ICYMI: In Phoenix, Kelly Hears from Families and Small Business Owners on Rising Health Care Costs and Affordability

In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly sat down with families, small business owners, and employers today to hear directly about how rising costs—especially health care costs—are affecting household budgets, coverage decisions, and the ability of local employers to hire and retain workers.

On January 1, enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expired after Republicans blocked efforts to extend them, driving up premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Arizona families and small businesses. More than 300,000 Arizonans relied on these credits, and early data now shows roughly 70,000 fewer Arizonans enrolled in ACA coverage this year—underscoring how rising costs are pushing health care out of reach.

Last week, Kelly sent a letter to President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging action to lower costs and protect access to affordable care.

During the discussion, Kelly heard from Rusty, a self-employed Tucson resident who buys coverage through the ACA Marketplace and has multiple pre-existing conditions. For the past three years, Rusty said he paid about $277 a month, but this year his premium jumped to $668 after the enhanced ACA tax credits expired. Rusty told Kelly, “I don’t expect the government to solve all my problems, and I don’t expect a free ride, but what I do need help with is for them to level the playing field for the average citizen. That’s what the ACA did for me, and to see it go away is going to be catastrophic.”

Gayle, a co-owner of an independent community bookstore in Tempe and Phoenix with about 85 employees, shared that while the bookstore offers health insurance and provides a $250 monthly premium subsidy, rising costs have made coverage out of reach for many of her workers. This year, only 38 of her 85 employees enrolled in the plan, as staff were forced to choose between basic necessities and health insurance. Gayle told Kelly, “If you work in a bookstore, you cannot afford $10,000 out of pocket.”

Kelly also heard from Francisco, a Phoenix native who was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child and went years without treatment because his family could not afford coverage. Francisco shared that affordable health care allowed him to finally access consistent treatment and ultimately undergo brain surgery that changed his life. He told Kelly, “Access to affordable health care meant I could stay connected to doctors, get the treatment I needed, and eventually have brain surgery that made me seizure-free. For our community, health care isn’t politics; it’s dignity, stability, and the ability for our families to survive, contribute, and thrive without being punished for circumstances beyond our control.”

Oscar, a small business owner who runs an independent auto body shop in the Valley, told Kelly that rising health care costs make it impossible for him to offer coverage and that he often pays out of pocket when employees need basic medical care. He said the inability to provide affordable health insurance is costing him skilled workers and limiting his ability to grow his business. “We lose good workers to bigger companies because they can afford benefits we can’t. I want to take care of my guys, but health care costs make that nearly impossible.”

Earlier in the day, Kelly met with local elected officials, community leaders, and stakeholders from across Arizona to hear about the challenges facing their communities and discuss how they can continue working together to deliver results for Arizonans. Kelly reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for Arizonans in Washington as families and small businesses face rising costs.


King, Colleagues Condemn Department of Defense for Politicization of Military Newspaper

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined several of his Senate colleagues in demanding answers from the Department of Defense (DOD) regarding its recent efforts to politicize the independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the Senators raise concerns over recent reporting that Stars and Stripes job applicants have been asked to explain how they would advance the Administration’s policy priorities—a clear attempt to overhaul the newspaper’s journalistic objectivity and credibility.

“We write to express our strong and unwavering support for the continued editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, a publication whose credibility rests on its ability to report freely and impartially on matters affecting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” the Senators began. “Any diminishing independence of Stars and Stripes is a blow to the public’s legitimate need for information and disrespectful to our military. The paper’s independence is essential to ensuring the American people understand what is happening in our armed forces, and to provide servicemembers with honest, credible reporting rather than filtered or politicized narratives.”

The Senators continued, “Congress has been clear for decades that Stars and Stripes must be governed by First Amendment principles and insulated from political influence, regardless of which administration is in power. We urge you to immediately clarify that neither hiring practices nor editorial decisions at Stars and Stripes will be conditioned on ideological alignment or policy advocacy, and to reaffirm, publicly and unequivocally, the newspaper’s statutory independence.”

In addition to King, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

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Dear Secretary Hegseth,

We write to express our strong and unwavering support for the continued editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, a publication whose credibility rests on its ability to report freely and impartially on matters affecting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We are especially concerned about recent media reports that Stars and Stripes job applicants have been asked to explain how they would advance the President’s policy priorities, as well as recent comments made by the Pentagon’s top public affairs official that the Department plans to “refocus its [the newspaper’s] content away from woke distractions that syphon morale.” These developments represent a troubling departure from the First Amendment principles that have governed the newspaper since its inception in 1861.

Any diminishing independence of Stars and Stripes is a blow to the public’s legitimate need for information and disrespectful to our military. The paper’s independence is essential to ensuring the American people understand what is happening in our armed forces, and to provide servicemembers with honest, credible reporting rather than filtered or politicized narratives.

Congress has been clear for decades that Stars and Stripes must be governed by First Amendment principles and insulated from political influence, regardless of which administration is in power. We urge you to immediately clarify that neither hiring practices nor editorial decisions at Stars and Stripes will be conditioned on ideological alignment or policy advocacy, and to reaffirm, publicly and unequivocally, the newspaper’s statutory independence.

Sincerely,

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Kettle River and Pine City in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $1,750,000 in funding to advance water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Kettle River and Pine City. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Water and wastewater infrastructure need to be upgraded to support Kettle River and Pine City’s growing needs,” said Klobuchar. “The federal funding we secured will help make improvements to critical public services so residents have clean, safe water.”

“Clean water is an essential part of healthy, thriving communities,” said Smith. “I was glad to help Kettle River and Pine City secure funding for these vital water infrastructure projects.”

$1,000,000 to the City of Kettle River to support updates to maintain the safety and functionality of wastewater and drinking water systems.

$750,000 to the City of Pine City to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment pond system.

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Wild Rice Watershed District in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $50,000 in funding to restore a natural corridor along the Lower Reach of the Wild Rice River. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“The federal funding we secured will help restore another section of the Wild Rice River – mitigating flooding issues, improving water quality, and restoring fish and wildlife habitat,” said Klobuchar.

“Protecting its waters and surrounding ecosystems is critical for the health of our communities and the livelihoods of those who depend on it,” said Smith. “With the support of my colleagues, the funding secured for the Lower Wild Rice Corridor Habitat Restoration Program will be vital in supporting important projects that reduce pollution, restore habitats, and enhance water quality.

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Grand Marais in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $1,000,000 in funding to improve the Grand Marais Wastewater Treatment Facility. The current facility sits on the shores of Lake Superior and needs the funds to modernize, improve odor control, replace deteriorating infrastructure, and prevent discharge into the lake. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Grand Marais’s current wastewater treatment facility can’t meet the needs of those who call the city home and the more than a million visitors the city hosts annually,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help Grand Marais make improvements to this critical public service and protect Lake Superior.”

“In the land of 10,000 lakes, we take water seriously, and that includes wastewater,” said Smith. “Upgrading wastewater treatment in Grand Marais is a win for the folks living there, tourists visiting this beautiful region, and the health of Lake Superior.”

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Northwestern Minnesota in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $4,500,000 in funding to advance water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Barnesville, Moorhead, and Elizabeth. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Current water and wastewater infrastructure need to be upgraded to meet the growing needs of these northwestern cities,” said Klobuchar. “The federal funding we secured will help Barnesville, Moorhead, and Elizabeth make improvements to these critical public services.”

“Clean water is an essential part of healthy, thriving communities,” said Smith. “I was glad to help Barnesville, Moorhead, and Elizabeth secure funding for these vital water infrastructure projects.”

$750,000 to the City of Barnesville to reconstruct its water and sewer infrastructure.

$2,000,000 to the City of Moorhead to build a modernized biosolids dewatering system.

$1,750,000 to the City of Elizabeth to build a new drinking water and sanitary sewer system.

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Beltrami in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $750,000 in funding for Northern Township to install a sanitary sewer system along County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 20. This project will address the aging septic systems around Lake Bemidji. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“As the septic systems around Lake Bemidji age, they risk leaking into the surrounding groundwater and soil, harming the lake,” said Klobuchar. “The federal funding we secured will help Northern Township build a new wastewater system to upgrade the septic systems that many homes and businesses currently use, reducing the risk of pollutants entering the lake.”

