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.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-celebrates-legislative-accomplishments-for-virginia-from-2024,Video: Kaine Celebrates Legislative Accomplishments for Virginia from 2024,2024-12-31,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"Video Available Here

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following video highlighting wins for Virginia he secured in 2024. In the video, Kaine discussed various pieces of legislation he introduced that are now law, actions the Biden-Harris Administration took—following Kaine’s urging—to make our communities healthier and safer, and new ways laws he helped enact, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, are continuing to bring massive investments and new jobs to the Commonwealth.

“I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish this year, but I know that there’s still so much more work to do,” Kaine said. “… I look forward to building on this year’s progress, traveling around Virginia, showing up for you, listening to you, and then standing up for you in the years ahead. See you on the road in 2025.”

Kaine’s 2024 accomplishments include:

Legislation he successfully helped pass into law, including:

The Social Security Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation that enhances Social Security benefits for more than 50,000 Virginians, including firefighters, police officers, and other dedicated public servants;

The BOLD Act to help combat Alzheimer’s Disease;

The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, to honor the diplomats who helped save Jewish people during the Holocaust;

The BRIDGE for Workers Act to help more Americans find good-paying jobs;

The bipartisan Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, alongside Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), to reauthorize a program Kaine helped create in 2014 in honor of Gabriella Miller, a Virginian who spent her life advocating for children with cancer, to advance lifesaving research;

And—also alongside Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA)—the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act to help address Parkinson’s Disease.

Historic investments that have come to Virginia thanks to legislation Kaine helped pass, including:

A $275 million investment in Micron’s Manassas facility, which will create over 1,000 jobs;

A $1.35 billion investment from Microporous LLC to build a new manufacturing facility, which will create thousands of jobs in Southside;

$380 million in federal funding for the Port of Virginia to become carbon-neutral by 2040;

A $681 million investment from LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which will create hundreds of jobs in Chesapeake;

An investment that’s expected to be over $400 million from Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility, which will create at least 150 new jobs in Chesterfield County;

An investment of $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks—in addition to a federal grant award of over $208 million for the company—to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Over $154 million in federal funding for affordable housing across the Commonwealth.

Steps Kaine successfully advocated for the Biden-Harris Administration to take to make our country healthier and safer, including:

The FDA issuing final guidance to raise the tobacco age to 21;

Expanded coverage of IVF and other fertility services for federal workers;

The Department of Labor implementing new standards to limit miner’s exposure to silica dust;

And the closure of the gun show loophole, enhancing gun safety.

A full transcript of the video is below:

Hey, everybody, Senator Tim Kaine here.

It’s hard to believe 2024 is almost over. As I reflect on the past year, I want to take some time to celebrate some of what we’ve been able to accomplish together.

This year, I was able to pass several bills through both chambers of Congress including:

The BOLD Act to help combat Alzheimer’s Disease;

The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, honoring diplomats who helped save Jewish people during WWII and the Holocaust;

The BRIDGE for Workers Act to help more Americans find good-paying jobs;

And—alongside Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton—the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act to help address Parkinson’s Disease.

In 2024, we also had historic investments come to Virginia thanks to legislation I’ve helped pass, including:

A $275 million investment in Micron’s Manassas microchip processing facility, which will create over 1,000 jobs;

A $1.35 billion investment from Microporous LLC to build a new manufacturing facility, which will create thousands of jobs in Southside in the Danville region;

$380 million in federal funding for the Port of Virginia so it can become carbon-neutral by 2040;

A $681 million investment from LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, creating hundreds of jobs in Chesapeake;

A new Topsoe manufacturing facility, expected to bring more than $400 million in investments and create at least 150 new jobs in Chesterfield County;

Over $154 million in federal funding for affordable housing across the Commonwealth.

I’m proud that I was also able to successfully advocate for steps the Biden-Harris Administration took to make our country healthier and safer, including:

The FDA issuing final guidance to raise the tobacco age to 21, based on a bill that I authored with Senator McConnell a few years ago;

Expanded coverage of IVF and other fertility services for federal workers;

The Department of Labor implementing new standards to limit miner’s exposure to silica dust;

And the closure of the gun show loophole, enhancing gun safety all across this country.

I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish this year, but I know that there’s still so much more work to do.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

I look forward to building on this year’s progress, traveling around Virginia, showing up for you, listening to you, and then standing up for you in the years ahead.

See you on the road in 2025.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-senate-passes-five-alaska-bills,ICYMI: Senate Passes Five Alaska Bills,2024-12-31,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9,scraper,"Anchorage, AK— In case you missed it, five Alaska-related bills passed the Senate by unanimous consent during the final week of the current 118th Congress. The Senate passed these measures on a standalone basis after a package of public lands measures prepared by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee was not included in a year-end vehicle such as the Continuing Resolution.

The Senate passed the following measures by unanimous consent:

S. 623, a bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to exclude certain payments to aged, blind, or disabled Alaska Natives or their descendants from being used to determine eligibility for certain programs, and for other purposes. Sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).

S. 2615, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act. Sponsored by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan. This legislation would sunset the requirement for village corporations to reconvey lands for municipal uses under Section 14(c)(3) of ANCSA.

S. 3617, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act. Sponsored by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan. This bill would waive an existing statutory requirement that compels Cape Fox Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation for the Village of Saxman, to use a portion of its entitlement under ANCSA for remote parcels that have no economic value to the corporation. Instead, the bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to Cape Fox the surface estate to a 180-acre tract in the Tongass National Forest that was unavailable to the corporation under the original terms of ANCSA.

S. 3790, the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act. Sponsored by Senators Sullivan and Murkowski. Thislegislation would make lands identified in 2020 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFS) eligible for conveyance, as was promised to our Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans. The legislation would also require USFS to identify additional lands for selection and conveyance to eligible veterans.

S. 4974, a bill to amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System, and for other purposes. Sponsored by Senators Murkowski, Sullivan, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

While none of these bills will become law before the end of the 118th Congress, their passage provides positive momentum going into the new year. Senator Murkowski expressed her “hope and optimism” that both the House and the Senate could advance these non-controversial measures into law relatively early in the next Congress.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2024-end-of-year-report,Murphy Releases 2024 End of Year Report,2024-12-31,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday released his End of Year Report outlining the work he’s done for the people of Connecticut during 2024. The report details Murphy’s legislative priorities this year, including continuing to implement the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, building more social connection, fighting for workers, making housing more affordable, and more. Murphy also helped deliver billions of federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act to create good-paying jobs in Connecticut.

This year, Murphy and his office:

Introduced or co-sponsored 367 pieces of legislation, including 68 bills or resolutions as the lead sponsor.

Completed his eighth Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 64 miles, 16 towns, and hundreds of people along the way.

Traveled across the state, hosting 117 roundtables, listening sessions and more with Connecticut residents.

Responded and reached out to Connecticut residents through over 383,000 calls, emails, and letters.

Returned nearly $2 million to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies.

Helped over 3,300 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits.

Click here to download Senator Murphy’s 2024 End of Year Report.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2024/12/for-immediate-release-december-31-2024-contact-kiersten-pels-press-ronjohnson-senate-gov-video-release-sen-johnson-joins-bret-weinstein-on-the-darkhorse-podcast-calls-out-corruption-in-covid-policies-washington-on-sunday-u-s-sen-ron-johnson-r-wis-joined-bret-weinstein-on-t,"*** VIDEO RELEASE *** Sen. Johnson Joins Bret Weinstein on the DarkHorse Podcast, Calls Out Corruption in COVID Policies",2024-12-31,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Sunday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Bret Weinstein on the DarkHorse Podcast to address the corruption and capture of our federal health agencies. They discussed RFK Jr.’s nomination for HHS Secretary and what he can do in the upcoming Trump administration to improve transparency and hold Big Pharma accountable.

Sen. Johnson asserted that he will put Dr. Anthony Fauci “on notice,” … “I want [Fauci] fully exposed,” the senator said.

Watch the full discussion here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-2024-year-in-review/,Senator Scott 2024 Year in Review,2024-12-31,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released his 2024 year in review, highlighting his work on behalf of the people of South Carolina and efforts to advance his Opportunity Agenda across the country.

“I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished this year on behalf of South Carolinians, and I look forward to tackling all the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead next year. My mission is to positively affect the lives of a billion people with a message of hope and opportunity. Every American deserves the chance to achieve their version of the American Dream, and I will continue fighting each day to make that opportunity a reality,” said Senator Scott.

This year, Senator Scott introduced 42 bills, 9 resolutions, and 16 amendments.

South Carolina

The Senator and his team assisted more than 6,000 South Carolinians with casework requests.

Strengthening a direct line of communication with constituents remained a priority for the Senator and allowed him to send over 26,000 letters to South Carolinians in 2024.

Thousands of communities across South Carolina and neighboring southeastern states have worked hard to recover from Hurricane Helene and Milton. Senator Scott pushed for Congress to demonstrate leadership and help ease the pain of those who have lost everything. That’s why he championed a bill to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program, providing essential assistance to families and small businesses as they continue their recovery. Additionally, Senator Scott led legislation to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s FEMA Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which works to assist individuals, households, states, and non-federal government entities with recovery following a natural disaster. As part of an end-of-year government funding package, Senator Scott helped secure $29 billion for the DRF and $2.25 billion for the SBA Disaster Loan Program.

American Energy and Infrastructure

In an effort to restore American energy dominance and independence, Senator Scott introduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024 in January to eliminate the requirement for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to authorize the export of of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) and give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sole authority over the approval process. In February, the House version of this bill, led by Representative August Pfluger, was passed 224 — 200.

Senator Scott recognizes the importance of pursuing local solutions for local problems that will promote targeted developments to improve infrastructure in both urban and rural communities. To that end, the Senator teamed up with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Representative Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) in a letter to Secretary Buttigieg at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) expressing support for a grant for the SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to replace a critical bridge over Lake Marion.

Additionally, the Senator sent a letter to DOT in July, asking for the prompt review of the SCDOT proposal for the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant for Long Point Road and I-526.

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

As the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Senator Scott led his Republican colleagues on the committee to advance pro-growth policies to support communities across the country.

Senator Scott introduced the ROAD to Housing Act to pave the way for more affordable housing opportunities and ensure our federal housing regulators are accountable to the taxpayers they serve. Senator Scott also put forward capital markets legislation, the Empowering Main Street in America Act, that will increase access to capital for entrepreneurs in every corner of our nation and allow more Americans to invest in their local communities. And as the scourge of fentanyl plagues too many communities, Congress successfully passed—and the president signed into law—Senator Scott’s FEND Off Fentanyl Act to target the illicit fentanyl trade and the illegal money laundering operations supporting this devastating criminal enterprise.

Senator Scott also used his position as the top Republican on the committee to conduct rigorous oversight over the Biden-Harris administration’s progressive agenda and rulemaking. From the Federal Reserve’s Basel III Endgame proposal, to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s climate disclosure rule, to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s mislabeling of legitimate payment incentives, Senator Scott pushed back on rules and regulations that would stifle economic opportunity.

Senator Scott’s longstanding efforts to hold the Biden-Harris administration accountable for its appeasement of Iran resulted in a critical reporting requirement from his Revoke Iranian Funding Act being signed into law, ensuring Congress has the information on Iran sanctions it needs to provide oversight of the Biden-Harris administration and take action against the Iranian regime.

To see a full list of Senator Scott’s accomplishments during his second year as the Republican leader of the Senate Banking Committee, click here.

Education

Throughout his time in public service, Senator Scott has worked to broaden quality educational opportunities for all, regardless of race, zip code, or background.

The Senator recognizes the positive strides charter schools have made to shape education in South Carolina and around the nation, and help the next generation achieve their American Dream. To recognize their positive impact, Senator Scott introduced a resolution congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and leaders of charter schools across the country during the 25th Annual National Charter Schools Week. In May, the Senate agreed to this resolution, celebrating the work of charter schools in helping students succeed in the classroom and beyond.

If students are fearing for their safety on campus, they cannot focus on receiving a quality education. Through his Antisemitism Awareness Act, a bill that changes the definition of antisemitism the U.S. Department of Education uses when investigating antisemitic acts on college campuses, Senator Scott is focused on protecting the rights of Jewish students on college campuses across America.

Healthcare

Everyone in the Palmetto State—regardless of race, background, or zip-code—deserves access to high-quality healthcare. Throughout the year, Senator Scott championed legislation designed to make American healthcare more accessible, patient-centered, and affordable.

Sickle cell disease continues to affect thousands of Americans, oftentimes those without access to specialized care. His Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023, which reauthorizes the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program until Fiscal Year 2028, makes strides in ensuring those affected have access to the treatment they need to manage their healthcare. This legislation passed in the House of Representatives.

Senator Scott also led four resolutions—National Poison Prevention Week, National Minority Health Month, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month—all of which unanimously passed. The passage of these resolutions reaffirms Senator Scott’s commitment to seeking out legislation that will help create a healthier, stronger nation.

Senator Scott recognizes the impact of the Medicare Advantage program and the health coverage it provides to over 32 million seniors and individuals with disabilities. When Washington bureaucrats threatened American seniors’ coverage access and choices, Senator Scott led a bipartisan letter to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) encouraging the agency to continue to support and strengthen the Medicare Advantage program. Sixty-one senators signed onto the letter, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).

Restoring Law and Order

Senator Scott has consistently worked to foster growth, investment, and economic opportunity both domestically and globally, which begins by restoring law and order.

As part of this effort, the Senator introduced the COACHES Act, Laken Riley Act, Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, Protect Our Presidents Act, and Build the Wall Act of 2024, and supported the SAVE Act and Protect and Serve Act of 2024.

National Security and Foreign Affairs

Throughout his time as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Senator has championed policies to strengthen U.S. national security, support our allies, and push back on our adversaries.

It’s been more than a year since Iranian-proxy Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, and Senator Scott continues to stand by our greatest ally in the Middle East, introducing a resolution that reiterates Israel’s right to self-defense and condemning recent statements from U.S. lawmakers, which interfere in Israel’s sovereign electoral process.

Following reports indicating that the Palestinian Authority (PA) would attempt to downgrade Israel’s status at the United Nations (UN), Senator Scott joined Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in introducing the Stand with Israel Act, a bill to cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. Additionally, the Senator introduced the Maintaining Our Ironclad Commitment to Israel’s Security Act, which provides congressional oversight of proposed changes to arms sales to Israel. Senator Scott is vocal about his unequivocal support for Israel and its right to self-defense, as demonstrated in his letter to the editor in The Wall Street Journal and letter to the Biden-Harris administration.

We cannot say we support our allies while we fail to protect them against their enemies. Senator Scott sponsored and introduced the Preventing Terrorism at the U.N. Act of 2024, which would prohibit the United States from voluntarily contributing to the United Nations. More specifically, this legislation cuts off all funding to the UN until the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is permanently shuttered and the Secretary of State can certify that no UN employees in UNRWA’s current jurisdiction support terrorism. Additionally, the Senator introduced the No Bystanders at the United Nations Human Rights Council Act of 2024 to withhold certain UN funding until the United Nations Human Rights Council mandates a body to investigate human rights abuses in the People’s Republic of China.

To further these efforts, Senator Scott introduced the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act of 2024, which strengthens the role of the United States military in the Indian Ocean region.

Senator Scott is taking proactive steps to prevent our national securities agencies from doing business with companies that are linked to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army. He introduced the Blocking Bad Batteries Act, prohibiting the US. Department of State from procuring batteries produced by certain Chinese government-linked companies.

Through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, Senator Scott secured the passage of several important initiatives for South Carolina, such as:

$33 million for an Aeromedical Evacuation Facility at Joint Base Charleston (USAF Reserve)

$72.05 million for new Ambulatory Care Clinic (Dental) at Parris Island (Navy/USMC)

$31.5 million for a new Fuel Pier at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (Navy/USMC)

$75.33 million for Plutonium Pit Production at the Savannah River Site (SRS) (DOE/NNSA)

$1.2 billion for the SRS Plutonium Process Facility (DOE/NNSA)

$400.54 million for the SRS Risk Management Operations (DOE/NNSA)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-tuberville-honors-alabama-veterans-of-the-month-for-2024/,ICYMI: Tuberville Honors Alabama Veterans of the Month for 2024,2024-12-31,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,AL,Tommy Tuberville,T000278,www.tuberville.senate.gov,tuberville,https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Nominations now being accepted for 2025 “Veteran of the Month” Series

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) recognized the twelve Alabama veterans he honored during the 2024 Alabama “Veteran of the Month” series. Senator Tuberville began this series in 2023 to show his appreciation for Alabama veterans for their service to our military and Alabama’s local communities.

“Alabama is home to more than 400,000 veterans who bravely answered the call to defend our country,” said Senator Tuberville. “Even though they’re no longer in uniform, they still serve our local communities in remarkable ways. I’ve enjoyed listening to the unique ways that Alabama’s veterans are giving back to their communities. Their efforts make our state a better place to call home. I look forward to continuing to share the stories of Alabama’s heroes in the upcoming year.”

Alabama veterans honored in Senator Tuberville’s 2024 “Veteran of the Month” series are:

January: Maggie Amadei of Enterprise, AL

February: Lloyd Michael Austin of Mobile, AL

March: Earle Thompson of Lake Martin, AL

April: Scott Croisant of Florence, AL

May: Chesca Barnett of Brierfield, AL

June: Alvin Lynch of Muscle Shoals, AL

July: Wayne Davenport of Trussville, AL

August: Kevin Harkey of Huntsville, AL

September: Jerry Wheat of Wetumpka, AL

October: John Vick of Andalusia, AL

November: Patrick Jump of Robertsdale, AL

December: Claudia Wigglesworth of Daleville, AL

Senator Tuberville recognizes a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Senator Tuberville’s office for consideration in the 2025 “Veteran of the Month” series by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1178,"Congressman Kennedy Unveils SNOW Act, Legislation to Help Communities Prepare for and Recover from Extreme Snowstorms",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Legislation Would Help Communities In Western New York, And Other Snow Impacted Regions, Prepare For And Recover From Extreme Snowstorms By Updating FEMA’s Guidelines For Winter Storm Assistance

Kennedy: “We can’t afford to do nothing. The cost is too great.”

Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced legislation, the Support Neighborhoods Offset Winter Damage (SNOW) Act, to update the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster assistance policies to better help communities prepare for and recover from snowstorms.

“Time and again, our communities in Western New York have faced severe snowstorms without the federal support needed to respond. The Christmas Blizzard of 2022 is the latest example of how damaging and deadly snowstorms can be and it’s time for the federal government to step up,” said Congressman Kennedy. “That’s why I’ve written the SNOW Act, legislation requiring FEMA to treat catastrophic blizzards the same as any other natural disaster. This bill will help local governments across the country prepare for, respond to, and recover from extreme snowstorms. We can’t afford to do nothing. The cost is too great.”

""This legislation is crucial for updating FEMA's policies to allow for important federal support to be readily available to local governments impacted by significant winter weather events,"" said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. ""We know here in Erie County the importance of being able to access federal funding before, during and after a major snowstorm or blizzard. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership and vision in providing protection against future catastrophic weather events.""

The Buffalo Blizzard of 2022, the deadliest on record, showed that FEMA’s snow assistance policy is outdated, limited in scope, and prevents communities from adequately preparing for, responding to, and recovering from catastrophic snowstorms. Congressman Kennedy’s SNOW Act would bring extreme snowstorms on par with other emergencies and natural disasters in order to access federal assistance. Specifically, the legislation would:

Update storm severity threshold to unlock federal funding: FEMA requires record snowfall to qualify for disaster assistance. This bill would update FEMA’s guidelines for approving assistance by incorporating damages, wind speed, wind chill, and the affected area’s real median household income.

Provide access to snow removal equipment: This bill would add snow removal equipment to FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program which provides proactive investment in resilience for communities.

Help state and local governments recover from storms: FEMA only provides snow assistance for emergency protective measures. This bill would provide assistance to include debris removal, and work on roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities, public parks, and other facilities.

Provide financial assistance to impacted individuals: This bill would expand assistance to individuals when the cost of a snowstorm exceeds the ability of the state to respond or recover.

Increase the federal cost share: To better support disadvantaged and rural communities, this bill would increase the federal cost share from 75% federal and 25% state/local to 90% federal and 10% state/local. This would include all communities in New York’s 26th Congressional District, including

Support for the SNOW Act:

""As a city and region that has endured some of the most severe snowstorms in recent memory, including the devastating Christmas Blizzard of 2022, we know all too well the significant challenges these events bring,"" said City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. ""Congressman Kennedy’s SNOW Act addresses the need for FEMA policies that recognize the increasing frequency and impact of extreme winter weather that targets our city and region. By elevating devastating snowstorms that affect Western New York into the same response framework as other natural disasters across the country, the SNOW Act ensures our region will receive the support it needs and deserves.""

“This region must do all it can to support efforts by Congressman Kennedy and our other federal elected officials to obtain federal resources for local municipalities following winter weather events, that, if those concerned about climate change are correct, will become more frequent,” said Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger. “The 2022 Christmas storm that hammered this region and stole more than 40 lives, left ruin in its wake for families, homeowners, renters and businesses. Winter Storm events need to be recognized similar to how Atlantic Hurricane events are recognized; not by record snowfalls but rather by the financial impact that they have on our local communities.”

""The SNOW Act would help towns like Cheektowaga deal with the impacts of unpredictable snow disasters that dump feet of snow, cause power outages, downed trees, and the need for help to make roads passable in a timely manner,” said Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Brian Nowak. “We cannot afford to have the vehicles of first responders stuck in the roads preventing police, fire, and EMS responding to scenes.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-announces-new-committee-assignments-for-119th-congress/,Cornyn Announces New Committee Assignments for 119th Congress,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement announcing that he will serve as a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Budget Committees during the 119th Congress, in addition to the three committees on which he currently serves:

“For the past four years, the Biden-Harris administration has diminished America’s standing on the world’s stage and spent hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on partisan spending sprees. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues and President Trump to restore respect for America across the globe and tackle our growing national debt, and I am honored to be a voice for Texans in these new roles.”

In addition to joining the Senate Foreign Relations and Budget Committees, Sen. Cornyn will continue to serve as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in the 119th Congress, which is set to begin on January 3, 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.daines.senate.gov/2024/12/30/daines-commends-designation-of-marc-fogel-as-wrongfully-detained-demands-immediate-release/,"Daines Commends Designation of Marc Fogel as “Wrongfully Detained,” Demands Immediate Release",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,daines,https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Fogel, A Schoolteacher, Has Montana Ties

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today commended the U.S. State Department for finally heeding his calls to designate U.S. citizen Marc Fogel as “wrongfully detained” by the Russian government and renewed his demand for Fogel to be immediately released. Fogel has family in Montana and is currently serving a 12-year sentence of hard labor in a Russian prison for possession of marijuana.

“Marc Fogel just spent his fourth Christmas serving an unjust 14-year sentence of hard labor in a Russian prison because he was ‘convicted’ of outrageous drug trafficking charges,” said Daines. “The State Department finally acknowledged what we have always known: that Marc’s arrest was politically motivated and President Biden should have immediately designated him as wrongfully detained in 2021. He should be released immediately.”

Background:

Daines will serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 119th Congress, which will be sworn in Friday.

