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.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-bill-establishing-federal-court-locations-in-monticello-and-moab-passes-senate-unanimously,Lee Bill Establishing Federal Court Locations in Monticello and Moab Passes Senate Unanimously,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) announced the Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced by Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT) establishing statutory locations for holding federal court in Monticello and Moab, Utah, as part of the JUDGES Act. This bipartisan bill addresses challenges faced by residents of Eastern Utah when fulfilling their jury responsibilities. The bill now heads to the President's desk for signature. ""This legislation represents a commonsense and cost-neutral improvement to our judicial system,” said Senator Lee. “By designating Monticello and Moab as statutory locations for court proceedings, we are making it easier for residents in Eastern Utah to fulfill their civic duty. I'm pleased to see the Senate pass this bill unanimously and look forward to seeing it signed into law."" The bill will allow federal judges in the District of Utah to draw juries specifically from Grand and San Juan counties when trials are held in Eastern Utah.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-s-guarding-readiness-resources-act-passes-by-unanimous-consent,Lee’s Guarding Readiness Resources Act Passes by Unanimous Consent,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Bill to Boost National Guard Readiness Heads to the House of Representatives WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate passed the Guarding Readiness Resources Act, a bipartisan effort led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), by unanimous consent. The legislation provides a critical exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for State Active Duty (SAD) reimbursement payments. This change ensures that these funds are directed back to the National Guard units that incurred the expenses, bolstering readiness and operational efficiency. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. “The National Guard is essential to our national defense and emergency response system,"" said Sen. Lee. ""This legislation eliminates unnecessary hurdles, ensuring that the funds used by states to reimburse the National Guard go directly to maintaining and preparing our equipment for future missions.I’m proud to see this bipartisan measure pass the Senate with unanimous consent.” The Guarding Readiness Resources Act addresses a longstanding challenge for the National Guard. While federal law allows the use of federal assets for state-directed missions, reimbursements for those expenses have been diverted to the U.S. Treasury instead of the appropriate Guard units, creating significant funding gaps. Bill Specifics: Provides an exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for SAD reimbursement payments. By adding a Micellaneous Reciepts excemption to section 710 of title 32, Congress will ensure that: The U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) can direct reimbursement money back to National Guard units. National Guard units will have available funding for maintenance, repair, and replacement costs of federal equipment when needed. National Guard equipment, property, and training funds will remain ready for National Guard federal missions. Bill text | One-pager ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-merkley-introduces-the-auto-data-privacy-and-autonomy-act,"Lee, Merkley Introduces the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the bipartisan Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act, legislation to restore vehicle owners’ control over their personal data in an era of rapidly advancing automotive technology. With connected vehicles projected to make up 95% of all new vehicles on the road by 2030, this bill ensures Americans retain the right to privacy and autonomy over their vehicle data. Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO) leads the companion bill in the House. “Ownership should mean control,” said Senator Lee. “Americans deserve to decide who has access to their personal data and how it is used—whether they are driving to work, harvesting crops, or operating machinery on a construction site. This bill empowers individuals to regain control of their vehicle data and restores transparency to a system that has left too many in the dark.” “You shouldn’t be worried about billionaire corporations invading your privacy and stealing your data every time you start your car,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bipartisan bill is a common-sense solution to ensure every American has control over their vehicle data and the freedom to choose how it is used.” “Americans shouldn’t have to trade their privacy for convenience when driving their cars,” said Representative Burlison. “This legislation prioritizes the rights of consumers, safeguarding their sensitive personal information from exploitation. I’m grateful to Sen. Mike Lee for leading this effort in the Senate. The Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act puts Americans back in the driver’s seat when it comes to their personal data. Americans should control their own data.” “NAFA, the national association of public and private fleet managers, is pleased to see progress on the important subject of data access for vehicle owners and lessees” said Bill Schankel, the CEO of NAFA. “We appreciate the efforts of Senator Lee and Representative Burlison in developing legislation to ensure that vehicle owners and lessees have unrestricted access to the data generated by the vehicles they operate, data that is critical to ongoing improvements in efficient fleet operations. We look forward to working with the Congress and other stakeholders in developing effective bipartisan legislation on vehicle data access.” ""The American Car Rental Association (ACRA) strongly supports the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act, which aims to protect consumer data privacy and give vehicle owners greater control over their data. The data access for vehicle owners and data deletion provisions for consumers are crucial for ensuring transparency, fairness, and privacy protection. Facilitating open APIs (application programming interfaces) allows consumers and vehicle owners to delete data from the vehicle’s infotainment system that may have been downloaded during the consumer’s use. This provision helps maintain consumer privacy and ensures that sensitive information is effectively managed. Both the vehicle owner data access and consumer data deletion provisions align with ACRA's mission to drive growth and innovation while safeguarding customer privacy. This legislation will help ensure fair competition by removing unnecessary barriers imposed by manufacturers and giving car rental companies more flexibility to innovate. We thank Senator Mike Lee and Representative Eric Burlison for their leadership and are committed to working with Congress and the administration to ensure swift passage of this legislation."" -Sharkey Laguana, President of the Board of Directors of the American Car Rental Association A recent Salesforce survey of over 2,000 U.S. car owners and lessors revealed significant confusion about what constitutes a connected car and the extent of data these vehicles collect. As connected vehicles communicate with manufacturers, insurers, and other entities, their owners face increasing challenges in managing data privacy. Currently, the separation of vehicle ownership and data ownership leaves drivers vulnerable to opaque data-sharing practices, invasive surveillance, and a lack of control over their own property. The Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act provides vehicle owners with essential rights and protections by: Requiring Informed Consent: Mandating that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) establish opt-in features for vehicle data collection. Restricting Data Sharing: Prohibiting OEMs from sharing, selling, or leasing collected customer data without explicit consent, with narrow exceptions required by law. Protecting National Security: Barring data sharing with adversarial nations. Ensuring Transparency: Directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress on data collection practices. Empowering Owners: Allowing vehicle owners access to their vehicle’s data through technology-neutral standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Enabling Data Deletion: Giving owners the right to delete their data after connecting to a vehicle. Balancing Interests: Protecting OEM confidential business information while safeguarding consumer rights. One-pager | Bill-text",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-secures-passage-of-three-bills-in-major-win-for-utah,Lee Introduces America First Act to Remove Federal Benefits from Illegal Immigrants,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Puts Americans first and stops their tax dollars from subsidizing illegal immigration WASHINGTON- Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the America First Act, which would prevent illegal immigrants paroled into the United States from accessing billions of dollars in welfare and other benefits intended for American families. President Biden’s unprecedented abuse of parole for foreign citizens illegally entering our country has resulted in millions of illegal aliens being supported and subsidized by struggling American families through their tax dollars, worsening the border crisis. The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX). ""For years, Americans have been told that illegal immigrants are barred from receiving federal benefits to distract from Washington’s complete failure to secure our borders,” said Senator Lee. ""This is a lie. Millions of illegal immigrants “paroled” into the United States, many for fraudulent asylum claims, have gained the ability to access welfare and aid programs originally designed to help American families, not attract and support massive populations of foreign citizens. The America First Act pulls the plug on this criminal redistribution scheme forced upon the American people by Joe Biden and generations of dishonest politicians.” “Millions of illegal aliens are exploiting U.S. welfare and aid programs that are meant to help struggling Americans,” said Rep. Roy. “This is inexcusable. Continuing to hand out welfare to illegals only acts as a magnet for them to keep flooding our communities. That’s why we introduced the America First Act to end illegal aliens’ ability to profit off of American taxpayer dollars once and for all.” “Over the last four years, the unprecedented and unmitigated crisis at the southern border has devastated our communities. As long as we provide taxpayer funded social services to illegal immigrants, there is no physical barrier or number of border patrol agents that will stop them,” said Chairman Arrington. “To add insult to injury, we’re paying $9,000 per illegal immigrant - more than we spend on Medicaid for our most vulnerable Americans or military retirement benefits for our soldiers. Today, I am proud to join Chip Roy and Mike Lee in introducing the America First Act, which would cut off federal benefits for illegals and save over $177 billion.” Background In July of this year, the Congressional Budget Office released a score that found that the Biden administration’s falure to secure the border will add “$0.3 trillion to outlays for federal mandatory programs and net spending for interest on the debt over the 2024–2034 period.”[1] Further, CBO found that “[m]ost of those outlays are for premium tax credits, other refundable tax credits, and Medicaid” while “SNAP, child nutrition programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, Medicare, and assistance for higher education account for smaller amounts.” The Foundation for American Immigration Reform has estimated that the combined cost of federal, state, and local assistance to non-citizens is at least $150.7 billion a year.[2] Bill Specifics: Section 2 – PRWORA Requirements Amends PRWORA to exclude illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, and those withheld from deportation from receiving welfare, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, and certain housing benefits. This significantly reduces eligibility for most federal benefits for illegal aliens who have been wrongfully paroled into the United States by the Biden-Harris administration. Section 3 – Head Start Removes Head Start eligibility from illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, temporary protected status (TPS) recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation. Section 4 – Federal Health Care Benefits Eliminates Medicare eligibility and Medicaid subsidies for illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those with deportation withheld. Prohibits Federally Qualified Health Centers from providing non-emergency care to illegal aliens. Section 5 – Housing Restricts federal housing assistance to only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and would make asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation ineligible for federal housing programs. Prohibits illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation. from living in a housing unit financed by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Section 6 – Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit Requires all taxpayers who claim the EITC, CTC, and/or the $500 “other dependent” tax credit to have a valid Social Security Number in order to claim either credit. Section 7 – FEMA Reform Eliminates the Shelter and Service Program (SSP), which has funneled $640 million to sheltering illegal aliens in FY24 and ensures that FEMA disaster funds are only provided to American citizens and lawful permanent residents. Section 8 – FAFSA Eligibility Removes FAFSA eligibility for non-citizens. Section 9 – ESEA Funding for Sanctuary Jurisdictions Restricts ESEA funding for sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal immigration authorities. Section 10 – Limitations on Services for Haitian Immigrants Removes the special benefit designation for Haitian entrants under PRWORA. Section 11 – Limitations on Reasonable Opportunity Periods (ROPs) for Medicaid Enrollment Requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship before receiving Medicaid benefits. Limits the number of ROPs for individuals unable to provide proof of citizenship when applying for Medicaid. Section 12 – Verification of Citizenship for WIC and School Meal Programs Removes eligibility for WIC and School Meal Programs for illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation. Section 13 – Restrictions on the Use of Community Development Block Grants Restricts Community Development Block Grant Program recipients from using funds to provide illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation with monetary contributions or in-kind goods or services. Restricts 501(c)(3) organizations from using federal grant funding, appropriated funding, or any other federal funding source to provide illegal aliens, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation with monetary contributions or in-kind goods or services. Section 14 – Regulations and Guidance Directs the head of each appropriate agency to promulgate necessary guidance and rulemaking to carry out the provisions of the Act. Bill text | Two-pager ### HAFA: “Heritage Action supports Senator Mike Lee’s America First Act, important legislation designed to rein in the vast abuses of taxpayer dollars being used on illegal aliens. The America First Act is a critical step toward stopping the main attractor of illegal immigration, and restoring fiscal sanity by closing these loopholes and prohibiting welfare eligibility for individuals who should not be here in the first place. Now is the time to restore order, protect American workers, and secure the future of our nation’s fiscal stability.” – Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President, Heritage Action for America Immigration Accountability Project: “The border crisis of the last four years has devastated the country and cost American taxpayers billions of dollars as illegal aliens have gained access to public benefits. During this crisis, the Biden-Harris Administration systematically abused its authority under immigration law to grant amnesty to millions, putting them on the path to direct welfare access. If nothing is done to change loopholes in the law, the coming cost will be catastrophic. The America First Act would put a stop to this magnet for illegal immigration, preserve benefits for American citizens, and cut off funds from states that actively hinder immigration enforcement. The Immigration Accountability Project commends Senator Lee and Congressmen Arrington and Roy for introducing this critical piece of legislation and is proud to support it.” - Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) for America: “The open borders policies of the Biden-Harris Administration have caused chaos and encouraged a dramatic increase in illegal immigration. The Congressional Budget Office says that the Biden-Harris surge of illegal immigration costs American taxpayers billions in welfare benefits for illegal aliens every year. The America First Act would close the loopholes. I thank Senator Mike Lee, Chairman Jodey Arrington, and Representative Chip Roy for their important work.” - Paul Winfree, President and CEO, Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR): ""Illegal immigration now costs American taxpayers over $150 billion each year, and without meaningful change, the border crisis of the last four years will only continue to rack up costs at the federal, state and local levels. Congress must make it a priority to roll back the failed policies of the Biden administration and ensure that Americans are not forced to shoulder the burden of uncontrolled illegal immigration. FAIR is proud to support the America First Act, and we encourage all members of Congress to support the safeguards found in this legislation that help ensure illegal aliens cannot take advantage of public benefits."" - Julie Kirchner, Executive Director, Federation for American Immigration Reform Texas Public Policy Foundation: ""Senator Lee's legislation addresses critical problems our nation is facing. Out of control numbers of illegal aliens taking advantage of our welfare system and bloated overspending by the federal government on things that do not help Americans. The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds this legislation and will always support putting Americans first."" - Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation Eagle Forum: “The United States still stands as in exceptional beacon of freedom and opportunity. Sadly, the Biden administration has opened the floodgates by declaring illegal immigrants as “parolees” and therefore eligible for billions of dollars in taxpayer benefits. Not only have they ignored the dangers of mass illegal immigration, but are subsidizing it by providing otherwise ineligible illegals with federal benefits. Congress must act in order to deter this abuse of the system and protect the fiscal integrity of our current welfare programs designed to assist Americans in need. The America First Act is a crucial step in ensure that our laws and taxpayer dollars are respected by those who exploit immigration laws. Eagle Forum is please to endorse the America First Act and encourages Congress to enact it now.” - Kris Ullman, President of Eagle Forum Tea Party Patriots Action: “Senator Mike Lee’s “America First Act” addresses the Biden administration's misuse of the alien parole law, which has allowed 1.6 million illegal aliens to enter the country. The bill aims to prevent further abuse by blocking these individuals