have not previously received funding from the program. In addition to the legislation, he also authored report language in the FY26 Milcon-VA appropriations bill, signed into law in December 2025, encouraging VA to address this disparity. “Veterans across North Dakota and across the country bravely served our nation, and were promised timely access to the mental health care they need, no matter where they live,” said Cramer. “Despite North Dakota’s best efforts, they were denied by the bureaucracy. This award is a welcome change in direction, helping North Dakota’s veterans access mental health services and prevent suicide. I’m grateful to the VA and Secretary Collins for helping connect our veterans with the care they need and making sure some of our nation’s most vulnerable veterans can get help when they need it.” Prior to this award, North Dakota was one of only five states that had not received an award under the SSG Fox SPGP, raising concerns about gaps in veteran access to appropriate mental health resources. Cramer wrote a letter in support of the NDDVA and its application to the SSG Fox SPGP, highlighting North Dakota’s culture of military service and its ranking as having one of the highest per-capita concentrations of military members in the country. He wrote in the letter, “As a very rural state, there are challenges and barriers to accessing the robust mental health services needed to support the growing veteran community. […] By working together with state and community entities such as The North Dakota Cares Coalition, North Dakota Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Division, and FirstLink, NDDVA will support the development of education and outreach programs and increase awareness of support services like the 988 Lifeline. This collaborative approach can make a meaningful impact toward reducing suicide risk among our service members and veterans.”",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/-cdfi-caucus-co-chairs-warner-and-crapo-applaud-release-of-congressionally-appropriated-fy25-cdfi-funds,CDFI Caucus Co-Chairs Warner and Crapo Applaud Release of Congressionally Appropriated FY25 CDFI Funds,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Mark R. Warner (D-Virginia), co-chairs of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus, issued the following statement: “We welcome Treasury taking another step to get these long-delayed FY25 CDFI Fund dollars out the door before they expire at the end of the month. These funds matter to families, small businesses, and communities across the country, especially at a time when Americans are already feeling squeezed by the cost of groceries, gas, housing, and other everyday expenses. “It should not take months of bipartisan pressure from Congress and advocates across the country to release funding at the eleventh hour that Congress already approved. We also remain deeply concerned by repeated efforts to weaken the CDFI Fund and its ability to do its job. We urge Treasury to make sure these dollars are deployed quickly, transparently, and fairly in accordance with the intent of Congress.” ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-backs-legislation-to-provide-clarity-for-student-athletes-idaho-higher-education-institutions,"Crapo Backs Legislation to Provide Clarity for Student Athletes, Idaho Higher Education Institutions",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--After consultation with Idaho’s colleges and universities, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) voted to support the Protect College Sports Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 77-22. The legislation would establish a federal regulatory framework for college athletics and set national standards for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation, among other provisions. “College athletics are facing significant challenges Congress can and must meaningfully address,” said Crapo. “The Protect College Sports Act provides much-needed clarity and consistency for student athletes and higher education institutions. It protects athletes’ Name, Image and Likeness rights while also preserving fair competition. Clear national standards will help provide stability for college athletics and protect the opportunities and traditions that make college sports an important part of communities across the country.” The Protect College Sports Act is supported by various Idaho colleges and universities: “Athletics is the front porch of Boise State and often the first way people across Idaho and the nation encounter our university. But its impact reaches far beyond competition,” said Boise State University President David Hahn. “Athletics has helped attract students, inspire philanthropy, advance our academic and research mission, and unite Idahoans around a shared sense of pride. We are grateful to Senator Crapo for engaging with Idaho’s colleges and universities and working to bring greater clarity and stability to this rapidly changing landscape. The Protect College Sports Act is an important pathway for creating a stable, fair foundation for college athletics.” “At the University of Idaho, we see the current version of this bill as a great framework to support college athletic programs and the student-athlete experience as we navigate the challenges facing us,” said University of Idaho President Scott Green. “We appreciate a national approach to unified guidelines that standardize important issues such as eligibility, transferring, and appropriate athlete protection. Senator Crapo has been a stalwart supporter of ensuring college athletics protects student-athletes, benefits colleges and universities and remains a shared pastime across the nation.” “Athletics is a vital part of our campus, providing educational and athletic opportunities, developing future leaders, and creating meaningful points of pride throughout our community and alumni base,” said Idaho State University President Robert Wagner. “The Protect College Sports Act is the first bipartisan, comprehensive effort to begin addressing the destabilizing challenges faced by college athletics,” he added. Polling released in July revealed a majority of American voters (72 percent) support the Protect College Sports Act. Bill text is available HERE. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-klobuchar-early-act-reauthorization-passes-senate,"Crapo, Klobuchar EARLY Act Reauthorization Passes Senate",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), along with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), announced Senate passage of their bipartisan Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Reauthorization Act of 2026. The legislation reauthorizes federal breast cancer education and awareness efforts focused on young women and women at higher risk of developing the disease. About 16 percent of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. occur in women younger than age 50, who tend to have more aggressive forms of the disease and are often diagnosed at later stages. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. “Early detection and preventive care are critical to saving lives, improving treatment outcomes and reducing health care costs,” said Crapo. “The EARLY Act strengthens important education and awareness efforts that help women understand their risks and seek care sooner, giving more families the opportunity for better outcomes and more time with their loved ones.” “We’ve come so far in the fight against breast cancer, but there is more we must do to ensure that all women—and especially women who are under the age of 45 and at high risk—have the information and support they need to detect this deadly disease early on,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill will help continue the important work of elevating breast cancer awareness while supporting critical research so that one day we can finally eradicate breast cancer.” “Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the burden of breast cancer. Senate passage of the EARLY Act brings this critical legislation closer to becoming law and helps ensure that young women with—or at risk of developing—breast cancer continue to have access to potentially lifesaving education, support and resources,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “ACS CAN is especially grateful to Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Crapo for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to advancing this bill. Reauthorizing the EARLY Act will address the unique challenges young patients face as it strengthens efforts to raise awareness, promote early detection and improve outcomes.” The EARLY Act reauthorizes the federal Bring Your Brave campaign, which educates women younger than 45 about breast cancer through real stories, encourages women to learn their family health history and provides information about steps they can take to lower their risk. To date, Bring Your Brave has generated more than 231 million social media impressions, 12.4 million video views and 2 million social engagements, and has driven more than 2.9 million people to the campaign’s website. The program also helps create support systems by connecting breast cancer survivors with young women who are at high risk for breast cancer or have already been diagnosed. It has also supported increased training and education for family medicine health care providers, particularly in managing the care of patients at higher risk of hereditary cancer. Background Crapo has long championed efforts to advance cancer prevention, early detection and research. Most recently, the Senator helped secure enactment of the bipartisan Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act, expanding access to innovative cancer screening technologies. In recognition of his leadership in the fight against cancer, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) presented Crapo with its National Distinguished Advocacy Award, the organization’s most prestigious advocacy honor. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-merkley-lead-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-hold-china-accountable-for-organ-harvesting-and-human-rights-violations,"Sens. Cruz, Merkley Lead Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Hold China Accountable for Organ Harvesting and Human Rights Violations",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued statements following Senate passage of their bipartisan Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act. This legislation imposes sanctions on officials responsible for forced organ harvesting in China and directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s organ harvesting policies and transplant system. Sen. Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party continues to target Falun Gong practitioners through its brutal, state-sponsored organ harvesting industry. These atrocities are an assault on religious liberty and fundamental human rights. I am proud to have worked with Senator Merkley to get this bipartisan bill through the Senate, and I urge my colleagues in the House to pass it and send it to the President’s desk.” Sen. Merkley said, “China’s campaign of repression and human rights abuses continues to have horrific consequences, including reports of forced organ harvesting from vulnerable groups across the PRC. We must stand up for the victims of these crimes, and our bipartisan effort holds the Chinese government accountable for its abuses.” U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) are cosponsors of this legislation. Click here to read more about the bill. BACKGROUND: Falun Gong is a movement founded in the early 1990s by Li Hongzhi in China, which grew rapidly throughout the 1990s. The CCP outlawed the movement in 1999 and sought to eliminate Falun Gong activity. The CCP has conducted mass arrests and torture of Falun Gong practitioners and detained thousands of practitioners in labor camps, subjecting some to forced organ harvesting. Those harvested organs are used in transplants within China and are trafficked overseas.