“Wastewater management protects our health, our lakes and rivers, and our communities,” said Smith. “I'm so glad to have worked with Northern Township on this vital project."

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Lake of the Woods County in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $1,000,000 in funding for Lake of the Woods County to acquire a specialized vessel for aquatic emergency response, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and public safety enforcement. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Lake of the Woods County is in one of the most remote and difficult-to-access areas in the contiguous United States, making it harder for first responders to reach people in need of emergency assistance,” said Klobuchar. “Using the federal funding we secured, the county will purchase an emergency response vessel to improve public safety operations and response times.”

“I’m glad to have worked with local officials to secure funding for this critical, specialized public safety equipment to help in urgent, high-stakes water rescue missions,” said Smith. “This equipment will help in dangerous search and rescue missions and ultimately save lives.”

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Benton County in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $4,000,000 in funding to advance water infrastructure projects in Foley and Gilman. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Foley and Gilman’s current water and sewer infrastructure need to be upgraded to meet growing needs,” said Klobuchar. “The federal funding we secured will improve critical public services in Foley and Gilman so residents are provided with safe, clean water.”

“Clean water is an essential part of healthy, thriving communities,” said Smith. “I was glad to help Gilman and Foley secure funding for these vital water infrastructure projects.”

$2,000,000 to the City of Foley to design and construct a new water treatment plant, storage tank, and supply well.

$2,000,000 to the City of Gilman to replace and update wastewater and storm sewer infrastructure and mitigate elevated health and safety risks to its residents.

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Brainerd in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $500,000 in funding to the Brainerd Historic Water Tower Preservation Committee to restore the exterior stucco surface of the historic water tower. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“The historic Brainerd Water Tower has been a fixture in the area, welcoming visitors to Brainerd since it was completed in 1920,” said Klobuchar. “The federal funding we secured will help the Brainerd Historic Water Tower Preservation Committee repair and maintain this iconic landmark.”

“The Brainerd water tower is an historic symbol of the city, and it needs to be restored,” said Smith. “I’m so glad to have secured funding to preserve this iconic landmark for generations to come.”

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Polk County in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $750,000 in funding for Polk County. This funding will create a regionalized drinking water system for the area. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“The federal funding we secured will help Polk County address ongoing water quality issues and create a water system to provide the area with safe, clean drinking water for decades to come,” said Klobuchar.

“Clean water is an essential part of healthy, thriving communities,” said Smith. “I was glad to help Polk County secure funding for this vital water infrastructure project.”

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for St. Louis County in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $10,580,000 in funding to advance public safety and water infrastructure projects throughout St. Louis County. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“From upgrading our water infrastructure to modernizing our police records management, the federal funding we secured will improve public services and infrastructure St. Louis County residents count on. I look forward to seeing all the good these projects will do,” said Klobuchar.

“These projects come from the people closest to the community, and they address each community’s unique needs,” said Smith. “From delivering clean drinking water to improving public safety, these investments are going to make life healthier and better for Minnesotans.”

$330,000 to the City of Cook to improve the wastewater treatment system, specifically to prevent the failure of dike walls.

$1,750,000 to the City of Duluth to repair the Lakewood water treatment plant.

$2,000,000 to the City of Ely to improve the water intake structure, water main, and water treatment facility.

$1,500,000 to the City of Floodwood to improve their water infrastructure, specifically to extend water lines to new building sites.

$1,000,000 to Hibbing’s Public Utilities Commission to support rehabilitation and replacement projects for drinking water infrastructure.

$4,000,000 to St. Louis County to create Minnesota's largest public safety records consortium and improve public safety. This nineteen-county collaboration will enable seamless sharing of 911 communications records.

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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Graham Earns “A+” Rating for Defending Life

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) received an “A+” rating on the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) National Pro-life Scorecard. This scorecard recognizes members of Congress who have championed pro-life policies in the 119th Congress.

“As a pro-life senator, I proudly stand by my record of defending the rights of the most vulnerable among us,” said Senator Graham. “I am pleased to have earned an ‘A+’ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America.”

In 2025, Senator Graham was a strong champion for life in the United States Senate. As the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Graham led the fight to end federal funding for abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Additionally, he led fifty of his colleagues in demanding the Department of Health and Human Services end the Biden-era policy that allows abortion drugs to be order through the mail in violation of state pro-life laws.

Additional information on Senator Graham’s support for strong pro-life policies is available here.


Merkley, Underwood Honor 130th Anniversary of the American Nurses Association

“Our nurses make the world better, one bedside at a time. They provide critical support and advocacy for patients at some of the most difficult and joyous moments of their lives,” said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen up-close how difficult nurses’ jobs are and how important they are to patients. For over 130 years, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has fought to ensure these heroes have the resources and support necessary to help save lives. With this resolution, we honor the ANA’s commitment and dedication to the nursing profession so nurses can continue to care for patients and their families for many more years to come.”

“For 130 years, the American Nurses Association has represented nurses who are providing high-quality clinical care, engaging in policy advocacy, and leading in their communities across the country,” said Representative Underwood, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “As a registered nurse, I know the importance of supporting nurses at every stage of their education, training, and careers, and I am so proud to honor this milestone.”


Appropriations Committees Release Remaining Funding Bills

Legislation rejects draconian Trump cuts and 85+ Republican poison pill riders—protecting investments in Americans’ health, financial security, and futures while reasserting Congress’ power of the purse

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate and House Appropriations Committees released text of the four remaining fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills: the Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies bills.

In a statement, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said:

“These bills invest in working people across the country and utterly reject President Trump’s plan to defund our kids’ education, evict millions of families, and slash lifesaving medical research nearly in half. The message to President Trump is: America will continue to fund cancer research, we are going to keep investing in affordable housing and tackling homelessness, Congress will not abolish the Department of Education, and the people’s representatives will have the final say on how taxpayer dollars get spent.

“Because Democrats were at the table, this legislation staves off extreme cuts that would have raised families’ costs and jeopardized people’s health and livelihoods, and it instead delivers new funding for child care, our K-12 schools, rental assistance, and so much else. We protected the Pell Grants that students nationwide count on and soundly rejected the president’s baffling plan to cut funding to tackle the opioid crisis and get people the mental health care they need. President Trump wanted to slash funding for medical research by 40%; instead, we provided nearly half a billion more to keep patients’ hope alive that a new, life-saving cure might soon be discovered.

“This package invests in our servicemembers and their families—delivering a needed pay raise for our troops, funding more affordable housing options, and providing new resources to make sure we are supporting the brave men and women who serve. It makes major new investments to keep people safe while flying—and delivers vital funding to improve America’s roads, bridges, railroads, and public transit.

“Each of these bills reassert Congress’ power of the purse and ensure that Congress, not President Trump and Russ Vought, decide how taxpayer dollars get spent—by providing hundreds of specific spending directives that the executive branch must follow.

“While there’s a whole lot more I wish these bills would have addressed, these compromise bills protect critical investments in the American people, reject truly heartless cuts that would have undone decades of progress—and they are a significantly better outcome than another yearlong CR. I look forward to ensuring they get signed into law.”

On the Homeland Security funding bill, in particular, Senator Murray said:

“What we have seen from Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security is frankly sick and un-American. ICE is out-of-control, terrorizing people, including American citizens, and actively making our communities less safe. ICE must be reined in, and unfortunately, neither a CR nor a shutdown would do anything to restrain it, because, thanks to Republicans, ICE is now sitting on a massive slush fund it can tap whether or not we pass a funding bill. The suggestion that a shutdown in this moment might curb the lawlessness of this administration is not rooted in reality: under a CR and in a shutdown, this administration can do everything they are already doing—but without any of the critical guardrails and constraints imposed by a full-year funding bill.

