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.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3B240EDA-52E9-4B16-A047-CCF0F7961316,Bennet Office Holds Listening Sessions in Every Colorado County in 2018,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invited constituents to meet in person with members of his Colorado staff in all 64 counties this year. Constituents in Colorado, and across the country, sometimes need assistance when dealing with the IRS, Social Security Administration, VA, or other federal agencies. In 2018, Bennet's Colorado staff scheduled individual appointments to listen to constituent concerns, respond to questions, and help Coloradans navigate through government red tape. Standing up for Coloradans is at the heart of our commitment to the public, saidSenator Bennet. No matter what, constituents should always reach out to our office with any questions, concerns, opinions, and requests. Bennet's office held 80+ community office hours in 2018. During his second term, Bennet fielded questions during 20+ official town hall meetings across the state, in addition to accepting invitations from constituents to discuss topics of interest, including immigration, veteran issues, and agriculture. Constituent service will remain a top priority for Bennet and his team in 2019. Submit requestsonlineor call any of Bennet'sstatewide offices. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are recommended, but not required.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-federal-government-shutdown,DeGette Statement on Federal Government Shutdown,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Rep. Diana DeGette released the following statement after funding expired for nine federal departments and numerous agencies: Families in Colorado and across America should be enjoying the holiday season with their loved ones. Instead, this shutdown is forcing many to worry about their livelihoods during what should be a relaxing and celebratory time of year. More than 420,000 federal employees will be working without pay, including more than 41,000 federal law enforcement and correctional officers. Another 400,000 additional federal employees will be furloughed. Federal contractors, including people working in lower-wage service positions, are unable to do their jobs or get paid. All of this financial pain and disruption comes at a time of year when many Americans have extra expenses, adding to the needless damage done in this shutdown. While several federal departments and agencies have already had their funding bills passed and will continue to operate, the American people will still feel the pain of slashed services. Federal efforts to help Americans buy homes, support small businesses, provide assistance to low-income households, ensure consumer safety, and more will be significantly hampered. It's shameful that President Trump is willing to harm so many Americans in a desperate ploy to secure funding for his senseless and racist border wall. Even worse, he claims the shutdown will last for a very long time, creating even more misery for working families across Colorado and the country. After nearly two years as president, he still hasn't recognized the fallacy of his immigration policies and the need to work with Democrats in order to effectively serve the American people. I support border security, and my Democratic colleagues and I want to work with the President and our colleagues across the aisle to keep America safe. But I will never vote to support this wall a symbol of xenophobia and bigotry that our community whole-heartedly rejects. I will continue working to avoid a government shutdown in a manner that doesn't compromise our values. And you can be sure that when Democrats lead the House of Representatives in 2019, we will not entertain these outrageous shenanigans from the President and his allies in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=613AF945-D45D-433A-A96B-5D9C84A49ACB,Bennet Statement on Public Lands Bill Failure,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement after the Senate failed to pass a public lands package: Coloradans deserve a Congress responsive to their priorities, but Washington has failed to pass significant public lands legislation for years. We must find a way to pass a lands package that includes LWCF and new wilderness and recreation designations in Colorado, including theSan Juan Mountains Wilderness Act. Congress' failure to act on the Land and Water Conservation Fund this year is unacceptable and shows just how broken this place is. We missed an opportunity today, and we should immediately move to permanently reauthorize and fully fund LWCF.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=4DFE5ACD-B44A-4549-917F-D094880F742F,Bennet Statement on Short-Term Funding Measure,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement after voting to keep the government open. The Senate passed a short-term measure to extend government funding for seven weeks. A choice between shutting down our government over a border wall or passing another short-term budget is typical Washington. We continue to set a terrible example for how we govern ourselves in a democracy. Our disagreements should not be excuses for gridlock, but invitations to solve problems. That's the standard set by generations who came before us. We should learn from their example.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=8CD3E684-7655-46CC-A128-FB24B4994698,"Bennet, Gardner Demand Immediate Action on Veterans Affairs Wait Times",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner today sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie demanding immediate action to remedy wait times at Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS)facilities. The senators requested a report on how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will use existing and new authorities to address these unacceptable wait times. The troubling November 2018 numbers demonstrate that the VA needs to prioritize solutions for Colorado veterans,the senators wrote.As such, as MISSION is implemented, we request a report on how the VA intends to use existing authorities, as well as the new flexibility and tools provided in the MISSION Act, to expeditiously fix issues with wait times across ECHCS. A copy of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Secretary Wilkie, We write today to demand immediate action on unacceptable wait times at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System facilities. For the period ending on December 1, 2018, VA data show that 16.65 percent of medical appointments scheduled through the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) have a wait time of over 30 days. These wait times are the worst in the nation. This includes 7,374 belated appointments at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, 1,201 at the PFC James Dunn Clinic in Pueblo, and 7,014 at the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Outpatient Clinic at Colorado Springs. The latest numbers are even worse than the 13.5 percent of over 30-day appointments that the Denver Post cited in a July 2017 article on ECHCS wait times. Unacceptably high rates persist after years of congressional action, an alarming inspector general report, and a $1.73 billion new facility designed to improve access to care across the Rocky Mountain region. The wait time issue is a disservice to Colorado veterans. With the passage of the VA Maintaining Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act in June 2018, Congress acted, with our support, to enhance the health care experience for our nation's veterans. This bipartisan legislation provides new capabilities to the VA with the goal of improving the timeliness of veterans' access to health care. The troubling November 2018 numbers demonstrate that the VA needs to prioritize solutions for Colorado veterans. As such, as MISSION is implemented, we request a report on how the VA intends to use existing authorities, as well as the new flexibility and tools provided in the MISSION Act, to expeditiously fix issues with wait times across ECHCS.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-leads-democratic-house-colleagues-in-opposition-to-epa-proposal,DeGette Leads Democratic House Colleagues in Opposition to EPA Proposal to Weaken Methane Standards,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) led 68 of her fellow House Democrats in submitting technical comments opposing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to weaken emissions standards for methane and other compounds. Methane is an especially potent greenhouse gas, and its emissions are also associated with public health problems such as asthma, reduced lung function, chronic respiratory damage, cancer, nervous system damage, and birth defects. The proposed rule disregards the current scientific understanding of methane pollution and suffers from inaccurate supporting evidence to justify the regulatory changes the EPA is seeking, DeGette and her colleagues wrote. It completely ignores the findings of a new scientific report, conducted by 24 authors representing 12 universities and two United States Government labs, that found methane emissions from the oil and gas industry in the United States were 60% higher than the amount of previous EPA greenhouse gas inventory estimates.[1] Using a lower, inaccurate baseline downplays the severity of the methane (and VOCs) emissions problem, artificially lowering the costs associated with weakening pollution standards for oil and gas operations. The EPA proposal would weaken current standards that require the oil and gas industry to use best available technology in their efforts to reduce methane emissions. According to the EPA's own research, the current standards will support jobs, allow the industry to capture more natural gas that can be sold to consumers, and protect public health in the process. Rep. DeGette and her colleagues submitted their technical comments as part of the rulemaking process the EPA is required to undertake for its proposal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2321,"Perlmutter Recaps Work on Behalf of Constituents, District in 2018 Year-End Report",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lakewood, Colo. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today released his annual end of year report for 2018, which details the office's work on behalf of the people of the 7th Congressional District and Colorado. The number one priority for me and my staff is to make sure we do the best job we can for the people of the 7th Congressional District. That means being accessible, responsive, and helpful in cutting through red tape at federal agencies, said Perlmutter. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the 7th District and Colorado in 2019. In 2018, Perlmutter and his staff completed 684 constituent cases, securing more than $446,850 in owed benefits and savings for constituents. The office also hosted 32 events with 16,770 attendees, responded to nearly 60,000 calls, emails and letters, and signed three pieces of legislation into law. See below for additional year-end information. In addition, Perlmutter was recognized as Legislator of the Year' in 2018 by the Paralyzed Veterans of America - Mountain States Chapter for his work in ensuring the completion and opening of the new Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, Colo. Data from January 1 December 1, 2018 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=B9F2B1E4-3CCF-42CE-8A7F-FF14DE56D5F8,Bennet Calls for Inclusion of San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in End-of-Year Legislation,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today wrote to Senate leadership urging them to include the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in an end-of-year public lands package currently being negotiated. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act is the product of years of collaboration among local stakeholders in San Miguel, San Juan, and Ouray Counties, Bennet said. The bipartisan county commissions who represent these communities have been asking Congress to pass this bill for over a decade. It is time for Congress to do its job and move this bill across the finish line. The legislation, first introduced in 2009, would protect approximately 61,000 acres of land located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado. It also would designate some of the state's most iconic peaks as wilderness areas, including two fourteeners: Mount Sneffels and Wilson Peak. A video of Bennet's testimony in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing is HERE. A video of Bennet introducing the bill with a San Miguel County Commissioner is HERE. A copy of the letter is HERE and below: I write to urge you to include S. 2721, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in any end-of-year public lands package. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act is the product of years of collaboration among local stakeholders in San Miguel, San Juan, and Ouray Counties. The bipartisan county commissions who represent these communities have been asking Congress to pass this bill for over a decade. It is time for Congress to do its job and move this bill across the finish line. The San Juan Mountain Wilderness Act would designate around 31,000 acres of new or expanded wilderness and designate 21,675 acres as the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area. First introduced in 2009, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act received bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress starting in 2010. It is widely supported in Southwest Colorado, including by local recreation advocates, sportsmen, mountain bike clubs, and the Telluride Ski Area. The only active hardrock mine in the area, Ouray Silver Mines, has provided support for the wilderness designations near its mine. The Governor of Colorado and five towns in the region also support the bill. Southwest Colorado cannot wait any longer for Washington to act. The time is now to pass this bill. Thank you for considering this request.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=BBF35565-FE4D-41CC-BC8C-F19AB570F99A,"Bennet, Bipartisan Senators Call on Administration to Respond to Allegations of Chinese Government Election Interference",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined a group of bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other national security leaders in the Trump administration to express concern about ongoing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempts to undermine democracy. The senators encouraged the administration to work closely with Taiwan to investigate the allegations of interference and respond if necessary. CCP attempts to erode democratic processes and norms around the world threaten U.S. partnerships and prosperity, the senators wrote. We write to express our support for efforts to counter interference of this nature and to state unequivocally that we stand shoulder to shoulder with democracies fighting attempts to undermine their sovereignty and freedomIn an era of growing authoritarian interference, we believe such allegations must be taken seriously if free societies are to continue to thrive, the senators continued. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Ted Cruz (R-TX). A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F9259C60-8577-4641-821E-9B459F9A4320,"Ignored by EPA: Bennet, Casey Demand Answers On Methane Standards Rollback",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following the end of the comment period for a proposal to weaken methane standards, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to raise the agency's failure to respond to their concerns and request a meeting to address the proposal. As the Senators from two states with robust standards to reduce methane emissions, we are concerned that more children will breathe harmful air pollution as a result of the rollbacks you are recommending, Bennet and Casey wrote. In addition, our states may have to impose additional measures in order to adhere to EPA's ozone standards due to methane pollution coming into Colorado and Pennsylvania from other states without similar methane standards. Ahead of the public comment period in October, Bennet led 21 Senate colleagues in urging the EPA to extend the public comment period for the rule and provide adequate justification for modifying the national standards. The senators asked specific questions regarding the modification's effects on the public health and the cost of the rule. The EPA has not responded, and the comment period ended yesterday. We are concerned by your failure to reply to our October letter and to take our questions seriously. We owe it to our constituents to obtain more clarity about the effect of the rollback on our respective states. Accordingly, we request a meeting with you within the next month to discuss our constituents' issues with you personally, the senators concluded. A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/commemorate-the-clean-air-act-by-living-up-to-its-protections,Commemorate the Clean Air Act by living up to its protections,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"This coming Monday, December 17 marks the 55th anniversary of the Clean Air Act. Coincidentally, it is also the end of the public comment period for the Trump administration's proposal to undermine that act and eviscerate Environmental Protection Agency safeguards to reduce methane and associated toxic air pollution from oil and gas production. The anniversary of the Clean Air Act, which passed the House of Representatives unanimously in 1963, should be a celebration of our united efforts to protect the greater good. Unfortunately, the Trump administration's rollback of public health and climate protections turns the anniversary into another example of the abuse of public office for special interests, at our expense. Despite what some want you to think, working together to protect public health and the environment is not a relic of the past. Just four years ago, Colorado state government worked together with oil and gas companies to protect Colorado's air and climate. We became the first state in the nation to enact rules to reduce methane pollution from oil and gas production and served as a national model for methane standards that the Obama administration adopted at the EPA. Colorado's and the federal government's methane safeguards are important because methane is a potent greenhouse gas, 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane is responsible for a quarter of the climate change impacts we are experiencing now. And when oil and gas operations release methane, as they do throughout production, they also emit hazardous volatile organic compounds such as benzene, a carcinogen. There are more than 50,000 active oil and gas operations in Colorado and 1.3 million nationwide. Thanks to Colorado's methane safeguards, we live where the Trump administration's attack on clean air won't impact us as directly as it will for those living in other regions that also produce oil and gas. But more methane emissions would still affect us. What happens to our neighbors affects us too, and no single state rule can protect us from the consequences of climate change. But we shouldn't just consider immediate effects. This rollback is just one part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to undermine or eliminate all federal initiatives to address climate change. They have announced their intention to roll back other EPA safeguards to cut methane pollution from oil and gas production. This September the Trump administration repealed an Interior Department rule that prevented methane waste from oil and gas production on public lands. More than 600,000 public comments were submitted, and 99.8 percent opposed repeal. And then there is President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement making us theonlycountry in the world to do so or his gutting of the Clean Power Plan. This coming year, I will become the chair of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee, with the authority to look into these dangerous actions by the Trump administration. We will follow the facts to get a better understanding of which officials within the administration were pushing to undermine protections, the potential influence of special interests, and whether important steps or points of view were ignored along the way. I will make sure that the American people know what we uncover and what we can do to reverse these actions. In the meantime, every American needs the methane pollution safeguards that Colorado worked hard to put in place. Our standards have been on the books for years, and the oil and gas industry continues to operate in Colorado. One of the world's largest oil companies, just moved its onshore oil and gas drilling headquarters to Denver and even cited Colorado's environmental ethic as one of the reasons Denver was such a good place to be headquartered. Each one of us must speak out in opposition to this dangerous effort by the Trump administration to weaken necessary methane pollution protections. I encourage the companies who had a seat at the table when Colorado crafted our rules and who have made pledges to cut methane to speak up as well.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=9433D3EB-E66A-40BA-9D85-815080050EF6,Bennet Statement on Federal Courts Affordable Care Act Ruling,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DENVER, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement regarding a Texas federal district court ruling that the Affordable Care Act, and all its health care protections, are unconstitutional: For years, Republicans have tried to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. After trying and failing over 70 times to repeal the bill without offering a replacement, Republicans added a provision to last year's disastrous tax bill to sabotage the individual mandate, providing the argument used in the Texas court's ruling. The ACA is not perfect, but it has provided health care coverage to millions of Coloradans and Americans with preexisting conditions and coverage for essential health benefits. Republicans should abandon their efforts to attack the ACA and instead work with Democrats to fix its flaws, so that we can provide quality, affordable health care coverage to every American.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/colorado-congressional-delegation-members-urge-continued-cooperation-to,Colorado Congressional Delegation Members Urge Continued Cooperation to Resolve Eagle Project Commuter Rail Line Issues,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) along with Colorado Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) sent a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), and Denver Transit Partners (DTP) urging continued cooperation in finalizing a plan of action to fix ongoing issues with grade crossings on the Eagle Project's commuter rail lines by the December 15 deadline. In the letter, the lawmakers made clear that Coloradans cannot afford any further delays or loss of service, writing, The Eagle Project's success is critical for our constituents. Many stakeholders came together to support the project based on the economic and quality of life benefits it promises. They are counting on all parties to live up to their obligations and provide the service agreed to. The letter follows a November 15, 2018 letter from FRA to RTD raising several concerns with grade crossing warning signal timing, citing non-compliance with waivers previously issued by the administration, calling for an action plan to rectify these issues. DeGette, Perlmutter, Bennet and Gardner went on to write that they are encouraged by the cooperation of all parties to fix the crossing issues and urge a continued effort to complete a satisfactory action plan by the December 15 deadline. They pledged their commitment to helping facilitate this process in any way possible. The full text of the letter is below: December 12, 2018 The Honorable Ronald Batory David A. Genova Administrator General Manager and CEO Federal Railroad Administration Regional Transportation District 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 1560 Broadway, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20590 Denver, CO 80202 John F. Thompson Executive Project Director Denver Transit Partners 5151 Fox Street Denver, CO 80216 Dear Administrator Batory, Mr. Genova, and Mr. Thompson: We write following the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) November 15 letter to Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Denver Transit Partners (DTP) regarding the ongoing issues with the grade crossings on the Eagle Project's commuter rail lines. We urge all parties to work together to ensure the action plan called for in the letter is completed by December 15 in a manner that ensures safety and meets all federal requirements, while facilitating continued progress on the Eagle Project. In the November 15 letter, FRA detailed a number of ways the current grade crossing warning signal timing is not in compliance with waivers previously issued by the Administration. It also noted in the two and half years since the initial waiver, no substantial progress has been made to correct the problem permanently. FRA has been clear the Eagle Project must show compliance with waiver conditions before the Administration can approve quiet zones for any part of the system or allow the Gold Line to begin revenue service demonstrations. Additionally, continued noncompliance could jeopardize the waiver conditions allowing the existing service on the A Line. We cannot afford any further delays or loss of service. The Eagle Project's success is critical for our constituents. Many stakeholders came together to support the project based on the economic and quality of life benefits it promises. They are counting on all parties to live up to their obligations and provide the service agreed to. We are encouraged all parties continue to cooperate, but efforts to resolve the grade crossing issues have so far proved insufficient. The action plan is a crucial step toward resolving these issues once and for all. We strongly urge all parties to fully commit to completing a satisfactory action plan by the December 15 deadline and work together to implement this action plan swiftly, and we stand ready to help facilitate this process in any way possible. Sincerely, Diana DeGette Michael F. Bennet Member of Congress United States Senator Cory Gardner Ed Perlmutter United States Senator Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-and-upton-mark-second-anniversary-of-21st-century-cures-act,DeGette and Upton Mark Second Anniversary of 21st Century Cures Act Becoming Law,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -- Representatives. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Fred Upton (R-MI) today released the following statement on the second anniversary of the21stCentury Cures Actbeing signed into law by President Barack Obama: 21stCentury Cures began with the spark of hope and continues today pushing medical research in new and innovative ways. We're already seeing the results in action: TheBeau Biden Cancer Moonshotis working to accelerate progress in cancer prevention and screening, theAll of Us Research Programhas more than 100,000 people signed up to help advance precision medicine and develop more effective ways to treat disease, theBrain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiativeis revolutionizing how we understand the human brain, and theRegenerative Medicine Innovation Projectis supporting clinical research on adult stem cells. 21stCentury Cures is also making needed reforms to our mental health system and at the Food and Drug Administration. We're now able to get drugs and devices to the market more efficiently helping to address drug prices. Finally, 21st Century Cures has played a pivotal role in addressing the opioid epidemic by funding the fight at the state level with more than $1 billion in grants to states in need. 21stCentury Cures was truly a bipartisan effort from start to finish. Today we can reflect on how far we have come, but also a reminder of all the work that remains. Patients and families are counting on us. Further background: The House Energy and Commerce Committee has held five hearings on the implementation of the21stCentury Cures Actincluding three this year. These hearings have focused on specifics sections of the bill includingmental health reforms, work being done by theFood and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, and an update from theOffice of the National Coordinator.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2311,Colorado Congressional Delegation Members Urge Continued Cooperation to Resolve Eagle Project Commuter Rail Line Issues,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) along with Colorado Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) sent a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), and Denver Transit Partners (DTP) urging continued cooperation in finalizing a plan of action to fix ongoing issues with grade crossings on the Eagle Project's commuter rail lines by the December 15 deadline. In the letter, the lawmakers made clear that Coloradans cannot afford any further delays or loss of service, writing, The Eagle Project's success is critical for our constituents. Many stakeholders came together to support the project based on the economic and quality of life benefits it promises. They are counting on all parties to live up to their obligations and provide the service agreed to. The letter follows a November 15, 2018 letter from FRA to RTD raising several concerns with grade crossing warning signal timing, citing non-compliance with waivers previously issued by the administration, calling for an action plan to rectify these issues. DeGette, Perlmutter, Bennet and Gardner went on to write that they are encouraged by the cooperation of all parties to fix the crossing issues and urge a continued effort to complete a satisfactory action plan by the December 15 deadline. They pledged their commitment to helping facilitate this process in any way possible. The full text of the letter is below: December 12, 2018 The Honorable Ronald Batory David A. Genova Administrator General Manager and CEO Federal Railroad Administration Regional Transportation District 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 1560 Broadway, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20590 Denver, CO 80202 John F. Thompson Executive Project Director Denver Transit Partners 5151 Fox Street Denver, CO 80216 Dear Administrator Batory, Mr. Genova, and Mr. Thompson: We write following the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) November 15 letter to Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Denver Transit Partners (DTP) regarding the ongoing issues with the grade crossings on the Eagle Project's commuter rail lines. We urge all parties to work together to ensure the action plan called for in the letter is completed by December 15 in a manner that ensures safety and meets all federal requirements, while facilitating continued progress on the Eagle Project. In the November 15 letter, FRA detailed a number of ways the current grade crossing warning signal timing is not in compliance with waivers previously issued by the Administration. It also noted in the two and half years since the initial waiver, no substantial progress has been made to correct the problem permanently. FRA has been clear the Eagle Project must show compliance with waiver conditions before the Administration can approve quiet zones for any part of the system or allow the Gold Line to begin revenue service demonstrations. Additionally, continued noncompliance could jeopardize the waiver conditions allowing the existing service on the A Line. We cannot afford any further delays or loss of service. The Eagle Project's success is critical for our constituents. Many stakeholders came together to support the project based on the economic and quality of life benefits it promises. They are counting on all parties to live up to their obligations and provide the service agreed to. We are encouraged all parties continue to cooperate, but efforts to resolve the grade crossing issues have so far proved insufficient. The action plan is a crucial step toward resolving these issues once and for all. We strongly urge all parties to fully commit to completing a satisfactory action plan by the December 15 deadline and work together to implement this action plan swiftly, and we stand ready to help facilitate this process in any way possible. Sincerely, Diana DeGette Michael F. Bennet Member of Congress United States Senator Cory Gardner Ed Perlmutter United States Senator Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=83CC1E9E-A7A3-4C41-9D21-0415E89C3A96,Bennet Statement in Support of Yemen Resolution,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement about his vote in support of a resolution to end U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen: We are without a strategy to address the persistent conflict, humanitarian crisis, and threats to U.S. interests in Yemen. By passing this resolution, we are sending a strong, bipartisan statement that the Trump administration must take the required steps to formulate one. The tragic and extraordinarily complex situation in Yemen requires a political solution. The administration has failed to lead and must do more to push all regional interests to the negotiating table. It's also critical to stress how inadequate the President's response to the death of Jamal Khashoggi has been, in effect legitimizing his murder and failing to stand up for press freedom. The administration must hold Saudi Arabia accountable.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=853F6DB1-840F-4D79-856C-4828A0E0EC3E,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in San Juan and La Plata Counties,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from San Juan and La Plata Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in the next week. John Whitney, Bennet's Western Slope Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Silverton and Ignacio. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE (San Juan County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to San Juan County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details San Juan County Friday, December 14, 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. San Juan County Courthouse County Commissioners Meeting Room 1557 Greene Street Silverton, CO 81433 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE (La Plata County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to La Plata County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details La Plata County Monday, December 17, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Ignacio Public Library 470 Goddard Avenue Ignacio, CO 81137 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2307,Perlmutter Statement on Agreement with Leader Pelosi,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Perlmutter Statement on Agreement with Leader Pelosi f t # e Washington, D.C.-, December 12, 2018 Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) issued the following statement on an agreement with Leader Nancy Pelosi regarding term limits for senior leadership in the Democratic Caucus and his vote for Speaker in the 116th Congress: I have pushed for new leadership because I want to see generational change in the Democratic Caucus. I am now convinced that generational change has started and will continue to accelerate. Therefore, I will support Nancy Pelosi for Speaker. I do so for the following reasons: We elected a new generation of leaders with the election of Ben Ray Lujan, Hakeem Jeffries and Cheri Bustos; We've opened our rules and procedures to give all members more say in legislation presented and passed in the House and have developed new policies that strengthen integrity in government; A number of us presented a proposal concerning term limits for senior leadership and Nancy Pelosi has agreed to abide by the proposal; Opportunities for leadership development will be available for those who aspire to senior caucus or committee positions to assure smoother transitions, if and when the time requires; and, After numerous conversations with Nancy Pelosi on a whole array of subjects, I am confident that she is the best person to lead a very diverse and ambitious caucus while contending with the difficult challenges facing the country. An important conversation was started here and going forward I feel confident our leaders will work to share their knowledge, experience and skill with those who aspire to leadership for the sake of our caucus, our party and our country. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=0E207645-8D3C-4DE5-ABCD-64CFBE521CBF,"Following Congressional Passage, Colorado Leaders Show Support for Farm Bill",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congress sent the 2018 Farm Bill to the President for his signature. Upon Senate passage yesterday, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet delivered remarks on the Senate floor (video here). He also praised the bill's passage, highlighting the more than 25 Bennet-led priorities secured in the bill for Colorado. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Bennet held two dozen listening sessions across Colorado to receive input when crafting the bill. Those farmers, ranchers, local leaders, and others provided the following statements of support: Dr. Dale McCall, President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, said: During the past two years, Senator Bennet has taken time to listen to and learn from Colorado's farmers and ranchers. He and his staff organized farm bill listening sessions across the state, and in September, welcomed our farmer and rancher members into his office to discuss the latest issues impacting production agriculture and rural communities. We are thankful for his leadership on the Senate Agriculture Committee through the Farm Bill process, especially on conservation, rural development, energy, and farm and ranch stress matters. We trust President Trump will sign this bill into law so producers will have time to make plans for the 2019 business year. Time is short for farmers to make the significant adjustments needed in their quest just to break even. Don Brown, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, said: The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill is more than a success for U.S. farm and ranch families; it's a powerful win for all Americans. This country relies on a strong, abundant supply of the food, fiber, and fuel provided by America's agricultural community. The programs within the 2018 Farm Bill provide true value to the people of Colorado, including expanding the Conservation Reserve Program acreage and legalizing hemp to help create more consistent programs as a U.S. crop. In particular, adjusting the Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage program provides a vital safety net for producers. Dave Eckhardt, President of Colorado Corn Growers Association, said: Colorado Corn Growers Association is pleased the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 has passed out of the Senate. The 2018 Farm Bill is not only important to farmers, but to every American. Agriculture is dealing with depressed prices and significant natural disasters have taken their toll on the bottom line of farming operations across country. Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill will help producers plan for the next five years. Brad Erker, Executive Director of the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers, said: Colorado Association of Wheat Growers is happy to see the Farm Bill finally pass. From extreme weather conditions impacting production to a trade war impacting sales, the safety net programs provided by the Farm Bill help provide some stability to farmers dealing with low commodity prices and encourages them to keep conservation practices a part of their operations. Jim Ehrlich, Executive Director of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, said: We are pleased with the results of the Farm Bill conference report and hopeful that congress will move forward quickly to pass the bill. We are grateful to Senator Bennet for his work in representing Colorado farmers, ranchers and consumers as a member of the agriculture committee. Most people do not know that over 75% of the Farm Bill cost is actually for nutrition programs that benefit many people. The new Farm Bill continues to make great investments for specialty crop producers in the research arena, including fullyfunding the Specialty Crop Research Initiative at $80 million annually, andreauthorizing the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The potato industry has truly benefited from these programs. In addition, the bill provides important trade promotion funding through the Market Access Program and Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program. Twenty percent of the U. S. potato crop is exported annually so a healthy trade environment is vital to the industry. There are other provisions in the bill that will have potential positive impacts on the valley as a whole, including making hemp legal nationally and eligible for crop insurance, and enhancements to the conservation title. In my opinion it represents a job well done by congress and how congress should function. Dave Carter, Executive Director of the National Bison Association, said: Last year, we discovered that the compensation values offered under the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) for bison losses were unreasonably low. Senator Bennet not only led the effort on behalf of bison producers to assure that USDA adjusted the LIP payment levels for 2017 to reflect actual market prices, but successfully enlisted his colleagues to include provisions in the new Farm Bill to make sure that future payment protection for bison losses are equitable with those for other livestock sectors. Senator Bennet's work in making sure that drought monitoring capabilities are expanded under the new Farm Bill will benefit all areas of livestock production, including bison. We commend Senator Bennet for making sure that all sectors of agriculture benefit under the new Farm Bill. Mike Hogue, President of Colorado Cattlement's Association, said:""On behalf of beef cattle producers in Colorado, we support the hard work toward and the outcomes of the 2019 Farm Bill. The bi-partisan legislation will continue the meaningful work of ranches and farms in conserving our natural resources while opening up the world to our high quality foods, like beef. Furthermore, CCA is pleased with funding that will go toward protecting our livestock from foreign animal diseases through additional research and preparedness. These points and others contained in the 2019 Farm Bill support the global approach to food security and stewardship."" Don Shawcroft, President of the Colorado Farm Bureau, said: The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill is welcome news for Colorado farmers and ranchers. Not only will it ensure the safety net for producers, maintain and expand environmental stewardship programs, promote international trade and provide needed support to disadvantaged families, it removes future uncertainty for an industry struggling amongst low commodity prices. Hemp Legalization Don Coram, Colorado State Senator and hemp producer, said: As the sponsor of establishing hemp regulations in 2013 and actually becoming a hemp grower in 2017, I am thrilled that Colorado is leading the nation in this burgeoning new industry. The lack of clarity for hemp in federal law has long stalled the hemp industry from taking off. I appreciate Senator Bennet's work on behalf of Colorado hemp growers to fully legalize the cultivation of industrial hemp. Colorado's hemp industry will certainly benefit from this provision. Corbett Hefner, Vice President of Research and Development for Power Zone Agriculture, said: As an innovator developing hemp fiber-specific manufacturing technology, Power Zone is thrilled to see clarification at the federal level on industrial hemp in this Farm Bill. Thanks to this key step, we can take our business to the next level in rural Colorado and across the nation. Natural Resources Thomas Davidson, Summit County Commissioner, said: Big thanks to Senator Bennet for working with us on the language for the Flexible Partnerships Act in this Farm Bill. This is an important new tool for Summit County and other communities in Colorado that are struggling to create affordable housing. It will open up new opportunities for housing projects in places that have Forest Service administrative sites, and the projects will take place in partnership with local community leaders. Dolores County Commissioners said: Dolores County, the citizens of the area, as well as surrounding emergency service providers, all recognize the immediate need for the fire station. We appreciate Sen. Bennet's and Rep. Tipton's leadership to include the West Fork Fire Station Act in the final 2018 Farm Bill. Pat O'ToolePresident of Family Farm Alliance, Board of Directors for Western Agriculture and Conservation Alliance, and Board of Directors for Partners for Conservationsaid: ""We appreciate Senator Bennett's support and recognition of the critical role played by the Farm Bill for the production of food and fiber, and for conservation of natural resources and wildlife. The Farm Bill anticipates the crucial role of water and watersheds for our future. Water is the determining factor for both production and conservation."" Erik Glenn, Executive Director of Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust, said: Senator Bennet's leadership in developing a new Farm Bill will have lasting positive impacts on Colorado and its many agricultural producers. Innovations in the conservation title that were led by Senator Bennet and his staff will vastly improve many of the conservation programs producers across Colorado utilize to make improvements and advancements in their stewardship. Andy Mueller, General Manager of the Colorado River District, said: The critical drought resiliency provisions included in this bill will help to ensure Colorado's farmers and ranchers can adapt to a changing climate while continuing to provide food and fiber to the nation. We appreciate the commitment that Senators Bennet and Gardner have shown to our farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Bob Broscheid, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said: Colorado's wildlife and agriculture will both benefit from the 2018 Farm Bill; it's a win-win. A long list of Colorado's wildlife and recreation depends on working agricultural landscapes for food and cover, and the farm bill has several provisions that provide substantial incentives for farmers and ranchers to invest in practices that maintain wildlife habitat, as well as voluntary public access programs. Private lands are critical to Colorado's quality of life, and this farm bill will provide the funding needed to ensure continued conservation of our soil, water, and wildlife. Suzanne O'Neill, Executive Director of Colorado Wildlife Federation, said: Colorado Wildlife Federation applauds Senator Bennet on his work to ensure that the final 2018 Farm Bill includes strong provisions for conservation and wildlife. Thanks to his efforts, this bill includes robust funding to help farmers and ranchers create wildlife habitat on working lands, as well as key provisions to conserve grasslands and reward ranchers for grazing practices that promote soil health, wildlife habitat and drought resilience. Young Farmers Kate Greenberg, Western Program Director for the National Young Farmers Coalition, said: Passage of this Farm Bill will give young farmers in Colorado tools to stand tall in the face of a changing climate. Young farmers and ranchers across the country demanded that this Farm Bill invest in the next generation, and leaders like Senator Bennet helped make this a Farm Bill for the future. But the work isn't over. We had hoped to see Senator Bennet's micro-EQIP' proposal in the final bill, but we remain committed to working with USDA and Senator Bennet to create on-ramps for young farmers to critical conservation programs. Nutrition Zoila Gomez, Lead Coordinator at San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition's Cooking Matters, said: The reauthorization of the Farm Bill only strengthens our commitment in The San Luis Valley and across the state to continue to educate and motivate our participants to make healthy and physical activity choices within a limited budget through the Cooking Matters Campaign by Share Our Strength.We are grateful for all of those who advocated and voted for the Farm Bill.The impact the Cooking Matters Campaign is making in the lives of parents, caregivers and kids in the San Luis Valley and across the state through its programming is overwhelming.We see changes in their approach to nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and budgeting. Inan era of social media, people do love learning about nutrition,cooking healthy meals and dining together.The passing of the Farm Billallows us to continue to bring together more people and move on with our mission.From the Farm Bill to a Cooking Matters class it is clear that we all matter. Happy news for many of us indeed. Gabriel Guillaume, CEO of LiveWell Colorado, said: LiveWell Colorado applauds Senator Bennet's leadership and the bipartisan effort to craft a 2018 Farm Bill that shows we do not have to compromise between supporting our farmers and our under-resourced residents, and instead demonstrates they go hand in hand in building a healthy, resilient food system.This bill does what it should do lays a strong foundation for healthy food access by maintaining the integrity of SNAP, enhances ourability toprovide healthy foods to low-income families through a robust Nutrition Incentive Program, and provides support for our farmers and ranchers through programs such as the Local Agriculture Market Program. We thank our many local and national partners as well as our federal delegation for their tireless efforts to get this passed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=93C278E1-BEC0-4FF0-98A8-DC5DA4CF7451,Bennet Cosponsors New Bill to Protect Peoples Personal Data Online,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined 14 Senators, led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), in introducing new legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data. It's long past time we rethink how our personal data is collected, stored, and shared online, Bennet said. Websites and apps that profit from our data should be held accountable for how they use it. The Data Care Act will ensure internet companies use our online data as we expect them to: in our best interest. Internet companies collect vast amounts of data about their users, including search and web history, physical location, and sensitive personal information. Unlike doctors, lawyers, and bankers, these services have no legal obligation to protect or properly use that data. Instead, they are bound only by their own lengthy and complex terms of service that leave users in vulnerable position of agreeing to share their personal data without fully understanding how it will be used. The Data Care Act shifts the paradigm by establishing reasonable duties for online providers to protect users' personal data and prohibit them from using that data to users' detriment. Specifically, it establishes: Duty of CareOnline providers must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform users of data breaches that involve sensitive information; Duty of LoyaltyOnline providers may not use individual identifying data in ways that harm users; Duty of ConfidentialityOnline providers must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling, or sharing individual identifying data; Federal and State EnforcementA violation of these duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule and will be subject to a civil enforcement action. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene. Limited Rulemaking AuthorityFTC is granted rulemaking authority to implement the Act. Free Press Action welcomes the important contributions the Data Care Act makes to a growing list of good ideas on privacy in the Senate. The bill shifts away from a notice and choice framework alone, where internet users bear all the responsibility and risk of protecting themselves, with few remedies for violations. Instead it moves towards putting the duty on companies and other data collectors where it belongs, to actually prevent such harmful exploitation and honor people's rights. It also does the right thing by empowering the FTC to make rules and impose penalties, and lets state attorneys general enforce the new protections too. We thank Senator Schatz and all the co-sponsors for putting so many ideas on the table, pushing the debate towards even more comprehensive laws, said Sandra Fulton, Government Relations Director for Free Press Action. In addition to Bennet and Schatz, the Data Care Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Doug Jones (D-AL), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-maternal-deaths-passes-us-house,Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Maternal Deaths Passes U.S. House,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette's (D-CO) and Jaime Herrera Beutler's (R-WA) bipartisan bill to prevent maternal deaths passed the U.S. House by unanimous voice vote today. H.R.1318, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, would establish and support state Maternal Mortality Review Committees to review every pregnancy-related or pregnancy-associated death, and based on those findings, develop recommendations for how to prevent future mothers' deaths. Today marks an important day in addressing our country's maternal mortality crisis, as this is the strongest step Congress has taken to date to reverse it. By providing states with resources to investigate every maternal death, we can begin to tackle this troubling trend and take appropriate steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. As moms and lawmakers, this is personal to us, and it was an honor to join with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to lead this life-saving measure successfully through the House. We must improve our understanding of why mothers are dying in pregnancy, during childbirth and post-partum so we can then unleash every possible resource to protect women in this critical season of life. We hope the Senate will take swift action to pass this critical legislation so we can send it to the President's desk, the lawmakers said. AMCHP thanks Rep. Herrera Beutler and Rep. DeGette for their leadership in introducing the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act and being tireless advocates for its passage into law. Once all states have adequate resources to expertly review maternal deaths, we can achieve greater success in both honoring the lives of mothers lost and equipping our nation to prevent future deaths during pregnancy or in the year following childbirth, Jonathan Webb, CEO,Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) said. The Preventing Maternal Deaths Act had 190 cosponsors when it passed the House. There is a companion bill in the U.S. Senate sponsored by Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Shelly Moore Capito. There's still time for the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the president's desk before the end of the year. The rise of maternal mortality in the U.S.: The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world, and the rate continues to rise. Between 700-900 women die in the U.S. every year from pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of maternal deaths are preventable. Maternal mortality in the news:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-diabetes-caucus-chairs-hail-fda-insulin-guidance,Congressional Diabetes Caucus Chairs Hail FDA Insulin Guidance,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC-- Congressional Diabetes Caucus co-chairs Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Tom Reed (R-NY) issued the following statement after the FDA finalized guidance treating insulin as a biologic product: ""The FDA has taken an important step to bring new insulin producers to market and address the dramatic insulin price increases. Insulin remains essential for millions of diabetes patients, and it must remain accessible and affordable for every one of them. As we have investigated issues surrounding insulin prices, we specifically called for this action, and we commend FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb for his attention and follow-through."" Background: Over the last year and half, Rep. DeGette and Rep. Reed have led the charge to lower insulin prices, which have doubled since 2012. There are no biosimilar insulins on the market because the FDA did not have a clear regulatory pathway for approving biosimilars. To address this issue, Reps. DeGette and Reed sent a letter to FDA on September 20, 2017, urging the agency to finalize a piece of guidance which would provide biosimilar insulin makers with an approval pathway. Reps. DeGette and Reed also reiterated this call in their insulin inquiry report published on November 1, adding that this pathway should be streamlined and would help inject competition in the highly-concentrated insulin market. Today, the agency finalized that guidance, giving biosimilar insulin makers a clear way to get cheaper insulin formulations to market. This action will help bring competition into the insulin market, providing patients with cheaper/effective insulin alternatives and potentially helping bring down insulin prices",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=44D87FFF-CD45-4707-94F2-8C3041D19AC2,Bennet Praises 2018 Farm Bill and Calls for Continued Bipartisan Support,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Ranking Member of theSubcommitteeon Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, today praised the release of the final text of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report and called for continued bipartisan support in Congress to send the bill to the President's desk. We committed to passing a Farm Bill this year, and that's exactly what we intend to do, Bennet said. We appreciate the conference committee's hard work to reach a bipartisan bill that legalizes hemp, conserves land and water, combats climate change, and bolsters economic security in rural communities. The finish line is in sight. Now Congress needs to do what's right for Colorado and send this bill to the President's desk.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=97988940-D4D1-4E28-8E3D-D3E377CD725E,Bennet Statement on Senate Passage of Final 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, today applauded Senate passage of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report. More than 25 Bennet-led priorities were included in the final Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The farmers and ranchers of Colorado wrote enormous parts of this legislation, and what passed today is a reflection of their priorities. Over the course of two dozen listening sessions, their recommendations have improved how we manage our forests, have strengthened our farm safety net, and will help us address climate change. In the Senate Agriculture Committee, we don't have partisan differenceswe have regional differences that we resolve. That's because farmers and ranchers don't have the luxury of pretending politics is the only thing that matters. They're focused on handing the next generation more opportunity. That's what this bill does. It has been gratifying to work with other members of the Agriculture Committee. After two years of negotiation and hard-fought compromise, we are steps away from having this critical bill become law. A summary of the Bennet-led priorities in the final 2018 Farm Bill is available HERE. The following highlights in the Farm Bill are significant for Colorado. The bill: Expands economic opportunity, especially in rural communities, by legalizing hemp and increasing access to broadband. Strengthens risk management, maintains crop insurance, contains innovative forest health tools, and fully funds conservation programs. Protects the integrity of SNAP and expands access to healthy foods. Provides tools to farmers and ranchers to adapt to climate change and reduce carbon pollution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C908BC35-F32C-4401-8C17-83477E4DFD22,Bennet Floor Speech: Farm Bill Looks Past Politics to Help Future Generations of Farmers and Ranchers,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"VIDEO: Download a video of Bennet's floor remarks Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, today delivered remarks following Senate passage of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report. A summary of the more than 25 Bennet-led priorities in the final 2018 Farm Bill is available HERE. Bennet's remarks as delivered are available to DOWNLOAD, watch on YOUTUBE, and read below. A few months ago, I had the chance to go up to the Colorado-Wyoming border to spend a night at the Ladder Ranch. It's a beautiful property, situated in the Little Snake River Valley. If you were designing a postcard for the American West, you'd struggle to do better than this place. The ranch is owned by Pat and Sharon O'Toole. It's been with the family for six generations, dating all the way back to 1881. To give you a sense of how long ago that was, at the time, the state of Colorado was just five years old. The Ottoman Empire was still around. Our world has transformed since then. But the Ladder Ranch has endured through the Depression, the Dust Bowl, through two World Wars, and the transformation in our economy. And, of course, that didn't just happen by chance. It happened because the family looked ahead and made hard choices to deliver that ranch from generation to generation. Pat and Sharon are continuing that legacy today, and they're joined on the ranch by their daughters and their son and a whole bunch of grandkids. I'm sharing the story of Ladder Ranch, because in many ways, it's the story of farmers and ranchers across my state and across the country of people applying their ingenuity and common sense to hand more opportunity to the next generation. And one of the privileges of representing a state like Colorado is that I've had the opportunity to learn about places like Ladder Ranch and the legacy every one of our farms and ranches represent. When I joined the Senate Agriculture Committee, the truth is that I had no idea how hard it can be for our farmers and ranchers. Like many people, I had very little appreciation for where our food comes from, and knowing that, if you're in agriculture, you can do everything right and still fall behind because of forces beyond your control. And today, our farmers and ranchers are facing tremendous uncertainty. They've got persistent drought and threats of wildfire, which are going worse due to climate change. They've got low commodity prices and challenges with finding people that can work because of our immigration debate here in Washington. And now, on top of all of that, they've got the confusion of the existing trade policies of the United States. Two weeks ago, the USDA announced that farm incomes are projected to drop 12 percent this year. When you add it all up all the uncertainty up, the policy up, the politics up farm incomes are going to be down 12 percent this year. All of this acts like a weight on our farmers and ranchers, making it even harder for them to pass on the legacy of their work to the next generation. Earlier this year, our Ag Commissioner in Colorado, Don Brown, who is himself one of the most successful farmers in our state, said, You're only 22 once. And by that he meant, there's an entire generation out there deciding whether or not to pursue a career on the family farm or ranch. And they're looking at all this uncertainty, and a lot of them are deciding that it's not worth it. That's why the average age of farmers is what it is in the United States. We owe it to our farmers and ranchers to provide consistency where we can, and to help preserve the legacy of American agriculture for years to come. By passing the 2018 Farm Bill, that's exactly what we've done. This bill means more certainty for America's producers. In this volatile environment, this bill maintains crop insurance and makes risk management tools more effective. Most important to Colorado, this bill helps our farmers and ranchers diversify their operations. For the first time in over 50 years, because of this Farm Bill, this bill fully legalizes hemp. The Majority Leader was out here earlier. I want to congratulate him on his work to do that. In Colorado, our hemp growers have operated under a cloud of uncertainty for years. Our farmers worried about maintaining access to their water. They couldn't buy crop insurance or transport seeds. Some ran into red tape opening a bank account or even applying for federal grants. Despite these challenges, hemp cultivation in my state grew six-fold over the last four years. And again, it's interesting that the Majority Leader has wanted this as well, because the climate in Kentucky and the climate in Colorado have almost nothing in common, but hemp grows in Kentucky, and it grows in Colorado. And we see hemp as an opportunity to diversify our farms and manufacture high-margin products for the American people. Now, Coloradans will be able grow and manufacture hemp without a cloud of uncertainty hanging over them. The bill also helps farmers and ranchers hand more opportunity to the next generation. It increases funding for conservation easements and makes it easier for people to secure them. It invests in America's farm economy to drive innovation in agriculture to keep up our competitiveness in the 21st century. It doubles funding to help communities in places like my state to deal with forest health and protect our watersheds better. Working with Senator Daines from Montana, we increase funding for wildlife habitat and provide more opportunities for hunting and fishing on private lands. Working with Senator Bozeman from Arkansas to give rural communities new ways to improve housing and infrastructure. The bill also provides new resources to help farmers and ranchers adapt to major challenges like climate change. For example, it creates tools for farmers and ranchers to sequester carbon, to improve soil health, and become more resilient to drought. And we increase resources in this bill for renewable energy and energy efficiency for rural businesses. All in all, this 2018 Farm Bill is an excellent piece of legislation. And a lot of credit lies in the approach we took in the Agriculture Committee. It should be like this for all our committees. We don't have partisan differences. If we have differences, we have regional differences, and we work them out. And that's why that Committee, which I'm proud to serve on, is one of the only functioning committees in the Senate. We passed a five-year Farm Bill the last time there was a Farm Bill, not a six-month one, not a six-day one, but a five-year Farm Bill. And this is another one, because Republicans and Democrats both know that we've got to support our farmers and ranchers, not create even more uncertainty for them. The other privilege of being on that committee is that I spend a lot of time in my state in counties where it's unlikely that I'm ever going to win 10 or 20 percent of the vote. But I keep going back and back, not because I think I'll win, but because I think that, as a country, we've got to find a way to bring ourselves together and solve problems. Our farmers and ranchers are a model for that. They're applying their ingenuity to challenges like climate and drought every single day. They don't have the luxury and I would say we don't have the luxury of pretending that politics is the only thing that matters. They're focused on delivering their farm or ranch to the next generation and handing them more opportunity, not less. To them, that's all that matters. And that's the ethic we should be applying to our national politics.