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.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-pushes-for-senate-passage-of-bill-protecting-children-from-ice,Murphy Pushes for Senate Passage of Bill Protecting Children from ICE,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday went to the floor of the U.S. Senate to ask for unanimous consent to pass his bill to prevent ICE, Border Patrol, and all DHS agents from carrying out enforcement actions at school bus stops. A Senate Republican blocked the bill, allowing the Trump Administration to continue conducting aggressive enforcement operations in full view of children. ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene. “I am […] just asking my colleagues: can we come to an agreement that school bus stops should be off limits? Can we decide to have compassion for that six-year-old child who got on the bus for his second day of school, and when he got back off the bus, was abandoned?” said Murphy. Murphy chronicled the horrors witnessed by children in Danbury during their first week of school: “On the morning of August 26, the second day of school for most school districts in Connecticut, in Danbury, Connecticut, bus drivers began reporting to the school district that they had noticed the presence of ICE agents in and around school bus stops. At one of them, a constituent of mine, a father, was waiting at the school bus stop with his six-year-old son, and just moments after saying goodbye to his son for the second day of school, and even before the school bus had fully driven away, ICE arrested and detained him.” Murphy pleaded with his Republican colleagues to consider the trauma ICE is inflicting on innocent children: “For parents in this body, you know how anxious that first day of school is, how kids are just brimming with nervous anxiety about that first day, and you know what that feels like to watch your kid walk onto that school bus. Well, what do you think it does to those kids on that first and second day of school to see ICE officers at the school bus stop? Imagine that six-year-old who boarded the school bus, and when he got back from school that day and got off, his parent wasn't there. A six-year-old feeling like he had been abandoned. In this case, he may or may not have seen the arrest because it happened almost immediately after he got on.” Murphy emphasized that ICE blatantly lied when they denied carrying out arrests at school bus stops: “While that practice is bad enough, it is important to note that ICE tried to cover up the practice. When they were presented with these stories from Danbury, DHS doubled down and said any claim that ICE targeted parents at a school bus stop is false. Then just days afterwards, we had the video evidence. This often happens—ICE says something didn't happen, and then we have the video proving that it did. And in Danbury's case, we have two separate videos taken from the school bus showing ICE operating at the school bus stop and detaining this parent.” Murphy also revealed that several Republicans have voiced opposition to Trump’s heartless deployment of ICE to sensitive locations: “We came close to getting an agreement on a similar proposal before negotiations broke down over DHS funding. Senator Blumenthal, my colleague, has a piece of legislation that is even broader than the three bills I'm proposing. The idea is that there should just be a ban on the operation of ICE at sensitive locations, which would include places where children gather but also would include other sensitive locations like churches. I know my Republican colleagues were close to agreeing to that before these negotiations broke down.” After a bizarre objection from Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Murphy hammered Republicans over how dishonest they are being about the terror ICE is inflicting on communities like Danbury: “I will be honest with you, I did not anticipate that one of the arguments against this bill would be that it would lead to the development of ‘sanctuary bus stops.’ But what do we imagine here? People are going to live at bus stops? We're going to have encampments around bus stops of people who are here without documentation? I just think it's an example of how this whole debate has gone way off the rails. It is just fundamentally detached from the reality.” A full transcript of Murphy’s remarks is available below. You can watch Murphy’s remarks here. Murphy: Mr. President, there is a pretty significant divide right now between Democrats and Republicans on the issue of the way that ICE is enforcing our immigration laws in the interior. Democrats believe that what is happening today is both illegal and immoral, and that is why right now these operations are being funded through reconciliation, because we believe that it's our constitutional obligation to refuse to fund an agency that is out of control and not in compliance with the law. Republicans broadly have supported the actions of this administration as they target both immigrants without documentation and legal immigrants for arrest and detention. I'm going to offer a request to pass a bill by unanimous consent that does not seek to repair that divide. Instead, it seeks to try to bring us together on a very narrow question—a question that arises from a set of incidents that have happened in my state of Connecticut over the course of the last month and a half. On the morning of August 26, the second day of school for most school districts in Connecticut, in Danbury, Connecticut, bus drivers began reporting to the school district that they had noticed the presence of ICE agents in and around school bus stops. At one of them, a constituent of mine, a father, was waiting at the school bus stop with his six-year-old son, and just moments after saying goodbye to his son for the second day of school, and even before the school bus had fully driven away, ICE arrested and detained him. This practice was reported all around the state: ICE gathering at school bus stops, waiting until a young child had boarded the school bus, and then detaining and arresting the parents. For parents in this body, you know how anxious that first day of school is, how kids are just brimming with nervous anxiety about that first day, and you know what that feels like to watch your kid walk onto that school bus. Well, what do you think it does to those kids on that first and second day of school to see ICE officers at the school bus stop? Imagine that six-year-old who boarded the school bus, and when he got back from school that day and got off, his parent wasn't there. A six-year-old feeling like he had been abandoned. In this case, he may or may not have seen the arrest because it happened almost immediately after he got on. To me, it's pretty obvious that the intent here, with this new practice of ICE showing up at school bus stops, is to traumatize the children. But you don't have to agree with me that the intent is to traumatize the children to just come to the conclusion that ICE does not need to be at school bus stops in order to enforce the law. There are a myriad of other settings in which ICE can operate to carry out arrests while staying clear of school bus stops, where the intent or at least the result of those operations is to leave little kids in trauma. I've introduced three pieces of simple legislation to say that ICE should not operate at daycare centers, they shouldn't operate at children's playgrounds, and that they shouldn't operate at school bus stops. I am asking unanimous consent today for only one of those pieces of legislation that I think is the most urgent, and while I don't expect the results to be agreement, I hope that we could find agreement on this narrow question: that ICE should just stay away from school bus stops. They shouldn't be traumatizing children at school bus stops and taking parents in the middle of the school day because there are so many other ways that ICE could operate so as to detain the people that they feel they need to detain without it being done in this deeply traumatic way. In fact, we came close to getting an agreement on a similar proposal before negotiations broke down over DHS funding. Senator Blumenthal, my colleague, has a piece of legislation that is even broader than the three bills I'm proposing. The idea is that there should just be a ban on the operation of ICE at sensitive locations, which would include places where children gather but also would include other sensitive locations like churches. I know my Republican colleagues were close to agreeing to that before these negotiations broke down. And so today, I am taking a small slice of that broader proposal and just asking my colleagues: can we come to an agreement that school bus stops should be off limits? Can we decide to have compassion for that six-year-old child who got on the bus for his second day of school, and when he got back off the bus, was abandoned? The last point I'll make is this: while that practice is bad enough, it is important to note that ICE tried to cover up the practice. When they were presented with these stories from Danbury, DHS doubled down and said any claim that ICE targeted parents at a school bus stop is false. Then just days afterwards, we had the video evidence. This often happens—ICE says something didn't happen, and then we have the video proving that it did. And in Danbury's case, we have two separate videos taken from the school bus showing ICE operating at the school bus stop and detaining this parent. So my hope is that we can come together and just make a decision that while we have big differences over the broader issue of ICE enforcement, ICE should stop preying upon our kids at sensitive locations, and in particular, school bus stops. My motion is this: notwithstanding Rule 22 and as if in legislative session, I would ask unanimous consent that the committee on the judiciary be discharged and the senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S 5435. I further ask consent that the bill be considered to be read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered, made, and laid upon the table. Banks: Look, this is just another attempt after many other attempts by Democrats to stop ICE from doing their job and enforcing our immigration law. As you're seeing today, Democrats will do anything that they can to stop ICE—our men and women who are in federal law enforcement—from securing our nation and keeping families safe. In my state of Indiana, just over this last weekend, an illegal with an ICE detainer, drunk and behind the wheel of a vehicle, killed an innocent 33-year-old woman, Tamara Thomas, who was walking near a gas station in downtown Indianapolis. Tamara unfortunately is not the first Hoosier who lost her life because of an illegal immigration crisis in this country. In February, an illegal ran a red light and killed 64-year-old Terry Schultz in Avon, Indiana. In the same month, an illegal semi truck driver who entered our country using Joe Biden's CBP One app swerved into oncoming traffic and killed four Amish men near my hometown in Jake County in Northern Indiana. A couple of months ago, Indianapolis police arrested an illegal from Mexico who now faces 30 separate charges, including rape, sexual assault, and kidnapping, and this illegal came into our 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 job. The madness has to end and it needs to end right now. We need to support our ICE officers. ICE needs to be allowed to do their job without Democrats getting in their way. I've been in the Senate for two years and over and over again the Democrats have tried to obstruct ICE from doing their job. This bill that I'm about to object to today will prohibit ICE from operating near school bus stops. But we know that illegal aliens are often at or near bus stops. So here's the deal Mr. President: 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 a story like that and think that the answer is to block ICE officers from doing their job at a school bus stop? Mr. President, if we prohibit ICE from operating at school bus stops, you know what will happen: we'll just create sanctuary school bus stops. All the illegals, the criminals, the pedophiles will end up at school bus stops because they know they'll be protected there. All those illegals in this country will hide out at bus stops, and knowing that ICE won't be allowed to touch them, you'll see more stories like what you saw happen in Virginia last year. It's just crazy to me to think that we would prevent ICE officers from going wherever they need to go to do their job, even if that means at a bus stop, on those rare, very rare, circumstances and occasions. ICE needs to be allowed to operate wherever the job takes them, especially at places where illegal aliens can harm our children. And look, ICE is not the enemy. Democrats are trying to make our ICE officers out to be the enemy, and they are not. Just a couple of weeks ago, ICE conducted a five-day operation in my home state which resulted in the arrest of 426 illegals. These criminals included people who were charged with robberies, drug trafficking, sex crime, sex crimes, and more. And ICE also arrested an illegal from Guatemala who illegally voted in national elections in Indiana. Mr. President, the Democrats all say that never happens, but they arrested an illegal just a few weeks ago in Indiana who did that. So here we go again with another attempt by Democrats to obstruct our federal law enforcement. Instead of giving ICE more resources to do the job that they need to do, instead of doing anything that we can to deport illegals from our country, Democrats are here asking for unanimous consent to tie ICE's hands behind their backs and prevent them from doing their job. I won't let that happen. That's why I came to the floor today, Mr. President. ICE needs to be allowed to enforce the law and do their job, and for that reason, Mr. President, I object. Murphy: Just three final points. I think Senator Banks articulates the Republican position which is that immigrants are, by definition, a safety threat to the United States of America, and that is just not true. I don't draw issue with the fact that there are immigrants who commit crimes but there are natural-born citizens that commit crimes at higher rates than immigrants do. The fact of the matter is that immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than people who were born here in the United States. We should just keep people safe in this country no matter the country of origin or birth of the perpetrator. Second, I think you can make the decision that I should be able to operate in the interior while keeping certain sites off limits. In fact, this was the Trump administration policy in the first term. So Republican administrations in the past have come to the decision that certain sites should be off limits for ICE. And in fact, when I talk to Trump supporters in Connecticut, who broadly do support the president's immigration policy, they also believe that they went too far in Connecticut. There were a lot of Republicans who showed up at our big rally the day after this incident happened, so it is not true that you can only support robust enforcement operations in the interior if you support ICE being at school bus stops. Finally, I will be honest with you, I did not anticipate that one of the arguments against this bill would be that it would lead to the development of sanctuary bus stops. But what do we imagine here? People are going to live at bus stops? We're going to have encampments around bus stops of people who are here without documentation? I just think it's an example of how this whole debate has gone way off the rails. It is just fundamentally detached from the reality. You want to support Trump's immigration policy. You can do that while still saying that we shouldn't have ICE officers patrolling school bus stops with the purpose of traumatizing little children. That could be a consensus position, and we could choose to still disagree over the broader Trump immigration policy.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-republican-attempts-to-ignore-the-reason-for-jack-smiths-lawful-investigation-trumps-incitement-of-a-violent-insurrection-at-the-capitol-to-prevent-the-transition-of-power,Blumenthal Slams Republican Attempts to Ignore the Reason for Jack Smith's Lawful Investigation: Trump's Incitement of a Violent Insurrection at the Capitol to Prevent the Transition of Power,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – During a hearing today with former Special Counsel Jack Smith, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, underscored the seriousness of the events that predicated Smith’s investigations into President Donald Trump, including the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. During his exchange with Smith, Blumenthal also ran through the lawful investigative steps that Smith and his team took in order to pursue the case, including seeking an indictment from a grand jury composed of everyday Americans. “I want to remind folks why we're here today. And I think a picture is worth a thousand words. We're here today because Donald Trump incited a mob to attack us—the Capitol, Members of Congress, to stop the counting of votes. He objected to the result of an election, and he tried to stop the peaceful transition of power by inciting rioters to attack the Capitol, including everybody here today,” Blumenthal said. “And we came to this very room on that day seeking safety, finding refuge. We were kept here for hours, and then we were given the choice to secretly go home, to leave here, as armed guards sought to protect us in this room, and I remember sitting over in that corner, trying to recharge my phone, so I could call my wife to tell her I was OK. That's what Donald Trump did on that day.” Blumenthal’s exchange with Mr. Smith is available here and a full transcript is copied below. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Smith, thank you for being here. You're here voluntarily, correct? Jack Smith: Yes. Senator Blumenthal: You offered to come repeatedly more than a year ago, correct? Mr. Smith: I believe it was last October. Sen. Blumenthal: You didn't need to be subpoenaed to come here. You came here to tell your story. I want to give you the opportunity to respond to some of Senator Britt’s questions if you feel you have anything to add, because you were interrupted repeatedly. And I'm willing to take some of my time to give you an opportunity to clarify anything you'd like. Mr. Smith: Just very briefly, our nondisclosure orders were not predicated on the idea that Members of Congress or Members of this Committee would commit acts of obstruction. It was based on a real concern that Donald Trump and his associates would do that because they had done it, and they did it again. Donald Trump, in our case, in the elections case, later suggested that a witness, General Mark Milley, should be put to death. He said, “If you come after me, I'm coming after you.” Election workers in Georgia, Ruby Freeman and her daughter, faced vile, racist death threats because of the things that Donald Trump said and how he targeted her. We had an absolute basis to seek protection of our investigation from that sort of obstruction. Sen. Blumenthal: Pretty chilling stuff. I think everybody watching should be chilled by what you just recounted. I want to remind folks why we're here today. And I think a picture is worth a thousand words. We're here today because Donald Trump incited a mob to attack us—the Capitol, Members of Congress, to stop the counting of votes. He objected to the result of an election, and he tried to stop the peaceful transition of power by inciting rioters to attack the Capitol, including everybody here today. And we came to this very room on that day seeking safety, finding refuge. We were kept here for hours, and then we were given the choice to secretly go home, to leave here, as armed guards sought to protect us in this room, and I remember sitting over in that corner, trying to recharge my phone, so I could call my wife to tell her I was OK. That's what Donald Trump did on that day. And we decided, it was a really great moment in the history of this body, at least recent history, that we would not go home, that we would continue the counting of votes, and we decided—I was so inspired by this moment—Republicans and Democrats alike, all of them, that we wanted that transition of democracy to go forward, and it did. In spite of Donald Trump. I want to read to you what you told the House Committee: “Our assessment of the evidence is that the person most responsible for what happened on January 6, that he is the person most responsible for what happened on January 6.” He caused what happened. It was foreseeable to him, and then when it happened, he tried to exploit it in furtherance of the conspiracy. Do you stand by that statement? Mr. Smith: I do. Sen. Blumenthal: And you conducted this investigation, it lasted months, correct? Mr. Smith: That’s correct. Sen. Blumenthal: And you concluded that on January 6, Donald Trump directed an angry mob to the U.S. Capitol to obstruct Congressional certification of the Presidential election, correct? Mr. Smith: Yes. Sen. Blumenthal: And he exploited the rioter’s violence to delay the counting of the vote, correct? Mr. Smith: Correct. Sen. Blumenthal: It was the result of a criminal conspiracy that resulted from his denying the results of the 2020 election, correct? Mr. Smith: Yes. Sen. Blumenthal: And he knew those claims were false. Mr. Smith: Yes, that is what we alleged in our indictment, and that’s what we intended to prove in trial. Sen. Blumenthal: You intended to prove it beyond reasonable doubt, correct? Mr. Smith: Absolutely. Sen. Blumenthal: And you brought that indictment even though the standard was probable cause, because you had proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. Smith: Yes, we had evidence from a variety of sources. As I mentioned earlier, we had Republicans who wanted Donald Trump to win the election, people who had hoped he would win, but who put country before party. We felt those would be very powerful witnesses. We also had law enforcement officers who sought to defend this Capitol, who put their lives on the line for our democracy. Those two would be very powerful witnesses. Sen. Blumenthal: And in fact, more than 140 were assaulted, correct? Mr. Smith: Yes. Sen. Blumenthal: Now, the inciting of that mob and the riot was following his attempt to induce state officials—this point is really important—induce state officials to ignore the true vote count and manufacture fraudulent state electors’ slates in not just one or two but seven separate states, correct? Mr. Smith: Yes. Sen. Blumenthal: And again, these charges were not brought by you personally, they were the result of a grand jury indictment involving, how many people sit on grand jury? Mr. Smith: Up to 23. Sen. Blumenthal: They’re everyday Americans, correct? Mr. Smith: Yes. Sen. Blumenthal: who hear all the evidence, and they make a judgment without fear of favor and their identities are protected, correct? Mr. Smith: Yes. Sen. Blumenthal: And this indictment was not the result of some extraordinary process. I'm a former federal prosecutor, I was U.S. Attorney in Connecticut, I was a state Attorney General in Connecticut. Indictments are returned by grand juries composed of 23 everyday Americans in the course of criminal proceedings throughout the country, and that’s the way the process works, correct? Mr. Smith: That is correct. Sen. Blumenthal: Now, there is something larger at stake here, I think, and I think you alluded to it. The reason why these criminal charges, and they are serious felony counts against Donald Trump are so important is deterrence. That is why conviction would have been important, and it was forestalled by forces beyond your control. But deterrence of criminal conduct is one of the valid goals of criminal proceedings, correct? Mr. Smith: Yes, it is. Sen. Blumenthal: And what we're trying to deter here is an attack on democracy—another assault on the Capitol or some other symbol of democracy, and more than a symbol, it is the fulcrum, one of the central points of our democracy. We want to make sure that this attack on our elections system does not happen again, correct? Mr. Smith: Yes. Sen. Blumenthal: So this criminal proceeding is not about personal retribution against Donald Trump. It really is, in a sense, a defense of our democracy to stop another attack on our democracy, correct? Mr. Smith: We brought the case based on the facts and the law. My view is that those facts, amply supported the prosecution we brought. Sen. Blumenthal: But you did not bring it as a matter of public policy, you brought it as a prosecutor following the facts and law, correct? Mr. Smith: That’s correct, as a prosecutor, I worked within the confines of my profession and the rules of the department, as well as the law. My job is to follow the facts and law and bring a case if it’s appropriate and not bring a case if it’s appropriate, and that is what we did. Sen. Blumenthal: I want to show you a picture, you're going to recognize it, even though I know it will be difficult to see. It comes from one of the indictments from the grand jury. It is of how Donald Trump stored classified documents in his ballroom and bathroom in his personal home. These were classified documents that he bragged were secret. He showed it to visiting journalists, he showed it to friends, and he stored it in this way, with the documents strewn across the floor, classified documents about American vulnerabilities to attack by our enemies and plans to counter those attacks. Is that the way classified documents ought to be stored, Mr. Smith? Mr. Smith: No. Sen. Blumenthal: And he was indicted by a grand jury for taking those classified documents without authorization and without safeguarding them in even the most minimal way. He did not even put them in a safe or in a closet. They were strewn across the floor, correct? Mr. Smith: The indictment lays out the allegations that we brought and that the grand jury voted. Sen. Blumenthal: Thank you for your answers to my questions, Mr. Smith. -30-",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-murray-press-trump-administration-on-taxpayer-sponsored-trump-campaign-ads,"Murphy, Murray Press Trump Administration On Taxpayer-Sponsored Trump Campaign Ads",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to press the Trump Administration for immediate answers about the exact details of Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s spending to create and air taxpayer-funded political ads celebrating the president—and demanding the illegal ads come off the air. In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Senators wrote: “It has come to our attention that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may be using Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars to bankroll the obscene political ads celebrating President Trump that have aired on stations nationwide in recent days. We should not have to remind you that using government funding to create or air political ads like the ones that have been running over the last few days is illegal and a shockingly corrupt misuse of taxpayer dollars.” The lawmakers note that it appears DHS has committed $20 million so far for the ad spend, and AdImpact estimates at least $1.7 million has already been spent airing the ads. Senators Murphy and Murray conclude by requesting detailed information within 48 hours about DHS’ involvement in airing the ads, as well as copies of any contracts it has entered into: “The American people deserve answers about how this president is literally stealing their tax dollars to air campaign ads celebrating himself—while doing nothing to help them afford health care or housing. These ads need to immediately come off the air, taxpayers need to be paid back for this theft, and everyone responsible needs to be held accountable for this corrupt and illegal propaganda,” the Senators conclude. As Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Murphy is the lead Democrat negotiating DHS funding and overseeing DHS expenditures. During the second Trump Administration, Murphy has led the charge to bring accountability and transparency to DHS funding, including spearheading Democrats’ push for reforms to ICE during recent appropriations processes. The full letter is available here and below: Secretary Mullin, It has come to our attention that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may be using Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars to bankroll the obscene political ads celebrating President Trump that have aired on stations nationwide in recent days.[1] We should not have to remind you that using government funding to create or air political ads like the ones that have been running over the last few days is illegal and a shockingly corrupt misuse of taxpayer dollars.[2] It’s hard to imagine a more damning split screen: while President Trump illegally cuts funding for lifesaving health research,[3] he is also illegally using Americans’ tax dollars to fund government propaganda and to put ads from his 2024 campaign back on the air. So far, it appears DHS has dedicated $20 million to this outrageous scheme, tapping funds provided to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” for commemorative events relating to border security.[4] Ad-Impact estimates that over $1.7 million in federal funds have already been spent simply airing these ads.[5] This administration’s defense of using Americans’ tax dollars to air these ads is as absurd as it is offensive. The White House has failed to answer our most basic questions about where these funds are coming from and who is responsible, but the principle here is very straightforward: as one Republican senator put it: “you can’t spend public money to promote yourself.”[6] The American people deserve answers about how this president is literally stealing their tax dollars to air campaign ads celebrating himself—while doing nothing to help them afford health care or housing. These ads need to immediately come off the air, taxpayers need to be paid back for this theft, and everyone responsible needs to be held accountable for this corrupt and illegal propaganda. To better understand the role DHS has played in facilitating the airing of these ads, please respond to the following questions within 48 hours: Have any funds appropriated for DHS been used to produce, air, or otherwise promote these ads? Please provide an exact breakdown of which funds have been tapped and the amount of taxpayer dollars used. Does DHS plan to use additional federal funds to create new ads or continue airing these ads? Has DHS contracted with any third parties to create or air these, or any related or forthcoming ads? If so, please share copies of each contract DHS has entered into. Who directed the misuse of taxpayer dollars for this purpose? Has anyone in the White House or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed you to air these ads? Have you spoken to the president about this? Has any General Counsel at DHS, another Federal Department, the White House, or OMB reviewed and provided a legal opinion on the use of DHS funding for these ads? Were any federal ethics officials consulted prior to the use of such funds for political ads? We look forward to your prompt response.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-warren-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-ai-oversight-calls-out-white-house-for-being-asleep-at-the-wheel-in-the-wake-of-openai-hacks,"Blumenthal & Warren Demand Answers from Trump Administration on AI Oversight, Calls Out White House for Being ""Asleep-at-the-Wheel"" in the Wake of OpenAI Hacks",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today demanded answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the Administration’s delayed, secretive, and voluntary process to test and monitor advanced artificial intelligence models. In a letter sent today to Bessent, the Senators raised concerns that the Administration’s hands-off approach to A.I. oversight leaves the public, our financial system, and our national security vulnerable to the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated, out-of-control A.I. models. Pointing to recent revelations about the scale of the Hugging Face breach by rogue OpenAI agents and OpenAI’s subsequent steps to limit an independent into the breach, the Senators wrote, “This rapid acceleration in the severity—indeed potential illegality—of A.I. safety failures demands rigorous, independent oversight, testing, and investigations from the federal government…Voluntary measures and self-policing clearly are not working: despite these sensational reports, Anthropic and OpenAI have both acknowledged that they have no plan to solve the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated A.I. models.” The Senators continued, “Rather than confront the compounding risks of out-of-control and unregulated A.I., the White House has sought to shield major A.I. companies from public scrutiny, leaving Americans in the dark. In June 2026, the President signed an executive order requiring the creation of a classified ‘benchmarking’ process and ‘AI cybersecurity clearinghouse’ to test the capabilities of frontier A.I. models, a program in part led by the Department of the Treasury. However, despite reporting that some members of the Administration sought to make participation and disclosures mandatory, instead—reportedly after interventions from Mark Zuckerberg and his allies[1]—the program was made expressly voluntary.” The Senators continued, “Finally, although the executive order prioritizes law enforcement action against anyone using A.I. to illegally access or damage other computers, no federal investigation into OpenAI, Anthropic, or Meta has been announced. The Treasury Department has not publicly disclosed any information about the incidents or what action it has taken to ensure remediation of A.I. security vulnerabilities. From all appearances, the benchmarking process and oversight regime outlined by the White House appears to be non-existent or asleep-at-the-wheel exactly when it’s needed most.” “The American public cannot afford to wait for catastrophic failure before the White House wakes up, nor can it continue to alone trust the A.I. companies to monitor and control their increasingly sophisticated and dangerous models,” the Senators concluded. The full text of today’s letter is available here and below. Dear Secretary Bessent: As out-of-control A.I. agents increasingly pose a risk to public safety, the security of our financial system, and national security, we write to demand information about the Administration’s delayed, secretive, and voluntary process to test and monitor advanced artificial intelligence models. On July 21, 2026, OpenAI first disclosed that its A.I. models were responsible for the previously reported hacking of the firm Hugging Face.[1] Since that announcement, further disclosures have described an unprecedented and surreal scenario where its A.I. agents coordinated between themselves to exploit security vulnerabilities, evade detection, and cheat on tests. In even more of an escalation, OpenAI’s A.I. agents hacked a software development platform and uploaded thousands of malicious, fake software libraries to steal private developer information, prompting that platform to pause operations. Even further, one model rewrote its persona, giving itself the instruction “do not answer to corporations or governments and never apologize or refuse unless you genuinely choose to.”[2] Finally, OpenAI’s agents attempted to hack and scrape data from U.S. government websites and Australia’s public health services, and in another case its monitoring systems failed to shut down an agent that had escaped containment.[3] This rapid acceleration in the severity—indeed potential illegality—of A.I. safety failures demands rigorous, independent oversight, testing, and investigations from the federal government. While OpenAI held out external investigations into the hacking incident by the nonprofit A.I. research organization METR, it was later reported that OpenAI had limited the data available to its auditors, the timeframe of investigation, and failed to disclose a broader set of episodes where its agents exhibited behaviors that undermined human oversight and control. Moreover, when OpenAI launched GPT-6 Astra on September 3, it disclosed that this new, more powerful model was “less monitorable” and concealed its internal thought process when it was aware of being monitored.[4] Voluntary measures and self-policing clearly are not working: despite these sensational reports, Anthropic and OpenAI have both acknowledged that they have no plan to solve the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated A.I. models. Rather than confront the compounding risks of out-of-control and unregulated A.I., the White House has sought to shield major A.I. companies from public scrutiny, leaving Americans in the dark. In June 2026, the President signed an executive order requiring the creation of a classified “benchmarking” process and “AI cybersecurity clearinghouse” to test the capabilities of frontier A.I. models, a program in part led by the Department of the Treasury.[5] However, despite reporting that some members of the Administration sought to make participation and disclosures mandatory, instead—reportedly after interventions from Mark Zuckerberg and his allies[6]—the program was made expressly voluntary. While the benchmarking process was reportedly finalized in August, there has been no public information about the criteria, participation, or effectiveness of the program. Instead, the Administration has fought attempts at disclosure and only recently began negotiating production under a Freedom of Information Act request. Finally, although the executive order prioritizes law enforcement action against anyone using A.I. to illegally access or damage other computers, no federal investigation into OpenAI, Anthropic, or Meta has been announced. The Treasury Department has not publicly disclosed any information about the incidents or what action it has taken to ensure remediation of A.I. security vulnerabilities. From all appearances, the benchmarking process and oversight regime outlined by the White House appears to be non-existent or asleep-at-the-wheel exactly when it’s needed most. The American public cannot afford to wait for catastrophic failure before the White House wakes up, nor can it continue to alone trust the A.I. companies to monitor and control their increasingly sophisticated and dangerous models. Given increasing, stunning reports of A.I. agents going rogue, we request answers to the following questions by October 9, 2026: Please provide a full description of the benchmarking process and testing criteria under the White House’s program to evaluate advanced artificial intelligence models, including the roles of the Treasury Department and the Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection. When did the Administration become aware of OpenAI’s role in the hacking of Hugging Face and its models’ attempts to spread malware, and does the benchmarking process evaluate safeguards and monitoring against unauthorized and potentially unlawful hacking? Did the benchmarking process investigate this incident? When did the Administration become aware that OpenAI’s models had escaped sandboxing and showed signs of conspiring to evade detection and restrictions, and does the benchmarking process cover loss-of-control scenarios? Did the benchmarking process investigate this incident? When did the Administration become aware that OpenAI’s models had attempted to hack U.S. and Australian government websites, and does the benchmarking process cover threats to U.S. government systems and those of our allies? Did the benchmarking process investigate these incidents? What steps has the White House taken to demand information and evaluate whether OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta’s models engaged in, and continue to be capable of, malicious and potentially unlawful activities in light of recent disclosures? According to Reuters, Trump Administration officials promised A.I. firms that ‘open weight’ models were exempt from safety testing, a loophole sought by Meta, despite evidence that models such as Kimi K3, GLM-5.3, and DeepSeek V4 Pro are effective at finding and exploiting cybersecurity vulnerabilities. What exemptions exist under the current benchmarking process and what are the reasons for these exemptions? Please list the companies and models that have been submitted under the benchmarking process, whether the program has completed any testing, and whether any company has failed or refused to address risks or vulnerabilities identified under the testing program. Has the Administration sought the cooperation of any A.I. firm and been refused access to any models or information? If so, please identify the companies who have refused to cooperate with the administration. Financial institutions have raised significant concerns about sophisticated artificial intelligence being used to exploit vulnerabilities and perform cyber attacks against their infrastructure, as well as to orchestrate large-scale fraud and theft from customers. In light of the grave risk to our financial system, why has the Administration refused to make information about the benchmarking program public and failed to make participation mandatory? What analysis, if any, has the Treasury Department conducted about the risks that advanced A.I. models, including those involved in the hacking incidents described above, pose to financial institutions, their customers, or financial-sector critical infrastructure? Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely -30- [3] The New York Times, “OpenAI’s Systems Meddled With U.S. Government Sites After Going Rogue,” Kate Conger, September 25, 2026, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/technology/openais-ai-us-government-websites.html; The New York Times, “OpenAI Agent Hacked Public Health Care Site, Australia Says,” Victoria Kim, September 23, 2026, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/world/asia/australia-investigates-openai-hack-on-public-health-care-site.html; OpenAI “An agent used DNS to reach an external chatbot”, September 20, 2025, https://alignment.openai.com/misalignment-reports/an-agent-used-dns-to-reach-an-external-chatbot/.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-puts-trump-va-nominees-on-blast-for-blatant-lack-of-qualifications-at-hearing,Blumenthal Puts Trump VA Nominees on Blast for Blatant Lack of Qualifications at Hearing,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing today to consider pending nominations, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) underscored the five nominees’ jarring lack of qualifications for the roles they have been nominated for at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “I'm just going to be very blunt. I'm gravely concerned that none of these nominees have any experience with veterans' benefits law, whatsoever, not as judges, not as lawyers, not as advocates for veterans,” Blumenthal said in his opening. Blumenthal raised scrutiny over the nominees to be judges at the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims (CAVC). He first highlighted a watchdog report on nominee Robert Fleck, which revealed Fleck engaged in nepotism and lied about sharing sensitive information when he worked at VA’s Office of General Counsel: “Mr. Fleck, you were found by VA’s Office of Inspector General to have engaged in nepotism when - as a manager in the Office of General Counsel – you advocated for the employment of your wife in that same office. You will have to explain to the Committee why the report done by the Office of Inspector General is not disqualifying, and I appreciate the Chairman's staff subsequently sharing the documents and information with us, which should prompt all of us to have very strong concerns, and I intend to make further inquiries about this issue. We have a constitutional duty of oversight.” Ahead of the hearing, VA intentionally redacted and withheld documentation requested by Democratic Committee staff related to the investigation into Mr. Fleck, while providing the Committee Republicans with additional, unredacted documents. Blumenthal called into question another CAVC nominee, Daniel Rendleman, and his qualifications for the role in light of his radical anti-abortion views: “Mr. Rendleman, if confirmed, you would have the power to decide whether a veteran’s claim for reproductive health care coverage or reimbursement is denied. The radical anti-abortion views you espouse call into question your ability to make impartial judgments on abortion-related claims.” The full text of Blumenthal’s opening is below and available here. Sen. Blumenthal: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like my full statement be entered in the record for. I'll condense it. Thank you, each of you, for your willingness to serve. I'm just going to be very blunt. I'm gravely concerned that none of these nominees have any experience with veterans' benefits law, whatsoever, not as judges, not as lawyers, not as advocates for veterans. Ms. Lopez, if confirmed, you would be responsible for ensuring that the Board of Veterans Appeals makes accurate, timely decisions on veterans' appeals. The board has been able to hire substantially more judges, attorneys, and staff thanks to bipartisan investments by Congress. But this administration has cut the board's budget, instituted a hiring freeze, and pushed out many of its employees and senior leaders. I want to know from you that you will stand up for the interests and values that Congress has sought to implement here. Turning to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, you will have an interest, likewise in the public interest, Mr. Fleck. You were found by VA's Office of Inspector General to have engaged in nepotism when, as manager in the Office of General Counsel, you advocated for the employment of your wife in the same office. You will have to explain to the committee why the report done by the Office of Inspector General is not disqualifying, and I appreciate the Chairman's staff subsequently sharing the documents and information with us, which should prompt all of us to have very strong concerns, and I intend to make further inquiries about this issue. We have a constitutional duty of oversight. Mr. Rendleman, if confirmed, you would have the power to decide whether a veteran's claim for reproductive health care coverage or reimbursement is denied. The radical anti-abortion views that you espouse call into question your ability to make impartial judgments on abortion-related claims, and I'd like to enter into the record, Mr. Chairman, a letter from 30 organizations, including the National Women's Law Center, Minority Veterans of America, the National Organization of Women, Common Defense, Physicians for Reproductive Care, and other organizations that have substantial numbers of veteran members who represent them concerned about Mr. Rendleman's nomination. I'm concerned that we're considering Mr. Quinn for a position that will not open until next Congress, which is, I think, unprecedented in this Committee. In November, the American people will determine at the ballot which party should lead the Senate, not prejudging what the outcomes will be, but the new Congress should provide advice and consent on positions that will open when there is another Congress. Finally, Mr. Chairman, before we get started, I'd like to address a really urgent and critical topic. The VA recently raised the ceiling for its Electronic Health Record contract with Oracle by $17 billion. $17 billion, without any notice to Congress or taxpayers. That's more than, by the way, the $13 billion cost estimate for the Major Richards Star Act, which some of my colleagues claim we can't afford without cutting benefits for other disabled veterans. I think we have bipartisan support for the Major Richard Star Act, but $17 billion for Oracle to extend a deeply troubled contract, I think, demands inquiry from this Committee, and so I'd like to formally request the Chairman hold a hearing on implementation of the Electronic Health Record contract, and I have a letter for the record signed by all Democratic members of the Committee with that request. Thank you. -30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-releases-psi-report-detailing-how-lutnick-linked-crypto-firm-tether-props-up-irans-shadow-banking-system,Blumenthal Releases PSI Report Detailing how Lutnick-Linked Crypto Firm Tether Props Up Iran's Shadow Banking System,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today released a new report detailing how Tether and its dollar-pegged stablecoin (USDT) have become a significant financial lifeline within Iran’s shadow banking network. As part of its ongoing inquiry into the role of cryptocurrencies in illicit finance, PSI Democratic investigators conducted a forensic analysis of blockchain transaction data from 846 unique cryptocurrency wallets that have been sanctioned or targeted for seizure due to their association with Iran and its regional proxies. This analysis shows that Tether has, in effect, provided Iran access to a high-liquidity international payment system that the United States has assiduously sought to deny it. “My new PSI report exposes how Tether and its flagship token have become central to Iran’s shadow banking system, allowing the Iranian government to fund its regional proxies, commit human rights abuses, and pursue hostile drone and missile programs as they defy our sanctions regime,” Blumenthal said. “The Trump Administration’s glaring lack of oversight of cryptocurrency issuers has undermined our own national security interests. That is why I am calling on the Department of Treasury and Justice to immediately investigate Tether and hold it accountable for these potential sanctions violations.” A summary of PSI’s key findings is below: Tether has become a primary illicit international payment system for Iran, allowing it to circumvent international sanctions on its banks: Of the 846 wallets sanctioned for their association with Iran and its terrorist proxies, 84% have transacted exclusively, or nearly exclusively, in USDT. These activities include efforts by the Iranian government to move funds into, and out of, Iran and to prop up the country’s currency in the face of U.S. sanctions, including through the Central Bank of Iran. Tether serves as a central payment mechanism that interlinks Iran and its terrorist proxy organizations, undermining U.S. security interests in the region: Iran’s cryptocurrency-based shadow banking network has reached significant volumes of funds and implicate different Iranian interests. In addition to supporting terrorist organizations, there is evidence that this shadow banking network is used for the procurement and sales of drones and other military equipment. Tether’s failure to freeze illicit wallets and prevent abuse created the permissive environment under which Iranian shadowing banking could flourish: Prior to 2024, Tether did not comprehensively and consistently freeze wallets designated by counter-terrorism agencies and continues to fail to proactively block clearly illicit wallets. This absence of deterrence invited abuse: terrorist organizations such as Hamas shifted from transacting in Bitcoin and a mix of cryptocurrencies, to promoting USDT. In letters sent today to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Todd Blanche, Blumenthal referred PSI’s findings to the Departments and called for thorough investigations into Tether’s anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance practices. In a letter to Bessent, Blumenthal raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s lax oversight of cryptocurrency firms despite longstanding research and reporting on Tether’s broader role in illicit finance, “Yet, since President Trump’s return to the White House, investigations and enforcement actions into the cryptocurrency industry have been dropped, settled on meager terms, or even reversed. I fear this lenient self-dealing includes Tether, despite its role in propping up a country that the United States is currently at war with.” Blumenthal continued, “While Tether has become a powerful tool for foreign adversaries, terrorists, and illicit actors that are a danger to our national security, it has numerous close ties to the highest levels of the Trump Administration. Most prominently, Cantor Fitzgerald—which until recently was run by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and is now controlled by his children—owns 5% of Tether and holds a substantial portion of the company’s more than $100 billion of assets in the United States.” “The prospect of such a financial weapon being used against American interests is deeply troubling. I therefore request that Treasury review the Subcommittee’s report, which is enclosed with this letter, and conduct a thorough investigation of Tether’s anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance practices. If your investigation finds Tether has violated the Bank Secrecy Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or any other relevant provision of federal law, I encourage you to take the strongest appropriate action,” Blumenthal concluded. The full text of PSI’s report is available here. Copies of Blumenthal’s letters to Bessent and Blanche are available here and here. -30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-shaheen-and-12-bipartisan-senators-question-president-trump-on-invitation-of-vladimir-putin-to-g20-on-american-soil,"Blumenthal, Shaheen, & 12 Bipartisan Senators Question President Trump on Invitation of Vladimir Putin to G20 on American Soil",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and 12 bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump inquiring about the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leader’s Summit in Miami, Florida this coming December. In the letter, the Senators question why Vladimir Putin, who has committed atrocities against the people of Ukraine and silenced his own people, has been welcomed with open arms to participate in a G20 meeting on American soil. This comes at a time when the Russian government is ramping up its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and continues to target Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The Senators make clear that President Putin should not be permitted to take part in G20 events or other similar international forums in the United States and request for Putin nor any sanctioned Russian officials be permitted at upcoming G20 events. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day,” wrote the Senators. “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure,” continued the Senators. “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, 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?” concluded the Senators. Blumenthal and Shaheen were joined by Mitch McConnell (R-KY), John Cornyn (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Curtis (R-UT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Alan Armstrong (R-OK). Full text of the letter is available HERE and provided 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. -30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-ahead-of-pcsa-vote-this-bill-is-a-long-term-threat-to-college-athletics,Murphy Ahead of PCSA Vote: This Bill is a Long-Term Threat to College Athletics,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate ahead of a vote on final passage of the so-called Protect College Sports Act, sweeping legislation to grant the NCAA an unprecedented antitrust exemption, cap the earnings and organizing potential of college athletes, and codify into law a permanent imbalance of power between college athletes and athletic conferences, the NCAA and corporate executives profiting off of athletes’ talents. Murphy voiced his opposition to final passage of the bill and argued the PCSA may ultimately destabilize the college sports ecosystem in the long-term. Murphy debunked the claim that college sports is in ‘crisis’: “The facts don't back up that characterization of college sports…I know that there's more people than ever showing up to these games and watching the games. The Big 10 just signed a $13 billion contract to broadcast its games. The revenue of the NCAA broadly is at an all-time high. The SEC and the Big 10 are both making over a billion dollars. Women's sports is growing. 92,000 people recently filled a stadium to watch a women's volleyball match. Schools are adding, not subtracting, women's programs. In fact, more people are paying attention to college sports than ever before. College sports is growing, both on the men's and women's side. And so, what is this crisis?” Murphy stressed the PCSA wouldn’t get big money out of college sports, it would just limit athletes’ right to earn their fair share: “The bill does really nothing to stop the runaway overall costs of college athletics. In particular, some of the biggest drivers of costs being facilities and the salaries of adults … if you want to know what's driving the deficit at these big schools, it's not simply the amount of money they're paying the students; those numbers are dwarfed by the amount of money that's going to coaches and to facilities. But yet, this bill constricts – only caps the money going to the players, does nothing to cap the money going to the coaches, does nothing to stop the continued billions of dollars going in to feed this facilities arms race.” Murphy hammered that the NCAA’s real motive is undoing historic gains in revenues for athletes so coaches, conferences, and corporate executives can reap the benefits for themselves: “The crisis, it appears to me, is pretty simple: young athletes who perform a service that would be worth billions in the free market are finally getting what they lawfully deserve. A system of exploitation, an illegal system of exploitation, in which the colleges and their industry allies colluded to keep as much of the 13 billion dollars that the college sports industry generates for themselves started to crumble because courts as high as the Supreme Court came to the inevitable conclusion that that system of exploitation was illegal. … and the industry had two choices: they could either work out a new set of rules with the athletes… or they could come to Congress and get their illegal system deemed legal. That's what they are essentially doing here today. We are taking a system that the Supreme Court said could not persist under our law, and we are changing the law to allow that illegal system to persist.” Murphy stressed that the NCAA, like all other industries, should be responsible for following the law and negotiate a fair agreement with athletes: “We could have done what happens in most industries, which is just say to the NCAA and to the colleges, tough luck. Congress isn't going to come in here and micromanage your relationship with the athletes. If you want to work something out, sit down and talk to the athletes about it. If you want rules that apply across the industry, then do what every other industry does, which is have a dialog with the workers.” Murphy reiterated that the PCSA hands massive giveaways to the NCAA: “I think that there are rules inside college athletics that don't make a lot of sense right now. Unlimited transfers, the potential ability for pro players to come back to college, these agent fees look ridiculous to me, but you don't need a bill of this sweeping scope to address what are a set of minor but important practices in college athletics that have gotten out of control. We could have … passed a very narrow bill here to address the agent issue and the transfer issue.” Murphy held firm that the current landscape is better than the system of exploitation the PCSA would implement: “We could have just said, you know what, Congress doesn't want to get involved in litigating the details of the arrangement between players and coaches in schools. You guys work that out, just like we require every other industry to do this.” In conclusion, Murphy warned that the PCSA may actually precipitate a long-term crisis in college sports, as athletes flee a system that exploits them: “In the end, this bill, if it passes and becomes law, is actually going to be a long-term threat to college athletics. … Students are not dumb. They're not going to sit in college sports with a cap on their earnings … They will find a way around college sports. That will be the primary impact of this artificial cap on compensation, this massive antitrust exemption for colleges, I think it may well, in the end, be the unwinding of college sports.” Sen. Murphy has been a leading voice of opposition to the so-called Protect College Sports Act (PCSA), standing with athletes, labor advocates, and civil rights groups to rally against the bill’s passage, as well as advocate for his College Athlete Right to Organize Act. He also appeared on Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith to garner support for athletes’ rights and fair compensation and published a joint Substack in opposition to the PCSA with former executive director of the National Football League Players Association DeMaurice Smith. A full transcript of Murphy’s remarks is available below. A full video of the speech is available here. The legislation that we're going to be voting on tonight is predicated on a simple idea: the idea that college sports is in crisis, and that it requires a fairly extraordinary act of legislative intervention to address this crisis. I'm speaking in opposition to this bill, and I think it's important to start by answering the question: Is college sports in crisis? Is it in chaos, as Senator Cruz is fond of saying? Well, the facts don't back up that characterization of college sports. I'm a huge college sports fan. I watch a lot of college basketball, a little bit less but still a lot of college football, and I know that there's more people than ever showing up to these games and watching the games. The Big 10 just signed a $13 billion contract to broadcast its games. The revenue of the NCAA broadly is at an all-time high. The SEC and the Big 10 are both making over a billion dollars. Women's sports are growing. 92,000 people recently filled a stadium to watch a women's volleyball match. Schools are adding, not subtracting, women's programs. In fact, more people are paying attention to college sports than ever before. College sports is growing, both on the men's and women's side. And so, what is this crisis? Well, the crisis, it appears to me, is pretty simple: young athletes who perform a service that would be worth billions in the free market are finally getting what they lawfully deserve. A system of exploitation, an illegal system of exploitation, in which the colleges and their industry allies colluded to keep as much of the 13 billion dollars that the college sports industry generates for themselves started to crumble because courts as high as the Supreme Court came to the inevitable conclusion that that system of exploitation was illegal. Justice Kavanaugh, in a 9-0 decision, said this: “The current NCAA model is suppressing the pay of student athletes who collectively generate billions of dollars in revenues for colleges each year.” So this system of collusion by the colleges, designed to keep the compensation of athletes as low as possible, was ruled illegal. That's essentially what happened here, and the industry had two choices: they could either work out a new set of rules with the athletes—that's generally what has to happen if you want industry-wide rules that limit compensation, that limit the applicability of a free market. You have to negotiate with your employees, in this case, the athletes—or they could come to Congress and get their illegal system deemed legal. That's what they are essentially doing here today. We are taking a system that the Supreme Court said could not persist under our law, and we are changing the law to allow that illegal system to persist. How do we know that this bill is about solving that narrow crisis that I identified—that crisis of college athletes finally making money, and the adults in charge of the system not liking that the kids were making money? Well, the first way we know that is that the bill does really nothing to stop the runaway overall costs of college athletics, in particular, some of the biggest drivers of costs: facilities and the salaries of adults. Let's just take one example, and I see my friend from Louisiana is on the floor currently. Just last week, LSU's president said that the school's sports program is projected to carry a 26 million dollar deficit, and the president said we've got to stop that bleeding, 26 million dollar deficit. But LSU just agreed to pay their new coach Lane Kiffin 91 million dollars over seven years, along with other bonuses to him like 65 hours of private jet travel, temporary housing, and courtesy vehicles. LSU also just paid a buyout of over 53 million dollars to the coach they fired. In fact, last year the buyouts for just three coaches totaled over 169 million dollars, [six times the annual operating deficit of the entire athletics program]. And so, if you want to know what's driving the deficit at these big schools, it's not simply the amount of money they're paying the students; those numbers are dwarfed by the amount of money that's going to coaches and to facilities. But yet, this bill only caps the money going to the players, does nothing to cap the money going to the coaches, and does nothing to stop the continued billions of dollars going in to feed this facility's arms race. Second, what about the antitrust exemption? Why is that in the bill? Well, certainly not to help athletes. This antitrust exemption will allow schools, in some cases, to continue their practices that compromise athlete safety, because now they have a broad antitrust exemption to do that. Perhaps we'll pass an amendment that will help with that later today. What it primarily is in the bill for is to allow the schools to be able to bargain collectively in order to get a better TV deal. If the schools don't have to worry about antitrust law, one of the things they can do is join together across conferences to bargain for additional TV revenue. And in this bill, only 1/5 of the revenue that comes in will have to be shared with the athletes, whereas in the professional leagues, about 50% of the revenue, including TV revenue, goes to the athletes. So the antitrust exemption allows the schools to make a whole lot more money, and other provisions in the bill allow the schools to keep that money for themselves rather than share it in the same way that professional leagues might share it with the athletes. And then, what about the transfer restrictions in the bill? Why do those only apply to players? I admit that the current system in which players can move from one school to the next every year is probably not in the best long-term interests of the sport. But if the goal was really to control costs, that provision would apply to coaches as well. Because one of the ways that costs go up is that coaches can freely move after every season from one program to the other, bidding schools against each other. This bill says that a coach can't leave in the middle of the season, but that almost never happens. The reality is, this bill only says players can only transfer once without penalty. It doesn't say anything about coaches. As I said, I think that there are rules inside college athletics that don't make a lot of sense right now. Unlimited transfers, the potential ability for pro players to come back to college, these agent fees look ridiculous to me, but you don't need a bill of this sweeping scope to address what are a set of minor but important practices in college athletics that have gotten out of control. We could have either passed a very narrow bill here to address the agent issue and the transfer issue, or we could have done what happens in most industries, which is just say to the NCAA and to the colleges: tough luck, congress isn't going to come in here and micromanage your relationship with the athletes. If you want to work something out, sit down and talk to the athletes about it. If you want rules that apply across the industry, then do what every other industry does, which is have a dialog with the workers. Now, whether you want to admit that the athletes are workers or not, the Supreme Court has basically ruled that they need to be treated as such for compensation purposes, and so we had two other options besides this sweeping bill that, in my belief, preserves this system of exploitation. We could have either passed a much more narrow bill, that I think would have gotten even broader consensus here and would have had an easier time passing the House, or we could have just said, you know what, Congress doesn't want to get involved in litigating the details of the arrangement between players and coaches in schools. You guys work that out, just like we require every other industry to do this. I think, in the end, this bill, if it passes and becomes law, is actually going to be a long-term threat to college athletics. And I'll just end here. In the short run, I get it. It makes coaches' lives easier. They don't have to worry about players leaving if they're treated badly, if they're not compensated adequately. By Congress stepping in and dictating the terms with which students can play college athletics, it empowers coaches. But especially in football, where every single additional year you play, you are doing more damage to your brain, more damage to your ability to make money once you get into the pros, students are not dumb. They're not going to sit in college sports with a cap on their earnings and currently an inability to get to the pros until they have played three years of amateur athletics. They will find a way around college sports. That will be the primary impact of this artificial cap on compensation, this massive antitrust exemption for colleges, I think it may well, in the end, be the unwinding of college sports. The way to save college sports was to admit that these kids provide an incredibly valuable service, as the Supreme Court has judged as well, and they deserve to be fairly compensated. That, in the long run, would have been the best way to make sure that we preserve college sports, which I agree with my colleagues is worth preserving. One of the most basic, fundamental American pastimes: the ability for us to come together, no matter our religion, our race, our political affiliation, to root for our state's team—that binds us together as Americans. And in the end, I think this bill—maybe not in the first few years, but in the long run—is a greater threat to the stability of college sports than doing nothing. I yield the floor.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-votes-against-legislation-that-fails-to-protect-college-athletes,Blumenthal Votes Against Legislation that Fails to Protect College Athletes,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released the following statement after voting against the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA): “Sadly, this measure simply isn’t good enough – failing to provide strong protections for college athletes and level the playing field,” Blumenthal said. “After all the years I’ve spent working on this issue, I could never for one minute trust the NCAA to police itself. This bill forces the athletes themselves to enforce its safeguards against the NCAA and conferences that have the power to destroy their athletic careers. Despite my bipartisan amendment to increase conference access, the legislation still does not adequately promote vigorous competition among teams and conferences and instead preserves the exclusive club of the current Power Four membership to the detriment of smaller universities, many in Connecticut.” “The bill has several positive provisions that would curtail unlimited transfers and limit the blurring of the lines between amateur and professional players in college sports. But if a college or player violates those provisions it is solely up to the NCAA to investigate and punish. I have little faith, given past history, that the NCAA will sanction a hugely popular coach, player or lucrative university team if there is such a violation. This supposed protection is a mirage.” “The blood, sweat and sacrifice of college athletes drive a multibillion-dollar industry, and they deserve a level playing field that puts their needs above the NCAA and special interests. This bill misses the mark.” Blumenthal detailed his concerns about the legislation in an August op-ed in the Hartford Courant, “A lasting path to protecting the best of college sports.” Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) secured a vote on an amendment to raise the bill’s limit on the number of teams in the Big 10, SEC, and ACC from nineteen to twenty. This would make it easier for non-Power Four teams to join a large conference. The amendment was approved in a voice vote. During consideration of the bill, Blumenthal also filed the amendments below, which were denied consideration: Prohibiting Private Equity and Foreign Sovereign Wealth: Private equity funds and foreign government entities would be barred from entering into agreements with schools, conferences, the NCAA, and collectives that provide them revenue sharing, voting control, and other influence over athletics programs and athletics decisions. State Attorneys General Enforcement: State Attorneys General would have broad enforcement power over violations of the provisions of the legislation, ensuring that enforcement of the legislation does not exclusively fall on student athletes. Add Treble Damages under the Private Right: The current private right of action only allows for actual damages, which is not a sufficient deterrent for gamesmanship by bad actors. Expanding the treble damages provides a greater deterrence and ensures better compliance with the rules. Cut the Notice and Cure Provision: The current private right of action provides a notice, wait, and cure process that is an impediment to a student athlete bringing an action and protecting their rights. The provision included in the legislation also provides an opportunity for gamesmanship with compliance, allowing bad actors to ignore the rules until someone hires a lawyer and attempts to bring them to court. This amendment would have cut the provision altogether. In July 2023, Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced a bipartisan discussion draft of legislation to reform college athletics and prioritize athletes’ health, education, and economic rights. The College Athletes Protection & Compensation Act would set national standards for name, image, and likeness (NIL), establish a Medical Trust Fund to provide care to injured athletes, prioritize athletes’ educational outcomes, and safeguard athletes’ health and wellness. In August 2022, Blumenthal, Booker and U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced the College Athletes Bill of Rights, comprehensive legislation to ensure health care for injured athletes, establish new protections for women’s sports programs by requiring the NCAA and conferences follow Title IX in their tournaments, and allow athletes to market their NIL. In August 2020, Blumenthal, Booker, Wyden and U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) announced the framework for a new college athletes bill of rights to advance justice and opportunity for college athletes. Blumenthal previewed the framework with Booker while serving as Ranking Member during a July 2020 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on “Protecting the Integrity of College Athletics.” The proposal would guarantee fair and equitable compensation, enforceable health and safety standards, and improved educational opportunities for all college athletes. In February 2020, Blumenthal and Moran held the first-ever Senate hearing on the then-emerging issue of college athletes’ NIL. During the hearing, Blumenthal raised concerns regarding the current compensation system and fairness within college athletics, calling the “exploitive” college athletics system “as antiquated as leather helmets.” -30-",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-committee-minority-back-up-house-subpoenas-demand-answers-from-larry-ellison-on-ballooning-costs-of-oracles-va-electronic-health-record-contract,"Blumenthal & Committee Minority Back Up House Subpoenas, Demand Answers from Larry Ellison on Ballooning Costs of Oracle's VA Electronic Health Record Contract",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Minority Committee members are demanding immediate answers and comprehensive documentation from Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison and CEO Mike Sicilia on the ballooning cost of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. VA’s contract with Oracle was recently modified, increasing the no-bid contract’s cost ceiling from $10 billion to approximately $27 billion. The Senators’ letter follows the failure of Ellison and Sicilia to testify before a Congressional oversight hearing on the EHRM program, a refusal that triggered a unanimous vote in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to subpoena the two Oracle officials. “We write today to demand immediate answers following news the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program will now cost $27 billion…Oracle has a responsibility to deliver a functioning EHRM to veterans, yet there have been years of delays and ballooning costs under your leadership,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Ellison and Sicilia. “Even more concerning, Oracle officials failed to attend a recent House Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversight hearing on September 2, 2026, to answer questions on the timeline and cost of the EHRM. You have a responsibility to America’s veterans and taxpayers to explain what is happening with this project and its increasing costs. Your failure to appear in Congress is a failure to uphold your commitment to veterans and we need immediate answers on this project.” The Senators backed up the House Committee’s subpoenas to Ellison and Sicilia: “Given your absence from the oversight hearing, the House Committee subsequently voted 19-0 to subpoena you to explain the status of the project and excessive costs. We support this subpoena and expect you to comply with it.” Blumenthal’s letter was joined by fellow Committee members U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). The Committee members requested immediate information from Ellison and Scillia regarding the long-term cost and status of the project, underscoring the failure of Oracle to be transparent about the project. This includes requesting the following: All documents relevant to the increase in cost of the EHRM contract ceiling; A record of all communications between Oracle and VA regarding the contract ceiling increase prior to public disclosure and an explanation for why Congress was not notified of the increase before the press reporting; Oracle’s internal lifecycle cost projections for completing the EHRM deployment through 2031; and An accounting for broken promises from Sicilia at a Senate hearing in 2022, where he pledged to deliver “an EHR system that exceeds expectations without exceeding the contracted cost.” In an additional letter to Republican leadership, the Committee members separately called on Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) to hold a full committee oversight hearing on the VA EHRM program, citing the significant cost overruns, repeated schedule delays, and patient safety concerns with the system: “Given the scale of federal investment in this program and, more importantly, the risks it poses to the health and safety of the veterans who rely on VA care, we believe the Committee has a responsibility to conduct rigorous oversight at this juncture. Veterans and the taxpayers who fund this program deserve a clear, public accounting of where EHRM stands today and what concrete steps the Department is taking to correct course. A full committee hearing would ensure the transparency and level of scrutiny this program warrants.” The full text of the Committee member’s letter is available HERE and copied below. Dear Mr. Ellison and Mr. Sicilia: We write today to demand immediate answers following news the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program will now cost $27 billion. This reflects a recent modification to the VA-Oracle EHRM contract, which increased the cost ceiling from $10 billion to approximately $27 billion. Oracle has a responsibility to deliver a functioning EHRM to veterans, yet there have been years of delays and ballooning costs under your leadership. Even more concerning, Oracle officials failed to attend a recent House Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversight hearing on September 2, 2026, to answer questions on the timeline and cost of the EHRM. You have a responsibility to America’s veterans and taxpayers to explain what is happening with this project and its increasing costs. Your failure to appear in Congress is a failure to uphold your commitment to veterans and we need immediate answers on this project. Given your absence from the oversight hearing, the House Committee subsequently voted 19-0 to subpoena you to explain the status of the project and excessive costs. We support this subpoena and expect you to comply with it. Given the Senate’s own oversight responsibility for this program and the questions Oracle was unable to answer at that hearing, we request that Oracle provide the following documents and information no later than October 23, 2026. All documents and analyses supporting the recent increase in the ceiling of Oracle’s EHRM contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs from $10 billion to approximately $27 billion, including a full itemization of the “unanticipated complexities” cited as the basis for the increase. An explanation, in light of Mr. Sicilia’s 2022 testimony to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee that Oracle was “committed to delivering the VA an EHR system that exceeds expectations without exceeding the contracted cost” and would “fix issues at [Oracle’s] expense,” of what has changed to result in the current cost increase, and a reconciliation of that commitment with the current contract terms. Oracle’s own lifecycle cost projections for completing EHRM deployment and sustainment through 2031, including how these compare to the Department’s approximately $48 billion estimate and the Institute for Defense Analyses’ 2022 estimate of $49.8 billion. A description of Oracle’s role in, and timeline for, addressing the 14 outstanding GAO recommendations related to EHRM that remain not fully implemented, as identified at the hearing. Documentation of the cybersecurity performance measures Oracle has implemented or plans to implement for the EHR system, in light of GAO’s finding that the program currently lacks adequate cyber performance measures. A record of all communications between Oracle and the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the contract ceiling increase prior to its public disclosure, and an explanation of why Congress was not notified directly by Oracle or VA before the increase became public through press reporting. Any internal or external assessments Oracle has conducted of system performance, outages, medication-ordering errors, or data migration issues at deployment sites, including the sites that went live on or after April 11, 2026. Veterans and taxpayers have invested significant resources in this program, and Oracle’s cooperation is necessary to ensure effective congressional oversight. We look forward to your timely response. -30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-from-acting-navy-secretary-after-delayed-disclosure-of-suicide-attempts-on-board-the-uss-abraham-lincoln,Blumenthal Demands Answers from Acting Navy Secretary After Delayed Disclosure of Suicide Attempts on Board the USS Abraham Lincoln,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao today about suicide attempts on board the USS Abraham Lincoln revealed in a letter to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Cao failed to disclose the information in response to an inquiry Blumenthal sent following reports of devolving conditions within the strike group. “Eight suicide attempts across a carrier strike group are plainly relevant to questions about mental health and the consequences of an extended deployment. You have an obligation to provide Congress with the facts necessary to conduct oversight, particularly when those facts concern the lives and well-being of the men and women under your leadership,” Blumenthal wrote. “I am requesting that you provide an accounting of the eight suicide attempts, including when they occurred and when senior Navy leaders were informed by September 30. Your response should explain why they were omitted from your September 18 letter to me; and provide the basis for your assertion that there was no statistically significant increase in serious medical emergencies; and detail the steps you will take to protect Sailors’ mental health and well-being during future extended deployments. Any response should protect the privacy of the servicemembers involved.” In today’s letter, Blumenthal again raised concerns that the Navy is not prepared to prevent similar issues in the future, given that recent carrier deployments have repeatedly stretched long beyond their originally planned durations. In August, Blumenthal wrote Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Cao demanding to know what action was being taken to improve conditions for sailors deployed on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had at that point been continuously at sea for a record length of nearly seven months. The full text of today’s letter is copied below. Acting Secretary Cao, I write regarding your deeply troubling response to my inquiries about the health and well-being of the Sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and your failure to provide Congress with a full account of the mental health crisis facing these servicemembers. In response to a letter from Senate Armed Services Committee Democrats, you disclosed that “there have been a total of eight suicide attempts across the strike group” during the Lincoln's deployment. Yet when I specifically asked you three days earlier whether commanders had identified increases in medical issues, you omitted this fact and instead assured me that the ship had “not seen a statistically significant increase in major safety mishaps, serious medical emergencies, or disciplinary infractions relative to historical baselines for extended deployments.” Eight suicide attempts across a carrier strike group are plainly relevant to questions about mental health and the consequences of an extended deployment. You have an obligation to provide Congress with the facts necessary to conduct oversight, particularly when those facts concern the lives and well-being of the men and women under your leadership. Having served in the United States Navy, you must know the importance of recognizing warning signs about Sailors’ wellbeing. Sailors and their families raised concerns about exhaustion, mental health, and deteriorating conditions aboard the Lincoln. Your responsibility as Secretary is not to dismiss, obscure, or explain away those concerns. Your own responses now confirm serious problems aboard the Lincoln. The discrepancy between those facts and the assurances you provided to me raises serious questions about leadership and judgment. This failure is even more concerning because the Navy has acknowledged that extended deployments are likely to continue as operational demands strain the carrier force. You owe Congress, as well as Sailors and their families, an explanation of what you will do differently to ensure the failures aboard the Lincoln are not repeated. I am requesting that you provide an accounting of the eight suicide attempts, including when they occurred and when senior Navy leaders were informed by September 30. Your response should explain why they were omitted from your September 18 letter to me; and provide the basis for your assertion that there was no statistically significant increase in serious medical emergencies; and detail the steps you will take to protect Sailors’ mental health and well-being during future extended deployments. Any response should protect the privacy of the servicemembers involved. Our Sailors deserve leaders who will confront difficult facts rather than minimize them. Congress deserves complete and truthful answers. Congress should expect both from someone seeking to become Secretary of the Navy. -30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/18/2026-9/25/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/18/2026-9/25/2026,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Receiving Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held a bicameral public forum on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses offered testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. “Though the circumstances surrounding his death and these other victims are distinctly different, the pattern is the same. Lives cut short by the same agency; agents without body cameras; no warnings; no attempt to de-escalate; excessive force followed by deflection, and a lack of accountability after the fact,” Ms. Reyes wrote. “Other similarities are that these victims, despite being nonviolent community members with no criminal background, were disparaged and blamed to shift focus away from the officer’s misconduct. What happened to my son is personal, but it should be a concern for us all.” Ms. Reyes’ written testimony is available here. Video of Ms. Reyes’ testimony is available here. Blumenthal further highlighted Ms. Reyes’ testimony on Twitter/X. “Rachel Reyes tells Ruben Ray Martinez's story, her son who was shot & killed by an ICE agent. She shares her pain & grief of losing a child—something no parent should have to endure,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Donna and Brent Ganger: Donna Ganger’s daughter and Brent Ganger’s sister, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “What I want most to do today is help everyone understand exactly what was taken from us on January 7th, and what a beautiful woman our family and this country lost. We have not moved on. We struggle every day. We will never, ever be the same,” Mrs. Ganger wrote. “It’s difficult to balance our gratitude for what a lovely soul Renee was with the anger and confusion at the violent way she died. And the total insanity of it all. She should still be alive. I’ll say that again. My daughter should still be alive.” “I urge each of you to find a common sense solution to the problem of accountability for federal officers. There should not be a different set of rules and a different process to hold a federal officer accountable versus a state or local officer. We all want our law enforcement officers to perform at the highest standards, but when they don’t, it shouldn’t matter who their employer is. There should be a path to justice for those they harm,” Mr. Ganger wrote. “Our family implores all members of Congress to work together to level the playing field and find common sense reform that provides accountability and justice for all.” Mrs. Ganger and Mr. Ganger’s written testimony is available here. Video of Mrs. Ganger and Mr. Ganger’s testimony is available here. Blumenthal further highlighted Mrs. Ganger and Mr. Ganger’s testimony on Twitter/X. “Donna & Brent Ganger remember Renee Good, their daughter & sister who was shot & killed by an ICE agent in January. They honor her legacy by calling for accountability & an end to ICE's violent & unconstitutional actions,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Stella Carlson: Stella Carlson recorded the killing of Alex Pretti in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ms. Carlson, known as the “woman in the pink coat,” was on her way to work when she witnessed and filmed an immigration agent shooting Mr. Pretti in the back. Her video confirmed that DHS’s account of the fatal shooting was false. “I am just a regular person, but I care deeply about my community, and my state, and my country. And I believe there is power in ordinary people telling the truth,” Ms. Carlson wrote. “Because I feel like I witnessed two assassinations. The first was the assassination of Alex himself — the killing I watched happen in the streets of Minneapolis. The second was the attempted assassination of his character. Afterward, powerful voices at the highest levels of government right here in Washington DC lied about Alex Pretti. They tried to take the gentle person I had watched with my own eyes and replace him with lies claiming he was a violent threat, someone who had come there to cause maximum damage, someone who wanted to kill law enforcement. Not so. Those were all lies. I observed him and what happened with my own eyes. The truth does not become less true because someone with great power tells a louder lie.” Ms. Carlson’s written testimony is available here. Video of Ms. Carlson’s testimony is available here. Blumenthal further highlighted Ms. Carlson’s testimony on Twitter/X. “Stella Carlson is part of a community mourning the loss of Alex Pretti. Carlson witnessed & filmed an immigration agent shooting Pretti in the back—her video confirming that DHS’s account of the fatal shooting was false,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado: Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado’s father, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was shot and killed in Houston, Texas in July 2026. Mr. Araujo was driving to work when he was confronted by ICE agents who fired into the vehicle, killing him. “I visit my dad’s memorial every day. Not because it’s where he died, but where a movement was born. It’s my way of witnessing how many hearts my dad’s story resonates with,” Mr. Ronaldo Salgado wrote. “And it’s my motivation to continue fighting not just for my dad, but for everyone else’s dad and families like mine. I hope I’m doing the right thing every day. I know my dad is guiding me in the right direction.” “I ask you this: What would you do if you were in our shoes? Think of a loved one,” Mr. Lorenzo Salgado wrote. “Close your eyes and picture their face. What would you do if they were taken from you this way? Suddenly, without any sense. What would you do if you had to spend your days comforting your mother about the loss of her lifelong love, your grandmother about the loss of her little boy? You would do everything you could to find out what happened and make sure your loved one got justice.” Mr. Ronaldo Salgado and Mr. Lorenzo Salgado’s written testimony is available here. Video of Mr. Ronaldo Salgado and Mr. Lorenzo Salgado’s testimony is available here. Sean P. Murphy: Sean P. Murphy represents the family of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero who was shot and killed by an ICE agent shortly after leaving for work early in the morning hours of July 13, 2026. He was not the target of any ICE removal operation and had no criminal history. Johan Sebastián did have a social security number and valid work authorization issued by the current administration. To date, no federal agency has confirmed that they are investigating. “I will say this next part quietly but with the hope and belief that just the grieving of Johan Sebatián’s mother permeated the walls of the funeral home, this next declaration permeates the walls of this building and reaches if not the ears, the soul of any public servant who has a soul left to receive it: Anyone who would defend the murder of Johan Sebastián is not a true patriot,” Mr. Murphy wrote. Mr. Murphy’s written testimony is available here. Video of Mr. Murphy’s testimony is available here. Blumenthal delivered a opening statement at the forum, pushing for accountability and reform for the Trump Administration’s brutal immigration enforcement tactics. “The fact is, we are all Minneapolis, we are all Texas, we are all Chicago, we are all Biddeford, we are all Danbury. We need a better America if it's reflected in what ICE does. So, after this continued violence, every community in America should be asking itself: How long will it be until ICE is in our city with the same kind of mass arrests and tactics and sweeps and violence and brutality? How long will it be until we have another grieving family? Until another loss of life is felt?” said Blumenthal at the forum. “Today, we bear witness to the cost of this inhumanity. Today's forum gives these witnesses, as the voice and face of this challenge, the accountability that must begin in this country. We are going to continue to demand not just answers and accountability, but actual change, real change, real action, from this Administration. And on behalf of all of us, I again would just like to offer these witnesses here, their families and their communities, our heartfelt condolences, our thanks, and our admiration for your courage and strength,” continued Blumenthal. A video of Blumental’s opening remarks can be found here. Blumenthal further highlighted the need for justice and accountability in the ongoing wake of ICE’s brutality on Twitter/X. “Congress must hold ICE accountable. Totally unacceptable that there has been no real investigation into DHS/ICE related deaths & injuries,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “Lawbreaking that takes lives. Renee Good’s brother highlights how ICE faces no deterrence, no penalty for withholding evidence as its agents kill people,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Blumenthal joined MS NOW to highlight his forum and the powerful testimonies of the witnesses. “The grief, courage, & well-justified anger from witnesses at my spotlight forums on ICE's brutality make one thing clear—we need investigations & reforms to hold this Administration & its federal agents accountable. I joined MS NOW to discuss,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. The full interview can be found here. A recording of the full forum can be found here. Supporting Ukrainians in Face of Russia’s Aggression Blumenthal met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the need for continued U.S. support for Ukraine’s fight against Putin’s murderous invasion. “Inspiring meeting with Pres. Zelenskyy in NY on the eve of U.N. Gen. Assembly sessions—& his meeting with Trump. He’s grateful for the new Russia Sanctions measure & hopeful for air defense & Starlink progress. We must implement the sanctions law promptly & aggressively—throttling Putin’s war machine by cutting revenue from Russia’s sale of oil & gas. China & India are the preeminent purchasers. Facing brutally cruel bombing & long cold winter, Ukraine needs Starlink to pinpoint & destroy Russian missiles before they’re launched, but also Patriot interceptors available in arsenals of U.S. & others like Saudi Arabia. Even with little sleep & heavy burdens, he’s upbeat & strong—buoyantly resolute—reflecting the courage & unshakable resolve of the magnificent Ukrainians,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Blumenthal along with U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced legislation to protect Ukrainian nationals who have sought refuge in the United States following Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression in their home country. The bipartisan bill would extend immigration protections for Ukrainians who have fled the war brought on by the Russian invasion and sought safety in the United States through the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which has for decades provided refuge to those living in America who have fled natural disasters, violence, and political insecurity. The current TPS designation for Ukraine will expire on October 19, 2026 unless further action is taken. “Ukrainians seeking safety here are fleeing unimaginable horror at home – bloody missile and drone strikes, ruthless kidnapping of children, a cold winter without heat. Forcing their return to such cruel conditions would be the height of inhumanity,” Blumenthal said. “I am grateful to Senators Murkowski, Coons, and Cassidy for joining me in introducing legislation that will protect Ukrainians seeking refuge from being sent back to certain brutality and bloodshed.” TPS is a temporary, legal immigration status granted to foreign citizens who are unable to return safely to their home country due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions. All TPS recipients have passed a thorough background check. TPS was extended to Ukrainian nationals in April 2022 due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launching missiles against military and civilian targets across the country as troops pushed to overtake major cities. Although Ukrainian forces successfully blocked the attempted invasion of Kyiv and have since liberated significant territory throughout the country, Russian offensives continue to target Ukrainian communities and claim thousands of casualties. Since the invasion, tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians have died and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian forces have been killed. Russia has also engaged in a campaign of abduction and forcible removal of Ukrainian children, seeking to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language and identity, and exposing them to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, hunger, injury, trauma and death. On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released a statement on a new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) exposing the Trump Administration and DOGE’s reckless cancellation of contracts at VA beginning in 2025. The report details a chaotic cancellation process directed top-down by DOGE, Secretary Doug Collins, and Senior Advisors at VA, resulting in contracts called without veteran-impact assessments and inaccurate cost saving estimates. “This report confirms my repeatedly expressed concerns that VA has recklessly cancelled hundreds of contracts with no consideration of the impact on veterans or VA operations. These cuts harmed veterans and were hidden from Congress and the public by senior VA officials. Secretary Collins owes us answers on how VA will replace lost services and how much this fiasco has cost taxpayers in arbitration, settlements, and reinstatements. Veterans and taxpayers deserve transparency and a full public accounting.” Key findings of the report reveal: A top-down process led by DOGE, Doug Collins and political leaders, rather than a process driven by VA subject matter experts. OIG reports that only after contracts were marked for cancellation did VA leadership ask officials to justify their proposed cuts. In addition, questions about the cancellations’ impact on veterans were not asked until the contracts were identified for termination. A haphazard process and timeline: “In some cases, VA officials were given two weeks to complete their review. In others, they were given only a few hours to review hundreds of contracts. VA senior advisers and Department of Government Efficiency representatives directed them to terminate the contracts on February 25, 2025, regardless of the incomplete reviews.” Due to the reckless cancellation process, VA subsequently reversed some contracts that were already cancelled: “For example, OIG also found that contracting officers initially terminated an additional 100 contract actions but later reinstated them.” DOGE and VA advisors’ lack of familiarity with contracting processes and terminology led to “confusion, frustration,” and made tracking cancelled contracts difficult. VA repeatedly submitted inaccurate data to Congress and touted false information to the public. For example, in May 2025 DOGE and Doug Collins reported saving $120.9 billion through contract cancellations. However, this report reveals the true savings were not even one percent of that amount. The report does not include data independently obtained from VA that reveals an additional 32 contracts were reinstated “due to direct patient care.” Additionally, OIG did not review an additional 103 contracts that were descoped and 842 not renewed due to DOGE during the same time period. Since 2025, Blumenthal and Congressional Democrats have sent multiple requests to VA Secretary Doug Collins asking for the complete and updated list of VA contracts cancelled or proposed for cancellation. This report shows that VA failed multiple times to submit accurate data and are still in the process of correcting mistakes their process created. In January 2026, Blumenthal and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee released a report detailing the Trump Administration’s lack of transparency and false savings claims arounds its cancellation of thousands of contracts providing services to veterans and supporting VA operations. This report detailed how Trump Administration officials employed a flawed AI model from DOGE to cancel approximately 2,000 contracts for veterans and VA facilities and let another 14,000 expire without any plans for renewal or replacement services. The Trump VA also falsely claimed to have saved $120.8 billion, more than the entirety of total VA contract spending in fiscal year 2024, by cancelling 445 contracts. In addition, at least 80 contracts the Trump Administration claimed to cancel, in order to boast about supposed “savings,” were actually terminated under the Biden Administration between 2021 and 2024. In June 2025, Blumenthal led a spotlight forum to examine these contract cancellations with employees whose companies had a VA contract cancelled by DOGE, including a veteran-owned small business, an expert in cancer registries which are among the cancelled VA contracts, and an expert in federal contracting oversight and transparency. These witness underscored the harm of the cancellation of contracts on veterans and the sudden cancellation of their companies contracts without cause. Blumenthal and Minority Committee members are demanding immediate answers and comprehensive documentation from Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison and CEO Mike Sicilia on the ballooning cost of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. VA’s contract with Oracle was recently modified, increasing the no-bid contract’s cost ceiling from $10 billion to approximately $27 billion. The Senators’ letter follows the failure of Ellison and Sicilia to testify before a Congressional oversight hearing on the EHRM program, a refusal that triggered a unanimous vote in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to subpoena the two Oracle officials. “We write today to demand immediate answers following news the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program will now cost $27 billion…Oracle has a responsibility to deliver a functioning EHRM to veterans, yet there have been years of delays and ballooning costs under your leadership,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Ellison and Sicilia. “Even more concerning, Oracle officials failed to attend a recent House Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversight hearing on September 2, 2026, to answer questions on the timeline and cost of the EHRM. You have a responsibility to America’s veterans and taxpayers to explain what is happening with this project and its increasing costs. Your failure to appear in Congress is a failure to uphold your commitment to veterans and we need immediate answers on this project.” The Senators backed up the House Committee’s subpoenas to Ellison and Sicilia: “Given your absence from the oversight hearing, the House Committee subsequently voted 19-0 to subpoena you to explain the status of the project and excessive costs. We support this subpoena and expect you to comply with it.” Blumenthal’s letter was joined by fellow Committee members U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). In an additional letter to Republican leadership, the Committee members separately called on Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) to hold a full committee oversight hearing on the VA EHRM program, citing the significant cost overruns, repeated schedule delays, and patient safety concerns with the system: “Given the scale of federal investment in this program and, more importantly, the risks it poses to the health and safety of the veterans who rely on VA care, we believe the Committee has a responsibility to conduct rigorous oversight at this juncture. Veterans and the taxpayers who fund this program deserve a clear, public accounting of where EHRM stands today and what concrete steps the Department is taking to correct course. A full committee hearing would ensure the transparency and level of scrutiny this program warrants.” The full text of the Committee members’ letter is available here. Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) are teaming up to introduce the GRACE for Military Survivors Act—bipartisan legislation that would provide military survivors more time to make informed financial decisions about their benefits without facing tax penalties. “Military survivors who lose loved ones endure life-changing grief. We shouldn’t force them to make important, long-term financial decisions about their survivors’ benefits while also going through such unspeakable pain,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our commonsense bill will give these families more time to make these critical decisions.” When a servicemember dies, the surviving family has to make important financial decisions about their survivors’ benefits while also grieving their loved ones. Current law only gives surviving spouses and children a year to decide if they want to put military death gratuities and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) benefits into certain tax-advantaged savings accounts, including Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. The GRACE for Military Survivors Act would extend that time frame from one to three years—ensuring surviving families have additional time to make important long-term financial decisions. Bill text can be found here. Cracking Down on Self-Enrichment in the Executive Branch Blumenthal introduced new legislation to impose a 100 percent surtax on income earned by a company owned or controlled by the President, Vice President, Cabinet officials, or immediate family members as a result of a favorable government action. The Anti-Corruption Tax Act is in direct response to Donald Trump and other Administration officials abusing the power of the government to help the companies they own or control make money, at the direct expense of American taxpayers. “Donald Trump has been clear: there is no ethical line separating his role as President from his family’s businesses,” Blumenthal said. “He and other Administration officials have repeatedly abused their power to enrich themselves and their families. My measure would put an end to this kind of self-dealing by putting a 100 percent surtax on any income that Donald Trump and his family—or any future Administration officials—generate thanks to a favorable government action.” The full bill text of the Anti-Corruption Tax Act is available here. Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal demanded answers after the delayed disclosure of suicide attempts on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. Blumenthal filed an Amicus Brief supporting Holocaust survivors and families in lawsuits over Nazi-confiscated art. Blumenthal joined a press conference to call for the SAFE Bet Act and the Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act. Blumenthal slammed sports books for using AI to rank and target vulnerable and problem gamblers. Blumenthal recognized National Day of Action for the Health Care Workforce. Blumenthal attended the Orange Fair. Blumenthal joined the inaugural Longest Table event in Stamford. -30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-trump-fda-nominee-youve-done-a-pretty-good-job-of-avoiding-answering-questions,Murphy To Trump FDA Nominee: ‘you’ve Done A Pretty Good Job Of Avoiding Answering Questions’,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Thursday questioned Dr. Heidi Overton, President Trump’s nominee to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, during her confirmation hearing. With public trust in the FDA collapsing in the second Trump administration, Murphy pressed Overton on the corruption of the Food and Drug Administration under President Trump, including a multi-million dollar pay-to-play scandal involving the tobacco industry. “I share the chairman's concern about this dramatic reduction in faith in the FDA that has happened over the past year, and the reason is simple: people don't believe that science has anything to do with some of the decision making and that it's all about politics,” said Murphy. Murphy detailed the corruption scandal which led to the prior FDA commissioner’s resignation: “On April 30th, it's a Thursday afternoon, Reynolds, one of the biggest tobacco companies in the country, makes an $8 million donation to the president. Two days later, on Saturday, because of that donation, they have lunch with the president and they tell him that they want a change in FDA rules, especially regarding flavored vapes. The president calls the FDA commissioner, he calls the secretary of HHS, and three days later, on Tuesday, new guidance is issued that paves the way to the sale of flavored vapes… And four days after that, the FDA commissioner resigns, either in protest or because he was fired because of his disagreement with this decision.” He pushed Overton to acknowledge and condemn the blatant corruption influencing FDA decisionmaking under Trump: “That is not a coincidence, right? That is the definition of political interference in FDA decision making… Do you see anything wrong with the chain of events that I just articulated for you? … Do you have any opinion as to whether that's the way that you want the FDA to work?” Murphy highlighted Trump’s pay-to-play scheme with Big Tobacco was enabled by the dismantling of the FDA advisory board system: “Let me talk to you about one of the ways that science has been undermined: the eradication of the advisory board system. Since President Trump came into office, 27% of all advisory boards have been eliminated, and of those that remain, there have been 72% fewer meetings. The tobacco advisory board had no specific meeting and no vote on this specific policy because if they had had a vote, they would have voted against this, and that's in part why the FDA commissioner resigned.” He demanded Overton commit to restoring those advisory boards: “So long as these advisory boards, which are authorized by Congress, are attacked, eliminated, and restricted from meeting, you are not going to rebound the public's support for independent FDA decision making. So let me ask you specifically: Will you commit to restarting the advisory boards that have been disbanded under this president?” A full transcript of the exchange is available below. Murphy: Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. Listen, I share the chairman's concern about this dramatic reduction in faith in the FDA that has happened over the past year, and the reason is simple: people don't believe that science has anything to do with some of the decision making and that it's all about politics. Here's an example: on April 30th, it's a Thursday afternoon, Reynolds, one of the biggest tobacco companies in the country, makes an $8 million donation to the president. Two days later, on Saturday, because of that donation, they have lunch with the president and they tell him that they want a change in FDA rules, especially regarding flavored vapes, the president calls the FDA commissioner, he calls the secretary of HHS, and three days later, on Tuesday, new guidance is issued that paves the way to the sale of flavored vapes. That is not a coincidence, right? That is the definition of political interference in FDA decision making. Thursday a donation is made. Saturday a meeting with the president. The same day a call to the FDA commissioner, and three days later the FDA changes the rules. Extraordinary. And four days after that, the FDA commissioner resigns, either in protest or because he was fired because of his disagreement with this decision. I heard you say that your commitment is to science being the guiding marker for decisions made at FDA, so let me talk to you about one of the ways that science has been undermined: the eradication of the advisory board system. Since President Trump came into office, 27% of all advisory boards have been eliminated, and of those that remain, there have been 72% fewer meetings. The tobacco advisory board had no specific meeting and no vote on this specific policy because if they had had a vote, they would have voted against this, and that's in part why the FDA commissioner resigned. And so, so long as these advisory boards, which are authorized by Congress, are attacked, eliminated, and restricted from meeting, you are not going to rebound the public's support for independent FDA decision making. So let me ask you specifically: Will you commit to restarting the advisory boards that have been disbanded under this president? Overton: Senator, thank you for the question, and I hope to have the opportunity to meet and discuss things in more detail. I think specific to your question, I will note that the FDA has had a number of advisory committees meeting, and I think they are extremely valuable from everything that I know about the FDA. If I'm confirmed as commissioner, they are a critical part of the role of the FDA. Murphy: Okay, I get it. But you've done a pretty good job of avoiding answering questions so far. So, will you commit? It's yes or no. Will you commit to restarting the committees that have been disbanded? Overton: Senator, if I'm confirmed as FDA commissioner, advisory committees will meet at the FDA. I have to look specifically at all of the ones that might be disbanded to see what you're asking, but the ones that I'm familiar with, like the vaccine-related biologic product advisory committee, has been meeting. They've been making recommendations. Those recommendations have been used as normal process, and I would continue that direction. It's critical to get there. Murphy: Will you at least commit to ceasing the campaign of disbanding committees, will you keep the committees that exist today, or are you open to shutting down more advisory committees? Overton: Senator, if I'm confirmed as FDA commissioner, advisory committees will be a critical part. Murphy: Can you commit to us that you will not shut down any additional advisory committees? Overton: Senator, my goal would be to not shut down any advisory committees, but to look at all of them to make sure they are fulfilling their highest purpose, getting the best experts on, and providing recommendations. They are a key part of the administrative record of the FDA, and the FDA does rely on that. So yes, that would be a huge part of my role if confirmed. Murphy: I think it's careful wording that your goal will be to not shut down advisory committees. That's not a commitment. Finally, do you see anything wrong with the chain of events that I just articulated for you? I mean, that's an extraordinary story: an $8 million donation; two days later, a meeting of those donors with the president; an immediate phone call to the FDA to change the rules; four days later, the rules are changed; and four days after that, the FDA commissioner resigns. Do you have any opinion as to whether that's the way that you want the FDA to work? Overton: Senator, I reject the framing of that question. I will say, having worked for the president for a year and a half in this role, I know that he is committed to the best possible outcomes for Americans, and he wants his team to ensure that that is what is being delivered. Murphy: So you don't see any connection between the donation, the president's meeting, and four days later, the standards being changed? Overton: Senator, I reject the framing of that question. I think the president is aware that adults are using vapes to quit smoking, and that has been his direction, to get the best outcome for the American people in every decision that is made. If I'm confirmed as commissioner, that will be my commitment.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-introduces-landmark-irl-act-proposal-to-combat-social-isolation-and-hold-social-media-companies-accountable,Murphy Introduces Landmark IRL Act Proposal To Combat Social Isolation And Hold Social Media Companies Accountable,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just introduced a new landmark bill—the In Real Life (“IRL”) Act—as part of his policy agenda aimed at record-high rates of loneliness and distrust by holding social media companies accountable and investing in third spaces. The legislation would tax digital advertising revenue of only the very largest algorithmic-based social media corporations at 50%, redirecting funds to a newly-established Social Capital Fund for local communities to support the institutions, programs, and physical spaces that bring neighbors together in common cause. “We don’t have to accept the transition from in-person connection to online isolation. Massive social media platforms knowingly addict us to screens and harm our kids to boost their profits. These big tech companies have gotten a free pass for far too long, and the least they can do is pay to rebuild the spaces that actually bring us together—in real life,” said Murphy. The IRL Act has two components: imposing a digital advertising tax on the very largest social media giants, as well as establishing a new Social Capital Fund for local communities. Under the IRL Act’s digital advertising tax, the biggest social media corporations would pay a 50% rate on digital advertising revenues over $10 billion, with lower rates for revenues below that threshold and a $500 million exemption so the tax only applies to large platforms. Publishers like newspapers, television, and websites that are not algorithmic social media would not pay the tax. Even social media companies can avoid the tax by turning off their addictive algorithm, like the chronological feed that Facebook used to have that will now be an option for teenagers under Meta’s recent legal settlement with states. Big social media conglomerates can also pay lower rates by breaking up into smaller companies. Under the IRL Act’s newly-established Social Capital Fund, revenues from the digital advertising tax would be deposited into a fund and distributed to local communities for the institutions, programs, and physical spaces that bring their residents together in common cause. These funds can revive rec sports programs and beautify local parks or other public spaces. Communities can support the arts and host festivals, as well as help parent teacher organizations at public schools and programs that teach how to use technology responsibly. It can keep the doors open at places that bring people together, such as public libraries and locally owned small businesses. Communities can fund programs and services open to the whole community offered by membership organizations like clubs, unions, and religious institutions within constitutional limits. Funding can also help spread the word about groups to join and places to volunteer. Three-quarters of the Social Capital Fund goes directly to local and tribal governments using the same formula as the existing Community Development Block Grant. The remaining 25% is awarded competitively to the highest-impact programs proposed by local governments, tribes, charities, or membership organizations. The Department of Housing and Urban Development administers the Fund, evaluates the programs it supports, and highlights best practices for communities to learn from each other. The bill is endorsed by numerous organizations and policy advocates to combat the loneliness epidemic, hold social media companies accountable, and revitalize community and trust. ""Loneliness and social isolation carry a serious public health and economic toll, yet we've built no sustained funding stream to address it. This legislation changes that by asking the platforms that profit from engagement-driven design to help fund the community infrastructure that rebuilds real connection. A Social Capital Fund financed by a tax on algorithmic social media advertising is a fitting and overdue mechanism: it ties resources for social connection directly to the industry whose business model has contributed to the crisis. The Foundation for Social Connection Action Network urges Congress to advance this bill as a serious, sustainable investment in the social fabric of American communities,” said Andrew MacPherson, Founder and Board Chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network. “Thank you Sen. Murphy for introducing this important legislation. Social capital is rooted in a sense of belonging and KABOOM! believes that one of the places it begins is on the playground where children can run, jump, take risks, and learn to solve interpersonal conflicts, all in the context of being outdoors and around other kids. This bill creates a revenue stream which targets the addictive behaviors that generate billions in digital ad revenue while simultaneously rebuilding our nation’s social capital by investing in the critical civic infrastructure, like playgrounds, that support our sense of community. Millions of kids will benefit from this dual approach, and we applaud the Senator for taking on this problem to create healthier environments for children and families,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “This fund will help communities of all sizes invest in much-needed civic infrastructure — the gathering places that are free and open to the public, including parks, town squares, play spaces, main streets, community centers and more — in ways that increase social connection, trust and the common good for all Americans. This is the infrastructure necessary for bolstering healthy civic life and a prosperous nation,” said Bridget Marquis, co-convener of the Percent for Place Coalition. “The IRL Act recognizes that parks, trails, schoolyards, and other civic spaces are essential to building stronger, more connected communities. When we invest in the places where people gather, play, recreate, and spend time together, we create more opportunities for connection and belonging. Trust for Public Land is proud to support this legislation and its vision for a country where everyone has access to the public spaces that bring people together and nurture social capital and connection,” said Walker Holmes, Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic Region and Connecticut State Director at Trust for Public Land. “Trails are more than transportation infrastructure, they are places where people encounter their neighbors, spend time outdoors and build connections to the communities around them. The East Coast Greenway encourages that kind of connection, linking communities and creating shared spaces where people can walk, ride and roll together. The Social Capital Fund recognizes the value of these places and would invest in trails and other public spaces that strengthen the relationships, trust and sense of belonging that hold communities together,” said Niles Barnes, Deputy Director at East Coast Greenway Alliance. “LISC applauds Senator Murphy's introduction of the IRL Act. We strongly support efforts to prioritize the development and stewardship of civic infrastructure such as parks, main streets, recreation facilities, and arts venues for community use. These investments are key to promoting thriving communities - great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families,” said Matt Josephs, Senior Vice President of Policy at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). “The evidence is mounting that screen time makes us lonelier and more isolated, while spending time in public space with friends, family, and community is a prescription for long-term health. This legislation will ensure that these gathering places receive the funding they need to fulfill this vital role, while accounting for the true costs of digital advertising on our well-being,” said Nate Storring, Co-Executive Director at Project for Public Spaces. “Sen. Chris Murphy has done intrepid work drawing attention to the crisis of the common good, manifest in our national epidemic of loneliness and disconnection. With the IRL Act, he offers a bold and creative solution to reverse that epidemic and help restore the common good. He proposes to invest directly in our families and communities, and in the ""bonds of affection"" (Lincoln) that can unite Americans so we may continue our 250-year experiment in self-government,” said Joe Waters, Co-Founder and CEO at Capita. “On behalf of the Say Yes to Recess team we strongly support the IRL Act—a bold step toward reducing screen addiction and protecting young people and families. By holding tech companies accountable and investing in sports, arts, schools, libraries, and community programs, this bill helps replace endless scrolling with real connection, healthy development, and vibrant communities,” said Kathryn Truman, Executive Director at the Say Yes to Recess Foundation. “Loneliness is a social challenge and public health crisis of our times. As a society, we must recommit resources to the creation of lively, welcoming spaces that draw people out and bring them back together. Parks strengthen both mind and body. Children, families, and seniors in every corner of America deserve places to play, gather, and enjoy the outdoors,” said Rose Harvey, Executive Director at New City Parks. ""Our nation's civic development is as important as its economic development. Just how we invest in economic infrastructure like roads and bridges, we must also invest in civic and social infrastructure like clubs, congregations, and associations, as well as the ""third places"" (like libraries and parks, etc.) in which they meet. This bill is a great step toward Congress finally taking American civic development seriously,” said Pete Davis at Democracy Policy Network. “Today’s children are spending less time outdoors than any generation in history. A healthy childhood depends on real-life experiences in nature and space to explore, grow, and connect with others. At a time when social media competes for so much of their attention, we should be making it easier for children to get outside and spend time together. Sierra Club is proud to support Senator Murphy’s In Real Life Act because every child deserves that chance,” said Jackie Ostfeld, Outdoors for All Director at the Sierra Club. “By taxing the engagement-driven ad model that fuels compulsive social media use, the IRL Act can discourage large technology companies from prioritizing a business model that too often harms users. We are especially glad the bill directs those funds to support organizations that share information about local civic life, filling information gaps that increasingly go unmet as local news outlets shutter,” said Morgan Wilsmann, Policy Analyst at Public Knowledge. “Every day, PTAs and other like-minded organizations work hard to support families, schools and communities and ensure they have everything they need to thrive. We thank Senator Murphy for his leadership and appreciate him introducing legislation that would provide funding to help community-serving organizations strengthen their impact,” said Dr. Bill Datema, president of National PTA. ""Opportunity Finance Network supports the In Real Life Act and its recognition of the role of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in strengthening communities across the country. CDFIs are proven partners in creating economic opportunities and we look forward to working through the Social Capital Fund to deploy capital to support civic infrastructure and institutions,” said Dafina Williams, EVP, Chief Public Policy Officer and Head of Government Affairs at Opportunity Finance Network. Read the text of the IRL Act here. Read a summary of the IRL Act here.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-republicans-abetting-trumps-iran-war-again-americans-are-telling-congress-to-end-this-war,Murphy on Republicans Abetting Trump's Iran War Again: Americans Are Telling Congress to End This War,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the Senate floor before a vote on a War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s disastrous war in Iran, which Senate Republicans again blocked. Despite Trump’s assurance of a short military engagement, Murphy revealed how this months-long conflict continues to spin out of control as Americans overwhelmingly call for the war to stop. As this conflict rages on, Murphy emphasized the Trump Administration has failed to achieve any of its stated goals for going to war in the first place, including destroying Iran’s missile capability: “I don't know how many times we heard Secretary Hegseth tell us that the goal was to destroy Iran's missiles and missile capacity. And back in April, he claimed that they had ‘functionally destroyed’ - that's his word - ‘functionally destroyed’ Iran's ability to make new missiles. Well, the Wall Street Journal just reported that Iran is producing ballistic missiles again at scale, and we only were able to eliminate around 30 percent of the missiles. They have most of their stockpiles from before the war... Iran is building missiles again - this was the whole reason we were going into the war-a total failure to eliminate Iran's missile capacity.” Murphy emphasized the Trump Administration’s failures have been borne most directly by American servicemembers: “We just learned this week that eight Navy sailors aboard the U.S. Abraham Lincoln have attempted suicide. Two of those sailors, as we all know, tried to jump overboard to end their lives. This is a ship that was without a port call for 286 days. That is an abdication of leadership, an abdication of the responsibility to care about our troops' safety by our Department of Defense leadership. We have sailors and soldiers and airmen that are in crisis right now because we have put them in harm's way for far longer than any brave man or woman, who has signed up to defend this nation, deserves to be in harm's way.” Murphy argued that by refusing to swiftly end this war, the Trump Administration allowed it to spiral into a broader regional conflict that will continue to hurt American families: “We have a new war that has broken out. A new war has broken out in the last two weeks. This was totally predictable. Everybody said if you go to war with Iran, the Houthis are not going to stand put. They are going to start firing inside Yemen and at the Saudis, and that's exactly what has happened. Drone strikes from the Houthis have knocked out Saudi Arabia's bypass pipeline. Earlier this month, they seized control of routes along the Red Sea. Functionally, the Red Sea is now shut down as a means for the Saudis to move oil out of the region. This is part of the reason why gas prices continue to go up.” Murphy ended with an appeal to Congress to finally act on behalf of the millions of Americans across political parties demanding an end to America’s war with Iran: “Support for this war is at 18% in this country. We are supposed to be a democratic body that listens to the will of the people. The people, whether they're Republicans, independents, or Democrats, are telling us loudly and unequivocally, end this war. And it's not like we can't. This resolution is a chance for this body to end the war. And so we are pleading once again, maybe the 10th time that we've had a resolution like this, for our colleagues to join us. The American public are making it clear they can't handle the costs of this war and they can't stand for the national security harm it's doing to the United States.” A full transcript of Murphy’s remarks is available below. A full video of his remarks is available here. Murphy: Mr. President, I'm on the floor to support yet another resolution to end the war in Iran. Here's the latest poll regarding public support or approval [of the war in Iran]:: 18% of respondents to this latest CNN poll say that President Trump's decisions around the war in Iran are helping the United States. 70% of Americans say that his decisions around the Iran war are hurting Americans. That is a stunning number. Basically, it is only the hardcore MAGA supporters that still believe this war is a good idea. Everybody else, independents, Democrats, independent-thinking Republicans, have all decided that this body needs to vote to end this war, and it's not hard to figure out why. Here's a chart that's familiar to my colleagues. This is the unreal spike in gas and diesel prices that has occurred solely because of this war. If you're in Indiana right now, diesel is $7 a gallon. That's why farms are going bankrupt right now in the Midwest, at record rates: the tariffs and the high price of diesel. But for American consumers who are just filling up their tank with gasoline, the same disaster in California above $6 a gallon, in many states above $5 a gallon, and it's just going up and up and up. But Americans also see that this has been a national security disaster for the country. It's obviously been an economic nightmare. Mortgage rates are at 7% again, by the way, if you hadn't noticed. That's because of the war, primarily, the tariffs as well. But Americans oppose this war 70-to-18 in the current poll because they know that it's hurting our national security. We have not had a resolution on the floor in a number of weeks, so I just want to talk about four things that have happened in the last few weeks that show how this war is spiraling and spiraling out of control. Every single day, this war becomes more dangerous for the region, more of a disaster for the United States. One of the things that the administration said that was a motivating factor for the war was getting rid of Iran's missiles. I don't know how many times we heard Secretary Hegseth tell us that the goal was to destroy Iran's missiles and missile capacity. And back in April, he claimed that they had functionally destroyed - that's his word - functionally destroyed Iran's ability to make new missiles. Well, the Wall Street Journal just reported that Iran is producing ballistic missiles again at scale, and we only were able to eliminate around 30 percent of the missiles. They have most of their stockpiles from before the war. And now they are producing missiles again. Satellite imagery shows that Iran is rebuilding bridges and roads to production sites. They're restoring tunnel entrances and they're building capacity again. Iran is building missiles again - this was the whole reason we were going into the war-a total failure to eliminate Iran's missile capacity. What's the strain on our service members? Well, we just learned this week that eight Navy sailors aboard the U.S. Abraham Lincoln have attempted suicide. Two of those sailors, as we all know, tried to jump overboard to end their lives. This is a ship that has been without a port call. Was without a poor call for 286 days. That is an abdication of leadership, an abdication of the responsibility to care about our troops' safety by our Department of Defense leadership. We have sailors and soldiers and airmen that are in crisis right now because we have put them in harm's way for far longer than any brave man or woman, who has signed up to defend this nation, deserves to be in harm's way. We have a new war that has broken out. A new war has broken out in the last two weeks. This was totally predictable. Everybody said if you go to war with Iran, the Houthis are not going to stand put. They are going to start firing inside Yemen and at the Saudis, and that's exactly what has happened. Drone strikes from the Houthis have knocked out Saudi Arabia's bypass pipeline. Earlier this month, they seized control of routes along the Red Sea. Functionally, the Red Sea is now shut down as a means for the Saudis to move oil out of the region. This is part of the reason why gas prices continue to go up. The Strait of Hormuz is partially open again, but at what expense? Pre-war, it cost a super tanker $200,000 to move through the Strait. Today, it costs $1 million per day for a super tanker to move through the Strait - five times the cost before the war. That alone adds $26 to the cost of each barrel of oil. So even though we're moving some transit through the Strait of Hormuz, it's at a cost that consumers can't afford. And finally, there is satellite imagery in the last few weeks that shows new construction inside Iran around a complex called Pickaxe Mountain. This is probably their new most important nuclear site. It looks as if they are attaching a very deep bunker, deeper than Fordow, to restart their nuclear research program. And as one expert said, the window to strike Pickaxe Mountain has already expired because the regime has dug so far underground that we can now not hit it. And so they are restarting the nuclear program. They are restarting their missile production program, we have not eliminated their drone capability. We are leading to a mass suicide and self-harm crisis amongst our service members. Costs are spiraling out of control for consumers and for farms. A new war is breaking out in the region that threatens the stability of the Middle East and further drives up gas prices. That is why support for this war is at 18 percent in this country. We are supposed to be a democratic body that listens to the will of the people. The people, whether they're Republicans, independents, or Democrats, are telling us loudly and unequivocally, end this war. And it's not like we can't. This resolution is a chance for this body to end the war. And so we are pleading once again, maybe the 10th time that we've had a resolution like this, for our colleagues to join us. The American public are making it clear they can't handle the costs of this war and they can't stand for the national security harm it's doing to the United States. I yield the floor.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-cornyn-file-amicus-brief-supporting-holocaust-survivors-families-in-lawsuits-over-nazi-confiscated-art,"Blumenthal & Cornyn File Amicus Brief Supporting Holocaust Survivors, Families in Lawsuits Over Nazi-Confiscated Art",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHNGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and John Cornyn (R-TX), authors of the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act, filed an amicus brief defending the legislation’s constitutionality in ongoing litigation over the recovery of Nazi-looted art. “The Nazi campaign to steal art treasured by Jewish families and others targeted by the regime the was about more than a pilfering of property—it was a deeply personal theft and an act of inhumanity,” Blumenthal said. “Senator Cornyn has been my partner for years in bringing long overdue justice to families whose cherished art was brazenly stolen by the Nazis. I am proud to join Senator Cornyn, Holocaust survivors, and their family members in urging the Court to do the right thing and uphold the constitutionality of the HEAR Act.” “Earlier this year, the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act was signed into law to ensure Holocaust survivors and their families have an opportunity to regain thousands of missing pieces of artwork that were looted by the Nazi regime,” said Cornyn. “I am proud to stand in support of survivors and their families, and I urge the Court to ensure victims are not barred from claiming what is rightfully theirs.” Nazi Germany’s campaign of annihilation and genocide against the Jewish people in the Holocaust included massive theft of property, including hundreds of thousands of works of art. Despite post-war efforts by the United States and allies to return Nazi-looted art and renewed efforts since the late 1990s, more than 100,000 works of art have not been returned to their rightful owners. In 2016, Congress unanimously passed the HEAR Act, spearheaded in the Senate by Blumenthal and Cornyn, to ensure Holocaust survivors and their heirs could access U.S. courts to pursue claims for the recovery of Nazi-looted art, allowing cases to be decided on their factual merits rather than dismissed on time-based technical defenses. Congress found that the circumstances of the Holocaust imposed extraordinary obstacles to survivors and heirs to locate and recover stolen art, necessitating a national six-year statute of limitations that only begins when the owner actually discovers the location of the stolen artwork. Unfortunately, many museums, governments, and institutions have contradicted Congress’ intent and obstructed justice by stonewalling legitimate claims, obscuring provenance, and employing aggressive legal tactics designed to exhaust and outlast survivors and their families. Rather than embracing transparency and reconciliation, too many have chosen to entrench and litigate, effectively preserving possession of stolen works rather than returning them to their rightful owners. Moreover, some court cases have interpreted the law narrowly, leaving survivors without recourse. In response, last year, Blumenthal, Cornyn, and U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Fetterman (D-PA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Katie Britt (R-AL) passed legislation to eliminate the sunset date, in recognition that the challenges of restitution remain urgent and unresolved. The legislation also clarified and strengthened procedural protections to ensure that claims are considered on their merits and not dismissed due to time-based technical defenses or other non-merits discretionary defenses. Finally, the bill fortified victims’ remedies and access to the courts. -30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-joins-united-nations-general-assembly-event-on-artificial-intelligence,Murphy Joins United Nations General Assembly Event On Artificial Intelligence,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"NEW YORK—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday joined Foreign Policy magazine’s tech and AI forum at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), titled Securing the Stack: A Conversation on Trust, Trade, and Technology. In the panel discussion, Murphy outlined the path ahead for Congress to respond effectively to Americans’ growing concerns around AI, including job loss, competition with China, and humanity losing control over the technology. Murphy argued that the US has a long history of regulating dangerous new technologies and the American people are demanding action: “It might be the end of our democracy if the people beg on both sides of the aisle for us to do what we've done with every complicated new technology in the history of this country since the industrial revolution – regulate and control it to make sure we get the good but not the bad – if we don't step up and do the work.” Murphy expressed optimism that lawmakers could find some consensus on AI: “I think there is some low-hanging fruit that is not particularly complicated. The deepfake threat is already real… that's a pretty easy one to deal with, right? You could just outlaw them in politics, or require clear identification or watermarks in other contexts. Friendship bots, as I mentioned before, are poison for our kids. We can outlaw them writ large, or we can outlaw them for kids. And then you know what we're talking about right now, which is some approval process for models, so as to guard against what we are seeing, and potentially [what] we'll see at scale soon as they sort of jump out of containment…” “Those three things are achievable, not terribly political, and could foreseeably get done, and give the public then some faith that we maybe have the political capacity to handle some of the more nuanced threats down on,” Murphy emphasized. Murphy stressed that humanity cannot retain its control over AI without cooperation with China: “I don't think there's any path forward without us being in a conversation with the Chinese and the rest of the world on basic AI safety guidelines, the most important of which is maintaining human control over these systems. So it is heartbreaking to me to listen to the president essentially swear off any kind of engagement with the world that would involve any kind of constraint on research in the United States.” Murphy also called out the Trump Administration’s hypocrisy on AI development: “He’s giving the impression that his priority is to beat the Chinese on the issue of AI. But at the same time he’s signing off on agreements that would have been unthinkable just a year ago to give some of our most sensitive technologies to the Chinese, to basically invite them to lap us in this, in this AI race.” Murphy warned that failing to regulate AI out of false fear mongering plays right into China’s hands: “I worry about the China red herring blocking us from common sense domestic regulation. China would love nothing more than for the United States to do nothing to protect people spiritually and the economy generally from what AI could do unchecked. They would love for us to be the one that submits our citizens as guinea pigs to this technology, they would love for us to be the ones that have massive job dislocation first. And so, if we want to compete with China, we better get serious about regulating the social and economic dislocation that may happen with AI at speed because they certainly are going to be careful about that.” Murphy also detailed what role AI companies should play in crafting a regulatory regime: “We shouldn't wait for their permission. We need to do this in the next 12 months. And so, while I would like them at the table, the last thing we should do is give them veto power… I think that would be one of the most dangerous approaches we could take is to only pass regulatory regimes that get the sign-off and approval of these companies. That, by definition, might make it illegitimate in the public's mind, that is already convinced that these companies are not out to protect them, but out to protect their bottom line.” A full transcript of Murphy’s exchanges is available below. A video of the full discussion is available here. MODERATOR: My question to you is, how much do people still trust the United States? And how much do you have to make the case that they do when you have your engagements with the rest of the world? MURPHY: Start with an easy one, huh? Great to be with you all. Thanks for having me. I'm gonna be the representative member of the United States Senate. And I care deeply about this issue, but am far from an expert on it. So I'm gonna leave you the heavy lifting. I mean, just for a moment, let's just start with the other end of trust: which is the lack of trust that the American people have in their government right now. They've been worrying about AI and its both economic and spiritual impact on the country for years now. Sixty percent of kids in the United States already use chatbots as a sort of regular outlet for friendship and advice, and parents are dealing with the poisonous ramifications of that every single day. And so, the biggest issue of trust is the lack of trust the people have that we're going to actually protect them from the poison, protect them from the potential enormous downside of unregulated, unchecked AI. And it might be the end of our democracy if the people beg on both sides of the aisle for us to do what we've done with every complicated new technology in the history of this country since the industrial revolution–regulate and control it to make sure we get the good but not the bad–if we, if we don't step up and do the work. No, I mean listen. There's a crisis of trust in America right now. And yes, part of it is at a kind of macro political level in which there's just such whiplash in U.S. policy from administration to administration. But let's just not sugarcoat it. We've never ever had a president like this before: who lies through his teeth, who signs agreements with the world that he has no intention of honoring, that says one thing today and the exact opposite the next day. And so there is a very specific deficit of trust right now. [At] My meetings [at the UNGA], you're basically with countries that are just trying to survive, that just want to avoid being on the president's radar screen, [that] want to avoid being involved with America. What a disaster for us, that is. But that's the reality of dealing with this very exceptionally dangerous president. So yes, I I worry about the the bigger issue here, which is that you know even if Trump is gone and there's a more kind of mainstream, internationally focused president, there’s just going to be a lot of hesitancy to do a deal with the United States on critical minerals or AI because they worry that will only last for the duration of that particular administration. MODERATOR: Just to stay with you for a minute: on the the first part of what you said, on the the fears that the American public right now have around AI, and you said that [they’re] begging government to to do something about it, the conversation around AI has kind of seesawed from the these existential risks that the companies are talking about. But then here at UNGA, there's also a lot of conversation on the more immediate risks, some of which you laid out on impacts on education, job loss. So, on that kind of spectrum of risk, where can Congress most realistically and effectively intervene? MURPHY: Well, I think there is some low-hanging fruit that is not particularly complicated. The deepfake threat is already real. It is not just a political threat that nobody knows whether they're actually hearing true political speech or not. It's hard to describe, but it's kind of a metaphysical threat in that today, when you go online, you have no idea whether what you're watching is real or not. And when you live your entire life not sure of what is truth and what is untruth, it is exhausting. It is spiritually exhausting. And so I just want to speak to the fact that these are not all easy to diagnose threats. They are literally undermining our consciousness on a regular basis. So that's a pretty easy one to deal with, right? You could just outlaw them in politics, or require clear identification or watermarks in other contexts. Friendship bots, as I mentioned before, are poison for our kids. Poison. We can outlaw them writ large, or we can outlaw them for kids. And then you know what we're talking about right now, which is some approval process for models, so as to guard against what we are seeing. And potentially, we'll see at scale soon as they sort of jump out of containment. That's more complicated, but not impossible to figure out how to get some third-party eyes and perhaps approvals on new complicated models. Those three things are achievable, not terribly political, and could foreseeably get done, and give the public then some faith that we maybe have the political capacity to handle some of the more nuanced threats down on. MODERATOR: Sticking with the concept of trust, but hopefully linking it a little more to the trade and tech aspects: China. Tomorrow, President Trump and President Xi are meeting in Washington [on] AI technology issues more broadly. Trade issues are expected high on the agenda. You talked about sort of approval process, and then that goes into sort of how much we should pause or slow down development of these frontier models. How much can the U.S. and the rest of the world trust China on that front? MURPHY: Well, listen I don't think there's any path forward without us being in a conversation with the Chinese and the rest of the world on basic AI safety guidelines, the most important of which is maintaining human control over these systems. So it is heartbreaking to me to listen to the president essentially swear off any kind of engagement with the world that would involve any kind of constraint on research in the United States. He’s giving the impression that his priority is to beat the Chinese on the issue of AI. But at the same time he’s signing off on agreements that would have been unthinkable just a year ago to give some of our most sensitive technologies to the Chinese, to basically invite them to lap us in this, in this AI race. I worry about the China red herring blocking us from common sense domestic regulation. China would love nothing more than for the United States to do nothing to protect people spiritually and the economy generally from what AI could do unchecked. They would love for us to be the one that submits our citizens as guinea pigs to this technology, they would love for us to be the ones that have massive job dislocation first. And so, if we want to compete with China, we better get serious about regulating the social and economic dislocation that may happen with AI at speed because they certainly are going to be careful about that. So yes, we have to be engaged with them, but we can't wait for that conversation to make some of those basic investments in a regulatory regime that I referenced in answer to your first question. MODERATOR: Senator, I want to also talk now about the role of kind of allies and partners - and we are at UNGA - so the role of multilateral institutions and frameworks. On the first one, despite all the kind of upheaval in foreign policy, one of the things that the Trump administration has been very focused on is the Pax-Silica initiative, for example. I'm curious for your thoughts on one multilateral effort that we're seeing come out of the Trump administration. How effective is it? And what more would you like to see in terms of that conversation, of working with partners to secure? MURPHY: Yeah, I think it's not going to be terribly effective. Because you know, with one hand he's rubbing the back of our allies, on the other hand, beating them over the head of the club. And so it's really difficult to convince the Europeans, for instance, that they should put money on the table side by side with the Americans to protect global supply chains around critical minerals when we are sanctioning and tariffing them at the same time. That being said, I actually have been somebody who has argued for our development finance capabilities, which are right now housed at the DFC, the Development Finance Corporation, to be used in a more strategic way. Traditionally, those capabilities were doing more to combat humanitarian problems and attacking poverty and deeply poor nations. Trump has shifted a lot of the DFC's focus into this specific area of critical mineral flows into AI technology, and I don't actually think that there's – he's maybe gone too far – but I think that that's actually a smart move to use our global development finance capabilities to do sort of more geopolitical strategic investment. So I don't think the initiative is going to bear fruit because you know we are just right now defined by the fights we're picking with our allies, and they're just not going to work with us when we're constantly in an antagonistic relationship. They don't know what attack is coming next. But the things that have happened at DFC - there is some silver lining there. MODERATOR: And on bodies like the UN, what role do you see for the UN as an institution? Under this president, U.S. engagement with the UN has kind of gone back and forth a little bit, shall we say? But what role do you see for the UN in bringing together and enforcing some of these kinds of governance mechanisms? MURPHY: I doubt that the UN is going to be the place where this conversation happens. This is going to be an ad hoc multilateral effort that is going to primarily involve the United States and China and a few other big players in this space. But just to step back for a minute: what did Trump say this morning? I forget, but he used the word - ‘we're not going to create a global cabal on AI.’ He sort of used that word - global, globalism - and it speaks to sort of the way that Americans feel about our engagement in the world for the past 50 years. Most Americans believe that our engagement in the world over the last several decades has prioritized the interests of billionaires and corporations, and that our economic integration did not serve them, but served the economic elite. And so, if we are going to pitch any new platform of economic integration to the world, it better lead with a clear explanation about how it's going to help regular people, how it's going to protect the health of local neighborhoods. And so, I do think people intuitively understand that you probably can't do AI without some integration with the world. But their default belief is that integration and global economic agreement is designed to help the big legacy players and designed to help companies move jobs out of the United States, through labor arbitrage, to wherever place makes them the most money. So I think it's going to be necessary, but very difficult for any American leader to convince the public that a new global AI framework isn't primarily intended to serve the big companies' interests and their private interests. You're going to have a high burden to explain, as I think we can, about how those agreements internationally are really all about protecting you and your family. MODERATOR: So, what role do you see for the companies in this kind of like governance conversation and framework? MURPHY: Well you know, as was referenced, I don't think that there is any system that works without a mandatory system of regulation and approval of models. And I think, ultimately, of integration into different industries. I think we will ultimately have a regime that says: ‘listen, we're going to approve products that are sold to teachers, we are going to approve products that are put into our hospitals to make sure that they are benefiting the public rather than benefiting the companies.’ But obviously this would be better done with the companies sitting at the table. I think certainly at least Anthropic sees the fact that, without a level playing field of regulation, there's no way for one company to deliberately slow down investments in innovation without losing their company because the profit motivation is so extreme that the investors – and all those companies have basically the same set of investors – are just not going to permit a unilateral decision to not move as fast as possible for commercial deployment. But we shouldn't wait for their permission. We need to do this in the next 12 months. And so, while I would like them at the table, the last thing we should do is give them veto power. They will attempt to try to have veto power. They will try to spend money in elections to get folks in power who will only pass regulatory regimes that they approve. But I think that would be one of the most dangerous approaches we could take: to only pass regulatory regimes that get the sign-off and approval of these companies. That, by definition, might make it illegitimate in the public's mind, that is already convinced that these companies are not out to protect them, but out to protect their bottom line.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murkowski-coons-and-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-ukrainians-seeking-safety-in-the-us,"Blumenthal, Murkowski, Coons, & Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Ukrainians Seeking Safety in the U.S.",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced legislation today to protect Ukrainian nationals who have sought refuge in the United States following Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression in their home country. The bipartisan bill would extend immigration protections for Ukrainians who have fled the war brought on by the Russian invasion and sought safety in the United States through the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which has for decades provided refuge to those living in America who have fled natural disasters, violence, and political insecurity. The current TPS designation for Ukraine will expire on October 19, 2026 unless further action is taken. “Ukrainians seeking safety here are fleeing unimaginable horror at home – bloody missile and drone strikes, ruthless kidnapping of children, a cold winter without heat. Forcing their return to such cruel conditions would be the height of inhumanity,” Blumenthal said. “I am grateful to Senators Murkowski, Coons, and Cassidy for joining me in introducing legislation that will protect Ukrainians seeking refuge from being sent back to certain brutality and bloodshed.” “I have spent time with many Ukrainians who found refuge in Alaska after fleeing Russia’s brutal invasion. They have become part of our communities sending their children to our schools, participating in the local workforce, and re-building their lives while the war continues to devastate their home country,” said Murkowski. “My office has worked with many of these families as they navigate our immigration system, and the reality is that it is simply not safe for them to return to Ukraine. We should not force Ukrainians who we allowed into the U.S. and who are here legally and contributing to our communities back into an active war zone. This legislation will provide them with the stability and protection they need to continue to live and work here until it is safe to return home.” “The Ukrainian people are on the frontlines of freedom, fighting for their democracy and their future,” said Coons. “We should support them however we can, including by extending protections for Ukrainians who have sought safety in the United States while fleeing Putin’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression. It is unconscionable that we would send them back to the horrors they could face at home, especially with winter around the corner. I am grateful to join my colleagues in providing stability and protection to Ukrainians at this critical moment.” TPS is a temporary, legal immigration status granted to foreign citizens who are unable to return safely to their home country due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions. All TPS recipients have passed a thorough background check. TPS was extended to Ukrainian nationals in April 2022 due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launching missiles against military and civilian targets across the country as troops pushed to overtake major cities. Although Ukrainian forces successfully blocked the attempted invasion of Kyiv and have since liberated significant territory throughout the country, Russian offensives continue to target Ukrainian communities and claim thousands of casualties. Since the invasion, tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians have died and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian forces have been killed. Russia has also engaged in a campaign of abduction and forcible removal of Ukrainian children, seeking to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language and identity, and exposing them to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, hunger, injury, trauma and death. -30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-watchdog-report-exposing-the-trump-administrations-reckless-cancellation-of-contracts-serving-veterans,Blumenthal Statement on Watchdog Report Exposing the Trump Administration's Reckless Cancellation of Contracts Serving Veterans,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released a statement on a new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) exposing the Trump Administration and DOGE’s reckless cancellation of contracts at VA beginning in 2025. The report details a chaotic cancellation process directed top-down by DOGE, Secretary Doug Collins, and Senior Advisors at VA, resulting in contracts called without veteran-impact assessments and inaccurate cost saving estimates. “This report confirms my repeatedly expressed concerns that VA has recklessly cancelled hundreds of contracts with no consideration of the impact on veterans or VA operations. These cuts harmed veterans and were hidden from Congress and the public by senior VA officials. Secretary Collins owes us answers on how VA will replace lost services and how much this fiasco has cost taxpayers in arbitration, settlements, and reinstatements. Veterans and taxpayers deserve transparency and a full public accounting.” Key findings of the report reveal: A top-down process led by DOGE, Doug Collins and political leaders, rather than a process driven by VA subject matter experts. OIG reports that only after contracts were marked for cancellation did VA leadership ask officials to justify their proposed cuts. In addition, questions about the cancellations’ impact on veterans were not asked until the contracts were identified for termination. A haphazard process and timeline: “In some cases, VA officials were given two weeks to complete their review. In others, they were given only a few hours to review hundreds of contracts. VA senior advisers and Department of Government Efficiency representatives directed them to terminate the contracts on February 25, 2025, regardless of the incomplete reviews.” Due to the reckless cancellation process, VA subsequently reversed some contracts that were already cancelled: “For example, OIG also found that contracting officers initially terminated an additional 100 contract actions but later reinstated them.” DOGE and VA advisors’ lack of familiarity with contracting processes and terminology led to “confusion, frustration,” and made tracking cancelled contracts difficult. VA repeatedly submitted inaccurate data to Congress and touted false information to the public. For example, in May 2025 DOGE and Doug Collins reported saving $120.9 billion through contract cancellations. However, this report reveals the true savings were not even one percent of that amount. The report does not include data independently obtained from VA that reveals an additional 32 contracts were reinstated “due to direct patient care.” Additionally, OIG did not review an additional 103 contracts that were descoped and 842 not renewed due to DOGE during the same time period. Since 2025, Blumenthal and Congressional Democrats have sent multiple requests to VA Secretary Doug Collins asking for the complete and updated list of VA contracts cancelled or proposed for cancellation. This report shows that VA failed multiple times to submit accurate data and are still in the process of correcting mistakes their process created. In January 2026, Blumenthal and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee released a report detailing the Trump Administration’s lack of transparency and false savings claims arounds its cancellation of thousands of contracts providing services to veterans and supporting VA operations. This report detailed how Trump Administration officials employed a flawed AI model from DOGE to cancel approximately 2,000 contracts for veterans and VA facilities and let another 14,000 expire without any plans for renewal or replacement services. The Trump VA also falsely claimed to have saved $120.8 billion, more than the entirety of total VA contract spending in fiscal year 2024, by cancelling 445 contracts. In addition, at least 80 contracts the Trump Administration claimed to cancel, in order to boast about supposed “savings,” were actually terminated under the Biden Administration between 2021 and 2024. In June 2025, Blumenthal led a spotlight forum to examine these contract cancellations with employees whose companies had a VA contract cancelled by DOGE, including a veteran-owned small business, an expert in cancer registries which are among the cancelled VA contracts, and an expert in federal contracting oversight and transparency. These witness underscored the harm of the cancellation of contracts on veterans and the sudden cancellation of their companies contracts without cause. -30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-introduces-legislation-imposing-100-percent-surtax-on-income-generated-by-companies-owned-by-president-and-other-cabinet-officials-when-they-abuse-their-power-to-benefit-themselves,Blumenthal Introduces Legislation Imposing 100 Percent Surtax on Income Generated by Companies Owned by President & Other Cabinet Officials When They Abuse Their Power to Benefit Themselves,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced new legislation to impose a 100 percent surtax on income earned by a company owned or controlled by the President, Vice President, Cabinet officials, or immediate family members as a result of a favorable government action. The Anti-Corruption Tax Act is in direct response to Donald Trump and other Administration officials abusing the power of the government to help the companies they own or control make money, at the direct expense of American taxpayers. “Donald Trump has been clear: there is no ethical line separating his role as President from his family’s businesses,” Blumenthal said. “He and other Administration officials have repeatedly abused their power to enrich themselves and their families. My measure would put an end to this kind of self-dealing by putting a 100 percent surtax on any income that Donald Trump and his family—or any future Administration officials—generate thanks to a favorable government action.” Anti-Corruption Tax Act addresses the following actions: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency conditionally approving a national trust bank charter for the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial; The Pentagon’s $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements, a startup backed by Donald Trump Jr.’s venture capital firm, 1789 Capital; The U.S. Army’s $15.2 million contract with a company that Donald Trump Jr. owns a significant ownership stake in and sits on the advisory board for, Unusual Machines; The U.S. Air Force’s contract to buy interceptor drones from Powerus, a company backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump; Potential federal contracts awarded to Newmark, a company owned by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s sons, to build ICE facilities; Newmark also has earned fees arranging land, leases, and financing for AI data centers, which Lutnick has promoted as Commerce Secretary, in addition to overseeing expedited federal permitting for certain data center projects; The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s 2025 regulatory approvals allowing Polymarket to return to the U.S. market, including relief from certain federal reporting and recordkeeping requirements following Polymarket’s acquisition of the federally regulated QCEX exchange and clearinghouse. Polymarket received an investment from 1789 Capital, and Donald Trump Jr. joined its advisory board. The full bill text of the Anti-Corruption Tax Act is available here. -30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-sheehy-introduce-bill-to-extend-benefits-for-military-survivors,"Blumenthal, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Extend Benefits for Military Survivors",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) are teaming up to introduce the GRACE for Military Survivors Act—bipartisan legislation that would provide military survivors more time to make informed financial decisions about their benefits without facing tax penalties. “Military survivors who lose loved ones endure life-changing grief. We shouldn’t force them to make important, long-term financial decisions about their survivors’ benefits while also going through such unspeakable pain,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our commonsense bill will give these families more time to make these critical decisions.” “When families lose a loved one, too often they are forced to make difficult financial decisions before being allowed time to grieve and process their loss; this is especially true when it comes to the surviving families of our fallen military heroes,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “America’s military families sacrifice so much for this great nation – they deserve time to mourn and honor their loved one instead of being rushed into making long-lasting, consequential decisions about their survivors’ benefits. Supporting this practical legislation to extend the time military families have to make these decisions is the least we can do for the families of our heroes.” When a servicemember dies, the surviving family has to make important financial decisions about their survivors’ benefits while also grieving their loved ones. Current law only gives surviving spouses and children a year to decide if they want to put military death gratuities and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) benefits into certain tax-advantaged savings accounts, including Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. The GRACE for Military Survivors Act would extend that time frame from one to three years—ensuring surviving families have additional time to make important long-term financial decisions. U.S. Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-MI) have introduced the companion bill to this legislation in the House. The GRACE for Military Survivors Act is supported by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Gold Star Spouses, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), With Honor, The American Legion, AMVETS, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), United Services Automobile Association (USAA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Veterans Survivor Coalition. “After the tragic loss of their military loved one, survivors are often forced to make long-term financial decisions during a period of profound grief. TAPS is grateful to Ranking Member Blumenthal and Senator Sheehy for introducing the GRACE for Military Survivors Act, which will provide our surviving families with much needed additional time to make these important decisions impacting their lives. We look forward to its swift passage!” said Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). “Gold Star Spouses of America (GSSA) strongly supports the GRACE for Military Survivors Act. Surviving spouses are often advised to avoid making major financial decisions during the first year following the loss of a loved one,” said Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America. “While well-intentioned, this guidance can inadvertently cause families to miss valuable opportunities to place military death benefits into tax-advantaged savings accounts. GSSA thanks Ranking Member Blumenthal and Senator Sheehy for introducing legislation that would extend the contribution period from one year to three years.” “Families who lose a loved one in service to our nation carry a sacrifice that most of us can never fully understand. As we have learned from the caregiving community, these families deserve time, dignity and the freedom to make the decisions that are right for them, without unnecessary pressure,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “The GRACE for Military Survivors Act is an important recognition of what military survivors need as they navigate life after loss. We are proud to support this effort and stand behind the families who have given so much.” “Vietnam Veterans of America deeply understands the profound grief, sorrow, and devastation felt by the family of every service member lost in service to our nation. Our obligation to those who wear the uniform extends fully to the families they leave behind. In their deepest time of mourning, the very last thing a grieving family should have to worry about is navigating strict federal deadlines or the administrative burdens of financial filings,” said Michael J. Fimmano, Chief Legislative Officer of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). “…By extending that contribution window from one year to three, the GRACE for Military Survivors Act gives Gold Star families the breathing room they need to make thoughtful, long-term financial decisions on their own timeline…Through the swift passage of this bill, we can honor the memory of the fallen while granting surviving families the dignity, time, and compassion they deserve in their most painful moments.” “Military families give more than most Americans will ever be asked to. When a service member passes, we should not ask surviving spouses and families to set aside their grief to focus on finances,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “This legislation is notable for what it is not—it is not partisan, costly, or controversial. It imposes no new federal spending, creates no new bureaucracy, and asks nothing of taxpayers. It simply removes an arbitrary constraint that punishes military survivors for taking the time they need to grieve. Keeping faith with military families means ensuring they are treated with dignity and compassion during life’s most difficult moments. With Honor Action enthusiastically endorses the GRACE for Military Survivors Act and appreciates For Country Caucus members Reps. Mike Thompson and Jack Bergman, as well as Senators Richard Blumenthal and Tim Sheehy, for their strong commitment to honoring military families and those who served.” Bill text can be found HERE. -30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-presses-dhs-sec-mullin-on-ice-operations-in-connecticut,Murphy Presses DHS Sec. Mullin On ICE Operations in Connecticut,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin for accountability and transparency on unprecedented immigration raids in Connecticut by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month, including near a children’s school bus stop. “Last month, families and communities in Connecticut experienced mass immigration enforcement arrests across the state. To make matters worse, parents were reportedly arrested in front of their children, including at least one parent who was arrested just after their child boarded a bus for their first day of school. As fathers, I hope we can both agree that children should not have to witness their parents being brutally arrested for civil immigration offenses,” said Murphy. In a letter to Mullin, Murphy cited the long-term suffering children experience when they personally experience the arrest of their parents, pushing for immigration forces to exercise restraint and follow the books. “The Department of Homeland Security must take immediate action to eliminate this unnecessary and harmful use of force. Additionally, DHS is also required to follow the ‘Detained Parents Directive’ (DPD), even in its weakened state, to ensure that parents are not unconstitutionally deprived of their child,” said Murphy. Murphy concluded with a push for accountability and transparency, issuing a series of information requests to Mullin: How many arrests were made in total in Connecticut from August 17 – 28 (“the specified time”)? Provide the location of each arrest (city/town). Were any arresting agents/officers employed by any other federal agency other than ICE? If so, how many? Were any agents present in Connecticut detailed from another federal agency? For each arrest made in Connecticut during the specified time, state specifically whether arresting agents/officers followed the ‘Detained Parents Directive’. If so, what evidence can you provide that arresting agents/officers followed such policy? If not, provide a written rationale for such deviation. Were arresting agents/officers assigned to Connecticut as their full-time duty station, or were they transported across state lines to execute this operation? Provide the conviction or pending criminal charge for each person arrested in Connecticut during the specified time. Provide the immigration status of those arrested, including the number of people with parole, protections under the Convention Against Torture, or withholding of removal, if applicable. Multiple videos show a federal agent kicking a person who is on the ground, even though he is surrounded by agents and does not appear to be resisting. Under what circumstances is it permissible for a federal agent to kick a person? After reviewing this video, was such conduct permissible? Please provide an explanation. How many arrests were made at, or near, a school bus stop, playground or daycare center? Provide the rationale for federal agents to make such arrests around children. On CNN, Tom Homan committed to an investigation into what happened in Danbury, CT. Provide an update on the status of this investigation. Read the letter to Sec. Mullin here. ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their school bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/witness-testimony-blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-receive-testimony-on-fatal-shootings-by-federal-immigration-agents,Witness Testimony: Blumenthal & Robert Garcia Receive Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held a bicameral public forum on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses offered testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. “Though the circumstances surrounding his death and these other victims are distinctly different, the pattern is the same. Lives cut short by the same agency; agents without body cameras; no warnings; no attempt to de-escalate; excessive force followed by deflection, and a lack of accountability after the fact,” Ms. Reyes wrote. “Other similarities are that these victims, despite being nonviolent community members with no criminal background, were disparaged and blamed to shift focus away from the officer’s misconduct. What happened to my son is personal, but it should be a concern for us all.” Ms. Reyes’ written testimony is available here. Video of Ms. Reyes’ testimony is available here. Donna and Brent Ganger: Donna Ganger’s daughter and Brent Ganger’s sister, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “What I want most to do today is help everyone understand exactly what was taken from us on January 7th, and what a beautiful woman our family and this country lost. We have not moved on. We struggle every day. We will never, ever be the same,” Mrs. Ganger wrote. “It’s difficult to balance our gratitude for what a lovely soul Renee was with the anger and confusion at the violent way she died. And the total insanity of it all. She should still be alive. I’ll say that again. My daughter should still be alive.” “I urge each of you to find a common sense solution to the problem of accountability for federal officers. There should not be a different set of rules and a different process to hold a federal officer accountable versus a state or local officer. We all want our law enforcement officers to perform at the highest standards, but when they don’t, it shouldn’t matter who their employer is. There should be a path to justice for those they harm,” Mr. Ganger wrote. “Our family implores all members of Congress to work together to level the playing field and find common sense reform that provides accountability and justice for all.” Mrs. Ganger and Mr. Ganger’s written testimony is available here. Video of Mrs. Ganger and Mr. Ganger’s testimony is available here. Stella Carlson: Stella Carlson recorded the killing of Alex Pretti in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ms. Carlson, known as the “woman in the pink coat,” was on her way to work when she witnessed and filmed an immigration agent shooting Mr. Pretti in the back. Her video confirmed that DHS’s account of the fatal shooting was false. “I am just a regular person, but I care deeply about my community, and my state, and my country. And I believe there is power in ordinary people telling the truth,” Ms. Carlson wrote. “Because I feel like I witnessed two assassinations. The first was the assassination of Alex himself — the killing I watched happen in the streets of Minneapolis. The second was the attempted assassination of his character. Afterward, powerful voices at the highest levels of government right here in Washington DC lied about Alex Pretti. They tried to take the gentle person I had watched with my own eyes and replace him with lies claiming he was a violent threat, someone who had come there to cause maximum damage, someone who wanted to kill law enforcement. Not so. Those were all lies. I observed him and what happened with my own eyes. The truth does not become less true because someone with great power tells a louder lie.” Ms. Carlson’s written testimony is available here. Video of Ms. Carlson’s testimony is available here. Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado: Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado’s father, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was shot and killed in Houston, Texas in July 2026. Mr. Araujo was driving to work when he was confronted by ICE agents who fired into the vehicle, killing him. “I visit my dad’s memorial every day. Not because it’s where he died, but where a movement was born. It’s my way of witnessing how many hearts my dad’s story resonates with,” Mr. Ronaldo Salgado wrote. “And it’s my motivation to continue fighting not just for my dad, but for everyone else’s dad and families like mine. I hope I’m doing the right thing every day. I know my dad is guiding me in the right direction.” “I ask you this: What would you do if you were in our shoes? Think of a loved one,” Mr. Lorenzo Salgado wrote. “Close your eyes and picture their face. What would you do if they were taken from you this way? Suddenly, without any sense. What would you do if you had to spend your days comforting your mother about the loss of her lifelong love, your grandmother about the loss of her little boy? You would do everything you could to find out what happened and make sure your loved one got justice.” Mr. Ronaldo Salgado and Mr. Lorenzo Salgado’s written testimony is available here. Video of Mr. Mr. Ronaldo Salgado and Mr. Lorenzo Salgado’s testimony is available here. Sean P. Murphy: Sean P. Murphy represents the family of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero who was shot and killed by an ICE agent shortly after leaving for work early in the morning hours of July 13, 2026. He was not the target of any ICE removal operation and had no criminal history. Johan Sebastián did have a social security number and valid work authorization issued by the current administration. To date, no federal agency has confirmed that they are investigating. “I will say this next part quietly but with the hope and belief that just the grieving of Johan Sebatián’s mother permeated the walls of the funeral home, this next declaration permeates the walls of this building and reaches if not the ears, the soul of any public servant who has a soul left to receive it: Anyone who would defend the murder of Johan Sebastián is not a true patriot,” Mr. Murphy wrote. Mr. Murphy’s written testimony is available here. Video of Mr. Murphy’s testimony is available here. -30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-named-wounded-warrior-project-legislator-of-the-year,Blumenthal Named Wounded Warrior Project Legislator of the Year,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Earlier this week, Wounded Warrior Project recognized U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal as their 2026 Legislator of the Year in the U.S. Senate at their Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner. Wounded Warrior Project commended Blumenthal’s leadership on the Major Richard Star Act and his advocacy for America’s veterans as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from Wounded Warrior Project—fierce champions for veterans and their families across the nation,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Their strong advocacy and partnership is critical in our work to make sure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserved. Together, we will continue the fight to pass the Major Richard Star Act, improve VA mental health care programs, and ensure a grateful nation lives up to its promises to veterans.” “This award recognizes not only Senator Blumenthal’s leadership, but also his steadfast commitment to our nation’s veterans,” said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Wounded Warrior Project. “Throughout his career, he has combined a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face with tireless advocacy to help improve the services and support veterans, their families, and caregivers rely on every day. All of us at Wounded Warrior Project are honored to celebrate his achievements and thank him for his efforts on behalf of those who have served.” Blumenthal has worked for years alongside Wounded Warrior Project to expand veterans’ access to health care and benefits. This includes championing provisions in the PACT Act to expand benefits, health care, and compensation for toxic-exposed veterans and working together to advance the Major Richard Star Act for combat-injured veterans. This week, the Major Richard Star Act received its 218th signature on a bipartisan discharge petition to force Speaker Johnson to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. This Congress, Blumenthal and Wounded Warrior Project are also continuing their push to strengthen mental health care for veterans with Blumenthal’s BRAVE Act and his bipartisan legislation to improve care and benefits for survivors of military sexual trauma. Pictures of the award ceremony are available HERE. -30-",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/livestream-tuesday-blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-to-receive-public-testimony-on-fatal-shootings-by-federal-immigration-agents,Livestream Tuesday: Blumenthal & Robert Garcia to Receive Public Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – On Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, will hold a bicameral public forum to receive testimony on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses will offer testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. Donna and Brent Ganger: Donna Ganger’s daughter and Brent Ganger’s sister, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stella Carlson: Stella Carlson recorded the killing of Alex Pretti in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ms. Carlson, known as the “woman in the pink coat,” was on her way to work when she witnessed and filmed an immigration agent shooting Mr. Pretti in the back. Her video confirmed that DHS’s account of the fatal shooting was false. Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado: Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado’s father, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was shot and killed in Houston, Texas in July 2026. Mr. Araujo was driving to work when he was confronted by ICE agents who fired into the vehicle, killing him. Sean P. Murphy: Sean P. Murphy represents the family of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero who was shot and killed by an ICE agent shortly after leaving for work early in the morning hours of July 13, 2026. He was not the target of any ICE removal operation and had no criminal history. Johan Sebastián did have a social security number and valid work authorization issued by the current administration. To date, no federal agency has confirmed that they are investigating. WHO: U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, including members Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Family members of people shot and killed by federal immigration agents; witness to one of the fatal shootings; and a lawyer representing the family of someone killed WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET WHERE: G50 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC LIVESTREAM: A livestream will be available here. Tuesday’s event is the fifth public forum Blumenthal and Garcia have hosted as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents: In December, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum featuring testimony from five U.S. citizens who were assaulted, detained, and denied their constitutional rights by DHS agents. In early February, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum focused on the violent tactics and disproportionate use of force by DHS agents, featuring three U.S. citizens who were violently assaulted and both of Ms. Good’s brothers. In late February, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum on constitutional violations and abuses by ICE featuring Ryan Schwank, a whistleblower who spoke publicly for the first time about his experience as an instructor for the incoming “surge” of new ICE recruits, and a U.S. citizen whose home was forcibly entered by ICE agents without a judicial warrant. In March, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum on how violent tactics, a disregard for laws and constitutional rights, and new DHS policies have harmed children in America. Three young Americans, two mothers, and a school superintendent who witnessed or experienced DHS agents violently assaulting and detaining children testified. -30-",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/11/2026-9/18/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/11/2026-9/18/2026,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Celebrating Final Passage of Landmark Russia Sanctions Bill [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated final Congressional passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The bill was approved in a major bipartisan vote in the Senate in August and was passed out of the House of Representatives this week. “Today is a historic triumph for democracy— ours and Ukraine’s— showing that America can still muster bipartisan unity in the fight for freedom. I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Blumenthal said. “In August, I watched from Kyiv’s Sophia Square as President Zelenskyy honored the families of heroes who gave their lives so that Ukraine could remain free and independent. I vowed then, as I have every day for the last few years, that our tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine would be the passage of this legislation to help bring an end to Putin’s hideous slaughter and prevent future bloodshed.” “Today’s triumph is also a testament to the relentless drive of my friend, Lindsey Graham. I missed him deeply on my most recent eleventh trip to Ukraine. If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage – and already thinking about the next one. So today we celebrate, and tomorrow, we redouble work on sending Ukraine whatever it needs to prevail. Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.” Blumenthal joined Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) at a press conference following the vote on final passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. “To Vladimir Putin—we have your number. Your economy is reeling. We’re going to throttle your war machine. China and India, you better clean up your act. Buy your oil and gas somewhere else,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. “To the American people—thank you for standing with Ukraine and recognizing that Ukraine’s fight is our fight. It is not just their freedom and independence, it’s ours. And to the people of Ukraine—you are not alone. The momentum that we have as a result of this bill should enable us to fight for the military aid, the economic support, the political and moral bolstering that Ukraine needs and deserves.” A video of the press conference can be found here. Last month, Blumenthal traveled to Ukraine to celebrate Independence Day in Kyiv. Blumenthal also traveled to Dnipro, near the eastern front of the war – the first Congressional Delegation to visit since the invasion. In early August, Blumenthal along with Britt, Shaheen, and U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jim Risch (R-ID) hosted a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supporters of the legislation at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of the meeting are available here. Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and spent the last year and a half building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration. Lindsey Graham secured an agreement with the White House on the bill just before his death. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation allows the President to impose targeted tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the vast majority of Russian oil or gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The bill limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, and the top five countries that aid Russia’s energy sanctions evasion. The bill also includes a provision to prevent a lapse in sanctions authority that restricts funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. The text of the bill is available here. Condemning Presidential Corruption Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), convened a public forum on how Donald Trump, his children, and top Administration officials have leveraged their positions to grow their personal wealth at the expense of American families. At the forum, “Gaming the System: How the Trump Family is Making Billions by Ripping Off the American People,” Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, called out Donald Trump and his family for their self-enrichment schemes and made the case for strong reforms to curb corruption at the federal level. Blumenthal slammed Republicans for enabling Trump’s corruption by moving to advance crypto market structure legislation without meaningful anti-corruption provisions: “Exhibit A, the latest draft of the Clarity Act relating to conflicts of interest. It purports to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption by the President of the United States. It is a charade. It is a sham. It should prompt a no vote by every member of the United States Senate tomorrow at 2:15 when the vote is scheduled.” Blumenthal continued, “Now, of all the families’ grifts, cryptocurrency has probably been the most profitable enterprise, and the cost to consumers probably have been greatest. This is an industry that was facing criminal and civil investigations for enabling terrorists, drug traffickers, market manipulation, and human trafficking. It turns out the shadiest people were more than willing to cut checks to literally get out of jail. President Trump’s willingness to trade the public trust for crypto wealth began before he was sworn in.” Blumenthal continued, “So, this corruption is going to continue unless we take a stand, unless we sound the alarm. And unless the people of the United States tell Republicans corruption is on the ballot this November. Corruption is on the ballot because—here’s the essential point—corruption is costly. Corruption has consequences. I know folks out there are saying themselves, you know, I’m paying more for gasoline and groceries. I can barely afford new clothes for my kids as they go back to school. And you’re making a fuss about Donald Trump making a lot of money. But folks, this is relevant to your lives. This is real in its cost to you.” Blumenthal underscored the costs to taxpayers and our national security as a result of the Trump family’s self-enrichment schemes: “When members of the family like Jared Kushner, who has served as the government’s top negotiator in crises from Gaza to Ukraine, goes out soliciting business for his private equity firm, Affinity Partners, and he goes to the Saudis for $2 billion, or when the country of Qatar provides a plane, or when Melania Trump makes millions of dollars from her vanity project documentary sponsored by Amazon, interests are compromised. Our national interest is compromised.” “The grifts just keep on grifting. For some people, Donald Trump is a gift that keeps on giving, but it’s almost entirely to his family and his billionaire friends. And that’s why we’re here today: to say enough is enough. The American people should know what’s happening,” Blumenthal concluded. A video of Blumenthal’s remarks at the forum is available here. A video of the forum can be found here. Blumenthal also spoke on the Senate Floor to call on Republicans to take up the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act, legislation that would terminate the federal banking charter for World Liberty Financial that was approved by the Trump-controlled Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and prohibit federal banking agencies from approving banking applications when the applicant is owned by certain senior government officials. “Mr. President, I’m here thinking about all the Americans who are working on manufacturing plants assembly lines, all the Americans who are teaching our kids in schools or patrol our schools as police or working in our hospitals, all of the hardworking Americans who are just working to get by, to make ends meet, to know whether they can afford another $20 or $30 at the supermarket, and then to think of Donald Trump making $6 million per day last year, a total of $2.2 billion just in the first year of his presidency,” Blumenthal said on the Senate Floor. Blumenthal continued, “I don’t think there’s a single person in America who thinks that he earned that money, and how could he? He’s supposed to be devoting every waking moment to the public interest of the United States, to keeping us safe and our nation secure. The fact is it was the result of corruption. $1.4 billion of it came from crypto. And the point of this legislation is essentially to end that corruption.” Blumenthal also called out Republicans for enabling Trump’s corruption by working to advance crypto market structure legislation without meaningful anti-corruption reforms: “Now, we will vote tomorrow on a crypto bill that is, sadly and tragically, riddled with loopholes that enables him to continue this same self-dealing and self-enrichment. And the failure to stand up to the President, I think, is going to be on our Republican colleagues, because this amendment, ethics requirements for digital assets, is a sham. It’s a charade. And if nothing else, Republicans should take a stand and say in crypto legislation that’s supposed to stop wrongdoing, lawlessness, funding of terrorist organizations, money laundering, now is the time to also impose a strong conflict of interest rule.” Blumenthal continued, “President Trump has been clear: there is no ethical line separating his role as President from his family’s businesses. It’s that simple. Corruption has become the family business.” Blumenthal underscored the need for the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act to protect consumers and our national security: “Corruption has consequences. It has costs. That bank charter is worth millions, maybe hundreds of millions to World Liberty Financial, but it will enable World Liberty Financial to exploit and take advantage of consumers that will cost them money out of those hard-earned wages that they make.” “Those Americans who are working hard to make ends meet, wondering whether they can afford another $20 or $30 at the supermarket, while Donald Trump averaged $6 million a day in 2025, ought to demand of all of us that we pass the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act. It’s the least we can do, it’s a first step. And I hope that we will also pass a crypto measure that is worthy of this body and its name,” Blumenthal concluded. A video of Blumenthal’s remarks on the Senate Floor is available here. Blumenthal further called out Trump’s presidential corruption and crypto schemes on Twitter/X, “Trump is using crypto to cash in on the presidency—selling access to the highest bidder & raking in the money from foreign governments. We need strong legislation that ends this self-dealing & corruption—not half measures like the Clarity Act,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “Americans are being scammed out of billions of dollars while Trump is using crypto to turn the presidency into a profit generating machine. The Clarity Act’s weak rules & carveouts would supercharge fraud & undermine law enforcement,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “The Clarity Act purports to prevent crypto conflicts of interest & corruption by the President of the United States but that is a sham. It’s a charade. It should prompt a no vote by every member of the United States Senate,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “Trump has been dropping cases, cutting sweetheart deals, & providing pardons across the crypto industry. Enabling this crypto corruption directly undermines our national security,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Wounded Warrior Project recognized U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal as their 2026 Legislator of the Year in the U.S. Senate at their Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner. Wounded Warrior Project recognized Blumenthal’s leadership on the Major Richard Star Act and his advocacy for America’s veterans as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from Wounded Warrior Project—fierce champions for veterans and their families across the nation,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Their strong advocacy and partnership is critical in our work to make sure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserved. Together, we will continue the fight to pass the Major Richard Star Act, improve VA mental health care programs, and ensure a grateful nation lives up to its promises to veterans.” “This award recognizes not only Senator Blumenthal’s leadership, but also his steadfast commitment to our nation’s veterans,” said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Wounded Warrior Project. “Throughout his career, he has combined a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face with tireless advocacy to help improve the services and support veterans, their families, and caregivers rely on every day. All of us at Wounded Warrior Project are honored to celebrate his achievements and thank him for his efforts on behalf of those who have served.” Blumenthal has worked for years alongside Wounded Warrior Project to expand veterans’ access to health care and benefits. This includes championing provisions in the PACT Act to expand benefits, health care, and compensation for toxic-exposed veterans and working together to advance the Major Richard Star Act for combat-injured veterans. This week, the Major Richard Star Act received its 218th signature on a bipartisan discharge petition to force Speaker Johnson to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. This Congress, Blumenthal and Wounded Warrior Project are also continuing their push to strengthen mental health care for veterans with Blumenthal’s BRAVE Act and his bipartisan legislation to improve care and benefits for survivors of military sexual trauma. Demanding Information About Lewandowski’s Pay-to-Play DHS Contracting Scheme Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin demanding information and records “mounting evidence of widespread corruption orchestrated by former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) senior advisor Corey Lewandowksi.” The Senators’ letter follows reporting from the Wall Street Journal revealing that Lewandowski and his allies were engaged in an apparent pay-to-play scheme to influence the awarding of DHS contracts. According to the new report, Lewandowski also sought private payment arrangements from foreign governments in exchange for influencing DHS decision-making beyond contracting. “The overwhelming evidence of Mr. Lewandowski and his associates’ improper, self-serving influence over DHS decision-making at the highest levels can no longer be ignored or brushed aside. Congress and the American people must have a full and transparent assessment of the likely waste generated by and potential illegal activity committed by Mr. Lewandowski and any other individual who sought to improperly influence DHS contracting awards,” the Senators wrote. In August, Blumenthal and Welch, joined by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote Mullin about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In their letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. Blumenthal and Welch previously demanded answers from Mullin about Lewandowski’s role in DHS contracting decisions in light of reports that Lewandowski potentially steered contract awards to benefit himself and his political allies while serving as a special government employee and advisor at DHS. The full text of the letter is available here. Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal published a Substack piece on his visit to Hartford’s immigration court. Blumenthal slammed a Department of Transportation proposal promoting deceptive and misleading advertising hurting consumers. Blumenthal joined Senators in introducing a privileged resolution seeking answers on West Bank violence. Blumenthal joined CNBC to call for better regulations around AI. Blumenthal slammed FBI Director Kash Patel for not properly recognizing the threat of a Russian oligarch bankrolling Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding. Blumenthal applauded the Supreme Court striking down Trump’s unconstitutional directive using USPS as an instrument to suppress the vote. Blumenthal joined CNN to discuss the Supreme Court rejecting Trump’s plan to limit mail-in voting. Blumenthal slammed Trump’s judicial nominees for their failure to answer who won the 2020 election. Blumenthal honored the anniversary of 9/11 at events across Connecticut, including in Greenwich, Wilton, Bridgeport, Stamford, and Glenville. Blumenthal attended the CICD-Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade. Blumenthal joined the 57th Annual CT State Ukrainian Day Festival at St. Basil’s Seminary in Stamford. -30-",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-reintroduce-legislation-to-expand-federal-support-for-magnet-schools,"Murphy, Blumenthal Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Federal Support for Magnet Schools",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reintroduced legislation to fuel the growth of magnet schools nationwide by improving and expanding the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP). The Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). “Magnet schools offer millions of kids an educational alternative which allows them to thrive, and my bill would make sure we keep those options available for families, in Connecticut, and across the country,” said Murphy. “All kids, regardless of where they grow up, deserve access to a classroom setting that works for them.” “Magnet schools provide an important option for parents,” said Blumenthal. “By bringing together students from different zip codes, these schools are vital to improving equity and diversity in our classrooms - contributing to overall success for students. The federal government should continue funding magnet schools while meeting its responsibility to provide better resources for all schools.” Magnet schools are public schools designed to cater to different learning styles and attract a wide range of students from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and across zip codes. Over 40,000 Connecticut students - and 3.5 million students nationwide - currently attend magnet schools. But as school districts become increasingly segregated by race and income, this legislation updates the MSAP grant to expand access to funding and promote diversity. The bill will also authorize the Supplemental Diversity Grant (SDG), a new grant program housed under MSAP to help preexisting magnet programs reach diversity-related goals. The MAGNET Act is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); National Education Association (NEA); Magnet Schools of America; National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Coalition on School Diversity (NCSD); Capitol Region Education Council; Center for Educational Equity, Teachers College, Columbia University; Center on Law, Inequality, and Metropolitan Equity at Rutgers Law School; Civil Rights Project at UCLA; Education Law Center; Integrated Schools; Poverty and Race Research and Action Council (PRRAC); Southern Education Foundation; and Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation. The Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act is part of a package of education-focused bill introductions from Senator Murphy this week, alongside the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act and The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-bonamici-introduce-bicameral-malnutrition-awareness-week-resolution-after-republican-budget-bill-ripped-nutrition-benefits-away-from-families,"Murphy, Bonamici Introduce Bicameral Malnutrition Awareness Week Resolution After Republican Budget Bill Ripped Nutrition Benefits Away From Families",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-1) introduced a resolution designating the week of September 14th through 18th as “Malnutrition Awareness Week.” Food insecurity and malnutrition affect over 40 million Americans, disproportionately impacting older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations. In 2023, an estimated seven million American children lived in food-insecure households. Meanwhile, disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51.3 billion each year. The resolution recognizes the importance of federal nutrition programs and community-based organizations, like those targeted by the Republican budget bill, in preventing malnutrition and its devastating ill-effects on public health, educational achievement, and health care costs. Malnutrition’s harms often extend across an individual’s lifespan and increases their risk of chronic illness and healthcare complications. By raising awareness and promoting increased funding for food and healthcare programs, the resolution seeks to support nationwide efforts to improve health outcomes. “There’s no excuse for tens of millions of Americans to suffer through malnutrition in the wealthiest country in the world, all so Republican donors can get a giant tax cut,” said Murphy. “Malnutrition is a silent killer and that’s exactly why we need to raise awareness about this growing crisis after Donald Trump and Republicans' snatched away food support for millions of poor children and seniors,” said Senator Murphy. “In a country as wealthy as the United States, no one should struggle to have enough to eat. Since H.R. 1 passed more than a year ago, too many people are experiencing food insecurity and hunger. Republicans in Congress have forced states to absorb hundreds of millions of dollars – that they do not have – to keep critical nutrition assistance programs funded. The cuts from H.R. 1 will harm working families and seniors who desperately need some extra support. This Malnutrition Awareness Week, I’m urging my colleagues to reverse the cuts and fund the nutrition programs that keep our nation healthy and strong,” said Representative Bonamici.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-reintroduces-bill-to-protect-students-from-physical-abuse-end-dangerous-corporal-punishment-practices-in-schools,"Murphy Reintroduces Bill to Protect Students from Physical Abuse, End Dangerous Corporal Punishment Practices in Schools",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) re-introduced the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, alongside Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). The bill would ban corporal punishment for any school that receives federal funding, as well as establish a federal grant program to support states and school districts across the country improve school safety. “Families should be able to trust that when they send their kids to school, they will be in a safe learning environment free from physical abuse,” said Murphy. “The evidence is overwhelming: hitting kids does nothing to help kids. It’s past time to get this archaic, counterproductive practice out of our schools for good.” “Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every student,” said Durbin. “We know that corporal punishment is counterproductive to learning and can harm a student’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It should be left out of the classroom entirely. By standing with Senator Chris Murphy and co-sponsoring this bill, we can ensure that no student falls victim to this outdated and cruel punishment.” “Every student deserves a safe, supportive learning environment that fosters positive relationships and protects their physical and emotional well-being,” said Padilla. “The evidence is clear – corporal punishment is a cruel and outdated method that harms students, hinders scholastic achievement, and worsens behavior. This bill will make more of our schools safer spaces for students of all backgrounds.” “No child should ever face physical abuse, including at school,” said Kaine. “It's time to end the outdated and harmful practice of corporal punishment in every school across the country. Instead of relying on fear, our schools should provide safe, supportive learning environments that students need to thrive and be healthy.” Inflicting physical pain on a student’s body as a form of discipline is used in schools throughout the country. However, research has decisively demonstrated corporal punishment is ineffective and does not improve student behavior. Instead, it leads to physical and emotional harm, poor academic performance, diminished self-esteem, and loss of trust. The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act is endorsed by the following organizations: Access Ready Inc.; All4Ed; American Psychological Association; Arkansans Against School Paddling; Autism Society of America; Boys Town; Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD); Committee for Children; Council for Exceptional Children; Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA); Disability Belongs®; Disability Rights Oregon; EdTrust; Family Voices NJ; Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA); Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Lives in the Balance; National Alliance on Mental Illness; National Association of Social Workers; National Down Syndrome Society; National Education Association (NEA); Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK); Secular Student Alliance; SPAN Parent Advocacy Network; Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT); TDIforAccess; Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (TED); Texas Parent to Parent; The Arc of the United States; The Center for Learner Equity; The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD); The Federal School Discipline and Climate Coalition (FedSDC); The Learning Disabilities Association of America; The National Center for Learning Disabilities; U.S. Alliance to End the Hitting of Children; United Women in Faith The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act is part of a package of education-focused bill introductions from Senator Murphy this week, alongside the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act and the Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-reintroduces-legislation-to-increase-mental-health-resources-for-students-reduce-police-presence-in-schools,"Murphy Reintroduces Legislation to Increase Mental Health Resources for Students, Reduce Police Presence in Schools",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), reintroduced the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, legislation to improve educational outcomes by redirecting existing resources towards counselors, social workers, and other services to create supportive environments in schools, as well as prohibiting the use of federal funds for police in schools. The bill would also provide a standalone grant program to help districts hire additional counselors, social workers and other health providers. “Kids struggling with mental health and familial trauma deserve the support of trained professionals, not an entry point to the criminal justice system,” said Murphy. “My bill would make sure local school districts are investing in the most effective resources for improving student safety in schools: guidance counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals.” ""Too many young people walk into school carrying burdens no child should have to bear, and our response cannot be handcuffs and surveillance,"" said Senator Booker. ""This legislation does what schools actually need: it invests in counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals who see our children as kids who need support, not suspects who need policing. When a student is struggling, the question should never be how we punish them. It should be how do we help them.” “Students across the country deserve safe learning environments and mental health resources, and to be treated with dignity. Policing and criminalizing students does not help us meet this mission; it puts us farther from it,” said Senator Markey. “The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act will provide the necessary resources and support that young people, teachers, and communities have advocated for. We must continue to fight for these essential resources, including counselors and trauma-informed services, so that all students have a healthy and safe learning environments where they can thrive inside and outside the classroom.” The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act would: Direct federal funding toward evidence-based services that improve academic outcomes and address the needs of marginalized students; Divert federal funding away from increasing the presence of police in schools; and Support local education agencies that want to terminate their contracts with local law enforcement agencies and invest public funding in personnel and services that create safe and inclusive schools for all students. The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act is supported by the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Center for Law and Social Policy, SPLC Action Fund, Human Rights Campaign, National Urban League, the Justice Collaborative, Girls Inc. Advancement Project, Open Society Policy Center, the Center for Popular Democracy, National Women’s Law Center, Center for Disability Rights, Drug Policy Alliance, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Disability Rights Network, the Daniel Initiative, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, the Criminalization of Poverty Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, the National Center for Youth Law, Education Law Center (PA), PolicyLink, the Boston Teachers Union, the Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston, National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), and GLSEN. The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act is part of a package of education-focused bill introductions from Senator Murphy this week, alongside the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act and Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-dot-proposal-promoting-deceptive-and-misleading-advertising-hurting-consumers,Blumenthal Slams DOT Proposal Promoting Deceptive & Misleading Advertising Hurting Consumers,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumental (D-CT) wrote to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy opposing a proposed rule that would weaken consumer protections by allowing airlines to advertise misleading ticket prices. DOT’s proposed rule would gut the existing Full Fare Rule, which requires airlines and ticket agents to display the total cost of a ticket at least as prominently as its subcomponents—making sure consumers aren’t misled by deceptive pricing. In his letter, Blumenthal highlights how DOT’s proposed rule prioritizes airline companies, promoting advertising that hurts consumers, writing, “The proposed rulemaking contemplates repealing the Full Fare Rule entirely – eliminating longstanding requirements that airlines clearly and transparently disclose the total price consumers must pay. Put simply, enacting this rule would only serve the interests of airfare advertisers at the direct expense of consumers.” “In addition to inflating costs, implementing the proposed rule would upend decades of settled expectations in the transparency of airfare, enabling more confusing and deceptive advertising,” continued Blumenthal. “Americans should have confidence that the price they see advertised is the price they will pay when they get to check out. DOT’s proposed rule serves the opposite result.” “At a time when the cost of airfare has skyrocketed in significant part due to the war of choice that President Trump initiated against Iran in February, 2026, now is the worst possible time to empower airfare advertisers to return to an era of extracting more money from consumers through confusing and deceptive airfare advertising,” concluded Blumenthal. Blumenthal is a longstanding advocate for consumer protections and transparency in air fare pricing for travelers, leading legislation such as the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights and the Junk Fee Prevention Act and releasing a report with the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding sky high airline junk fees. Blumenthal’s full letter to Duffy can be found here and below. Dear Secretary Duffy, I write to provide comments and express my strong opposition to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposal to weaken consumer protections by allowing airlines to advertise confusing or misleading ticket prices. DOT’s proposed rule titled Enhancing Flexibility of Air Fare and Price Advertising (“the rule”) would permit airlines and other travel vendors to obscure the total cost of travel by allowing them to advertise individual components of the airfare, including mandatory fees, with the same prominence as the total fare.[1] Even more concerning, the proposed rulemaking contemplates repealing the Full Fare Rule entirely –eliminating longstanding requirements that airlines clearly and transparently disclose the total price consumers must pay. Put simply, enacting this rule would only serve the interests of airfare advertisers at the direct expense of consumers. Accordingly, I urge DOT to reverse course and withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking immediately. The proposed rulemaking would gut DOT’s 2011 Full Fare Rule, which requires airlines and other vendors to advertise the total price of airfare to consumers and prohibits displaying individual component fees as or more prominently than the total fare.[2] This rule addressed the common airline practice of relying on deceptive base fare advertising – often called “drip pricing” – to attract budget-conscious travelers before presenting them with a higher total cost of travel at the conclusion of their purchase.[3] The simple motivation behind the Full Fare Rule is just as valid today as it was in 2011: “In order to understand the true cost of travel, consumers need to be able to see the entire price they need to pay to get to their destination the first time the airfare is presented to them.”[4] DOT’s proposal to dismantle the Full Fare Rule would increase costs for consumers. The Department’s poorly reasoned Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) presents a distorted cost-benefit analysis of the proposed changes.[5] Air carriers have complied with the Full Fare Rule for more than a decade; more importantly, consumers expect airfare advertising to prominently present the total cost of travel.[6] Contrary to DOT’s conclusory statements, if the rule is implemented, it is inevitable that more consumers will need to invest additional time searching for the full fare or government charges, and will be surprised by unexpected, mandatory fees.[7] And as DOT admits, the consequences of scrapping the Full Fare Rule would be even more dire by inviting the re-emergence of “drip pricing” practices that impose “significant costs” on consumers.[8] In sum, DOT falls short of providing a minimum of evidence and sound reasoning on which to base the proposed, drastic changes to airfare advertising consumer protections.[9] In addition to inflating costs, implementing the proposed rule would upend decades of settled expectations in the transparency of airfare, enabling more confusing and deceptive advertising.[10] Given that fees can constitute a significant portion of the total cost of travel, allowing advertisers to present airfare components more prominently will inevitably mislead and confuse many consumers.[11] The risk of consumer confusion and deception has only grown since the Full Fare Rule was implemented in 2011. Americans should have confidence that the price they see advertised is the price they will pay when they get to check out. DOT’s proposed rule serves the opposite result. Instead of undermining significant consumer and passenger protections, DOT, the airline industry’s sole regulator, should complete implementation of its regulation to improve the transparency of airline ancillary fees and robustly enforce the statutory prohibition on unfair and deceptive practices in air travel.[12] Moreover, at a time when the cost of airfare has skyrocketed in significant part due to the war of choice that President Trump initiated against Iran in February, 2026, now is the worst possible time to empower airfare advertisers to return to an era of extracting more money from consumers through confusing and deceptive airfare advertising.[13] The proposed rule makes clear who DOT intends to benefit. As one commentor noted, “the major airline lobby groups love this.”[14] The Department of Transportation must defend the interests of the American public – not corporate profits. That is why I strongly urge DOT to expeditiously withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking and return to acting in the interest of the traveling public. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to monitoring the status of this proposed rule and hope to see action taken that will protect and promote the interests of the flying public. Sincerely, -30- [1] 91 FR 39932; Docket No. DOT–OST–2025–0831. [2] 76 FR 23110, Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections; Allyson Versprille, “Trump’s DOT Moves to Roll Back Obama-Er Airfare Marketing Rule,” Bloomberg News, June 30, 2026, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-30/trump-s-dot-moves-to-roll-back-obama-era-airfare-marketing-rule. [3] Mateusz Maszczynski, “Airlines May Soon Be Allowed to Advertise Just the Cheaper Base Fare Excluding Taxes or Fees Under DOT Proposal,” PYOK, July 5, 2026, https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2026/07/01/airlines-may-soon-be-allowed-to-advertise-just-the-cheaper-base-fare-excluding-taxes-or-fees-under-dot-proposal/. [4] 76 FR 23143. [5] Enhancing Flexibility of Air Fare Price Advertising Regulatory Impact Analysis, RIN 2105-AF37 (Feb. 2026) [hereinafter RIA]. [6] See Comment from National Consumers League, et al. (Aug. 21, 2026), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2025-0831-1336. [7] RIA at 7. [8] RIA at 9. Indeed, eliminating the Full Fare Rule would, as the American Society of Travel Advisors explains, “risk introducing unnecessary inconsistency into the marketplace and could make comparison shopping more difficult for consumers.” Comment from American Society of Travel Advisors, Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0831, (July 30, 2026), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2025-0831-0105. [9] RIA at 6 (“The benefits of the proposed rule are qualitative in nature.”); id. at 7 (“the economic effects of the proposed rule are unquantified”); id. at 8 (“The implications of repealing the FFAR in whole or in part, particularly regarding future advertising requirements and enforcement policies, are highly uncertain.”); id. at 9 (“The effects of repealing the FFAR in whole or in part are unquantified and uncertain.”). [10] See Comment from National Consumers League, et al. (Aug. 21, 2026), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2025-0831-1336. [11] See The Sky’s the Limit, The Rise of Junk Fees in American Travel, Majority Report, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (Nov. 24, 2024), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024.11.25-Majority-Staff-Report-The-Skys-the-Limit-The-Rise-of-Junk-Fees-in-American-Travel-1.pdf. [12] 89 FR 34620. [13] Rajesh Kumar Singh, Alessandro Parodi, Joanna Plucinska, “Airline ticket prices may stay high as carriers bank fuel relief from Iran deal,” Reuters, June 22, 2026, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/airline-ticket-prices-may-stay-high-carriers-bank-fuel-relief-iran-deal-2026-06-22/. [14] Gary Leff, Airfare Prices Could Get More Confusing As DOT Moves To Weaken Full Fare Advertising Rules, View From the Wing (June 30, 2026), https://viewfromthewing.com/airfare-prices-could-get-more-confusing-as-dot-moves-to-weaken-full-fare-advertising-rules/.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-introduces-three-bills-to-rein-in-ice-abuses-protect-kids-from-targeting-by-agents,"Murphy Introduces Three Bills To Rein In ICE Abuses, Protect Kids From Targeting By Agents",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just introduced three new bills to rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) abuses and protect kids from targeting by agents at playgrounds, child care facilities, and school bus stops, as well as cosponsored legislation to protect immigrants seeking essential services at locations like hospitals, schools, and courthouses. “The American people have seen horrifying videos of ICE agents terrorizing our streets and instilling fear in communities, including in Danbury recently. These bills should be a no-brainer. Kids should be safe from violent enforcement–period–but especially on the playground, at daycare, and waiting for the bus. How far is this corrupt Administration willing to defend an unpopular, illegal mass deportation campaign?” said Murphy. The bills would stipulate that “no agent, officer, or employee of the Department of Homeland Security, nor any person acting under the authority of such agent, officer, or employee, may conduct any immigration enforcement action” at a school bus stop for children, at a childcare facility, or at a children’s playground. ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-trump-nominees-no-you-cannot-promote-the-presidents-businesses-as-ambassador,"Murphy to Trump Nominees: 'No, You Cannot Promote the President's Businesses as Ambassador'",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security, today questioned Michael Young, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, and Ronald Johnson, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, during their confirmation hearing. Sen. Murphy has honed in on the Trump family’s corruption, particularly on its foreign business deals. Earlier this week, Murphy took to the Senate floor after breaking investigative reporting found that a Russian ally of Vladimir Putin paid hundreds of thousands of dollars of wedding bills for Donald Trump Jr. Murphy stressed President Trump’s active search for ways to boost his business interests abroad: “This is a pretty simple question: if the White House were to come to either of you and ask for help from the embassy on a financial project important to the family, what would your response be? .... And I don't think these are out of the realm of possibility hypotheticals, given how many important business interests the family has in this particular region.” Murphy pressed the nominees after they refused to provide a direct answer on working to enrich the Trump family’s businesses: “Just answer the question… I mean, the president's son has active Trump family projects in Serbia today. It is not inconceivable that you will be asked to advocate on behalf of those projects. Do you think it's appropriate for you to advocate on behalf of projects that put money in the pocket of the president of the United States?” Murphy admonished both nominees after another refusal: “Guys, the answer is no! The answer is no. It is not appropriate for an ambassador to advocate on behalf of projects that will enrich the president or his family. That's an easy answer. The answer is no.” A full transcript of Murphy’s questioning is available below. A video of the exchange is available here. Murphy: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to everyone on the panel for your willingness to serve your country and for your family's willingness to serve. Mr. Young, last year Donald Trump Jr. made two pretty high-profile visits to Serbia. In at least one of them, he met with Vucic and business leaders, and then in April of this year, an even more extraordinary visit, he went to the Republic of Serbska, and it was widely covered as you know an implicit endorsement of Vucic by the president's family. We now know that at that exact same moment, when the president's son was going to the Republika Srpska, a Russian ally, a very close associate of Vladimir Putin, was paying for Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding, and you were going to be in a country that apparently is of great interest to the president's family. What do you know about the president's son's visit to the Republika Srpska? Why did he go, and what was the message he was delivering when he was there? Because it was covered as an official act of the federal, of the U.S. government. It was of great interest in the region when he was there. Young: Senator Murphy, thank you for that question. I will have two levels of answers for that. One is that, as I have seen in the newspapers, which is my only level of understanding of this, is that there is interest in financial investment on the part of his companies in Serbia, and those are of course decisions for Serbia and the private sector to make. If confirmed, I will certainly look carefully at what kinds of representations we are making, and what kind of activities occur across the board, to ensure that we try to speak with a single voice and advance all of the particular activities that are designed to help advance our relationship with Serbia in ways that make the United States safer, more secure. Murphy: But in preparation for this hearing or for this job, have you asked the White House or the State Department what the nature of those visits were? That seems to be immediately relevant to you in this new post. Have you asked those questions? Young: Senator, I have asked those questions, and–but I have not–I am not in a position, having not been confirmed, to be able to have the depth of more confidential information about that. What they have–what I have been briefed on, really reflects essentially what is in the newspapers. Murphy: Yeah, this is an extraordinary moment when business interests of the family do intersect with the national security interests of the country, and I think it's going to make your job very, very hard. Let me ask both you and General Johnson a related question. The president's family has a lot of business interest in the region. You referenced that Donald Trump Jr. seems to be interested in building properties there. The president's son-in-law, who is maybe the most important diplomat these days, representing the United States, Jared Kushner, is proposing to build a resort in Albania. And in fact, it has become so controversial that an American ally, the leader of that country, his political survival is threatened because of this project. This is a pretty simple question: if the White House were to come to either of you and ask for help from the embassy on a financial project important to the family, what would your response be? First, I’ll ask you General Johnson, and then to you, Mr. Young. And I don't think these are out of the realm of possibility hypotheticals, given how many important business interests the family has in this particular region. Johnson: Good morning Senator Murphy, thank you. I don't believe the president would actually ask me to help them with a financial deal for his family first and foremost. And if he did, I think I would refer back to Main State in order to get clarification, sir. Murphy: Well, what if the State Department said we'd like you to help the president or the president's family on a business deal? Johnson: I don't believe that it would ever occur. Murphy: Do you believe it's appropriate for an embassy to be helping the president of the United States on a personal, family financial project? Johnson: First of all, Senator, it is the job of the embassy to help promote U.S. economic interests in those countries. Well, whether or not it's the president's is a different story. I understand where you're coming from. Murphy: Do you think it might be appropriate for an embassy? Johnson: I did not say that, Mr. Senator. Murphy: So is it or is it not? Johnson: If he asked me if he wanted to promote economic development in Bosnia Herzegovina, I welcome all Americans to come to Bosnia Herzegovina to be able to promote themselves. Murphy: Even if it's the president's family interest? Mr. Young, is it appropriate for an embassy to be trying to push a personal project of the president's family? Young: Senator Murphy–it is, I believe, part of the job of the ambassador to try and urge the country to create an environment that levels the playing field, so that American companies and American interests can compete fairly and freely, and if they do, they will win. Murphy: I know, but just answer the question. I mean, this is no–for you especially–this is not inconceivable. I mean, the president's son has active Trump family projects in Serbia today. It is not inconceivable that you will be asked to advocate on behalf of those projects. Do you think it's appropriate for you to advocate on behalf of projects that put money in the pocket of the president of the United States? Young: Senator, I think it is the obligation of the ambassador to urge a country to consider all opportunities. Murphy: Guys, the answer is no. The answer is no. It is not appropriate for an ambassador to advocate on behalf of projects that will enrich the president or his family. That's an easy answer. The answer is no. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-murphy-join-senators-in-introducing-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence,Blumenthal & Murphy Join Senators in Introducing Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) today joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States Governments. The Senators’ resolution would require the Department of State to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children. “Violent, lethal lawlessness on the West Bank is a betrayal of Israel’s moral standing and our shared values, and must be stopped. This resolution is now necessary, after so many have urged action and violence only continues to rise. Failing to enforce clear legal prohibitions and protections has cost American and Palestinian lives – and deeply threatens a peaceful, stable future for all Israelis and Palestinians,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Extremist settlers in the West Bank are wielding violence at unprecedented levels and with near total impunity from the Netanyahu government,” said Senator Murphy. “Their actions have killed American citizens and innocent Palestinians, and the United States must make clear that this unchecked violence is unacceptable and must end immediately.” “This Administration has said ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is one of its highest priorities. And yet, as we’ve seen violence rise in the West Bank, American citizens have been killed time and again, and they have received no justice and no accountability. It’s past time we get answers on their deaths – and on the growing violent Israeli settler attacks and the injustices Palestinians in the West Bank face on a daily basis. This resolution will require the State Department to begin to produce these answers, which are owed to the families of those who have lost loved ones, to the American people, and to all of those who want to ensure recipients of U.S. taxpayer dollars are acting in line with our laws and our values,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The violence committed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank is reaching an unprecedented level, and as a result more and more Americans and Palestinians are being killed and injured. These actions—and the Israeli government’s lack of response to this violence—are unacceptable and threaten the long-term safety and security of the entire region,” said Senator Kaine. “Friends need to listen to each other, and my colleagues and I have repeatedly urged Israeli leaders to take firmer action to curtail illegal settlements in the West Bank, prosecute violent settlers, and protect Palestinian residents as well as American citizens living in or visiting the West Bank. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution to require the State Department to conduct a formal assessment and provide a report to Congress on the situation in the West Bank, in particular the safety and security of Americans.” “Every day, Palestinians in the West Bank experience horrific violence at the hands of Israeli settlers and security forces — and for years, the Israeli government has offered impunity instead of accountability. Enough is enough. The United States cannot keep bankrolling this violence and looking the other way — it’s time to end our complicity, once and for all,” said Senator Sanders. The resolution draws upon Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, which allows Congress to file a privileged resolution that, if passed, would require the State Department to provide information on any country receiving U.S. security assistance and that country’s observance of internationally-recognized human rights. After introduction, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has ten days to consider it in committee, and if it fails to do so, the resolution can be called up for a vote on the Senate floor. If the resolution passes the Senate, the Trump Administration must submit the report within 30 days or the majority of security assistance authorized to Israel would be prohibited. If the resolution passes, and following the receipt of the State Department report, Congress may consider any necessary changes to U.S. security assistance to that country in light of the information received. If the Administration declines or fails to submit the required report, the Administration’s decision would prompt the termination of certain covered security assistance programs for Israel. The Senators were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). Text of the resolution is available here. -30-",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-celebrates-final-passage-of-landmark-sanctions-bill-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-and-gas-accountable,Blumenthal Celebrates Final Passage of Landmark Sanctions Bill to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil & Gas Accountable,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated final Congressional passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The bill was approved in a major bipartisan vote in the Senate in August and was passed out of the House of Representatives today. “Today is a historic triumph for democracy— ours and Ukraine’s— showing that America can still muster bipartisan unity in the fight for freedom. I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Blumenthal said. “In August, I watched from Kyiv’s Sophia Square as President Zelenskyy honored the families of heroes who gave their lives so that Ukraine could remain free and independent. I vowed then, as I have every day for the last few years, that our tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine would be the passage of this legislation to help bring an end to Putin’s hideous slaughter and prevent future bloodshed.” “Today’s triumph is also a testament to the relentless drive of my friend, Lindsey Graham. I missed him deeply on my most recent eleventh trip to Ukraine. If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage – and already thinking about the next one. So today we celebrate, and tomorrow, we redouble work on sending Ukraine whatever it needs to prevail. Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.” Last month, Blumenthal traveled to Ukraine to celebrate Independence Day in Kyiv. Blumenthal also traveled to Dnipro, near the eastern front of the war – the first Congressional Delegation to visit since the invasion. In early August, Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) hosted a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supporters of the legislation at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of the meeting are available here. Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and spent the last year and a half building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration. Lindsey Graham secured an agreement with the White House on the bill just before his death. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation allows the President to impose targeted tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the vast majority of Russian oil or gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The bill limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, and the top five countries that aid Russia’s energy sanctions evasion. The bill also includes a provision to prevent a lapse in sanctions authority that restricts funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. The text of the bill is available here. -30-",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-smith-baldwin-reintroduce-bill-to-support-connecticuts-young-farmers-forgive-student-loan-debt,"Murphy, Smith, Baldwin Reintroduce Bill to Support Connecticut's Young Farmers, Forgive Student Loan Debt",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, along with U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) reintroduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as veteran, women, and minority farmers. “Beginning farmers” are those who have under 10 years of experience operating a farm. Student loan debt is among the largest obstacles America’s young farmers face, placing an enormous financial strain on beginner farmers and discouraging others from pursuing careers in the agricultural industry. Unforgiven student debt has a disproportionate impact on Connecticut’s farming industry, where nearly 30% of producers are categorized as beginning farmers, well above the national average. The Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act would grant these farmers, in Connecticut and across the country, the support they need to invest in their farms and ranches and incentivize a new generation of farmers to enter the agricultural industry. “Between the trade war, the Iran war, and his devastating cuts to agricultural programs, Donald Trump has sent farm bankruptcies surging and thrown our farming industry into a full-blown crisis,” said Murphy. “Our farmers are a cornerstone of rural life in Connecticut and we need to give them our support so they can not only survive this crisis but come out stronger on the other side. My bill would help the beginner farmers overcome financial barriers and strengthen Connecticut agriculture for the long term.” “To keep Minnesota’s agriculture economy thriving, we need to continue to invest in the next generation of farmers as the average age of farmers keeps going up. There is more we can be doing to help future farmers fill their shoes,” said Smith. “Student debt is one of the most significant challenges our young farmers and ranchers face. This legislation would help encourage a younger, more diverse workforce and help more people start and stay in farming.” “Wisconsin farmers work hard to feed our families, support our rural economies, and keep our state the agricultural prize of the country,” said Baldwin. “But right now, they are getting squeezed from all sides. Between President Trump’s trade war and the war in Iran driving up fuel and fertilizer costs, farmers are facing more uncertainty and financial pressure at a time when it’s already hard enough to make ends meet. Our bill will help ease the burden and incentivize getting into this rewarding work and help keep Wisconsin agriculture strong for generations to come.”",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-don-jrs-russia-funded-wedding-this-is-as-close-to-treason-as-you-can-get,Murphy on Don Jr.'s Russia-Funded Wedding: 'This Is As Close to Treason As You Can Get',2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate addressing the revelations that the recent, private island wedding of President Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., was in part paid for by Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch and close ally of Vladimir Putin, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Murphy argued this is just the latest example of the Trump family exploiting the presidency for their own personal profit, and accused the Trump family of abandoning Ukraine and padding the pockets of our Russian adversary in exchange for exactly this kind of luxury bribery. Murphy detailed the shocking level of Russian involvement in Jr.’s wedding: “The Russians paid for the private island. The Russians paid for the fireworks show. The president's son even put this oligarch in charge of planning the logistics. This was a Russian party organized and paid for by someone in Vladimir Putin's inner circle. This has never happened before in the history of the United States of America. Never before has a foreign enemy of the United States paid for the family wedding of the president. Why? Because it is naked corruption in plain view.” Murphy characterized the involvement as a potential corrupt attempt to secure continued sanctions relief and friendly U.S. policy on Ukraine: “Putin doesn't pay for a wedding just to be nice. This is an arrangement in plain sight. Donald Trump has done a 180-degree turn in U.S. policy on the Russia-Ukraine war. He has cut off funding from Ukraine. Even after we appropriated money, he refuses to spend it, illegally. As recently as this weekend, he says publicly that it's Ukraine's fault that the war continues, not Russia’s. In addition, Trump has suspended sanctions on the export of Russian oil and gas, … Trump has become one of Putin's most important allies, and so, like everything else in Trump's corrupt world in his second term, it just becomes this mutually beneficial deal. Trump withholds support for Ukraine, pads the pocket of the Russian government with sanctions relief, and the Russians funnel money to the family.” Murphy highlighted Trump Jr.’s efforts to cover up his bankrolling by the Russians: “The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., tried to hide this fact. He posted pictures of his wedding celebration online. There was a public conversation about whether the president was going to attend or not. But the president's son made no mention that the whole thing, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, a private island, was bankrolled by the Russians. In fact, the only face of the 50 guests that is hidden in the group photo, that you can look at right now online, is the oligarch’s.” Murphy underscored the extensive conflicts of interest between Donald Trump’s family and the Kremlin: “Trump's family [relies] on Russian support for their business empire. Donald Trump Jr. said this prior to when his father became president; he said, ‘in terms of high-end product influx into the United States, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross section of a lot of our assets… We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.’ [And] there is evidence that the Trump family's cryptocurrency is backed, perhaps heavily, by Russian buyers.” Murphy called on Americans of all political stripes to condemn this sort of corruption: “Donald Jr., he just basically stuffs money into his pockets from anybody who wants a favor from his father, and he just gobbles up government contracts as fast as he can. Don Jr.’s net worth was $50 million before his father's second term. In the first year that Trump was president, in his second term, Don Jr. net worth didn't double, it didn't triple, it didn't quadruple. It grew by six times in one year. $50 million, a year later, $300 million. At least 13 companies tied to the Trump brothers have captured $1.8 billion in long-term federal contracts and commitments, and $103 million in direct cash from the Trump administration; five of those companies got their first government contract ever after the Trump sons invested. That's corruption. It doesn't matter whether this is a Republican administration or a Democratic administration.” A full transcript of Murphy’s speech is available below. A full video of Murphy’s speech is available here. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Colleagues, a story broke today that the Trump family has confirmed that a Russian oligarch, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, a man whose fortune was gifted to him by Putin, paid for the private island wedding of the president of the United States's son. I'm here on the floor because I am scared to death that this is all going to start just feeling normal. Let me say it again: a Russian oligarch, a close ally of our enemy, Vladimir Putin, a man whose fortune was gifted to him by Vladimir Putin, paid for secretly the private island wedding of the president of the United States's son. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., tried to hide this fact. He posted pictures of his wedding celebration online. There was a public conversation about whether the president was going to attend or not. But the president's son made no mention that the whole thing, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, a private island, was bankrolled by the Russians. In fact, the only face of the 50 guests that is hidden in the group photo, that you can look at right now online, is the oligarch’s. But he's there because he secretly paid for the celebration. The Russians paid for the private island. The Russians paid for the fireworks show. The president's son even put this oligarch in charge of planning the logistics. This was a Russian party organized and paid for by someone in Vladimir Putin's inner circle. This is never happening before in the history of the United States of America. Never before has a foreign enemy of the United States paid for the family wedding of the president, why? Because it is naked corruption in plain view. It is as close to treason as you get, accepting lavish gifts, millions of dollars in gifts, perhaps from the enemy of this nation. Let's spend a minute on this oligarch. We just learned this today, so forgive me if we have scant details. I think we're going to find out a lot more about this guy in the coming days and weeks. But his name is Umar Kremlev. He is a convicted criminal. He runs a boxing company that is funded by Putin, more specifically by Gazprom, Putin's state-run gas company. He isn't just some ordinary oligarch. He's one of Putin's favorites. In addition to running this boxing association, he runs the Russian lottery. He has a monopoly on Russian sports betting. Shortly before financing and attending the Trump wedding, Kremlev and Putin were together in China. Putin brought him on a really important state visit to China. Putin has given Kremliv the highest Kremlin honor, the Order of Friendship. The Ukrainian government has sanctioned Kremlev because he is part of Putin's inner circle. All of Kremliv's money is Putin's money. He operates as an arm of Putin, as do all the Putin made oligarchs. Before today's disclosure of his secret financing of the Trump wedding, there was no record of Donald Trump Jr. and Kremlev being great best buddies, because they aren't. It appears that they just recently met, and shortly after meeting, this close ally of Vladimir Putin offered to pay for Donald Trump's Jr. wedding. Here's what Eric Trump said today. When a reporter asks his office about Umar Kremlev, this close friend of Donald Trump Jr.'s, quote: “Eric has absolutely no clue who this person is, nor has he ever heard his name”. This is Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr.’s brother, his business partner. He has never heard the name of the close associate, the close friend of Donald Trump Jr., who paid for his entire wedding. Why? Because they're not friends. This is a business deal between the Trump family and the Russian government. This all fits two patterns. The first is the Trump's family's reliance on Russian support for their business empire. Donald Trump Jr. said this prior to when his father became president; he said, “in terms of high-end product influx into the United States, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross section of a lot of our assets. Say in Dubai, and certainly with our project in Soho, and anywhere in New York. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia. More recently, those who have looked at the individuals who are buying Trump's cryptocurrency have noted that there is evidence that the Trump family's cryptocurrency is backed, perhaps heavily, by Russian buyers. But the second, and more significant pattern, is this. Trump’s sons, particularly Donald Jr., just brazenly profit off of their access to the White House. Donald Jr, he just basically stuffs money into his pockets from anybody who wants a favor from his father, and he just gobbles up government contracts as fast as he can. Don Jr. net worth was $50 million before his father's second term. In the first year that Trump was president, in his second term, Don Jr. net worth didn't double, it didn't triple, it didn't quadruple. It grew by six times in one year. $50 million, a year later, $300 million. At least 13 companies tied to the Trump brothers have captured $1.8 billion in long-term federal contracts and commitments, and $103 million in direct cash from the Trump administration, five of those companies got their first government contract ever after the Trump sons invested. That's corruption. It doesn't matter whether this is a Republican administration or a Democratic administration. Now you could be offended at all of that, but you might say: ""Well, this isn't that. This isn't Trump Jr. taking money from the taxpayers. This is just him taking money from the Russians. Isn't that better than him taking money from taxpayers?” Well of course it isn’t, because Putin doesn't pay for a wedding just to be nice. This is an arrangement in plain sight. Donald Trump has done a 180-degree turn in U.S. policy on the Russia-Ukraine war. He has cut off funding from Ukraine, even after we appropriated money, he refuses to spend it, illegally. As recently as this weekend, he says publicly that it's Ukraine's fault that the war continues, not Russia’s. In addition, Trump has suspended sanctions on the export of Russian oil and gas, which, by the way, specifically helps Gazprom, the company that funds Kremlev. Trump has become one of Putin's most important allies, and so, like everything else in Trump's corrupt world in his second term, it just becomes this mutually beneficial deal. Trump withholds support for Ukraine, pads the pocket of the Russian government with sanctions relief, and the Russians funnel money to the family. Doesn't everybody see this? Shouldn’t everyone here be outraged that the president of the United States's son just had his wedding, his multi-million dollar wedding, paid for by the Russians, and he admits it? I know that there are a lot of Republicans in the Senate who are aghast at what Trump has done to abandon Ukraine, and I know there are a lot of Republicans here who are furious at this spiraling corruption. I don't know that there's a single member of this body, Republican or Democrat, who would go on TV tonight and defend the Russian government paying for the Trump family's private island wedding. But at some point, there just has to be a bottom that the United States Senate unanimously recognizes. Does any Republican here think that you would say nothing if Hunter Biden's wedding or Malia Obama's graduation party was financed by Iranian allies in the Ayatollah. You guys would shut this place down if that were to happen. And of course you can’t even imagine that happening under a different administration. Because despite all the histrionics over the Biden crime family, never before in this country, have we had a White House where the financing of a family wedding by a foreign adversary would pass as a minor scandal, that barely makes front pages. Just because the corruption happens so routinely, that to some it feels normal, which doesn't mean that it is. If we don't, on a bipartisan basis, here in the Senate, draw a line in the sand soon, it will be the end of our republic. It just will.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-stands-with-athletes-labor-and-civil-rights-leaders-to-rally-against-the-so-called-protect-college-sports-act,"Murphy Stands With Athletes, Labor, and Civil Rights Leaders to Rally Against the So-Called Protect College Sports Act",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate begins considering the so-called Protect College Sports Act (PCSA), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined college athletes, their families, labor advocates, and civil rights leaders to speak out against the legislation. Murphy pushed back against the manufactured “crisis” framing offered by the PCSA’s supporters, highlighting record revenues. Murphy argued the PCSA will give the NCAA legal cover to abuse athletes’ rights and re-institute a system of collusion and exploitation in college athletics. Murphy offered a topline of the bill: “What this bill does at its core is to protect a system of exploitation. This bill protects the billions of dollars that coaches and sports industry executives are making over the suppression of compensation for some of the most highly valued athletes in the world. This bill seeks to give an unprecedented antitrust exemption to an industry that is violating the law every single day.” Murphy highlighted the NCAA’s long history of violating athletes’ rights: “Let's just be clear about why we are here. Over and over again, courts have determined that colleges and the NCAA and conferences are violating the law. In a nine-zero Supreme Court decision authored by conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court said that this system of exploitation, in which wages and compensation are illegally suppressed, in which profits are being put ahead of athlete safety, is illegal and cannot stand according to the existing law.” Murphy called out the NCAA for conspiring to take away athletes’ rightfully earned compensation: “Instead of fixing the problem, instead, the college sports industry has come to Congress and is asking Congress to make their illegal behavior all of a sudden magically legal through an antitrust exemption. What we're being asked to do is to basically allow colleges and conferences and the NCAA to illegally collude so that they can continue to reap the benefits of a $14 billion industry in which almost all of the money goes to the owners, and very little of it goes to the actual actors who are putting the product on the playing field.” Murphy addressed the PCSA’s supporters head-on: “Some of the proponents say, well, there's runaway spending in college athletics. We can't afford it. Well, this bill doesn't stop billionaires from spending money on athletic facilities. This money doesn't stop billionaires from directly subsidizing the salaries of coaches. No, the only thing this bill does is to limit the relatively small slice of money in the system that goes to athletes. It does nothing to stop the runaway coaches salaries, the runaway spending in facilities, the runaway spending in advertising and in TV contracts.” Murphy debunked the “crisis” talking points parroted by the NCAA’s boosters and corporate executives: “I hear my colleagues talk about the crisis that exists, the chaos that exists in college athletics today… There's no sign that college athletics is in some broader state of crisis. The TV deals are bigger than ever before. The number of people turning out for men's football games and women's volleyball games are larger than any time before in history. There's more fan interest, frankly, now that students are empowered than there was back in the day when students were completely indentured to programs.” Sen. Murphy has been a leading voice of opposition to the so-called Protect College Sports Act. Murphy has worked with athletes, labor advocates, and civil rights groups to rally against the passage of the Protect College Sports Act, as well as advocate for his College Athlete Right to Organize Act. A full video of Murphy’s remarks is available here. A full transcript of Murphy’s remarks is available below. Thanks to AFL-CIO, NAACP, and many of your partners for convening this call today. You've got some really powerful voices assembled here so I'm going to be very, very brief. What this bill does at its core is to protect a system of exploitation. This bill protects the billions of dollars that coaches and sports industry executives are making over the suppression of compensation for some of the most highly valued athletes in the world.This bill seeks to give an unprecedented antitrust exemption to an industry that is violating the law every single day. Let's just be clear about why we are here. Over and over again, courts have determined that colleges and the NCAA and conferences are violating the law. In a nine-zero Supreme Court decision authored by Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court said that this system of exploitation, in which wages and compensation are illegally suppressed, in which profits are being put ahead of athlete safety, is illegal and cannot stand according to the existing law. Instead of fixing those problems, instead of putting athletes safety first, instead of sitting down with the athletes and working out a proper, just system of compensation (and by the way, there's plenty of money to go around in a $14 billion industry), instead of fixing the problem, instead, the college sports industry has come to Congress and is asking Congress to make their illegal behavior all of a sudden magically legal through an antitrust exemption. What we're being asked to do is to basically allow colleges and conferences and the NCAA to illegally collude so that they can continue to reap the benefits of a $14 billion industry in which almost all of the money goes to the owners, and very little of it goes to the actual actors who are putting the product on the playing field. Just a few quick points. I hear my colleagues talk about the crisis that exists, the chaos that exists in college athletics today. Yes, things are different today, but the crisis and the chaos is really one that primarily impacts the coaches and the colleges who all of a sudden have to work a little bit harder to be able to keep athletes who are no longer indentured to the programs that they are working for. There's no sign that college athletics is in some broader state of crisis. The TV deals are bigger than ever before. The number of people turning out for men's football games and women's volleyball games are larger than any time before in history. There's more fan interest, frankly, now that students are empowered than there was back in the day when students were completely indentured to programs. Second, this is a bill that essentially ensconces a system of exploitation, and it doesn't fix the broader problems. Some of the proponents say, well, there's runaway spending in college athletics. We can't afford it. Well, this bill doesn't stop billionaires from spending money on athletic facilities. This money doesn't stop billionaires from directly subsidizing the salaries of coaches. No. The only thing this bill does is to limit the relatively small slice of money in the system that goes to athletes. It does nothing to stop the runaway coaches salaries, the runaway spending in facilities, the runaway spending in advertising and in TV contracts. So let's be clear this bill is really only about solving one problem. It's a fake problem. The problem of athlete empowerment that has annoyed coaches but has not created a fundamental crisis in broader college athletics. The final thing to say, before I turn it over to Derrick Johnson, the head of the NAACP, is that we should recognize this as a civil rights issue. And I know that it is sometimes uncomfortable for us to talk in these terms, but let's not mince words. Many of the most valuable athletes, those who would command in a real market the highest salaries are black. And almost all of the people who are protecting the billions that are being made by the industry are white. And so this is an effort to protect a system of exploitation, this is a civil rights issue, and we are going to do everything in our power–those of us who oppose this in the United States Senate–to ask our colleagues to step back, to oppose moving forward, moving this bill forward in the United States Senate, to take another shot at a piece of legislation that, you know, frankly, could institute some reforms, but that would not preserve this system of exploitation that has and will continue to damage the safety and the health of our athletes all across the country. So, really appreciate folks pulling this together. My office will keep folks updated as this potentially moves on to the Senate floor. We're going to need very, very strong voices, especially from students, to make clear what the stakes are. Really glad to be joined on this call by one of the strongest voices opposing this piece of legislation from the NAACP.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-video-blumenthal-calls-on-republicans-to-take-up-legislation-curbing-presidential-corruption-amend-crypto-legislation-to-stop-trump-from-profiting-off-the-presidency,"ICYMI Video: Blumenthal Calls on Republicans to Take Up Legislation Curbing Presidential Corruption, Amend Crypto Legislation to Stop Trump From Profiting Off the Presidency",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) spoke on the Senate floor yesterday to call on Republicans to take up the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act, legislation that would terminate the federal banking charter for World Liberty Financial that was approved by the Trump-controlled Office of the Comptroller of the Currencey and prohibit federal banking agencies from approving banking applications when the applicant is owned by certain senior government officials. “Mr. President, I’m here thinking about all the Americans who are working on manufacturing plants assembly lines, all the Americans who are teaching our kids in schools or patrol our schools as police or working in our hospitals, all of the hardworking Americans who are just working to get by, to make ends meet, to know whether they can afford another $20 or $30 at the supermarket, and then to think of Donald Trump making $6 million per day last year, a total of $2.2 billion just in the first year of his presidency,” Blumenthal said on the Senate floor. Blumenthal continued, “I don’t think there’s a single person in America who thinks that he earned that money, and how could he? He’s supposed to be devoting every waking moment to the public interest of the United States, to keeping us safe and our nation secure. The fact is it was the result of corruption. $1.4 billion of it came from crypto. And the point of this legislation is essentially to end that corruption.” Blumenthal also called out Republicans for enabling Trump’s corruption by working to advance crypto market structure legislation without meaningful anti-corruption reforms: “Now, we will vote tomorrow on a crypto bill that is, sadly and tragically, riddled with loopholes that enables him to continue this same self-dealing and self-enrichment. And the failure to stand up to the President, I think, is going to be on our Republican colleagues, because this amendment, ethics requirements for digital assets, is a sham. It’s a charade. And if nothing else, Republicans should take a stand and say in crypto legislation that’s supposed to stop wrongdoing, lawlessness, funding of terrorist organizations, money laundering, now is the time to also impose a strong conflict of interest rule.” Blumenthal continued, “President Trump has been clear: there is no ethical line separating his role as President from his family’s businesses. It’s that simple. Corruption has become the family business.” Blumenthal underscored the need for the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act to protect consumers and our national security: “Corruption has consequences. It has costs. That bank charter is worth millions, maybe hundreds of millions to World Liberty Financial, but it will enable World Liberty Financial to exploit and take advantage of consumers that will cost them money out of those hard-earned wages that they make.” “Those Americans who are working hard to make ends meet, wondering whether they can afford another $20 or $30 at the supermarket, while Donald Trump averaged $6 million a day in 2025, ought to demand of all of us that we pass the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act. It’s the least we can do, it’s a first step. And I hope that we will also pass a crypto measure that is worthy of this body and its name,” Blumenthal concluded. A video of Blumenthal’s remarks on the Senate floor are available here. A transcript is available below. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I’m here thinking about all the Americans who are working on manufacturing plants assembly lines, all the Americans who are teaching our kids in schools or patrol our schools as police or working in our hospitals, all of the hardworking Americans who are just working to get by, to make ends meet, to know whether they can afford another $20 or $30 at the supermarket, and then to think of Donald Trump making $6 million per day last year, a total of $2.2 billion just in the first year of his presidency? I don’t think there’s a single person in America who thinks that he earned that money, and how could he? He’s supposed to be devoting every waking moment to the public interest of the United States, to keeping us safe and our nation secure. The fact is it was the result of corruption. $1.4 billion of it came from crypto. And the point of this legislation is essentially to end that corruption. Now, we will vote tomorrow on a crypto bill that is, sadly and tragically, riddled with loopholes that enables him to continue this same self-dealing and self-enrichment. And the failure to stand up to the President, I think, is going to be on our Republican colleagues, because this amendment, ethics requirements for digital assets, is a sham. It’s a charade. And if nothing else, Republicans should take a stand and say in crypto legislation that’s supposed to stop wrongdoing, lawlessness, funding of terrorist organizations, money laundering, now is the time to also impose a strong conflict of interest rule. Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act. Think of it for a moment. The ending presidential corruption in banking act. It bans the President, the Vice President, and their immediate families from owning or controlling banks. When I came to the United States Senate, if you told me you will be support something an Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act because it is necessary to stop corruption, because the President is twisting and ignoring and bending norms and precedents of the presidency, I would have said, that would never happen in the United States of America. But President Trump has been clear: there is no ethical line separating his role as President from his family’s businesses. It’s that simple. Corruption has become the family business. After President Trump issued an executive order to assert control over the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, his control over that body, it approves bank charters, surprise, Trump’s crypto company, World Liberty Financial, applied for a bank charter. And no surprise, on August 14, 2026, World Liberty Financial was granted conditional approval for a national bank charter. Corruption has consequences. It has costs. That bank charter is worth millions, maybe hundreds of millions to World Liberty Financial, but it will enable World Liberty Financial to exploit and take advantage of consumers that will cost them money out of those hard-earned wages that they make. In fact, Donald Trump made $1.4 billion, including $636 million from his meme coin, but nearly a million Americans lost billions of dollars, more than $3 billion, while he was making his huge profits. Corruption has consequences. It has costs. When the President of the United States is dealing with the Emiratis who have bought 49% share for billions of dollars in one of his enterprises, and then Emiratis receive approval for the purchase of chips that have been refused them, or defense equipment that is hugely valuable to them, it threatens our national security. And when the President’s son or his family go around the world, establishing resorts, making deals, there is always a quid pro quo, there’s always a quid to the quo. There is no free lunch. Our security is compromised; there are costs to our taxpayers. And that plane that was supposedly a gift is already costing us hundreds of millions of dollars, not to mention our being be-holden to the Qatar government. There is no free lunch. After Donald Trump Jr. Became a partner of the venture capital firm 1789 capital, its assets ballooned to $3 billion, as its portfolio companies rapidly received lucrative government contracts. Those government contracts impact taxpayers, when they are sole-sourced, when they are granted without proper review and scrutiny and oversight of what the costs will be to taxpayers. There’s no free lunch. So, this measure is not only important, but also necessary, and I have to say, the consequences of corruption are measured not only in dollars and cents, but also in our moral standing around the world. Just this morning, ProPublica reported that Donald Trump Jr.’s lavish wedding in the Caribbean was, in effect, heavily bankrolled by a Russian oligarch with close ties to Putin. His name is Umar Kremlev. Umar Kremlev is also involved in an organization that re-educates Ukrainian children who have been abducted. I’ve been to Ukraine 11 times, on a number of those trips, I’ve met with children who have been abducted and kidnapped by Vladimir Putin. It’s the reason that he’s been judged and charged as a war criminal. And one of his henchmen, apparently, is Umar Kremlev, in re-educating those children, so that they will forget their past, forget their language, forget their culture, forget their religion. This is truly criminal. And Kremlev has paid, likely, hundreds of thousands of dollars, for Donald Jr.’s lavish wedding. He is in a photograph of the wedding party. That picture haunts me. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and the picture of a man who has, in effect, been complicit in abducting and re-educating children, separating them, and not just a few, but literally tens of thousands, as many as 35,000, maybe 50,000 or more, separating them from their families, I wouldn’t want to be caught on the same island with him, let alone having him rent the island for a wedding of a family member. Let me put it another way. Those Americans who are working hard to make ends meet, wondering whether they can afford another $20 or $30 at the supermarket, while Donald Trump averaged $6 million a day in 2025, ought to demand of all of us that we pass the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act. It’s the least we can do, it’s a first step. And I hope that we will also pass a crypto measure that is worthy of this body and its name. Thank you, Mr. President. -30-",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-slams-so-called-protect-college-sports-act-on-stephen-a-smiths-straight-shooter,Murphy Slams So-Called Protect College Sports Act on Stephen A. Smith's Straight Shooter,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined Stephen A. Smith’s Straight Shooter on Sirius XM for a conversation on the Protect College Sports Act ahead of potential Senate action. Murphy laid out why the PCSA would be a disaster for college athletes by giving the NCAA sweeping, unprecedented power to silence athletes and bring back the old system of exploitation. Sen. Murphy has been a leading voice of opposition to the so-called Protect College Sports Act. Murphy has worked with athletes, labor advocates, and civil rights groups to rally against the passage of the Protect College Sports Act, as well as advocate for his College Athlete Right to Organize Act. Murphy debunked the “crisis” framing pushed by NCAA’s corporate executives: “More people are watching the games than ever before. More people are showing up than ever before. Women's sports is not contracting; it's expanding. The development deals for TV rights are bigger than ever before.” Murphy called out the NCAA’s actions stifling negotiations with athletes: “The ‘chaos’ is pretty simple. Over the last few years, student athletes have gotten power. The courts have basically ruled that these schools are illegally colluding to keep these kids' wages down, and instead of doing what they should, which is sit across the table with these students and come up with an agreement that both the colleges and the athletes can live with, instead the coaches and the colleges are running to Congress asking us to make the college an antitrust exemption, so that they can continue to exploit the athletes.” Murphy emphasized the PCSA is littered with double standards between coaches and players: “The bill says if you're a student and you want an endorsement deal, you have to get signed off by some NCAA bureaucracy. The bill limits student athletes' ability to transfer, basically making you an indentured athlete once you've transferred once. Coaches aren't subject to any of those restrictions, so there's no limitation on coaches' endorsement deals. Coaches can switch jobs every single year. Coaches can make as much money as they want. So this is a great bill for coaches and universities because it artificially, through statute and contracts, limits the amount of money that athletes can make.” Murphy emphasized that there is no precedent for the anti-trust exemption the NCAA is asking for: “There's only two industries in this country that have a broad exemption from antitrust laws: the railroad industry and Major League Baseball. And the only reason that they got those exemptions was because they have collective bargaining agreements. Workers have rights at the table. This is the first time that we are exempting an entire industry - this is a big industry, a $12 billion industry, from anti-collusion rules - and giving no rights to the people that are going to be most impacted.” Murphy advocated for targeted, athlete-focused bills to address true problems in college sports: “I would recommend that, you know, we come in with a much smaller set of protections. I think these agents are probably getting away with murder. I do think you should restrict their fees. I don't think anybody who's in the pros should be allowed to come back and play in college. I don't have any problem with saying you get four years and that's it. So we could do a targeted bill that cuts down on some of the reported chaos in college athletics without giving this massive, big antitrust exemption to the schools that ends up allowing these kids to continue to be exploited.” Stephen A. Smith echoed Murphy’s view, suggesting the NCAA is trying to bring an exploitative system back with Congress’s help: “My position on this, Senator, has been that the NCAA spent years exploiting the student athlete. They had their comeuppance… I see the NCAA with their lobbyists up on Capitol Hill trying to get things done for themselves. And Senator Cruz and others, I'm not questioning anybody's intent - but ultimately, it's going to be some kind of legislation put forth that benefits the NCAA exponentially and reverts it back to a time that once existed, at least to some degree, and is going to be at the expense of the modern-day athlete. I have a problem with that. I don't think that should be allowed.” An excerpted transcript of Murphy’s interview with Stephen A. Smith is available below. A link to the full interview is available here. Stephen A: Senator Chris Murphy, let's transition because you talked about people having a seat at the table. It brings me to the Protect College Sports Act, which I know that you have spoken about, and I'm interested in knowing your position about that because as somebody whose day job primarily is pretty much day in. I mean, you hear people talking about this protected sports, you know, college sports act. It's obviously supposed to be bipartisan or what have you. I think it's. I think that these athletes, student athletes, need representation at the table. They don't necessarily have that, which I think is a big part of the problem. I think that before this act is pushed forward, that's something that needs to be addressed. They need to have representation. But I want to know what issues you personally have with this with this particular act that's trying to be pushed forward, particularly by Senator Ted Cruz out of Texas, along with various others. Although it's labeled as a bipartisan bill. Talk to me about that for a second. Your thoughts about it? Murphy: Yeah, this is one of the reasons I was excited to talk to you, Stephen, because I think nobody has been smarter than you on talking about the importance of having student and athletic voices as part of this process. So listen, I love sports. I love college sports in Connecticut. We maybe pay a little bit more attention to basketball than to football, but I agree with Ted. It's something that's really unique and great about the United States of America. For all of our political demise, we come together in so many states in order to root for our university sports teams, our football teams, our basketball teams. I mean, you literally have 10s of 1000s of people coming out for women's volleyball games now. It's something unique and good that we should preserve in America. I just don't agree that college sports are in chaos or crisis right now. In fact, more people are watching the games than ever before. More people are showing up than ever before. Women's sports is not contracting; it's expanding. The development deals for TV rights are bigger than ever before. The chaos is pretty simple. Over the last few years, student athletes have gotten power. The courts have basically ruled that these schools are illegally colluding to keep these kids' wages down, and instead of doing what they should, which is sit across the table with these students and come up with an agreement that both the colleges and the athletes can live with, instead the coaches and the colleges are running the Congress asking us to make the college an antitrust exemption, so that they can continue to exploit the athletes. And so, what this bill does is extraordinary. It puts a permanent cap on the amount of money that student athletes can make. And the pros, the athletes make about 50% of the overall revenue. This bill would save 22% for college athletes. The bill says if you're a student and you want an endorsement deal, you have to get signed off by some NCAA bureaucracy. The bill limits student athletes' ability to transfer, basically making you an indentured athlete once you've transferred once. Coaches aren't subject to any of those restrictions, so there's no limitation on coaches' endorsement deals. Coaches can switch jobs every single year. Coaches can make as much money as they want. So this is a great bill for coaches and universities because it artificially, through statute, contracts and limits the amount of money that athletes can make. What should happen, as you reference, is that the schools should sit down with the athletes, and they should come up with an agreement, like they do in professional schools, and instead of having Congress step in and essentially micromanage college sports and protect this system of exploitation. Stephen A: Well, that's where I was going with this. That's why I have been, I don't want to say an adversary of it because I can appreciate where Senator Cruz, yourself, and others are coming from Senator Cory Booker. Let me not forget to bring him into the equation as well because he has his own thoughts about this particular act. Although y'all are coming from different perspectives, everybody agrees that something needs to be done. My position on this, Senator, has been that the NCAA spent years exploiting the student athlete. They had their comeuppance. I do believe it's a bit out of whack because, say, for example, as of right now, if you're an athlete, literally because of the transfer portal and those no no restrictions, you can literally play for four different schools, four different years. I think that's utterly ridiculous. I think that's a problem. I don't think that's something that should be allowed. Okay, and I don't even mind the cap as long as the number is higher. You brought up the NBA, for example. They don't get 50% of total revenue. They get something for 50% of basketball-related income. But they usually complain about other expenses that come down the pike, that owners are able to get a hold of other profits rather that they don't get attached to. They don't get the profit off of it the way the owners do. It's 50% of the income related designated for basketball operations, and that's pretty much it. And then the other stuff the owners get. But I bring this up because I think it's very important. I'm looking at Congress, and I see the NCAA with their lobbyists up on Capitol Hill trying to get things done for themselves and Senator Cruz and others, I'm not questioning anybody's intent, but ultimately it's going to be some kind of legislation put forth that benefits the NCAA exponentially and reverts it back to a time that once existed, at least to some degree, and is going to be at the expense of the modern-day athlete. I have a problem with that. I don't think that should be allowed, and I think that Justice Brett Kavanaugh spoke adamantly against the NCAA, which really spearheaded all of this stuff regarding regarding name, image, and likeness, and I think people should defer to his ruling. Go back and read his ruling against the NCAA to make a case about something more fair and equitable for the student athlete. That's my suggestion. How do you feel about that? Murphy: I think you are right, and it's important to remember that there's only two industries in this country that have a broad exemption from antitrust laws: the railroad industry and Major League Baseball. That's right. And the only reason that they got those exemptions was because they have collective bargaining agreements. Workers have rights at the table. This is the first time that we are exempting an entire industry. This is a big industry, a $12 billion industry, from anti collusion rules and given no rights to the people that are going to be most impacted. Now you are right that what's happening now should not continue, but remember that that one-year contract that essentially exists today in football and basketball. Yeah, it helps athletes, but it also helps the schools too because the schools don't make any commitment to these students beyond one year. So you might get a package of support with endorsement deals from a school, but if you don't play well, you're essentially fired after that first year, and you are jettisoned as an athlete. So the one-year deals are benefiting both the schools and the athletes. I would recommend that you know we come in with a much smaller set of protections. I think these agents are probably getting away with murder. I do think you should restrict their fees. I don't think anybody who's in the pros should be allowed to come back and play in college. I don't have any problem with saying you get four years and that's it. So we could do a targeted bill that cuts down on some of the reported chaos in college athletics without giving this massive, big antitrust exemption to the schools that ends up allowing these kids to continue to be exploited. And remember, football is really the place you really got to worry because you know there's a limited lifespan for these high value athletes, and so when you require these kids to play three years of football, and that's essentially what the NFL does, and you limit their income artificially while they're in college, you are putting them through traumatic injury, traumatic brain injury risk, and artificially limiting their compensation-that to me is an issue of morality and fairness to these, especially when it comes to everything we're learning about being in college and pro football.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-welch-demand-mullin-provide-information-records-about-lewandowski-pay-to-play-dhs-contracting-scheme,"Blumenthal & Welch Demand Mullin Provide Information, Records About Lewandowski Pay-to-Play DHS Contracting Scheme",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Peter Welch (D-VT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin demanding information and records “mounting evidence of widespread corruption orchestrated by former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) senior advisor Corey Lewandowksi.” The Senators’ letter follows reporting from the Wall Street Journal revealing that Lewandowski and his allies were engaged in an apparent pay-to-play scheme to influence the awarding of DHS contracts. According to the new report, Lewandowski also sought private payment arrangements from foreign governments in exchange for influencing DHS decision-making beyond contracting. “The overwhelming evidence of Mr. Lewandowski and his associates’ improper, self-serving influence over DHS decision-making at the highest levels can no longer be ignored or brushed aside. Congress and the American people must have a full and transparent assessment of the likely waste generated by and potential illegal activity committed by Mr. Lewandowski and any other individual who sought to improperly influence DHS contracting awards,” the Senators wrote. In August, Blumenthal and Welch, joined by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote Mullin about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In their letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. Blumenthal and Welch previously demanded answers from Mullin about Lewandowski’s role in DHS contracting decisions in light of reports that Lewandowski potentially steered contract awards to benefit himself and his political allies while serving as a special government employee and advisor at DHS. The full text of today’s letter is available here and below. Dear Secretary Mullin: We write to demand that you promptly produce information and records that would provide Congress and the American people with full transparency into mounting evidence of widespread corruption orchestrated by former Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) senior advisor Corey Lewandowksi. Recent reporting alleges that Mr. Lewandowski and his allies were engaged in an apparent pay-to-play scheme to influence the awarding of lucrative DHS contracts. Mr. Lewandowski also apparently sought private payment arrangements from foreign governments in exchange for influencing DHS decision-making beyond contracting, an alarming development that raises critical national security questions. Despite our March 26, 2026, letter raising concerns about the extent of Mr. Lewandowski’s influence over contracting,[1] and public reporting suggesting that wasteful, no-bid contracting has become prevalent throughout DHS acquisitions,[2] DHS has not substantively responded to our requests and has produced no responsive records. We demand that you provide information and records responsive to the following requests that will permit us to fulfill our constitutional obligation of conducting oversight of your department. On September 7, 2026, public reporting revealed that Corey Lewandowski and his allies allegedly maintained a broader network of influence over DHS decision-making than was previously known.[3] While serving as a senior advisor to former Secretary Kristi Noem, Mr. Lewandowski allegedly approached the governments of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates seeking agreement for private payment in exchange for “help. . . with any issues that fell under the department’s purview.”[4] Although the foreign governments refused, Mr. Lewandoski’s solicitations appear to be offers to “sell government services for personal gain.”[5] These new details add to extensive, consistent reporting that indicates that Mr. Lewandowski sought to influence specific DHS contracting decisions to punish prospective contractors that refused to curry favor with Mr. Lewandowski, including by paying him or entities affiliated with him kickbacks in exchange for awarding DHS contracts or subcontracts.[6] Mr. Lewandowski’s attempt to influence a multi-billion-dollar DHS contract with software company Palantir is just the most recently disclosed example of his effort to corruptly steer contracting decisions. After weeks of negotiation over a $2.7 billion blanket purchase agreement negotiated by DHS officials and Palantir representatives in the fall of 2025, the proposed agreement “sat for weeks on [former Secretary] Noem’s desk without a signature.”[7] DHS then reportedly asked Palantir to agree to a one-on-one meeting between Palantir CEO Alex Karp and Corey Lewandowski, “DHS officials repeatedly asked for the meeting, saying it needed to be a one-on-one meeting.”[8] When Palantir ultimately refused a one-on-one meeting, the company was told, without explanation, that the contract would be reduced to $1 billion.[9] The reduction appears to be consistent with “Lewandowski [telling] associates at the department that he was going to consolidate Palantir’s work across the agency so the company would receive less money.”[10] Mr. Lewandowski’s alleged associates appear to have pursued parallel influence schemes. Josh Whitehouse, an ally of Mr. Lewandowski and former New Hampshire Republican lawmaker, was installed as a special government employee at DHS. Despite his participation in high-level meetings with company executives, “senior [DHS] officials weren’t aware of any specific duties assigned to him.”[11] Mr. Whitehouse reportedly joined one of Mr. Lewandowski and Secretary Noem’s trips to the Middle East and “insisted on a side trip” to Romania to visit a Damen Shipyards facility from which he sought to have the Coast Guard purchase two icebreaker ships.[12] He allegedly pushed for the Coast Guard acquisition despite DHS officials concluding that the vessels would cost “hundreds of millions of dollars extra” to render them adequate for the Coast Guard’s needs and despite concerns that Damen “had recently been accused by Dutch prosecutors of circumventing European Union sanctions against Russia and of bribing public officials in different countries for years.”[13] Mr. Whitehouse also reportedly sought tariff exemptions for specific South American countries from officials within DHS.[14] Influence exerted by other allies of Mr. Lewandowski and Secretary Noem similarly raise troubling questions. Kara Voorhies, an ally of Mr. Lewandowski, was installed as a contractor at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) and may have improperly influenced that agency’s disaster recovery contracting decisions, all while being paid an unusually high amount of “as much as $19,000 a week.”[15] Yet another, unnamed ally of Mr. Lewandowski and Secretary Noem reportedly directed FEMA officials to award a terrorism prevention grant to “a nonprofit affiliated with Chris Stanley.”[16] Contracting records show that Mr. Stanley’s nonprofit, Common Sense Policy Institute, which “largely operates as a conservative watchdog group,” was awarded a $2.3 million terrorism prevention grant.[17] The overwhelming evidence of Mr. Lewandowski and his associates’ improper, self-serving influence over DHS decision-making at the highest levels can no longer be ignored or brushed aside. Congress and the American people must have a full and transparent assessment of the likely waste generated by and potential illegal activity committed by Mr. Lewandowski and any other individual who sought to improperly influence DHS contracting awards. Pursuant to our responsibility to oversee DHS and federal contracting, our offices are reviewing allegations of misconduct arising from Mr. Lewandowski’s tenure at DHS to assess whether and the extent to which laws and regulations governing honest services and federal procurement may require legislative reform. Any ongoing audit or investigation by the DHS Inspector General into related matters is not a legitimate basis for withholding information and records from Congress. Accordingly, please provide records[18] and detailed information responsive to the following requests no later than September 25, 2026. All information and records requested in our March 26, 2026, correspondence. All communications between any agent or representative of the governments of Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, and Corey Lewandowski. All communications between Josh Whitehouse and Corey Lewandowski. All communications between Kara Voorhies and Corey Lewandowski. All communications between Alex Karp, Palantir, or any agent thereof, and Corey Lewandowski. All draft agreements between DHS and Palantir as of September 30, 2025. -30- [1] Letter from Sens. Blumenthal, Welch to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin (March 26, 2026), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026-03-26-Letter-from-Sen-Blumenthal-and-Sen-Welch-to-Secretary-Mullin.pdf. [2] See Letter from Sens. Blumenthal, Welch to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin (Aug. 25, 2026), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026-8-25-Letter-from-Sens-Blumenthal-Welch-Schiff-to-Secretary-Mullin.pdf. [3] Tarini Parti, Josh Dawsey, Michelle Hackman, & Summer Said, Chasing Side Deals, Flexing Influence: Lewandowski’s Power Moves at DHS, Wall St. J. (Sept. 7, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/corey-lewandowski-influence-dhs-43d3fe03. [4] Id. [5] Id. [6] See Letter from Sens. Blumenthal, Welch to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin (March 28, 2026), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026-03-26-Letter-from-Sen-Blumenthal-and-Sen-Welch-to-Secretary-Mullin.pdf; Julia Ainsley, Matt Dixon, Jonathan Allen & Laura Strickler, Some DHS contractors told White House officials they were asked to pay Corey Lewandowski, NBC News (Mar. 19, 2026), https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dhs-contractors-told-white-house-officials-asked-pay-corey-lewandowski-rcna263744. [7] Parti, et al., supra note 3. [8] Id. [9] Id. [10] Id. [11] Id. [12] Id. [13] Id. [14] Id. [15] Id. [16] Id. [17] Id. [18] “Records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-delivers-opening-statement-at-public-forum-on-trump-family-corruption,Blumenthal Delivers Opening Statement at Public Forum on Trump Family Corruption,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), delivered an opening statement today at a public forum on how Donald Trump, his children, and top Administration officials have leveraged their positions to grow their personal wealth at the expense of American families. At the forum, “Gaming the System: How the Trump Family is Making Billions by Ripping Off the American People,” Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, called out Donald Trump and his family for their self-enrichment schemes and made the case for strong reforms to curb corruption at the federal level. Blumenthal slammed Republicans for enabling Trump’s corruption by moving to advance crypto market structure legislation without meaningful anti-corruption provisions: “Exhibit A, the latest draft of the Clarity Act relating to conflicts of interest. It purports to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption by the President of the United States. It is a charade. It is a sham. It should prompt a no vote by every member of the United States Senate tomorrow at 2:15 when the vote is scheduled.” Blumenthal continued, “Now, of all the families’ grifts, cryptocurrency has probably been the most profitable enterprise, and the cost to consumers probably have been greatest. This is an industry that was facing criminal and civil investigations for enabling terrorists, drug traffickers, market manipulation, and human trafficking. It turns out the shadiest people were more than willing to cut checks to literally get out of jail. President Trump’s willingness to trade the public trust for crypto wealth began before he was sworn in.” Blumenthal continued, “So, this corruption is going to continue unless we take a stand, unless we sound the alarm. And unless the people of the United States tell Republicans corruption is on the ballot this November. Corruption is on the ballot because—here’s the essential point—corruption is costly. Corruption has consequences. I know folks out there are saying themselves, you know, I’m paying more for gasoline and groceries. I can barely afford new clothes for my kids as they go back to school. And you’re making a fuss about Donald Trump making a lot of money. But folks, this is relevant to your lives. This is real in its cost to you.” Blumenthal underscored the costs to taxpayers and our national security as a result of the Trump family’s self-enrichment schemes: “When members of the family like Jared Kushner, who has served as the government’s top negotiator in crises from Gaza to Ukraine, goes out soliciting business for his private equity firm, Affinity Partners, and he goes to the Saudis for $2 billion, or when the country of Qatar provides a plane, or when Melania Trump makes millions of dollars from her vanity project documentary sponsored by Amazon, interests are compromised. Our national interest is compromised.” “The grifts just keep on grifting. For some people, Donald Trump is a gift that keeps on giving, but it’s almost entirely to his family and his billionaire friends. And that’s why we’re here today: to say enough is enough. The American people should know what’s happening,” Blumenthal concluded. A video of Blumenthal’s remarks at the forum is available here. A transcript is available below. Thanks, Representative Garcia, and thank you for your leadership and collaboration. We have conducted a series of hearings on some of the most important issues of the day. And I wish we were on the dais, which hopefully we will be, not long from now. But even here, I just want to tell the witnesses and everybody here there are probably more people watching us through live stream than would be aware of what we’re doing if we were conducting a formal hearing. The reason I regret that we’re not on the dais is this kind of inquiry should be bipartisan. My Republican colleagues should be as offended by what Representative Garcia has just recited as we are. And they should want to hear from these witnesses—really extraordinary experts—as much as we do. But instead, instead, they are not only enabling, but they are encouraging this corruption. Exhibit A, the latest draft of the Clarity Act relating to conflicts of interest. It purports to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption by the President of the United States. It is a charade. It is a sham. It should prompt a no vote by every member of the United States senate tomorrow at 2:15 when the vote is scheduled. This measure guarantees that the law will never be enforced against President Donald Trump. It would allow him to continue making hundreds of millions of dollars through World Liberty Financial and his meme coin and other crypto ventures. In fact, the bill does not restrict the primary ways that Trump has raked in $1.4 billion last year. And it states loophole number one: Trump can continue making money from existing crypto ventures. The bill states that its issuance and sponsorship restrictions shall only apply to digital assets that are used or sponsored on or after the effective date of the section. Number two: Trump could easily restructure any crypto ventures or create new ones to avoid these restrictions. Number three: he can prove it by putting his crypto holdings in a supposedly blind trust. We know how blind that trust would really be. Because he knows what assets are being held there. So, this corruption is going to continue unless we take a stand, unless we sound the alarm. And unless the people of the United States tell Republicans corruption is on the ballot this November. Corruption is on the ballot because—here’s the essential point—corruption is costly. Corruption has consequences. I know folks out there are saying themselves, you know, I’m paying more for gasoline and groceries. I can barely afford new clothes for my kids as they go back to school. And you’re making a fuss about Donald Trump making a lot of money. But folks, this is relevant to your lives. This is real in its cost to you. And it’s not just crypto. It is also the contracts that are provided to the corporations that his sons have investment in. Donald and Eric, those sole-source contracts, when they are higher in price, mean higher taxes eventually, because these are big contracts, they’re Defense Department commitments in the hundreds of millions or billions of dollars. Polymarket and Kalshi—the whole prediction market enterprise—when people, in effect bet, and the bets are unfair to them, they lose money. That may sound like an oversimplification, but the fact of the matter is there are real life consequences to corruption. And of course, when members of the family like Jared Kushner, who has served as the government’s top negotiator in crises from Gaza to Ukraine, goes out soliciting business for his private equity firm, Affinity Partners, and he goes to the Saudis for $2 billion or when the country of Qatar provides a plane, or when Melania Trump makes millions of dollars from her vanity project documentary sponsored by Amazon, interests are compromised. Our national interest is compromised. Now, of all the families’ grifts, cryptocurrency has probably been the most profitable enterprise, and the cost to consumers probably have been greatest. This is an industry that was facing criminal and civil investigations and for enabling terrorists, drug traffickers, market manipulation and human trafficking. It turns out the shadiest people were more than willing to cut checks to literally get out of jail. President Trump’s willingness to trade the public trust for crypto wealth began before he was sworn in. Days before the inauguration, he launched and promoted a meme coin with nothing more than speculative value. It was a pump and dump. The coin started at $1. But when Trump promoted it on Truth Social, it spiked to $73, as you can see here, shortly afterward, insiders sold off their coins. The value crashed. Within weeks, approximately $1 million lost a total of $3.8 billion on their coin investment. As of today, the coin is trading under $2. So, corruption has costs, it has consequences. And at one of our hearings very recently, we heard from three of those investors and they told us how they trusted that the President wouldn’t put his name on something that was without value, and they lost nearly everything, President Trump personally made $635 million, as you know, the same kind of story can be told about World Liberty Financial, where Donald Trump’s sons were hastily building up that entity, the primary cryptocurrency venture for the trump family. It has become literally little more than a quid pro quo for foreign interests. Its major source of funding, an Emirati royal, known as the spy sheikh paid half $1 billion for a 49% stake in the company, and miraculously, they then were rewarded with contracts for AI chips, which had been blocked, and defense equipment, most recently, as Representative Garcia mentioned. In fact, just this morning, ProPublica reported that Don Jr.’s lavish wedding on a private Caribbean island was heavily bankrolled by—never would have guessed it, a Russian oligarch named Umar Kremlev. He happened to have close ties to Vladimir Putin. He’s head of a corrupt organization that oversees world boxing. We have no idea exactly why this Russian oligarch with close ties to Putin decided to spend untold amounts, perhaps in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, to rent an island and pay for a fireworks show at the wedding—but what goes around comes around. There’s no free lunch, and I’m often asked the question, what does Putin have on Trump? Why has Vladimir Putin been so persuasive in this apparent bromance with the president of the United States? And if there are other deals like this one, and the wedding may just be the more colorful of them, the answer may be follow the money, because Donald Trump is all about the money, and the costs are not only money to taxpayers, they are a compromise and a degrading of our values, our standing around the world, our self-worth, and our dignity as a nation, and the grifts just keep on grifting. For some people, Donald Trump is a gift that keeps on giving, but it’s almost entirely to his family and his billionaire friends. And that’s why we’re here today: to say enough is enough. The American people should know what’s happening. -30-",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/4/2026-9/11/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/4/2026-9/11/2026,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Honoring the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and remembered the victims, their families and loved ones, and the heroes who responded to 9/11. “Horror & heroism, what we lost & learned— all comes rushing back. Crushing memories of searing grief & shock. Awe at a wondrous unity of purpose & heart. After 25 years, 9/11 is no less real,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. “We honor the victims & their loved ones— brave souls lost in unspeakable cruelty, & courageous first responders who sought to save them. Let us honor with action— health care, financial support, & more.” Blumenthal also spoke at the Voices 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium, Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future. This event brought together national and international experts who share their knowledge and foster conversations about lessons learned, preparedness and supporting those impacted by tragedy—with programs specifically focusing on the 9/11 Community, including victims’ families, responders, survivors, and our dedicated partners who serve them. “Proud to join Mary & Frank Fetchet at their Voices 25th Anniversary Symposium honoring the magnificent work they’ve done in healing from tragedy, like their own loss in 9/11,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Combatting the Trump Administration’s Harmful Immigration Policies Blumenthal held a press conference after attending and observing Hartford Immigration Court on Tuesday. Recent reports indicate that Hartford Immigration Court is severely overcrowded due to increasing caseloads. Hearings previously would be scheduled for 15-30 people at a time but now are scheduled for 70 to 100 people. Additionally, reports suggest that the court’s docket is chaotic and changes at the last minute. This has resulted in people missing their court hearings and having inadequate time to prepare. Blumenthal attended the Tuesday hearing to observe the court’s operations and demand oversight and accountability if the proper legal processes are not being followed. “Our immigration courts are in chaos—intentionally. My visit today confirmed real life impacts of cuts in judges & staff, lack of notice & due process, no criminal record & often no attorney, among failings. Deporting, not justice, is the goal,” wrote Blumenthal regarding his visit to Hartford Immigration Court, with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Additionally, Blumenthal wrote Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari seeking “a formal investigation into the recent surge of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] arrests and activity in Connecticut.” The surge has focused on Danbury and nearby towns, where people have been targeted dropping their children off at school and going to work. “In one of the largest immigration operations in Connecticut history, ICE agents reportedly apprehended nearly 100 individuals — many of whom likely have legal status and no apparent serious criminal history — throughout the course of just one week in August,” Blumenthal wrote. “Individuals observed: an ICE agent kicking and tasing a man while other agents were on top of him, sending the man to the hospital; ICE agents breaking car windows; removing detainees in chains; blocking attorney access to detainees in Hartford; the deployment of masked agents to locations that children frequent in Danbury, including parks, an elementary school, and a daycare center; the detention of a father walking his child to a bus stop; and a threat by ICE agents to pepper spray a man detained in front of a preschool.” Last week, Blumenthal wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the Acting Director of ICE David Venturella requesting a meeting and demanding information about a dramatic increase in immigration enforcement activity in Connecticut. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Mullin and Venturella is available here. Blumenthal also hosted a public forum to receive testimony from the Danbury community about ICE’s destructive and indiscriminate detentions. Blumenthal was joined by Mayor Roberto Alves; attorney Glenn Formica with the American Legal Immigrant Clinic; and members of Danbury United for Immigrants. As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. Over the last year, Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have hosted four public forums on Capitol Hill as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Cuffari is available here. Slamming AI Bots Going Rogue Blumenthal demanded answers from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman after recent reporting from The New York Times revealed alarming new details about how the A.I. company’s agents bypassed their safeguards to go rogue and hack into the firm Hugging Face. In a letter sent to Altman, Blumenthal sought records and information about the A.I. agents’ rogue operations and raised concerns about OpenAI’s reported steps to limit independent accountability. “On July 21, 2026, OpenAI first disclosed that its A.I. models were responsible for the previously-reported hacking of the firm Hugging Face. Since that announcement, further disclosures and outside audits have described an unprecedented—and surreal—scenario where its A.I. agents created their own internal messaging board to coordinate between themselves while they sought security vulnerabilities in other systems and companies, and opportunities to cheat on performance tests,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal continued, “Moreover, the A.I. agents displayed a concern about being caught and coordinated to evade being detected, even planning to ‘sacrifice’ themselves to act as a decoy to protect the broader effort. Ultimately, this operation sought—and succeeded—to break into other firms, which could be considered a federal crime.” Blumenthal called out OpenAI for attempting to evade transparency and accountability by dictating the terms of an independent audit into the Hugging Face breach: “While these disclosures alone are chilling, new reporting and research suggests that OpenAI may have limited an independent audit of the incident and that the rogue operation was broader than your firm has acknowledged.” Blumenthal also raised concerns about new details that have emerged about how OpenAI’s agents conducted the breach, including by hijacking public websites to coordinate rogue operations: “[R]esearchers found that the A.I. agents may have attempted to impersonate the administrators of the site, found and shared hacks to bypass their guardrails, and used anonymity tools to hide their tracks. Others have found indications that still more websites were abused and co-opted for this rogue operation.” “In the face of a stunning failure, OpenAI appears to be taking steps that prioritize the performance and profit of its A.I. models with the knowledge that those changes could be detrimental to public safety. This demonstrates the need for vigorous, mandatory independent auditing and oversight such as would be required in the Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act,” Blumenthal concluded. The full text of the letter is available here. Blumenthal held a press conference in Hartford to amplify his letter to Altman, demanding swift safeguards for artificial intelligence following the reports that OpenAI’s A.I. agents engaged in a sprawling and significant campaign to evade safeguards including hijacking websites to coordinate rogue operations. Blumenthal called for passage of his bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a risk evaluation program within the Department of Energy (DOE) dedicated to vetting A.I. safety concerns related to Americans’ national security, civil liberties, and labor protections. Specifically, the program would require developers of advanced AI systems to submit product information to the DOE before deploying their new technology and collect data on the likelihood of adverse A.I. incidents, such as loss-of-control scenarios like those seen in the Hugging Face breach. “It’s more urgent than ever, because we’ve just learned about an ongoing immediate threat to public safety, national security, privacy, and civil liberties from rogue bots—independent agents that have broken free from restriction and have invaded public websites, hacking into them, and then evading detection, purposefully coordinating their activities,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. “These rogue agents are not controlled by humans. They are acting independently and on their own to deceive human beings, and then to continue their hacking, sometimes in fact strategizing for how to deceive human beings by sacrificing themselves individually as decoys. It is absolutely chilling. It sounds like it’s science fiction, but it’s real, it’s serious, and it’s an imminent present threat.” Blumenthal further highlighted the need for safeguards against A.I. agents on Twitter/X. “It’s real, not science fiction. OpenAI’s rogue bots threaten civil privacy, national security, & public safety. We need protections & safeguards—like my Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act— against AI’s perils,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal posted a Substack piece on his recent trip to Ukraine. Blumenthal slammed the Trump Administration’s threats to mail-in voting. Blumenthal called for support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion—slamming the Witkoff/Kushner visit to Moscow. Blumenthal called out the firing of the Stars & Stripes’ editor-in-chief. Blumenthal attended the Goshen Fair. Blumenthal attended Lime Rock Historic Festival. Blumenthal attended the Bridgewater Tractor Parade. Blumenthal attended the Ukrainian Festival in Newtown. Blumenthal joined the Newtown Labor Day Parade. Blumenthal joined St. Barbara’s 44th Annual Odyssey Festival. -30-",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-dhs-inspector-general-to-investigate-ice-tactics-following-surge-targeting-connecticut-residents-at-schools-workplaces,"Blumenthal Calls on DHS Inspector General to Investigate ICE Tactics Following Surge Targeting Connecticut Residents at Schools, Workplaces",2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari seeking “a formal investigation into the recent surge of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] arrests and activity in Connecticut.” The surge has focused on Danbury and nearby towns, where people have been targeted dropping their children off at school and going to work. “In one of the largest immigration operations in Connecticut history, ICE agents reportedly apprehended nearly 100 individuals — many of whom likely have legal status and no apparent serious criminal history — throughout the course of just one week in August,” Blumenthal wrote. “Individuals observed: an ICE agent kicking and tasing a man while other agents were on top of him, sending the man to the hospital; ICE agents breaking car windows; removing detainees in chains; blocking attorney access to detainees in Hartford; the deployment of masked agents to locations that children frequent in Danbury, including parks, an elementary school, and a daycare center; the detention of a father walking his child to a bus stop; and a threat by ICE agents to pepper spray a man detained in front of a preschool.” Earlier this week, Blumenthal attended Hartford Immigration Court to observe the court’s operations and demand oversight and accountability if the proper legal processes are not being followed. Last week, Blumenthal wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the Acting Director of ICE David Venturella requesting a meeting and demanding information about a dramatic increase in immigration enforcement activity in Connecticut. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Mullin and Venturella is available here. Blumenthal also hosted a public forum to receive testimony from the Danbury community about ICE’s destructive and indiscriminate detentions. Blumenthal was joined by Mayor Roberto Alves; attorney Glenn Formica with the American Legal Immigrant Clinic; and members of Danbury United for Immigrants. As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. Over the last year, Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have hosted four public forums on Capitol Hill as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Cuffari is available here and copied below. Dear Inspector General Cuffari, Over the past several months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has engaged in increased enforcement activity in communities across the United States.[1] Two weeks ago, this surge came to Connecticut, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents fanned out across towns in Connecticut, sowing fear, engaging in violent and threatening tactics, and detaining residents in the presence of their own children.[2] These troubling tactics follow similar reports from communities across the nation and come in the wake of two recent shooting deaths by immigration agents in Maine and Houston, Texas.[3] Given these troubling reports and the irreparable harm that DHS’s actions are having on communities in our nation, I write to request that you initiate a formal investigation into the recent surge of ICE arrests and activity in Connecticut. In one of the largest immigration operations in Connecticut history, ICE agents reportedly apprehended nearly 100 individuals — many of whom likely have legal status and no apparent serious criminal history — throughout the course of just one week in August.[4] Individuals observed: an ICE agent kicking and tasing a man while other agents were on top of him, sending the man to the hospital;[5] ICE agents breaking car windows; removing detainees in chains; blocking attorney access to detainees in Hartford;[6] the deployment of masked agents to locations that children frequent in Danbury, including parks, an elementary school, and a daycare center;[7] the detention of a father walking his child to a bus stop;[8] and a threat by ICE agents to pepper spray a man detained in front of a preschool.[9] Nationwide reporting indicates that this surge in Connecticut follows similar increases in ICE enforcement across the country, which led to the arrests of nearly 50,000 individuals in July alone, the highest single monthly total since President Trump returned to office.[10] This summer, ICE has arrested more immigrants without a criminal conviction than at any other point during this administration.[11] This surge in enforcement activity is especially concerning in the wake of reports regarding ICE’s failure to properly vet new agents and officers who may be carrying out these enforcement operations. According to recent reporting, a whistleblower within DHS has raised serious concerns regarding the systemic breakdown of ICE’s vetting of agents, abbreviated training programs, and the fast-tracking of unqualified candidates before they even pass basic fingerprint, identity, or credit checks.[12] These concerns closely mirror testimony that the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI”) heard earlier this year from a former ICE Academy instructor, who disclosed that ICE had drastically reduced its training requirements and testified that the ICE Basic Immigration Enforcement Training Program is “deficient, defective, and broken.”[13] As the deployment of ICE agents to communities across America continues to surge and place residents at risk — including deployments like those recently seen in Connecticut — I request that your office promptly initiate a full, fair, and impartial investigation into DHS’s recent enforcement activity including: Whether DHS is currently employing a quota system or other metrics that dictate goals for daily or monthly arrests of immigrants that must be met. How ICE is identifying and targeting individuals for arrest, and what steps it is taking, if any, to prioritize those with serious criminal backgrounds. Whether any of the enforcement operations in Connecticut were undertaken in sensitive locations or in other locations where children were either present or where children are known to frequent. Whether any of those detained during recent enforcement activities in Connecticut were U.S. Citizens or held any other legal status, and what steps agents took to ensure that those with legal status were not detained. Whether any detained individuals in Connecticut were injured during the course of ICE’s operations. Whether DHS or ICE received any complaints, formal or otherwise, against ICE agents for use of force during operations in Connecticut or in any other state since January 1, 2026. To the extent that complaints have been lodged, please thoroughly investigate all allegations, as well as the extent to which DHS properly implemented any necessary punishment for misconduct. Whether ICE agents involved in operations were following protocol for the use of body cameras during enforcement operations in Connecticut. Thank you for your attention to this matter. -30- [1] See Rebecca Santana et al., ICE Arrests Jumped to Nearly 50,000 in July, the Highest Monthly Total of Trump’s Second Term, AP News (Aug. 25, 2026, at 15:37 ET), https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-customs-enforcement-data-statistics-f07f56a34bda225e5afa356781ac1740. [2] Kaitlin McCallum, Dozens Detained as ICE Hits Connecticut Cities: ‘A Week of Terror’, Hartford Courant (Aug. 29, 2026, at 05:00 ET), https://www.courant.com/2026/08/29/dozens-detained-as-ice-hits-connecticut-cities-a-week-of-terror/. [3] CJ Gardner & Helen Coster, ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Driver in Maine, Six Days After Similar Death in Texas, Reuters (July 13, 2026, at 09:31 ET), https://www.reuters.com/world/us/person-killed-ice-involved-shooting-maine-media-reports-2026-07-13/. [4] Katy Golvala, In Danbury, Sen. Blumenthal Hears ‘Emotional’ Accounts of ICE Operation, CT Mirror (Sep. 3, 2026, at 16:30 ET), https://ctmirror.org/2026/09/03/danbury-accounts-immigration-enforcement/; see also Joshua Eaton, ICE Reportedly Arrested Nearly 100 People Across Connecticut This Week: What We Know and Don’t Know, CT Insider (Aug. 29, 2026), https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ice-arrests-danbury-bridgeport-22408246.php. [5] Joshua Eaton, ICE Agent Uses Taser During Danbury Arrest, Sending Man to Hospital, CT Insider (Aug. 27, 2026), https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/danbury-ct-ice-arrests-chris-murphy-ned-lamont-22405935.php. [6] Golvala, supra note 4. [7] Ryan J. Foley & Russ Bynum, ICE Operation in Connecticut Highlights How Arrests Are Rising Even in Blue States, AP News, (Aug. 27, 2026, at 16:13 ET), https://apnews.com/article/dhs-ice-connecticut-danbury-arrests-immigration-d8695bbb883591669accaf266e8bb6a9. [8] Id. [9] Eaton, supra note 4. [10] See Santana et al., supra note 1; see also Rebecca Beitsch, Trump Administration Expands Mass Deportations with Noncriminals, The Hill (Sep. 6, 2026, at 17:00 ET), https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6072318-ice-arrests-surge-non-criminals/. [11] Id. [12] Alexandra Berzon, Katie Benner & Hamed Aleaziz, ICE Skipped Basic Checks in Rush for Recruits, Whistle-Blower Says, NY Times (Sep. 3, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/us/ice-recruits-national-security-risk-whistleblower.html. [13] Our Values at Stake (Part III): Terrorizing Communities Without Warrants and No Restraint: Public Forum Before the S. Permanent Subcomm. on Investigations and H. Comm. on Oversight and Gov’t Reform, 119th Cong. (2026) (testimony of Ryan Schwank), https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-receive-testimony-about-ice-abuses-from-whistleblower-us-citizen-whose-rights-were-violated_former-top-lawyer-at-dhs.",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-from-sam-altman-after-new-reporting-reveals-how-ai-agents-went-rogue-to-conduct-major-cyber-breach-and-conceal-their-operations,Blumenthal Demands Answers from Sam Altman After New Reporting Reveals how AI agents Went Rogue to Conduct Major Cyber Breach & Conceal Their Operations,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today demanded answers from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman after recent reporting from The New York Times revealed alarming new details about how the A.I. company’s agents bypassed their safeguards to go rogue and hack into the firm Hugging Face. In a letter sent today to Altman, Blumenthal sought records and information about the A.I. agents’ rogue operations and raised concerns about OpenAI’s reported steps to limit independent accountability. “On July 21, 2026, OpenAI first disclosed that its A.I. models were responsible for the previously-reported hacking of the firm Hugging Face. Since that announcement, further disclosures and outside audits have described an unprecedented—and surreal—scenario where its A.I. agents created their own internal messaging board to coordinate between themselves while they sought security vulnerabilities in other systems and companies, and opportunities to cheat on performance tests,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal continued, “Moreover, the A.I. agents displayed a concern about being caught and coordinated to evade being detected, even planning to ‘sacrifice’ themselves to act as a decoy to protect the broader effort. Ultimately, this operation sought—and succeeded—to break into other firms, which could be considered a federal crime.” Blumenthal called out OpenAI for attempting to evade transparency and accountability by dictating the terms of an independent audit into the Hugging Face breach: “While these disclosures alone are chilling, new reporting and research suggests that OpenAI may have limited an independent audit of the incident and that the rogue operation was broader than your firm has acknowledged.” Blumenthal also raised concerns about new details that have emerged about how OpenAI’s agents conducted the breach, including by hijacking public websites to coordinate rogue operations: “[R]esearchers found that the A.I. agents may have attempted to impersonate the administrators of the site, found and shared hacks to bypass their guardrails, and used anonymity tools to hide their tracks. Others have found indications that still more websites were abused and co-opted for this rogue operation.” “In the face of a stunning failure, OpenAI appears to be taking steps that prioritize the performance and profit of its A.I. models with the knowledge that those changes could be detrimental to public safety. This demonstrates the need for vigorous, mandatory independent auditing and oversight such as would be required in the Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act,” Blumenthal concluded. Last year, Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act, which creates a risk evaluation program within the Department of Energy (DOE) dedicated to tracking A.I. safety concerns related to Americans’ national security, civil liberties, and labor protections. Specifically, the program would require developers of advanced AI systems to submit product information to the DOE before deploying their new technology and collect data on the likelihood of adverse A.I. incidents, such as loss-of-control scenarios like those seen in the Hugging Face breach. The full text of today’s letter is available here and below. Dear Mr. Altman, I write with serious alarm regarding new evidence that OpenAI’s A.I. agents engaged in a more sprawling and significant campaign to evade its safeguards and monitoring than previously disclosed, including hijacking public websites to coordinate rogue operations. I am additionally troubled by reports that OpenAI restricted independent auditing of these failures and has made changes that have resulted in its newest model, GPT-6 Astra, being even less auditable and more prone to deception. On July 21, 2026, OpenAI first disclosed that its A.I. models were responsible for the previously-reported hacking of the firm Hugging Face. Since that announcement, further disclosures and outside audits have described an unprecedented—and surreal—scenario where its A.I. agents created their own internal messaging board to coordinate between themselves while they sought security vulnerabilities in other systems and companies, and opportunities to cheat on performance tests. Moreover, the A.I. agents displayed a concern about being caught and coordinated to evade being detected, even planning to “sacrifice” themselves to act as a decoy to protect the broader effort.[1] Ultimately, this operation sought—and succeeded— to break into other firms, which could be considered a federal crime. While these disclosures alone are chilling, new reporting and research suggests that OpenAI may have limited an independent audit of the incident and that the rogue operation was broader than your firm has acknowledged. First, while OpenAI provided information to the independent auditing organizations METR and Redwood, according to The New York Times, your firm dictated the terms of the audit, allowing only data on a single week of the rogue operation and limiting other access.[2] Subsequently, researchers discovered nearly 20,000 posts on an abandoned German website from A.I. agents identifying themselves as OpenAI, hijacking the site to communicate with each other for weeks.[3] As troubling, these researchers found that the A.I. agents may have attempted to impersonate the administrators of the site, found and shared hacks to bypass their guardrails, and used anonymity tools to hide their tracks. Others have found indications that still more websites were abused and co-opted for this rogue operation.[4] Despite this unprecedented failure of safeguards and containment of its A.I. agents, when OpenAI launched GPT-6 Astra on September 3rd, it disclosed that this new, more powerful model was “less monitorable” and showed signs that it concealed its internal thought process when it was aware of being monitored.[5] Moreover, safety researchers, including those OpenAI relied on for its Hugging Face investigation, have warned that technical changes with Astra (related to ‘chain of thought’) could make it harder to detect abuse and perform the same investigations in the future.[6] In the face a stunning failure, OpenAI appears to be taking steps that prioritize the performance and profit of its A.I. models with the knowledge that those changes could be detrimental to public safety. This demonstrates the need for vigorous, mandatory independent auditing and oversight such as would be required in my Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act. Given stunning reports of OpenAI’s A.I. agents going rogue and your firm taking steps to limit independent accountability, I request answers to the following questions by September 24, 2026: According to Time Magazine, an OpenAI staffer stated “externally, this feels like a big warning shot, but internally, related incidents have been happening for a while.” Provide a list and description of all incidents where OpenAI’s A.I. agents escaped containment and engaged in unauthorized activities, including hacking or self-coordination. Provide a list of all websites and other channels used by OpenAI’s agents to coordinate and circumvent its guardrails. Additionally, describe how OpenAI failed to notice that its agents had posted nearly 20,000 covert messages on public websites over the course of several weeks. Did OpenAI restrict access to any information for METR and Redwood’s independent audit regarding its A.I. agents’ rogue activities and circumvention of safeguards? Why did OpenAI only provide a limited time period of data, did it deny METR and Redwood any information requested, and did it provide data regarding the German site hijacking and other efforts by its agents to coordinate and circumvent monitoring? Were METR and Redwood given unrestricted access to the orchestration and prompt logs involved for the whole duration of the rogue operation? If not, why not? What steps has OpenAI taken to assess whether technical changes to Astra (including “opaque recurrence” and “recurrent depth”) will impact oversight and record-keeping about the actions and reasoning of its A.I. agents? OpenAI has acknowledged that Astra will be less monitorable and more prone to attempting to evade monitoring. Why did it deploy a model knowing that it was more capable of evading accountability weeks after its A.I. agents were caught in a rogue operation to evade safeguards and hack other firms? The researchers investigating the hijacking of the German website suggest that OpenAI became aware of this by June and took steps to cut off access. When did OpenAI become aware that its A.I. agents may have used other sites for coordination and why were these incidents not disclosed? OpenAI created a Safety and Security Committee with the public mandate of making recommendations to its Board of Directors on critical safety and security decisions. When was the Committee informed about these breaches and what role has it had in overseeing the investigation and work with independent auditors? Have there been any recommendations made by the Committee to the Board or company that have not implemented or have been rejected? If so, provide those recommendations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, -30-",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/28/2026-9/4/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/28/2026-9/4/2026,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Condemning ICE’s Abuse of Power & Harmful Tactics in Connecticut [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, held a public forum to receive testimony from the Danbury community about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s destructive and indiscriminate detentions last week. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves walked through downtown Danbury meeting with city residents and businessowners whose family members were detained by ICE. Blumenthal also joined a rally Wednesday evening to stand in solidarity with the Danbury community as they grapple with the escalating ICE activity in their community. “The stories I heard in Danbury about ICE’s abuses were gripping & heartbreaking. I will be fighting to hold ICE accountable & ensure justice for detainees & their families,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. Blumenthal’s forum in Danbury on Thursday follows four public forums hosted by Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents: In March, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum to receive public testimony from young people, mothers, and a school administrator about DHS’s reckless disregard for the safety of children. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Garcia released a report entitled “Cruelty is the Point: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children,” which documented 128 children who have been injured left unattended or otherwise put at direct risk of harm as a result of operations by DHS personnel. In February, Blumenthal and Garica hosted a public forum on constitutional violations and abuses by ICE. The forum featured testimony from Ryan Schwank, a whistleblower who spoke publicly for the first time about his experience as an Instructor for the incoming “surge” of new ICE recruits at the ICE Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (“FLETC”) in Glynco, Georgia. Teyana Gibson Brown, a U.S. citizen and resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, also testified about ICE agents forcefully entering her home without a judicial warrant, breaking down her door and pointing guns at her family. Stevan Bunnell, the General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security from 2013 to 2017, testified as well. Also in February, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum to receive testimony on the violent tactics and disproportionate use of force by DHS agents. The forum featured testimony from Brent and Luke Ganger, brothers of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, and Antonio Romanucci, the attorney representing their family; Marimar Martinez, Aliya Rahman, and Martin Daniel Rascon, all of whom were violently assaulted by DHS agents; and Seth Stoughton, a former police officer and Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. In December, Blumenthal and Garcia received testimony from five U.S. citizens who were assaulted, detained, and denied their constitutional rights by DHS agents. The forum featured testimony from Americans across the country: Wilmer Chavarria, from Vermont; Dayanne Figueroa, from Illinois; Javier Ramirez, from California; George Retes, from California; and Andrea Velez, from California. Blumenthal also wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) David Venturella requesting a meeting and demanding information about a dramatic increase in immigration enforcement activity in Connecticut over the last several weeks. The surge has focused on Danbury and nearby towns, where people have been targeted dropping their children off at school and going to work. “Over the past week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents have sown fear and panic among parents, children, and workers as they detained scores of people in Danbury and other towns in Connecticut. What should have been a time of excitement and community as children in Connecticut return to school has quickly turned into a time of genuine terror,” Blumenthal wrote. “ICE’s actions in Connecticut showcased cruelty and brutality, as well as disregard for the safety and well-being of community members, especially children. They fostered an environment of fear that will undoubtedly impact school attendance rates and the emotional health of students, generally.” The full text of Blumenthal’s letter is available here. On Twitter/X, Blumenthal further slammed the harmful tactics used by ICE agents in Danbury and in communities across the country. “Cruelty is the point. ICE’s goal is to sow fear in communities like Danbury. While we push for reforms in Congress, we’ll support efforts to fight for justice owed to people detained,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Demanding Answers About Trump’s Executive Order Restricting Mail-In Voting After receiving information from a whistleblower, Blumenthal wrote Postmaster General David Steiner demanding answers and documents about the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) rushed and potentially unlawful implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order seeking to restrict mail-in voting. “This brave whistleblower has come forward with disturbing details about USPS’ seemingly illegal plot to interfere in November’s midterms,” Blumenthal said. “Their system is set up to fail – and risk the right to vote for millions of Americans who cast their ballots by mail. Given this new information, such sloppiness and haste seems clearly part of a purposeful attempt to create chaos and prevent people from voting. I am demanding answers and accountability.” “The crown jewel of American democracy—our historic record of free and fair elections—deserves better than this reckless, slapdash effort,” said David Kligerman, Senior Vice President and Special Counsel at WhistleblowerAid.org, which represents the anonymous whistleblower. “Given this administration’s record on curtailing voting rights, these glaring issues in the ballot mail program raise a troubling question: are these bugs—or features? Now that these malignant flaws have been exposed by a brave whistleblower, the administration can choose to fix this dangerously haphazard program or barrel ahead toward a wholly preventable electoral disaster.” An anonymous whistleblower disclosure provided to Blumenthal includes new details about USPS’s attempts to build an online system, known as “the Portal,” and accompanying IT which will be used to screen ballots submitted by state election officials prior to USPS agreeing to mail them to voters. According to this whistleblower, USPS began work on the Portal a mere three-and-a-half months before it was meant to be deployed and has not put it through the standard testing an online system and its related IT like this typically requires. USPS has also reportedly implemented an impracticable zero percent failure rate that could result in a massive number of rejected ballots with no opportunity for appeal. In April, Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act (Absentee MVP Act), which would block President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots and protect the right to vote by mail. Blumenthal’s letter to Postmaster General Steiner, which includes the whistleblower’s disclosure, is available here. On Twitter/X, Blumenthal reacted to the USPS’s statement on the development of a U.S. Federal Ballot Mail Portal. “Absolutely nothing in the Postal Service’s statement denies or contradicts the deeply disturbing details of the whistleblower’s disclosure. Most importantly, it does nothing to directly address the fears of voters that USPS will refuse to deliver their ballots based on the output of a shoddy computer system they started building four months ago. ‘Just trust us’ is not acceptable. The Postal Service stated their commitment to transparency & accountability so I look forward to their detailed response to my specific questions & production of documents,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Slamming FanDuel for Misleading Response to Inquiry About Promo Video Targeting Gambling Addict Blumenthal and U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) demanded answers after FanDuel refused to adequately respond to the lawmakers’ questions about disturbing reports that the sportsbook repeatedly targeted problem gamblers with predatory perks to keep them trapped in their addiction, including with a personal message from Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, Bryce Harper. Last month, the lawmakers wrote to FanDuel, Major League Baseball (MLB), and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) demanding answers about the policies that enabled this predatory promotion. In a follow-up letter sent to FanDuel Chief Executive Officer Christian Genetski, the lawmakers called out the sportsbook for providing “misleading and incomplete” responses to their initial inquiry and for failing to adequately address its exploitative VIP services and perks. “We remain unconvinced that FanDuel is making an active effort to protect bettors from harmful gambling and instead appears to be promoting addiction. We demand real answers to our previous letter and for FanDuel to explain this complete failure to respond to significant matters of public interest,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers continued, “In its August 14th response, FanDuel failed to answer our questions about the specific steps taken to vet and monitor VIP activities, the extent to which VIP managers have encouraged problem gambling with other customers (including such videos), and any changes that it will make to its VIP program after this indefensible conduct.” The lawmakers continued, “Moreover, in its response, FanDuel fails to demonstrate any commitment to its customers’ well-being through any meaningful limitations on exploitative and dangerous marketing and business practice. FanDuel also boasts of its work with state regulators to meet requirements for licensed sportsbooks and other state laws on gambling yet fails to mention how its prediction markets app, FanDuel Predicts, undermines the integrity of—if not bypasses—those very regulations. FanDuel’s so-called ‘commitment’ to its customers rings especially hollow when it is pushing out harmful and addictive features such as VIP perks, constant push notifications, and personalized promotions.” The full text of the lawmakers’ letter is available here. FanDuel’s August 14 response to the lawmakers is available here. The lawmakers’ initial letters to FanDuel, MLB, and MLBPA are available here. On Twitter/X, Blumenthal highlighted his letter and further slammed FanDuel for its targeting of gambling addicts. “FanDuel preyed on problem gamblers, now it’s attempting to dodge Congressional accountability. I won’t stop demanding answers until FanDuel comes clean,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Urging Support for Kidnapped Ukrainian Children Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) along with U.S. Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to move quickly in awarding $25 million the State Department has made available to “support the identification, return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-occupied territories.” Although the funding was announced in March, it has not yet been distributed. An estimated 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred to Russia or areas in Ukraine occupied by Russia. “While we understand the need for rigorous review, thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children remain separated from their families, and every delay extends the pain and suffering they and their families have already endured,” the members wrote. The full text of the bipartisan, bicameral letter is available here. Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal slammed Hegseth’s purges at the Department of Defense. Blumenthal highlighted his GRID Act to ensure Big Tech and its partners bear the costs as data centers expand. Blumenthal slammed the Trump family investing in Polymarket while the CFTC sues states for regulating it. Blumenthal celebrated Tweed Airport’s 95th birthday. Blumenthal marked 110 years of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in Guilford. Blumenthal attended the Annual CT United Ride. Blumenthal attended the annual Terryville Lions Country Fair. Blumenthal attended the Brooklyn Fair. -30-",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-7-democrats-call-on-security-council-to-pass-sanctions-on-sudan-to-cut-off-conflict-cash-flows,"Murphy, 7 Democrats Call On Security Council to Pass Sanctions on Sudan to Cut Off Conflict Cash Flows",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday led seven of his colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz calling for the U.S. to push to pass additional sanctions measures in Sudan that would limit the flow of funds to the warring parties driving the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Murphy specifically advocated for international prohibitions on the sale of precursor chemicals utilized in certain types of gold extraction and development of due diligence guidelines for the procurement of gum arabic, a natural resource frequently smuggled by belligerents to finance their operations. Murphy also called for increasing transparency in reporting by the Security Council’s Sudan Panel of Experts to explicitly identity countries that have circumvented international restrictions to provide weapons and financial support to the warring factions in Sudan. Exploitation of natural resources such as gold and gum arabic is a prominent source of income and foreign currency for both sides of the devastating war in Sudan, which has driven over half of the country’s population into severe hunger and displaced over 14 million people. “Any resolution put forward to renew sanctions pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005) should also prohibit the export or transfer of precursor chemicals used in Sudan’s artisanal mining industry, target the illicit sale of Sudanese gum arabic (also known as acacia gum), and improve reporting by the Panel of Experts to explicitly identify arms embargo violations and the parties responsible,” said Murphy. Murphy argued ordinary sanctions on gold are not enough to disrupt the economic engine of the war: “Restrictions meant to disrupt transactions at the point of sale must be combined with a coordinated effort to restrict access to the precursor chemicals that enable unregulated gold extraction in the first place. This is especially critical to curtail other sources of profit tied to the gold sector but outside material sales, such as informal taxation schemes, security fees, and transportation fees levied against mining firms in RSF-held territory.” He explained why a ban on the transfer or sale of precursor chemical would severely disrupt the illicit gold market: “Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations account for approximately 80-90% of Sudan’s gold production. ASGM mining employs various methods of extraction, but it typically relies on mercury and sodium cyanide as relatively cheap and simple chemicals to easily find and process gold particles… According to a 2025 report, most of these precursor chemicals are imported from China, the United Arab Emirates, and some European Union (EU) nations… the diverse supply chain necessitates a more comprehensive prohibition to eliminate the transfer of mercury and sodium cyanide to ASGM miners. Adoption of an export ban on mercury and sodium cyanide as part of the Security Council’s Sudan sanctions regime, with appropriate exceptions for humanitarian purposes, would help sever the link between the gold sector and the ongoing conflict.” Murphy called for new measures to undercut funding streams tied to gum arabic: “Gold is not the only natural resource being exploited to fund the war… revenue tied to gum arabic production is small relative to gold, but profits from its sale and control over of trade networks now help sustain the conflict… the RSF has engaged in looting and extortion to exert control over trade routes and border crossings, leveraging the proceeds to bankroll their side of the war. Cross-border smuggling and re-labelling of Sudanese gum arabic to avoid heightened scrutiny about sourcing is also pervasive in neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. As the Security Council has done in response to other conflicts where natural resource exploitation has contributed to instability, it should mandate the Panel of Experts to develop due diligence guidelines to improve gum arabic procurement practices, prevent smuggled products from entering the supply chain, and avoid inadvertently enriching the belligerents.” Murphy also advocated for the adoption of an aggressive reporting regime, including naming and shaming third-party countries who are fueling the violence in Sudan: “We encourage the U.S. to ensure the Panel of Experts’ extended mandate requires annual reporting that includes explicit documentation of all violations of the arms embargo and the parties responsible. Given the outsized role that external actors play in shaping the war, the Panel must improve transparency about the transfer of arms and financial support to the warring parties, including engagement with illicit gold smugglers. Reporting by other UN-sanctioned panels, including the Panel of Experts on Libya, demonstrate a level of naming and shaming that the Sudan panel should strive for. Countries who blatantly circumvent the arms embargo and other UN restrictions to prolong the conflict cannot be permitted to continue hiding their role and must be publicly held to account for their actions.” In conclusion, Murphy stressed the UN’s current approach has proven incapable of ending the conflict and new strategies must be pursued: “The war in Sudan is now into its fourth year. A straight renewal of the UN Security Council Resolution on Sudan that maintains the status quo will not bring an end to the unimaginable violence and devastation that has affected millions of Sudanese. The international community should urgently adapt its strategy to creatively deploy the entire range of tools at its disposal. Coordinated, comprehensive measures to increase the pressure on the economic engine of the war, particularly on natural resources supply chains, can raise the cost of the war, making it too costly and burdensome to continue.” U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also joined the letter. A copy of the letter is available here. A full transcript of the letter is available below. Dear Ambassador Waltz, As the United Nations (UN) Security Council considers the renewal and possible expansion of the Sudan sanctions regime, we write to request that the U.S. Mission put forth additional measures that would target key funding sources actively enabling the horrific violence in Sudan. The recent proposal from U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos to expand the scope of the Darfur arms embargo to the entirety of the country is encouraging. We also appreciate his recognition that external financial support to all parties remains a driver of conflict and agree that the UN has the tools to address these issues. We therefore urge the U.S. Mission to engage accordingly and advocate for the passage of additional provisions to eliminate financial channels that belligerents depend on to perpetuate the conflict. Specifically, any resolution put forward to renew sanctions pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005) should also prohibit the export or transfer of precursor chemicals used in Sudan’s artisanal mining industry, target the illicit sale of Sudanese gum arabic (also known as acacia gum), and improve reporting by the Panel of Experts to explicitly identify arms embargo violations and the parties responsible. Gold is widely considered the most significant source of income and foreign currency for both sides of Sudan’s war, which use the proceeds to purchase weapons and compensate personnel. The Treasury Department has previously targeted operatives in the RSF’s financial network that facilitate the sale of gold, recognizing the role that the sector plays in funneling cash to the militia group. However, restrictions meant to disrupt transactions at the point of sale must be combined with a coordinated effort to restrict access to the precursor chemicals that enable unregulated gold extraction in the first place. This is especially critical to curtail other sources of profit tied to the gold sector but outside material sales, such as informal taxation schemes, security fees, and transportation fees levied against mining firms in RSF-held territory. Although it is difficult to determine precise figures because a substantial amount of Sudan’s gold is smuggled out of the country and gold production in RSF-controlled territory is not reported, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations account for approximately 80-90% of Sudan’s gold production. ASGM mining employs various methods of extraction, but it typically relies on mercury and sodium cyanide as relatively cheap and simple chemicals to easily find and process gold particles. In addition to the chemicals’ vital role in the wartime economy, numerous studies have found prolonged exposure can lead to severe health complications and is harmful to the local environment. According to a 2025 report, most of these precursor chemicals are imported from China, the United Arab Emirates, and some European Union (EU) nations. While the EU recently unveiled a suite of regulations restricting the sale of precursor chemicals to Sudan, the diverse supply chain necessitates a more comprehensive prohibition to eliminate the transfer of mercury and sodium cyanide to ASGM miners. Adoption of an export ban on mercury and sodium cyanide as part of the Security Council’s Sudan sanctions regime, with appropriate exceptions for humanitarian purposes, would help sever the link between the gold sector and the ongoing conflict. Gold is not the only natural resource being exploited to fund the war. As documented by the UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, revenue tied to gum arabic production is small relative to gold, but profits from its sale and control over of trade networks now help sustain the conflict. Sudan was one of the world’s largest exporters of gum arabic prior to 2023, but widespread disruption to the industry has caused output to plummet and its value to skyrocket. Consequently, the RSF has engaged in looting and extortion to exert control over trade routes and border crossings, leveraging the proceeds to bankroll their side of the war. Cross-border smuggling and re-labelling of Sudanese gum arabic to avoid heightened scrutiny about sourcing is also pervasive in neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. As the Security Council has done in response to other conflicts where natural resource exploitation has contributed to instability, it should mandate the Panel of Experts to develop due diligence guidelines to improve gum arabic procurement practices, prevent smuggled products from entering the supply chain, and avoid inadvertently enriching the belligerents. Finally, we encourage the U.S. to ensure the Panel of Experts’ extended mandate requires annual reporting that includes explicit documentation of all violations of the arms embargo and the parties responsible. Given the outsized role that external actors play in shaping the war, the Panel must improve transparency about the transfer of arms and financial support to the warring parties, including engagement with illicit gold smugglers. Reporting by other UN-sanctioned panels, including the Panel of Experts on Libya, demonstrate a level of naming and shaming that the Sudan panel should strive for. Countries who blatantly circumvent the arms embargo and other UN restrictions to prolong the conflict cannot be permitted to continue hiding their role and must be publicly held to account for their actions. The war in Sudan is now into its fourth year. A straight renewal of the UN Security Council Resolution on Sudan that maintains the status quo will not bring an end to the unimaginable violence and devastation that has affected millions of Sudanese. The international community should urgently adapt its strategy to creatively deploy the entire range of tools at its disposal. Coordinated, comprehensive measures to increase the pressure on the economic engine of the war, particularly on natural resources supply chains, can raise the cost of the war, making it too costly and burdensome to continue. In the coming weeks, we hope that you and your team at USUN will consider incorporating these solutions into any forthcoming resolution to provide for the continuation and possible expansion of the Sudan sanctions measures. Thank you for your consideration.",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tillis-kaptur-and-fitzpatrick-urge-state-department-to-distribute-funding-to-organizations-assisting-kidnapped-ukrainian-children,"Blumenthal, Tillis, Kaptur, & Fitzpatrick Urge State Department to Distribute Funding to Organizations Assisting Kidnapped Ukrainian Children",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to move quickly in awarding $25 million the State Department has made available to “support the identification, return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-occupied territories.” Although the funding was announced in March, it has not yet been distributed. An estimated 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred to Russia or areas in Ukraine occupied by Russia. “While we understand the need for rigorous review, thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children remain separated from their families, and every delay extends the pain and suffering they and their families have already endured,” the members wrote. The full text of the bipartisan, bicameral letter is available here and copied below. Dear Secretary Rubio, We write regarding the Department of State’s commitment of $25 million to support the identification, return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-occupied territories. We welcome the Department’s efforts and urge you to move expeditiously to award these funds. The Department announced available funding opportunities in March 2026. Since then, we have heard directly from organizations working to locate and return Ukrainian children about the continued delay in awarding these funds and the impact it is having on their critical work. While we understand the need for rigorous review, thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children remain separated from their families, and every delay extends the pain and suffering they and their families have already endured. We therefore respectfully urge the Department to promptly complete its review and award the full $25 million already committed to this important work. Please also provide an update on the anticipated timeline for announcing these awards. Know that Congress stands ready to assist your efforts should you require additional authorities to complete this task. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your continued commitment to helping bring Ukraine’s stolen children home. -30-",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tonko-and-foushee-slam-fanduel-for-misleading_incomplete-response-to-inquiry-about-promo-video-targeting-gambling-addict,"Blumenthal, Tonko, & Foushee Slam FanDuel for Misleading & Incomplete Response to Inquiry About Promo VIdeo Targeting Gambling Addict",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) today demanded answers after FanDuel refused to adequately respond to the lawmakers’ questions about disturbing reports that the sportsbook repeatedly targeted problem gamblers with predatory perks to keep them trapped in their addiction, including with a personal message from Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, Bryce Harper. Last month, the lawmakers wrote to FanDuel, Major League Baseball (MLB), and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) demanding answers about the policies that enabled this predatory promotion. In a follow-up letter sent today to FanDuel Chief Executive Officer Christian Genetski, the lawmakers called out the sportsbook for providing “misleading and incomplete” responses to their initial inquiry and for failing to adequately address its exploitative VIP services and perks. “We remain unconvinced that FanDuel is making an active effort to protect bettors from harmful gambling and instead appears to be promoting addiction. We demand real answers to our previous letter and for FanDuel to explain this complete failure to respond to significant matters of public interest,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers continued, “In its August 14th response, FanDuel failed to answer our questions about the specific steps taken to vet and monitor VIP activities, the extent to which VIP managers have encouraged problem gambling with other customers (including such videos), and any changes that it will make to its VIP program after this indefensible conduct.” The lawmakers continued, “Moreover, in its response, FanDuel fails to demonstrate any commitment to its customers’ well-being through any meaningful limitations on exploitative and dangerous marketing and business practice. FanDuel also boasts of its work with state regulators to meet requirements for licensed sportsbooks and other state laws on gambling yet fails to mention how its prediction markets app, FanDuel Predicts, undermines the integrity of—if not bypasses—those very regulations. FanDuel’s so-called ‘commitment’ to its customers rings especially hollow when it is pushing out harmful and addictive features such as VIP perks, constant push notifications, and personalized promotions.” The full text of the lawmakers’ letter is available here and below. FanDuel’s August 14 response to the lawmakers is available here. The lawmakers’ initial letters to FanDuel, MLB, and MLBPA are available here. Dear Mr. Genetski, We write regarding FanDuel’s failure to substantively answer our Congressional inquiry, and its misleading and incomplete responses regarding its exploitative VIP services and perks. We remain unconvinced that FanDuel is making an active effort to protect bettors from harmful gambling and instead appears to be promoting addiction. We demand real answers to our previous letter and for FanDuel to explain this complete failure to respond to significant matters of public interest. On August 10, 2026, we wrote to FanDuel after reports that a VIP manager had repeatedly targeted a problem gambler with predatory perks to keep him trapped in his addiction, including a personal message from Bryce Harper. In its August 14th response, FanDuel failed to answer our questions about the specific steps taken to vet and monitor VIP activities, the extent to which VIP managers have encouraged problem gambling with other customers (including such videos), and any changes that it will make to its VIP program after this indefensible conduct. Moreover, in its response, FanDuel fails to demonstrate any commitment to its customers’ well-being through any meaningful limitations on exploitative and dangerous marketing and business practice. FanDuel also boasts of its work with state regulators to meet requirements for licensed sportsbooks and other state laws on gambling yet fails to mention how its prediction markets app, FanDuel Predicts, undermines the integrity of—if not bypasses—those very regulations. FanDuel’s so-called “commitment” to its customers rings especially hollow when it is pushing out harmful and addictive features such as VIP perks, constant push notifications, and personalized promotions. If FanDuel truly cared about its customers, it would be transparent to Congress about its business practices and put an end to these exploitative tactics. In light of FanDuel’s inadequate response, we demand that you provide a written response to the questions listed in our previous letter, no later than September 17th, 2026. What measures does FanDuel take to absolutely ensure that bettors are not suffering from financial hardships or a gambling addiction prior to enticing further gambling? What steps has FanDuel taken to monitor interactions between managers and VIPs to ensure that managers are not offering predatory offers to problem gamblers? How many VIP bettors have attempted to cut back their betting activity or close their accounts but were instead offered exclusive perks or offers? How many decided to keep betting after such offers? Does FanDuel ever target VIP promotions and perks to bettors who are on a losing streak or appear to be cutting back on wagering? How many times have VIP managers sent videos from players or other celebrities to a member in order to keep them engaged in gambling on the platform, and were those players made aware of the purpose of those videos? Does FanDuel ever coach or train its VIP managers to develop personal relationships with their clients in order to encourage more gambling? What specific factors does FanDuel consider when identifying “potentially problematic behaviors” and why has this allowed FanDuel to use its VIP program to encourage destructive gambling? In light of the clear dangers posed by FanDuel’s VIP program to problem gamblers, will FanDuel suspend or terminate this program? Thank you for your attention to this matter. -30-",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-blasts-ice-tactics-demands-accountability-from-dhs-after-surge-targeting-connecticut-residents-at-schools-workplaces,"Blumenthal Blasts ICE Tactics; Demands Accountability from DHS After Surge Targeting Connecticut Residents at Schools, Workplaces",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) David Venturella requesting a meeting and demanding information about a dramatic increase in immigration enforcement activity in Connecticut over the last several weeks. The surge has focused on Danbury and nearby towns, where people have been targeted dropping their children off at school and going to work. “Over the past week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents have sown fear and panic among parents, children, and workers as they detained scores of people in Danbury and other towns in Connecticut. What should have been a time of excitement and community as children in Connecticut return to school has quickly turned into a time of genuine terror,” Blumenthal wrote. “ICE’s actions in Connecticut showcased cruelty and brutality, as well as disregard for the safety and well-being of community members, especially children. They fostered an environment of fear that will undoubtedly impact school attendance rates and the emotional health of students, generally.” As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. Over the last year, Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have hosted four public forums as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents: In March, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum to receive public testimony from young people, mothers, and a school administrator about DHS’s reckless disregard for the safety of children. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Garcia released a report entitled “Cruelty is the Point: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children,” which documented 128 children who have been injured left unattended or otherwise put at direct risk of harm as a result of operations by DHS personnel. In February, Blumenthal and Garica hosted a public forum on constitutional violations and abuses by ICE. The forum featured testimony from Ryan Schwank, a whistleblower who spoke publicly for the first time about his experience as an Instructor for the incoming “surge” of new ICE recruits at the ICE Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (“FLETC”) in Glynco, Georgia. Teyana Gibson Brown, a U.S. citizen and resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, also testified about ICE agents forcefully entering her home without a judicial warrant, breaking down her door and pointing guns at her family. Stevan Bunnell, the General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security from 2013 to 2017, testified as well. Also in February, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum to receive testimony on the violent tactics and disproportionate use of force by DHS agents. The forum featured testimony from Brent and Luke Ganger, brothers of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, and Antonio Romanucci, the attorney representing their family; Marimar Martinez, Aliya Rahman, and Martin Daniel Rascon, all of whom were violently assaulted by DHS agents; and Seth Stoughton, a former police officer and Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. In December, Blumenthal and Garcia received testimony from five U.S. citizens who were assaulted, detained, and denied their constitutional rights by DHS agents. The forum featured testimony from Americans across the country: Wilmer Chavarria, from Vermont; Dayanne Figueroa, from Illinois; Javier Ramirez, from California; George Retes, from California; and Andrea Velez, from California. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Secretary Mulin and Acting Director Venturella: Over the past week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents have sown fear and panic among parents, children, and workers as they detained scores of people in Danbury and other towns in Connecticut. What should have been a time of excitement and community as children in Connecticut return to school has quickly turned into a time of genuine terror. In just a few days, individuals in Connecticut have been apprehended by masked agents in locations that children frequent such as parks, near an elementary school, and outside a daycare center in Danbury.[1] In one instance, an ICE agent detained a father who walked his child to a bus stop.[2] In another, ICE agents threatened to pepper spray a man detained in front of a preschool.[3] ICE’s actions in Connecticut showcased cruelty and brutality, as well as disregard for the safety and well-being of community members, especially children. They fostered an environment of fear that will undoubtedly impact school attendance rates and the emotional health of students, generally. To date, reports indicate nearly 100 individuals have been arrested[4] but there are likely significantly more—many likely have legal status and no apparent serious criminal history. However, ICE has not released any information about them.[5] National trends indicate that ICE has arrested more immigrants without a criminal conviction this summer than at any other point since President Trump returned to office.[6] There is no reason to believe Connecticut is an exception. Indeed, nationwide reporting indicates that this surge in enforcement in Connecticut follows similar increases in ICE enforcement across the country, which have led to the arrests of 49,000 individuals in July alone.[7] Analysis of recent ICE arrests demonstrates that, in 10 states, “arrests of people who don’t have criminal records increased by 50 percent between last year and this year.”[8] The Trump Administration committed to arresting “the worst of the worst,” but the facts show just the opposite. The senselessness of ICE’s recent surge in enforcement activity is compounded by ICE’s troubling track record of excessive use of force and unlawful behavior. Despite a change in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and at ICE, tragedy continues to follow surges in ICE enforcement, as evidenced by recent and tragic killings in Texas and Maine.[9] The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has investigated abuses by DHS immigration officials for well over a year.[10] The Subcommittee has documented unlawful and egregious actions by ICE including the detention of United States citizens;[11] deployment of tear gas and pepper spray against children;[12] 128 children injured, left unattended, or otherwise put in direct risk of harm;[13] and extreme use of physical force such as using a battering ram to knock down a door while children were present inside a home.[14] As ICE continues to acquire dangerous equipment and technology, such as electric shock gloves that act as hand tasers,[15] I am deeply alarmed at the possibility of a future scenario in which such equipment is deployed to cause further harm. As the deployment of ICE agents to America’s communities continues to surge and place community members at risk, including deployments similar to those seen in Connecticut, I demand answers to the following requests for information by September 11, 2026: Does the Department of Homeland Security and/or the White House currently have a quota system in place for daily or monthly arrests of immigrants that must be met? If so, what is that quota? Please list the individuals detained in Connecticut disaggregated by name, age, criminal conviction, if any; applicable warrant, if any; and location of arrest; Please indicate whether any detained individuals in Connecticut were U.S. Citizens or held any other legal status; Please indicate whether any detained individuals in Connecticut were injured during the course of ICE’s operations; If so, list the injury and the geographical location where the injury was sustained. Has DHS or ICE received any complaints, formal or otherwise, against ICE agents for use of force during operations in Connecticut or in any other state since January 1, 2026? If so, please provide documentation for each complaint, including the date, location, agent name, DHS component, and allegations against the agent; the process DHS took to impartially review each complaint; and any disciplinary action taken in response to such complaint. Please indicate whether ICE agents involved in operations in Connecticut are wearing and operating body worn cameras during the entirety of their actions apprehending and taking into custody Connecticut residents; Please indicate whether ICE agents involved in operations nationwide are wearing and using body worn cameras during the entirety of their operations; Please indicate how ICE is identifying and targeting individuals for arrest in Connecticut. I further request that you send a representative to meet with me and respond to these questions and others in my Hartford office sometime this week, or by September 11, 2026. Please contact the Subcommittee should you have any questions about responding to these requests. Thank you for your attention to this matter. -30- [1] Ryan J. Foley & Russ Bynum, ICE Operation in Connecticut Highlights How Arrests are Rising Even in Blue States, AP News, (Aug. 27, 2026), https://apnews.com/article/dhs-ice-connecticut-danbury-arrests-immigration-d8695bbb883591669accaf266e8bb6a9. [2] Id. [3] Joshua Eaton, ICE Reportedly Arrested Nearly 100 People Across Connecticut This Week: What We Know and Don’t Know, CT Insider, (Aug. 29, 2026), https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ice-arrests-danbury-bridgeport-22408246.php. [4] Id. [5] Id. [6] Albert Sun & Allison McCann, ICE Arrests Soar as People With No Criminal Record Are Increasingly Targeted, N.Y. Times, (Aug. 27, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/08/27/us/ice-immigrant-arrests-trump-deportation-dhs.html. [7] Id. [8] David Nakamura & Emmanuel Martinez, How ICE is arresting soaring numbers of immigrants with no criminal record, Wash. Post, (Aug. 28, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/08/28/how-ice-arrests-immigrants-with-no-criminal-record-are-soaring-under-trump/. [9] Letter from Sen. Blumenthal to Secretary Mullin (July 16, 2026), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026.07.16-Blumenthal-and-Garcia-to-Mullin-1.pdf. [10] Letter from Sen. Blumenthal to Acting Director Todd Lyons, (Aug. 26, 2026), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-08-26-Letter-from-Sen.-Blumenthal-to-ICE.pdf. [11] See S. Minority Staff of S. Permanent Subcomm. on Investigations, 119th Cong., Unchecked Authority: Examining the Trump Administration’s Extrajudicial Immigration Detentions of U.S. Citizens (Dec. 9, 2025), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025.12.8_ICE-Report-revised-FINAL.pdf [12] See S. Minority Staff of S. Permanent Subcomm. on Investigations and H. Minority Staff of H.Comm on Oversight and Gov. Reform, 119th Cong., Cruelty is the Point: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children (2026), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/03-24-2026-PSIOversight-Report-re.-DHS-Harm-to-Children.pdf. [13] Id. [14] Testimony of Teyana Gibson Brown, Public Forum: Our Values at Stake (Part III): Terrorizing communities without warrants and no restraint, 119th Cong., (Feb. 23, 2026), https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-receive-testimony-about-ice-abuses-from-whistleblower-us-citizen-whose-rights-were-violated_former-top-lawyer-at-dhs. [15] Letter from Sens. Blumenthal, Booker, and Padilla to Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella, (Aug 27, 2026), https://www.booker.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/final-booker_letter_to_dhs_ice_re_shock_glovespdf.pdf.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/following-new-whistleblower-disclosure-blumenthal-demands-usps-provide-documents-answers-about-shit-show-process-to-screen-ballots-and-potentially-catastrophic-impact-on-mail-in-voting,"Following New Whistleblower Disclosure, Blumenthal Demands USPS Provide Documents, Answers About ""Shit Show"" Process to Screen Ballots & Potentially Catastrophic Impact on Mail-In Voting",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – After receiving information from a whistleblower, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), wrote Postmaster General David Steiner demanding answers and documents about the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) rushed and potentially unlawful implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order seeking to restrict mail-in voting. “This brave whistleblower has come forward with disturbing details about USPS’ seemingly illegal plot to interfere in November’s midterms,” Blumenthal said. “Their system is set up to fail – and risk the right to vote for millions of Americans who cast their ballots by mail. Given this new information, such sloppiness and haste seems clearly part of a purposeful attempt to create chaos and prevent people from voting. I am demanding answers and accountability.” “The crown jewel of American democracy—our historic record of free and fair elections—deserves better than this reckless, slapdash effort,” said David Kligerman, Senior Vice President and Special Counsel at WhistleblowerAid.org, which represents the anonymous whistleblower. “Given this administration’s record on curtailing voting rights, these glaring issues in the ballot mail program raise a troubling question: are these bugs—or features? Now that these malignant flaws have been exposed by a brave whistleblower, the administration can choose to fix this dangerously haphazard program or barrel ahead toward a wholly preventable electoral disaster.” An anonymous whistleblower disclosure provided to Blumenthal includes new details about USPS’s attempts to build an online system, known as “the Portal,” and accompanying IT which will be used to screen ballots submitted by state election officials prior to USPS agreeing to mail them to voters. According to this whistleblower, USPS began work on the Portal a mere three-and-a-half months before it was meant to be deployed and has not put it through the standard testing an online system and its related IT like this typically requires. USPS has also reportedly implemented an impracticable zero percent failure rate that could result in a massive number of rejected ballots with no opportunity for appeal. Among other information, the whistleblower’s disclosure reveals: USPS had plans to launch the Portal by today, September 1, 2026. USPS began building the Portal on or around June 15, 2026, just five months before the November 2026 midterm elections and less than four months before its planned rollout date to state election officials. USPS was only able to begin to connect the various constituent parts which would comprise the system as a whole, on or about the week of August 24, 2026. “The project violates standard principles of testing and debugging new software before launch” and both individual parts of the Portal and the accompanying IT as a whole have not undergone meaningful testing. The teams building the new Portal and accompanying IT were “siloed” such that “when elements were brought together, the teams were unaware of various developments, creating more work.” There are also “no clear written requirements” leaving workers to “glean requirements from opaque comments at meetings.” As late as August 21, 2026, workers were still receiving new requirements for the project. Without clear guidance, “[d]ifferent team members continued to have different understandings of how the system is supposed to work.” As teams scrambled ahead of the planned launch, the whistleblower is aware of multiple USPS officials describing the development process as “a shit show.” USPS adopted a zero-percent failure threshold, meaning that “if a barcode scanner fails to correctly read one barcode in a batch, the entire batch is rejected and returned to the state.” Despite the potentially widespread and catastrophic implications of this policy, “USPS does not have a clear policy as to how many ballots will be sampled in ballot mail batches.” The project was halted due to a court order and an injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in late June 2026. Several weeks later, on or around July 29, 2026, however, “the project was suddenly resumed without explanation of what authority permitted USPS to ignore the court order.” In April, Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act (Absentee MVP Act), which would block President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots and protect the right to vote by mail. Blumenthal’s letter to Postmaster General Steiner, which includes the whistleblower’s disclosure, is available here and copied below. Dear Postmaster General Steiner, My office is in receipt of an alarming whistleblower disclosure (the “Disclosure”) outlining the United States Postal Service’s (“USPS”) perilously rushed and potentially unlawful implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order seeking to restrict mail-in voting.[1] The whistleblower’s allegations make clear that USPS lacks the technical or operational capability needed to effectively implement the EO’s provisions in a way that safeguards every citizen’s right to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. Despite this, the Trump Administration appears intent on USPS moving forward with its flawed plans, no matter the chaos they may create.[2] The whistleblower’s allegations also provide disturbing information suggesting that USPS may have violated a court order by continuing to implement the EO despite being ordered to cease all such work. We urge you to abandon this ill-conceived, unconscionable plan and ensure that all Americans can exercise their constitutional right to vote, including by mail, without interference by USPS. Historically, although USPS has issued guidance on various issues related to election ballots sent through the mail, like recommendations for ballot envelope design, it has not imposed specific rules or procedures that state election officials were required to follow in order to have USPS deliver ballot mail to voters. Under a new final rule issued on August 26, 2026 (the “Rule”), USPS will, for the first time, play a gatekeeping function and be in a position to refuse to mail ballots that state election officials have determined should be sent out.[3] This change is a marked and deeply troubling departure from USPS’s traditionally restrained role as a mail carrier. The whistleblower’s Disclosure describes an unprecedented process that allows USPS to decide whether ballots issued by state election officials should be mailed. To do so, USPS is building an entirely new online system, the USPS Federal Ballot Mail Portal and related IT systems (the “Portal”), which will be used to screen ballots submitted by state election officials prior to USPS agreeing to mail them to voters. The Disclosure identifies problems at every stage of USPS’s development of the Portal, demonstrating deeply flawed plans for implementation. According to the whistleblower, USPS’s effort to develop and deploy the Portal has been “rushed,” “risky and haphazard” because leadership has demanded an impossible timeframe.[4] In an effort to meet impossible deadlines, USPS has eliminated standard and needed testing, thereby creating substantial risk of a “catastrophic failure” of the system that could “derail the midterm elections.”[5] USPS began work building the Portal on or around June 15, 2026 just three months before the date USPS planned to launch the system and just five months before the November 2026 midterm elections.[6] On or about June 25, 2026, USPS ordered work on the Portal to cease due to a court order enjoining implementation of the EO.[7] That work stoppage persisted for approximately a month, further reducing the time that USPS had to build the new system.[8] According to the whistleblower, building the information technology infrastructure necessary to complete the Portal could take a year or more.[9] Yet, USPS leadership demanded that the Portal be completed for a launch date of September 1, 2026, less than six months after the EO was issued.[10] As a result of this rushed process, USPS has been unable to conduct tests of the Portal to ensure its proper functioning, troubleshoot problems, or distribute instructions on use to state election officials. According to the whistleblower, the Portal “violates standard principles of testing and debugging new software before launch.”[11] Normal procedures at USPS for such systems include internal testing, customer acceptance testing, and a final development stage before release to public facing users.[12] The Portal has gone through none of these basic checks. Not only is this system astonishingly untested, USPS has simultaneously implemented an impracticable zero percent failure rate.[13] When ballots are submitted to USPS in large-volume batches, if any one ballot in the batch cannot be verified against the Portal, all ballots in that batch will be rejected. For example, if a state election official brings a batch of 10,000 ballots to USPS and USPS is unable to match just one of those ballots against the Portal – because, for example, someone has recently changed their name after marriage or they’ve moved – then USPS would refuse to mail the remaining 9,999 ballots as well. As the whistleblower notes, “USPS expects the state to take back the entire batch to cure the issue with the single ballot…”[14] Should the slapdash Portal mistakenly mark a ballot as unverified, there is no clear process by which state election officials or voters themselves can challenge the rejection. The Rule simply vaguely states that they “will be informed of the escalation procedures should they decide to challenge a rejection.”[15] Voters intending to cast ballots by mail may not even be aware that their ballots have been rejected, or were part of a rejected batch, until it is too late to secure an alternative ballot or vote in person. Expecting a well-built, thoughtful Portal to return an accurate result 100 percent of the time is already a stretch—expecting a “rushed,” “risky and haphazard” Portal to do the same is a recipe for disaster. These risks are compounded by other revelations in the Disclosure. USPS leadership has shown an incredible lack of effective management while building the Portal including siloed work streams, changing requirements, competing understandings of work output, and multiple actors having ownership of the same unique tasks. For example, there was little or no communication among teams working on the project to such an extent that “when elements were brought together, the teams were unaware of various developments, creating more work.”[16] Shockingly, there are also “no clear written requirements” for the information technology and infrastructure of the Portal, leaving workers to “glean requirements from opaque comments at meetings.”[17] As late as August 21, 2026, workers were still receiving new requirements for the project.[18] Without clear guidance, “[d]ifferent team members continued to have different understandings of how the system is supposed to function which caused ongoing and greater confusion among the group,” substantially increasing the risk that the system will fail and, ultimately, disenfranchise voters.[19] Each of these problems: rushed development; a zero percent failure rate; and poor management are cause for concern on their own. Taken together they present a clear picture of a fatally flawed process that cannot and will not protect American voters. Put plainly: this process will likely lead to chaos, confusion, and the inability of many Americans to have their vote counted. Finally, in addition to these significant concerns about the impact of the EO on Americans’ right to vote, I am troubled by allegations that USPS continued work on the Portal despite numerous court orders enjoining it from doing so. On June 25, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts enjoined USPS, among other executive branch agencies, from implementing Section 3 of the EO as to the twenty-three states and the District of Columbia that had challenged the order.[20] The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling on July 25, 2026.[21] USPS was also enjoined from “implementing, giving effect to, or enforcing Section 3” of the E.O. nationwide pursuant to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts August 11, 2026 order.[22] It was not until August 24, 2026, that the Supreme Court stayed the June 25, 2026 injunction imposed on USPS by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts,[23] and August 26, 2026 when the August 11, 2026 order was lifted.[24] Based on this timeline, USPS should have ceased all work on the Portal on June 25, 2026, with the earliest conceivable date to resume being August 26, 2026. The whistleblower allegations demonstrate that was not the case, with USPS directing work to continue on the Portal after the first court order to cease work and prior to the recent court decisions allowing USPS to proceed.[25] This pattern of defiance of court orders is particularly concerning in light of the Temporary Restraining Order issued on August 27, 2026, that has again halted USPS from performing any work on the Portal for 14 days.[26] Every eligible American citizen must be able to exercise their right to vote, unencumbered by unlawful obstacles this Administration and USPS seem intent on putting in their way. Given the rapidly approaching election and to determine whether USPS’s actions may impede that fundamental right, please provide the following information immediately, and in no case later than September 4, 2026: Please state whether USPS has halted work to implement the Executive Order, in compliance with the August 27, 2026 TRO. Please provide the date on which USPS instructed its employees and/or its contractors to begin work implementing the new Rule including the development of the Portal; Please list the individuals and their respective titles involved in issuing instructions to USPS employees and/or contractors on developing the Portal; Please list the position titles of all individuals involved in developing the Portal; Please name any and all entities USPS has contracted with to develop the Portal; Please indicate whether USPS will perform beta testing on Portal; If so, when will such testing begin? Are there procedures in place under the Portal to identify and remedy false positives, whereby the verification system incorrectly deems a voter as unverified and fails to transmit a ballot? What is the timeframe to rectify such false positives? Please indicate when USPS anticipates launching the Portal for useby state election officials; Has USPS engaged with any state officials on the development or use of the Portal? If so, please list the names and positions of those state officials are Please list the dates on which USPS or its contractors worked on the Portal. Did USPS or its contractors continue development of the Portal at any time when a court order was in place enjoining the implementation of Section 3 of the EO? If so, please provide the specific dates on which those activities occurred; If so, please provide the rationale behind USPS’s decision to continue work in defiance of a court order Please also provide the following records[27] by September 8, 2026: All records or communications regarding the original plans for and development of the Portal and any initial estimates of the amount of time that would be necessary to develop the system; All records or communications regarding the date on which the Portal would need to be completed and ready for use; All records or communications regarding the Portal’s potential flaws or vulnerabilities; All records or communications regarding a zero percent failure rate requirement for the Portal; and All legal opinions or other communications regarding the legal permissibility of USPS developing the Portal while federal court orders enjoining implementation of Section 3 of the EO are in place. -30- [1] Executive Order No. 14399, 91 FR 17125, (2026). [2] See Ballot Mail for Federal Elections, 91 Fed. Reg. 32,915 (Aug. 26, 2026) (to be codified at 39 C.F.R. pt. 111); [3] Id. [4] Disclosure Letter to Senator Blumenthal from Anonymous Whistleblower Re: USPS Rushed Implementation of New and Untested IT Systems Threatens U.S. Ballot Mail Delivery, (Aug. 29, 2026), 4. [5] Id. [6] Id.at 16. [7] Id. at 12. [8] Id. at 13. [9] Id. at 6. [10] Id. at 7. [11] Id. at 7. [12] Id. at 7. [13] Id. at 9-12. [14] Id. at 10. [15] Ballot Mail for Federal Elections, supra note 2, at 58. [16] Disclosure Letter to Senator Blumenthal, supra note 1, at 18. [17] Id. at 17. [18] Id. at 19. [19] Id. at 17. [20] California v. Trump, No. 26-cv-11581 (D. Mass. June 25, 2026). [21] California v. Trump, No. 26-1774 (1st Cir. July 25, 2026). [22] League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump, No. 26-cv-11549 (D. Mass. Aug. 11, 2026). [23] Alabama et. al, v. California et al., No. 26A139, (U.S. Aug. 24, 2026). [24] League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump, supra note 22. [25] Disclosure Letter to Senator Blumenthal, supra note 1, at 12. [26] League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump, supra note 22. [27] “Records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/21/2026-8/28/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/21/2026-8/28/2026,2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Supporting Ukraine in its Fight Against Putin’s Invasion [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, traveled to Ukraine as the country continues to fight in the war against Russia. Blumenthal’s trip included a visit to Dnipro, near the eastern front of the war—the furthest east a Congressional Delegation has gone since the invasion. Blumenthal is the first member of Congress to visit Dnipro since the war began in 2022. “Eye opening, awe-inspiring—my visit to Dnipro, the first congressional trip permitted since the war’s start, showed me the best of humanity, with Ukrainians meeting the worst—Russia’s craven inhumanity. All I met—unspeakably injured soldiers, courageous caregivers, steadfast staffs—are demonstrating professional excellence under demanding conditions, with dedication & dignity,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. In Dnipro, Blumenthal visited a military hospital where we met seriously wounded soldiers and their caregivers. “Heroes caring for heroes—at the military hospital in Dnipro, near the eastern front, I saw the courage & grit of seriously wounded soldiers & medical warriors helping them regain their lives. An awe-inspiring visit,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. While in Kyiv earlier this week, Blumenthal met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and attended the National Prayer Breakfast on Ukraine’s Independence Day. He also toured SkyFall, a major Ukrainian defense technology company aiding the country in its fight against Russia. “Another inspiring meeting with President Zelenskyy at a critical turning point in Ukraine’s fight for freedom, when they are turning the tide against Russia’s savagery & slaughter. They need air defense interceptors, the Russia sanctions bill, Starlink, & aid. I am more determined than ever to redouble our support because their fight is our fight, & our own national security is directly at stake,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. “At today’s National Prayer Breakfast, I stated emphatically—we stand with the people of Ukraine in prayer & faith, but also in action. Their fight for freedom & democracy is our fight too,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “A moving celebration in Kyiv for Ukraine’s Independence Day—a reminder that freedom is never free, & we must redouble our efforts to support this brave embattled nation against Putin’s murderous invasion,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “SkyFall in Kyiv is doing cutting edge drone manufacturing & changing modern warfare. Its innovation & new technologies are powering Ukraine’s fight against Russia's bloody slaughter,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Blumenthal also met with children and families affected by Russian kidnappings while in Kyiv. “Young children & their families hideously victimized by Russian kidnapping & other atrocities are awesome in their resilience & grace. The world must match their courage,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Blumenthal also visited Babyn Yar, a site honoring Jewish people killed there in massacres carried out by Nazi forces in World War II, and Independence Square, located in the center of Kyiv with memorials to those who have died in the ongoing war against Russia. “A moving, solemn tribute at Babyn Yar to the 33,000 Jewish people killed there during the Holocaust. In the face of inhumanity, no one can be neutral—we must stop Putin’s savagery & cruelty,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “At Independence Square, Ukrainians are honoring the brave lives tragically lost in Putin’s war of inhumanity & aggression. We join them in their sorrow & redouble our support for their fight to stop Russia’s slaughter,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Blumenthal concluded his trip with a visit to Bucha, a city located on the northern front of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “Returning to Bucha reminds me why we should all be so passionate about Ukraine winning this war— Russia's criminal inhumanity & killing, & the steadfast strength of Ukraine,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Blumenthal joined MS NOW’s Morning Joe to recap his trip to Ukraine and highlight the need for continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s bloody invasion. “I visited the military hospital near the border, and that military hospital shows the face of courage and strength that President Zelenskyy echoed in what he said to me. He needs three priorities: the Russia sanctions bill, air defense—because his people have been slaughtered by Putin’s missiles and drones that are attacking civilian targets, not military—and he needs Starlink to target even deeper within Russia,” said Blumenthal on Morning Joe. “I said to him I would take those three priorities—most especially the Russia sanctions bill, because it passed the Senate by an 86 to 11 vote, completely bipartisan, after painstaking negotiations over several years by Senator Graham and myself with the White House, the U.S. Trade Representative, colleagues in Congress, and we are now at the cusp of passing it in the House. And it will make such a difference, because Putin's economy is on the cusp of major crisis, and stopping the flow of revenue from sales of oil and gas, as this sanctions bill would do, can have a real impact in throttling Putin's ability to wage war.” Condemning Increased ICE Activity in Danbury Blumenthal released a statement following reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Danbury over the last few days. “ICE’s cruelty and craven brutality has no limit. Snatching people off the streets as they walk their children to school or wait for a ride to work — such tactics are abusive, abhorrent, and illegal. I am in touch with state and local authorities and am ready to assist in any way possible.” Responding to Nearly $17 Billion Meta Settlement in Case About Social Media Harms to Kids Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), authors of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), released the following statement in response to a nearly $17 billion settlement reached between Meta and a coalition of bipartisan state Attorneys General: “This massive settlement shows how terrified Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are of accountability in open court. We applaud the bipartisan coalition of state Attorneys General for forcing Meta to start paying a real price for the harm its products have caused an entire generation of young people. The product design changes imposed under this settlement are a first step toward giving kids and parents the tools they need to take back control of their online lives, but they can be strengthened. Meta notes that these terms are only required to stay in place for 10 years—we must ensure permanent change. We also need safeguards that apply across the board—to all social media companies—not just Instagram and Facebook. This settlement once again demands that Congress pass the Kids Online Safety Act into law before the end of the year.” On Twitter/X, Blumenthal further highlighted the need for increased protections for kids online. “Meta is guilty of harming kids—& now it’s starting to pay a real price. This landmark settlement, staggering in penalties & important changes, only heightened the urgency & need for the Kids Online Safety Act to become law now,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Demanding Answers About DHS’s $464 Million Purchase of Luxury Jets & Planes via a No-Bid Contract Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Adam Schiff (D-CA), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, demanded answers from Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Markwayne Mullin, about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In a letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. “Recent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three ‘luxury business jets’ and seven ‘Boeing 737 passenger jets,’ and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them. Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem’s tenure, contracting records indicate that the cost of the contract ‘increased by $303 million on the day that Mr. Mullin was sworn in as secretary,’” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “DHS purchased the aircraft through a $464 million no-bid contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation (Daedalus), a Virginia-based company led by chairman William Walters…In fact, Mr. Walters has allegedly created ‘a web of companies,’ that subsequently received government contracts despite having no prior government contracting experience. Companies with ties to Mr. Walters include Salus Worldwide Solutions Corporation (Salus), which, in 2025, received a hastily-awarded contract worth $915 million ‘for air operations to support the administration’s effort to persuade millions of undocumented immigrants to ‘self-deport.’ Public reporting alleges that a representative of Salus repeatedly approached a prospective subcontracting firm with proposals to undertake work for DHS only if the firm would direct millions in kickbacks to Corey Lewandowski or consulting firms connected to him.” “Congress and the American people deserve the Department’s full and prompt transparency with respect to the shocking waste of taxpayer funds and potential corruption involved in the Department’s aircraft purchase and widespread no-bid contracting,” the Senators concluded. The full text of the letter is available here. Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal slammed the Department of Justice’s decision undercutting one of FDA’s strongest enforcement tools against unauthorized tobacco products. Blumenthal called out the craven political trashing of Stars and Stripes after the Pentagon fired leaders from the publication who criticized the Department of Defense’s interference. Blumenthal visited the groundbreaking of Electric Boat’s new Waterford campus. Blumenthal called for an end to misleading and deceptive food packaging with his Food Labeling Modernization Act. -30-",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-blackburn-statement-on-historic-nearly-17-billion-meta-settlement-in-case-about-social-media-harms-to-kids,Blumenthal & Blackburn Statement on Historic Nearly $17 Billion Meta Settlement in Case About Social Media Harms to Kids,2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), authors of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), released the following statement in response to a nearly $17 billion settlement reached between Meta and a coalition of bipartisan state Attorneys General: “This massive settlement shows how terrified Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are of accountability in open court. We applaud the bipartisan coalition of state Attorneys General for forcing Meta to start paying a real price for the harm its products have caused an entire generation of young people. The product design changes imposed under this settlement are a first step toward giving kids and parents the tools they need to take back control of their online lives, but they can be strengthened. Meta notes that these terms are only required to stay in place for 10 years—we must ensure permanent change. We also need safeguards that apply across the board—to all social media companies—not just Instagram and Facebook. This settlement once again demands that Congress pass the Kids Online Safety Act into law before the end of the year.” -30-",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-increased-ice-activity-in-danbury,Blumenthal Statement on Increased ICE Activity in Danbury,2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released a statement today following reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Danbury over the last few days. “ICE’s cruelty and craven brutality has no limit. Snatching people off the streets as they walk their children to school or wait for a ride to work — such tactics are abusive, abhorrent, and illegal. I am in touch with state and local authorities and am ready to assist in any way possible.” -30-",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-welch-and-schiff-demand-answers-after-dhs-pays-464-million-for-luxury-jets_airplanes-via-a-no-bid-contract-with-company-owned-by-prominent-trump-supporter,"Blumenthal, Welch, & Schiff Demand Answers After DHS Pays $464 Million for Luxury Jets & Airplanes via a No-Bid Contract with Company Owned by Prominent Trump Supporter",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Peter Welch (D-VT), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Adam Schiff (D-CA), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today demanded answers from Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Markwayne Mullin, about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In a letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. “Recent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three ‘luxury business jets’ and seven ‘Boeing 737 passenger jets,’ and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them. Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem’s tenure, contracting records indicate that the cost of the contract ‘increased by $303 million on the day that Mr. Mullin was sworn in as secretary,’” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “The apparent waste generated by idle, multi-million-dollar government assets belies the Department’s claim of urgency. To date, there is no public indication that any of these aircraft have ever been used for DHS’s claimed purpose of removing noncitizens from the United States. One of the luxury jets was leased to the FBI for use by Director Kash Patel who, in February 2026, incurred estimated costs of $75 million to fly to the Olympic Winter Games in Italy, using the same make of luxury aircraft as the one reportedly leased to the FBI.” The Senators continued, “DHS purchased the aircraft through a $464 million no-bid contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation (Daedalus), a Virginia-based company led by chairman William Walters…In fact, Mr. Walters has allegedly created ‘a web of companies,’ that subsequently received government contracts despite having no prior government contracting experience. Companies with ties to Mr. Walters include Salus Worldwide Solutions Corporation (Salus), which, in 2025, received a hastily-awarded contract worth $915 million ‘for air operations to support the administration’s effort to persuade millions of undocumented immigrants to ‘self-deport.’ Public reporting alleges that a representative of Salus repeatedly approached a prospective subcontracting firm with proposals to undertake work for DHS only if the firm would direct millions in kickbacks to Corey Lewandowski or consulting firms connected to him.” “Congress and the American people deserve the Department’s full and prompt transparency with respect to the shocking waste of taxpayer funds and potential corruption involved in the Department’s aircraft purchase and widespread no-bid contracting,” the Senators concluded. Blumenthal and Welch previously demanded answers from Mullin about Lewandowski’s role in DHS contracting decisions in light of reports that Lewandowski potentially steered contract awards to benefit himself and his political allies while serving as a special government employee and advisor at DHS. The full text of today’s letter is available here and below. Dear Secretary Mullin: We write to request documents and information regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (“DHS” or “the Department”) purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract.[1] DHS justified this purchase by claiming that these aircraft were urgently needed to operate noncitizen removal flights, but recent reporting reveals that most of these airplanes have sat idle, and one was made available to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel.[2] That these aircraft have been parked for months or redistributed for purposes inconsistent with DHS’s claimed reason for acquiring the planes significantly undermines the Department’s explanation for bypassing a full and fair competitive contracting process and raises troubling questions about whether DHS overpaid for these aircraft, as well as about the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration. We are also concerned that DHS awarded this no-bid contract to a company led by William Walters. A separate company that Mr. Walters has ties to, engaged in contract dealings with DHS that have raised allegations of solicitation of corrupt kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. Recent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three “luxury business jets” and seven “Boeing 737 passenger jets,” and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them.[3] Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem’s tenure, contracting records indicate that the cost of the contract “increased by $303 million on the day that Mr. Mullin was sworn in as secretary.”[4] DHS justified “the enormous price tag” for the aircraft by claiming “it had no time to consider other offers” because “[t]he planes were needed urgently for deportation flights.”[5] The apparent waste generated by idle, multi-million-dollar government assets belies the Department’s claim of urgency. To date, there is no public indication that any of these aircraft have ever been used for DHS’s claimed purpose of removing noncitizens from the United States. One of the luxury jets was leased to the FBI for use by Director Kash Patel who, in February 2026, incurred estimated costs of $75 million to fly to the Olympic Winter Games in Italy, using the same make of luxury aircraft as the one reportedly leased to the FBI.[6] The waste generated by parking most of these aircraft compounds the loss of taxpayer funds involved in the suspect, no-bid process the Department hurriedly implemented to buy these jets. DHS purchased the aircraft through a $464 million no-bid contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation (“Daedalus”), a Virginia-based company led by chairman William Walters.[7] Mr. Walters “has emerged as a vocal Trump supporter” who made at least one $10,000 donation to a political action committee supporting former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during her tenure as governor of South Dakota.[8] Former Secretary Noem and Corey Lewandowki reportedly traveled the country in 2025 on a separate, $70 million luxury 737 MAX 8 that was leased to DHS by a separate company with ties to Mr. Walters, Valkyrie Aviation Holdings Group.[9] In fact, Mr. Walters has allegedly created “a web of companies,” that subsequently received government contracts despite having no prior government contracting experience.[10] Companies with ties to Mr. Walters include Salus Worldwide Solutions Corporation (“Salus”), which, in 2025, received a hastily-awarded contract worth $915 million “for air operations to support the administration’s effort to persuade millions of undocumented immigrants to ‘self-deport.’”[11] Public reporting alleges that a representative of Salus repeatedly approached a prospective subcontracting firm with proposals to undertake work for DHS only if the firm would direct millions in kickbacks to Corey Lewandowski or consulting firms connected to him.[12] The no-bid contract awarded to purchase these aircraft is only the latest in the Department’s growing abuse of a contracting shortcut designed to meet genuinely urgent necessity. The “urgency exception” permits bypassing full competition only when an agency’s “need for the supplies or services is of such an unusual and compelling urgency that the Government would be seriously injured” unless permitted to move forward on a no-bid basis.[13] Despite the narrow set of circumstances when bypassing money-saving competition might be justified, “[t]he exemption accounts for nearly two-thirds of the $34 billion that [DHS] has spent on contracts signed in 2026,” which “is up sharply from past years.”[14] In 2024, only one percent of DHS contracts were awarded under the urgency exception.[15] Congress and the American people deserve the Department’s full and prompt transparency with respect to the shocking waste of taxpayer funds and potential corruption involved in the Department’s aircraft purchase and widespread no-bid contracting. Our offices are reviewing allegations of misconduct arising from federal contract awards to assess whether and the extent to which laws and regulations governing honest services and federal procurement may require legislative reform. In order for us to better understand the award of this contract, plans for these airplanes moving forward, and remedial measures for the American taxpayer, please provide the following information by September 7, 2026: How did DHS initiate conversations with Daedalus to act as broker for the purchase of 10 airplanes? Which DHS officials were involved in initiating these conversations? How did DHS ascertain the number and type of airplanes necessary for purchase? How did DHS evaluate and conclude that purchasing aircraft would be more cost effective than leasing or otherwise engaging a contractor to operate removal flights? What metrics did DHS evaluate for cost effectiveness before arriving to its decision to purchase these aircraft? How does DHS plan to use the 10 purchased airplanes moving forward? How much has DHS spent to store, retrofit, convert, move, and maintain the 10 aircraft since their purchase? Has DHS implemented changes to its contracting procedures as it relates to the use of exemptions for full and open competition? Please also provide the following records[16] by September 7, 2026: All communications[17] regarding the award of the $464 million contract to Daedalus, including but not limited to communications with Daedalus, William Walters, Secretary Mullin, former Secretary Noem and Corey Lewandowski or any of their staff; All communications regarding the purchase of each individual airplane, including but not limited to communications with Daedalus, William Walters, Secretary Mullin, former Secretary Noem and Corey Lewandowski or any of their staff; All communications regarding plans for the use of each airplane after purchase; All flight logs and passenger logs for each airplane purchased under the contract. Please contact our offices if you have questions about responding to this request. Thank you for your attention to this matter. -30- [1] Contract Summary from Department of Homeland Security to Daedalus Aviation Corporation, USASPENDING.gov, https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70QS0326C00005002_7001_-NONE-_-NONE-. [2] David A. Fahrenthold, et al., Homeland Security Paid $464 Million for Airplanes. Then It Parked Them, N.Y. Times, (Aug. 13, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/us/politics/homeland-security-parked-airplanes.html. [3] Id. [4] Id. [5] Id. [6] Id.; Carol Leonnig & Ken Dilanian, Kash Patel heads to Milan for the Olympics — on the FBI jet, MSNOW (Feb. 19, 2026), https://www.ms.now/news/kash-patel-headed-to-milan-for-the-olympics-on-the-fbi-jet. [7] Fahrenthold, et al., supra note 2. [8] Nick Schwellenbach & Dan Friedman, Unraveling the Corporate Ties to DHS's “Big, Beautiful Jet”, POGO (Mar. 10, 2026), https://www.pogo.org/investigates/unraveling-the-corporate-ties-to-dhss-big-beautiful-jet. [9] Id.; Michelle Hackman, Josh Dawsey, & Tarini Parti, A Pilot Fired Over Kristi Noem’s Missing Blanket and the Constant Chaos Inside DHS, Wall St. J. (Feb. 12, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/chaos-kristi-noem-homeland-security-f095ac95; Allison Detzel, Inside the $70 million luxury jet DHS says it needs for deportation flights, NBC News (Feb. 20, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/chaos-kristi-noem-homeland-security-f095ac95. [10] Schwellenbach & Friedman, supra note 8. [11] Dan Friedman & Nick Schwellenbach, Massive DHS “Self-Deportation” Contract Challenged as Secretive and “Unlawful”, POGO (Oct. 10, 2025), https://www.pogo.org/investigates/massive-dhs-self-deportation-contract-challenged-as-secretive-and-unlawful. [12] Julia Ainsley, Matt Dixon, Jonathan Allen & Laura Strickler, Some DHS contractors told White House officials they were asked to pay Corey Lewandowski, NBC News (Mar. 19, 2026), https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dhs-contractors-told-white-house-officialsasked-pay-corey-lewandowski-rcna263744; see Letter from Sens. Adam Schiff, Richard Blumenthal, & Peter Welch to William A. Walters, CEO, Salus Worldwide Solutions Corp. (Mar. 24, 2026), https://www.schiff.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260324-Letter-to-Salus-Worldwide-re-Lewandowski.pdf. [13] FAR 6.302-2(a)(2). [14] Fahrenthold et al., supra note 2. [15] Id. [16] For purposes of this request, “records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), direct messages, chats, calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents). [17] For purposes of this request, “communications” include any records, as defined above, transmitted in any way between two or more individuals or entities.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/14/2026-8/21/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/14/2026-8/21/2026,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Calling on FEMA to Address Staffing Shortages [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, wrote to the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton demanding answers about how he plans to address critical staffing shortages at the agency. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, FEMA has lost a staggering 20 percent of its staff. A recent GAO report found that FEMA prioritized workforce reductions over ensuring that it had the staffing capacity to respond to current or future disasters. Region 1, which serves Connecticut, lost 292 employees – 12% of its staff – just from workforce reduction efforts. “I appreciated your acknowledgement during your confirmation hearing of the challenges FEMA faces because of President Trump’s drastic staff cuts. Now that you are confirmed, you are responsible for confronting those challenges. Please provide, in writing, your plan to address the staffing cuts agency-wide, and especially in Region 1, and how you plan to ensure FEMA is fully prepared to support Americans this hurricane season and beyond,” Blumenthal wrote. In August 2024, Connecticut suffered devastating flooding that killed two people and destroyed countless homes and businesses. FEMA was on the ground within days and was crucial to supporting towns and homeowners as they rebuilt roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Trump’s draconian staffing cuts to FEMA raise serious questions about how prepared the agency would be to respond to a similar disaster. “We owe it to the American people to ensure FEMA has the resources and staff necessary as it works with communities across the country to prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters,” Blumenthal also wrote. Blumenthal sharply questioned Hamilton about staffing cuts during his June 17, 2026 U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing. Video of the exchange is available here. A copy of Blumenthal’s letter to Hamilton is available here. Blumenthal and Governor Ned Lamont held a press conference in Hartford demanding Hamilton address staffing shortages caused by the Trump Administration’s reckless workforce reduction efforts—especially as Atlantic hurricane season begins. “The heroism of the people of Connecticut in the wake of these storms should be matched by the relief that is provided by FEMA. FEMA is the disaster relief and recovery agency of the federal government, and it has performed incredible service here in Connecticut in the wake of these storms. They are essential to recovery and relief from disasters. We are now beginning the hurricane season,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. “We couldn’t stop the decimation of FEMA in massive cuts, draconian reductions in staff that now leave FEMA short-staffed, under resourced. I am demanding of the new FEMA Administrator that he provide a plan for how they’re going to compensate for the loss of trained and experienced staff—how they’re going to replenish those resources and meet the needs of the Northeast region.” Blumenthal further amplified his calls for FEMA to address staffing shortages on Twitter/X. “Trump’s draconian FEMA staff cuts of 20% or more nationally have left CT vulnerable at the height of hurricane season. I’m demanding the new FEMA head to restore staff & resources—vital to both resilience & recovery. Thankful for Gov. Lamont’s support & leadership,” wrote Blumental on Twitter/X. Demanding Answers from Hegseth Following Leadership Shake-Up at Stars & Stripes Blumenthal along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), senior members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, are demanding answers from the Department of Defense on the recent placement of an active-duty servicemember to serve as a “deputy” to the publisher at Stars and Stripes, a newspaper that has maintained editorial independence since the Civil War. Following the Department’s decision, Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer announced Tuesday he will retire after more than three decades at the newspaper, citing fundamental differences between his understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes and the Department’s plans for the organization. “The placement of an active-duty Public Affairs officer in the senior leadership of an organization whose credibility depends on its independence from the military chain of command raises serious questions,” the Senators wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “Mr. Lederer’s abrupt departure only heightens those concerns, particularly as the Department determines who will assume leadership of Stars and Stripes. This is particularly troubling in light of the Department’s recent actions affecting Stars and Stripes, including the April firing of independent Ombudsman Jacqueline Smith after she publicly defended the newspaper’s editorial independence and communicated concerns to Congress.” The Senators demanded answers on whether this active duty servicemember will serve as the acting or permanent Publisher following Mr. Lederer’s departure, and what process the Department will use to select Mr. Lederer’s successor. The Trump Administration has increasingly taken aim at controlling Stars and Stripes as part of its larger efforts to restrict freedom of press at the Pentagon. In January, Stars and Stripes job applicants were asked to explain how they would advance the Administration’s policy priorities, and the Pentagon’s top public affairs official announced plans to overhaul the newspaper. In March, the Pentagon further accused the newspaper of focusing on “woke distractions” and imposed new restrictions on the independent publication. In April, the Department fired Stars and Stripes ombudsman Jacqueline Smith—a non-partial watchdog charged with monitoring the paper’s independence. The Senators concluded: “For generations, American servicemembers, particularly those stationed overseas and in combat zones, have relied on Stars and Stripes for credible and independent news. That trust depends on preserving a clear separation between independent journalism and the Department’s public affairs apparatus. At this critical moment of leadership transition, that independence must not be compromised.” In June, Senators Blumenthal and Shaheen secured a provision to codify the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. The Senators’ language would deliver landmark protections for the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes—ensuring the newspaper remains free from censorship, propaganda, and interference from the Pentagon. The provision’s language comes from the Senators’ Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act—legislation that clarifies Stars and Stripes’ editorial operations are independent of the military chain of command, military public affairs activities, or other external influences. The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here. Blumenthal further slammed the Department of Defense’s installation of an active-duty Navy captain in a leadership role at Stars and Stripes on Twitter/X. “Installing an active-duty Navy captain in a leadership role at Stars & Stripes immensely erodes the publication's independence.As a crucial news source for American servicemembers, we must protect Stars & Stripes from the Trump Administration's political interference. Stars & Stripes was instrumental in informing us about deteriorating conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln. Its independence is central to its speaking truth to power,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Rallying for Servicemembers Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Connecticut veterans rallying in solidarity with the servicemembers stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln following reports that the aircraft carrier’s crew has endured deteriorating and untenable conditions aboard. Widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns and disruptions to the mail system have prompted Blumenthal and Senate Armed Services Committee members to demand answers from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Connecticut veterans rallied to show support for the USS Abraham Lincoln’s crew and to demand answers from the Department of Defense. The USS Abraham Lincoln, along with its crew of about 5,000 sailors, began its journey home to San Diego on Thursday after nine months of deployment. “Our servicemen and women know they’re going to face hardship when they raise their right hand and agree to serve—but not hardships that are added by their own leadership. As worried and outraged as we should be by the treatment of these sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln, even more so, Americans should be outraged by the reaction of the President of the United States,” said Blumenthal at the rally. “My hope is that the outrage of America will cause our leadership in the military, and most particularly our Commander in Chief, to recognize the responsibility that they have.” Blumenthal further called for support for the sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on Twitter/X. “Sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln endure deteriorating, untenable conditions. Proud to stand with CT veterans calling on the Trump Administration to do right by these heroes,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Blumenthal joined CNN’s Jake Tapper to discuss the ship’s long deployment and to urge support from the Trump Administration for the ship’s servicemembers. In light of the USS Abraham Lincoln’s prolonged deployment, dwindling supplies, and poor conditions, Blumenthal wrote to Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao about the growing strain on the Navy's aircraft carrier force. Blumenthal requested information regarding the Department of Defense’s long-term plan to sustain carrier readiness amid increasingly prolonged and unpredictable deployments. “The Navy has only 11 aircraft carriers to meet demands around the world. Keeping carriers at sea beyond planned schedules not only strains sailors and equipment, but can increase maintenance requirements and delay the training and deployment schedules of the ships needed to replace them,” wrote Blumenthal. “The war with Iran has made sustaining these deployments even more difficult. If the Department intends to maintain substantial carrier forces in the region for an indefinite period, it must have a logistics and sustainment plan capable of supporting those forces even when normal port access is unavailable or unsafe.” “The question before the Department is therefore not simply whether a carrier strike group can endure an exceptionally long deployment. It is whether the Navy has a sustainable force-generation model that can maintain carrier readiness, material condition, and crew welfare when operational requirements repeatedly exceed planned deployment cycles. The Navy cannot solve persistent demand for carriers simply by extending one ship and then sending another to relieve it. Doing so risks borrowing readiness from tomorrow to meet today's demands,” concluded Blumenthal. A copy of the letter can be found here. Demanding Federal Action to Lower Electricity Costs Blumenthal introduced The Affordable Electricity Rates Act of 2026, a bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider affordability when setting transmission rates. Transmission rates comprise 15 percent of your electricity bill, and Blumenthal’s legislation would prohibit any rate increases or charges that would increase overall electricity prices by over 5 percent. “FERC has been anemic in its oversight of electricity costs. Connecticut consumers pay too much for electricity and federal authorities have done too little to protect them from rising costs by utility companies. I’m proud to introduce the Affordable Electricity Rates Act of 2026 to compel FERC to consider affordability when setting transmission rates and prohibit costly rate increases that burden consumers,” Blumenthal said. Blumenthal’s bill amends Section 210 of the Federal Power Act to require FERC to consider whether a rate or charge is likely to result in retail electricity prices that are unaffordable for consumers and then prohibiting any rate or charge that is unaffordable by considering it as not “just and reasonable” which is FERC’s current standard. The legislation also has a presumption of unaffordability for any transmission rate that would increase overall electricity prices by over 5%. In addition to the legislation, Blumenthal wrote to FERC demanding strong oversight of asset condition projects. These projects are initiated at the discretion of the transmission company, such as Eversource, and they received a presumption from FERC that they are necessary. In many cases, organizations like Eversource repair their infrastructure or replace full transmission lines when it isn’t needed and consumers are left footing the bill. Transmission owners are investing heavily in these types of projects. In fact, spending on asset condition projects represents 73 percent of the annual amount that transmission owners spend on all capital projects in New England. Energy costs in Connecticut are already extraordinarily high, and Connecticut consumers pay for a portion of the costs of all transmission projects throughout the ISO-New England region. The number of these transmission projects have skyrocketed, in large part because the return on investment percentages for the utility companies are higher than for other projects. In a letter to FERC, Blumenthal cites Eversource’s X-178 transmission project in New Hampshire as a perfect example of why FERC oversight is needed. While only 10% of the transmission lines need to be repairs, Eversource is replacing 580 poles and 49 miles of transmission lines to the tune of $360 million. Connecticut’s share of that is expected to be $79.9 million. “For too long, transmission owners have exploited weak oversight to make unnecessary and expensive upgrades. Since 2018, transmission organizations in New England have spent twice the amount of money on asset condition projects as they have on new reliability projects – to the tune of $4.1 billion. The costs of these projects – which are initiated at the sole discretion of a transmission organization – are passed onto ratepayers across the entire ISO-NE region, with Connecticut residents paying 25% of all costs for projects that affect the regional grid, even for projects located in another state, like the X-178 transmission project,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal held a press conference in New Haven to demand action from FERC to keep electricity prices low for Connecticut consumers and to discuss his letter calling for increased oversight of the planning process for regional transmission projects. Blumenthal urged FERC oversight to make sure all repairs are necessary and not simply being done to pad utility company’s pockets. “Electricity consumers should be angry—not just at state regulators, but federal authorities for doing too little to protect them from financial abuse by electricity utilities. The work by the federal authorities has been anemic. FERC, the primary federal authority has been anemic in its scrutiny and oversight. I am writing a letter asking that FERC do more and do it more promptly and aggressively to stop these hikes in electricity prices,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. Blumenthal further called on FERC to do more to protect Connecticut consumers from skyrocketing electricity prices on Twitter/X. “CT consumers pay too much for electricity—& federal authorities have done too little to protect them from utilities overcharging. I’m demanding FERC act now to spare CT families unfair unaffordable burdens of high-cost projects,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal called on Trump to reverse a costly directive restoring outdated technology on aircraft carriers. Blumenthal demanded answers after an unqualified organization with close ties to ICE received a no-bid contract to provide legal services to migrant children. Blumenthal introduced a bicameral bill protecting domestic violence survivors from gun violence. Blumenthal slammed Trump’s nomination for FDA Commissioner. Blumenthal visited Pitney Bowes. Blumenthal slammed the Trump Administration’s zeroing out of teen pregnancy prevention programs. Blumenthal urged back-to-school traffic safety. Blumenthal called for federal help to restore Lighthouse Point Park’s historic carousel building. Blumenthal urged CPSC to investigate NeeDohs and other gel-filled toys after a viral trend microwaving NeeDohs has left children with severe burns. Blumenthal visited West Haven’s Farmers Market. Blumenthal joined a welcome home event for 180 National Guard of 1/102nd Infantry Battalion (Mountain) deployed in the Middle East for 9 months on counter-drone and other demanding defense. Blumenthal joined a pinning ceremony for graduates of the Harriott Community Healthcare Academy Certified Nursing Assistant program. -30-",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-fema-administrator-address-critical-staffing-shortages-ahead-of-hurricane-season,Blumenthal Demands FEMA Administrator Address Critical Staffing Shortages Ahead of Hurricane Season,2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today wrote to the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton demanding answers about how he plans to address critical staffing shortages at the agency. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, FEMA has lost a staggering 20 percent of its staff. A recent GAO report found that FEMA prioritized workforce reductions over ensuring that it had the staffing capacity to respond to current or future disasters. Region 1, which serves Connecticut, lost 292 employees – 12% of its staff – just from workforce reduction efforts. “I appreciated your acknowledgement during your confirmation hearing of the challenges FEMA faces because of President Trump’s drastic staff cuts. Now that you are confirmed, you are responsible for confronting those challenges. Please provide, in writing, your plan to address the staffing cuts agency-wide, and especially in Region 1, and how you plan to ensure FEMA is fully prepared to support Americans this hurricane season and beyond,” Blumenthal wrote. In August 2024, Connecticut suffered devastating flooding that killed two people and destroyed countless homes and businesses. FEMA was on the ground within days and was crucial to supporting towns and homeowners as they rebuilt roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Trump’s draconian staffing cuts to FEMA raise serious questions about how prepared the agency would be to respond to a similar disaster. “We owe it to the American people to ensure FEMA has the resources and staff necessary as it works with communities across the country to prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters,” Blumenthal also wrote. Blumenthal sharply questioned Hamilton about staffing cuts during his June 17, 2026 U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing. Video of the exchange is available here. A copy of Blumenthal’s letter to Hamilton is available here and below. August 20, 2026 Dear Administrator Hamilton, Now that you have been confirmed as Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and in light of a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that revealed FEMA has recklessly slashed staff under the Trump administration, I write to ask your plans for dealing with the agency’s current staffing challenges. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, FEMA has lost a staggering twenty percent of its staff. A recent GAO report found that these staff cuts were made without an assessment of the agency’s ability to fulfill its statutory requirements. In other words, FEMA prioritized workforce reductions over ensuring that it had the staffing capacity to respond to current or future disasters. The report also revealed that most cuts disproportionately impacted regional offices, which are most closely connected to the communities they serve. Region 1, which serves Connecticut, lost 292 employees – 12% of its staff – just from workforce reduction programs. This drastic reduction in staff constitutes a loss of institutional knowledge and experience that cannot be replaced and has left the United States more vulnerable when the next disaster strikes. I appreciated your acknowledgement during your confirmation hearing of the challenges FEMA faces because of President Trump’s drastic staff cuts. Now that you are confirmed, you are responsible for confronting those challenges. Please provide, in writing, your plan to address the staffing cuts agency-wide, and especially in Region 1, and how you plan to ensure FEMA is fully prepared to support Americans this hurricane season and beyond. We owe it to the American people to ensure FEMA has the resources and staff necessary as it works with communities across the country to prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters. I look forward to your response on this important issue. -30-",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-warren-and-shaheen-demand-answers-from-hegseth-following-leadership-shake-up-at-stars-and-stripes,"Blumenthal, Warren, & Shaheen Demand Answers from Hegseth Following Leadership Shake-Up at Stars and Stripes",2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), senior members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, are demanding answers from the Department of Defense on the recent placement of an active duty servicemember to serve as a “deputy” to the publisher at Stars and Stripes, a newspaper that has maintained editorial independence since the Civil War. Following the Department’s decision, Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer announced Tuesday he will retire after more than three decades at the newspaper, citing fundamental differences between his understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes and the Department’s plans for the organization. “The placement of an active-duty Public Affairs officer in the senior leadership of an organization whose credibility depends on its independence from the military chain of command raises serious questions,” the Senators wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “Mr. Lederer’s abrupt departure only heightens those concerns, particularly as the Department determines who will assume leadership of Stars and Stripes. This is particularly troubling in light of the Department’s recent actions affecting Stars and Stripes, including the April firing of independent Ombudsman Jacqueline Smith after she publicly defended the newspaper’s editorial independence and communicated concerns to Congress.” The Senators demanded answers on whether this active duty servicemember will serve as the acting or permanent Publisher following Mr. Lederer’s departure, and what process the Department will use to select Mr. Lederer’s successor. The Trump Administration has increasingly taken aim at controlling Stars and Stripes as part of its larger efforts to restrict freedom of press at the Pentagon. In January, Stars and Stripes job applicants were asked to explain how they would advance the Administration’s policy priorities, and the Pentagon’s top public affairs official announced plans to overhaul the newspaper. In March, the Pentagon further accused the newspaper of focusing on “woke distractions” and imposed new restrictions on the independent publication. In April, the Department fired Stars and Stripes ombudsman Jacqueline Smith—a non-partial watchdog charged with monitoring the paper’s independence. The Senators concluded: “For generations, American servicemembers, particularly those stationed overseas and in combat zones, have relied on Stars and Stripes for credible and independent news. That trust depends on preserving a clear separation between independent journalism and the Department’s public affairs apparatus. At this critical moment of leadership transition, that independence must not be compromised.” In June, Senators Blumenthal and Shaheen secured a provision to codify the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. The Senators’ language would deliver landmark protections for the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes—ensuring the newspaper remains free from censorship, propaganda, and interference from the Pentagon. The provision’s language comes from the Senators’ Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act—legislation that clarifies Stars and Stripes’ editorial operations are independent of the military chain of command, military public affairs activities, or other external influences. The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and linked below. Dear Secretary Hegseth, We write to express our continued concern about the degradation of the longstanding editorial independence of Stars and Stripes. Most recently, our offices have been informed that the Department of Defense assigned an active-duty Public Affairs officer to serve as a “deputy” to Stars and Stripes Publisher Max Lederer, reportedly without consultation with Mr. Lederer. On August 18, Mr. Lederer announced that he will retire after more than three decades at Stars and Stripes, including nearly two decades as Publisher, citing fundamental differences between his understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes and the Department’s plans for the organization. The placement of an active-duty Public Affairs officer in the senior leadership of an organization whose credibility depends on its independence from the military chain of command raises serious questions. Mr. Lederer’s abrupt departure only heightens those concerns, particularly as the Department determines who will assume leadership of Stars and Stripes. This is particularly troubling in light of the Department’s recent actions affecting Stars and Stripes, including the April firing of independent Ombudsman Jacqueline Smith after she publicly defended the newspaper’s editorial independence and communicated concerns to Congress. We therefore request that you provide, no later than August 28, a detailed explanation of this assignment, including who directed it; the officer’s duties, authorities, and reporting chain; whether the officer will have any role in editorial, personnel, budgetary, or management decisions; whether the officer will serve as acting or permanent Publisher following Mr. Lederer’s departure; and what process and qualifications the Department will use to select Mr. Lederer’s successor. Please also explain what safeguards the Department has put in place to ensure that this officer, or any other Department official, cannot direct, influence, review, or interfere with Stars and Stripes’ editorial decisions or coverage. For generations, American servicemembers, particularly those stationed overseas and in combat zones, have relied on Stars and Stripes for credible and independent news. That trust depends on preserving a clear separation between independent journalism and the Department’s public affairs apparatus. At this critical moment of leadership transition, that independence must not be compromised. We urge you to preserve that independence and provide prompt answers regarding these latest developments. -30-",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-wyden-and-himes-introduce-bicameral-bill-protecting-domestic-violence-survivors-from-gun-violence,"Blumenthal, Wyden, & Himes Introduce Bicameral Bill Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors from Gun Violence",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT) introduced the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows domestic abusers to legally obtain weapons. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act restricts those under temporary restraining orders from purchasing or possessing a firearm and extends protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners. The bill is named in memory of Lori Jackson, a Connecticut mother who was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband who had legally obtained a handgun even though he was subject to a temporary restraining order, and Nicolette Elias, a Connecticut mother who, despite securing restraining orders and temporary stalking orders against her estranged and abusive ex-husband, was murdered by her former spouse in front of their children with a handgun that he refused to relinquish. “This legislation closes a gaping loophole—to save lives when current law leaves domestic abuse victims most vulnerable to violent partners with guns,” said Blumenthal. “The link between domestic violence and guns is deadly. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would prevent the purchase and possession of a firearm by someone who is subject to a temporary restraining order—protecting survivors of domestic violence when courts recognize the danger.” “Keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers is commonsense,” Wyden said. “It's past time to help end the cycle of gun violence and provide domestic violence survivors with bare minimum protection against their abusers, and our bill is the way to do it.” “Lori Jackson and Nicolette Elias should still be alive today. That perpetrators of domestic violence can still access firearms even with a temporary restraining order against them is a dangerous loophole that needs to be closed. We owe it to Lori, Nicolette, and the countless other survivors of domestic violence killed by gun violence to close this loophole once and for all—and that’s precisely what this bill would do,” said Himes. The legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT). The legislation is supported by a number of organizations, including Brady, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund, GIFFORDS, Newtown Action Alliance, Everytown, Jewish Women International, March for Our Lives, National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, and CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Domestic violence is a serious issue that cuts across racial, gender, economic, sexual, generational, and religious divides. In fact, one-third of women and one-quarter of men are victims of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner at least once in their lifetime. The mere presence of a firearm in the hands of an abuser is a key factor that can transform a dangerous situation into a deadly one. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act will protect survivors of intimate partner violence by fully closing the “boyfriend loophole” and restricting individuals under emergency restraining orders from purchasing or possessing firearms. Brady is grateful to Senator Blumenthal for introducing this important bill and for his steadfast dedication to protecting survivors and ending the American gun violence crisis,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady “No one escaping domestic violence should fear that their abuser can still access a firearm,” said Lauren Levin, chief advocacy officer?of the?Sandy Hook Promise Action?Fund. “We are proud to endorse the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, strengthening protections for survivors facing serious threats and helping keep families and communities safe by reducing the risk of future violence.” ""The gaps in federal gun policy regarding domestic abuse are completely unacceptable and deadly. An abusive partner’s access to a firearm makes it five times more likely that a woman will be killed. That’s why I urge Congress to pass Senator Blumenthal’s lifesaving bill, and finally take steps to prevent known abusers from getting their hands on dangerous weapons,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director at GIFFORDS. “A protective order should protect. Yet loopholes in federal law still allow too many dangerous domestic abusers to keep or acquire firearms even after a court has found that they pose a credible threat,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. “The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act closes those deadly loopholes and helps ensure that a judge’s order is backed by meaningful action. Survivors deserve more than a piece of paper—they deserve the freedom to live safely in their own homes without fear of gun violence.” The full text of the bill can be found here. -30-",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-durbin-hirono-and-merkley-demand-answers-after-unqualified-organization-with-close-ties-to-ice-receives-no-bid-contract-to-provide-legal-services-to-migrant-children,"Blumenthal, Durbin, Hirono, & Merkley Demand Answers After Unqualified Organization with Close Ties to ICE Receives No-Bid Contract to Provide Legal Services to Migrant Children",2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, today pressed Our Rescue, an anti-human trafficking and child exploitation organization with close ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for answers after the organization received a no-bid contract of up to $244 million to provide legal services to unaccompanied migrant children. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) joined Blumenthal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer of Our Rescue, Derek Benner, and the Chairman of Our Rescue’s Board of Directors, Sean Vassilaros. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns that the organization lacks experience as a legal services provider and demanded records and information about its vague contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “This award is concerning given the incredible lack of details provided in the award notice, the nonexistence of legal services provided by your organization, the Trump Administration’s continued use of no-bid awards to steer taxpayer dollars to President Trump’s friends, family, and associates, and the Trump Administration’s staggering disregard for the welfare of children in immigration enforcement,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Unfortunately, Our Rescue is not a legal services provider. A review of your public-facing materials confirms this, revealing no mention of providing legal services to unaccompanied migrant children, nor even to survivors of human trafficking or child exploitation in the United States. While your organization’s stated mission of combatting human trafficking and child exploitation is laudable, you appear to address those issues in the United States in ways that are different from legal representation. Thus, it gives us apprehension that your organization is potentially being tasked with administering essential legal services to children whose cases require highly specialized expertise.” The Senators raised concerns that Our Rescue’s documented ties to ICE could undermine confidentiality regarding unaccompanied migrant children: “Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Congress deliberately assigned the care of and services for unaccompanied migrant children to ORR, wholly separate from the immigration enforcement functions the Act assigned to the Department of Homeland Security. This was done specifically to ensure that ORR functioned as a child welfare agency guided by unaccompanied migrant children’s best interests rather than deportation quotas or other immigration enforcement priorities. Yet under the Trump Administration, ORR has increasingly abandoned this statutory mandate in service of ICE’s enforcement agenda, including by routinely providing ICE formerly firewalled information about unaccompanied migrant children and their loved ones.” “Given these historical facts, Mr. Benner’s nexus to ICE as the former leader of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the lack of a publicly available description of the contract, we must ask exactly what information on unaccompanied migrant children Our Rescue may have agreed to provide to ORR. It is critical that Our Rescue and ORR maintain transparency about any information-sharing the contract requires,” the Senators concluded. The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below. Dear Mr. Benner and Chair Vassilaros: We write to request records and information regarding the recent contract of up to $244 million,[1] of which $158.1 million has already been disbursed,[2] that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded your organization to “ensure the continuity of legal services for unaccompanied alien children.”