“In this bill, Democrats defeated Republicans’ hard-fought push to give ICE an even bigger annual budget, successfully cut ICE’s detention budget and capacity, cut CBP’s budget by over $1 billion, and secured important, although still insufficient, new constraints on DHS. The bill rejects all Republican poison pill riders and significantly reduces Secretary Noem’s ability to move around funding as she sees fit under a CR.

“There is much more we must do to rein in DHS, which I will continue to press for. But the hard truth is that Democrats must win political power to enact the kind of accountability we need. I will keep fighting to bring sanity, decency, and due process to immigration enforcement in America. If you believe that we should be putting more of our taxpayer dollars towards health care and that our immigration enforcement should be focused on actual criminals instead of tear-gassing American children, then we need to speak up again and again—and we must take our fight to the ballot box.”

Throughout negotiations, Democrats fought to protect the programs and investments that matter most to working families across the country. The more than $1.2 trillion package:

PROTECTS FAMILIES’ FINANCES: Invests in programs people count on every day—and rejects President Trump and House Republicans’ cruel cuts that would have taken money out of families’ pockets.

BOOSTS CHILD CARE FUNDING: Invests $85 million more in the Child Care and Development Block Grant and $85 million more in Head Start to help families find and afford the child care and early education they need.

PROTECTS PELL GRANTS: Rejects President Trump’s push to cut the maximum Pell Grant by more than $1000 and protects the full $7,395 maximum grant.

KEEPS AMERICANS HOUSED: Rejects President Trump’s plan to slash rental assistance and put over 10 million Americans at risk of losing their housing and ending up on the streets—and instead boosts funding for rental assistance to keep Americans housed.

PROTECTS ENERGY SAVINGS: Provides $20 million more for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help working class families afford to heat and cool their homes.

PROTECTS WORKERS’ WALLETS: Rejects President Trump’s push to cut funding for key agencies that address wage theft, unsafe workplaces, and violations of workers’ rights.

BOOSTS NIH & MEDICAL RESEARCH FUNDING: Rejects President Trump’s plan to slash NIH funding by 40% and instead invests $415 million more into NIH research to discover new, lifesaving treatments and cures. Prevents NIH from implementing OMB’s directive to fund more multi-year research grants in one lump sum, which would have resulted in thousands fewer grants being awarded—and thousands fewer chances of discovering the next medical breakthrough.

REJECTS TRUMP’S HEALTH CUTS: Rejects over $33 billion in proposed cuts to HHS.

REJECTS SUBSTANCE USE & MENTAL HEALTH CUTS: Rejects President Trump’s proposed $1 billion cut to substance use and mental health funding—and instead provides additional resources to help communities tackle the opioid crisis and connect Americans to mental health services.

PROTECTS PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING: Rejects President Trump’s proposed 50% cut to CDC—instead sustaining essentially flat funding for the agency—and provides targeted funding increases for key pandemic preparedness programs.

INVESTS IN WOMEN’S HEALTH:Protects funding for Title X and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, boosts funding for maternal health, and funds a new menopause initiative.

INVESTS IN STUDENTS’ FUTURES: Rejects $12 billion in proposed cuts at the Department of Education and instead strengthens investments in education while protecting key programs Trump sought to scrap.

INVESTS IN MILITARY FAMILIES: Fully funds the 3.8% across-the-board pay raise for servicemembers, as well as the junior enlisted pay raise, and makes new investments to support military families.

INVESTS IN AMERICA’S NATIONAL SECURITY: Rejects proposals to cut off investments in security partnerships with America’s allies and delivers new funding to modernize our defenses.

REJECTS EXTREME REPUBLICAN RIDERS: Rejects 85+ poison pill riders included in House Republicans’ draft bills.

REASSERTS CONGRESSIONAL CONTROL: Prevents President Trump and his cabinet secretaries from unilaterally deciding how to spend taxpayer dollars. Right now, the Trump administration has significantly more discretion to decide how to allocate federal funding thanks to Republicans’ yearlong continuing resolution for fiscal year 2025, which failed to provide detailed funding directives for hundreds of programs and turned over decision-making power to the executive branch to fill in the gaps itself. These bills provide detailed directives about how funds are to be spent, and they strengthen key oversight, accountability, and transparency measures to help ensure that Congress—not the executive branch—decides how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Text of the four-bill package is available HERE.

The joint explanatory statement front matter is available HERE.

Defense

Bill Summary

Joint Explanatory Statement

Homeland Security

Bill Summary

Joint Explanatory Statement

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

Bill Summary

Joint Explanatory Statement

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Bill Summary

Joint Explanatory Statement

***An online version of this release is available here***

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Senator Murray Secures $190 Million for Howard Hanson Dam; Local Officials Celebrate Murray’s Successful Effort to Undo Trump’s Corrupt Army Corps Takeover & Restore Lost Funding

ICYMI: PASSED: Murray Secures Over $5 Billion for WA Priorities in Three-Bill Funding Package; Historic Funding for Hanford, $190 Million for Howard Hanson Dam, Rejecting Trump Cuts

In major triumph over Trump, Murray undoes Russ Vought’s cancellation of funding for Howard Hanson Dam, singlehandedly steers major federal funding back to HHD

Senator Murray: “My message to Donald Trump: don’t mess with our water. Don’t mess with our fish.”

***VIDEO OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE***

***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***

Ravensdale, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a press conference just downstream of the Howard Hanson Dam to celebrate the $190 million she secured this month for a critical water storage and fish passage project at Howard Hanson Dam that will reduce flood risk, address fish passage, and ensure long-term water reliability for over one million people in the region, including in Tacoma and Covington. Senator Murray secured the funding in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2026 she negotiated—the legislation passed through the Senate on Thursday after passing the House, and is expected to soon be signed into law.

Last year, the Trump administration zeroed out funding for the Howard Hanson Dam and stripped Army Corps construction dollars from blue states including Washington, directing these funds to red states instead—an outrageous abuse of power made possible by a Republican slush-fund continuing resolution that handed even more authority to Trump and his Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought. Senator Murray—who fought hard to prevent the Republican bill from passing in the first place—sounded the alarm, calling out the Trump administration’s “corrupt BS” and making the case to her Republican colleagues that Congress must work together to prevent this from happening again. This month, Senator Murray secured passage of bipartisan funding bills she negotiated as the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee that boost Army Corps funding, prevent Trump from corruptly messing with Army Corps projects like he did last year, and deliver crucial funding for Howard Hanson Dam and other important Army Corps projects across Washington state.

Specifically, Senator Murray secured in the bill $190 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for construction at Howard Hanson Dam, alongside language in the bill that will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to incrementally fund the Howard Hanson Dam project by modifying the existing design and construction contract within 60 days of this bill’s enactment. While the project originally needed $500 million to move forward with construction, this language allows the Corps to get the Howard Hanson Dam project back on track with this award. Overall, Senator Murray secured $412.5 million for Army Corps of Engineers projects and $80.955 million for Bureau of Reclamation projects across Washington state in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2026.

“Last week, we passed a funding bill that ended Trump’s political games and got funding flowing once again to Howard Hanson Dam. Last week, I secured $190 million for the Howard Hanson Dam, so we can finally begin construction on this critical project to protect our communities from flooding and [ensure] long-term water reliability for over one million people. And now Trump is going to sign a bill in a few days that continues the same construction at the Howard Hanson Dam that he tried to eliminate not even a year ago,” Senator Murray said at today’s press conference.

In her remarks, Senator Murray touted the project as the most ambitious and important salmon restoration project in Western Washington—a win for Tribes, for our economy, and our environment. Murray also pointed out how the Howard Hanson Dam played a critical role in protecting communities during last month’s historic flooding, when record amounts of water were stored behind the dam—preventing an estimated five feet of additional flooding in Auburn and protecting communities in Kent, Renton, and Tukwila, among other places.

“I’m as clear eyed as everyone about the fact we still have work ahead,” Murray continued in her remarks. “But we have won a huge rebuke of Trump’s effort to cut Howard Hanson, a huge chunk of change to get construction going, and I even secured language that allows us to get started with these funds while we continue to fight for the rest. And I am going to promise you all right now, I will not stop fighting for Howard Hanson Dam until the construction is done. I will fight for this project down to the last penny. And my message to Donald Trump: don’t mess with our water. Don’t mess with our fish. Just like salmon—I’m never giving up. We’re going to muscle upstream, and get this project, and win this fight.”