The designation of “wrongfully detained” means Fogel’s case will now be transferred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department.

Senator Daines introduced a bipartisan resolution demanding Russia release Fogel.

Daines also called for Fogel’s release on the Senate floor in July 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.daines.senate.gov/2024/12/30/daines-helps-montanans-recover-nearly-5-million-dollars-from-federal-government-in-2024/,Daines Helps Montanans Recover Nearly $5 Million Dollars From Federal Government in 2024,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,daines,https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Staff Closed Hundreds of Cases, Attended Over 2,000 Meetings in Montana

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that his staff helped return nearly $5 million from the federal government to Montanans in 2024 and closed hundreds of cases.

“Addressing the needs of Montanans is one of the greatest honors of my life and one of the reasons I ran for office. I’m proud of our dedicated team, whose commitment to constituents has paid off quite literally. We’ll always put Montanans first and fight for our great state,” said Daines.

In 2024, Daines’ office recovered $4,983,420 from the federal government to send back to Montanans. Over 90 percent of that money was recovered from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Specifically, Montanans received the following from federal agencies:

$4,687,576 from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

$220,764 from the Social Security Administration (SSA)

$38,974 from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)

$29,106 from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

$4,348 from Veterans Affairs (VA)

$1,372 from Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

$1,280 from United States Postal Service (USPS)

In addition to recovering money for hardworking Montanans, Daines’ office worked on nearly 1,000 casework messages from constituents and closed 534 cases, including nearly a quarter of veterans-related cases. Daines’ staff also attended over 2,000 meetings and events in Montana on behalf of Senator Daines in 2024.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-2024-accomplishments-in-year-end-round-up,Duckworth Highlights 2024 Accomplishments in Year-End Round Up,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As 2024 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year:

“From helping almost 2,600 Illinoisans recover more than $11 million the Federal Government owed them to bringing home hundreds of millions of dollars to get the lead out of our children’s drinking water, and from protecting IVF access for hopeful parents across the nation to helping make flying safer and more efficient for traveling Illinoisans and travelers with disabilities, I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished this year,” Duckworth said. “It’s a true honor to continue serving Illinoisans in the United States Senate and while I know the year ahead may look different than many of us hoped it would, I also know there’s still much we can accomplish to help save working families money, end preventable gun violence, invest in communities that have been ignored for too long, advocate for Illinois on a global stage, support our troops while keeping the promises we’ve made to our Veterans as well as protect and defend our civil and reproductive rights—including guaranteeing access to IVF. I’m eager to get back to work on these goals and so many more for Illinois in 2025.”

Over the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to nearly 900,000 emails and other messages as well as assisted more than 2,600 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $11.6 million in Social Security payments, Veterans’ benefits, tax refunds and more. A select list of Duckworth’s accomplishments from the past year is below.

Key Accomplishments:

Establishing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot Site as a National Monument: In August, Duckworth joined President Biden as he signed an official declaration to make the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot a national monument—a culmination of Duckworth’s more than five years of work to make it happen. Duckworth began calling for national monument recognition in 2018, first introducing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Act with U.S Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) in 2019. In October, Duckworth helped commemorate the designation of the site as a national monument in Springfield with other federal and local leaders.

Improving Aviation Safety, Growing Jobs And Protecting Travelers: As Chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation, Duckworth helped author the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, a landmark aviation safety law that includes a number of provisions she successfully championed to help improve safety for consumers, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections and accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Over the past year, Duckworth also pushed to improve safety standards at Boeing and to help ensure FAA strictly and strongly oversees the manufacturer’s production of passenger aircraft. Her efforts included urging the FAA to scrutinize Boeing’s failures, enforce transparency and reject unsafe exemptions. In January, Duckworth’s advocacy led Boeing to withdraw its unsafe petition asking the FAA to certify a new 737 MAX jet variant with a known—and unresolved—safety defect.

Securing Key NDAA Provisions to Strengthen Rock Island Arsenal, Support Families and Farmers in Illinois and Beyond: In the recently passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Duckworth secured provisions to help Illinoisans by expanding housing opportunities and surrounding infrastructure at Rock Island Arsenal, supporting school districts near Illinois military bases by helping alleviate state and local tax base funding shortfalls and expanding our military’s use of sustainable aviation fuels, which supports our Illinois farmers, protects the environment and drives economy opportunity throughout the Midwest.

Bringing Home Significant Federal Investments: This year, Duckworth secured significant federal funding to drive innovation and improve infrastructure in Illinois. The University of Illinois’s iFAB Hub was awarded $51 million in Tech Hub Phase II funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, positioning it as a national leader in biomanufacturing, creating jobs and transforming underutilized corn feedstocks into high-value products. Additionally, Chicago transportation infrastructure received over $305 million through the DOT Mega Program, including $209.8 million for the CREATE Program to enhance rail efficiency and safety and $95.6 million for the I-290/IL 171 Interchange Project to reduce congestion and flooding.

Delivering Clean Water and Replacing Lead Pipes: Thanks to Duckworth's Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, which became law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—Illinois received at least $214 million this year to get the lead out of our state’s drinking water, helping improve water quality for families across the state and helping prevent lead poisoning. She also successfully secured several critical provisions for Illinois in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which recently passed the Senate and will head to President Biden’s desk.

Helping Illinois Veteran Owned Small Businesses: Duckworth's Veteran Small Business Enhancement Act was signed into law in 2019 to help Veteran entrepreneurs acquire equipment—at little to no cost—that the federal government no longer has a use for but that can help them expand their small businesses. Duckworth’s law is helping Veteran entrepreneurs across the country save money, grow their small businesses, create good-paying local jobs and increase economic opportunity throughout their communities. In Illinois alone, at least 98 Veteran-owned small businesses have taken advantage of the benefits of Senator Duckworth’s law to acquire more than 11,000 items which were worth more than $38 million when originally purchased.

Lead Efforts to Improve Police Accountability in Wake of Sonya Massey’s Murder: After the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in her own home by the very sheriff’s deputy she called for help tragically underscored the clear need for crisis intervention and de-escalation tactics among law enforcement officers, Duckworth led her Senate Democratic colleagues in pushing to strengthen police accountability, deliver justice to families and improve de-escalation training. Her Police Training and Independent Review Act would incentivize states to provide law enforcement training on fair policing and de-escalation tactics while promoting the use of independent prosecutors for investigating deadly force incidents through federal grants.

Leading Efforts to Safeguard IVF Access: In the wake of Donald Trump’s Supreme Court Justices overturning Roe v. Wade, Senator Duckworth led the charge against Republicans’ extreme efforts to take away Americans’ reproductive rights and threaten access to IVF for those looking to start or grow their families. After warning for years that Republicans would seek to ban IVF if they succeeded in overturning Roe, only for Alabama’s Supreme Court to prove her right, Duckworth introduced her Right to IVF Act to protect IVF nationwide. Senator Duckworth forcefully worked to pass her landmark bill as Republicans and Donald Trump actively blocked it from becoming law, all while claiming to support family building through IVF.

Helping Bring Illinois Hostages Home and Pushing for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza: With the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza—and the humanitarian crisis it has caused—stretching on for more than a year, Duckworth continued her efforts to secure a for permanent mutual ceasefire that will release the hostages and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians. She has consistently called for bringing sustained and expanded humanitarian relief into Gaza to address the humanitarian crisis there.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-senators-hassan-and-cornyns-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-border-security,SIGNED INTO LAW: Senators Hassan and Cornyn’s Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Border Security,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The President recently signed into law the DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, which U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced. The bipartisan legislation requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess contracts for services performed along the U.S.-Mexico border and implement a plan to improve procurement and delivery of those services.

“We need to continue working across the aisle to strengthen border security,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation is one additional way to better achieve that mission, and I am pleased that the President has signed it into law. It will help ensure that the Department of Homeland Security and its contractors are operating as effectively as possible at the border.”

The DHS Office of Inspector General has previously reported instances when U.S. Customs and Border Protection failed to timely contract for adequate facilities at the Southern border.

Senators Hassan and Cornyn’s legislation will mitigate this issue by requiring the DHS Under Secretary for Management to assess contracts valued at a minimum of $50 million for services performed by contractor personnel along the Southern border. DHS will also be required to develop a strategy and implementation plan to improve procurement and delivery of services. As part of the analysis, DHS is required to consider the impact of contracts on the ability of Border Patrol agents to carry out their primary mission responsibilities.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-celebrate-inflation-reduction-acts-2000-per-year-cap-on-out-of-pocket-prescription-drug-costs-for-americans-with-medicare,"Warner & Kaine Celebrate Inflation Reduction Act’s $2,000 Per Year Cap on Out-Of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs for Americans with Medicare",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) celebrated a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act that will go into effect on January 1, 2025 to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year for Americans with Medicare Part D. The cap will apply to individuals’ combined, total costs for covered drugs—regardless of how many medications they need. Some estimates have shown that Virginians on Medicare will save an average of $440.62 on out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs thanks to this cap.

“The Inflation Reduction Act has already made a huge difference in the lives of Virginians. It’s capped the price of insulin at $35 per month for seniors, lowered health care and energy costs, brought millions of dollars in investment to Virginia, and created manufacturing jobs—all while lowering the deficit,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled that beginning in 2025, Americans on Medicare will have a $2,000 per year out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs. Many seniors currently pay thousands of dollars a year for medications they need, so this provision is crucial to saving them money. We will keep working to build on this progress and ensure that Virginia harnesses all the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act.”

In 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is also expected to announce 15 more Medicare Part D drugs for negotiation. The IRA allowed CMS to negotiate the price of prescription drugs for the first time—a move Warner and Kaine had long pushed for. This year, the Biden Administration announced negotiated prices for the first 10 drugs for patients covered by Medicare Part D. The negotiated prices for the first 10 drugs, which will go into effect in 2026, will save $1.5 billion for Americans with Medicare Part D and $6 billion in the federal budget in the first year of implementation.

Many other provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which the senators voted to pass in 2022, have already gone into effect to lower health care costs and expand clean energy manufacturing in Virginia and across the country.

Health Care:

Black lung benefits: The law permanently extended the black lung excise tax at a higher rate, providing more certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. In Virginia, thousands of miners and their families have received benefits through the trust fund since it was established, including approximately 2,600 Virginians in 2021. Click here to learn more about what this means for miners and miner retirees like Mr. James Gibbs, a Bristol native, the At-Large International Vice President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and Kaine's guest to the 2023 State of the Union.

$35 cap on the cost of insulin: Out-of-pocket costs for insulin—regardless of how much a patient needs—are capped at $35 per month under Medicare. Thanks to the IRA, 36,461 Virginians on Medicare who use insulin now pay no more than $35 per month. Click here to learn how seniors like Mrs. Marguerite Bailey Young of Fredericksburg, who was Warner’s guest to the 2023 State of the Union, are benefiting from the $35 cap.

Free vaccines for Medicare recipients: People with Medicare no longer have to pay to receive most vaccines under Medicare Part D, which includes vaccines for shingles, HPV, MMR, diphtheria, and pertussis. In 2023, over 230,000 seniors in Virginia received a recommended vaccine free of cost.

Extension of ACA subsidies: During the pandemic, Congress enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help lower health care premiums for millions of Americans. The IRA extended these enhanced subsidies through 2025 to help make Virginians’ health insurance more affordable. 350,008 Virginians with ACA coverage are receiving assistance to lower the cost of their premium. In 2022, Virginians saved an average of $508 per month on their health insurance premium.

Lower Premiums for More Than 500,000 Virginians: There are additional provisions that went into effect to limit annual premium increases for Americans, including more than 500,000 Virginians enrolled in Medicare Part D.

Penalties on drug manufacturers that increase prices: Manufacturers are required to keep the increase in the cost of their drugs at or below inflation.

Clean Energy:

Boosts to clean energy investments: Clean energy manufacturers can apply for expanded tax credits that incentivize investment in and production of renewable energy technologies like solar power and offshore wind. The IRA set aside $4 billion in credits for businesses that make these investments in energy communities that have seen closures of coal mines or retirements of coal-fired power plants in recent years. This means that communities in Virginia, especially Southwest Virginia, are well-positioned to benefit from many of these tax credits and funding opportunities. In 2023, Kaine hosted an event at Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap to discuss how Virginia can best harness the clean energy tax credits, economic development, and job creation opportunities created by the legislation.

Improvements to home energy efficiency: Homeowners can receive up to 30 percent back through tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements to their home—generally up to a maximum of $1,200 per year but potentially up to $3,200 if improvements include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, or biomass stoves.

Simplified Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credits: The IRA allows qualified individuals to get a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of new EVs or a tax credit of up to $4,000 for certain used EVs and plug-in hybrids purchased through a dealership. Virginians who buy an EV from a participating dealer can now choose to receive their tax credit for that purchase at the point-of-sale instead of after filing their taxes.

Federal funding to help low-income and disadvantaged communities more easily access solar energy: The IRA brought over $156 million in federal funding to Virginia to support solar energy development in low-income areas, which will lower energy costs for families and create good-quality jobs while tackling the effects of climate change.

The IRA has also expanded clean energy manufacturing in Virginia and brought a series of corporate investments to Virginia, including:

A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility in Chesapeake to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms. This will create over 330 jobs.

An over $400 million investment by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County that will manufacture solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC), a crucial component for producing clean hydrogen. This will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.

An investment of over $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks and a federal grant award of over $208 million to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-and-sen-jacky-rosen-applaud-passage-of-bill-to-hold-corrupt-politicians-accountable-and-protect-taxpayer-dollars,Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Jacky Rosen Applaud Passage of Bill to Hold Corrupt Politicians Accountable and Protect Taxpayer Dollars,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Rick Scott and Jacky Rosen applauded their No Congressionally Obligated Recurring Revenue Used As Pensions to Incarcerated Officials Now (No CORRUPTION) Act being signed into law. The law closes a loophole that has allowed former members of Congress to continue to receive a taxpayer-funded pension during their appeals process after being convicted of certain felonies related to their time in office.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I am incredibly proud to see our No CORRUPTION Act become law. If you are a Member of Congress and convicted of a crime involving public corruption you should lose all pension benefits provided to you by taxpayers and hardworking families—period. Making Washington work for American families requires real reforms that end the current dysfunction. We must never stop working to hold elected officials accountable and protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”

Senator Jacky Rosen said, “Nevadans elected me to the Senate to stand up to corruption and protect their taxpayer dollars from abuse. That’s why I worked across the aisle with Senator Scott to close the loophole allowing politicians convicted of corruption to continue collecting taxpayer-funded pensions. I’m proud to see our bill become law, and I’ll keep working across the aisle to clean up Washington.”

Demian Brady, Vice President of Research at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation said, “The reform in Senators Jacky Rosen’s and Rick Scott’s No CORRUPTION Act is a win for taxpayers. The commonsense bipartisan legislation closes a loophole in federal law that allows former members of Congress convicted of a crime to still collect a taxpayer-funded pension. We commend Senators Rosen and Scott for their leadership on this good government bill.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/over-the-last-year-schatz-secured-more-than-6-billion-to-support-mauis-recovery-build-more-housing-improve-infrastructure-expand-high-speed-internet-and-advance-other-priorities-across-hawaii,"Over The Last Year, Schatz Secured More Than $6 Billion To Support Maui’s Recovery, Build More Housing, Improve Infrastructure, Expand High-Speed Internet & Advance Other Priorities Across Hawai‘i",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – In 2024, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) helped secure more than $6 billion in federal funding for Hawai‘i as he led efforts to deliver resources to support Maui’s recovery from last year’s fires and advance a range of other priorities for the state. Earlier this month, Schatz announced an estimated $1.6 billion in new funding for Maui’s continued recovery, aimed at building permanent housing for survivors, in addition to almost $500 million to support economic development, small business needs, water infrastructure, and more. The funding was approved following efforts led by Schatz for more than a year to press the need for long-term disaster aid both in Congress and with the Biden administration.

“Survivors on Maui are doing everything they can to recover – but they can’t do it alone. That’s why getting funding to build housing – which remains the top priority – was so important,” said Senator Schatz. “People can’t fully recover without stable, permanent housing, and it’s critical that homes now get built as quickly as possible.”

Senator Schatz added, “We also delivered significant funding this year to improve infrastructure of all kinds, expand access to high-speed internet, and help people transition to clean energy. Tackling Hawai‘i’s housing shortage is one of the biggest challenges of our time – and the new investments to encourage pro-housing policies and build housing on Hawaiian home lands are just the start. Whether it’s increasing SNAP benefits for families or preserving telehealth access or pushing to strengthen Hawai‘i’s security, we made real progress this year to help people across the state.”

Earlier this year, Schatz, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), helped secure more than $6.6 million to build housing across the state by removing regulatory barriers that drive up the cost of housing. The funding came from a first-of-its-kind national program created by Schatz – the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) program – for which he secured $100 million in fiscal year 2024.

Additionally, as Chair of THUD and Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Schatz delivered record funding to build housing on Hawaiian home lands and in other Native communities. The more than $1.3 billion for Native communities nationwide was an increase of more than $320 million from last year, and is in addition to the $22.3 million he secured to address Native Hawaiian housing needs.

Additional highlights include:

Helping increase SNAP benefits to reflect food costs in Hawai‘i: Following calls from Schatz to increase SNAP benefits in Hawai‘i in line with the local cost of food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed a $40 – or 2.3 percent – increase in benefits. Schatz worked directly with USDA Secretary Vilsack to update the Hawai‘i cost analysis.

Supporting flood management and environmental restoration projects: As part of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, Schatz secured provisions authorizing feasibility studies for flood risk management projects on Maui, Kaua‘i, and O‘ahu and expediting projects already underway.

Improving air tour safety and addressing air noise: Schatz secured several provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to toughen safety requirements for air tour operators and require the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to participate in a state task force on air tour operations. The bill also helps airports in the state adapt to extreme weather and establishes the first-ever, Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.

Extending telehealth coverage: Schatz led a group of 100 lawmakers in calling for telehealth expansion that were set to expire at the end of the year. Schatz continues to push for the passage of his bipartisan bill to permanently extend telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries.

Leading the push to strengthen national security and protect Hawai‘i: Along with Senator Eric Schmidt (R-Mo.) and a group of bipartisan colleagues, Schatz – a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to clarify that Hawai‘i would be protected by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) under Article V of its treaty should the state ever come under attack by an adversary. Hawai‘i is the only state in the country that does not have full protections under NATO.

Renewing COFA agreements and making medical care accessible to U.S. military veterans living in the FAS: Schatz helped extend the United States’ agreements with the Freely Associated States (FAS) of the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia as part of this year’s appropriations process. Additionally, Schatz secured provisions to allow the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide medical care to veterans of the U.S. military living in the FAS.

Working to improve evacuation route planning in the event of a disaster or emergency: Following the Lahaina fires, Schatz joined U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to develop guidelines for state and local governments to improve emergency evacuation preparedness.

Funding highlights include:

Nearly $108 million to rehabilitate bridges on Hawai‘i Island. $74.6 million in funding will help improve Nanue and Hakalau bridges on Hawai‘i Island in an effort to maintain traffic capacity and safety. The funding will also enable the completion of environmental remediation of lead paint under Hakalau Bridge that led to the closure of Hakalau Beach Park. $33 million of the funding will help strengthen the Wailuku River Bridge by making key improvements to reinforce its foundation.

Nearly $100 million to improve airports statewide. The funding will help rehabilitate runways at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on Hawai‘i Island as well as enable the construction of a new security screening checkpoint facility at Kahului Airport on Maui. At Daniel K. Inouye Airport on O‘ahu, the funding will help improve the Terminal 2 roadway for the Wiki Wiki Shuttle, expand sidewalks and update lighting to the Diamond Head Concourse, and upgrade fire sprinkler and alarm systems.

$89 million to expand high-speed internet access on Hawaiian home lands. The funding will help bring broadband internet access to thousands of households on Hawaiian home lands through building new telecommunications infrastructure, workforce development programs, and digital equity initiatives for DHHL lessees.

$68.4 million to conserve and restore watersheds and forests. The funding for the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College program will be used to help conserve and restore watersheds and forests; build natural infrastructure to protect communities and habitats; restore Native Hawaiian fishponds, limu, and coral reefs to reinvigorate habitat; and establish new green infrastructure projects to reduce risk and improve disaster resilience.

$62.4 million to deliver solar power to low-income homes statewide. The funding will help finance residential rooftop solar projects as well as storage and community-owned solar systems.

$42.5 million to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu. The funding will be used to reconstruct roadways near Bayfront Highway and Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo to implement a slate of roadway improvements including ADA-compliant sidewalks, pedestrian signals, and traffic management devices. In Honolulu, the funding will be used to add an additional lane and execute a complete redesign of a 1.5-mile segment of Salt Lake Boulevard which includes dedicated bike lanes.

$24.4 million to repair roads and structures damaged by storms on Maui and Kaua‘i. The funding will be used to cover the costs of repairs to roadways and structures on Maui and Kaua‘i that were damaged by landslides and severe rain in recent years.

$20 million to support Native Hawaiian climate resilience efforts. The funding, awarded to 17 Native Hawaiian Organizations, will help restore native ecosystems and plants and enhance food security while incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2848A50E-E47C-4AE3-9EBF-68122D83A7BC,Congressional Leadership Announces President Carter to Lie in State,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,thune,https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — As the nation mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter, Senate Majority Leader-elect Thune, Speaker Johnson, Senate Democratic Leader Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Jeffries sent a letter to President Carter’s son James Carter III and the Carter Center announcing their intent for the 39th President to lie in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

President Carter’s remains will lie in state from the afternoon of January 7 to the morning of January 9. The Capitol will be open to the public during designated times for those who wish to pay their respects to President Carter.

Read the letter below:

Dear Mr. Carter,

On behalf of the United States Congress and the American people, we write to express our sincerest condolences to you on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter.

In recognition of President Carter’s long and distinguished service to the nation, it is our intention to ask the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to permit his remains lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.

With your approval, we will move forward with these arrangements so that the American people have the opportunity to pay their respects to President Carter before he is laid to rest.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A046445E-BBF0-4B67-AE86-F68A477CFE95,"Warner & Kaine Celebrate Inflation Reduction Act's $2,000 per Year Cap on Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs for Americans with Medicare",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) celebrated a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act that will go into effect on January 1, 2025 to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year for Americans with Medicare Part D. The cap will apply to individuals’ combined, total costs for covered drugs—regardless of how many medications they need. Some estimates have shown that Virginians on Medicare will save an average of $440.62 on out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs thanks to this cap.

“The Inflation Reduction Act has already made a huge difference in the lives of Virginians. It’s capped the price of insulin at $35 per month for seniors, lowered health care and energy costs, brought millions of dollars in investment to Virginia, and created manufacturing jobs—all while lowering the deficit,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled that beginning in 2025, Americans on Medicare will have a $2,000 per year out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs. Many seniors currently pay thousands of dollars a year for medications they need, so this provision is crucial to saving them money. We will keep working to build on this progress and ensure that Virginia harnesses all the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act.”