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/colorado-lawmakers-object-to-dhs-proposal-to-expand-public-charge,Colorado Lawmakers Object to DHS Proposal to Expand Public Charge Definition,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) today led Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jared Polis, and Representatives-elect Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security to object to the proposed rule expanding the definition of public charge under U.S. immigration law. The proposed rule would make permanent residence unavailable to individuals who rely on housing, health care, and food assistance, have a serious health condition, or earn a low income, among other factors. The proposed rule would lead to worse health outcomes, increased housing instability, and reduced productivity and educational achievement throughout our communities,the lawmakers wrote.This would have negative, lasting effects in Colorado on both immigrant and non-immigrants alikeWith such far-reaching implications for children and families across Colorado and our nation, we strongly oppose this proposed rule and urge DHS to withdraw the proposal. According to the letter, under current federal immigration law, the government may deny lawful permanent resident status to individuals determined likely to become primarily dependent on government-funded cash assistance or long-term care. DHS proposes to make permanent residence unavailable to individuals determined likely to use an expanded list of benefits, including non-cash assistance programs like Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), federal housing assistance, and Medicare Part D subsidies. DHS asks for comment on adding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the list of public benefits. DHS also proposes several negative factors potentially penalizing applicants for being under 18 or over 65, having a serious health condition, being unemployed at the time of application, or earning a low income. The lawmakers outlined how the proposed rule could affect Colorado. According to the Colorado Fiscal Institute, the proposed rule could have achilling effecton more than 323,000 Coloradans, including 143,000 children, who rely on public assistance programs targeted by the rule. The Colorado Health Instituteestimates75,000 Coloradans, nearly two-thirds of whom are children, could lose health insurance due todisenrollment. According to one estimate, Colorado could lose $417 million in economic activity and more than 2,800 jobs. Finally, the rule could force immigrants to forgo critical food, housing, and health assistance for their families out of fear it might jeopardize their immigration status. Nearly two dozen Colorado organizations oppose the rule, including the Center for Health Progress, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Children's Campaign, and Hunger Free Colorado. A copy of the letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2304,Colorado Lawmakers Object to DHS Proposal to Expand Public Charge Definition,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) today led Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jared Polis, and Representatives-elect Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security to object to the proposed rule expanding the definition of public charge under U.S. immigration law. The proposed rule would make permanent residence unavailable to individuals who rely on housing, health care, and food assistance, have a serious health condition, or earn a low income, among other factors. The proposed rule would lead to worse health outcomes, increased housing instability, and reduced productivity and educational achievement throughout our communities,the lawmakers wrote.This would have negative, lasting effects in Colorado on both immigrant and non-immigrants alikeWith such far-reaching implications for children and families across Colorado and our nation, we strongly oppose this proposed rule and urge DHS to withdraw the proposal. According to the letter, under current federal immigration law, the government may deny lawful permanent resident status to individuals determined likely to become primarily dependent on government-funded cash assistance or long-term care. DHS proposes to make permanent residence unavailable to individuals determined likely to use an expanded list of benefits, including non-cash assistance programs like Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), federal housing assistance, and Medicare Part D subsidies. DHS asks for comment on adding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the list of public benefits. DHS also proposes several negative factors potentially penalizing applicants for being under 18 or over 65, having a serious health condition, being unemployed at the time of application, or earning a low income. The lawmakers outlined how the proposed rule could affect Colorado. According to the Colorado Fiscal Institute, the proposed rule could have achilling effecton more than 323,000 Coloradans, including 143,000 children, who rely on public assistance programs targeted by the rule. The Colorado Health Instituteestimates75,000 Coloradans, nearly two-thirds of whom are children, could lose health insurance due todisenrollment. According to one estimate, Colorado could lose $417 million in economic activity and more than 2,800 jobs. Finally, the rule could force immigrants to forgo critical food, housing, and health assistance for their families out of fear it might jeopardize their immigration status. Nearly two dozen Colorado organizations oppose the rule, including the Center for Health Progress, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Children's Campaign, and Hunger Free Colorado. A copy of the letter is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7EE4CC4F-0FE5-43AD-8B6F-9C5A75D6DAA2,Colorado Lawmakers Object to DHS Proposal to Expand Public Charge Definition,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) today led Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jared Polis, and Representatives-elect Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security to object to the proposed rule expanding the definition of public charge under U.S. immigration law. The proposed rule would make permanent residence unavailable to individuals who rely on housing, health care, and food assistance, have a serious health condition, or earn a low income, among other factors. The proposed rule would lead to worse health outcomes, increased housing instability, and reduced productivity and educational achievement throughout our communities,the lawmakers wrote.This would have negative, lasting effects in Colorado on both immigrant and non-immigrants alikeWith such far-reaching implications for children and families across Colorado and our nation, we strongly oppose this proposed rule and urge DHS to withdraw the proposal. According to the letter, under current federal immigration law, the government may deny lawful permanent resident status to individuals determined likely to become primarily dependent on government-funded cash assistance or long-term care. DHS proposes to make permanent residence unavailable to individuals determined likely to use an expanded list of benefits, including non-cash assistance programs like Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), federal housing assistance, and Medicare Part D subsidies. DHS asks for comment on adding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the list of public benefits. DHS also proposes several negative factors potentially penalizing applicants for being under 18 or over 65, having a serious health condition, being unemployed at the time of application, or earning a low income. The lawmakers outlined how the proposed rule could affect Colorado. According to the Colorado Fiscal Institute, the proposed rule could have achilling effecton more than 323,000 Coloradans, including 143,000 children, who rely on public assistance programs targeted by the rule. The Colorado Health Instituteestimates75,000 Coloradans, nearly two-thirds of whom are children, could lose health insurance due todisenrollment. According to one estimate, Colorado could lose $417 million in economic activity and more than 2,800 jobs. Finally, the rule could force immigrants to forgo critical food, housing, and health assistance for their families out of fear it might jeopardize their immigration status. Nearly two dozen Colorado organizations oppose the rule, including the Center for Health Progress, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Children's Campaign, and Hunger Free Colorado. A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=0347FBA4-2F0C-41EC-A3D6-5EDD1F1318E9,Bennet Cosponsors First Step Act to Reform Criminal Justice System,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DENVER, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today cosponsored the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation with more than 30 Senate cosponsors to reform the American criminal justice system. This bill is the result of principled bipartisan compromiseregrettably a rare sight in today's Senatethat has earned broad support from both the law enforcement community and criminal justice reform advocates, Bennet said. These reforms are a first step in a longer effort to reduce mass incarceration and restore faith in our justice system. Leader McConnell should schedule a vote on the Senate floor before the end of the year. The First Step Act aims to reduce federal recidivism and crime, prepare inmates to successfully reenter society, and enhance prison security and officer safety. It also eases mandatory minimum sentences under federal law and makes retroactive the reforms enacted by the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, reducing the disparity between crack and powder cocaine sentences at the federal level. The bill is supported by the Trump administration, law enforcement groups, 172 former federal prosecutors including a former director of the FBI, the National Governor's Association, and a broad coalition of progressive, conservative, and faith groups. The bill has also been endorsed by the oft-divergent editorial boards of the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, as well as by the editorial boards of USA Today, Bloomberg and the Houston Chronicle. More information on the legislation is available here:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-colleagues-release-draft-legislation-to-modernize-fda-regulation,"DeGette, Colleagues Release Draft Legislation to Modernize FDA Regulation of Diagnostic Tests",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, joined fellow committee member, Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), in releasing draft legislation to establish a framework for overseeing in vitro clinical tests (IVCTs), such as test kits and laboratory developed tests (LDTs), at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This Congress, the lawmakers have worked with the stakeholder community and FDA to define parameters for IVCT oversight. Safety and accuracy are rightly our top priorities when establishing a new regulatory framework for the approval and regulation of LDTs and IVCTs. I am grateful for the committed partnership of Rep. Bucshon, the Energy and Commerce Committee and our Senate colleagues by working together to forge this bipartisan and bicameral proposal. Rep. Diana DeGette Advanced diagnostics are transforming the way we provide care for patients in the 21stcentury, giving rise to precision medicine and enabling physicians to provide more individualized treatments for patients. Unfortunately, the regulatory framework for diagnostic testing has become outdated and is still stuck in the 20thcentury. Our goal with this draft legislation is to ensure patients can get the most appropriate treatment for their disease by creating a new regulatory framework that is risk based, creates a level-playing field, allows for leading edge development to thrive, and assures doctors and patients that their test results are valid and clinically meaningful. Dr. Larry Bucshon In the age of precision medicine, diagnostic and genetic tests are increasingly part of routine medical care,Bennet said. Without safety measures in place, these tests threaten patient safety and the potential of innovative diagnostics to transform health care. We'll continue working to develop a regulatory framework that results in better government and keeps pace with developing technologies. While I am disappointedthis bill will not pass this year, I am hopefulthat my colleagues will prioritize this legislation in the 116thCongress,said Senator Hatch.Americans deserve the assurance that the tests which are utilized in making vital, sometimes life-or-death, decisions, are both accurate and reliable. This bill establishes a sensible, risk-based approach towards regulation of IVCTs that protects innovation in an ever-changing sector of healthcare. Background on In Vitro Clinical Tests: In vitro clinical tests (IVCTs) are used to analyze human samples, such as blood or tissue. The test results are often used to make diagnosis or treatment decisions. For example, at-home glucose tests can be used to monitor diabetes based on blood sugar levels. One subset of IVCTs are Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) that are administered and interpreted by physicians, pathologists, or other clinical professionals in a health care facility. Another subset of IVCTs are related to personalized and precision medicine, such as genetic tests. Health care professionals then use companion diagnostics to determine the optimal drug or treatment at the right dose and time for a specific patient. Under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is required to ensure quality laboratory operations for LDTs. However, CMS is not required to ensure analytical and clinical validityin other words, safety and effectivenessfor any IVCTs. Several IVCTs have voluntarily pursued FDA approval under the existing device regulation framework, but current device regulation is not practical for many of the clinical laboratories that develop IVCTs. In order to ensure patient safety and accurate and reliable testing, there is a need for a regulatory pathway for IVCTs. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb hascalledfor comprehensive legislation for IVCT oversight. Summary of the Verifying Accurate, Leading-edge IVCT Development (VALID) Act: The draft legislation would establish a risk-based approach to IVCT regulation, prioritizing FDA resources for the highest-risk tests that expose patients to serious or irreversible harm. The legislation also would establish a precertification program for lower-risk tests that are not otherwise required to go through premarket review. Precertification would allow FDA to establish standard validity requirements, while also lowering the burden on labs and developers and protecting continued innovation. High-risk tests, such as novel tests, would be required to undergo premarket review to verify analytical and clinical validity. FDA could require that any test undergo premarket review after providing the developer an opportunity to address issues identified by the agency. Discussion Draft Found Here",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-demands-info-on-epa-enforcement-actions-that-undermine-its,DeGette Demands Info on EPA Enforcement Actions That Undermine its Ability to Protect Human Health and the Environment,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO) joined fellow Democratic leaders on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Tonko (D-NY), in sending aletterto Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler today requesting documents and information about the agency's lack of enforcement for programs aimed at addressing climate change and protecting public health and the environment. EPA documents and press reports over the past year indicate several disturbing trends, including a decline in the number of enforcement cases initiated; a reduction in enforcement staff; an overreliance on state enforcement programs; and an increased political review of potential or pending enforcement actions. We are writing to request information on a series of actions by the Trump Administration regarding the EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA),the lawmakers wrote.We are deeply concerned that these actions undermine key enforcement programs and severely limit EPA's ability to address climate change and protect public health and the environment. According tomultiplereports, the Trump EPA has initiated far fewer civil and criminal enforcement cases against polluters for violating environmental laws, including a 20 percent reduction in civil cases initiated against polluters and a 30 percent cut in criminal enforcement cases. The Committee Democrats also pointed to reports that over 1,600 workersleftEPA during the first 18 months of the Administration, bringing the agency's staffing levels to an historic low. We are concerned that historically low staffing levels, combined with a series of recent actions taken by EPA management, undermine the agency's enforcement capability,the three Democratic Committee leaders continued in their letter to Wheeler. EPA also recently announced a series ofpoliciesthat require political appointees to review enforcement activities, a move that the Committee Democratic leaders believe could undermine enforcement of important public health and environmental protections. The Trump EPA has also implemented new policies that the Committee leaders are concerned could undercut its ability to ensure states are, in fact, following a consistent minimum level of protection. Today's letter follows alettersent earlier this month by the three Democratic Committee leaders to EPA requesting documents and information about the agency's decision to roll back policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change. The letter to EPA, including the specific list of information that the Democratic Committee leaders are requesting, is availablehere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=79375AE4-F1AD-4C6C-88B7-CE3BB66BD51C,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in Alamosa County,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Alamosa County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in December. Erin Minks, Bennet's San Luis Valley Regional Representative, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Mosca. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Alamosa County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details Alamosa County Tuesday, December 18, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Mosca Pit Stop 5305 State Highway 17 Mosca, CO 81146 To schedule an appointment, send an email to erin_minks@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Erin assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 719-587-0096. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=8AEA2914-8F66-47FE-B746-B715544363FF,"Bennet, Gardner Announce Major Infrastructure Grants for Colorado, Including $20 million for North I-25",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner today announced that the North Front Range Transportation & Air Quality Council has been awarded a $20 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for its North I-25 Segment 6 improvement project. Additionally, the senators announced that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will receive a $20 million BUILD grant for its vehicle-to-everything (V2X) project, which seeks to bolster the connectivity of transportation infrastructure through the deployment of fiber across highways in Colorado. And the City of Glenwood Springs will receive a $7 million BUILD grant for its project to modernize infrastructure along the City's South Midland Avenue, including a new waterline and broadband infrastructure. Colorado's roads require significant investment to keep pace with our state's continuous growth, Bennet said. This $47 million will assist with state and local efforts to modernize our state's infrastructure. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Northern Colorado communities, this $20 million for North I-25 will build on past TIGER grants to decrease congestion in one of the state's busiest corridors. With its $20 million grant, CDOT will be able to invest in new connectivity infrastructure as Colorado prepares for emerging vehicle technologies. Finally, this well-deserved $7 million grant will allow the City of Glenwood Springs to make significant improvements to the road and broadband infrastructure along the Roaring Fork River, enhancing the safety and quality of life for its residents. We strongly advocated to the Department of Transportation how important this infrastructure funding would be for Colorado and I-25, and I'm thrilled to announce it will be coming soon to help support these important projects, Gardner said. As Colorado continues to grow we need to ensure our infrastructure is prepared to handle it. Going forward, I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Administration to help address infrastructure needs across our state. I-25 Grant The $20 million BUILD grant will help with widening a segment of North I-25 between SH 402 and SH 56/Little Thompson Bridge through the addition of an express tolled lane in each direction. CDOT has estimated that in 2040, the I-25 Corridor will see a 60 percent increase in daily vehicle traffic. Work on the Issue Bennet-Gardner letter to DOT regarding North I-25 is available HERE. Bennet-Gardner letter to DOT regarding V2X is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=AED130D0-1F11-4A9F-8351-4376C7B1A26F,"Senators Bennet, Hatch & Reps. Bucshon, DeGette Release Draft Legislation to Modernize FDA Regulation of Diagnostic Tests",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), with U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today released draft legislation to establish a framework for overseeing in vitro clinical tests (IVCTs), such as test kits and laboratory developed tests (LDTs), at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This Congress, the lawmakers have worked with the stakeholder community and FDA to define parameters for IVCT oversight. In the age of precision medicine, diagnostic and genetic tests are increasingly part of routine medical care, Bennet said. Without safety measures in place, these tests threaten patient safety and the potential of innovative diagnostics to transform health care. We'll continue working to develop a regulatory framework that results in better government and keeps pace with developing technologies. While I am disappointed this bill will not pass this year, I am hopeful that my colleagues will prioritize this legislation in the 116th Congress, Hatch said. Americans deserve the assurance that the tests which are utilized in making vital, sometimes life-or-death, decisions, are both accurate and reliable. This bill establishes a sensible, risk-based approach towards regulation of IVCTs that protects innovation in an ever-changing sector of healthcare. Advanced diagnostics are transforming the way we provide care for patients in the 21st century, giving rise to precision medicine and enabling physicians to provide more individualized treatments for patients, Bucshon said. Unfortunately, the regulatory framework for diagnostic testing has become outdated and is still stuck in the 20th century. Our goal with this draft legislation is to ensure patients can get the most appropriate treatment for their disease by creating a new regulatory framework that is risk based, creates a level-playing field, allows for leading edge development to thrive, and assures doctors and patients that their test results are valid and clinically meaningful. Safety and accuracy are rightly our top priorities when establishing a new regulatory framework for the approval and regulation of LDTs and IVCTs, DeGette said. I am grateful for the committed partnership of Rep. Bucshon, the Energy and Commerce Committee and our Senate colleagues by working together to forge this bipartisan and bicameral proposal. Background on In Vitro Clinical Tests In vitro clinical tests (IVCTs) are used to analyze human samples, such as blood or tissue. The test results are often used to make diagnosis or treatment decisions. For example, at-home glucose tests can be used to monitor diabetes based on blood sugar levels. One subset of IVCTs are Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) that are administered and interpreted by physicians, pathologists, or other clinical professionals in a health care facility. Another subset of IVCTs are related to personalized and precision medicine, such as genetic tests. Health care professionals then use companion diagnostics to determine the optimal drug or treatment at the right dose and time for a specific patient. Under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is required to ensure quality laboratory operations for LDTs. However, CMS is not required to ensure analytical and clinical validityin other words, safety and effectivenessfor any IVCTs. Several IVCTs have voluntarily pursued FDA approval under the existing device regulation framework, but current device regulation is not practical for many of the clinical laboratories that develop IVCTs. In order to ensure patient safety and accurate and reliable testing, there is a need for a regulatory pathway for IVCTs. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has called for comprehensive legislation for IVCT oversight. Summary of the Verifying Accurate, Leading-edge IVCT Development (VALID) Act The draft legislation would establish a risk-based approach to IVCT regulation, prioritizing FDA resources for the highest-risk tests that expose patients to serious or irreversible harm. The legislation also would establish a precertification program for lower-risk tests that are not otherwise required to go through premarket review. Precertification would allow FDA to establish standard validity requirements, while also lowering the burden on labs and developers and protecting continued innovation. High-risk tests, such as novel tests, would be required to undergo premarket review to verify analytical and clinical validity. FDA could require that any test undergo premarket review after providing the developer an opportunity to address issues identified by the agency. A copy of the discussion draft is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=AF224F56-062D-4069-A634-C7C2CDF0A56F,"Following Delayed Payments to Veterans, Bennet Calls for Inspector General Investigation",2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today urged the Department of Veteran Affairs' (VA) Inspector General to launch an investigation into issues related to delayed Post 9/11 GI Bill payments to veterans. In November, Bennet responded to media reports of on-going problems with the VA's IT system, which resulted in veterans not receiving living stipend payments for education and housing expenses in a timely manner. According to reports, the payments of approximately 1,500 GI Bill students at Colorado State University have been affected. In a November 15 letter, Bennet wrote to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie requesting the department address the problem. Today, Bennet expressed concern about conflicting reports regarding the VA's commitment to make retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends. He requested the Inspector General investigate issues related to the delayed payments, including analysis of what led to the delays and of the VA's capability and willingness to ensure veterans receive housing allowance at levels provided under the Forever G.I. Bill. Such ambiguity about education benefits is a disservice to those who have served our country, Bennet wrote. I ask that you investigate the VA's capability and willingness to carry out the law. A copy of the letter is available HERE and below: The Honorable Michael J. Missal Inspector General Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave NW Washington, DC 20571 Dear Mr. Missal: I write to request an investigation into issues related to delayed payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans receiving Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. Specifically, I am concerned about conflicting reports regarding the VA's commitment to make retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends. Such ambiguity about education benefits is a disservice to those who have served our country. I ask that you investigate the VA's capability and willingness to carry out the law. This should include an analysis of whether veterans are receiving proper levels of housing allowance, as provided under the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act (P.L. 115-48, the Forever GI Bill). Additionally, this should include an analysis of what led to the delays. Such information will be useful to continued congressional oversight of this critical issue. I thank you for your consideration of this time sensitive matter and I look forward to your response. Thank you for your work on behalf of our nation's veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=1EF079E2-23D8-416D-8552-8BC51FF5A2E0,"Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Archuleta, Dolores, and Montezuma Counties",2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Archuleta, Dolores, and Montezuma Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in December. John Whitney, Bennet's Western Slope Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Pagosa Springs, Dove Creek, and Cortez. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE (Archuleta County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Archuleta County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening sessions. Listening Session Details Archuleta County Tuesday, December 11, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Archuleta County Administration Offices Commissioners Meeting Room 398 Lewis Street Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE (Dolores County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Dolores County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details Dolores County Thursday, December 13, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Dolores County Courthouse Commissioners Board Room 409 N. Main Street Dove Creek, CO 81324 MEDIA GUIDANCE (Montezuma County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Montezuma County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening sessions. Listening Session Details Montezuma County Thursday, December 13, 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Cortez City Hall Mesa Verde Room 123 Roger Smith Avenue Cortez, CO 81321 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=2390213A-9D5F-4475-93A7-2C7C072D4E14,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in El Paso County,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from El Paso County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in Monument. Jacqueline Armendariz, a representative from Bennet's office in this region, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans on December 7. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to El Paso County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details El Paso County Friday, December 7, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Serranos Coffee Company 625 W. Highway 105 Monument, CO 80132 To schedule an appointment, send an email to Jacqueline_Armendariz@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Jacqueline assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 719-328-1100. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6DA57289-AA75-44BD-84FB-7BB574A00F2C,"Ahead of VP Pence visit to Mexico, Bennet, Menendez, Leahy & Kaine Encourage U.S. Commitment to Improving U.S.-Mexico Relations",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) today sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence encouraging him to use his visit to Mexico to reaffirm U.S. commitment to building a bilateral partnership that advances the prosperity and well-being of the people of both nations. The United States and Mexico share a bond deeper than just our close geography, the senators wrote. Our countries are bound by our shared culture, history, and decades of close cooperation on economic and security issues. However, this relationship and U.S. public standing in Mexico have suffered in the last two years due to the tremendous damage President Trump has caused to U.S.-Mexico relations. Citing the current events at the U.S.-Mexico border, the senators also highlighted the need for a collaborative response to the challenges posed by regional migration in a manner that meets domestic and international legal standards and ensures appropriate protections for vulnerable populations. On the eve of President-elect Lpez Obrador's inauguration, as Mexico prepares to embark on a new era, your visit provides a unique opportunity to reframe bilateral relations in a manner that upholds our two nations' shared democratic values and common commitment to prosperity and security, concluded the senators. The full text of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=70CEC126-D38D-4BBD-B96D-BD352A2E6C93,"Bennet, Gardner Introduce Cybersecurity Legislation to Protect Energy Grid",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner this week introduced two pieces of legislation to protect the country's energy grid from cyber-attacks. The Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act received a hearing today in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. We have our work cut out for us to protect the electric grid across rural and urban America, and these bills are a good starting point, said Bennet. We've worked with Coloradans and national energy organizations to ensure the legislation provides the technical assistance they need to safeguard their communities from cyberattacks. Colorado and states across the country need to secure our energy grids and be better prepared against cyber-attacks that threaten our critical infrastructure, said Gardner. I've worked with Senator Bennet on these bipartisan pieces of legislation because we both know the risk cyber-attacks pose to our country and the need for leadership on these issues. This legislation will help shore up our electric grid's vulnerabilities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to gather more bipartisan support and see these bills signed into law. Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act This bill authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide financial assistance tostatesto develop or revise a State Energy Security Plan. The bill outlines the contents of a State Security Plan, including the need for coordination and joint exercises with industry and federal stakeholders. It authorizes DOE $90 million annually for Fiscal Years 2018 2022 to offer financial and technical assistance tostatesas they develop and update their plans. A State Energy Security Plan will assessastate's existing circumstances and propose methods to strengthen the ability of astate to: Secure the energy infrastructure of the State against all physical and cybersecurity threats; Mitigate the risk of energy supply disruptions to thestate and enhance response to, and recovery from energy disruptions; and Ensure thestate has a reliable, secure, and resilient energy infrastructure. Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act This legislation would authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide physical and cyber security assistance to electric utilities where the Secretary has substantial concerns and electric utilities with fewer available resourcesdue to size or region, and submit a report addressing physical and cyber security vulnerabilities in electricity distribution systems. Support from DOE would include providing tools for self-assessment, assisting with threat assessment and training, and increasing the sharing of best practices and data collection. Building on Cybersecurity Progress this Year In June, Bennet led an amendment with Gardner and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)theEnergy Jobs for Our Heroes Actto help veterans prepare for careers in cybersecurity and clean energyand secured it in the energy and water spending bill that was signed into law. In Bennet's capacity as a member of the SenateAgriculture Committee, he secured acyber and grid security bill, also supported by Gardner, in the 2018 Senate Farm Bill, to ensure cybersecurity and grid improvement projects are eligible for USDA Rural Utility Service loans. Stakeholder Support Colorado By making it easier for public utilities and private sector organizations to work together to secure our nation's grid, and providing funding to use the latest technology in the space, these bills will not only enhance the security of information technology (IT) networks supporting the electrical grid, but also the security of Industrial Control Systems, also referred to as Operational Technology (OT) networks,said Jim Orahood, Vice President of Ampex.These bills are necessary to allow for a strong electric utility infrastructure, while building a desperately needed partnership between government and industry. All critical infrastructure segmentsfinancial, healthcare, transportation, etc.are dependent on the electrical grid, said Vance Brown, CEO of National Cybersecurity Center. Considering the facts that the US electrical grid is vulnerable and has already been attacked, and it is owned and operated by multiple entities, it therefore makes sense that coordinated efforts be established to safeguard our way of life. We are thankful for Senators Bennet and Gardner for putting forth legislation to address this critical issue and help fund initiatives which we believe will make a difference. Senate Bill 5240 provides much needed assistance to electrical utilities that lack the tools, capabilities and training resources for conducting their own self-assessments to properly mitigate cybersecurity threats, said Taylor Vance of the Cyber Institute. Sharing of industry proven best practices, while collectively advancing the cybersecurity capabilities of all sizes of electric utilities, will especially unify and align the industry towards a more resilient infrastructure. National The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), representing all the state energy offices in the United States supports the Enhancing State Energy Security Planning Bill. We applaud Senator Gardner and Senator Bennet for introducing the bill and we encourage the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to approve the bill.Rapid Senate action and final passage of a bill after differences are resolved with HR 3050 would strengthen our country's energy security, enhance cyber security and improve energy emergency preparedness and response. Statement from the National Association of State Energy Officials",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=1AA6F47A-8740-49C0-9A9F-C80D665C70DC,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in Routt County,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Routt County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in Steamboat Springs. Alyssa Logan, a representative from Bennet's office in this region, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans on December 19. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Routt County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details Routt County Wednesday, December 19, 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Bud Werner Memorial Library 1289 Lincoln Avenue Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 To schedule an appointment, send an email to Alyssa_Logan@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Alyssa assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-241-6631. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=223F1222-91FB-4695-BCB4-21C475353980,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Ouray & Hinsdale Counties,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Ouray and Hinsdale counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in December. John Whitney, Bennet's Western Slope Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Ouray and Lake City. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE (Ouray County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Ouray County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session Listening Session Details Ouray County Tuesday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Ouray Public Library 320 6th Avenue Ouray, CO 81427 MEDIA GUIDANCE (Hinsdale County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Hinsdale County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening sessions. Listening Session Details Hinsdale County Thursday, December 6, 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 230 N. Bluff Street Lake City Town Hall Multi-Purpose Room Lake City, CO 81235 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7CBCC1A9-044E-4740-9C6A-01B7438D0D81,Bennet Unveils Plan to Tackle Eviction Crisis,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today put forward a series of proposals to address the eviction crisis afflicting Colorado and the country. His plan is designed to: 1) better understand the contours and causes of the eviction crisis; 2) reduce preventable evictions; and 3) limit the human and taxpayer consequences of eviction when it occurs. Today in the United States, an unexpected illness, a car accident, or a family emergency can end with a family being evicted from their home and falling into a cycle of poverty that lasts for years, said Bennet. The costs are enormous for those evicted, but they are also detrimental for society. As a former school superintendent, I saw kids falling asleep in class because they didn't have a stable place to stay the night before. And I've heard from many hard-working Coloradans about how one misstep led to their lives falling apart. We need to turn national attention to this crisis and put in place policies that both prevent evictions and limit the damage when they occur. Over the last year, Bennet and his team have consulted with Colorado leaders, legal representatives, and national experts about the growing problem of affordable housing and eviction. In the coming weeks, Bennet will introduce legislation to implement his plan to curb evictions. In the months that follow, he will introduce additional, comprehensive housing affordability legislation to address the supply and demand issues that are driving the lack of affordable housing for Americans at all income levels. Colorado is engulfed in an eviction crisis, said Jack Regenbogen, Attorney and Policy Advocate at Colorado Center on Law and Policy. There are roughly 45,000 evictions filed in Colorado each year, and most tenants facing an eviction are left to navigate the complex legal system by themselves, without the assistance of an attorney. These evictions frequently destabilize families, disrupt communities, and uproot children from their schools. Colorado Center on Law and Policy is grateful to see Senator Michael Bennet take the lead on the federal level in offering solutions to this major problem, such as proposing increased funding for the Legal Services Corporation. Background Since 1970, the national median rent has increased by 70% in real terms. In 2016, 2.3 million eviction filings were made in courthouses across the United Statesa rate of four every minute. That same year, one in 50 renters was evicted from his or her home. This affordable housing crisis has crippled families' security and placed enormous costs on the nation's health care system, courts, schools, and local governments. In Colorado, five cities rank in the nation's 100 Top Evicting Areas by eviction rate (i.e. the number of evictions per 100 renters): Aurora (ranked #33, with a 5.52% eviction rate), Thornton (#48, 4.64%), Colorado Springs (#64, 4.19%), Westminster (#93, 3.16%), and Lakewood (#94, 3.15%). In Denver eviction cases, 90% of landlords are represented by lawyers, compared to just 2% of tenantsconsistent with nationwide trends. Bennet's Plan Last week, Bennet published an op-ed outlining significant steps Congress can take to prevent evictions and limit damage when they occur. A Fact Sheet outlining the following proposals in greater detail is available HERE. Improve Data and Analysis on Evictions Create a national database to standardize data and track evictions, in order to better inform policy decisions. Allocate $5 million to a comprehensive study to track evictions, analyze landlord-tenant law, and assess varying factors in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Reduce Preventable Evictions and Mitigate Eviction's Consequences Co-invest in state and local government programs: Encourage state and local governments to expand the use of community courts, which help both tenants and landlords avoid the high cost of eviction through a mediation-based process with social service representatives present. Establish an Emergency Assistance Innovation Fund to provide loans and financial counseling services to eviction-vulnerable tenants. Support increased legal representation for tenants: Increase funding for the Legal Services Corporation, a public-private partnership that provides legal services to low-income Americans. Expand eviction clinics at law schools nationwide by creating a competitive grant program. Develop a Civil Defender pilot program for law students to work with an eviction-focused legal services organization, thereby reducing their law school debt and earning practical experience.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=FB89877B-4399-48F3-8CE4-A37DFCDF6443,"Bennet, Gardner, Bipartisan Group Press for Extension of Secure Rural Schools Program",2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner, with a group of bipartisan senators, today sent a letter to Senate leadership calling for the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in any end-of-year legislation. Congress has an obligation to ensure counties with swaths of tax-exempt forestlands can adequately provide essential services for their residents. Without the certainty of these critical safety-net payments, schools, libraries, and jails are closing,wrote the senators. Schools that remain open will see a reduction of teachers. Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended. Fewer and fewer law enforcement officers are forced to patrol larger and larger areas. The full text of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer: We strongly urge the inclusion of at least a one-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS), which enjoys tremendous bipartisan support, in any end-of-the-year legislation. Historically, the federal government shared with county governments 25 percent of timber harvest revenues from federal Forest Service lands and 50 percent of timber harvest revenues from federal Oregon and California Grant Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These payments constituted a significant source of funding for rural, forested counties. However, due to declining timber sales, Congress first passed SRS in 2000 to provide a measure of compensation for counties containing tracts of federally owned forestlands that is tax-exempt. Over the last nearly two decades, SRS has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. However, the most recent SRS reauthorization expired at the end of the last fiscal year, which means the last authorized payments to counties will go to participating states and counties in early calendar year 2019. Congress has an obligation to ensure counties with swaths of tax-exempt forestlands can adequately provide essential services for their residents. Without the certainty of these critical safety-net payments, schools, libraries, and jails are closing. Schools that remain open will see a reduction of teachers. Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended. Fewer and fewer law enforcement officers are forced to patrol larger and larger areas. As we work to establish a permanent county payments solution, diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies, a short-term reauthorization of at least one year is critical to provide fiscal certainty for forested counties. In the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural schools in any end-of-the-year package. We appreciate your assistance with this matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C14D6C4D-99B4-459A-8532-DE7FBE2EF147,Bennet Statement on Central American Migrants at Tijuana-San Diego Border,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement in response to the Central American migrants at the Tijuana-San Diego border: As a nation, we must uphold the rule of law and treat human beings with dignity. The situation at the southwest border makes evident the need for bipartisan action to address our broken immigration system, as we did in the Gang of Eight bill. We should work together to improve our asylum system to more quickly process applicants. Over the long term, we should work with countries in our hemisphere to help them stabilize their economies to promote opportunity for their citizens.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-tear-gas-incident-on-the-southern-border,DeGette Statement on Tear Gas Incident on the Southern Border,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) issued the following statement in response to incidents yesterday along the southern border: The actions by the Trump Administration and by federal agents along the border near San Diego are shocking and alarming. Any professional organization should be able to tell the difference between threatening crowds and unarmed men, women, and children seeking asylum and respond accordingly. I join my colleagues in demanding answers to how tear gas came to be fired across an international border at vulnerable crowds of civilians, and we must learn what policies and directives from senior officials are guiding the actions of personnel at the border. For years, I have joined many others in decrying our broken immigration system and warning of the consequences of its continued dysfunction. Now, the Trump Administration appears to be acting with such malice and incompetence that our worst fears may be coming to pass. The consequences in both human and economic terms will be enormous. Whether we are examining the militarization of our southern border, the refusal to admit asylum seekers coming here according to the law, or the orders to separate children from their parents, we must hold this administration accountable for every action it has taken. And ultimately, we must reform our system so that people come to the United States in accordance with our rules and priorities while treating people with the dignity and respect they deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=73899526-BBCE-4193-8164-0534E1C8B74A,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in San Miguel and Gunnison Counties,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from San Miguel and Gunnison Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in December. John Whitney, Bennet's Western Slope Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Telluride, Gunnison, and Crested Butte. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE (San Miguel County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to San Miguel County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details DATE: Monday, December 3, 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Wilkinson Public Library: Meeting Room Number 5 100 W. Pacific Ave Telluride, CO 81435 MEDIA GUIDANCE (Gunnison County) For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Gunnison County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening sessions. Listening Session Details Gunnison County Session 1 DATE: Wednesday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. LOCATION: Gunnison County Courthouse: Board of County Commissioners Meeting 200 E. Virginia Ave Gunnison, CO 81230 Gunnison County Session 2 DATE: Wednesday, December 5, 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Rumors Coffee and Tea House 414 Elk Ave Crested Butte, CO 81224 To schedule an appointment, send an email to john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=EC49F1BE-8690-4E8C-8631-7599AD5020A1,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in Elbert County,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Elbert County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff in Elizabeth. Alexandra Alonso, the representative from Bennet's office in this region, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans on December 13. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Elbert County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. Listening Session Details DATE: Thursday, December 13, 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Elizabeth Library of Pines & Plains 651 Beverly St. Elizabeth, CO 80107 To schedule an appointment, send an email to Alexandra_Alonso@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Alexandra assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 303-455-7600. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F6965943-767F-49A0-9717-32A753B6639D,Bennet Responds to Fourth National Climate Assessment,2018-11-23,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today responded to the National Climate Assessment (NCA), the fourth report released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program assessing the science of climate change and its impacts across the United States. The National Climate Assessment puts more facts behind what Coloradans have known for years, Bennet said. From persistent drought to reduced snowpack to raging wildfires, our state's farms, mountain towns, and cities all feel the effects of climate change. And those effects take a real toll on Colorado's economy. I'm glad to see the Trump administration is finally acknowledging the science behind our changing climatenow it's time they act on it. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Senate Committee on Finance, Bennet is working to combat climate change on several fronts. He advocated for programs in the 2018 Farm Bill to address persistent drought, fix the Forest Service budget to mitigate wildfires, and promote carbon capture technologies. He also supports tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency and investment in research and development to continue to reduce the cost of clean energy. The fourth National Climate Assessment outlines a number of ways in which climate change is affecting the Southwest and Colorado. Some highlights are included below. Climate Change Findings in the Southwest Temperatures increased across almost all of the Southwest region from 1901 to 2016, with the greatest increases in western Colorado and southern California. Extreme heat episodes in much of the Southwest disproportionately threaten the health and well-being of individuals and populations who are especially vulnerable. Native Americans are among the most at risk from climate change. Climate change is altering ecosystems and their services through major vegetation shifts and increases in the area burned by wildfire. In parts of the region, hotter temperatures have already contributed to reductions of seasonal maximum snowpack and its water content over the past 3065 years, partially attributed to human-caused climate change. The increase in heat and reduction of snow under climate change have amplified recent hydrological droughts (severe shortages of water) in California, the Colorado River Basin, and the Rio Grande. Periods of low precipitation from natural variations in the climate system are the primary cause of major hydrological droughts in the Southwest region, with increasing temperatures from climate change amplifying recent hydrological droughts, particularly in California and the upper Colorado River Basin. Under the higher scenario (RCP8.5), climate models project an 8.6F (4.8C) increase in Southwest regional annual average temperature by 2100.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=D5016608-8D6B-4A7D-8B3F-71ACEE267294,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Session in Pueblo County,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Pueblo County to meet with a member of his Colorado staff next month. Dwight Gardner, Bennet's Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Beulah in December. The details for the listening session are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Pueblo County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Pueblo Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at an upcoming listening session. DATE: Tuesday, December 4, 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. LOCATION: Beulah Community Center 5927 Pennsylvania Ave. Beulah, CO 81023 To schedule an appointment, send an email todwight_gardner@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Dwight assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call Dwight at 719-542-7550. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=DB5808C3-2669-46D9-ADA6-8926C0C7A69C,"Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Weld, Larimer, and Boulder Counties",2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Weld, Larimer, and Boulder Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff this month. James Thompson, Bennet's Regional Director, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Greeley, Loveland, and Boulder in November. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Weld County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Weld County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at an upcoming listening session. DATE: Thursday, November 29, 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. LOCATION: Centennial Park Library Study Room 2227 23rdAve. Greeley, CO 80634 To schedule an appointment, send an email tojames_thompson@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help James assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call James at 970-224-2200. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Larimer County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Larimer County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. DATE: Thursday, November 29, 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Loveland Public Library Chapin Peak Room 300 N. Adams Ave. Loveland, CO 80537 To schedule an appointment, send an email tojames_thompson@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help James assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call James at 970-224-2200. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Boulder County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Boulder County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. DATE: Friday, November 30, 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. LOCATION: Boulder Public Library Study Room #1 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Boulder, CO 80302 To schedule an appointment, send an email tojames_thompson@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help James assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call James at 970-224-2200. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-condemns-epa-efforts-to-gut-climate-change-protections-demands,"DeGette Condemns EPA Efforts to Gut Climate Change Protections, Demands Information and Documents",2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO), along Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Tonko (D-NY) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler today requesting documents and information about the agency's decision to roll back policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change. Despite dire warnings, the Trump EPA is attempting to dismantle three critical climate change initiatives with no regard for the associated climate and public health impacts. The actions include repealing the Clean Power Plan, which set limits on harmful carbon pollution from power plants, dismantling popular vehicle fuel efficiency and pollution standards, and rolling back the requirement that the oil and gas industry monitor and repair methane leaks. The tragic human and financial costs of unchecked climate change are high and increasing fast, and unfortunately the Administration's actions for the last two years are only exacerbating these conditions, DeGette, Pallone and Tonko wrote to Wheeler. Combined, the Administration's rollbacks willfully turn a blind eye to the dangers of climate change, putting American communities at risk and diverting EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. The Democratic Energy and Commerce Committee leaders continued: We are requesting EPA provide us information that will help us understand how these decisions were made and how these actions will affect the environment and human health. In 2017 and 2018, the U.S. experienced 27 climate and weather disasters, resulting in the deaths of over 3,300 people and costs to the American public of more than one billion dollars each.The lawmakers also pointed to the devastating Camp fire in Northern California that has left more than 70 people dead and nearly 1,000 still missing. The letter also comes after a recent United Nations report warned of drastic environmental and public health consequences without rapid and far-reaching transitions in energy, land, urban and infrastructure, and industrial systems in order to limit global warming and temperature increases that could cause hundreds of millions of people to be exposed to water shortages, heat waves, and life-threatening flooding by 2050. The letter to EPA, including the specific list of information that the Democratic Committee leaders are requesting, is availablehere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=BA6648B8-6185-46FB-8681-E40F3C6E3E6F,"Bennet, Hickenlooper Secure $20.2 Million for Colorado Wildfire Recovery",2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Governor John Hickenlooper today secured $20.2 million in Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funds for wildfire recovery projects in La Plata, Huerfano, Costilla, and Eagle counties. Through mitigation of post-fire flooding and watershed restoration, the projects will protect communities affected by the 416, Spring Creek, and Lake Christine Fires. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement follows months of work coordinating between local officials and state and federal agencies to assemble these successful applications for federal funding. Colorado's 2018 wildfire season was one of the most destructive to date and requires a robust response,said Bennet.These EWP funds will help Coloradans prevent flooding and debris that threaten their property and communities. We'll continue working with Governor Hickenlooper and local officials to ensure they have the federal resources they need to recover from the wildfires. These funds will make Colorado communities more resilient as they recover from wildfires,said Hickenlooper.We are grateful to Senator Bennet and his office for accomplishing what few have been able to do: jumpstart the federal government into action. These funds are critical for our community and very time sensitive as we work to implement these urgent watershed restoration projects before winter,said Costilla County Administrator Ben Doon.We appreciate Senator Bennet's leadership in helping ensure we receive this funding to assist our recovery from the Spring Creek Fire."" The Emergency Watershed Protection Program will provide real relief and protection for citizens and neighborhoods that were affected by the flooding that followed the 416 Fire,said La Plata County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt.We are pleased to be able to help facilitate access to this funding and very much appreciate Sen. Bennet's and Gov. Hickenlooper's work to support La Plata County's efforts to secure funding for these essential life and safety projects. This is great news,said Eagle County Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry.This funding was far from certain, and we want to thank Senator Bennet and Governor Hickenlooper for their diligent efforts on our behalf. These federal dollars are needed for critical watershed restoration and flood mitigation in areas affected by the Lake Christine Fire. Last week, Bennet sent aletterurging USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey to approve the funds as soon as possible. In 2014, Bennet successfullysecured$110 million in funding to address the Colorado EWP project backlog that resulted from wildfires the previous year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-withdraws-bid-for-majority-whip,DeGette Withdraws Bid For Majority Whip,2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO -Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) released the following statement announcing she is withdrawing her bid for House Majority Whip: The 2018 elections brought a new Democratic majority to the House with exciting opportunities for change. As a seven-term Chief Deputy Whip who is passionate about building coalitions, I was proud to announce my agenda, especially in a year of generational shift and the demonstration of voting power by women. Since my announcement, I have been heartened by the backing I have received across the caucus. Over the last few days, however, many of my supporters have expressed concern about pressure they are receiving to return the three senior leaders to their posts without opposition. We have enough work to do without this internal pressure. Therefore, I am withdrawing my bid for Whip at this time. I look forward to continuing as Chief Deputy Whip with this exciting new majority. We have a lot to do, and I am eager to get started. Rep. DeGette expects to be selected chair of the powerful Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee. The subcommittee's oversight authority, including subpoena power, extends to critical issues such as drug prices, conduct of officials at the EPA, and the actions of the Trump Administration to separate young immigrant children from their parents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=DE615F37-CB44-4FF0-A465-9FE35BDE1A82,"Bennet, Gardner Announce $4.5 Million in Energy Innovation Grants for Colorado Universities",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today announced the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) awarded Colorado School of Mines a $2,047,676 grant and University of Colorado Boulder a $2,500,000 grant to fund potentially disruptive technology in the energy sector. More details about the projects are available here. Congratulations to the Colorado School of Mines and University of Colorado Boulder on receiving ARPA-E funding for their innovative research, Bennet said. As we continue to unlock the promise of clean energy, I'll work to ensure Colorado remains a leader in the development of new cost-effective technologies. Earlier this year, Bennet delivered remarks at the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Energy Innovation Summit, opposing President Trump's budget proposal to eliminate ARPA-E, and outlining key efforts to develop the United Statesand Coloradoas a global energy leader. Those efforts are to 1) increaserather than decrease investments in ARPA-E, 2) provide more reliable and predictable government funding over the long-term, and 3) work with innovators to convince policy makers of the benefits of investment. The Colorado School ofMinesand the University of Colorado Boulder are leading the way in innovative energy technologies and I'm thrilled they will each receive over $2 million to continue their cutting-edge research, Gardner said. I have always advocated for continued funding of our research and development programs and will continue to do so because of the enormous benefit these programs bring to Colorado. According to the Department of Energy, ARPA-E advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too high-risk for private-sector investment. ARPA-E awardees are unique because they are developing entirely new ways for Americans to get, store, and use energy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=99D91292-A9DB-4F6E-972F-BC6361ED7491,Bennet Introduces Budget Reform and Deficit Reduction Plan,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. At today's bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform markup, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet introduced his comprehensive plan to overhaul Washington's broken budgeting and appropriations processes. In a Medium post today, Bennet reflected on the irresponsible budgeting he has witnessed during his decade in Washington, outlined the principles that he believes should underpin reforms, and summarized the Fiscal Reform Act of 2018his plan to overhaul budget processes and reduce the national deficit. Bennet wrote: Today, the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform is considering a bill to reform how we fund the federal government. In Congress these days, we rarely pass a budget, rarely appropriate on time, and have created an unprecedented situation in which deficits continue to skyrocket even as the economy grows and unemployment falls. We have a lot of work to do to get America's fiscal house in order, and I appreciate the seriousness with which Committee members have worked to improve our broken process for budgeting and appropriations. With that said, I worry that our efforts will fall short of the real reforms our fiscal situation requires. For that reason, I am putting forward a comprehensive planthe Fiscal Reform Act of 2018to overhaul our broken system for budgeting and appropriations. Below is a brief history of the irresponsible budgeting I've witnessed in Washington, the principles that I believe should underpin future reforms, and a short summary of my plan. I hope you will let me know what you think about this proposal and share ideas for how we can improve it. Although it is unlikely the Fiscal Reform Act passes today, I hope it will inform future efforts to return us to a place where Washington budgets without the toxic partisanship, brinkmanship, and delay that have characterized my last decade in the Senate. Today should mark the beginning of our work, not the end. The full Medium post is available HERE. The bill text of the Fiscal Reform Act of 2018 is available HERE. A video of the markup is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=EF02B9BB-11E9-4B68-ACDA-DE7762FA1CEB,Bennet Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer and Elk,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined bipartisan colleagues John Barrasso (R-WY) and Doug Jones (D-AL) in introducing legislation to increase wildlife managers' ability to keep wildlife healthy. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affects both wild and domestic herds of deer and elk in 25 states, including Colorado. However, state recommendations for preventing the spread of the disease vary. This bipartisan bill would authorize a special resource study to help prevent the disease from spreading. It would give state wildlife agencies and wildlife experts information to conduct targeted research on how the disease is transmitted, determine which areas are most at risk, and develop consistent advice for hunters to prevent further spread. The deer and elk herds affected by Chronic Wasting Disease are a critical part of Colorado's wildlife heritage and economy, said Bennet. We need to learn more about containing CWD, and this bipartisan legislation will provide the information state wildlife professionals need to align their work and prevent further spread. The NAS study on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) transmission as proposed by Senator Bennet is a huge step forward to helping us better conserve our nation's wildlife against the spread and negative effects of Chronic Wasting Disease, said Bob Broschied, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a 100% fatal disease of deer, elk, moose, reindeer, and other species of the family Cervidae which continues to spread across North America, with reported cases now in 25 states and 4 Canadian provinces. CPW has been managing CWD for several decades, and is very grateful to Senator Bennet for his support of this legislation to facilitate scientific-based solutions that will benefit our state's wildlife. The Chronic Wasting Disease Transmission in Cervidae Study Act addresses the needs identified by state wildlife agencies. The bill would require the USDA secretary to enter into an arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences to review current data and best management practices (BMPs) from the CWD Herd Certification Program and state agencies regarding: 1) Pathways and mechanisms for CWD transmission, 2) Areas at risk and geographical patterns of CWD transmission, and 3) Gaps in current scientific knowledge regarding transmission to prioritize research to address gaps. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Thune (R-SD), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) cosponsored the legislation. The bill text is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F5133C73-254E-48A7-B8ED-71225038841D,"As Veterans Face Housing and Education Expenses, Bennet Calls For Increased Transparency and Action at VA to Process Delayed GI Bill Benefits",2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet this week sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie, urging the VA to provide additional details about its efforts to expedite processing of living stipend payments for veterans receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. According to reports, the payments of approximately 1,500 GI Bill students at Colorado State University have been affected. The U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing today, November 15, to address the nationwide issue. According to recent media reports, on-going problems with VA's IT system have resulted in many veterans not receiving the living stipend payments they use to pay for education and housing expenses in a timely manner, causing significant financial strain and hardship for veterans attempting to use the benefits they earned from their military service. The senators requested additional details about efforts to fix the issue and urged the VA confirm it will not retroactively collect overpayments to students resulting from other IT issues. For many of our nation's veterans, the living stipend payments were expected by September 1, 2018, and the multi-month delays create a real crisis to not only their long-term education and career goals, but also their daily needs, the senators wrote. Regardless of what caused or is causing the delay, we believe it is imperative for VA to address this issue with the urgency it deserves. We will not stop pressing for information and action until every veteran receives the benefits they earned in their service to our country. As a nation we have a responsibility to be there for our veterans, and part of that duty involves fulfilling our promise to ensure they have access to education after they leave the service, the senators added. These errors and delays undermine the intent of the GI Bill and put unnecessary and avoidable strain on veterans and their families during a critical time of transition. It is believed hundreds of thousands of veterans receiving GI Bill benefits have been impacted by VA's processing delays, including more than 82,000 veterans who were still waiting to receive their housing payment as of November 8 according to VA data. In addition to Bennet, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) joined the letter. A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=034FF176-9C11-495E-B703-CEA5EB483AAD,"Bennet, Cassidy Introduce Plan to Better Utilize Strategic Oil Reserve",2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today introduced the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act, bipartisan legislation to allow the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to save taxpayers money by leasing unused storage capacity at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The added revenue will support SPR maintenance and its long-term operational readiness. This pragmatic solution shows that lawmakers can work across the aisle to craft energy policy that puts money back into people's pockets, Bennet said. We need more bipartisan efforts in Washington that save taxpayer dollars. If the tanks are empty, let's put them to use, Dr. Cassidy said. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is crucial for our national security and this will help keep it in good working order and save taxpayers money at the same time. The SPR currently has a crude oil storage capacity of 713.5 million barrels (MMB) and an inventory of approximately 660 MMB. As the DOE withdraws oil to meet congressionally mandated sales in the years aheadapproximately 250 million barrels by 2028roughly 45 percent of the SPR's storage capacity will be unused. The SPR Reform Act authorizes the DOE to conduct a pilot program to lease spare SPR capacity to the private sector and foreign governments in order to preserve and maximize the strategic value of this important energy security asset. The legislation requires the Secretary of Energy to ensure that any lease entered into with a private entity or foreign government will not impair the national security of the United States or its ability to use the SPR. The SPR is comprised of 62 underground storage caverns that were solution-mined from naturally occurring salt domes located at four sites, two in Texas and two in Louisiana. The Bayou Choctaw storage site is located in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, approximately 12 miles southwest of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bayou Choctaw currently has six storage caverns, an authorized storage capacity of 76 MMB and a cavern inventory of 71.8 million barrels. The West Hackberry storage site is located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, approximately 25 miles southwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana. West Hackberry currently has 21 storage caverns, an authorized storage capacity of 220.4 million barrels and a cavern inventory of 199.5 million barrels. The bill text is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=18E30720-933A-4A36-A39D-65E493BBAB52,"Bennet, Colleagues Call on Administration to End Efforts to Redefine Sex to Exclude Transgender Persons",2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet this month joined his colleges in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar demanding the administration end any effort to redefine sex to exclude transgender and gender nonconforming people. The redefinition of sex reported in The New York Times would have devastating consequences for millions of people who do not recognize themselves as the sex assigned to them at birth or who are gender nonconforming, the senators wrote. Instead of dedicating HHS resources to increase discrimination in education and health care, you should be working to vigorously enforce the civil rights laws that Congress has enacted to protect the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming people, including under Title IX and Section 1557 of the ACA. On October 21, The New York Times reported that an internal memo drafted by HHS officials proposed a redefinition of sex under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). In their letter, the senators urged Secretary Azar to disavow the memo and speak out against any proposal that would undo non-discrimination protections on the basis of one's sex, including one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender nonconformity. The senators also raised concerns that redefining sex under Title IX would have a broad and dangerous impact on transgender and gender nonconforming patients' health care, as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits discrimination in health programs based on definitions established in Title IX. A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=72A587D0-6E49-49B0-8743-A57DBF8F7523,Bennet Pushes for Emergency Watershed Protection Funds for Wildfire Recovery in Colorado,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today sent a letter to Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey requesting the approval of Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funds for wildfire recovery projects in Colorado. Colorado's 2018 wildfire season was one of the most destructive ever and recovery efforts are underway, Bennet wrote. Without emergency watershed restoration, there will continue to be a high degree of risk to lives and property from debris flow and flooding as a result of these fires. We request that you formally approve EWP funds as soon as possible. The Spring Creek Fire, 416 Fire, and Lake Christine Fire combined burned approximately 175,000 acres, affecting watersheds in La Plata, Huerfano, Costilla, and Eagle counties. In the letter, Bennet noted that some of the recovery projects are time sensitive, classified as exigent by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and need funding before winter arrives. In 2014, Bennet successfully secured $110 million in funding to address the Colorado EWP project backlog that resulted from wildfires the previous year. Earlier this month, Bennet requested funding to modernize firefighting assets for the U.S. Forest Service. In October, the Senate passed the Bennet-led Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act, making available new funding for Colorado communities recovering from wildfires. In March, Bennet helped lead the effort to pass into law a long-term, bipartisan funding solution to stabilize the Forest Service budget. A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F22092A7-0CCD-4933-A556-0A6A5BC48EA5,Bennet Makes Case to Maintain EPA Methane Standards Ahead of Hearing in Denver Tomorrow,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today held a press call ahead of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) public hearing on its proposed rollback of national methane standards. The hearing, titled Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration, will be held Wednesday, November 14, in Denver. Bennet also submitted a written testimony to be read on his behalf at the hearing. A copy of Bennet's written testimony is available HERE. An audio file from the press call is available HERE. An edited version of Bennet's remarks from the press call are below: I'd like to start off by thanking Paul Billings from the American Lung Association and Robert Kester from Rebellion Photonics for joining this call today. Their perspectives from the medical and business sectors are critical as we address tomorrow's public hearing on the proposed rollback of EPA's methane standards. I just submitted my written testimony for tomorrow's hearing, since I will be in Washington and cannot deliver it in person. I wish I could be in Denver tomorrow, because there is no more appropriate place to hold this hearing than in Colorado. Our state is a third Republican, a third Democratic, and a third Independent. Our economy relies on a robust oil and gas sector, a growing clean energy sector, and the outdoor recreation industry. Our farmers and ranchers are facing increasing wildfire and persistent drought, and our local communities are reliant on public lands. Because of the diverse viewpoints represented in Colorado, we don't have a choice but to work together, reconcile differences, and find consensusa strength you don't see much of in Washington these days. In 2014, Coloradans found common ground and adopted the nation's first rule to reduce methane waste and pollution. Four years later, 67% of Coloradans oppose rolling back state and federal methane standards. At first, some worried the rule would stifle energy production. In reality, Colorado's natural gas production has continued to rise while oil and gas production has nearly doubled. At the Platteville monitoring site, methane concentrations have decreased 24 percent, while there was a 116 percent increase in production in Weld County. Others worried the rule would kill jobs. Again, the facts proved otherwise. Across the country, nearly 80 companies at over 531 locations have emerged to promote more efficient oil and gas operations. 41 of these are located in Colorado. Now across Colorado, nurses, family farmers, and more than 50 mayors and county commissioners have spoken up about the importance of regulating methane emissions. Colorado's experience confirms that a well-crafted rule for fugitive methane can improve public health and strengthen the economy without harming oil and gas production. In fact, in September, the President of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association said: Colorado's air is getting cleaner, and we are proud to be part of the solution. With this record, it makes absolutely no sense why the Trump administration would want to repeal the national methane standards. Nationally, analysts have found that the EPA's methane rule could create 50,000 jobs. The rule would reduce 11 million more tons of carbon pollution. The national rule provides certainty for business and states; it is more cost-effective than even initially estimated; andmost importantlyit protects the health of our nation's children. This is why last month, 21 of my Senate colleagues representing 13 states joined me in sending a letter to EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler, calling on him to retain the cost-effective national standards. We also stated our unified opposition to EPA's proposal to rescind the direct regulation of methane emissions entirely. A full repeal of the direct regulation of methane emissions will only accentuate the consequences of the weaker standards we are discussing today. It's also why last year, the bipartisan Senate voted to prevent the Trump Administration from repealing a similar methane rule to the one EPA is trying to rollback now. States like Colorado stand to lose if Washington puts an ideological, anti-regulation agenda over facts and experience. Many states have already followed Colorado's lead to adopt their own rules. But without national standards, our states will see more cross-border pollution. That will mean more children and seniors sick with respiratory diseases like asthma, more exposure to wildfire and drought for our farmers and rural communities, and more difficulty complying with federal air standards. That is unfair to Colorado, and it is why the EPA needs to level the playing field with a clear national standard. Colorado will not forsake the health of its residents for a political win, and neither should the Trump administration. The EPA must keep these proven standards in place for the sake of our air, our economy, and our health. Bennet has a record of working to maintain national standards to reduce methane emissions: In October 2018, Bennet led 21 Senate colleagues in calling on the EPA to halt the rollback of methane standards. In April 2018, he sent a letter to the EPA urging the agency to maintain the 2016 Control Techniques Guidelines for the oil and natural gas industry. In April 2018, he sent a letter to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs requesting a meeting to discuss the benefits of the 2016 Control Techniques Guidelines and the EPA's proposal to withdraw them. In March 2018, he led a bicameral group of Western lawmakers in urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to hold public hearings and extend the comment period prior to any revision of the BLM methane rule. In October 2017, he introduced the Pollution Transparency Act, a bicameral bill that would standardize the metric used by federal agencies to measure the cost of climate pollution. This would effectively prevent the Trump administration from ignoring science and economics when valuing the costs of climate change in rulemakings, including the Clean Power Plan and the Bureau of Land Management's methane standards. In May 2017, he cast the fifty-first, deciding vote in a 49-51 vote count, defeating a Senate resolution to repeal the methane rule.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/degette-key-health-lawmaker-eyes-house-leadership,"DeGette, Key Health Lawmaker, Eyes House Leadership",2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"A prominent health lawmaker could be finding her way into the top echelon of House leadership as Democrats work to advance their health agenda. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) announced Nov. 7 she's running to be Democratic Whipwhich would make her the third-highest ranking member of the Housewhen Democrats assume the House majority next January. She faces an uphill battle in trying to unseat Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), who's been the Democrat's third-highest House member since 2006. DeGette is a prominent member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who was the lead Democrat on some of the most significant bills for biomedical research, including the 21st Century Cures law (Pub. L. 114-255) to spur new drugs and devices. Whether she stays on that committee or ascends to a leadership position, her experience advocating health and drug policies will be a key contributor to Democrats' goals of expanding access to health care. One of the major arguments that Democrats campaigned on in the mid-term elections was on lowering health-care costs, including for drugs, and protecting pre-existing conditions. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who is largely expected to return to her role as speaker in January, said Nov. 7 lowering prescription drug prices is a top priority for Democratsa goal that's also high on President Donald Trump's agenda. Her record of working with Republicans could be a bonus in moving bills across the finish line, a former DeGette aide and health policy analyst told Bloomberg Law. It's not as if the Democrats have this sweeping majority, so you're going to have to work across the aisle, Rachel Stauffer told Bloomberg Law in a Nov. 7 interview. Stauffer was DeGette's lead staffer for creating and driving the Cures law and is now a legislative and government affairs director for the consulting firm McDermottPlus. What Diana brings is her experience in shepherding through and working on larger bills in a bipartisan ways. Committee Implications DeGette was largely thought to be next in line to lead the health subcommittee on Energy & Commerce. The panel oversees programs for key health agencies, including the Food and Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The committee has pushed through major health bills, including the Cures law and the recently enacted opioids law, on a bipartisan basis. DeGette's ability to work across the aisle would be the major hole she'll leave on the committee, Stauffer said. I would be hopeful that there would be other members who would continue to be open to working on these larger, more complicated and challenging issues in a bipartisan way. The Cures law was championed by DeGette and former committee chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) in 2016 after several years of refining the massive law. She and Congressman UptonI've never seen anyone muscle through legislation like they did, Ellie Dehoney, vice president, policy and advocacy for Research!America, told Bloomberg Law in a Nov. 7 interview. There's no question that's a loss for the committee in a lot of ways. On the plus side, DeGette would be taking those bipartisan skills to House leadership, Dehoney said. Both DeGette and Clyburn have been strong champions for health care, she added. There's no bad scenario. It's just a different scenario. Brian Rye, a senior health-care analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence, also noted DeGette's history of working with Republicans to advance bills, most notably with Upton on the Cures law. But Democrats who want to keep health care alive as a key 2020 campaign issue may not be interested in bipartisan efforts with a president they really want to defeat, Rye said in a Nov. 7 email. The next year will be interesting for the Democrats, because two things will be happening simultaneously: a legislative agenda and an intra-party battle to secure the 2020 presidential nomination. Medical Research Interest DeGette over the years has taken a special interest in medical research issues. In addition to the Cures law, she also led veto legislation in 2005 and 2007 on embryonic stem cell research, and she's currently working on a bill with Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) to reform the regulation of medical screening tests. DeGette also chairs caucuses on diabetes and abortion rights. Those activities might take a back burner if she wins a leadership post. I don't necessarily think that she will take her health priorities and bring them to leadership, Stauffer said. I think she sees the role [of whip] as helping to guide and shape the policy in a way that will then turn out to be successful. Based on seniority, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) would be next line to lead the health subcommittee, but she told Bloomberg Government that she expects to serve as chairman of the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-lee-and-lowey-condemn-trump-administration-s-post-election,"DeGette, Lee and Lowey Condemn Trump Administrations Post-Election Attacks on Womens Health",2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Barbara Lee (D-CA), along with Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), condemned the Trump Administration's latest attempts to push through anti-choice actions that will further limit women's access to abortion and birth control. On Wednesday, the Department of Health and Human Services finalized two rules that would allow employers to opt out of the Affordable Care Act's birth control mandate. In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a rule that would result in burdensome regulations designed to push abortion coverage out of reach for at least 1.3 million women. One day after voters resoundingly showed their support for women and protecting access to health care, this latest attack by the Trump administration is particularly tone-deaf and vindictive, the lawmakers said. Women have made it clear that they will not stand for shameless efforts to roll back their hard-fought and constitutionally-protected reproductive rights. In the 116th Congress, the Democratic majority will work to block this extreme, ideological, and overwhelmingly unpopular agenda. The changes to health care coverage for birth control and abortion coverage will make it more difficult and, in some cases, impossible for women to access contraception or make decisions about their own reproductive health. When these changes were first proposed in October 2017, DeGette, Lowey, former Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chair Louise Slaughter and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi led more than 180 of their colleagues in a letter to Trump administration officials opposing the rules,warning that these changes would restrict access to birth control for millions of women covered under the Affordable Care Act.Federal courts in Pennsylvania and California blocked the interim rules last year, but the Trump administration has continued to work to make them permanent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3B0D745A-FCA4-4CB5-A983-2F0F41B8A5E3,"Bennet, Gardner Receive Update on Polio-Like Disease at Childrens Hospital Colorado",2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"AURORA, CO Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today met with Children's Hospital Colorado researchers to receive an update on the recent outbreak of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)a rare polio-like condition that has affected approximately 400 children across the country. The senators met with Dr. Kevin Messacar, an infectious disease physician-scientist whose team has been one of the primary research groups studying the disease since first seeing cases in 2014. Most common in young children, AFM affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as weakness of the limbs and paralysis. Research on AFM suggests that viruses in the enterovirus family are the most common associated cause. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 15 of the 80 confirmed cases of AFM in the United States this year. Dr. Messacar and his team at Children's Hospital Colorado are at the forefront of AFM research, leading the medical field in better understanding and treating this serious illness. It was encouraging to hear about their work to prevent AFM from harming one more child. We'll continue working with federal agencies to ensure teams like Dr. Messacar's have the resources they need to manage the outbreak and keep our children healthy, said Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). Bennetsent a letterto the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month, urging further action to inform the public, enhance detection, and support research for AFM. We need to continue to empower our researchers and medical community, specifically those at Children's Hospital Colorado, who have been leading efforts to understand this horrible disease and identify the proper steps forward to combat it. There also needs to be a strong coordination and open communication between our researchers in Colorado and the CDC, and Senator Bennet and I will make sure that is happening, said Gardner. Raising awareness and increasing resources for surveillance and research efforts is essential to developing more effective treatment and prevention strategies for acute flaccid myelitis.The bipartisan support of Senators Bennet and Gardner is an important step towards helping us accomplish this goal, said Dr. Messacar.