from accessing taxpayer-funded welfare and tightening federal welfare eligibility to safeguard taxpayer funds. On behalf of our three million members and supporters, I strongly support this legislation and urge its quick passage and enactment.” - Jenny Beth Martin, Honorary Chairman, Tea Party Patriots Action CatholicVote: “The Biden administration and Democrats have abused our nation's laws and our generosity, creating a growth in drug and human trafficking, resulting in a dangerous environment for American citizens. Sen. Lee, Budget Chairman Arrington, and Rep. Roy’s America First Act makes it very clear: we can welcome the stranger with open arms, but we will not reward criminal activity."" - Tom McClusky, Director of Government Affairs for CatholicVote",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/senate-passes-lee-led-bills-on-wildfire-research-and-glen-canyon-dam-impacts,SENATE PASSES LEE-LED BILLS ON WILDFIRE RESEARCH AND HYDROPOWER PRODUCTION,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Tonight, the Senate passed two bills led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)— S.2151and S. 5000—by unanimous consent. These bills now await passage in the House. S.2151 will enhance wildfire research, while S.5000 addresses the harmful impacts of hydropower reductions at Glen Canyon Dam. “These bills reflect Utah’s unique regional challenges and our commitment to finding practical solutions,” said Senator Lee. “The Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act will equip us with better tools to combat wildfires, while S. 5000 ensures that federal agencies work together to balance needed hydropower generation with ecological conservation. I’m proud to see these measures advance through the Senate.” S.2151 - Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act This bill establishes a federal wildfire research institute at Utah State University to study wildfire ecology and develop innovative solutions to reduce wildfire risks. The institute will collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to improve forest and rangeland management and implement strategies for long-term ecological restoration. One-pager | Bill text S. 5000 – Addressing Glen Canyon Dam Hydropower and Environmental Impacts This bill establishes a memorandum of understanding between the Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Area Power Administration, and the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association to analyze and address the impacts of the Glen Canyon Dam Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP). The LTEMP currently requires the dam to cease hydropower production during specific periods to protect a threatened fish species. This bill ensures that federal agencies and stakeholders work together to: Mitigate the loss of hydropower generation. Protect the Colorado River Basin’s resources and ecosystems. Balance energy production with species conservation. For bill text, click HERE",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-secures-passage-of-three-bills-in-major-win-for-utah/f0ecaf7d-e45c-4bd5-9662-27874639686a,Lee Secures Passage of Three Bills in Major Win for Utah,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Bills Headed to the President's Desk for Signature The Senate passed three bills led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) that represent major wins for Utah’s infrastructure, natural resources, and public lands. The Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act, the Mountain View Corridor Completion Act, and the Utah State Parks Adjustment Act cleared both chambers of Congress without objection and now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “These bills address some of the state’s most pressing needs—modernizing infrastructure, preserving the Great Salt Lake, and ensuring better management of our iconic state parks,” said Senator Lee. “I’m proud to see this bipartisan work advance to the President’s desk, where it will soon become law.” Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act Expands the Central Utah Project Completion Act’s water conservation program to include the entire Great Salt Lake drainage basin. The legislation unlocks tens of millions of dollars in unexpended budget authority to be used for conservation efforts critical to restoring the lake’s declining water levels. For bill text, click HERE Mountain View Corridor Completion Act Transfers over 200 acres of federally owned land to the State of Utah to enable the completion of the Mountain View Corridor, a vital highway project near Camp Williams. For bill text, click HERE Utah State Parks Adjustment Act Transfers parcels of federally owned land adjacent to Antelope Island, Fremont Indian, and Wasatch Mountain State Parks to the State of Utah. These adjustments will consolidate ownership, streamline land management, and enhance public access to these popular destinations. For bill text, click HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/sens-lee-and-welch-urge-doj-ftc-to-investigate-fanduel-and-draftkings-for-anticompetitive-practices,"Sens. Lee and Welch Urge DOJ, FTC to Investigate FanDuel and DraftKings for Anticompetitive Practices",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Peter Welch (D-VT) released a letter calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate FanDuel and DraftKings for allegedly violating Section 1 of the Sherman Act's prohibition on coordination to construct or impair competition. ""FanDuel and DraftKings didn’t get their monopoly through a merger, so now they’re trying to achieve it by arguably acting as one company,” said Senator Mike Lee. ""By attempting to undermine fair competition, they are threatening innovation, limiting consumer choice, and stifling new entrants. American consumers deserve better, and it’s time for the DOJ and FTC to look into it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-introduces-bill-to-repeal-the-impoundment-control-act,Lee Introduces Bill to Repeal the Impoundment Control Act,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Supports President Trump’s Efforts to TackleExcessive and WastefulSpending WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation to repeal the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) of 1974, a law that undermines the constitutional authority of the President to exercise fiscal restraint by declining to spend appropriated funds. Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) has introduced a companion bill in the House. ""The Impoundment Control Act is a Watergate-era relic of misguided overreach,"" said Senator Lee. ""For nearly two centuries, presidents exercised the authority to impound funds as a critical check on runaway spending. The ICA's unconstitutional limitations on this power have contributed to a fiscal crisis. Repealing this law will restore the balance of power envisioned by our Constitution and empower the President to reject wasteful, unnecessary spending by administrations that voters resoundingly rejected."" “Rolling back the unconstitutional Impoundment Control Act is one of the most effective ways Congress can help President Trump in the fight to deliver the spending cuts and government efficiency that the American people overwhelmingly voted for,” said Representative Clyde. “The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 has unjustly complicated the President’s constitutional impoundment authority for far too long. Every President from George Washington to Richard Nixon possessed this tool to cut wasteful spending until the ICA purported to divest the President of this critical power. In the fifty years since, America’s national debt and Washington’s spending habits have soared out of control. We must defend the presidential power of impoundment to get America’s fiscal house back in order.” Background Impoundment is the President’s constitutional authority under Article II of the Constitution to refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress. This power was used by presidents from George Washington to Richard Nixon to cut wasteful spending, address emergencies, and protect taxpayer dollars. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 was passed in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and significantly constrained the President’s ability to impound funds, marking a fundamental shift in the separation of powers. Over the past five decades, federal spending has skyrocketed, contributing to a $36 trillion national debt, soaring interest payments, and persistently high inflation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-introduce-forest-service-accountability-act,Lee Introduces Forest Service Accountability Act,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Pushes for Senate Confirmation of Forest Service Chief WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Forest Service Accountability Act, legislation designed to bring greater transparency and public accountability to the leadership of the U.S. Forest Service. The bill would change the Chief of the Forest Service position from a career appointment to a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed role. “The Forest Service oversees nearly 200 million acres of public land—an area larger than the state of Texas—that directly impacts the livelihoods and lifestyles of millions of Americans, including thousands in Utah,” said Senator Lee. “From grazing and recreation to timber harvesting and wildfire management, the Chief of the Forest Service has an immense influence on the daily lives of Americans. It’s time for this position to be accountable to the people affected by its decisions through their elected representatives in Congress.” The Forest Service Accountability Act reflects the evolution of the Forest Service’s mission over the years, from focusing on commodity production to managing vast natural resources and public lands. Recognizing this shift, the bill ensures that the Chief is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, allowing Congress—and the public—to have a say in the agency’s leadership. Since its establishment in 1905 under the Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service has been overseen by a Chief appointed internally by the Secretary of Agriculture. Senator Lee’s legislation recognizes the need for updated oversight that aligns with the agency’s significant impact on public lands and natural resources management. Key Provisions of the Forest Service Accountability Act: Requires the President to nominate a Chief of the Forest Service, subject to Senate confirmation Establishes qualification criteria, requiring nominees to have substantial experience and demonstrated competence in forest and natural resource management Refers nominations to both the Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for thorough review Mandates the President to submit a nomination for the position within 30 days of the bill’s enactment Bill text | One-pager",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/11/senators-lee-tuberville-and-marshall-demand-accountability-from-secretary-mayorkas-on-border-caused-tuberculosis-surge,"Senators Lee, Tuberville, and Marshall Demand Accountability from Secretary Mayorkas on Border-Caused Tuberculosis Surge",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, holding him accountable for a surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases across the United States due to lax enforcement of border laws under the Biden-Harris administration. The senators make clear that this administration's policies are jeopardizing public health, risking a re-emergence of TB along with violent crime, human trafficking, and drug smuggling as a direct result of an unsecured border. “The Biden-Harris administration’s destruction of America’s southern border has resulted in violent crime, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and now a surge in a disease that was declining for nearly three decades before they took power,” said Sen. Lee. “Secretary Mayorkas must answer for his part in this disaster.” “For the past 4 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have willfully opened our borders, allowing millions of criminals, murderers, drug dealers, and terrorists to flood into our country unchecked,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As a result, innocent Americans like Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray have been brutally murdered by illegal aliens. But it doesn’t stop there – there have been no health screenings of these populations. Since the creation of the administration’s illegal parole programs, we have seen a 16% rise in Tuberculosis cases between 2022 and 2023 alone. How many more Americans have to needlessly lose their lives before the Biden-Harris administration will take the open border seriously? I join my Republican colleagues in calling on Secretary Mayorkas, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris to secure the border and save American lives.” “When Secretary Mayorkas became the Homeland Security Secretary, he solemnly vowed to protect the United States. He has failed. Millions of illegal aliens have crossed our southern border, spreading not only crime but also deadly diseases like tuberculosis that can threaten the lives of American citizens,” said. Sen. Marshall. “We cannot allow Secretary Mayorkas to continue to put the American people at risk. Secretary Mayorkas, along with President Biden and Vice President Harris, must take immediate action to close the southern border to protect Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/10/lee-rejects-biden-harris-bears-ears-plan,Lee Rejects Biden-Harris Bears Ears Plan,2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"""Local Stakeholders Sidelined in Misguided Management"" Washington, D.C. – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) responded to the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) finalization of the proposed management plan for the Bears Ears National Monument (BENM), a 1.36 million-acre monument in Southern Utah. Senator Lee criticized the plan, highlighting a lack of local input and its harmful impact on Utahns who depend on the land for their livelihoods. ""Once again, the Biden administration has imposed a one-size-fits-all management plan that disregards the voices of those who know the land best—Utahns,"" Senator Lee stated. ""While the administration has bent over backward to ensure input from special interests, it has failed to afford the same consideration to the people of Utah. These are public lands, yet the public most affected by these decisions—the ranchers, recreationists, and workers—has been sidelined."" Senator Lee noted that despite years of negotiation, the state of Utah and the federal government could not finalize the long-awaited land exchange with the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), a failure that he attributes to the administration's unwillingness to collaborate in good faith. ""This plan is the latest in a long line of top-down, federal overreach that prioritizes political agendas over real solutions. Utahns deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens when it comes to managing their own lands."" Lee called on the administration to revisit the plan and give Utahns a true seat at the table.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/9/lee-introduces-the-safeguarding-our-stockpiles-act-to-restore-military-readiness,Lee Introduces the Safeguarding Our Stockpiles Act to Restore Military Readiness,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Safeguarding Our Stockpiles (SOS) Act to restore the original intent of Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) and ensure that U.S. military stockpiles are not depleted without adequate safeguards. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is an original cosponsor of the bill. “We cannot risk America’s military readiness to fund unchecked foreign interventions,” said Senator Lee. “Presidential Drawdown Authority was meant to address short-term, unforeseen emergencies, not serve as a long-term strategy that leaves our own defenses vulnerable. The SOS Act requires accountability and ensures we are always prepared to defend the homeland.” Initially enacted in 1961 as part of the Foreign Assistance Act, PDA allows the President to transfer defense articles from U.S. stockpiles to meet unforeseen emergencies. The law was intended for, “unforeseen events or ones so uncertain that it would be inappropriate to budget for them” or “in situations where the only alternatives were to do nothing...” However, the recent overuse of PDA—particularly in providing military assistance to Ukraine—has exposed gaps in the law that leave America’s defense military readiness at risk. Since 2021, the U.S. has authorized nearly $24 billion in defense transfers to Ukraine through PDA, drawing down U.S. stockpiles in 57 separate instances. Our stockpiles cannot be replenished at the rate they are being depleted. The consistent drawdowns for Ukraine violate the original intent of PDA and threaten the readiness of the U.S. military in higher-priority theaters. Sen. Lee’s SOS Act would put critical guardrails on future uses of PDA by introducing the following key reforms: Defining an Unforeseen Emergency: The bill clarifies what qualifies as an “unforeseen emergency,” limiting PDA use to instances where a kinetic attack on a U.S. treaty ally poses an imminent threat to U.S. security interests. PDA usage would also be limited to 20 days. Prioritizing Stockpile Replenishment: The SOS Act ensures that the President cannot authorize transfers of defense equipment if there are insufficient resources to replenish the stockpiles. This guarantees that America’s own defense needs are not compromised by external commitments. Sunsetting Unused PDA: To prevent the misuse of drawdown authority, any unused portions of PDA and the authority to deliver weapons pursuant to open drawdown cases will automatically expire at the end of each fiscal year. New drawdowns would require renewed congressional authorization. Congressional Approval for Excess Drawdowns: The bill also mandates that Congress approve any use of PDA exceeding the traditional $100 million fiscal year cap on a case-by-case, country-specific basis. Additionally, Congress must authorize sufficient funding to replenish U.S. military stockpiles.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/9/lee-introduces-the-saving-privacy-act-to-protect-americans-financial-data,Lee Introduces the Saving Privacy Act to Protect Americans' Financial Data,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Saving Privacy Act, a bill to end government abuse of Americans’ financial information. For years, federal agencies have been overreaching in their surveillance, collecting vast amounts of personal financial data from law-abiding citizens without just cause. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is an original co-sponsor of the bill. “The federal government has no business surveilling the financial activities of millions of innocent Americans,” said Senator Lee. “The current system erodes the privacy rights of citizens, while doing little to effectively catch true financial criminals. My Saving Privacy Act ensures that Americans’ personal information is protected and that government agencies operate within the bounds of the Constitution.” “Big government has no place in law-abiding Americans’ personal finances. It is a massive overreach of the government and a gross violation of their privacy,” said Senator Rick Scott. “That is why I am teaming up with Senator Lee so that we can protect Americans’ personal financials for good. Our Saving Privacy Act will allow federal agencies to go after criminals while also protecting innocent Americans’ data. This is commonsense legislation, and I am urging my colleagues to support its immediate passage.” “This kind of reform restores the proper balance—as provided by the Fourth Amendment—between Americans’ privacy rights and law enforcement’s ability to gather evidence to enforce laws. It would protect individuals’ financial privacy and improve federal agencies’ abilities to prosecute criminal activity rather than sift through millions of low-value reports. This kind of reform is long overdue.” - Norbert Michel, Jennifer Schulp, and Nicholas Anthony of the Cato Institute “Financial privacy is of paramount importance in the digital age,” said Bryan Bashur, Director of Financial Policy for Americans for Tax Reform. “Lawmakers should support Sen. Lee’s efforts to further preserve financial privacy and prevent the federal government from easily accessing this information. Enacting this legislation will also protect consumers from other existential threats to financial privacy—such as tracking stock trading and electronic payment activity. ""Rather than forcing banks to hound their customers for cash withdrawals to purchase cars, pay rent, or simply live their lives, Senator Lee's Saving Privacy Act would restore consumer financial privacy and make reporting standards reasonable enough to still target malicious actors and criminals,"" said Yaël Ossowski, Deputy Director at the Consumer Choice Center. Government surveillance efforts have been largely ineffective, as demonstrated by the dismal success rate of suspicious activity reports (SARs) submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). In FY2023, financial institutions submitted 25.4 million SARs and currency transaction reports (CTRs), yet less than 0.3% of these reports resulted in relevant IRS-CI and FBI cases. In recent years, FinCEN and the FBI surveilled the financial transactions of individuals and solicited banks for information on purchases related to “Trump,” “MAGA,” firearms, and even religious texts. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has quietly been constructing a centralized database, the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), designed to track every single stock market transaction and the personal information of millions of Americans without any congressional approval. Senator Lee’s bill, the Saving Privacy Act, seeks to curb these abuses and restore Fourth Amendment protections for all Americans. Key Provisions of the Saving Privacy Act: Repeals the Bank Secrecy Act’s SAR and CTR reporting requirements while maintaining recordkeeping provisions. Repeals the Corporate Transparency Act. Strengthens Fourth Amendment protections, bolstering warrant requirements in the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978. Repeals the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) database. Requires congressional approval for any new databases that collect personally identifiable information of U.S. citizens. Prohibits the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency. Requires congressional authorization for financial regulations deemed major rules. Institutes penalties for federal employees who illegally seek constitutionally protected financial information. Establishes a private right of action for Americans and financial institutions harmed by illicit government activity.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/9/lee-targets-privacy-loophole-with-student-voter-data-protection-act,Lee Targets Privacy Loophole with Student Voter Data Protection Act,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Student Voter Data Protection Act, a bill to safeguard the personal data of college students from being exploited for partisan voter registration efforts. This legislation amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to explicitly prohibit students' private information from being shared without their consent for voter registration drives. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is an original co-sponsor of the bill. In recent years, colleges and universities nationwide have participated in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), which compels institutions to hand over students' FERPA-protected data. This data is then passed through the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) and shared with third-party voter processing companies. Without student consent, these companies match student information with voter databases, returning lists of voters and non-voters to participating schools. ""College students' personal data should not be handed over to partisan organizations under the guise of civic engagement,"" said Senator Lee. ""These practices violate federal privacy laws, and my bill will close the loopholes that allow institutions to disregard the consent of their students."" The Student Voter Data Protection Act would amend FERPA to ensure that universities cannot share students' personally identifiable information for voter registration activities unless the student gives explicit consent. The legislation responds to ongoing concerns that organizations like Civic Nation, an affiliate of the Obama Foundation, are using this data to target student voters with left-leaning get-out-the-vote efforts. Key Provisions of the Bill: Amends FERPA to explicitly prevent universities from sharing student data without consent for voter registration purposes. Ensures that voter registration efforts do not exploit students' private information for partisan gain. Protects college students from being targeted based on their voting history or registration status. The introduction of the Student Voter Data Protection Act follows concerns that the NSLVE initiative has been used to create a voter profile of students, often without their knowledge or consent, to fuel politically motivated campaigns. By tightening FERPA protections, the Student Voter Data Protection Act seeks to preserve the integrity of student privacy and ensure that educational institutions adhere to federal privacy laws.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/9/lee-and-senate-republicans-hold-press-conference-demanding-passage-of-save-act,Lee and Senate Republicans Hold Press Conference Demanding Passage of SAVE Act,2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) will host a press conference with fellow Republican senators demanding the immediate passage of his SAVE Act to protect the integrity of U.S. elections and ensure only U.S. citizens can vote. WHO: Senator Mike Lee Senator Rick Scott Senator Ron Johnson Senator Roger Marshall Senator Tommy Tuberville WHAT: Senate Republican press conference regarding the importance of the SAVE Act passage WHEN: Wednesday, August 11 - 2:15 PM",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-introduces-two-bills-to-roll-back-burdensome-regulations-and-foster-innovation,Lee Introduces Two Bills to Roll Back Burdensome Regulations and Foster Innovation,2024-07-31,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced two pieces of legislation—the Locating the Inefficiencies of Bureaucratic Edicts to Reform and Transform the Economy (LIBERATE) Act and the Promoting Innovation and Offering the Needed Escape from Exhaustive Regulations (PIONEER) Act—to reduce excessive federal regulations and encourage innovation across the economy. Together, these bills aim to streamline federal regulations, remove barriers to innovation, and restore the proper balance of power between the federal government and the American people. ""Federal regulations have become an invisible tax on every American business and consumer,"" said Senator Lee. ""The LIBERATE and PIONEER Acts will work in tandem to roll back excessive and outdated regulations, providing immediate relief and long-term reform. By creating a framework that encourages innovation and reduces unnecessary red tape, we can ensure that the American economy remains the most dynamic and competitive in the world."" The LIBERATE Act establishes a Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force designed to identify and expedite the repeal of burdensome regulations that inhibit global competition, create barriers to entry for startups, increase operational costs, impact energy production, and create unnecessarily lengthy permitting processes. The PIONEER Act builds on this by creating a federal regulatory sandbox modeled after Utah's successful program. This program allows businesses to innovate freely by temporarily waiving certain regulations. This approach not only encourages business success but also provides lawmakers with the data needed to craft better, more effective regulations in the future. LIBERATE Act: Establishes the Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force, composed of key government and private sector experts. Focuses on repealing regulations that stifle competition, increase costs, and slow economic growth. Requires the task force to submit quarterly and annual reports to Congress, including a ""Special Message"" with recommendations for repeal. The Liberate Act is cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID). Bill Text | One-Pager ""At the Salt Lake Chamber, we support Senator Lee's initiatives to drive economic growth and foster innovation through the LIBERATE Act and the PIONEER Act. The LIBERATE Act's establishment of the Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force promises to streamline federal regulations, reducing inefficiencies and eliminating barriers to competition that inhibit our businesses. Meanwhile, the PIONEER Act's regulatory sandbox program provides a vital opportunity for businesses to innovate and grow in a controlled environment, balancing regulatory relief with necessary consumer protections. Both pieces of legislation embody a forward-thinking approach that aligns with our commitment to a thriving, dynamic economy. We encourage our federal government to follow Utah's example of regulatory reform and support these bills, creating a modern and dynamic framework that will unleash the power of the private sector."" – Derek Miller, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber “National Taxpayers Union is pleased to support Senator Lee's LIBERATE Act. This legislation would help reduce the burden imposed by excessive regulations that impede entrepreneurship and make it harder for U.S. companies to compete. American businesses should not be burdened by outdated, unnecessary regulations as they strive to create good new jobs. NTU endorses Senator Lee's effort to remove federal barriers to economic growth and opportunity.” – Brandon Arnold, Executive Vice President, National Taxpayers Union Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Senior Economist, Ryan Young said, “Regulations make it difficult to start new businesses and invent new products. They make energy and housing more expensive. And there are more than a million regulations already on the books. Agencies aren't doing about it, and neither is Congress. Sen. Lee's LIBERATE Act would instead create a commission to identify harmful rules and give Congress a package to repeal. This regulatory housekeeping can open opportunities for ordinary Americans and stimulate the economy without new deficit spending.” Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Fred L. Smith Fellow in Regulatory Studies, Wayne Crews said, “In Washington, D.C., regulatory measures are even less restrained than federal spending, which has already driven the nation into a $35 trillion debt. The overlooked 'hidden tax' of regulatory intervention needs to be addressed with the same urgency as federal spending, particularly with President Biden's broad 'Whole-of-Government' regulatory initiatives. We must urgently restore balance through increased transparency and a robust reaffirmation of Article I Congressional accountability. This means putting an end to regulation without representation. Essential steps include the establishment of a regulatory reduction commission, as outlined in Senator Mike Lee's LIBERATE Act, and requiring Congress to reclaim its legislative authority by approving significant new agency rules and guidance documents before they take effect.” ""Americans know that it's too difficult to buy home, open a business, or even just make a living. With Senator Lee's LIBERATE Act, Congress will have an opportunity to begin peeling back the regulations and restrictions that are standing in the way of so many Americans' dreams. The bipartisan task force that this legislation envisions would bring together experts and entrepreneurs from across the economy to analyze whether many of the regulations currently on the books are worthwhile. Once the task force has decided, Congress would have the opportunity to quickly remove those regulations that don't measure up."" - Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity. PIONEER Act: Defines a federal regulatory sandbox allowing businesses to innovate without the constraints of certain regulations for up to two years. Establishes the Office of Regulatory Relief to oversee the sandbox and ensure public health and safety. Provides a path for businesses to renew their regulatory waivers for up to ten years. Bill Text | One-Pager ""The economy and innovation overall are hindered by outdated regulations that limit or prohibit new approaches to solving our problems and addressing our needs. Following the lead of Utah and fifteen other states, Senator Lee's PIONEER Act provides a needed and hopeful bipartisan solution: a flexible approach to regulations that welcomes new ideas to better our world."" – Libertas ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/senator-lee-introduces-the-no-union-time-on-the-taxpayer-s-dime-act,Senator Lee Introduces the No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act,2024-07-31,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act, legislation that would prohibit the misuse of taxpayer dollars for union-related activities by federal employees during work hours. “Taxpayers should not be burdened with the cost of federal employees engaging in union activities,” said Senator Lee. “Federal salaries are funded by the taxpayers, who rightfully expect federal employees to work on their assigned duties while on the clock. The No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act ensures that union-related activities are conducted on personal time and at personal expense.” Since the passage of the Civil Service Reform Act in 1978, the practice known as “official time” has allowed federal employees to use work hours for union-related activities and to handle cases before the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). This means federal employees can engage in union work, represent bargaining unit employees and advance union causes while being paid by the taxpayer. The cost of this practice to the American taxpayer is significant. According to a 2016 report by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), federal employees spent 3.6 million hours on union-related business at a cost of $177.2 million. Under the Trump Administration, this number dropped to 2.6 million hours, costing $134.9 million. However, due to the lack of unified reporting requirements, the last available data is from 2019, creating a transparency gap in the current use of official time. The No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act will amend Section 7131 of Title 5 of the U.S. Code to explicitly prohibit the use of official time for federal employees. The updated law will state: Any activities performed by an employee relating to the business of a labor organization shall be performed during the time the employee is in a non-duty status. The legislation is endorsed by Heritage Action, Americans for Prosperity, and the National Right to Work Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-introduces-the-shush-act-to-simplify-suppressor-rules,Lee Introduces the SHUSH Act to Simplify Suppressor Rules,2024-07-29,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act, a bill to eliminate the excessive regulation of firearm suppressors. The bill seeks to simplify the purchase process for law-abiding citizens and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. Senate cosponsors of the SHUSH Act include Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and John Cornyn (R-TX). The SHUSH Act has garnered the support of the National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. ""Suppressors are safety accessories, and their purchase should not be subject to antiquated federal controls,” said Senator Lee. “This bill is about making it easier for responsible gun owners to protect their hearing and safety while enjoying their Second Amendment right.” “Suppressors are accessories and should be treated just like magazines, scopes, or gun stocks. Treating an accessory the same as a gun sets a bad precedence for anti-gun legislators to further regulate other accessories in the future. There’s no reason they should be subjected to the Brady registration scheme. We’re happy and privileged to be able to work with Sen. Lee on this legislation,” said Hunter King, Director of Political Affairs at National Association for Gun Rights. “Gun Owners of America applauds the introduction of the 'Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing Act' (SHUSH) Act. The SHUSH Act would not only remove suppressors from the federal regulations of the National Firearms Act, but also treat suppressors as any other firearm accessory – free from the infringing background check process. Senator Lee’s bill will not only benefit hunters and sport shooters, but also take much needed steps for gun owners to restore the rights protected by the Second Amendment,”said Aidan Johnston, Director of Government Affairs, Gun Owners of America. “Suppressors are nothing more than a muffler for a firearm. They reduce the noise level from that which can cause instant and permanent hearing loss to a safe level,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. “That’s the equivalent of reducing the noise from that similar to a jet taking off to that of a motorcycle. These devices are increasingly popular and legal to possess in 42 states and legal for hunting in 41 states. Senator Mike Lee, with the SHUSH Act, demonstrates a strong commitment to Second Amendment rights and leadership in cutting unnecessary government regulations for a firearm safety device.” Background Suppressors, commonly known as silencers, are non-lethal firearm accessories widely used by hunters, sportsmen, and marksmen. These devices enhance safety by reducing noise, recoil, and muzzle blast. Contrary to popular belief, they do not completely silence firearms. Currently, the process to legally acquire a suppressor involves an extensive and burdensome procedure through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), including: Completing two copies of ATF Form 4 Filling out ATF Form 5330.20 Certification of Compliance Obtaining certification from a local chief law enforcement officer and two copies of fingerprints Submitting two passport photos and a $200 check to the ATF This approval process can take 9-12 months, making the purchase of a suppressor prohibitively complex and costly for many consumers. The SHUSH Act aims to: Eliminate federal regulation of suppressors as firearms under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA). Remove existing taxes, fees, and registration requirements associated with suppressors. Allow current or retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms with suppressors. Preempt state regulations on the manufacture, transfer, transport, or possession of suppressors. Strike provisions requiring mandatory minimum sentences for suppressor possession in certain cases. Exempt suppressors from regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Provide a provision for a refund of the $200 transfer tax for anyone who purchased a suppressor within two years prior to the enactment of the bill. If passed, the SHUSH Act will work alongside the Hearing Protection Act to further deregulate suppressors and remove them from the Gun Control Act of 1968. SHUSH Act: Bill Text | One-Pager ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-introduces-legislation-to-cut-regulations-and-accelerate-baltimore-s-recovery-amid-bridge-collapse,Lee Introduces Legislation to Cut Regulations and Accelerate Baltimore's Recovery Amid Bridge Collapse,2024-07-11,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – In response to the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced two pieces of legislation to cut burdensome regulations and expedite recovery efforts for Baltimore and its vital port. The collapse has significantly impacted thousands of residents and businesses dependent on the port for their livelihoods and impacted the supply chain nationwide. “By temporarily suspending these outdated regulations, we can get the government out of the way and allow Baltimore to recover more quickly and efficiently,” said Senator Lee. “It’s time for the federal government to step back and remove the obstacles standing in the way of Baltimore’s recovery, and recognize that these regulations are slowing down growth across the country.” Senator Lee’s legislative efforts, the Baltimore Recovery Act and the Restore the Port of Baltimore Act aredesigned to provide relief by temporarily exempting the port from federal regulations that are currently slowing recovery and reconstruction. In doing so, Senator Lee aims to reduce the overall cost of the recovery effort by eliminating outmoded regulations that will drive up the total cost American taxpayers will pay in order to rebuild the city’s infrastructure. The Baltimore Recovery Act would: Exempt any vessel arriving or departing from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore from Jones Act requirements for five years. The Jones Act prohibits non-U.S.