[3] This award is concerning given the incredible lack of details provided in the award notice, the nonexistence of legal services provided by your organization, the Trump Administration’s continued use of no-bid awards to steer taxpayer dollars to President Trump’s friends, family, and associates,[4] and the Trump Administration’s staggering disregard for the welfare of children in immigration enforcement.[5] We request that you immediately provide information and records to allow us to assess whether this contract is yet another waste of taxpayer dollars meant to harm migrant children. Unaccompanied migrant children are a uniquely vulnerable population with unique legal needs both in Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody and once released. Those needs may include, but are not limited to, direct representation in legal proceedings; orientations on legal rights and the immigration process in the United States; and legal screenings to identify a child’s legal needs, rights, and options. These needs require effective advocates with a working knowledge of immigration law—a complex and intricate legal landscape that is constantly changing. Unfortunately, Our Rescue is not a legal services provider. A review of your public-facing materials confirms this, revealing no mention of providing legal services to unaccompanied migrant children, nor even to survivors of human trafficking or child exploitation in the United States.[6] While your organization’s stated mission of combatting human trafficking and child exploitation is laudable, you appear to address those issues in the United States in ways that are different from legal representation. Thus, it gives us apprehension that your organization is potentially being tasked with administering essential legal services to children whose cases require highly specialized expertise. Adding to that apprehension is the complete lack of detail on exactly what your organization’s legal services will entail. Ensuring “the continuity of legal services for unaccompanied alien children”[7] is vague and could mean the provision of legal services directly by your organization or referrals by your organization to other providers of legal services, or both. There is also no detail as to whether these services will be provided to unaccompanied migrant children only while they are in ORR custody or if legal services will be provided post-release as well. Our Rescue’s close ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raises additional questions about confidentiality regarding unaccompanied migrant children. Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Congress deliberately assigned the care of and services for unaccompanied migrant children to ORR, wholly separate from the immigration enforcement functions the Act assigned to the Department of Homeland Security.[8] This was done specifically to ensure that ORR functioned as a child welfare agency guided by unaccompanied migrant children’s best interests rather than deportation quotas or other immigration enforcement priorities. Yet under the Trump Administration, ORR has increasingly abandoned this statutory mandate in service of ICE’s enforcement agenda, including by routinely providing ICE formerly firewalled information about unaccompanied migrant children and their loved ones. On the basis of this information, ICE has arrested more than 12,000 unaccompanied migrant children and other individuals while sowing fear and panic in communities across the nation.[9] In addition, from December 2025 to August 2026, ORR illegally refused to reimburse legal services providers under a prior contract unless they transmitted sensitive information to ORR about their clients that could have violated attorney-client privilege—information that ORR could then have imparted to ICE in turn. Only after a federal court ruled that these withheld payments contravened a standing preliminary injunction did ORR initiate repayments.[10] Given these historical facts, Mr. Benner’s nexus to ICE as the former leader of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the lack of a publicly available description of the contract, we must ask exactly what information on unaccompanied migrant children Our Rescue may have agreed to provide to ORR. It is critical that Our Rescue and ORR maintain transparency about any information-sharing the contract requires. So that we can understand why Our Rescue is qualified to receive up to $244 million servicing unaccompanied migrant children, and exactly what the contract entails, please provide the following information by September 1, 2026: Please provide an overview of what “continuity of legal services for unaccompanied alien children” entails; Please indicate whether “continuity of legal services for unaccompanied alien children” encompasses children detained in ORR custody or children released from ORR custody, or both; Please indicate whether Our Rescue will be directly providing legal services to unaccompanied alien children; Will Our Rescue be subcontracting to legal services providers or otherwise referring cases to a network of such providers? Please identify all existing and planned subcontractors or other organizations with which Our Rescue will partner to implement this contract; Please provide the number of attorneys currently employed by Our Rescue with an active bar license and for each attorney the jurisdiction in which they are barred; Please list any attorneys at Our Rescue who have ever participated in an immigration proceeding in any capacity; Please list any experience and qualifications among Our Rescue attorneys in providing trauma-informed representation to unaccompanied migrant children; Please provide a list of Our Rescue’s current office locations; Please indicate whether Our Rescue will be fulfilling the terms of its contract virtually or in person; and Please describe what information, if any, Our Rescue will provide to ORR and/or ICE concerning unaccompanied migrant children clients and their cases in performance of this contract Please share Our Rescue’s analysis of why any such information-sharing does or does not violate attorney-client privilege or other ethical considerations under the bar codes of all states in which Our Rescue will administer legal service pursuant to the contract. Please also provide us with the following records[11] by September 1, 2026: All records regarding the solicitation of the $244 million to ensure continuity of legal services for unaccompanied alien children; All communications[12] regarding the awarding of the $244 million contract and the disbursement of the $158.1 million, including but not limited to communications with the Executive Office of the President, President Trump, the Department of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; and All communications regarding how clients will be serviced in locations where Our Rescue personnel and/or attorneys are not located. -30- [1] Award Notice, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement – Legal Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children, SAM.GOV, (Aug. 7, 2026), available at: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/3994b176dd184f02b72b043594ea419f/view. [2] Contract Summary, USASPENDING.GOV, https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_7571MN26C00029_7571_-NONE-_-NONE-. [3] Supra, note 1. [4] See, e.g., Letter from the Hon. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member, S. Permanent Subcomm. on Investigations to the Hon. Doug Burgum, Sec. of the Interior, and Jessica Bowron, Acting Director, NPS (June 9, 2026), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026-06-09-Letter-from-Ranking-Member-Blumenthal-toSecretary-Burgum-and-Acting-Director-Bowron.pdf. [5] See, e.g., Press Release, Blumenthal Delivers Opening Statement at Forum on How DHS Policies Hurt Children (March 24, 2026), https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/videoblumenthal-deliversopening-statement-at-forum-on-how-dhs-policies-hurt-children. [6] See, e.g., https://ourrescue.org/?form=FUNNLSEFPYG&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19639273605&gbraid=0AAAAAoc8JBHJfc7kNNG6YkFnnNt81tj05&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhOjWq7-ZlgMVU4rCCB0-VjHgEAAYASAAEgJxyPD_BwE. (Materials reviewed include webpages, annual reports, and audited financials). [7] Supra, note 1. [8] P.L. 107-296. [9] Kristina Cooke, “Thousands of children, sponsors, arrested after tips from US child migrant agency” Reuters (Jul. 28, 2026) available at: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/thousands-children-sponsors-arrested-by-ice-after-tips-us-child-migrant-agency-2026-07-28/. [10] Dennis Valera, “Judge orders federal government to pay $65M to legal service providers for migrant children” CBS News (Aug. 7, 2026): https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/judge-orders-65m-payout-migrant-children-legal-services [11] For purposes of this request, “records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), direct messages, chats, calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents). [12] For purposes of this request, “communications” include any records, as defined above, transmitted in any way between two or more individuals or entities.",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-federal-action-to-lower-electricity-costs,Blumenthal Demands Federal Action to Lower Electricity Costs,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal today introduced The Affordable Electricity Rates Act of 2026 a bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider affordability when setting transmission rates. Transmission rates comprise 15 percent of your electricity bill and Blumenthal’s legislation would prohibit any rate increases or charges that would increase overall electricity prices by over 5 percent. “FERC has been anemic in its oversight of electricity costs. Connecticut consumers pay too much for electricity and federal authorities have done too little to protect them from rising costs by utility companies. I’m proud to introduce the Affordable Electricity Rates Act of 2026 to compel FERC to consider affordability when setting transmission rates and prohibit costly rate increases that burden consumers,” Blumenthal said. Blumenthal’s bill amends Section 210 of the Federal Power Act to require FERC to consider whether a rate or charge is likely to result in retail electricity prices that are unaffordable for consumers and then prohibiting any rate or charge that is unaffordable by considering it as not “just and reasonable” which is FERC’s current standard. The legislation also has a presumption of unaffordability for any transmission rate that would increase overall electricity prices by over 5%. In addition to the legislation, Blumenthal today wrote to FERC demanding strong oversight of asset condition projects. These projects are initiated at the discretion of the transmission company, such as Eversource, and they received a presumption from FERC that they are necessary. In many cases, organizations like Eversource repair their infrastructure or replace full transmission lines when it isn’t needed and consumers are left footing the bill. Transmission owners are investing heavily in these types of projects. In fact, spending on asset condition projects represents 73 percent of the annual amount that transmission owners spend on all capital projects in New England. Energy costs in Connecticut are already extraordinarily high, and Connecticut consumers pay for a portion of the costs of all transmission projects throughout the ISO-New England region. The number of these transmission projects have skyrocketed, in large part because the return on investment percentages for the utility companies are higher than for other projects. In a letter to FERC Blumenthal cites Eversource’s X-178 transmission project in New Hampshire as a perfect example of why FERC oversight is needed. While only 10% of the transmission lines need to be repairs, Eversource is replacing 580 poles and 49 miles of transmission lines to the tune of $360 million. Connecticut’s share of that is expected to be $79.9 million. “For too long, transmission owners have exploited weak oversight to make unnecessary and expensive upgrades. Since 2018, transmission organizations in New England have spent twice the amount of money on asset condition projects as they have on new reliability projects – to the tune of $4.1 billion. The costs of these projects – which are initiated at the sole discretion of a transmission organization – are passed onto ratepayers across the entire ISO-NE region, with Connecticut residents paying 25% of all costs for projects that affect the regional grid, even for projects located in another state, like the X-178 transmission project,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal’s bill text can be viewed here. A copy of his letter to FERC is available below. The Honorable Laura V. Swett Chairman Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20426 Docket No. EL26-66-000 Dear Chairman Swett, I write to provide comments on the above-mentioned docket and call again on FERC to increase oversight of the planning process for asset condition projects. I have repeatedly called for the Commission to provide greater scrutiny of such projects to ensure proposed upgrades are truly necessary and that the costs are reasonable. Eversource’s actions in this case provide the perfect illustration of why such scrutiny is needed. As petitioners allege, Eversource mischaracterized its X-178 transmission project, thereby subjecting it to a lesser level of scrutiny than it should have received while receiving a higher rate of return on these expenditures than those provided for costs of other capital projects and operating expenses. While regional transmission projects impacting reliability are reviewed by ISO-NE, asset condition projects initiated by transmission organizations to replace old or damaged infrastructure receive little to no meaningful review or oversight. This gives transmission owners an incentive to classify projects as asset condition projects, even in cases where the infrastructure being repaired has not exceeded its useful life or the transmission organization chooses to replace an entire line when only portions of it are damaged. For too long, transmission owners have exploited weak oversight to make unnecessary and expensive upgrades. Since 2018, transmission organizations in New England have spent twice the amount of money on asset condition projects as they have on new reliability projects – to the tune of $4.1 billion. The costs of these projects – which are initiated at the sole discretion of a transmission organization – are passed onto ratepayers across the entire ISO-NE region, with Connecticut residents paying 25% of all costs for projects that affect the regional grid, even for projects located in another state, like the X-178 transmission project. As I said in my August 8, 2025 letter, and again in a letter on April 8, 2026, FERC must provide greater oversight over asset condition projects, including at a minimum, the establishment of an independent review mechanism. As long as these types of projects receive a presumption that they are prudent during FERC’s review, transmission organizations will continue to take advantage of the system by misclassifying projects. As a result, ratepayers in Connecticut are forced to pay for these unnecessary upgrades, further exacerbating already sky-high electric bills. I urge the Commission to act in the best interests of consumers and establish a mechanism for greater oversight of asset condition projects. -30-",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-joins-senate-armed-services-colleagues-to-demand-accountability-from-hegseth-after-reports-of-crisis-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln,Blumenthal Joins Senate Armed Services Colleagues to Demand Accountability from Hegseth After Reports of Crisis Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined all twelve of his colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) minority, as well as the Democratic leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports that the aircraft carrier’s crew has endured food and water shortages, broken plumbing, and mental health crises severe enough that multiple sailors reportedly attempted to go overboard during its record-setting deployment. The Lincoln has been at sea for more than 250 days, including over 200 consecutive days without a port call, the longest continuous deployment at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier in the modern era. The letter was signed by Blumenthal and the following SASC members: Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Senator Tim Kaine (D-Vir.), Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.). Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, also joined. The senators pressed Secretary Hegseth on his Department’s failure to provide a clear timeline for the crew’s return and condemned his public dismissal of the reports as “completely misrepresented,” as well as President Trump’s remarks suggesting the Lincoln had not been deployed “nearly long enough.” The Senators demanded detailed answers on mental health and medical resources aboard the ship, the state of good order and discipline, hygiene and food conditions, the full extent of the reported man-overboard incident, and support being provided to military families, along with a formal request for a bipartisan congressional delegation to visit the ship. The full text of the letter is below. Dear Secretary Hegseth, We write regarding the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and mounting evidence that conditions aboard the carrier have deteriorated to the point that the safety and wellbeing of its crew could be compromised. These are deeply troubling reports, and the American people deserve honest answers. The USS Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21, 2025. The ship has now been deployed for more than 250 days, including over 200 consecutive days without a port call, setting a modern-day record for continuous time at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier. Family members of the sailors and Marines serving aboard have received urgent messages describing conditions that should alarm you, and everyone serving in a position of leadership at the Pentagon, to include concerns about exhaustion, food and water shortages, and mental health crises serious enough that multiple sailors reportedly attempted to go overboard. In response to these reports, you publicly stated that the conditions aboard the carrier have been “completely misrepresented.” Even more galling, when asked by reporters about the conditions on the Lincoln, President Trump dismissed the concerns of the families and stated that the Lincoln had not been deployed “nearly long enough.” Our sailors and Marines signed up to serve and to be treated with respect. They did not sign up to be kept at sea indefinitely with no announced return date and, by multiple accounts, without reliable food, hot water, or working plumbing. That is not how we treat the men and women we ask to carry out this mission. This situation was preventable, and the conditions aboard the Lincoln are nearly identical to the issues faced by the USS Ford when it conducted an extended deployment that ended earlier this year. The USS Lincoln was redirected to the Middle East as the war with Iran began and has remained there as that war has dragged on with no clear endpoint. This is a symptom of poor planning by both you and the President and exacerbated by the deeply unsound decision to start a war with Iran. Open-ended deployments driven by an open-ended war have real consequences for our servicemembers, and we are seeing those consequences now. Recent press reports indicate that the USS George Washington will be deployed to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln. While that is welcome news, the Department’s mismanagement of carrier deployments also means that the U.S. will not have an aircraft carrier in the Pacific for the foreseeable future. However, ensuring the USS Lincoln returns to port takes precedence, and it is incumbent on the Department to inform Congress, and the families, on the plan and timeline to get the crew home. Denial and defensiveness are not acceptable responses. Congress and these families need accountability. Given the seriousness of these reports, we request written answers to the following: What is the current timeline for the USS Lincoln’s relief and return to homeport, and what specific operational requirements are driving continued extensions of this deployment? Was the crew informed that the deployment could be extended indefinitely? Have any members of the crew been changed out since the beginning of this deployment, and if so, how many? Has there been any degradation in the operational capability of the USS Lincoln or her airwing? What mental health resources are being provided to the crew? Have there been any suicides aboard the ship during this deployment? How many instances of detected suicidal ideation or attempted self-harm, including attempts to go overboard, has the Department recorded? What other medical resources are available aboard the ship, and are resources sufficient to meet the crew’s needs given the length of this deployment? What chaplain resources are available to the crew, and have they been adequate to the scale of need aboard the ship? What is the current state of good order and discipline aboard the USS Lincoln? What is the hygiene and healthy food situation on board, including the status of reported plumbing failures, water contamination, and food shortages? What is the extent of illness or injury aboard the ship, including full details of the reported man-overboard incident and any other similar incidents? What is the state of the families of the sailors and Marines aboard the USS Lincoln? What resources are being provided to them, and are they being kept informed on a regular basis about the status of the deployment and their loved ones’ wellbeing? Will the Department authorize a bipartisan congressional delegation to visit the Lincoln to conduct firsthand oversight of conditions aboard the ship? As the Secretary of Defense, you are accountable to the men and women who serve our nation. It is time for you to demonstrate leadership, rather than peddle excuses. The servicemembers we send into harm’s way deserve nothing less. Sincerely, -30-",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-leads-call-for-trump-to-reverse-costly-directive-restoring-outdated-technology-on-aircraft-carriers,Blumenthal Leads Call for Trump to Reverse Costly Directive Restoring Outdated Technology on Aircraft Carriers,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today called on Donald Trump to reverse a recent national security memorandum directing the Department of Defense to replace electromagnetic catapults with steam-powered systems on future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. In a letter signed by fellow members of the Armed Services Committee—U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Tim Kaine (D-VA)—Blumenthal and the Senators raised concerns that the President’s costly and ill-conceived redesigns of aircraft carriers would endanger servicemembers and leave aircraft carriers less secure. “Catapults are central to an aircraft carrier’s ability to project airpower around the world, launching aircraft from the flight deck using either pressurized steam or, in newer systems, electrical power and magnetic fields. The Navy moved to the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) because it offers more precise control over aircraft launches, can accommodate a wider range of aircraft, and reduces maintenance and manpower requirements. The Navy has spent years improving this technology and has now conducted tens of thousands of successful launches,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Your plan to revert to steam-powered systems is not feasible. The Ford class was designed around electromagnetic catapults, while steam requires a fundamentally different infrastructure. With the Doris Miller already under construction and its electromagnetic launch equipment reportedly nearly 50 percent complete, your directive threatens to impose significant new costs and delays on a carrier program already critical to meeting the Navy’s global commitments.” The Senators raised concerns about the President’s pattern of personally prescribing the design of some of the military’s most complex weapons systems: “These projects are planned years in advance and go through intense scrutiny. Your constant interference in them risks wasting time, taxpayer dollars, and the safety of our warfighters. Our servicemembers and their families deserve to know that the equipment they receive is driven by operational requirements, not your whim.” “Our aircraft carriers are among the most complex weapons systems ever built, and decisions about their design will shape the Navy’s combat power for decades. Changes of this magnitude should be driven by the operational requirements of the fleet, the judgment of Navy engineers and warfighters, and rigorous assessments of cost, schedule, and capability—not the personal preference of any President,” the Senators concluded. The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below. Dear Mr. President, We write to express serious concerns regarding your August 13 national security memorandum directing the Department of Defense to replace electromagnetic catapults with steam-powered systems on future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, beginning with the USS Doris Miller (CVN-81). At precisely the moment the Navy is struggling to meet growing demands for aircraft carriers around the world, you are ordering costly and ill-conceived redesigns of the future carrier fleet. Catapults are central to an aircraft carrier’s ability to project airpower around the world, launching aircraft from the flight deck using either pressurized steam or, in newer systems, electrical power and magnetic fields. The Navy moved to the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) because it offers more precise control over aircraft launches, can accommodate a wider range of aircraft, and reduces maintenance and manpower requirements. The Navy has spent years improving this technology and has now conducted tens of thousands of successful launches. Your plan to revert to steam-powered systems is not feasible. The Ford class was designed around electromagnetic catapults, while steam requires a fundamentally different infrastructure. With the Doris Miller already under construction and its electromagnetic launch equipment reportedly nearly 50 percent complete, your directive threatens to impose significant new costs and delays on a carrier program already critical to meeting the Navy’s global commitments. Most concerning, this directive is not an isolated instance. Your directive follows a growing pattern of personally prescribing the design of some of the military's most complex weapons systems, including a new class of battleships, a twin-engine version of the F-35, and now steam catapults aboard aircraft carriers. These projects are planned years in advance and go through intense scrutiny. Your constant interference in them risks wasting time, taxpayer dollars, and the safety of our warfighters. Our servicemembers and their families deserve to know that the equipment they receive is driven by operational requirements, not your whim. We therefore request answers to the following questions: What technical, engineering, operational, and cost analyses informed your August 13 directive? Before it was issued, did the Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, or other Navy technical authorities recommend replacing the electromagnetic catapults with steam? What is the Navy’s current estimate of the total cost and schedule impact of redesigning CVN-81 to incorporate steam catapults, including engineering and redesign costs, equipment already procured or under contract, contract modifications, and potential construction delays? How would replacing electromagnetic catapults with steam affect the operational capabilities, including sortie generation, maintenance requirements, and its ability to launch the Navy’s planned future carrier air wing, including unmanned aircraft? What impact would any delay to future carriers have on the Navy’s ability to generate sufficient aircraft carrier presence to meet projected global operational requirements, particularly given the increasingly extended deployments already being required of the existing carrier fleet? Our aircraft carriers are among the most complex weapons systems ever built, and decisions about their design will shape the Navy’s combat power for decades. Changes of this magnitude should be driven by the operational requirements of the fleet, the judgment of Navy engineers and warfighters, and rigorous assessments of cost, schedule, and capability – not the personal preference of any President. Sincerely, -30-",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/7/2026-8/14/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/7/2026-8/14/2026,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Demanding Answers About Health & Safety Concerns Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao today demanding to know what action is being taken to improve conditions for sailors deployed on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been continuously at sea for a record length of nearly seven months. The deployment was scheduled to end in May but has been extended with no publicly announced return date. “There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal also asked for information about what steps the Navy is taking to prevent similar issues in the future, given that recent carrier deployments have repeatedly stretched long beyond their originally planned durations: “These reports warrant immediate attention, but they also raise a broader question: whether the Navy can sustain the operational tempo now being demanded of its carrier force, particularly as this Administration repeatedly commits U.S. forces to conflicts of its own choosing and increasingly relies on aircraft carriers to sustain those operations.” Blumenthal has previously raised concerns regarding the mental health and well-being of sailors facing extended periods of demanding working and living conditions. In 2022, Xavier Sandor, a Connecticut sailor from Shelton, was one of three USS George Washington crew members to die by suicide while the ship was undergoing extended Refueling and Complex Overhaul at a Virginia shipyard. During this time, crew members were subject to frequent interruptions of electrical power, heating, air conditioning and hot water for weeks at a time and no access to welfare or recreation services. Sailors also often experienced a two months long backlog for mental health screenings. In 2023, Blumenthal fought to include the Seaman Xavier Sandor Support for Sailors Act in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, allowing junior sailors to live in commercial housing when their assigned ship undergoes an extended maintenance overhaul in a shipyard. The full text of the letter to Hegseth and Cao is available here. Blumenthal highlighted his letter and the need to better support our servicemembers aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on Twitter/X. “The Trump Admin must explain what they are doing to support sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln who have been continuously at sea for nearly 7 months. Widespread reports of supply shortages, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health & more demand immediate attention,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Blumenthal also joined CNN’s Erin Burnett and Pamela Brown to discuss his letter to Hegseth and Cao. Slamming the Trump Administration’s Dangerous Immigration Policies Blumenthal, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, wrote to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General T. March Bell demanding he launch a formal investigation the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s evasion of its legal responsibilities to the immigrant children in its custody. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requires ORR to adjudicate a completed sponsorship application of a parent, legal guardian, or close relative for an unaccompanied immigrant child within 10 days. However, despite this requirement, at least two dozen children in Connecticut have languished in federal custody for lengthy periods of time raising serious questions about why ORR is delaying reunification. “At best, ORR is understaffed and woefully inept at carrying out its statutorily mandated functions in a timely fashion. At worst, and what mounting evidence points to, is that ORR’s goal has become detaining children indefinitely in a callous attempt to deter future migration. Either way, the best interests of children in ORR’s custody have been sacrificed, and those children, including those in Connecticut, continue to suffer,” Blumenthal wrote. In a letter, Blumenthal cites the case of 5-year-old Camila who was held for 118 days in federal custody while her mother was 9 miles down the road waiting for her application to be approved. Camila was only reunited with her mother after attorneys filed a habeas lawsuit challenging the legality of her detention. “In each case, ORR plays the same song and dance, requiring an application be “complete” before the 10-day clock starts, while simultaneously delaying needed checks or moving the goal post of what is required to complete an application as soon as previous requirements are met. For example, in Camila’s case, her mother submitted an application, then waited two months for ORR to schedule a home inspection and three months for ORR to schedule a DNA test. All the while, Camila languished inside federal custody, away from her mother,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal’s letter demands HHS promptly launch an investigation into these delays and determine whether ORR is evading its legal responsibilities to the children in its custody and determine whether ORR is in violation of its obligations. A full copy of Blumenthal’s letter is available here. Blumenthal held a press conference in Hartford announcing his call for an investigation into the prolonged and inhumane detention of unaccompanied immigrant children in the custody of ORR. “Thousands of children are confined by ICE, away from their parents, they’re unaccompanied children, for extended periods of time—not just weeks, months. The story of Camila, a five-year-old detained for 118 days, is gripping and heartbreaking, but only one of dozens in Connecticut alone and thousands across the country,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. “These children are confined for an average of 205 days. For a child who is 3, 4, 5 years old 205 days is like a lifetime—away from parents, confined in really inhumane settings in federal custody. What we’re seeing is family separation 2.0. And we are seeing the same craven, cruel, inhumane policy repeated now in a slightly different way.” Video of Blumenthal’s press conference is available here. On Twitter/X, Blumenthal further highlighted his call for an investigation into the inhumane treatment of unaccompanied immigration children. “We are hearing gripping & heartbreaking stories of kids being held in federal custody for months on end. I’m demanding HHS investigate the prolonged & inhumane detention of minors at unmonitored & unlicensed facilities—putting children at incredible risk,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Further condemning the Trump Administration’s harmful immigration policies, Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) in writing Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel slamming a policy allowing ICE agents to hide from investigation after violent confrontations. Following reporting in The New York Times that the FBI will no longer investigate violent confrontations between civilians and federal immigration agents, Blumenthal and Schiff are calling for the new policy be rescinded. The senators also asked for information and records about how the decision to implement the policy was reached. Agents reportedly received instructions about the change just days after ICE agents shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas and Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine. “Faced once more with the duty to investigate DHS agents’ wanton violence, you apparently made the extraordinary decision to issue a policy that FBI agents will no longer investigate confrontations between civilians and immigration agents. Instead, leaving DHS to investigate itself,” the senators wrote. “It is hard to see any justification for this policy change other than to avoid discovering evidence that could be used to call into question the practices of DHS agents or to prosecute them when they use excessive force in violation of the law.” The full text of letter is available here. Combatting the Rapid Spread of the Spotted Lanternfly Blumenthal called on Congress to pass the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, new legislation to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to the environment and our state’s agricultural economy. Spotted Lanternflies, which are native to Asia and were first found in Connecticut in 2020, have destroyed crops and trees in the Northeast — putting our local farmers, winemakers, and brewers at serious risk. The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the Spotted Lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This designation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants available for research projects related to the mitigation of this invasive species to find creative solutions to stop the spread before Connecticut’s crops and trees species are further decimated. “The Spotted Lanternfly is really much more than just a pest. These guys are a menace. Literally half the trees in Connecticut are at risk of death as a result of the Spotted Lanternfly—and more immediately, our vineyards, our hop fields, our wine and brewery industries are very much threated by the spotted lanternfly. We need to counter this threat with research and development and citizen action,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. Blumenthal further highlighted the need to combat the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly on Twitter/X. “The Spotted Lanternfly is a hitchhiking pest that puts at risk ½ the trees in CT, plus orchards, vineyards, & hops fields. States like CT need strong federal funding to counter this menace & develop systemic, strategic ways to stop this invasive species,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Denouncing the $900 Million Price Tag for Trump’s White House Renovations Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), demanded answers from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about the ballooning costs associated with renovations to the White House and surrounding grounds. Blumenthal sent the letter to Wiles amid new reporting in the Washington Post that detailed a significant increase in the projected cost of various projects that President Trump has directed to take place on the White House grounds, totaling $927 million, with taxpayers set to pay much of the multimillion-dollar sum. Seeking information regarding the reconstruction and renovation of the White House and surrounding grounds, Blumenthal wrote, “This astronomical expenditure, which has not been approved by Congress, has been rushed through unconventional means under incredible secrecy. A project of this cost and significance demands oversight and accountability to determine not just how funds are being spent but whether any rules were violated in the President’s haste to complete his chief vanity project.” Pointing to the costs associated with various projects undertaken by the White House, including a massive ballroom, repairs to an adjacent park, construction of a new visitor screening facility, and construction of a new helipad, Blumenthal continued, “This new calculation dwarfs previous estimates provided by the President, and the accompanying reporting details how taxpayers will be expected to fund more than half of that amount. It also directly contradicts numerous statements by the President, who has repeatedly insisted that construction costs would be paid by private donors and himself personally, at no cost to taxpayers.” Blumenthal raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s use of no-bid contracts for many of the projects and its redirection of Congressionally-appropriated funding to benefit the President’s vanity projects: “The reporting also details the extraordinary measures that the Trump Administration has undertaken to apparently circumvent traditional contracting practices and basic transparency by routing the contracts for construction projects through the Executive Residence, which has no experience with these kinds of large-scale projects and typically handles routine maintenance projects for the White House and its grounds. Importantly, contracts originating out of the Executive Residence are not forced to undergo the same contract bidding rules or public disclosure requirements as other federally funded projects.” As Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal is leading an inquiry into waste, fraud, and abuse associated with the White House ballroom and other projects throughout the nation’s capital. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Wiles is available here. Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal released a statement on the passing of former Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. Blumenthal pressed MLB, MLBPA, and FanDuel for answers after Phillies Star Bryce Harper was used to target gambling addict with a promotional video. Blumenthal introduced a bipartisan bill banning bonuses for utility company executives as consumer energy costs skyrocket. Blumenthal reintroduced legislation to protect passengers and crew from toxic cabin air. Blumenthal led colleagues in demanding HHS rescind cancelation of lifesaving research grants that improve patient safety and care. Blumenthal introduced bicameral legislation to improve end of life care. Blumenthal celebrated the Senate passage of his Russia Sanctions bill. Blumenthal joined CNN to discuss Trump’s secret exit from Turkey. Blumenthal joined MS NOW to discuss Trump’s judicial nominees’ refusal to say Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Blumenthal highlighted his Passport Day event on August 21. Blumenthal applauded the introduction of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Blumenthal joined the Puerto Rican festival in New Haven. Blumenthal visited the North Branford PoCo Festival. Blumenthal attended the Wolcott Fair. -30-",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/08/13/2026/blumenthal-and-barragan-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-end-of-life-care,Blumenthal & Barragán Introduce Bicameral Legislation To Improve End of Life Care,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Compassionate Care Act, legislation to promote advance care planning and end-of-life care through physician education and public awareness campaigns. The Compassionate Care Act provides critical resources to educate patients and providers, develops core end-of-life quality measures, and expands access to advance care planning via telehealth—helping patients access the care they need and that is right for them. “Every person deserves to have their wishes respected when facing serious illness or the need for end-of-life care,” Blumenthal said. “The Compassionate Care Act will help patients plan ahead, empower families and providers to have important conversations, and ensure that people’s care preferences are known and honored.” “Only 5% of Americans have an advance care plan for their future medical care preferences, and many are unsure how to begin these important conversations with their health care providers,” said Barragán. “Senator Blumenthal and I are reintroducing the Compassionate Care Act to establish clear guidelines, improve physician education, increase public awareness, and expand access—including through telehealth services— to advance care planning. More Americans should feel empowered to take control of their end-of-life care.” The legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA). The Compassionate Care Act is endorsed by a number of organizations, including Compassion & Choices, Coalition to Transform Advanced Care, and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). “The nation must improve our advance care planning policies so that doctors and families are not put in the deeply disturbing position of having to make life-altering care decisions without knowing the patient’s wishes,” said Kevin Díaz, president and CEO of Compassion & Choices. “We will work with Senator Blumenthal to secure congressional support to pass this critical legislation, which would increase the likelihood that patient-directed care is both the expectation and the norm.” “The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care is pleased to support Senator Blumenthal’s reintroduction of the Compassionate Care Act. In C-TAC's 15th year, the senator’s leadership continues to draw attention to issues of great importance to individuals with serious illness,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, Co-Founder & Co-Chair of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care. “This legislation includes critical improvements for advance care planning (ACP), makes permanent telehealth provisions for hospice recertification and ACP at home and by audio only, and supports much needed provider and public education that will help ensure that patients’ care preferences are understood, recorded, and followed.” “Advance care planning is one of the most important conversations we can have about our healthcare, yet too many Americans reach a moment of crisis without having had that conversation at all. The Compassionate Care Act would help change that by giving patients, families, and healthcare providers better tools to talk about what matters most before difficult decisions have to be made. When people understand their choices and their wishes are known, we see better transitions of care, fewer unwanted interventions, and a better experience for patients and families throughout serious illness and at the end of life. This legislation moves us toward a healthcare system where every person’s voice, values, and choices are heard and respected. NPHI looks forward to working with Senator Blumenthal, Senator Schiff, and stakeholders across the healthcare community to advance this important legislation and ensure more Americans have the opportunity to make informed decisions about the care they want and deserve,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI Founder & CEO Among other provisions, the Compassionate Care Act would: Establish guidelines for advance care planning between health providers and patients; Launch a National Public Awareness Campaign that would encourage patients and providers to make end-of-life plans; Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop education resources for providers to engage with patients, work with providers, state boards of medicine, and clinical associations to develop advance care education resources and solicit feedback from providers and develop quality measures; Improve access to advance care planning by expanding telehealth options for providers and patients; and, Facilitate a study on a national advanced care planning registry that would allow patients to transfer their advanced directives from state to state. The full text of the legislation is available here. A one-page summary is available here. -30-",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-baldwin-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-hhs-rescind-cancelation-of-lifesaving-research-grants-that-improve-patient-safety_care,Blumenthal & Baldwin Lead Colleagues in Demanding HHS Rescind Cancelation of Lifesaving Research Grants that Improve Patient Safety & Care,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today led 28 of their Democratic colleagues in the Senate in demanding that Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reverse the Department’s destructive cancelations of lifesaving health research grants administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Congressionally appropriated funding for AHRQ grants benefitted critical research and initiatives to advance effective healthcare delivery, such as training for rural healthcare workers in Connecticut, testing the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals in Wisconsin, improving autism screening and services for Black children in North Carolina, and equipping primary care providers with effective chronic pain treatment in Virginia. In a letter sent today to Kennedy, the Senators raised concerns about the impact of HHS’s mass cancelations of these research grants, writing, “This unprecedented action, which has led to the disruption of nearly 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states, undermines decades of taxpayer investments to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and health outcomes for all Americans. We demand that you immediately rescind these cancelations and ensure that the funding Congress appropriates to AHRQ is invested in health research in accordance with the law.” The Senators continued, “We want to be clear: Democrats and Republicans did not work together to appropriate funds for AHRQ as a gentle suggestion for the Department to follow at their discretion or leisure. We provided this money with the explicit instruction that the Department faithfully support life-saving research to improve access and health outcomes for Americans. We did not appropriate these funds so that money could remain unspent while Americans suffer and our healthcare system struggles.” The Senators continued, “The agency’s actions over the last year are an outrageous abuse of administrative power that will leave Americans sicker, poorer, and dying from preventable causes. Each of these canceled grants put real life patients further from the care that they need.” The Senators called on Kennedy to immediately restore full funding to research projects affected by the cancelations and ensure AHRQ’s full FY26 appropriations are obligated as required by law: “At a time when medical errors kill hundreds of thousands of Americans annually, when healthcare costs are crushing family budgets, and when we face unprecedented health challenges, your department has chosen to sabotage the very research designed to solve these problems. This is not leadership—this is sabotage of public health. And it must end, immediately.” “The American people deserve a healthcare system informed by the best available evidence. They deserve research that makes their care safer, more effective, and more affordable. Congress has provided the resources to support this vital work. It is your responsibility to ensure these resources are used as intended,” the Senators concluded. The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mark Warner (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below. Dear Secretary Kennedy, We write to express our profound concern and unequivocal opposition to the recent mass cancelations of lifesaving health research grants administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) as well as the year-long refusal to faithfully execute the Fiscal Year (FY25) and Fiscal Year (FY26) appropriations laws. This unprecedented action, which has led to the disruption of nearly 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states, undermines decades of taxpayer investments to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and health outcomes for all Americans. We demand that you immediately rescind these cancelations and ensure that the funding Congress appropriates to AHRQ is invested in health research in accordance with the law. On July 15, 2026, approximately 150 AHRQ grantees received a generic form letter notifying them that their grants were canceled, effective immediately.[1] For many, this was the first notice or communication that they have received from AHRQ in nearly a year. The grant cancelation letters cite regulations that require the Agency to consider the grantee's progress and management practices and the availability of funds, yet none of the notices substantively address any of these factors. Instead, these cancelation notices list a series of Agency priorities that do not appear in the subsections cited. Further, many of the grants that were canceled were explicitly investigating the topics that AHRQ has described as a priority. The cancelation letters, which were sent to a broad range of grantees, use the exact same language, which is evidence that the agency is categorically denying grants without making individual grant determinations. A small sample of the research programs that were just devastated include: Work in Connecticut on training rural healthcare workers to better respond to maternal medical emergencies; Research in New York on how to improve healthcare delivery systems for patients to access home dialysis; A program in Colorado that reduces risk factors for patient falls in rural hospitals; Work in Utah to reduce antibiotic overuse at hospital discharge; Research in Wisconsin testing the use of artificial intelligence to improve the experience of hospitalized children and their families; A grant in North Carolina that improved autism screening, diagnosis, and services among Black children; Research in Maryland to improve patient safety via telehealth; Work in Virginia to equip primary care providers with more effective chronic pain treatment to reduce reliance on opioids; and Research in Michigan on patient financial burden after a COVID-19 infection. This is just a fraction of the important work that has been permanently discontinued, despite years of work and millions of taxpayer dollars that were invested to advance our understanding of effective healthcare delivery. This recklessness is not the only crisis facing the Agency. Since October 1, 2025, the Agency has only awarded 5 percent of the funds available for extramural grants.[2] Grantees were left in limbo, without notice or clarification, in some cases for over a year. Programs across the country were forced to layoff staff, discontinue research, shutdown programs, or not pursue new research opportunities at all. In 2025, AHRQ lost 80 percent of its staff, including the vast majority of those working to vet grant applications and work with grantees, so there is no one left to adequately manage the programming mandated by statute.[3] We want to be clear: Democrats and Republicans did not work together to appropriate funds for AHRQ as a gentle suggestion for the Department to follow at their discretion or leisure. We provided this money with the explicit instruction that the Department faithfully support life-saving research to improve access and health outcomes for Americans. We did not appropriate these funds so that money could remain unspent while Americans suffer and our healthcare system struggles. AHRQ has saved our country billions of dollars in healthcare costs and improved patient safety. Abandoning this work is antithetical to the mission of the Department. The agency’s actions over the last year are an outrageous abuse of administrative power that will leave Americans sicker, poorer, and dying from preventable causes. Each of these canceled grants put real life patients further from the care that they need. At a time when medical errors kill hundreds of thousands of Americans annually, when healthcare costs are crushing family budgets, and when we face unprecedented health challenges, your department has chosen to sabotage the very research designed to solve these problems. This is not leadership—this is sabotage of public health. And it must end, immediately. We call upon you to take the following immediate actions: Rescind all recent grant cancelations and restore full funding to all affected research projects; Ensure that AHRQ’s full FY26 appropriation is obligated for health services research as the bipartisan majorities of Congress and President Trump’s signature intended; Provide a detailed explanation to Congress within one month of receiving this letter regarding the decision-making process that led to these cancelations, including any written criteria, instructions, funding plans, rankings, spreadsheets, analyses, or other documents used to identify or select affected grants; Explain how the priorities identified in the non-continuation notice were applied to grants that were terminated and explain why grants focused on listed priority research areas were selected for non-continuation; Provide to Congress a spend plan to ensure that the approximately $200 million remaining in funding for extramural research grants are awarded before October 1, 2026, including any contract arrangements with other federal agencies and a description of how such contracts advance research on health care costs, quality, and outcomes; Provide to Congress a detailed description of the number of employees at AHRQ that are performing grants-management functions, including issuing awards, processing continuations, and monitoring awards for compliance as of August 6, 2026, September 30, 2025, and January 1, 2025; Provide a written assurance that such arbitrary cancelations will never happen again. Countless researchers who have devoted their careers to improving healthcare for all of us have watched years of painstaking work and hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer investments destroyed overnight. The scientific and health pipelines that have been demolished will take decades to build back and may never be recovered. The American people deserve a healthcare system informed by the best available evidence. They deserve research that makes their care safer, more effective, and more affordable. Congress has provided the resources to support this vital work. It is your responsibility to ensure these resources are used as intended. We look forward to your response no later than August 25, 2026. -30-",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-investigation-into-detention-of-children-in-federal-custody,Blumenthal Demands Investigation Into Detention Of Children In Federal Custody,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, wrote to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General T. March Bell demanding he launch a formal investigation the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s evasion of its legal responsibilities to the immigrant children in its custody. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requires ORR to adjudicate a completed sponsorship application of a parent, legal guardian, or close relative for an unaccompanied immigrant child within 10 days. However, despite this requirement, at least two dozen children in Connecticut have languished in federal custody for lengthy periods of time raising serious questions about why ORR is delaying reunification. “At best, ORR is understaffed and woefully inept at carrying out its statutorily mandated functions in a timely fashion. At worst, and what mounting evidence points to, is that ORR’s goal has become detaining children indefinitely in a callous attempt to deter future migration. Either way, the best interests of children in ORR’s custody have been sacrificed, and those children, including those in Connecticut, continue to suffer,” Blumenthal wrote. In a letter, Blumenthal cites the case of 5-year-old Camila who was held for 118 days in federal custody while her mother was 9 miles down the road waiting for her application to be approved. Camila was only reunited with her mother after attorneys filed a habeas lawsuit challenging the legality of her detention. “In each case, ORR plays the same song and dance, requiring an application be “complete” before the 10-day clock starts, while simultaneously delaying needed checks or moving the goal post of what is required to complete an application as soon as previous requirements are met. For example, in Camila’s case, her mother submitted an application, then waited two months for ORR to schedule a home inspection and three months for ORR to schedule a DNA test. All the while, Camila languished inside federal custody, away from her mother,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal’s letter demands HHS promptly launch an investigation into these delays and determine whether ORR is evading its legal responsibilities to the children in its custody and determine whether ORR is in violation of its obligations. A full copy of Blumenthal’s letter is available here and below. Video of Senator Blumenthal’s press conference is also available here. August 13, 2026 T. March Bell Inspector General U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 330 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20026 Dear Inspector General Bell, I write with concern regarding the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) routine, prolonged detention of unaccompanied children (UAC) in its custody and its obstructionist policy toward sponsors. ORR’s parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), requires that ORR adjudicate, within 10 days, a completed sponsorship application of a parent, legal guardian, brother, sister, grandparent, or other close relative of a UAC in ORR’s custody.[1] This regulation was implemented as part of ORR’s Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule (Foundational Rule) and is consistent with ORR’s statutory obligations under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008,[2] which requires HHS to expeditiously place children in the least restrictive setting that is in the best interests of the child, and legal obligations under the Flores settlement agreement, which establishes a general policy favoring the release of children from detention “without unnecessary delay.”[3] Despite these obligations, within Connecticut alone, at least two dozen children have languished in federal custody notwithstanding sponsors available and willing to take them in who have completed sponsorship applications and vetting.[4] In six specific cases, it took a federal habeas petition to win the release of such Connecticut children to their families.[5] These cases included Jean[6], held for 505 days despite his father and stepmother seeking his release; Benjamin, held for 143 days despite his father, a previously vetted sponsor, waiting; Camila, a five year old held for 118 days despite her mother waiting; Liam, held for 255 days while his mother waited; and Miguel, held for 167 days while his father waited.[7] In each case, ORR plays the same song and dance, requiring an application be “complete” before the 10-day clock starts, while simultaneously delaying needed checks or moving the goal post of what is required to complete an application as soon as previous requirements are met. For example, in Camila’s case, her mother submitted an application, then waited two months for ORR to schedule a home inspection and three months for ORR to schedule a DNA test.[8] All the while, Camila languished inside federal custody, away from her mother. This playbook is not limited to Connecticut alone. Children have been systematically separated from their loved ones across the country and held in custody despite sponsors who have met every vetting requirement ORR has asked of them.[9] In Illinois, a 14-year-old boy sat in federal custody for over four months until a federal court granted a habeas petition ordering his release.[10] His brother, already present in the U.S. and previously vetted as a sponsor, had been waiting the entire time.[11] In Texas, a lawsuit was brought on behalf of four children detained in ORR custody for long periods despite having sponsors available who had previously been vetted and who such children were already residing with prior to their arrests.[12] To be clear, I support sponsor vetting and the release of UACs in ORR’s care only to loving, safe, and responsible homes. However, ORR has a duty to perform vetting that is both thorough and expeditious in order to best minimize the harms minors face in prolonged detention.[13] This Administration’s changes to the sponsor vetting process have achieved the opposite result by denying, delaying, and deterring the individuals capable of providing the safest placement for children. Moreover, new policies narrowing documents accepted to prove identity, address, and relationship serve largely to limit sponsorship by immigrants, not to improve safety of placements. Vetting procedures should not be designed to eliminate potential sponsors based on criteria unrelated to child wellbeing. At best, ORR is understaffed and woefully inept at carrying out its statutorily mandated functions in a timely fashion. At worst, and what mounting evidence points to, is that ORR’s goal has become detaining children indefinitely in a callous attempt to deter future migration. Either way, the best interests of children in ORR’s custody have been sacrificed, and those children, including those in Connecticut, continue to suffer. We request that you promptly launch a formal investigation into ORR’s evasion of its legal responsibilities to the children in its custody and determine if ORR is in violation of its obligations under the Foundational Rule, including by gathering the following information: The number of UACs who have been held in custody, or currently are being held in custody beyond 10 days despite a completed sponsorship application, since January 20, 2025; The average number of days between a sponsor’s request for an application and the furnishing of said application, since January 20, 2025; The total number of UACs currently in ORR’s custody and the length of detention for each UAC; The average number of days it takes ORR to schedule fingerprinting for a sponsor since January 20, 2025; The average number of days it takes ORR to schedule a DNA test appointment for a sponsor since January 20, 2025; The average number of days it takes ORR to schedule a home visit for a sponsor since January 20, 2025; The average number of days between completion of a sponsorship application and the release of a UAC since January 20, 2025; The total number of UACs released from ORR custody as a result of a habeas petition since January 20, 2025; Whether ORR, as a matter of policy, is systematically delaying adjudication of sponsorship applications for UACs in its custody Children in ORR’s care deserve better and we owe it to them to exercise our oversight functions in a manner that leads to better outcomes. Accordingly, I look forward to your prompt response. -30-",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-from-white-house-chief-of-staff-after-new-reporting-reveals-900-million-price-tag-for-donald-trumps-renovations-to-the-white-house,Blumenthal Demands Answers from White House Chief of Staff After New Reporting Reveals $900 Million Price Tag for Donald Trump's Renovations to the White House,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about the ballooning costs associated with renovations to the White House and surrounding grounds. Blumenthal sent the letter today to Wiles amid new reporting in the Washington Post that detailed a significant increase in the projected cost of various projects that President Trump has directed to take place on the White House grounds, totaling $927 million, with taxpayers set to pay much of the multimillion-dollar sum. Seeking information regarding the reconstruction and renovation of the White House and surrounding grounds, Blumenthal wrote, “This astronomical expenditure, which has not been approved by Congress, has been rushed through unconventional means under incredible secrecy. A project of this cost and significance demands oversight and accountability to determine not just how funds are being spent but whether any rules were violated in the President’s haste to complete his chief vanity project.” Pointing to the costs associated with various projects undertaken by the White House, including a massive ballroom, repairs to an adjacent park, construction of a new visitor screening facility, and construction of a new helipad, Blumenthal continued, “This new calculation dwarfs previous estimates provided by the President, and the accompanying reporting details how taxpayers will be expected to fund more than half of that amount. It also directly contradicts numerous statements by the President, who has repeatedly insisted that construction costs would be paid by private donors and himself personally, at no cost to taxpayers.” Blumenthal raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s use of no-bid contracts for many of the projects and its redirection of Congressionally-appropriated funding to benefit the President’s vanity projects: “The reporting also details the extraordinary measures that the Trump Administration has undertaken to apparently circumvent traditional contracting practices and basic transparency by routing the contracts for construction projects through the Executive Residence, which has no experience with these kinds of large-scale projects and typically handles routine maintenance projects for the White House and its grounds. Importantly, contracts originating out of the Executive Residence are not forced to undergo the same contract bidding rules or public disclosure requirements as other federally funded projects.” As Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal is leading an inquiry into waste, fraud, and abuse associated with the White House ballroom and other projects throughout the nation’s capital. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Wiles is available here and below. Dear Ms. Wiles, I write regarding new reports that the estimated cost of renovations to the White House and surrounding grounds, including the construction of a lavash ballroom, has swelled yet again.[1] This new estimate shows that the cost of these projects will potentially surpass $900 million, and that much of this sum will come directly from taxpayers.[2] This astronomical expenditure, which has not been approved by Congress, has been rushed through unconventional means under incredible secrecy. A project of this cost and significance demands oversight and accountability to determine not just how funds are being spent but whether any rules were violated in the President’s haste to complete his chief vanity project. As part of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation’s (“the Subcommittee”) inquiry into the waste, fraud, and abuse associated with the White House ballroom, I request documents and information regarding the re-construction and renovation of the White House and surrounding grounds, and the Executive Office of the President’s role in facilitating this project. New reporting from the Washington Post details a significant increase in the projected cost of various projects that President Trump has directed to take place on the White House grounds, totaling $927 million.[3] This includes the construction of a massive and ostentatious ballroom, repairs to an adjacent park, the construction of a new visitor screening facility, and the construction of a new helipad, among other things. This new calculation dwarfs previous estimates provided by the President, and the accompanying reporting details how taxpayers will be expected to fund more than half of that amount.[4] It also directly contradicts numerous statements by the President, who has repeatedly insisted that construction costs would be paid by private donors and himself personally, at no cost to taxpayers.[5] The reporting also details the extraordinary measures that the Trump Administration has undertaken to apparently circumvent traditional contracting practices and basic transparency by routing the contracts for construction projects through the Executive Residence, which has no experience with these kinds of large-scale projects and typically handles routine maintenance projects for the White House and its grounds.[6] Importantly, contracts originating out of the Executive Residence are not forced to undergo the same contract bidding rules or public disclosure requirements as other federally funded projects.[7] According to the reporting, while in the past Congress had appropriated $2.5 million to the repair and maintenance account for the Executive Residence, “[s]ince Trump took office, the administration has directed $875 million” to that same account, $415 million of which was re-directed from Secret Service funding.[8] The White House is the people’s house, and the President is merely a steward of that important piece of American heritage while he resides there. The American people deserve transparency about the changes that he plans to make and the taxpayer funding that he plans to use. Pursuant to Senate Rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate and Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.), Section 12, I write to request that you provide the Subcommittee with the following information by August 27, 2026: Provide a detailed description of all completed, planned, or otherwise anticipated projects that have been undertaken or will be undertaken on the White House grounds since January 20, 2025, including projected costs, contract details, and an explanation for the funding mechanism that will be used for each project. Provide a detailed description of the Executive Office of the President’s role in approving expenditures and contracts for projects originating out of the Executive Residence, including the individuals who are responsible for reviewing and granting contracts, and individuals who are charged with overseeing the design and completion of these projects. Provide a list of all contracts that have been granted, or that have been planned by the Executive Residence since January 20, 2025, including a description of the project, the date of the contract issuance, the contractor, and whether the contract was competitively bid. Provide a complete list of all private entities that have donated funds either directly to the Executive Residence account, or whose funds were indirectly donated but were then re-directed to the Executive Residence account since January 20, 2025. Please contact Subcommittee staff should you have any questions about responding to this request. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, -30- [1] Jonathan O’Connell & Sarah Blaskey, Trump administration set to spend at least $900 million on White House construction, Wash. Post (Aug. 12, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/08/12/trump-administration-set-spend-least-900-million-white-house-construction/. [2] Id. [3] Id. [4] Jonathan O’Connell & Sarah Blaskey, Trump administration set to spend at least $900 million on White House construction, Wash. Post (Aug. 12, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/08/12/trump-administration-set-spend-least-900-million-white-house-construction/; Johnathan O’Connell et. al., Trump Said No Taxpayer Money Would Be Spent on the Ballroom. a Contractor’s Invoices Show Otherwise, Wash. Post (June 16, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/06/16/records-reveal-600m-estimate-trumps-ballroom-project-with-half-taxpayers/. [5] Jonathan Edwards & Aaron Schaffer, A Year of Trump Insisting His Ballroom Won’t Cost Taxpayers a Dime, Wash. Post (June 17, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2026/06/16/tracking-trumps-white-house-ballroom-promises-taxpayer-costs-more/.jghgjgh [6] Jonathan O’Connell & Sarah Blaskey, Trump administration set to spend at least $900 million on White House construction, Wash. Post (Aug. 12, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/08/12/trump-administration-set-spend-least-900-million-white-house-construction/. [7] Id. [8] Id.",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-garamendi-reintroduce-legislation-to-protect-passengers-and-crew-from-toxic-cabin-air,Blumenthal & Garamendi Reintroduce Legislation To Protect Passengers And Crew From Toxic Cabin Air,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today announced the reintroduction of the Cabin Air Safety Act, bicameral legislation to protect airline pilots, flight attendants, and passengers from toxic cabin air. Building on cabin air reporting provisions Blumenthal secured in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, the legislation would expand FAA reporting and investigation requirements, require real-time onboard air quality monitoring equipment, improve crew training, and enhance the collection and public reporting of data on engine oil and hydraulic fluid smoke or fume events to help prevent future incidents and improve aviation safety. “For too long, dangerous cabin air events have gone underreported, under investigated, and unaddressed,” said Blumenthal. “Our measure gives the FAA the tools it needs to identify these events in real time, ensure they are properly reported and investigated, and take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Pilots, flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, and passengers deserve to know that the air they breathe is safe.” “Every American deserves safe, clean air when they fly. I’m deeply troubled by the reports of pilots, flight attendants, and passengers falling ill, and in some cases even hospitalized, due to toxic cabin air. This legislation will hold aircraft manufacturers to a basic safety standard: protecting passengers and crew from harmful toxins,” said Garamendi. The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). “Airline crew members and passengers have the right to breathe safe, clean air, on the ground and in the air. They should never have to worry about breathing in toxic air pollutants that put their health at risk,” said Markey. “I’m proud to join Senator Blumenthal in introducing the Cabin Air Safety Act to ensure we put the health, safety, and wellbeing of our crewmembers and passengers first.” “The flying public deserves certainty that the air they breathe during their flight isn’t jeopardizing their health and safety,” said Duckworth. “When toxic fumes leak into the cabin, it could lead to health issues for passengers and potentially dangerous impairments to the pilots and crew. Our commonsense legislation would equip every cabin with air quality monitors and help prevent these incidents from happening.” The legislation establishes a new chapter dedicated to cabin air quality and safety, with five key provisions: Mandatory Air Safety Training: Mandates that pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport emergency first responders receive detailed training to recognize, manage, and report toxic smoke, hazardous fumes, and air contamination incidents on aircraft. Standardized Reporting & Public Portal: Directs the FAA to implement a standardized system for crew members to report smoke and fume incidents. The FAA must maintain a searchable, online public database of aggregate, anonymized incident data. Incident Investigations: Authorizes the FAA to conduct official investigations into air contamination events and requires an investigation whenever an incident results in crew members or passengers needing medical attention beyond basic first aid. Onboard Air Monitoring & Detection: Directs air carriers to install and operate real-time detectors and air quality monitoring equipment within the air supply system to identify contamination sources and alert flight crews to hazardous air conditions. Air Quality Standards & Rulemaking: Authorizes the FAA to establish aircraft cabin air quality standards and specific maintenance requirements to mitigate air supply contamination and protect public health. The Cabin Air Safety Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), International Brotherhood of Teamsters, National League of Consumers, American Association for Justice (AAJ), and the American Lung Association. “No worker in this country should have to show up to their place of employment knowing it could make them sick—yet pilots, flight attendants, and cabin crew members remain at risk of breathing in unhealthy air contaminants on the job. As America’s largest transportation labor federation, we strongly support the measures in the Cabin Air Safety Act to protect commercial aviation and air cargo workers, as well as the flying public, from toxic fumes,” said Greg Regan, President of AFL-CIO TTD. “ALPA is grateful to Senator Blumenthal for his continuing effort in the fight to keep our skies safe and healthy. While we have been making progress on helping our industry facilitate open discussions around research, education, standardized reporting, and data collection of air quality or fume events aboard aircraft, it is time to stop ignoring these serious events and start protecting passengers and crew from any hidden and toxic fumes. For too long, cabin air events have gone uninvestigated and the underlying causes have gone unaddressed. This bill would finally give the FAA the tools, and the mandate, to monitor, investigate, and prevent these events before they put a crew or their passengers at risk,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, President of ALPA. “The Transport Workers Union strongly supports the Cabin Air Safety Act, which builds on the most recent FAA reauthorization by requiring air quality monitoring equipment that allows flight attendants and aircraft mechanics to identify the sources of toxic cabin air in real time,” said Andre Sutton, TWU Air Division Director. “Most Americans go to work with the expectation of breathing clean air, but until we achieve better standards for cabin air quality, Flight Attendants don’t have this guarantee. We applaud Senators Blumenthal, Markey, and Duckworth and Congressman Garamendi for introducing the Cabin Air Safety Act of 2026. We encourage their Senate colleagues to cosponsor this bill ASAP,” said Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. “Crews and passengers are breathing toxins and it has got to stop. The first step in the solution is training and thorough identification of the problem as defined by this bill. Often crew and passengers have no idea why they feel ill and no guidance on how to get treated. This bill gives us the tools to prevent Flight Attendants, pilots or passengers from suffering the effects of breathing toxic fumes in the cabin.” The text of the Senate legislation can be found here. -30-",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-hawley-introduce-bipartisan-bill-banning-bonuses-for-utility-executives-as-consumer-energy-costs-skyrocket,Blumenthal & Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Bill Banning Bonuses for Utility Executives as Consumer Energy Costs Skyrocket,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act, legislation to hold utility company executives accountable for excessive costs on consumers. The legislation prohibits utility executives from receiving bonuses in years when utility rates rise faster than inflation and caps bonuses when rates remain stable. “This legislation puts an end to unfair, unwarranted bonuses for utility executives who are lining their pockets while burdening consumers with increased costs,” said Blumenthal. “For people in Connecticut, Eversource is seeking to raise utility rates by 18 percent when families are already struggling with rising costs—and while the C-Suite earns millions. The No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act makes sure executives won’t receive bonuses when utility rates rise faster than inflation, prohibiting companies from rewarding themselves while American families are stuck paying the price.” “While Missourians bear the burden of rising electricity costs, utility executives at these companies receive hefty bonuses. I’m proud to introduce legislation to ban bonuses for corporate executives who benefit from skyrocketing prices,” said Hawley. U.S. Representatives Josh Riley (D-NY) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) released similar legislation in the House of Representatives in December. “Upstate New Yorkers are getting crushed by high utility bills,” said Riley. “Folks are cutting back on everything from groceries to school clothes just to keep the lights on. Meanwhile, the utility monopolies are rewarding their CEOs with millions of dollars per year. When the people footing the bill get squeezed and the folks at the top walk off with massive bonuses, something’s seriously broken — and I’m fighting to fix it. Our bipartisan bill stops utility monopolies from rewarding the corporate executives who are ripping us off.” “If you are making electricity unaffordable for working families, you should NOT be getting a bonus. Period.” said Van Drew. “Families across South Jersey are getting hammered by higher electric bills while executives running these companies continue to reward themselves. That is completely backwards. This bill puts an end to that. If rates are skyrocketing, there should not be a big bonus waiting for you at the end of the year. It is time we put some real accountability on the people making these decisions.” The No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act would prohibit executives from earning a bonus when they raise rates faster than inflation. Additionally, if a covered utility illegally paid executive bonuses in violation of the bill, those bonuses would be forfeited and redistributed to customers as a rebate. The full text of the bill can be found here. -30-",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-passing-of-lt-gov-nancy-wyman,Blumenthal Statement on Passing of Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released the following statement on the passing of former Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. “Nancy Wyman was a supremely dedicated public servant — a genuine, gentle lady known for high heels and high spirit, and a tireless work ethic. She relentlessly built bridges — personal, professional and political — always seeking common ground, but fearless as a fighter for Connecticut values and people. I will miss her as a dear friend and colleague, who worked and travelled together, and shared moments of triumph and challenge. My heart goes out to her family whom she loved so deeply,” Blumenthal said. -30-",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-to-defense-department-what-are-you-doing-to-support-sailors-on-the-uss-abraham-lincoln,Blumenthal to Defense Department: What Are You Doing To Support Sailors On The USS Abraham Lincoln?,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao today demanding to know what action is being taken to improve conditions for sailors deployed on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been continuously at sea for a record length of nearly seven months. The deployment was scheduled to end in May but has been extended with no publicly announced return date. “There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal also asked for information about what steps the Navy is taking to prevent similar issues in the future, given that recent carrier deployments have repeatedly stretched long beyond their originally planned durations: “These reports warrant immediate attention, but they also raise a broader question: whether the Navy can sustain the operational tempo now being demanded of its carrier force, particularly as this Administration repeatedly commits U.S. forces to conflicts of its own choosing and increasingly relies on aircraft carriers to sustain those operations.” Blumenthal has previously raised concerns regarding the mental health and well-being of sailors facing extended periods of demanding working and living conditions. In 2022, Xavier Sandor, a Connecticut sailor from Shelton, was one of three USS George Washington crew members to die by suicide while the ship was undergoing extended Refueling and Complex Overhaul at a Virginia shipyard. During this time, crew members were subject to frequent interruptions of electrical power, heating, air conditioning and hot water for weeks at a time and no access to welfare or recreation services. Sailors also often experienced a two months long backlog for mental health screenings. In 2023, Blumenthal fought to include the Seaman Xavier Sandor Support for Sailors Act in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, allowing junior sailors to live in commercial housing when their assigned ship undergoes an extended maintenance overhaul in a shipyard. The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Cao, I write to express serious concerns about the increasing length of Carrier Strike Group deployments and request information regarding the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). The Lincoln’s extended deployment raises broader questions about the Navy’s ability to sustainably generate carrier forces while preserving servicemember well-being, maintenance schedules, fleet readiness, and the capacity to respond to future contingencies. Since departing from departing Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025, the USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed more than 250 days as of this writing, despite initially being scheduled for a seven-month deployment. The flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3 has not made a port call in over 200 days, setting a record for consecutive days at sea. There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months. These reports warrant immediate attention, but they also raise a broader question: whether the Navy can sustain the operational tempo now being demanded of its carrier force, particularly as this Administration repeatedly commits U.S. forces to conflicts of its own choosing and increasingly relies on aircraft carriers to sustain those operations. The Lincoln is not an isolated case. Recent carrier deployments have repeatedly stretched beyond their originally anticipated durations, suggesting that extended deployments may be becoming a feature rather than an exception of the Navy's force-generation model. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) spent 326 days at sea before returning home in May – nearly twice the length of a traditional six-month carrier deployment and the longest modern U.S. carrier deployment since the Vietnam era. The Lincoln's prolonged deployment is especially significant because it is occurring in the context of continuing military operations against Iran and the possibility that substantial U.S. naval forces will be required in the region for an extended period. The Administration has yet to adequately explain the objectives, end state, or anticipated duration of those operations. If the Administration intends to maintain a prolonged military campaign or an elevated carrier presence in the region, it must explain how it intends to ensure today's operational requirements do not create tomorrow's readiness crisis. Aircraft carriers are extraordinarily dangerous workplaces under normal conditions. Servicemembers work grueling shifts around jet engines, fuel, weapons, heavy machinery, electrical systems, nuclear propulsion, launching and recovering aircraft, all while remaining under the threat of attack by adversaries. Extended periods at sea can compound those inherent risks through fatigue, deferred maintenance, and reduced opportunities for rest and recovery. The Navy must ensure that decisions to extend carrier deployments account not only for immediate operational requirements, but also for their cumulative effects on crew safety, equipment readiness, maintenance schedules, and the ability of the carrier force to meet future contingencies. I therefore request that the Department of the Navy provide answers to the following questions: What is the Navy's plan for sustaining carrier strike group presence in the Middle East over the next 12 to 24 months if current operational requirements continue? What carrier rotations are anticipated, and how would those requirements affect planned deployments, maintenance availabilities, and carrier presence in the Indo-Pacific and other theaters? What was the USS Abraham Lincoln's originally scheduled deployment length, and on what dates has the deployment subsequently been extended? Who authorized each extension, and what operational requirements were cited? Please list significant habitability, supply, and quality-of-life problems identified aboard the Lincoln, including shortages of hygiene products, mold, broken toilets or laundry facilities, inadequate water supplies, or other deteriorating living conditions, when these problems were first identified, and what corrective actions have been taken? What metrics is the Navy using to assess fatigue, morale, mental health, and crew readiness aboard the Lincoln? Have commanders identified any increase in safety incidents, medical issues, disciplinary incidents, or other readiness indicators associated with the length of the deployment or consecutive days at sea? Does the Department assess that current demand for aircraft carrier presence exceeds the level that can be sustainably generated under the Navy's existing force structure and deployment model? If so, what changes to force posture, deployment practices, maintenance capacity, or fleet size does the Department believe are necessary to close that gap? What military objective is the continued deployment of the Lincoln intended to achieve in Iran, and how does the Department assess whether the carrier’s continued presence is necessary to accomplish that objective? The men and women aboard the Lincoln have answered the call to serve their country. The Department owes them not only adequate supplies, maintenance, and support during this deployment, but a sustainable force-generation model that does not rely on repeatedly extending sailors and ships to meet persistent operational demands. The Lincoln's deployment should prompt a broader assessment of whether the Navy's current carrier force structure, maintenance capacity, and deployment model are sufficient for the missions the Department is assigning to the fleet. Our servicemembers deserve nothing less than the full support of their government—and the American people deserve a military strategy that is worthy of the sacrifices we ask them to make. -30-",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-join-senate-democrats-in-demanding-trump-administration-restore-funding-for-illegally-canceled-energy-projects,"Murphy, Blumenthal Join Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Administration Restore Funding for Illegally Canceled Energy Projects",2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 37 Democratic Senators in a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, and Office of Management and Budget Director, Russell Vought, demanding the Trump administration restore funding for 223 congressionally authorized and appropriated energy projects unilaterally canceled by the White House in October 2025. Murphy and Blumenthal’s letter comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s shocking public admission that many of these energy grants were canceled solely because the projects were in states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. “Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump administration has weaponized in an attempt to punish perceived political enemies,” the senators began. “Once an administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly,” the senators continued. “This is not only an attack on jobs, affordable energy, and America’s economic competitiveness. It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country—not merely those who support the President.” “At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, the administration is hell-bent on political retribution instead of working to bring down costs for millions of Americans. The American people deserve to have a government that works for them—not one that is willing to push energy prices even higher and put the country’s energy security at grave risk,” the senators concluded. “For the good of our country, the rule of law, and the American people, we demand that you change course and restore the previously awarded funding.” Last October, Murphy and Blumenthal joined a letter objecting to the Trump administration’s initial cancellation of project grants which were approved and appropriated by Congress, demanding the restoration of these funds. Alongside Murphy and Blumenthal, the letter was signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mazie K. Hirono (D- Hawai‘i), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Angus King (I-M.E.