Joining Senator Murray for the press conference today were: Jackie Flowers, Director of Tacoma Public Utilities; Chairman Jaison Elkins, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe; John O’Loughlin, Chair of Tacoma Public Utility Board; and Tacoma Mayor Anders Ibsen. Following the press conference, Senator Murray and others received a tour of the fish ladder and fish trap and haul onsite at the Tacoma Public Utilities facility just downstream of the Howard Hanson Dam.

“I want to extend a huge amount of gratitude and say thank you to Senator Murray for being a tireless champion of the Howard Hanson Dam Additional Water Storage Project,” said Jackie Flowers, Director of Tacoma Public Utilities. “The benefits from this significant investment will be felt in this community for generations.”

“The Muckleshoot Tribe appreciates Senator Murray’s steadfast support for ensuring that our future generations are able to enjoy robust salmon runs. The funding secured for Howard Hanson Dam is pivotal to achieving this goal,” said Muckleshoot Chairman Jaison Elkins.

“The senator’s efforts in Washington DC over many years have made it possible for the TPU team here at the Headworks and in Tacoma to deliver water reliably to our communities. Completing the Additional Water Storage Project is key to our region’s economic vitality,” said John O’Laughlin, Chairman of Tacoma Public Utilities. “Thank you, Senator Murray, for your hard work bringing this investment to our community.”

“The Additional Water Storage Project highlights the importance of partnerships and perseverance,” said City of Tacoma Mayor Anders Ibsen. “Having a senator and leader in Washington, DC like Senator Murray is incredibly important for local governments to make these critical projects become reality. Receiving this funding is a testament to her hard work and commitment to Washington State.”

Supporting the Howard Hanson Dam has been a longtime priority for Senator Murray, and she has pressed the Army Corps to prioritize funding for the Dam for years. Under the last administration, Senator Murray was able to secure critical funding boosts for Howard Hanson Dam, including $220 million in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and $50 million to begin construction of the Fish Passage facility in the funding bills for Fiscal Year 2024 that Murray wrote as then-Chair of the Appropriations Committee. Back in 2010, Murray secured $44 million in badly needed emergency funds for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the Howard Hanson Dam.

In the draft fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill, Senator Murray secured $500 million for the water storage project, an amount that also included in the House’s draft fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill. But instead of working with Democrats to pass full-year fiscal year 2025 appropriations bills, Republicans in Congress put forth a yearlong continuing resolution (CR) early last year that failed to include hundreds of specific directives on how funding must be spent—allowing the Trump administration to unilaterally defund Army Corps construction projects in blue states like Washington, which they proceeded to do. For months, Senator Murray had warned of the dangers of passing Republicans’ slush fund CR, noting, for example, that it would allow the administration to zero out funding for Army Corps projects.

Senator Murray’s full remarks at today’s press conference are below:

“Thank you, all for being here and joining us, it’s good to be here with so many longtime partners in the fight for Howard Hanson Dam, the Muckleshoot Tribe, the city of Tacoma, and Tacoma Public Utilities are all represented here along with many other people.

“I want to thank all of you for being here with today—and being here every step of the way for the push for Howard Hanson. And of course it is always good to be with you when there is good news—and the good news is that we have $190 million in federal dollars coming, to get construction underway!

“You know, for over six decades Howard Hanson Dam has been critical to ensuring our communities have safe drinking water and protecting them from flooding, and it will be another six decades so long as I have anything to say about this!

“I have had to go to bat for this dam—I almost said damn dam!—time and time and time again, when it comes to infrastructure like this, it’s not always an easy fight, but we never give up.

“People over in D.C. who don’t know where the city of Kent is or can’t find Pierce or King County on a map to them, infrastructure like this might feel like something they can just write off. But you better believe: no Trump appointee is going to ever write off what’s important to Washington state while I hold the pen on government funding bills.

“I still remember when I was convincing the Senate to pass $44 million in emergency money to repair the dam, just like today we brought a lot of people together, we ignored the voices that said: ‘I don’t think it can be done.’ And you know what? We got it done.

“But there’s more work ahead to make sure this dam can continue to work for our Tribes, our families, and yes—even our salmon. Because here in Washington state—salmon are not just fish—they are a crucial part of our economy, our Tribes’ way of life—treaty rights, and of our identity!

“This funding would reopen over 100 miles of critical habitat for our salmon—this is the most ambitious and important salmon restoration project in Western Washington. It is a win for our Tribes, for our economy, and our environment. I’m not about to let Trump step between our Tribes and communities when it comes to saving our salmon.

“And if anyone doubted how crucial Howard Hanson is to keeping our communities safe, we had a very clear demonstration last month. When historic, devastating floods swept across our state, Howard Hanson stood strong. In fact—it stored a record amount of water which helped protect Kent, Auburn, Renton, and Tukwila—to just name a few examples.

“Howard Hanson is there for us—but we have to be there for it—there are crucial updates and upgrades ready to get underway.

“As you all know, I have pounded the pavement to get this project done. And in recent years, we have been making some very serious progress.

“In 2022, I secured $220 million for Howard Hanson Dam in our bipartisan infrastructure law. I remember coming right here afterwards—and celebrating that victory as a watershed moment for the next chapter of the dam. And we kept the momentum going—when I worked during the Biden years to secure a $50 million down payment ahead of construction.

“And this time last year, about right now, we were on track to make the biggest progress yet. After hard negotiations and long talks, we were on track to get this project crucial funding in our bipartisan Senate bill—$500 million dollars to execute a necessary construction contract.

Howard Hanson was even fully funded in the House Appropriations bill drafted by Republicans—every cent! This was an effort years in the making.

“But then—of course—Donald Trump and Russ Vought took a wrecking ball to this project.

“They announced a brazen, partisan plan to blatantly rob blue states and completely politicize federal funding for crucial Army Corps projects. And part of that scheme—was to completely zero out Howard Hanson funding.

“No heads up. No explanation after. Just sheer-partisanship. Truly one of the most blatant acts of political thuggery I have seen from an American President in my time in the Senate.

“Now of course, when I see a problem like that—I don’t just get angry, I got to work. You would think Trump would learn by now, but they never do.

“Whenever someone tries to get me to roll over, I roll up my sleeves instead—and that’s exactly what I did for this project.

“I wasted no time, I called out Trump’s corrupt BS, I called on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I made it clear to anyone and everyone I was not going to let this stand. No way. It wasn’t easy, but when has it ever been?

“When I raised the alarm, some people said I was acting like a ‘town crier’ in D.C., hopelessly appealing to Republicans to do the right thing.

“Look, as someone who has negotiated more bipartisan deals than just about any member of the Senate, I don’t just hope Republicans do the right thing. I get to work and strike a deal to put Washington state first and our values first.

“Now some people will always underestimate me, they always do—they say I am just a mom in tennis shoes, but I have got to tell you I’ve worn these tennis shoes on the Senate floor for a long time, and I know how to get things done with these tennis shoes on.

“And last week—it happened for this project. Last week, we passed a funding bill that ended Trump’s political games and got funding flowing once again to Howard Hanson Dam.

“Last week, I secured $190 million for the Howard Hanson Dam, so we can finally begin construction on this critical project to protect our communities from flooding and [ensure] long-term water reliability for over one million people.

“And now Trump is going to sign a bill in a few days that continues the same construction at the Howard Hanson Dam that he tried to eliminate not even a year ago. Now I’m as clear eyed as everyone about the fact we still have work ahead, we are still short of the full $500 million he robbed us of last year.

“But we have won a huge rebuke of Trump’s effort to cut Howard Hanson, a huge chunk of change to get construction going, and I even secured language that allows us to get started with these funds while we continue to fight for the rest.

“And I am going to promise you all right now, I will not stop fighting for Howard Hanson Dam until the construction is done. I will fight for this project down to the last penny.