-flagged ships from traveling between U.S. ports. By allowing foreign vessels to participate in shipping and reconstruction efforts, aid can be delivered more cost-effectively and promptly. For bill text, click HERE The Restore the Port of Baltimore Act would: Exempt any vessel arriving or departing from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore from the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 requirements for five years. The Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 restricts dredging operations to U.S.-flagged vessels, which has led to outdated equipment and inflated costs due to lack of competition. Permitting foreign dredge vessels to operate in the port will accelerate and reduce the cost of reconstruction and cleanup efforts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-mace-target-d-c-s-absurd-cost-inflating-childcare-regulations,"Lee, Mace Target D.C.’s Absurd, Cost-Inflating Childcare Regulations",2024-07-10,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Childcare Worker Opportunity Act, a bill to alleviate the escalating childcare crisis in the District of Columbia. The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the stringent 2016 regulation that mandates childcare workers to hold a college degree, a rule that has significantly contributed to the shortage of childcare providers and the skyrocketing costs families face. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Parents in D.C. are facing an uphill battle with childcare costs spiraling out of control, making it a privilege only the wealthy can afford,""said Sen. Mike Lee. ""The current regulations are not only impractical but also harmful, pushing skilled childcare workers out of their jobs. The Childcare Worker Opportunity Act aims to remove these barriers, offering immediate relief to families and ensuring children receive the care they need. This bill will bring much-needed flexibility and affordability to the District's childcare system at a time when families need it most.” “D.C. has overregulated the child care industry, much like everything else in this city,""said Rep. Nancy Mace.""Subsequently, they’ve left families with no options. Our bill with Senator Lee repeals this burdensome regulation, giving parents affordable childcare options and providing greater work opportunities for those who wish to care for children."" “The shortage of common sense in Washington continues to make it harder and harder on American families. For example, a completely unnecessary D.C. requirement for childcare workers to hold a college degree contributed to depleting the local childcare workforce. The result: less and less childcare options for parents at increasingly higher costs. Reversing this rule would not only be a positive change for hardworking families in our nation’s capital, but it would send a strong signal reaffirming bipartisan support for making childcare more accessible and more affordable nationwide,""said Sen. Katie Britt. More than half of parents in D.C. report being unable to find childcare for their preschool-aged children, and if they do, they face the highest childcare costs in the nation. Rather than addressing these issues, the D.C. City Council enacted a 2016 law that exacerbates the shortage of childcare providers by requiring them to hold either an associate or bachelor’s degree. This regulation officially took effect in 2023 and is unique to D.C., with no substantial evidence suggesting that degree-holding childcare providers are more effective than those without a formal university education. The Childcare Worker Opportunity Act will address these issues by repealing portions of the final rulemaking issued by the State Superintendent of Education of the District of Columbia on December 7, 2016. This action will eliminate the requirement for childcare workers to have a degree, certificate, or a minimum number of credit hours from an institution of higher education to receive their official childcare license. For one pager, clickHERE. For bill text, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-introduces-bills-to-demand-burden-sharing-and-oppose-ukraine-membership-ahead-of-nato-summit,Lee Introduces Bills to Demand Burden Sharing and Oppose Ukraine Membership Ahead of NATO Summit,2024-07-09,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – As Washington plays host to this year's NATO Summit, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is set to introduce a series of bills to address the strategic misdirection of NATO and the decades-long imbalance in defense spending. The summit marks NATO's 75th anniversary, a milestone that calls for reflection and a reassessment of the alliance's operational readiness and financial posture. ""European capitals have grown accustomed to U.S.-subsidized security, allowing them to dictate policy without bearing the risks or costs,"" said Senator Lee. ""This arrangement has been perpetuated out of deference to the so-called 'rules-based international order.' It's time for Congress to remind the alliance—and the Biden administration—that it holds the power to make treaties, extend NATO membership, and conduct oversight of our commitments abroad."" Senator Lee's legislative agenda during the summit includes the following: Resolution Opposing Security Guarantees for Ukraine This resolution condemns the Biden administration's recent 10-year bilateral security agreement with Ukraine. It asserts that the agreement has no legal force without Senate ratification and rejects it as a ""bridge"" to Ukraine's NATO membership. Introduced on June 20, Senator Lee will call for unanimous consent and invites additional cosponsors. For resolution text, click HERE Prohibition on Ukraine NATO Membership This bill amends the Mutual Security Act of 1954 to stipulate that initiating an accession process for Ukraine will be grounds for immediate U.S. withdrawal from NATO. Senator Lee emphasizes the necessity of this bill to prevent further escalation and undue U.S. commitments. For bill text, click HERE Allied Burden Sharing Report Act Despite being required by the 1985 NDAA, DOD has not consistently reported on allied defense contributions since the early 2000s. This is an unacceptable status quo. This act mandates the Department of Defense to prepare an annual report on the defense spending and contributions of all 59 U.S. allies. The report will include: Defense spending as a nominal figure and percentage of GDP Contributions to military operations in line with cooperative defense agreements Limitations placed on the use of such contributions For bill text, click HERE NATO Burden Sharing Report Act Focusing solely on current and prospective NATO member countries, this act requires DOD to annually report on: Defense spending as a nominal figure and percentage of GDP A description of each member's hard vs. soft power contributions for Ukraine Analysis of defense industrial base health and comparative advantages Size and structure of armed forces Areas of reliance on allied assets Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deliveries or contracts in the previous year Changes in defense spending over the previous year Anticipated future spending For bill text, click HERE ""As NATO gathers on our soil, we have the opportunity to demand equitable burden sharing and make it clear that Ukraine's membership cannot be on the table,"" added Senator Lee. ""These bills are essential to ensuring that the United States is not unduly burdened by an alliance that refuses to pull its weight or come to grips with strategic realities ."" For a one-pager, click HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-paul-introduce-resolution-condemning-the-biden-administration-s-unconstitutional-security-guarantees-to-ukraine,"Lee, Paul Introduce Resolution Condemning the Biden Administration's Unconstitutional Security Guarantees to Ukraine",2024-06-20,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced a resolution emphasizing the need for Senate oversight and consideration of the Biden administration's bilateral agreement to provide long-term security guarantees to Ukraine. Senator Lee asserts that this agreement, which effectively serves as a backdoor into NATO membership for Ukraine, bypasses Congress and the Constitution by not following the treaty process and restricts future administrations from adjusting the United States' strategic posture toward Ukraine. ""The Biden administration's decision to sidestep the Constitution and the Senate's role in treaty ratification is unacceptable,"" said Senator Lee. ""This agreement not only circumvents the Constitution but also ties the hands of future administrations. Such significant commitments must be subject to thorough scrutiny by the Senate."" ""President Biden's bilateral security agreement with Ukraine commits America to yet another endless war. This deal risks entrapping future administrations to a prolonged military engagement without a clear exit strategy or sufficient burden-sharing from our European allies. We must prioritize American interests and avoid endless foreign entanglements,"" said Dr. Rand Paul.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-lummis-introduce-bill-to-counter-fcc-on-ai-ad-disclosures,"Lee, Lummis Introduce Bill to Counter FCC on AI Ad Disclosures",2024-06-18,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act with Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Ted Budd (R-NC). The legislation comes as a direct response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 's recent decision to begin rulemaking that would require on-air disclosures for campaign ads created using artificial intelligence. In May, the FCC, led by a Democrat-appointed majority, voted 3-2 to propose new regulations impacting the use of AI in campaign advertising. The proposed rules would mandate that television and radio providers issue an on-air disclosure every time an AI-created ad is aired. This decision was supported exclusively by Democrat-appointed Commissioners and has raised significant concerns about partisan overreach. ""The FCC's proposal to impose new regulations on political speech involving AI, just months before one of the most consequential elections in our history, represents a clear overstep of their regulatory authority,"" said Senator Lee. ""While I support transparency in the use of AI in campaign ads, I strongly oppose the idea of a Democrat-run federal agency single-handedly changing the rules of political engagement under the guise of regulation."" Senator Lummis said, ""It is imperative that we safeguard the integrity of our election processes from bureaucratic overreach. The Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act ensures that the FCC does not distort the political landscape with unwarranted and unauthorized intrusions."" FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr added, “The FCC’s eleventh-hour plan to impose new regulations on political speech right before the election is as unlawful as it is misguided. Senator Lee’s bill would stop this DNC-backed initiative in its tracks. I applaud Senator Lee for his strong leadership and steps to ensure a level playing field as voters head to the ballot box.” Senator Lee’s legislation would prohibit the use of federal funds to enforce any order issued as a result of the FCC’s notice of proposed rulemaking, effectively stopping the Commission's overreach.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-introduces-trio-of-bills-defending-access-to-public-lands,Lee Introduces Trio of Bills Defending Access to Public Lands,2024-06-17,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a trio of bills today to ensure access to federal lands and reaffirm the authority of state and local jurisdictions. “In each of these bills, we aim to return control to those who are closest to our public lands — the states and local communities,"" said Sen. Lee. ""By doing so, we can ensure that our conservation efforts are practical, effective, and tailored to the unique characteristics of each area, while expanding access for all Americans to enjoy our nation's natural beauty.” The legislative package includes three key proposals: Human-Powered Travel in Wilderness Areas Act Since Congress passed The Wilderness Act of 1964 prohibiting motorized vehicles in certain wilderness areas, the bill has been incorrectly interpreted to inhibit human-powered travel. Senator Lee’s bill reaffirms that human travel was never meant to be restricted by the Wilderness Act of 1964. “As it stands, too many trails on federal lands, notably in Wilderness areas, have fallen into disrepair or disappeared entirely. Too few people use them and far too few people help maintain them, which is a loss for public awareness of the majesty of our public lands and the need to conserve them,” said Ted Stroll of the Sustainable Trails Coalition. “Senator Lee’s legislation will reinvigorate Wilderness trail management.” For bill text, click HERE. For one-pager, click HERE. A bill to authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in certain areas of the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah This bill extends Utah law for motor vehicles to include off-highway vehicles (OHV) within certain parts of Capitol Reef National Park. Permissible OHV portions would be included on Burr Trail Road, Cathedral Road, Hartnet Road, Highway 24, Notom Bullfrog Road, Polk Creek Road, Oil Ranch Road, and Baker Ranch Road. For bill text, click HERE. A bill to amend Title 54, United States Code, to provide that State law shall apply to the use of motor vehicles on roads within a System unit This bill would amend Title 54 of United States Code to allow states to monitor motor and off-highway vehicles in National Park Systems within their state. For bill text, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-introduces-outdoor-americans-with-disabilities-act,Lee Introduces Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act,2024-06-13,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act, legislation to ensure that all Americans, regardless of physical ability, can access and enjoy our nation’s public lands. “Our federal lands are a treasure belonging to all Americans, funded by their taxpayer dollars,“said Senator Lee. “Ensuring these lands are accessible to everyone is not just a matter of convenience but essential for allowing all citizens to explore the natural wonders our great country offers.” Currently, the federal government manages approximately 640 million acres of land, a vast expanse often unreachable for those with disabilities due to restrictions on motorized vehicles and limited road access. Sen. Lee’s bill would mandate that for every square mile of disability-accessible land,at least 2.5 miles of accessible roads be open to motorized vehicles, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these lands without undue hardship. Key provisions of the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act include: Defining Accessibility: Establishing clear definitions for disability-accessible lands to guide federal agencies and ensure consistency across public lands. Updating Plans: Directing the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize the updating of travel management plans, improving accessibility for motor vehicle use on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Ensuring Stakeholder Input: Requiring local stakeholder involvement in decisions about road closures to maintain accessibility and meet community needs. Maintaining Open Access: Restricting the closure of roads that would prevent lands from meeting accessibility requirements, except in cases of emergency or significant health and safety risks. The bill also establishes procedures for public notification and involvement in any proposed road closures, ensuring transparency and community participation in the management of public lands. By removing barriers and increasing accessibility, this bill will ensure that the beauty of our landscapes continues to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for generations to come. Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act: Bill Text | One-Pager Support for the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act: ""On behalf of our members with disabilities, I would like to thank Senator Lee for his leadership on this issue. Federal land managers are required to analyze the impacts of their decisions on dirt, but they have no requirement to ensure that their decisions don't hurt disabled Americans. Every time decisions are announced to close more of our backcountry roads, I hear from our disabled Americans that they feel discriminated against and ignored. Our federal land managers need strong guidance form Congress to manage our public lands in a way that benefits all Americans, and this legislation provides necessary and powerful protections."" - Ben Burr - Executive Director, BlueRibbon Coalition “As President of the Blue Ribbon Coalition, it has been very disappointing to watch the unprecedented amount of public land closures to motorized vehicle use over the past few years. These closures do not contemplate the diverse needs of those who use the land. I am excited to see this piece of legislation from Senator Mike Lee. We all have a right to enjoy public lands and this is a sure step in the right direction and an obvious solution to the challenge of access to those with disabilities.” - Ranch Pratt - President, BlueRibbon Coalition ""Without motorized access, those with special needs and disabilities - including many veterans - will not have access to public lands because they do not have the ability to hike, jump on a bike, or ride a horse. Motorized vehicles are essentially an extension of their body, it’s their legs to enjoy the same great outdoors that able-bodied citizens can enjoy. If you eliminate motorize access to public lands then you take out two user groups that have zero chance to ever experience these public lands. These user groups are not asking to forge new trails, they just want to keep existing routes and trails open so that they can get the same therapeutic experience from nature that able-bodied citizens have access to. At Trail Hero we have had over 5000 veterans and over 1000 people with special needs join us on trails throughout Utah over the last 9 years.” - Rich Klein - President/Founder, Trail Hero “As President of UTV Utah, one of the largest off-road groups in the state representing over 50,000 families, I strongly support the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act. This crucial legislation will ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from the benefits of outdoor recreation on public lands. Our group has organized numerous rides for those with special needs, allowing them to experience the beauty of our public lands through motorized recreation. Without protected access to these roads and trails, many individuals with disabilities would be deprived of the chance to enjoy these natural spaces. The Act’s requirement for land management agencies to recognize motorized recreation as an important form of disability access is vital. We must safeguard this access to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can continue to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Utah. I urge all stakeholders to support this essential legislation.” - Bud Bruening, President, UTV Utah ""As the Safety and Education Coordinator I support any legislation that protects access for people like myself with mobility limitations. When access is restricted to non motorized use, thousands of people are denied the opportunity to experience that area."" - Christie Chatfield, Arizona State Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs “One of the many blessings of this life is being able to spend time in the outdoors. The Positive affected it has on a persons mind and soul is almost indescribable. Taking away access for those with disabilities would take away the pleasure from them.” - Nick Steinbach, Desert Raiders M/C “As a cancer survivor who is dealing with long term side effects from chemo it has limited my physical abilities. I can still hike short distances to see things from where I ride my ohv to but if ohv access gets eliminated and the hiking gets further then I would not be able to hike the full distance in. We should not be limiting access to our public lands. The discrimination against motorized and disabled users needs to stop!” - Andy Gordon, Board Member, Castle Country OHV Association “I have been a lifetime OHV Enthusiast and have used both the state and federal lands in Idaho and surrounding states to recreate. I became disabled in 2021 and now require motorized vehicle access to use these public areas. I am ambulatory paraplegic. I am able to walk short distances but cannot traverse uneven ground very well. I require some kind of motorized assistance to get around out in the desert and the woods. Eliminating motorized access would eliminate me from being able to see and experience the forest and desert.” - Jeff Bell “I am 83 and have recreated on public lands for over 60 years. Many of my fondness memories are of those activities. Personally some of my most rewarding experiences are sharing outdoor adventures with others who haven't yet enjoyed those I have.” - Glen Zumwalt, Tri-State ATV Association “I support the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act. Getting outdoors and recreating on our public lands is a right that all Americans should be able to enjoy. But those with Disabilities aren't able to enjoy them in many cases, because they can't access our public lands without the use of motorized transportation. The travel plans that are being implemented by the BLM and Forest Service completely disregard the needs of Americans with disabilities. Being able to get out and enjoy nature improves their mental health, and in many cases their physical health.” - Steven Hawkins, Utah ATV Association “Access to public property is about more than just recreation, it is a cornerstone of who we are and why we live in the areas we do. Camping, hunting and all forms of recreation are important to our health and well being physically and economically. To limit access affects both. I ask that you please maintain all roads and trails that have historically been in place.” - Darrel Raver, North Idaho Trailblazers “As a board member of Castle Country I support this. I wouldn't have been able to see half the places I have with my family if we had to hike or were unable to get there on the sxs. Also, we have a disabled kid within our organization and he is able to drive or ride in a sxs with the group to see a bunch of these sites. If we lock up and close the trails he and everyone else with disabilities are then unable to see the same sites as the people who are physically fit enough to hike for miles. This seems to me to be discrimination at its most basic point.” - Jerace Glover, Board Member Castle Country OHV Association “Since a small stroke in 2020 I have had limited mobility on my left side. I can walk about 50 yards and then I need help. My Jeep is my only way to access the back country and the many beautiful areas of the southwest. As a landscape and nature photographer any limitations to trail access has a direct effect on the areas I can experience, photograph and share. Please support the Bill to provide access for all Americans.” - Steve Williams, Tucson Rough Riders ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-introduces-two-key-bills-to-bolster-u-s-maritime-and-naval-capabilities,Lee Introduces Two Key Bills to Bolster U.S. Maritime and Naval Capabilities,2024-06-12,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing the readiness and capabilities of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. The ""Ensuring Naval Readiness Act"" and the ""Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act"" are designed to modernize and expedite the construction and procurement processes for U.S. maritime forces by fostering increased collaboration with allied nations. ""Both bills are about leveraging our diplomatic relationships and the comparative advantages of our allies to ensure America remains at the forefront of maritime security,"" said Senator Lee. ""By modernizing our approach to shipbuilding and repair, we can enhance our readiness and maintain our military edge, all while ensuring fiscal responsibility."" ""The Ensuring Naval Readiness Act"" addresses the critical shortfall in our naval forces, echoing the Force Structure Assessment's recommendation for a fleet of 355 ships to ensure a ready and capable Navy. By allowing the option to construct ships or components in shipyards of NATO member countries or Indo-Pacific nations with which the U.S. has mutual defense agreements, this bill aims to reduce costs and speed up delivery times, helping to close the gap between current capabilities and strategic needs. Following closely, ""The Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act"" proposes a strategic shift in the construction of U.S. Coast Guard vessels. This legislation permits the Coast Guard to partner with allied shipyards to procure vessels more quickly and cost-effectively, without compromising national security. It specifically allows for the construction of major vessel components in foreign shipyards not influenced by adversarial powers, particularly China. For further details on the bills or to review bill texts and summaries, please click the links below: Ensuring Naval Readiness Act: Bill Text | One-Pager",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-and-manchin-lead-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-national-guard-readiness,Lee and Manchin Lead Bipartisan Bill to Ensure National Guard Readiness,2024-06-11,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Joe Manchin (I-WV), along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Steve Daines (R-MT), J.D. Vance (R-OH), and Jim Risch (R-ID), today introduced the Guarding Readiness Resources Act. This legislation provides an exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for State Active Duty (SAD) reimbursement payments intended for the National Guard Bureau, allowing these funds to be directed back to the National Guard units that incurred the expenses. ""The National Guard is a cornerstone of our national defense and emergency response system, responding to everything from natural disasters to national security threats,"" said Senator Lee. ""Unfortunately, the current process for reimbursing Guard units creates unnecessary financial hurdles that undermine their readiness. Our bill ensures that the funds used by states to reimburse the National Guard go directly to maintaining and preparing our equipment for future missions."" “We are all incredibly grateful to the brave members of our National Guard who protect West Virginians and all Americans from any threat that comes our way,” said Senator Manchin.“I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Guarding Readiness Resources Act to ensure National Guard units can receive the federal reimbursements they need to continue serving our country safely and effectively. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join this commonsense legislation that supports our Guard men and women and boosts emergency preparedness in our communities.” ""National Guardsmen are essential to our national defense and disaster response capabilities. Their ability to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other state missions is vital to the safety and security of our communities,"" said Senator Cruz. ""I am proud to join Sens. Lee and Manchin in introducing bipartisan legislation that ensures funds needed to maintain the Guard's readiness go to the right place. This change will directly benefit our National Guard units across Texas and the entire nation, empowering them to better serve our citizens."" “The men and women of the National Guard serve our country and communities with bravery and honor. They are often among the first to respond to a major disaster like a blizzard or flood,” said Senator Klobuchar.“This legislation will ensure they can maintain the resources they need to fulfill their missions.” “I’m proud to introduce the Guarding Readiness Resources Act to ensure that our National Guard has the necessary funding for equipment and is prepared for any emergency,” said Senator Rubio. “The National Guard continually protects us both at home and abroad,” said Senator Crapo. “This bill goes a long way in eliminating federal red tape to ensure readiness and provides the National Guard with the funding, resources and equipment to successfully carry out missions.” The legislation responds to a significant operational challenge faced by the National Guard. While federal law permits the use of federal assets for state-directed missions, states must reimburse the National Guard Bureau when the mission is complete. A funding shortfall results when these reimbursements are directed to the U.S. Treasury, rather than the appropriate Guard unit. Retired Maj Gen. Francis M. McGinn, president of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), highlighted the urgency of the bill: ""The National Guard continuously responds to the dynamic domestic challenges this nation faces. Immediate response often requires significant unforeseen state expenditures. While the law allows for federal reimbursement, it is executed in such a way that states never see those much-needed funds. This creates substantial budget gaps that threaten the readiness of the force,“said McGinn. ""The Guarding Readiness Resources Act corrects this oversight and ensures the National Guard has the necessary resources to effectively fulfill their mission. We are grateful for the work of Senators Lee and Manchin and ask for full congressional support for inclusion in the FY25 NDAA."" ""The scope of how we utilize the members of the National Guard today can consist of deployments overseas or service to our own communities,"" said Jeffrey Frisby, Executive Director of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). ""The dual mission of the National Guard to serve both the state and federal governments often creates blurry lines in pay, benefits, and even the utilization of military equipment. With the high standards of serviceability for military property, it is important that the funding is always there for repair, maintenance, and to ensure mission success. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States is thankful for the work of Senator Lee and Senator Manchin to ensure that we eliminate any delays in the funds that would be used to ensure National Guard equipment is always ready, for every mission, no matter where we are called to be next."" For a one-pager, click HERE For bill text, click HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/breaking-the-bank-sen-lee-introduces-bill-to-abolish-the-federal-reserve,Breaking the Bank: Sen. Lee Introduces Bill to Abolish the Federal Reserve,2024-06-06,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act, legislation that would dissolve the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve banks and repeal the 1913 Federal Reserve Act, which established the System. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) leads the companion bill in the House of Representatives. ""The Federal Reserve has overstepped and repeatedly failed to achieve its mandate and become an economic manipulator that has directly contributed to the financial instability many Americans face today,"" said Sen. Lee. ""This legislation aims to protect our economic future by dismantling a system that enables unchecked governmentspending, the monetization of federal debt that fuels it, and widespread economic disruption. It’s time to end theFed."" ""Americans are suffering under crippling inflation, and the Federal Reserve is to blame,"" said Rep. Massie. ""During COVID, the Federal Reserve created trillions of dollars out of thin air and loaned it to the Treasury Department to enable unprecedented deficit spending. By monetizing the debt, the Federal Reserve devalued the dollar and enabled free money policies that caused the high inflation we see today.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-introduces-bill-to-protect-gun-shop-owners-and-uphold-the-second-amendment,Lee Introduces Bill to Protect Gun Shop Owners and Uphold the Second Amendment,2024-06-05,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the STOP the BIS Rule Act, legislation seeking to defend the rights of American gun shop owners and uphold the Second Amendment. Sen. Lee’s bill would prohibitthe use of federal funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the harmful interim rule issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which severely restricts the sale of American-made firearms to international customers. Congressman Mark Green (R-TN) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. ""Time and again, American gun exporters and small businesses jump through hoops imposed by this administration, only to find those standards arbitrarily changed,"" said Sen. Lee. ""This rule is a strategic attempt to undermine an entire industry. We must challenge the Biden administration's relentless assault on the Second Amendment and defend the rights of our small business owners."" “The Biden BIS has gone rogue. BIS’s new rule on gun exports will make it nearly impossible for many gun shop owners to make a living,” said Rep. Green. “This rule punishes law-abiding business owners all because of the left’s antipathy for the Second Amendment. Our Founders warned against this kind of sweeping government overreach.” The STOP the BIS Rule Act represents a firm stand against overregulation and would ensure that the federal government cannot use taxpayer dollars to undermine our constitutional rights and unduly punish law-abiding gun manufacturers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-introduces-bill-to-modernize-federal-regulatory-reviews,Lee Introduces Bill to Modernize Federal Regulatory Reviews,2024-05-23,2024,2024-05,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Modernizing Retrospective Regulatory Review Act, which directs the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to leverage technology to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of reviews on outdated and redundant regulations. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is leading the companion bill in the House of Representatives. ""Americans deserve a government that moves at the speed of business, not the speed of bureaucracy,"" said Sen. Lee. ""By using modern technology to refine our regulatory framework, we can boost economic growth and ensure that our government regulations reflect today's realities."" “The federal government should not be an ever-growing beast hindering innovation with red tape and procedural hurdles,” said Sen. Lummis. “The Modernizing Retrospective Review Act will bring the federal government into the 21st century by utilizing modern technology to identify and eliminate unnecessary federal regulations to streamline the regulatory process that has ballooned into a 20-year slog for some industries. It should not take a Washington regulator longer to greenlight a project than it did for someone in Wyoming to come up with the idea.” “American businesses must be given the opportunity to thrive without overbearing, costly, contradictory, and duplicative regulations mandated by the DC Swamp,” said Rep. Biggs. “Federal overregulation takes a colossal toll on the U.S. economy. Thousands of new regulations go into effect every year, and there simply isn’t enough manpower or existing technology to sift through previously issued regulations. AI technology is an effective tool that can save taxpayer dollars, benefit American business owners, and promote economic growth.” Key features of the bill include: A mandate for OIRA to issue guidance on employing modern technology, like Artificial Intelligence, to refine regulatory reviews. A requirement for federal agencies to develop and submit a ""Retrospective Review Plan,"" detailing their strategies for implementing OIRA's guidance. An obligation for OIRA to report to Congress on the availability of federal regulations in a machine-readable format. The introduction of this bill aligns with the broader goals of the Trump Administration's deregulatory agenda and leverages the advancements we've made in technology to identify scores of rules and regulations that can and should be eliminated. .",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-and-roy-partner-on-legislation-to-secure-federal-elections,Lee and Roy Partner on Legislation to Secure Federal Elections,2024-05-08,2024,2024-05,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), alongside Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This crucial legislation seeks to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. The SAVE Act is cosponsored by: Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL). The SAVE Act amends the National Voter Registration Act, setting requirements for states to verify U.S. citizenship. It outlines acceptable documentation for proving citizenship and requires states to set up alternative verification processes for citizens without standard documents. Additionally, the legislation compels states to purge non-citizens from voter rolls and establishes federal penalties for intentionally registering non-citizens. ““Illegal immigrants and non-citizens across the nation are being improperly registered to vote, allowing them to cast illegitimate ballots in federal elections,” said Sen. Lee. “At a time when trust in voting is more important than ever, we must stop foreign election interference and pass the SAVE Act. Voting is both a sacred right and responsibility of American citizenship, and allowing the people of other nations access to our elections is a grave blow to our security and self-governance. I’m proud to stand with Chip Roy to save our democratic process and representative government.” ""Secure elections are a key cornerstone for any representative government; without