In 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is also expected to announce 15 more Medicare Part D drugs for negotiation. The IRA allowed CMS to negotiate the price of prescription drugs for the first time—a move Warner and Kaine had long pushed for. This year, the Biden Administration announced negotiated prices for the first 10 drugs for patients covered by Medicare Part D. The negotiated prices for the first 10 drugs, which will go into effect in 2026, will save $1.5 billion for Americans with Medicare Part D and $6 billion in the federal budget in the first year of implementation.

Many other provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which the senators voted to pass in 2022, have already gone into effect to lower health care costs and expand clean energy manufacturing in Virginia and across the country.

Health Care:

Black lung benefits: The law permanently extended the black lung excise tax at a higher rate, providing more certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. In Virginia, thousands of miners and their families have received benefits through the trust fund since it was established, including approximately 2,600 Virginians in 2021.

$35 cap on the cost of insulin: Out-of-pocket costs for insulin—regardless of how much a patient needs—are capped at $35 per month under Medicare. Thanks to the IRA, 36,461 Virginians on Medicare who use insulin now pay no more than $35 per month. Click here to learn how seniors like Mrs. Marguerite Bailey Young of Fredericksburg, who was Warner’s guest to the 2023 State of the Union, are benefiting from the $35 cap.

Free vaccines for Medicare recipients: People with Medicare no longer have to pay to receive most vaccines under Medicare Part D, which includes vaccines for shingles, HPV, MMR, diphtheria, and pertussis. In 2023, over 230,000 seniors in Virginia received a recommended vaccine free of cost.

Extension of ACA subsidies: During the pandemic, Congress enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help lower health care premiums for millions of Americans. The IRA extended these enhanced subsidies through 2025 to help make Virginians’ health insurance more affordable. 350,008 Virginians with ACA coverage are receiving assistance to lower the cost of their premium. In 2022, Virginians saved an average of $508 per month on their health insurance premium.

Lower Premiums for More Than 500,000 Virginians: There are additional provisions that went into effect to limit annual premium increases for Americans, including more than 500,000 Virginians enrolled in Medicare Part D.

Penalties on drug manufacturers that increase prices: Manufacturers are required to keep the increase in the cost of their drugs at or below inflation.

Clean Energy:

Boosts to clean energy investments: Clean energy manufacturers can apply for expanded tax credits that incentivize investment in and production of renewable energy technologies like solar power and offshore wind. The IRA set aside $4 billion in credits for businesses that make these investments in energy communities that have seen closures of coal mines or retirements of coal-fired power plants in recent years. This means that communities in Virginia, especially Southwest Virginia, are well-positioned to benefit from many of these tax credits and funding opportunities. In 2023, Kaine hosted an event at Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap to discuss how Virginia can best harness the clean energy tax credits, economic development, and job creation opportunities created by the legislation.

Improvements to home energy efficiency: Homeowners can receive up to 30 percent back through tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements to their home—generally up to a maximum of $1,200 per year but potentially up to $3,200 if improvements include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, or biomass stoves.

Simplified Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credits: The IRA allows qualified individuals to get a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of new EVs or a tax credit of up to $4,000 for certain used EVs and plug-in hybrids purchased through a dealership. Virginians who buy an EV from a participating dealer can now choose to receive their tax credit for that purchase at the point-of-sale instead of after filing their taxes.

Federal funding to help low-income and disadvantaged communities more easily access solar energy: The IRA brought over $156 million in federal funding to Virginia to support solar energy development in low-income areas, which will lower energy costs for families and create good-quality jobs while tackling the effects of climate change.

The IRA has also expanded clean energy manufacturing in Virginia and brought a series of corporate investments to Virginia, including:

A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility in Chesapeake to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms. This will create over 330 jobs.

An over $400 million investment by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County that will manufacture solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC), a crucial component for producing clean hydrogen. This will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.

An investment of over $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks and a federal grant award of over $208 million to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/29/bennet-statement-on-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter/,Bennet Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CO,Michael F. Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,bennet,https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/,scraper,"Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the below statement following the death of President Jimmy Carter:

“President Jimmy Carter campaigned on telling the truth to the American people, and he kept his promise. He was a devoted family man, principled statesman, and champion for rural communities. His post-presidency set a global standard for dignity and selflessness. Susan and I join Colorado in mourning his loss and recommitting ourselves to the common good he espoused.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter,Blumenthal Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the below statement following the passing of Former President Jimmy Carter:

“Jimmy Carter was a public servant for all seasons—leading by example, passionately and unstintingly, over deeply different and sometimes difficult phases of his life and the nation’s.

“The diversity and longevity of his public service is staggering—as a military officer, Governor and President, home builder, health care activist, and much more. He certainly showed that leadership in elected office is only one of many ways to give back to our great nation. He believed fervently in the opportunity and obligation of every single person to make a difference and better the lives of others. I’ll always be grateful for his appointing me as U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, which is how I first came to know him.

“While some disagreed with his political views or positions, none could doubt his sincerity and decency, his faith and humanity. He built a legacy of giving back—personifying the adage that there’s no limit to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

Blumenthal was appointed to be the U.S. Attorney for Connecticut by President Carter and served in that role for four years during the Carter Administration.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-statement-on-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter/,Cornyn Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

“As a naval officer, Georgia state senator, governor, and President of the United States, Jimmy Carter served our nation with honor,” said Sen. Cornyn. “His love for his home state of Georgia and for those he served through his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church and charities like Habitat for Humanity was evident throughout his life, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of our great American story. My prayers are with the entire Carter family during this time.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-the-death-of-former-president-jimmy-carter,Crapo Statement on the Death of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued this statement following news that former President James “Jimmy” Carter died December 29, 2024:

“President Jimmy Carter lived a life of public service that demonstrated an unquestionable dedication and love of his country. He was an influential leader both inside the Oval Office and out. His service to the U.S. Navy and his philanthropy within his various communities will always be remembered. I join with Idahoans in sending my condolences to the entire Carter family, and am certain Jimmy and Rosalynn are rejoicing together in their reunion.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-statement-on-passing-of-jimmy-carter,Sen. Cruz Statement on Passing of Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

""Heidi and I are saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter. At age 100, President Carter was the oldest former president in history, and he left a legacy of honorable military and public service. His decades-long dedication to building homes for those in need was truly remarkable. Our hearts and prayers are with the Carter family during this difficult time. We pray for peace and comfort for his loved ones as they mourn his loss, and take solace in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5F2D6DE5-0C90-4979-ADCB-CF5CEB8DA1B5,Fischer Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,NE,Deb Fischer,F000463,www.fischer.senate.gov,fischer,https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:

“Throughout his long life, President Carter served his country and his fellow man. He showed his love for others through many actions — serving in the Navy, as our 39th President, teaching Sunday School, and most memorably as a home builder for Habitat for Humanity. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to his family,”said Senator Fischer.

Permalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/12/fischer-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter/,Gillibrand Statement On Passing Of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the death of President Jimmy Carter:

“President Jimmy Carter was a devoted public servant, a lifelong activist, and a prolific humanitarian. I am devastated to hear of his passing, but I know that his legacy will live on through the work of the Carter Center and the thousands of people he influenced throughout his life. My thoughts are with his family today. He will be deeply missed.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-statement-on-death-of-former-president-jimmy-carter,Senator Hassan Statement on Death of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan released the following statement regarding the death of former President Jimmy Carter:

“Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to building a more equitable country and world. As President, he strengthened our education system, protected the environment, and helped make possible the historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. In the years following his presidency, he continued to lead international peace-keeping efforts and championed human rights.

""President Carter made it his mission to improve the lives of Americans and people around the world. His commitments to building a more perfect union and advancing peace have helped to leave this world better than he found it. I join with people across New Hampshire, our country, and the world today in mourning his loss, and my prayers are with his loved ones at this time.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-president-jimmy-carter,Heinrich Statement on President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement in recognition of the life of former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter.

“Jimmy Carter devoted his life to serving others, seeking peace, and improving the world around him.

“From creating the Department of Energy to protecting our rivers and wildlands in New Mexico, Alaska, and elsewhere, President Carter’s legacy was forward-looking, thoughtful, and visionary. Above everything, he stood tall for working people, never relenting in the fight for a better economic future for all.

“At a time of great polarization and partisan divide in our nation, I hope each of us can draw from President Carter’s constant example of compassion, humility, and decency.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter,Senator King Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement after the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:

“President Carter led a life of incredible service, putting country over party and politics,” said Senator King. “From his early days as a sailor with the United States Navy to the White House, President Carter personified our true American values. He was compassionate, unapologetic in his convictions, and forward-thinking — calling out racial discrimination as Governor of Georgia, negotiating the Camp David Accords, and dedicating his post-presidential career to community service. Jimmy Carter’s extraordinary life story epitomized the American Dream and proved that any one of us can go from humble beginnings to President of the United States and human rights champion for the world. Now that’s a legacy to be proud of. May the Carter family, and his beloved Georgia community, find peace and comfort during these difficult times.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C491D691-7010-4363-8E41-DD985E6D9CBF,Klobuchar Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter.

“Today, America mourns the loss of President Jimmy Carter — a husband, dad, grandpa, veteran, farmer, and lifelong public servant.

President Carter earned a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans when he invited Senator Walter Mondale to join his presidential ticket. On the wall in the Carter Museum in Atlanta are Vice President Mondale’s words uttered shortly after their 1980 defeat, summing up their four years in office: “We told the truth. We obeyed the law. We kept the peace.”

Minnesota will always remember the “Grits and Fritz” ticket, but President Carter gave our nation that and more. Even during a period of economic uncertainty, he made key advancements in protecting the environment, expanding access to health care, bolstering Social Security, and strengthening America’s leadership on the world stage.

In the years following his presidency, President Carter showed the world that public service transcends public office. He founded the Carter Center, which to this day is advancing peace, public health, and human rights across the globe. His devotion to serving others continued until the very end — so many of us were moved by the videos of him building homes alongside fellow Habitat for Humanity volunteers in his final years.

I was lucky enough to share several wonderful memories with President Carter in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. We prayed together at Maranatha Baptist Church, I watched him teach Sunday school, and we shared pimento cheese sandwiches. Each time, his profound faith was clearly on display.

As President Carter reunites with his beloved wife Rosalynn, we should recognize his passing for what it is — the culmination of a life well lived. He will be remembered not as a politician, but as an unrelenting force for good.

John’s and my prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family at this time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B9BD204C-4E97-48B9-9929-98376DECEEA2,Senator Graham on the Passing of President Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the passing of 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

“President Carter lived a full, incredible and consequential life. He will be remembered for his decency and his humanitarian efforts as much as any legislative accomplishment.

“He achieved major Middle East reconciliation during his presidency and proved once again that coming from humble roots in one of the most rural areas of America is no barrier to becoming president and living out big dreams.

“As a committed Christian, he has now rejoined the love of his life, Rosalynn. May he rest in peace.”

####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3593F4B6-5B9F-4DB8-A270-C6C7146492D4,President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"LOUISVILLE, KY — U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the death of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter:

“Elaine and I join the Senate and the nation in mourning the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter.

“President Carter lived a truly American dream. A devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia volunteered to serve his country in uniform. He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean. He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.

“Jimmy Carter’s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil. After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others; into building and teaching and volunteering; into further enriching the same rich soil that had made his own life possible.

“President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.

“As Jimmy Carter is reunited with his beloved Rosalynn, our thoughts and prayers are with their children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the millions of Americans whose lives were touched by his service. We join them in mourning, but also in celebrating that Jimmy Carter is now reaping an eternal harvest in Heaven.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-murphy-statement-on-death-of-president-jimmy-carter,Murphy Statement on Death of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the death of President Jimmy Carter:

“Few people have modeled what it means to live a life dedicated to the service of others more than President Jimmy Carter. He led with compassion, humility, and moral clarity even when it came at a political cost. Helping others was his calling, and President Carter didn’t need the White House to change millions of lives. From his work at the Carter Center to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, he worked every day to build a more just world.

“In a 1979 speech, President Carter warned the nation we have two paths to choose from – one toward fragmentation and self-interest and another toward common purpose. It’s a warning that rings true still today.

“My heart is with the Carter family as the nation mourns the loss of a giant.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-former-president-jimmy-carter,Reed Statement on the Life & Legacy of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,jackreed,https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement on the passing of James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr., 100, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 and went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002:

“From the Naval Academy to the White House to Habitat for Humanity, Jimmy Carter led a life of public service and personal integrity. He and his late, beloved wife, Rosalyn, were true champions for human rights, peace, and democracy. Whether it was serving in the Navy or in office, President Carter dedicated his life to public service. He was ahead of his time on issues like climate change, clean energy, and environmental conservation. Jimmy Carter was a man of uncommon principle, compassion, caring, kindness, and faith who truly lived his values and made the world a better place.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-statement-on-death-of-jimmy-carter/,Ricketts Statement on Death of Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,NE,Pete Ricketts,R000618,www.ricketts.senate.gov,ricketts,https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement on the death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States:

“Jimmy Carter’s life was marked by faith, family, and service. He defended our country as a member of the U.S. Navy. He served as our 39th president. After leaving office, he faithfully taught Sunday school and advocated for human rights around the world. His 77-year marriage to Rosalynn Carter modeled love and dedication. Susanne and I send our condolences to the Carter family as they grieve.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter,Schatz Statement On The Passing Of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement after the death of former President Jimmy Carter:

“I join Americans across the country in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. As president, he worked to protect the environment, expand clean energy, champion human rights, and advance Middle East peace. After leaving office, he spent decades helping the less fortunate, in America and around the world. His legacy of service, kindness, and generosity will live on. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Carter family.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-statement-on-president-carters-passing/,Sen. Scott Statement on President Carter’s Passing,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

“President Carter’s public witness of his faith was a blessing to his family, the church, and our country. His legacy as a Sunday school teacher, faithful husband to his bride, and a man of deep Christian conviction in private and in public service will inspire Americans for generations to come. May his memory be a blessing to his family and our nation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-statement-on-passing-of-us-president-jimmy-carter,Shaheen Statement on Passing of U.S. President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Jeanne Shaheen,S001181,www.shaheen.senate.gov,shaheen,https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States of America:

“I’m devastated by the passing of my mentor and friend, Jimmy Carter, and join the nation in grieving the loss of this incredible leader,” said Shaheen. “He led this country with empathy, grace and determination, and I owe my journey in politics to him. From working on his primary presidential campaign in New Hampshire in 1975, I became inspired by his compassion for people and vision to make this country a better place. The values he passionately advocated for inspired my run for office, and I’ve made it my mission in the Senate to take the mantle of fighting for working families and justice. We have lost a titan of American politics, but our country is better for his unwavering service. I join with all Granite Staters in keeping the Carter family in our thoughts. May he rest in peace.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8B3234CC-0FAD-40F1-AE8B-31211DE29401,Thune Statement on Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,thune,https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"“Today we mourn the passing of a dedicated public servant and man of faith, former President Jimmy Carter.”

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

“Today we mourn the passing of a dedicated public servant and man of faith, former President Jimmy Carter,” said Thune. “President Carter dedicated his life to serving the people of Georgia and our great country – as a naval officer, a governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. From peanut farming to the presidency and every step in between, his wife Rosalynn was by his side. Kimberley and I are praying for the Carter family, and we are comforted by the fact that Jimmy and Rosalynn are together again.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1B86752D-AA8A-4990-9663-4F0FC6B3E504,Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

“Jimmy Carter blazed a trail from the peanut fields of Plains, Georgia to the Navy, the Governor’s Mansion, the White House, and to a remarkable post-presidential career – modeling leadership, philanthropy, and love of country every step of the way. We lost a giant.

“Jimmy Carter gave me my first job out of law school, and I have deeply admired his service since leaving the Oval Office. His dedication to building homes through Habitat for Humanity has always brought back warm memories of my father, who also volunteered with the organization well into his eighties. Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us – a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=239A2EF6-9609-4E16-AC9E-671633560D17,Klobuchar Statement on the Passing of State Senator Kari Dziedzic,2024-12-28,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the passing of Minnesota State Senator and former DFL Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic.

Kari Dziedzic was an incredible public servant who gave so much to our state. She long served as my state Senator and I got to see firsthand how she listened to and worked with the people in the district and how effective she was. She governed with strength and calm and grace and was able to get big things done without political drama. That earned her the respect of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our family’s prayers are with Kari’s friends and family during this difficult time.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=70FC6608-BE27-412F-978B-1674D72A9E50,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Pat Crowley,2024-12-28,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Pat Crowley:

“I was saddened to hear about the passing of one of Kentucky’s finest political journalists, Pat Crowley. Over a long and distinguished career, Pat’s work in the Commonwealth drew wide attention and well-earned national acclaim. Over the years, I enjoyed getting to know Pat and reading his characteristically well-reasoned coverage of important news. Elaine and I will remember Pat fondly, and we send our condolences to his wife, his daughter and son, and his grandchildren.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-releases-report-and-supporting-documents-in-coast-guard-sexual-misconduct-cover-up,ICYMI: Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Releases Report & Supporting Documents in Coast Guard Sexual Misconduct Cover-Up,2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chair Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ranking Member Ron Johnson (R-WI) released a bipartisan interim staff report on their inquiry into the Coast Guard’s efforts to conceal the investigation into mishandled cases of sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy.

The report, Coast Guard Efforts to Conceal the Operation Fouled Anchor Investigation from Congress and the Public, includes several newly released documents, among which is an email explaining that then-Commandant Admiral Schultz chose not to affirmatively disclose Operation Fouled Anchor to either Congress or the public based on the continuing nature of the investigation. This email was sent the same day that a briefing by the Coast Guard to Congress on Operation Fouled Anchor was scheduled to take place – effectively engaging in a cover-up. Additional evidence further suggests that the Coast Guard took affirmative steps to remove references to Operation Fouled Anchor from internal Coast Guard communications which Congress had requested as part of an inquiry into harassment, bullying, and retaliation at the Coast Guard Academy.

“This report provides additional evidence that the highest levels of Coast Guard leadership engaged in a purposeful and long-term cover-up of widespread sexual assault and harassment allegations at the Coast Guard Academy,” Blumenthal and Johnson said. “The survivors of this misconduct deserve an explanation, and so does the public.”

Background on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations

Inquiry into the Coast Guard

In September 2023, PSI opened a bipartisan inquiry into the Coast Guard’s internal review of sexual assault and harassment cases that occurred between 1990 and 2006, which was called Operation Fouled Anchor. The Subcommittee’s inquiry has focused on the Coast Guard’s original mishandling of these cases and the Coast Guard’s failure to reveal the conclusion of Operation Fouled Anchor, and its associated report, to Congress and the public. The Subcommittee is also examining the ways in which the Coast Guard currently handles reports of sexual assault and harassment.

Last December, the Subcommittee held a hearing in which four current and former Coast Guard Academy cadets testified about the Coast Guard’s mishandling of their cases.

In February 2024, the Subcommittee released additional documents showing that the Coast Guard was concerned that, should Operation Fouled Anchor be made public, it would “risk the initiation of comprehensive Congressional investigations, hearings, and media interest” and that “[t]he rates of sexual assault reporting have not appreciably changed, calling into question impact of Coast Guard actions taken over the past decade to change CGA climate/etc.” Handwritten notes on one document, which according to the Coast Guard were made by then-Vice Commandant Admiral Charles Ray, state, “Problem is one of the past... .”

In June, Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the Coast Guard, testified before PSI. In August, Blumenthal released a majority staff report highlighting firsthand accounts of Coast Guard enlisted personnel, officers, and Coast Guard Academy cadets who have experienced sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of misconduct ahead of a field hearing in New London, Connecticut, featuring testimony from two current and three former members of the Coast Guard.

The full text of the Senators’ initial letter to the Coast Guard is available here. The letter from December 2023 is available here. Video of the Subcommittee’s hearing in December featuring testimony from survivors can be viewed here. The Subcommittee’s February 2024 letter is available here. The Subcommittee’s hearing invitation to Admiral Linda Fagan is available here, and the video of Admiral Fagan’s testimony in June 2024 is available here. The majority staff report highlighting the testimony of survivors of sexual assault and harassment in the Coast Guard is available here. Video of the field hearing in New London is available here.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shares-2024-policy-oversight-achievements,"Grassley Shares 2024 Policy, Oversight Achievements",2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released an overview of his 2024 legislative and oversight work for Iowans.

“Serving the people of Iowa is an honor I take very seriously. My constant mission is to advocate for our great state, while making the government more accountable and transparent.

“In the New Year, I’ll hit the ground running to advance legislative efforts to secure the border, lower the price of prescription drugs, pass a five-year Farm Bill and curb wasteful spending. Congress has a long to-do list. I encourage Iowans to keep in touch and share their views with me while I work on your behalf,” Grassley said.

Read Grassley's 2024 Year in Review:

Download PDF

Contents:

Welcome

HIStory

Keeping in Touch with Iowans

Farm Bill Priorities

Keeping Foreign Adversaries Off U.S. Farmland

Expanding Overseas Markets

Iowa Leads the Way

Year Round E15

Wind Energy

Iowa Ethanol

Sky-High Possibilities

Investing in Iowa

Airports

Railroads

Roads and Bridges

Clean Water

Budget and the Economy

A Costly Cover-Up

“Transparency Brings Accountability”

It’s the Budget Committee, Not the Climate Committee

Health Care

A Dose of Sunshine

Pro-Family, Pro-Mother, Pro-Life

Supporting Rural Pharmacies

Fighting the Opioid Epidemic

Grassley Backs the Blue

Bad Actors and U.S. Planes

The History of the Juvenile Justice Program

Protecting Kids Online

Grassley Holds Big Tech’s Feet to the Fire

Immigration

The First Job of Government

Leading the Charge to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Kids

Peace Through Strength

Watchdog for Veterans

A Record Year

Protecting Patients

Supporting Crime Victims

Defending Whistleblowers

Cleaning Up Government Waste and Abuse

Did You Know?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-senators-hassan-and-cornyns-bipartisan-bill-to-help-prevent-child-abuse,SIGNED INTO LAW: Senators Hassan and Cornyn's Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Child Abuse,2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) released the following statements after their Jenna Quinn Law, which would allow current grant funds to be used to train and educate students, teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children in a professional or volunteer capacity on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse, was signed into law earlier this week. The bill is named for Jenna Quinn, a Texan and child abuse survivor, and is modeled after successful reforms passed by the Texas Legislature in 2009.

“Inspired by Texan Jenna Quinn, our landmark legislation modeled after successful reforms in Texas will ensure every student, teacher, and caregiver across the country has the tools to recognize and prevent abuse of vulnerable children,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law is years in the making, and I want to thank the bill’s namesake, Jenna Quinn, Representatives Moran and McCaul, and all of my colleagues in Congress for their support.”

“Members of both parties are united in our mission to find additional ways to keep children safe from sexual abuse,” said Sen. Hassan. “Our bipartisan legislation will help ensure that parents, teachers, and other community members receive evidence-based training to help protect children from sexual abuse.""

“Every child deserves protection from abuse. Ensuring all adults, teachers, and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and report child sexual abuse is a necessary and life-saving mechanism,” said Sen. Luján. “Jenna’s Law is implemented across several states – including New Mexico – and should be federally recognized. I’m proud that this legislation was signed into law, bringing us one step closer to providing funding to train and educate students, teachers, and parents on best practices to prevent and report abuse.”

Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) also cosponsored this legislation, and Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Susan Wild (PA-07) led the legislation in the House.

Background:

Jenna Quinn has been an outspoken advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse and was the driving force behind what is now known as Jenna’s Law in Texas. Unanimously passed by the Texas Legislature, Jenna’s Law was the first child sexual abuse prevention law in the U.S. that mandates K-12 trainings for students and school staff and was amended in 2017 to include sex trafficking prevention education in schools. More than half of all states have adopted a form of Jenna’s Law.

After Jenna’s Law passed in Texas in 2009, a study found educators reported child sexual abuse at a rate almost four times greater after training than during their pre-training career. The Jenna Quinn Law will:

Authorize federal grants to eligible entities for increasing evidence-based or informed training on sexual abuse prevention education and reporting to teachers and school employees, students, caregivers, and other adults who work with children;

And ensure these grant recipients coordinate with local educational agencies to train students, professionals, and volunteers who work with students on sexual abuse prevention, recognition, and reporting.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-senators-hassan-and-hyde-smiths-bipartisan-legislation-to-benefit-national-guard-reserve-students,"SIGNED INTO LAW: Senators Hassan and Hyde-Smith’s Bipartisan Legislation to Benefit National Guard, Reserve Students",2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, the annual defense bill signed into law earlier this week includes bipartisan legislation from U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) to ensure that students who serve in the National Guard or Reserves will be guaranteed readmission to their schools following a mobilization.

“Students in the Reserves and the National Guard sacrifice to serve their communities and our country, and they shouldn’t have to jeopardize their spot in school because they were called to duty,” said Senator Hassan. “I am pleased that the latest national defense bill provides a measure that will ensure that student National Guard and Reserve members who are mobilized for short missions will have the security of knowing that their spot in school will be waiting for them.”

“Many Guard and Reserve deployments last fewer than 30 days, putting numerous students who have volunteered to serve our nation at risk of having their educational pursuits derailed,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’m pleased the FY2025 NDAA includes an overdue fix to this problem.”

The SERVE Act removes a “more than 30 days” stipulation in the law that only requires colleges and universities to readmit servicemembers who are deployed for more than 30 days. Prior to this bill, National Guard and Reserve members mobilized for fewer than 30 days were not universally entitled to be promptly readmitted.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/president-signs-lummis-mullin-bill-to-designate-the-bald-eagle-as-the-national-bird/,"President Signs Lummis, Mullin Bill to Designate the Bald Eagle as the National Bird",2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,WY,Cynthia M. Lummis,L000571,www.lummis.senate.gov,lummis,https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, President Joe Biden signed legislation introduced by Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States.

“The bald eagle is an enduring symbol of American freedom and values, and I am thrilled it is finally getting the recognition it deserves as our official national bird,” said Lummis.

“The bald eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and patriotism for our nation,”said Mullin. “It’s only fitting we officially designate the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. I’m happy to see this signed into law by the president and was happy to work in a bipartisan fashion to get it to his desk.”

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) cosponsored the legislation. Reps. Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the House companion bill.

The bald eagle has proudly been depicted as the national symbol of the United States since June 20, 1782, when our country’s Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States. Since that time, the bald eagle has appeared on official documents, currency, flags, public buildings, sports teams and other government-related items. Today, the bald eagle is synonymous with American life and this legislation will officially designate it as the National Bird of the United States.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-justices-decision-to-complete-his-term-as-governor,Capito Statement on Justice’s Decision to Complete his Term as Governor,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,WV,Shelley Moore Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,capito,https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the below statement following Governor Jim Justice’s (R-W.Va.) decision to delay his swearing in to the United States Senate and complete his term as governor:

“I very much respect Governor Justice’s decision to honor his commitment to complete his term as Governor of the State of West Virginia. I am looking forward to serving with Senator Justice as there is much to do to advance President Trump’s agenda on behalf of all West Virginians.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-colleagues-bill-to-help-prevent-child-abuse-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Help Prevent Child Abuse Signed into Law",2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) released the following statements after their Jenna Quinn Law, which would allow current grant funds to be used to train and educate students, teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children in a professional or volunteer capacity on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse, was signed into law earlier this week. The bill is named for Jenna Quinn, a Texan and child abuse survivor, and is modeled after successful reforms passed by the Texas Legislature in 2009.

“Inspired by Texan Jenna Quinn, our landmark legislation modeled after successful reforms in Texas will ensure every student, teacher, and caregiver across the country has the tools to recognize and prevent abuse of vulnerable children,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law is years in the making, and I want to thank the bill’s namesake, Jenna Quinn, Representatives Moran and McCaul, and all of my colleagues in Congress for their support.”

“Members of both parties are united in our mission to find additional ways to keep children safe from sexual abuse,” said Sen. Hassan. “Our bipartisan legislation will help ensure that parents, teachers, and other community members receive evidence-based training to help protect children from sexual abuse.”

“Every child deserves protection from abuse. Ensuring all adults, teachers, and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and report child sexual abuse is a necessary and life-saving mechanism,” said Sen. Luján. “Jenna’s Law is implemented across several states – including New Mexico – and should be federally recognized. I’m proud that this legislation was signed into law, bringing us one step closer to providing funding to train and educate students, teachers, and parents on best practices to prevent and report abuse.”

Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) also cosponsored this legislation, and Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Susan Wild (PA-07) led the legislation in the House.

Background:

Jenna Quinn has been an outspoken advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse and was the driving force behind what is now known as Jenna’s Law in Texas. Unanimously passed by the Texas Legislature, Jenna’s Law was the first child sexual abuse prevention law in the U.S. that mandates K-12 trainings for students and school staff and was amended in 2017 to include sex trafficking prevention education in schools. More than half of all states have adopted a form of Jenna’s Law.

After Jenna’s Law passed in Texas in 2009, a study found educators reported child sexual abuse at a rate almost four times greater after training than during their pre-training career. The Jenna Quinn Law will:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-hassan-backed-bipartisan-bill-to-support-autism-research,SIGNED INTO LAW: Hassan-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Support Autism Research,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – A bipartisan bill, backed by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, to support autism education, research, and resources has been signed into law. The Autism CARES Act of 2024 renews and expands federal support for research, services, and training related to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Senator Hassan, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) Committee, helped advance this legislation through the Senate.

“Individuals with autism deserve the best opportunities possible to thrive,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help advance autism research and education efforts. I am glad that the President has signed this bill into law, and I will continue to work to support people who experience disabilities.”

This legislation is part of Senator Hassan’s ongoing efforts to support people who experience disabilities. In May, Senator Hassan’s provision to increase access to universal changing stations in airports was signed into law as part of the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization. Additionally, Senator Hassan helped secure funding to help families of children experiencing disabilities navigate the special education process and better access the resources available for children experiencing disabilities as part of a bipartisan government funding package.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-hassan-welcome-enactment-their-bill-benefit-guard-reserve-students,"HYDE-SMITH, HASSAN WELCOME ENACTMENT OF THEIR BILL TO BENEFIT GUARD, RESERVE STUDENTS",2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"FY2025 Defense Policy Bill Includes Bipartisan ‘SERVE Act’ to Guarantee College Readmission for Guard, Reservists

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today welcomed the enactment of major defense policy legislation that includes their bipartisan bill to ensure that students who serve in the National Guard and Reserve will be guaranteed readmission to their schools following a mobilization.

The bipartisan Servicemember Enrollment and Readmission for Valuable Education (SERVE) Act (S.2076) was included in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (HR.5009), which was signed into law on Monday. The SERVE Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure that students called to serve in domestic, short-term National Guard and Reserve mobilizations can return to their studies.

“Many Guard and Reserve mobilizations last fewer than 30 days, putting numerous students who have volunteered to serve our nation at risk of having their educational pursuits derailed,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I’m pleased the FY2025 NDAA includes an overdue fix to this problem.”

“Students in the Reserves and the National Guard sacrifice to serve their communities and our country, and they shouldn’t have to jeopardize their spot in school because they were called to duty,” said Senator Hassan. “I am pleased that the latest national defense bill provides a measure that will ensure that student National Guard and Reserve members who are mobilized for short missions will have the security of knowing that their spot in school will be waiting for them.”

The SERVE Act removes a “more than 30 days” stipulation in current law that only requires readmission for student servicemembers who are mobilized for more than 30 days. Under existing law, National Guard and Reserve members mobilized for fewer than 30 days are not universally entitled to be promptly readmitted.

Hyde-Smith introduced the SERVE Act with Hassan in June 2023. U.S. Representatives Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) and Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) were the lead sponsors of a House companion bill.

The overall FY2025 NDAA establishes policies and sets funding guidelines for the FY2025 Defense Appropriations Bill that will actually allocate funds for Department of Defense activities. The overall bill also authorizes a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted troops, a 4.5 percent across-the-board pay raise for all other service members, and broadens access to child care for service members.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=43C74E92-7898-43A6-9FA1-DC0C2459DB8F,Bipartisan Klobuchar Legislation to Designate the Bald Eagle as the National Bird is Signed into Law,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith introduced the legislation in the Senate. Representatives Brad Finstad and Angie Craig led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her legislation to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States has been signed into law. This legislation was co-sponsored by Tina Smith (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“In Minnesota, we know a thing or two about eagles: we are home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha,” said Klobuchar. “The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength and with our legislation now signed into law, the bald eagle is officially our national bird.”

“This is an exciting day. The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782,” said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center and author of American Eagle - A Visual History of Our National Emblem. “With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity.”

The bald eagle has proudly been depicted as the national symbol of the United States since June 20, 1782, when our country’s Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States. Since that time, the bald eagle design has gone on to appear on official documents, currency, flags, public buildings, sports teams, and other government-related items. Today, the bald eagle is synonymous with American life and this legislation will officially designate it as the National Bird of the United States.

In the Senate, the legislation was led by Klobuchar and Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Don Beyer (D-VA).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=67A111C6-912D-44A0-BC9E-14484A8C2DAD,Klobuchar Statement on the Passing of Former State Representative Mary Murphy,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the passing of former Minnesota State Representative Mary Murphy.

“Mary Murphy was an incredible Minnesotan who dedicated her life to serving the Northland. As a former teacher, she was a strong advocate for improving education for our children and she also fought to protect victims of domestic violence and stalking. Mary was in so many ways ahead of her time and was often the only woman at the table in northern Minnesota. That’s changed now thanks to her trailblazing legacy. John and I send our deepest condolences to Mary’s friends and family.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/24/bennet-sends-nine-bills-to-the-presidents-desk/,Bennet Sends Nine Bills to the President’s Desk,2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CO,Michael F. Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,bennet,https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/,scraper,"Bennet-Led Legislation to Protect Kids in Foster Care, Build Affordable Housing, Invest in Rural Communities Included in End-of-Year Packages

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet passed nine pieces of legislation through the House and Senate over the past month and sent them to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

This legislation includes provisions from:

Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act

Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act

Summit of the Americas Act

Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act

Rural Outdoor Investment Act

Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act

Coordinating AUKUS Engagement with Japan Act of 2024

Women’s Suffrage National Monument Location Act

In case you missed it, here’s what they’re saying:

Colorado Newsline: Colorado Democrats, outdoor recreation groups cheer Senate passage of public lands bill

“While chaos in the U.S. House of Representatives threatened to trigger a government shutdown just before the holidays, Colorado Democrats and outdoor recreation advocates cheered the passage of a wide-ranging public lands bill in the Senate on Thursday.

“The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences or EXPLORE Act was unanimously approved by the Senate after being passed by the House earlier this year. It now heads to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

“The EXPLORE Act includes a variety of measures aimed at protecting certain recreational uses of federally owned public lands, simplifying permitting procedures for federal land management and ensuring equal access for people with disabilities, military veterans and young people.”

…

“The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, also sponsored by Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, aims to strengthen coordination between federal and state agencies responding to the spread of invasive species, including by giving the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation the authority to fund response programs, improving data sharing and ensuring that “at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding.”

Colorado Public Radio: Colorado has tens of thousands of abandoned hardrock mines. Congress just passed a bill to help more groups clean them up

“Congress has passed a bill that could make it easier for non-profits or states and local governments to clean up abandoned mines.

“The U.S. House on Tuesday approved the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, via voice vote. The bill passed the Senate in July and now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk.

“The bill sets up a pilot program under the Environmental Protection Agency to allow “good Samaritans” to clean up and improve water quality around abandoned hard rock mine sites without being subject to liability for pre-existing pollution.”

…

“Bennet said he was thrilled the bill made it through Congress, finally.

‘It’s 15 years of work by a lot of people, so it will be good to get it done,’ he noted. Bennet co-sponsored past versions of the bill.”

Steamboat Pilot & Today: Workforce housing revival for U.S. Forest Service project in Steamboat Springs

“U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, who co-sponsored the legislation with U.S. Rep. Neguse and has adamantly pushed for the continuation of the Forest Service leasing authorization, said Friday that he was happy that congress members were able to work together to get the EXPLORE Act passed.

“It started out in the 2018 Farm Bill, the expiration was making it difficult for what people had to do on the ground, even in Steamboat, but we were able to get the parties to come together to agree that putting it in the EXPLORE act made sense and I am really glad that we did because we were running out of time,” said Sen. Bennet.

“‘It became clear, we had wanted to pass the Farm Bill and I think there was a sense, earlier in the year, that we would pass the Farm Bill, that is a deadline that we usually don’t miss, but we were not able to get to a bipartisan Farm Bill this year so we had to find a different vehicle in the Senate and that is what EXPLORE became,’ he added.

“The legislation included in the EXPLORE Act also improves what might have been continued in the Farm Bill by extending the limit for Forest Service lease agreements from 50 to 100 years.

“‘We heard from local communities that we needed that extended period of time for them to make sense from a leasing and a financing point of view. So, we were able to double the time, and I think we are going to make that program better and more durable and maybe give us more flexibility on the ground,’ added Sen. Bennet.”

FOX31 Denver

“Earlier this term, Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet called on a committee to prioritize policies that would help people in Colorado access clean water, and today, they celebrate the successful passage of the bill.

“The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 authorizes $20 million for water supply and storm[water] management for El Paso County and $50 million for Fremont County.”

Vail Daily: Salt in the Colorado River is causing problems. A bill is now heading to Biden’s desk that would send more money to address the challenge.

“Since 1974, the Bureau of Reclamation has supported various projects to reduce salt levels in the Colorado River’s upper and lower basins. Now, a bill to increase the 50-year-old program’s funding is heading to President Joe Biden’s desk after passing both chambers of Congress.”

…

“Bennet said in a statement that the legislation will ‘support ongoing efforts to keep water from the Colorado River safe for communities, farmers and ranchers and water users throughout the entire Basin.’”

Colorado Public Radio: In the final days of a historically dysfunctional Congress, lawmakers sprint to pass a flurry of bills

“Last fall the House passed the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Location Act, introduced by Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse and Arizona Rep. Debbie Lesko. The Senate gave its approval to the bill Friday. It places the monument, whose idea came from a constituent in Neguse’s district, on the National Mall… A number of other Coloradans co-sponsored the bill, including Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and Reps. Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette.”

…

“Mesa County could be buying some land from the federal government. The Senate passed the CONVEY Act, which the House passed earlier this year.”

…

“Hickenlooper, who introduced the bill with Bennet and got the bill through the Senate called it a win-win for locals and for the federal government… Bennet agreed. “Mesa County has made significant strides to secure a vibrant future for Clifton, and our legislation would be one more step towards prosperity for the community,” he said in a statement.”

NBC Grand Junction

“U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet celebrate passing the Clifton Opportunities Now for Vibrant Economic Yields Act, or CONVEY.

“This act allows a 31 acre plot of land to be sold to Mesa County by the Bureau of Land Management. That land would be used for new economic development in Clifton.

“Both senators commented on the passing, with Hickenlooper saying it’s a win-win for the federal government and Mesa County, while Bennet says Mesa County has made significant strides to secure a vibrant future for Clifton.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/issues/human-trafficking/blackburn-cornyn-klobuchar-colleagues-bill-to-improve-investigations-of-online-child-exploitation-signed-into-law,"Blackburn, Cornyn, Klobuchar, Colleagues’ Bill to Improve Investigations of Online Child Exploitation Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TN,Marsha Blackburn,B001243,www.blackburn.senate.gov,blackburn,https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statements after their Project Safe Childhood Act, which would make improvements to the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“It is our duty to protect the most innocent among us: our nation’s children,” said Senator Blackburn. “Kids need more protections in this rapidly increasing digital age, and the Project Safe Childhood Act will modernize how we investigate and prosecute online child predators by giving state and local law enforcement the federal support and training they need.”

“No child should be exposed to vicious threats from online predators,” said Senator Cornyn. “This law will make key strategic improvements to give law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors the tools to go after online child predators and ensure more children are shielded from this horrific crime.”

“We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse,” said Senator Klobuchar. “By modernizing the Project Safe Childhood program, our bipartisan legislation will ensure that law enforcement has the tools and resources it needs to rescue victims and prosecute those who commit these terrible crimes.”

“Too many young lives have been lost or destroyed by online sexual abuse,” said Senator Grassley. “By empowering local law enforcement and federal prosecutors to take down online predators, we can protect vulnerable kids and bring criminals to justice.”

“The Project Safe Childhood Act takes a major step forward in the fight to protect children from the horrendous crime of online sexual exploitation,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Safeguarding our nation’s children from such abhorrent abuse is urgent and imperative, and this critical legislation empowers law enforcement to combat these serious dangers and hold predators accountable. I’ve long championed efforts to better protect children in an increasingly online society, and I look forward to swift action from the President.”

Background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-wishes-west-virginians-a-merry-christmas-,VIDEO: Capito Wishes West Virginians a Merry Christmas,2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,WV,Shelley Moore Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,capito,https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"**Click here or the image above to watch the video.**

**Click here to download the video.**

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued a video message wishing West Virginians a Merry Christmas.

Full video transcript included below:

“Merry Christmas, West Virginia. This is the season of peace, joy, and hope—a time to celebrate the blessings of the great state we get to call home. As you gather with family and loved ones, I encourage you to reflect with gratitude on the many gifts in our lives.

“Among these gifts is the privilege of being born in the freest and most prosperous nation on Earth. Let us honor the sacrifices that make freedom possible—especially those of the brave West Virginians in uniform who spend the holidays far from home.

“We also need to thank our first responders, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals who will be giving up their time with their families to keep our communities healthy and safe.

“This holiday season, make sure to cherish our neighbors and give thanks, and may we carry the warm spirit of Christmas into the New Year. I, for one, look forward to serving you and working to build a brighter future for every West Virginian.

“From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-bills-to-enhance-u-s-defense-procurement-capabilities-signed-into-law/,Cornyn Bills to Enhance U.S. Defense Procurement Capabilities Signed into Law,2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after two of his bills to enhance U.S. defense procurement capabilities, the Capability-Based Trade and Unconventional Resource Engagement (CAPTURE) Act and the Encouraging Qualitative Upgrades and Innovative Procurements (EQUIP) Act, were signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“For America to effectively confront the evolving threats around the globe, our military must be modern and nimble,” said Sen. Cornyn. “These bills will enhance and expand our defense procurement capabilities to ensure we can answer the call at a moment’s notice, and I’m glad to see them signed into law.”

Background:

The Capability-Based Trade and Unconventional Resource Engagement (CAPTURE) Act creates a pilot project permitting contracting officers to use an alternative capability-based analysis to determine whether the proposed price or fee for a commercial product or service offered by a nontraditional defense contractor is fair and reasonable, giving them more flexibility to choose the most cost-effective options regardless of contractor.

The Encouraging Qualitative Upgrades and Innovative Procurements (EQUIP) Act permits the use of the Defense Modernization Fund as a source of funding to procure and integrate commercial technologies to satisfy a joint urgent operational need or validated service requirement.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-cruz-bill-to-expand-service-members-access-to-health-care-information-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Cruz Bill to Expand Service Members’ Access to Health Care Information Signed Into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statements after their Private Smither Act, which would require the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide a health care provider’s affiliation in a patient’s medical record, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Private Second Class Caleb Smither’s life and service to our country was sadly cut short, and my hope is that this law will help us prevent similar tragedies in the future,” said Sen. Cornyn.“Now law,this legislation will ensure our service members have access to key health care information and hold DoD-contract health care providers accountable for the quality of care they provide.”

“Private Caleb Smither, from Lubbock, Texas, was a proud Paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division who served faithfully until his life was cut short by preventable circumstances,” said Sen. Cruz. “Caleb’s mother, Heather Baker, has advocated for greater transparency concerning military medical malpractice, and this bill honors Caleb’s service and Heather’s advocacy in ensuring that transparency. We owe it to Caleb, and all the brave men and women of the armed forces to prioritize their safety, and I am proud to see the Private Smither Act signed into law.”

Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives in July.

Background:

In 2020, Texan and Army Private Second Class (PV2) Caleb Smither, who was stationed at Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty, passed away after enduring a head injury and receiving medical care from an independent contractor at the base’s Womack Army Medical Center.

The Private Smither Act requires the DoD to include a health care provider’s affiliation (DoD or non-DoD) in a patient’s medical record. By including this information in a patient’s medical record, the patient will know whether or not to pursue a claim against the military or the non-personal services contractor’s medical malpractice insurance in the event of medical malpractice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-hassan-bill-to-improve-contractor-services-along-southern-border-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Hassan Bill to Improve Contractor Services Along Southern Border Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after their DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, which requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Management to deliver a report assessing contracts for services performed along the U.S.-Mexico border and implement a plan to improve procurement and delivery of those services, was signed into law:

“As a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, I’m interested in any and every opportunity to streamline government processes, including at our southern border,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will identify new ways to better protect taxpayer dollars and support our Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, and other personnel who work tirelessly to safeguard Texans.”

“We need to continue working across the aisle to strengthen border security,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation is one additional way to better achieve that mission, and I am pleased that the President has signed it into law. It will help ensure that the Department of Homeland Security and its contractors are operating as effectively as possible at the border.”

U.S. Representatives Josh Brecheen (OK-02) and Mark Green (TN-07) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General has previously reported instances when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) failed to timely contract for adequate facilities to detain illegal migrants and provide medical services.

This law will mitigate instances similar to those by requiring the DHS Under Secretary for Management to assess contracts valued at a minimum of $50 million for services performed by contractor personnel along the southern border. DHS would also be required to develop a strategy and implementation plan to improve procurement and delivery of services. As part of the analysis, DHS is required to consider the impact of contracts on the ability of Border Patrol agents to carry out their primary mission responsibilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-klobuchar-colleagues-bill-to-improve-investigations-of-online-child-exploitation-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Klobuchar, Colleagues’ Bill to Improve Investigations of Online Child Exploitation Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released the following statements after their Project Safe Childhood Act, which would make improvements to the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“No child should be exposed to vicious threats from online predators,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will make key strategic improvements to give law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors the tools to go after online child predators and ensure more children are shielded from this horrific crime.”

“We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “By modernizing the Project Safe Childhood program, our bipartisan legislation will ensure that law enforcement has the tools and resources it needs to rescue victims and prosecute those who commit these terrible crimes.”

“Too many young lives have been lost or destroyed by online sexual abuse,” said Sen. Grassley. “By empowering local law enforcement and federal prosecutors to take down online predators, we can protect vulnerable kids and bring criminals to justice.”