“And my message to Donald Trump: don’t mess with our water. Don’t mess with our fish. Just like salmon—I’m never giving up. We’re going to muscle upstream, and get this project, and win this fight.

“So thank you all so much for joining me today, and more importantly for fighting with me, all of you, throughout this long fight. I’m so grateful to have all of you by my side, I couldn’t get it done without you. So thank you to everyone here.”

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Senator Murray Visits King County Emergency Operations Center, Hears Updates on Flood Recovery Efforts From Local Leaders & Emergency Management Officials

ICYMI: Senator Murray Visits Whatcom County Communities Hit Hard by Recent Flooding, Discusses Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts With Local Leaders & Emergency Management

ICYMI: In Senate Floor Speech, Senator Murray Commends Rescue Efforts and Response to Devastating Flooding Across WA, Vows to Continue Fighting for Support Needed to Rebuild & Recover

***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***

Renton, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the King County Office of Emergency Management Operations Center and hosted a roundtable discussion with local leaders, emergency management officials, and community members from King County. At the event, Murray heard how King County is working with surrounding municipalities and federal agencies on ongoing flood recovery efforts and how they are rebuilding and preparing for future disasters, and discussed the importance of federal disaster assistance. Last month, extreme weather caused widespread flooding and damage across Washington state. In King County, the Office of Emergency Management had to coordinate a quick response to immediately repair levees that failed in Tukwila and Pacific, ultimately preventing further catastrophic flooding and loss of life.

Joining Senator Murray for the roundtable discussion were: King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Office of Emergency Management Director Brendan McCluskey, Misitica Walker, who was impacted by the historic flooding in December, and King County Ecologist and Flood Patrol member Josh Kubo.

“It was important to hear from folks on the ground about flood recovery efforts here in King County—and I look forward to supporting additional requests for federal disaster assistance in the coming days and weeks, to make sure people and communities across our state are getting the disaster relief they need to recover and rebuild,” Senator Murray said. “Thanks to our heroic first responders, King County was able to respond quickly to repair failed levees in Tukwila and Pacific during the historic flooding event last month—preventing further damage to homes and businesses, and saving lives. There is still a lot of work to be done to rebuild but it is great to see so many people coming together to help get people back in their homes and get resources out the door. I will continue doing everything I can to make sure that Washington state gets the federal funding we need to recover from this disaster.”

“This historic flooding tested our communities, and King County employees — working alongside cities across the county and neighbors who stepped up to help — met the moment,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “From emergency management staff and first responders to public works crews and residents helping one another, people showed up in real and meaningful ways to protect lives and support those most impacted. I’m grateful to Senator Murray for coming to our Emergency Operations Center, listening to those on the ground, and continuing to fight for the federal resources our residents need to recover and move forward.”

Earlier this month, Senator Murray met with local leaders, emergency management staff, and first responders from Whatcom County to discuss ongoing response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts in the region. In December, Senator Murray led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved on December 12th.

Last month, Senator Murray visited the FEMA response center in Bothell to thank the staff for working around the clock to help coordinate local response efforts, and visited Snohomish County to hear from local first responders and emergency management officials and tour affected areas around the city of Monroe. Senator Murray also met with local leaders in Skagit County to discuss the ongoing response efforts in the region and to see firsthand how the Skagit County Flood Wall protected downtown Mount Vernon during the historic flooding—Murray secured the federal funds to help build the flood wall back in 2006.

Senator Murray continues to reiterate that Congress should support more, not less, investments in climate resilience to help prevent extreme weather events from devastating communities—just as the Skagit County Flood Wall was able to do in December. Back in May, Senator Murray led a bipartisan, bicameral letter with over 80 of her colleagues urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to reinstate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which supports local efforts to protect and harden our communities from natural disaster. Just recently, Washington and a multistate coalition won their lawsuit against the Trump administration over its unlawful attempt to shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) BRIC program. As a longtime senior appropriator, Murray has always fought to secure the federal resources Washington state needs to recover and rebuild from natural disasters—in Congress, Murray has worked hard to impress upon her colleagues that disaster relief should never be impeded by politics.

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WATCH: Padilla, Schiff Conduct Oversight of California City ICE Detention Center

KERN COUNTY, CA — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, conducted an oversight visit to the largest detention center in California, located in California City, to learn firsthand of the concerns surrounding the condition of detained individuals at this facility amid the Trump Administration’s mass detention and deportation campaign. One year into President Trump’s disastrous, anti-immigrant presidency, the Senators exercised their Congressional oversight role through a briefing and tour of the facility before meeting with dozens of Californians and other detained individuals, many with no criminal record, whom Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have swept up indiscriminately.

The oversight visit comes as the number of immigrants detained by ICE swells to nearly 73,000 — more than ever before in U.S. history. After 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025, the deadliest year since 2005, at least six individuals have already died in their custody this year.

After ICE began transferring people to the CoreCivic-managed facility in late August, they have rapidly expanded the facility toward their goal of filling all 2,560 beds, raising significant concerns about ICE and CoreCivic’s ability to maintain adequate conditions for the people detained there. ICE officers informed the Senators today that the facility now holds 1,450 detained individuals.

With Congress set to consider legislation to further increase ICE funding and detention beds, the Senators pulled back the curtain on the inhumane conditions detained individuals at California City are facing. The Senators investigated reports of unsanitary and unsafe facility conditions, inadequate medical and mental health care, insufficient access to legal counsel, a severe lack of accommodations for people with disabilities, and the unnecessary use of solitary confinement.

“One year into Donald Trump’s campaign of terror against immigrant communities, we must hold this Administration accountable for its cruel and indiscriminate mass deportation agenda,” said Senator Padilla. “We saw firsthand today at California’s largest detention center the inhumane conditions that detained individuals are facing, violating basic standards for access to health care, food, water, and legal counsel. ICE and CBP continue to detain immigrants with no criminal record, all while wasting billions in taxpayer funds and doing little to increase public safety. With more and more people dying in ICE custody as detentions reach record levels, I won’t stop fighting to ensure basic protections for detained individuals and end the egregious abuses of power by this out-of-control Administration.”

“I’ve been aghast at what we’re seeing around the country and in California, with indiscriminate immigration raids and with the brutality that’s being used against people who have no criminal record. And one year in, things may just get worse, with the President threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act, further militarize the streets and use the military against their own people. Much of the trauma people are experiencing in our communities is out in the open, often captured on video. The pain people experience after their arrest is hidden from view, and that is why we are here today. To conduct necessary oversight, and see firsthand what the conditions are like, and to make sure that people are treated humanely and have their rights observed,” said Senator Schiff.

California groups previously unveiled major issues with conditions at the California City Detention Facility. Disability Rights California (DRC), the largest disability rights organization in the nation, found that the facility “fails to meet people’s basic needs,” lacks “access to critical medical” care, and “employs staff who harass” detained people, while subjecting dozens of individuals to solitary confinement. After California Department of Justice staff visited the facility in November 2025, Attorney General Rob Bonta sounded the alarm that the rapid scaling up of detentions shortly after the facility reopened did not provide CoreCivic enough time to ensure that the facility was adequately prepared to accommodate detained individuals.

The California City facility operates under less stringent and protective standards and still has not been inspected by the Department of Homeland Security.

Senator Padilla has been a leading voice in opposition to President Trump’s cruel and indiscriminate mass deportation agenda and denial of basic services for detained individuals. Last year, Padilla introduced the Access to Counsel Act to ensure that U.S. citizens, green card holders, and other individuals with legal status can consult with an attorney, relative, or other interested parties to seek assistance if they are detained by CBP for more than an hour at ports of entry, including airports. Padilla and Schiff also introduced the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, a bill to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows detained noncitizens to contact legal counsel and their families. Last July, Padilla joined a Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee hearing to set the record straight on President Trump and Stephen Miller’s cruel mass deportation campaign, blasting the Administration for intentionally stoking fear and scapegoating immigrants.

Video of Padilla and Schiff’s remarks following the briefing and tour can be watched here and downloaded here. Padilla’s remarks in Spanish are available here.