them, we won't have a country,” said Rep. Roy. “Radical progressive Democrats know this and are using open border policies while also attacking election integrity laws to fundamentally remake America. That's why I am proud to introduce the SAVE Act with Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues, along with the invaluable support of citizens and organizations that recognize we must end the practice of non-citizens voting in our elections.” “U.S. citizenship is sacred, and foreign nationals shouldn’t be able to vote in America’s elections,” said Sen. Kennedy. “The SAVE Act would ensure that people who aren’t even citizens don’t cancel out Louisianians and Americans’ voices at the ballot box.” ""Under Joe Biden's watch, over 11 million illegal aliens are now here on U.S. soil. That's enough to replace the entire population of Kansas almost FOUR TIMES over,"" Sen. Marshall said. ""Democrats motivations behind welcoming this influx of migrants has been clear: they believe these are future Democrat voters. While requiring U.S. citizenship for federal elections has long been a requirement, our legislation finally puts pen to paper on the exact documents a person will need to prove they are, in fact, an American citizen and eligible voter. Proof of citizenship as a requirement to vote in our elections should not be controversial- it is our responsibility to protect the integrity of our electoral process.” By implementing rigorous checks for voter registration, this legislation would defend against improper voting and seek to restore confidence in the integrity of our federal elections. For a one-pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/mike-lee-and-chip-roy-to-announce-save-act-to-protect-american-voters,Mike Lee and Chip Roy to Announce SAVE Act to Protect American Voters,2024-05-08,2024,2024-05,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 8, Senator Mike Lee, alongside Chip Roy and Speaker Johnson, will hold a press conference on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation led by Senator Lee in the Senate and Congressman Chip Roy in the House. It would require proof of American citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. WHO: Senator Mike Lee Speaker Johnson Congressman Chip Roy Cleta Mitchell (FAIR Elections Fund) Jenny Beth Martin (Tea Party Patriots Action) Stephen Miller (America First Legal) Ken Cuccinelli (Election Transparency Initiative) Rosemary Jenks (Immigration Accountability Project) Andy Roth (State Freedom Caucus Network) WHAT: Press Conference WHEN: May 8 at 11:00 am ET WHERE: House Elm Site (directly across the plaza from the South Door) NOTE: Press interested in attending must have equipment pre-set by 10:00am ET for a security sweep. -###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-introduces-bill-targeting-wealthy-university-subsidies,Lee Introduces Bill Targeting Wealthy University Subsidies,2024-05-02,2024,2024-05,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities Act, a new bill to address the misuse of taxpayer dollars in higher education. The bill targets institutions that perpetuate administrative bloat and advance ideological agendas under the guise of education. Its introduction comes in response to the disturbing wave of violence and antisemitic rhetoric that has swept across college campuses. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) have joined as cosponsors while Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) spearheads the companion effort in the House of Representatives. Sen. Lee's legislation specifically aims to eliminate indirect cost reimbursements on federal research grants for universities with endowments exceeding $5 billion and imposes stringent accountability measures on how these institutions utilize taxpayer funds, especially in their administrative and diversity departments. “The tax dollars of hard-working American families are going to ultra-wealthy universities, like Columbia and Harvard, supporting woke DEI programs while churning out graduates who riot for the destruction of Israel and desecrate the American flag,” said Sen. Lee. “It is a disgrace, which is why I introduced legislation to cut off certain public funding streams to the richest universities. If they want to trash their reputations as academic institutions, they can do it on their own dime.” ""Billions in taxpayer dollars intended for scientific research at wealthy universities, like Columbia and Harvard, are being hijacked to finance radical DEI agendas,” said Rep. Cline. “This misuse of funds is a blatant betrayal of American taxpayers. Congress has a duty to intervene, ensuring that these dollars are dedicated to legitimate research purposes, not to advance the Left's political doctrine on our campuses."" Sen. Lee's bill would cap indirect cost reimbursements, which have historically covered vague and non-itemizable expenses such as administrative overheads and building maintenance, at a maximum of 8% for institutions with endowments between $2 billion and $5 billion and at 15% for all others. Furthermore, the bill requires institutions receiving federal grant money to disclose the allocation of funds towards diversity, equity, and inclusion staffing, ensuring transparency and accountability. Heritage Action endorses the legislation. For bill text, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:12:30Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/4/lee-introduces-2-year-reca-reauthorization-bill-to-provide-compensation-for-victims-of-atomic-testing,Lee Introduces 2-Year RECA Reauthorization Bill to Provide Compensation for Victims of Atomic Testing,2024-04-18,2024,2024-04,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a bill to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for an additional two years. This legislation aims to provide needed compensation to individuals who have been adversely affected by atomic weapons testing conducted by the federal government. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) cosponsored the legislation in the Senate, and Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) is leading the effort in the House of Representatives. Since its enactment in 1990, RECA has been instrumental in providing support to individuals who participated in atomic weapons testing or lived near test sites during periods of atmospheric testing between 1951 and 1992. The program has also extended benefits to uranium miners, mill workers, and ore transporters who were exposed to radiation while working in the uranium industry between 1942 and 1971. Of the bill, Sen. Lee said, ""When the government harms people, victims should be able to receive compensation. Downwinders and others harmed by the nation's early atomic program often suffer the consequences of exposure decades after the fact. Passing my RECA extension would send a message saying the United States government is not abandoning these victims and communities."" Of the bill, Sen. Romney said, “I’m proud to once again cosponsor an extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which will allow residents of Utah who were affected by our nation’s early nuclear program to be properly compensated.” Of the bill, Rep. Maloy said, “Many Utahns were harmed by the federal government’s aboveground testing of nuclear weapons during the early atomic program, and decades later they, along with their families, are still paying a high price. RECA was created as a way for the federal government to partially compensate Americans who have developed certain cancers and diseases as a result of being downwind from nuclear testing and exposed to radiation. Congress cannot let RECA expire in June. That’s why I’m working with Senator Lee to ensure that downwinders continue to be covered.” To date, RECA has awarded over $2.4 billion in benefits to more than 38,000 claimants. However, the program is scheduled to sunset on June 10th, 2024, underscoring the urgent need for reauthorization. The proposed bill seeks to ensure that all Americans who live within geographic areas adversely affected by atomic weapons testing are eligible for compensation. It reaffirms the government's commitment to supporting individuals who have suffered the long-term consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation. For a one-pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/4/lee-introduces-bill-to-enhance-state-input-on-federal-grazing-land,Lee Introduces Bill to Enhance State Input on Federal Grazing Land,2024-04-18,2024,2024-04,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the State Grazing Management Authority Act, a bill to empower states to manage grazing allotments on federal lands. This legislation seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rangeland management while fostering collaboration between local stakeholders and government agencies. The State Grazing Management Authority Act proposes to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to enable the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with states to administer allotment management plans on federal lands. These agreements would allow states to manage grazing activities subject to valid existing rights and federal oversight. ""For too long, grazers on federal public lands have faced bureaucratic hurdles and unresponsive management practices,"" said Sen. Lee. ""This bill empowers states to tailor grazing management to local needs and conditions, fostering healthier rangelands and stronger communities."" Under the proposed legislation, states could partner with federal agencies to develop and implement allotment management plans tailored to local conditions. This approach aims to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of rangeland management, ensuring that grazing practices align with the needs of ranchers and grazers. Key provisions of the State Grazing Management Authority Act include: Cooperative Agreements: States may enter into cooperative agreements with federal agencies to administer grazing allotments on federal lands. NEPA Analysis: Cooperative agreements may assign responsibility for conducting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses to states. Revenue Sharing: Grazing fees collected under authorized allotment management plans would be shared between states and federal agencies. Dispute Resolution: The bill establishes processes for resolving disputes and ensures that parties directly involved in grazing management retain control over decision-making. Monitoring and Accountability: Cooperative agreements would include joint monitoring regimens to track the success of grazing management practices and ensure compliance with established plans.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/4/senate-republicans-host-press-conference-on-sec-mayorkas-impeachment-trial,Senate Republicans Host Press Conference on Sec. Mayorkas Impeachment Trial,2024-04-09,2024,2024-04,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, the House of Representatives is set to deliver its Articles of Impeachment for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate. In anticipation of these articles, Senate Republicans will be hosting a press conference to discuss the importance of holding Secretary Mayorkas accountable and conducting a full impeachment trial in the Senate. WHAT: Press Conference on DHS Sec. Mayorkas Impeachment Trial. WHO: U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and more. WHEN: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 1:30 PM MT / 3:30 PM ET",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/grounding-the-invasion-lee-s-bill-to-close-the-gate-on-cbp-one-app-use,Grounding the Invasion: Lee's Bill to Close the Gate on CBP One App Use,2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), in response to the ongoing invasion at the southern border and the Biden Administration's decision to validate the CBP One Mobile App as an acceptable form of identification for air travel into and across the United States, has introduced the Verifying that all Aliens have Legitimate Identification Documents (VALID) Act. This legislation directly targets the loopholes exploited by illegal immigrants to travel within the U.S. without proper identification. Since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decided to accept the CBP One Mobile App as a form of identification for air travel into and throughout the United States, there have been over 200,000 migrants entering the U.S. using the app as their sole form of identification, a loophole the VALID Act would permanently close. The Valid Act is cosponsored by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), and John Thune (R-SD). Of the bill, Sen. Lee said, ""Every American needs to show ID to enter our country. So why do we make it simpler for illegal immigrants to come in than for our own people? As our nation grapples with an unprecedented invasion at our southern border, the VALID Act resolves to close the loopholes that have allowed 200,000 illegal immigrants into the country unchecked. The Biden administration's policies have blatantly facilitated this crisis, encouraging illegal immigration and compromising our nation's security."" Of the bill, Sen. Scott said, ""Biden's TSA has made the choice to allow illegal aliens with no verified identification to use the CBP One Mobile App before flying on commercial airlines into U.S. airports. This is unacceptable and dangerous. The Biden administration has intentionally made our country more dangerous with policies that put Americans at great risk and weaken U.S. national security. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to keep Americans safe.” Of the bill, Sen. Marshall said, “Joe Biden's reckless open-border policies have spiraled out of control and created the most immediate national security threat that our country faces, endangering American lives across the country. It is truly inconceivable how, in the face of such a historic attack on our nation's sovereignty, the President of the United States continues to double down, allowing illegal aliens to freely board planes without proper vetting or identification. I am proud to join Senator Lee in addressing the staggering number of migrants exploiting our systems through Joe Biden's CBP One App.” Of the bill, Chad Wolf, former acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Executive Director of the America First Policy Institute, said, ""Shortly after 9/11 the U.S. Congress, through the REAL ID Act, recognized the importance of establishing certain security standards for identification documents to fly on commercial aircraft. Each presidential administration since 9/11 has worked diligently to bring more security to our skies. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration's policy of allowing illegal aliens to use documents with unverifiable and unvetted information to board commercial aircraft defies common sense and congressional will and makes it easier for illegal aliens to travel than U.S. citizens and legal immigrants. The administration's unlawful use of the CBP One app to mass parole inadmissible aliens into American communities raises both legal and public safety concerns. The VALID Act is an important step in reining in these abuses and ensuring the safety of the American people."" Key provisions of the VALID Act include: Prohibits the TSA from accepting the CBP One Mobile App, a Notice to Appear (NTA), or a Notice to Report (NTR) as valid forms of identification for passing through TSA security checkpoints and boarding planes. Bans aircraft from foreign countries that accept the CBP One Mobile App, an NTA, or an NTR as legal forms of identification from operating in U.S. airspace.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/lee-coons-introduce-bipartisan-ndo-fairness-act,"LEE, COONS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN NDO FAIRNESS ACT",2024-03-21,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the bipartisan NDO Fairness Act, legislation to safeguard American citizens' privacy and constitutional rights in the digital era. In recent years, the use of Non-Disclosure Orders (NDOs), commonly referred to as gag or secrecy orders has surged, particularly in cases involving electronic data like emails, texts, and personal online information. These orders prevent service providers from informing individuals that law enforcement has accessed their data. The NDO Fairness Act would address these concerns by requiring the government to adhere to established legal and constitutional standards before obtaining secrecy orders for electronic searches. This move aims to align the criteria for electronic data searches more closely with those for physical searches, where the government generally must notify individuals unless a higher standard to delay such notice is met. ""The Fourth Amendment protects our right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, including the search of our private electronic communications,” said Sen. Lee. “Americans deserve to know when the government surveils these communications. This bill strikes the right balance between protecting Americans' privacy and providing needed transparency while allowing judges to grant nondisclosure orders when necessary to protect others from harm or preserve an ongoing investigation."" “The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures, but individuals can only assert their rights if they are aware that their electronic records have been collected,” said Sen. Coons. “The current bar for granting non-disclosure orders is too low, and government requests for secrecy are often granted even when they’re not justified by the facts on the ground. The NDO Fairness Act will ensure that NDOs are only issued in circumstances requiring secrecy and will better protect the rights of Americans.” Key Components of the NDO Fairness Act: The Act mandates meaningful judicial review to ensure that NDOs meet constitutional standards. Courts will be required to issue written findings justifying the lawfulness of NDO requests and to limit their duration to 90 days, with possible renewals if necessary. By enforcing stricter criteria for the issuance of NDOs, the Act protects fundamental rights and ensures that secrecy orders are only granted when truly necessary. The Act introduces a time-limited duration for NDOs, with a standard period of 90 days, mirroring the process for physical search warrants. Special provisions apply for cases involving severe offenses, such as child exploitation, where orders are limited to one year. Service providers will have the right to challenge unlawful NDOs, enhancing the protection of Americans' data from government overreach.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/lee-introduces-bill-to-empower-local-authorities-in-managing-native-wildlife,Lee Introduces Bill to Empower Local Authorities in Managing Native Wildlife,2024-03-15,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced the Native Species Protection Act, which empowers states with the authority to manage wildlife species found entirely within their borders, without federal interference. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). “It's time to pivot from the one-size-fits-all approach of the Endangered Species Act,”said Sen. Lee. “We need a better approach to protect endangered and threatened species, and the Native Species Protection Act proposes a solution where conservation is local, sensible, and leaps beyond the inefficiencies plaguing the ESA.” The Native Species Protection Act amends the current scope of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), by specifying that noncommercial species that do not cross state lines are to be considered intrastate species. Consequently, these species would not fall under the regulatory purview of the ESA, allowing state and local authorities to take the lead in conservation efforts. For a one-pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/lee-reintroduces-davis-bacon-repeal-act,Lee Reintroduces Davis-Bacon Repeal Act,2024-03-15,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act, legislation to eliminate the wage subsidy law that mandates federally funded construction projects worth more than $2,000 pay workers the ""prevailing wage"" rate applicable in the same locality for non-federal projects. This act imposes undue burdens on the economy, disadvantages unskilled labor, and unfairly benefits organized labor at taxpayers' expense. The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL). ""The Davis-Bacon Act is a glaring example of how excessive government regulation is detrimental to our economy, favoring special interest groups over the broader public interest and limiting opportunities for workers,"" said Sen. Lee. ""By repealing this act, we aim to remove these artificial barriers to economic growth, alleviate the pressure on federal project costs, and ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized more efficiently."" The act's prevailing wage rates are, on average, 22% higher than market wages, leading to inflated costs for federally funded construction projects, increased administrative workload, and oversight of the varied skill levels required for different construction jobs. The CBO estimates savings of $10.7 billion over ten years, while the Heritage Foundation suggests that repeal could have saved taxpayers $10.9 billion in 2010 alone, potentially employing 155,000 more workers in construction-related fields without additional cost to taxpayers. For a one pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/lee-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-accelerate-adoption-of-geothermal-energy,Lee Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Accelerate Adoption of Geothermal Energy,2024-03-14,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) along with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), James Risch (R-ID), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), all members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act to accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide. Next-generation geothermal technologies offer several unique advantages that distinguish it from other forms of clean energy — including its potential to complement intermittent energy like wind and solar, its ability to be deployed beyond hot and temperate regions, its versatility to match local demand, and capacity to create new pathways to high-paying quality jobs. Geothermal heat can be used for industrial processes, mineral production, as well as aquaculture and agricultural applications, energy storage, and hydrogen production. It is especially suitable for energy-intensive direct air capture (DAC) facilities and data centers. “By introducing this bill, we aim to break down the bureaucratic barriers that have stifled innovation and investment in geothermal technology for far too long,” said Lee. “Our legislation will streamline the permitting process, making geothermal energy a more feasible option for supplying baseload power to communities across the United States, including Utah, which stands on the brink of becoming a leader in geothermal innovation. Through this bipartisan effort, we are preparing for a future where geothermal power plays a key role in our energy strategy” “With a highly skilled workforce already trained in the technologies of this emerging industry, New Mexico is ready to lead the nation in the deployment of geothermal energy,”said Heinrich. “By breaking down barriers that are preventing companies from fully harnessing the power of geothermal energy, my bipartisan GEO Act builds on the successful efforts our state has advanced to unlock this new, carbon emission-free energy source. This is how we will accelerate our clean energy future, grow our economy, lower costs for working Americans, and create more high-quality jobs that New Mexicans can build their families around.” ""Idaho has long utilized the abundant natural geothermal resources just below its surface. With breakthrough technologies underway, there is great potential to scale up production of this clean, reliable energy. The GEO Act will streamline leasing and permitting processes, allowing the responsible and efficient development of traditional and enhanced geothermal resources on our public lands,” said Risch. “Nevada is primed to continue to grow our geothermal energy sector, which will play an essential role in our clean energy future,”said Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation will make it easier for companies to explore and invest in geothermal projects that power our communities while lowering energy costs for Nevada families.” The GEO Act would put geothermal projects on an equal footing with oil and gas projects on public land, and direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service to develop a streamlined process for geothermal observation well permits on public land. The bill also creates a Geothermal Ombudsman and Strike Team to provide additional resources for field offices. Additionally, it sets new geothermal lease targets on federal lands and requires the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service to hold auctions more frequently than every two years. “In 2005, the U.S. was in an energy crisis and rightly granted oil and gas a categorical exclusion to produce more energy to meet demand. We may be approaching a new crisis if we don’t start producing more clean power to meet energy demand, and this bill helps achieve parity for 24/7, renewable geothermal,” said Rich Powell, CEO of ClearPath Action. ""The GEO Act will streamline the permitting process, expand development leasing, and provide much needed resources to get more geothermal power onto the grid.” ""Next-generation geothermal energy is available today to provide 24/7 clean and reliable electricity all over the West, creating jobs in rural communities and enhancing American energy security. We commend the leadership of Senators Heinrich, Risch, Lee, and Cortez-Masto in developing the GEO Act to make it easier to deploy this critical technology at the speed we need to support a thriving economy and stave off the worst impacts of the climate crisis,”said Sarah Jewett, VP of Strategy, Fervo Energy. “We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Heinrich, Risch, Lee and Cortez Masto in introducing this critical legislation,” said Jeanine Vany, Eavor Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “The Geothermal Energy Optimization Act of 2024 streamlines the permitting process and will advance geothermal energy development on federal lands. As we look towards the energy systems of the future, Eavor’s technology provides carbon-free, sustainable energy development that aids in the decarbonization of heating and electricity. We also create high-paying jobs and provide grid hardening capabilities – all while using minimal water and land. This legislation will help advance geothermal projects like Eavor’s to become a reality more quickly across the United States.” A one-page bill summary is HERE. The text of the bill is HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/sens-lee-and-cruz-lead-senate-republicans-in-challenging-fcc-s-unlawful-digital-equity-rules,Sens. Lee and Cruz Lead Senate Republicans in Challenging FCC’s Unlawful ‘Digital Equity’ Rules,2024-03-14,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) led a group of 19 senators in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to nullify the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) so-called “Digital Discrimination” order. The order, which the FCC voted to finalize in November, gives the federal government control over nearly every aspect of the broadband industry while exposing companies to expansive, indeterminate, and crippling liability under a “disparate impact” standard. The FCC’s order, which ignores the plain language of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will harm broadband investment and undermine the goal of promoting high-speed internet access for all Americans. “The FCC’s heavy-handed 'Digital Discrimination' rule is a solution in search of a problem,” said Sen. Lee. “It’s a broad overreach that threatens to entangle the internet in red tape, jeopardizing the very innovation that has made it a cornerstone of modern life. This resolution is our stand against Biden's attempt to regulate the internet into oblivion, ensuring the internet remains a dynamic and competitive marketplace for ideas, not a utility subject to government whims.” “Despite admitting there’s ‘little to no evidence’ of discrimination by broadband companies, the Biden administration has plowed ahead with government-mandated affirmative action and race-based pricing for broadband,”said Sen. Cruz. “The only beneficiaries of the FCC’s Orwellian ‘equity’ plan are overzealous government regulators who want to control the internet. This resolution will roll back FCC Democrats’ unlawful power grab.” Under the FCC’s new order, nearly every aspect of the internet—including a broadband provider’s deployment decisions, network reliability, network maintenance, equipment, pricing, promotional discounts, customer service, language options, credit checks, marketing and advertising, and more—will be subject to potential FCC enforcement actions, including multi-million-dollar forfeitures and injunctive orders, under a disparate impact standard. Back in November, Sen. Lee joined a group of 28 senators in calling on the FCC to rescind its draft order. Co-sponsors of the joint resolution of disapproval include: Sens. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.). Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.) and Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) have introduced companion legislation in the House. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/lee-durbin-introduce-bipartisan-inspector-general-access-act,"LEE, DURBIN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN INSPECTOR GENERAL ACCESS ACT",2024-02-27,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General to include alleged DOJ attorney misconduct. Currently, the DOJ Inspector General (IG) has no authority to investigate professional misconduct by DOJ lawyers. DOJ is the only agency whose IG has such a jurisdictional carve-out. TheInspector General Access Act would simply strike this loophole, which leads to an unfair double standard where every DOJ employee—including FBI and DEA agents, U.S. Marshals, and federal prison guards—can be investigated by the DOJ IG except DOJ lawyers. “The current IG oversight exemption for DOJ attorneys is nonsensical and undermines accountability in our justice system,"" said Sen. Lee. ""Our simple bill changes that, ensuring DOJ attorneys are no longer off-limits for IG investigations. I'm proud to partner with Senator Durbin on this common-sense bipartisan effort.” “This is a simple, bipartisan bill that would close a glaring loophole in the law,” said Sen. Durbin. “This is not a partisan issue. We should all agree that whoever the Attorney General is, he or she should be subject to independent oversight. I’m thankful to Senator Lee for his leadership and partnership on this important bill.” The Inspector General Access Act solves the problem that has long prevented independent oversight of DOJ prosecutors by simply striking the jurisdictional carve out in Section 413 of Title 5, United States Code. As a result, DOJ’s Inspector General would be fully empowered to investigate allegations of misconduct against Department lawyers. In addition to enhancing oversight and public accountability at DOJ, this simple, common sense reform will bring DOJ in line with the practices in other federal agencies where allegations of attorney professional misconduct are already subject to investigation by Inspectors General. Along with Durbin and Lee, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/lee-calls-out-commerce-time-s-up-on-pause-for-gun-export-licenses,Lee Calls Out Commerce: Time's Up on Pause for Gun Export Licenses,2024-02-21,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) led a letter urging the Biden Administration to end the unilateral pause on issuing new export licenses for American firearms manufacturers by the Department of Commerce. This pause, initiated on October 27, 2023, purportedly to enhance national security interests, has instead inflicted financial harm on numerous businesses without tangible security benefits. Despite indicating that the pause would last only approximately 90 days, the moratorium on issuing new export licenses remains in effect, and the Commerce Department refuses to clarify when they will lift the pause. The letter was signed by Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), James E. Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/lee-leads-call-for-senate-trial-on-mayorkas-impeachment,Lee Leads Call for Senate Trial on Mayorkas Impeachment,2024-02-20,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has led his colleagues calling for Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to demand a Senate trial for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, noting the Senate's constitutional responsibility to conduct a thorough trial following the House's impeachment articles. “The Senate failed miserably to ensure our southern border was secured before sending Ukraine billions in American tax dollars,” said Sen. Mike Lee.“We cannot fail to uphold our constitutional duty and conduct an impeachment trial for Secretary Mayorkas, who has ignored his duty to protect our country. Chuck Schumer is trying to sweep this travesty under the rug by violating the constitution and foregoing a trial. Republican leadership cannot stand idly by and let him.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/mike-lee-demands-senate-trial-for-impeached-dhs-secretary-mayorkas,Mike Lee Demands Senate Trial for Impeached DHS Secretary Mayorkas,2024-02-13,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)issued the statement below following the U.S. House of Representatives vote to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: “The Senate failed miserably to ensure our southern border was secured before sending Ukraine billions in American tax dollars. We cannot fail to uphold our constitutional duty and conduct an impeachment trial for Secretary Mayorkas, who has ignored his duty to protect our country. Chuck Schumer is trying to sweep this travesty under the rug by violating the constitution and foregoing a trial. Republican leadership cannot stand idly by and let him.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/media-advisory,"MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Lee, Senator Vance, Elon Musk, and David Sacks Will Discuss Ukraine Funding on X Spaces At 6:00PM ET",2024-02-12,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today at 6:00 PM ET, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Senator JD Vance (R-OH), Elon Musk, and David Sacks will participate in a X Spaces conversation on U.S. funding for the war in Ukraine. WHAT: X Spaces conversation on Ukraine funding WHO: Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Senator JD Vance (R-OH), Elon Musk, and David Sacks WHEN: Monday, February 12, 6:00 PM ET LINK: Join on X by clicking HERE. -###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/senators-alarmed-by-fda-s-chief-scientist-s-perspectives-on-promotions,Senators Alarmed by FDA's Chief Scientist's Perspectives on Promotions,2024-02-08,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), joined by Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Mike Braun (R-IN), raised concerns to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf about the expressed views of Dr. Namandje Bumpus, the agency's Chief Scientist. The letter urges Commissioner Califf to consider how Dr. Bumpus's potential promotion to Principal Deputy Commissioner could influence the FDA's hiring and promotion practices and questions whether her perspective aligns with the FDA's mission to protect public health. For the full letter, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/senator-lee-releases-dirty-dozen-disasters-in-so-called-border-deal,Senator Lee Releases “Dirty Dozen” Disasters in So-Called “Border Deal”,2024-02-05,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"The proposed border deal will not secure our border. Passing it into law would worsen the border crisis. Here’s why: CODIFIES CATCH AND RELEASE: Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security unchecked authority to release an alien into the United States under ineffective “alternatives to detention.” The illegals only have to express “credible fear” of persecution or the intent to apply for “protection determination.” (SEC. 235B) ALLOWS UP TO 1.8 MILLION ILLEGAL ALIENS TO ENTER BEFORE TEMPORARILY CLOSING PARTS OF THE BORDER: The Secretary of Homeland Security is only required to shut down the border if there are 5,000 average illegal crossings over a consecutive seven-day period or 8,500 in a single day. The Secretary may shut down the border if crossings are at 4,000 daily average over a consecutive seven-day period. Even during a border emergency, this bill requires the administration to process a minimum of 1,400 illegal immigrants a day. This is 400 more per day than Obama’s DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said constituted a crisis in 2019. (SEC. 244B) LOOPHOLES: Does not count any unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries, suspected trafficking victims, aliens who are determined “exempted” based on decisions by ICE, or aliens who meet screening criteria for asylum. Also allows the reopening of the border once encounters are at 75% of the number that caused the shut down, so if the number was 10,000 per day, it only has to be reduced to 7,500/day to reopen. LIMITED DURATION: Limits the number of days each year where authority to shut down the border can be in place: 270 days in first calendar year, 225 days in the second year and 180 days in the third year. The period that this “border shutdown” is mandatory decreases – in year one, the first 90 days are mandatory; in year two, the first 75 days are mandatory; and in year three, only the first 60 days are mandatory. PRESIDENTIAL DISCRETION: Allows the president to reopen the border any time it is in the “national interest to temporarily suspend the border emergency authority” for up to 45 days. FUNDS SANCTUARY CITIES AND NGOs SENDING ILLEGALS AROUND THE COUNTRY: Includes $1.4 BILLION for more FEMA grants to NGOs that provide shelter, transportation, legal advice and other services to illegal aliens and $2.3 BILLION to HHS for Refugee Entrant And Assistance, a slush fund for services to unaccompanied alien children. SUBSIDIZES FREE, TAXPAYER-FUNDED LEGAL COUNSEL TO ILLEGAL ALIENS: Orders the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that “all unaccompanied alien children who are or have been in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary of Homeland Security…have counsel to represent them in legal proceedings” and free legal counsel for any illegal alien who a judge determines is mentally “incompetent.” Mandates that the government provide legal counsel for UACs 13 years old and under. (SEC. 3512-3513) EXPANDS PAROLE INSTEAD OF LIMITING IT: Does nothing to meaningfully limit President Biden’s abuse of parole. The language makes a fake exemption that seems to sanction Mayorkas' current abuse of parole. Under this bill, Mayorkas can parole in all these groups with the implicit approval of Congress. It also creates a dangerous EXPANSION of parole by saying it can now be granted for anyone the DHS Secretary determines has an “urgent humanitarian reason” to stay and any “culturally important purpose warranting the alien’s presence in the United States on Tribal land located at or near an international land border.” (SEC. 3146) INCREASES GREEN CARDS BY 