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/09/29/daines-peters-resolution-commemorating-35-years-of-independence-for-central-asian-nations-passes-u-s-senate/,"Daines, Peters Resolution Commemorating 35 Years of Independence for Central Asian Nations passes U.S. Senate",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,daines,https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), cofounders of the Senate Central Asia Caucus, announced that their resolution commemorating 35 years of independence for the five Central Asian nations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) passed the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support. Senators Curtis (R-Utah) and Dave McCormick (R-Penn.) joined Daines and Peters in introducing the resolution. “In the 35 years since Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union, we’ve made substantial progress in deepening our relationships and working towards our mutual goals, including increased trade and national security. I am thrilled to see my resolution commemorating these 35 years of independence pass the U.S. Senate, and I look forward to the continuation of our partnerships,” said Daines. “Our diplomatic alliances with the nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have strengthened the United States’ economy, counterterrorism efforts, and national security interests. As Central Asia becomes increasingly vulnerable to the influence of our adversaries it’s imperative that the United States stays engaged with our allies in the region. I’m proud to support this resolution to commemorate the 35th anniversary of independence for our Central Asia partners. I’m committed to ensuring that our partnership continues to promote regional stability, good governance, and economic cooperation,” said Peters. “For 35 years, the nations of Central Asia have charted their own paths as sovereign, independent states and become increasingly important partners in advancing regional stability, economic opportunity, and global security. I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution recognizing that milestone and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to strengthening our partnerships across Central Asia in the years ahead,” said Curtis. “Over the past three decades, the nations of Central Asia have emerged as increasingly important partners for the United States. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have each charted their own course as sovereign nations and become vital partners in strengthening regional stability, expanding trade, and securing critical supply chains. This bipartisan resolution recognizes that progress and reaffirms America’s commitment to deepen our security and economic partnerships, advance our interests, and counter the malign influence of our adversaries,” said McCormick. Read the resolution HERE. Background: Daines has travelled to all five Central Asian countries- read more HERE. He most recently visited Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan in August- see more HERE, HERE and HERE. This year he also visited Turkmenistan- read more HERE. Last week he spoke at a United Nations General Assembly side event with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on the importance of the TRIPP Program and increased trade with Central Asia- read more HERE. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/09/29/daines-urges-support-for-israel-on-senate-floor-democrats-are-distorting-reality-for-political-gain/,Daines Urges Support for Israel on Senate Floor: “Democrats are Distorting Reality for Political Gain”,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,daines,https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to an anti-Israel resolution proposed by Senate Democrats. Watch his full remarks HERE. Daines’ remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. President, with this misguided resolution, the Democrats are trying to distort reality for political gain. Make no mistake, the sole objective here is not justice or accountability for Americans; it is to cut off security aid to our ally Israel in its time of need. Of course, any loss, all loss, of American life is a tragedy. Ambassador Huckabee has called for an investigation into these deaths, and I am very confident this Administration will get to the bottom of this issue. But this one-sided resolution shames one of our strongest allies and minimizes the Palestinian Authority’s role in inciting terrorist violence, including against Americans through their horrific “pay for slay” program which rewards terrorists with over 200 million dollars a year. Rather than any serious attempt at accountability or justice, this is sadly another cynical ploy by Democrats to isolate our closest ally in the region and turn Israel’s righteous war of self-defense into a domestic political issue, as we’re now 30 days from an election. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote no on this resolution so we can stand with our ally Israel as they beat back the scourge of Iranian-backed terrorism. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.dgraham.senate.gov/press-releases/icymi-senator-darline-graham-grills-former-special-counsel-jack-smith-at-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing,ICYMI: Senator Darline Graham Grills Former Special Counsel Jack Smith at Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Darline Graham,G000608,www.dgraham.senate.gov,darlinegraham,https://www.dgraham.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"GRAHAM: “Do you really believe that Lindsey was going to destroy evidence that was not even in his possession?” FORMER SPECIAL COUNSEL JACK SMITH: “No, I believe your brother was a patriotic public servant. He was not a target of our investigation…” GRAHAM: “Then why does the gag order say that disclosure of the subpoena would result in destruction of or tampering with evidence?” FORMER SPECIAL COUNSEL JACK SMITH: “Because disclosure of that subpoena could result in Donald Trump attempting to intimidate witnesses as he had before and after. We had an ample basis.”",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.dgraham.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-darline-graham-cosponsors-legislation-to-deliver-relief-to-south-carolinians-affected-by-hurricane-helene-other-natural-disasters,"Senator Darline Graham Cosponsors Legislation to Deliver Relief to South Carolinians Affected by Hurricane Helene, Other Natural Disasters",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Darline Graham,G000608,www.dgraham.senate.gov,darlinegraham,https://www.dgraham.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-South Carolina) cosponsored legislation to help South Carolina utility customers recover from damage to local energy infrastructure. The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act would allow energy producers to apply unused tax credits from prior years to pay for repairs to damaged energy infrastructure, thereby lowering the overall cost of these necessary projects, passing the savings onto consumers. “I am proud to add my name to legislation to help South Carolina recover when disaster strikes. When Hurricane Helene hit South Carolina, critical energy infrastructure was decimated, leaving families and businesses without power for days, and in some cases even weeks. For some of our communities in South Carolina, the road to recovery is still ongoing,” said Senator Darline Graham. “This legislation takes a practical approach to strengthening local energy infrastructure by helping energy producers invest in a more reliable and resilient electric grid. The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act is a pragmatic step to prepare for South Carolina’s future while keeping energy costs affordable for families and businesses,” concluded Senator Darline Graham. The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act:",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-grassley-mark-15-years-of-iowa-kosovo-partnership,"Ernst, Grassley Mark 15 Years of Iowa-Kosovo Partnership",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Joni Ernst,E000295,www.ernst.senate.gov,ernst,https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to introduce a resolution to recognize the 15-year partnership between the Iowa National Guard (IANG) and the Republic of Kosovo, highlighting its contributions to advancing peace, democracy, stability and mutual understanding. As Russia, China and Iran seek to weaken Western institutions and undermine Euro-Atlantic integration, the IANG–Kosovo partnership helps provide stability to the eastern European region. Last week, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited IANG Joint Force Headquarters in Johnston to highlight the partnership’s benefits and recognize Iowa’s longstanding relationship with Kosovo. “Having served in the Iowa National Guard and trained alongside the Kosovo Security Forces during my service, I know firsthand the value of the partnership between Iowa and the Kosovo Security Force that has been built over the past 15 years,” said Ernst. “During my recent visit, I saw firsthand the strength of this bond and the deep respect Kosovars have for Iowa and our men and women in uniform. Through joint training and operations, our forces advance a shared commitment to security and stability. I am proud to mark this milestone and look forward to this partnership growing even stronger.” “I’m very proud Iowa has such a close relationship with one of the most pro-American countries in the world,” said Grassley. “In those fifteen years, both our peoples have felt the benefit of this bond and strengthened our security postures. I’m happy to partner with Senator Ernst in leading this resolution to honor Iowa’s historic partnership with Kosovo and celebrate its enduring impact.” Read the resolution here. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-investigation-reveals-fraudsters-becoming-billionaires-by-bilking-taxpayers,Ernst Investigation Reveals Fraudsters Becoming Billionaires by Bilking Taxpayers,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Joni Ernst,E000295,www.ernst.senate.gov,ernst,https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released her latest investigation revealing how fraudsters are becoming billionaires by bilking taxpayers. Ernst highlights ten scammers who collectively billed government programs for over $21 billion. More than $3.1 billion of those bogus charges were paid. The crooks spent the loot on million-dollar mansions, luxury vehicles, extravagant jewelry, and a beachside resort. They also laundered millions of dollars overseas to China and the Russian mob. “Klepto-currency is creating a new class of billionaire bandits,” said Ernst. “While Iowans are juggling rising health care costs, these criminals are building empires by stealing from government health care programs and using the proceeds to bankroll mansions, luxury cars, and lavish lifestyles. Fraudsters are literally putting the con in convertible. For too long, Washington focused on taxing the money earned by hard working Americans while giving it away without even checking to see who is taking it. Enough is enough. Let’s put these scammers in the slammer!” Among the cases Ernst is highlighting: Brett Blackman allegedly used foreign call centers and fraudulent doctors’ orders to exploit senior citizens and submit approximately $1 billion in bogus claims for orthotic braces and other unnecessary medical equipment. More than $450 million in claims were allegedly paid. Blackman also reportedly flaunted his fraud-financed wealth, including a gold necklace in the shape of a dollar sign, in a music video filmed at his mansion. Alexandra Gehrke and Jeffrey King allegedly submitted approximately $1.2 billion in fraudulent claims for unnecessary wound grafts to Medicare, TRICARE, and CHAMPVA. Approximately $615 million was allegedly paid, with proceeds used to purchase four luxury vehicles, real estate, and jewelry. Marizel Yukee allegedly submitted approximately $1 billion in fraudulent health care claims to Medicare and TRICARE through a scheme involving bribes and kickbacks. Reports indicate that $297 million was paid out, with proceeds reportedly spent on expensive cars, jewelry, and real estate. Brian Rowan allegedly orchestrated a $1.2 billion scheme to defraud government health care programs through kickbacks, bribes, and sham sales invoices. Approximately $614 million in fraudulent claims was allegedly paid, helping finance multi-million-dollar mansions, luxury watches, and extravagant vehicles. Erekle Gugava allegedly submitted