“The Project Safe Childhood Act takes a major step forward in the fight to protect children from the horrendous crime of online sexual exploitation,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Safeguarding our nation’s children from such abhorrent abuse is urgent and imperative, and this critical legislation empowers law enforcement to combat these serious dangers and hold predators accountable. I’ve long championed efforts to better protect children in an increasingly online society, and I look forward to swift action from the President.”

“It is our duty to protect the most innocent among us: our nation’s children,” said Sen. Blackburn. “Kids need more protections in this rapidly increasing digital age, and the Project Safe Childhood Act will modernize how we investigate and prosecute online child predators by giving state and local law enforcement the federal support and training they need.”

Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and James Lankford (R-OK) cosponsored this legislation.

Background:

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Project Safe Childhood Act would modernize the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation crimes and would make improvements to how federal prosecutors and law enforcement work together and use new technology to go after predators. This bill would require federal prosecutors and the DOJ to coordinate with law enforcement and experts to develop training materials and strategies to identify and rescue child victims while quickly arresting offenders.

The legislation is endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Fraternal Order of Police, Rights 4 Girls, National Children’s Alliance, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-ossoff-lankford-sinema-bill-to-enhance-law-enforcements-fentanyl-detection-capabilities-now-law/,"Cornyn, Ossoff, Lankford, Sinema Bill to Enhance Law Enforcement’s Fentanyl Detection Capabilities Now Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statements after their Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of (DETECT) Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, which authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct research and development, testing, and evaluation on equipment that would help law enforcement better detect fentanyl and other drugs, was signed into law:

“Fentanyl is a silent killer that lurks in the shadows of our communities,and we must assist law enforcement in rooting it out to stop the loss of more innocent lives,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will ensure our brave men and women in uniform have every available tool to safely identify these deadly drugs and help put a stop to this devastating epidemic.”

“Illegal fentanyl trafficking is devastating Georgia families and putting our kids at risk,”said Sen. Ossoff. “We brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass our bill into law that will strengthen detection and prevention of fentanyl trafficking.”

“For anyone outside of the Washington, DC beltway, there is no doubt that the border is in chaos,” said Sen. Lankford. “Besides a record number of illegal border crossers being released into the country with no idea who they are, where they are from, or where they are going, the crisis has also resulted in massive amounts of fentanyl coming into our country, which has been deadly to many communities across the US. Sadly, Oklahoma is no stranger to the terrible impact of fentanyl. We are calling on DHS to stop illegal immigration and develop a new way to detect, stop, and investigate fentanyl trafficking into the US. This is one step in stopping the chaos, but one that will have a huge impact on our communities and families.”

U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) is a cosponsor of this legislation. U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota (NY-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Don Davis (NC-01) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

Established in 2003, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is the research and development arm of DHS tasked with providing evidence-based scientific and technical expertise to inform policies that address a broad spectrum of current and emerging threats, from sexual abuse to natural disasters to narcotics. S&T has an opioid detection research program, but it is not explicitly set up by law.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act will:

Create a new statutory responsibility for S&T to carry out, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), research, development, testing, evaluation, and cost-benefit analysis to improve the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of drug detection equipment and reference libraries used by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to identify unknown substances;

Establish three focus areas with flexibility to adopt other focuses in the future:

Portable detection equipment that requires only minimal handling of sample;

Equipment that can separate complex mixtures with low concentrations of drugs and high concentrations of cutting agents into component parts to enable detection; and

Technologies that use AI and machine learning to predict whether a substance is a controlled substance analogue or other new psychoactive substance not yet included in a reference library.

Require S&T to follow the recommendations, guidelines, and best practices set out in the federal government’s Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework; and

Direct S&T to look to the DEA’s State and Territory Report on Enduring and Emerging Threats and the DHS’s Homeland Threat Assessment in establishing priorities.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations, National Border Patrol Council, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, National HIDTA Directors Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent NYPD, National Treasury Employees Union, and Shatterpoof.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-padilla-bill-to-safeguard-veterans-access-to-quality-education-now-law/,"Cornyn, Padilla Bill to Safeguard Veterans’ Access to Quality Education Now Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) released the following statements after their Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act, which would improve the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) oversight capabilities to ensure veterans can access quality education at reputable institutions, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Our veterans deserve to put their hard-earned education benefits toward degrees and certifications from trustworthy institutions,” said Sen. Cornyn.“This law will help the VA root out fraud among schools and ensure veterans have access to quality education.”

“Veterans should have access to their hard-earned GI Bill benefits without fear of exploitation,” said Sen. Padilla. “This bipartisan legislation becoming law is an important step toward that mission, and I will keep fighting to break down the barriers to quality higher education access.”

U.S. Representatives Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Mike Levin (CA-49) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

Through the G.I. Bill, many veterans earn education benefits to help pay for college, graduate school, and vocational training at institutions approved by the VA. Given the number of educational institutions, however, the VA is not always aware of those that are engaged in deceptive practices or have been subjected to punitive action by a state or federal authority. This can result in veterans using their benefits at bad-actor schools or those in jeopardy of losing accreditation.

To help mitigate fraud and ensure veterans use their benefits at reputable schools, the Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act will require all VA-approved institutions to report within 30 days any adverse actions taken against them to the State Approving Agencies (SAA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-padilla-wicker-bill-to-bolster-solid-rocket-motor-supply-chain-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Padilla, Wicker Bill to Bolster Solid Rocket Motor Supply Chain Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), along with Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS), released the following statements after their Solid Propulsion Enhancement and Advancement for Readiness (SPEAR) Act, which would help secure and stabilize the domestic supply chain of solid rocket motors commonly used in missiles and rockets, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“State-of-the-art solid rocket motors are critical to America’s defense industrial base, and I’m glad our legislation to ensure their continued production on U.S. soil is now law,” said Sen. Cornyn.

“Solid rocket motors are key to America’s national defense, and we must increase domestic production to address growing demand for hypersonic technology,” said Sen. Padilla. “California is a leader in the hypersonic industry, and I’m glad to see this legislation signed into law.”

“For years, over a dozen solid rocket motor producers, including many new, innovative companies, have struggled to move quickly because of Pentagon planning instability and lack of conviction,” said Sen. Wicker. “The SPEAR Act requires the Pentagon to begin reversing this trend through a roadmap for future manufacturing of SRMs. We need to put our defense industrial base on a wartime footing, and I am grateful to have partnered with Senator Cornyn on legislation that moves us in the right direction.”

Background:

Solid rocket motors (SRM) are key components of missiles and rockets’ propulsion capabilities. The Solid Propulsion Enhancement and Advancement for Readiness (SPEAR) Act directs the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct a study and compile a report to Congress on ways to secure and stabilize industrial SRM production capacity, resiliency, and surge capability for the next five years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-peters-webster-carbajal-bill-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-at-ports-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Peters, Webster, Carbajal Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity at Ports Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and U.S. Representative Daniel Webster (FL-11) released the following statements after their Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act, which will ensure that all applicants for competitive grant funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) may only purchase secure digital infrastructure or secure software components and applicants must certify they have a security plan addressing cyber risks, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“As technology continues to advance and global tensions rise, we must take steps to address the growing threat posed by adversaries looking to access sensitive information or disrupt supply chains at our ports,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will mitigate the risk of cyber-espionage by foreign countries and help ensure the digital infrastructure and technology at our ports is secure.”

“Our shipping ports play a crucial role in building resilient supply chains, supporting economic growth, and strengthening our national security. We must do everything we can to protect our port infrastructure from cybersecurity threats,” said Sen. Peters. “This law will incentivize our ports to put the appropriate guardrails in place to protect against cyberattacks, helping to improve the security and efficiency of operations.”

“We must ensure our seaports have the resources and are taking the steps necessary to counter threats posed by the introduction of new software and digital infrastructure,” said Rep. Webster. “This critical measure will help insulate port operations against any potential attacks by those wishing to disrupt our supply chains.”

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24) is a cosponsor of this legislation in the House.

Background:

Chinese-made cranes operating at American ports across the country, including several at strategic ports used by the military, have embedded technology that could be used to spy on and disrupt U.S. port operations. The Protecting Investments in our Ports Act will require applicants of the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) under the Maritime Administration that are acquiring digital infrastructure or a software component to certify that they have an approved National Maritime Transportation Security Plan that addresses cyber risks.

This legislation builds on Sen. Cornyn’s Cranes of Concern at our Ports (CCP) Act, which was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY24 and requires the federal government to evaluate threats to U.S. ports posed by cranes manufactured in countries of concern, especially those made by China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC). The Protecting Investment in Our Ports Act makes sure competitive grant funding from the PIDP is being used to purchase secure infrastructure and provides another layer of checks on security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-shaheen-bill-to-prevent-military-personnel-transferring-skills-to-foreign-adversaries-now-law/,"Cornyn, Shaheen Bill to Prevent Military Personnel Transferring Skills to Foreign Adversaries Now Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statements after their Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures from (STOP) Enemies Act, which would update the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to prohibit active duty and retired service members from providing military education, military training, or tactical advice to foreign adversaries, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Our military prohibits U.S. service members from providing our enemies with weapons, ammunition, and intelligence, but military education, training, and skills need to be added to that list,” said Sen. Cornyn.“This law will make it clear that active duty or retired service members who transfer their institutional knowledge to our enemies will face serious consequences.”

“U.S. service members are the most well-trained and prepared fighting force on the planet – they must know that sharing any knowledge of their training or U.S. capabilities with adversaries is strictly prohibited,” said Sen. Shaheen. “I’m glad that our bipartisan legislation has been signed into law to clarify the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and ensure that any service member who chooses to betray their oath will face severe consequences.”

Background:

Article 103b of the UCMJ currently prohibits U.S. active duty and retired service members from providing material items such as arms, ammunition, supplies, or money to the enemy as well as harboring, protecting, or providing intelligence to the enemy. This legislation would clarify the scope of Article 103b to prohibit individuals subject to the UCMJ from providing military education, military training, or tactical advice to enemies of the U.S., which could include any hostile body that our forces may be opposing, such as a rebellious mob or a band of renegades; organized forces of the enemy in time of war; and members of military organizations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-warner-lankford-kelly-bill-to-foster-intelligence-community-partnerships-signed-into-law-2/,"Cornyn, Warner, Lankford, Kelly Bill to Foster Intelligence Community Partnerships Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), and Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their Enable IC Partnerships Act, which would encourage public and private partnerships with the Intelligence Community to streamline acquisitions and adoption of cutting-edge technologies and support workforce development, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and data sciences are on pace to revolutionize intelligence gathering and analysis,” said Sen. Cornyn.“By fostering IC public-private partnerships, we can better equip our Intelligence Community with the tools and cutting-edge technology that will strengthen our national security.”

“As Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I’m acutely aware of the challenges our Intelligence Community faces to combat the threats posed by our adversaries,” said Sen. Warner. “As our adversaries rapidly advance their technological capabilities, it’s crucial that we streamline our processes in order to keep up. This law will help give the IC the support, funding, and flexibility needed better protect our national security.”

“Innovation is key to protecting America’s cybersecurity and national security,” said Sen. Lankford. “As adversaries from across the globe attempt to undermine the United States, our intelligence community needs to be prepared with the technology, training, and programs to stay one step ahead.”

“Our intelligence community is stronger when they’re given the tools needed to anticipate national security threats,” said Sen. Kelly. “This bipartisan effort will make it easier for our intelligence agencies to leverage partnerships to secure state-of-the-art technology and talent, ensuring the U.S. maintains an edge over adversaries.”

Background:

In light of global threats to national security, acquisition leaders in the Intelligence Community must be able to explore the use of public and private capital partnerships to secure technological advantages for the intelligence community through the identification, development, and transfer of promising technologies to full-scale programs capable of meeting IC requirements.

This legislation will encourage acquisition leaders to explore partnerships with federal lending agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Strategic Capital, and private capital partnerships. It will also support IC talent and workforce development in technology-related fields, including computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and others.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/01/06/2025/signed-into-law-annual-defense-bill-with-key-hassan-backed-provisions,SIGNED INTO LAW: Annual Defense Bill with Key Hassan-Backed Provisions,2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The President signed into law the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, including key provisions that Senator Maggie Hassan secured and supported. Among other measures, the legislation includes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5 percent raise for all other service members.

“Service members sacrifice to keep our country safe, secure, and free, and our bipartisan annual defense bill will further support them in their mission,” said Senator Hassan. “This bill will also strengthen our national security – including by taking on China – and it delivers for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and other New Hampshire priorities.”

Key measures to strengthen national security and support service members supported by Senator Hassan:

The SERVE Act, introduced by Senators Hassan and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), which will guarantee readmission to colleges and universities for National Guard and Reserve members after a mobilization or deployment

A 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all service members

Taking on China and Russia by:

Prohibiting the Defense Department from contracting with any entity that provides semiconductor products to Chinese telecom company Huawei

Strengthening intelligence sharing to help counter Chinese trafficking of fentanyl and fentanyl precursors

Increasing investments in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and establishing the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative

Directing the Defense Department to report on its efforts to identify and apply lessons learned from the war in Ukraine in order to strengthen U.S. national security efforts

Establishing a counter-UAS (commonly referred to as drones) task force for U.S. military installations; requiring a counter-UAS strategy for Defense Department facilities, assets, and personnel in the U.S.; and providing greater resources for counter-UAS technologies

Increasing access to contraception by eliminating co-pays for women covered by TRICARE

New Hampshire priorities that are included in the NDAA:

Exempting public shipyard employees (including those at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard) from being required to stay in government or preferred housing when traveling for official duty

Supporting infrastructure at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, including multi-mission dry dock military construction and power plant resiliency improvement

Supporting Virginia Class submarines, which are repaired at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Funding to procure KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers, which are flown by Air Force units, including the New Hampshire Air National Guard at Pease Air National Guard Base

Continuing PFAS cleanup and research efforts

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/merry-christmas,Merry Christmas!,2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

In an ever-changing, fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in current events during the holiday season. But on Christmas Eve, I hope everyone takes time to remember the true reason for the season: the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a reminder of the promise made by our loving God. And while we should keep these in mind year-round, it’s a particularly good time of year to keep in mind the teachings of Jesus: love one another, be grateful for all of the good things in our lives and give back to others.

This Christmas, I’m feeling thankful for several things: first and foremost, my family. As most of you know, I’m the proud father to four grown children and grandpa to 11 grandchildren. This year, I’m looking forward to showing our Christmas traditions to my newest grandson Maddox, who was born to my son John and his wife Ashlee in July. One of these traditions is hosting over 100 family members for homemade chicken noodle soup on Christmas Eve (after attending Christmas Eve Mass, of course!).

I’m also grateful for our men and women in uniform, particularly those serving overseas and away from their families during the holiday season. They have sacrificed time with their families so that we are able to enjoy a peaceful holiday at home with our families. I encourage you to take a moment and say a prayer for these servicemembers, or simply to say thank you.

Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to work for you in the United States Senate. It is an honor to show up to work every day to represent the interests of South Dakota and our people. Thank you for all you do to make our state the greatest place in the world to call home.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/24/2024/van-hollen-schatz-booker-introduce-bill-to-harden-our-infrastructure-against-impacts-of-climate-change,"Van Hollen, Schatz, Booker Introduce Bill to Harden Our Infrastructure Against Impacts of Climate Change",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have reintroduced their Federal Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure that federally-funded infrastructure projects are built to withstand the impacts of climate change and flooding.

“From increasingly devastating storms to more frequent severe flooding, communities across Maryland and the country are contending with the consequences of the climate crisis every day. This legislation will help ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on infrastructure that is built to withstand the challenges of climate change as we continue the fight to protect our planet,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“As temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, the effects of climate change will be more and more acutely felt across the country. As this happens, we must implement more policies to prepare for extreme weather events, like severe flooding. This bill would ensure that the federal government is fully considering and managing the growing flood risk across our nation, investing in resilient infrastructure, and further protecting communities from the threat of climate change,” said Senator Booker.

Understanding the dangerous and costly consequences of flooding, the Obama Administration set standards in 2015 to make sure that federal projects were able to stand up to these risks. The order also took into account how climate change is impacting weather and sea levels. But early on in his first Administration, President-Elect Trump signed an executive order undoing this important work. Throughout the four years of the first Trump Administration, the Senators repeatedly pushed back against this effort and introduced the Federal Flood Risk Management Act to codify the standards set forth by President Obama. As Congress prepares for a second Trump Administration, the Senators are reintroducing this important legislation to ensure that we invest in our nation by making resilient investments that take into account the impacts of climate change. Doing so will protect our nation's infrastructure, save taxpayer dollars, safeguard businesses from flood damage, and keep communities safe.

""Flooding is the costliest disaster facing our country, with billions in taxpayer funds spent to rebuild public infrastructure,” said Joel Scata of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The Federal Flood Risk Management Act ensures federally funded projects, like hospitals, roads, and schools, are built to withstand future floods, protecting people and property. When federal funds are used to build or rebuild, the government has a responsibility to ensure those investments are safe, sustainable, and resilient.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-passing-of-jinx-clark/,Barrasso Statement on Passing of Jinx Clark,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"Sen. Barrasso and Jinx Clark on the Speaker’s Balcony of the U.S. Capitol Building.

CASPER, WY – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement regarding the loss of his former state staff director and current top aide, Jinx Clark. Jinx, a U.S. Navy veteran, passed away this past weekend.

“Wyoming and the Congressional delegation lost a wonderful mentor, colleague, and friend. Jinx was truly dedicated to serving others. She has been by my side in Wyoming since the day I started in the U.S. Senate. Both as a leader and guidepost, she helped ensure we stayed on track and achieved our mission.

“While she radiated kindness, Jinx was tough as nails. Her experience serving our country as an officer in the U.S. Navy trained her to face any problems and obstacles head-on. Jinx could always be trusted to get the job done and do it well.

“Jinx helped so many people across our state – whether it was through her work in the Senate or her beloved church community. We are all better off today for having Jinx in our lives. I’m beyond grateful I was able to serve Wyoming alongside her for so many years. My prayers are with her sister Kim, brother Bill, and her entire extended family.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-cheers-senate-passage-of-bill-to-support-colorado-children-in-foster-care/,Bennet Cheers Senate Passage of Bill to Support Colorado Children in Foster Care,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CO,Michael F. Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,bennet,https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/,scraper,"After Passing House, Unanimous Senate Approval Sends Legislation to the President’s Desk

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet celebrated Senate passage of the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act. The bipartisan legislation, which had already passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote, reauthorizes and improves child welfare programs that promote family unity and the safety and well-being of children. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that every kid in America grows up in a loving and supportive home. This legislation cuts through bureaucracy and provides a critical, flexible investment for the welfare of our nation’s children,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for my colleagues’ strong bipartisan support to pass this legislation so communities in Colorado and throughout the country continue to have the flexibility they need to keep kids safe and families together.”

“Creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment at home is the first step to helping Texas children thrive,” said Cornyn. “This legislation would make strategic and evidence-backed improvements to ensure a 360-degree support system is in place for children in foster care nationwide.”

This legislation would reauthorize Title IV-B of the Social Security Act for five years and improve its child welfare programs by:

Increasing funding by $75 million a year;

Expanding evidence-based services to prevent child abuse and neglect;

Increasing access to training for caseworkers and improving recruitment and retention efforts to address caseworker shortage and bolster the workforce;

Reducing administrative burden;

Providing grant funding for the Court Improvement Program to support child legal proceedings;

Streamlining access to funding, including for Indian tribes; and

Strengthening support systems for relatives and family transitions, including children entering into kinship diversion, exiting foster care, or transitioning to an adopted family.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-final-passage-of-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill/,"Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Final Passage of Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CO,Michael F. Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,bennet,https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/,scraper,"Legislation Includes Colorado Priorities to Manage Flood Risk, Promote Healthy Waterways

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated the final passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which includes Colorado priorities to manage flood risk and promote healthy waterways. WRDA is passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities. The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“Colorado and the West are on the front lines of climate change. That’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in water infrastructure that can meet our state’s changing needs,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for the passage of this important package to protect Colorado’s vital waterways and resources.”

“These investments equip our communities with more resilient infrastructure,” said Hickenlooper. “We need to harden our infrastructure to be sure we can handle more erratic weather.”

The final legislation includes the following Colorado projects:

$20 million authorized for El Paso County to address water supply and stormwater management;

$50 million authorized for Fremont County for water supply infrastructure needs;

A feasibility study of a project to restore ecosystems along Monument and Fountain Creeks and to rehabilitate the Templeton Gap Levee in Colorado Springs;

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Government Accountability Office study to help speed the completion of two projects to promote healthy waterways along the South Platte River and neighboring water systems in the Denver area; and

A boost in the federal share for assistance from USACE for Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs) to allow USACE to participate in smaller-scale projects to reduce flood damages and restore aquatic ecosystems.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2024/12/23/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-341-million-to-cut-methane-emissions-in-colorado/,"Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome $341 Million to Cut Methane Emissions in Colorado",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,CO,Michael F. Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,bennet,https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $850 million from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Methane Emissions Reduction Program to fund methane emissions reduction projects and combat climate change, including $341 million for six Colorado-based projects led by Colorado State University and Pioneer Energy, Inc. This funding is part of $1.36 billion from EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) to reduce methane emissions provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Bennet and Hickenlooper helped pass into law.

“Colorado has been a national leader in addressing methane pollution from the oil and gas industry,” said Bennet. “This funding helps ensure Colorado will continue leading the way towards cutting dangerous air pollution, slowing the rate of climate change, and growing our clean energy economy.”

“Methane emissions are driving our climate crisis and putting Coloradans’ health at risk,” said Hickenlooper. “As governor, we set the global standard on methane regulations. Now Colorado will lead the fight to stop these emissions at the source – all thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act.”

In total, the EPA announced over $850 million for 43 projects, with over $341 million allocated to multiple projects led by two Colorado organizations:

Over $324 million to Colorado State University to reduce methane emissions from existing wells, improve data monitoring of methane emissions; and

$17 million to Pioneer Energy, Inc. to deploy technologies that reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production.

Bennet and Hickenlooper have consistently worked to cut methane emissions and strengthen federal oil and gas methane rules modeled on Colorado’s. In 2021, Bennet and Hickenlooper led members of the Colorado congressional delegation to push the EPA for stronger methane regulations for the oil and gas sector. In 2023, both senators sent multiple letters to the EPA urging them to track methane emissions more accurately. Bennet and Hickenlooper joined members of the Colorado congressional delegation in a letter of support for Pioneer Energy’s funding application.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/news/video-blackburn-hassan-introduce-improving-travel-for-families-act,"VIDEO: Blackburn, Hassan Introduce Improving Travel for Families Act",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TN,Marsha Blackburn,B001243,www.blackburn.senate.gov,blackburn,https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0,scraper,"NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Ahead of Christmas travel, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video announcing the introduction of her Improving Travel for Families Act with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) to allow young children to accompany their parents through Global Entry. This will provide flexibility to help families traveling internationally with children.