50,000 PER YEAR FOR FIVE YEARS: This includes 32,000 family-based green cards and 18,000 employment-based green cards. Hurts American workers by importing cheap foreign labor. (SEC. 3402) WORK PERMIT FOR ADULT CHILDREN OF H-1B VISA HOLDERS: Hurts American workers by providing indefinite work permits to an estimated 250,000 adult children of H-1B nonimmigrant visa holders who will be competing for jobs with recent college graduates. (SEC. 3403) IMMEDIATE WORK PERMITS TO EVERY ILLEGAL RELEASED FROM CUSTODY AFTER THEY PASS AN INITIAL SCREENING: Current law requires a 6 months waiting period after filing an asylum claim before you can apply for a work permit. Under this bill, applicants are granted an IMMEDIATE work permit if they pass the initial asylum credible fear screening. (SEC. 235C) NOTHING TO DEPORT ILLEGALS: Does not require the President or Secretary of Homeland Security to deport anyone. AFGHAN ADJUSTMENT ACT: Creates a pathway to citizenship for over 60,000 poorly vetted Afghans who were brought to the country due to President Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. (SEC. 331) WEAKENS ASYLUM SCREENING BY CODIFYING BIDEN POLICY: Codifies the Biden asylum officer regulation and empowers USCIS asylum officers to grant asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture without review by an Immigration Judge, ensuring significantly higher approval rates. (SEC. 3141) NO IMMEDIATE FUNDING FOR THE WALL: The bill claims to give $650 million for “building the border wall.” This is a budgeting gimmick without any new money. The bill would simply rescind current money and then put it back in with a later date (FY2028) so that President Biden and Sec. Mayorkas don’t have to build any wall and can delay spending money on the border wall. (SEC. 205)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:48:26Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/utah-congressional-delegation-announces-passport-fairs-in-coordination-with-state-department,Utah Congressional Delegation Announces Passport Fairs in Coordination with State Department,2024-02-05,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Utahns can obtain passport services at five events throughout the state from February 13 – 17 WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Representatives John Curtis (UT-03), Blake Moore (UT-01), Burgess Owens (UT-04), and Celeste Maloy (UT-02), in coordination with the Department of State, today announced five “Passport Fairs” throughout the state. Utahns in need of a passport, or those whose passports have expired or will expire in the next year, may register for an appointment from February 13 – 17 at one of five locations. Expedited processing will be available. Details can be found below. “Utah is rapidly expanding as a center for global commerce and tourism, is home to thousands of Latter-day Saints who annually embark on worldwide religious missions, and has a fast-growing population. These factors have created a high demand for passport services in our state, but unfortunately, Utahns must travel long distances to reach the nearest passport office,” said the delegation. “While bringing a passport agency to Salt Lake City is still a top priority, we are pleased to partner with the State Department to host passport fairs at five different locations throughout the state to provide Utahns with an opportunity to obtain expedited passport services closer to home.” DETAILS: FULL NO MORE APPOINTMENTS - Tuesday, February 13 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM MST Weber State University, Community Outreach Center 2605 Monroe Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401 Click HERE for an appointment at Weber State University Wednesday, February 14 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM MST Salt Lake Community College, Jordan Campus 3491 West 9000 South, West Jordan, UT 84088 Click HERE for an appointment at Salt Lake Community College Thursday, February 15 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM MST Utah Valley University, Young Alumni Center 1062 West 800 South, Orem, UT 84058 Click HERE for an appointment at Utah Valley University FULL NO MORE APPOINTMENTS - Friday, February 16 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM MST Bennett Federal Building 125 South State St, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Click HERE for an appointment at the Bennett Federal Building Saturday, February 17 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MST Kiln Building 2701 North Thanksgiving Way #100, Lehi, UT 84043 Click HERE for an appointment at the Kiln Building To apply for a passport (or to renew a passport), you must bring to your appointment: A completed passport application for each applicant Forms can be filled out and printed from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html For Minors Under 16 – Personal appearance of the Minor and Parental Consent required. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html Minors Aged 16 and 17 must appear in person. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/16-17.html Evidence of U.S. Citizenship A recent passport photo – 2” x 2” (NO GLASSES in Passport Photos) Valid photo identification and a clear, single-sided copy of the front and back of the ID Payment of passport fees (check or money order) Primary Application Forms for a U.S. Passport Use the State Department’s Form Filler to enter your information online and print off a paper form with a special barcode. ###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/1/senator-lee-takes-tech-ceos-to-task-on-online-child-safety,Senator Lee Takes Tech CEOs to Task on Online Child Safety,2024-01-31,2024,2024-01,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, amidst a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled ""Big Tech and the Online Child Sexual Exploitation Crisis,"" Sen. Mike Lee announced the introduction of the Preventing Rampant Online Technological Exploitation and Criminal Trafficking (PROTECT) Act. This legislation addresses the pressing issue of online sexual exploitation and imposes stringent requirements on internet service providers. The PROTECT Act compels sites to verify the age of all participants in pornographic images and those uploading pornographic images. Additionally, it requires sites to obtain verified consent forms from individuals uploading content and those appearing in uploaded content. It also stops the sharing of child sexual abuse material and revenge pornography online by mandating that websites quickly remove images upon receiving notice they were uploaded without consent or face potential civil and criminal liability. Of the bill, Sen. Lee said, ""Tech companies need to do more to prevent the exploitation that is occurring on their platforms and allow individuals to remove images shared without their consent. The PROTECT Act is a step in that direction."" Sen. Lee’s bill responds to a disturbing trend wherein survivors of sexual abuse are repeatedly victimized through the widespread distribution of non-consensual images of themselves on social media platforms. A recent study by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children revealed a chilling statistic: a single image of child sexual abuse material resurfaced more than 490,000 times after being reported. Sen. Lee pressed Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, inquiring why more robust and proactive measures were not being taken to ensure the safety and protection of children who use Meta's platforms. Sen. Lee: ""Why not restrict explicit content for 16-17 year olds as well?"" Mark Zuckerberg: ""It's my understanding that we don't allow sexually explicit content for people of any age."" Sen. Lee: ""And how is that going?"" Victims have had to wage an uphill battle for years, pleading with online platforms to remove images they never consented to share. Sadly, their efforts have often yielded little to no success. Homeland Security Investigations have documented cases where victims of unauthorized images were stalked even two decades after the image's creation. In some instances, predators have targeted survivors' children years later. The PROTECT Act marks a significant step forward in addressing the critical issue of online sexual exploitation and image-based sexual abuse. By holding tech CEOs accountable and proposing legislation that puts the onus on websites to protect their users, Sen. Lee is pushing for much-needed change in the digital landscape. The PROTECT Act offers hope for survivors and their families, aiming to create a safer online environment. Survivors Voices: Of the bill, Survivor Katelynn Spencer said, “When I found out there have been two sexual videos of me posted on Pornhub and other pornography websites for the past 12 years, not once did I feel protected by the law. There are no laws in my state to protect survivors of image-based sexual abuse, but if this bill was and is put in place, it could help so many survivors like me.” Of the bill, Survivor Uldouz Wallace said, “Technology is updating everyday but the laws haven’t changed. We need the Protect Act because it will protect the future of our children, women, men and ensure that the internet is a safer environment.” Of the bill, Survivor Victoria Galy said, “Online criminal enterprises have been allowed to flourish unregulated for over a decade. Technology has surpassed the reach of our current laws. The internet and technology have become weapons in digital violence. We desperately need a federal law to protect victims against online image-based sexual abuse including edited and deepfake content. The Protect Act would provide this protection. Similar laws have already been passed in other countries and the U.S. is falling behind.” Backing from Leading Organizations: Of the bill, Jon Schweppe, Policy Director of the American Principles Project said, ""The more people learn about the online porn industry, the more they demand action against it. By its very nature, online porn is about exploiting the human person, which is why it's no surprise that the industry has turned a blind eye as child sexual abuse material has flourished. Enough is enough. States have taken the lead in the fight against online porn, but federal engagement is needed. APP is proud to support the PROTECT Act, and we look forward to working with Sen. Lee to pass this important bill into law.” Of the bill, Dawn Hawkins, CEO, National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Survivor of Deepfake Pornography said, “In an instant, anyone can become a victim of image-based sexual abuse. When child sexual abuse, rape, sex trafficking, or prostitution is filmed and circulated without the permission of those depicted—or when videos made by hidden cameras, deep fake images, or leaked photos are uploaded without consent—survivors have no rights under federal law to get this material removed. Websites distribute and monetize this material, enabling millions of users to watch criminal content or consume deeply personal material. Survivors of these horrific crimes often spend hundreds of hours trying to get it removed from the Internet and for most, their efforts are in vain. The Protect Act would ensure that federal law supports victims of image-based sexual abuse.” For bill text, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:40:56Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/1/lee-aims-to-end-antiquated-jones-act,Lee Aims to End Antiquated Jones Act,2024-01-25,2024,2024-01,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – To address the longstanding challenges posed by the Jones Act, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced two bills: the Open America’s Waters Act and the Protecting Access to American Products Act. These bills represent a comprehensive approach to alleviating the burdens American consumers, businesses, and communities face due to antiquated World War I-era regulations. Enacted in 1920, the Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act, imposes stringent requirements on vessels engaged in domestic maritime trade, mandating that all goods transported between U.S. ports be carried on vessels constructed in the U.S., registered in the U.S., owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens. While initially intended to bolster national security efforts in the aftermath of World War I, the Jones Act's inflexible provisions have led to significant costs and unintended consequences. The Open America’s Waters Act seeks to repeal the cabotage requirements of the Jones Act, allowing all vessels that meet U.S. legal standards to engage in domestic trade between U.S. ports. By fostering competition and reducing barriers to entry, this legislation aims to enhance economic efficiency, reduce costs for American families, and promote a more dynamic maritime sector. The Protecting Access to American Products Act would establish a framework for waiving certain Jones Act requirements under specified circumstances, such as when no Jones Act-compliant vessel is available for transporting particular goods. This provision would provide much-needed flexibility and ensure continued access to essential products, including liquefied natural gas (LNG). Under the proposed legislation, federal agencies would be required to promptly review waiver applications and make determinations within 60 days. Approved waivers could be granted for a minimum of 30 days, with the option of extension for additional periods, ensuring timely and efficient responses to emerging needs. Senator Lee's dual legislative efforts underscore a commitment to addressing the root causes of rising prices and economic stagnation, and to fostering a more resilient and competitive maritime industry. By modernizing U.S. maritime policies and streamlining regulatory processes, these bills aim to unleash new opportunities for economic growth. For a one-pager on Sen. Lee’s Open America’s Waters Act, click HERE. For a one-pager on Sen. Lee’s Protecting Access to American Products Act, click HERE. For Open America’s Waters Act bill text, click HERE. For Protecting Access to American Products Act bill text, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:40:56Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/1/senator-lee-introduces-four-bills-to-protect-the-unborn,Senator Lee Introduces Four Bills to Protect the Unborn,2024-01-19,2024,2024-01,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – As the nation prepares to observe the annual March for Life, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is reinforcing his dedication to protecting the unborn by introducing four critical pieces of legislation: the Abortion is not Health Care Act, the Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act, the Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act, and the Guaranteeing the Unborn Access to Respect and Dignity (GUARD) Act. “Each human life, born and unborn, has immeasurable dignity and worth. The lives of both an unborn baby and her mother matter; and healthcare should heal, protect, and preserve both their lives. Our laws and use of taxpayer money should reflect that truth, which is why I have introduced these bills,” said Sen. Lee. The Abortion is not Health Care Act would end the tax deductibility of abortions and clarify that this gruesome practice is not health care. Currently, the IRS categorizes an abortion as “medical care” and allows tax benefits to flow to this practice, subsidizing the killing of hundreds of thousands of unborn children each year. This bill would amend Section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit elective abortion expenses from being considered eligible for a medical expense deduction. Cosponsors include Sens. Hagerty (R-TN), Braun (R-IN), Thune (R-SD), Rubio (R-FL), Daines (R-MT), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS). For a one-pager, click HERE. For bill text, click HERE. The Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts would end the preferential tax treatment of abortion in health savings accounts. Current law allows individuals to use tax-advantaged funds from health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible savings accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), Archer medical savings accounts (MSAs), and retiree health accounts for the “medical expense” of abortion. This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to explicitly prevent abortions from getting a special tax advantage through the use of these accounts. Cosponsors include Sens. Hagerty (R-TN), Braun (R-IN), Rubio (R-FL), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS). For a one-pager, click HERE. For bill text, click HERE. The Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act would ensure that our foreign aid is not funding or promoting abortions overseas. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan first instituted the Mexico City Policy, prohibiting the availability of family planning foreign assistance funds to organizations that provide or promote abortions or advocate to change abortion laws in a foreign country. Since then, the policy has been alternately rescinded and reinstated with changing administrations. The Trump Administration rebranded this policy as the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA) policy and applied it to all global health assistance, foreign nonprofits, and NGOs. This bill would permanently codify an expanded version of the PLGHA policy into law, capturing all assistance provided to foreign or domestic nonprofits, NGOs, and multilateral organizations. With President Biden having rescinded the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy in 2021, American citizens may be complicit in overseas abortions under the guise of “foreign assistance.” Congress must ensure this cannot be the case now or ever again. Doing so would affirm the dignity of unborn human lives everywhere and save countless lives across the globe. “This will sound like common sense to most fair-minded people, but the Biden administration should not ship Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars overseas to fund abortions,"" said Sen. Kennedy. ""No matter who occupies the White House, America should support life at home and abroad.” Cosponsors include Sens. Marshall (R-KS), Blackburn (R-TN), Hyde-Smith(R-MS), Lankford (R-OK), Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Budd (R-NC), Braun (R-IN), Cramer (R-ND), Kennedy (R-LA), Hagerty (R-TN), Johnson (R-WI), Young (R-IN), Daines (R-MT), Cotton (R-AR), Fischer (R-NE), Thune (R-SD), Ricketts (R-NE), Rounds (R-SD), Hawley (R-MO), and Paul (R-KY). Supporting groups include CatholicVote and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. For a one-pager, click HERE. For bill text, click HERE. The Guaranteeing the Unborn Access to Respect and Dignity (GUARD) Act would ensure that the United States Coast Guard is held to the same standards as every branch of the United States military with regard to the prohibition of using federal funds for abortions. This bill seeks to close a loophole that currently allows the Coast Guard, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, to use taxpayer dollars for abortion-related activities – a practice not permitted in other military branches. By amending Title 14 of the US Code, the GUARD Act would explicitly prohibit the use of federal funds by the Coast Guard for both the performance of abortions and for any travel expenses related to abortion procedures. “Preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions shouldn’t be controversial,” said Sen. Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation that would prohibit U.S. Coast Guard funds and facilities from being used for abortions, which is a blatant overreach from the Biden administration.” Cosponsors include Sen. John Thune (R-SD). Supporting groups include Heritage Action. For a one-pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:40:56Z