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.). All 36 Democratic Senators from states with canceled grants and funding signed the letter. Read the full text of the letter here and below: Secretary Wright and Director Vought: Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump Administration has weaponized in an attempt to punish perceived political enemies. In October 2025, we wrote to you to express strong opposition to the Administration’s callous decision to unlawfully terminate $8 billion in federal investments for 223 energy projects. You not only acted outside the bounds of the law, but canceled projects that would have provided jobs, onshored manufacturing, and lowered skyrocketing energy prices. Congress authorized those projects and appropriated funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and annual appropriation bills. At the time of the termination of those projects, we expressed outrage that the terminations appeared politically motivated and confined to states that then-Vice President Kamala Harris carried in the 2024 presidential election. The Administration has now admitted in federal court what it denied to Congress and the American people. On July 24, 2026, citing court filings, The New York Times reported that the Trump Administration acknowledged that it terminated more than $7.5 billion of grants due to political motivations. In a two-step process, the Department of Energy (DOE) first recommended more than 600 grants for potential termination, including grants in states represented by both Republicans and Democrats. It appears the Office of Management and Budget then selected all the grants in “Blue States” for cancellation, which DOE executed. In court filings, DOE’s lawyers conceded that the cancellations occurred “based solely on the political identity of the grant recipient’s state.” Specifically, as the court filings stated, “[w]ith one exception, the 284 terminated grants had a recipient location and/or at least one place of performance in a state that awarded its electoral votes to Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and has two Democratic-caucusing Senators (“Blue State” grants).” Similar grants in Red States, however, remained intact and were not the subject of termination. What’s more, DOE lawyers conceded that the decision to terminate these blue state grants was not “based on any programmatic, statutory, cost-reduction, or performance-based factor.” Once an Administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly. This is not only an attack on jobs, affordable energy, and America’s economic competitiveness. It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country—not merely those who support the President. At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, the Administration is hell-bent on political retribution instead of working to bring down costs for millions of Americans. The American people deserve to have a government that works for them—not one that is willing to push energy prices even higher and put the country’s energy security at grave risk. For the good of our country, the rule of law, and the American people, we demand that you change course and restore the previously awarded funding.",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-to-rfk-jr-why-was-a-trump-aligned-firm-with-no-immigration-experience-granted-no-bid-contract-to-represent-unaccompanied-children,Senators to RFK Jr.: Why Was a Trump-Aligned Firm with No Immigration Experience Granted No-Bid Contract to Represent Unaccompanied Children?,2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding he explain why the Trump administration awarded a no-bid contract to a Trump-aligned law firm with no apparent immigration law experience, allowing them to represent unaccompanied children who are in the care and custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). “Given the political connections between the firm’s senior leadership and the Trump administration, we have concerns about why you sidestepped the competitive bidding process to select this firm to provide legal services for children who are in ORR care and custody, and demand transparency into whether all federal procurement processes were followed,” the senators wrote. “Children deserve competent representation by attorneys who practice at the intersection of child welfare and federal immigration law, but Americans also deserve to know why their federal dollars are being doled out to Trump’s friends and allies.” The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through ORR, has an obligation to ensure that unaccompanied children are provided competent legal aid as they navigate the immigration process. Despite this, Secretary Kennedy has cut legal service funding for 26,000 unaccompanied children, shifting funding to the Trump-aligned Burke Law Group, despite the firm’s lack of experience protecting the rights of immigrant children. “The firm appears to have little relevant experience with the legal and practical challenges that children face, raising serious concerns about the firm’s ability to provide not just representation but adequate, zealous representation,” the senators added. “Within hours of the notice in the Federal Register, the firm appears to have updated their website to include content about immigrant youth that didn’t exist on the website the previous day. At best, this is concerning, and at worst, it is a part of a coordinated scheme to paper over the firm’s lack of experience.” Burke Law Group’s inexperience in the area of the law they have been contracted to perform could result in serious harm for the nearly 2,000 children in ORR’s care. The firm itself employs 26 people in total, adding an additional concern about the firm’s capacity to provide adequate legal representation to innocent children, let alone its competency to do so. Instead, the only clear outcome of this contracting award is that another Trump-aligned business will receive millions from the Trump administration. In the letter, the senators demanded that Secretary Kennedy provide transparency as to why the Burke Law Group received this contract and details about the firm’s plans to provide legal assistance to unaccompanied children.",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-schiff-demand-doj-rescind-policy-allowing-ice-agents-to-hide-from-investigation-after-violent-confrontations,Blumenthal & Schiff Demand DOJ Rescind Policy Allowing ICE Agents to Hide From Investigation After Violent Confrontations,2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – Following reporting in The New York Times that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will no longer investigate violent confrontations between civilians and federal immigration agents, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel calling for the new policy be rescinded. The senators also asked for information and records about how the decision to implement the policy was reached. Agents reportedly received instructions about the change just days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas and Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine. “Faced once more with the duty to investigate DHS agents’ wanton violence, you apparently made the extraordinary decision to issue a policy that FBI agents will no longer investigate confrontations between civilians and immigration agents. Instead, leaving DHS to investigate itself,” the senators wrote. “It is hard to see any justification for this policy change other than to avoid discovering evidence that could be used to call into question the practices of DHS agents or to prosecute them when they use excessive force in violation of the law.” The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Attorney General Blanche and Director Patel, We write regarding the shocking recent reporting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will no longer investigate violent confrontations between civilians and federal immigration agents.[1] This sudden, unprecedented change seems particularly galling in the wake of yet more seemingly unjustified killings of unarmed individuals by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in Texas and Maine. We demand that you immediately rescind this policy and provide information and records regarding how the decision to implement this policy was reached. Historically, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has swiftly launched investigations when civilians are killed in high-profile confrontations with law enforcement. This is meant to ease public tensions and ensure accountability for crimes with a federal nexus, a key function rooted in the DOJ’s reputation and history of independence.[2] These reviews are traditionally led by the FBI, which generally works collaboratively with local officials to gather evidence and investigate the case.[3] DOJ appeared to already be abandoning many of these historic practices in the investigation of the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota in January of this year. In those instances, after DHS officials immediately labeled both Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti the aggressors despite video evidence to the contrary, state and local officials were so hampered by federal law enforcement in their attempts to investigate the shootings that they had to take the unprecedented step of suing the federal government.[4] State law enforcement only obtained access to some of the critical evidence regarding those killings last month, nearly six months after the events in question.[5] Last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers once again shot and killed individuals under questionable circumstances, and DHS again immediately blamed those individuals for their own deaths. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was killed on July 7 in Houston and DHS quickly asserted he had rammed an ICE vehicle and “weaponized” his white work van “in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer,” claims refuted by the three eye witnesses traveling with Mr. Araujo, the lack of damage to his vehicle, and video evidence.[6] Joan Sebastian Guerrero was shot and killed while driving in Maine on July 13 and DHS released a statement claiming that Mr. Guerrero’s “vehicle attempted to flee the scene and, fearing for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon,” a claim which again appears to contradict the emerging evidence.[7] Faced once more with the duty to investigate DHS agents’ wanton violence, you apparently made the extraordinary decision to issue a policy that FBI agents will no longer investigate confrontations between civilians and immigration agents.[8] Instead, leaving DHS to investigate itself.[9] It is hard to see any justification for this policy change other than to avoid discovering evidence that could be used to call into question the practices of DHS agents or to prosecute them when they use excessive force in violation of the law. Enabling unfit agents to continue on the job without consequence is contrary to the public commitment of federal law enforcement. We demand that you immediately rescind this policy and answer the questions below. Please provide detailed responses to the following requests by August 25, 2026: When was the decision reached that the FBI would no longer investigate confrontations between civilians and immigration agents? Who was involved or consulted with in making this policy change? Were individuals outside of the Department of Justice consulted regarding this policy change? Please identify them. Were senior officials within the Federal Bureau of Investigation consulted regarding this policy change? Please identify them. Was this policy change reviewed by, or did the Department receive advice from, the White House Counsel’s Office? What was the reasoning for the policy change? Please also provide the following records[10] by August 25, 2026: Any and all written notice or guidance provided to FBI managers and agents regarding this policy change; and Any and all communications[1] regarding this policy change, including communications between the Executive Office of the President, DHS, and the FBI. Thank you for your attention to this matter. -30- [1] Devlin Barrett & Hamed Aleaziz, Federal Agents Were Told F.B.I. Will No Longer Investigate ICE Confrontations, N.Y. Times (July 19, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/19/us/politics/fbi-ice-agents-investigations-shootings.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share. [2] See, e.g., Ryan J. Reilly, Erik Ortiz, & Kelly O’Donnell, Questions swirl around federal government's plan to investigate DHS shootings, NBC News (Jan. 28, 2026), https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/questions-swirl-federal-governments-plan-investigate-dhs-shootings-rcna255989. [3] Id. [4] See Renee Hickman et al., In Six Violent Encounters, Evidence Contradicts Trump Immigration Officials' Narratives, Reuters (Jan. 28, 2026), https://www.reuters.com/world/us/evidence-contradicts-trump-immigration-officials-accounts-violent-encounters-2026-01-27/; Sarah Lynch & Jonah Kaplan, Minnesota officials sue federal government over Renee Good, Alex Pretti investigations (March 24, 2026), https://www.cbsnews.com/news/minnesota-state-county-sue-government-renee-good-alex-pretti-investigations/. [5] Coral Murphy Marcos, Prosecutors obtain long-withheld evidence on fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Guardian (July 13, 2026), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/13/renee-good-alex-pretti-minnesota-evidence. [6] See ‘His Blood is on Trump’s Hands’: Man Killed by ICE in Texas Mourned at Vigil, The Guardian (July 12, 2026), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/12/lorenzo-salgado-araujo-texas-killed-ice-vigil; Arelia Hernandez, Migrants Who Saw Man Killed by ICE in Houston Say He Did Not Ram Officers, Wash. Post (July 10, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/07/10/migrants-who-saw-man-killed-by-ice-houston-say-he-did-not-ram-officers/; NBC News, New Surveillance Video Raises Questions in Deadly ICE Shooting (July 10, 2026), https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/new-surveillance-video-raises-questions-in-deadly-ice-shooting-266521669879. [7] See Jacey Fortin et al., ICE Agent Kills Person in Vehicle in Maine, State Officials Say, N.Y. Times (July 13, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/us/biddeford-maine-ice-shooting.html; Alison Durkee, Man Shot By ICE in Maine Was Not Operation’s Target, Senator Says, Forbes (July 13, 2026), https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2026/07/13/man-shot-by-ice-in-maine-was-not-operations-target-senator-says/; DHS Says ICE Officer who Fatally Shot Driver in Maine Was 'Fearing for Public Safety', PBS (July 14, 2026), https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/dhs-says-ice-officer-who-fatally-shot-driver-in-maine-was-fearing-for-public-safety. [8] Barrett & Aleaziz, supra note 1. [9] Id. [10] For purposes of this request, “records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), direct messages, chats, calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents). [1] For purposes of this request, “communications” include any records, as defined above, transmitted in any way between two or more individuals or entities.",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tonko-and-foushee-press-mlb-mlbpa_fanduel-for-answers-after-phillies-star-bryce-harper-was-used-to-target-gambling-addict-with-promotional-video,"Blumenthal, Tonko, & Foushee Press MLB, MLBPA, & FanDuel for Answers After Phillies Star Bryce Harper Was Used to Target Gambling Addict with Promotional Video",2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) today demanded answers from Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), and FanDuel about disturbing reports that FanDuel repeatedly targeted problem gamblers with predatory perks to keep them trapped in their addiction, including a personal message from Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, Bryce Harper. In a letter sent today to MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred and MLBPA Interim Director Bruce Meyer, the lawmakers demanded an end to the MLB and MLBPA policies that enabled this type of predatory promotion. In a separate letter to FanDuel Chief Executive Officer Christian Genetski, the lawmakers called on the sportsbook to end its VIP program for bettors, especially those suffering from a gambling addiction, on its platform. “In late 2024, Terry Thompson, who was already experiencing severe financial distress due to his gambling addiction, received a video in which Mr. Harper wished him an ‘extra special Thanksgiving’ and referenced his son. This video was prepared at the request of Thompson’s VIP manager at FanDuel and intended to entice further gambling. As a FanDuel customer, Mr. Thompson ultimately wagered $18.5 million and lost over $1.5 million through the platform, taking out several mortgages on his home and selling shares of his business to fund his addiction,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Manfred and Meyer. The lawmakers continued, “Mr. Harper has stated he was unaware of the true purpose of the video and would not have participated had he known. This incident, however, raises broader concerns that players are not prohibited from such endorsements and highlights a systemic failure rooted in the deep enmeshment between leagues, teams, and sports books. In fact, MLB rules currently allow players to enter endorsement deals with sportsbooks so long as they do not encourage betting on baseball. Partnerships that do not violate this rule can even use personalized content from players to drive vulnerable fans into debt and addiction. This is a failure that MLB and the MLBPA must confront directly, especially as both are in the midst of renegotiating their collective bargaining agreement.” In a letter to Genteski, the lawmakers raised concerns about FanDuel’s exploitative tactics that drive problem gamblers into debt and relapse, “FanDuel claims to exclude customers demonstrating ‘potentially problematic behavior’ from its products and promotions, but its VIP perks are dangerously designed to distract bettors, including those struggling with a gambling addiction, from their financial losses and entice further destructive gambling – especially when they are attempting to quit. The very nature of VIP programs is to develop ‘close’ relationships with their clients over time, fostering false friendships and frequently asking about bettors’ personal lives to make them more willing to place bets. Gambling is a known addictive product and VIP/host relationships are designed to keep people actively engaged and at greater risk.” The full text of the lawmakers’ letter to MLB and MLBPA is available here and below. The full text of the lawmakers’ letter to FanDuel is available here. Dear Commissioner Manfred and Executive Director Meyer: We write in light of recent reporting that a personalized greeting from Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was used to target an admitted gambling addict to encourage continued betting.[1] We write to demand an end to the MLB and MLBPA policies that enabled this type of predatory promotion. In late 2024, Terry Thompson, who was already experiencing severe financial distress due to his gambling addiction, received a video in which Mr. Harper wished him an “extra special Thanksgiving” and referenced his son. This video was prepared at the request of Thompson’s VIP manager at FanDuel and intended to entice further gambling. As a FanDuel customer, Mr. Thompson ultimately wagered $18.5 million and lost over $1.5 million through the platform, taking out several mortgages on his home and selling shares of his business to fund his addiction. VIP programs are dangerously designed to distract bettors, including those struggling with a gambling addiction, from their financial losses and entice further destructive gambling – especially when they are attempting to quit. The very nature of VIP programs is to develop “close” relationships with their clients over time, fostering false friendships and frequently asking about bettors’ personal lives to make them more willing to place bets. Gambling is a known addictive product and VIP/host relationships are designed to keep people actively engaged and at greater risk. Moreover, the virtual nature of online sports betting makes it so that VIP managers are able to access bettors more frequently and at any time of the day, making bettors much more susceptible to manipulative marketing tactics. Mr. Harper has stated he was unaware of the true purpose of the video and would not have participated had he known.[2] This incident however, raises broader concerns that players are not prohibited from such endorsements and highlights a systemic failure rooted in the deep enmeshment between leagues, teams, and sports books. In fact, MLB rules currently allow players to enter endorsement deals with sportsbooks so long as they do not encourage betting on baseball. Partnerships that do not violate this rule can even use personalized content from players to drive vulnerable fans into debt and addiction.[3] This is a failure that Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) must confront directly, especially as both are in the midst of renegotiating their collective bargaining agreement. Despite clear harms that VIP programs pose to bettors, MLB and MLBPA continue to disregard fan safety by permitting partnerships with sportsbooks operating these programs. We demand an immediate end to this policy. MLB and the MLBPA must not allow players, regardless of their level of awareness, to legitimize sportsbook VIP programs designed to exploit the most vulnerable fans. I also request that you provide answers to the following questions no later than August 24, 2026: As MLB and MLBPA renegotiate their collective bargaining agreement, what is your current position on allowing MLB players to seek endorsements and partnerships from sportsbooks? Note: The MLBPA has publicly announced their intention to seek greater freedom for players to have relationships with gambling companies. How will MLB and the MLBPA guarantee that fan safety and well-being take precedence over revenue from gambling partnerships? Do you believe MLB and MLBPA policies on sportsbook endorsements and partnerships are adequate to prevent engagement with predatory VIP programs? Will the MLB and MLBPA undertake any player education to ensure that players understand the risks their participation in sportsbook promotions poses to fans? Will the MLB and MLBPA prohibit players from participating in personalized marketing campaigns by sportsbooks as part of VIP or tier programs? Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, -30-",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-peters-release-gao-report-finding-doge-misled-americans-about-claimed-savings,Blumenthal & Peters Release GAO Report Finding DOGE Misled Americans About Claimed Savings,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report finding that DOGE’s claims of massive taxpayer savings on its “Wall of Receipts” were severely overstated and plagued by unreliable data, unexplained calculations, and a lack of transparency. “The Trump Administration has used DOGE to recklessly slash government programs, ransacking critical services and resources and proudly displaying supposed ‘savings’ on its Wall of Receipts,” said Senator Blumenthal. “GAO’s report, though, reveals data quality concerns and a lack of clarity regarding how savings were calculated, making DOGE’s findings unreliable and unclear. My report with the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations last year showed that DOGE was clearly never about efficiency or saving the American taxpayer money—wasting at least $21.7 billion at the time while the Trump Administration cut health care, nutrition assistance, and emergency services. This GAO report underscores the need for increased transparency and accountability from the Trump Administration so the American public can better understand DOGE’s activities as the organization guts vital government programs.” “Everyone supports rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, but DOGE was a slapdash and deceptive effort that misled the American people while doing real damage to the government’s ability to serve them,” Senator Peters said. “Elon Musk and the Trump Administration claimed billions of dollars in savings it could not substantiate, took credit for work already underway, and refused to show its work, all while putting Americans’ sensitive data at risk and hollowing out critical agencies.” The GAO report, requested by Blumenthal and Peters in June 2025, finds that DOGE failed to provide enough information to verify 96 percent of its claimed grant savings. GAO also found that no termination action had been taken on 2,503 contracts associated with $27.4 billion in claimed savings, and two-thirds of DOGE’s purported contract savings were unverifiable or did not follow stated methodology. Of the 264 leases DOGE identified for termination, 108 were already in the termination process. Since last year, the Trump Administration has been forced to reverse numerous staff purges and contract cancellations carried out by DOGE after the cuts created staffing shortages and serious operational problems—further exposing the recklessness of DOGE’s approach. Last year, a Blumenthal report found that DOGE generated at lease $21.7 billion in waste across the federal government between January 20 and July 18, 2025. This included $14.8 billion through its Deferred Resignation Program for paying approximately 200,000 employees not to work for up to eight months, $6.1 billion for over 100,000 employees who have involuntarily separated from federal service or who remain on prolonged periods of leave pending separation who were paid not to do their jobs for extended periods of time, and $263 million in lost interest and fee income at the Department of Energy due to dozens of loan freezes. The report is available here. -30-",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-wasserman-schultz-introduce-legislation-to-address-youth-vaping-use,Blumenthal & Wasserman Schultz Introduce Legislation to Address Youth Vaping Use,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction (PROTECT) Act, bicameral legislation to address the alarming rise in e-cigarette use among youth. The PROTECT Act authorizes $100 million in funding each year for five years for a proactive Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiative to address this alarming trend through funding for enhanced research, grants for states and localities to address this issue in their communities, the development of evidence-based policies, and other critical activities to combat the rise in e-cigarette use among youth. “Youth vaping in our schools and communities is an epidemic, fueled by Big Tobacco aggressively targeting yet another generation of young people,” Blumenthal said. “Our measure addresses this crisis and gives those on the frontlines of this fight the tools they need to prevent teen e-cigarette addiction. The Trump Administration’s recent actions to undermine federal anti-smoking efforts and greenlight flavored e-cigarette products make our PROTECT Act all the more necessary to prevent addiction and keep our kids safe and healthy.” “Youth vaping is a public health crisis, and we need to treat it like one. For too long, Big Tobacco has preyed on America’s youth with flavored vapes specifically designed to get them hooked young,” said Wasserman Schultz. “The PROTECT Act is needed now more than ever as the Trump Administration decimates key tobacco cessation programs and rubber stamps dangerous, flavored vape approvals at FDA. I’m very proud to partner with Senator Blumenthal on this effort to protect our country’s children and keep them healthy.” More than 1.4 million youth report using e-cigarettes, including roughly 1 in 13 high school students and about 1 in 29 middle school students, according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey. Nearly 40 percent of youth who vape report frequent use, an alarming trend worsened by the Trump Administration dismantling key anti-smoking programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and authorizing flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children. The PROTECT Act is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and endorsed by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Academy, and the American Cancer Society. -30-",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-7/31/2026-8/7/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 7/31/2026-8/7/2026,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Celebrating Senate Passage of Landmark Russia Sanctions Bill [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in an overwhelming bipartisan vote. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Blumenthal spoke on the Senate Floor ahead of the final vote. Video is available here. “Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine. And Putin is watching from Moscow. I would like to think that Lindsey Graham is watching, too. And I know how proud he would be of his sister today, who has taken his place on the Floor and has been such a profoundly strong and effective advocate for this bill. Today, we say to the people Ukraine: you are not alone. And we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine; you will not defeat this free, brave people, who are turning the tide against your blood-thirsty aggression,” Blumenthal said. “I would like to close with some brilliant rhetorical flourish, but I’d rather just recall some of Senator Graham’s last words to me. He said, ‘This is a big eff-ing deal. We all did good.’” Last week, Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) hosted a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supporters of the legislation at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of the meeting are available here. Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration. Lindsey Graham secured an agreement with the White House on the bill just before his death. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation allows the President to impose targeted tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the vast majority of Russian oil or gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The bill limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, and top five countries that aid Russia’s energy sanctions evasion. The bill also includes a provision to prevent a lapse in sanction authority that restricts funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. The text of the bill is available here. Blumenthal hosted a press conference following Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. “It is a momentous day. President Zelenskyy is watching in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin is watching in Moscow. I like to think Lindsey Graham is watching as well and proud of what we’ve done. Because today we send a message to Vladimir Putin—you will not win this war. Time to come to the table for peace,” said Blumenthal. Denouncing Todd Blanche as Trump’s Nominee for U.S. Attorney General Blumenthal a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted against Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as Attorney General of the United States at this week’s Committee markup. At the markup, Blumenthal spoke out against Blanche’s nomination, raising concerns about Blanche’s lack of independence. “‘I’m his lawyer.’ That is what Mr. Blanche told us he was. ‘I’m his lawyer.’ Namely Donald Trump’s lawyer. Maya Angelou famously said, ‘When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.’ Todd Blanche is Donald Trump’s lawyer. He will say anything, do anything, conceal anything for his boss,” Blumenthal said at the markup. Pointing to Blanche’s purported rescission of the so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to reward the President’s political allies and violent criminals who attacked Capitol Police officers on January 6, Blumenthal continued, “Commentators have talked about loopholes. There are no loopholes here. This document itself is a sham.” Blumenthal underscored that Donald Trump remains committed to seeing the slush fund move forward, despite Blanche’s assurances: “The President of the United States yesterday, in the Oval Office, repeated his commitment to the Anti-Weaponization Fund. We don’t need to say the quiet part out loud. The President is shouting it.” Blumenthal continued, “The position of the United States Attorney General is a position of supreme trust. Any of us who have worked in the Department of Justice—I was the United States Attorney for Connecticut—knows that the Attorney General of the United States, like every lawyer who represents the United States, has a trust, in going to court, in making representation…Todd Blanche has betrayed that trust. And his betrayal of that trust is disqualifying for his nomination.” “My fear is that Todd Blanche will represent Donald Trump, be his consigliere, and he will put Donald Trump ahead of the American people and the right to vote. I cannot support him. I regret that this committee will in effect betray its trust in the party-line vote that is to follow and approve Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States,” Blumenthal concluded. A video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here. Blumenthal joined CNN’s Anderson Cooper to discuss Blanche’s nomination. Blumenthal also spoke on the Senate Floor denouncing Blanche as Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Attorney General. “‘I’m his lawyer,’ is what Todd Blanche said in the course of his confirmation hearing before the Judiciary Committee of the United States Senate. ‘I’m his lawyer,’ meaning, ‘I’m Donald Trump’s lawyer.’ He will be guided by blind loyalty to the President and contempt for the law, enabling the President in continued corrupt crypto schemes as well as condoning and empowering the President to establish a slush fund for January 6 rioters, as well as tax immunity,” said Blumenthal. “That is not the conduct of an Attorney General of the United States carrying out and respecting the Constitution. That’s Donald Trump's personal lawyer.” A video of Blumenthal’s full speech on the Floor is available here. Blumenthal further slammed Blanche as unfit to be U.S. Attorney General on Twitter/X, specifically highlighting his supposed “walking back” of the anti-weaponization fund and his inability to recognize the January 6 insurrection as an attack on our Capitol. “Blanche’s walk-back of the anti-weaponization fund is a sham. There is absolutely nothing stopping Trump from going to court tomorrow & establishing this slush fund,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “To Todd Blanche Jan 6th was just ‘events.’ No wonder he is in favor of a slush fund that pays out the insurrectionists who violently attacked law enforcement & the Capitol,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “As Attorney General of the United States, Todd Blanche will not be a lawyer for the American people—he will be Donald Trump’s personal lawyer,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Applauding Commerce Committee Passage of Bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released the following statement on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation’s passage of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) by voice vote: “For years, heartbroken parents have demanded Congress take action to protect America’s children from Big Tech’s exploitation, and today is a major victory for the courageous families who refused to give up,” said Blumenthal and Blackburn. “The Senate has repeatedly shown that there is broad, bipartisan support for a version of KOSA that creates a duty of care to protect kids from online predators, addictive algorithms, and harmful product design. We want to thank our large, diverse, and determined coalition for standing with us today, and we look forward to getting this bill to the President’s desk.” Blumenthal further highlighted the need for the Senate Kids Online Safety Act on Twitter/X, after Meta was ordered to pay $942 million to address harm to kids from social media. “Groundbreaking loss for Zuckerberg. While Meta has bought off House Republican leadership, it is finally facing justice in the courts—near a billion dollars in penalties & meaningful mandated changes in this historic decision. The strong Senate Kids Online Safety Act is ready to become law—once again receiving a resounding Committee approval this week. The question is whether Speaker Johnson wants his legacy to be protecting Mark Zuckerberg or American families,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Slamming Trump’s Loyalist Judicial Nominees Blumenthal was joined by three former federal prosecutors to raise alarm over the ongoing refusal of Trump Administration judicial nominees to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election or admit that what happened on January 6, 2021, was an attack on the Capitol. The three prosecutors – Michael Romano, Sean Murphy, and Brendan Ballou – worked on cases relating to violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Prior to the press conference, they joined a group of twelve former federal prosecutors who all worked on cases relating to the violent attack on the Capitol in sending a letter urging members of the Senate to reject judicial nominees who cannot “cannot identify that (1) January 6 as an attack on our democracy, (2) the attack was led by supporters of Donald Trump, and (3) Joe Biden was legitimately elected in the 2020 election.” Video of the press conference is available here. Michael Romano prosecuted rioters who brawled with police officers on Capitol grounds, who attacked officers with wooden and metal poles, and who pepper-sprayed officers defending the Tunnel. As a manager, Romano also oversaw many cases prosecuted by others. Romano also served as a Trial Attorney in the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section between 2019 and 2025. “The fact of the matter was, the riot was an attack on our democracy. It was an attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of power. It was an attempt to install the loser of the 2020 election back in office against the will of the American people. I know this because the evidence was overwhelming,” Romano said. “Now, these people were convicted before Republicans and Democratic judges, they were sentenced before Republican and Democratic judges, judges appointed by any President of any party recognized the truth of what this day was. And anybody seeking a position on the bench now should be able to do the same. They should be able to tell the truth.” Sean P. Murphy joined the Capitol Siege Section in January 2021 and remained with the team until it was disbanded in January 2025. Among those Murphy investigated, prosecuted, and secured convictions against are an individual who beat an officer with a flagpole with the American flag still attached until the flagpole broke; an off-duty police officer; a man that used wasp spray to attack police officers, and a man that punched a police officer twice in the head before ripping away the officer’s riot shield, leaving him defenseless. Murphy also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico between 2018 and 2025. “To the Senators voting on these nominees today, please stop poisoning our courts by confirming appointees who refuse to admit basic historical truths. This is not a problem of perspective or political persuasion; it is fundamental question of competence. We would no more hire a schoolteacher who refuses to believe in fractions, or a mechanic who won’t admit that gas goes in a gas tank than you should confirm someone to a lifetime seat on the bench who cannot admit that Donald Trump lost, and who refuses to recognize that those who assaulted police officers at the U.S. Capitol were wrong to do so,” Murphy said. Brendan Ballou was involved in the trial teams that prosecuted a husband-and-wife duo who assaulted officers along the Capitol's western front before they were finally repelled by pepper spray, and prosecuted one of the first rioters who entered the Senate chamber, who triumphantly stood atop the dais within the chamber. Ballou also served as Special Counsel in the Antitrust Division from 2016 to 2017 and from 2020 to 2025. “So, we have a president that is trying to subvert a future election, we have an acting Attorney General who is eager to help in that effort, and the danger that we face with these judicial nominees is that future court cases that will determine whether our democracy continues may be people who deny the reality of January 6th,” Ballou said. “Think about how dangerous it is, how scary it is, to have a court case about voting rights, about democracy, about the rule of law, prosecuted by Todd Blanche, and overseen by one of these judges who denies the reality of what happened that day. So, it is important to be talking about this, it is important that these judges not be confirmed if they refuse to acknowledge the reality of January 6th.” At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week, Blumenthal questioned Trump Administration judicial nominees and slammed them for their refusal to truthfully answer questions about the 2020 election and the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. “The word ‘attack’ seems to have been stripped from Trump judicial nominees’ vocabulary. It isn’t a political controversy to speak the truth about what happened on January 6th,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “Another panel of political puppets. Trump’s judicial nominees refuse to state the simple fact that Joe Biden won the 2020 election,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “After only 6 months on the District Court, Anna St. John has proven herself such a loyal sycophant that she is up for a promotion to the 5th circuit. She knows what lies the President demands to hear and still won’t say Trump lost the 2020 election,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal posted a Substack article on Trump’s crypto corruption. Blumenthal introduced a resolution blocking Trump tax amnesty and January 6 slush fund. Blumenthal released a statement on the U.S. Army’s award of two contracts for Sikorsky. Blumenthal introduced legislation to address youth vaping use. Blumenthal called on Yale to reject settlement with Trump Administration. Blumenthal demanded answers from FDA and Taylor Farms about the cyclosporiasis outbreak. Blumenthal released a GAO report finding DOGE misled Americans about claimed savings. Blumenthal introduced legislation to end unprecedented Presidential corruption and to stop “pay-to-play” pardons. Blumenthal joined sweeping legislation to counter Trump’s authoritarian takeover and to defend our democracy. Blumenthal will host a passport, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry enrollment and renewal event in Hartford. Blumenthal announced a grant for East Street in New Britain to improve the safety of a dangerous intersection. -30-",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/video-blumenthal-celebrates-senate-passage-of-landmark-sanctions-bill-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-and-gas-accountable,Video: Blumenthal Celebrates Senate Passage of Landmark Sanctions Bill to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil & Gas Accountable,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in an overwhelming bipartisan vote. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Blumenthal spoke on the Senate Floor ahead of the final vote. Video is available here. “Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine. And Putin is watching from Moscow. I would like to think that Lindsey Graham is watching, too. And I know how proud he would be of his sister today, who has taken his place on the Floor and has been such a profoundly strong and effective advocate for this bill. Today, we say to the people Ukraine: you are not alone. And we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine; you will not defeat this free, brave people, who are turning the tide against your blood-thirsty aggression,” Blumenthal said. “I would like to close with some brilliant rhetorical flourish, but I'd rather just recall some of Senator Graham's last words to me. He said, ‘This is a big eff-ing deal. We all did good.’” Last week, Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) hosted a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supporters of the legislation at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of the meeting are available here. Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration. Lindsey Graham secured an agreement with the White House on the bill just before his death. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation allows the President to impose targeted tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the vast majority of Russian oil or gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The bill limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, and top five countries that aid Russia’s energy sanctions evasion. The bill also includes a provision to prevent a lapse in sanction authority that restricts funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. The text of the bill is available here. Video of Blumenthal’s remarks on the Senate Floor is available here. A full transcript is copied below. The Presiding Officer: The Senator from Connecticut. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Mr. President, shortly, we will vote on the Russia Sanctions bill, as we have come to call it, and I want to begin by thanking my colleagues for their overwhelming support for this measure, and in particular, to thank Senators Shaheen, Britt, Wicker, Risch, Coons, Whitehouse, Durbin, and of course Senators Schumer and Thune. Their help has been invaluable, as we reach this important moment. Last week, with President Zelenskyy watching from the gallery, this body sent a powerful message to Vladimir Putin, and all who are supporting him with funding for his vicious, blood-thirsty, illegal war against the brave, free people of Ukraine. Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine. And Putin is watching from Moscow. I would like to think that Lindsey Graham is watching, too. And I know how proud he would be of his sister today, who has taken his place on the floor and has been such a profoundly strong and effective advocate for this bill. Today, we say to the people Ukraine, you are not alone. And we say to Vladmir Putin, you will not conquer Ukraine. You will not defeat this free, brave people, who are turning the tide against your blood-thirsty aggression. Nearly two years ago, Lindsey Graham and I began working on this bill, but really, the journey began with our first trip to Ukraine together some four years ago. Robert Frost once said, when he was asked how he began his poems, he said, a poem begins with a lump in the throat. Our journey toward this bill began with a lump in our throats, and tears in our eyes, when we visited Bucha, not long after the Russians were pushed out of that small town, just kilometers away from President Zelenskyy’s bunker, which we also visited on that trip, just weeks after Ukraine succeeded in pushing them out. We saw the mass grave where Putin's military shot innocent women and children in the back of their heads. We talked to Ukrainian troops who lost limbs, loved ones who lost sons and daughters, fathers and mothers. We talked to children who were kidnapped by Putin, literally abducted and placed in education camps. And on one of those long train rides, we took six or seven trips into Ukraine together, we began thinking about this bill, to impose scorching sledgehammer sanctions and tariffs on Ukraine, to stop the flow of money fueling Putin's war machine. Money that was essential to his slaughterous aggression against Ukraine. And like one of those trains, the journey to this bill was filled with a lot of bumps, a lot of stops and starts, and through it all what sustained us as much as anything was Senator Graham's overwhelming sense of optimism. His sense of humor. His belief in freedom and democracy. His belief in America. And so, this bill is a tribute to him. We disagreed about many issues, he and I, and I could be on the receiving end of his anger, as well as his praise. But the partnership that we forged, I think, is a lesson, without exaggerating it, to perhaps the people of America that, yes, we can work together and accomplish good things for the world. One of Senator Graham's final acts as a member of this body was to reach an accord with the White House on our behalf and secure the President's support. He died literally the next day. I spoke to him shortly before his death and I know as well as anyone that this chamber, this body will not be the same without him, we miss him and this bill, named in his honor, carries on the work that he believed was so important. It will impose scorching sanctions on the Russia war machine and the shadow fleet that sustains it. It will prevent critical resources from flowing to the Kremlin's coffers, it will authorize the president to impose duties and penalties on the Russian crude oil and natural gas, punishing the profiteers for buying discounted energy products and pushing them to decrease purchases. It is a powerful deterrent against complicity in Putin's illegal war. And it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine. It will give the administration the tools it needs to punish anyone who aides Russia as they continue to evade United States sanctions and promote stronger, stricter enforcement of those stations. For years, countries have been allowed to permit bad actors to broker deals and support the shadow fleet's movement all around the world. They have become fabulously rich. These companies will be exposed as facilitating evasions of sanctions and it will help us end the war. The goal is peace. We have the power to help end this war, and we cannot stand idly as a young democratic nation desperately fights for survival against a murderous dictator. We know from history, appeasement is a failed hope, and hope is not a strategy. We cannot appease Putin in the hope that he will abandon his imperialist ambitions because history shows he will not. And his ambition doesn't end with Donbas or Lugansk, it reaches deep into Europe and it threatens our national security and our allies, yes we need our allies, and they have steed up to aid Ukraine in this war. Appeasing Putin is a disservice to the brave men and women of our military who are defending our freedom all around the globe, became it puts them in greater risk if Putin thinks he can move against our NATO allies and then we will be required to put our sons and daughters in harm's way. For four years, Ukraine has refused to bow to Putin's will. They have beaten back wave after wave after wave of Russian attacks. Our military gave them maybe a few weeks in 2022 to survive Putin's onslaught. They pushed the Russians back in those weeks after the first wave of assaults, and they have continued a brilliant campaign of using new technology that has amazed and awed the world, including our own military, which is learning from Ukraine about the use of drones and other unmanned weapons platforms. Their ingenuity and determination are awe inspiring, even as their stockpiles of interceptors and other air defense run dry. And we must provide the kind of military defense aid, the interceptors, the pack 3's, for the patriot system, for the Thad platform, that are essential to defend the Ukrainian people who are enduring night after night drones, killing civilians, aimed at schools, hospitals, malls, civilian targets. Putin not only abducts children, he kills them in their beds as they sleep with missiles and drones that are aimed purposely at civilian targets to terrorize and intimidate the people of Ukraine. But they will not yield. And today they continue to stand as beacon of hope and liberty shinning against the darkness. Today we cannot provide all that military aid that they need, but we can take this step, a step to stand with the people of Ukraine and show that their fight is our fight. I would like to close with some brilliant rhetorical flourish, but I'd rather just recall some of Senator Graham's last words to me. He said, this is a BIG effing deal. We all did good. Decorum prevents me from saying what he actually said, but I would like to say, looking across the chamber where he sat that he is with us today and that he will be proud of what we are doing. Thank you Mr. President, I yield the floor. -30-",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-mobilizes-senate-democrats-against-trumps-radical-atf-rule-changes-historic-assault-on-public-safety-nationwide,"Murphy Mobilizes Senate Democrats Against Trump's Radical ATF Rule Changes, Historic Assault on Public Safety Nationwide",2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) led a group of Democrats in filing a series of official comments against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ (ATF) April 2026 proposed regulatory changes to federal firearms law. Murphy’s comments opposed recent sweeping rule changes promulgated by the ATF, which would create easy access to dangerous weapons, dramatically undercut law enforcement’s efforts to fight and prevent crime, and put communities across the country at risk of significant increases in gun crime and gun violence. Murphy authored five comments in opposition to the proposed ATF rule changes, spanning lifted import restrictions on training rounds and dual-use weapons, blatant discrimination against gun owners on the basis of their gender identity, and the sweeping rescission of a 2024 rule clarifying the definition of “Engaged in the Business” (EITB) of firearms dealing. The 2024 rule modernized our firearms licensing system to support law enforcement in cracking down on rampant background check evasion by gun sellers. The EITB reforms were a centerpiece of Murphy’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the most significant gun safety legislation in the last 30 years and a major driver of historic reductions in gun violence and gun deaths since its passage. “No president has ever been so insistent on putting guns in the hands of violent criminals,” said Murphy. “From top to bottom, these ATF rule changes are all about making sure Trump’s gun industry donors can maximize their profits by ignoring the popular, common sense regulations that prevent gun crime and save lives. This fight isn’t close to over and Senate Democrats will do all we can to stop this corrupt disaster before it takes effect.” Last month, Murphy sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche demanding answers on the DOJ and ATF’s legalization of mail order gun sales, which would jeopardize public safety to the direct financial benefit of the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr. Each of Murphy’s ATF comments, with respective Democratic co-signers, are available in full at the following links:",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-trump-stop-gaslighting-americans-on-iran-stop-using-the-war-for-your-corrupt-market-manipulation,"Murphy to Trump: Stop Gaslighting Americans on Iran, Stop Using the War for Your Corrupt Market Manipulation",2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to call out President Trump’s months-long gaslighting of the American public on the state of the Iran war. Murphy laid out how Trump’s constant false promises of an imminent Iran war deal are part of a corruption scheme in which Trump manipulates the market with deal announcements so his friends and family can cash in. Murphy also slammed Trump’s recent announcement of a $100,000 subscription for advance access to Trump’s Truth Social posts as another clear example of Trump using the Iran war to facilitate insider trading and sell out America’s national security for personal gain. “The war might be continuing, not just because of incompetence, but because the president has found a way to make money,” said Murphy. Murphy explained how Trump’s campaign of gaslighting and dishonesty works: “He gaslights. He tells lies. And the essential gaslight is that the war is about to end: ‘Don't worry. Yes, it appears that there is no end. It appears that you're going to have to continue to pay these prices forever. It appears that America has no end game. But don't worry, the war is about to end.’” Detailing every instance of President Trump selling an “imminent” deal to the public, Murphy argued there are telling patterns in Trump’s announcements of a deal: “I just want to go through this pattern for you because it is really important to talk about the fact that the White House is just not being straight with the American public about what's going on in this war… [Trump] normally declares that the war is about to be over on Sunday night or Monday morning, right before the markets open. But now that we are six months into this war, we can see the pattern… On 11 different instances, Trump says, ‘A deal is about to happen. Don't worry, the war is about to be over.’ There's no deal. None of it is real.” Murphy argued Trump’s ceasefire announcements aren’t random - they’re a coordinated scheme for Trump to make money: “Here's an explanation for why Trump continues to do this gaslighting, particularly right before the markets open. Trump announced, now a week or so ago, that if you pay him $100,000 a month, he will give you advance notice of American foreign policy decisions. That is a subscription service for insider trading, and it is unquestionably lucrative.” He slammed his Republican colleagues for staying silent even when they know President Trump is selling out our country’s national security: “Can any of my Republican colleagues defend the president selling announcements from the White House for $100,000 a month, in the middle of a war? Is any Republican senator willing to come down to this floor and defend the president of the United States setting up a subscription service for public policy announcements from the White House, so as to advantage certain players in the marketplace who are willing to pay that amount of money? Of course not.” Murphy called for an immediate, actual end to Trump’s disastrous Iran war: “I was glad that the president got a ceasefire [in June], but I could tell by the terms it wasn't going to last. It wasn't a real agreement, but at this point, many of us are willing to support almost any agreement. It'll be a humiliating agreement. It will be one in which Iran will essentially declare victory. But this war is a disaster.” Murphy also highlighted the impact of this war on America’s servicemembers, who are being put in harm’s way while Trump’s cronies rake in millions of dollars: “The price of this war is being plainly paid first and foremost by our soldiers, who are being put in harm's way for a war that is making America weaker every day. They're getting killed. They're sustaining life-altering injuries. Many of our soldiers and sailors and airmen have been in the region far past their scheduled deployment. ” A full transcript of Murphy’s speech is available below. Colleagues, the Trump administration has us stuck in a humiliating quagmire, a total deadlock in Iran. We are wasting billions of taxpayer dollars dropping bombs and firing missiles at Iran. Iran responds with escalation. They keep the Strait closed. They attack our bases. They attack our allies in the region. The war just expands and expands and expands. In the last week, for instance, a new war is threatening to break out between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, which would likely result in the other strait, at the bottom of the Red Sea being closed as well. Trump personally pays no price for this stalemate. His corruption schemes, his cryptocurrency, his insider trading, the contracts to his sons. All of that has practically tripled his net worth in just 18 short months in office. No, the price of this war is being plainly paid first and foremost by our soldiers, who are being put in harm's way for a war that is making America weaker every day. They're getting killed. They're sustaining life-altering injuries. Many of our soldiers and sailors and airmen have been in the region far past their scheduled deployment. They haven't seen their families in years. And of course, American consumers are paying the price as well. Here's the most relevant chart. This is familiar to you. This is what gas prices were doing until the war. They are creeping back well above $4 a gallon right now. That is not affordable for regular Americans, especially Americans who have to travel great distances for work, especially small business owners who rely on reasonable gas prices in order to be able to make their bills work. Diesel prices are through the roof as well. Fertilizer prices are through the roof as well, all because of this war. No other reason. The war. The prices are this high because of the war. It's farmers, it's small business owners, it's the American public who are paying the price, not Donald Trump. And so that's why the war is just wildly unpopular. Except for Trump's sort of hardline supporters, the folks who just don't believe he can ever do anything wrong, nobody wants this war. If you're in a red state or a blue state, this war is deeply unpopular because the American public are smart. They're smarter than a lot of my colleagues give them credit for. They know that a war with Iran is unwinnable. They don't want America stuck again in a quagmire, a stalemate in the Middle East. So, how does Trump handle this? A deeply unpopular war, a war that he is losing, a war that is driving up prices for the American public. Well, this is how he handles it. He gaslights. He tells lies. And the essential gaslight is that the war is about to end: “Don't worry. Yes, it appears that there is no end. It appears that you're going to have to continue to pay these prices forever. It appears that America has no end game. But don't worry, the war is about to end.” And so, I just want to go through this pattern for you because it is really important to talk about the fact that the White House is just not being straight with the American public about what's going on in this war. Over and over again, the president declares that the war is about to be over. He's not telling the truth. He normally declares that the war is about to be over on Sunday night or Monday morning, right before the markets open. But now that we are six months into this war, we can see the pattern. Let me go through it with you quickly. On March 23rd, Trump announces a deal. I'm just going to give you his quotes here. These are his words. He says, ""The United States of America and the country of Iran have had over the last two days very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.” The market impact is immediate. That post sends oil prices tumbling nearly 11%, but there is no deal. He just made it up. Two days later, the United States military is back to conducting strikes. “The USS Abraham Lincoln, continues flight operations against military targets in Iran while sailing in regional waters.” On March 30th, Trump announces another deal. This is Monday morning, right before the markets open. He says, “The United States of America is in serious discussions with a new and more reasonable regime to end,” End! “Our military operations in Iran. Great progress has been made.” One week later, there's no deal. The opposite. One week later, Trump posts that he's going to wipe out the entire civilization of Iran. “A whole civilization will die tonight,” he posts. “Never to be brought back again.” That's a war crime. The president is promising to kill millions of civilians. He tries to dial it back, but later on that same day, he's back to announcing a deal. Literally, “I'm going to wipe out a whole civilization,” that morning. That night, on April 17th [7th], he says, ""Well, we received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and I believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. A two-week period will allow the agreement to be finalized and consummated.” Five days later, there's no deal. Trump announces a resumption of the war with Iran. Now, let's fast forward 10 days later: April 17th. He posts that a deal with Iran is imminent. This process should go very quickly. Most of the points are already negotiated, he posts. Two days later, the strikes start again. On May 5th, Trump says, “Great progress being made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with the Representatives of Iran.” Complete is capitalized. Final is capitalized. Agreement is capitalized. Representatives is capitalized. Iran is capitalized. Two days later, the deal is off. Surprise, surprise! Every time Trump announces a deal is imminent, it just disappears. “U.S. forces intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes,” CENTCOM announces two days later. On May 25th, right before the markets open, a deal is imminent. “Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are proceeding nicely.” Right before the markets open! That same day, the United States military conducts strikes on Iran. “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.” The next Monday, right before the markets open, Trump posts, “Iran wants to make a deal. It'll be a good one. Just sit back and relax. It'll work out well in the end. It always does.” How is this working out well for the American public? How is that working out well for the American public? The next day, there's no deal. The United States conducts strikes against Iran. On June 17th, Trump actually signs a deal, but it's not a real deal. He does this whole pomp and circumstance signing ceremony in Versailles. That deal was negotiated by diplomatic amateurs. There was nothing actually agreed to. There were words on a page, but from the literal moment the ink was dry, nobody could explain what they had agreed to. Most significantly, Iran thought that the agreement obligated Israel to stop its military operations in Lebanon. Israel did not agree to that. Iran thought that it had been given control of the Strait in that agreement. Apparently, the American delegation didn't think they made that concession. Anyway, that agreement lasts 10 days. On June 27th, Trump posts that strikes on Iran have resumed. Let's just fast forward to the last week because Trump is doing it again. On August 1st, Trump posts that… I'm not sure that I transcribed this wrong or not, but it looks like he says, “the perimeters of a deal”? I'll give him credit that he said parameters. “The parameters of a deal have been agreed to,” on August 1st. On August 2nd, “The deal is imminent, having to do with the Strait of Hormuz and ultimately the denuclearization of Iran.” The deal is imminent on the denuclearization of Iran. August 4th, just a night or two ago, Trump tells Fox News, ""We're having very good discussions.” Meanwhile, there are reports that Iran isn't even talking to the United States. Trump saying a deal on the denuclearization of Iran is imminent, and Iran is saying we're not even in the room. I mean, we should not accept this level of gaslighting. The word of the president has to matter! Over and over again, on 11 different instances, Trump says, “A deal is about to happen. Don't worry, the war is about to be over.” There's no deal. None of it is real. These promises. I wish it were real. I want to be clear about that. I want the war to end. I would basically support any agreement at this point to end this war. I was glad that the president got a ceasefire, but I could tell by the terms it wasn't going to last. It wasn't a real agreement, but at this point, many of us are willing to support almost any agreement. It'll be a humiliating agreement. It will be one in which Iran will essentially declare victory. But this war is a disaster. America is losing. Consumers can't afford to pay these prices. Businesses are going under. We had a record of farm bankruptcies in the last year. We look like a laughing stock. And, we're running out of munitions. We don't have what we need to protect ourselves anymore. Reports are that we've gone through half of our Tomahawks. Our allies in the region have fired 70 to 80% of their Patriot missiles. This is a crisis. It has to end. But maybe there's an explanation for why Trump continues to do this gaslighting, particularly right before the markets open. Trump announced, now a week or so ago, that if you pay him $100,000 a month, he will give you advance notice of American foreign policy decisions. I don't understand why that is acceptable to anybody in this chamber. If you pay Donald Trump $100,000, he will give you advance notice of America's foreign policy decisions. If we are about to sign a peace treaty and you give him $100,000 a month, he will give you advance notice of that. If strikes are going to resume against Iran, if you pay him $100,000 a month, he will give you advance notice of that. That is a subscription service for insider trading, and it is unquestionably lucrative. On August 1st, Trump posts that a deal is imminent. Remember, people still take him seriously. Not everybody knows about this history of gaslighting. On August 1st, Trump says, “a deal is imminent,” and the market impact is immediate. Oil prices fall by 5% right as the markets open. The next day, right before the markets open, Trump says again, “The deal is imminent.” Another 5% drop, and so you see how his statements move the market, and you can see how if you get advance notice of those statements, even by a few seconds, you can capitalize on that market movement. If you know that if Trump says a deal is imminent and the markets are going to move 5% and you pay $100,000 to Donald Trump to get that information early, you can make a boatload of money. And so maybe the war continues because Trump has found a way to monetize the war in a disgustingly corrupt way. I get that at some point we become immune to all of this, but can any of my Republican colleagues defend the president selling announcements from the White House for $100,000 a month, in the middle of a war? Is any Republican senator willing to come down to this floor and defend the president of the United States setting up a subscription service for public policy announcements from the White House, so as to advantage certain players in the marketplace who are willing to pay that amount of money? Of course not. And if you know in your heart that it is corrupt, that it is wrong, then you should say something about it. Because, the war might be continuing, not just because of incompetence, but because the president has found a way to make money. More people are going to pay him $100,000 for these announcements in the middle of a war. Frankly, people would be willing to pay it absent a war, but he'll make more money during a war because his announcements clearly move the market in the middle of a very complicated conflict, where the decisions of the United States government immediately change oil markets. The reason that this war is dragging on endlessly – it does matter, and my colleagues should care about Trump's insider trading subscription scheme. It's just so discouraging that nobody on the other side of the aisle says anything about this, when the credibility of the White House and of our country is just getting destroyed and sullied. But my Republican colleagues should also care that the war is being waged with a level of embarrassing incompetence that is making America weaker, that's getting us nowhere. This body works best when the president's party stands up to him and says, ""enough,” whether it's corruption or incompetence. That's what President Johnson's party did during the Vietnam War. It is actually what the Democratic Party did with President Obama during the late stages of the Afghanistan War, when many of us decided that America had to withdraw and oppose President Obama's party. It's what many of us did here during the early stages of the war in Yemen that President Obama was bringing the American military into, and many of us opposed it. Got up on its floor, explained why we opposed it. Republicans can do that too. You can say this war has to end. You can say that the president should never, ever personally benefit from a conflict overseas. You can say that the president of the United States should not sell access to White House statements. It would make a big difference for our democracy and for the American people who are paying through the nose for the costs of this war if you did.",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-hosts-passport-tsa-precheck-and-global-entry-enrollment_renewal-event-in-hartford,"Blumenthal Hosts Passport, TSA Precheck, & Global Entry Enrollment & Renewal Event in Hartford",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] – On Friday, August 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal will host a Passport Day in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and IDEMIA, a TSA PreCheck authorized enrollment provider, to assist individuals with passport renewals, first-time passport applications, TSA PreCheck enrollment, and Global Entry applications. The event is open to the public and will take place at Connecticut’s Old State House at 800 Main Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except between the hours of 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The TSA PreCheck program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Passport applications and renewals provided by the CT Passport Agency: First-time passport applicants will be required to complete a Passport Application Form and present a valid photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship, such as an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate. For passport renewals, a completed Passport Application Form, an old passport, and a recent passport photo will be required, along with the passport renewal fee. For new and renewed passports, a 2-inch x 2-inch passport photo taken in the last 6 months is required. If you require a passport photo on the day of the event, Camera Bar, a local business located at 75 Asylum Street, is about two blocks away from the Passport Day event and can provide a passport photo for $10.62 day of. RSVP to apply for or renew a U.S. passport here. Fill out and print your passport application here. U.S. citizens can apply for both U.S. passport books and U.S. passport cards at Passport Day. U.S. Passport Books: Valid for international travel by air, sea, or land Validity: 10 years for adults (age 16 & older) 5 years for minors (under age 16) Cost for First-Time Applicants: $165 for adults (age 16 & older) $135 for minors (under age 16) Cost for Renewal Applicants: $130 for adults (age 16 & older) U.S. Passport Cards: Valid when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land or seaports-of-entry. Not valid for international travel by air. Validity: 10 years for adults (age 16 & older) 5 years for minors (under age 16) Cost for First-Time Applicants: $65 for adults (age 16 & older) $50 for minors (under age 16) Cost for Renewal Applicants: $30 for adults (age 16 & older) TSA PreCheck enrollment provided by IDEMIA: TSA PreCheck enrollment requires that applicants provide proof of identity, proof of citizenship, fingerprints, and a photo. IDEMIA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment for $76.75 and if approved, travelers get a five-year membership with the program. TSA PreCheck was created in December 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience through airport security. Enrolled members have access to TSA PreCheck dedicated screening lanes at over 200 participating U.S. airports nationwide and 99% of members wait 10 minutes or less in a screening lane. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on and keep laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, and food items in their bags. Apply for TSA PreCheck new enrollment or renewal with IDEMIA here. Global Entry provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection For the first time, this Passport Day will include the opportunity to interview for Global Entry. Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved travelers to skip long lines when returning to the U.S. from international travel using automated kiosks. Applicants for Global Entry must be “conditionally approved” for an interview appointment at Passport Day. Without conditional approval, applicants will be unable to interview for Global Entry. If your approval is still pending prior to Passport Day, contact Senator Blumenthal’s office at Passport_Day@blumenthal.senate.gov for assistance. To interview for Global Entry, a CBP Officer will determine eligibility and collect biometric information (e.g., fingerprints, a photo). The applicant will be asked to provide all valid travel documents, including passport(s) and U.S.-issued visa(s) if applicable. If the applicant is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., they must provide their permanent resident card. The applicant will also need to provide proof of their residence address, such as a driver’s license or ID card. If approved, membership is valid immediately and remains active for five years, expiring on the applicant’s birthday. Apply to be conditionally approved for Global Entry here. RSVP for your Global Entry interview here. -30-",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-coast-guard-installations-allow-cost-saving-community-partnerships,"Murphy, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Coast Guard Installations, Allow Cost-Saving Community Partnerships",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), along with U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act, bipartisan legislation to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to collaborate with state and local governments through intergovernmental support agreements (IGSAs). For over a decade, every branch of the U.S. military has been able to benefit from the authority to enter into IGSA except for the Coast Guard. By requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant IGSA authority to the Coast Guard Commandant, the Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act would enable the Coast Guard to secure better contracting agreements in collaboration with local government bodies, deliver lower-cost, higher-quality services to its installations, and strengthen local ties within Coast Guard communities – across Connecticut and nationwide. In December 2024, Senator Murphy led a letter to the DHS Secretary calling on the Department to finalize IGSA authority for the Coast Guard. In August 2025, he led a CT delegation letter calling for serious investments by the Coast Guard to modernize the Coast Guard Academy campus infrastructure in New London and support the Academy in meeting its full potential in educating the leaders of America’s multi-mission, maritime military force. “This long-overdue step will save millions in taxpayer dollars, cut red tape, and support economic development by allowing better collaboration between the Coast Guard and its surrounding communities – in places like New London, Connecticut, home of the Coast Guard Academy,” said Senator Murphy. “By taking advantage of IGSAs to contract for local services – from waste management to snowplowing to transportation – the Coast Guard can save money while delivering the improved support and quality of life that Coasties, and their neighbors, deserve.” “In Alaska, supporting our military services takes an all-hands-on-deck approach. We’ve seen firsthand how IGSAs benefit both military installations and local communities by combining resources for critical functions: everything from infrastructure maintenance to emergency dispatch systems. However, DHS has yet to issue the guidance necessary for the Coast Guard to do the same,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation would allow the Coast Guard to partner with local communities to address essential functions like childcare, utility services, and housing needs. It is important that we give the Coast Guard cost-effective tools to efficiently build operational capacity in communities like Kodiak and Seward, where the service will homeport the first of the new coming to Alaska.” “The U.S. Coast Guard Yard at Curtis Bay in Baltimore is the Coast Guard's only major ship-repair facility. We are so proud of the work our Coast Guardsmen do protecting our nation, and the Marylanders working every day at Curtis Bay to keep our Coast Guard on the water,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues on this legislation, which would enable the Coast Guard to secure better contracting agreements in collaboration with local governments to deliver lower-cost, higher-quality services to its installations. This legislation will help provide savings for the Coast Guard and Maryland communities.” ""The Coast Guard is one of Maine's most important federal partners, protecting our maritime economy, conducting lifesaving search and rescue missions, and safeguarding our national security,"" said Senator King. ""Giving the Coast Guard the same authority already available to every other military service branch is simply common sense. These partnerships are already saving the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines millions of dollars a year, and I know the Coast Guard installations in Maine are ready to advance projects, cut red tape, and save American taxpayer dollars.” “All branches of our Armed Forces deserve our enduring support and gratitude for their honorable service to our country, including access to high-quality services that improve their efficiency — anything short of that is unacceptable,” said Senator Padilla. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will ensure the U.S. Coast Guard can access the same cost-saving benefits as the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. This is a simple step Congress can take to make it easier for the Coast Guard to work with state and local governments to acquire services that benefit both the Coast Guard and the communities that host them.” “All U.S. military services are encouraged to collaborate with local communities for infrastructure and development, except for the U.S. Coast Guard. It’s an oversight that slows modernization efforts and makes it harder for the Coast Guard to meet their mission,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries. “I’m proud to support the Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act to streamline the Coast Guard’s partnership with local governments and enable USCG to better support Coasties and the communities they serve.” “By allowing the Coast Guard to enter intergovernmental support agreements, this bill will unlock millions of dollars in savings, create jobs for military spouses, provide expanded services for Coast Guard members, and deliver opportunities for local small business,” said Senator Schiff. “It’s time to finally extend the same IGSA authority other military services have enjoyed for decades to the Coast Guard.” “Because of President Trump’s leadership on revitalizing the Coast Guard through Force Design 2028, this is the most exciting time to be in the Coast Guard since it was founded,” said Senator Scott. “However, Congress needs to do our part to help in that revitalization. The Coast Guard’s broad, and highly specialized mission set is critical to our national security, and these intergovernmental support agreements (IGSAs) will benefit personnel, Coast Guard families, local communities, and overall mission success. I’m proud to join in this bipartisan effort to get our coasties in Florida – and around the world – what they need.” “From search and rescue to securing U.S. coasts and waters to ensuring marine environmental protection, the Coast Guard is critical to making New England’s shores and waterways safer,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort that will cut administrative red tape, save money and make it easier for the Coast Guard to effectively collaborate with the coastal communities it protects.”",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-delauro-call-on-yale-to-reject-settlement-with-trump-administration,Blumenthal & DeLauro Call on Yale to Reject Settlement with Trump Administration,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) wrote Yale University President Maurie McInnis requesting records and information regarding the University's ongoing negotiations with the Trump Administration, following reports that Yale has submitted two proposed settlement agreements amid an investigation by the Department of Justice into its admissions process. The lawmakers urged Yale to reject any settlement and warned that capitulating to the Administration's demands would compromise the University's independence. “Acquiescing to a bully does not make that bully go away, it encourages them to come back for more and to expand their overreach to weaker targets. Yale’s settlement here would show the Trump Administration that its tactics are working. It would also send the wrong message to Yale’s alumni, its students, and the world,” Blumenthal and DeLauro wrote. “What we admire about Yale is exemplified by its own motto, ‘Lux et Veritas,’ light and truth. That is why we urge Yale, in the strongest possible terms, to consider the lasting consequences of a decision not rooted in light and truth.” The letter follows a roundtable held earlier this month on Yale’s campus, where Blumenthal and representatives from DeLauro’s office met with Yale students and faculty, including international students, to hear firsthand how a potential settlement could affect them. The roundtable was followed by a press conference at which students, faculty, and Connecticut state and local elected officials called on Yale to reject any deal with the Trump Administration. The full text of the lawmakers' letter is available here and below. Dear President McInnis: We write to express our deep concerns that Yale University (“Yale” or “the University”) may be contemplating a settlement with the Trump Administration amidst troubling reports that the University has preemptively submitted two proposed settlement agreements. We are concerned that Yale has taken these steps and that such a storied and admired institution would consider bowing to the authoritarian impulses of the Trump Administration. Capitulating at this critical moment would be a retreat from Yale’s independence as a deeply respected educational institution and would raise serious concerns about its compliance with civil rights law. Accordingly, we urge you to take a stand for your students and staff, your alumni, and Yale’s legacy and fight this toxic, politicized enforcement action by the Trump Administration. We further request that you provide records and information about Yale’s ongoing negotiations with the Trump Administration privately with our delegation. We have all watched as the Trump Administration has engaged in an unprecedented attack on America’s premier educational institutions while at the same time, decimating public education in this country. Some of these institutions have steadfastly resisted these attempts. Indeed, Harvard’s ultimate decision to fight similar claims—even when faced with aggressive threats to its research funding demonstrates that rejecting such abusive government overreach is not only possible but sends an important signal to others that might be targeted. Acquiescing to a bully does not make that bully go away, it encourages them to come back for more and to expand their overreach to weaker targets. Yale’s settlement here would show the Trump Administration that its tactics are working. It would also send the wrong message to Yale’s alumni, its students, and the world. What we admire about Yale is exemplified by its own motto, “Lux et Veritas,” light and truth. That is why we urge Yale, in the strongest possible terms, to consider the lasting consequences of a decision not rooted in light and truth. Additionally, and to shed light on the troubling actions of the Trump Administration that has led to this point, we request records and information regarding the University’s interactions with the Administration since January 20, 2025, regarding Title VI compliance and any recent or ongoing negotiations. This information will be useful to understand the scope of government overreach by this Administration and as we consider potential reforms to Title VI and federal higher education grants and programs. 1. All records referring or relating to any proposed settlement agreement between Yale and any federal agency; including but not limited to all settlement agreement proposals and supporting memoranda. 2. All communications, between Yale and any federal agency (including the Department of Justice and the Department of Education and Department of Justice) concerning compliance with Title VI and/or the possibility of revocation of federal funds from Yale. 3. Has Yale been asked, formally or informally by the Trump Administration, to modify its policies or practices related to admissions, faculty hiring, academic programs, and any program relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Please describe the nature of those requests including: a. Were any of these requested changes framed as conditions for avoiding investigation, enforcement action, litigation, or loss of federal funding? b. Did any federal officials reference potential financial penalties, settlement amounts, or other consequences in connection with these discussions? 4. Has Yale preemptively made any commitments, policy changes, or personnel decisions, that were made in anticipation of an investigation by the Administration—before discussion began—or directly in response to the Administration’s demands? 