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-announces-run-for-democratic-whip,DeGette Announces Run for Democratic Whip,2018-11-07,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip in the Democratic caucus for the last seven congresses, announced in a letter to her colleagues that she is seeking the Democratic Whip post as Democrats reclaim the majority in the House of Representatives. Rep. DeGette would be the first Democratic Member of Congress from the Mountain West in leadership and only the second woman to serve as Whip. Our return to the majority was powered by women voters across the country, and we need to repay their trust by adding women to Democrats' leadership team, said DeGette. As we add even more women to our ranks in Congresslargely because of Democratic candidatesour caucus should reflect this strength, including at the leadership table. With a narrow majority and a diverse caucus, we need a whip with the skills and experience to build coalitions and win votes. The American people will be watching and holding us accountable for successfully moving our agenda on their behalf, and we cannot do so without securing a majority on the House floor. I have the background that the Democratic caucus needs for this job and at this moment. Rep. DeGette has built a record of leadership on major, hot-button issues, including health care, energy, science, and choice. Her track record developing, drafting, and whipping legislation includes landmark bills and key moments of success for House Democrats. The full text of Rep. DeGette's announcement letter is available below. November 7, 2018 Dear Democratic Colleague: I am running to serve our caucus as Democratic Whip and hope to count on your support. Thanks to your tireless work and the energy and enthusiasm of Democratic voters across the country, we will enter the 116th Congress with a Democratic House majority for the first time in eight years. This will be an awesome responsibility as we fight to deliver on the promise of bold action for the American people even while Republicans continue to hold the Senate and the White House. In this tough environment, I am confident my years of whipping experience will help us win the key floor votes that we will need to advance our agenda. Success for House Democrats in the coming years will require strong unity to stand for our core shared values, while appreciating we only reach that unity by understanding the perspective of every member and his or her district. The Whip must empower each member of our caucus to serve as a full partner, bringing his or her energy, passion, and expertise together with others' to meet our common goals. It will also require the institutional knowledge and legislative savvy to go toe-to-toe with Senate Republicans and the White House. Having served for seven congresses as Chief Deputy Whip, I have a strong track record as an effective strategist, precise vote counter, and experienced, bipartisan negotiator. I have passed major bipartisan bills, like the 21st Century Cures Act, rallied Republicans to support ethical stem cell research, forged agreements in our caucus on the Affordable Care Act, and held Democrats together on close energy and environmental votes. For nearly two decades as co-chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus, I have whipped countless tough votes in an effort to successfully stop the Republicans' radical anti-choice agenda. You can count on me to deliver for our caucus. We also must do more to ensure our leadership reflects the diversity of the caucus and our constituents. Eighteen years ago, our caucus voted to elevate a woman to the top levels of leadership, and it is past time for us to do so againI would be only the second woman to hold this post. I would also be the first Whip from the Mountain West, and our path to a lasting majority must include broadening the caucus' geographic appeal. As Whip, I will reinvigorate all aspects of the current operation to ensure we draw upon the full potential of our members. This means bolstering the existing operation to more deeply involve bill sponsors, issue experts, and committee chairs and members when a bill moves to the House floor. It also means partnering with our messaging arm, so that our work resonates throughout the country and shows the American people that our actions can live up to our words. I will continue to campaign on behalf of Democratic candidates across the country, from the most vulnerable incumbents to promising new challengers. I also understand the responsibility the Whip has to raise the money necessary to communicate effectively. I have raised millions for candidates and the DCCC, and I was on the host committee for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, which raised more than $60 million. This is an important moment for our caucus to move smartly on behalf of the American people. Together, we can protect American values and enact positive change for the country that rallies the public to our cause. I look forward to discussing how I can work with you as Democratic Whip during this effort. Sincerely, Diana DeGette Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398792,"Bennet, Gardner, Polis, and Buck urge FEMA to reimburse counties for disaster recovery projects",2018-11-05,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Jared Polis,P000598,polis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, Sen. Cory Gardner, Rep. Jared Polis, and Rep. Ken Buck joined together to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William Long to reimburse Colorado counties for disaster recovery projects after the 2013 floods and provide guidance to ensure that pending projects get reimbursed. Without greater flexibility and guidance, Boulder County could stand to lose between $40 - $50 million in reimbursements, and $20 million in projects for Larimer County could be rejected. We [] request the agency provide interim guidance as soon as possible to ensure Colorado communities recovering from the devastating 2013 flood can proceed with certainty that they will be reimbursed for ongoing flood recovery projects, the lawmakers wrote. The recent interpretation of FEMA regulations requires that all disaster recovery projects - regardless of type or location - follow specific, uniform codes in order to be eligible for reimbursement. It is preventing local municipalities from rebuilding in the most resilient and cost-effective way. It is especially true in counties like Boulder, where facilities are located in mountain canyons and therefore should not be subject to the same codes as facilities in locations with different terrains. Other counties, including Larimer, also face similar obstacles. A copy of the letter to Administrator William Long is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=5945D13D-CBBD-4C31-9B53-6F03B22A5D17,"Bennet, Gardner, Polis, Buck Urge FEMA to Reimburse Counties for Flood Disaster Recovery Projects",2018-11-05,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"COLORADO Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) and U.S. Representatives Jared Polis (D) and Ken Buck (R) today joined together to urge Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William Long to reimburse Colorado counties for disaster recovery projects following the 2013 floods and provide guidance to ensure pending projects will be reimbursed. Due to a recent interpretation ofFEMAregulations, Boulder County could lose an expected $40 to $50 million in reimbursements for flood recovery projectsseveral of which have already been completed. Larimer County could lose an expected $20 million. We [] request the agency provide interim guidance as soon as possible to ensure Colorado communities recovering from the devastating 2013 flood can proceed with certainty that they will be reimbursed for ongoing flood recovery projects,the lawmakers wrote. Theinterpretation requires that all disaster recovery projectsregardless of type or locationfollow specific, uniform codes in order to be eligible for reimbursement. In the letter, the lawmakers outlined how this is preventing local municipalities from rebuilding in the most resilient and cost-effective way. This is especially true in counties like Boulder and Larimer, where facilities are located in mountain canyons and therefore should not be subject to the same codes as facilities in locations with different terrains. A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6C9D148E-2C9E-430F-98A2-34641B2E2700,Bennet Statement on BLM Deferment of Parcels from December Oil and Gas Lease Sale,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DENVER, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement in response to the Colorado Bureau of Land Management (BLM)announcementto defer 58 parcels from the pending December 2018 oil and gas lease sale. In September, Bennet and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper sentlettersto the Colorado BLM expressing concerns with the pending sales and urging the agency to defer the remaining parcels that had been requested for deferral by the State of Colorado, the Town of Paonia, and Gunnison County. We appreciate the BLM's thoughtful decision to listen to the concerns of Coloradans,Bennet said.The Governor and I worked in lockstep to ensure the input of communities, sportsmen, and conservationists was at the center of this process. We will continue working with the BLM to balance responsible energy development with other natural resource priorities in Colorado.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=9DE5A97D-FE94-4E76-8FA7-AD623158418E,"Bennet, Gardner Call for Additional Funding to Ensure Effective Responses to Massive Wildfires",2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in requesting funding to modernize firefighting assets so the U.S. Forest Service can respond in a more efficient and cost-effective manner to devastating wildfires. The fire season in Colorado this past year, which stretched resources thin, demonstrates the need to invest further in these firefighting assets. The senators, in letters to Senate Committee on Appropriations leadership and the U.S. Forest Service, highlighted the need for a modern, highly-capable large air tanker and water-scooper fleetproven to be one of the most effective immediate responses to limit the expansion of wildfires into uncontrollable mega-fires. The available aircraft currently flying this mission are retired ex-military/ex-civil aircraft, repurposed for air tanker operations and flown by small private contract firms; therefore they are outdated and limited in number. The intensity and duration of the past successive fire seasons confirm the reality that the wildfire suppression workload has grown in severity and complexity due to hotter, longer burning seasons and the expanding wildland-urban interface,the lawmakers wrote.These factors will only worsen future wildfire disasters so it is time that Congress and the executive branch proactively upgrade firefighting assets in order to protect the lives and property in communities facing these massive wildfires. In March, Bennet and Gardner helpedlead the effortto pass into law a long-term, bipartisan funding solution to stabilize the Forest Service budget. The fire fix, taking effect in 2020, ends the backwards practice of fire borrowing, allowing the agency to restart many of the fire prevention projects delayed by uncertain funding from longer, hotter fire years. To ensure the Forest Service can most effectively fight wildfires, the senators noted that Congress must also immediately invest in modern firefighting assets. The letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen is availableHERE. The letter to Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy and Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Ranking Member Tom Udall is availableHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/skyrocketing-insulin-cost-congressional-diabetes-caucus-highlights-need,Skyrocketing Insulin Cost: Congressional Diabetes Caucus Highlights Need and Ways to Bring Prices Down,2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCThe skyrocketing cost of insulin must be brought under control for the sake of millions of Americans who depend on it, and the U.S. government has tools at its disposal to help, the bipartisan Congressional Diabetes Caucus concluded ina reportreleased today. Caucus co-chairs Tom Reed (R-NY) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) completed the report after an inquiry lasting more than a year involving consultations with patients, health care providers, insulin makers, wholesalers, pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and health insurers. We care about the 7.5 million Americans who rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels and prevent debilitating complications every day, Reed and DeGette said. Many cannot live without it, but countless patients struggle to afford it. As their out-of-pocket costs continue to rise, the current system is unfairly putting insulin out of reach, placing millions of lives at risk. The price of insulin has doubled since 2012, after nearly tripling in the previous 10 years. A patient's out-of-pocket insulin cost can exceed $300 per vial; some regularly use two or more vials per month. Patients have resorted to skipping doses, which can have dangerous, even fatal consequences. In conducting their inquiry, Reed and DeGette found the insulin drug market is especially complicated due to interconnected issues, marked by an influx of upward price pressures with limited counterbalancing downward market forces. The insulin market involves drug makers, wholesalers, pharmacies, PBMs and insurers. The drug's list price is based on factors including manufacturers' operational expenses, research and development costs, and marketing expenses. From there, the cost is affected by intermediaries in the supply chain and incentives that drive up the price further. At the same time, relatively few downward market forces exist to keep the price under control: In the United States, insulin is manufactured by only three companies, while three large wholesalers control about 85 percent of the distribution market. In their report, Reed and DeGette make 11 policy recommendations that include actions to increase the transparency of pricing, foster market competition, modify formulary usage and address patent reform. The report can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=32518323-EA63-4699-BEBD-E1639C938EDF,Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Park and Lake Counties,2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Park and Lake Counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff this month. Erin Minks, Bennet's Regional Representative, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Fairplay and Leadville in November. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Park County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper Bennet Office Listens to Park County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at an upcoming listening session. DATE: Wednesday, November 14, 12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: Park County Government Meeting Room 1101 856 Castello Avenue Fairplay, CO 80440 To schedule an appointment, send an email toerin_minks@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Erin assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call Erin at 719-587-0096. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Lake County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Lake County Do you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. DATE: Thursday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. LOCATION: Lake County Public Library Library Conference Room 1115 Harrison Avenue Leadville, CO 80461 To schedule an appointment, send an email toerin_minks@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help Erin assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email. Those without email access can call Erin at 719-587-0096. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any of Bennet's offices in the state at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=DF7C679C-CB6A-4314-9345-DE7E61A5862E,Bennet Urges CDC Response to Polio-Like Disease in Children in Colorado and Across Country,2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield to provide more information about preventive measures, enhance virus detection, and support research related to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)a rare polio-like condition resurging in children in Colorado and across the country. Most common in children, AFM affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as weakness of the limbs and severe headaches. In the letter, Bennet noted that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 15 of the 72 confirmed cases of AFM in the United States this year. Bennet urged the CDC to take further action to address this outbreak. As treatment and some causes of AFM are unknown, I urge the CDC to provide more information about preventative measures and precautions for those who may not be familiar with symptoms of AFM, in addition to supporting research in this space, Bennet wrote. For known causes, such as enterovirus infections, I urge CFC to support enhanced virus detection and surveillance activities. In Colorado, we are proud to be leading the charge nationwide on AFM and enterovirus research through our Children's Hospital and the University of Colorado School of MedicineAs the CDC continues to investigate and monitor cases of AFM, I hope the agency continues to coordinate with the CDPHE to provide physicians and hospitals the support they need as they manage the increase in AFM cases, Bennet concluded. A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-s-birthright-citizenship-proposal-is-an-unconstitutional,"President Trumps Birthright Citizenship Proposal is an Unconstitutional, Cynical Appeal to Xenophobes, DeGette Says",2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, today issued the following statement about President Donald J. Trump's proposal to eliminate birthright citizenship through executive order: This proposal flies in the face of the presidential oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.' It's not within President Trump's power simply to overturn the 14th Amendment, and he knows it or should. This is clearly a cynical ploy to play to the xenophobic element of his base. All Americans deserve better than that.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398788,Turning Tragedy into Triumph celebration is a heart-warming success (photos included),2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Jared Polis,P000598,polis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., praised the community for its help in securing the passage of the Helicopter Fuel System Safety Act at the Turning Tragedy into Triumph celebration today in Frisco.Never give up. Never yield. Finally all newly manufactured helicopters will be required to have a safer fuel system. It was only possible because of the tenacity and perseverance of Karen Mahany and Dave Repsher, who were determined to ensure that nobody else would have to suffer the consequences of a preventable post-crash helicopter fire. Today we pause to celebrate the fact that more emergency responders and pilots will be in helicopters equipped with the safest possible fuel systems, and we thank them for their tireless dedication and service, said Polis. The legislators were joined by many who were directly impacted by the 2015 Flight for Life helicopter crash, including Karen Mahany, widow of the pilot - Patrick Mahany, and Dave Repsher, a survivor of the crash. Also in attendance were representatives from the offices of Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., and Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo.; North Colorado Med Evac; Red, White, and Blue Fire Protection District; Summit Fire and EMS; Summit Search and Rescue; and Thomas Davidson, Summit County Commissioner. Photographs of the celebration can be found here: Group photograph:https://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/group-001.jpg Avalanche dogs:https://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/avalanche_dog-001.jpg Polis:https://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Polis-001.jpg Repsher:https://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Repsher-001.jpg The Helicopter Fuel System Safety Act, included in the five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization package, requires that all newly manufactured helicopters be built with crash-resistant fuel systems. After the 2015 Flight for Life crash in Frisco, the National Transportation Security Board (NTSB) recommended to the FAA that crash-resistant fuel systems be a requirement for all civil rotorcrafts. Before the Helicopter Fuel System Safety Act passed into law, a loophole exempted newly-manufactured helicopters from having crash-resistant fuel systems if their model was created before 1994. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3C9F4E61-83E4-45BC-B1F3-5F1D37ABB9F7,Bennet to Trump Administration: Dont Weaken Clean Car Standards,2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DENVER, CO Today, as the comment period closes on a proposed rule to roll back fuel economy emission standards, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet opposed the Trump administration's proposal and called for an end to its challenge of states' authority to set their own standards. Bennet and his colleagues sent two letters to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT), outlining how the proposed changes would harm states like Colorado, increase prices for households, and put the United States at a global disadvantage. Earlier this year, Colorado announced it would join 13 other states in adopting California's low fuel economy emission standards. The Trump Administration is making a mistake in rolling back the clean car standards, Bennet said. The Obama Administration took an all-in approach to build a robust vehicle manufacturing industry that puts American-made cars and trucks at a competitive advantagecreating more innovative, safe, and clean vehicles. The Trump Administration will look back in history and find itself responsible for giving our global competitors the upper hand. No matter political affiliation, everyone can agree rolling back fuel economy standards is bad policy. I'm glad Colorado continues to lead. In the first letter, Bennet and 22 senatorsall from states that have adopted low fuel economy emission standardscalled on the agencies to end their challenge to the states' authority to set their own standards. California has the authority to maintain its own fuel economy emission standards under the Clean Air Act. The Act also allows other states to follow California's standards, which Colorado announced it is in the process of doing earlier this year. An agreement between the federal government and California in 2012 created a single national program, which is expected to raise new car mileage to more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025. The proposed changes would prevent California and the other states from maintaining the current program on their own. The changes you have proposed to this carefully negotiated program are not supported by federal law and will only result in higher costs for the American consumer and years of litigation and investment uncertainty for the auto industryall while endangering public health and welfare, the senators wrote. We urge you to abandon the confrontational and counterproductive approach you have proposed, and instead work to preserve the coordinated national program by seeking consensus with the states. In the second letter, Bennet and 31 senators urged the agencies to reject the proposal to freeze fuel economy emission standards at 2020 levels, and instead adopt strong standards that all stakeholders could support. As the senators wrote, freezing the standards would increase domestic oil consumption by 500,000 barrels of oil per day, as well as increase consumer spending by $20 billion a year in 2025 and almost $50 billion in 2035. The proposal also would lead the United States to emit an additional 2.2 billion metric tons of global warming pollution by 2040, the equivalent of 55 coal-fired power plants running for ten straight years. The Trump administration's proposal to freeze the fuel economy and vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards is wrong on its merits, the senators wrote. If strong standards that maximize fuel savings are maintained, consumers will save money on gas, jobs in auto manufacturing and fuel-efficient technology will continue to increase, the American auto industry will be able to compete internationally, and innovation will continue to thrive. In April, Bennet introduced legislation to block the Trump administration from rolling back the historic 54.5 fuel economy emission standards. In remarks at a press conference and in a letter to state governors, Bennet expressed support for states that have adopted strong fuel economy standards and pledged to oppose administration efforts to undermine those standards. Bennet also wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt requesting explanations for revising the fuel economy emission standards.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=22364679-867E-4D60-8A87-C5FA74877420,Bennet Calls for Stronger Response to Opioid Crisis,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Today, President Trump signed into law opioids legislation that includes several provisions secured by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. Bennet called on Congress and the Administration to continue to do more to address the opioid epidemic. Our work on opioids in Washington should reflect the magnitude of the crisis ravaging communities across our country,said Bennet. The measures signed into law today are a step in the right direction, but they are not enough. Colorado's leadership is evident in programs like the Opioid Safety Collaborative Pilot, which this law will expand. We must keep working on meaningful policies to limit the flow of opioids while investing resources to treat those struggling with substance use disorders. Through his roles on the Senate Committees on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) and Finance, Bennet secured several provisions in the opioids package: TheAdvancing Innovation in Alternative Pain and Addiction Therapies Actexpedites the approval of non-opioid alternatives, both for pain management and for patients with an opioid use disorder, so they can access innovative treatments more quickly. The Bennet-Hatch legislation instructs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clarify how the Breakthrough Designation and Accelerated Approvalboth which create expedited pathways for approvalapply to non-addictive pain medications and treatments for substance use disorders. TheAlternatives to Opioids (ALTO) in the Emergency Departmentsupports hospitals and emergency departments as they establish protocols on prescribing alternatives to opioids for pain management. As a first line of defense against the opioid epidemic, emergency rooms are well positioned to serve as laboratories of innovation. At the same time, because of the short-term nature of the care they provide, emergency rooms are often highly susceptible to doctor shopping, where patients seek to obtain multiple prescriptions for misuse or abuse. This provision expands upon pilot programs that address this challenge, such as the Colorado Opioid Safety Collaborative Pilot that decreased emergency department opioid prescribing by 36 percent in just six months. Emergency physicians are on the front line of medicine and committed to proactively caring for our patients and communities in the midst of our nation's opioid crisis,said Don Stader, Associate Medical Director & Emergency Physician at Swedish Medical Center. Across the country, several innovative Emergency Departments have moved toward alternative to opioids programs, which we firmly believe will play a key role in addressing this crisis.We thank Senator Bennet for his leadership to include this innovative program in the opioids package, and we now urge Congress to ensure appropriate resources are provided to enable this proven model's expansion to more communities across the country. TheEvery Prescription Conveyed Securely Actaims to reduce the number of opioids obtained through fraudulent prescriptions or doctor shopping. The legislation requires health care providers to use electronic prescribing for controlled substances for Medicare Part D transactions beginning in 2021. Electronic prescriptions will generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline prescribing for both providers and their patients. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this provision will save taxpayers $250 million. TheAssessing Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Actrequires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on barriers that prevent physicians from obtaining opioid addiction treatments that they administer in their office. Distribution practices will be evaluated on three criteria: how the model affects Medicaid beneficiaries' access to treatments for substance use disorders; the cost to Medicaid; and the effect of the model on providers' willingness to administer or prescribe these treatments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F0620066-EA79-48D6-BEAC-B6447AEE1B49,Bennet Congratulates Fort Collins Principal on National Leadership Award,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today congratulated Aisha Thomas, Principal of Zach Elementary School in Poudre School District, for winning a 2018 Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. Principal Thomas was recognized for her collaborative approach, leading the school from a state ranking of 89th to 13th. More information on Thomas is available HERE. Thomas will join 10 other school principals from the 2018 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools to be honored during the National Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 7 in Washington, D.C. Aisha's steady vision and strong leadership have created an environment in which students and teachers achieve success together, Bennet said. As a former school superintendent, I know we would have been lucky to have Aisha leading in our district. Congratulations, Aishaour state is proud to have school leaders like you who are setting up the next generation of Coloradans for success. It's no surprise that Principal Thomas has been recognized for her leadership abilities, Assistant Superintendent of Poudre Elementary Schools Todd Lambert said. She demonstrates her exceptional and heart-centered skills on a daily basis for students and staff. Named for the second U. S. Secretary of Education, the Bell Award honors school leaders who are committed to education and improving outcomes for all students. The award is part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Principals are nominated by their school communities during the final stages of the National Blue Ribbon Schools application process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2320,U.S. Geological Survey and Colorado School of Mines announce long-term partnership,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"DENVER Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke joined Paul C. Johnson, president of Colorado School of Mines, to announce a long-term partnership between the university and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The partnership will bring more than 150 USGS scientists and their minerals research labs to the university's Golden, Colorado, campus where government scientists and Mines faculty and students will work together in a new state-of-the-art facility. Johnson and Zinke were joined at today's announcement by Senator Cory Gardner and Congressman Ed Perlmutter, as well as Mines Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas E. Jorden andRoseann Gonzales-Schreiner, USGS Associate Director for Administration and Acting Director of the Southwest Region. This is a great day for the USGS and for Colorado School of Mines,""said Secretary Zinke.The majority of USGS's work is on federal lands in the west, but their research is also used by government agencies, the private sector, universities, nonprofits and partners all over the world. Partnering with Colorado School of Mines, a world-class earth science research institution, and co-locating our scientists and researchers creates incredible opportunities to spur innovation and transformational breakthroughs, while also providing an incredible pool of talent from which to recruit."" ""With this new facility, the USGS and the School of Mines will have a revolutionary shared workspace for the world-class research and education that the USGS and the Colorado School of Mines are famous for delivering to the country,"" said USGS Director Jim Reilly. ""We look forward to this expansion of our efforts in the great State of Colorado and I'm distinctly honored to be the Director at the time of this development. The expanded USGS presence at Mines will capitalize on our collective expertise to address the availability of mineral and energy resources, environmental challenges and geo-environmental hazards, all of which are of critical importance to national security and the economies of Colorado and the nation. It will also create an incredibly unique educational environment that will produce the leaders we need to tackle future challenges related to exploration and development of resources here on Earth and in space, subsurface infrastructure and sustainable stewardship of the Earth,said Mines President Paul C. Johnson.We want to thank our Colorado congressional delegation, especially Rep. Ed Perlmutter and Sen. Cory Gardner, for their help in forging this exciting partnership with the USGS. I've been working hard to convince everyone that Colorado and the School of Mines are a perfect match for the United States Geological Survey,said Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO).This move highlights the scientific leadership of our state. We will be putting USGS in a modern facility in a state where research on their core mission areas can be performed right out their back door. Their water resource research will be particularly useful to Colorado and other western states as we continue to grapple with long-term drought. I'd like to welcome Dr. Reilly and his team to the campus and thank Secretary Zinke for his leadership on this issue. This new Subsurface Frontiers Building on the Mines Campus will be a tremendous asset for their faculty and students, and housing USGS staff and lab space will further cement the strong relationship between Mines, USGS and the Department of the Interior,""said Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-CO-7).""This was a team effort, and I want to thank everyone for their hard work to make this happen. USGS and Mines, renowned for their expertise in the earth sciences and engineering, are expanding a long-standing relationship to catalyze even greater collaboration among USGS scientists and Mines faculty and students in the name of tackling the nation's natural resource, security and environmental challenges, and exploring frontiers where the next innovations in earth and space resources, technology and engineering will occur. The relationship between Mines and the USGS goes back more than 40 years, with the USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center and its National Earthquake Information Center already calling the Mines campus home.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/in-national-weekly-democratic-address-degette-slams-gop-health-care-attacks,"In National Weekly Democratic Address, DeGette Slams GOP Health Care Attacks",2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, has provided the Weekly Democratic Address, which will be online and broadcast throughout the weekend. DeGette, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, discusses Republican efforts to undermine health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act particularly its guarantees of coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and the Democrats' vision for strengthening health care in the United States.Video and audio of the Weekly Democratic Address can be downloadedhere.Full transcript: Democratic Weekly Address October 18, 2018 Hello, I'm Congresswoman Diana DeGette from Colorado. As a senior member of the House committee with jurisdiction over health care policy, I have played a leading role in the development of comprehensive health reform in this country. I helped shepherd the Affordable Care Act into law eight years ago. And since then, I've proudly been at the forefront of the fight to defend Americans' health care from the many badly misguided Republican efforts to repeal the law and the historic protections it provides. After the ACA passed, finally forbidding insurers from discriminating against or denying coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions, the GOP spent eight years crusading to repeal the law, even forcing a government shutdown at one point to make their case. Last year, after 217 House Republicans voted for their monstrous repeal bill to take away Americans' health care, the effort failed by one vote in the Senate. Had Republicans succeeded, they would have devastated health care coverage in this country. Millions of Americans would have lost their coverage or been forced to pay more for it. Older Americans would have faced what the AARP called an age tax, meaning they could be charged up to five times as much for coverage as younger ones. And protections for the 130 million people with pre-existing conditions would have been gutted. After failing in the Congress, Republicans turned to the court with a cruel lawsuit to strike down protections for pre-existing conditions. And the Republican leadership in Congress continues to introduce other bills that still wouldundermine the ability of the millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions to get affordable and comprehensive health insurance. In August, Republican Senators introduced a bill with a big loophole for health insurance companies that essentially would let them exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. Their bill would allow insurers to charge those with costlier health conditions much more for their insurance making health coverage unaffordable for families with loved ones with pre-existing conditions across America. House members soon followed suit with a similar bill. But even after voting to destroy protections for pre-existing conditions, and pushing new legislative and legal assaults, Republicans are falsely claiming that they are taking steps to preserve these protections. It's ironic that Republicans have said they support keeping pre-existing condition protections while continuing their relentless assault on Americans' health care. Worse yet, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell this week admitted that if his party has the votes in Congress next year,they'll try againto repeal the ACA altogether. President Trump said the same thing last month. Democrats have a different agenda for Congress a Congress that works For The People, instead of a Congress obsessed with destroying Americans' health care. We want to lower health costs and the price of prescription drugs. We want to raise wages and drive strong economic growth by rebuilding America. And we want to clean up corruption to make Washington work for you. Rather than attacking the health care of Americans with pre-existing conditions, I urge my Republican colleagues to actually work across the aisle to strengthen America's health care system. Republicans should work with Democrats on bipartisan improvements that would reduce premiums and deductibles, increase price transparency and access to care providing relief from high drug prices. The public expects no less. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7AF6196C-283B-47B9-8881-27C2EA34B58C,"Bennet, Colleagues Ask Trump Trade Official to Explain Latest Tariff Decision that Could Hurt American Businesses",2018-10-18,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and ten colleagues today sent a letter to the Trump administration's lead trade official asking why the administration's latest round of tariffs on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods did not include exclusions to protect American businesses. For earlier rounds of tariffs, exclusions apply in cases where an American business needs a specific product from a targeted country that is not made anywhere in the United States and the inability to access that product would cause severe economic harm to the business. We write to raise concerns regarding the recently implemented 10 percent tariffs on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods (Round 3) pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Specifically, we have concerns about the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) decision not to include an exclusions process in this latest round of tariffs. The decision not to include an exclusions application process will have a negative impact on American businesses and American consumers, the senators wrote. The senators noted that, in prior tariff rounds, the USTR recognized the potential harmful effects on a U.S. business if exclusions were not in place and asked USTR Ambassador Robert Lighthizer why the same consideration was not extended to the most recent round of tariffs. The letter outlined the following questions for Ambassador Lighthizer: Does the Administration intend to offer an exclusions application process? If so, how will that process be implemented? If not, what is the rationale for providing no exclusions process in Round 3 of the 301 tariffs when Rounds 1 and 2 included one? Senators joining Bennet on the letter include Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Doug Jones (D-AL). A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398774,Polis demands answers on Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program after numerous constituents inquire,2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Jared Polis,P000598,polis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Fort Collins: Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., alongside over 150 other members of Congress, requested Education Secretary Betsy DeVos turn over more information regarding- and swiftly act to fix - the Department's flawed handling of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. So many wonderful public servants throughout Colorado use the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It helps everyone from our teachers to our firefighters to our rural veterinarians. I've done - and will continue to do - everything possible to protect the program against attempts by the Trump Administration to defund or degrade it, said Polis. We must ensure that college is affordable for all, especially those who choose a life of service. This request for information follows the release of a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which revealed an alarming number of PSLF borrowers have been denied loan forgiveness. The report also showed the Department has neglected to provide clear guidance and instructions to loan servicers. This failure at the Department has left servicers and borrowers in the dark about which employers qualify and without detailed, accurate information regarding their loan payments. Additionally, official Department data recently showed that a shocking 99.6 percent of borrowers applying for PSLF have so far been denied. Previous requests to Secretary DeVos to improve PSLF have been ignored, and the Administration has even proposed eliminating the critical loan forgiveness program entirely. Consumer advocates, state regulators, Members of Congress, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and GAO have all repeatedly raised alarms about the Department's handling of the PSLF program, the Members wrote. Not only has this Administration ignored the mounting warning signs about but it has actively reduced oversight of student loan servicersthereby contributing to the current problems in student loan servicing. We are deeply troubled that millions of dedicated public servants may not obtain the loan forgiveness that they deserve if the Department does not act quickly to correct program implementation issues, the Members continue. Members also requested a timeline for implementing each GAO recommendation, a copy of the Department's corrective action plan, and further details about the Department's plan to reach out to all Direct Loan borrowers about PSLF and to fully digitize the employment certification and application process. It is critical that Congress have this information as authorizers of the program and to make any potential legislative corrections. To read the full text of the letter, click here. To read more about the GAO report entitled, Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Education Needs to Provide Better Information for the Loan Servicer and Borrowers, click here and here. Polis serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. He is the top-Democrat on the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee and a member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee. Polis has introduced several bipartisan higher education bills addressing access and affordability through open source textbooks and student loan safeguards, among other proposals. Polis is the former chair of the Colorado State Board of Education, and the founder and former superintendent of The New America School - a network of charter schools in several states serving new immigrants and English-language learners - as well as the Academy for Urban Learning for homeless and at-risk youth. The district he represents today includes Colorado State University and University of Colorado. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=58137912-1F14-4D9B-9CB1-F9F27D675B01,"Bennet Office to Hold Listening Sessions in Pitkin, Eagle & Summit Counties",2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet invites residents from Pitkin, Eagle, and Summit counties to meet with a member of his Colorado staff this month. John Whitney, a Regional Director from Bennet's office, will meet one-on-one with Coloradans in Aspen, Avon, and Frisco the week of October 22nd. The details for the listening sessions are available below. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Pitkin County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Pitkin County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. DATE: Monday, October 22, 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Pitkin County Administration and Sheriff's Office Maroon Bells Room 530 E Main St. Aspen, CO 81611 To schedule an appointment, send an email to John_Whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Eagle County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Eagle County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. DATE: Tuesday, October 23, 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Avon Public Library Board Room 200 Benchmark Rd. Avon, CO 81620 To schedule an appointment, send an email to John_Whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance. MEDIA GUIDANCE for Summit County For convenience, please feel free to copy and paste this text onto your website or in your print newspaper: Bennet Office Listens to Summit County Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then Senator Michael Bennet invites you to meet one-on-one with a representative from his office at the upcoming listening session. DATE: Wednesday, October 24, 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. LOCATION: Frisco Town Hall Peak One Room 1 East Main St. Frisco, CO 80443 To schedule an appointment, send an email to John_Whitney@bennet.senate.gov. Please include a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help John assist you. If you are already working with someone in Bennet's office, please include that information in your email, as well. Those without email access can call 970-259-1710. Constituents do not need to wait for listening session dates to ask for help or share opinions. Please call any Bennet office at any time for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/after-midterms-democrats-hope-to-change-the-narrative-on-environmental,"After Midterms, Democrats Hope To 'Change The Narrative' On Environmental Rollbacks",2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"The environment is not typically a top issue for American voters. But this has not been a typical year. California saw thelargest firein state history. North Carolina was inundated by water from a massive,slow-moving storm. The Florida Panhandle is still combing through the wreckage left by Hurricane Michael, the strongest storm to hit that part of Florida in recorded history. It made landfall just days after the world's top climate scientists issued perhaps theirstrongest warningyet about the threats of human-caused climate change. While none of this has pushed the environment over issues likehealthcare or immigrationin the minds of most voters, environmental groups and Democrats are hoping the recent string of natural disasters and the Trump administration's efforts torollback dozens of environmental lawswill be key in November's midterms - particularly in disaster-struck states like California and Florida, where a number of House seats are closely contested. ""People are seeing first-hand the devastating impacts that climate change is having,"" says Tiernan Sittenfeld, the senior vice president for government affairs with the League of Conservation Voters. ""And they're going to be far more likely to support elected officials and candidates who are going to stand up for them and not with the corporate polluters the way that Donald Trump and the Republican leadership in Congress does over and over again."" The League of Conservation Voters is pouring $60 million into the upcoming midterms, targeting Republican incumbents and candidates who have supported the Trump administration's deregulatory agenda or echoed the president's doubts about climate change and its causes. The goal of the campaign is to flip Congress, or at least the House of Representatives, to Democratic control, where the party can serve as a check on the Trump administration. ""I want to change the narrative of this whole thing,"" says Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. ""Where the Resources Committee isn't just a passive part of the Trump administration, that they're independent and that they have responsibility as co-equals for oversight and accountability."" The word ""oversight"" is one you hear a lot from Democrats, in part because there's not a lot else they could do. Nearly all the rollbacks in environmental policy are happening in the executive branch under Trump appointees. A shift in House leadership won't change that. But while Democrats could not force Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to restore Bears Ears National Monument, for example, or to crack down on methane emissions from natural gas operations, Grijalva says they could force Zinke to explain himself. So expect hearings. Lots of them. And Trump backers agree they would have an impact. ""They would be able to tie up [agencies] mercilessly, so that they would kind of be able to slow walk a lot of the good work that's being done on these issues,"" says Tom Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, which supports Trump's environmental agenda. What's more, he says, it would give environmental groups and Democrats a stage to frame an anti-Trump narrative. They could hold hearings on theClean Power Plan rollbackor changes to thefuel efficiency standards, putting the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Andrew Wheeler, in the limelight. They could even try to bring ousted EPA chief Scott Pruitt in for questioning. ""You're going to be seeing us look more in depth at conflicts of interest and corruption at the EPA,"" says Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, the ranking Democrat on the oversight committee for Energy and Commerce. DeGette says this year's midterms remind her of what happened in 2006, when Democrats took back the House under President George W. Bush. For the following two years, Democrats called hearings and investigations and crafted legislation that they knew wouldn't pass under a Republican president. ""But then when President Obama was elected in 2008, we were able to move a robust legislative agenda because we had spent the last two years developing it,"" she says. Republicans are hoping that's not the case. Many of the Trump administration's environmental changes have been long-held targets of conservative groups. Finalizing the rollbacks is complicated and takes time, time they hope they will have.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=423493C4-E90A-47A3-94CA-CE8159DE7BC5,Bennet Leads Effort to Halt EPA Methane Standards Roll Back,2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Ahead of the public comment period that began this week for a proposal to weaken methane standards, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led 21 Senate colleagues in a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the public comment period for the rule and provide adequate justification for modifying the national standards. In 2016, the EPA adopted the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for methane emissions from oil and gas sources following a 75-day comment period. The senators requested that the same 75-day comment period be provided for any modifications to the NSPS, and that the comment period be delayed altogether until the EPA provides written answers to questions regarding the modification's effects on the public health and the cost of the rule. There is clear and compelling evidence that the current NSPS rulemaking is cost-effective, improves air quality, and increases public health, the senators wrote to EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. The senators expressed concern about the precedent the proposed changes could set, resulting in more pollution across neighboring states. They also opposed modifyingor completely removingEPA's methane regulations, especially given the Senate's recent vote to retain the Bureau of Land Management's authority to regulate methane emissions on public lands. In addition to Bennet, the letter's signatories include U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7EB090C3-7BBD-4633-8145-EE127BDF5AD0,"Bennet, Wyden Statement on Mnuchin Attendance at Saudi Arabia Conference",2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Senate Finance Committee member Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) today issued the following statement regarding Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's attendance at an upcoming conference in Saudi Arabia: Given the serious allegations that Saudi officials murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Secretary Steve Mnuchin should not extend the backing of the U.S. Treasury Department to efforts promoting investment in Saudi Arabia. Secretary Mnuchin's presence in Riyadh sends the wrong message to the world and to the Saudis, namely that the administration does not take seriously the many outstanding questions about Saudi involvement in Khashoggi's disappearance. We call on Secretary Mnuchin to withdraw from the Riyadh investment conference.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=47D873DF-82B2-4ED9-A14B-FCEE5DDC6DCC,Senate Passes Bennet Provision to Protect Watersheds from Invasive Species,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet secured a provision to protect Colorado's watersheds from invasive species in the 2018 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate today 99-1. Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to headwater states like Coloradodamaging water infrastructure and harming ecosystems, said Bennet. Colorado is one of the few states without an invasive mussel infestation. Additional inspection stations will bolster our state's efforts to prevent an infestation and protect local economies. Background: The provision directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish, operate, and maintain new or existing watercraft inspection stations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, South Platte River Basin, and Arkansas River Basin. The provision also authorizes the Army Corps to assist states with rapid response efforts in the case of an infestation of quagga or zebra mussels. Following the August 2017 detection of invasive quagga mussel larvae in the Green Mountain Reservoir, Bennet led the Colorado delegation in sending a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke urging a rapid response. In 2016, Bennet secured a provision in the WRDA reauthorization process that similarly would have expanded the Army Corps watercraft inspection station authorities, but it was not included in the final legislation. In 2010, Bennet introduced the Invasive Species Emergency Response Fund Act to establish a loan fund for Western states to combat invasive species. Statements of Support: This is a positive step forward to protect our nation's headwaters against zebra and quagga mussels and other harmful invaders, said Bob Broschied, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Federal and state partnerships are critical to maintain Colorado's aggressive invasive species prevention program. We are very grateful to Senator Bennet for his support of Colorado's Aquatic Nuisance Species program, and for his actions which are helping to facilitate solutions that will benefit our state. The spread of quagga and zebra mussels across the country and throughout our nation's water storage and delivery infrastructure is alarming,"" said Andy Mueller, General Manager of the Colorado River District in Western Colorado. This provision comes at an important time and will help to bolster state-led efforts to inspect and prevent mussel infestations in Colorado's waterways. I want to thank Senator Bennet for his leadership and success on this important issue. Army Corps of Engineers Reservoirs on the Front Range, such as Chatfield, have the highest boat traffic in the State, said Mike Preston, General Manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District. Authorizing the Corps to participate in funding invasive mussel inspections is a great step forward, given the loss of severance tax revenues as a funding source. Colorado remains uninfected by mussels at a time when Kansas lakes are becoming badly infected. McPhee Reservoir, operated by the Dolores Water Conservancy District, faces the threat of a badly infected Lake Powell. It only takes one infected boat to infect a lake. This provision is an important step forward in bringing federal resources to bear on this urgent problem. Senator Bennet has done a great job of keeping federal agencies at the table including the advancement of this provision.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pro-choice-caucus-leaders-condemn-confirmation-of-judge-kavanaugh-to-the,Pro-Choice Caucus Leaders Condemn Confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (D-CO) andBarbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement on the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh: This Senate confirmation makes a sham of our judicial heritage. Despite multiple credible allegations of sexual misconduct against Judge Kavanaugh, his complete lack of judicial temperament, and his concerning record on women's reproductive rights, Senate Republicans have pushed this nomination through and approved a wholly unfit justice for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. The Trump Administration subverted our democracy by limiting the scope of the FBI investigation, keeping the U.S. Senate and the American people from knowing the truth about Judge Kavanaugh. Americans for generations to come will suffer because of this confirmation. The last month has been painful for survivors of sexual assault. And today's confirmation sends a chilling message: Politics comes before justice in the U.S. Senate. Our hearts are with Christine Blasey Ford and all survivors today, and we will be forever grateful for Dr. Ford's courage in coming forward to testify before the Senate and the world with such dignity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E860837C-4DC3-4DE9-B43D-4D2BFC5D82DA,Bennet Votes No on Judge Kavanaughs Supreme Court Confirmation,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today voted against the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Bennet's Senate floor remarks explaining his vote are available on MEDIUM and YOUTUBE. They are also copied below. Remarks on the Nomination of Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court As delivered on October 4, 2018 Our vote on the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh has left this body and the American people deeply divided. But I think it has also united every American in the belief that this cannot be the standard for how the United States Senate or how the federal government should operate. This cannot be how our Founders expected us to consider lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court of the United States. As recently as when I was in law school, confirmations of a Supreme Court Justice used to be a chance for the American people to learn about our system of checks and balances and the rule of law what made America so special. No student in Colorado watching our conduct over the past few weeks would have anything to be proud of. Instead of modeling our checks and balances, we have been demolishing our checks and balances. Somewhere along the way, we began to treat the courts as another front of our endless partisan war, with each vacancy an opportunity to bloody the other side and secure an ephemeral, political win. And the latest, lowest point in that story is this shambles of a confirmation process. Weeks ago, I announced that I intended to oppose Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. It was after the first round of hearings and before the later allegations of misconduct arose. Then and now, I worried what his confirmation would mean for the people of Colorado. For those with preexisting conditions who depend on the Affordable Care Act for lifesaving treatment. For our farmers and ranchers who are so worried about climate change. For our children with asthma vulnerable to harmful pollutants. For same-sex couples in loving marriages. And for the women across our state who have a constitutional right to make their own health care decisions. I worried that Judge Kavanaugh would threaten the hard-won progress for all Coloradans taking us from the independent majority under Justice Kennedy to an ideological majority deeply out of step with the values of people in my state, and I would say, throughout the United States. I worried that Judge Kavanaugh would block the reforms we need to break the fever gripping our politics a fever on full display over the last few weeks. If confirmed, it is very likely that Judge Kavanaugh would provide a fifth vote against reforms to end partisan gerrymandering, to help workers organize, to help people vote, and to curb the corrupting power of money in our politics. And, in the age of President Trump, I had particular concerns about the nominee's expansive views with respect to presidential power and oversight, views that made me question the extent to which he would fulfill the court's role as a check on the executive branch. Finally, I had concerns that Judge Kavanaugh had an unusually partisan background for a judicial nominee a concern borne out in the hearing last week. All of this, Mr. President, led me to oppose Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. Soon after, Dr. Ford came forward with these serious allegations of misconduct. She came before the Senate Judiciary Committee and gave very credible testimony. She had no reason to make anything up, and she had every reason to stay quiet. But she came forward anyway, because she believed, as she said, it was her civic duty. And her courage has inspired hundreds of thousands of women, if not millions, of women across the country, including Debbie Ramirez of Colorado, to share their own stories. It inspired other survivors from my state to call, write, even fly to Washington and meet with me earlier today. For her courage alone, Dr. Ford deserved far better than the casual dismissal we saw from members of this body, or the juvenile taunting we saw the other night from President Trump, who continues the same politics of distraction and division that managed to get him elected and that continues now to continue to threaten to tear our country apart. But President Trump is not the issue here. For all the damage he has done, he is not the cause of our dysfunction. He is a symptom of it. And that dysfunction is what we have to confront, especially now, as we find ourselves days away from a party-line vote for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. I recognize that both sides have their own argument or story about how we got to this point. I know that, ever since the Majority demolished the rule requiring 60 votes for a Supreme Court nominee, there has been no incentive to select a mainstream candidate who can earn the support of both parties. In fact, all the incentives now run in exactly the opposite direction of selecting a nominee who can appease the base of the party and earn the narrowest partisan majority in the Senate. That reality helps explain why this process has been so divisive. If we still had the 60-vote threshold, it is hard to imagine the Senate moving forward on a nominee without disclosing their full record. Without giving the minority party time to review that record so they can ask informed questions of the nominee. That would never happen if you still needed 60 votes, if you still needed the other party as part of the decision-making, as part of advice and consent. We would expect the nominee to answer directly direct questions. And it would have been unfathomable that the majority would downplay serious allegations of misconduct, and in the case of Debbie Ramirez, refuse to even interview many of the potential witnesses that she identified. None of this makes any sense if our interest is in protecting the integrity of the Supreme Court. It only makes sense if we have now reduced our responsibility and our duty under the Constitution to advice and sent to a completely partisan exercise. And that's where we've gotten to. I've said on this floor before that I deeply regret the vote that we took to change the rules for lower level officials and judges. I don't think we should have done that. And I certainly don't think the Majority Leader should have prevented Merrick Garland from coming to a vote on the floor of the Senate. That was outrageous, unprecedented in our history. And I don't think he should have invoked the nuclear option for the Supreme Court. I think that was a huge mistake. We are going to have a partisan process forever, Mr. President, unless we can find some way back. This new majority rule when it comes to judicial nominees is why we now have Supreme Court nominees auditioning on cable television networks, in this case, Fox News. It is why the president held a political rally and used it as an occasion to mock the accusers. It is why the White House limited the investigation to ignore key witnesses, allowing the Majority Leader to declare, as he did this morning, that it uncovered, No backup from any witnesses. Well they weren't interviewed. It is important to remember that because of what the Majority Leader did to Judge Garland when Justice Scalia died, left open a vacancy on the Supreme Court for more than 400 days. Four hundred days. And we can't take the time to interview witnesses from a serious allegation, from somebody living in Boulder, Colorado? More than 400 days. And then we have a four-day investigation that doesn't interview the witnesses that have been named, and the Majority Leader has the gall to come to the floor and say that the investigation had uncovered, No backup from any witnesses. All of this is evidence of a confirmation process that has been overrun by politics, like everything else around here. Only, unlike many other things, this is a solemn responsibility granted to this body exclusively by the Constitution of the United States, by the Founders who wrote that Constitution, and the Americans who ratified it. This may help one party win presidential or senate elections, but it is toxic to our institutions. And we have exported what hopefully, Mr. President, will be the temporary, mindless, empty, counterproductive, unimaginative, meaningless partisanship from the floor of this Senate to the United States Supreme Court. We should be ashamed of that on the floor of this Senate, and we should be ashamed that we are doing that to an independent branch of our government. Earlier today, I had a chance to meet students that were visiting here from Aspen, Colorado. When I meet with students, I sometimes get the impression that they think, Mr. President, that all of this was just here. That the Capitol was just here. That the White House was just here. That the Supreme Court was just here. And that it all somehow just fell from the sky. And I always remind them that it wasn't just here. The only reason that we have all of this is because previous generations of Americans overcame enormous difficulty to write and ratify the Constitution. We forget that Americans were sharply divided over whether to ratify the Constitution. Some worried that the new government would grow too powerful and become the very tyranny that they had just fought a war to escape. By the way, think about that for a second. That generation of Americans accomplished two things that had never been done in human history before. They led an armed insurrection that was successful against a colonial empire. And they wrote a constitution that was ratified by the people who would live under it. No humans had ever been asked permission for the form of government that they would live under until Americans got that opportunity. And we've set an example for the world. And it also must be said that the same Founders perpetuated human slavery, which is a terrible stain on their work. But another generation of Americans, who I think of as Founders just like the people who wrote the Constitution, abolished slavery, made sure women had the right to vote, passed the civil rights laws in the 1960s. Generation after generation after generation of Americans has seen their responsibility to democratize the republic that the Founders created and to preserve the institutions that we created so that we could render thoughtful decisions in our republic. Our process for advice and consent looks nothing like that heritage. When Americans were having that big division over whether to ratify the Constitution at all, Alexander Hamilton waded into that debate, and he responded to those who were worried that the government would grow too powerful or become a tyranny like the one they had just escaped. He pointed out the importance of our courts and the rule of law as a check against tyranny. He wrote that, The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential in a limited constitution. Without this, he said, all the reservations of particular rights or privileges would amount to nothing. Hamilton did not say that independent courts were optional. He did not say they were contingent on political convenience. He said they were essential. Essential to the working of this republic. And it is for this reason that the Founders designed this extraordinary mechanism of checks and balances, including the unique duties we bear in the United States Senate. But the Founders also knew that that mechanism alone was insufficient. It required elected officials to act responsibly. To treat advice and consent, for example, as an opportunity to confirm judges of the highest intellect, integrity, and independence judges who could maintain the confidence of the American people in our courts and rule of law. And today we have fallen so short of Hamilton's standard. Instead of insulating the courts from partisanship, we have infected the courts with partisanship. I have not met a single Coloradan who believes that confirming judges with 51 Republicans or 51 Democrats, instead of 90 votes from both parties, serves the independence of our judiciary. It does the opposite; it makes the courts an extension of our partisanship. This is exactly what Hamilton feared. He warned that, liberty can have nothing to fear from the judiciary alone, but would have everything to fear from its union with either of the other departments. Hamilton's warning echoes loudly in the age of President Trump a man who has called for jailing his political opponents deporting immigrants without due process; banning entire religious groups; bringing back torture and a hell of a lot worse. A man who fired the FBI Director in the middle of an investigation into his campaign, and who has tried to discredit that investigation with routine falsehoods ever since. If ever there were a time for us to stand up for our checks and balances and our rule of law, it is now, Mr. President. Instead, with this vote, the Senate is once again acceding to the White House and undermining the Supreme Court in the process. And the result is that we are going to continue to barrel down this dangerous path. Unless we change what we're doing, one of two things will happen. We will replay this process every time, confirming Supreme Court justices with the barest partisan majority and tearing the country apart in the process. Or, if the Senate and the White House are not of the same party, we will never fill a Supreme Court vacancy. That is not what the Founders expected. It is certainly not what the people of Colorado expect. We are playing with fire, Mr. President. Unlike us, the Founders knew their history. They knew about the fall of Athens. And that history taught them that, more than anything, the greatest threat to freedom is faction. The Founders read the Athenian historian Thucydides, who tells us about a civil war that consumed the city of Corcyra 2,400 years ago. According to Thucydides, the city descended into factionalism. Both parties spared no means in their struggles for ascendancy in their acts of vengeance they went to even greater lengths, not stopping at what justice or the good of the state demanded, but making the party caprice of the moment their only standard. As the civil war intensified, both sides struggled to end it, because there was neither promise to be depended upon, nor oath that could command respect; but all parties rather dwelling in their calculations upon the hopelessness of a permanent state of things, were more intent upon self-defense than capable of confidence. How familiar that sounds today. In our acts of vengeance, Mr. President, we have gone to greater and greater lengths. We have ignored what justice or the good of the state demands. And in doing so, we have degraded our courts as we have degraded ourselves. But this is a human enterprise, just as it has been since the founding of the United States of America. And our situation is not hopeless. This dysfunction does not need to be a permanent state of things. We can, and we must, be capable of confidence in ourselves, and our institutions, once more. For unlike the stories told of ancient kingdoms and empires in history, we live in a republic. And in the story of our republic, we alone are responsible for writing its ending, or its continuance for the next 100 or 200 years. So I think every American is probably disturbed by what has happened, and they know we can create a better ending, the question they have is whether their elected representatives in Washington will do so. We need an ending that upholds the independence of our courts. Where we return to the honorable, bipartisan tradition of the Senate. Where we build a culture that has no place for sexual assault, and that provides an opportunity for people who have been assaulted to be heard, and to be able to do it in a way that doesn't shame them or embarrass them or makes their difficulties even worse. And I know there are a lot of people out there, and I agree with them, that don't see a lot of hope for that in the process that we have had here. But what I would say to them is that, tonight, there are survivors from all over our country, including from my home state of Colorado, arrayed around the Capital. Their being there testifies to the resilience of the human spirit. And it gives us all hope that, however difficult this moment, in the United States, progress is always in our hands. It is always our responsibility. And we need to act with the kind of courage they are showing by being here. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2254,Perlmutter Statement on Expected Confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lakewood, Colo. - U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) issued the following statement regarding the expected confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is one of our country's most sacred and highly-regarded institutions, partly because historically it has been one of the less partisan bodies in U.S. government. But the confirmation process of Judge Kavanaugh has interjected politics into the Supreme Court like our country has never seen before. Confirming lifetime appointments to the highest court in the land is one of the most important responsibilities of the U.S. Senate and should always be treated with the seriousness and respect it deserves. Unfortunately, Judge Kavanaugh's nomination has put a blemish on this process. Early on, I voiced concerns about Judge Kavanaugh's record on women's rights, LGBT equality, Citizens United, immigration laws, and consumer privacy. But now I'm convinced more than ever Judge Kavanaugh lacks the judgement and temperament to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Furthermore, the President and his allies in the Senate have shamefully mocked the women who bravely came forward with credible charges against Judge Kavanaugh which is an insult to every woman who has ever been a victim of sexual assault.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2255,Safer Fuel Systems Now Required in Newly Manufactured Helicopters,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lakewood, Colo. As of today, all newly manufactured helicopters are required to be built with safer fuel systems. An amendment included in the five-year authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all newly manufactured helicopters to comply with recommendations from the Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group within 18 months. Additionally, the legislation requires the FAA to expedite certification of retrofit kits to improve fuel system crashworthiness and to publish a bulletin for helicopter owners and operators which includes available retrofits and urges their installation. This legislation is long overdue and too many people have been killed or badly injured as a result of this more than 20-year old loophole. But going forward, this legislation will significantly reduce the risk of post-crash fires and help save lives, said Perlmutter. I want to thank Chris Vanderveen at 9NEWS (KUSA) for his tireless reporting on this issue, the advocacy of Karen Mahany on behalf of her late husband, Patrick, and Rep. Jared Polis along with several of my colleagues in Congress who were instrumental in getting this done. Military helicopters have been built using crash resistant fuel systems dating back to the 1970s. However, the FAA's 1994 fuel system standards only required new helicopter designs certified after 1994 to comply with these standards. As a result of this loophole, over 4,700 helicopters have been built since 1994 andonly 15% of those have been built with crash resistant fuel systems. There have been at least 175 post-crash fires resulting in at least 80 deaths due to those fires since the standard was published in 1994. Perlmutter and Polis introduced legislation and began pushing the FAA to take action following the July 2015 Flight for Life helicopter crash in Frisco, Colorado which killed pilot Patrick Mahany and left flight nurse Dave Repsher with burns on more than 90 percent of his body. The effort to fix the loophole has been covered extensively by Chris Vanderveen at 9NEWS (KUSA) since 2015. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 was signed into law today and passed the House and Senate in recent weeks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398773,Polis gives World Space Week and Earth Science Week liftoff!,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Jared Polis,P000598,polis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., alongside Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-Va., Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-Ill., Ryan Costello, R-Pa., introduced a resolution to designate Oct. 4 - Oct. 10 as World Space Week and Oct. 14 - Oct. 20 as Earth Science Week. Space and science are awesome! We need to do everything possible to get students excited about learning about the sciences that's why I'm proud to champion top-notch STEAM education for all students,said Polis.Now more than ever, we have to rely on science as we adapt and attempt to reverse the consequences of climate change. We must challenge ourselves to discover and innovate, as is our American tradition. The resolution reads, in part: [] Earth and space sciences include geologic mapping and remote sensing technologies which provide the foundational knowledge of Earth's natural systems that is integral to the discovery, development, and conservation of natural resources, such as energy, water, and minerals, and to the safe disposal of waste products. [] Earth and space science researchers and educators drive creativity and passion for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields among students of all ages through diverse and innovative education and public outreach efforts. Read the entire resolutionhere. Groups such as, the American Geosciences Institute, herald both World Space Week and Earth Science Week. This resolution demonstrates the importance of engaging young people and others in exploring and understanding our Earth,said AGI Executive Director Allyson Anderson Book.The arts are a special lens through which to view geoscience whether it's thinking about the natural processes that formed a beautiful landscape or the sense of wonder you get when you look up into the sky and into the stars. Polisserves on the Committee onEducationand the Workforce. He is thetop-Democraton the Early Childhood, Elementary, and SecondaryEducationSubcommittee and a member of the HigherEducationand Workforce Development Subcommittee. Polis was instrumental in crafting the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bipartisan update to the outdated K-12 education policy - No Child Left Behind. ESSA creates new opportunities for innovation and STEM education, among other key provisions. His advocacy for STEM education also led him to call for $250 million in funding for computer science education in 2016. In addition, Polis has advocated for funding for the many science labs in Colorado, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Polisis the former chair of the Colorado State Board ofEducation, and the founder and former superintendent of The New America School - a network of charter schools in several states serving new immigrants and English-language learners - as well as the Academy for Urban Learning for homeless and at-risk youth. The district he represents today includes Colorado State University and University of Colorado. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=A1976EEE-E8DB-458C-A542-6319A4CBC0A1,Senate Passes Bennet Bill to Improve Wildfire Recovery Efforts,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. This week, the Senate passed Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet's Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act to provide resources to assist communities recovering from damaging wildfires. Colorado communities recovering from this year's Lake Christine Fire and Spring Creek Fire are eligible for the newly available funding. In Colorado, we know the enormous costs wildfires inflict on our communities, said Bennet. And those costs pile up even after fires are extinguished to protect against flooding and erosion. It's time we treat wildfires like other natural disasters and provide communitieslike those harmed by the Lake Christine and Spring Creek Fireswith the federal resources they need. Bill Background: The Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act treats wildfires in the same manner as other natural disasters, ensuring states affected by wildfires can access the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) without receiving a major disaster declaration. HMGP funds are used to implement measures that reduce the risk of flooding and erosion and prevent future wildfires. Bennet first introduced this measure as part of the PREPARE Act in 2015, and later as a standalone bill in 2016. Bennet pressed for a two-year authorization of this authority in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to provide communities affected by fires in 2017 and 2018 access to HMGP resources. Passage of the Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act this week makes this authority permanent. Statements of Support: Because of high fuel loads, warming temperatures, and development in the Wildland-Urban Interface, we are likely to see continued fires in Colorado, said Kathy Chandler-Henry, Chair of the Board of Eagle County Commissioners. Eagle County suffered our largest wildfire in the County's history this summer with the Lake Christine Fire. We thank Senator Bennet for this legislation that would allow us to reduce the risk and severity of future wildfires through the use of Hazard Mitigation Assistance funds. These funds will assist counties such as ours in proactively developing fire-adapted communities. As we work in our community to recover from the Spring Fire, we're grateful to Senator Bennet for his efforts to expand Costilla County's access to critical disaster funds and resources, said Ben Doon, Costilla County Manager.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pro-choice-caucus-leaders-kavanaugh-is-unfit-for-the-supreme-court,Pro-Choice Caucus Leaders: Kavanaugh is Unfit for the Supreme Court,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) today issued the following statement about Supreme Court Justice Nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh: Our country should hold Supreme Court Justices, and those who aspire to be them, to the highest standard. Judge Kavanaugh fell far short in his Senate testimony last week, berating senators, making blatant and blame-shifting political statements, and telling outright lies. Mocking those who questioned him, he repeatedly laid bare his contempt for both the Democratic party and the United States Senate. His record on women's reproductive rights was already greatly concerning, as are the multiple sexual misconduct allegations against him. As senators begin the last phase of the confirmation process, we urge them to consider this: A man who violates a sworn oath to tell the truth cannot be trusted with a lifetime position of any sort, much less on the highest court in the land.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=1DD7E789-FC41-4DA0-A149-C46CA77A9C1D,VIDEO & AUDIO: Bennet Speech on Judge Kavanaugh,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video: Click HERE to download the MP4. Audio: Click HERE To download the MP3. Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet tonight argued against the nomination of D.C. Circuit Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the U.S. Supreme Court. Bennet addressed what Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation would mean for Coloradans, including for those with preexisting conditions, children with asthma, same-sex couples, women making their own health care decisions, and survivors of sexual assault coming forward. Judge Kavanaugh would threaten hard-won progress for all these Coloradanstaking us from the independent majority under Justice Kennedy to an ideological majority deeply out of step with the values of people in my state, Bennet said. Bennet also addressed how Judge Kavanaugh's views stand in opposition to reforms needed to fix our broken politics and provide a check on the executive branch. If confirmed, it is likely Judge Kavanaugh would provide a fifth vote against reforms to end partisan gerrymandering, to help workers organize, to help people vote, and to curb the corrupting power of money in our politics, Bennet said. And, in the age of President Trump, I had particular concerns about the nominee's expansive views on presidential power and oversight, views that made me question the extent to which he would fulfill the court's role as a check on the executive. Bennet commended Dr. Ford for coming forward to share her story and for inspiring othersincluding Colorado's Debbie Ramirezto do the same. She had no reason to make anything up, and she had every reason to stay quiet, Bennet said. But she came forward anyway, because she believed it was her civic duty. Bennet closed by describing the degradation of the Senate's responsibility to advice and consent and its implication for the courts and the rule of law. Instead of insulating the courts from partisanship, we have infected the courts with partisanship, Bennet said. Our dysfunction need not be a permanent state of thingsThe survivors standing around our Capitol tonight testify to the resilience of the human spirit. And they gives us all hope that, however difficult this moment, in the United States, progress is always in our hands.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=28ECD897-1733-4ED5-96D1-5FDD1E8D3386,Bennet Urges Justice Department to Remove Irrational Conditions on Colorado Funding,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today urged U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to immediately suspend immigration-related conditions on funding essential to Colorado's law enforcement services in rural and urban communities. In July 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released overdue federal funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program for Fiscal Year 2017. Attached to Colorado's $2.7 million share were unrelated and unprecedented immigration-related conditions. DOJ attached these conditions without engaging in the proper rulemaking process and failed to equip states with sufficient guidance on how to enforce compliance with these conditions. Colorado's 32 JAG recipients include law enforcement agencies, restorative justice programs, human service agencies, housing authorities, and tribes. The funds are used to support positions like police department clerks, youth behavioral counselors, and drug treatment court attorneys. The recipients were unaware of the conditions at the time they applied for funding. They were also not included in the rulemaking process to comment on the certification terms. The conditions are currently being litigated in Pennsylvania. Colorado communities and organizations are forced to either accept the uncertainty and cost associated with these controversial immigration-related conditions or provide the same services without those critical funding resources, Bennet wrote in a letter to Sessions. Furthermore, by placing the responsibility on states to determine if recipients meet the conditions, states are unable to distribute the funds with certainty that they are compliant with DOJ's conditions. The state agency tasked with distributing the funds is not equipped with sufficient expertise to interpret the Justice Department's vague and arbitrary conditions, Bennet wrote. These unprecedented conditions are the latest in a pattern by this Administration of attaching strings to critical federal funding. In effect, the conditions are directly harming states like Colorado that use JAG funds to keep their communities safe. I urge you to suspend the conditions immediately until the litigation is resolved and allow state agencies to accept and distribute JAG funds under the grant conditions required in the past, Bennet concluded. A copy of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rewirenews-house-republicans-jam-personhood-language-into-new-tax-bill,Rewire.News: House Republicans Jam Personhood Language Into New Tax Bill,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a package of bills dubbed Tax Reform 2.0 containing a provision extending the ability to count unborn children as beneficiaries under 529 education savings plans. The tax bill is being advanced outside the budget reconciliation process, which means it'sunlikelyto get the 60 votes needed to pass the closely divided U.S. Senate without a filibuster, though it may be taken up after the midterm elections. The GOP'sFamily Savings Act, part of a package of tax legislation that passed the lower chamber by a 240-177 vote, is the latest effort by anti-choice legislators to insert so-calledpersonhood languageinto the tax code. Nothing shall prevent an unborn child from being treated as a designated beneficiary or an individual under this section, reads the bill, referring to 529 tax-deferred plans for education savings. The provision is similar tolanguage insertedin tax reform legislation that passed the House last November before being removed in conference. So-called personhood laws, backed by abortion rights foes andrecently embracedby congressional Republicans,aim toclassify fertilized eggs, zygotes, embryos, and fetuses as persons, granting them legal protection under the U.S. Constitution. Personhood lawshave been rejectedby voters inballot measuresacross the United States. It's yet another attempt to slip something into the tax code to define personhood, said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, in a statement toRewire.News. This is how extremist views creep into the mainstream. Provisions like this one should never become lawthey can lead to limits on access to abortion and even birth control. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) said in a statement said Democratic lawmakers should remain vigilantof any attempt by congressional Republicans to push anti-choice measures through larger bills, even if those bills don't stand much of a chance in the Senate. In addition to exploding our deficit and leaving hard-working American families behind, the GOP's Tax Plan 2.0 advances a clear political agenda to limit access to safe, legal abortions, Moore said. This personhood language undermines women's rights and has absolutely no place US tax law.Democrats must continue stand strong in opposition to these radical GOP policies designed exclusively to benefit the privileged at the expense of the vulnerable. Even in addition to making the tax cuts for individuals permanent, it also gives a whole lot of options for families saving for education and those savings accounts, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC), chair of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, said in afloor speechbefore the bill's passage. Meadowsin anearly September letterurged House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) to include the anti-choice language in the next round of tax reform. Anti-choice activists applauded the bill's inclusion of personhood language. [The bill] will deliver much-needed relief for growing families and adoptive parents, while recognizingfor the first time in the tax codethe humanity of the child in the womb, said Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council. Pregnant moms and expectant parents will finally have the opportunity to get started on planning for their child's college education. The statement by Perkins appears to be mistaken, as expectant parentscan already open a 529 planlisting themselves as the beneficiary before switching it over to the child once they are born. Current lawrequires Social Security numbersfor all 529 beneficiaries. This may be the last action we see taken on this issue in 2018, as its unlikely those changes would get to the White House this year, tax policy expertJon Traub, managing principal of the tax policy group at Deloitte, said in astatement. The other two pieces of Tax Cuts 2.0expanding retirement savings and incentives for innovation among start-upscould find new life in a post-election Lame Duck session of Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=26A2269A-0920-4922-A283-9D37D512DA2F,Bennet Secures Colorado Priorities in Aviation Reauthorization,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today applauded the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization, which included four Colorado priorities: Wildfire Mitigation Assistance: The Bennet-led Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act will provide resources to assist communities recovering from damaging wildfires. The bill treats wildfires in the same manner as other natural disasters by making available Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding to states affected by catastrophic wildfires. In Colorado, we know the enormous costs wildfires inflict on our communities. And those costs pile up even after fires are extinguished to protect against flooding and erosion. It's time we treat wildfires like other natural disasters and provide communitieslike those harmed by the Lake Christine and Spring Creek Fireswith the federal resources they need, Bennet said. Prohibition of Drones over Wildfires: The Bennet-sponsored Securing Airspace For Emergency Responders (SAFER) Act will make the unauthorized use of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) over a wildfire a federal felony. Too often, we hear about interference from drones near wildfires in Colorado. The least we can do to support first responders at the scene of a wildfire is prohibit this unauthorized drone use, Bennet said. Helicopter Fuel System Safety Standards: Following the 2015 air ambulance crash in Frisco, Colorado, Bennet has worked with the Colorado delegation to enact provisions requiring the FAA to adopt safety standards that promote crash-resistant fuel systems in newly manufactured helicopters. The air ambulance crash in Frisco three years ago was a wakeup call for Colorado and for Congress to implement new safety standards for helicopter fuel systems. Coloradans' years of advocacy and hard work paid off todayclosing a loophole that will improve safety for helicopter pilots across the country, Bennet said. Essential Air Service Program: The bill reauthorizes the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, which provides critical support to Colorado's rural airports. Colorado's airports, big and small, are economic engines in our state. Reauthorizing this program will allow for more flights, fewer delays, and a stronger focus on growing economic opportunities for rural communities, Bennet said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6A33F238-F87D-4239-A476-E6832952E7AE,"Bennet, McCain Bill to Establish Conservation Service Corps Moves Forward in Senate",2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today approved the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act. With the late U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the bipartisan legislation to place youth and returning veterans in national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance America's great outdoors. The bill would amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to establish the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps. The 21st Century Conservation Corps will create a much-needed pathway to meaningful careers in conservation for America's youth and veterans, said Bennet. It was a privilege to work with Senator McCain on this legislation, which will honor his legacy of service by developing the next generation of leaders to protect and enhance our public lands. On behalf of the Corps community in Colorado and around the country, thank you Sen. Bennet for your leadership on the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act. We look forward to seeing a version of the 21CSC Act signed into law that supports engaging more young adults and veterans in national service positions focused on conserving and maintaining the public lands and waters of Colorado and our nation, said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. As the late Sen. John McCain wrote with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, We are convinced that, if [national service] experiences are made available to young people, they will embrace them for what they are -- occasions to elevate the nation while elevating themselves.' It is our hope to see a strong 21CSC Act signed into law this year in honor of Sen. McCain's commitment to expanding opportunities for military, national and public service. More information about the legislation is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=B0372ACF-1262-4EEA-9A3C-A08ACB974D82,Six Bennet Bills Approved By Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today approved six bills sponsored by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. Bennet Reaction: Today we moved one step closer to passing important public lands legislation for Colorado. From designating a new National Historic Trail to establishing the 21st Century Conservation Service Corpsa program Senator McCain and I worked on for years to make a reality for America's youth and veteransthe legislation reaffirms our commitment to America's public lands. On Sunday, despite bipartisan support in both chambers, Congress failed to reauthorize LWCFa widely popular conservation tool in Colorado and across the country. We must pass the bill approved today as soon as possible to ensure LWCF is permanently reauthorized and fully funded for the next generation of Coloradans. During a recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, I witnessed the effects of chronic underfunding of land management agencies like the National Park Service. It's critical we address the ongoing maintenance backlog by passing the Restore Our Parks Act. Legislative Background: Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act: Bennet cosponsored this legislation to permanently reauthorize and fully find the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which conserves and promotes access to America's parks, rivers, forests, and public lands. Restore Our Parks Act: Bennet cosponsored this legislation to establish the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to address the $12 billion maintenance backlog at the National Park Service. 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act: With the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Bennet introduced this legislation to place youth and returning veterans in national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance America's great outdoors. The bill would amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to establish the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps. Pike National Historic Trail Study Act: With Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), Bennet introduced this legislation to direct the National Park Service to conduct a study on designating explorer Zebulon Pike's route through the American Southwestincluding significant stretches in Coloradoas a National Historic Trail. Amache Study Act: With Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), Bennet introduced this legislation to direct the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study on the historical significance of the former Japanese American relocation center, Amache, and evaluate the feasibility of it becoming part of the National Park System. Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act: Bennet cosponsored this legislation to continue to fund the Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs through Fiscal Year 2023 to protect four endangered species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2246,Cancer Patients Now Able to Defer Student Loans While Receiving Active Treatment,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Legislation providing desperately-needed financial peace of mind to patients battling cancer has been signed into law. The text of H.R. 2976, the Deferment for Active Cancer Treatment Act - introduced by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) - passed the House last week and was signed into law on September 28, 2018. Currently, individuals are able to defer student loan payments for various reasons such as going back to school, joining the armed services or looking for a job, but active cancer treatment has not yet been qualified for deferment. The legislation enables individuals who are diagnosed with cancer to defer payments on public student loans while actively receiving lifesaving treatment without interest accruing during the deferment period, as well as a six month grace period for people who complete treatment. Estimates show more than 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year. This will allow individuals undergoing cancer treatment to better focus on their health, and is something that should have been done a long time ago. I appreciate the work of Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Rep. McCollum, and the advocacy of Critical Mass among others to ensure this was signed into law, said Perlmutter. The hardships the families impacted by cancer face are only exacerbated by the financial stresses of having to meet student loan payments. This bill gives those actively undergoing live saving cancer treatment the peace of mind of not having to think about whether or not they can afford their federal student loan payments. The option to defer without accruing interest will allow patients to focus on what is important, their health, said Ros-Lehtinen. ""Young adults are fighting for their lives within a broken cancer care system that ignores their unique needs and isolates them in treatment settings designed for young children or seniors, said Kate Yglesias Houghton, President & CEO of Critical Mass: The Young Adult Cancer Alliance. Every American no matter their age deserves the same opportunity to survive and thrive after a cancer diagnosis. Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Ros-Lehtinen and Perlmutter we have finally broken through and are working with policymakers to remove the unique barriers - like student loans - faced by young adults after a cancer diagnosis. I look forward to continuing this work with our champions in Congress. The text of H.R. 2976 was included in the bipartisan fiscal year 2019 Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z