at least $1.3 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers in a six-month period. Authorities allege that approximately $6.5 million was obtained and laundered to Russian organized-crime associates before Gugava fled the country. A Russian organized-crime group allegedly obtained nearly $1 billion by submitting fraudulent claims for medical supplies, primarily urinary catheters. The group allegedly submitted more than $10.6 billion in reimbursement claims to Medicare using the stolen identities of thousands of doctors and senior citizens. Ibrahim Khaldoon Hilmi and Nika Machutadze allegedly posed as medical supply providers and submitted approximately $3.7 billion in fraudulent claims for orthotic braces, glucose monitors, and wound dressings to government-funded health care programs. Authorities allege that the pair received approximately $5.7 million before the scheme was uncovered. Herbert Leon Kimble allegedly led a scheme that submitted more than $1.2 billion in fraudulent Medicare claims for orthopedic braces. Using foreign telemarketing call centers, the operation allegedly targeted hundreds of thousands of elderly and disabled patients with unnecessary knee, wrist, and shoulder braces. The scheme allegedly generated more than $200 million, which was used to purchase exotic automobiles, yachts, and luxury real estate. Ernst is calling on the Senate to pass her Protecting American Taxpayers Act which would prevent fraud before it occurs, recover stolen taxpayer dollars, and hold fraudsters accountable. Ernst notes, “every day we delay passing my bill, fraudsters get away with stealing another $1.4 billion from taxpayers.” She’s also giving her September 2026 Squeal Award to the Democratic Socialists of America for saying “billionaires shouldn’t exist,” while ignoring the government grift and graft that is making billionaires out of riffraff. In fact, the $500 billion the Democrats’ proposed “billionaire tax” would bring in isn’t even enough to pay the total cost of the $523 billion the government gives away to fraudsters every year. “When the socialists demand, ‘Medicare for All,’ apparently, they really mean it, even if that includes Russian mobsters and the FBI’s most wanted fraudsters,” said Ernst. Read the Protecting American Taxpayers Act text here. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/09/29/2026/icymi-grassley-on-newsmax-jack-smith-was-a-tool-of-the-biden-administration,ICYMI: Grassley on Newsmax: Jack Smith Was a Tool of the Biden Administration,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined “The Record with Greta Van Susteren” on Newsmax to discuss the committee’s oversight hearing on Arctic Frost and Jack Smith’s abuse of authority. “Jack Smith was trying to tell Congress that their investigation was solely related to what happened on January 6th. But we’ve proved that it goes way beyond that. This was an effort to cripple the Republican party with subpoenas, violating people's privacy,” Grassley said. Grassley highlighted the sweeping nature of Smith’s investigation of President Trump and the Republican party, which collected thousands of Americans’ personal banking information, nearly 50 journalists' communications with government sources, records from at least 430 Republican individuals and entities and the text messages of 44 members of Congress. Watch the full interview HERE. Excerpts follow. VIDEO On new information released during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing: “I think that we learned through the thousands of pages that I've released to the public that Jack Smith was a tool of the Biden administration to put Trump in prison. [Trump] was the only one indicted, but the records that we [made] public today, and a few days ago, show that he swept at least 400 Republican organizations into his investigation, and 44 members of Congress by subpoenaing their phone records. We also showed that [Smith] violated the constitutional right that protects Congress... the Speech and Debate Clause, they ignored that. “They even got the bank records of about 4,700 Americans, of which 42 of them were from Iowa – those were subpoenaed. They also subpoenaed at least a couple dozen media organizations and individuals. “This was very sweeping. Jack Smith was trying to tell us that their investigation was solely related to what [happened] on January 6th, when the Capitol was broken into. But we’ve prove[n] that it goes way, way beyond that. [It was] an effort to really cripple the Republican organization with all of the subpoenas that they gave, violating people's privacy.” On Jack Smith and the Biden administration’s weaponization of the Department of Justice: “[There was] a double standard of enforcement – one thing for Democrats and another thing for Republicans. In addition, as I said in my opening statement today, they helped Hillary Clinton get rid of her emails and things of that nature, and they go after Trump. This process against Trump was opened up just three days after he announced he was going to run for president again. So, you see the political connections and the effort to destroy Trump so that he could never run for president again.”",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/breaking-jack-smiths-team-collected-checks-from-nearly-5000-americans-in-all-50-states,"BREAKING: Jack Smith’s Team Collected Checks from Nearly 5,000 Americans in All 50 States",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Thousands of Americans across all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, who donated as little as $1 to President Trump and Trump-aligned Republican entities had their checks secretly subpoenaed by Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team. Records provided to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) via legally protected whistleblower disclosures reveal Smith’s team acquired at least 4,782 checks from Americans who made mainly small-dollar donations to President Trump between September 2019 to August 2023. The checks reveal the donors’ home addresses, bank account and routing numbers, and signatures. Smith’s team acquired the checks as part of its “Arctic Frost” election case against President Trump, allowing the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to gain access to nearly 5,000 Americans’ highly sensitive information, including 42 Iowans. There may be additional subpoena returns that include more donor checks. Whistleblower records show the checks were routed to former FBI Special Agent Walter Giardina. Grassley confronted Smith about this massive violation of privacy during today’s Judiciary hearing: “No matter what you say, there’s no legitimate basis for what you did. Especially since your staff killed an investigation into the Clinton campaign. Donations to Republican groups wasn’t necessary to your investigation, which is proved out by the fact it wasn’t mentioned in your public report. Now, the Justice Department and FBI will forever possess thousands of people’s addresses, phone numbers, banks, bank account numbers, bank routing numbers and copies of their true signatures. Every member on this committee ought to be outraged for what happened to their constituents. Which one of my Democratic colleagues will join me in that outrage?” Redacted copies of all 4,782 personal checks whistleblowers provided to Grassley are available HERE.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-09-29-26,"Capitol Hill Report, 09-29-26",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Audio from this afternoon’s call is available HERE. Topics include: $15 billion Mesabi steel plant announcement, Iran, diesel exports and Iowa’s 2026 gubernatorial race.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-questions-jack-smith-at-senate-judiciary-oversight-hearing,Grassley Questions Jack Smith at Senate Judiciary Oversight Hearing,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) questioned former Special Counsel Jack Smith at today’s oversight hearing on Smith’s abuse of authority and targeting of Republicans. Grassley pressed Smith on his collection of thousands of Americans’ personal banking information, as well as his team’s exposure of classified materials, retaliation against whistleblowers and disregard for constitutional guardrails. Smith stood by his former colleagues’ reckless and political actions. Video and a transcript of Grassley and Smith’s exchange follow. VIDEO Jack Smith’s targeting of Republican donor data and Americans’ personal checks GRASSLEY: “Did your Special Counsel operation obtain possession of donor data, to include financial information? Yes or no?” SMITH: “Yes, we acquired financial information. As I sit here right now, I cannot recite to you every subpoena we issued... I can tell you why we issued subpoenas, and it was to conduct a criminal investigation...” GRASSLEY: “Indeed you did, Mr. Smith. According to protected disclosures to my office, you obtained at least 4,782 donor checks. Many of those checks were five to 10 dollars. The list includes checks from constituents in every state of every single member in this committee, both Republicans and Democrats. It includes 42 checks from Iowans who dared to donate money to Republicans. “No matter what you say, there’s no legitimate basis for what you did. Especially since your staff killed an investigation into the Clinton Campaign. Donations to Republican groups wasn’t necessary to your investigation, which is proved out by the fact it wasn’t mentioned in your public report. “Now, the Justice Department and FBI will forever possess thousands of people’s addresses, phone numbers, banks, bank account numbers, bank routing numbers and a copy of their true signatures. Every member on this committee ought to be outraged for what happened to their constituents. Which one of my Democratic colleagues will join me in that outrage?” Violations of law or policy and whistleblower retaliation committed by Jack Smith’s investigative staff: GRASSLEY: “In your public statements and testimony here today, you’ve given glowing assessments of your staff, saying they had an unwavering commitment to justice regardless of personal costs. That is blatantly untrue. You’re apparently in denial based on the litany of wrongdoing and political bias supported by reams of evidence that I referenced in my opening statement. And, I’ve either released documents or will today that proves this. “Moreover, in your public report you said, in part, ‘Those materials comprised a small part of the Office’s investigative record.’ You’re referring to J6 Committee materials. Records show that in your briefing memorandum for a meeting with [Attorney General] Garland you said your team ‘fully read and reviewed’ the J6 committee report. That memo also said your staff ‘went over it page by page and incorporated it into our investigative plan.’ The memo also said you ‘will leverage’ the report to avoid certain interviews. Your report provided false information to the public. “Your staff also obtained subpoena returns that included the content of messages from 44 Members of Congress, not just toll records, as you’ve testified previously. Based on information provided to the committee, that content was shared with the case agents and prosecutors before it went through any filter review for privileged information, which should’ve been done like it’s been in other cases. Those are clear violations by your staff. “In addition, your deputy, J.P. Cooney, said he’d ‘prosecute any nun who still wears a head habit.’ Then Cooney also said regarding the Speech or Debate clause, ‘I’m an advocate for repealing the clause.’ Lastly, Cooney and Molly Gaston filed a complaint with the Justice Department Inspector General. Your staff asked for the inspector general to investigate whistleblowers who’ve bravely exposed abuses of authority to Congress by you and your staff. These are just some of the violations of law or policy your staff and office committed. And that doesn’t include all of the violations disgraced former FBI agents like Thibault and Giardina committed while creating a false predicate for your cases and others… “Should whistleblowers who made lawful disclosures to Congress about your taxpayer funded work be investigated?” SMITH: “I'm not aware of any whistleblowers being investigated… The members of my team that you just mentioned, I'm extremely proud to have worked with them...” GRASSLEY: “I gave you evidence that [your staff] asked for an investigation by the Inspector General.” Jack Smith and his investigative team’s disregard for the Speech or Debate Clause: GRASSLEY: “When you became Special Counsel, what direction did you give your staff to handle Speech or Debate and Attorney-Client material? Did you issue any directives? If so, to whom? Please explain.” SMITH: “So, with respect to the Speech or Debate clause, first, we took our obligations seriously under the Speech or Debate clause. It's, in my view, an important part of the separation of powers. I had members of my staff who were very familiar with the clause, having worked in the public integrity section for years. We also, when it was appropriate or required, consulted with the public integrity section regarding application of that clause.” GRASSLEY: “Mr. Smith, no amount of explanation can take away from the documentary record. My opening remarks and the statement I made about your staff’s clear failures show unequivocally how you breached constitutional parameters and failed to require your staff to comply with relevant rules. Using the terrible acts on January 6 as a predicate for your misguided investigation is irresponsible. “To that end, either you are the world’s worst manager, or you shared your staff’s political animus to fuel your partisan investigation – an investigation that ruined the lives of many innocent people.” Potential exposure of classified materials by Jack Smith and his investigative staff GRASSLEY: “Following up from my opening statement. For the classified document case, where did you store the classified material? Describe the [Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)] arrangement for both DOJ and FBI personnel during and after court sessions.” SMITH: “I can't speak to FBI facilities… our office had a SCIF, a place to store classified information, and my recollection is that there was, at least in Florida, an ability to store it there. I can't recall if it was at the FBI field office or at the courthouse. But we had a SCIF at our office as part of our investigation, knowing that classified information would be involved in the investigation.” GRASSLEY: “I said in my opening statement that one of your staff members suggested leaving the door open, which [would] obviously be a violation of law.” Jack Smith’s use of a personal device as former Special Counsel GRASSLEY: “In October last year I asked you this question, but you never responded. Did you ever use a personal device for work purposes, to include communications such as email, text or the creation or editing of work product? If so, do you commit to providing that material to the committee? If not, are you testifying that you’ve complied with all federal records requirements?” SMITH: “Yes, when I first became special counsel, I did not have a government phone or government computer, and so in the initial days when I was appointed and I was still living in the Netherlands, I did use a personal device and email to communicate with folks in the Justice Department. What I did when I got government accounts is made sure, to the best of my ability, that that information was forwarded to government accounts, so it would be within the Federal Records Act…” Jack Smith’s relationship with former CIA Director John Brennan GRASSLEY: “Have you ever received any consultation or counsel by John Brennan, former CIA Director, whether during your time as Special Counsel or otherwise? If so, when and for what purpose?” SMITH: “I've never met John Brennan.”",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-documents-show-nara-general-counsel-assisted-in-classified-document-prosecution-calling-jack-smiths-court-filings-into-question,"ICYMI: Documents Show NARA General Counsel Assisted in Classified Document Prosecution, Calling Jack Smith’s Court Filings into Question",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Records obtained by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) refute statements made by former Special Counsel Jack Smith in a February 2024 court filing regarding the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) involvement in the classified document case against President Trump. “Jack Smith represented to court that the National Archives didn’t substantively assist with the classified documents case against President Trump. These representations to the court were entirely false,” Grassley said. In response to President Trump’s January 16, 2024, motion to compel discovery from NARA on the basis that NARA participated in the government’s prosecution, the Special Counsel’s Office on February 2, 2024, claimed to the court that NARA was not part of the prosecution team and therefore President Trump’s motion should be denied. Specifically, the Special Counsel Office’s filing says that no NARA personnel “played any role in the development of prosecutorial strategy” and “NARA’s involvement in the investigation consisted entirely of providing documents and information.” However, according to NARA communications obtained by Chairman Grassley, former NARA General Counsel Gary Stern reviewed, commented on and gave edits to the Department of Justice’s court filings related to the classified documents case against President Trump.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-jack-smith-obtained-journalist-communications-with-government-sources,ICYMI: Jack Smith Obtained Journalist Communications with Government Sources,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Whistleblower disclosures made to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), show that former Special Counsel Jack Smith swept up communications from over a dozen national media outlets as part of the “Arctic Frost” election investigation into President Trump. “What will the partisan media say about this disgraceful government overreach? This wasn’t a normal prosecution by any means,” Grassley said. Nearly 50 journalists from the following news outlets had their communications swept up by Smith, including messages exchanged with government sources. Television:",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-jack-smiths-classified-documents-case-based-on-non-criminal-referral-initially-dismissed-by-fbi-as-spillage-issue,"ICYMI: Jack Smith’s Classified Documents Case Based on “Non-Criminal” Referral, Initially Dismissed by FBI as “Spillage” Issue",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Records obtained by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) show Special Counsel Jack Smith’s classified documents case against President Trump began as a non-criminal referral with “little likelihood of being pursued as a criminal matter.” “Jack Smith’s operation was a partisan weapon. He broke the rules, lied to the court and engaged in bad faith throughout. His operation has no credibility – only to the partisan media and Democrats who cheered him on,” Grassley said. Background: On February 9, 2022, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) sent an email to the Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting guidance on classified records that NARA had received from Mar-a-Lago. This NARA OIG “referral” email served as the Biden DOJ’s justification for opening its classified documents investigation, which ultimately led to a search warrant for Mar-a-Lago and Special Counsel Jack Smith’s criminal prosecution of President Trump. Jack Smith asserted in court filings that the classified documents investigation into President Trump was entirely proper because it was “[p]rompted by NARA’s discovery of classified documents in the 15 boxes in January 2022 and a criminal referral from NARA in February 2022.” However, according to a January 2023 entry in a NARA OIG case report, NARA OIG did not classify its February email to DOJ as a criminal referral. NARA OIG wrote, “the OIG determined that this matter and the other relevant matters be classified as -R (referral to DOJ for their assessment and guidance, not the same as a criminal referral for prosecution which is only done for criminal investigations).” Additionally, internal NARA OIG communications obtained by Grassley show that the FBI had identified the classified documents matter as nothing more than a “spillage” issue, with “little likelihood of being pursued as a criminal matter.”",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-bill-to-make-missouri-churchill-museum-a-national-historic-landmark-passes-senate-heads-to-presidents-desk/,"Hawley Bill to Make Missouri Churchill Museum a National Historic Landmark Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, the United States Senate unanimously passed Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) legislation to designate America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri, as a National Historic Landmark. The bill previously passed the House of Representatives in March, and it now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.) sponsors the House bill. “This is a huge win for Missouri. Fulton, Missouri is the home of Winston Churchill’s ‘Iron Curtain’ speech that marked the beginning of the Cold War,” said Senator Hawley. “I’m proud to have shepherded this legislation through the Senate to rightfully commemorate Missouri’s friendship with one of the greatest leaders in world history. I look forward to the bill becoming law.” The museum is located on the Westminster College campus in Fulton, Missouri. On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill joined President Harry S. Truman to speak at the Missouri college. It was at this site that Churchill famously described the state of foreign affairs in Europe by saying, “From Stettin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.” In the 1960s, to honor the 20th anniversary of Churchill’s visit, Westminster College imported a 17th-century church from London to Fulton. The church of St. Mary Aldermanbury was moved stone-by-stone to Westminster’s campus. Reconstruction was completed in 1969 and is today’s location of the museum. Senator Hawley first introduced this legislation in 2024, and it has passed the Senate multiple times previously. Passage today marks the first time the bill has gone to the President’s desk. The legislation will:",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-op-ed-ai-companies-shouldnt-get-a-free-pass-to-break-things/,Hawley Op Ed: AI companies shouldn’t get a free pass to break things,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) penned an op-ed in the Washington Post in response to OpenAI’s recklessness in causing the Hugging Face hack. The op-ed probes the danger AI cyberattacks pose to Americans and how Big Tech companies should be held accountable for them. Read the full op-ed here or below.