Additional photos from the event are available here.

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Homeland Security Democrats Call on Chairman Paul to Conduct Urgent Oversight of ICE and CBP Excessive Use of Force & Improper Actions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2026

Nathaniel Worley

peterspress@hsgac.senate.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led his Democratic committee colleagues in calling on Chairman Rand Paul to conduct desperately needed oversight of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) escalating use of excessive force and other improper actions including the continued use of masked agents and unmarked cars as well as threats unrelated to immigration enforcement that appear intended to chill citizens’ protected First Amendment activities. In a letter, the senators point to increasingly violent actions by federal law enforcement officials, including the use of pepper balls against protestors exercising their First Amendment rights and the fatal shooting in Minneapolis last week of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen. The senators also raise concerns about federal law enforcement officers’ tactics, such as officers conducting operations while masked, refusing to properly identify themselves, and DHS leadership’s complete failure to enforce appropriate conduct in their officers’ interactions with the public. Finally, the senators are also seeking to ensure Chairman Paul will engage in needed oversight of the Administration and DHS by securing information about how DHS has diverted essential resources away from other critical homeland security missions, including investigating sex crimes against children and terrorist financing. U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined Peters in sending the letter.

“The Department of Homeland Security has deployed an unprecedented number of federal agents throughout the country without appropriate coordination with state and local law enforcement. These federal agents have engaged in numerous operations involving excessive uses of force, including the fatal shooting of an American citizen in Minnesota just last week,” wrote the senators. “The Department, meanwhile, has completely neglected its responsibility to fairly and transparently investigate these federal agents’ actions. We urge you to conduct needed oversight of the Department.”

The senators continued: “The fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota followed numerous other enforcement actions across the country in which federal agents appear to have engaged in the excessive use of force, in some instances, against American citizens engaged in protected First Amendment activity. Federal agents from the Department fired a pepper ball into a pastor’s head during peaceful protests in Chicago, broke the ribs of a senior citizen in Los Angeles who was wrongfully detained, arrested an Army veteran and U.S. citizen during an immigration raid in California and jailed him for three days without charges, wrongfully detained a U.S. citizen at his workplace on two separate occasions and continued to hold him after he proved his citizenship, fired tear gas and pepper balls at journalists covering protests, and pulled individuals off the streets and into unmarked vehicles for engaging in lawfully protected speech.”

The senators continued: “Further, federal agents are conducting community raids while masked, refusing to properly identify themselves and, as a result, are sowing widespread fear in our communities. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) felt the need to urge agents to identify themselves as law enforcement officers and to cooperate with individuals who request further verification in light of criminals posing as U.S. immigration officers that have carried out robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults in several states.”

“HSGAC is the U.S. Senate’s chief oversight committee and has jurisdiction over DHS. This committee has a strong tradition under Republican and Democratic leadership of holding the Executive Branch accountable to the law and to the American people,” concluded the senators. “We call on you to immediately conduct needed oversight of this Administration, including, if necessary, to issue a subpoena for records and information regarding the Administration’s diversion of resources from critical homeland security missions, as well as the excessive use of force against and arrest of U.S. citizens.”

The senators are calling for Chairman Paul to issue subpoenas if necessary and to hold a hearing with Administration officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, ICE Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Todd M. Lyons, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks, and U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino to explain the Administration’s disregard for the law.

The full text of the letter can be found here.


Senate Passes Bipartisan Funding Bill with Peters-Led Wins to Strengthen Michigan’s Infrastructure, Protect Great Lakes, Boost Clean Energy Production

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured funding for high-impact, local public projects and Michigan priorities in the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that passed the Senate. The bipartisan legislation includes funding for protecting the Great Lakes, continued construction of the Soo Locks, strengthening our power grid, and flood prevention. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“This bipartisan legislation delivers crucial investments that will support Michigan’s economy and help protect our Great Lakes and precious freshwater assets,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to secure funding in the bill to build more resilient infrastructure, bolster clean energy production, and advance research that keeps our state at the forefront of innovation.”

The bill includes numerous measures led and supported by Peters, including:

Strengthening Critical Infrastructure

Robust Funding for Soo Locks Construction: Peters secured $176.6 million in the bill for the Soo Locks construction project. This funding will support ongoing construction of the new Poe-sized lock. Peters has prioritized securing the funding necessary to build the new lock. Last year, through his role on the Appropriations Committee, he secured more than $264 million through government funding legislation. In 2024, he toured the ongoing construction project after helping to secure $257.4 million for the project. In January 2022, Peters also helped to secure $479 million for modernizing the Soo Locks through the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Brandon Road Lock and Dam Funding: Peters secured $28 million for construction of numerous measures to counter invasive carp at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, a critical choke point for halting the continued spread of invasive carp and preventing them from establishing in the Great Lakes.

Supporting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: The bill provides over $10 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support critical projects that strengthen our nation’s waterways and protect communities from extreme weather events.

Strengthening Michigan Ports and Harbors: The bill provides a historic more than $3 billion, a $702 million increase over fiscal year 2025, to improve navigation and commerce on our nation’s waterways, including the Great Lakes. The bill also includes funding for inland waterway navigation projects, which help improve the transport of important commodities like grain, iron, and petroleum.

Protecting the Great Lakes, Access to Clean Water

Replacing Lead Service Lines in Detroit: Peters secured $9 million in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to replace lead service lines throughout the City of Detroit, helping to ensure safe drinking water and public health.

Great Lakes Authority: The bill includes $5 million for the Great Lakes Authority (GLA), one of ten federal regional commissions that seek to address major economic distress in certain geographic regions. The funding will be used to make targeted investments in economically distressed communities across the Great Lakes Basin, helping to ensure communities throughout the region have access to quality public infrastructure, job training opportunities, and the general tools necessary for economic prosperity. The GLA encompasses counties throughout eight states: Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.

Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study: The bill provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with $3 million to continue conducting its Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, which is developing a coordinated strategy and identifying aging infrastructure to protect 5,200 miles of Great Lakes coastline against flooding and erosion.

Bolstering U.S. Manufacturing and Innovation, Michigan’s Automotive Sector

Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB): The bill provides $110 million for FRIB operations and $15 million for the construction of the High Rigidity Spectrometer (HRS). The facility is housed at Michigan State University. The rare isotopes produced at FRIB will allow nuclear scientists and researchers to explore a range of potential applications in the fields such as energy, medicine, and national security, including diagnosing and curing diseases, improving next generation nuclear reactors for energy, and finding processes to destroy nuclear waste. Once completed, HRS will enable isotope harvesting and substantially increase FRIB’s scientific reach and productivity.

Supporting Scientific Discovery: The bill provides $8.4 billion in funding for the Office of Science. The Office of Science is the largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences and supports 22,000 researchers at 17 national laboratories and more than 300 universities, including in Michigan. The bill will advance research in the highest priorities including high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, biology, and clean energy to maintain and strengthen our global competitiveness. The bill also boosts funding for the Office’s work on artificial intelligence and advanced computing to help the Department of Energy implement the Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) initiative.

Renewable Energy: The bill provides $3.1 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that support all types of research, including into advanced manufacturing and building and industrial decarbonization. The bill rejects President Trump’s proposed cut of over $2.5 billion for this research, as well as his proposal to zero out funding for critical solar, wind, and hydrogen research programs. The bill maintains vital investments to bolster energy and manufacturing supply chains to help ensure our continued global leadership in energy technologies.

Protecting Our Energy Grid: The bill provides $190 million to help ensure the continued success of the Department of Energy’s programs aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of our energy sector and grid. It also provides robust funding for both the Office of Electricity and the Grid Deployment Office, rejecting President Trump’s proposed merger of the two offices. The bill will also support upgrades to critical electrical grid infrastructure, an essential investment when energy costs are skyrocketing due to President Trump’s policies, including the termination of renewable energy projects across the country.

Tribal Energy: The bill provides funding for the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. The bill also rejects President Trump’s proposal to prohibit funding for wind, solar, and battery projects. This funding will help electrify the 30,000 Tribal homes that currently do not have access to power.