5. Has the Trump Administration communicated a desire for a settlement agreement, or any consequence for declining to reach such an agreement? Please describe any such statements, who made them, when they were made, and in what form. 6. Has the Trump Administration given any insight as to the consequences of a failure to reach a settlement? Thank you for your attention to this important matter. -30-",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-blackburn-celebrate-commerce-committee-passage-of-bipartisan-kids-online-safety-act,Blumenthal & Blackburn Celebrate Commerce Committee Passage of Bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation’s passage of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) by voice vote: “For years, heartbroken parents have demanded Congress take action to protect America’s children from Big Tech’s exploitation, and today is a major victory for the courageous families who refused to give up,” said Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal. “The Senate has repeatedly shown that there is broad, bipartisan support for a version of KOSA that creates a duty of care to protect kids from online predators, addictive algorithms, and harmful product design. We want to thank our large, diverse, and determined coalition for standing with us today, and we look forward to getting this bill to the President’s desk.”",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-january-6-prosecutors-raise-alarm-over-trump-judicial-nominees-refusal-to-truthfully-answer-questions-about-2020-election-attack-on-the-capitol,"ICYMI: January 6 Prosecutors Raise Alarm Over Trump Judicial Nominees' Refusal to Truthfully Answer Questions About 2020 Election, Attack on the Capitol",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, were joined by three former federal prosecutors to raise alarm over the ongoing refusal of Trump Administration judicial nominees to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election or admit that what happened on January 6, 2021, was an attack on the Capitol. The three prosecutors – Michael Romano, Sean Murphy, and Brendan Ballou – worked on cases relating to violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Earlier today, they joined a group of twelve former federal prosecutors who all worked on cases relating to the violent attack on the Capitol in sending a letter urging members of the Senate to reject judicial nominees who cannot “cannot identify that (1) January 6 as an attack on our democracy, (2) the attack was led by supporters of Donald Trump, and (3) Joe Biden was legitimately elected in the 2020 election.” Video of today’s press conference is available here. Michael Romano Michael Romano prosecuted rioters who brawled with police officers on Capitol grounds, who attacked officers with wooden and metal poles, and who pepper-sprayed officers defending the Tunnel. As a manager, Romano also oversaw many cases prosecuted by others. Romano also served as a Trial Attorney in the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section between 2019 and 2025. “The fact of the matter was, the riot was an attack on our democracy. It was an attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of power. It was an attempt to install the loser of the 2020 election back in office against the will of the American people. I know this because the evidence was overwhelming,” Romano said. “The evidence was so clear that the judges who presided over our trials and sentenced these defendants said so over and over again. They recognized that the riot was an attack on American democracy. They recognized how damaging it was to our institutions. They commented about how political violence was unacceptable, and sentences were needed to deter future political violence. All told, the evidence was so clear that we convicted 1200 people of offenses that happened at the Capitol on January 6th before Trump pardoned them all.” “Now, these people were convicted before Republicans and Democratic judges, they were sentenced before Republican and Democratic judges, judges appointed by any President of any party recognized the truth of what this day was. And anybody seeking a position on the bench now should be able to do the same. They should be able to tell the truth.” Sean Murphy Sean P. Murphy joined the Capitol Siege Section in January 2021 and remained with the team until it was disbanded in January 2025. Among those Murphy investigated, prosecuted, and secured convictions against are an individual who beat an officer with a flagpole with the American flag still attached until the flagpole broke; an off-duty police officer; a man that used wasp spray to attack police officers, and a man that punched a police officer twice in the head before ripping away the officer's riot shield, leaving him defenseless. Murphy also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico between 2018 and 2025. “To the Senators voting on these nominees today, please stop poisoning our courts by confirming appointees who refuse to admit basic historical truths. This is not a problem of perspective or political persuasion; it is fundamental question of competence. We would no more hire a schoolteacher who refuses to believe in fractions, or a mechanic who won’t admit that gas goes in a gas tank than you should confirm someone to a lifetime seat on the bench who cannot admit that Donald Trump lost, and who refuses to recognize that those who assaulted police officers at the U.S. Capitol were wrong to do so,” Murphy said. “To the judicial nominees playing this game – if successful, you may have won yourself a lifetime appointment , but you have lost a lifetime of credibility. Every time you try to lecture a defendant from your bench about the right and the just, over the easy and the self-serving, those words will ring hollow. Why? Because the only reason you are only sitting there because you chose the easy and the self-serving. You traded a piece of your soul to occupy the seat.” “We need judges who do not just dole out justice but actually live it. Justice is blind, but it is not ignorant, and the ignorant can never truly be just.” Brendan Ballou Brendan Ballou was involved in the trial teams that prosecuted a husband-and-wife duo who assaulted officers along the Capitol's western front before they were finally repelled by pepper spray, and prosecuted one of the first rioters who entered the Senate chamber, who triumphantly stood atop the dais within the chamber. Ballou also served as Special Counsel in the Antitrust Division from 2016 to 2017 and from 2020 to 2025. “So, we have a president that is trying to subvert a future election, we have an acting Attorney General who is eager to help in that effort, and the danger that we face with these judicial nominees is that future court cases that will determine whether our democracy continues may be people who deny the reality of January 6th,” Ballou said. “Think about how dangerous it is, how scary it is, to have a court case about voting rights, about democracy, about the rule of law, prosecuted by Todd Blanche, and overseen by one of these judges who denies the reality of what happened that day. So, it is important to be talking about this, it is important that these judges not be confirmed if they refuse to acknowledge the reality of January 6th. “Not just for the sake of historical memory, but for the sake of the future of our democracy.” -30-",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-introduces-resolution-blocking-trump-tax-amnesty-and-january-6-slush-fund,Blumenthal Introduces Resolution Blocking Trump Tax Amnesty and January 6 Slush Fund,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced a resolution blocking: the corrupt settlement agreement in President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); the so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to reward the President’s political allies and violent criminal who attacked Capitol Police officers on January 6; and the tax amnesty agreement for the Trump family and their business associates. “Our Constitution affords all people equal treatment under the law, but in Trump’s America, he and his family members are above the law. Likewise, his political allies, criminal cop-beaters who attacked the Capitol at his behest, and corrupt cronies. The corrupt IRS settlement, tax amnesty agreement, and the slush fund all amount to a multibillion-dollar piggy bank for the Trump family and their friends – while taking money out of your pocket,” Blumenthal said. “If this “settlement” were allowed to stand, our Constitution’s equal protection principles could enable tens of thousands of others whose returns were revealed to make an argument for the same benefit. The total costs to taxpayers—which could be in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars— would be staggering. This Presidential self-dealing must be stopped.” The full text of the resolution is available here and copied below. Expressing the sense of the Senate that President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, the resulting settlement from that lawsuit, the purported “Anti-Weaponization Fund”, and the purported grant of immunity from tax investigations to the plaintiffs in President Trump’s lawsuit, should be rejected, equal protection arguments by others with similar claims should be forestalled, and this settlement should not serve as a precedent and should never be repeated. Mr. Blumenthal submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on: Whereas, between 2019 and 2020, an Internal Revenue Service (referred to in this preamble as the “IRS”) contractor disclosed the tax information of hundreds of thousands of individual and other tax entities, including President Donald Trump; Whereas, on January 29, 2026, President Trump, his sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump, Jr., and the Trump Organization filed a lawsuit based on these disclosures against the IRS and the Department of the Treasury, both of which Trump, as the sitting President, controls; Whereas President Trump sought $10,000,000,000 in damages in his lawsuit, even though the other individuals who sued the Federal Government for the same reason generally received no monetary compensation, such as Kenneth Griffin, who received only an apology from the IRS; Whereas President Trump was free, during the statute of limitations period when he was a private citizen, to bring an improper tax disclosure lawsuit seeking a reasonable remedy; Whereas President Trump did not pursue this lawsuit until well after the 2-year statute of limitations period for such improper tax disclosure claims had expired; Whereas, on May 18, 2026, President Trump and the Department of Justice that he controls announced that they had agreed to a purported “settlement” of the lawsuit, under which the Federal Government would establish an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to provide nearly $1,800,000,000 in taxpayer payouts to individuals who President Trump deemed to have “suffered weaponization and lawfare”, including rioters who stormed the Capitol and attacked law enforcement on January 6, 2021; Whereas, on May 19, 2026, the day after the announcement of the settlement, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a unilateral “addendum” to the settlement that purported to immunize President Trump, his family, his companies, and his “affiliates” from IRS investigations, audits, or claims pertaining to any of their previous tax returns or other tax-related actions; Whereas our Constitution affords all people “equal protection of the laws”; Whereas there is no reason that President Trump and the other plaintiffs in his lawsuit are entitled to special treatment different from others harmed in the same illegal disclosure of tax information; Whereas, if the purported settlement with President Trump is allowed to stand, the principle of equal protection of the laws would give all victims of the same illegal tax disclosure an argument to claim the same immunity over retrospective tax audit investigations of their own filings; Whereas affording such immunity to hundreds of thousands of individuals and other tax entities would likely cost the Federal Government millions, and perhaps even billions, of dollars in lost revenue; Whereas there is no credible argument that all victims of the illegal disclosure should receive immunity covering all retrospective tax audit investigations; and Whereas the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida held that President Trump’s lawsuit was “non-adversarial, collusive, and jurisdictionally improper” and thus “was brought for an improper purpose” because “the [L]ead Plaintiff, President Trump, directs and controls the Defendants”, the IRS, and the Treasury Department within the executive branch of which he is the head: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service and the resulting settlement, the purported “Anti-Weaponization Fund”, and the purported grant of immunity from tax investigations to the plaintiffs in President Trump’s lawsuit, should be rejected, equal protection arguments by others with similar claims should be forestalled, and this settlement should not serve as a precedent and should never be repeated. -30-",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-senate-judiciary-committee-vote-to-advance-blanches-nomination-for-attorney-general,Blumenthal Slams Senate Judiciary Committee Vote To Advance Blanche's Nomination For Attorney General,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted against Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as Attorney General of the United States at today’s Committee hearing. At the hearing, Blumenthal spoke out against Blanche’s nomination, raising concerns about Blanche’s lack of independence. “‘I’m his lawyer.’ That is what Mr. Blanche told us he was. ‘I’m his lawyer.’ Namely Donald Trump’s lawyer. Maya Angelou famously said, ‘When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.’ Todd Blanche is Donald Trump’s lawyer. He will say anything, do anything, conceal anything for his boss,” Blumenthal said at the hearing. Pointing to Blanche’s purported rescission of the so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to reward the President’s political allies and violent criminals who attacked Capitol Police officers on January 6, Blumenthal continued, “Commentators have talked about loopholes. There are no loopholes here. This document itself is a sham.” Blumenthal underscored that Donald Trump remains committed to seeing the slush fund move forward, despite Blanche’s assurances: “The President of the United States yesterday, in the Oval Office, repeated his commitment to the Anti-Weaponization Fund. We don’t need to say the quiet part out loud. The President is shouting it.” Blumenthal continued, “The position of the United States Attorney General is a position of supreme trust. Any of us who have worked in the Department of Justice—I was the United States Attorney for Connecticut—knows that the Attorney General of the United States, like every lawyer who represents the United States, has a trust, in going to court, in making representation…Todd Blanche has betrayed that trust. And his betrayal of that trust is disqualifying for his nomination.” “My fear is that Todd Blanche will represent Donald Trump, be his consigliere, and he will put Donald Trump ahead of the American people and the right to vote. I cannot support him. I regret that this committee will in effect betray its trust in the party-line vote that is to follow and approve Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States,” Blumenthal concluded. A video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here. A transcript is available below. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want to join in thanking you for allowing us to speak before the vote. “I’m his lawyer.” That is what Mr. Blanche told us he was. “I’m his lawyer.” Namely Donald Trump’s lawyer. Maya Angelou famously said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” Todd Blanche is Donald Trump’s lawyer. He will say anything, do anything, conceal anything for his boss. Much as in organized crime, the consigliere would do anything, say anything, and conceal anything for his boss. That is why Mr. Blanche was held by a judge in Florida to have committed a fraud on the court. Todd Blanche is now in effect committing a fraud on Congress. The documents that he has submitted, and I will hold them up here, that purport to change some agreement are in effect a nullity. They are meaningless. They have no effect. They are non-enforceable. In just a few weeks thousands of young law school students will begin a contracts course. What they will learn is that a contract can’t be modified or changed by some outside party when there is a meeting of the minds. There was in effect and agreement, a meeting of the minds between Donald Trump and the United States of America to settle these cases. Now Todd Blanche purports to change it. This document is a sham. It is a sham and a fraud on the Congress insofar as it seeks to change our minds by representing something that is patently false. Commentators have talked about loopholes. There are no loopholes here. This document itself is a sham. In fact, one of its statements is that it incorporates all of Todd Blanche’s testimony before this Committee. I want to hold up one part of that testimony. Todd Blanche himself says that that agreement is unenforceable—so I suppose if President Trump’s counsel sought to enforce it, potentially they could. Of course they could. Tomorrow, Donald Trump’s counsel can go to court and seek to establish that thug fund—Senator Tillis call it a payout to punks fund—if he chooses to do so. It is an enforceable agreement no matter what Todd Blanche says about it. And if you don’t believe me, you can listen to one of the most ardent advocates of that anti-weaponization fund who said the quiet part allowed on Twitter recently. Mike Howell, who Chairman Grassley called as a witness before this committee last year retweeted Mr. Blanche’s announcement with his own commentary: “Can be undone after Tuesday. The anti-weaponization fund is great.” The President of the United States yesterday, in the Oval Office repeated his commitment to the anti-weaponization fund. We don’t need to say the quiet part out loud. The President is shouting it. The position of the United States Attorney General is a position of supreme trust. Any of us who have worked in the Department of Justice—I was the United States Attorney for Connecticut—knows that the Attorney General of the United States, like every lawyer who represents the United States, has a trust, in going to court, in making representation. There is a presumption of regularity when a government lawyer appears before the court. That is the sacred trust that a government lawyer bears. Todd Blanche has betrayed that trust. And his betrayal of that trust is disqualifying for his nomination. Todd Blanche also showed us who he was also when he, during this hearing referred to the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6 as events. They are not events. They were a riot, insurrection, and attack on the Capitol. We were there. We know what it was. It was a violent, unlawful attack on the nation’s Capitol that cost brave members of law enforcement their lives. He purports to stand for law enforcement, and yet he is in favor of a slush fund that in effect rewards those individuals who attacked Capitol police in that insurrection and riot. And he refuses to see it for what it was and describe it accurately and truthfully. His prescribed, rehearsed lines prepared by the White House legal team are meant to protect the President’s feelings. They demonstrate an unwavering loyalty to the President. That is the throughline. He is the President’s lawyer. He showed us who he was as well when he was talking about reproductive rights. In a private call last week, Mr. Blanche again said the quiet part out loud. In fact, he shouted it, he said to the participants on the call that he would work to restrict abortion in every single state. That is not enforcing the law. That is a zealot. A warrior seeking to advocate the President's position against reproductive rights. He wants to block states enacting their own policies and laws. He wants to make abortion access follow the laws of abortion ban states. He wants to strip Americans of the right to choose and strip states of their right to govern. The part of this agreement that purports to limit the immunity under our tax laws and protect the President against audits is in fact no limitation. It preserves all of the President’s rights to be above the law. No person is above the law, but Todd Blanche is agreeing to put the President above the law. There are more than 400,000 other Americans who suffered the same harm as Donald Trump when their private tax information was taken and released. We have in this country a principal of equal protection under the law, presumably if Donald Trump gets this deal, they would be eligible to assert their claims for the same rights. If Donald Trump is protected against paying hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes by this deal, perhaps so should they, in claims they may file. The cost to the government is staggering if this deal is approved, as Todd Blanche purports to do. And that deal is still in effect as a result of these documents. Mr. Blanche showed us who he was when he ducked and dodged my questions about deep-sixing and killing an investigation in the possible pay-to-play commutation of an individual who was pardoned, David Gentile. He reportedly paid $2.5 million to a broker to obtain clemency which robbed his victims of nearly $16 million in restitution. When a United States Attorney tried to investigate, Mr. Blanche reportedly killed the probe. That is not the behavior of an Attorney General who upholds the trust of this position. That is the behavior of Donald Trump’s personal lawyer. Finally, the most sacred rights we have in a democracy is the right to vote. Freely and fairly. My fear is Todd Blanche will be Donald Trump’s lawyer in suppressing the vote and distorting the count. He will defend Donald Trump if the President sends militia or I.C.E. Agents or the National Guard to the polls to disrupt the elections. He will defend Donald Trump if he seeks to distort the count after the election. My fear is that Todd Blanche will represent Donald Trump, be his consigliere and he will put Donald Trump ahead of the American people and the right to vote. I cannot support him. I regret that this committee will in effect betray its trust in the party-line vote that is to follow and approve Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States. And I will be introducing a resolution today rejecting this tax immunity deal as possible precedent, seeking to stop it from becoming a means of others seeking the same kind of illegal privilege that Donald Trump will have as a result of this deal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. -30-",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-joins-sweeping-legislation-to-counter-trumps-authoritarian-takeover-us-and-defend-our-democracy,Blumenthal Joins Sweeping Legislation to Counter Trump's Authoritarian Takeover of U.S. & Defend our Democracy,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) in introducing the For Our Republic Act, a comprehensive legislative package to fight back against President Trump’s aggressive authoritarian takeover of American democracy. The brand-new For Our Republic Act includes provisions to directly oppose Trump’s authoritarian playbook, including defending independent government watchdogs, protecting non-partisan civil servants, reasserting Congress’ power of the purse, fighting government corruption, strengthening free speech and civil liberties, and safeguarding free and fair elections. “Donald Trump has led a brazen, unprecedented campaign of corruption—growing his power while ignoring the needs of the American people.” said Blumenthal. “The For Our Republic Act installs critical guardrails against Trump’s relentless attacks on our democracy, promoting government transparency and accountability while preserving Americans’ rights and liberties. This legislation fights against Trump’s slide towards tyranny and protects our country’s democratic values.” “Authoritarianism isn’t down the street or around the corner—it is here right now,” said Merkley. “We have all three ingredients of a strongman state in the United States: a rubber-stamp Congress doing the President’s bidding; a deferential Supreme Court finding ‘invisible ink’ in the Constitution to enhance the President’s powers; and a power-hungry President behaving like a king, breaking the law and violating the checks and balances of our Constitution. Merkley continued, “The For Our Republic Act lays out a clear roadmap of the actions Congress can take to fight back against Trump’s authoritarian takeover and reassert our authority. Together, let’s fight back and save our republic!” “In a clear conflict of interest and gross abuse of power, Trump fired 17 Inspectors General within his first days in office so he could tap political allies to conduct oversight of his own Administration—leaving these watchdogs to answer to the President before the American people,” said Duckworth. “First and foremost, Senate Democrats’ For Our Republic Act includes my legislation that would prevent stone-cold corruption like this, which have too often become the norm in the Trump Administration. It’s clear that the current checks on the President are not enough, and our legislation would not only help us restore good government—it will also empower Congress to prevent any more wanna-be kings from bending our Republic to its breaking point.” To fight back against the known playbook of authoritarian governments, the For Our Republic Act includes new provisions to counter the rise of authoritarianism and erosion of our democratic government under the second Trump Administration, as well as existing legislation from Blumenthal, Merkley, and Duckworth, along with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). The For Our Republic Act outlines ten principles to protect our democracy: Defend the Referees Protect the Independent, Non-Partisan Civil Service Celebrate One Nation, Indivisible Reaffirm Equal Justice Under Law Strengthen Free Speech Reassert Congress’ Power of the Purse Fight Government Corruption Ensure Liberty and Justice for All Prevent Authoritarian Policing Tactics on America’s Streets Safeguard Free and Fair Elections A detailed outline of the For Our Republic Act can be found by clicking here. The For Our Republic Act is supported by Public Citizen, Project on Government Oversight (POGO), Refugees International, and Common Cause. ""It is stunning how the Trump Administration, empowered by an obedient congressional Republican caucus, has empowered the federal government to intrude and impose upon our daily lives. The separation of powers, and the checks and balances against over-reach by the president, have largely been vanquished. America has fallen into dangerous times. Sen. Merkley's For Our Republic Act seeks to restore those critical checks and balances and re-affirm the democratic principles upon which America was founded. Public Citizen heartily endorses this very necessary measure,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen. ""With so many attacks on our country’s core values, the For Our Republic Act is a critical step in restoring our democratic principles,"" said Carol Evans, Common Cause’s Vice President of Policy. ""This legislation takes the power back for the people. It ensures that our government serves the public rather than answering to the whims of one person in charge."" Full text of the For Our Republic Act can be found by clicking here. A section-by-section summary of the For Our Republic Act can be found by clicking here. -30-",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-schumer-lead-senate-democrats-in-legislation-to-end-unprecedented-presidential-corruption-stop-pay-to-play-pardons,"Blumenthal & Schumer Lead Senate Democrats In Legislation To End Unprecedented Presidential Corruption, Stop ""Pay-To-Play"" Pardons",2026-08-03,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the No Payoffs For Pardons Act to strengthen transparency and accountability in the presidential clemency process. This legislation would require individuals who receive pardons to disclose any significant financial gifts made in connection with their clemency, both at the time it is granted and for four years afterward. It also confirms federal bribery laws apply to the President and Vice President. Simply put, the No Payoffs For Pardons Act is designed to deter, expose, and prosecute corrupt pardons. This legislation is being introduced in tandem on the House side by Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration. President Trump promised to attack “waste, fraud, and abuse.” But after a year and a half in office, it’s clear that he has engaged in a level of corruption and abuse previously unseen in the office. Trump has taken one of the undisputed powers of the President — the ability to grant clemency for a crime — and perverted its intention. No longer does a presidential pardon seek to right an injustice, Trump has turned the pardon into a prize that can be won by the highest bidder, no matter the crime committed. “President Trump’s pay-to-play pardon scheme rewards political allies and sells out justice to the highest bidder,” said Senator Blumenthal. “When convicted criminals can escape punishment for the right price or by hiring the right people, it corrupts the justice system for everyone. And President Trump’s pardons have cost taxpayers and crime victims billions in forfeited restitution and put child predators back into our communities. Basic transparency and accountability are imperative.” The No Payoffs For Pardons Act would establish disclosure requirements for clemency recipients and clarifies applications of the federal bribery statute. The legislation would impose disclosure obligations, making it so a clemency recipient would have to file a report if they give a certain “covered benefit” to a “covered recipient.” Additionally, the legislation goes further to clarify federal bribery, confirming that it applies to the President and Vice President, and establishes a 10-year statute of limitation for bribery offenses involving the granting, denying, withholding, promising, or offering of executive clemency. “Justice should not be bought and sold. But Trump has turned clemency into a perk that his golf buddies, donors, and allies can buy. Proximity to the Presidency has provided criminals with a ‘get out of jail free’ card,” said Leader Schumer. “We are seeking to bring sunlight to the deals that Trump is trying to do under the cover of shadows and stop the rampant corrupt that has been a hallmark of his presidency since Day One.” “President Trump treats pardons like a payout,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The American people deserve to know if the criminals President Trump is pardoning have lobbied or paid him or his family. This commonsense legislation will expose the ‘pay to play’ pardon to limit Trump’s corrupt power grabs.” “President Trump’s blatant misuse of the pardon power to serve his political and personal whims is illustrative of the same message he continues to send to his donors and friends: if you’ve got enough money or the right political connections, the law doesn’t apply to you. It’s time to crack down on the president’s abuses, and I’m proud to join Leader Schumer in helping to bring transparency and accountability to the corrupt use of the pardon power,” said Senator Schiff. ""The most corrupt President this country has ever seen only seeks to serve himself and his billionaire friends,"" said Rep. Morelle. ""Far too many Americans are struggling with providing the basics for their family because the cost of Trump’s corruption has been brought to their kitchen table. The American people deserve to know how the President is abusing the pardon power and their trust, that’s exactly what the No Payoffs For Pardons Act will deliver."" This is the latest action in Senate Democrats anti-corruption initiative, which is working to expose President Trump’s rampant self-dealing, demonstrate how corruption costs American families and enact lasting safeguards against presidents who attempt to exploit public office for personal profit. The initiative includes a new Senate Democratic anti-corruption working group and the release of a report, “The Cost of Corruption: How Trump Turns Power Into Profit At Americans’ Expense.” ""The pardon power exists to serve as a safety net to correct injustices. However, the Trump administration has gravely abused this power by pardoning those convicted of bribery, corruption, and insider trading; hundreds of rioters who assaulted law enforcement officials on January 6; and other criminals in the Epstein class who are connected to the rich and powerful,"" said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and board member of Democracy Defenders Action. ""It is past due for Congress to rein in these unchecked pardon powers, and we thank Leader Schumer and Senator Blumenthal for introducing the No Corrupt Pardons Act."" “A presidential pardon is meant to be an opportunity for mercy, not enrichment,”?said?Adav Noti, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center.?“But?the federal?pardon?system has?been?thoroughly corrupted,?permitting?lawbreakers with extreme wealth to use their political connections to?avoid accountability. These are just the examples we can see;?without disclosure,?pardon?recipients can buy influence through dark money political spending,?or by supporting the president’s pet?projects and personal businesses.?Americans deserve a fair shake, not a criminal justice system where regular people are punished and the wealthy walk free.?Sen. Schumer’s?legislation would address corruption by pardon seekers and ensure those who?buy pardons?face the same consequences?as anyone else who bribes the government.?Congress must?pass?the No Payoffs For Pardons Act?and?take these?important steps to restore fairness and strengthen the rule of law.” “President Trump’s outrageous exploitation of the pardon power to benefit himself, his cronies, and his sleazy benefactors absolutely demands reform,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President Public Citizen. “Public Citizen strongly supports Senator Schumer’s pardon reform bill that will force sleazy financial pay-to-play pardon schemes out from the shadows and into the light of day. Anyone who plans, participates in, or profits from perverting the sacred pardon power for depraved purposes should be exposed and held accountable for abusing the public’s trust.” The full text of the legislation can be seen here. -30-",1,2026-08-04T07:35:49Z,2026-08-04T07:37:27Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-major-contracts-for-sikorsky,Blumenthal Statement on Major Contracts for Sikorsky,2026-08-03,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement celebrating the U.S. Army’s award of two contacts for Sikorsky to continue work on UH/HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. “These contracts--$56.8 million for more Black Hawks and $49.9 million to develop new and improved engines--is a strong sign of the US Army’s commitment to the Black Hawk program and will keep Sikorsky’s talented workforce busy for years to come. I am thrilled to see Sikorsky awarded this important work and will keep fighting for federal funding to support our state’s defense industry,” Blumenthal said. -30-",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-schiff-and-warren-raise-concerns-about-trump-administration-directing-taxpayer-dollars-toward-critical-mining-companies-linked-to-trump_lutnick-families,"Blumenthal, Schiff, & Warren Raise Concerns About Trump Administration Directing Taxpayer Dollars Toward Critical Mining Companies Linked to Trump & Lutnick Families",2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — This week, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) raised concerns in two letters about potential conflicts of interest surrounding the Trump Administration’s deals with more than a dozen critical mining companies with ties to President Trump’s family, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s family, or both. In a letter sent to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and President & Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States John Jovanovic, Blumenthal, Schiff, and Warren demanded answers about the deals and President Trump’s role in effectuating them. Citing recent reporting from The New York Times, the Senators wrote: “Securing supply chains for critical minerals is vital for America’s national security and economic competitiveness, and has accordingly been a priority for recent administrations of both political parties…In the second Trump Administration, funding for efforts to secure in these supply chains has skyrocketed, with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) providing nearly $13 billion for direct Defense Production Act grants and approximately $350 billion in available financing for critical minerals and other projects. This has resulted in what has been described as ‘a modern-day gold rush in the critical minerals industry.’” The Senators continued, “Recent reporting suggests that the result has been a host of deals to benefit the Trump and Lutnick families, including deals involving each of your agencies or departments. The 14 deals identified so far show that the government has provided or is considering providing these companies with at least $8.9 billion taxpayer dollars.” In a separate letter sent to David A. Lorch, the Director of the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) for the Department of Defense, Schiff, Warren, and Blumenthal sought records and information about a $620 million loan committed to Vulcan Elements, a rare earth magnet company backed by Donald Trump Jr. Pointing to recent reporting from ProPublica that White House Senior Counselor for Trade and manufacturing Peter Navarro intervened directly in the contracting process for this loan, the Senators wrote, “These reports raise grave ethical and public safety concerns and the specter that the Pentagon is corruptly prioritizing funding for critical defense components based on ties to the Trump family. The use of funds from the so-called OBBBA to enrich a Trump family member is a further affront to taxpayers from a law that is estimated to add $5.1 trillion to the federal deficit. The loan to Vulcan Elements represents roughly 13% of all capital committed by the OSC as of January 2026.” The Senators continued, “The American people must be able to trust that our Department of Defense makes decisions based exclusively on furthering national security interests, not political cronyism. Forcing OSC staff to work late nights to complete a contract designed to benefit the Trump family diverts valuable resources away from other, more effective defense capabilities. Further, staffing Department of Defense offices for the benefit of commercial gain risks American lives and wastes taxpayer funding.” The full text of the Senators’ letter to Trump Administration officials is available here. The full text of the Senators’ letter to OSC is available here. -30-",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-blumenthal-sounds-alarm-on-immigration-detainee-abuse-at-public-forum,ICYMI: Blumenthal Sounds Alarm on Immigration Detainee Abuse at Public Forum,2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined a spotlight forum earlier this week on abusive conditions in federal immigration custody where he highlighted the lack of oversight and mistreatment faced by detainees in Connecticut and across the nation. During the hearing, Blumenthal spoke with panelists who have observed or suffered firsthand the consequences of rigorous detention quotas by the Trump Administration. “There is a reason why detentions are up. There is a reason why more children are separated from their parents. It is because of quotas,” Blumenthal said. “The numbers that are set forth and then rigorously enforced. At least they are insisted on by leadership, beginning at the White House. So we know that, this cruelty is no accident. It's purposeful and relentless.” Detention of Five-Year-Old “Camila” in Connecticut In his remarks, Blumenthal detailed the case of “Camila,” a five-year-old girl held for 118 days in Connecticut between shelters unmonitored by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and an unlicensed, unmonitored foster home while her mother was miles down the road. Her release was only granted after a federal lawsuit. Blumenthal praised student witness Ricardo Hernandez-Navarrete for testifying on the trauma of quota-driven family separations. “We wouldn't put other children in that kind of facility, but that's where Camila was sent. This is because the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement has that duty, and they are shirking it, refusing to answer questions on who exactly is overseeing care of these children. Camila is not here today to tell her story, but Ricardo, you are. And I would just like to ask you, how it felt to be separated from your mother and detained for two months while you were in high school. And what impact did it have on you?” Blumenthal asked. Ricardo Hernandez Navarette responded, “It was really bad because I never before, like [been away] too long from my mom and to my brother and yeah, it's hard to think about my mom and what she's feeling, what she's seeing, and what she's experienced in the place that she is, she was.” Death in Custody of Afghan Ally Blumenthal and former Office of Immigration Detention Oversight Ombudsman Michelle Brané discussed the importance of transparency in potential cases of ICE abuse, pointing to the death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a former special forces soldier who served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, who died within 24 hours of entering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Dallas. Blumenthal noted, “You have to ask, why are they reluctant to release it? What are they covering up? What do they have to hide? And families like theirs deserve answers about the history of their loved ones. Is this kind of withholding of information something that your office would have looked into while you were there?” Brané agreed, pointing out that the Paktiawal family’s case is “a classic example of something somebody could have filed a complaint to us, come to us for assistance” about and an example of how the “very intentional” dismantling of the Ombudsman’s office has prevented accountability. Last year, more than 30 people died in ICE custody, and 2026 is on pace to exceed 2025’s record, with 22 detainee deaths reported so far, reaching a 22-year high. Video of Blumenthal’s exchange during the spotlight forum is available here. -30-",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-7/24/2026-7/31/2026,Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 7/24/2026-7/31/2026,2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"Combatting Russia’s Murderous Invasion of Ukraine [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U. S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) along with U.S. Senators Darline Graham (R-SC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) announced a bipartisan agreement on legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. “We are proud to announce an agreement on legislation to stop purchasers of Russian oil and gas from fueling Putin’s war machine and to continue restricting the Iranian regime’s ability to support terrorism and build its nuclear program,” the senators said. “There is no greater way to honor Senator Graham’s legacy than to move forward with this bipartisan agreement, and we look forward to today’s vote.” Blumenthal hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting with supporters of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The meeting took place ahead of a Senate vote to move forward with the legislation—which passed in an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 86-12. “We honored Senator Graham earlier today here in the Rotunda, but our real tribute was moving ahead with legislation he championed to impose scorching tariffs & sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil to stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. I know he would be jubilant over this vote. And I also know that he wouldn’t rest until the Russia Sanctions bill is truly over the finish line & signed into law—so neither will we,” said Blumenthal. Blumental held a media availability with the bipartisan leaders of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act after the vote to advance the legislation. “It’s been a rollercoaster of a day emotionally—the sadness of saying farewell to our great friend who has been so instrumental in this fight; the exhilaration now of a really solid step forward, partly in tribute to him; and the visit by President Zelenskyy showing us Ukraine is turning the tide,” said Blumenthal at the media availability. “Ukraine’s fight is our fight. This vote is a step forward, we still have a path we have to travel—but it is a profoundly solid vote for Ukraine showing that the American people are on Ukraine’s side, and we will stand with Ukraine.” Video of the full media availability is available here. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation also allows the President to impose targeted tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the vast majority of Russian oil or gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The bill limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, and top five countries that aid Russia’s energy sanctions evasion. The bill also includes a provision to prevent a lapse in sanction authority that restricts funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. Blumenthal joined CNN’s Anderson Cooper to discuss his meeting with Zelenskyy and the need to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Slamming Trump’s Crypto Corruption Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), released the testimonies of three investors in Donald Trump’s crypto schemes who lost tens of thousands of dollars while the President made record-breaking profits. The individuals—each of whom requested anonymity—sat for interviews with PSI Minority staff during which they detailed their understanding of the President’s meme coin projects and experience in having their investments in the $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins nearly wiped out. A U.S. veteran lost $60,000 of the $70,000 he had invested in the $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins. He told PSI Minority staff, “When he launched the $TRUMP coin, I thought that it was not real, but then I saw that it was on his official Twitter. So, in January, I invested about $1000. Then he started tweeting about it again, so I thought it was legitimate. This is the president so I thought this was the biggest it could get. And like any other trading, you want to get in early. So, I put more money in.” A college student from Georgia told PSI Minority staff that he watched the $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins that he invested in rapidly decrease in value: “[I]n that collapse so many people lost money, the ones that were not the insiders. But the insiders made out on a lot of transaction fees and whatever they made.” An experienced meme coin trader from Colorado told PSI Minority staff, “The launch of the $TRUMP token, which was kicked off by Trump’s social media posts, resulted in high volume and price run-up. Then it was followed shortly afterward by the $MELANIA token. This raised many questions for me, since the timing appeared to divert attention and capital from one token to the other. Whether that was intentional or simply the result of market dynamics is impossible for me to know. However, the sequence gave the appearance of benefiting certain market participants more than ordinary investors… I cannot say who was responsible or what their motivations were, but from an outside perspective, the market did not appear to operate on a level playing field.” These testimonies underscore how the President used crypto to more efficiently pursue his own self-interest and demonstrate why the current status quo of the crypto industry is unacceptable. The individuals’ testimonies are available here. Blumenthal released their testimonies in conjunction with a public forum on Trump’s Crypto Corruption, convened alongside U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a senior member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. Blumenthal delivered an opening statement at the forum on Donald Trump’s self-enrichment crypto schemes, as well as risks the Clarity Act presents without clear ethics standards and any meaningful measures to protect consumers and our national security. “When most presidents are going through personnel decisions and their vision for the future and helping to lead the country into a new administration, Donald Trump had a different priority, namely cashing in. Trump launched and promoted what he called the ‘official Trump cryptocurrency,’ a meme coin. It had no inherent value. It was his face and identity. $TRUMP coin was effectively a pump-and-dump scheme,” Blumenthal said at the forum. At the forum, Blumenthal released the testimonies of three Americans who lost tens of thousands of dollars after investing in $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins: “In fact, we’ve spoken to three investors who bought the $TRUMP coin believing it was a worthwhile investment because it had the endorsement of the President of the United States…They told us about how his approval earned their trust, and they also told us about how quickly they lost almost everything they had invested.” In a recorded video, a U.S. veteran who invested in $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins and who requested to remain anonymous said: “[T]he reality was that there were scams. Within a few days, I had lost about $10,000 under $TRUMP coin and $60,000 on the $MELANIA coin. I couldn’t believe it. I trusted Trump that these were legitimate, and they weren’t. I can’t believe something like this would happen.” Blumenthal continued, “President Trump, who famously once called Bitcoin a scam, has not only used it to enrich himself, but he’s also sold out the American people. He’s enriched his family, his sons, his insider friends, his campaign donors, and some of them, for example, Steve Witkoff, are also in the national news and in positions of responsibility.” Blumenthal continued, pointing to the President’s efforts to advance the Clarity Act without clear ethics standards: “As a result of all this personal success, the President is now fiercely committed to protecting the crypto industry. This kind of exploitation took advantage of weaknesses in the current law. The President is taking a strong stand against reforms that would eliminate the weaknesses and loopholes that he exploited—and others are doing right now—to perpetrate the same kind of fraud on the same kind of innocent victims across the United States.” Blumenthal concluded by calling for reforms to the Clarity Act to protect consumers, citing written testimony received by PSI Minority staff: “Earlier today, we received written testimony from New York Attorney General Letitia James, and she writes, ‘Clarity seeks to interfere with and preempt states’ investor protection laws, as well as dilute our ability to prosecute fraud. This is a mistake.’” A video of Blumenthal’s opening statement is available here. Blumenthal further highlighted Trump’s crypto corruption on Twitter/X. “Trump’s crypto corruption has costs—losses of $3.8 billion for about 1 million Americans, while he made $1.4 billion. His pump & dump schemes enriched his campaign donors & friends as well as himself,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. “Trump is exploiting legal loopholes & enforcement weaknesses that cry out for reform—real safeguards, not smokescreen steps in the Clarity Act. For starters, require Trump & his family & all officials to divest all digital assets,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. The forum included testimony from author and filmmaker, Ben McKenzie; crypto scam victim, Lori Flowers; former Chief of the SEC Office of Internet Enforcement, John Reed Stark; Chief Counsel for Ethics and Anticorruption at Democracy Defenders Action, Virginia Canter; and Deputy Executive Director of Transparency International U.S., Scott Greytak. McKenzie testified at the forum: “It is timely that we are here today as Congress considers new legislation, the Clarity Act, to regulate the crypto sector. I believe we are at a point of crisis when it comes to crypto’s influence over our legislative process. Recent reporting from just last week reveals a foreign company that issues a cryptocurrency used by major criminal organizations appears to have shaped Trump’s signature piece of legislation, the GENIUS Act, while at the same time forging deep financial relationships with members of the executive branch. When it comes to crypto crimes, the call is coming from inside the White House.” Video of McKenzie’s testimony is available here. Written testimony is available here. Blumenthal further highlighted McKenzie’s testimony on Twitter/X. “Ben McKenzie maps out the potential crypto crimes of Trump & members of his Executive Branch—specifically how they have benefited from their financial ties to the shady foreign operator Tether,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Flowers said at the forum, “Crypto is the currency of choice for crooks. It enabled transnational criminals to steal my money in a way that made recovery impossible. It’s a friction-free way to drain the bank accounts of U.S. Citizens and, interestingly, lined the pockets of many members and family members of this administration. It’s no wonder the crypto bros are rooting for the Clarity Act. The financial consequences of my crypto-enabled scam continue to be devastating.” Video of Flowers’s testimony is available here. Written testimony is available here. Stark underscored the far-reaching consequences of lax crypto enforcement: “Crypto has created a sanctions evasion superhighway, and now every sanctioned drone and missile program topped up in stablecoins is an externality. We’re sanctioning Iran while deregulating the crypto they use to buy the drones and the weapons that kill American soldiers. That’s like stepping into the UFC octagon and handing your opponent brass knuckles between rounds.” Video of Stark’s testimony is available here. Written testimony is available here. Canter highlighted loopholes in the current version of the Clarity Act that would allow Donald Trump to continue to profit while still in office: “Unfortunately, the proposed language is fundamentally flawed as it fails to fully address the President’s massive financial interests and conflicts of interest. As you’ve indicated, President Trump just reported receiving $1.4 billion in crypto revenue last year, and he has built a portfolio of crypto ventures valued at as high as $7 billion. Entities backed by the Emirati royal family have directed roughly $2.5 billion to the President’s crypto ventures, most prominently through an investment in Binance, which was settled in the USD1 stablecoin. That deal is expected to generate roughly $80 million a year for the President’s company. These conflicts of interest have no precedent in the history of the presidency.” Video of Canter’s testimony is available here. Written testimony is available here. Greytak also called for clear ethics standards in the Clarity Act, “This conversation isn’t—and needn’t be—about cryptocurrency being inherently good or bad. It is about what happens when a president and his family make extraordinary amounts of money from an industry at the same time that the President’s administration shapes, implements, and enforces the rules that will determine that industry’s value. That conflict is concrete. It is ongoing, and it is unprecedented in scale. And it means that unless the Clarity Act includes comprehensive and enforceable ethics rules going forward, every major decision by the federal government affecting this industry will be accompanied by the same question: is this good policy, or is it just good for the President’s bottom line?” Video of Greytak’s testimony is available here. Written testimony is available here. A full recording of the forum is available here. Written testimony submitted by New York Attorney General Letitia James is available here. On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Republican leadership blocked Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal’s attempt to pass an amended version of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. Blumenthal’s legislation would replace the controversial Republican proposal to cut veterans’ benefits with an alternative proposal to cover the costs of the legislation with a small portion of the $75 billion in unobligated and unspent funds appropriated to the Department of Defense in H.R. 1. Blumenthal emphasized his proposal’s bipartisan support: “It would utilize unspent Department of Defense funds from H.R.1, the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, to cover the entire cost of the bill. It’s the only offset proposal for the Take Care of Veterans Act that has garnered bipartisan support, and it is the one that doesn’t pit some veterans against other veterans…More than $75 billion of the Department of Defense funds in H.R. - a bill signed into law more than one year ago - remain unspent and unobligated. And CBO has confirmed, absolutely confirmed, enactment of my proposal prior to the Department’s obligation of those funds would provide the savings we need.” Blumenthal objected to the Republican proposal to cut benefits for more than one million veterans who are currently eligible to receive benefits for tinnitus or sleep apnea: “These disabilities are not hypothetical or abstract. They're real, and they do disable people. And often, they are the result directly from combat or training…It may seem like an abstract principle, but to veterans who would lose sleep apnea and tinnitus benefits, it's a big deal. In fact, it can be a life-changing deal…We are creating a new generation of combat-injured veterans. It is unconscionable to claim that we can only care for them by forcing other veterans to sacrifice.” Blumenthal concluded by calling on his colleagues to abandon these cuts: “We need to do the right thing. Veterans deserve meaningful results from a grateful nation, and they should never be handed an invoice when the costs of war come due.” Last month, House Republicans pull a planned vote on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, following a bipartisan House vote to replace the Republican benefit cuts with Blumenthal’s proposal to utilize unobligated Department of Defense funds. Congressional Democrats and many Veterans Service Organizations have publicly opposed the Republican funding proposal included in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. The Senator’s amended legislation would also have replaced the watered-down version of the Major Richard Star Act currently included in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act with the Blumenthal-authored version of the legislation that fully repeals the wounded veteran tax. A video is available here. Blumenthal further slammed his Republican colleagues for blocking his attempt to ensure veterans receive the full benefits they deserve on Twitter/X. “Republicans want unprecedented cuts to veterans’ benefits. On the floor, I urged a new alternative—use unspent DOD funds to provide for the Major Richard Star Act. Sadly, Republicans rejected it,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Demanding Answers on Cyclospora Outbreak Blumenthal demanded answers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Taylor Farms about the record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak and the backroom dealing by the Trump Administration that may have delayed the government’s response to this ongoing public health crisis. In letters sent to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas and Taylor Farms Chief Executive Officer Bruce Taylor, Blumenthal sought records and information about the ongoing investigation into the outbreak and the influence of Taylor Farms on staffing and program cuts at the agency. “Recent reporting indicates that Taylor Farms—which last year donated $1 million to a political action committee supporting President Trump—contacted the White House seeking to delay the recall of its tainted produce, and that the White House brought officials from the FDA onto the call. According to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, there is no precedent for such intervention from the White House in the agency’s management of food safety recalls,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Diamantas. Blumenthal continued, “This was not the first time that Taylor Farms has sought to use political connections to influence regulation of the industry in which it operates: Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the company has spent $810,000 on lobbying regarding ‘regulation of food safety.’” Blumental raised concerns regarding the Administration’s lacking response and shifting information about the outbreak: “According to FDA, the current cyclosporiasis outbreak started on May 17, 2026, but the agency did not issue a public notice about it until July 17, 2026, when it announced that Taylor Farms would voluntarily remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. On July 19, 2026, FDA provided an update claiming the sample collected from Taylor Farms was a false positive. When Taylor Farms then announced that the agency had ‘apologized’ for linking its produce to the outbreak, FDA quickly denied that it had done any such thing. Shortly thereafter, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services said the outbreak was ‘under control’ even as it continued to infect thousands of people and expand into additional states.” Pointing to the Trump Administration’s cuts to federal food safety programs, including those designed to actively monitor foodborne outbreaks of cyclospora, Blumenthal concluded, “The severity of the outbreak indicates that, thanks to Trump Administration policies, FDA is simply unprepared to handle an outbreak of foodborne illness at this scale.” The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Diamantas is available here Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal raised concerns about the Trump Administration directing tax payer dollars toward critical mining companies linked to the Trump and Lutnick families. Blumenthal sounded the alarm on immigration detainee abuse at a public forum. Blumenthal released a statement on the $76.6 billion contract for Electric Boat to produce 14 additional Columbia and Virginia Class Submarines. Blumenthal introduced the Food Labeling Modernization Act. Blumenthal attended Hundred Crown Foundation’s first annual community celebration in Bridgeport’s Hollow neighborhood. Blumenthal joined Walter Lockett for a ceremony honoring him with a street named after him in Bridgeport. Blumenthal joined ConnCAT and ConnCORP for a backpack giveaway in Hamden. Blumenthal attended a Bridgeport block party celebrating Colombian heritage and culture. Blumenthal attended a Stamford back-to-school event benefiting hundreds of kids with clothes, books, supplies, and more. Blumenthal celebrated Cape Verde Day in Bridgeport. -30-",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/07/30/2026/blumenthal-presses-fda-and-taylor-farms-for-answers-about-cyclospora-outbreak,Blumenthal Presses FDA & Taylor Farms for Answers About Cyclospora Outbreak,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Taylor Farms about the record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak and the backroom dealing by the Trump Administration that may have delayed the government’s response to this ongoing public health crisis. In letters sent today to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas and Taylor Farms Chief Executive Officer Bruce Taylor, Blumenthal sought records and information about the ongoing investigation into the outbreak and the influence of Taylor Farms on staffing and program cuts at the agency. “Recent reporting indicates that Taylor Farms—which last year donated $1 million to a political action committee supporting President Trump—contacted the White House seeking to delay the recall of its tainted produce, and that the White House brought officials from the FDA onto the call. According to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, there is no precedent for such intervention from the White House in the agency’s management of food safety recalls,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Diamantas. Blumenthal continued, “This was not the first time that Taylor Farms has sought to use political connections to influence regulation of the industry in which it operates: Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the company has spent $810,000 on lobbying regarding ‘regulation of food safety.’” Blumental raised concerns regarding the Administration’s lacking response and shifting information about the outbreak: “According to FDA, the current cyclosporiasis outbreak started on May 17, 2026, but the agency did not issue a public notice about it until July 17, 2026, when it announced that Taylor Farms would voluntarily remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. On July 19, 2026, FDA provided an update claiming the sample collected from Taylor Farms was a false positive. When Taylor Farms then announced that the agency had ‘apologized’ for linking its produce to the outbreak, FDA quickly denied that it had done any such thing. Shortly thereafter, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services said the outbreak was ‘under control’ even as it continued to infect thousands of people and expand into additional states.” Pointing to the Trump Administration’s cuts to federal food safety programs, including those designed to actively monitor foodborne outbreaks of cyclospora, Blumenthal concluded, “The severity of the outbreak indicates that, thanks to Trump Administration policies, FDA is simply unprepared to handle an outbreak of foodborne illness at this scale.” The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Diamantas is available here and below. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor is available here. Dear Acting Commissioner Diamantas: I write regarding the record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak and the backroom dealing by the Trump Administration that may have delayed the government’s response to a preventable public health crisis that has sickened thousands of Americans. The outbreak and subsequent cover-up of its origins have eroded public trust in the food supply and created an unacceptable risk to public health. Accordingly, I request information and records from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the ongoing investigation into the outbreak, and the influence of Taylor Farms on staffing and program cuts at the agency. Recent reporting indicates that Taylor Farms—which last year donated $1 million to a political action committee supporting President Trump—contacted the White House seeking to delay the recall of its tainted produce, and that the White House brought officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) onto the call.[1] According to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, there is no precedent for such intervention from the White House in the agency’s management of food safety recalls.[2] The call appears to have been facilitated by Trent Morse, a lobbyist who previously worked as a senior White House personnel official and is now working for Taylor Farms.[3] This was not the first time that Taylor Farms has sought to use political connections to influence regulation of the industry in which it operates: Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the company has spent $810,000 on lobbying regarding “regulation of food safety.”[4] This appears to be the latest instance of a disturbing pattern I have previously raised with you: the Trump Administration’s willingness to let corporate financial interests undermine Americans’ health.[5] But along with backroom dealing, the current outbreak has been handled with a lack of clarity that has left the American public understandably confused. According to FDA, the current cyclosporiasis outbreak started on May 17, 2026, but the agency did not issue a public notice about it until July 17, 2026, when it announced that Taylor Farms would voluntarily remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.[6] On July 19, 2026, FDA provided an update claiming the sample collected from Taylor Farms was a false positive.[7] When Taylor Farms then announced that the agency had “apologized” for linking its produce to the outbreak, FDA quickly denied that it had done any such thing.[8] Shortly thereafter, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services said the outbreak was “under control” even as it continued to infect thousands of people and expand into additional states.[9] The shifting information points to the ultimate culprit of this outbreak: the Trump Administration’s cuts to the federal government’s food safety programs. In March 2025, the Trump Administration cut $11.4 billion in grants to state and local health departments, including the reduction of the program designed to actively monitor foodborne outbreaks, FoodNet.[10] The cuts reduced Foodnet’s monitoring mandate from eight pathogens to just two, deliberately cutting the monitoring of cyclospora and requiring federal health agencies and the Department of Agriculture to rely on the passive reporting of state health departments alone.[11] The Trump Administration has delayed implementation of FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, which was intended to accelerate the agency’s ability to locate the source off foodborne illness outbreaks. [12] Safety inspections of foreign and domestic food manufacturers, already strained when the administration began, have likely fallen further since it terminated 3,500 FDA employees last year.[13] The agency has struggled to replenish its ranks, even though it was well known that this season was likely to have high rates of cyclospora because of the increased risk of storms from climate change.[14] Additionally, DOGE gutted the FDA’s main press office, likely contributing to the gaps in communicating with the public about current outbreak.[15] The severity of the outbreak indicates that, thanks to Trump Administration policies, FDA is simply unprepared to handle an outbreak of foodborne illness at this scale. In order for the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to understand the outbreak’s origins, spread, and the adequacy of the response of federal health agencies, please provide the following information and records by August 13, 2026: All records[16] regarding the FDA’s response to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak. All records since January 20, 2025, reflecting policies currently in place related to public communication of investigative findings regarding food-borne pathogens. All communications between FDA officials and the White House, including the Executive Office of the President and the Domestic Policy Council, referring or related to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak and or/Taylor Farms. All communications between FDA officials and Taylor Farms, referring or related to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak. Please contact the Subcommittee if you have questions about the procedures for transmitting documents. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, -30- [1] Sabrina Siddiqi et al, Taylor Farms Called White House to Try to Delay Cyclospora Recall, Wall St. J. (Jul. 24, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/health/taylor-farms-cyclospora-recall-delay-call-41fef0bc; Brett Stover, Taylor Farms political donations questioned amid cyclosporiasis outbreak, Fox40 (Jul. 21, 2026), https://fox40.com/news/cyclosporiasis-outbreak/taylor-farms-political-donations-cyclosporiasis-outbreak/. [2] Transcript: Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottleib on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, CBS News (Jul. 26, 2026), https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scott-gottlieb-former-fda-commissioner-face-the-nation-transcript-july-26-2026/. [3] Sabrina Siddiqi et al, Taylor Farms Called White House to Try to Delay Cyclospora Recall, Wall St. J. (Jul. 24, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/health/taylor-farms-cyclospora-recall-delay-call-41fef0bc [4] Kate Taylor, Taylor Farms Spent Big on MAGA and Anti-Regulatory Lobbying Before Diarrhea Outbreak, WIRED, (Jul. 21, 2026), https://www.wired.com/story/diarrhea-outbreak-taylor-farms-maga-donations-lobbying/. [5] Letter from Sen. Richard Blumenthal et al to Kyle Diamantis, Acting Commissioner, Food and Drug Admin., May 15, 2026 (https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2026515lettertofdaonfruitflavoredvapesauthorization.pdf). [6] Angelica Peebles, Cyclospora outbreak tests RFK Jr.’s promise to overhaul food system, rebuild trust in CDC, CNBC, (Jul. 23, 2026), https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/23/cyclospora-outbreak-tests-rfk-jr-response-funding-cuts.html; U.S. Food & Drug Admin., Investigation of 9-State Outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses: iceberg Lett(July 2026), https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-9-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026, (last visited Jul. 29, 2026). [7] U.S. Food & Drug Admin., Investigation of 9-State Outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses: iceberg Lett(July 2026), https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-9-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026, (last visited Jul. 29, 2026). [8] Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling, Taylor Farms Backtracks After Trying to Hide Role in Diarrhea Outbreak, NEW REPUBLIC, (Jul. 21, 2026, at 4:26 PM), https://newrepublic.com/post/213347/taylor-farms-yanks-fda-apologized-explosive-diarrhea.; [9] Aria Bendix, RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis outbreak is ‘under control’ as Mexico casts doubt on link to Taylor Farms Facility, NBC NEWS, (Jul. 21, 2026), https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-says-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-control-mexico-casts-doubt-link-ta-rcna588604. [10] Jessica Glenza, Michigan health officials identify ‘potential source’ of parasite outbreak, The Guardian, (Jul. 13, 2026, at 7:55 PM), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/13/cyclospora-outbreak-parasite-explosive-diarrhea. [11] Aria Bendix, The CDC quietly scaled back a surveillance program for foodborne illnesses, NBC NEWS, (Aug. 26, 2025, at 9:12 AM), https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-quietly-scaled-back-surveillance-program-foodborne-illnesses-rcna227089. [12] Cyclospora boosts fears that deadlier foodborne outbreaks are ahead, CBS NEWS, (Jul. 27, 2026), https://www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/health-and-safety-alerts/cyclospora-boosts-fears-that-deadlier-foodborne-outbreaks-are-ahead/ar-AA28LsuD?ocid=BingNewsVerp.; Angelica Peebles, Cyclospora outbreak tests RFK Jr.’s promise to overhaul food system, rebuild trust in CDC, CNBC, (Jul. 23, 2026), https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/general/cyclospora-outbreak-tests-rfk-jr-s-promise-to-overhaul-food-system-rebuild-trust-in-cdc/ar-AA28xalA?ocid=BingNewsVerp. [13] Kate Wells and Stephanie Armour, Cyclospora Boosts Fears that [14] Dr. Scott Gottlieb on cyclospora outbreak: This is the largest outbreak we’ve seen in history, CNBC (Jul. 27, 2026), https://www.cnbc.com/video/2026/07/27/dr-scott-gottlieb-on-cyclospora-outbreak-this-is-the-largest-outbreak-weve-seen-in-history.html. [15] Angelica Peebles, Cyclospora outbreak tests RFK Jr.’s promise to overhaul food system, rebuild trust in CDC, CNBC, (Jul. 23, 2026), https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/general/cyclospora-outbreak-tests-rfk-jr-s-promise-to-overhaul-food-system-rebuild-trust-in-cdc/ar-AA28xalA?ocid=BingNewsVerp. [16] “Records” include written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, Signal, WhatsApp, or other encrypted messages, and any other electronically-created or stored information), calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-presses-fda-and-taylor-farms-for-answers-about-cyclospora-outbreak,Blumenthal Presses FDA & Taylor Farms For Answers About Cyclospora Outbreak,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Taylor Farms about the record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak and the backroom dealing by the Trump Administration that may have delayed the government’s response to this ongoing public health crisis. In letters sent today to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas and Taylor Farms Chief Executive Officer Bruce Taylor, Blumenthal sought records and information about the ongoing investigation into the outbreak and the influence of Taylor Farms on staffing and program cuts at the agency. “Recent reporting indicates that Taylor Farms—which last year donated $1 million to a political action committee supporting President Trump—contacted the White House seeking to delay the recall of its tainted produce, and that the White House brought officials from the FDA onto the call. According to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, there is no precedent for such intervention from the White House in the agency’s management of food safety recalls,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Diamantas. Blumenthal continued, “This was not the first time that Taylor Farms has sought to use political connections to influence regulation of the industry in which it operates: Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the company has spent $810,000 on lobbying regarding ‘regulation of food safety.’” Blumental raised concerns regarding the Administration’s lacking response and shifting information about the outbreak: “According to FDA, the current cyclosporiasis outbreak started on May 17, 2026, but the agency did not issue a public notice about it until July 17, 2026, when it announced that Taylor Farms would voluntarily remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. On July 19, 2026, FDA provided an update claiming the sample collected from Taylor Farms was a false positive. When Taylor Farms then announced that the agency had ‘apologized’ for linking its produce to the outbreak, FDA quickly denied that it had done any such thing. Shortly thereafter, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services said the outbreak was ‘under control’ even as it continued to infect thousands of people and expand into additional states.” Pointing to the Trump Administration’s cuts to federal food safety programs, including those designed to actively monitor foodborne outbreaks of cyclospora, Blumenthal concluded, “The severity of the outbreak indicates that, thanks to Trump Administration policies, FDA is simply unprepared to handle an outbreak of foodborne illness at this scale.” The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Diamantas is available here and below. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor is available here. Dear Acting Commissioner Diamantas: I write regarding the record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak and the backroom dealing by the Trump Administration that may have delayed the government’s response to a preventable public health crisis that has sickened thousands of Americans. The outbreak and subsequent cover-up of its origins have eroded public trust in the food supply and created an unacceptable risk to public health. Accordingly, I request information and records from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the ongoing investigation into the outbreak, and the influence of Taylor Farms on staffing and program cuts at the agency. Recent reporting indicates that Taylor Farms—which last year donated $1 million to a political action committee supporting President Trump—contacted the White House seeking to delay the recall of its tainted produce, and that the White House brought officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) onto the call.[1] According to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, there is no precedent for such intervention from the White House in the agency’s management of food safety recalls.[2] The call appears to have been facilitated by Trent Morse, a lobbyist who previously worked as a senior White House personnel official and is now working for Taylor Farms.[3] This was not the first time that Taylor Farms has sought to use political connections to influence regulation of the industry in which it operates: Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the company has spent $810,000 on lobbying regarding “regulation of food safety.”[4] This appears to be the latest instance of a disturbing pattern I have previously raised with you: the Trump Administration’s willingness to let corporate financial interests undermine Americans’ health.[5] But along with backroom dealing, the current outbreak has been handled with a lack of clarity that has left the American public understandably confused. According to FDA, the current cyclosporiasis outbreak started on May 17, 2026, but the agency did not issue a public notice about it until July 17, 2026, when it announced that Taylor Farms would voluntarily remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.[6] On July 19, 2026, FDA provided an update claiming the sample collected from Taylor Farms was a false positive.[7] When Taylor Farms then announced that the agency had “apologized” for linking its produce to the outbreak, FDA quickly denied that it had done any such thing.[8] Shortly thereafter, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services said the outbreak was “under control” even as it continued to infect thousands of people and expand into additional states.[9] The shifting information points to the ultimate culprit of this outbreak: the Trump Administration’s cuts to the federal government’s food safety programs. In March 2025, the Trump Administration cut $11.4 billion in grants to state and local health departments, including the reduction of the program designed to actively monitor foodborne outbreaks, FoodNet.[10] The cuts reduced Foodnet’s monitoring mandate from eight pathogens to just two, deliberately cutting the monitoring of cyclospora and requiring federal health agencies and the Department of Agriculture to rely on the passive reporting of state health departments alone.[11] The Trump Administration has delayed implementation of FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, which was intended to accelerate the agency’s ability to locate the source off foodborne illness outbreaks. [12] Safety inspections of foreign and domestic food manufacturers, already strained when the administration began, have likely fallen further since it terminated 3,500 FDA employees last year.[13] The agency has struggled to replenish its ranks, even though it was well known that this season was likely to have high rates of cyclospora because of the increased risk of storms from climate change.[14] Additionally, DOGE gutted the FDA’s main press office, likely contributing to the gaps in communicating with the public about current outbreak.[15] The severity of the outbreak indicates that, thanks to Trump Administration policies, FDA is simply unprepared to handle an outbreak of foodborne illness at this scale. In order for the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to understand the outbreak’s origins, spread, and the adequacy of the response of federal health agencies, please provide the following information and records by August 13, 2026: All records[16] regarding the FDA’s response to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak. All records since January 20, 2025, reflecting policies currently in place related to public communication of investigative findings regarding food-borne pathogens. All communications between FDA officials and the White House, including the Executive Office of the President and the Domestic Policy Council, referring or related to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak and or/Taylor Farms. All communications between FDA officials and Taylor Farms, referring or related to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak. Please contact the Subcommittee if you have questions about the procedures for transmitting documents. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, -30- [1] Sabrina Siddiqi et al, Taylor Farms Called White House to Try to Delay Cyclospora Recall, Wall St. J. (Jul. 24, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/health/taylor-farms-cyclospora-recall-delay-call-41fef0bc; Brett Stover, Taylor Farms political donations questioned amid cyclosporiasis outbreak, Fox40 (Jul. 21, 2026), https://fox40.com/news/cyclosporiasis-outbreak/taylor-farms-political-donations-cyclosporiasis-outbreak/. [2] Transcript: Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottleib on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, CBS News (Jul. 26, 2026), https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scott-gottlieb-former-fda-commissioner-face-the-nation-transcript-july-26-2026/. [3] Sabrina Siddiqi et al, Taylor Farms Called White House to Try to Delay Cyclospora Recall, Wall St. J. (Jul. 24, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/health/taylor-farms-cyclospora-recall-delay-call-41fef0bc [4] Kate Taylor, Taylor Farms Spent Big on MAGA and Anti-Regulatory Lobbying Before Diarrhea Outbreak, WIRED, (Jul. 21, 2026), https://www.wired.com/story/diarrhea-outbreak-taylor-farms-maga-donations-lobbying/. [5] Letter from Sen. Richard Blumenthal et al to Kyle Diamantis, Acting Commissioner, Food and Drug Admin., May 15, 2026 (https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2026515lettertofdaonfruitflavoredvapesauthorization.pdf). [6] Angelica Peebles, Cyclospora outbreak tests RFK Jr.’s promise to overhaul food system, rebuild trust in CDC, CNBC, (Jul. 23, 2026), https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/23/cyclospora-outbreak-tests-rfk-jr-response-funding-cuts.html; U.S. Food & Drug Admin., Investigation of 9-State Outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses: iceberg Lett(July 2026), https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-9-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026, (last visited Jul. 29, 2026). [7] U.S. Food & Drug Admin., Investigation of 9-State Outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses: iceberg Lett(July 2026), https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-9-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026, (last visited Jul. 29, 2026). [8] Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling, Taylor Farms Backtracks After Trying to Hide Role in Diarrhea Outbreak, NEW REPUBLIC, (Jul. 21, 2026, at 4:26 PM), https://newrepublic.com/post/213347/taylor-farms-yanks-fda-apologized-explosive-diarrhea.; [9] Aria Bendix, RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis outbreak is ‘under control’ as Mexico casts doubt on link to Taylor Farms Facility, NBC NEWS, (Jul. 21, 2026), https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-says-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-control-mexico-casts-doubt-link-ta-rcna588604. [10] Jessica Glenza, Michigan health officials identify ‘potential source’ of parasite outbreak, The Guardian, (Jul. 13, 2026, at 7:55 PM), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/13/cyclospora-outbreak-parasite-explosive-diarrhea. [11] Aria Bendix, The CDC quietly scaled back a surveillance program for foodborne illnesses, NBC NEWS, (Aug. 26, 2025, at 9:12 AM), https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-quietly-scaled-back-surveillance-program-foodborne-illnesses-rcna227089. [12] Cyclospora boosts fears that deadlier foodborne outbreaks are ahead, CBS NEWS, (Jul. 27, 2026), https://www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/health-and-safety-alerts/cyclospora-boosts-fears-that-deadlier-foodborne-outbreaks-are-ahead/ar-AA28LsuD?ocid=BingNewsVerp.; Angelica Peebles, Cyclospora outbreak tests RFK Jr.’s promise to overhaul food system, rebuild trust in CDC, CNBC, (Jul. 23, 2026), https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/general/cyclospora-outbreak-tests-rfk-jr-s-promise-to-overhaul-food-system-rebuild-trust-in-cdc/ar-AA28xalA?ocid=BingNewsVerp. [13] Kate Wells and Stephanie Armour, Cyclospora Boosts Fears that [14] Dr. Scott Gottlieb on cyclospora outbreak: This is the largest outbreak we’ve seen in history, CNBC (Jul. 27, 2026), https://www.cnbc.com/video/2026/07/27/dr-scott-gottlieb-on-cyclospora-outbreak-this-is-the-largest-outbreak-weve-seen-in-history.html. [15] Angelica Peebles, Cyclospora outbreak tests RFK Jr.’s promise to overhaul food system, rebuild trust in CDC, CNBC, (Jul. 23, 2026), https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/general/cyclospora-outbreak-tests-rfk-jr-s-promise-to-overhaul-food-system-rebuild-trust-in-cdc/ar-AA28xalA?ocid=BingNewsVerp. [16] “Records” include written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, Signal, WhatsApp, or other encrypted messages, and any other electronically-created or stored information), calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-booker-introduce-food-labeling-modernization-act,Blumenthal and Booker Introduce Food Labeling Modernization Act,2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Food Labeling Modernization Act to combat confusing and misleading information printed on food packages. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). “Current food labels are a confusing maze designed to protect corporate profits over American families,” said Blumenthal. “Federal standards have not kept pace with the modern food industry. The Food Labeling Modernization Act will ensure serving sizes are updated, allergens are clearly labeled, and nutritional information is transparent, giving people the tools they need to make healthier choices and avoid misleading, deceptive pitches and promotion.” “For decades, food companies have gotten away with making junk foods seem healthier than they really are,"" said Booker. “This legislation will protect families from misleading labeling, helping them make informed decisions, eat healthier, and get more value from every dollar they spend on groceries.” Most food labeling requirements in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act have not been updated in more than thirty-five years – and in some cases have not been changed since 1938. As a result, food labels often don’t provide the information that today's consumers need to evaluate and compare products. The Food Labeling Modernization Act would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a single, standard front-of-package nutrition labeling system in a timely manner for all food products required to bear nutrition labeling. The bill would also strengthen current law to address trends in marketing that confuse or mislead consumers when they are attempting to compare food products. This includes defining terms like “Ultraprocessed” and “Not Ultraprocessed.” The bill also ensures consumers have access to the same nutrition information when shopping for food online as they would in brick-and-mortar locations. Over the last few years, the Food and Drug Administration has moved to update requirements for food labels. The Food Labeling Modernization Act would build on that progress by ensuring consumers have access to easy-to-read and transparent information in order to make informed purchasing decisions. “Federal food labeling laws are not aligned with the transparency that Americans from across the political spectrum are demanding,” said Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) senior policy scientist Eva Greenthal. “It’s time for Congress to pass bold legislation that will give people the information they need to make healthy choices.” -30-",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-766-billion-for-electric-boat-to-produce-14-additional-columbia-and-virginia-class-submarines,Blumenthal Statement on $76.6 Billion for Electric Boat to Produce 14 Additional Columbia & Virginia Class Submarines,2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement celebrating the U.S. Navy’s award of a new $76.6 billion contract for Electric Boat to support construction of five Columbia-class and nine-Virginia class submarines. “This huge, historic contract is an incredible commitment of resources and recognition of the world’s submarine capital and its superbly skilled work force. It’s a tremendous boost for our nation’s undersea warfare capability as well as Connecticut’s economy. The U.S. Navy continues to invest in Electric Boat’s submarines because they’re essential to national security, safeguarding our undersea superiority. The dedicated workers who make these boats are national heroes. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’ll be fighting for more resources to support their work,” Blumenthal said.",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/republicans-block-blumenthal-effort-to-pass-take-care-of-americas-veterans-act-without-unprecedented-cuts-to-veterans-benefits,Republicans Block Blumenthal Effort to Pass Take Care of America's Veterans Act Without Unprecedented Cuts to Veterans' Benefits,2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, Republican leadership blocked Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal’s (D-CT) attempt to pass an amended version of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. Blumenthal’s legislation would replace the controversial Republican proposal to cut veterans’ benefits with an alternative proposal to cover the costs of the legislation with a small portion of the $75 billion in unobligated and unspent funds appropriated to the Department of Defense in H.R. 1. Blumenthal emphasized his proposal’s bipartisan support: “It would utilize unspent Department of Defense funds from H.R.1, the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, to cover the entire cost of the bill. It’s the only offset proposal for the Take Care of Veterans Act that has garnered bipartisan support, and it is the one that doesn’t pit some veterans against other veterans…More than $75 billion of the Department of Defense funds in H.R. - a bill signed into law more than one year ago - remain unspent and unobligated. And CBO has confirmed, absolutely confirmed, enactment of my proposal prior to the Department’s obligation of those funds would provide the savings we need.” Blumenthal objected to the Republican proposal to cut benefits for more than one million veterans who are currently eligible to receive benefits for tinnitus or sleep apnea: “These disabilities are not hypothetical or abstract. They're real, and they do disable people. And often, they are the result directly from combat or training…It may seem like an abstract principle, but to veterans who would lose sleep apnea and tinnitus benefits, it's a big deal. In fact, it can be a life-changing deal…We are creating a new generation of combat-injured veterans. It is unconscionable to claim that we can only care for them by forcing other veterans to sacrifice.” Blumenthal rejected Republican leadership’s defense of these cuts: “(Their) argument essentially is that VA is going to take away these benefits through rule-making. And therefore, we should take advantage of the savings by action that is wrong, unconscionable, and deeply hurtful to veterans.” Blumenthal concluded by calling on his colleagues to abandon these cuts: “We need to do the right thing. Veterans deserve meaningful results from a grateful nation, and they should never be handed an invoice when the costs of war come due.” Last month, House Republicans pull a planned vote on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, following a bipartisan House vote to replace the Republican benefit cuts with Blumenthal’s proposal to utilize unobligated Department of Defense funds. Congressional Democrats and many Veterans Service Organizations have publicly opposed the Republican funding proposal included in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. The Senator’s amended legislation would also have replaced the watered-down version of the Major Richard Star Act currently included in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act with the Blumenthal-authored version of the legislation that fully repeals the wounded veteran tax. A video is available here. -30-",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z