“One of the important things that we do is solve problems that Tennesseans let us know about, and that is something that we are working on with a new piece of legislation. We’ve heard from so many of our families that are stationed overseas that using the Global Entry program can really be very helpful. However, when they are traveling with young children – even newborns – those children are not allowed to go through that process, so I am filing the Improving Travel for Families Act. It will make it easier for parents with children that are under the age of 10 to have them go through global entry with them.” – Senator Blackburn

Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn discussing the Improving Travel for Families Act.

BACKGROUND:

In fiscal year 2023, over 10 million individuals were members of Global Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s program allowing pre-approved, low-risk travelers to go through expedited customs and passport control when arriving in the United States. These streamlined processes are incredibly important for the traveling public—especially as air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels—with the number of travelers arriving by air into the country increasing by 6.1% from August 2023 to August 2024.

But Global Entry, specifically its redundant and bureaucratic processes, isn’t well-suited for family travel. While Transportation Security Administration PreCheck has adopted measures to allow children to join their parents in the fast lanes, the Global Entry Program has fallen behind and does not allow small children to travel in the Global Entry lanes if those children are not enrolled in the program—even if the child is an infant.

IMPROVING TRAVEL FOR FAMILIES ACT:

The Improving Travel for Families Act would:

Allow children under the age of 11 who are not a member of Global Entry to go through the Global Entry lanes with their parent or legal guardian who is enrolled in the program; and",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-veterans-access-to-healthcare-and-benefits,"Congress Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Healthcare and Benefits",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"BISMARCK, N.D. – Congress passed the bicameral, bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act last week, improving veterans’ access to healthcare and benefits. The legislation included the VET-TEC Authorization Act, led by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to fund the Veterans Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) program, which expired earlier this year.

Since its creation in 2017, the VET-TEC program has helped thousands of veterans get jobs in the technology sector. The program has an 84% graduation rate, and provides tuition at eligible training institutions, housing stipends, and connections with potential employers.

“The VET-TEC program has created effective pathways for veterans to launch their careers in tech,” said Cramer. “Building on its successes, this reauthorization expands eligibility to allow more veterans to participate in the program. Supporting our veterans includes enhancing the employment resources and opportunities available to them. I appreciate Congress’ support of this bill and look forward to the President signing it into law.”

“The VET-TEC program has been an exceptional resource for thousands of veterans looking for good-paying jobs in the tech sector,” said King. “The reauthorization of the VET-TEC Authorization Act expands eligibility for both veterans and training institutions and is a commonsense step to give even more veterans access to opportunities in tech. While there is always areas where we disagree, I am glad both chambers and both parties came together to support our men and women who answered the call.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/eda-invests-13-million-to-boost-healthcare-workforce-development-at-und,EDA Invests $1.3 Million to Boost Healthcare Workforce Development at UND,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"BISMARCK, N.D. – The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced an award of $1.3 million to the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks. This award supports healthcare workforce development by funding the procurement of a van and related equipment to allow UND to expand its medical training program. This $1.3 million award will be matched with $328,500 in local funds.

“The University of North Dakota is essential to training medical professionals in the region,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “At a time of limited supply and growing demand for more technicians, nurses, and physicians, these funds will support workforce development efforts in the state, both now and in the future. I’m glad this project secured assistance to enhance training opportunities for the essential jobs in medical care.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-lummis-slam-blms-stone-mannings-new-job-at-environmental-group,"Crapo, Risch, Lummis Slam BLM's Stone-Manning's New Job at Environmental Group",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) led 22 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Heather Gottry, the U.S. Department of the Interior Ethics Office Director, urging her to identify conflicts of interest throughout the department and advise the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director and others to recuse themselves from any pending agency business for the duration of their service.

“Over the last four years, the American West has suffered greatly as the BLM has imposed policies straight from the playbook of the BLM Director’s future employer. Across the west, those who live near and rely on public lands for their economic livelihood have suffered from new resource management plans that choose preservation over multiple use,” wrote the lawmakers. “Communities have languished from the BLM’s flat-out refusal to follow the law that mandates onshore oil and gas lease sales. Ranchers have struggled with grazing permit renewals all while staring down a new rule that improperly puts ‘conservation’ on equal footing with multiple use activities and threatening to end their businesses.""

Risch, Crapo and Lummis are joined in sending the letter by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) and 14 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-secures-key-ndaa-provisions-to-strengthen-rock-island-arsenal-support-families-and-farmers-in-illinois-and-beyond,"Duckworth Secures Key NDAA Provisions to Strengthen Rock Island Arsenal, Support Families and Farmers in Illinois and Beyond",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), secured several important provisions to support our state in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed Congress this week. Some of priorities Duckworth secured to help Illinoisans include expanding housing opportunities and surrounding infrastructure at Rock Island Arsenal, supporting school districts near military bases by helping alleviate state and local tax base funding shortfalls and expanding our military’s use of sustainable aviation fuels, which supports our Illinois farmers, protects the environment and drives economy opportunity throughout the Midwest.

“The brave Illinoisans who serve our nation in uniform at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country,” said Senator Duckworth. “While I do not support every provision in this bipartisan compromise, I’m proud I was able to secure critical provisions that benefit our state by strengthening Rock Island Arsenal, helping ensure our schools serving communities around our military bases have the support they need and expanding our military’s use of renewable aviation fuels. I voted to pass this legislation because our troops deserve each of those improvements and because it’s the right thing to do for our national security. I hope the President signs it as soon as possible.”

Key Duckworth provisions secured in this year’s Committee-passed NDAA aimed at supporting Illinoisans include:

Support a Strong and Ready Total Force by:

Building More Inclusive Playgrounds by authorizing a pilot program) to build or upgrade inclusive playgrounds at one military installation within each of the military departments to directly support Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) families. Illinois military bases, including Scott Air Force base, Rock Island Arsenal and Naval Station Great Lakes, could potentially be selected as a part of the pilot program for new, accessible playgrounds.

Expanding Veteran Medical Care by working with Senator Durbin to secure a one-year extension of the Joint Medical Facility Demonstration Fund. This U.S. Treasury account supports the operations of the North Chicago-based Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC), ensuring continued access to vital services for military families and Veterans in the area.

Supporting Community Schools and Kids by authorizing an additional $50 million for school districts to receive critical Impact Aid from the DoD, rectifying state and local tax base funding shortfalls due to the presence of federal property in their district. For Illinois school districts with large populations of students living on military bases, this funding will be critical in ensuring our schools, teachers and students have the resources needed and budget shortfalls are addressed.

Build the Logistics Enterprise for a Combat-Credible Deterrent by:

Supporting the Army’s Real Estate Management Cost Savings Tools by authorizing a one-year extension of the Army’s Real Property Management program, which helps identify housing opportunities for military installations, like Rock Island Arsenal.

Advancing USTRANSCOM by increasing the cap on the DoD's authority to buy used sealift vessels, which is a major priority for Belleville-based U.S TRANSCOM.

Tackle Climate Change and Defend the Environment by:

Enabling the Military’s Use of Sustainable Fuel by lifting restrictions on the DoD purchasing bulk renewable fuel, allowing them to utilize new fuel technology that is beneficial to operations, the environment and servicemembers' health. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supports our Illinois farmers, protects the environment and drives economic opportunity throughout the Midwest—while decreasing our emissions and dependence on foreign oil.

Restore American Competitiveness by:

Building Stronger Local Communities by allowing the DoD to provide grants to local communities to improve infrastructure around military bases that benefit local communities and the DoD. This could assist communities that surround military installations, like Rock Island Arsenal.

A full list of Duckworth’s priorities included in the FY25 NDAA can be found here.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-confirms-david-capozzi-to-amtrak-board-of-directors-duckworth-created-disability-advocate-seat,Senate Confirms David Capozzi to Amtrak Board of Directors’ Duckworth-created Disability Advocate Seat,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and author of the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act—celebrated the United States Senate voting by voice vote to confirm David Capozzi to serve on Amtrak’s Board of Directors as the Boards’ designated disability advocate—a seat created by a provision Duckworth authored and successfully included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. On Amtrak’s Board, Capozzi will help ensure senior Amtrak leadership hears the voices of individuals with disabilities who have demonstrated histories or experience with accessibility, mobility and inclusive transportation in passenger rail or commuter rail.

“I worked hard to create this position on Amtrak’s Board of Directors because it is important that the disability community is represented at the table, and I’m proud that the Senate confirmed David Capozzi to serve in this important role,” said Senator Duckworth. “It’s long past time for Amtrak to prioritize the voices of the disability community and ensure the more than 70 million Americans living with a disability are heard by our nation’s premier passenger rail service. I look forward to Mr. Capozzi swiftly beginning his work with the rest of the Amtrak Board and other stakeholders to implement policies that do more to protect the dignity of passengers with disabilities.”

David Capozzi is a retired federal senior executive. He was the Executive Director of the U.S. Access Board from 2008-2020 and was the Director of the Board’s Office of Technical and Information Services from 1992-2008. Prior to joining the Access Board, Capozzi was Director of Project ACTION and Vice President of Advocacy for Easter Seals, as well as the National Advocacy Director for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He was a member of the legal team and lobbying captain for the disability community that helped craft the Americans with Disabilities Act. Capozzi was the lead negotiator on the Department of Transportation’s Federal Advisory Committee, whose work resulted in proposed regulations implementing the Air Carrier Access Act. He also chaired the Urban Mass Transportation Administration’s (UMTA) ADA Federal Advisory Committee. Capozzi serves on the United Spinal Association’s Board of Directors, Mobility Fitness’ Advisory Committee and Access Living’s Program Committee.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-applaud-senate-passage-of-bill-honoring-d-day-hero-henry-parham/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Applaud Senate Passage of Bill Honoring D-Day Hero Henry Parham",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senator John Fetterman celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of a bipartisan bill to name the new Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic. The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Senators Fetterman and Bob Casey, now awaits President Biden’s signature. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) also supported this legislation.

The bill, co-led in the House by Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA) and Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), honors the extraordinary legacy of Private First Class Henry Parham, a Black World War II veteran and member of the historic 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. Mr. Parham’s service on D-Day and decades of volunteer work for fellow veterans exemplify his lifelong commitment to his country and community.

“Honoring our veterans is about action—not just words. Henry Parham’s courage on D-Day and his years of service to veterans in Pittsburgh make him a true American hero,” said Senator Fetterman (D-PA). “Naming this clinic after Henry is a small but meaningful way to ensure his legacy lives on and reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many who were denied equality at home while fighting for freedom abroad.”

“Henry Parham’s story reminds us that history is shaped by the courage of individuals who fought for freedom, even when denied it at home,” said Congresswoman Lee (D-PA). “To see this bill pass unanimously through both the House and Senate is a testament to the unifying power of his legacy. It’s also a reflection of what we can achieve when we work across the aisle for justice and recognition.”

“When he stormed the beaches of Normandy as part of the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day, Henry Parham believed he was simply doing what he was ‘supposed to do as an American.’ When Henry came home, he continued serving his fellow veterans and his Nation, giving his time and energy at the VA in Pittsburgh,” said Senator Casey (D-PA). “To call Henry a hero only begins to describe his selflessness and commitment to serving others, and renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville in his honor is one small way to ensure his actions are never forgotten.”

“Henry Parham is an American hero—fighting the Nazis on the beaches of Normandy as a member of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion,” said Congressman Reschenthaler (R-PA). “The longtime Pennsylvanian’s courage and strength in the face of adversity should live on as a shining example for future generations. I am proud to introduce legislation renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville after Henry Parham in honor of his service and commitment to America.”

Private First Class Henry Parham served in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day. Under heavy enemy fire, Mr. Parham and his unit secured barrage balloons on Omaha Beach, protecting Allied forces and supply routes from low-flying German aircraft. For two months, his battalion’s efforts helped safeguard the success of the Allied invasion.

After the war, Mr. Parham continued his service by volunteering at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center and his local American Legion post for decades. He was recognized as a chevalier of the French Legion of Honor in 2013 for his heroism during World War II.

Henry Parham passed away on July 4, 2021, at the age of 99. Naming the Monroeville VA clinic in his honor ensures his story of bravery, resilience, and dedication will inspire generations to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/icymi-senator-gillibrand-on-nyts-the-daily-on-leading-the-charge-to-certify-the-equal-rights-amendment-enshrine-equality-in-the-constitution/,"ICYMI: Senator Gillibrand On NYT’s “The Daily” On Leading The Charge To Certify The Equal Rights Amendment, Enshrine Equality In The Constitution",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"ICYMI: Senator Gillibrand On NYT’s “The Daily” On Leading The Charge To Certify The Equal Rights Amendment, Enshrine Equality In The Constitution

Dec 23, 2024

In case you missed it, Senator Gillibrand was featured on the New York Times podcast “The Daily” about her efforts to persuade President Biden to direct the national archivist to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would enshrine equality and reproductive rights in the Constitution.

Listen here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-nominates-34-iowa-students-to-us-military-academies,Grassley Nominates 34 Iowa Students to U.S. Military Academies,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing his support for 34 Iowa students seeking acceptance to U.S. military academies.

“I’m honored to nominate these 34 extraordinary Iowans to our nation’s prestigious military academies,” Grassley said. “These young men and women represent Iowa’s best and brightest. Their accomplishments, leadership and desire to serve are commendable. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish going forward.”

Each year, Grassley nominates Iowa high school seniors for placements at the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. All service academies select at least one of Grassley’s nominees.

Learn more about service academy nominations HERE.

Grassley’s nominees for entrance during the 2025-2026 academic year follow:

United States Air Force Academy

Trenton Abel, Toddville

Emmett Bartels, Runnells

Sean Bendinger, West Des Moines

Alexis Bogardus, Granger

Brayden Bohnsack, La Porte City

Grant Dunn, Johnston

Benjamin Green, West Des Moines

Eliana Hansen, Cedar Rapids

Shae Magley, Cedar Falls

Amelia Porisch, St. Ansgar

Ky Wilkens, Dallas Center

United States Military Academy at West Point

Eric Ding, Davenport

MacKenzie Fah, Bettendorf

Theodore Hartwig, Marion

MacKenzie McClelland, Grinnell

Aiden Price, Davenport

Abigail Sander, Polk City

Naomi Templeman, Dallas Center

Jonah Zimmer, Sperry

United States Naval Academy

Madison Andrews, Maysville

Ava Blankenship, Ankeny

Ella Goodrich, Adel

Ellie Hance, Palo

Evan Kohlsdorf, Des Moines

Riley Kramer, Riverdale

Solene MacLean, Polk City

Brigid McGowan, Sioux City

Quentin Moore, Des Moines

Owen Powell, Blue Grass

Connor Rash, Ames

Tyler Tingley, Council Bluffs

Ryan Traynor, Urbandale

Conrad Yates, West Des Moines

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Sean Bendinger, West Des Moines

Ella Goodrich, Adel

Gage Holub, Mt. Vernon

Conrad Yates, West Des Moines

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-biden-signs-hirono-cruz-legislation-into-law-to-maintain-access-to-the-federal-courts,"President Biden Signs Hirono, Cruz Legislation Into Law to Maintain Access to the Federal Courts",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act into law. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation led by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, transitions 10 temporary federal judgeships—including one in Hawaii—to permanent status in order to maintain the current level of access to the federal court for millions of Americans across the nation.

“It was heartening to see broad bipartisan consensus on this bill to make the temporary district court judgeships around the country permanent, and I am glad that President Biden signed it into law,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation will ensure that people in Hawaii, Texas, and across the country can continue to rely on these longstanding temporary judgeships. I thank Senator Cruz for his partnership, and all of the Senate and House cosponsors of this legislation for their support.”

The Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act grants permanent status to all 10 currently-existing temporary federal district court judgeships in the following federal district courts:

U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama

U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico

U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina

The full text of the legislation is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-biden-signs-hirono-tokuda-bill-to-study-designating-lahaina-as-national-heritage-area-into-law,"President Biden Signs Hirono, Tokuda Bill to Study Designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area Into Law",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI). The bicameral legislation directs the National Park Service, in coordination with Maui County and other state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. The bill passed the House and unanimously passed the Senate last month.

“The historic, natural, and cultural resources found in Lahaina tell a nationally significant story and the devastating August 2023 wildfires shed light on how special this town is to our communities and to the country,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud President Biden signed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act into law, as this bill will place Lahaina under consideration to become a National Heritage Area, helping to ensure that this town is celebrated and appreciated for generations to come.”

The Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act was also cosponsored by Representative Ed Case (D-HI).

The National Park Service currently oversees 62 National Heritage Areas across the country, none of which are in Hawaii. In 2022, the House passed Senator Hirono’s Kaena Point National Heritage Area Act to study designating Kaena Point on Oahu as a National Heritage Area.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-issues-2024-christmas-message,HYDE-SMITH ISSUES 2024 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues 2024 Christmas Message.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued a 2024 Christmas message that encourages Mississippians to “celebrate love, joy, and peace, and reflect on the many blessings in our lives,” including the sacrifices of our servicemembers, first responders, and healthcare workers.

“While the world deals with turmoil and conflict, this season calls us to love our neighbors, care for those in need, and approach life with a spirit of generosity. Our mission should be to serve those who need our help the most – through acts of kindness or simply offering a listening ear. We all have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us,” Hyde-Smith said.

Hyde-Smith’s full Christmas message is available below:

Merry Christmas, Mississippi!

May we hold fast to the true spirit of this holiday season, taking time to celebrate love, joy, and peace, and reflect on the many blessings in our lives.

As Christians, we honor the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life and teachings inspire us to live gracefully, move with compassion, and love one another.

As we celebrate, let us remember that this season is truly about peace – peace in our homes, in our communities, and in our hearts.

While the world deals with turmoil and conflict, this season calls us to love our neighbors, care for those in need, and approach life with a spirit of generosity. Our mission should be to serve those who need our help the most – through acts of kindness or simply offering a listening ear. We all have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.

This season, I also thank our servicemembers, many of whom are far from home and separated from loved ones as they defend our freedoms.

I share the same gratitude for our first responders and healthcare workers who continue to serve tirelessly. Their commitment to keeping us safe every single day is a gift to us all.

My wish for all Mississippians is that your Christmas be filled with warmth, joy, and the love of those around you. May we all carry the message of peace and love with us throughout the new year.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays. May God continue to bless you with peace, happiness, and abundant blessings this holiday season and in the year ahead.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-veterans-access-to-healthcare-and-benefits,"Congress Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Healthcare and Benefits",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, are applauding the Congressional passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve veterans’ access to healthcare and benefits. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act includes the King, Cramer bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) program that helps veterans access high-technology jobs. The VET-TEC program provides tuition at eligible training institutions, housing stipends, and connections with potential employers.

Since its start in 2017, VET-TEC has helped thousands of veterans get jobs in the technology sector with an average starting salary of over $65,000 – but current authorization for the program expired earlier this year.

“The VET-TEC program has been an exceptional resource for thousands of veterans looking for good-paying jobs in the tech sector,” said Senator King. “The reauthorization of the VET-TEC Authorization Act expands eligibility for both veterans and training institutions and is a commonsense step to give even more veterans access to opportunities in tech. While there is always areas where we disagree, I am glad both chambers and both parties came together to support our men and women who answered the call.”

“The VET-TEC program has created effective pathways for veterans to launch their careers in tech,” said Senator Cramer. “Building on its successes, this reauthorization expands eligibility to allow more veterans to participate in the program. Supporting our veterans includes enhancing the employment resources and opportunities available to them. I appreciate Congress’ support of this bill and I look forward to the President signing it into law.”

Created in 2017’s Forever G.I. Bill, the VET-TEC pilot program has 31 approved education providers that have trained over 8,000 veterans, and helped thousands start high-tech jobs with an average starting salary of $65,061. The program is currently partnered with 14 employers including the VA’s own Office of Information and Technology, which seeks VET-TEC graduates for filling internal vacancies.

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has worked to ensure that veterans have access jobs and training after separating from military service. He recently cosponsored bipartisan legislation to provide veterans with job opportunities in the trucking industry.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=10559322-2315-4C8F-B9C1-482A44E07028,"Sen. Moran, Rep. Mann Announce Discussion Draft of Landmark Legislation to Reform Haskell University",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,moran,https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) today announced a discussion draft of legislation that would federally charter Haskell Indian Nations University and transfer governance from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to the Haskell Board of Regents, while maintaining federal funding for the university.

“As the sole Tribal Nations University in the country, Haskell University once provided Native American students the opportunity to receive a high-quality, tuition-free education in an environment that understood and prioritized indigenous heritage and culture,” said Sen. Moran. “However, for the last few years the university has been neglected and mismanaged by the Bureau of Indian Education. The bureau has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school. It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the Tribal community and no longer fettered to the Bureau of Indian Education. I am grateful for the initial conversations and input from the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members, and students and the staff at Haskell University. I look forward to receiving additional feedback on this legislation to begin a new chapter in the life of this historic university.”

“Haskell Indian Nations University is a one-of-a-kind, historic institution that was established to meet the educational needs of students of any federally recognized tribe,” said Rep. Mann. “Haskell should be a crown jewel for both Native Americans and Kansas, but for far too long has been failed by the federal government. For years, the U.S. Department of Interior and the Bureau of Indian Education has mismanaged the university, failed to comply with federal oversight, and turned a blind eye to misconduct that has been detrimental to Haskell students. It is obvious that the best way to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture is to charter the university and remove its governance from the federal bureaucrats to a Board of Regents nominated by Tribal communities. This new chapter for Haskell is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s imperative that those most directly impacted have a welcome, active voice in helping us enact this change.”

“Over the years, Haskell has encountered barriers to progress and innovation that stem from the structural and operational constraints within federal agencies,” said Brittany Hall, President of the Haskell Board of Regents. “These challenges, while not unique to Haskell, underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. Congressional charter -- one that enables the University to thrive while better serving its students and communities.”

“I am thankful that Sen. Moran and Rep. Mann have introduced this legislation to strengthen Haskell as a federally chartered university to further the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibility to Indian people,” said Joseph Rupnick, Chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. “I look forward to discussions in the new year with Tribal leaders and Haskell alums, faculty and students so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future and its funding.”

Haskell University is the only four-year, postsecondary institution under the governance of the Department of Interior. The department has failed to respond to Congressional inquiries and address concerns raised by the Tribal community—including delays and redactions in a report on a sexual harassment investigation. Additionally, Haskell University's infrastructure is outdated, non-ADA compliant and contains obsolete technology. Haskell University faces high dropout rates and a shortage of resources for essential programs.

Sen. Moran and Rep. Mann are seeking feedback from the Native American, Lawrence and higher education communities on the proposed legislation to ensure the bill effectively addresses key issues at Haskell University.

Please email feedback@moran.senate.gov for a feedback response form. Forms should be submitted no later than February 1, 2025.

Text for the draft legislation can be found here, and a section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here.

Timeline of events at Haskell University:

In 2022, serious allegations were raised against employees regarding improper treatment of students and the wrongful termination of an employee’s contract.

In Dec. 2022, Sen. Moran introduced legislation to give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them.

In January of 2023, Sen. Moran sent a letter to the Director of Indian Education to voice his concerns with the allegations leveled at Haskell University and requested the BIE address issues at the university.

On March 2, 2023, Sen. Moran received a response from the Department of the Interior detailing changes BIE would make at the university.