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ICYMI: Ricketts Meets with Lexington Leaders, Issues Statement on Tyson Plant Closure

LEXINGTON, NE – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) met with local leaders in Lexington amid the January 20 closure of Tyson Food’s processing plant. Senator Ricketts released the following statement:

“Today, I met with local leaders in Lexington, including the mayor and organizations like Lutheran Family Services (LFS). LFS and other local organizations are actively working with impacted workers and families from the Tyson plant closure to help them find work and assistance in the Lexington area.

“I will continue supporting these local leaders’ efforts to assist impacted families and help these workers find new jobs in the area.”


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…  Sen. Rick Scott on Fox: Let’s Pass my More Affordable Care Act to Lower Costs & Make Health Care Great Again

The More Affordable Care Act Can Deliver on President Trump’s Health Care Plan and Lower Costs TODAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing to discuss his More Affordable Care Act as President Trump urges Congress to make health care more affordable for families. Senator Scott’s bill will fix the broken health care crisis created under Obamacare, drive down health care costs, increase transparency and competition in the system, and give families the opportunity to shop across state lines. The More Affordable Care Act is an answer to President Trump’s call to send any federal support dollars directly to families, not insurance companies, through new HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts that empower families to choose the plan that best fits their unique needs.

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee and Cynthia Lummis and is led by Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger in the House of Representatives.

Watch Senator Scott on Fox News above or HERE, his op-ed in Fox HERE, or Senator Scott and Chairman Pfluger’s recent piece in the Washington Examiner HERE.

The More Affordable Care Act:

Establishes Trump Health Freedom Accounts, HSA-style accounts that ensure federal dollars to support families are delivered to them directly, not funneled to insurance companies;

These funds can be applied to premiums and will be Hyde-compliant by restricting use on abortion health plans or abortion services;

Offers more options for plans that will create market-driven incentives to drive down costs;

Allows Americans to shop across state lines with the creation of a state waiver program within the Affordable Care Act, further expanding competition within the health insurance market and the availability of health insurance plans within existing ACA exchanges;

Any health insurance plan that is approved by a waiver from the state’s insurance commissioner shall be sold on an easily accessible exchange, whether that’s the federal exchange of healthcare.gov, a state’s exchange, or a state-managed, commercially run exchange.

Enhances President Trump’s Executive Order to increase transparency in health care and provide patients with the price and quality of a good or service in advance. Families will have up-front pricing on what things will cost them – a health care menu – so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs;

Maintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and

Enhances the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage and increase accessibility.

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Schatz: Tens Of Millions In New Federal Funding Heading To Hawai‘i In Appropriations Deal

Another Package With Additional Funding Set To Be Released in Coming Weeks

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Senate voted 82-15 to pass a bipartisan appropriations deal that will deliver tens of millions in federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai‘i. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully secured funding for Hawai‘i’s priorities in the final deal. The package now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“Despite the difficult political environment in Washington, we secured federal funding for key priorities across Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz. “This new funding will help protect our parks and wildlife, support clean energy and disaster preparedness, and promote Native Hawaiian arts and culture. We’re not done yet, and we’re going to continue working to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.”

FUNDING HIGHLIGHTS FOR HAWAI‘I INCLUDE:

Native Hawaiian Culture and Art – $1.3 million. Senator Schatz secured funding for grants to nonprofit organizations or institutions that support programs for Native Hawaiian culture and arts development. The bill also includes a statutory language fix to allow Native Hawaiian Organizations to apply, in line with Senator Schatz's Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act.

East Maui Rainforest – $9.9 million. This funding helps the Forest Legacy Program acquire native forestlands for state management.

State of the Birds Research – $6.7 million. More than 90 Hawaiian bird species have gone extinct, and nine listed Hawaiian bird species are currently in decline. These funds will support continued mosquito research, which is crucial to preventing further extinctions as climate change, habitat degradation and destruction, and other human and environmental impacts threaten native bird population levels.

He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve – $881,000 (estimated). This funding will support the He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve which demonstrates the value of Native Hawaiian taro cultivation and fishpond aquaculture to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Native Tourism Assistance – $1.3 million (nationwide). Senator Schatz’s Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act provides grants, loans, and technical assistance to Indian Tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to expand cultural tourism opportunities and spur economic development. This funding will continue to build and strengthen the NATIVE Act grant programs administered by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Protecting Parks and Refuges – $3.4 billion (nationwide). The bill fully funds National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operations which includes funding to support staffing for visitors services at Hawai‘i's wildlife refuges and national parks.

EPA Funding – $8.8 billion (nationwide). The bill funds the Environmental Protection Agency so it can fulfill critical responsibilities like protecting our environment and health from pollution through the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. It also maintains Energy Star, the voluntary energy efficiency labeling program, which lowers energy costs for Hawai‘i households.

Endangered Hawaiian Marine Species Protection – $12.2 million. The bill includes:

$4.6 million in funding to support conservation and recovery of monk seals, the only seal species in the world that live in only one nation's territorial waters, with research on vaccination and disease prevention (morbillivirus and toxoplasmosis).

$5.6 million in funding to support sea turtle conservation activities such as continued monitoring of endangered turtle populations and the impacts of habitat loss.

$1.5 million in funding to support investigations into interactions between fisheries and false killer whales.

$500,000 for state-led conservation activities.

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument – $1.2 million. This funding supports the National Ocean Service in providing competitive education, research, and management grants for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Grant Program – $4 million (nationwide). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to coastal states like Hawai‘i for preparedness activities such as inundation mapping, disaster planning, and tsunami education.

Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program – $2.2 million (estimated). The National Sea Grant College Program supports the University of Hawai‘i in conducting research, education, and advisory services in any field related to the conservation and development of marine resources.

Ocean Observing System – $3.2 million (estimated). This funding supports Hawaii’s Pacific Integrated Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) which improves weather forecasting and detects changes in coastal ecosystems and coastal climate.

Geothermal Resource Assessment – $2.5 million (Hawai‘i and Alaska). This funding will help the U.S. Geological Survey assess prospective geothermal resources in Hawai‘i and Alaska. Senator Schatz also secured support for permitting of clean energy projects.

Brown Tree Snake Control – $3 million (estimated). This funding will help sustain current brown tree snake management efforts in Hawai‘i and across U.S. territories in the Pacific region. To date, this program has saved $1.7 billion in costs for invasive species management in Hawai‘i.

Improved Data for Weather Forecasting – $30 million (nationwide). NOAA’s Mesonet Program purchases weather data from non-federal networks to supply fine resolution data that can greatly enhance forecasts. The funding will help collect data to improve flood forecasts across Hawai‘i.

Coral Reef Conservation – $33.5 million (nationwide). This funding supports NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, which addresses the top threats to coral reef ecosystems in Hawai‘i and across the country. Working with partners, NOAA develops place-based strategies, measures the effectiveness of management efforts, and builds capacity among reef managers globally.

National Marine Sanctuaries – $67 million (nationwide). This funding supports research and management of the national network of Marine Sanctuaries, including the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary.

AI Research – $30 million (nationwide). The bill fully funds the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) to support independent and under-resourced AI researchers. A total of 7 projects in Hawai‘i has been funded through NAIRR.

Port Infrastructure Maintenance – $1.5 million. The funding will support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operations, maintenance, inspections, and surveys of the conditions of multiple ports in Hawai‘i, including:

Barber’s Point Harbor (O‘ahu)

Hilo Harbor (Hawai‘i Island)

Kahului Harbor (Maui)

Kahului Small Boat Harbor (Maui)

Kawaihae Harbor (Hawai‘i Island)

Nawiliwili Harbor (Kaua‘i)

Maui Watershed Assessment – $500,000. The bill funds an assessment of Maui’s watershed to better understand vulnerabilities to flooding and other natural disasters.

Geothermal Research and Development – $50 million (nationwide). The bill funds research and development in diverse regions and demonstrations of important next-generation technologies that can provide clean, reliable power.

Carbon Dioxide Removal – $72 million (nationwide). The bill funds research and development of carbon dioxide removal technologies that will be necessary for managing the impacts of climate change.