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-secures-5-5-million-for-project-ultra-to-expand-drone-counter-drone-capabilities,"Hoeven Secures $5.5 Million For Project Ultra to Expand Drone, Counter-Drone Capabilities",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has secured $5.5 million for Project ULTRA to set up a testbed at Grand Sky to develop and expand testing of drone and counter-drone technologies. Today’s funding will enable Project ULTRA to: Establish a counter-UAS (cUAS) testbed, including: Integrating cUAS technology with air traffic management systems. Conducting live and simulated UAS attack scenarios. Expand unmanned logistics flights, including: Continuing cargo flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station, which started under the project’s second Task Order. The addition of logistics flights from Grand Forks Air Force Base to Camp Grafton. Live flights under the Task Order will begin in the first half of 2027. This is the fourth Task Order awarded to the project since Hoeven first funded and established the UAS initiative through his role on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, with the senator having secured a total of $16.4 million for the project to date. Hoeven also continues working to fund future Task Orders, which is made possible due to his efforts to increase Project ULTRA’s project ceiling to $100 million, up from $18 million. “Task Order 4 is a critical milestone for not only Project ULTRA but our efforts to advance North Dakota as a leader in counter-drone technology development. This $5.5 million award will enable the creation of a cUAS testbed, where private sector partners can work to integrate their technology with air traffic management systems. That’s an essential step for making this technology work in the real world, so we can effectively protect against the misuse of drones. We’re already testing unmanned cargo and logistics flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier and now we’ll be able to add flights between the base and Camp Grafton, a priority that will enhance the effectiveness and flexibility of military operations in all sorts of environments around the globe,” said Hoeven. -###-",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-cruz-introduce-bill-to-protect-students-pursuing-ministry-from-losing-federal-student-aid/,"Lankford, Cruz Introduce Bill to Protect Students Pursuing Ministry From Losing Federal Student Aid",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,lankford,https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), chairman of the Senate Values Action Team, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Religious Education Fairness Act, legislation that would protect students studying for ministry and other religious vocations from losing access to federal student aid under a new earnings test. The bill protects programs classified as Theology and Religious Vocations or Philosophy and Religious Studies at eligible educational institutions from the Working Families Tax Cut Act’s “Do No Harm” provision, which puts federal student aid at risk based on graduates’ earnings. “A student who feels called to pastor a church or serve as a missionary should not lose access to student aid because Washington measures the value of that calling by a paycheck,” said Lankford. “The Religious Education Fairness Act protects those students pursuing ministry from a test that was never designed for them. Groups supporting the bill are Alliance Defending Freedom, the Association for Biblical Higher Education, the Orthodox Union, the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges & Schools, the International Alliance for Christian Education, and the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities. Background The Working Families Tax Cut Act enacted an earnings-based accountability measure, known as the “Do No Harm” (DNH) provision. Under the statute, post-graduation earnings data will be used to determine whether certain programs remain eligible for federal Direct Loans. On July 1, 2026, the Department of Education finalized its rule implementing the earnings-based accountability measure. The rule also established a new administrative capability requirement that threatens programmatic and institutional eligibility for other Higher Education Act Title IV programs, such as Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study. Given that many religious vocations are service-oriented rather than high-paying careers, the DNH provision and the final rule could disproportionately impact students pursuing ministry and other religious vocations. Applying the earnings test to these programs would substantially burden religious exercise and violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Religious Education Fairness Act uses the existing Title IX religious exemption framework to identify eligible institutions and protects covered programs from losing Direct Loan eligibility under the “Do No Harm” earnings test and other Title IV eligibility under the rule’s administrative capability requirement. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-rosen-urge-meta-to-take-action-to-address-spread-of-antisemitic-content-online-2/,"Lankford, Rosen Urge Meta to Take Action to Address Spread of Antisemitic Content Online",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,lankford,https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases,page_html,"Senators Demanded Answers on Meta’s Current Safeguards Against Fake Accounts, or Bots, Spreading Antisemitism WASHINGTON, DC — Today, US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), co-founders and co-chairs of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, sent a bipartisan letter to Meta requesting details on the company’s current protections to prevent bots and other inauthentic accounts from spreading antisemitic content on Instagram and Facebook. The Senators also asked that Meta expand their existing protections to safeguard users and limit the spread of antisemitic content on their platforms. This comes after both Senators introduced a comprehensive bill to strengthen federal efforts to fight antisemitism, including online. “As members of the US Senate committed to combating antisemitism in all of its forms, we write to express grave concerns regarding the persistent problem of inauthentic accounts and ‘bot farm’ operations abusing social media platforms to develop and spread antisemitic content on your platforms,” wrote the Senators. “We also request information about Meta’s current safeguards and enforcement mechanisms to prevent platform abuse by inauthentic accounts on Instagram and Facebook, and to urge Meta to implement reforms to protect users, limit the proliferation of antisemitic content, and strengthen its transparency measures against inauthentic behavior, including by labeling accounts’ country of origin for the American public.” “Research has shown how inauthentic social media accounts, sometimes as part of a network of accounts created by foreign actors, can be used to promote antisemitism online and accelerate calls for violence against Jewish Americans…We cannot continue to play catch up as foreign agents and extremists abuse American social media platforms to spread hate and sow discord on American soil and across the globe,” the Senators concluded. “We need collaboration with our most influential social media companies to bring our digital space to a higher level of transparency and integrity. Labeling Facebook and Instagram accounts with their country of origin would be an impactful step toward combatting foreign-based influence networks.” You can read the full text of the letter HERE and can learn more about it HERE in Jewish Insider. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-defends-florida-universities-expands-conference-cap-size-to-20-teams-and-votes-to-pass-protect-college-sports-act/,"VIDEO: Senator Moody Defends Florida Universities, Expands Conference Cap Size to 20 Teams, and Votes to Pass Protect College Sports Act",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Ashley Moody,M001244,www.moody.senate.gov,moody,https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – Last night, Senator Ashley Moody took to the Senate floor to amend the Protect College Sports Act to lift the cap on conferences from 19 to 20. It passed and is a huge win for multiple Florida universities: “I’ve worked hard to improve this bill and support our Florida universities, and I’m proud of the result. Increasing the conference cap from 19 to 20 was vital to future of Florida schools’ ability to continue to thrive in college athletics—which is why I fought so hard to amend this legislation. I will always fight relentlessly for Floridians and for all of our state universities,” said Senator Ashley Moody. BACKGROUND: Senator Moody last night offered an amendment to the PCSA that would lift the cap conferences from 19 to 20. The amendment passed by voice vote and was passed later as part of the final legislation – Senator Moody voted in support for final passage. Schools such as the University of Miami, Florida State University, and University of South Florida have been vocal supporters of Senator Moody’s effort to strengthen the PCSA. Watch her remarks here. # # #",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=929D4E2D-0182-4109-828D-84C94C71033B,"PASSED: Sens. Moran, Marshall Lead Resolution to Honor Sen. Nancy Kassebaum",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,moran,https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) secured unanimous consent by the U.S. Senate yesterday to pass the resolution he introduced with Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) honoring U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum, who passed away on August 21st. She was the first woman to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate, and she served from 1978 to 1997. “During her three terms serving in this chamber, Senator Kassebaum was a trailblazer who perfectly embodied the pioneering spirit of our state and the people who call it home,” said Sen. Moran. “She earned the admiration of Kansans not just because of her accomplishments – although they were many, and they were impressive – but because Kansans knew that they could trust her to represent them with integrity and mutual respect. The Senate, our nation and the state of Kansas have been changed for the better because of her service.” “Reflecting on the life and legacy of Senator Kassebaum, I am reminded of what a true Kansan she was. She dedicated years of her life to serving our state and made history as the first woman to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate,” said Sen. Marshall. “Her commitment to Kansas and her legacy of service will be remembered for generations to come. Laina and I continue to keep her family, friends, and loved ones in our prayers.” Full text of the Senate resolution can be found here. Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks Sen. Moran’s full remarks as delivered: “Mr. President, I rise to request passage of my resolution honoring the life and legacy of United States Senator from Kansas, Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum. “During her three terms serving in this chamber, Senator Kassebaum was a trailblazer who perfectly embodied the pioneering spirit of our state and the people who call it home. She made history as the first woman to represent Kansas in the United States Senate, and she served from 1978 to 1997. “During that time, she earned the admiration of Kansans not just because of her accomplishments – although they were many, and they were impressive – but because Kansans knew that they could trust her to represent them with integrity and mutual respect. “She was native of Topeka and graduate of the University of Kansas. Senator Kassebaum cared deeply about our state. She understood our state, she understood its people and she knew that our people make this called home special. “She and her husband raised their four children in Maize, a little town outside of Wichita. There, she also served on the Maize Board of Education – the only elected office she would hold before Kansans chose her to represent them in the United States Senate in 1978. “I was fortunate enough to know Senator Kassebaum well over the years, and I campaigned for her before she was a United States Senator in my part of the state of Kansas, western Kansas, during her first election and the campaigns that followed. In each of those interactions, I appreciated her friendship, and throughout our time of knowing each other, I appreciated her counsel. “She was deeply respected across our state, and Kansans remain grateful for the way in which she represented us with such intelligence and dedication. “Her colleague for most of the time she was in the United States Senate was Bob Dole, and perhaps Bob Dole received more national attention – in fact, I know he did; he ran for president three times – but they were friends and colleagues. They worked well together, though they brought different perspectives to the United States Senate and to the people of our state. “Senator Bob Dole described that legacy of Nancy Kassebaum. He said in these remarks as they prepared to leave the Senate after serving together for nearly two decades. “Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator Bob Dole said of Senator Kassebaum, this was June 10, 1996, he said: ‘Nancy Kassebaum does not speak in a loud voice. She does not clamor for media attention. But as all senators know, while her voice may be quiet, her will is strong.’ “Senator Dole continued: ‘For 18 years, she has simply represented the people of Kansas to the best of her abilities, and she has made a positive difference for Kansans and America in the process.’ “That was the Senator Kassebaum who was so deeply respected by the citizens of our state. She was committed to making certain that her service in the Senate reflected the trust Kansans placed in her – and as we reflect on her legacy today, it is evident that she succeeded. “Upon her death, Kansans mourned greatly. In much of my time in the United States Senate, I’ve listened to Kansans who say they wish that Senator Dole and Senator Kassebaum were their senators. And if you’re over the age of 50 in our state, those are the people you think of as the senators from our state. “And in both instances, Senator Dole and Senator Kassebaum, it’s our opportunity to try to replicate some of the things that they represented and some of the accomplishments they had here on the United States Senate floor. “Senator Kassebaum’s time in public service embodied the institution of the Senate when it was at its best. This body, our nation and the state of Kansas have been changed for the better because of her service. “Following her retirement from the Senate, she married another senator, Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee. She continued to invest in the state she loved, and she and Senator Baker continued to represent the United States of America in an ambassadorial position in Japan. “She remained a familiar face across our state after that retirement and could be seen at the State Fair, speaking with Kansans and hearing about issues that they were facing in those days. That, too, that listening to Kansans, that of being among Kansans, that was Senator Nancy Kassebaum. “She is deeply missed, but her legacy will never be forgotten. As we pay tribute to her life, we join the entire Kassebaum family in mourning a loss that will be felt deeply. I extend my condolences to her children, Bill and John, her stepchildren, Cissy and Darek, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “I ask the Senate to join me in honoring her life and legacy that she leaves behind from that service, from that commitment and from the respect that she gave and that she earned.” # # #",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=96FD78E3-65B9-4D7B-BBCC-0C82D40E3372,Sen. Moran Announces Over $53 Million Federal Investment for K-96 Highway in Wichita,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,moran,https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development – today announced more than $53 million in federal resources for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to improve the K-96 Highway in Wichita through the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA) Grant Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In June, Sen. Moran supported KDOT’s application for this grant to reconstruct and widen areas of K-96 between I-135 and I-35 in Wichita to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times and provide safer access for school buses and emergency vehicles. “Access to safe and reliable roadways is critical to connect Kansas communities, support local commerce and strengthen the infrastructure Kansans rely on every day,” said Sen. Moran. “This investment will help bolster the safety and reliability of K-96 Highway, supporting economic opportunities across our state and helping to keep Kansans moving safely and efficiently. I was pleased to advocate for these resources for Sedgwick County and look forward to the positive impact these improvements will have on the region’s significant freight corridor.” # # #",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-sends-southcentral-foundation-land-transfer-act-to-presidents-desk,Delegation Sends Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act to President’s Desk,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today welcomed Senate passage of their Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act. During floor session, Murkowski made a motion to pass H.R. 3620, the House version of the bill, securing its passage by unanimous consent. The legislation transfers ownership of a small parcel of land in downtown Anchorage, where the Quyana Clubhouse is located, from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Southcentral Foundation (SCF). The bill now heads to the President for his signature. SCF is an Alaska Native tribal health organization designated by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. and 11 federally recognized Tribes to provide healthcare services to beneficiaries of the Indian Health Service under a self-governance compact. The transfer will strengthen SCF’s ability to advance its mission by allowing the organization to secure financing, replace its current facility, expand services, and create jobs. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to complete the transfer within two years of enactment. “For years I’ve partnered with dedicated Alaskans who’ve put their time, energy, and heart into getting this bill across the finish line,” said Senator Murkowski. “Southcentral Foundation has built something special at the Quyana Clubhouse, where Alaska Native people experiencing serious mental health challenges can find support, connection, and a path forward, all while integrating Alaska Native culture into care. This legislation will give Southcentral Foundation the tools to expand the facility and its services, including intensive outpatient programming, so it can continue meeting the needs of Alaska Native people for generations to come. I’m grateful to everyone who never stopped working to make this milestone a reality.” “Southcentral Foundation serves the behavioral health care needs of thousands of Alaska Native people, including through initiatives like Quyana Clubhouse, which incorporates cultural values and traditions into the treatment of individuals with severe mental health challenges,” said Senator Sullivan. “Transferring ownership of the Quyana Clubhouse will empower Southcentral to build on the success they’ve had in creating an innovative and welcoming place for individuals with persistent mental health concerns. I’m grateful to have worked with Rep. Begich and Sen. Murkowski to get this bill to the president’s desk.” “Southcentral Foundation has a proven record of delivering high-quality, community-driven care to Alaskans in the Southcentral region. By transferring ownership of the Quyana Clubhouse property, Southcentral Foundation will have the opportunity to make the long-term investments necessary to expand behavioral health services and provide more comprehensive care,” said Congressman Begich. “This is a commonsense, Alaska-driven solution that will enable a trusted local provider to better serve Alaskans. I was proud to lead this legislation through the House, and I’m grateful to Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Southcentral Foundation for their partnership in getting it across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.” Background: Congressman Begich introduced H.R. 3620 in the House in May 2025. Senators Murkowski and Sullivan introduced companion legislation, S. 2098, in June 2025. The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3620 in June 2025. The House Natural Resources Committee subsequently reported H.R. 3620 favorably by unanimous consent, and the House passed the legislation by voice vote in December 2025. In February 2026, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, chaired by Senator Murkowski, held a legislative hearing on both H.R. 3620 and S. 2098. The Committee later considered H.R. 3620 and ordered it favorably reported without amendment in August 2026. On September 29, 2026, Senator Murkowski brought H.R. 3620 before the Senate and secured its passage by unanimous consent, clearing the legislation for the President’s signature. The Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act has received official letters of support from: The State of Alaska Department of Health; The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium; The Anchorage Fire Department; The Municipality of Anchorage; and The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-secure-final-passage-of-act-for-als-reauthorization,Murkowski and Colleagues Secure Final Passage of ACT for ALS Reauthorization,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Chris Coons (D-DE), Co-Chairs of the Senate ALS Caucus, along with Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Ken Calvert (R-CA) today celebrated final congressional passage of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to preserve access to promising investigational treatments and accelerate research into ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases. The Senate passed the legislation by unanimous consent late last evening, and it now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “For those living with ALS, every day matters. They cannot afford disruptions in research, treatment access, and support,” said Senator Murkowski. “This reauthorization ensures that the momentum we have built over the past five years will continue, keeping pathways to promising investigational treatments open while supporting the research needed to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. I’m grateful to Senator Coons, Representatives Quigley and Calvert, and especially the ALS community, whose persistence helped us get this legislation across the finish line before the authorization expired.” Background: Originally enacted in 2021, the ACT for ALS Act established an Expanded Access grant program to provide people living with ALS who are ineligible for clinical trials access to promising investigational treatments while supporting research on those therapies. The law also created a public-private partnership led by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to accelerate the development and approval of therapies for ALS, as well as an FDA grant program supporting research into interventions to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure these diseases. The reauthorization extends these programs through 2031 and codifies the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of eligibility guidelines for the Expanded Access Program. Murkowski and Coons introduced the Senate legislation in April. The Senate unanimously passed its version in August. Quigley and Calvert led the House legislation. For Fiscal Year 2026, Murkowski helped secure $90 million for ACT for ALS programs, an increase of $15 million over the previous fiscal year.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-seeks-restraint-on-presidential-memorials,Murkowski Seeks Restraint on Presidential Memorials,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, last night sought to limit the Trump administration’s ability to take certain actions that fall under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction. “President Trump has made recent statements about the Kennedy Center and the ‘Triumphal Arch,’ giving very little context or content about either to Congress or the public. Both projects fall under the purview of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which I chair,” said Senator Murkowski. “Any action to demolish facilities authorized by Congress or to construct facilities on federal land first requires rigorous oversight and explicit congressional approval. I would ask the Trump administration to work with us and present actual plans, including cost estimates, for these projects rather than circumventing their responsibility to American taxpayers.” Senator Murkowski joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the subcommittee, introducing legislation that would require congressional authorization to demolish presidential memorials constructed under congressional mandate. The list of presidential memorials includes the Kennedy Center. Senator Merkley introduced the bill and sought unanimous consent for its passage on the Senate floor, but another member blocked that motion. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-murkowski-and-kim-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-deliver-essential-maternal-supply-kits-to-new-parents,Senators Murkowski and Kim Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Deliver Essential Maternal Supply Kits to New Parents,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the Newborn Essentials Supply Toolkit (NEST) Act to deliver starter maternity kits to new moms in communities with high rates of infant or maternal mortality. The kits include supplies for both mother and baby such as diapers, wipes, educational materials, and more. “The time immediately after childbirth is an especially vulnerable time for mothers and their newborns. Evidence supports providing critical supplies during the postpartum period can improve families’ experiences, including reduced anxiety and financial stress,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am pleased to join Senator Kim in introducing legislation to codify this successful program and offer this support to growing families across the country.” “Those first couple days of my sons’ lives were filled with immense joy but also the very real anxiety and uncertainty every parent faces. The NEST program has been a helping hand to new moms in the precious and daunting first chapter of their kids’ lives. I'm proud to work with Senator Murkowski to codify and continue its success,” said Senator Kim. The United States has consistently ranked highest for maternal mortality when compared to peer nations; while the infant and maternal mortality rates started leveling off, since 2020 rates have been on the rise again. Mental health conditions and substance use disorder are the leading cause of death among women during the postpartum period, and postpartum deaths account for 63% of maternal deaths in the perinatal period. The bipartisan NEST Act addresses maternal and infant health disparities by codifying a pilot program at the Department of Health and Human Services that partners with local community organizations and federally qualified health centers to distribute toolkits to expectant mothers in areas of highest need. Every expectant mother in the program will receive a Newborn Essentials Supply Toolkit that includes: diapers, wipes, hygiene items, blankets, and thermometers for infants; postpartum pads, lotion, cold packs, and breastfeeding supplies for the mother’s postpartum recovery; and educational materials, such as information on maternal health resources, hotlines she can call, and information on other programs that may provide support. The NEST Act is endorsed by: Shades of Blue Project and Save the Children. ""The introduction of the NEST Act is a crucial step forward in ensuring new parents' access to essential resources during one of life's most vulnerable moments,” said Kay Matthews, Founder and Executive Director at the Shades of Blue Project. “As someone who has experienced firsthand the challenges of the perinatal period, I know how transformative it can be when families receive the right support at the right time. I'm grateful to Senators Andy Kim and Lisa Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership on pro-family and cost of living issues—when we invest in moms and babies, we're investing in American communities, especially those who have been historically underserved."" ""Save the Children is proud to support the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act and is grateful to Senators Murkowski and Kim for their leadership in improving outcomes for mothers and babies by investing in proven programs that save lives,"" said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy at Save the Children U.S. ""The NEST Act is a common-sense investment in families that will help ensure parents in rural America have access to critical care, supplies, and supports needed to give their babies a healthy start."" ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-announces-next-part-of-rescuing-america-project-to-fix-america-s-broken-healthcare-system,Sen. Rick Scott Announces Next Part of “Rescuing America” Project to Fix America’s Broken Healthcare System,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced a new video message in his “Rescuing America” project to highlight how the federal government broke the healthcare system and raised prices, and how to fix it. Senator Rick Scott said, “Democrat Socialists would have you believe federalized healthcare is the prescription to rising healthcare costs. But Obamacare’s failure proves we need less government in our lives, not more. Costs went up, people lost their doctors, and American families are still struggling for affordable healthcare solutions that actually work for them. With simple fixes, we can bring more transparency to drive down costs and let families choose the plan that best fits their needs. My More Affordable Care Act brings the power back to Americans instead of funneling tax dollars to insurance companies and gives the American people the freedom to choose what’s best for them.” Watch Senator Scott’s video by clicking HERE or on the image above. As an example, Senator Scott proposed his More Affordable Care Act to drive down costs for the American people with simple fixes that will help families get the healthcare that fits their needs, instill transparency in the system, and ensure support to Americans is sent to them directly, not to insurance companies. This bill would use HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts to put health care decisions in the hands of Americans. Under Senator Scott’s proposal, Obamacare will continue, healthcare.gov and state exchanges will continue, protections for pre-existing conditions remain in place, and families who need a safety net have one that works for them. The More Affordable Care Act: Establishes Trump Health Freedom Accounts, HSA-style accounts that ensure federal dollars to support families are delivered to them directly, not funneled to insurance companies; These funds can be applied to premiums and will be Hyde-compliant by restricting use on abortion health plans or abortion services; Offers more options for plans that will create market-driven incentives to drive down costs; Allows Americans to shop across state lines with the creation of a state waiver program within the Affordable Care Act, further expanding competition within the health insurance market and the availability of health insurance plans within existing ACA exchanges. Any health insurance plan that is approved by a waiver state’s insurance commissioner shall be sold on an easily accessible exchange, whether that’s the federal exchange of healthcare.gov, a state’s exchange, or a state-managed, commercially run exchange. Enhances President Trump’s Executive Order to increase transparency in health care and provide patients with the price and quality of a good or service in advance. Families will have up-front pricing on what things will cost so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs. Maintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and Enhances the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage and increase accessibility. BACKGROUND: This video is the latest of a series in Senator Scott’s “Rescuing America” project to revive the American Dream based on three simple principles: Balancing the federal budget Cutting government regulations Creating private sector jobs Last week, Senator Scott laid out his goals for the project in an op-ed published in Newsweek titled, “How To Rescue America From the Spread of Socialism.” He also put out a video about how to tackle America’s Housing affordability crisis. More information on his project can be found here and here. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-details-plan-to-rescue-america-on-senate-floor,Sen. Rick Scott Details Plan to “Rescue America” on Senate Floor,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott went to the Senate floor to outline his “Rescuing America” plan focused on confronting America’s affordability crisis and combating the rise of socialism within the Unites States. Senator Scott’s plan aims to bring down costs and boost wages with three simple steps: Balance the federal budget. Cut needless government regulations. Create more private sector jobs. Watch Senator Rick Scott’s remarks by clicking HERE or on the image above. Excerpts from Senator Scott’s speech can be found below: Senator Rick Scott said, “Zohran Mamdani is absolutely right about something that is facing every American right now: our political system has totally failed the American people. And it’s set to fail the next generation, too. Socialism is not the solution to this problem. But I’m not shocked that affordability is the number one issue for Americans right now.” … “People understand that it’s the fault of Congress giving them the short end of the deal. It’s no surprise that people see hope in a [socialist] alternative when it’s clear that politicians maintaining the status quo aren’t interested in helping them. But socialism only leads to ruin in the end. If this country turns towards socialism, my grandkids won’t have an America to inherit.” … “Instead of holding government accountable, politicians in Washington have armed a $40 trillion debt bomb by massively expanding the federal government. We’re only one economic crisis from exploding. While promising to lower prices, Congress keeps approving massive government spending bills, causing prices and interest rates to skyrocket for the same voters we promised to lower prices for.” … “Congress is responsible here. Who can blame the American people for being angry? The American Dream that existed for their parents and grandparents is out of reach for them. Where is our outrage on their behalf in this chamber?” … “We need to blow up the status quo in Washington to lower prices, fuel private sector job creation, and return to the American freedom that gave me and the generations before me the chance to succeed. That means doing three things. First, we must drastically reduce government spending to balance the federal budget. Shred the massive regulatory regime that has grown out of control in Washington. And third, we must make job creation the number one priority through tax cuts, smart investment and good economic policy.” … “The solution is simple, but it won’t be easy. We could balance the budget tomorrow. We just need to have the courage to sit down with each other and figure out how–and not leave town until we do. We could cut the number of federal regulations in half by Christmas if we wanted to the exact same way. We just need to be willing to put in the hours and get the job done. Let’s get to work.” ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-secures-production-of-navys-next-generation-strike-fighter-in-st-louis/,Senator Schmitt Secures Production of Navy’s Next-Generation Strike Fighter in St. Louis,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Eric Schmitt,S001227,www.schmitt.senate.gov,schmitt,https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"F/A-XX Will Be Built by Missourians WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, celebrates President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to select Boeing St. Louis as the new prime contractor to build the F/A-XX, the Navy’s Next-Generation Strike Fighter. Schmitt worked closely with the Navy and the Trump administration to bring this program to St. Louis. This decision will expand the vital work Boeing St. Louis is undertaking to build America’s next-generation military aircraft, modernizing and strengthening America’s combat airpower while bringing more investment and jobs to the Show Me State. “From McDonnell Douglas to Boeing, St. Louis is again ready and committed to delivering combat airpower for our warfighters. Today’s announcement by the Department of War and President Trump to award Boeing the F/A-XX contract—following last year’s decision to build the Air Force’s F-47 in St. Louis—is a testament to Missouri’s decades-long history of producing the best capabilities for our military, cementing St. Louis as ‘Fighterland USA’. With modernized systems and promising new capabilities, F/A-XX and F-47 production will create more opportunities to attract engineering and technology talent to Missouri. This decision also underscores the need to invest in solidifying America’s advantage over any enemy. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in the Senate to ensure the successful development and production of both platforms as we maintain peace through strength on the world stage,” said Senator Schmitt. The F/A-XX will be the U.S. Navy’s next-generation strike fighter platform. Selecting Boeing St. Louis to produce both F/A-XX and the F-47 continues a decades-long history of building and delivering combat airpower to both the Air Force and the Navy through the production of the F-15 and the F/A-18, respectively, alongside other vital aircraft programs. Senator Schmitt fought for: $750 million in the Working Families Tax Cut Act to accelerate the Navy’s F/A-XX program $972 million in the FY2026 Appropriations bill for F/A-XX development $68.5 million in the Senate FY2027 National Defense Authorization for authorizing F/A-XX development Schmitt worked closely with President Trump to secure the implementation and funding for the F-47 program in St. Louis. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sheehys-protect-americas-game-act-passes-senate-with-protect-college-sports-act/,Sheehy’s Protect America’s Game Act Passes Senate with Protect College Sports Act,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,MT,Tim Sheehy,S001232,www.sheehy.senate.gov,sheehy,https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"U.S. SENATE – Yesterday, Senator Sheehy’s Protect America’s Game Act advanced through the Senate as part of a larger package of legislation surrounding college athletics, the Protect College Sports Act. The legislation, co-led by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), creates a protected broadcast window for the Army-Navy game every year to preserve this national tradition, and now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. “The Army-Navy Game holds a special place in our nation’s sporting and military traditions. With a history over a century long, it transcends the significance of ordinary college football contests because it symbolizes the enduring principles of duty, honor, discipline, sacrifice, and camaraderie – something I witnessed firsthand during my time at the Naval Academy,” said Senator Sheehy. “The national attention the game receives gives Americans an opportunity to recognize the brave American heroes entering service who will defend our freedoms for years to come. That shouldn’t be overshadowed by broadcasting conflicts or postseason games. I’m proud to see my legislation preserving the tradition of ‘America’s Game’ pass the Senate and am thankful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues.” Background: For more than a century, the Army-Navy Game – known as “America’s Game” – has embodied excellence, duty, tradition, camaraderie, and the celebration of service. However, the potential expansion of the College Football Playoffs (CFP) and other postseason college football events threatens to undermine the traditional date reserved for “America’s Game”: the second Saturday in December. Allowing these scheduling conflicts risks diminishing the nation’s collective focus on our Military Service Academies and intruding on this longstanding, unifying, and distinctly American sporting event of significant importance to our country. In March, President Trump issued an executive order stating that “it is the policy of the United States that no college football game, specifically college football’s CFP or other postseason games, be broadcast in a manner that directly conflicts with the Army-Navy Game.” The Protect America’s Game Act, included as an amendment within the Protect College Sports Act, creates a protected broadcast window for the Army-Navy game every year. Specifically, it prevents the telecast of any Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) postseason college football games from one hour before Army-Navy kickoff until 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Army-Navy telecast. Earlier this year, Senator Sheehy’s resolution recognizing the Army-Navy football game as America’s Game also passed in the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-rural-health-transformation-program-delivers-historic-investments-in-all-50-states/,Thune: Republicans’ Rural Health Transformation Program Delivers Historic Investments in All 50 States,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,thune,https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, we’re coming to the end of the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program. “This multi-year initiative, created in Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, will invest $50 billion in all 50 states to put rural health care providers on a more sustainable footing for the future. “And beyond helping to ensure that Americans in rural areas can access health care, it will also ensure that providers are able to leverage technology and innovation to address the challenges unique to rural states. “Mr. President, one year in, this program is off to a promising start. “That’s certainly the case in my home state of South Dakota. “Just last week, CMS announced a $13 million investment in behavioral and mental health care in South Dakota. “This funding will help expand crisis services and build out our state’s workforce in behavioral health care. “And it comes after another announcement in August of funding to modernize technology and strengthen cybersecurity at rural health care providers in South Dakota – an initiative that will not only modernize care in my state but also support future innovation to address the unique needs of rural South Dakota. “Mr. President, when Republicans created the Rural Health Transformation Program last summer, we didn’t take a top-down, Washington-centered approach. “Instead, we designed it to give states the resources and freedom to find solutions to their particular challenges. “And I’m proud to see South Dakota taking the same approach when it comes to distributing the funding that it will receive. “In the words of South Dakota Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt, and I quote, ‘The initiatives that we’ve developed came strictly from the assessments we had, the expert input we garnered, and what citizens themselves said they needed in the community.’ “Mr. President, that’s exactly how the Rural Health Transformation Program is supposed to work. “And it’s not just working in South Dakota. “As I mentioned, all 50 states are taking advantage of this transformative program. “Ohio is putting $3 million toward expanding offerings at pharmacies in rural communities. “A nearly $5 million award will help a hospital in central Maine upgrade its electronic medical record system to integrate it with the wider health system it’s part of. “Providers in Kansas will benefit from nearly $17 million this year to support new technologies and improve transportation options for specialty health care. “And Missouri will use $35 million to support 20 rural hospital projects, and another $4 million to train its rural EMS workforce. “A hospital in South Carolina will use funding to add an additional operating room and upgrade its technology. “And a nonprofit in Alaska received $16 million to improve primary care offerings and bring in more providers and staff. “And this is just some of the funding states are receiving for the first year of this program. “Mr. President, as this list suggests, the Rural Health Transformation Program will make an impact in every corner of this country. “All 50 states are receiving funding from this program – red states and blue states alike. “Which makes Senate Democrats’ opposition to this program particularly baffling. “Our Democrat colleagues … have made their opposition to the Rural Health Transformation Program very clear – with the Democrat leader going so far as to say this last year, and I quote: ‘This little fund to help reimburse rural hospitals is just a fraud.’ “Let me repeat that, Mr. President. “‘This little fund to help reimburse rural hospitals is just a fraud.’ “That, from the Democrat leader. “Perhaps the Democrat leader should check-in with his state’s governor, who said of a recent $76 million investment from this program, and I quote, ‘These investments will bring rural hospitals, health centers and community providers together to strengthen regional health care networks and make it easier for New Yorkers to get the care they need closer to home.’ “That, from New York’s governor. “Let me repeat that, Mr. President. “‘ … and make it easier for New Yorkers to get the care they need closer to home.’ “Well, that doesn’t sound like a fraud to me. “But Mr. President, whether this would help the people in rural parts of their states didn’t seem to matter to Washington Democrats. “In fact, Senate Democrats voted more than half a dozen times last year to repeal – repeal – the Rural Health Transformation Program. “That’s right. “Around this time last year – during Democrats’ record-long government shutdown – Senate Democrats were working to end this program. “I’m curious if the Democrat leader would like to claw back … the $212 million that rural health care providers in New York will receive from the program this year? “Should already-strapped rural hospitals not spend this money because Democrats are going to take it back next time they have the power to do so? “Mr. President, let’s hope it never comes to that. “The Rural Health Transformation Program is helping Americans in rural areas across this country. “It’s helping South Dakota. “Ohio. “Idaho. “Kansas. “Rhode Island. “Alaska. “And everywhere in between. “And I’m proud that Republicans are delivering for rural Americans.”",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-will-democrats-finally-take-yes-for-an-answer-2/,Thune: Will Democrats Finally Take Yes for an Answer?,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,thune,https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “I said a couple of weeks ago that we had a big, but limited, opportunity to get some really consequential things done. “And unfortunately, it’s been very shameful that the Democrats have decided to play politics rather than to work with us to do what I believe is really consequential legislation. “And the two most recent examples of that are blocking getting on the Clarity Act – which was incredibly necessary for our financial services markets for digital assets, and they blocked it, even getting on it on the floor of the Senate. “And then now we’ve got them also not taking yes [for an answer] on permitting reform. “We have been litigating that for a long time, a tremendous amount of work gone into it by Chair Capito and Chair Lee and their Democrat counterparts on the committees of jurisdiction. “And we had a bill which I thought was an incredibly strong bill. “The Democrats are not prepared to let us vote on that just yet. “So right now, I think this is, a lot of it’s about election year politics, but it’s not the first time this has happened. “If you think about the other things that they blocked just recently, the National Defense Authorization Act, the farm bill, FISA reauthorization – these are all bills that are critically important either to our national security or our economic security in this country. “And in every circumstance, the Democrats have blocked us from consideration, even getting on those bills. “So that’s where things are right now. “It’s a political season, we all understand that. “But you would think that, on issues where you have broad bipartisan consensus and things that are really important to the future of this country, you would get some Democrats to work with you and cooperate. “Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. “But there’s still an opportunity. “So this week, we’re going to allow the Democrats to have an opportunity to vote on legislation that has come over from the House. “The first of which is a photo ID law coupled with a ban on insider trading, something that’s broadly supported by the American people, both issues, and also something that had big support coming out of the House of Representatives. “And then secondly, on the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would prevent rate hikes on electricity costs for consumers around this country. “Both pieces of legislation strike at the very heart of issues that the American people care deeply about, passionately about – and we’ll see if the Democrats are willing to take yes for an answer. “Because in the House of Representatives, the Ratepayer Protection Act passed 417-3 – 417-3. “Huge bipartisan support coming out of the House, and it ought to be something that should be a no-brainer here on the floor of the Senate. “We’re going to give the Democrats a chance tomorrow to vote on that, and let’s hope they do the right thing, but we’re going to see what they want to do.”",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z