After receiving the response letter, Sen. Moran’s office continued to receive outreach from students and staff at the university indicating that BIE had not effectively addressed issues at Haskell University.

In October of 2023, Sen. Moran’s staff met with BIE Director Tony Dearman and was informed that the Bureau of Indian Affairs Administrative Investigation Board initiated an investigation in July of 2022 and concluded that investigation in January of 2023.

On April 16, 2024, a report, titled, “Haskell Indian Nations University – Administrative Investigation Report, January 13, 2023” was released after it was subjected to a FOIA request by a third-party government watchdog nonprofit organization, detailing the university’s failure to implement a sufficient sexual assault policy, the wrongful termination of certain employees, and staff and student intimidation by Haskell leadership, among other concerns.

On April 25, 2024, Sen. Moran wrote a letter to Secretary of the Department of the Interior, Deb Haaland, calling for a systemic overhaul within the BIE. Consistent with the department’s long-time neglect of Haskell University, the secretary delegated a response to an assistant secretary.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=BD541054-B1B0-43E9-A0AB-E9AD2E0697AC,"Sens. Moran, Van Hollen Introduce Legislation to Empower Individuals with Disabilities",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,moran,https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Chris Van Hollen (D- Md.) today introduced legislation that would direct the Social Security Administration to change the way it calculates Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to not penalize individuals with disabilities who chose to marry.

The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act would exclude a spouse’s income and resources when determining eligibility for (SSI) and disregard marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability.

“Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married,” said Sen. Moran. “This is sensible legislation that would change how disability payments are calculated to make certain the benefits we provide to individuals with disabilities aren’t diminished because they choose to get married.”

“Supplemental Security Income is critical to allowing people with disabilities to strengthen their financial security and independence,” said Sen. Van Hollen. “This legislation will ensure that these Americans won’t be financially penalized simply for marrying.”

This legislation is endorsed by the National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Autism Speaks, Autism society of America, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-opposes-denali-name-change,Senator Murkowski Opposes Denali Name Change,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9,scraper,"Washington, DC – In response to recent comments from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) reaffirmed her support for Denali to remain the officially recognized name of North America’s tallest mountain.

“You can’t improve upon the name that Alaska’s Koyukon Athabascans bestowed on North America’s tallest peak, Denali – the Great One,” Senator Murkowski said. “For years, I advocated in Congress to restore the rightful name for this majestic mountain to respect Alaska’s first people who have lived on these lands for thousands of years. This is an issue that should not be relitigated.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-merry-christmas-nebraska/,"Ricketts: “Merry Christmas, Nebraska!”",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,NE,Pete Ricketts,R000618,www.ricketts.senate.gov,ricketts,https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=,scraper,"December 23, 2024

OMAHA, NE – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement in anticipation of Christmas Day:

“Christmas is a season of joy and reflection. As we gather with loved ones, let’s embrace the traditions that make this season special. Let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought hope and healing to our broken world. Let’s remember those who will spend the holidays away from their families, especially those in the military. And let’s recommit ourselves to helping those in need.”

“On behalf of my family and my team I wish you a peaceful and joyous Christmas. May you experience the true joy of this season. Merry Christmas, Nebraska!”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2025-2026-school-year,Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2025-2026 School Year,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated students for appointments to the nation’s service academies.

Rounds nominated Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen as his principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy, Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre as his principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Hollie Wise of Spearfish as his principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“It’s an honor to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of these students and their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation. All of South Dakota is behind them every step of the way as they continue their education, serve their country and go into their careers with the U.S. military.”

Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen– Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Brody is the son of Robert and Stacey Weinmeister of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Brody is currently a senior at Aberdeen Roncalli High School, where he serves as captain of the varsity football team, plays varsity basketball and participates in student council. Brody helped establish the 7th Grade Mentor Program and the 5th Grade Lunch Program at Roncalli. Through the 5th Grade Lunch Program, high school students attend lunch with 5th graders at the elementary school to help younger students build relationships with upperclassmen and feel less nervous about moving up to the high school building when they enter sixth grade. Brody is a National Honor Society member and currently holds a 3.9 GPA.

“I am committed to upholding the values of integrity, discipline, and leadership that the United States Naval Academy instills in its midshipmen,” said Weinmeister. “This nomination represents not only an incredible opportunity but also a responsibility to serve with honor and dedication. I am excited for the challenges and experiences ahead, and I look forward to contributing to the legacy of excellence at the Naval Academy. I’d like to thank my teachers and family for all they have done for me during this journey. I would like to thank Senator Mike Rounds for his confidence in me, and I am eager to begin this next chapter in my journey to serve our great nation.”

Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre – Principal Nominee, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Rowdy is the son of Jason and Diedra Baldwin of Pierre, South Dakota. Rowdy competes in trap shooting, 5-Stand, 4-H Archery and skeet shooting. Rowdy spends a significant amount of his time tackling a variety of jobs and helping around the community. Rowdy also volunteers with Feeding South Dakota, volunteers with kids’ trap shooting and tutors foreign exchange and local students. Rowdy is a member of National Honor Society and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.

“I'm profoundly excited and grateful to receive a nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point from Senator Mike Rounds,” said Baldwin. “The academy has been my goal and dream for the last 2 years, and I have been both pushed and helped by my friends and family to achieve this astounding honor. I deeply appreciate everyone around me who's helped me to work hard and reach my dreams, and I can't wait to be able to represent my family, community, and country. Beat Navy!”

Hollie Wise of Spearfish – Principal Nominee, U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)

Hollie is the daughter of James and Sharilyn Wise of Spearfish, South Dakota. Hollie is currently a senior at Spearfish High School, where she is Vice President of the student council and participates in speech and debate, as well as varsity soccer. Hollie volunteers at her local church and as a peer academic tutor. Hollie is President of her National Honor Society chapter and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.

“I am beyond grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds’ principal nomination to the United States Air Force Academy,” said Wise. “This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, the inspiration and guidance of my teachers, and the encouragement of my friends. Most importantly, I give all glory to God, whose strength and faithfulness have brought me to this moment. Receiving this nomination has deepened my desire to attend the Academy, where I can contribute to something greater than myself.”

In addition to principal nominees, Rounds may send up to 14 competitive nominees per academy for consideration by that academy. Each service academy admission board gives full and fair consideration to these nominees and will determine final appointments. Rounds has selected the students listed below to receive a competitive nomination.

Two students, Lexi Brandt of Hill City (U.S. Naval Academy) and Joseph Juenger of Rapid City (U.S. Military Academy), received Letters of Assurance from their respective academies. A Letter of Assurance is a conditional offer of admission from the academy, dependent on the applicant receiving a nomination from a member of their Congressional delegation, as well as passing their medical and fitness screenings. Letters of Assurance are relatively rare and reflect a high level of confidence in the applicant's potential to succeed and contribute to the academy.

Lexi Brandt of Hill City – Competitive Nominee with Letter of Assurance, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Lexi is the daughter of Coni and Scott Brandt of Hill City, South Dakota. Lexi is a senior at Hill City High School, where she serves as President of the Student Council and Vice President of State Student Council. Lexi volunteers with the Humane Society and Children’s Miracle Network. Lexi serves as President of her National Honor Society chapter and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.

“I am deeply honored to receive Senator Mike Rounds' nomination to the United States Naval Academy,” said Brandt. “Serving my country has been a dream of mine since middle school, and this milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and teachers. I am eager to begin this journey, knowing it will be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The Naval Academy will shape me into a leader of character and prepare me to serve with honor and dedication as an officer in the United States Navy.”

Joseph Juenger of Rapid City – Competitive Nominee with Letter of Assurance, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Joseph is the son of Julie and Joseph Juenger of Rapid City, South Dakota. Joseph is a senior at Rapid City Stevens High School, where he serves as a captain of the varsity wrestling team and on the varsity soccer leadership team. Joseph was also a State Delegate to American Legion Boys Nation. Joseph serves as a youth wrestling coach and referee. Joseph is a member of National Honor Society and currently holds a 3.8 GPA.

“I am deeply grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds' nomination to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point,” said Juenger. “I have worked hard toward this dream, but I know this opportunity and achievement is the result of support from our extraordinary community of families, teachers, coaches, friends, and veterans. I pledge to pay my gratitude forward by tirelessly serving and protecting our communities and country, now and for the next generation.”

U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen – Principal

Lexi Brandt of Hill City - Competitive with Letter of Assurance

Cooper Deatherage of Brookings - Competitive

Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank - Competitive

Dylan Frank of Custer – Competitive

Tarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive

William Hanzlik of Chamberlain – Competitive

Aaron Letner of Rapid City - Competitive

Talan Lunders of Aberdeen - Competitive

Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive

Alex Newman of Sioux Falls – Competitive

Abigail Nichols of Pierre – Competitive

Gabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive

Maverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive

Paige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre – Principal

Cooper Deatherage of Brookings - Competitive

Trey Dunse of Webster – Competitive

Tarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive

Joseph Juenger of Rapid City - Competitive with Letter of Assurance

Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive

Alex Newman of Sioux Falls – Competitive

Abigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive

Gabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive

Maverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD – Competitive

Taylor Wenzlaff of Yankton - Competitive

Paige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive

U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)

Hollie Wise of Spearfish – Principal

Max Cook of Gregory - Competitive

Trey Dunse of Webster – Competitive

Tarrent Frye of Sioux Falls – Competitive

William Hanzlik of Chamberlain – Competitive

Kendra Hoffmann of Sioux Falls - Competitive

Aaron Letner of Rapid City - Competitive

Talan Lunders of Rapid City – Competitive

Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive

Kane Murphy of Dell Rapids - Competitive

Alex Newman of Sioux Falls - Competitive

Gabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive

Maverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive

Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen - Competitive

Paige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive

U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point)

Tarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive

Abigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive

Maverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive

Paige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive

Students interested in attending a service academy go through a rigorous application process. Because the academies are highly competitive, students must meet eligibility requirements in leadership, physical fitness, character and academics. The young people joining the military directly from the academies are among the highest caliber our country has to offer, which is a result of the challenging training and education they received at the academies. Students applying for academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and are required to serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation.

Individuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination for academic year 2026-2027 (Class of 2030) should apply by October 1, 2025. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to Rounds’ Rapid City office by calling (605) 343-5035 or by emailing Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov.

An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Rounds’ website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bill-to-rename-fort-mchenry-visitor-and-education-center-after-senator-paul-sarbanes-passes-congress,Bill to Rename Fort McHenry Visitor and Education Center after Senator Paul Sarbanes Passes Congress,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Last week, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6826, legislation designating the Visitor and Education Center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine as the ""Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center."" This bill was crafted and led in the U.S. House by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), while Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) introduced an identical, companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

H.R. 6826 is cosponsored by the entire, bipartisan Maryland delegation in the United States House of Representatives who spearheaded its passage in the House on December 3, 2024. With passage of the measure in the Senate, it will be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

“During his time in the House of Delegates, the U.S. House of Representatives, and as our state’s second-longest serving United States Senator, Paul Sarbanes was a tireless advocate on behalf of all Marylanders. Fort McHenry, a powerful symbol of Maryland’s pride and patriotism, is a fitting place to honor his legacy, and Congress’s passage of this legislation will help pay tribute to all that Paul did for our state and our nation,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“The late Senator Sarbanes was a champion of Fort McHenry, and he firmly believed that the site is critical to understanding and appreciating our national heritage and our national identity,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I am overjoyed that this bill has been triumphantly passed out of the Congress, and I am thankful for the partnership of the bipartisan, Maryland congressional delegation whose unified front made this bill’s advancement attainable,” he concluded.

“Senator Paul Sarbanes was known for his strong commitment to his principles, to public service and to the people of Maryland. He had a long and distinguished career, but he never forgot his Baltimore roots. He saw Fort McHenry as a national treasure in the city and a site worth celebrating. This legislation acknowledges his long-term advocacy for the preservation of the site and the improvement of the visitor experience. He left an indelible mark in the Senate and in Maryland, and the ‘Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center’ at Fort McHenry will be a symbol of his long-standing legacy,” said Senator Ben Cardin.

""For decades, my family has cherished Fort McHenry's rich history and its tremendous vistas of the Chesapeake Bay. My father, Paul Sarbanes, deeply understood Fort McHenry's role as the beating heart of Baltimore, and he worked tirelessly for many years to lift up and preserve this treasured site,"" said Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD-03). ""Among my father's proudest achievements was securing a new visitor center for the fort to better welcome growing crowds and ensure it remained accessible to all. There is no finer tribute to his legacy than naming the visitor center at Fort McHenry in his honor. The Sarbanes family is deeply grateful to Rep. Mfume for his leadership in the House, to Senator Cardin for his leadership in the Senate, and to the entire bipartisan Maryland delegation for their support in making this possible.""

Background: H.R. 6826

H.R. 6826 would name the visitor and education center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Fort McHenry) in Baltimore, Maryland, as the ""Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center.''

Fort McHenry is known as the site of the 1814 attack by British troops against 1,000 American soldiers.

The resistance of Baltimore's Fort McHenry during bombardment by the Royal Navy inspired the poem ""Defence of Fort M'Henry,"" which later became the lyrics to ""The Star-Spangled Banner,"" our national anthem.

The Honorable Paul S. Sarbanes served the State of Maryland in the House of Representatives for six years and in the U.S. Senate for three decades.

During his tenure, Senator Sarbanes helped secure funding for construction of the new visitor center at Fort McHenry, increasing capacity and visitor access.

Senator Sarbanes worked to introduce numerous bipartisan bills that eventually established the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail as the 26th such trail in our nation. It covers Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland, telling the stories of the events, people, and places that led to the birth of our national anthem.

Naming the visitor and education center at Fort McHenry would honor Senator Sarbanes' long history of service to Maryland and his connection with the Fort McHenry site.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-800000-to-improve-railroad-safety,"Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $800,000 to Improve Railroad Safety",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and U.S. Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $800,000 in federal funding to improve safety on railroads and at train crossings across the state.

This investment will allow the Maryland Department of Transportation to perform an assessment of incidents on active railways across the state and develop a program designed to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property. Together, these investments will increase the overall safety of the state’s train transit system.

“Improving rail safety can both save lives and reduce costly, time consuming delays that impact travelers and commuters. With this funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Maryland will have the tools to do just that. These federal dollars will help our state increase rail safety, prevent tragic incidents, and improve rail service for all,” said the lawmakers.

""Saving lives is MDOT’s top priority and these funds will enable the Department to prioritize high-impact safety projects at highway crossings with railroads and local governments,"" said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. ""We appreciate the continued leadership of Team Maryland in securing this critical funding to further enhance safety in Maryland.""

The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which the lawmakers fought to fund at $5 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-bill-to-rename-post-office-in-honor-of-elijah-cummings-passes-congress,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Bill to Rename Post Office in Honor of Elijah Cummings Passes Congress",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Last week, the United States Senate passed legislation (H.R. 9544) to designate a Baltimore United States Post Office (USPS) as the ‘‘United States Representative Elijah E. Cummings Post Office Building."" The bill to rename the post office at 340 South Loudon Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, in honor of Congressman Cummings will now be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. H.R. 9544 was crafted and led by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) in the U.S. House, and the companion legislation to this bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.). Maryland Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) all cosponsored the U.S. House legislation when it was introduced.

“Congressman Elijah Cummings was a man of principle and dignity. His life was shaped by a commitment to serve others, and nowhere did he work harder to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for all than in his beloved Baltimore community. Congress’s passage of this legislation is an important recognition of all that Elijah did for his city, his state, and his country,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

""Congressman Elijah Cummings was a person of deep intellect, unlimited compassion, and a champion for working people everywhere. This House and our nation still feel his loss, which makes the renaming of this post office in his honor a fitting tribute to our dear friend,"" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. ""I am elated that this legislation has prevailed out of the Congress. It is a small but important gesture to say thank you to Congressman Elijah Cummings for the work he did, for so many years, for the people of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. Elijah was a trailblazer, consensus builder, peacemaker, and friend. His name and his image will now be a part of this building for all to see,"" he concluded.

“Elijah’s talent for building consensus, as well as his work ethic and dedication to his constituents, propelled him early on to positions of leadership. He never for a moment forgot that his purpose was to represent the people back home in his district and to be a voice for the many who were silenced,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “He once said that while it was his ‘constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the executive branch,’ it was his 'moral duty' to fight for his constituents. For this reason and so many others, this is a fitting tribute to our friend and colleague Elijah Cummings and his love for Baltimore and the community he cherished and fought for year after year.”

“On behalf of the Cummings family, we thank Congressman Mfume and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen for keeping alive the legacy of my father, their friend, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. We are deeply grateful for all of their work to rename a district post office in recognition of his commitment to public service, including his work on postal issues that came before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee,” said Jennifer Cummings, the late Congressman's eldest daughter upon the legislation's introduction.

The introduction of this legislation was an effort in partnership with the Cummings family, who wrote to Congressman Mfume in August 2024. Their letter expressed the Cummings family’s support to honor Congressman Cummings with the renaming of a post office after their father. On November 20, 2024, this bill was passed unanimously by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. On December 4, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, sending it to the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-moran-introduce-legislation-to-empower-individuals-with-disabilities,"Van Hollen, Moran Introduce Legislation to Empower Individuals with Disabilities",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D- Md.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced legislation that would direct the Social Security Administration to change the way it calculates Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to not penalize individuals with disabilities who chose to marry.

The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act would exclude a spouse’s income and resources when determining eligibility for (SSI) and disregard marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability.

“Supplemental Security Income is critical to allowing people with disabilities to strengthen their financial security and independence,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This legislation will ensure that these Americans won’t be financially penalized simply for marrying.”

“Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married,” said Senator Moran. “This is sensible legislation that would change how disability payments are calculated to make certain the benefits we provide to individuals with disabilities aren’t diminished because they choose to get married.”

This legislation is endorsed by the National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Autism Speaks, Autism society of America, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-renews-fight-to-address-chronic-underfunding-and-barriers-to-sovereignty-in-indian-country,Warren Renews Fight to Address Chronic Underfunding and Barriers to Sovereignty in Indian Country,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,warren,https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Warren Renews Fight to Address Chronic Underfunding and Barriers to Sovereignty in Indian Country

Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) reintroduced the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act. The bill is designed to implement recommendations from the report Broken Promises: Continuing Federal Funding Shortfall for Native Americans, published by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in December 2018. The report was drafted with extensive input from Tribal governments and citizens and other stakeholders, concluding that federal programs designed to support the social and economic wellbeing of Tribal Nations and Native peoples remain chronically underfunded and often inefficiently structured.

While the federal government has substantial trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations, it has repeatedly failed to honor these obligations. The report put it bluntly: “The United States expects all nations to live up to their treaty obligations and it should live up to its own.”

This bill reaffirms the relationship between the federal government and Tribal nations and would strengthen federal programs for Native communities. The bill lays out a path to ensure the United States meets its promises to Tribal nations. Provisions in the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act include:

Criminal Justice and Public Safety: Grants full Tribal jurisdiction modeled on the Violence Against Women Act’s special tribal criminal jurisdiction, with funding to implement it if tribes choose; provides funding for Tribal justice systems, Tribal law enforcement, and detention facilities; requires Tribal consent before a federal execution of a Tribal citizen; establishes grants to support Native victims of crime; victim advocates for Native victims of all crimes;

Health Care: Provides full, mandatory, inflation-adjusted funding for the Indian Health Service; funding for the Sanitation Facilities Construction Program; provides funding for the Special Diabetes Programs for Native Americans; permanent FMAP for Urban Indian Health Programs; Medicaid coverage of any services provided by Indian health care providers; strengthens Native Hawaiian health care programs; provides funding for Tribal Epidemiology Centers; Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder facilities; requires conferring with Urban Indian Health Programs; Medicaid work requirement exemption; clarification of Medicaid policies.

Education: Provides full funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities, expanding TCU instruction and outreach, and TCU construction, modernization, & repair; full funding for Bureau-funded schools, including construction, modernization, and repair; support for Native language revitalization, and address shortage of Native teachers and of teachers in Native-serving schools (based on Senator Tester’s legislation); Johnson-O’Malley funding; support for culturally inclusive education; support for Alaska Native education programs; Every Student Succeeds Act implementation; funding for local Tribal educational agencies and offices; strengthen TCU graduate and Native language programs.

Housing: Provides full funding for the Indian and Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Programs; set aside of USDA rural housing funding; allow Tribal housing authorities to administer their own voucher programs; funding for the Indian Community Development Block Grants, Section 184 Indian and Native Hawaiian Home Loan Guarantee Programs, and Native American Direct Loans; Tribal HUD-VASH (based on Senator Tester’s bill); Housing Improvement Programs; establishes a Coordinated Environmental Review Workgroup.

Economic Development: Provides funding for Tribal roads, transit, and transportation programs; funding for Native CDFIs, funding for water pollution control; water and waste disposal program funding; additional funding for fractionated land buybacks; funding for a Tribal Broadband Fund; strengthen the FCC Office of Native Affairs and Policy; establishes an FCC Tribal Spectrum Market, and affirm Tribal ownership of spectrum over their lands, in line with Senator Warren’s DIGITAL Reservations Act; E-rate expansion; Tribal Connectivity Fund; funding for USDA Office of Tribal Relations funding for broadband support.

“This bill will help restore the relationship between our government and Tribal nations and empower them by providing significant, long-term funding for Native communities,” said Senator Warren. “I remain committed to ensuring the U.S. government honors its promises.”

“The National Congress of American Indians continues to support and applaud the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, and NCAI is pleased that Senator Warren has reintroduced it. As NCAI did in 2022, we stand ready to support the understanding of the legislation. The Act is predicated upon upholding the promises made by the U.S. and would address the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights that our federal government provides ‘steady, equitable, and non-discretionary funding’ to Tribal Nations. To reiterate NCAI’s prior statements, the U.S. has not lived up to the trust responsibility to Tribal Nations and there is indisputable evidence that a crisis of need exists throughout Indian Country on many fronts. The Act provides for needs in health care, public safety, housing, education, economic opportunities, and critical touchstone infrastructures, such as broadband. All of these, and others, are essential needs in Indian Country every day, necessary to the fundamental quality of life in Tribal communities. The same quality of life that every American expects in their own community,” said Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. “As the Federal-Tribal trust relationship endures into this 21st Century and beyond, this Act represents a necessary evolution of the trust relationship. The Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act breathes life into a fundamental tenet at NCAI, that Indian Country is a non-discretionary part of our national society.”

“American Indians and Alaska Natives are this Continents’ First Peoples, yet we remain last in health care status and in accessing robust public health and clinical health services. Despite the sacred promises the United States negotiated with us, we continue to live sicker and die sooner than every other group in America. This must change. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Broken Promises report exposes the often desperate and largely invisible struggles our Nations, communities, and the health systems that serve us endure because the United States continues to break its promises to Tribes. The National Indian Health Board applauds the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, and any other congressional efforts to turn this around and honor the Trust and Treaty obligations of the United States to Tribal Nations,” said Chief Bill Smith, Chairman of the National Indian Health Board, and Vice President of the Valdez Native Tribe.

“The Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act is a pivotal step in the right direction to ensure that total funding is needed for Native education and empowering our Native youth both in and out of the classroom. We look forward to working with Senator Warren, Representative Kilmer, and all other members of Congress to advance educational opportunities for Native students,” said the National Indian Education Association.