State Energy Programs – $435 million (nationwide). The bill funds clean energy programs, including the Hawai‘i state home energy efficiency rebates and weatherization assistance that provides installation of energy saving products like LED lights and insulation for low-income families. The program also funds workforce training and community planning for the energy sector.

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Cost of Housing – The bill includes language directing research into how tariffs and other trade barriers impact housing and construction costs.

Protecting Research Funding – The bill removes a new cap on the use of grant funding for indirect costs which would have resulted in the layoffs of researchers in Hawai‘i.

Disclosing AI-Generated Content – The bill includes language directing efforts, including developing standards and establishing research databases and prize competitions, to help consumers identify AI-generated content.

Preventing AI Fraud and Scams – The bill includes language directing the research of AI developments and trends that could result in consumer fraud or scams, including research that would empower and educate consumers about these risks.

AI Grid Modernization – The bill includes language supporting research into how AI technologies can help modernize the electrical grid, such as improvements to real-time operations and efficiencies for energy delivery.

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GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER DELIVER NEARLY $90 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT WEST VALLEY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT CLEANUP EFFORTS, ANNOUNCE NEW BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO CLEAN UP NUCLEAR WASTE, PROTECT...

Today, following years of continued advocacy, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that they have secured $90 million in federal funding in the just passed Energy and Water spending bill for the clean-up of the West Valley Demonstration Project. In addition, the senators announced they have introduced bipartisan legislation to support and extend the authorization for the cleanup and remediation of nuclear waste at the West Valley Demonstration Project site, a decades-old contaminated site in Cattaraugus County that continues to pose risks to public health and the environment.

The legislation would reauthorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct nuclear waste management at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) through 2037 ahead of the project’s current authorization expiring in September 2026, and it would also increase the authorized funding level from $75 million to $150 million, reflecting the scope of the work while helping ensure the project remains on schedule. Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Western New Yorkers deserve to live safely in their communities without worrying about the serious health risks posed by decades-old nuclear waste,” said Senator Gillibrand. “After years of progress, let’s continue the cleanup and give families confidence in the health and safety of their community. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation, and I will keep fighting to deliver the federal resources needed to protect public health and ensure Western New York has the resources it needs to thrive.”

“Families in Cattaraugus County and across Western New York deserve peace of mind knowing that decades old nuclear waste is out of their backyard. I am proud to deliver $90 million in federal funding in this year’s spending bill to ramp up clean up efforts for the West Valley Demonstration Project and to introduce bipartisan legislation to boost cleanup efforts to keep Western New Yorkers safe from nuclear waste,” said Senator Schumer. “If the progress on the West Valley Demonstration Project slows, the cleanup will only get more expensive and time consuming to decontaminate this site. I will keep fighting to deliver the resources needed to fully cleanup this site and protect Cattaraugus County residents and all New Yorkers from this environmental hazard.”

The WVDP was the site of the only commercial plant for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel in the country. It operated from 1966-72, at which point it shut down as it became economically unviable. This left behind hundreds of thousands of gallons of highly radioactive waste and widespread contamination.

Congress created the WVDP in 1980 to ensure DOE could clean up the site and protect New York communities. Last year, cleanup activities reached a critical milestone, with the successful demolition of the Main Plant Process Building. However, work continues as the project moves into its next phase of demolition and cleanup. While major progress has been made, reauthorization is critical to keep cleanup on track and prevent costly delays or the loss of highly specialized cleanup expertise.

For years, Gillibrand and Schumer have led efforts to clean up the site. The senators annually secure federal funding for the WVDP as part of the regular appropriations process, helping to keep cleanup efforts on track. In the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development bill, the senators fought to secure $8.6 billion in federal funding for the Department of Energy to clean up nuclear sites across the country, an $80 million increase compared to last year and $470 million more than the president’s budget request. This funding includes close to $90 million for WVDP.

The cleanup project currently supports roughly 350 skilled workers employed by the West Valley Cleanup Alliance and its subcontractors and contributes tens of millions of dollars each year to the Western New York economy.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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SCHUMER, AFTER VISITING & LAUNCHING PUSH LAST MONTH, ANNOUNCES $500,000 FOR BOSCOBEL HOUSE & GARDENS AS THEY RECOVER FROM TRAGIC CEILING COLLAPSE THAT CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO HISTORIC COLLECTION

Schumer Last Month Visited Boscobel Promising To Fight To Deliver Fed $$, Which He Just Successfully Helped Pass Into Law In National Parks Service’s Historic Preservation Fund Appropriations Bill For Beloved Putnam County Historic Site

Ceiling Of Boscobel’s Historic Library Collapsed In April 2024 Without Warning, Damaging 200-Year-Old Collection And Building, But Schumer’s Advocacy Will Help Save One Of The Hudson Valley’s Most Treasured Early American Landmarks

Schumer: Critical Fed $$ On The Way To Preserve Boscobel For Generations To Come

A month after visiting Boscobel’s historic house and calling for federal funding for repairs, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today delivered on his promise with $500,000 in federal funding to help restore this beloved historic site for Putnam County, which is now thanks to Schumer on its way to being signed into law as part of the National Parks Service’s Historic Preservation Fund in the FY 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

Schumer explained that the Boscobel House’s plaster ceiling collapsed in April 2024 without warning, risking the over 200-year-old collection and causing extreme damage to multiple rooms, which require extensive renovation, but now, thanks to the funds he secured, one of the Hudson Valley’s most beautiful libraries will have the support it needs to preserve this historic site for the next generation.

“Boscobel House and Gardens is a key part of the Hudson Valley’s rich cultural heritage. I was proud to visit the iconic historical building last month and was heartbroken to see damage from the historic library’s ceiling collapsing. I’m proud to announce that, following my personal push, I have just helped pass $500,000 in federal funding into law to help Boscobel rebuild stronger than before and preserve this American treasure for the next generation,” said Senator Schumer. “This boost will give Boscobel the resources it needs to ensure this beautiful, historic house can continue telling the story of the Hudson Valley and our nation’s history.”

“This funding underscores the essential role public investment plays in sustaining cultural and historic institutions across our country and ensures Boscobel can continue to serve a center of history, learning, and inspiration as well as a regional economic engine. Senator Schumer immediately understood the urgency and importance of our situation, and how this funding enables us to come back from collapse stronger than ever and welcome broader audiences to engage with the great American story. The Senator has secured this critical funding at a pivotal moment, allowing us to move forward on emergency restoration,” said Jennifer Carlquist, Executive Director and Curator.

People come from across the world every year to visit the historic Boscobel House and Gardens. Built in the early nineteenth century, the Neoclassical mansion was saved from demolition in the 1950s when it remained on the site of the newly built FDR Montrose VA Hospital, but was meticulously reconstructed as a museum at a new site close by shortly thereafter and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The site overlooks the Hudson Highlands and is known for its sweeping views of the Hudson and nearby West Point, which inspired the renowned Hudson River School art movement. Today, the museum grounds are 68 acres featuring lush gardens, a bronze sculpture garden of Hudson River School Artists, and a woodland trail. The site also served as the longtime home of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival from 1988 through 2021.

In April 2024, the plaster ceiling in Boscobel’s historic library collapsed without warning, damaging the collection and the building and requiring the replacement of 19 of the library’s 24 ceilings. Schumer explained that the $500,000 he delivered was included as a congressionally directed spending request through the National Parks Service’s Historic Preservation Fund in the final FY 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that just passed the Senate after passing the House of Representatives earlier this month. The federal funding Schumer delivered in the final FY 2026 budget bill will allow Boscobel House and Gardens to restore and structurally repair the damaged ceiling, increase safety and accessibility throughout, and add public restrooms. Funding will also revitalize historic rooms, replace damaged textiles and wallpapers, and upgrade the building’s HVAC system to improve efficiency.

Schumer last month visited Boscobel House and Gardens to push for this federal funding and previously visited in 2021 to announce the benefits available to the Hudson Valley’s live venues, performers, and artists through the American Rescue Plan he led to passage in the Senate.

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