“The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) have been beacons of hope for Tribal Nations by offering culturally relevant, place-based Tribal higher education. We endorse the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act to address and rectify the dark passages of Native American history. The failure of the U.S. Government to live up to their treaty promises is not simply a thing of the past but an ongoing legacy that our children have inherited, and they live with the burden of these failures,” stated Ahniwake Rose, AIHEC’s President & CEO, “We applaud Senator Warren’s and Representative Kilmer’s efforts to acknowledge the past and address these broken promises. We encourage Congress to offer our future generations a new legacy and pass this act as it is a path toward growth and sustainability of Tribal Nations, including through excellence in Tribal higher education.”

“The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is pleased to endorse the CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act which would provide Tribes access to funds to prepare for public health emergencies. We are grateful that this bill includes Urban Indian Organization input on the development of public health plans. Equitable access to critical preparedness funds ensures Indian Country is prepared to respond to future public health emergencies,” said Francys Crevier (Algonquin) J.D., CEO, NCUIH.

""The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) supports the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, which seeks to hold the federal government to its trust and treaty obligations, empower Tribal governments, and improve the lives of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people,"" said Lucy R. Simpson, Executive Director, NIWRC.

“Historical underfunding has continued to remain an issue for Indian Country. We need federal legislation that reaffirms our important nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government. We thank Senator Warren and Congressman Kilmer for their most recent legislation, The Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, to address these critical issues,” said the Native American Finance Officers Association.

“The Native CDFI Network (NCN) wholeheartedly supports the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, and we commend Senator Warren and Congressman Kilmer for refining the language of this emerging legislation to authorize the appropriation of unspent Treasury dollars for the benefit of Indian tribes, in particular to Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs),” said Pete Upton, Interim CEO of NCN. “Increasing the flow of federal resources to Native communities in this way represents an important step in righting the longstanding wrongs perpetrated against our communities, and Native CDFIs are uniquely equipped to transform these resources into positive, lasting outcomes for Native consumers, small business owners, and homeowners.”

“Our Broken Promises report underscored the federal government’s failure to meet its trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations, perpetuating inequities in funding and services. This legislation represents a critical opportunity to reverse this trend and provide Native communities with the resources they need to thrive. The federal government must prioritize equitable, steady, and mandatory funding to empower Tribal Nations to exercise self-governance and build stronger futures for their people. Under Secretary Haaland’s leadership, progress has been made on the Commission’s recommendations, but we cannot stall. Congress must act to honor trust obligations and secure lasting change for Indian Country,” said Chair Rochelle M. Garza, USCCR.

“USET SPF welcomes and is encouraged by the introduction of the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act. The problems caused by centuries of failure in the delivery of trust and treaty obligations are deep-seated and complex. Accordingly, this legislative initiative will require sustained and thoughtful effort on the part of Congress and Tribal Nations to properly address the findings of the Broken Promises Report. We commend Senator Warren, Representative Kilmer, and their staff for their courage and diligence in ensuring that meaningful action is taken in response to Broken Promises. We look forward to further collaboration to refine and strengthen the bill,” said Chief Kirk Francis, President, United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund (USET SPF).

“In its Broken Promises report, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission urged Congress to honor the federal government’s trust obligations and pass legislation that would finally provide steady and equitable funding to address unmet needs and support the public safety, health care, educational, housing, and economic development of Native tribes and people,” said former USCCR Commissioner Debo P. Adegbile. “We are grateful that Senator Warren and Congressman Kilmer transformed the Commission’s recommendations into actionable and meaningful legislation with the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act. The bill would deliver on promises too long deferred.”

Senator Warren has worked to protect and advance tribal sovereignty, to emphasize the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations, and to affirm Washington’s government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations:

In May 2023, Senator Warren reintroduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S. 2907), which would establish a commission to formally investigate, document, and acknowledge the Federal Indian Boarding School Policies. In August 2021, she and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), the House lead for this legislation, sent a letter to the Indian Health Service (IHS), urging the agency to ensure that culturally appropriate supports are in place for those affected by the Indian Boarding School Policies. Senator Warren also led a request that the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hold a hearing on this bill. The Committee did so, and Senator Warren delivered remarks calling for passage of the bill. She originally introduced this bill in 2020 with then-Congresswoman Haaland.

In June 2023, the legislation was unanimously reported favorably out of the Indian Affairs Committee. Senator Warren delivered an opening statement at a business meeting of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs which considered her bill, highlighting the need for a truth and healing commission to reckon with the trauma and suffering caused by the federal government’s Indian Boarding School policies

In December 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) introduced the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, historic legislation to address chronic underfunding and barriers to sovereignty faced by Indian Country as a result of the federal government’s failures to meet its trust and treaty responsibilities. The legislation would hold the federal government accountable for honoring the country’s legal promises to Native peoples.

In April 2021, Senator Warren reintroduced the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act (S. 1368), which invests more than $2.5 billion to build or rehabilitate homes for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, and allows tribal housing authorities to administer their own voucher programs. NAIHC adopted a resolution supporting this bill when it was reintroduced in the last Congress. She has long been outspoken about the need to address Indian Country’s housing challenges.

Senator Warren fought to ensure that sovereign Tribal Nations have the resources needed to protect the health and well-being of their citizens during this pandemic. She has introduced a number of bills and taken other steps to advance the health and welfare of Native peoples, including:

the American Indian and Alaska Native Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (S. 1868) (provisions of which were included in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Reauthorization Act of 2021);

the Tribal Medical Supplies Stockpile Access Act (S. 3444), legislation that would guarantee that the IHS tribal health authorities, and urban Indian organizations have access to the Strategic National Stockpile of drugs and medical supplies;

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act (S. 3968), which would ensure tribal nations have equal access to funding through the CDC to prepare for public health emergencies;

the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act (S. 3418), which would provide nearly $1 billion a year directly to tribal governments and organizations to combat the substance use epidemic—building on insights she gleaned at roundtables in which she participated with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and at the Choctaw Nation;

the Native American Suicide Prevention Act, a version of which was enacted in December 2020 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law No. 116-260);

the Coronavirus Containment Corps Act (S. 188), which would require contact tracing collaboration with Tribal health authorities and funding for the IHS;

the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act (S. 4769, 116th Congress), which would ensure that the federal response to the pandemic, including vaccine development, considers and addresses the specific challenges faced by Native women;

the Equitable Data Collection and Disclosure on COVID-19 Act (S. 3850, 116th Congress), which includes funding for Tribal data collection, and IHS consultation with Tribal Nations;

the COVID-19 Emergency Manufacturing Act (S. 3847, 116th Congress), which would provide COVID-19 products at no cost to federal, state, local, and IHS and Tribal health programs;

the COVID Community Care Act (S. 4941, 116th Congress), which would provide emergency funding for community organizations in medically underserved communities, including Native communities;

delivering floor speeches urging the swift nomination of an IHS director during the Trump administration, and highlighting the toll of the 2019 government shutdown on workers and families in Massachusetts, including those who rely on urban Indian health programs;

writing op-eds with other champions for Indian Country on health challenges facing Native communities; and

cosponsoring more than a hundred pieces of legislation to benefit Indian Country.

The Department of the Interior launched a process to review and remove derogatory names—including those containing slurs against Native Americans—from federal lands, consistent with Senator Warren’s bill with Representative Al Green, the Reconciliation in Place Names Act (S. 2400).

Senator Warren helped push for the establishment of an Office of Tribal and Native Affairs at the Treasury Department. She led a bipartisan group of senators urging Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to establish the Office, echoing longstanding calls from Indian Country. In June 2022, the Treasury Department established a new Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, per Senator Warren’s request.

Senator Warren stood with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe in their successful fight to save their reservation in Massachusetts. The Trump administration attempted to disestablish the Tribe’s reservation and litigated the matter. Senator Warren twice cosponsored legislation to provide a fix to the 2009 Supreme Court case Carcieri v. Salazar, so that Tribal Nations’ lands—like those of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe—can be taken into trust and protected. Senator Warren objected to the Trump administration’s efforts, and worked with colleagues and the Tribe to fight the disestablishment. Senator Warren joined then-Congresswoman Haaland in filing a bicameral, bipartisan amicus brief opposing the disestablishment. The Biden administration withdrew the Trump-era legal challenges, preserving the trust status of the Tribe’s homeland and ending the legal challenges it had faced from the executive branch. Last December, the Department of the Interior conclusively reaffirmed the trust status of the Tribe’s reservation, thus securing its future.

Senator Warren has been a leader in the push to rescind the Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. soldiers who perpetrated the Wounded Knee Massacre. She has twice introduced the Remove the Stain Act (S. 1073), pushed for the bill’s inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act, and urged President Biden to use his executive authority to rescind the medals.

Senator Warren has pushed to expand Tribal connectivity. She introduced the DIGITAL Reservations Act (S. 4331, 116th Congress) to affirm Tribal Nations’ and Native Hawaiian organizations’ ownership of broadband spectrum over their lands. And she twice introduced the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act (S. 1365), to extend the Federal Communication Commission’s 2.5 GHz Tribal Priority Window.

Senator Warren has worked for Tribal sovereignty on cannabis, including twice introducing the bipartisan STATES Act, which would keep states, territories, and Tribal Nations safe from federal overreach when deciding the best approach to marijuana.

Senator Warren has been outspoken in her support of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). She was an original cosponsor of a resolution marking the 40th Anniversary of ICWA, and has joined two amicus briefs in support of the law.

For years, Senator Warren has fought back against threats to Tribal lands and waters. She joined efforts to resist the Trump administration’s assaults on Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. And she applauded the Biden administration’s decision to reinstate protections for the monuments. Senator Warren also opposed efforts to advance the Keystone XL, Dakota Access, Line 3, and other pipelines. She joined two amicus briefs to support Tribal Nations’ efforts to halt operation of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). And she questioned Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works nominee Michael Connor regarding the DAPL and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ relationship with Tribal Nations during his confirmation hearing.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-urges-ftc-to-protect-patients-scrutinize-cardinal-gi-alliance-deal,"Warren Urges FTC to Protect Patients, Scrutinize Cardinal-GI Alliance Deal",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,warren,https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Warren Urges FTC to Protect Patients, Scrutinize Cardinal-GI Alliance Deal

Merger of Big Drug Wholesaler, Gastroenterology Service Provider Threatens Competition, Cost Increases, and Health Risks to Patients

By allowing wholesalers to control physician practices, wholesalers could pressure doctors to prescribe medicine that is most profitable for them, even if it’s not in the best interest of their patients

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan, urging the agency to closely scrutinize pharmaceutical wholesaler Cardinal Health’s $3.9 billion proposed acquisition of a majority stake in GI Alliance, the country’s largest gastroenterology management services organization.

“This deal threatens to limit competition by expanding Cardinal Health’s control of physician practices, while giving Cardinal an incentive to restrict those practices from contracting with Cardinal’s rival wholesalers,” wrote Senator Warren.

Cardinal Health has a long history of leveraging its dominant market power in a way that negatively impacts patients and health care providers. The company controls 28% of the prescription drug wholesale market, making it one of the three biggest wholesalers in the country. Along the way, Cardinal has pursued an aggressive vertical acquisition strategy, buying up companies to solidify its dominance in the wholesaler market , including acquiring a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), a data analytics firm, medical device lines, specialty pharmacies, and physician practices. These acquisitions are part of a broader trend of health care conglomerates operating as both seller and buyer of prescription drug services.

“Cardinal has consistently locked its customers into restrictive contracts, blocked out rival wholesalers, and squeezed generic drug manufacturers, leading to more frequent drug shortages, higher drug costs, and poorer health outcomes,” wrote Senator Warren.

In October, Senator Warren sounded the alarm about another one of Cardinal’s proposed acquisitions: Cardinal’s acquisition of Integrated Oncology Network (ION), an MSO that oversees over 50 physician practices spanning 10 states. With this acquisition, Cardinal would be able to force its affiliated practices to enter into sole-source or prime vendor agreements, locking them in and effectively blocking competing wholesalers from offering their services — while introducing conflicts of interest that could raise drug costs. The FTC did not act, and the acquisition was completed earlier this month. The new Cardinal-GI Alliance deal is even larger in scope, posing a bigger threat.

“In addition to the concerns I outlined in my October letter, the acquisition of GI alliance introduces further opportunities for self-dealing, as Cardinal serves as the primary supplier of pharmaceutical products for Gastrologix GPO — the only gastroenterology-focused GPO in the nation,” wrote Senator Warren. “Accordingly, I urge FTC to closely scrutinize this deal, including under Section 7 of the Clayton Act, which prohibits any acquisition that may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly.”

Senator Warren has long highlighted the negative consequences of vertical integration in the health care industry on patients, providers, and taxpayers. Senator Warren recently introduced her Patients Before Monopolies Act (PBM Act), bipartisan and bicameral legislation to prohibit joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies, a gross conflict of interest that enables these companies to enrich themselves at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies.

Senator Warren has led efforts to use every tool available to the government to lower drug prices and fight anticompetitive business practices in the health care industry:

In October 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) urged the FTC to closely scrutinize the Novo Nordisk-Catalent merger and to block it if it violated antitrust law.

In September 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) wrote to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra asking him to lower the cost of vital weight-loss drugs by using the agency’s existing legal authority to issue generic licenses for semaglutide, a prescription drug sold under the names Ozempic and Wegovy.

In August 2024, Senators Warren and King and Representative Doggett wrote to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo reiterating their agencies’ clear legal authority to use “march-in” rights under the Bayh-Dole Act to lower drug prices for Americans.

In June 2024, Senator Warren and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) sent letters to eight pharmaceutical companies urging them to voluntarily de-list over 100 patents that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has determined may be improperly or inaccurately listed in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Orange Book, which would open opportunity for more competition and lower drug prices for Americans.

In May 2024, Senator Warren and Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) sent a letter to Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, and Under Secretary Laurie Locascio, highlighting the lawmakers’ new review of public comments on the agency’s Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights and urged them to strengthen and finalize the guidance.

In May 2024, Senators Warren, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) wrote to the Chamber of Commerce expressing concern and demanding an explanation for the organization’s opposition to the Biden administration’s proposal to boost competition and lower drug prices for American families and businesses by allowing agencies to consider price when deciding to exercise their “march-in rights” under the Bayh-Dole Act.

In April 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to the leadership of Novo Nordisk (Novo), slamming the company for its decision to discontinue production of Levemir (detemir) insulin, one of only three long-acting insulins on the market, and asked the company to commit to continue producing Levemir until a biosimilar is made available.

In March 2024, Senator Warren sent a letter in response to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) discontinuing the brand-name version of Flovent HFA, the go-to inhaler for children, blasting the company for its price-gouging strategy that may cause millions of children to lose access to one of the few drugs that is appropriate to treat their asthma and allergies.

In February 2024, Senators Warren and Angus King (I-Maine) and U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) led 75 lawmakers in sending a letter to the Biden administration in support of strengthening and finalizing its draft guidance to protect taxpayers and reduce prescription drug prices. The lawmakers submitted a public comment supporting the “Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights” and calling for changes to ensure increased transparency, oversight, and accessibility of medical products invented through taxpayer-funded research and development.

In February 2024, Senator Warren and Representative Jayapal announced that three drug manufacturers pulled their sham patents after warnings, and urged the FDA to continue fighting against Big Pharma’s patent abuse.

In December 2023, Senator Warren published an op-ed in Newsweek commending the Biden administration’s announcement that price can be considered in the government’s decision to march-in on a drug, effectively lowering drug costs, and calling on Americans to fight back against an industry that has been taking advantage of them for decades.

In December 2023, Senator Warren issued a statement after the Biden administration announced it would issue guidance to federal agencies that would allow the government to seize patents of certain expensive drugs developed with taxpayer support to create more competition and lower prices.

In December 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Jayapal sent letters to the CEOs of 8 pharmaceutical companies urging them to voluntarily remove sham patent claims improperly included in the FDA’s Orange Book and end their unlawful practices that delay competition and drive up costs for patients and taxpayers.

In December 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, legislation that would radically reduce drug prices through public manufacturing of prescription drugs.

In September 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Jayapal sent a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan urging the FTC to issue a policy statement about the improper listing of drug-related patents in the FDA’s Orange Book.

In August 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Jayapal sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf, urging him to close loopholes that pharmaceutical companies have exploited to block generics from entering the market, keeping drug prices high and maximizing profits.

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Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-receives-committee-assignments-for-119th-congress/,Young Receives Committee Assignments for 119th Congress,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today announced his four committee assignments for the 119th Congress.

For the first time, Young was selected to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The Intelligence Committee was created by the Senate in 1976 to “oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government,” and to “provide vigilant legislative oversight over the intelligence activities of the United States to assure that such activities are in conformity with the Constitution and laws of the United States.”

“As a former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer, I have a deep appreciation for our dedicated intelligence professionals and the importance of unbiased intelligence to our national security. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to ensure policymakers are receiving the best intelligence possible as they make critical decisions,” said Senator Young.

The Intelligence Committee has 17 Senators: nine from the majority party and eight from the minority. The one-seat majority is dictated by Senate resolution and, unlike most other committees, does not change in proportion with the overall Senate ratio of majority to minority membership. The Committee structure is intended to reflect the nonpartisan nature of intelligence and encourage the Committee to work in a bipartisan manner.

Senator Young will continue to serve on the Senate Committee on Finance; the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The Senate Finance Committee will play a pivotal role in tax reform efforts next year.

“I’m honored to continue my work on these committees to tackle the issues most important to Hoosiers, including stimulating economic growth, reducing costs for families, and ensuring America maintains global leadership in technology,” said Senator Young.

The committee assignments will begin in January.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-statement-on-president-bidens-veto-of-the-bipartisan-judges-act/,Young Statement on President Biden’s Veto of the Bipartisan JUDGES Act,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement after President Joe Biden vetoed the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act of 2024, legislation introduced by Young to address judicial emergencies and shortages across the country:

“This misguided decision is just another example of why Americans are counting down the days until President Biden leaves the White House. Issuing this veto is partisan politics at its worst. The JUDGES Act is a fair bill with strong bipartisan support that would have created 66 judgeships over three presidential terms to address our judicial backlog,” said Senator Young. “The President is more enthusiastic about using his office to provide relief to his family members who received due process than he is about giving relief to the millions of regular Americans who are waiting years for their due process. Biden’s legacy will be ‘pardons for me, no justice for thee.’”

Background on the JUDGES Act of 2024:

The JUDGES Act of 2024 would address judicial emergencies and shortages across the country by increasing the number of federal district judges in the most overworked regions of the country, including the Southern District of Indiana. The bill passed Congress with strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The JUDGES Act of 2024 would act on the findings in the nonpartisan 2023 Judicial Conference of the United States report by creating the recommended judgeships during future presidential administrations. Additionally, the bipartisan bill includes new transparency requirements and provisions to ensure greater access to justice in certain high-need areas of the country.

Congress bears the constitutional responsibility of establishing judgeships in the district courts of the United States. However, the last comprehensive authorization of new judgeships occurred in 1990 when then-Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Biden sponsored legislation that created 85 new judgeships for President George H.W. Bush to fill. Since then, targeted legislation enacted between 1999 and 2003 created 34 additional district court judgeships. It has now been two decades since Congress last authorized new district judgeships.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-statement-on-social-security-fairness-act/,Young Statement on Social Security Fairness Act,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement after voting against the Social Security Fairness Act, legislation that will expedite the insolvency of the Social Security Trust Fund:

“This legislation bypassed the typical committee processes in Congress that would have allowed us to have a more thoughtful conversation about how to balance addressing the disparate treatment of certain Social Security beneficiaries with the long-term solvency of the program. As a result, this was a rushed and fiscally irresponsible bill that will deplete the Social Security Trust Fund, which is already projected to be depleted by 2034. During floor consideration in the Senate, I voted for an amendment offered by Senator Cruz that would have addressed this issue in a more fiscally sound manner, and I am disappointed the Senate didn’t support that reasonable approach. Congress should address the disparate treatment of Social Security beneficiaries, including certain Hoosier first responders and other public servants, but there are better solutions than this legislation which further jeopardizes the long-term solvency of the Social Security program,” said Senator Young.

The Social Security Fairness Act will repeal longstanding measures that were intended to ensure Social Security benefits are distributed based on an individual’s contribution into Social Security. Removing these measures—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—will result in the Social Security Trust Fund becoming insolvent at least six months sooner than anticipated. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office projects that the bill will cost almost $200 billion over the next 10 years. As a result, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates the bill will lead to an additional $25,000 of lifetime benefit cuts for a typical couple retiring in 2033.

Young voted in favor of a more fiscally responsible amendment offered by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), which would have increased monthly payments for those affected by WEP by $100 to $150 every month while basing future retirees’ earnings off an individual’s earnings throughout their entire career with a proportionate benefit based on what they paid into Social Security. Senator Cruz’s amendment failed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.daines.senate.gov/2024/12/22/daines-lands-critical-committee-assignments-for-119th-congress/,Daines Lands Critical Committee Assignments for 119th Congress,2024-12-22,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,daines,https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced his committee assignments for the 119th Congress. Daines will serve on the U.S. Senate Committees on Finance, Foreign Relations, Energy and Natural Resources, and Indian Affairs.

“It’s an honor to serve Montanans in the U.S. Senate and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on these crucial committees to fight for our Montana way of life. President Trump received a mandate from the American people, and with these committee assignments I’ll be working to enact the President’s agenda to unleash American energy, cut taxes, open overseas markets for Montana farmers and ranchers, improve America’s relationships abroad, bring down costs for hardworking families, secure the southern border and stem the flow of deadly drugs,” Daines said.

U.S. Senate Committee on Finance: The Committee has jurisdiction over policies relating to taxation and revenue measures; customs and ports of entry and delivery; trade agreements; tariffs; transportation of dutiable goods; health programs under the Social Security Act including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; and Social Security.

U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations: The Committee is instrumental in developing and influencing United States foreign policy. The committee has considered, debated, and reported important treaties and legislation and holds jurisdiction over all diplomatic nominations. Through these powers, the committee has helped shape foreign policy of broad significance, in matters of war and peace and international relations.

U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: The Committee has jurisdiction over energy resources and development, including regulation, conservation, strategic petroleum reserves and appliance standards; nuclear energy; forest management; public lands and their renewable resources; surface mining, federal coal, oil, and gas, other mineral leasing; territories and insular possessions; and water resources.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-votes-to-avert-a-government-shutdown,Senator Baldwin Votes to Avert a Government Shutdown,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after voting to avoid a government shutdown:

“While a government shutdown may not be bad for the billionaires like the ones who were rooting for it, a shutdown would have been disastrous for Wisconsin families, the economy, and our troops. Shutting down the government would have left men and women in uniform working without pay, farmers without critical support, and children without the nutrition programs they rely on. Early this morning, I voted to keep our government open, support our farmers and rural communities, and narrowly avoid disaster for millions ahead of the holidays – but this was far from perfect. These short-term, kick-the-can-down-the-road bills are no way to govern and we have to pass a real Farm Bill and responsible annual funding bills that meet the needs of families, farmers, and businesses. Time to get to work.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z